JP6934639B2 - Server device and control method of server device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a server device that communicates with an information terminal.

Conventionally, systems and devices for renting storage battery packs have been proposed. The battery rental system server described in Patent Document 1 and the usage amount setting device described in Patent Document 2 are examples thereof.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-118638 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-232129

However, battery packs are not always used properly and may be used improperly.

In view of the above circumstances, the exemplary embodiment provides a server device that can support the appropriate use of the storage battery pack, a control method of the server device, and a method of using the storage battery pack.

In the server device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the usage status of the communication device that communicates with the information terminal and the storage battery pack acquired from the information terminal via the communication device is recommended in order to improve the safety of the storage battery pack. When the recommended usage conditions are satisfied, the usage fee of the storage battery pack is reduced as compared with the case where the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions, and the user of the storage battery pack can use the storage battery pack as the usage fee. It is equipped with a controller for making adjustments, which is at least one of the factors that increase the number of points.

In the server device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the safety of the storage battery pack is improved by the usage status of the communication device that communicates with the charging device of the storage battery pack and the storage battery pack acquired from the charging device via the communication device. When the recommended usage conditions recommended for the above are satisfied, the usage fee of the storage battery pack is reduced as compared with the case where the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions, and the user of the storage battery pack uses the storage battery pack. It is equipped with a controller that makes adjustments, which is at least one of the factors that increase the points that can be used as a charge.

It should be noted that these comprehensive or specific applications may be implemented in non-temporary recording media such as systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs or computer readable CD-ROMs. It may be realized by any combination of devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and recording media.

The server device according to one aspect of the present disclosure supports the proper use of the storage battery pack.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a storage battery management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage battery management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the storage battery management system 100. FIG. 4 is a table explaining the recommended usage conditions of the storage battery pack. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a determination based on the number of times of charging of the storage battery pack 200 in a low temperature environment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a determination based on the impact force applied to the storage battery pack 200. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an adjustment process performed according to the result of determination of recommended usage conditions. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed on the display of the information terminal based on the notification information when the determination result is compliance. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed on the display of the information terminal based on the notification information when the determination result is a violation.

(Findings underlying this disclosure)
The present inventor has found a problem in the study regarding the use of the storage battery pack. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

In recent years, electric devices using storage battery packs have become widespread. Electric assisted bicycles are one example. For example, a user of an electric device purchases a storage battery pack used for the electric device, and operates the electric device using the purchased storage battery pack. Recently, a storage battery pack lending system has begun to be considered to enable users of electric devices to borrow a storage battery pack used for the electric device and operate the electric device using the borrowed storage battery pack.

For example, in such a rental system, a user who is a borrower of a storage battery pack can use the rented storage battery pack within a predetermined usage amount or a predetermined usage period. On the other hand, it is prohibited to use the storage battery pack beyond the range of the predetermined usage amount or the predetermined usage period. Therefore, for example, the user returns the storage battery pack according to a predetermined usage amount or a predetermined usage period range. Then, the user borrows the returned storage battery pack or another storage battery pack in order to operate the electric device.

Specifically, the procedure for renting a new storage battery pack is performed at the service center where the storage battery pack is rented. Therefore, basically, the work of the user going to the service center occurs according to the predetermined usage amount or the range of the predetermined usage period. In order to omit this work, a procedure for enabling continuous use of the storage battery pack lent to the user may be performed via the communication network. This eliminates the task of going to the service center.

However, the rented battery pack may be used improperly. Then, the procedure for enabling the continuous use of the rented storage battery pack is performed via the communication network, so that the rented storage battery pack may be used improperly and continuously.

Therefore, the server device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication device and a controller that communicate with the charging device or the information terminal of the storage battery pack, and the controller includes the charging device or the information in the communication device. When the usage status of the storage battery pack obtained from the terminal satisfies the recommended usage condition recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, i) compared with the case where the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage condition. At least one of the adjustments is made to reduce the usage fee of the storage battery pack and to increase the points that the user of the storage battery pack can use as the usage fee.

Therefore, an incentive can be given to a user who meets the recommended usage conditions, and the user can be encouraged to use the storage battery pack by satisfying the recommended usage conditions. Therefore, the server device can support the user's proper use of the storage battery pack.

Further, the recommended usage condition may be a condition for reducing the occurrence of an internal short circuit of the storage battery pack.

Therefore, it is possible to support the use of the storage battery pack by the user so that the occurrence of an internal short circuit of the storage battery pack is reduced.

Further, the recommended usage condition may be a condition for reducing the occurrence of a short circuit between the cells of the storage battery pack.

Therefore, it is possible to support the use of the storage battery pack by the user so that the occurrence of a short circuit between the cells of the storage battery pack can be reduced.

Further, the recommended usage condition may be that the temperature of the storage battery pack is not equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, and the storage battery pack is not charged.

Therefore, it is possible to support the proper use of the storage battery pack, which does not charge the storage battery pack below a predetermined temperature.

Further, when the communication device receives information indicating the charging temperature of the storage battery pack being charged detected by the temperature sensor provided in the storage battery pack from the charging device or the information terminal, the controller receives the information indicating the charging temperature of the storage battery pack. It may be determined whether or not the charging temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, and when the charging temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, it may be determined that the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage condition.

As a result, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the storage battery pack is being charged at a predetermined temperature or lower, so that appropriate use of the storage battery pack can be further promoted.

Further, the recommended usage condition may be that the impact amount detected by the impact sensor provided in the storage battery pack is smaller than the upper limit value recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack.

Therefore, it is possible to support the proper use of the storage battery pack so that the impact amount exceeding the upper limit value is not given to the storage battery pack.

Further, when the communication device receives information indicating the impact amount detected by the impact sensor from the charging device or the information terminal, the controller uses the impact amount to improve the safety of the storage battery pack. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or more than the first predetermined value which is the recommended upper limit value, and when the impact amount is equal to or more than the first predetermined value, it is determined that the usage situation does not satisfy the recommended usage condition. You may.

As a result, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the amount of impact given to the storage battery pack is equal to or greater than the upper limit value, so that the proper use of the storage battery pack can be further promoted.

Further, the recommended usage condition may be that the number of impacts detected by the impact sensor provided in the storage battery pack is smaller than the upper limit value recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack.

Therefore, it is possible to support the proper use of the storage battery pack so that the storage battery pack is not impacted the number of times exceeding the upper limit value.

Further, when the communication device receives information indicating the impact amount and the number of impacts detected by the impact sensor from the charging device or the information terminal, the controller determines that the impact amount determines the safety of the storage battery pack. It is determined whether or not the impact amount is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, which is smaller than the first predetermined value which is the recommended upper limit value for improvement, and the number of impacts of the impact whose impact amount is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value is determined. It is determined whether or not the number of impacts is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number of times, which is the upper limit value recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, and when the number of impacts is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number of times, the usage status is It may be determined that the recommended usage conditions are not satisfied.

As a result, when the impact received by the storage battery pack is not a large impact, which is an impact amount equal to or more than the first predetermined value that threatens the safety of the storage battery pack, but a medium impact, which is an impact amount equal to or more than the second predetermined value. In addition, it is possible to further promote the proper use of the storage battery pack by not giving a medium impact to the storage battery pack the number of times exceeding the upper limit value.

Further, the controller may reduce the usage fee when the usage status satisfies the recommended usage condition.

Therefore, an incentive can be easily given to the user of the storage battery pack whose usage status meets the recommended usage conditions.

Further, the controller may increase the usage fee when the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions.

Therefore, an incentive can be easily given to the user of the storage battery pack whose usage status meets the recommended usage conditions.

Further, the controller may award the points when the usage conditions satisfy the recommended usage conditions.

Therefore, a penalty can be easily given to the user of the storage battery pack whose usage status does not meet the recommended usage conditions.

Further, the controller may reduce the points when the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions.

Therefore, a penalty can be easily given to the user of the storage battery pack whose usage status does not meet the recommended usage conditions.

It should be noted that these comprehensive or specific embodiments may be realized in a non-temporary recording medium such as a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program or computer readable CDROM, and the system, device, method. , Integrated circuits, computer programs or any combination of recording media.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Further, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims indicating the highest level concept are described as arbitrary components.

Further, in the following description, charging / discharging means at least one of charging and discharging. Further, the storage battery pack may be used for charging the storage battery pack or discharging the storage battery pack. Further, the use of the storage battery pack may be the use of the storage battery pack. Further, the availability of the storage battery pack may correspond to the permission or disapproval of the use of the storage battery pack. For example, enabling the use may correspond to permitting the use, and disabling the use may correspond to prohibiting the use.

(Embodiment)
[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a storage battery management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage battery management system according to an embodiment. Specifically, in FIGS. 1 and 2, a storage battery pack 200, a charging device 300, a router 400, a communication network 500, a server device 600, and an information terminal 700 are shown. For example, the storage battery management system 100 includes a storage battery pack 200, a charging device 300, and a server device 600 among these components.

The storage battery management system 100 is a system for managing the storage battery pack 200. The storage battery management system 100 is used, for example, as a rental system for the storage battery pack 200 and the charging device 300. In the following embodiment, the storage battery pack 200 and the charging device 300 will be described as being lent to the user.

[Battery pack]
First, the storage battery pack 200 will be described. The storage battery pack 200 is a device to be charged and discharged, and is a device for storing electric energy. For example, the storage battery pack 200 is lent to a user by a lender and is detachably connected to an electric device such as an electrically power assisted bicycle. Then, the electric device to which the storage battery pack 200 is connected operates with the electric power obtained by discharging the storage battery pack 200. Further, the storage battery pack 200 is detachably connected to the charging device 300.

Further, the storage battery pack 200 includes a storage battery 201, a detector 202, a controller 203, a storage device 204, a communication device 205, a power terminal 206, a communication terminal 207, and a power terminal 208.

The storage battery 201 is a component for storing electric energy, and is also called a secondary battery or a rechargeable battery. The storage battery 201 may be composed of one cell (cell, elementary battery, battery block) or may be composed of a plurality of cell cells.

The detector 202 is a component for detecting the state of the storage battery 201. For example, the detector 202 detects the voltage, temperature, etc. of the storage battery 201. Further, the detector 202 may detect the internal resistance of the storage battery 201. Further, the detector 202 detects the magnitude of the impact force applied to the storage battery pack 200, the number of times the impact force is applied, and the like. Specifically, the detector 202 includes, for example, a voltmeter, a thermometer, an impact sensor, and the like.

The controller 203 is a component for controlling the operation of the storage battery pack 200. For example, the controller 203 controls charging and discharging of the storage battery 201. Further, the controller 203 stores in the storage device 204 the voltage and temperature of the storage battery 201 detected by the detector 202, the magnitude of the impact force applied to the storage battery pack 200, the number of times the impact force is applied, and the like. The voltage of the storage battery 201, the internal resistance, and the like are stored as, for example, information indicating the state of the storage battery pack 200. The temperature of the storage battery 201 is stored, for example, as temperature information. The magnitude of the impact force applied to the storage battery pack 200 and the number of times the impact force is applied are stored as impact-related information. The magnitude of the impact force is an example of a value related to the impact force. The information indicating the state of the storage battery pack 200 may include temperature information, impact-related information, and the like.

Further, the controller 203 communicates with the charging device 300 by controlling the communication device 205. Specifically, when the storage battery pack 200 is connected to the charging device 300, the controller 203 transmits the information stored in the storage device 204 to the charging device 300 by using the communication device 205. Whether or not the storage battery pack 200 is connected to the charging device 300 can be detected based on whether or not the communication device 205 has received a notification from the communication device 301 of the charging device 300 via the communication terminal 207.

Specifically, the controller 203 is realized by a processor, a microcomputer, a dedicated circuit, or the like, but may have a control function. The controller 203 may include, for example, an arithmetic processor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) that stores a control program. Examples of arithmetic processing units include MPUs and CPUs. A memory is exemplified as a storage device. The controller 203 may be composed of a single controller that performs centralized control, or may be composed of a plurality of controllers that perform distributed control in cooperation with each other.

The storage device 204 stores the ID of the storage battery pack 200, information indicating the state of the storage battery pack 200, temperature information, impact-related information, and the like. Specifically, the storage device 204 is a semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), but when the control device 203 includes a storage device, the storage device 204 is realized by the storage device included in the control device 203. You may.

The communication device 205 is a component for communicating with the charging device 300. Specifically, the communication device 205 is a communication circuit, a communication module, or the like. The communication device 205 may include a communication terminal 207.

Specifically, based on the control of the controller 203, the communication device 205 transfers the information stored in the storage device 204 when the storage battery pack 200 is connected to the charging device 300 to the communication device 301 of the charging device 300. Send to. Communication between the communication device 205 and the communication device 301 included in the charging device 300 is performed in a state where the communication terminal 207 and the communication terminal 307 included in the charging device 300 are connected. The communication method between the communication device 205 and the communication device 301 is not particularly limited.

The communication terminal 207 is a communication terminal that is electrically and mechanically connected to the communication terminal 307 of the charging device 300 that charges the storage battery pack 200. The communication terminal 207 may be electrically and mechanically connected to an electric device that consumes electric power discharged from the storage battery pack 200.

Each of the power terminal 206 and the power terminal 208 is a power terminal that is electrically and mechanically connected to the charging device 300 that charges the storage battery pack 200. The power terminal 206 is connected to the power terminal 306 of the charging device 300, and the power terminal 208 is connected to the power terminal 308 of the charging device 300. Each of the power terminal 206 and the power terminal 208 may be connected to an electric device that consumes the power discharged from the storage battery pack 200. Charging and discharging of the storage battery 201 is performed in a state where the power terminal 206 is connected to the power terminal 306 and the power terminal 208 is connected to the power terminal 308.

Specifically, one of the power terminal 206 and the power terminal 208 is a positive power terminal and the other is a negative power terminal. For example, the power terminal 206 may be a positive power terminal and the power terminal 208 may be a negative power terminal.

[Charging device]
Next, the charging device 300 will be described. The charging device 300 is a device for charging the storage battery pack 200. The charging device 300 is lent to the user by, for example, a lender of the storage battery pack 200, and the user uses the charging device 300 to charge the storage battery pack 200. The charging device 300 may have a configuration in which only one storage battery pack 200 can be charged, or a configuration in which a plurality of storage battery packs 200 can be charged at the same time. The charging device 300 includes a communication device 301, a controller 302, a power supply 303, a plug 305, a power terminal 306, a communication terminal 307, and a power terminal 308.

The communication device 301 is a component for communicating with the storage battery pack 200, the server device 600, and the like. Specifically, the communication device 301 is a communication circuit, a communication module, or the like. The communication device 301 may include a communication terminal 307.

First, the communication between the communication device 301 and the storage battery pack 200 will be described.

When the storage battery pack 200 is connected to the charging device 300, the communication device 301 communicates with the storage battery pack 200. Specifically, the communication device 301 communicates with the communication device 205 in a state where the communication terminal 207 of the storage battery pack 200 is connected to the communication terminal 307 of the charging device 300. In the communication between the communication device 301 and the communication device 205, the communication device 301 receives the information stored in the storage device 204 of the storage battery pack 200.

Next, communication between the communication device 301 and the server device 600 will be described.

For example, the communication device 301 communicates with the server device 600 via the communication network 500 or the like. The communication device 301 may communicate with the server device 600 via the router 400 and the communication network 500, or may communicate with the server device 600 via the information terminal 700 and the communication network 500. The communication between the communication device 301 and the router 400 is, for example, wireless communication, but may be wired communication.

For example, the communication device 301 transmits information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 to the server device 600 via the communication network 500 or the like. The information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 is the information stored in the storage device 204 of the storage battery pack 200, and specifically, the information indicating the state of the storage battery pack 200, the temperature information, the impact-related information, and the like. Is.

The communication terminal 307 is a communication terminal that is electrically and mechanically connected to the communication terminal 207 of the storage battery pack 200.

Each of the power terminal 306 and the power terminal 308 is a power terminal that is electrically and mechanically connected to the storage battery pack 200. The power terminal 306 is connected to the power terminal 206, and the power terminal 308 is connected to the power terminal 208. Charging and discharging of the storage battery 201 is performed in a state where the power terminal 306 is connected to the power terminal 206 and the power terminal 308 is connected to the power terminal 208.

Of the power terminal 306 and the power terminal 308, one is a positive power terminal and the other is a negative power terminal. For example, the power terminal 306 may be a positive power terminal and the power terminal 308 may be a negative power terminal.

The controller 302 is a component that controls the communication device 301, charge control of the storage battery pack 200, and the like. Specifically, the controller 302 is realized by a processor, a microcomputer, a dedicated circuit, or the like, but any controller 302 may have a control function. The controller 302 may include, for example, an arithmetic processor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) that stores a control program. Examples of arithmetic processing units include MPUs and CPUs. A memory is exemplified as a storage device. The controller 302 may be composed of a single controller that performs centralized control, or may be composed of a plurality of controllers that perform distributed control in cooperation with each other.

The power supply 303 is a component used for charging the storage battery pack 200. The power supply 303 includes a charging circuit that charges the storage battery pack 200 connected to the charging device 300 by using electric power supplied from an external power source such as an electric power system. Specifically, the power supply 303 converts the AC power supplied from the power system via the plug 305 into DC power suitable for charging the storage battery pack 200. The power supply 303 is realized by, for example, an AC / DC converter, a DC / AC inverter, a DC / DC converter, and the like.

The plug 305 is an example of a power receiver, and is a component that is detachably connected to a power supply device such as an outlet.

[Router]
The router 400 is a device for relaying communication. The router 400 can communicate with the charging device 300. The router 400 can communicate with the server device 600 via a communication network 500 such as the Internet. Then, the router 400 relays the communication between the charging device 300 and the server device 600 by communicating with the charging device 300 and communicating with the server device 600 via the communication network 500. The router 400, for example, performs wireless communication with the charging device 300 and wire communication with the server device 600.

Further, the router 400 can communicate with the information terminal 700. The router 400 performs wireless communication with, for example, the information terminal 700.

[Communication network]
The communication network 500 is a communication network for the charging device 300, the router 400, the server device 600, and the information terminal 700 to communicate with each other. The communication network 500 may be a general-purpose network such as the Internet, or may be a dedicated network of the storage battery management system 100.

[Server device]
The server device 600 is a server device for supporting the proper use of the storage battery pack 200. The server device 600 may be an information processing device such as a computer. Further, the server device 600 may be composed of a plurality of devices.

Specifically, the server device 600 includes a communication device 601, a controller 602, and a storage device 603. The storage device 603 does not have to be a component of the server device 600, and may be provided in another device that is communication-connected to the server device 600.

The communication device 601 is a component for communicating with the charging device 300 and the information terminal 700. Specifically, the communication device 601 is a communication circuit, a communication module, or the like.

The communication device 601 communicates with the router 400 via a communication network 500 such as the Internet. Then, the communication device 601 communicates with the charging device 300 via the router 400 or the like. The communication between the communication device 601 and the router 400 is, for example, wired communication, but may be wireless communication. Further, the communication device 601 may directly communicate with the charging device 300 without going through the router 400 or the like.

Specifically, the communication device 601 receives information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 from the charging device 300 for charging the storage battery pack 200 via the communication network 500. The communication device 601 may receive information indicating the usage status from the information terminal 700 via the communication network 500.

On the other hand, the communication device 601 can also communicate with the information terminal 700. Communication between the communication device 601 and the information terminal 700 includes wireless communication. For this wireless communication, a communication standard used in a mobile communication system such as a 3rd generation mobile communication system (3G), a 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), or LTE (registered trademark) is used.

Specifically, the communication device 601 contains information that the user of the storage battery pack 200 possesses notification information indicating the result of the adjustment process (see below) performed by the controller 602 using the usage status of the storage battery pack 200. Send to terminal 700.

Whether or not the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 acquired from the charging device 300 or the information terminal 700 via the communication device 601 satisfies the recommended usage condition recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200. Is judged. Then, the controller 602 reduces the usage fee of the storage battery pack 200 when the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 satisfies the above recommended usage conditions and as compared with the case where the usage status is not satisfied, and uses the storage battery pack 200. The person makes at least one adjustment (adjustment process) to increase the points that can be used as the usage fee. The recommended usage condition may be a condition for reducing the occurrence of an internal short circuit of the storage battery pack 200, or a condition for reducing the occurrence of a short circuit between a plurality of cells included in the storage battery pack 200. good. Details of the recommended terms of use will be described later.

Specifically, the controller 602 is realized by a processor, a microcomputer, a dedicated circuit, or the like, but any controller 602 may have a control function. The controller 602 may include, for example, an arithmetic processor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) for storing the control program. Examples of arithmetic processing units include MPUs and CPUs. A memory is exemplified as a storage device. The controller 203 may be composed of a single controller that performs centralized control, or may be composed of a plurality of controllers 602 that perform distributed control in cooperation with each other.

The storage device 603 stores the usage conditions for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200. Further, the storage device 603 stores information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 received via the communication device 601. Further, the storage device 603 stores the result of the adjustment process by the controller 602. The controller 602 stores information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 in the storage device 603, updates the information, stores the result of the adjustment process by the controller 602, and updates the result.

Specifically, the storage device 603 is a semiconductor memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like. The storage device 603 may be realized as the storage device when the control device 602 includes the storage device. Further, the storage device 603 may be realized as a storage device separate from the server device 600.

[Information terminal]
The information terminal 700 is a device that communicates with the server device 600 via the communication network 500 by a communication connection with the router 400 or a communication connection with the base station 510 of the mobile communication system. Specifically, the information terminal 700 is an information terminal owned by the user of the storage battery pack 200. The information terminal 700 may be an information processing device such as a computer or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Wired communication may be applied to these communications, or wireless communication may be applied.

For example, the communication connection between the information terminal 700 and the base station 510 of the mobile communication system may be, for example, a third generation mobile communication system (3G), a fourth generation mobile communication system (4G), or LTE (registered). Communication standards used in mobile communication systems such as (trademark) are used.

Further, the communication connection between the information terminal 700 and the router 400 is made by, for example, wirelessly, but may be made by wire. Instead of the router 400, the information terminal 700 may relay the communication between the charging device 300 and the server device 600.

The information terminal 700 receives notification information indicating the result of the adjustment process from the server device 600. The notification information is display information for displaying the notification image. The information terminal 700 may receive the notification information directly from the server device 600, or may receive the notification information via the communication network 500 and the router 400.

In the first embodiment, the information terminal 700 has a display 710, and the display 710 shows a notification image showing an incentive or a penalty given to the user based on the notification information transmitted from the server device 600. Is displayed.

[Overall operation]
Next, the operation of the storage battery management system 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the storage battery management system 100.

First, the storage battery pack 200 is connected to the charging device 300 by the user (S11). Specifically, the power terminal 206 is connected to the power terminal 306, the communication terminal 207 is connected to the communication terminal 307, and the power terminal 208 is connected to the power terminal 308. Then, in the charging device 300, a voltage is applied between the power terminal 306 and the power terminal 308 (S12).

The controller 302 of the charging device 300 recognizes that the storage battery pack 200 is connected by detecting that a voltage is applied between the power terminal 306 and the power terminal 308 (S13). When the controller 302 recognizes that the storage battery pack 200 is connected, it causes the communication device 301 to notify that the connection of the storage battery pack 200 is completed (S14). This notification is transmitted to the communication device 205 of the storage battery pack 200.

When the communication device 205 of the storage battery pack 200 receives the notification (S15), the controller 203 causes the communication device 205 to transmit the battery information of the storage battery pack 200 (S16). The battery information may include at least the ID of the storage battery pack 200. The battery information may include temperature information, impact-related information, and the like, and such information may be included in the battery information when it is necessary as information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 in step S20. ..

When the communication device 301 of the charging device 300 receives the battery information from the communication device 205 of the storage battery pack 200 (S17), the communication device 301 transmits the received battery information to the communication device 601 of the server device 600 (S18).

When the communication device 601 of the server device 600 receives the battery information from the communication device 301 of the charging device 300, the controller 602 confirms the information indicating the usage status stored in the storage device 603, that is, the usage status of the storage battery pack 200. (S19). When the battery information includes information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 such as temperature information and impact-related information, the controller 602 displays the information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 stored in the storage device 603. Update. Specifically, when the battery information includes information indicating the usage status of the storage battery pack 200, the controller 602 indicates the usage status stored in the storage device 603 in association with the ID of the storage battery pack 200. Update the information.

Then, the controller 602 determines whether the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 having the ID included in the battery information satisfies the recommended usage condition (S20). The controller 602 adjusts (adjustment processing) the usage fee of the storage battery pack 200 and the points that the user of the storage battery pack 200 can use as the usage fee according to the result of the determination (S21). .. As a result, the controller 602 gives an incentive or a penalty to the user of the storage battery pack 200. The controller 602 causes the communication device 601 to notify the information terminal 700 of the notification information indicating the result of the adjustment process (S22). The controller 602 does not have to notify the information terminal 700 of the notification information in step S22.

Therefore, the server device 600 can give an incentive to the user who satisfies the recommended usage condition, and can urge the user to use the storage battery pack 200 by satisfying the recommended usage condition. Therefore, the server device 600 can support the proper use of the storage battery pack 200 by the user.

[Recommended terms of use]
Here, the recommended usage conditions of the storage battery pack 200 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a table explaining the recommended usage conditions of the storage battery pack.

As shown in FIG. 4, the recommended usage conditions are the following three conditions. (1) Do not charge the storage battery pack 200 at a low temperature. (2) Do not give a large impact to the storage battery pack 200. (3) Do not give a medium impact to the storage battery pack 200 more than a predetermined number of times.

First, the condition (1) will be described.

When the storage battery pack 200 is charged at a low temperature, an accident such as damage may easily occur. For example, when the storage battery 201 is a lithium ion battery, when it is charged at a low temperature, precipitation of lithium metal is promoted and an internal short circuit occurs, so that an accident such as breakage may easily occur. That is, one of the recommended usage conditions is that the storage battery pack 200 is not charged at a low temperature below a predetermined temperature recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200.

More specifically, the condition (1) is that the number of times the storage battery pack 200 is charged is not more than the predetermined number of times when the temperature of the storage battery pack 200 is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature smaller than the standard ambient temperature. good. The standard ambient temperature is, for example, 25 ° C., the predetermined temperature is, for example, 5 ° C., and the predetermined number of times is, for example, 10 times. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a determination based on the number of times of charging of the storage battery pack 200 in a low temperature environment.

In the example of FIG. 5, the recommended usage conditions are violated when the temperature of the storage battery pack 200 is higher than 0 ° C. and the number of times of charging is 10 times or more in a low temperature environment of 5 ° C. or lower. It is determined that the battery is running. Further, when the storage battery pack 200 is charged once in a low temperature environment where the temperature is 0 ° C. or lower, it may be determined that the recommended usage conditions are violated. The storage battery pack 200 and the charging device 300 may have specifications that cannot be charged when the temperature of the storage battery 201 is 0 ° C. or lower.

As described above, the usage condition for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200 is the number of times the storage battery pack 200 is charged when the temperature of the storage battery pack 200 is equal to or lower than the standard environmental temperature. It may be less than or equal to the number of times.

As a result, it is possible to support the proper use of the storage battery pack in which the storage battery pack is not charged below a predetermined temperature.

In the above description, it is determined whether or not the battery is in a low temperature environment based on the temperature at the start of charging, but it is determined whether or not the environment is in a low temperature environment based on the temperature at the end of charging. May be performed, or the average temperature during charging or the like may be used. In this case, the temperature information may be provided from the storage battery pack 200 as needed. Further, when the temperature becomes 5 ° C. or lower even once during charging, it may be determined that the temperature is in a low temperature environment. In this case, for example, information indicating that the temperature has dropped to 5 ° C. or lower even once during charging may be transmitted from the charging device 300 to the server device 600.

In addition, charging in a high temperature environment may be dangerous. Therefore, the usage condition for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200 is that the number of times the storage battery pack 200 is charged is not more than the predetermined number of times when the temperature of the storage battery pack 200 is higher than the standard ambient temperature and is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature. It may be that.

Next, the conditions (2) and (3) will be described.

In the storage battery pack 200 to which a large impact force exceeding the first predetermined value (hereinafter, also referred to as a large impact) is applied even once, the relationship between the positive electrode or the negative electrode and the separator has changed due to the deformation of the storage battery 201, resulting in an internal short circuit. It may be. Specifically, the deformation of the storage battery 201 may damage the separator and cause a short circuit between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Further, due to the large impact, the sealing body provided at the electrode terminal portion of the container of the storage battery 201 may loosen, and the electrolytic solution contained in the container may leak. As a result, there is a possibility that the plurality of storage batteries 201 constituting the storage battery pack 200 will be short-circuited. That is, one of the recommended usage conditions is that the amount of impact detected by the impact sensor provided in the storage battery pack 200 is smaller than the upper limit value for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200 (no large impact).

More specifically, the condition (2) may be that the value related to the impact force received by the storage battery pack 200 is equal to or less than the first predetermined value. The value relating to the impact force is, for example, a value indicating the magnitude of the impact force. The first predetermined value may be appropriately determined experimentally or empirically, and is not particularly limited.

Further, even if the impact force is smaller than the first predetermined value, charging the storage battery pack 200 to which a medium impact force (hereinafter, also referred to as a medium impact) of the second predetermined value or more is applied many times is possible. Similar to condition (2), an internal short circuit or a short circuit between storage batteries may occur. That is, it is recommended that the number of impacts (medium impacts) detected by the impact sensor provided in the storage battery pack 200 is smaller than the upper limit value (less than a predetermined number) for improving the safety of the storage battery pack 200. This is one of the terms of use.

More specifically, the condition (3) may be that the number of times that the value related to the impact force received by the storage battery pack 200 becomes equal to or more than the second predetermined value is less than the predetermined number of times. The second predetermined value may be appropriately determined experimentally or empirically, and is not particularly limited. The predetermined number of times is, for example, 1000 times.

Note that FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a determination based on the impact force applied to the storage battery pack 200. The vertical axis of FIG. 6 shows the impact force applied to the storage battery pack 200. Such an impact force is detected by the detector 202, and is included in the battery information and transmitted as impact-related information in step S16 of FIG. The impact-related information stored in the storage device 204 of the storage battery pack 200 is reset every time the content of the impact-related information is reflected in the storage device 603 of the server device 600, for example.

[Adjustment process]
Next, the adjustment process performed by the controller 602 after the determination of the recommended usage conditions will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an adjustment process performed according to the result of determination of recommended usage conditions.

In the adjustment process, the controller 602 reduces the usage fee of the storage battery pack 200 when the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 satisfies all of the above three recommended usage conditions (the determination result is "compliance"). You may adjust. For example, the controller 602 may reduce the monthly loan fee for the storage battery pack 200 in the adjustment process, or the fee (equipment fee) for another new storage battery pack 200 that is charged when the storage battery pack 200 is replaced. May be reduced, or the charge (equipment charge) for the other storage battery pack 200 when the user of the storage battery pack 200 newly adds another storage battery pack 200 may be reduced.

On the contrary, in the adjustment process, when the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 does not satisfy any one of the above three recommended usage conditions (the determination result is "violation"), the usage fee of the controller 602 is increased. It may be adjusted as follows. For example, the controller 602 may increase the monthly loan fee for the storage battery pack 200 in the adjustment process, or the fee (equipment fee) for another new storage battery pack 200 that is charged when the storage battery pack 200 is replaced. May be increased, or the charge (equipment charge) for the other storage battery pack 200 when the user of the storage battery pack 200 newly adds another storage battery pack 200 may be increased.

Further, in the adjustment process, the controller 602 may not only adjust the usage fee but also adjust the points.

In the adjustment process, when the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 satisfies all of the above three recommended usage conditions (the determination result is "compliance"), the controller 602 assigns points that can be used as a usage fee to the storage battery pack 200. It may be given to the user. For example, the controller 602 may give the user points of use that can be used when paying the monthly loan fee next time in the adjustment process, or may provide the storage battery pack 200 with a loan period already set. You may give points for a period that can be extended. That is, the points referred to here are points that can be used by the user for payment of the rental fee of the storage battery pack 200, payment of the replacement battery, extension of the 21 rental period of the storage battery pack, and the like.

On the contrary, in the adjustment process, the controller 602 uses the storage battery pack 200 when the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 does not satisfy any one of the above three recommended usage conditions (the determination result is "violation"). It may be reduced from the points associated with the person. For example, the controller 602 may reduce the points of use that can be used the next time the monthly loan fee is paid to the user in the adjustment process, or may set the loan period of the storage battery pack 200 already determined. You may reduce the period points that can be extended.

If there is a system in which the controller 602 reduces the usage fee or gives points when all three recommended usage conditions are met, it is used when any one of the three recommended usage conditions is not met. It is not necessary to perform adjustment processing to increase the fee or decrease the points. On the contrary, if the controller 602 increases the usage fee or decreases the points when any one of the three recommended usage conditions is not satisfied, when all the three recommended usage conditions are satisfied. It is not necessary to reduce the usage fee or add points.

[Notification information]
Next, the notification information notified from the server device 600 to the information terminal 700 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed on the display of the information terminal based on the notification information when the determination result is compliance. Specifically, FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of the notification image 711 showing that the incentive has been given, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the grounds for giving the incentive for a predetermined period. It is a figure which shows the detailed image 714 of the usage situation of the storage battery pack 200 in the above.

When the controller 602 determines in the server device 600 that the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 satisfies the recommended usage conditions, the information terminal 700 possessed by the user of the storage battery pack 200 is notified to indicate the determination result. Information will be notified. Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, the display 22710 of the information terminal 700 is a notification image showing that 100 points have been given to the user of the storage battery pack 200 as an incentive based on the notification information. 711 is displayed.

In the notification image 711 shown in FIG. 8 (a), when the user selects (tap) the "details" button, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), a predetermined period (a predetermined period) indicating the basis for giving the incentive. For example, a detailed image 712 of the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 in the last one month) is displayed on the display 710. The detailed image 712 shows the reference value of the recommended usage conditions and the actual value of the storage battery pack 200 in the last month, which shows the grounds for giving the incentive. Further, the detailed image 712 corresponds to each of the three recommended usage conditions, and a check mark indicating that the recommended usage conditions are satisfied is also shown. In this way, the user can know that the standard of the recommended usage conditions has been exceeded by looking at the notification image 711 and the detailed image 712. Therefore, the server device 600 can effectively support the user so that the storage battery pack 200 is used so as to satisfy the recommended usage condition.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification image displayed on the display of the information terminal based on the notification information when the determination result is a violation. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a notification image 713 showing that the recommended usage conditions are violated, and FIG. 9B is a basis for violating the recommended usage conditions. It is a figure which shows the detailed image 714 of the usage state of the storage battery pack 200 in a predetermined period.

As shown in FIG. 9A, when the controller 602 determines that the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 does not satisfy any one of the three recommended usage conditions in the server device 600, the storage battery pack The information terminal 700 possessed by the 200 users is notified of the notification information indicating the determination result. Then, on the display 710 of the information terminal 700, a notification image 713 notifying that the recommended usage conditions are violated and the user is using the information unsafely is displayed based on the notification information.

When the user selects (tap) the "details" button in the notification image 713 shown in FIG. 9 (a), as shown in FIG. 9 (b), a predetermined period showing the grounds for violating the recommended usage conditions. A detailed image 714 of the usage status of the storage battery pack 200 (for example, in the last month) is displayed on the display 710. In the detailed image 714, the reference value of the recommended usage conditions and the actual value of the storage battery pack 200 in the last month, which show the grounds for the violation of the recommended usage conditions, are shown. Further, in the detailed image 714, in addition to the check mark indicating that the recommended usage conditions are satisfied, a warning mark indicating that the recommended usage conditions are not satisfied is also shown corresponding to each of the three recommended usage conditions. Has been done. In this way, the user can know the condition that satisfies the standard and the condition that does not satisfy the standard among the three recommended usage conditions by looking at the notification image 713 and the detailed image 714. Therefore, the server device 600 can more effectively support the user so that the storage battery pack 200 is used so as to satisfy the recommended usage condition.

(Other Embodiments) As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the techniques disclosed in the present application. However, the technique in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate. It is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiment to form a new embodiment.

Further, the communication between the devices described in the above embodiment may be wireless communication or wired communication. Further, the communication standard is not particularly limited. For wireless communication between devices, the IEEE802.5.1 standard, which is an international standard for short-range wireless communication represented by Bluetooth (registered trademark), may be used. Further, for wireless communication between devices, the IEEE 802.11 standard, which is an international standard for wireless communication represented by a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), may be used. Further, for the wired communication between the devices, the IEEE802.3 standard, which is an international standard for wired communication represented by a wired LAN, may be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program executor such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

Further, in the above embodiment, each component may be a circuit. A plurality of components may form one circuit as a whole, or each component may form a separate circuit. Further, each circuit may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

The control method of the server device and the server device according to one or more aspects have been described above based on the embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. As long as the gist of the present disclosure is not deviated, various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art are applied to the present embodiment, and a form constructed by combining components in different embodiments is also within the scope of one or more embodiments. May be included within.

For example, in the above embodiment, the processing executed by a specific component may be executed by another component instead of the specific component. Further, the order of the plurality of processes may be changed, or the plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

The present disclosure can be used for a server device that manages a storage battery pack, and can be applied to a storage battery pack rental system, a storage battery pack management system, and the like.

100 Storage battery management system 200 Storage battery pack 201 Storage battery 202 Detector 203, 302, 602 Controller 204, 603 Storage 205, 301, 601 Communication device 206, 208, 306, 308 Power terminal 207, 307 Communication terminal 300 Charging device 303 Power supply Device 305 Plug 400 Router 500 Communication network 510 Base station 600 Server device 700 Information terminal 710 Display 711,713 Notification image 712,714 Detailed image

Claims (14)

A communication device that communicates with an information terminal,
With a controller,
When the communication unit is a usage status of the storage battery pack in which the information terminal is acquired via the charger of the battery pack is received from the information terminal, wherein the controller, the storage battery by the communication device has acquired from the information terminal It is determined whether or not the usage status of the pack satisfies the recommended usage condition recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, and when the usage status of the storage battery pack satisfies the recommended usage condition, the storage battery pack Compared to when the usage status does not meet the recommended usage conditions, i) reduce the usage fee of the storage battery pack, and ii) increase the points that the user of the storage battery pack can use as the usage fee. Make at least one of the adjustments,
Server device. The recommended usage conditions are conditions for reducing the occurrence of an internal short circuit of the storage battery pack.
The server device according to claim 1. The recommended usage conditions are conditions for reducing the occurrence of short circuits between the cells of the storage battery pack.
The server device according to claim 1. The recommended usage condition is that the storage battery pack is not charged below a predetermined temperature recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack.
The server device according to claim 1 or 2. When the communication device receives from the information terminal information indicating the charging temperature of the storage battery pack being charged detected by the temperature sensor provided in the storage battery pack , which is acquired by the information terminal via the charger, the information terminal receives.
The controller determines whether or not the charging temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, and when the charging temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, determines that the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage condition.
The server device according to claim 4. The recommended usage condition is that the amount of impact detected by the impact sensor provided in the storage battery pack is smaller than the upper limit value recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack.
The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When the communication device receives from the information terminal information indicating the amount of impact detected by the impact sensor acquired by the information terminal via the charger, the information terminal receives information.
The controller determines whether or not the impact amount is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, which is the upper limit value recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, and the impact amount is the first predetermined value. When the above, it is determined that the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions.
The server device according to claim 6. The recommended usage condition is that the number of impacts detected by the impact sensor provided in the storage battery pack is smaller than the upper limit recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack.
The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. When the communication device receives from the information terminal information indicating the amount of impact and the number of impacts detected by the impact sensor acquired by the information terminal via the charger, the information terminal receives information.
The controller determines whether or not the impact amount is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, which is smaller than the first predetermined value, which is a recommended upper limit value for improving the safety of the storage battery pack.
It is determined whether or not the number of impacts of the impact amount of the impact amount of the second predetermined value or more is equal to or more than the first predetermined number of times, which is the upper limit value recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack.
When the number of impacts is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number of times, it is determined that the usage status does not satisfy the recommended usage conditions.
The server device according to claim 8. The controller reduces the usage fee when the usage conditions satisfy the recommended usage conditions.
The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The controller increases the usage fee when the usage status does not meet the recommended usage conditions.
The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The controller awards the points when the usage conditions satisfy the recommended usage conditions.
The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The controller reduces the points when the usage conditions do not meet the recommended usage conditions.
The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. Information terminal acquires the usage status of the storage battery packs obtained through the charger battery pack from the information terminal,
It is determined whether or not the usage status of the storage battery pack acquired from the information terminal satisfies the recommended usage condition recommended for improving the safety of the storage battery pack, and the usage status of the storage battery pack is the recommended usage condition. When the conditions are met, i) the usage fee of the storage battery pack is reduced as compared with the case where the usage status of the storage battery pack does not meet the recommended usage conditions, and ii) the user of the storage battery pack is used as the usage fee. Make some adjustments, at least one of the more points available
How to control the server device.

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