Energy storage device management system

Abstract

To provide a system capable of swiftly searching for a power storage device when the power storage device is taken out of a management area.SOLUTION: The management system of power storage devices in an embodiment includes: a plurality of power storage devices each including a communication module; at least one management unit placed in a predetermined management area and each capable of performing wireless communication with the power storage devices; and a management server. At least one management unit is configured so as to detect a power storage device taken out of the management area, and when detecting the take-out of the power storage device, output a piece of take-out detection information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management system for a power storage device, and more particularly to a management system for a portable power storage device that can be carried around. [Background technology]

[0002] Portable power storage devices have been used as power sources for electric vehicles such as power-assisted bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric carts, as well as for electrical equipment such as computers, printers, smartphones, and tablet terminals. Portable power storage devices are also used as emergency power sources in the event of a power outage, disaster, or the like.

[0003] In recent years, a power storage device equipped with a wireless communication module for transmitting information about the state of the power storage device to an information terminal such as a smartphone has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With a power storage device equipped with a wireless communication module, information about the state of the power storage device, such as the charging rate and temperature, is transmitted to the user's smartphone or the like, allowing the user to easily check the state of the power storage device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-46571 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, portable power storage devices are likely to be taken out of a predetermined controlled area and lost, and there is also a risk of them being stolen. Therefore, there is a need for a system that can quickly search for a power storage device when it is taken out of a controlled area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The management system for a storage device according to the present disclosure comprises a storage device including a communication module, at least one management device that is placed in a predetermined management area of ​​the storage device and is capable of wireless communication with the storage device, and a management server, wherein the at least one management device is capable of detecting removal of the storage device outside the management area, and at least one of the at least one management device and the management server is configured to output removal detection information when removal of the storage device is detected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the power storage device management system according to the present disclosure, when a power storage device is taken out of a management area, it is possible to quickly search for the power storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a management system for an electricity storage device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first notification screen displayed on the information terminal. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the management system of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a management system for an electricity storage device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second notification screen displayed on the information terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third notification screen displayed on the information terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11]10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the processing procedure in the management device of the management system of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the processing procedure in the management server of the management system of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An example of an embodiment of a power storage device management system according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment. Furthermore, selective combinations of the components of the multiple embodiments and modified examples described below are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] The subject of the system according to the present disclosure includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the system according to the present disclosure. The computer includes, as its main hardware component, a processor that operates according to the program. The type of processor is not important as long as it can realize the above functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including an integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program is stored in a non-transitory storage medium, such as a computer-readable ROM, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored in the storage medium or may be supplied to the storage medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0011] Hereinafter, a power storage device management system 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the management system 1. Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management system 1. In Fig. 1, power storage devices 10 that have been taken out of a predetermined management area are indicated by dot hatching.

[0012] 1 and 2, the management system 1 includes a portable power storage device 10 including a communication module 12, at least one management device that is placed in a predetermined management area A of the power storage device 10 and is capable of wireless communication with the power storage device 10, and a management server 30. The management server 30 communicates with the at least one management device. As will be described in detail later, the at least one management device is capable of detecting removal of the power storage device 10 outside the management area A. At least one of the at least one management device and the management server 30 is configured to output removal detection information when removal of the power storage device 10 is detected.

[0013] In this embodiment, the management device includes an information terminal 20 and a beacon 40. The beacon 40 is a monitoring device that detects removal of the power storage device 10 outside the management area A and outputs removal detection information. The information terminal 20 is a terminal device having a monitor 23 that can display the removal detection information, and examples thereof include a smartphone, tablet terminal, and laptop computer owned by the user. The management system 1 is configured so that a user, particularly a facility manager, can check the status of the power storage device 10 using the information terminal 20. The information terminal 20 may have a function as a monitoring device that detects removal of the power storage device 10.

[0014] The management system 1 is a system that enables a rapid search for the power storage device 10 when the power storage device 10 is taken outside a predetermined management area A. The power storage device 10 managed by the management system 1 is assumed to be used within the management area A. In the management area A, for example, information prohibiting the power storage device 10 from being taken outside is posted, and beacons 40 are installed at entrances and exits. This prevents the power storage device 10 from being taken outside. However, in the unlikely event that the power storage device 10 is taken outside, it is necessary to promptly notify the administrator of the fact that the power storage device 10 has been taken outside.

[0015] When the beacon 40 or the information terminal 20 detects that the power storage device 10 has been taken out of the management area A, the management system 1 displays the takeout detection information on the monitor 23 of the information terminal 20. This allows the manager to know that the power storage device 10 has been taken out, and enables the manager to search for the taken power storage device 10. Examples of the management area A include offices, factories, public facilities (government offices, community centers, schools, hospitals, etc.), and commercial facilities (stores, shopping malls, etc.). An example of the management area A is one floor or area within one facility. Multiple management areas may be set within one facility.

[0016] The management server 30 constituting the management system 1 is a device that stores information related to the power storage device 10 and performs overall management of the power storage device 10. An example of the management server 30 is a server of the manufacturer or management company of the power storage device 10. The information terminal 20 and the management server 30 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a wide area communication network such as an internet line or a mobile communication system. The beacon 40 is preferably capable of communicating with the information terminal 20, and may be configured to be able to communicate with the management server 30 via a wide area communication network. The management server 30 may be a server managed by a user.

[0017] Management area A generally includes a plurality of power storage devices 10. The management device and management server 30 store the identification numbers of the power storage devices 10 and manage information for each power storage device 10. Therefore, when a power storage device 10 is taken out of management area A, the manager can know which power storage device 10 has been taken out. The power storage devices 10 are registered in management server 30 using, for example, an information terminal 20. Note that when a user owns many power storage devices 10, a separate information terminal 20 may be used for management for each group of a predetermined number of power storage devices 10.

[0018] 1 and 2 illustrate a plurality of power storage devices 10, one information terminal 20 that manages each of the power storage devices 10, and a management server 30 that can communicate with the information terminal 20. Each power storage device 10 provides information to the information terminal 20 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or NFC. The following describes in detail the constituent units of the system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the management server 30 may also manage information on many power storage devices 10 owned by other users. It is assumed that the information terminals 20 of other users are connected to the management server 30 of this embodiment, and information on the other power storage devices 10 is registered therein.

[0019] The power storage device 10, the management device (information terminal 20, beacon 40), and the management server 30 that constitute the management system 1 will be described in detail below.

[0020] [Electricity storage device 10] The power storage device 10 includes a battery module 11 and a case 14 that houses the battery module 11. The power storage device 10 is a portable power storage device that can be carried around, and is generally called a battery pack. The power storage device 10 also includes a communication module 12 and a control unit 13. The communication module 12 and the control unit 13 are housed in the case 14 together with the battery module 11. The battery module 11 is charged, for example, using a predetermined charger / discharger. The charger / discharger has an outlet to which an electrical device is connected, and the power storage device 10 can be discharged while placed in the charger / discharger.

[0021] The battery module 11 may be composed of a single battery, but is preferably configured as a battery pack including multiple batteries. The shape of the batteries constituting the battery pack is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a cylindrical battery, a pouch-shaped battery, or a prismatic battery. The type of battery is also not particularly limited, but a suitable example is a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The power storage device 10 may be provided with a connector for extracting power from the battery module 11.

[0022] The power storage device 10 is provided with measuring instruments such as a voltmeter that measures the voltage of the battery module 11, an ammeter that measures the current, and a temperature sensor that measures the temperature. The control unit 13 calculates values ​​that indicate the state of the battery module 11, such as the charging rate of the battery module 11, based on these measured values. The charging rate can be calculated based on the voltage of the battery module 11 measured by the voltmeter. The control unit 13 may also calculate the degree of deterioration of the battery module 11 based on these measured values.

[0023] The case 14 may be made of metal, but is preferably made of resin from the standpoints of communication performance, weight reduction, etc. The case 14 is generally opaque and conceals the battery module 11 and other components housed therein. The case 14 shown in FIG. 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a handle 15 is provided at the top end of the case 14 for use when carrying the power storage device 10. In addition, a connection part 16 is provided at the bottom of the case 14 to be inserted into a battery installation part such as a charger or discharger. The connection part 16 has a terminal 16A electrically connected to the battery module 11.

[0024] Case 14 is provided with a remaining charge display button 17 and an indicator 18. Remaining charge display button 17 is an operation unit for displaying the charging rate of battery module 11 on indicator 18. Indicator 18 includes, for example, multiple lamps, and displays the charging rate by changing the number of lamps that are turned on depending on the charging rate. Indicator 18 may be a display unit that can display the charging rate numerically, or may be capable of displaying the state of power storage device 10 other than the charging rate.

[0025] The remaining capacity display button 17 may also be used as an operation unit for shutting down the power storage device 10 and starting the long-term storage mode. For example, by performing a normal first operation of short-pressing the remaining capacity display button 17, the charging rate is displayed on the indicator 18, and by performing a second operation of long-pressing the remaining capacity display button 17, the power storage device 10 is shut down. In the long-term storage mode, all of the device components to which power is supplied from the battery module 11 are shut down.

[0026] The communication module 12 is a device for wireless communication with the management device. Information about the power storage device 10 is transmitted to the management device by the function of the communication module 12. In this embodiment, the communication module 12 may have a function for wireless communication between the power storage device 10 and an information terminal 20 located in a short distance. The configuration of the communication module 12 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably a short-range wireless communication module from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption, etc.

[0027] A specific example is a module that performs BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication. BLE corresponds to version 4 of Bluetooth (registered trademark), which is a short-range wireless communication standard. Since the power consumption for BLE communication is relatively small, using a BLE module can reduce the internal power consumption of the power storage device 10. Note that Bluetooth (registered trademark) corresponds to the IEEE802.15.1 standard, which is an international standard for short-range wireless communication.

[0028] The control unit 13 has a function of controlling the operation of the power storage device 10, such as charging and discharging the battery module 11, calculating information indicating the state of the power storage device 10, and transmitting information via the communication module 12. Information about the power storage device 10 is transmitted to the information terminal 20 by the function of the communication module 12 under the control of the control unit 13. For example, the control unit 13 outputs information urging charging when the charging rate falls below a predetermined threshold, and outputs information indicating an abnormality when an abnormality occurs. The control unit 13 may also output information indicating the state of the power storage device 10 based on a request from the information terminal 20.

[0029] The control unit 13 is configured by a microcomputer including a processor and a memory. The memory includes, for example, non-volatile memory such as RAM, ROM, and a hard disk. The processor reads and executes programs installed in the memory to realize the functions of the power storage device 10. The control unit 13 may also have a protection board called a BMS board, which monitors the state of the battery module 11 and performs optimal charging and discharging.

[0030] [Management device] As described above, the management device of the management system 1 includes the information terminal 20 having the monitor 23 capable of displaying takeout detection information. The management device further includes a beacon 40 as a monitoring device that detects that the power storage device 10 has been taken out of the management area A and outputs the takeout detection information. The beacon 40 outputs the takeout detection information to at least one of the information terminal 20 and the management server 30. The takeout detection information may be transmitted from the beacon 40 to the information terminal 20 via the management server 30, or may be transmitted directly from the beacon 40 to the information terminal 20. The information terminal 20 may have a function of detecting that the power storage device 10 has been taken out.

[0031] The information terminal 20 is used to acquire information from the power storage device 10 and check the status of the power storage device 10. The information terminal 20 may be a dedicated terminal for the management system 1, but one example is a smartphone owned by the user. For example, by installing application software (hereinafter simply referred to as "app") for the management system 1, the user's smartphone can be used as the information terminal 20 of the management system 1. Only an arbitrary information terminal among the information terminals on which the app is installed may function as the information terminal 20 that acquires removal detection information.

[0032] The app of the management system 1 has, for example, two types of user registration methods. One is registration as a general user simply to use the power storage device 10. The other is registration as an administrator who manages the power storage device 10 (hereinafter referred to as administrator registration). When registering as an administrator, it is necessary to provide contact information for receiving removal detection information. Examples of contact information include an email address, an SNS ID, and an app ID. The app ID may be automatically sent to the management server 30. Alternatively, the app of the management system 1 may include an app for general users and an app for administrators.

[0033] The information terminal 20 includes a processor 21 and a memory 22, similar to the control unit 13 of the power storage device 10. The processor 21 reads and executes a program (an application of the management system 1) installed in the memory 22, thereby realizing the functions of the information terminal 20. The processor 21 also acquires information about the power storage device 10 and stores it in the memory 22, and transmits necessary information to the management server 30. In this embodiment, short-range wireless communication such as BLE is used for communication between the information terminal 20 and the power storage device 10, and a wide-area communication network such as an internet line or a mobile communication system is used for communication with the management server 30.

[0034] For example, information terminal 20 detects the presence of power storage device 10 in management area A by receiving radio waves transmitted from power storage device 10. Therefore, when information terminal 20 is no longer able to receive radio waves from power storage device 10 in management area A, it may be assumed that power storage device 10 has been taken out of management area A, and takeout detection information may be displayed on monitor 23 of information terminal 20. In this case, information terminal 20 detects that power storage device 10 has been taken out of management area A, and outputs the takeout detection information to its own monitor 23.

[0035] 3 is an example of the takeout detection information displayed on the monitor 23 of the information terminal 20. The takeout detection information may be displayed as a screen of an app of the management system 1, or may be notified by email, SNS, or the like. The takeout detection information is output to notify the administrator that the power storage device 10 may have been taken out of the managed area A. The takeout detection information includes information that identifies the power storage device 10 that may have been taken out (for example, an identification number assigned to the power storage device 10), the location where the power storage device 10 was last detected, and the date and time when the power storage device 10 was last detected. The administrator can learn that the power storage device 10 has been taken out using this takeout detection information, and can search for the power storage device 10, for example, within the managed area A or the surrounding area.

[0036] The beacon 40 is installed, for example, at the entrance to the management area A and transmits a predetermined radio wave. When the power storage device 10 that receives this radio wave passes through the entrance to the management area A, the beacon 40 detects the presence of the power storage device 10 and outputs removal detection information. The removal detection information may be transmitted directly from the beacon 40 to the information terminal 20, or may be transmitted to the information terminal 20 via the management server 30. The beacon 40 may be a device that detects the radio wave transmitted from the power storage device 10.

[0037] The beacon 40 may output a predetermined detection signal as the removal detection information. Then, the information terminal 20 or the management server 30 that receives the detection signal from the beacon 40 may create a notification screen as the removal detection information, as exemplified in Fig. 3. The beacon 40 may be configured to output an alarm sound when it detects the power storage device 10.

[0038] [Administration Server 30] As described above, the management server 30 stores information about the power storage devices 10. Furthermore, information about the management devices of each management area, including management area A, is registered in the management server 30. Information about a plurality of power storage devices 10 and a plurality of management devices is stored in the management server 30, with each power storage device 10 associated with the management device. Initial registration of the power storage devices 10 and the information terminal 20 in the management server 30, changes to the registered content, etc. can be performed by operating the information terminal 20. At least a portion of the information about the registered power storage devices 10 is automatically transmitted to the management server 30 via the information terminal 20.

[0039] Like the control units of the power storage device 10 and the information terminal 20, the management server 30 includes a processor 31 and a memory 32. The management server 30 may be configured with one computer or multiple computers. The processor 31 realizes the functions of the management server 30 by reading and executing a program installed in the memory 32. The processor 31 also acquires information about the power storage device 10 and the management device and stores the information in the memory 32.

[0040] The memory 32 of the management server 30 stores product information of the power storage device 10 (product number, manufacturing date, etc.), storage information of the power storage device 10 described below, information about the information terminal 20 (email address, telephone number, SNS ID, app ID of the management system 1 installed on the information terminal 20, etc.), information about the beacon 40 (MAC address, IP address, etc.), information about the user of the power storage device 10, etc. The information about the management device is used when transmitting information from the management server 30. The information about the power storage device 10 stored in the management server 30 may be the same as the information stored in the information terminal 20, or may be different information.

[0041] An example of a processing procedure in the management system 1 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0042] 4 illustrates an example in which the beacon 40 detects that the power storage device 10 has been taken out. When the beacon 40 detects the power storage device 10 at the entrance / exit of the management area A (S1), the beacon 40 determines that the power storage device 10 has been taken out and transmits a detection signal to the management server 30 (S2). The management server 30 receives the detection signal and generates takeout detection information as illustrated in FIG. 3, and transmits the information to the information terminal 20 in the management area A (S3). There are no particular limitations on the method of transmitting the takeout detection information from the management server 30 to the information terminal 20, but in either case, the takeout detection information is displayed on the monitor 23 of the information terminal 20.

[0043] The removal detection information includes information for identifying the power storage device 10 that may have been removed, and the location and time when the power storage device 10 was last detected, so the administrator can search for the power storage device 10 based on this information (S4). If the power storage device 10 cannot be found after searching, a loss report, which will be described later, can be sent to the management server 30. Alternatively, if predetermined conditions are met, a loss report may be sent automatically. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a detection signal is sent from the beacon 40 to the management server 30, but the detection signal may also be sent directly from the beacon 40 to the information terminal 20. Furthermore, removal detection information such as that shown in FIG. 3 may be created by the beacon 40.

[0044] A management system 2 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 12. Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating the management system 2. Below, overlapping descriptions of content common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and differences from the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the management system 2 is similar to the management system 1 in that it includes a power storage device 10, management devices (information terminal 20 and beacon 40) arranged in the management area A, and a management server 30. As described above, the information terminal 20 and the beacon 40 are capable of detecting removal of the power storage device 10 outside the management area A. When removal of the power storage device 10 is detected, removal detection information is displayed on the monitor 23 of the information terminal 20. In the second embodiment, for ease of explanation, a power storage device 10 that belongs to the management area A and that has been removed from the management area A is referred to as a "power storage device 10T."

[0046] On the other hand, management system 2 differs from management system 1 in that the management device in management area A and a second management device located in a second management area other than management area A transmit stored information of the power storage devices 10 present in their respective areas to management server 30. As will be described in detail later, an example of the stored information is list information of the power storage devices 10 present in each management area. The stored information is transmitted to management server 30, for example, at predetermined time intervals. Based on this stored information, management server 30 transmits information regarding the location of power storage device 10T related to the removal detection information to the management device in management area A.

[0047] The management device in management area A may generate search request information for power storage device 10T based on the removal detection information of power storage device 10T and transmit the information to management server 30. In this case, management server 30 searches for power storage device 10T based on the list information of power storage device 10 and the search request information received from the management devices in each management area, and transmits the results (information on the location of power storage device 10T) to the management device in management area A. The management server 30 may generate search request information for power storage device 10T and transmit the information to the management device in the second management area.

[0048] In FIG. 5, management areas B and C are illustrated as second management areas, but the number of management areas managed by the management system 2 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, although the same type of power storage device 10 is illustrated in FIG. 5, different types of power storage devices may exist in each area, or two or more types of power storage devices may exist in the same area. An example of management areas A, B, and C is different buildings, floors, or areas within the same facility. In this case, it is assumed that the power storage device 10 belonging to management area A is brought into management areas B and C. However, management areas A, B, and C may each be areas of different facilities or areas of different users. Note that management area A corresponds to a second management area from the perspective of management areas B and C.

[0049] In the management system 2, as described above, the management device in each of the management areas A, B, and C transmits stored information of the power storage devices 10 in their respective areas to the management server 30 at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time interval can be set to any time, such as every five minutes, every hour, or once a day (every 24 hours). The stored information includes identification information of all the power storage devices 10 detected by the management device in each management area. In other words, information on the locations of all the power storage devices 10 that are under the management of the management system 2 and that have been detected by the management device is aggregated in the management server 30.

[0050] The storage information of the power storage device 10 may be transmitted to the management server 30 from the beacon 40, but in the example shown in FIG. 5 , it is transmitted from the information terminal 20. When the power storage device 10T in the management area A is brought into the management area B, for example, the power storage device 10T is detected by the beacon 40 in the management area B, and a detection signal is output to the information terminal 20 in the management area B. In this case, the storage information transmitted from the management area B includes information about the power storage device 10T. In other words, the management server 30 can obtain location information indicating that the power storage device 10T is in the management area B.

[0051] The management server 30 transmits information relating to the location of the power storage device 10T to the management device in management area A based on the storage information received from management area B. The information relating to the location of the power storage device 10T includes information on where the power storage device 10T was found, so the manager of management area A can collect the power storage device 10T. The information relating to the location of the power storage device 10T is transmitted to the information terminal 20 in management area A.

[0052] If information about the power storage device 10T is not included in the storage information transmitted from any of the management areas, the management server 30 may transmit to the information terminal 20 in the management area A, as information about the location of the power storage device 10T, that the location of the power storage device 10T is currently unknown. Hereinafter, the information about the location of the power storage device 10T that is transmitted to the information terminal 20 in the management area A when the power storage device 10T is found will be referred to as "discovery information."

[0053] 6 is an example of discovery information displayed on the monitor 23 of the information terminal 20. Similar to the removal detection information, the discovery information may be displayed as a screen of an app of the management system 1, or may be notified by email, SNS, or the like. The discovery information includes information such as information for identifying the lost power storage device 10T, the location where the power storage device 10T was found, the date and time of discovery, and contact information for the location where the power storage device 10T was found. By transmitting the discovery information as exemplified in FIG. 6 to the manager of the management area A, the manager of the management area A can visit the location where the power storage device 10T was found or contact the manager of the location where the power storage device 10T was found to retrieve the power storage device 10T.

[0054] For example, when the management server 30 receives search request information for the power storage device 10T from the management device in the management area A, it transmits information about the location of the power storage device 10T to the management device in the management area A. The management server 30 compares each storage list with the search request information for the power storage device 10T, and checks whether the storage list includes information about the power storage device 10T. If the storage list includes information about the power storage device 10T, location information (discovery information) for the power storage device 10T, including information about where it was found, is transmitted to the information terminal 20 in the management area A. Note that the management server 30 may acquire storage information from each management area on the condition that it receives search request information.

[0055] The search request information for the power storage device 10T may be transmitted from the beacon 40 in the management area A to the management server 30 when the beacon 40 detects that the power storage device 10T has been taken out, but in the example shown in FIG. 5 , it is transmitted from the information terminal 20. The transmission of the search request information may be performed by an operation of the administrator. The search request information can be created by a function of an app in the management system 2, or may be automatically created based on information acquired from the management device. A send button for the search request information is displayed on the monitor 23 of the information terminal 20, and the administrator can send the created search request information to the management server 30 by pressing this button.

[0056] The search request information may be transmitted automatically. For example, the search request information may be transmitted automatically after a predetermined time has elapsed since the removal detection information of the power storage device 10T is output. Furthermore, the management server 30 may transmit the search request information to the management devices of the management areas B and C. The search request information is transmitted to, for example, the information terminals 20 of the management areas B and C. In this case, the search request information can be communicated to the managers of the management areas B and C, and cooperation from other managers can be obtained in searching for the power storage device 10T.

[0057] 7 is an example of search request information displayed on the monitor 23 of the information terminal 20. Similar to the removal detection information and discovery information, the search request information may be displayed as a screen on an app of the management system 1, or may be notified by email, SNS, or the like. The search request information includes information such as information for identifying the lost power storage device 10T, the date and time when the power storage device 10T was last confirmed, and contact information for the administrator of the management area A. The screen in FIG. 7 is, for example, an input screen input by the administrator of the management area A, or a screen displayed on the monitor 23 of the information terminal 20 in the management areas B and C.

[0058] 8 and 9 are diagrams showing management systems 2X and 2Y, which are modifications of the management system 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the management system 2X differs from the management system 2 in that it includes a gateway 41 in addition to a beacon 40 as a monitoring device that detects removal of the power storage device 10 outside the management area and outputs removal detection information. The gateway 41 detects the presence of the power storage device 10 within each management area and is configured to be able to detect the power storage device 10 over a wider range than the beacon 40. The management system 2X including the gateway 41 is suitable for cases where there are many entrances and exits to the management area.

[0059] For example, the gateway 41 receives radio waves transmitted from the power storage device 10 in the management area A, and when it is no longer able to receive these radio waves, it outputs takeout detection information, determining that the power storage device 10 has been taken out of the management area A. The takeout detection information may be transmitted directly from the gateway 41 to the information terminal 20, or may be transmitted to the information terminal 20 via the management server 30. The gateway 41 outputs a predetermined detection signal as the takeout detection information, and the information terminal 20 or the management server 30 that has received the detection signal may create a notification screen as the takeout detection information, such as the one exemplified in FIG. 3.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 9, the management system 2Y is similar to the management system 2X in that it includes a beacon 40 and a gateway 41 as monitoring devices. On the other hand, the management system 2Y differs from the management system 2X in that a management server 30A for management area A and a management server 30B for management area B are separately provided. The management servers 30A and 30B may be different servers managed by the same business operator, or may be servers managed by different users, or may be servers managed by different management businesses. The management system 2Y is constructed by multiple management servers 30A and 30B working together.

[0061] In the management system 2Y, information is exchanged between the management devices in each management area via communication between the management servers 30A and 30B. However, in cases where a management device belonging to a second management area other than management area A is registered in the management server 30A, the management server 30A may exchange information with the management device in the second management area without going through the management server 30B. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the management server 30A can send search request information to an information terminal 20 located outside each management area, and the information terminal 20 can also detect the power storage device 10T outside each management area.

[0062] An example of the processing procedure in the management systems 2, 2X, and 2Y will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 shows processing mainly performed by the management server 30, and steps S5 and S6 are steps executed in the management area A where the loss of the power storage device 10 has occurred.

[0063] When the management server 30 receives search request information corresponding to a search request from the management device of the management area A where the loss of the power storage device 10 has occurred (YES in S1), the management server 30 acquires list information of the power storage devices 10 present in each area as storage information of the power storage device 10 from the management device of each management area (S2). The transmission of the search request information from the management area A may be executed by an administrator's operation or may be executed automatically. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the management server 30 acquires a list of the power storage devices 10 from the management device of each management area on the condition that the search request information has been received.

[0064] The management server 30 checks whether information about the power storage device 10T to be searched for is included in the list based on the list information about the power storage device 10 and the search request information (S3). If it is confirmed that information about the power storage device 10T is included in the list, the management server 30 makes a predetermined contact with the management device in the management area A (S4). In step S4, for example, discovery information is sent to the information terminal 20 in the management area A as information about the location of the power storage device 10T. On the other hand, if information about the power storage device 10T is not included in the list, the management server 30 thereafter acquires list information from the management device in each management area at predetermined time intervals.

[0065] The administrator of management area A who receives the discovery information from management server 30 can recover power storage device 10T based on this information (YES in S5). On the other hand, if the administrator cannot find power storage device 10T even after searching for it based on the discovery information (NO in S5), the administrator of management area A can again send search request information to management server 30 and continue the search for power storage device 10T by the management system (S6). It is preferable that the retransmission of search request information is executed by operation of the administrator.

[0066] 10, step S2 is executed on the condition that search request information is received, but step S2 may also be executed periodically regardless of the presence or absence of search request information. In this case, on the condition that search request information is received, step S3 of comparing the list information, that is, processing of confirming whether information about power storage device 10T is included in the list, may be executed.

[0067] In the management system 2, as described above, search request information for the power storage device 10T may be transmitted to the management devices in the management areas B and C. In this case, when the management devices in the management areas B and C detect the power storage device 10T, the detection information is transmitted to the management server 30. When the management server 30 receives the detection information of the power storage device 10T from the management areas B and C, it generates discovery information as information relating to the location of the power storage device 10T and transmits it to the information terminal 20 in the management area A. When the beacon 40 or gateway 41 in the management areas B and C detects the power storage device 10T, the detection information of the power storage device 10T may be transmitted directly from the beacon 40 or gateway 41 to the management server 30, or may be transmitted via the information terminal 20.

[0068] Furthermore, when removal of the power storage device 10T outside the management area A is detected, loss information of the power storage device 10T may be transmitted from the management device in the management area A to the management server 30. In this case, the management server 30 that receives the loss information generates search request information. The loss information is a so-called loss notification, and includes information such as information for identifying the power storage device 10T, the date and time when the power storage device 10T was last confirmed, and contact information for the manager of the power storage device 10T. The loss information is transmitted from the information terminal 20 in the management area A, for example, but may also be transmitted directly to the management server 30 from the beacon 40 or gateway 41 that detected the removal of the power storage device 10T.

[0069] Below, a modified example of the processing procedure in the management systems 2, 2X, 2Y will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 11 and 12. Steps S12, S13, and S16 in Figure 11 are steps executed by the administrator of the management area A.

[0070] 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in information terminal 20. When beacon 40 or gateway 41 detects that power storage device 10T has been taken out of management area A and information terminal 20 receives a detection signal (S10), information about the removal detection is displayed on monitor 23 (S11). Then, the administrator of management area A starts a search for power storage device 10T in accordance with the removal detection information (S12). If power storage device 10T is not found after the search (NO in S13), loss information is transmitted to management server 30 (S14).

[0071] The transmission of the loss information is executed, for example, by an operation of an administrator. The loss information can be created by a function of an app in the management systems 2, 2X, and 2Y, or can be created automatically based on information acquired from the management device. A button for sending the loss information is displayed on the monitor 23 of the information terminal 20, and the administrator can send the created loss information to the management server 30 by pressing the button. The removal detection information may also include a guide to the loss information, a button for sending the loss information, etc.

[0072] The transmission of the loss information may be executed automatically. For example, the loss information may be automatically transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed since the removal detection information was output in step S11. In this case, the loss information may be transmitted directly to the management server 30 from the beacon 40 or gateway 41 that detected the removal of the power storage device 10T. Furthermore, the beacon 40 or gateway 41 may transmit the loss information to the management server 30 when communication with the information terminal 20 is not possible or when there is no response from the information terminal 20.

[0073] By transmitting the loss information in step S14, the administrator of management area A can obtain discovery information as information regarding the location of power storage device 10T when power storage device 10T is found in another management area, etc. (S15). The discovery information is displayed on monitor 23 of information terminal 20. The discovery information includes contact information for the administrator of the location where power storage device 10T was found, so the administrator of management area A can visit the location where power storage device 10T was found or contact the administrator of the location where power storage device 10T was found to retrieve it (S16). Note that, since it is expected that the administrator of management area A himself will find power storage device 10T after transmitting the loss information, it is preferable to be able to transmit information for withdrawing the loss information to management server 30.

[0074] 12 is a flowchart showing the processing steps in the management server 30. When the management server 30 receives loss information from the information terminal 20 in management area A (S20), it generates search request information based on the loss information and transmits it to the management device of the second management area (S21). The search request information is preferably transmitted as information such as the example shown in FIG. 7 in a format that can be confirmed by at least the administrator of the second management area.

[0075] The search request information may be transmitted only to second management areas located within a predetermined threshold range from management area A. The threshold range may be set by the administrator of management area A or may be automatically set by management server 30. The number of second management areas to which search request information is transmitted may be increased as time passes since the loss information was output. For example, when the management server 30 receives the loss information, it may transmit the search request information to second management areas in a first threshold range, and when a predetermined time has passed since the loss information was output, it may transmit the search request information to second management areas in a second threshold range.

[0076] When the power storage device 10T is detected by the management device in the second management area, the detection information is transmitted from the second management area to the management server 30 (S22). The transmission of the detection information may be performed by an operation of the manager of the second management area after the manager has confirmed the power storage device 10T. Alternatively, the management device that detected the power storage device 10T may automatically transmit the detection information to the management server 30 directly or via the information terminal 20. The management server 30 that receives the detection information of the power storage device 10T generates discovery information and transmits it to the information terminal 20 in the management area A (S23).

[0077] 11 and 12, loss information is transmitted from information terminal 20 in management area A to management server 30, and search request information is generated in management server 30, but the search request information may also be generated in information terminal 20 in management area A. Furthermore, discovery information may also be generated by a management device in a second management area that has detected power storage device 10T.

[0078] As described above, according to the management systems 1, 2, 2X, and 2Y having the above-described configuration, at least one management device detects that the power storage device 10 has been taken out of the management area A, and information on the detection of the taking out is output to the manager's information terminal 20. This allows the manager to easily grasp that the power storage device 10 has been taken out, and to quickly start searching for the power storage device 10.

[0079] Furthermore, if the configuration is such that storage information of the power storage device 10 present in each management area is transmitted to the management server 30, for example, when a power storage device 10T in management area A is brought into management area B and detected in management area B, the management server 30 can transmit discovery information indicating the location of the power storage device 10T to the management device in management area A. This allows the manager of management area A to easily grasp the location of the power storage device 10T and quickly recover the power storage device 10T. It is preferable that the management server 30 executes processing based on the search request information transmitted from management area A.

[0080] Furthermore, if the management server 30 is configured to transmit search request information for the power storage device 10 to management devices in other management areas, it is possible to obtain cooperation from other managers in searching for the power storage device 10. Since it is expected that the power storage device 10 that has been taken out will be brought into another management area, obtaining cooperation from other managers makes it possible to quickly find the power storage device 10.

[0081] The above-described embodiments can be modified as needed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the same type of management device is illustrated as belonging to each management area, but each management area may include different types of management devices. In other words, the application of the management system according to the present disclosure is not limited to management areas that use the same type of management device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Management system, 10 Power storage device, 11 Battery module, 12 Communication module, 13 Control unit, 14 Case, 15 Handle, 16 Connection part, 16A terminal, 17 Remaining power display button, 18 Indicator, 20 Information terminal, 21, 31 Processor, 22, 32 Memory, 23 Monitor, 30 Management server, 40 Beacon, 41 Gateway

Claims

1. a power storage device including a communication module; at least one management device that is placed in a predetermined management area of ​​the power storage device and is capable of wireless communication with the power storage device; a management server in communication with the at least one management device; Equipped with the at least one management device is capable of detecting removal of the power storage device outside the management area; at least one of the at least one management device and the management server is configured to output removal detection information when removal of the power storage device is detected; A management system for a power storage device, wherein the at least one management device is capable of detecting the removal of the power storage device outside the management area when radio waves emitted from the power storage device can no longer be received in the management area.

2. the at least one management device and at least one second management device located in a second management area other than the management area transmit storage information of the power storage devices located in each area to the management server; The power storage device management system according to claim 1 , wherein the management server transmits information relating to the location of the power storage device associated with the removal detection information to the at least one management device based on the storage information.

3. The power storage device management system according to claim 2 , wherein the stored information is transmitted to the management server at predetermined time intervals.

4. a power storage device including a communication module; at least one management device that is placed in a predetermined management area of ​​the power storage device and is capable of wireless communication with the power storage device; a management server in communication with the at least one management device; Equipped with the at least one management device is capable of detecting removal of the power storage device outside the management area; at least one of the at least one management device and the management server is configured to output removal detection information when removal of the power storage device is detected; the at least one management device or the management server generates search request information for the power storage device based on the removal detection information; the management server transmits the search request information to at least one second management device arranged in a second management area other than the management area; A management system for energy storage devices.

5. 5. The power storage device management system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one management device includes an information terminal having a monitor capable of displaying the removal detection information.

6. The management system for a storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one management device includes a monitoring device that detects the removal of the storage device and outputs the removal detection information, and an information terminal having a monitor that can display the removal detection information.

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