Notification control method and notification control device

Abstract

To provide a notification control method and a notification control device that allow a vehicle user to take an appropriate action.SOLUTION: A notification control method is a control method by a notification control device that causes a notification device to notify information regarding a battery replacement device that is mounted on a vehicle and stores power for driving. The replacement device is a device for replacing batteries. The notification control method includes: steps (S112, S211 to S213) of acquiring abnormality occurrence information regarding battery replacement from the replacement device; steps (S113, S221 to S224) of acquiring travelable state information indicating that the battery is in an installed state in which a vehicle 10 is able to travel, from the replacement device or the vehicle; steps (S121 to S124) of causing the notification device to notify first information indicating the travelable state when the abnormality occurrence information and the travelable state information are acquired; and steps (S131 to S133) for causing the notification device to notify second information indicating an untravelable state when the abnormality occurrence information is acquired and the travelable state information is not acquired.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a notification control method and a notification control device, and in particular to a notification control method using a notification control device that causes a notification device to notify information regarding an exchange device that replaces a storage device that is mounted on a vehicle and stores electricity used for driving, and a notification control device that causes a notification device to notify information regarding an exchange device that replaces a storage device that is mounted on a vehicle and stores electricity used for driving. [Background technology]

[0002] At a battery exchange station (see, for example, Patent Document 1) where batteries for electric vehicles such as electric cars are exchanged, if an abnormality occurs during the exchange, it is conceivable that the exchange operation will be repeated or someone will be called to deal with the abnormality, depending on the nature of the abnormality. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2011-518710 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since the vehicle user is unable to recognize the abnormal condition, there is a problem in that the user is unable to take appropriate measures, such as moving the vehicle.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide a notification control method and a notification control device that can allow the vehicle user to take appropriate action. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The notification control method according to this disclosure is a notification control method by a notification control device that causes a notification device to notify information related to an exchange device that replaces an electric storage device that is mounted on a vehicle and stores electric power used for driving. The exchange device is a device for replacing the electric storage device. The notification control method includes the steps of: acquiring, by the notification control device, abnormality occurrence information related to the exchange of the electric storage device from the exchange device; acquiring, from the exchange device or the vehicle, drivable state information indicating that the electric storage device is in an installed state that allows the vehicle to be driven; causing the notification device to notify, when the abnormality occurrence information and the drivable state information are acquired, first information indicating that driving is possible; and causing the notification device to notify, when the abnormality occurrence information is acquired but the drivable state information is not acquired, second information indicating that driving is not possible.

[0007] According to this configuration, if an abnormality occurs during replacement of the vehicle's power storage device, if the power storage device is installed in a state that allows the vehicle to be driven, the notification device notifies the user that the vehicle is capable of being driven. On the other hand, if the power storage device is not installed in a state that allows the vehicle to be driven, the notification device notifies the user that the vehicle is not capable of being driven. Therefore, if there is an abnormality in the vehicle during replacement of the power storage device but no abnormality in the replacement device, if the power storage device is installed in a state that allows the vehicle to be driven, the user can remove the vehicle from the replacement device in response to the notification that the vehicle is capable of being driven. This allows the vehicle abnormality to be addressed outside the replacement device, and another vehicle can replace the power storage device at the replacement device. Furthermore, if there is an abnormality in the replacement device during replacement of the power storage device, if the power storage device is installed in a state that allows the vehicle to be driven, the user can remove the vehicle from the replacement device in response to the notification that the vehicle is capable of being driven, which facilitates the work of repairing the replacement device. As a result, a notification control method that allows the vehicle user to take appropriate action can be provided.

[0008] The notification device may be provided in a vehicle, and when abnormality occurrence information is acquired but drivable state information is not acquired, power may be supplied to the notification device from the vehicle's auxiliary battery.

[0009] With this configuration, even if an abnormality occurs during replacement of the vehicle's power storage device and the power storage device is unable to supply power, the auxiliary battery can still supply power to the vehicle's notification device, thereby making it possible to communicate information to the user even when an abnormality occurs during replacement of the power storage device.

[0010] The notification control method may further include a step in which the notification control device acquires from the vehicle startup information indicating that the vehicle has been started; a step in which, when drivable state information and startup information are acquired, the notification device issues third information different from the first information and the second information; and a step in which, when abnormality occurrence information and startup information are acquired, the notification device issues the first information or the second information instead of the third information.

[0011] According to this configuration, if the power storage device is installed in a state where the vehicle can be driven and no abnormality related to the replacement of the power storage device occurs when the vehicle is started, the user is notified of third information that is different from the information indicating whether the vehicle can be driven. Also, if an abnormality related to the replacement of the power storage device occurs when the vehicle is started, the user is notified of information indicating whether the vehicle can be driven, rather than the third information. As a result, by giving priority to the notification of information that is necessary depending on the situation, it is possible to appropriately communicate information to the user.

[0012] The notification control method may further include a step in which the notification control device acquires vehicle normality information indicating that the vehicle is normal from the exchange device or the vehicle, and a step in which, if vehicle normality information and startup information are acquired even though abnormality occurrence information and drivable state information have been acquired, the notification device notifies the third information.

[0013] With this configuration, even if an abnormality has occurred with the replacement of the power storage device and the power storage device is installed in a state that allows the vehicle to be driven, if there is no abnormality in the vehicle, information different from the information indicating whether the vehicle can be driven or not is notified to the user, thereby giving the user the impression that the vehicle is normal.

[0014] The notification control method may further include a step in which, when abnormality occurrence information is acquired, the notification control device acquires abnormality device information indicating whether the abnormality has occurred in the exchange device or the vehicle, and a step in which, when abnormality device information is acquired, the notification device issues different information indicating whether the abnormality has occurred in the exchange device or the vehicle.

[0015] According to this configuration, when the abnormal device information indicates that the abnormality has occurred in a vehicle, it is possible to recommend that after removing the vehicle from the exchange device, the vehicle be inspected on the spot without entering a public road. When the abnormal device information indicates that the abnormality has occurred in a vehicle, it is possible to recommend that the power storage device be replaced by another exchange device or that the power storage device be externally charged.

[0016] Whether the electric storage device is in an attached state that allows the vehicle to run may be determined when the vehicle is stopped at an initial position of a specific operation during replacement of the electric storage device.

[0017] With this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately determine that the storage device is in an installed state that allows the vehicle to be driven when the determination is made when the vehicle is stopped at an initial position of a specific operation, compared to when the determination is made when the vehicle is stopped at a position midway through a specific operation.

[0018] The state in which the power storage device is installed and the vehicle is capable of running may be determined when the power storage device has been restored to the state before replacement was started.

[0019] With this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately determine that the storage device is in an installed state that allows the vehicle to be driven when the determination is made after restoration to the state before replacement of the storage device has been started has been completed, compared to when the determination is made when restoration to the state before replacement of the storage device has not been completed.

[0020] The notification control method may further include a step of causing the notification control device to notify the user of the time required to resolve the abnormality related to replacement of the power storage device.

[0021] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the time required to resolve the abnormality related to the replacement of the power storage device.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the notification control device is a control device that causes a notification device to notify information related to an exchange device that replaces a power storage device that is mounted on a vehicle and stores power used for driving. The exchange device is a device for replacing the power storage device. The notification control device acquires, from the exchange device, abnormality occurrence information related to the exchange of the power storage device, and acquires, from the exchange device or the vehicle, drivable state information indicating that the power storage device is in an installed state that allows the vehicle to be driven. If the abnormality occurrence information and the drivable state information are acquired, the notification control device causes the notification device to notify first information indicating that driving is possible, and if the abnormality occurrence information is acquired but the drivable state information is not acquired, the notification control device causes the notification device to notify second information indicating that driving is not possible.

[0023] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a notification control device that allows the vehicle user to take appropriate action. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a notification control method and a notification control device that enable a vehicle user to take appropriate action. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a battery exchange system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of each device included in a battery exchange system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3]5 is a flowchart showing a process flow for controlling notification regarding replacement of the main battery in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery exchange system 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of each device included in the battery exchange system 1 according to this embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery exchange system 1 includes multiple vehicles 10A and 10B (hereinafter, also representatively referred to as "vehicles 10"), multiple exchange stations 20A-20C, equipment servers 200A-200C (hereinafter, also representatively referred to as "equipment servers 200") and display devices 250A (hereinafter, also representatively referred to as "display devices 250") provided at each of the exchange stations 20A-20C (hereinafter, also representatively referred to as "exchange stations 20"), and a management server 100. The battery exchange system 1 may also include a mobile terminal 800 carried by a user of the vehicle 10. The vehicles 10A and 10B, the equipment servers 200A-200C, the management server 100, and the mobile terminal 800 are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network 900.

[0028] Vehicle 10 includes a main battery 11, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 12, a drive unit 13, a DCM (Data Communication Module) 14, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 15, and an auxiliary battery 16. The main battery 11 stores the power used to drive vehicle 10 and is installed in vehicle 10 in a replaceable state. The main battery 11 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and main battery 11 may be configured with other types of batteries, such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or an all-solid-state battery.

[0029] Auxiliary battery 16 is configured as, for example, a lead-acid battery. However, without being limited to this, auxiliary battery 16 may be configured as another type of battery, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or an all-solid-state battery. High voltage (for example, several hundred volts) power from main battery 11 is stepped down to a low voltage (for example, 12 V) by a DC / DC converter and stored in auxiliary battery 16.

[0030] The ECU 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a GPS (Global Positioning System). The ECU 12 operates on power supplied from the auxiliary battery 16. The memory includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores programs and data used by the CPU. The CPU executes predetermined processing defined by the program in accordance with the programs and data stored in the memory and data input from outside, and stores the data resulting from the execution in the memory or outputs it to the outside. The GPS detects the location information of the vehicle 10 and passes it to the CPU.

[0031] Drive unit 13 includes a motor generator and an inverter that drives the motor generator using power from main battery 11 and charges main battery 11 with regenerative power from the motor generator. Drive unit 13 may further include an engine that runs on fuel to drive the motor generator or vehicle 10. That is, vehicle 10 may be an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle) that has a motor generator but no engine, or may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) that has a motor generator and an engine. Vehicle 10 may also be a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).

[0032] The DCM 14 is a module for communicating with external devices via a communication network 900, and transmits data from the ECU 12 to the external devices and transfers data from the external devices to the ECU 12. The DCM 14 operates on power supplied from the auxiliary battery 16.

[0033] The HMI 15 is provided near the driver's seat of the vehicle 10, and is a device that receives information input by a user and outputs it to the ECU 12. The HMI 15 displays or audibly notifies the user of information from the ECU 12, and is configured to include, for example, a touch panel display. The HMI 15 operates on power supplied from the auxiliary battery 16.

[0034] The equipment server 200 includes a CPU 210, a memory 220, a communication unit 230, and a mass storage device 240. The memory 220 includes a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM). The communication unit 230 is capable of communicating with external devices via a communication network 900, transmitting data from the CPU 210 to the external device and transferring data from the external device to the CPU 210. The mass storage device 240 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores programs and data used by the CPU 210. The CPU 210 executes predetermined processing defined by the program in accordance with the programs and data stored in the memory 220 or the mass storage device 240 and data input from the external device to the communication unit 230, and stores the resulting data in the memory 220 or the mass storage device 240 or outputs it from the communication unit 230 to the external device. Display device 250 is comprised of a display that displays information received from facility server 200 and a speaker that outputs the information as audio.

[0035] The exchange station 20 for the main battery 11 includes an exchange device 21 and an equipment server 200. The exchange device 21 includes a processor and is controlled by the processor in accordance with control instructions from the equipment server 200 to remove the main battery 11 from the vehicle 10, move the removed main battery 11 to a storage location, start charging the moved main battery 11, remove the charged main battery 11 from the storage location, and install the removed main battery 11 in the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, after a reservation for the exchange of the main battery 11 is made, the main battery 11, which has been charged to a SOC (State Of Charge) of 80%, is charged to a fully charged SOC of 100%.

[0036] The management server 100 includes a CPU 110, a memory 120, a communication unit 130, and a mass storage device 140. The management server 100 manages the replacement of the main battery 11 at the replacement station 20 in the battery exchange system 1. The functions of the CPU 110, memory 120, communication unit 130, and mass storage device 140 of the management server 100 are similar to those of the CPU 210, memory 220, communication unit 230, and mass storage device 240 of the above-mentioned equipment server 200, respectively. The management server 100 performs overall management of the battery exchange system 1, such as executing processes related to reservations for the replacement of the main battery 11 at the replacement device 21 of the exchange station 20.

[0037] The mobile terminal 800 includes a CPU 810, a memory 820, a communication unit 830, an input unit 840, and an output unit 850. The functions of the memory 820 and the communication unit 830 of the mobile terminal 800 are similar to those of the memory 220 and the communication unit 230 of the equipment server 200 described above, respectively. The input unit 840 is composed of a touch panel, operation buttons, and a microphone, and transfers data input from the touch panel, operation buttons, or microphone to the CPU 810. The output unit 850 is composed of a display and a speaker, and outputs data from the CPU 810 from the display or speaker. The CPU 810 executes predetermined processing defined by the program in accordance with the program and data stored in the memory 820, data input to the communication unit 830 from an external device, and data input from the input unit 840, and stores the data resulting from the execution in the memory 820, outputs the data from the communication unit 830 to an external device, or outputs the data from the output unit 850.

[0038] In the battery exchange system 1 described above, the notification control method includes the steps of the equipment server 200 acquiring, from the exchange device 21, abnormality occurrence information related to the replacement of the main battery 11; acquiring, from the exchange device 21 or the vehicle 10, drivable state information indicating that the main battery 11 is in an installed state in which the vehicle 10 is capable of being driven; if the abnormality occurrence information and the drivable state information are acquired, causing the display device 250 to notify first information indicating that driving is possible; and if the abnormality occurrence information is acquired but the drivable state information is not acquired, causing the display device 250 to notify second information indicating that driving is not possible.

[0039] As a result, if an abnormality occurs with the replacement of the main battery 11 of the vehicle 10, and the main battery 11 is in an installation state that allows the vehicle 10 to be driven, the display device 250 will notify the user of information that the vehicle 10 can be driven, whereas if the main battery 11 is not in an installation state that allows the vehicle 10 to be driven, the display device 250 will notify the user of information that the vehicle 10 cannot be driven. Therefore, if there is an abnormality in the vehicle 10 with regard to the replacement of the main battery 11 but there is no abnormality in the replacement device 21, and if the main battery 11 is in an installation state that allows the vehicle 10 to be driven, the user can remove the vehicle 10 from the replacement device 21 in response to the notification that the vehicle 10 can be driven, so that the abnormality in the vehicle 10 can be dealt with outside the replacement device 21, and another vehicle 10 can replace the main battery 11 at the replacement device 21. Furthermore, if there is an abnormality in the replacement device 21 regarding replacement of the main battery 11, and the main battery 11 is installed in a state that allows the vehicle 10 to be driven, the user can remove the vehicle 10 from the replacement device 21 in response to a notification that the vehicle 10 can be driven, which facilitates the work of repairing the replacement device 21. As a result, the user of the vehicle 10 can take appropriate action.

[0040] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for controlling notification regarding replacement of main battery 11 in this embodiment. Referring to Fig. 3, when vehicle 10 receives an acquisition request from facility server 200 at the timing when vehicle 10 is started, vehicle 10 outputs startup information indicating that vehicle 10 has been started from DCM 14 to facility server 200 via communication network 900.

[0041] The CPU 210 of the facility server 200 transmits a request to acquire startup information from the communication unit 230 to the vehicle 10 via the communication network 900, and acquires the startup information if it has been output from the vehicle 10 (step S111). In Fig. 3, "startup information" is represented as "(A)".

[0042] Next, the CPU 210 of the equipment server 200 acquires abnormality occurrence information related to the replacement of the main battery 11 from the exchange device 21 (step S112). Specifically, the CPU 210 transmits a request to acquire the abnormality occurrence information to the exchange device 21 from the communication unit 230. The processor of the exchange device 21 determines whether the request to acquire the abnormality occurrence information has been received from the equipment server 200 (step S211). If it is determined that the request to acquire the abnormality occurrence information has not been received (NO in step S211), the processor of the exchange device 21 advances the processing to be executed to step S221.

[0043] On the other hand, if it is determined that a request to acquire abnormality occurrence information has been received (YES in step S211), the processor of the exchange device 21 determines whether or not an abnormality is occurring in the vehicle 10 or the exchange device 21 during replacement of the main battery 11 of the vehicle 10 (step S212). If it is determined that an abnormality is not occurring (NO in step S212), the processor of the exchange device 21 advances the processing to be executed to step S221.

[0044] On the other hand, if it is determined that an abnormality is occurring (YES in step S212), the processor of the exchange device 21 transmits abnormality occurrence information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle 10 or the exchange device 21 to the equipment server 200 (step S213), and proceeds to step S221. In this manner, the equipment server 200 acquires the abnormality occurrence information. In FIG. 3, the "abnormality occurrence information" indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle 10 during replacement of the main battery 11 is represented as "(B)." The "abnormality occurrence information" indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the exchange device 21 during replacement of the main battery 11 is represented as "(C)."

[0045] Next, CPU 210 of facility server 200 acquires from exchange device 21 drivable state information indicating that main battery 11 is in an attached state in which vehicle 10 is capable of driving (step S113). Specifically, CPU 210 transmits a request to acquire drivable state information from communication unit 230 to exchange device 21. The processor of exchange device 21 determines whether the request to acquire drivable state information has been received from facility server 200 (step S221). If it determines that the request to acquire drivable state information has not been received (NO in step S221), the processor of exchange device 21 returns the process to be executed to the higher-level process that called this process.

[0046] On the other hand, if it is determined that a request to acquire travelable state information has been received (YES in step S221), the processor of the exchange device 21 restores the state of the exchange device 21 to the initial position of a specific operation during the replacement operation or to the state before replacement if the replacement operation of the main battery 11 is in progress (step S222). In this case, if restoration is not possible, the processor of the exchange device 21 may externally notify the fact that restoration is not possible by voice, lamp, or display.

[0047] Thereafter, the processor of the replacement device 21 determines whether the vehicle 10, whose main battery 11 is being replaced, is in a state in which it can be driven (step S223).

[0048] For example, if the main battery 11 is installed in a state in which it can normally supply power to the vehicle 10, not only when all of the fixing parts (e.g., bolts) for fixing the main battery 11 to the vehicle 10 are properly installed (e.g., fastened in the case of bolts), but also when some of the parts (e.g., more than half, such as two or more of the four bolts) are properly installed, the vehicle 10 is determined to be in a state in which it can run. In this way, the state in which the vehicle 10 can run is not limited to the above-mentioned state as long as the main battery 11 is not completely installed and the vehicle 10 can be in another state, or it can be a state that has been determined in advance through experiments or simulations in which the main battery 11 will not fall off when the vehicle is running at less than a predetermined speed.

[0049] On the other hand, if the main battery 11 is not attached in a state that allows it to normally supply power to the vehicle 10, and if some of the fixing parts (for example, a majority, such as three or more of the four bolts) are not attached properly, it is determined that the vehicle 10 is in a state in which it cannot run. In this way, the state in which the vehicle 10 is in a state in which it cannot run is not limited to the above-mentioned states as long as it is in a state in which it cannot run, and may be other states, or may be a state that has been identified in advance through experiments or simulations in which the main battery 11 would fall off when the vehicle is running, regardless of the speed.

[0050] The state of the fixing parts for fixing the main battery 11 to the vehicle 10 and the installation state of the main battery 11 may be detected by a sensor on the vehicle 10 or the replacement device 21, or may be detected by an image taken by a camera.

[0051] If it is determined that vehicle 10 is not in a state where it can travel (NO in step S223), the processor of exchange device 21 returns the process to be executed to the higher-level process that called this process. On the other hand, if it is determined that vehicle 10 is in a state where it can travel (YES in step S223), the processor of exchange device 21 transmits travel-ready state information indicating that vehicle 10 is in a state where it can travel to facility server 200 (step S224), and returns the process to be executed to the higher-level process that called this process. In this way, facility server 200 acquires the travel-ready state information. In FIG. 3, "travel-ready state information" is expressed as "(D)".

[0052] Next, CPU 210 of facility server 200 determines whether (A), (B), and (D), or (B) and (D), have been acquired (step S121). If it is determined that (A), (B), and (D) have not been acquired, and that (B) and (D) have not been acquired either (NO in step S121), CPU 210 proceeds to step S123.

[0053] On the other hand, if it is determined that (A), (B) and (D), or (B) and (D) have been acquired (YES in step S121), the CPU 210 executes a process of having the notification device notify (for example, a process of displaying on the display of the display device 250, a process of outputting audio from the speaker of the display device 250, a process of transmitting information to be notified by the HMI 15 of the vehicle 10 from the communication unit 230 to the vehicle 10 via the communication network 900, and a process of transmitting information to be notified by the output unit 850 of the mobile terminal 800 from the communication unit 230 to the mobile terminal 800 via the communication network 900) the travelling availability information indicating that the vehicle 10 is travelling and information that an inspection of the vehicle 10 is recommended (for example, by the user or an operator after the vehicle 10 is removed from the exchange device 21) (step S122), and proceeds to the process to be executed at step S123.

[0054] Furthermore, CPU 210 of facility server 200 determines whether (C) and (D) have been acquired (step S123). If CPU 210 determines that (C) and (D) have not been acquired (NO in step S123), CPU 210 proceeds to step S131.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined that (C) and (D) have been acquired (YES in step S123), the CPU 210 executes a process to have the notification device notify (for example, a process to display on the display of the display device 250, a process to output audio from the speaker of the display device 250, a process to transmit information to be notified by the HMI 15 of the vehicle 10 from the communication unit 230 to the vehicle 10 via the communication network 900, and a process to transmit information to be notified by the output unit 850 of the mobile terminal 800 from the communication unit 230 to the mobile terminal 800 via the communication network 900) the driving capability information indicating that the vehicle 10 is capable of driving, and information recommending other measures (for example, information recommending replacement of the main battery 11 at another replacement device 21, information recommending external charging of the main battery 11) (step S124), and proceeds to the process to be executed at step S131.

[0056] Furthermore, CPU 210 of facility server 200 determines whether (A) and (B) or (A) and (C) have been acquired (step S131). If it is determined that (A) and (B) have not been acquired and that (A) and (C) have not been acquired (NO in step S131), CPU 210 determines whether (B) or (C) has been acquired (step S132). If it is determined that (B) has not been acquired and that (C) has not been acquired (NO in step S132), CPU 210 advances the processing to be executed to step S141.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined that (A) and (B), (A) and (C), (B), or (C) has been acquired (YES in step S131 or step S132), the CPU 210 executes a process of having the alarm device notify the driver of the inability to drive information indicating that the vehicle 10 is incapable of driving and the time required to resolve the abnormality (for example, a process of displaying on the display of the display device 250, a process of outputting audio from the speaker of the display device 250, a process of transmitting information to be notified by the HMI 15 of the vehicle 10 from the communication unit 230 to the vehicle 10 via the communication network 900, and a process of transmitting information to be notified by the output unit 850 of the mobile terminal 800 from the communication unit 230 to the mobile terminal 800 via the communication network 900) (step S133), and the process to be executed proceeds to step S141.

[0058] The time required to resolve an abnormality can be determined, for example, by storing the average time required to resolve each abnormality state in the mass storage device 240 in advance, identifying the abnormality state, and reading out the time required to resolve the identified abnormality state from the mass storage device 240. The time required to resolve an abnormality may also be determined by other methods.

[0059] In addition, if the driving state information (D) is not acquired, power may not be supplied from the main battery 11 to the auxiliary battery 16, so if power is not supplied from the main battery 11 via the DC / DC converter to the ECU 12 and HMI 15 of the vehicle 10, power is supplied from the auxiliary battery 16.

[0060] Furthermore, CPU 210 of facility server 200 determines whether (A), (C), and (D), or (A) and (D), have been acquired (step S141). If it determines that (A), (C), and (D) have not been acquired, and that (A) and (D) have not been acquired either, CPU 210 returns the processing to be executed to the higher-level processing that called this facility server-side processing.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined that (A), (C) and (D), or (A) and (D), have been acquired, the CPU 210 executes a process of causing the notification device to notify the map screen for navigation that is normally displayed (for example, a process of transmitting information to be notified by the HMI 15 of the vehicle 10 from the communication unit 230 to the vehicle 10 via the communication network 900) (step S142), and returns the process to be executed to the process that called this equipment server-side process. Here, if (C) has been acquired, information that an abnormality has occurred in the exchange device 21 is also included in the map screen.

[0062] [Variations] (1) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main battery 11 of the vehicle 10 is automatically replaced by the replacement device 21 at the replacement station 20. However, this is not limited to this, and the main battery 11 of the vehicle 10 may be replaced manually by a worker at the replacement station 20.

[0063] (2) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in step S113 of FIG. 3, the travelable state information is acquired from the exchange device 21. However, this is not limited thereto, and the travelable state information may be acquired from the vehicle 10.

[0064] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the equipment server 200 notifies the user of information by displaying the information on the display device 250 of the exchange station 20. However, this is not limited to this, and the notification device that notifies the user of the information may be a device different from the display device 250 of the exchange station 20, such as a speaker that outputs audio and is provided in the exchange station 20, a display or speaker of the HMI 15 of the vehicle 10, or a display or speaker of the output unit 850 of the user's mobile terminal 800.

[0065] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the notification device is controlled by the CPU 210 of the equipment server 200. However, this is not limited to this. If the notification device is the HMI 15 of the vehicle 10, the notification device may be controlled by the ECU 12 of the vehicle 10. If the notification device is the output unit 850 of the user's mobile terminal 800, the notification device may be controlled by the CPU 810 of the mobile terminal 800.

[0066] (5) In the above-described embodiment, when the activation information and the travelable state information are received, the notification device is configured to notify a map screen, as shown in step S142 of Figure 3. However, this is not limited to this, and the information to be notified may be information different from the travelable state information and the travelable state information. For example, the information to be notified may be a menu screen of information that can be displayed on the HMI 15, or a screen of information selected from the menu screen.

[0067] (6) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in steps S122 and S124 in Fig. 3, if an abnormality occurs in the vehicle 10, the information shown in step S122 is notified, and if an abnormality occurs in the exchange device 21, the information shown in step S124 is notified. However, this is not limited to this, and other information may be notified as long as different information is notified depending on whether an abnormality occurs in the exchange device 21 or the vehicle 10.

[0068] (7) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in step S112 and steps S211 to S213 in Fig. 3, the vehicle normality information indicating that the vehicle is normal is abnormality occurrence information obtained from the exchange device 21 and indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the exchange device 21, not in the vehicle 10. However, without being limited to this, the vehicle normality information may be information obtained from the vehicle 10 indicating that the vehicle 10 is normal as a result of self-diagnosis by the ECU 12 of the vehicle 10.

[0069] (8) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in step S142 of Fig. 3, if information indicating that the vehicle 10 is normal and startup information are acquired even though abnormality occurrence information and drivable state information have been acquired, information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the exchange device 21 is included in the third information (for example, map information). However, the information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the exchange device 21 is not limited to being notified simultaneously with the third information, and the information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the exchange device 21 may be notified at a different timing from the third information (for example, a timing after the third information is displayed).

[0070] (9) The above-described embodiments can be considered as disclosures of the battery exchange system 1, the vehicle 10, the management server 100, the equipment server 200, or the mobile terminal 800, and can be considered as disclosures of a control processing method or a control processing program for executing a predetermined process executed by the battery exchange system 1, the vehicle 10, the management server 100, the equipment server 200, or the mobile terminal 800.

[0071] [summary] (1) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the notification control method is a notification control method by a notification control device (for example, facility server 200, processor of exchange device 21, ECU 12 of vehicle 10, CPU 810 of mobile terminal 800) that causes a notification device (for example, display device 250, exchange station 20, display or speaker of vehicle 10 or mobile terminal 800) to notify information related to exchange device 21 that replaces main battery 11 that is mounted on vehicle 10 and stores power used for traveling. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, exchange device 21 is a device for replacing main battery 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the notification control method includes the steps of: the notification control device acquiring abnormality occurrence information related to replacement of the main battery 11 from the replacement device 21 (e.g., step S112, steps S211 to S213); acquiring from the replacement device 21 or the vehicle 10 drivable state information indicating that the main battery 11 is in an installed state in which the vehicle 10 is capable of running (e.g., step S113, steps S221 to S224); when the abnormality occurrence information and the drivable state information are acquired, causing the notification device to issue first information indicating that running is possible (e.g., steps S121 to S124); and when the abnormality occurrence information is acquired but the drivable state information is not acquired, causing the notification device to issue second information indicating that running is not possible (e.g., steps S131 to S133).

[0072] As a result, if an abnormality occurs with the replacement of the main battery 11 of the vehicle 10, and the main battery 11 is in an installation state that allows the vehicle 10 to be driven, the notification device will notify the user of information that the vehicle 10 can be driven, whereas if the main battery 11 is not in an installation state that allows the vehicle 10 to be driven, the notification device will notify the user of information that the vehicle 10 cannot be driven. Therefore, if there is an abnormality in the vehicle 10 with regard to the replacement of the main battery 11 but there is no abnormality in the replacement device 21, and if the main battery 11 is in an installation state that allows the vehicle 10 to be driven, the user can remove the vehicle 10 from the replacement device 21 in response to the notification that the vehicle 10 can be driven, so that the abnormality in the vehicle 10 can be dealt with outside the replacement device 21, and another vehicle 10 can replace the main battery 11 at the replacement device 21. Furthermore, if there is an abnormality in the replacement device 21 regarding replacement of the main battery 11, and the main battery 11 is installed in a state that allows the vehicle 10 to be driven, the user can remove the vehicle 10 from the replacement device 21 in response to a notification that the vehicle 10 can be driven, which facilitates the work of repairing the replacement device 21. As a result, the user of the vehicle 10 can take appropriate action.

[0073] (2) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the alarm device is an HMI 15 provided in the vehicle 10, and when abnormality information is acquired by the HMI 15 but drivable state information is not acquired, power may be supplied from the auxiliary battery 16 of the vehicle 10.

[0074] As a result, even if an abnormality occurs during replacement of the main battery 11 of the vehicle 10 and power cannot be supplied from the main battery 11, power can be supplied from the auxiliary battery 16 to the notification device of the vehicle 10. As a result, even if an abnormality occurs during replacement of the main battery 11, information can be transmitted to the user.

[0075] (3) As shown in FIG. 3, the notification control method may further include a step in which the notification control device acquires from the vehicle 10 startup information indicating that the vehicle 10 has been started (e.g., step S111); a step in which, when the drivable state information and the startup information are acquired, the notification device notifies third information (e.g., a map screen) different from the first information and the second information (e.g., steps S141 and S142); and a step in which, when the abnormality occurrence information and the startup information are acquired, the notification device notifies the first information or the second information instead of the third information (e.g., steps S121, S122, S131, and S133).

[0076] As a result, if the main battery 11 is installed in a state that allows the vehicle 10 to be driven and no abnormality related to the replacement of the main battery 11 occurs when the vehicle 10 is started, the user is notified of the third information, which is different from the information indicating whether the vehicle can be driven. Also, if an abnormality related to the replacement of the main battery 11 occurs when the vehicle 10 is started, the user is notified of the information indicating whether the vehicle can be driven, rather than the third information. As a result, by giving priority to the notification of necessary information depending on the situation, it is possible to appropriately communicate information to the user.

[0077] (4) As shown in FIG. 3, the notification control method may further include a step (e.g., step S112) in which the notification control device acquires vehicle normality information indicating that the vehicle 10 is normal from the exchange device 21 or the vehicle 10, and a step (e.g., step S141, step S142) in which, if the vehicle normality information and startup information are acquired despite the abnormality occurrence information and the drivable state information being acquired, the notification device notifies the third information.

[0078] As a result, even if an abnormality has occurred with the replacement of the main battery 11 and the main battery 11 is installed in a state that allows the vehicle 10 to be driven, if there is no abnormality in the vehicle 10, the user is notified of information different from the information indicating whether the vehicle 10 can be driven. As a result, the user can be given the impression that the vehicle 10 is normal.

[0079] (5) As shown in FIG. 3, the notification control method may further include a step (e.g., step S112) in which, when abnormality occurrence information is acquired, the notification control device acquires abnormality device information indicating whether the abnormality has occurred in the exchange device 21 or the vehicle 10, and a step (e.g., steps S121 to S124) in which, when the abnormality device information is acquired, the notification device issues different information indicating whether the abnormality has occurred in the exchange device 21 or the vehicle 10.

[0080] As a result, if the abnormal device information indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle 10, it can be recommended that the vehicle 10 be inspected on the spot without going onto a public road after the vehicle 10 is removed from the replacement device 21. If the abnormal device information indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle 10, it can be recommended that the main battery 11 be replaced by another replacement device 21, or that the main battery 11 be externally charged.

[0081] (6) As shown in step S222 of FIG. 3, whether the main battery 11 is in an installed state that allows the vehicle 10 to run may be determined when the vehicle 10 is stopped at the initial position of a specific operation during replacement of the main battery 11.

[0082] This makes it possible to more appropriately determine that the main battery 11 is in an installed state that allows the vehicle 10 to run when the determination is made when the vehicle is stopped at an initial position of a specific operation, compared to when the determination is made when the vehicle is stopped at an intermediate position during the specific operation.

[0083] (7) As shown in step S222 of FIG. 3, whether the main battery 11 is in an installed state that allows the vehicle 10 to run may be determined when the main battery 11 has been restored to the state before replacement began.

[0084] This makes it possible to more appropriately determine that the main battery 11 is in an installed state that allows the vehicle 10 to be driven when the determination is made after the main battery 11 has been restored to the state before the replacement was started, compared to when the determination is made when the main battery 11 has not been restored to the state before the replacement was started.

[0085] (8) As shown in step S133 of FIG. 3, the notification control method may further include a step in which the notification control device causes the notification device to notify the user of the time required to resolve the abnormality related to the replacement of the main battery 11.

[0086] This allows the user to be notified of the time required to resolve the abnormality related to the replacement of the main battery 11.

[0087] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 Battery exchange system, 10, 10A, 10B Vehicle, 11 Main battery, 12 ECU, 13 Drive unit, 14 DCM, 15 HMI, 16 Auxiliary battery, 20, 20A to 20C Exchange station, 21 Exchange device, 100 Management server, 110, 210, 810 CPU, 120, 220, 820 Memory, 130, 230, 830 Communication unit, 140, 240 Mass storage device, 200, 200A to 200C Equipment server, 250, 250A Display device, 800 Mobile terminal, 840 Input unit, 850 Output unit, 900 Communication network.

Claims

1. A notification control method using a notification control device that causes a notification device to notify information about an exchange device that exchanges an electric storage device that is mounted on a vehicle and stores electric power used for driving, comprising: the exchange device is a device for exchanging the power storage device, The notification control method includes: acquiring, from the replacement device, information on an abnormality occurrence related to the replacement of the power storage device; acquiring, from the exchange device or the vehicle, travel-ready state information indicating that the power storage device is in an attached state in which the vehicle is capable of traveling; when the abnormality occurrence information and the travelable state information are acquired, causing the notification device to notify first information indicating that travel is possible; and when the abnormality occurrence information is acquired but the travelable state information is not acquired, causing the notification device to notify second information indicating that travel is not possible, The notification device is provided in the vehicle, In the notification control method, when the abnormality occurrence information is acquired but the drivable state information is not acquired, the notification device is supplied with power from an auxiliary battery of the vehicle.

2. The notification control method further includes the step of: obtaining activation information from the vehicle indicating that the vehicle has been activated; when the travelable state information and the startup information are acquired, causing the notification device to notify third information different from the first information and the second information; The notification control method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of causing the notification device to notify the first information or the second information, rather than the third information, when the abnormality occurrence information and the startup information are acquired.

3. The notification control method further includes the step of: acquiring vehicle normality information indicating that the vehicle is normal from the exchange device or the vehicle; 3. The notification control method according to claim 2, further comprising a step of causing the notification device to notify the third information when the vehicle normal information and the startup information are acquired even though the abnormality occurrence information and the drivable state information have been acquired.

4. A notification control method using a notification control device that causes a notification device to notify information about an exchange device that exchanges a power storage device that is mounted on a vehicle and stores power used for driving, comprising: the exchange device is a device for exchanging the power storage device, The notification control method includes: acquiring, from the replacement device, information on an abnormality occurrence related to the replacement of the power storage device; acquiring, from the exchange device or the vehicle, travel-ready state information indicating that the power storage device is in an attached state in which the vehicle is capable of traveling; when the abnormality occurrence information and the travelable state information are acquired, causing the notification device to notify first information indicating that travel is possible; when the abnormality occurrence information is acquired but the travelable state information is not acquired, causing the notification device to notify second information indicating that travel is not possible; When the abnormality occurrence information is acquired, acquiring abnormal device information indicating whether the abnormality has occurred in the exchange device or the vehicle; When the abnormal device information is acquired, the notification control method includes a step of causing the notification device to notify information indicating whether the abnormality has occurred in the exchange device or in the vehicle, which differs.

5. A notification control method using a notification control device that causes a notification device to notify information about an exchange device that exchanges a power storage device that is mounted on a vehicle and stores power used for driving, comprising: the exchange device is a device for exchanging the power storage device, The notification control method includes: acquiring, from the replacement device, information on an abnormality occurrence related to the replacement of the power storage device; acquiring, from the exchange device or the vehicle, travel-ready state information indicating that the power storage device is in an attached state in which the vehicle is capable of traveling; when the abnormality occurrence information and the travelable state information are acquired, causing the notification device to notify first information indicating that travel is possible; when the abnormality occurrence information is acquired but the travelable state information is not acquired, causing the notification device to notify second information indicating that travel is not possible; and causing the notification device to notify the user of a time required to resolve the abnormality related to the replacement of the power storage device.

6. A notification control device that notifies information about a replacement device that replaces a power storage device that is mounted on a vehicle and stores power used for traveling, the exchange device is a device for exchanging the power storage device, The notification control device acquiring, from the replacement device, abnormality occurrence information relating to the replacement of the power storage device; The power storage device acquires, from the exchange device or the vehicle, travel-ready state information indicating that the vehicle is in an installed state where the vehicle is capable of traveling; when the abnormality occurrence information and the travelable state information are acquired, first information indicating that travel is possible is issued by the notification device; When the abnormality occurrence information is acquired but the travelable state information is not acquired, second information indicating that travel is impossible is issued by the notification device; The notification device is provided in the vehicle, The notification control device receives the abnormality occurrence information and, if the travelable state information is not received, receives power from an auxiliary battery of the vehicle.

7. A notification control device that notifies information about a replacement device that replaces a power storage device that is mounted on a vehicle and stores power used for traveling, the exchange device is a device for exchanging the power storage device, The notification control device acquiring, from the replacement device, abnormality occurrence information relating to the replacement of the power storage device; The power storage device acquires, from the exchange device or the vehicle, travel-ready state information indicating that the vehicle is in an installed state where the vehicle is capable of traveling; when the abnormality occurrence information and the travelable state information are acquired, first information indicating that travel is possible is issued by the notification device; When the abnormality occurrence information is acquired but the travelable state information is not acquired, second information indicating that travel is impossible is issued by the notification device; When the abnormality occurrence information is acquired, abnormal device information indicating whether the abnormality has occurred in the exchange device or the vehicle is acquired; When the abnormal device information is acquired, the notification control device causes the notification device to notify different information regarding whether the abnormality has occurred in the exchange device or the vehicle.

8. A notification control device that notifies information about a replacement device that replaces a power storage device that is mounted on a vehicle and stores power used for traveling, the exchange device is a device for exchanging the power storage device, The notification control device acquiring, from the replacement device, abnormality occurrence information relating to the replacement of the power storage device; The power storage device acquires, from the exchange device or the vehicle, travel-ready state information indicating that the vehicle is in an installed state where the vehicle is capable of traveling; when the abnormality occurrence information and the travelable state information are acquired, first information indicating that travel is possible is issued by the notification device; When the abnormality occurrence information is acquired but the travelable state information is not acquired, second information indicating that travel is impossible is issued by the notification device; a notification control device that causes the notification device to notify the user of a time required to resolve the abnormality related to the replacement of the power storage device;

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