STORAGE DEVICE, STORAGE METHOD, PROGRAM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Abstract

A storage device comprising a plurality of storage units capable of separately storing objects to be stored, said storage device comprising an acquisition unit that acquires storage capability information indicating, among the plurality of storage units, a storage-capable number that is the number of storage units capable of storing a new object to be stored, or whether there is a storage unit capable of storing a new object to be stored.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device, a storage method, a program, and a storage medium. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-112751, filed on June 30, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been progress in the development of electric vehicles, such as EVs (Electric Vehicles) and HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), which run on electric motors powered by electricity supplied from batteries. When the power of the battery, which serves as the drive source of an electric vehicle, becomes depleted, the battery must be charged in order to continue driving.

[0003] Incidentally, some electric vehicles in recent years have adopted batteries that can be detached (hereinafter referred to as "detachable batteries"). In an electric vehicle adopting a detachable battery, when the power of the currently installed detachable battery becomes depleted, the vehicle can continue traveling by replacing it with another detachable battery that has sufficient stored power, such as a fully charged spare detachable battery. This allows users of electric vehicles adopting a detachable battery to continue using the electric vehicle without requiring any time other than the time required to replace the currently installed detachable battery with the spare detachable battery, i.e., without the need for charging the detachable battery, which may occur while using the electric vehicle. In other words, users of electric vehicles adopting a detachable battery can eliminate the time loss caused by charging the detachable battery. For this reason, in recent years, the development of a battery sharing service (so-called battery sharing service) in which multiple users of electric vehicles share the use of a detachable battery has been considered. In a battery sharing service, a user removes a depleted removable battery from an electric vehicle and returns it to a charging / discharging station, which then lends them a charged removable battery.The user can then attach the borrowed removable battery to their electric vehicle and continue driving it.

[0004] Various technologies relating to such battery sharing services have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a method for managing removable batteries in a battery sharing service. The technology described in Patent Document 1 describes a battery exchange procedure in which a user returns a used removable battery to a battery exchange device and then receives a charged removable battery for loan. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 059833 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the flow (procedure) for receiving (returning) and renting a removable battery in a battery sharing service is not limited to the flow disclosed in Patent Document 1, and various procedures are possible. This is because, for example, various storage conditions for removable batteries in a battery exchange device are conceivable. For this reason, the battery exchange flow as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is not sufficient, and it is not necessarily possible to properly manage removable batteries.

[0007] The present invention has been made based on the above-mentioned problem recognition, and aims to provide a storage device, a storage method, a program, and a storage medium that enable more appropriate battery replacement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The storage device, storage method, program, and storage medium according to the present invention employ the following configuration. (1): A storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a storage device having a plurality of storage units capable of individually storing storage objects, and is equipped with an acquisition unit that acquires storage capacity information indicating the number of storage units among the plurality of storage units capable of storing a new storage object, or whether or not there is a storage unit capable of storing the new storage object.

[0009] (2): In the above aspect (1), the storage device further includes a providing unit that provides the storage object currently stored in the storage unit to a user of the storage object, and a receiving unit that receives from the user a new storage object to be stored in the storage unit.

[0010] (3): In the above aspect (2), when the acquisition unit acquires the storage availability information indicating that the storage capacity is zero or that there is no storage unit capable of storage, the provision unit provides the storage item being stored in the storage unit to the user, and the receiving unit receives the new storage item from the user in the storage unit where the storage item provided to the user by the provision unit was stored.

[0011] (4): In the above-mentioned aspect (2) or (3), when the acquisition unit acquires the storage availability information indicating that the storage capacity number is one or more or that there is a storage unit capable of storage, the receiving unit receives the new storage item from the user in the storage unit capable of storage, and the providing unit provides the user with the storage item that is being stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit from which the receiving unit received the new storage item.

[0012] (5): In the above aspect (3), if the new storage object received from the user is identical to the storage object previously provided to the user by the providing unit, the receiving unit outputs notification information to notify the user that the storage object is the same, and / or causes the providing unit to provide the same storage object received by the providing unit again to the user.

[0013] (6): In the above aspect (1), the storage device further includes a selection unit that selects the storage unit currently storing the storage object to be provided to the user of the storage object and the storage unit that will store the new storage object received from the user, and when the acquisition unit acquires the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity is zero or that there is no storage unit that can store the object, the selection unit selects the same storage unit as the storage unit currently storing the storage object to be provided to the user and the storage unit that will store the new storage object received from the user.

[0014] (7): In the aspect (6) above, when the acquisition unit acquires the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity number is 1 or more or that there is a storage unit capable of storage, the selection unit selects different storage units as the storage unit currently storing the storage object to be provided to the user and the storage unit for storing a new storage object to be received from the user.

[0015] (8): In any one of the above aspects (1) to (7), the acquisition unit acquires the storage capacity, and the storage device further includes another acquisition unit that acquires the required storage capacity, which is the new number of items to be stored.

[0016] (9): In the above aspect (8), the storage device further includes a providing unit that provides the storage object currently being stored in the storage unit to a user of the storage object, and a receiving unit that receives a new storage object to be stored in the storage unit from the user.

[0017] (10): In the aspect of (9) above, when the acquisition unit acquires that the storage capacity is zero, the storage unit provides the user with the number of storage items represented by the required storage number from among the storage items stored in the storage unit, and the receiving unit receives the number of new storage items represented by the required storage number from the user in the storage unit where the storage items provided to the user by the provision unit were stored.

[0018] (11): In the above aspect (9) or (10), when the acquisition unit acquires that the storage capacity is 1 or more and less than the required storage capacity, the storage device causes the receiving unit to receive new storage items from the user that are less than the required storage capacity at a storage unit that is capable of storing them, and the providing unit provides the storage items that are being stored at a storage unit other than the storage unit from which the receiving unit received the new storage items to the user, and the receiving unit receives the remaining new storage items out of the required storage capacity at the storage unit that provided the storage items, and the providing unit provides the new storage items and the remaining new storage items that are being stored at a storage unit other than the storage unit from which the receiving unit received the new storage items to the user.

[0019] (12): In any one of the above aspects (9) to (11), when the acquisition unit acquires that the storage capacity is equal to or greater than the required storage capacity, the storage device causes the receiving unit to receive the required number of new storage items from the user at a storage unit that is capable of storing them, and the providing unit provides the user with the storage items that are being stored at a storage unit other than the storage unit from which the receiving unit received the new storage items.

[0020] (13): In any one of the above (1) to (12), the storage object is a power storage device, and the storage unit further includes a charging unit that charges the power storage device while it is stored in the storage unit.

[0021] (14) In the above aspect (13), the power storage device is detachably attached to an electric power device that uses electric power.

[0022] (15): A storage method according to one aspect of the present invention is a storage method including the steps of: a computer of a storage device having a plurality of storage units capable of individually storing storage objects; acquiring storage capacity information indicating the number of storage units among the plurality of storage units capable of storing a new storage object, or indicating whether a storage unit capable of storing the new storage object exists; when the computer acquires the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity number is zero or that no storage unit capable of storing the new storage object exists, providing the storage object being stored in the storage unit to a user of the storage object; and receiving the new storage object from the user in the storage unit in which the storage object provided to the user was stored.

[0023] (16): In the aspect (15) above, the storage method further includes, when the storage availability information indicating that the storage capacity number is 1 or more or that a storage unit capable of storage exists is acquired, a step of receiving the new storage item from the user in the storage unit capable of storage, and a step of providing the storage item being stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit that received the new storage item to the user.

[0024] (17): In the aspect (16) above, the storage method further includes a step of determining whether the new storage object received from the user is identical to the storage object previously provided to the user, and if the new storage object received from the user and the storage object provided to the user are identical, a step of outputting notification information to notify the user that the storage objects are identical, and / or a step of having the user provide again the storage object that is identical to the storage object received from the user.

[0025] (18): A storage method according to one aspect of the present invention is a storage method including the steps of: a computer of a storage device having a plurality of storage units capable of individually storing storage objects; acquiring a storage capacity number, which is the number of storage units among the plurality of storage units, that can store the new storage objects; acquiring a required storage number, which is the number of the new storage objects; when acquiring that the storage capacity number is 1 or more and less than the required storage number, receiving the new storage objects less than the required storage number from the user in a storage unit that can store them; providing the storage objects that are being stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit that received the new storage objects to the user; receiving the remaining new storage objects of the required storage number in the storage unit that provided the storage objects; and providing the new storage objects and the storage objects that are being stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit that received the remaining new storage objects to the user.

[0026] (19): A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer of a storage device having a plurality of storage units capable of individually storing storage objects to execute the steps of acquiring storage capacity information indicating the number of storage units among the plurality of storage units capable of storing a new storage object, or indicating whether or not a storage unit capable of storing the new storage object exists; when the acquired storage capacity information indicates that the number of storage units is zero or that no storage unit capable of storing the new storage object exists, providing the storage object being stored in the storage unit to a user of the storage object; and receiving the new storage object from the user in the storage unit in which the storage object provided to the user was stored.

[0027] (20): A storage medium according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for causing a computer of a storage device having a plurality of storage units capable of individually storing storage objects to execute the following steps: acquiring storage capacity information indicating the number of storage units among the plurality of storage units that can store a new storage object, or indicating whether a storage unit capable of storing the new storage object exists; providing the storage object being stored in the storage unit to a user of the storage object when the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity number is zero or that no storage unit capable of storing the new storage object exists; and receiving the new storage object from the user in the storage unit in which the storage object provided to the user was stored. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the above aspects (1) to (20), the battery can be replaced more appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage environment of a battery exchange device to which a storage device according to an embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a detachable battery according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a battery exchange device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an operation server according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow for a procedure for replacing a removable battery in the battery replacement device of the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are diagrams conceptually illustrating an example of processing in a phase (aspect) of a procedure for replacing a removable battery in a battery replacement device of an embodiment. [Figure 7]1A to 1C are diagrams conceptually illustrating an example of processing in a phase (aspect) of a procedure for replacing a removable battery in a battery replacement device of an embodiment. [Figure 8] 1A to 1C are diagrams conceptually illustrating an example of processing in a phase (aspect) of a procedure for replacing a removable battery in a battery replacement device of an embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the processing flow of the procedure for replacing the removable battery in the battery replacement device of the embodiment. [Figure 10] 1A to 1C are diagrams conceptually illustrating an example of processing in a phase (aspect) of a procedure for replacing a removable battery in a battery replacement device of an embodiment. [Figure 11] 1A to 1C are diagrams conceptually illustrating an example of processing in a phase (aspect) of a procedure for replacing a removable battery in a battery replacement device of an embodiment. [Figure 12] 1A to 1C are diagrams conceptually illustrating an example of processing in a phase (aspect) of a procedure for replacing a removable battery in a battery replacement device of an embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the processing flow of the procedure for replacing the removable battery in the battery replacement device of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of a storage device, a storage method, a program, and a storage medium of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] In the following explanation, the storage device of the embodiment will be described as being applied to a battery exchange device that receives detachable batteries and provides replacement detachable batteries in a battery sharing service system (battery sharing service system) that shares batteries (hereinafter referred to as "detachable batteries"), which are storage devices that can be attached and detached to electric power equipment.

[0032] (Overall composition) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a usage environment of a battery exchange device to which a storage device according to an embodiment is applied. FIG. 1 shows the concept of a removable battery exchange service (battery sharing service) in a battery sharing service system including a battery exchange device. The battery sharing service system 10 includes, for example, a battery exchange device 100 and an operation server 200. The battery sharing service system 10 can also be configured such that one operation server 200 corresponds to multiple battery exchange devices 100, but FIG. 1 shows only one battery exchange device 100. In the battery sharing service system 10, the battery exchange device 100 and the operation server 200 are connected to each other via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. The network NW may be a wireless communication network or a wired communication network.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a saddle-type electric motorcycle 50 as an example of an electric device to which a detachable battery shared in a battery sharing service is detachably attached. The electric motorcycle 50 is an electric vehicle that runs using an electric motor driven by power supplied from a detachable battery 500. The electric motorcycle 50 may also be a hybrid electric vehicle that runs using a combination of the detachable battery 500 and an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine or a gasoline engine. Instead of or in addition to saddle-type electric vehicles such as the electric motorcycle 50, electric vehicles include various vehicles that run using power from a detachable battery 500, such as four-wheeled electric vehicles (hereinafter referred to as "electric vehicles"). For example, electric vehicles include not only two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles, but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel), and even electric-assisted bicycles, and other vehicle-type moving bodies in general that run using an electric motor driven by power supplied from a detachable battery 500. Instead of or in addition to these vehicle-type moving bodies, the power equipment includes all moving bodies that move using power supplied from the removable battery 500, such as mobile robots, autonomous driving devices, electric bicycles, autonomous vehicles, other electric vehicles, drones, or other electric moving bodies (electric mobility). Instead of or in addition to the above-mentioned moving bodies, the power equipment may also be a device that does not move itself, such as a portable charging and power supply device carried by a person or vehicle. The electric motorcycle 50 is an example of an "power equipment."

[0034] The detachable battery 500 is a cassette-type power storage device (secondary battery) that is detachably attached to the electric motorcycle 50. At least one detachable battery 500 is attached to one electric motorcycle 50. FIG. 1 shows a case where one detachable battery 500 is attached to the electric motorcycle 50. The detachable battery 500 is a power storage device that is shared by a plurality of electric devices. The detachable battery 500 may be configured to be able to identify itself by, for example, exclusively assigned identification information (hereinafter referred to as a "battery ID"). The battery ID may be, for example, the serial number of the detachable battery 500, but various other formats are also possible. The detachable battery 500 is an example of a "storage object" and a "power storage device."

[0035] The battery exchange device 100 is a storage facility that is installed in multiple locations and that stores and charges one or more removable batteries 500. The battery exchange device 100 is also a facility that carries out the procedure for exchanging a removable battery 500 that a user of the battery shared use service system 10 (such as a user of an electric motorcycle 50) wishes to exchange with a stored removable battery 500. The battery exchange device 100 exchanges a depleted removable battery 500 brought in by a user of an electric motorcycle 50 with a fully charged stored removable battery 500, thereby providing the user with another charged removable battery 500.

[0036] The battery exchange apparatus 100 determines whether or not a removable battery 500 brought in by a user can be replaced, for example, based on the battery ID assigned to the removable battery 500. At this time, the battery exchange apparatus 100 may independently determine whether or not the removable battery 500 can be replaced, or may determine whether or not the removable battery 500 can be replaced by exchanging information with the operation server 200 through communication via the network NW. When the battery exchange apparatus 100 independently determines whether or not the removable battery 500 can be replaced, for example, list information recording the battery IDs of removable batteries 500 that can be replaced by the battery exchange apparatus 100 is acquired in advance from the operation server 200 via the network NW and stored. The battery exchange apparatus 100 then exchanges the stored removable battery 500 based on the determination result obtained by checking whether or not the battery ID of the removable battery 500 brought in by the user is included in the stored battery ID list information. On the other hand, when the battery replacement apparatus 100 exchanges information with the operation server 200 to determine whether the removable battery 500 can be replaced, for example, the battery ID information acquired from the removable battery 500 brought in by the user is transmitted to the operation server 200. Then, the battery replacement apparatus 100 replaces the removable battery 500 in accordance with the determination result of whether the battery can be replaced transmitted by the operation server 200.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a battery exchange apparatus 100. The battery exchange apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1 has a display 110 and eight battery slots 120-1 to 120-8 equipped with charging functions provided in a housing 101. In the following description, when the eight battery slots 120-1 to 120-8 are referred to without distinction, they will simply be referred to as "battery slots 120" without the "-" and the number following it.

[0038] The display 110 included in the battery exchange device 100 is a display device that displays information (images) to notify (notify) the user. The display 110 includes, for example, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, an electrophoretic display device using electronic ink, etc. The display 110 displays images for presenting notification information related to the battery sharing service to the user, such as an image indicating whether the removable battery 500 in the battery exchange device 100 is currently in a replaceable state, or an image indicating the position of the battery slot 120 that is accessed when replacing the removable battery 500.

[0039] The battery slots 120 of the battery exchange device 100 include battery slots 120 in a state in which a removable battery 500 is housed (inserted) and battery slots 120 in a state in which a removable battery 500 is not housed (not inserted). The battery slots 120 in a state in which a removable battery 500 is housed include battery slots 120 in a state in which the removable battery 500 is being charged and battery slots 120 in a state in which a fully charged removable battery 500 is being stored and is waiting to be replaced (standby). A battery slot 120 in a state in which a removable battery 500 is not housed is, for example, in a state in which it is waiting for a user to insert a removable battery 500 that is to be replaced. Battery slots 120 in a state in which a removable battery 500 is not housed also include battery slots 120 that cannot be used due to, for example, an abnormality or malfunction, that is, a state in which a removable battery 500 cannot be charged, stored, or provided.

[0040] Each battery slot 120 includes, for example, a battery storage section 120H and an opening / closing lid 120L. The battery storage section 120H has an opening on its front surface, through which the removable battery 500 can be inserted and removed. A structure for connecting with the housed removable battery 500 to charge it and acquire the battery ID of the removable battery 500 is provided on the rear side of the battery storage section 120H. The opening / closing lid 120L is a lid for opening and closing the opening on the front surface of the battery storage section 120H. By opening the opening, the removable battery 500 can be inserted and removed from the battery storage section 120H, and by closing the opening, the removable battery 500 cannot be inserted and removed from the battery storage section 120H. With this structure, each battery slot 120 can restrict the insertion and removal of the removable battery 500 housed in the battery storage section 120H by locking the opening / closing lid 120L in the closed position.

[0041] 1 shows the battery storage section 120H and the opening / closing lid 120L in the battery slot 120-1. In the following description, when distinguishing between the battery storage section 120H and the opening / closing lid 120L of each of the eight battery slots 120-1 to 120-8, a "-" followed by a number is used. For example, the battery storage section 120H in the battery slot 120-1 is referred to as the "battery storage section 120-1H," and the opening / closing lid 120L in the battery slot 120-1 is referred to as the "opening / closing lid 120-1L." The battery slot 120 is an example of a "storage section."

[0042] 1 shows a state in which a removable battery 500 is inserted into or removed from the battery slot 120-1. In the following description, a removable battery 500 that is placed into the battery slot 120 by a user due to power depletion will be referred to as a "used battery 500u," and a removable battery 500 that has been completely charged by the battery exchange device 100 and is removed from the battery slot 120 and provided by the user will be referred to as a "charged battery 500c." In the following description, the removable battery 500 will be referred to as either a used battery 500u or a charged battery 500c to distinguish the state of the power stored in the removable battery 500.

[0043] 1 is one example, and various other configurations are possible for the battery exchange apparatus 100. For example, the battery exchange apparatus 100 may have a structure in which the battery slots 120 are not provided with opening / closing covers 120L, and the removable batteries 500 are directly inserted into and removed from the battery storage sections 120H (openings) of the battery slots 120.

[0044] The operation server 200 is a server facility that manages the battery exchange devices 100 that constitute the battery sharing service system 10 and the removable batteries 500 that are replaced in the battery exchange device 100. The operation server 200, for example, creates and stores list information that records the battery IDs of the removable batteries 500 that can be replaced in the battery exchange device 100. The operation server 200 updates the list information, for example, when adding a removable battery 500 approved by the operator of the battery sharing service that employs the battery sharing service system 10 or by the administrator of the battery sharing service system 10, or when deleting a removable battery 500 that can no longer be replaced in the battery exchange device 100 due to deterioration, destruction, or the like. In response to a request for list information from the battery exchange device 100, the operation server 200 transmits the created or updated list information to the requesting battery exchange device 100 via the network NW. As a result, the battery replacement apparatus 100 stores the list information transmitted by the operation server 200 in its storage unit, and can independently determine whether the removable battery 500 can be replaced based on the stored list information of battery IDs, and can carry out the procedure for replacing the used battery 500u brought in by the user with a charged battery 500c. In response to a request from the battery replacement apparatus 100 to determine whether the removable battery 500 can be replaced, the operation server 200 determines whether the removable battery 500 assigned the battery ID transmitted by the battery replacement apparatus 100 can be replaced. The operation server 200 transmits the result of the determination on whether the battery can be replaced to the battery replacement apparatus 100 that made the request via the network NW. As a result, the battery replacement apparatus 100 can carry out the procedure for replacing the used battery 500u brought in by the user with a charged battery 500c, in accordance with the determination on whether the battery can be replaced transmitted by the operation server 200.

[0045] With this configuration, in the battery sharing service system 10, if a used battery 500u with depleted power that a user brings to the battery exchange device 100 is a replaceable removable battery 500, the used battery 500u is exchanged for a charged battery 500c that has completed charging and is stored in the battery exchange device 100.

[0046] Next, each of the components constituting the battery shared use service system 10 of the embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0047] (Removable battery configuration) First, a configuration example of the detachable battery 500 will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detachable battery 500 according to the embodiment. The detachable battery 500 includes, for example, a power storage unit 510, a BMU (Battery Management Unit) 520, and a connection unit 530. The BMU 520 includes, for example, a measurement sensor 522 and a storage unit 524.

[0048] The power storage unit 510 is, for example, a battery pack in which a plurality of cells are connected in series. The cells constituting the power storage unit 510 are secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), nickel-metal hydride batteries, and all-solid-state batteries. The secondary batteries constituting the power storage unit 510 may be various types of secondary batteries, such as lead-acid batteries, sodium-ion batteries, capacitors such as electric double-layer capacitors, or combined batteries that combine secondary batteries and capacitors.

[0049] The BMU 520 controls charging and discharging of the power storage unit 510. The BMU 520 may perform cell balancing of the power storage unit 510, abnormality detection of the power storage unit 510, deriving the cell temperature of the power storage unit 510, deriving the charge / discharge current of the power storage unit 510, estimating the SOC of the power storage unit 510, and the like, based on the measurement results of the measurement sensor 522. Each function of the BMU 520 for the power storage unit 510 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software). The BMU 520 may store information indicating an abnormality, failure, or the like of the power storage unit 510, which is determined based on the measurement results of the measurement sensor 522, in the storage unit 524 as battery state information.

[0050] The measurement sensor 522 is a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. for measuring the state of charge of the power storage unit 510. The measurement sensor 522 outputs the measurement results of the measured voltage, current, temperature, etc. to the hardware processor on the BMU 520.

[0051] The storage unit 524 stores information such as identification information (battery ID) assigned to the removable battery 500. The storage unit 524 is, for example, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a flash memory. The storage unit 524 may store battery status information of the power storage unit 510. The storage unit 524 may store programs (software) that enable a hardware processor on the BMU 520 to realize each function of the BMU 520.

[0052] The connection unit 530 includes, for example, a connection terminal (battery terminal) for a power line and a connection terminal for a communication line. When the detachable battery 500 is attached to the electric motorcycle 50, the connection unit 530 is electrically connected to the electric motor that is the drive source of the electric motorcycle 50. In this state, the detachable battery 500 supplies the electric power stored in the power storage unit 510 to the electric motor. When the detachable battery 500 is accommodated in the battery slot 120 (see FIG. 1 ) of the battery exchange apparatus 100, the connection unit 530 is electrically connected to a structure that connects with the detachable battery 500 provided at the back of the battery accommodation unit 120H. In this state, the detachable battery 500 transmits the power supplied by the battery exchange apparatus 100 to the power storage unit 510. Furthermore, in this state, the detachable battery 500 transmits information such as a battery ID to be exchanged with the battery exchange apparatus 100.

[0053] (Configuration of battery exchange device) Next, a configuration example of the battery exchange apparatus 100 will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the battery exchange apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. The battery exchange apparatus 100 includes, for example, a display 110, a connection unit 120T, a charger 120C, an exchange apparatus communication unit 130, an exchange apparatus control unit 140, and an exchange apparatus storage unit 150. The exchange apparatus control unit 140 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 141, a measurement sensor 142, a charge control unit 143, and a processing unit 144.

[0054] The exchange device communication unit 130, the exchange device control unit 140, and the components included in the exchange device control unit 140 are each realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. Some or all of the functions of these components may be realized by a dedicated LSI. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (storage device including a non-transitory storage medium) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory included in the battery exchange device 100, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed in the HDD or flash memory included in the battery exchange device 100 by inserting the storage medium into a drive device included in the battery exchange device 100.

[0055] The connection unit 120T has a structure that electrically connects to a connection unit 530 included in the removable battery 500 housed in the battery slot 120. The connection unit 120T is provided at the back side of the battery housing unit 120H in each battery slot 120 included in the battery exchange apparatus 100. The connection unit 120T transmits power supplied from the charger 120C to the removable battery 500 housed in the battery slot 120. In other words, the connection unit 120T supplies power for charging the power storage unit 510 included in the removable battery 500. Furthermore, the connection unit 120T transmits information such as a battery ID exchanged between the removable battery 500 housed in the battery slot 120 and the exchange apparatus control unit 140.

[0056] The charger 120C supplies power for charging the removable battery 500 in accordance with control from the exchange device control unit 140. The charger 120C supplies power when a removable battery 500 is accommodated in a battery slot 120 and the connection unit 530 of the accommodated removable battery 500 is connected to the connection unit 120T. A charger 120C is provided for each battery slot 120 included in the battery exchange device 100. The charger 120C may be configured to be connected to a power source (not shown) for supplying power to the removable battery 500. The charger 120C is an example of a "charging unit."

[0057] The battery exchange apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1 is provided with eight battery slots 120-1 to 120-8. Therefore, eight connection units 120T and chargers 120C are also provided, one for each battery slot 120. In the following description, when the connection units 120T and chargers 120C corresponding to the eight battery slots 120-1 to 120-8 are to be distinguished from one another, a "-" followed by a number is used. For example, the connection unit 120T corresponding to battery slot 120-1 will be referred to as the "connection unit 120-1T," and the charger 120C corresponding to battery slot 120-1 will be referred to as the "charger 120-1C."

[0058] The exchange device communication unit 130 transmits and receives various information to and from the operation server 200 via the network NW. The exchange device communication unit 130 includes, for example, a wireless communication module for connecting to the Internet, a cellular network such as 3G / LTE, 4G, or 5G, or a Wi-Fi network. The exchange device communication unit 130 wirelessly communicates with the operation server 200 via the network NW. The exchange device communication unit 130 may include, for example, a wired communication module such as a terminal adapter or an Ethernet (registered trademark) communication device. In this case, the exchange device communication unit 130 may communicate with the operation server 200 via a wired communication module via the network NW. When the battery exchange device 100 independently determines whether the removable battery 500 can be replaced, the exchange device communication unit 130 acquires list information from the operation server 200 via the network NW, for example, at predetermined time intervals (periodically), and outputs the acquired list information to the exchange device storage unit 150 for storage. On the other hand, when the battery replacement device 100 exchanges information with the operation server 200 to determine whether the removable battery 500 can be replaced, the replacement device communication unit 130 transmits the battery ID acquired and output by the replacement device control unit 140 from the removable battery 500 to the operation server 200 via the network NW. Then, the replacement device communication unit 130 receives information on the determination result of whether the battery can be replaced transmitted by the operation server 200 via the network NW, and outputs the received information on the determination result to the replacement device control unit 140.

[0059] The exchange device control unit 140 controls the entire battery exchange device 100. More specifically, the exchange device control unit 140 controls the charging and discharging of the removable battery 500 housed in the battery slot 120, and performs the procedure for exchanging a used battery 500u brought in by a user with a charged battery 500c that has been fully charged and is being stored.

[0060] The information acquiring unit 141 acquires information about the battery slots 120 included in the battery exchange apparatus 100 and information about the removable batteries 500 accommodated in the battery slots 120. The information about the battery slots 120 is, for example, information indicating which of the battery slots 120 included in the battery exchange apparatus 100 can accommodate a used battery 500u brought in by a user, i.e., information indicating the number of available battery slots 120 and whether or not there are any available battery slots 120 (hereinafter referred to as "available slot information"). The information about the removable batteries 500 accommodated in the battery slots 120 is information such as the battery ID of the removable battery 500. When the used battery 500u is accommodated in the battery accommodation section 120H of the battery slot 120 and the connection section 530 is connected to the connection section 120T, the information acquiring unit 141 acquires the battery ID of the used battery 500u via the connection section 120T. Then, the information acquisition unit 141 outputs the acquired empty slot information and battery ID information to the processing unit 144. The information acquisition unit 141 may store the acquired empty slot information and battery ID information in the exchange device storage unit 150. The information acquisition unit 141 may acquire battery status information from the used battery 500u (and may store it in the exchange device storage unit 150). The information acquisition unit 141 is an example of an "acquisition unit." The empty slot information is an example of "storage capacity information." The number of available battery slots 120 is an example of a "storage capacity number."

[0061] The measurement sensor 142 measures the state of the battery slot 120 and the removable battery 500 housed in the battery slot 120. The measurement sensor 142 includes, for example, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a temperature sensor for measuring the state when the charger 120C is charging the removable battery 500. The measurement sensor 142 outputs the measurement results such as the measured voltage, current, and temperature to the charging control unit 143 and the processing unit 144.

[0062] The charging control unit 143 controls the charging of the removable battery 500 by controlling the charger 120C. The charging control unit 143 may also control the charger 120C (control the charging of the removable battery 500) taking into consideration the measurement value of the removable battery 500 output by the measurement sensor 142. When charging of the removable battery 500 is completed, the charging control unit 143 notifies the processing unit 144 that charging has been completed. The charging control unit 143 may output information indicating the current state of charging of the removable battery 500 to the processing unit 144. The information indicating the current state of the removable battery 500 is, for example, information indicating whether the removable battery 500 is in the middle of charging or has completed charging. The charging control unit 143, together with the charger 120C, is also an example of a "charging unit."

[0063] In the battery exchange apparatus 100, the remaining power in the removable battery 500 may be temporarily discharged before charging the removable battery 500. In this case, the charge control unit 143 also controls the discharge of the removable battery 500.

[0064] The processing unit 144 performs the procedure for replacing the removable battery 500 in the battery exchange apparatus 100. More specifically, the processing unit 144 performs the procedure for replacing a used battery 500u brought in by a user with a stored charged battery 500c (hereinafter referred to as "battery exchange process"). In the battery exchange process by the processing unit 144, it is determined whether to receive the used battery 500u and then provide a charged battery 500c, or to provide the charged battery 500c and then receive the used battery 500u, based on the available slot information output by the information acquisition unit 141. Receiving the used battery 500u in the battery exchange process by the processing unit 144 means, for example, opening the opening / closing cover 120L of the battery slot 120, storing the used battery 500u, and then locking the opening / closing cover 120L in the closed position. Providing a charged battery 500c in the battery exchange process of the processing unit 144 means, for example, opening the opening / closing lid 120L of the battery slot 120, and then locking the opening / closing lid 120L in the closed position after the user removes the charged battery 500c.

[0065] If the available slot information indicates that the number of available battery slots 120 is one or more, or indicates that an available battery slot 120 exists, the processing unit 144 decides to receive the used battery 500u and then provide the charged battery 500c. In this case, the processing unit 144 first selects a battery slot 120 (here, for example, battery slot 120-1) that will accommodate the used battery 500u from among the available battery slots 120, and notifies the user of the location of the selected battery slot 120-1. The user is notified of the location of the battery slot 120-1 by outputting notification information indicating the location of the battery slot 120-1 to the display unit 110 and displaying an image. In response to the notification information image displayed on the display unit 110, the user places the brought used battery 500u into the battery housing portion 120-1H of the battery slot 120-1 that does not accommodate a removable battery 500. Various methods can be considered for notifying the user of the position of the battery slot 120-1, in addition to displaying an image of notification information on the display 110. For example, if each battery slot 120 is equipped with an indicator lamp, the position of the battery slot 120-1 may be notified by turning on the indicator lamp of the battery slot 120-1 to be notified. The processing unit 144 then determines whether the used battery 500u housed in the battery holder 120-1H is a replaceable removable battery 500. When the battery exchange apparatus 100 independently determines whether the removable battery 500 can be replaced, the processing unit 144 makes the determination by comparing the battery ID acquired and output by the information acquisition unit 141 from the used battery 500u housed in the battery holder 120-1H with the battery ID of the removable battery 500 included in the list information stored in the exchange apparatus storage unit 150. On the other hand, when the battery exchange device 100 exchanges information with the operation server 200 to determine whether the removable battery 500 can be replaced, the processing unit 144 follows the information on the determination result output by the exchange device communication unit 130.If the processing unit 144 determines that the used battery 500u housed in the battery housing section 120-1H is a replaceable removable battery 500, the processing unit 144 selects a charged battery 500c and notifies the user via the display 110 of the location of the battery slot 120 (here, for example, battery slot 120-2) storing the selected charged battery 500c. In other words, the processing unit 144 selects a battery slot 120 different from the battery slot 120 that houses the used battery 500u as the battery slot 120 from which the charged battery 500c should be removed, and notifies the user. In response to the notification by the display 110, the user removes the charged battery 500c from the battery housing section 120-2H of the battery slot 120-2 and replaces the removable battery 500.

[0066] On the other hand, if the available slot information indicates that the number of available battery slots 120 is 0 (zero) or that there are no available battery slots 120, the processing unit 144 decides to provide the charged battery 500c and then receive the used battery 500u. The terms "the number of available battery slots 120 is 0 (zero)" and "there are no available battery slots 120" refer to a state in which all of the battery slots 120 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 are occupied by removable batteries 500. Additionally or alternatively, these terms may refer to a state in which an available battery slot 120 exists among the battery slots 120 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 but is unavailable due to, for example, an abnormality or malfunction. Furthermore, these terms may also refer to a state in which an available battery slot 120 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 has already been reserved for use by another user to receive a used battery 500u in a removable battery exchange procedure, i.e., is unavailable for use in the current removable battery exchange procedure. In this case, the processing unit 144 first selects a charged battery 500c and notifies the user via the display 110 of the location of the battery slot 120 (here, for example, battery slot 120-3) storing the selected charged battery 500c. In response to the notification via the display 110, the user removes the charged battery 500c from the battery storage section 120-3H of the battery slot 120-3. The processing unit 144 then notifies the user via the display 110 that the used battery 500u will be stored in the battery slot 120-3 that has become an empty battery slot 120 since the charged battery 500c was removed, i.e., the battery slot 120 that stored the removed charged battery 500c. In other words, the processing unit 144 selects the same battery slot 120 from which the charged battery 500c was removed as the battery slot 120 to store the used battery 500u, and notifies the user of this.In response to the notification by the display 110, the user places the used battery 500u that they have brought in into the battery storage section 120-3H of the same battery slot 120-3 from which they removed the charged battery 500c, thereby completing the exchange of the used battery 500u with the charged battery 500c.

[0067] Incidentally, if it is determined that the used battery 500u accommodated in the battery slot 120 is a removable battery 500 that cannot be replaced, the processing unit 144 prohibits replacement of the removable battery 500. Then, the processing unit 144 notifies the user that replacement of the removable battery 500 is not possible by outputting notification information indicating that replacement of the removable battery 500 is not possible to the display 110 and displaying an image.

[0068] After the battery exchange process is completed, the processing unit 144 notifies the charging control unit 143 that the used battery 500u has been accommodated in the battery slot 120. The charging control unit 143 then starts charging the used battery 500u accommodated in the notified battery slot 120. The processing unit 144 may notify the information acquisition unit 141 that the used battery 500u has been accommodated in the battery slot 120, and the information acquisition unit 141 may update the available slot information, or the processing unit 144 may update the available slot information stored in the exchange device storage unit 150 itself.

[0069] The processing unit 144 is an example of a "providing unit," a "receiving unit," or a "selecting unit."

[0070] The replacement device storage unit 150 stores various information about the battery exchange apparatus 100. The replacement device storage unit 150 is, for example, a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a flash memory. The replacement device storage unit 150 stores, for example, list information previously acquired from the operation server 200 via the network NW. The replacement device storage unit 150 may store a program (software) that enables the replacement device communication unit 130 and the replacement device control unit 140 to realize the functions of the battery exchange apparatus 100. The replacement device storage unit 150 may store identification information (hereinafter referred to as a "battery exchange device ID") exclusively assigned to the battery exchange apparatus 100. The replacement device storage unit 150 may also store empty slot information and battery status information of the removable batteries 500 accommodated in each battery slot 120. The exchange device storage unit 150 may store information indicating the current state in which the charging control unit 143 is charging the removable battery 500.

[0071] (Production Server Configuration) Next, a description will be given of an example configuration of the operation server 200. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the operation server 200 according to the embodiment. The operation server 200 includes, for example, a server communication unit 210, a server control unit 220, and a server storage unit 230.

[0072] The server communication unit 210 and the server control unit 220 are each realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. Some or all of the functions of these components may be realized by a dedicated LSI. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (storage device with a non-transitory storage medium) such as a HDD or flash memory provided in the operation server 200, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed in the HDD or flash memory provided in the operation server 200 by inserting the storage medium into a drive device provided in the operation server 200.

[0073] The server communication unit 210 transmits and receives various information via the network NW to and from the exchange device communication unit 130 provided in the battery exchange device 100. The server communication unit 210 includes a communication module for performing wireless communication or wired communication with the exchange device communication unit 130.

[0074] The server control unit 220 controls the entire operation server 200. The server control unit 220 creates and updates list information that records the battery IDs of removable batteries 500 that can be replaced in the battery exchange apparatus 100, and outputs the created or updated list information to the server storage unit 230 for storage. In response to a request for list information from the battery exchange apparatus 100, the server control unit 220 causes the server communication unit 210 to transmit the list information stored in the server storage unit 230 to the battery exchange apparatus 100. In response to a request from the battery exchange apparatus 100 to determine whether the removable battery 500 can be replaced, the server control unit 220 determines whether the removable battery 500 assigned the battery ID transmitted by the battery exchange apparatus 100 can be replaced, and causes the server communication unit 210 to transmit information on the determination result to the battery exchange apparatus 100.

[0075] The method of creating and updating list information in the server control unit 220 and the method of determining whether or not the removable battery 500 can be replaced can be similar to the method used by a server facility that manages the replacement of removable batteries (batteries) at battery replacement devices (charging and discharging stations) in existing battery shared use service systems (battery sharing service systems). Therefore, a detailed description of these methods in the server control unit 220 will be omitted.

[0076] The server storage unit 230 stores various information in the operation server 200. The server storage unit 230 is a storage device such as a ROM, RAM, EEPROM, HDD, or flash memory. The server storage unit 230 stores list information created or updated by the server control unit 220. The server storage unit 230 may also store a program (software) that enables the server communication unit 210 and the server control unit 220 to realize the functions of the operation server 200. The server storage unit 230 may also store information that links a battery exchange apparatus ID exclusively assigned to the battery exchange apparatus 100 with the version of the list information transmitted to this battery exchange apparatus 100.

[0077] (Processing of procedures for replacing removable batteries in battery exchange devices) Next, an example of the flow of the battery replacement process in the battery replacement apparatus 100 will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process for replacing the removable battery 500 in the battery replacement apparatus 100 of the embodiment. Fig. 5 shows an example of the battery replacement process performed by the processing unit 144 included in the battery replacement apparatus 100 based on available slot information.

[0078] When the battery exchange apparatus 100 starts the battery exchange process, first, the processing unit 144 acquires the empty slot information output by the information acquisition unit 141 (step S100). The processing unit 144 checks the current state of the battery slot 120 based on the acquired empty slot information (step S102).

[0079] In step S102, the current status of the battery slots 120 is checked to see whether the available slot information contains one or more available battery slots 120 that can accommodate the used battery 500u brought in by the user, or whether any available battery slots 120 exist.

[0080] If it is confirmed in step S102 that an available battery slot 120 exists (the number of available battery slots 120 is one or more), the processing unit 144 decides to receive the used battery 500u and then provide a charged battery 500c. The processing unit 144 then selects a battery slot 120 to accommodate the used battery 500u from the available battery slots 120 indicated in the available slot information (step S200). The processing unit 144 notifies the user of the location of the selected battery slot 120 by outputting notification information indicating the location of the selected battery slot 120 to the display 110 and displaying an image thereon (step S202). The user places the used battery 500u they have brought in into the battery slot 120 notified by the display 110.

[0081] Thereafter, the processing unit 144 checks whether or not the used battery 500u has been accommodated in the selected battery slot 120 (step S204). The processing unit 144 can check whether or not the used battery 500u has been accommodated by, for example, checking whether or not the selected battery slot 120 indicated in the empty slot information output by the information acquisition unit 141 has changed from an empty state to a state in which the removable battery 500 is accommodated (stored).

[0082] In step S204, when it is confirmed that the used battery 500u has been accommodated in the selected battery slot 120, the processing unit 144 determines whether or not the accommodated used battery 500u can be accepted (step S206). The determination in step S206 as to whether or not the accommodated used battery 500u can be accepted is made by the battery exchange apparatus 100 alone, or by a method of exchanging information with the operation server 200.

[0083] If it is determined in step S206 that the received used battery 500u is acceptable, the processing unit 144 selects a battery slot 120 storing a charged battery 500c to be provided to the user from among the battery slots 120 storing charged batteries 500c (step S210). The selection of the battery slot 120 storing the charged battery 500c by the processing unit 144 may be performed, for example, by selecting battery slots 120 other than the empty battery slots 120 indicated in the empty slot information output by the information acquisition unit 141 as battery slots 120 storing charged batteries 500c, and selecting the battery from among those. The processing unit 144 notifies the user of the location of the selected battery slot 120 via the display 110 (step S212). The user removes the charged battery 500c stored in the battery slot 120 notified by the display 110.

[0084] Thereafter, the processing unit 144 checks whether the charged battery 500c stored in the selected battery slot 120 has been removed (step S214). The processing unit 144 can check whether the charged battery 500c has been removed by, for example, checking whether the selected battery slot 120 indicated in the empty slot information output by the information acquisition unit 141 has changed from a state in which the removable battery 500 is housed (stored) to a state in which it is empty.

[0085] If it is confirmed in step S214 that the charged battery 500c stored in the selected battery slot 120 has been removed, the processing unit 144 determines that the user has completed the exchange of the used battery 500u with the charged battery 500c, and ends the battery exchange process. This allows the user to attach the removed charged battery 500c to the electric motorcycle 50 and continue traveling with the electric motorcycle 50. The processing unit 144 then notifies the charging control unit 143 that the battery exchange process has ended. Upon receiving the notification from the processing unit 144, the charging control unit 143 starts charging the used battery 500u.

[0086] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that the stored used battery 500u cannot be accepted, the processing unit 144 notifies the user via the display 110 that the stored used battery 500u cannot be exchanged (cannot be accepted) (step S220). In response to the notification by the display 110, the user removes the stored used battery 500u. The processing unit 144 confirms that the used battery 500u has been removed and ends the battery exchange process. The processing unit 144 may return the process to step S202 and perform the processes from step S202 onwards again.

[0087] On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S102 that there are no empty battery slots 120 (the number of empty battery slots 120 is 0 (zero)), the processing unit 144 decides to provide a charged battery 500c before receiving a used battery 500u. Then, the processing unit 144 selects a battery slot 120 storing a charged battery 500c to be provided to the user from among the battery slots 120 storing charged batteries 500c (step S300). The processing unit 144 notifies the user of the location of the selected battery slot 120 via the display 110 (step S302). The user removes the charged battery 500c stored in the battery slot 120 notified by the display 110.

[0088] Thereafter, the processing unit 144 checks whether the charged battery 500c stored in the selected battery slot 120 has been removed (step S304). If it is confirmed in step S304 that the charged battery 500c stored in the selected battery slot 120 has been removed, the processing unit 144 notifies the user via the display 110 that a used battery 500u will be placed in the same battery slot 120 (step S306). In response to the notification by the display 110, the user places the used battery 500u that they have brought into the battery slot 120 from which they removed the charged battery 500c.

[0089] Thereafter, the processing unit 144 checks whether a used battery 500u has been accommodated in the same battery slot 120 (step S308). If it is confirmed in step S308 that a used battery 500u has been accommodated in the same battery slot 120, the processing unit 144 determines that the user has completed the exchange of the used battery 500u with the charged battery 500c, and ends the battery exchange process. This allows the user to attach the removed charged battery 500c to the electric motorcycle 50 and continue traveling with the electric motorcycle 50. Thereafter, the processing unit 144 notifies the charging control unit 143 that the battery exchange process has ended, and the charging control unit 143 starts charging the used battery 500u.

[0090] (Image of the procedure for replacing a removable battery at a battery exchange device) Next, an image of the procedure for replacing a removable battery 500 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 will be described. FIGS. 6 to 8 are diagrams conceptually illustrating an example of processing phases (stages) of the procedure for replacing a removable battery 500 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 of this embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates the phases when the battery exchange apparatus 100 receives a used battery 500u and then provides a charged battery 500c, and FIG. 7 illustrates the phases when the used battery 500u is not replaceable. FIG. 8 illustrates the phases when the battery exchange apparatus 100 provides a charged battery 500c and then receives a used battery 500u. In the battery exchange apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, the opening / closing lids 120L of the respective battery slots 120 are not illustrated so that it is easy to identify whether a removable battery 500 is housed (inserted) in each battery slot 120.

[0091] In phase 1 shown in FIG. 6, a user P brings a used battery 500u to a location where a battery exchange apparatus 100 is installed and requests a battery exchange. The used battery 500u brought by the user P to the battery exchange apparatus 100 may not have been rented out by the same battery exchange apparatus 100, but storing the used battery 500u in the battery exchange apparatus 100 is (sometimes) referred to as "return" (for convenience). The battery exchange apparatus 100 (more specifically, the processing unit 144) starts the battery exchange process in response to the battery exchange request from the user P. Then, if the battery exchange apparatus 100 has one vacant battery slot 120 (here, battery slot 120-1), the battery exchange apparatus 100 decides to receive the used battery 500u and then provide a charged battery 500c.

[0092] In phase 2 shown in Fig. 6, the battery exchange apparatus 100 displays a notification information image on the display 110 to notify the user P of the location of the battery slot 120-1 so that the user P can store (return) the brought-in used battery 500u in an available battery slot 120-1. Image IM1 is an example of the notification information image displayed on the display 110 at this time. In response to the notification by image IM1 displayed on the display 110, the user P returns the brought-in used battery 500u to slot number 1 (battery slot 120-1).

[0093] In phase 3 shown in Fig. 6, the battery exchange device 100 notifies the user of the location of the battery slot 120 (here, battery slot 120-2) in which the charged battery 500c to be provided (rented) is stored. Image IM2 is an example of an image of the notification information to be displayed on the display device 110 at this time. In response to the notification by image IM2 displayed on the display device 110, the user P removes the charged battery 500c stored in slot 2 (battery slot 120-2) and receives the battery.

[0094] 6, the battery exchange apparatus 100 completes the battery exchange process in response to the battery exchange requested by the user P. The user then removes the rented charged battery 500c from the second slot (battery slot 120-2) and attaches it to the electric motorcycle 50, and continues traveling with the electric motorcycle 50.

[0095] If the used battery 500u returned by the user P to slot No. 1 (battery slot 120-1) in phase 2 shown in FIG. 6 is a non-replaceable removable battery 500, the battery exchange apparatus 100 notifies the user P in phase 5 shown in FIG. 7 by displaying on the display 110 an image of notification information indicating that the brought-in used battery 500u cannot be replaced. Image IM3 is an example of the image of notification information displayed on the display 110 at this time. Image IM3 displays notification information indicating that the used battery 500u is non-replaceable and urging the user P to remove the non-replaceable used battery 500u accommodated in slot No. 1 (battery slot 120-1). In response to the notification by image IM3 displayed on the display 110, the user P removes the used battery 500u accommodated in slot No. 1 and cancels the battery replacement or requests another battery replacement.

[0096] 8, the battery exchange apparatus 100 also starts the battery exchange process in response to a battery exchange request from user P who has brought in a used battery 500u. If the number of available battery slots 120 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 is 0 (zero) (all battery slots 120 are occupied by removable batteries 500, or available battery slots 120 cannot be used due to an abnormality, malfunction, or reservation by another user), the battery exchange apparatus 100 decides to provide a charged battery 500c and then receive the used battery 500u.

[0097] In phase 7 shown in Fig. 8, the battery exchange device 100 notifies the user of the location of the battery slot 120 (here, battery slot 120-3) in which the charged battery 500c to be provided (rented) is stored. Image IM4 is an example of an image of the notification information to be displayed on the display device 110 at this time. In response to the notification by image IM4 displayed on the display device 110, the user P removes the charged battery 500c stored in slot 3 (battery slot 120-3) and receives the battery 500c.

[0098] In phase 8 shown in FIG. 8, the battery exchange apparatus 100 notifies the user P by displaying a notification information image on the display 110 to store (return) the brought-in used battery 500u in the same battery slot 120-3. Image IM5 is an example of the notification information image displayed on the display 110 at this time. In response to the notification by image IM5 displayed on the display 110, the user P returns the brought-in used battery 500u to the same slot No. 3 (battery slot 120-3) from which the charged battery 500c was removed.

[0099] 8, the battery exchange apparatus 100 completes the battery exchange process in response to the battery exchange requested by the user P. The user then attaches the rented charged battery 500c, which was removed from the third slot (battery slot 120-3), to the electric motorcycle 50, and continues traveling with the electric motorcycle 50.

[0100] Incidentally, when providing a charged battery 500c and then receiving a used battery 500u in this battery exchange process, it is possible that the received detachable battery 500 is the same as the charged battery 500c that was supposed to have been provided immediately before. This may be caused by the user mistakenly returning the charged battery 500c that was just removed to the same battery slot 120-3 as the used battery 500u that should be returned. In this case, if the user does not realize their mistake and reattaches the used battery 500u to the electric motorcycle 50, it is possible that the use of the electric motorcycle 50 will be limited, such as the electric motorcycle 50 being unable to travel or the distance that can be traveled being very short. For this reason, when providing a charged battery 500c and then receiving a used battery 500u, the battery exchange apparatus 100 may be configured to check whether the used battery 500u returned by the user is correctly placed in the same battery slot 120-3 from which the charged battery 500c was removed. In this case, after the removable battery 500 is accommodated in the same battery slot 120-3, the processing unit 144 checks whether the battery ID output by the information acquisition unit 141 is different from the battery ID of the charged battery 500c selected for provision. If the processing unit 144 determines that the battery IDs are the same, it outputs notification information to the display 110 indicating that the previously provided charged battery 500c has been accommodated again in the battery slot 120-3, thereby displaying an image to notify the user that the accommodated removable battery 500 is not the used battery 500u. In response to the notification from the display 110, the user removes the charged battery 500c that was mistakenly returned and accommodates the used battery 500u that they brought in to be returned in the same battery slot 120-3. This allows the battery exchange apparatus 100 to correctly provide the user with the charged battery 500c that was originally intended to be rented.

[0101] (Another procedure for replacing a removable battery in a battery exchange device) Next, an example of the flow of battery replacement processing in the battery replacement apparatus 100 will be described, including confirmation of the battery ID of the received removable battery 500. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing flow of the procedure for replacing the removable battery 500 in the battery replacement apparatus 100 of the embodiment. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 9, the processing of steps S400 and S402, for example, is added after the processing of step S308 in the flowchart of the replacement procedure shown in Fig. 5.

[0102] If it is confirmed in step S308 that a used battery 500u has been accommodated in the same battery slot 120, the processing unit 144 checks whether the removable battery 500 accommodated in the same battery slot 120 is the used battery 500u (step S400).

[0103] When checking whether the battery 500u is a used battery 500u in step S400, as described above, it is checked whether the battery ID acquired and output by the information acquisition unit 141 from the removable battery 500 accommodated in the battery slot 120 differs from the battery ID of the charged battery 500c provided to the user. The battery ID of the charged battery 500c provided to the user may be the one acquired by the information acquisition unit 141 when selecting the charged battery 500c in step S300, or may be the one included in the information stored in the exchange device storage unit 150 in association with the battery slot 120 by the processing unit 144 in order to manage the charged batteries 500c stored in the battery slot 120 provided in the battery exchange device 100.

[0104] If it is confirmed in step S400 that the detachable battery 500 housed in the same battery slot 120 is the used battery 500u, the processing unit 144 concludes that the user has completed the exchange of the used battery 500u with the charged battery 500c, and ends the battery exchange process, as in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. This allows the user to attach the removed charged battery 500c to the electric motorcycle 50 and continue riding the electric motorcycle 50 without any problems. The processing unit 144 then notifies the charging control unit 143 that the battery exchange process has ended, and the charging control unit 143 starts charging the used battery 500u.

[0105] On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S400 that the detachable battery 500 accommodated in the same battery slot 120 is not the used battery 500u, the processing unit 144 notifies the user via the display 110 that the accommodated used battery 500u is the charged battery 500c previously provided (the charged battery 500c has been returned) (step S402). The processing unit 144 then returns the process to step S302, and performs the battery exchange process of providing the charged battery 500c again and then receiving the used battery 500u. In this way, the user, in response to the notification via the display 110, removes the charged battery 500c that was mistakenly returned and accommodates the used battery 500u that should be returned in the same battery slot 120. In other words, the user is loaned the charged battery 500c that should have been loaned, and can continue riding the electric motorcycle 500 without any problems.

[0106] (Another image of the procedure for replacing a removable battery in a battery exchange device) Next, an image of the procedure for checking removable batteries 500 housed in the same battery slot 120 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of processing phases (stages) of the procedure for replacing a removable battery 500 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 of this embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates the phases in a case where the battery exchange apparatus 100 provides a charged battery 500c and then receives a used battery 500u, and a user P mistakenly returns the charged battery 500c to the same battery slot 120. In FIG. 10, as in FIGS. 6 to 8, the opening / closing lids 120L of the battery slots 120 are omitted from the illustration so that the battery exchange apparatus 100 can easily identify whether a removable battery 500 is housed (inserted) in each battery slot 120.

[0107] As in phase 8-2 corresponding to phase 8 shown in FIG. 8, if user P accidentally returns the charged battery 500c removed in phase 7 shown in FIG. 8 to slot 3 (battery slot 120-3), in phase 10, the battery exchange apparatus 100 notifies user P by displaying on the display 110 an image of notification information indicating that the removable battery 500 stored (returned) in battery slot 120-3 is incorrect. Image IM6 is an example of the image of notification information displayed on the display 110 at this time. Image IM6 displays notification information indicating that the returned removable battery 500 is the charged battery 500c previously lent (wrong), and also prompts user P to remove the charged battery 500c returned to slot 3 (battery slot 120-3). In response to the notification by image IM6 displayed on the display 110, user P removes the charged battery 500c that he mistakenly returned to slot 3.

[0108] Again, as in phase 8-3 corresponding to phase 8 shown in FIG. 8 , the battery exchange apparatus 100 notifies the user P by displaying image IM5 on the display 110 to store (return) the used battery 500u to be returned in the same battery slot 120-3. As a result, in response to the notification by image IM5 displayed on the display 110, the user P returns the used battery 500u to be returned, i.e., the correct used battery 500u, to the same slot No. 3 (battery slot 120-3). As a result, in phase 9 shown in FIG. 8 , the battery exchange apparatus 100 can complete the battery exchange process in response to the battery exchange requested by the user P, and the user can attach the rented charged battery 500c to the electric motorcycle 50 after removing it from slot No. 3 (battery slot 120-3), and continue riding the electric motorcycle 50 without any problems.

[0109] As described above, according to the embodiment, in the battery exchange process, the processing unit 144 of the battery exchange device 100 determines whether to receive the used battery 500u and then provide a charged battery 500c, or to provide the charged battery 500c and then receive the used battery 500u, based on the available slot information output by the information acquisition unit 141, and then performs the procedure for exchanging the used battery 500u with the charged battery 500c. Here, the exchange procedure for receiving the used battery 500u and then providing the charged battery 500c can be said to be similar to the battery exchange procedure performed at a battery exchange device (charging / discharging station) in an existing battery shared use service system (battery sharing service system). However, if only this battery replacement procedure is performed, it is possible that the battery replacement procedure for the removable battery 500 in the battery replacement apparatus 100 will be difficult if all battery slots 120 are occupied (stored) with removable batteries 500, or if an available battery slot 120 is unavailable due to an abnormality, malfunction, or reservation by another user, and there is no battery slot 120 available to first receive the used battery 500u. In other words, it is possible that a situation will arise in which the battery replacement procedure for the removable battery 500 in the battery replacement apparatus 100 cannot be continued. In contrast, the battery replacement apparatus 100 of the embodiment can provide a charged battery 500c and then perform the replacement procedure to receive the used battery 500u. As a result, the battery replacement apparatus 100 of the embodiment can continue the replacement procedure for the removable battery 500 even if there is no battery slot 120 available to first receive the used battery 500u, thereby more appropriately replacing the removable battery 500. Therefore, in the battery exchange device 100 of the embodiment and the battery sharing service system 10 that employs the battery exchange device 100 of the embodiment, when a user who uses the battery sharing service (battery sharing service) wants to exchange a used battery 500u, the used battery 500u can be exchanged for a charged battery 500c.As a result, the battery exchange device 100 of the embodiment and the battery shared use service system 10 that employs the battery exchange device 100 of the embodiment can continue to provide the battery shared use service to users.

[0110] Incidentally, in a battery exchange process in which a charged battery 500c is provided before a used battery 500u is received, the information acquisition unit 141 included in the battery exchange apparatus 100 cannot acquire the battery ID of the used battery 500u before providing the charged battery 500c. In other words, the information acquisition unit 141 can acquire the battery ID from the accommodated removable battery 500 after the removable battery 500 is accommodated in the battery slot 120 from which the charged battery 500c was removed. Therefore, the processing unit 144 cannot determine whether the used battery 500u is a replaceable removable battery 500 before providing the charged battery 500c. However, in a battery exchange process in which a charged battery 500c is provided before receiving the used battery 500u, the processing unit 144 can acquire and confirm, for example, user identification information (e.g., a “user ID”) before notifying the user of the location of the battery slot 120 storing the selected charged battery 500c. The user ID is assigned in advance exclusively to each user of the battery shared use service system 10. This prevents the battery exchange device 100 from taking out a stored charged battery 500c, but being unable to receive a used battery 500u.

[0111] The method of confirming the user ID, i.e., the method of confirming whether the user who brought in the used battery 500u is a user registered as a user of the battery shared use service system 10, can be considered similar to the method of determining whether the used battery 500u accommodated in the battery slot 120 is a replaceable removable battery 500. More specifically, the battery exchange device 100 can independently determine whether the user ID is included in the stored user list information by previously acquiring user list information of users registered as users of the battery shared use service system 10, in which user IDs are recorded, from the operation server 200 via the network NW and storing the information in the exchange device storage unit 150. Alternatively, the battery exchange device 100 can independently determine whether the user ID is included in the stored user list information by transmitting the acquired user ID information to the operation server 200 and following the determination result transmitted by the operation server 200 as to whether the user is a valid user, i.e., by exchanging information between the battery exchange device 100 and the operation server 200.

[0112] Then, when it is confirmed that the user who brought in the used battery 500u is not a user registered as a user of the battery share service system 10, the battery exchange device 100 (more specifically, the processing unit 144) can prohibit the replacement of the removable battery 500. The method of prohibiting the replacement of the removable battery 500 can be considered to be similar to the method used when, in a case where a charged battery 500c is provided and then a used battery 500u is received, it is determined that the used battery 500u accommodated in the battery slot 120 is a removable battery 500 that cannot be replaced. More specifically, the battery exchange device 100 can notify the user that replacement of the removable battery 500 is not possible by outputting notification information indicating that the user is not registered as a user of the battery share service system 10 to the display 110 and displaying an image.

[0113] (Another image of the procedure for replacing a removable battery in a battery exchange device) In the embodiment described above, the procedure for exchanging a used battery 500u brought in by a user of an electric motorcycle 50 fitted with one detachable battery 500 for a charged battery 500c has been described. However, some electric devices that share a detachable battery 500 in the battery sharing service are fitted with multiple detachable batteries 500. Here, a saddle-type electric motorcycle 50 fitted with two detachable batteries 500 (hereinafter referred to as "electric motorcycle 50A") will be described as an example of an electric device fitted with multiple detachable batteries 500.

[0114] First, an image of the procedure for replacing a removable battery 500 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 will be described. Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams conceptually illustrating an example of processing phases (stages) of the procedure for replacing a removable battery 500 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 of this embodiment. When a user P of an electric motorcycle 50A equipped with two removable batteries 500 (detachable battery 500-1 and detachable battery 500-2) brings in two used batteries 500u (used battery 500u-1 and used battery 500u-2), the battery exchange apparatus 100 carries out the procedure for replacing the two used batteries 500u brought in by user P with two charged batteries 500c (charged battery 500c-1 and charged battery 500c-2).

[0115] Fig. 11 shows the phases when the battery exchange apparatus 100 receives two used batteries 500u and then provides two charged batteries 500c, and Fig. 12 shows the phases when the battery exchange apparatus 100 provides two charged batteries 500c and then receives two used batteries 500u. In Figs. 11 and 12, the opening and closing lids 120L of the battery slots 120 are also omitted from the battery exchange apparatus 100, as in Figs. 6 to 8 and 10, to make it easy to identify whether or not a removable battery 500 is housed (inserted) in each battery slot 120.

[0116] 11, a user P brings two used batteries 500u to a location where the battery exchange apparatus 100 is installed and requests a battery exchange. The battery exchange apparatus 100 (more specifically, the processing unit 144) starts the battery exchange process in response to the battery exchange request from the user P. Here, if the battery exchange apparatus 100 has two empty battery slots 120 (here, battery slot 120-1 and battery slot 120-3), the battery exchange apparatus 100 decides to receive the two used batteries 500u and then provide two charged batteries 500c.

[0117] 11 , the battery exchange apparatus 100 displays a notification information image on the display 110 to notify the user P of the positions of the battery slots 120-1 and 120-3 so that the two used batteries 500u that the user has brought in can be stored (returned) in the empty battery slots 120-1 and 120-3, respectively. Image IM7 is an example of the notification information image that is displayed on the display 110 at this time. In response to the notification by image IM7 displayed on the display 110, the user P returns the used battery 500u-1 that the user has brought in to slot number 1 (battery slot 120-1) and the used battery 500u-2 to slot number 3 (battery slot 120-3).

[0118] In phase 13 shown in FIG. 11 , the battery exchange apparatus 100 notifies the user of the locations of the battery slots 120 (here, battery slot 120-2 and battery slot 120-4) storing the two charged batteries 500c to be provided (rented). Image IM8 is an example of an image of the notification information displayed on the display 110 at this time. In response to the notification by image IM8 displayed on the display 110, the user P removes the charged battery 500c-1 stored in slot number 2 (battery slot 120-2) and the charged battery 500c-2 stored in slot number 4 (battery slot 120-4), and receives the battery.

[0119] 11, the battery exchange apparatus 100 completes the battery exchange process in response to the request for the exchange of two batteries from the user P. The user attaches each of the two charged batteries 500c that were taken out from the second slot (battery slot 120-2) and the fourth slot (battery slot 120-4) and loaned to the electric motorcycle 50A, and continues traveling with the electric motorcycle 50A.

[0120] 12, the battery exchange apparatus 100 also starts the battery exchange process in response to a battery exchange request from user P, who has brought in two used batteries 500u. If the number of available battery slots 120 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 is 0 (zero) (all battery slots 120 are occupied by removable batteries 500, or available battery slots 120 cannot be used due to an abnormality, malfunction, or reservation by another user), the battery exchange apparatus 100 decides to provide two charged batteries 500c and then receive two used batteries 500u.

[0121] In phase 16 shown in FIG. 12, the battery exchange apparatus 100 notifies the user of the locations of the battery slots 120 (here, battery slot 120-6 and battery slot 120-8) in which the two charged batteries 500c to be provided (rented) are stored. Image IM9 is an example of an image of the notification information to be displayed on the display 110 at this time. In response to the notification by image IM9 displayed on the display 110, user P removes the charged battery 500c-1 stored in slot 6 (battery slot 120-6) and the charged battery 500c-2 stored in slot 8 (battery slot 120-8), and receives the battery.

[0122] 12, the battery exchange apparatus 100 notifies the user P by displaying a notification information image on the display 110 to store (return) the two brought-in used batteries 500u in the same battery slots 120-6 and 120-8. Image IM10 is an example of the notification information image displayed on the display 110 at this time. In response to the notification by image IM10 displayed on the display 110, the user P returns the brought-in used battery 500u-1 to slot number 6 (battery slot 120-6), the same slot from which the charged battery 500c-1 was removed, and returns the brought-in used battery 500u-2 to slot number 8 (battery slot 120-8), the same slot from which the charged battery 500c-1 was removed.

[0123] 12, the battery exchange apparatus 100 completes the two battery exchange processes in response to the battery exchange requested by the user P. The user attaches each of the two charged batteries 500c that were taken out and loaned from the sixth slot (battery slot 120-6) and the eighth slot (battery slot 120-8) to the electric motorcycle 50A, and continues traveling with the electric motorcycle 50A.

[0124] In this way, even if the user P brings in two used batteries 500u, the battery exchange apparatus 100 can carry out the procedure of exchanging them for two charged batteries 500c. The same applies if the user P brings in three or more used batteries 500u. In other words, the battery exchange apparatus 100 can exchange the same number of charged batteries 500c as the used batteries 500u brought in by the user P by performing equivalent procedures in each phase as shown in Figure 11 or Figure 12.

[0125] (Another procedure for replacing a removable battery in a battery exchange device) In the battery shared service system 10, the exchange procedure in which the battery exchange apparatus 100 receives a used battery 500u and then provides a charged battery 500c is the basic procedure. In other words, the exchange procedure in which the battery exchange apparatus 100 provides a charged battery 500c and then receives a used battery 500u is an exceptional process. In other words, this is an exceptional process that enables the exchange procedure for a charged battery 500c to be carried out even when the number of available battery slots 120 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 is 0 (zero) (when all battery slots 120 are occupied by removable batteries 500, or when an available battery slot 120 cannot be used due to an abnormality, a malfunction, or a reservation by another user).

[0126] Therefore, the battery exchange apparatus 100 carries out the procedure for exchanging the removable batteries 500 based on the number of used batteries 500u brought in by the user and the number of charged batteries 500c that have been charged and are stored in the battery exchange apparatus 100. In other words, the battery exchange apparatus 100 carries out the procedure for exchanging the removable batteries 500u after confirming the number of used batteries 500u and charged batteries 500c to be replaced.

[0127] Here, an example of the flow of battery replacement processing in the battery replacement apparatus 100, including confirmation of the number of removable batteries 500, will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the flow of processing for the procedure for replacing the removable batteries 500 in the battery replacement apparatus 100 of this embodiment. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 13, processing of step S500, for example, is added before processing of step S100 in the flowchart of the replacement procedure shown in Fig. 5. Accordingly, processing of step S102 in the flowchart of the replacement procedure shown in Fig. 5 is replaced with processing of step S502.

[0128] When the battery exchange apparatus 100 starts the battery exchange process, the processing unit 144 first acquires required number information (step S500). The required number information is information indicating the number of removable batteries 500 required to carry out the exchange procedure, that is, the number of used batteries 500u brought in by the user or the number of charged batteries 500c to be exchanged. For example, if information on the number of removable batteries 500 that the user will use (bring in) is associated with the user ID, the required number information can be acquired by the processing unit 144 acquiring the user ID. The required number information may be confirmed, for example, based on installed number information for each electric device associated with information on the number of installed removable batteries 500, and identification information of the electric device associated with the user ID (for example, model information in the case of the electric motorcycle 50 or the electric motorcycle 50A). In this case, the attached number information may be stored in the operation server 200, or may be acquired in advance by the battery exchange apparatus 100 from the operation server 200 and stored in the exchange apparatus storage unit 150. This allows the battery exchange apparatus 100 to confirm the required number information by exchanging information with the operation server 200, or by a method performed independently by the battery exchange apparatus 100. The required number information is acquired, for example, by the information acquisition unit 141 and output to the processing unit 144. The method for acquiring the required number information in the battery exchange apparatus 100 is not limited to the above-described method, and the required number information may be acquired by any method. For example, the battery exchange apparatus 100 may acquire the required number information corresponding to the identification information of the electric power equipment based on the identification information of the electric power equipment input by the user. The information acquisition unit 141 is an example of an "other acquisition unit." The required number information is an example of a "required storage number."

[0129] Next, the processing unit 144 acquires the free slot information output by the information acquisition unit 141 (step S100). The order of the processes in steps S500 and S100 may be reversed.

[0130] Thereafter, the processing unit 144 checks the current state of the battery slot 120 based on the acquired required number information and empty slot information (step S502).

[0131] In step S502, the current status of the battery slots 120 is checked to see whether the number of available battery slots 120 for accommodating the used batteries 500u brought in by the user, as indicated in the available slot information, is equal to or greater than the required number of removable batteries 500 indicated by the required number information, or whether any available battery slots 120 exist.

[0132] If it is confirmed in step S502 that the number of available battery slots 120 is equal to or greater than the required number of removable batteries 500, the processing unit 144 decides to simultaneously receive multiple used batteries 500u and then simultaneously provide multiple charged batteries 500c. In this case, the processing unit 144 performs each of the processes of receiving the used batteries 500u, determining whether to accept the used batteries 500u, and providing the charged batteries 500c in steps S200 to S220 once. The image of the procedure for replacing the removable batteries 500 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 at this time is an image of performing phases 12 and 13 shown in FIG. 11 when two used batteries 500u are simultaneously received and two charged batteries 500c are simultaneously provided.

[0133] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the number of available battery slots 120 is less than the required number of removable batteries 500 but that available battery slots 120 exist (the number of available battery slots 120 is one or more), the processing unit 144 determines to receive used batteries 500u and provide charged batteries 500c in multiple batches. In this case, the processing unit 144 repeats the processes of steps S200 to S220 until it has received the same number of used batteries 500u as the required number of removable batteries 500 indicated by the required number information and provided the charged batteries 500c. More specifically, the processing unit 144 first receives the same number of used batteries 500u as the number of available battery slots 120, and then provides the same number of charged batteries 500c as the received used batteries 500u from other battery slots 120. As a result, the battery slots 120 that provided the charged batteries 500c become available battery slots 120. The processing unit 144 then receives the remaining used batteries 500u into the same battery slot 120 that has become available by providing the charged battery 500c, and provides the same number of charged batteries 500c as the received used batteries 500u from another different battery slot 120, that is, from a battery slot 120 that has not received a used battery 500u in this exchange procedure. In this way, the processing unit 144 sequentially sets the battery slots 120 that have become available by providing the charged batteries 500c as battery slots 120 that will receive used batteries 500u, thereby receiving used batteries 500u and providing charged batteries 500c in the number of required removable batteries 500 indicated by the required quantity information. The procedure for replacing the removable battery 500 in the battery exchange device 100 at this time is similar to the procedure shown in Figure 6, in which phases 2 and 3 are performed multiple times when one used battery 500u is received and one charged battery 500c is provided.

[0134] In this way, the processing unit 144 executes the procedure for replacing the removable batteries 500, basically receiving a used battery 500u and then providing a charged battery 500c. At this time, for example, if the required number information indicates that the number of required removable batteries 500 is four and the number of available battery slots 120 is two, the processing unit 144 may replace the removable batteries 500 one by one, or may replace the removable batteries 500 two by two. That is, in the initial (first) procedure, the processing unit 144 receives two used batteries 500u and provides two charged batteries 500c from different battery slots 120. Then, in the next (second) procedure, the processing unit 144 may receive the remaining two used batteries 500u into the battery slot 120 that became an empty battery slot 120 in the first procedure, and provide the remaining two charged batteries 500c from a different battery slot 120 than the battery slots 120 that received the used batteries 500u in the first and second procedures. For example, if the required number of removable batteries 500 indicated by the required quantity information is four and the number of empty battery slots 120 is three, the processing unit 144 may replace the removable batteries 500 two at a time, or may replace three removable batteries 500 first. In other words, the processing unit 144 receives three used batteries 500u in the initial (first) procedure and provides three charged batteries 500c from a different battery slot 120. Then, in the next (second) procedure, the processing unit 144 may receive the remaining used battery 500u in one of the battery slots 120 that became vacant in the first procedure, and provide the remaining charged battery 500c from another battery slot 120 different from the battery slot 120 that received the used battery 500u in the first and second procedures.

[0135] Then, when the processing unit 144 confirms in step S214 that all charged batteries 500c have been removed, that is, when it confirms that the number of charged batteries 500c equal to the required number of detachable batteries 500 indicated by the required number information has been removed, it determines that the user has completed the replacement of the multiple used batteries 500u with the multiple charged batteries 500c, and ends the battery replacement process. This allows the user to attach the removed multiple charged batteries 500c to the electric motorcycle 50A (powered equipment to which multiple detachable batteries 500 are attached) and continue traveling with the electric motorcycle 50A. Thereafter, the processing unit 144 notifies the charging control unit 143 that the battery replacement process has been completed. Upon receiving the notification from the processing unit 144, the charging control unit 143 starts charging the multiple used batteries 500u.

[0136] On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S502 that there are no available battery slots 120 (the number of available battery slots 120 is 0 (zero)), the processing unit 144 decides to provide multiple charged batteries 500c and then receive multiple used batteries 500u. In this case, the processing unit 144 performs each of the processes of providing a charged battery 500c and receiving a used battery 500u once in steps S300 to S308. The image of the procedure for exchanging the removable battery 500 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 at this time is an image of performing phases 16 and 17 shown in FIG. 12 when two charged batteries 500c are provided at the same time and then two used batteries 500u are received at the same time.

[0137] Then, when the processing unit 144 confirms in step S308 that all of the used batteries 500u have been accommodated in the same battery slot 120, that is, when it confirms that the number of used batteries 500u corresponding to the required number of removable batteries 500 indicated by the required number information have been accommodated in the same battery slot 120, it determines that the user has completed the exchange of the multiple used batteries 500u with the multiple charged batteries 500c, and ends the battery exchange process. This allows the user to attach the removed multiple charged batteries 500c to the electric motorcycle 50A and continue traveling with the electric motorcycle 50A. Thereafter, the processing unit 144 notifies the charging control unit 143 that the battery exchange process has been completed, and the charging control unit 143, upon receiving the notification from the processing unit 144, starts charging the multiple used batteries 500u.

[0138] When the processing unit 144 determines to provide multiple charged batteries 500c and then receive multiple used batteries 500u, the processing unit 144 may provide the charged batteries 500c and receive the used batteries 500u in multiple batches. For example, the processing unit 144 may repeat the processes of steps S300 to S308 until the processing unit 144 has provided the charged batteries 500c and received the used batteries 500u for the number of required removable batteries 500 indicated by the required number information. More specifically, the processing unit 144 provides the first charged battery 500c from a battery slot 120 storing charged batteries 500c, and receives the first used battery 500u in the same battery slot 120 where the processing unit 144 provided the first charged battery 500c. The processing unit 144 then provides a second charged battery 500c from a different battery slot 120 storing the other charged battery 500c, and receives the other (second) used battery 500u into the same battery slot 120 where it was provided. The procedure for replacing the removable battery 500 in the battery exchange apparatus 100 at this time is similar to performing phases 7 and 8 multiple times, as shown in Figure 8, in which one charged battery 500c is provided and one used battery 500u is received. In this way, the processing unit 144 repeats the process of providing charged batteries 500c one by one and receiving used batteries 500u one by one, thereby providing charged batteries 500c and receiving used batteries 500u for the number of removable batteries 500 required indicated by the required quantity information. This allows the battery exchange device 100 to reduce (minimize) the number of used batteries 500u that cannot be accepted in the event that a stored charged battery 500c is removed but the used battery 500u cannot be accepted.

[0139] As described above, according to the storage device (100) of the embodiment, the storage device (100) is provided with a plurality of storage sections (120) capable of individually storing the storage object (500), and is provided with an acquisition section (141) that acquires the storage capacity number, which is the number of storage sections (120) capable of storing a new storage object (500), or storage capacity information (empty slot information) that indicates whether or not there is a storage section (120) capable of storing the new storage object (500), thereby enabling the storage object (500) to be replaced more appropriately.

[0140] The above-described embodiment can be expressed as follows. A computer of a storage device having a plurality of storage units capable of individually storing storage objects, a hardware processor; a storage device that stores a program, The hardware processor reads and executes the program stored in the storage device, Acquire a storage capacity number, which is the number of storage units that can store the new storage object, or storage capacity information that indicates whether or not there is a storage unit that can store the new storage object, among the plurality of storage units; When the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity number is zero or that there is no storage unit capable of storing the data is acquired, providing the storage object being stored in the storage unit to a user of the storage object; receiving the new storage object from the user at the storage unit where the storage object provided to the user was stored; 1. A storage device configured to:

[0141] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment can be expressed as follows. A computer of a storage device having a plurality of storage units capable of individually storing storage objects, a hardware processor; a storage device that stores a program, The hardware processor reads and executes the program stored in the storage device, A storage capacity number is acquired, which is the number of storage units that can store the new storage object, among the plurality of storage units; Acquire the required storage quantity, which is the new number of storage objects; If it is acquired that the storage capacity is 1 or more and less than the required storage capacity, receiving new storage objects less than the required number of storage objects from the user at the storage unit capable of storing them; providing the storage object being stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit that received the new storage object to the user; The remaining new storage objects among the required number of storage objects are received by the storage unit that provided the storage objects; providing the new storage object and the storage objects being stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit that has received the remaining new storage object to the user; 1. A storage device configured to:

[0142] The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 10. Battery sharing service system 100 Battery exchange device 101···Case 110...Display unit 120, 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120-4, 120-5, 120-6, 120-7, 120-8... Battery slot 120H, 120-1H, 120-2H, 120-3H... Battery compartment 120L, 120-1L... Openable lid 120T... connection 120C...Charger 130....Exchange device communication unit 140 Switching device control unit 141...Information acquisition department 142 Measurement sensor 143 Charging control unit 144 Processing section 150...Exchange device storage section 200... Production Server 210 Server Communication Department 220 Server control unit 230 Server storage 50,50A...Electric motorcycle 500, 500-1, 500-2... Detachable battery 500u, 500u-1, 500u-2...Used batteries 500c, 500c-1, 500c-2... Charged battery 510.... Storage unit 520···BMU 522... Measurement sensor 524...Storage section 530···Connection NW...Network

Claims

1. A storage device having a plurality of storage units capable of individually storing storage objects, an acquisition unit that acquires, among the plurality of storage units, a storage capacity number that is the number of storage units that can store the new storage object, or storage capacity information that indicates whether or not there is a storage unit that can store the new storage object; Equipped with a providing unit that provides the storage object being stored in the storage unit to a user of the storage object; a receiving unit that receives a new storage object to be stored in the storage unit from the user; Furthermore, When the acquisition unit acquires the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity number is zero or that there is no storage unit capable of storing the item, the providing unit provides the storage object being stored in the storage unit to the user in the storage device where the storage capacity is zero or there is no storage unit capable of storing the object; The receiving unit receives the new storage object from the user at the storage unit where the storage object provided to the user by the providing unit was stored. Storage device.

2. When the acquisition unit acquires the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity number is one or more or that there is a storage unit capable of storage, The receiving unit receives the new storage object from the user at the storage unit capable of storing the new storage object, the providing unit provides the user with the storage object being stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit from which the receiving unit has received the new storage object. The storage device according to claim 1 .

3. When the new storage object received from the user is identical to the storage object previously provided to the user by the providing unit, the receiving unit outputs notification information for notifying the user that the storage object is identical, and / or causes the providing unit to provide the identical storage object received to the user again. The storage device according to claim 1 .

4. The storage unit is further configured to select the storage unit currently storing the storage object to be provided to the user of the storage object, and the storage unit that will store a new storage object received from the user, When the acquisition unit acquires the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity number is zero or that there is no storage unit capable of storing the item, The selection unit selects the same storage unit as the storage unit currently storing the storage object to be provided to the user and as the storage unit that will store a new storage object to be received from the user. The storage device according to claim 1 .

5. When the acquisition unit acquires the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity number is one or more or that there is a storage unit capable of storage, The selection unit selects different storage units as the storage unit currently storing the storage object to be provided to the user and the storage unit that will store a new storage object to be received from the user. The storage device according to claim 4.

6. The acquisition unit acquires the storage capacity, Another acquisition unit that acquires the required storage number, which is the new number of storage objects; Further provided with The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a providing unit that provides the storage object being stored in the storage unit to a user of the storage object; a receiving unit that receives a new storage object to be stored in the storage unit from the user; Further provided with The storage device according to claim 6.

8. When the acquisition unit acquires that the storage capacity is zero, the providing unit provides the user with the number of storage objects represented by the required storage quantity among the storage objects being stored in the storage unit; The receiving unit receives the new storage objects, the number of which is represented by the required storage number, from the user at the storage unit in which the storage objects provided to the user by the providing unit were stored. The storage device according to claim 7.

9. When the acquisition unit acquires that the storage capacity number is 1 or more and is less than the required storage capacity, The receiving unit receives the new storage objects less than the required storage number from the user at the storage unit capable of storing the new storage objects, the providing unit provides the storage object being stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit from which the receiving unit received the new storage object to the user; The receiving unit receives the remaining new storage objects of the required number of storage objects at the storage unit that provided the storage objects, the providing unit provides the user with the storage objects being stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit from which the receiving unit has received the new storage objects and the remaining new storage objects. The storage device according to claim 7 or claim 8.

10. When the acquisition unit acquires that the storage capacity is equal to or greater than the required storage capacity, The receiving unit receives the required number of new storage objects from the user at the storage unit that is capable of storing the new storage objects, the providing unit provides the user with the storage object being stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit from which the receiving unit has received the new storage object. The storage device according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The storage object is an electricity storage device, Further, a charging unit that charges the power storage device stored in the storage unit is provided. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The power storage device is detachably attached to an electric power device that uses electric power. The storage device according to claim 11.

13. A computer of a storage device having a plurality of storage units capable of individually storing storage objects, acquiring a storage capacity number, which is the number of storage units capable of storing the new storage object, among the plurality of storage units, or storage capacity information indicating whether or not there is a storage unit capable of storing the new storage object; Providing the storage object being stored in the storage unit to a user of the storage object; receiving a new storage object to be stored in the storage unit from the user; When the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity number is zero or that there is no storage unit capable of storing the data is acquired, In the storage device where the storage capacity is zero or there is no storage unit capable of storing the item, providing the storage object being stored in the storage unit to the user; receiving the new storage object from the user at the storage unit where the storage object provided to the user was stored; Storage methods including.

14. When the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity number is 1 or more or that there is a storage unit capable of storing the data is acquired, receiving the new storage object from the user at the storage unit capable of storing the new storage object; providing the user with the storage object being stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit that received the new storage object; further comprising: The storage method according to claim 13.

15. a step of determining whether the new storage object received from the user is the same as the storage object provided to the user immediately before; a step of outputting notification information for informing the user that the new storage object received from the user and the storage object provided to the user are identical, when the new storage object received from the user and the storage object provided to the user are identical, and / or having the user provide the storage object that is identical to the storage object received from the user again; further comprising: The storage method according to claim 14.

16. A computer of a storage device having a plurality of storage units capable of individually storing storage objects, A step of acquiring a storage capacity number, which is the number of storage units that can store the new storage object, from among the plurality of storage units; A step of acquiring a required storage quantity, which is the new number of the storage objects; When it is acquired that the storage capacity is 1 or more and is less than the required storage capacity, receiving new storage objects less than the required number of storage objects from a user of the storage objects at the storage unit capable of storing the new storage objects; providing the user with the storage object being stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit that received the new storage object; receiving the remaining new storage objects among the required number of storage objects at the storage unit that provided the storage objects; providing the new storage object and the storage objects stored in a storage unit other than the storage unit that has received the remaining new storage object to the user; Storage methods including.

17. A computer of a storage device having a plurality of storage units capable of individually storing storage objects, acquiring a storage capacity number, which is the number of storage units capable of storing the new storage object, among the plurality of storage units, or storage capacity information indicating whether or not there is a storage unit capable of storing the new storage object; Providing the storage object being stored in the storage unit to a user of the storage object; receiving a new storage object to be stored in the storage unit from the user; When the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity number is zero or that there is no storage unit capable of storing the data is acquired, In the storage device where the storage capacity is zero or there is no storage unit capable of storing the item, providing the storage object being stored in the storage unit to the user; receiving the new storage object from the user at the storage unit where the storage object provided to the user was stored; A program to execute.

18. A computer of a storage device having a plurality of storage units capable of individually storing storage objects, acquiring a storage capacity number, which is the number of storage units capable of storing the new storage object, among the plurality of storage units, or storage capacity information indicating whether or not there is a storage unit capable of storing the new storage object; Providing the storage object being stored in the storage unit to a user of the storage object; receiving a new storage object to be stored in the storage unit from the user; When the storage capacity information indicating that the storage capacity number is zero or that there is no storage unit capable of storing the data is acquired, In the storage device where the storage capacity is zero or there is no storage unit capable of storing the item, providing the storage object being stored in the storage unit to the user; receiving the new storage object from the user at the storage unit where the storage object provided to the user was stored; A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the above.

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