Power storage pack

Abstract

A power storage pack (10) is detachably attached to an electric mobility device and comprises a power storage module. A control unit (14) permits power supply from the power storage module (11) to the electric mobility device when an anti-theft flag is in on-state and prohibits the power supply when the flag is in off-state. The control unit (14) switches the flag to off when the power storage pack (10) has been removed from the electric mobility device in a predetermined procedure, and maintains the flag on when the power storage pack (10) has been removed without following the predetermined procedure.

Description

Energy storage pack

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electricity storage pack for use in electric mobility.

[0002] Detachable, portable battery packs are often used as power sources for electric mobility devices such as electric bicycles (also known as pedelecs), electric motorcycles, electric kick scooters, ultra-compact EVs, and small multicopters (also known as drones).

[0003] The use of a user's smartphone as a power key for an electric mobility vehicle is being considered. By linking the smartphone with the battery pack of the electric mobility vehicle in advance using ID information, and by not allowing a battery pack that cannot be authenticated to supply power to the drivetrain while driving, the smartphone can function as a power key.

[0004] In the above method, if the battery pack is transferred without initializing the ID information of the battery pack, a new user who legitimately receives the battery pack will be unable to use the battery pack as a power source for electric mobility, which is an inconvenience.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a power supply device including a battery controller and multiple battery modules. If authentication cannot be established between the cell controller that controls the batteries in each battery module and the battery controller, or if the authentication key in the cell controller's memory is erased, it is determined that the battery modules have been fraudulently used. However, the power supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is basically a type that is fixed to the vehicle, and is not a type that is removed from the vehicle each time charging is required, so that it can be attached to an external charger for charging.

[0006] WO 14 / 027509

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in light of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can prevent theft of electricity storage packs while ensuring convenience.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, an aspect of the present disclosure provides an electricity storage pack that is detachably attached to an electric mobility vehicle, and includes: an electricity storage module; and a control unit that permits power supply from the electricity storage module to the electric mobility vehicle when an anti-theft flag is on and prohibits power supply from the electricity storage module to the electric mobility vehicle when the flag is off. The control unit switches the flag off when the electricity storage pack is removed from the electric mobility vehicle in a predetermined procedure, and keeps the flag on when the electricity storage pack is removed without following the predetermined procedure.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent theft of electricity storage packs while ensuring convenience.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing an electric mobility equipped with a battery pack according to an embodiment, and a terminal device. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the battery pack according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a table summarizing functions controlled in the theft deterrence mode. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific image of a first example of a predetermined procedure that serves as a condition for switching off the theft deterrence mode. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operational flow of the first example of a predetermined procedure that serves as a condition for switching off the theft deterrence mode. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific image of a second example of a predetermined procedure that serves as a condition for switching off the theft deterrence mode. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operational flow of the second example of a predetermined procedure that serves as a condition for switching off the theft deterrence mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific image of a third example of a predetermined procedure that serves as a condition for switching off the theft deterrence mode. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operational flow of the third example of a predetermined procedure that serves as a condition for switching off the theft deterrence mode.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing an electric mobility 1 equipped with a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment, and a terminal device 20. The battery pack 10 is a detachable, portable, and replaceable battery pack 10 that can be attached to an attachment slot of the electric mobility 1 or a charger (not shown). In the following description of this embodiment, the electric mobility 1 is assumed to be a pedestrian.

[0012] The terminal device 20 is a terminal device used as a power key for the electric mobility 1, and in the following embodiment, it is assumed to be a smartphone. Short-range wireless communication is used for wireless communication between the battery pack 10 and the terminal device 20. Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), infrared communication, etc. can be used as short-range wireless communication. In the following embodiment, it is assumed that BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as short-range wireless communication.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment. The battery pack 10 includes a battery module 11 and a battery management device 12. The battery module 11 includes multiple cells E1-En connected in series. The number of cells connected in series is determined by the load specifications. The cells may be lithium-ion battery cells, nickel-metal hydride battery cells, lead-acid battery cells, or the like. In the following description, an example using lithium-ion battery cells (nominal voltage: 3.6-3.7 V) is assumed. Note that, in each series stage of cells, multiple cells may be connected in parallel to increase capacity.

[0014] A switch SW1 that switches between electrical continuity with the load or charger is inserted in a power line connecting the battery module 11 and the load (mainly an inverter or a motor) or a charger (not shown) of the electric mobility 1. A semiconductor switch or a relay can be used as the switch SW1.

[0015] The battery management device 12 includes a measurement unit 13, a control unit 14, a real-time clock circuit 15, a mating detection unit 16, a wireless communication unit 17, and a vibration sensor 18. The measurement unit 13 is configured as an AFE (Analog Front End) IC or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the control unit 14 is configured as a microcontroller.

[0016] The real-time clock circuit 15 is a clock circuit that continues to count the current time independently of the microcontroller. The real-time clock circuit 15 continues to count the current time even when the microcontroller is stopped, and sets the current time in the microcontroller when the microcontroller is started.

[0017] The measurement unit 13 is connected to each node of the multiple cells E1-En connected in series by multiple voltage measurement lines, and measures the voltage of each cell E1-En by measuring the voltage between each two adjacent voltage measurement lines.

[0018] The measurement unit 13 includes a multiplexer and an A / D converter. The multiplexer outputs the voltages of the multiple cells E1-En to the A / D converter in a predetermined order. The A / D converter converts the analog voltages input from the multiplexer into digital values. The measurement unit 13 transmits the voltage values ​​of the cells E1-En, converted into digital values, to the control unit 14 via a serial communication interface. The measurement unit 13 and the control unit 14 may be connected by an analog communication line, and the A / D converter may be provided within the control unit 14.

[0019] The measurement unit 13 measures the current flowing through the battery module 11. A shunt resistor Rs is connected to a power line connecting the battery module 11 to a load or a charger. A differential amplifier (not shown) amplifies the voltage across the shunt resistor Rs and outputs it to an A / D converter in the measurement unit 13. The A / D converter converts the analog voltage indicating the current flowing through the battery module 11, which is input from the differential amplifier, into a digital value. The measurement unit 13 transmits the converted digital current value to the control unit 14 via a serial communication interface. Note that the measurement unit 13 and control unit 14 may be connected by an analog communication line, and the A / D converter may be provided within the control unit 14.

[0020] A temperature sensor T1 is installed on the surface of the battery module 11. The divided voltage of the temperature sensor T1 and the voltage dividing resistor is input to the measurement unit 13. An A / D converter in the measurement unit 13 converts the input analog voltage indicating the temperature into a digital value. The measurement unit 13 transmits the converted digital temperature value to the control unit 14 via a serial communication interface. Alternatively, the measurement unit 13 and the control unit 14 may be connected by an analog communication line, and the A / D converter may be provided in the control unit 14.

[0021] The control unit 14 includes a power cutoff control unit 141 , a pack state management unit 142 , an ID authentication management unit 143 , an ID / flag holding unit 144 , an ID sharing terminal searching unit 145 , and a detection value holding unit 146 .

[0022] The pack state management unit 142 manages the states of the cells E1 to En based on the voltage values ​​of the cells E1 to En, the current values ​​flowing through the battery module 11, and the temperature values ​​of the battery module 11 received from the measurement unit 13.

[0023] The pack status management unit 142 can estimate the SOC (State Of Charge) by combining the OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method and the current integration method. The OCV method estimates the SOC based on the measured cell OCV and the cell's SOC-OCV curve. The cell's SOC-OCV curve is created in advance by the battery manufacturer based on characteristic tests and is registered in the ROM built into the microcontroller at the time of shipment. For example, flash memory or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) is used as the ROM. Note that an external ROM may also be used.

[0024] The current integration method estimates the SOC based on the OCV at the start of cell charging and discharging and the integrated value of the measured current. With the current integration method, current measurement errors accumulate as charging and discharging time increases. Therefore, it is preferable to use a weighted average of the SOC estimated by the current integration method and the SOC estimated by the OCV method. When estimating the SOC, the pack state management unit 142 preferably corrects the SOC according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor T1.

[0025] When the battery pack 10 is attached to the electric mobility 1, the pack status management unit 142 establishes a communication channel with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown) of the electric mobility 1, and sends and receives control signals to and from the ECU.

[0026] The power cutoff control unit 141 controls the conduction / cutoff of the power line connected to the load or the charger. When the pack status management unit 142 detects overcharging, over-discharging, overcurrent, abnormally high temperature, or abnormally low temperature, or when a parking signal is received from the ECU of the electric mobility 1, the power cutoff control unit 141 sends a cutoff signal for the switch SW1 to the measurement unit 13 to turn off the switch SW1.

[0027] The mating detection unit 16 detects the mating state between the connector of the battery pack 10 and the connector of the battery attachment unit of the electric mobility 1. For example, the connector on the battery pack 10 side may be a female connector, and the connector on the battery attachment unit of the electric mobility 1 may be a male connector. The mating detection unit 16 outputs a detachment signal according to the connection state between the two to the pack state management unit 142. The detachment signal is specified as a binary signal, and an ON signal is output when the two are connected, and an OFF signal is output when the two are separated.

[0028] The mating detection unit 16 can be configured, for example, by a reed switch. In this case, the mating detection unit 16 magnetically determines whether the two are connected. Alternatively, a sensor that mechanically detects whether the two are connected may be used. The pack status management unit 142 determines the mating status of the battery pack 10 based on the on / off status of the attachment / detachment signal input from the mating detection unit 16.

[0029] The vibration sensor 18 detects vibrations applied to the battery pack 10 while the electric mobility 1 is stopped. For example, a piezoelectric or piezo-resistive acceleration sensor can be used as the vibration sensor 18. A piezoelectric acceleration sensor converts strain of ceramic caused by pressure into an electrical signal and outputs the signal. A piezo-resistive acceleration sensor converts resistance changes caused by pressure applied to a piezo-resistance into an electrical signal.

[0030] The pack status management unit 142 adds time information to the vibration detection value at each sampling timing detected by the vibration sensor 18 and stores the value in the detection value storage unit 146. The detection value storage unit 146 is allocated in RAM built into the microcontroller. An area in the RAM that can store at least three minutes of vibration detection value data is allocated for the detection value storage unit 146. When the free space in the area allocated in the RAM for storing vibration detection values ​​runs out, the pack status management unit 142 overwrites the data in the area where old data is stored with new data.

[0031] The wireless communication unit 17 executes short-range wireless communication processing. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 17 is configured by a BLE module, and the antenna 17a is configured by a chip antenna or a pattern antenna built into the BLE module. The wireless communication unit 17 outputs data received via short-range wireless communication to the control unit 14, and also transmits data input from the control unit 14 via short-range wireless communication.

[0032] 1 is a terminal device carried by a user of the electric mobility 1. The user downloads an application program (hereinafter referred to as a mobility app) for managing the electric mobility 1 from a distribution server to the terminal device 20 and installs it on the terminal device 20. The mobility app is uploaded to the distribution server in advance, and the distribution server provides the mobility app that it manages to the terminal device 20 that accesses it via the network.

[0033] The mobility app can work in conjunction with a map app installed on the terminal device 20 and a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor to display the current location of the electric mobility 1 on the display unit of the terminal device 20. The mobility app can also estimate the speed, distance traveled, calories burned, etc. based on the movement trajectory of the position of the electric mobility 1, and display these on the display unit of the terminal device 20.

[0034] When the user of the electric mobility 1 activates the mobility app on the terminal device 20 while Bluetooth on the terminal device 20 is on, a pairing process including an encryption key exchange process is executed between the short-range wireless communication unit of the terminal device 20 and the wireless communication unit 17 of the battery pack 10. If Bluetooth on the terminal device 20 is off when the user activates the mobility app on the terminal device 20, the mobility app will automatically turn on Bluetooth or display a pop-up on the display unit prompting the user to turn on Bluetooth.

[0035] A user who has legitimately purchased an electric mobility 1 links the terminal device 20 held by the user with the battery pack 10 mounted on the purchased electric mobility 1 by ID information in preparation for using the electric mobility 1.

[0036] When pairing between the short-range wireless communication unit of the terminal device 20 and the wireless communication unit 17 of the battery pack 10 is completed, the user inputs ID information to the mobility app of the terminal device 20. The mobility app transmits the input ID information to the battery pack 10 using short-range wireless communication and stores it in the non-volatile memory of the terminal device 20. When the wireless communication unit 17 of the battery pack 10 receives the ID information from the short-range wireless communication unit of the terminal device 20, the ID authentication management unit 143 stores the received ID information in the ID / flag holding unit 144. The ID / flag holding unit 144 is secured in a ROM built into the microcontroller.

[0037] When a user who has completed registration of ID information uses the electric mobility 1, the user activates the mobility app on the terminal device 20 while Bluetooth is on. The mobility app sends out an advertisement packet (beacon packet) including the ID information stored in the non-volatile memory. The advertisement packet is a signal used to notify the surrounding area of ​​the user's presence via short-range wireless communication.

[0038] When the ID authentication management unit 143 of the battery pack 10 receives an advertising packet, it compares the ID information contained in the advertising packet with the ID information stored in the ID / flag holding unit 144. If the two match and ID authentication is successful, the ID authentication management unit 143 determines that the access is from a legitimate user. In this case, the power cut-off control unit 141 sends a conduction signal for the switch SW1 to the measurement unit 13 to turn on the switch SW1. This enables power to be supplied from the battery module 11 to the load of the electric mobility 1, enabling the electric mobility 1 to travel electrically.

[0039] If the received ID information does not match the stored ID information and ID authentication fails, the ID authentication management unit 143 determines that the access is not from an authorized user. In this case, the power cut-off control unit 141 prohibits the switch SW1 from being turned on and maintains the switch SW1 in the off state. The power supply from the battery module 11 to the load of the electric mobility 1 remains cut off, and the electric mobility 1 remains unable to travel on its own power.

[0040] When the connection between the wireless communication unit 17 of the battery pack 10 and the short-range wireless communication unit of the terminal device 20 whose ID authentication has been successful is disconnected, the ID authentication management unit 143 determines that the authorized user has finished using the electric mobility 1. In this case, the power cut-off control unit 141 sends a cut-off signal for the switch SW1 to the measurement unit 13 to turn off the switch SW1. This makes it impossible to supply power from the battery module 11 to the load of the electric mobility 1, and the electric mobility 1 becomes unable to travel on electric power.

[0041] In the following, we consider a case where the electric mobility 1 on which the above-described operation is implemented is transferred. If the previous user initializes the ID information stored in the ID / flag storage unit 144 of the battery pack 10 and transfers the electric mobility 1, the new user can link the terminal device 20 held by the new user with the battery pack 10 using the new ID information, using a procedure similar to that described above.

[0042] In contrast, if the previous user transfers the electric mobility 1 without initializing the ID information stored in the ID / flag storage unit 144 of the battery pack 10, the new user will not be able to link the terminal device 20 held by the new user with the battery pack 10 using new ID information, because the existing ID information exists in the battery pack 10. In this case, the new user will basically not be able to electrically drive the electric mobility 1 that he or she has transferred to him or her.

[0043] If the existing ID information registered in the battery pack 10 could be rewritten from a terminal device 20 other than the terminal device 20 that shares the ID information, a person who illegally steals or seizes the battery pack 10 could rewrite the ID information and become able to use the electric mobility 1, which is not a desirable specification.

[0044] However, it is undesirable that if the previous user transfers the electric mobility 1 to the new user without initializing the ID information of the battery pack 10, the new user will be unable to electrically drive the electric mobility 1. When the previous user transfers the electric mobility 1, it is common for the previous user to forget to initialize the ID information of the battery pack 10.

[0045] Therefore, in this embodiment, a theft prevention mode is introduced. The theft prevention mode has an ON state and an OFF state, and is managed by a flag. The pack status management unit 142 maintains the theft prevention mode in the ON state while the battery pack 10 is attached to the electric mobility 1.

[0046] The pack status management unit 142 switches the theft prevention mode off when an authorized user removes the battery pack 10 from the electric mobility 1 in accordance with a predetermined procedure, and keeps the theft prevention mode on when an unauthorized user removes the battery pack 10 from the electric mobility 1 without following the predetermined procedure. The pack status management unit 142 stores and manages a flag indicating the on / off state of the theft prevention mode in the ID / flag holding unit 144.

[0047] 3 is a diagram showing a table summarizing the functions controlled by the theft prevention mode. When the theft prevention mode is on, authentication is required while driving. When the battery pack 10 is attached to the electric mobility 1, the theft prevention mode cannot be turned off.

[0048] A registered user who owns a terminal device 20 sharing ID information with the battery pack 10 can register / rewrite the ID information in the battery pack 10 whether the theft prevention mode is on or off.

[0049] An unregistered user who has a terminal device 20 that does not share ID information with the battery pack 10 can register / rewrite the ID information in the battery pack 10 when the theft prevention mode is off, but is prohibited from registering / rewriting the ID information in the battery pack 10 when the theft prevention mode is on.

[0050] In this embodiment, when the battery pack 10 is removed from the electric mobility 1, the following three conditions are specified as the predetermined procedures that are conditions for switching off the theft prevention mode: (1) A search for a terminal device 20 that shares ID information with the battery pack 10 is successful. (2) The detected value of the vibration sensor 18 when the battery pack 10 is removed is less than the vibration threshold. (3) The time during which significant vibration is detected by the vibration sensor 18 when the battery pack 10 is removed is less than the time threshold.

[0051] When the battery pack 10 is removed from the electric mobility 1, the ID sharing terminal searching unit 145 causes the wireless communication unit 17 to send an advertising packet. The advertising packet includes a request for ID information.

[0052] When the mobility application of the terminal device 20 receives the advertising packet via the short-range wireless communication unit, the mobility application transmits a response packet to the sender of the advertising packet using the short-range wireless communication unit. The response packet includes ID information stored in the non-volatile memory of the terminal device 20.

[0053] When the ID-sharing terminal searching unit 145 of the battery pack 10 receives the response packet, it compares the ID information included in the response packet with the ID information stored in the ID / flag holding unit 144. If the two match, the ID-sharing terminal searching unit 145 determines that the search for the terminal device 20 that shares the ID information has been successful. If the two do not match or if the response packet does not contain ID information, the ID-sharing terminal searching unit 145 determines that the search for the terminal device 20 that shares the ID information has failed.

[0054] When a terminal device 20 possessed by a thief or seizer of a battery pack 10 receives an advertising packet from the battery pack 10, it is highly likely that the mobility app is not running. Even if the mobility app is installed and running, it is not possible to respond with valid ID information because ID information is not shared with the stolen or seized battery pack 10.

[0055] In contrast, if the conditions for use of the electric mobility 1 are that the pairing connection between the authorized user's terminal device 20 and the battery pack 10 remains continuous and that the mobility app on the terminal device 20 is running (even if it runs in the background), and if the mobility app continues to run for a certain period of time after use of the electric mobility 1 ends, it is possible to ensure that the mobility app is running when the terminal device 20 receives the advice packet. Even if the authorized user closes the mobility app when parking, if it runs in the background for a certain period of time, it will be able to transmit ID information to the battery pack 10 in response to the advice packet when the battery pack 10 is removed.

[0056] Furthermore, the ID sharing terminal searching unit 145 of the battery pack 10 may execute the following control: When the battery pack 10 is detached from the electric mobility 1, the ID sharing terminal searching unit 145 causes the wireless communication unit 17 to send a response request packet specifying, as the destination, a terminal device 20 that shares ID information and has a connection history.

[0057] When the terminal device 20 receives the response request packet via the short-range wireless communication unit, the terminal device 20 checks the destination included in the response request packet, and if the destination is the terminal device itself, the terminal device 20 uses the short-range wireless communication unit to return a response packet to the sender of the response request packet. When the ID-sharing terminal search unit 145 of the battery pack 10 receives the response packet a set number of times or more, it determines that the search for the terminal device 20 that shares the ID information has been successful.

[0058] 4 is a diagram showing a specific image of a first example of a predetermined procedure that is a condition for switching off the theft prevention mode. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operational flow of the first example of the predetermined procedure that is a condition for switching off the theft prevention mode.

[0059] The pack status management unit 142 keeps the theft prevention flag ON (S10) while the battery pack 10 is attached to the electric mobility 1. When the detachment signal indicating the fitted state input from the fitting detection unit 16 transitions to OFF, the pack status management unit 142 determines that the battery pack 10 has been detached (Y in S11).

[0060] If it is determined that the battery pack 10 has been removed (Y in S11), the ID sharing terminal searching unit 145 causes the wireless communication unit 17 to send a response request packet addressed to the terminal device 20 that shares the ID information (S12). After sending the response request packet, the ID sharing terminal searching unit 145 counts up the number of requests (S13).

[0061] 4, a terminal device 20 that shares the ID information held by a legitimate user returns a response packet upon receiving the response request packet. A terminal device 20 that does not share the ID information held by a thief or theft of the battery pack 10 does not return a response packet even upon receiving the response request packet.

[0062] If the ID sharing terminal searching unit 145 receives a response packet (Y in S14), it counts up the number of responses (S15). If it does not receive a response packet (N in S14), it skips the count up in step S15.

[0063] While the number of requests is equal to or less than the first set number of times (N in step S16), the process proceeds to step S12, and the processes of steps S12 to S15 are repeated. When the number of requests exceeds the first set number of times (Y in step S16), the ID sharing terminal searching unit 145 compares the number of responses with the second set number of times (S17).

[0064] If the number of responses is greater than the second set number (Y in S17), the pack status management unit 142 determines that the removal was by an authorized user and switches the theft prevention flag to OFF (S18).If the number of responses is equal to or less than the second set number (N in S17), the pack status management unit 142 determines that the removal was by an unauthorized user and keeps the theft prevention flag on.

[0065] 6 is a diagram showing a specific image of a second example of the predetermined procedure that is a condition for switching off the theft prevention mode. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operational flow of the second example of the predetermined procedure that is a condition for switching off the theft prevention mode.

[0066] When the battery pack 10 is attached to the electric mobility 1, the pack status management unit 142 keeps the theft prevention flag on (S20). When the pack status management unit 142 receives a stop signal from the ECU of the electric mobility 1, it determines that the electric mobility 1 has stopped (Y in S21). Note that the pack status management unit 142 may also determine that the electric mobility 1 has stopped when the value of the current flowing through the battery module 11, excluding the current consumption of the control system, becomes substantially zero.

[0067] When it is determined that the electric mobility 1 has stopped (Y in S21), the pack status management unit 142 acquires the vibration detection value measured by the vibration sensor 18 while the electric mobility 1 was stopped and stores it in the detection value storage unit 146 (S22). When the detachment signal indicating the fitted state input from the fitting detection unit 16 transitions to OFF, the pack status management unit 142 determines that the battery pack 10 has been detached (Y in S23).

[0068] When it is determined that the battery pack 10 has been removed (Y in S23), the pack status management unit 142 compares the intensity (amplitude value) of the vibration detection value for the period immediately before the timing at which the detachment signal transitioned to OFF (for example, the period from a few seconds before the timing at which the detachment signal transitioned to OFF to the timing at which the detachment signal transitioned to OFF) with the first vibration threshold value (S24).

[0069] The vibration detection value for the period immediately before the timing when the detachment signal transitions to OFF is stored in the detection value storage unit 146. The first vibration threshold is set to a value that exceeds the vibration caused by normal removal of the battery pack 10 and is used to detect vibration caused when the locking mechanism of the battery pack 10 is physically destroyed and the battery pack is seized. The first vibration threshold is determined based on the results of experiments and simulations.

[0070] If the intensities of all vibration detection values ​​in the immediately preceding period are less than the first vibration threshold (Y in S24), the pack status management unit 142 determines that the battery pack 10 has been removed by an authorized user and switches the theft prevention flag to OFF (S25).If the intensity of at least one vibration detection value in the immediately preceding period is equal to or greater than the first vibration threshold (N in S24), the pack status management unit 142 determines that the battery pack 10 has been stolen by an unauthorized user and keeps the theft prevention flag ON.

[0071] 8 is a diagram showing a specific image of a third example of the predetermined procedure that is a condition for switching off the theft prevention mode. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operational flow of the third example of the predetermined procedure that is a condition for switching off the theft prevention mode.

[0072] When the battery pack 10 is attached to the electric mobility 1, the pack status management unit 142 keeps the theft prevention flag on (S30). When the pack status management unit 142 receives a stop signal from the ECU of the electric mobility 1, it determines that the electric mobility 1 has stopped (Y in S31).

[0073] When it is determined that the electric mobility 1 has stopped (Y in S31), the pack status management unit 142 acquires the vibration detection value measured by the vibration sensor 18 at a predetermined cycle (S32). The pack status management unit 142 compares the intensity (amplitude) of the vibration detection value with a second vibration threshold (S33). The second vibration threshold is set to a value lower than the first vibration threshold. The second vibration threshold is set to a value for detecting artificially generated vibrations (specifically, vibrations generated by picking a lock to unlock the battery pack 10) that exceed vibrations that occur as natural phenomena. The second vibration threshold is determined based on the results of experiments and simulations.

[0074] If the vibration detection value exceeds the second vibration threshold (Y in S33), the pack status management unit 142 records the vibration occurrence time in the detection value storage unit 146 (S34). If the vibration detection value is equal to or less than the second vibration threshold (N in S33), the pack status management unit 142 does not record the vibration occurrence time.

[0075] When the detachment signal indicating the fitted state input from the fitting detection unit 16 transitions to OFF, the pack status management unit 142 determines that the battery pack 10 has been removed (Y in S35). If it is determined that the battery pack 10 has been removed (Y in S35), the pack status management unit 142 calculates the vibration occurrence period in the period before the timing when the detachment signal transitioned to OFF (S36).

[0076] The vibration occurrence period is calculated based on a vibration group, which is a group of multiple vibration occurrence times stored in the detection value storage unit 146, where the interval between two adjacent vibration occurrence times is less than a predetermined time (e.g., a few seconds). Of the multiple vibration occurrence times grouped into one vibration group, the period between the oldest and newest vibration occurrence times is calculated as the vibration occurrence period. The time threshold is set to a certain amount of time longer than the time required for normal removal of the battery pack 10. The time threshold is determined based on the results of experiments and simulations.

[0077] If the vibration occurrence period is less than the time threshold value (Y in S37), the pack status management unit 142 determines that the removal was by a legitimate user and switches the theft prevention flag off (S38).If the vibration occurrence period is equal to or greater than the time threshold value (N in S37), the pack status management unit 142 determines that the battery pack 10 was stolen by an unauthorized user through picking and keeps the theft prevention flag on.

[0078] As described above, according to this embodiment, by introducing the theft prevention mode, it is possible to prevent theft of the battery pack 10 while ensuring convenience. A person who illegally steals or seizes the battery pack 10 will not be able to use the battery pack 10 as a power source for the electric mobility 1. On the other hand, even if the battery pack 10 is transferred without initializing the ID information of the battery pack 10, a new authorized user will be able to use the battery pack 10 as a power source for the electric mobility 1.

[0079] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. The embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of the respective components and processing steps, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the theft prevention mode is switched off when any one of the following conditions is met: (1) A search for a terminal device 20 that shares ID information with the battery pack 10 is successful; (2) The detected value of the vibration sensor 18 when the battery pack 10 is removed is less than the vibration threshold; or (3) The time during which significant vibration is detected by the vibration sensor 18 when the battery pack 10 is removed is less than the time threshold. However, the theft prevention mode may be switched off when two or more of the three conditions (1) to (3) are met. In this case, the security of the theft prevention can be strengthened.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, a smartphone is assumed as the terminal device 20 used as the power key for the electric mobility 1. However, the terminal device is not limited to a smartphone as long as it has a short-range wireless communication function. For example, a smartwatch, wireless earphones, wireless headphones, smart glasses, etc. may also be used. Furthermore, a dedicated terminal device in the shape of a card or a key may also be used.

[0082] Near Field Communication (NFC), based on ISO / IEC 18092, may be used as the short-range wireless communication. NFC is a short-range wireless communication method that uses a frequency of 13.56 MHz and has a communication distance of approximately 10 cm. In this case, a battery-free IC card can be used as the terminal device 20. The user can turn the power of the electric mobility 1 on and off by holding the IC card over the battery pack 10. The IC card operates by receiving wireless power from the battery pack 10 when it approaches the battery pack 10. Note that (1) successfully searching for a terminal device 20 that shares ID information with the battery pack 10 cannot be used as a condition for switching off the theft prevention mode.

[0083] If the only condition for switching off the theft prevention mode is (1) successful search for a terminal device 20 that shares ID information with the battery pack 10, the vibration sensor 18 can be omitted from the battery pack 10. In this case, costs can be reduced.

[0084] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the battery pack 10 incorporating the battery module 11 is used. In this regard, a capacitor pack incorporating a capacitor module including an electric double layer capacitor cell, a lithium ion capacitor cell, or the like may also be used. In this specification, the battery pack and the capacitor pack are collectively referred to as a power storage pack.

[0085] The embodiment may be specified by the following items.

[0086] [Item 1] An electricity storage pack (10) detachably attached to an electric mobility (1), comprising: an electricity storage module (11); and a control unit (14) that permits the supply of power from the electricity storage module (11) to the electric mobility (1) when an anti-theft flag is on and prohibits the supply of power from the electricity storage module (11) to the electric mobility (1) when the flag is off, wherein the control unit (14) switches the flag off when the electricity storage pack (10) is removed from the electric mobility (1) in accordance with a predetermined procedure, and keeps the flag on when the electricity storage pack (10) is removed without following the predetermined procedure. This makes it possible to prevent theft of the electricity storage pack (10) while ensuring convenience. [Item 2] The electricity storage pack (10) according to Item 1, wherein the ID information can be rewritten from a terminal device (20) that shares ID information with the electricity storage pack (10) regardless of whether the flag is on or off, and wherein rewriting of the ID information is prohibited from a terminal device (20) that does not share ID information with the electricity storage pack (10) when the flag is on. This makes it possible to manage the authority of authorized users and unauthorized users with respect to ID information using the flag. [Item 3] The electricity storage pack (10) according to Item 1, wherein the predetermined procedure is to successfully search for a terminal device (20) that shares ID information with the electricity storage pack (10). This makes it possible to determine with high accuracy whether a person who removed the electricity storage pack (10) is an authorized user. [Item 4] The electricity storage pack (10) according to Item 1, further comprising a vibration sensor (18), and wherein the predetermined procedure is that a detection value of the vibration sensor (18) when the electricity storage pack (10) is removed is less than a vibration threshold. This makes it possible to determine with high accuracy whether a person who has removed the electricity storage pack (10) is a thief of the electricity storage pack (10). [Item 5] The electricity storage pack (10) according to Item 1, further comprising a vibration sensor (18), and wherein the predetermined procedure is that a time during which significant vibration is detected by the vibration sensor (18) when the electricity storage pack (10) is removed is less than a time threshold.This makes it possible to determine with high accuracy whether a person who has removed the electricity storage pack (10) is a thief of the electricity storage pack (10). [Item 6] The electricity storage pack (10) according to Item 1, further including a vibration sensor (18), and wherein the predetermined procedure satisfies two or more of the following: successful wireless detection of a terminal device (20) that shares ID information with the electricity storage pack (10); a detection value of the vibration sensor (18) when the electricity storage pack (10) is removed being less than a vibration threshold; and a time during which significant vibration is detected by the vibration sensor (18) when the electricity storage pack (10) is removed being less than a time threshold. This makes it possible to enhance security against theft.

[0087] The present invention can be used in an electricity storage pack used in electric mobility.

[0088] 1 Electric mobility, 10 Battery pack, 11 Battery module, 12 Battery management device, 13 Measurement unit, 14 Control unit, 141 Power cut-off control unit, 142 Pack status management unit, 143 ID authentication management unit, 144 ID / flag holding unit, 145 ID sharing terminal search unit, 146 Detection value holding unit, 15 Real-time clock circuit, 16 Fitting detection unit, 17 Wireless communication unit, 17a Antenna, 18 Vibration sensor, E1-En Cell, Rs Shunt resistor, SW1 Switch, T1 Temperature sensor, 20 Terminal device.

Claims

1. An electricity storage pack that is detachably attached to an electric mobility vehicle, comprising: an electricity storage module; and a control unit that permits the supply of power from the electricity storage module to the electric mobility vehicle when an anti-theft flag is on, and prohibits the supply of power from the electricity storage module to the electric mobility vehicle when the flag is off, wherein the control unit switches the flag off when the electricity storage pack is removed from the electric mobility vehicle in accordance with a predetermined procedure, and keeps the flag on when the electricity storage pack is removed without following the predetermined procedure.

2. The electricity storage pack according to claim 1, wherein a terminal device that shares ID information with the electricity storage pack can rewrite the ID information regardless of whether the flag is on or off, and a terminal device that does not share ID information with the electricity storage pack is prohibited from rewriting the ID information when the flag is on.

3. The electricity storage pack according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined procedure is to successfully search for a terminal device that shares ID information with the electricity storage pack.

4. The electricity storage pack according to claim 1, wherein the electricity storage pack further includes a vibration sensor, and the predetermined procedure is that a detected value of the vibration sensor when the electricity storage pack is detached is less than a vibration threshold value.

5. The energy storage pack according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage pack further comprises a vibration sensor, and the predetermined procedure is that the time during which significant vibration is detected by the vibration sensor when the energy storage pack is removed is less than a time threshold.

6. The storage pack according to claim 1, further comprising a vibration sensor, and wherein the predetermined procedure satisfies two or more of the following: successful wireless detection of a terminal device that shares ID information with the storage pack; a value detected by the vibration sensor when the storage pack is removed being less than a vibration threshold; and a time during which significant vibration is detected by the vibration sensor when the storage pack is removed being less than a time threshold.

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