JP7780407B2 - Power device, power conversion device, and power storage device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to power devices, power conversion devices, and power storage devices.

A charging device that holds multiple storage batteries inside a housing and charges the storage batteries using power received from a power grid is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a charging device that can maintain functions other than the charging function even during a power outage.
[Prior art documents]
[Patent Documents]
[Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021/132695

In a first aspect of the present invention, a power device is provided. The power device is configured to be able to store, for example, a power storage device. The power device includes, for example, a first connection portion electrically connected to an external power source. The power device includes, for example, a second connection portion electrically connected to a power storage device. The power device includes, for example, a first power transmission path electrically connecting the first connection portion to a control unit that controls the power device. The power device includes, for example, a second power transmission path electrically connecting the first connection portion to the second connection portion. The power device includes, for example, a third power transmission path electrically connecting the second power transmission path to the control unit.

Any of the above power devices may include a first power conversion unit arranged in the second power transmission path. The connection point of the second power transmission path and the third power transmission path may be arranged between the first power conversion unit and the second connection unit. Any of the above power devices may include a second power conversion unit arranged in the third power transmission path. Any of the above power devices may include a unidirectional power transmission unit arranged in the third power transmission path. In any of the above power devices, the unidirectional power transmission unit may be arranged between the second power conversion unit and the control unit. The unidirectional power transmission unit may allow current to flow in a direction from the second power conversion unit to the control unit. The unidirectional power transmission unit may prevent current from flowing in a direction from the control unit to the second power conversion unit. Any of the above power devices may include a third power conversion unit arranged in the first power transmission path. Any of the above power devices may include a second power conversion unit arranged in the third power transmission path and a third power conversion unit arranged in the first power transmission path. In any of the above power devices, the voltage after conversion by the second power conversion unit may be lower than the voltage after conversion by the third power conversion unit.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a power conversion device. The power conversion device includes, for example, a pair of first input/output terminals. The power conversion device includes, for example, a pair of second input/output terminals. The power conversion device includes, for example, a pair of output terminals. The power conversion device includes, for example, a first power conversion unit. The power conversion device includes, for example, a second power conversion unit. The power conversion device includes, for example, a rectification unit. In the power conversion device, the input of the first power conversion unit is electrically connected, for example, to the pair of first input/output terminals. In the power conversion device, the output of the first power conversion unit is electrically connected, for example, to the pair of second input/output terminals. In the power conversion device, the input of the second power conversion unit is electrically connected, for example, to the pair of second input/output terminals. In the power conversion device, the output of the second power conversion unit is electrically connected, for example, to the pair of output terminals. In the power conversion device, the rectification unit is arranged, for example, between the output of the second power conversion unit and the pair of output terminals. The rectifier unit, for example, allows current to flow in a direction from the output of the second power conversion unit toward the pair of output terminals. The rectifier unit, for example, prevents current from flowing in a direction from the pair of output terminals toward the output of the second power conversion unit.

A third aspect of the present invention provides an electric storage device. The electric storage device includes, for example, a pair of input/output terminals. The electric storage device includes, for example, a pair of power output terminals. The electric storage device includes, for example, a power storage unit that stores electric energy. The electric storage device includes, for example, a unidirectional DC/DC converter. In the electric storage device, the pair of input/output terminals are, for example, electrically connected to the power storage unit. In the electric storage device, the input of the unidirectional DC/DC converter is, for example, electrically connected to the power storage unit. In the electric storage device, the output of the unidirectional DC/DC converter is, for example, electrically connected to a pair of output terminals.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a program is provided. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program may also be provided. The program may be a program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method for controlling the power device according to the first aspect, the power conversion device according to the second aspect, or the power storage device according to the third aspect.

Note that the above summary of the invention does not list all of the necessary features of the present invention. Subcombinations of these features may also constitute inventions.

1 shows an example of a system configuration of a management system 100. 2 illustrates an example of the internal configuration of a power distribution unit 122. 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of the battery housing 123. 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of a charger 328. 10 shows an example of the internal configuration of a charger 348. 10A and 10B show an example of the normal operation of the battery exchange machine 120. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the battery exchange machine 120 during a power outage. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a battery exchange machine 120. 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of the interface board 326. 10 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a data table 1000. 11 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a data table 1100. 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of an AC/DC power supply circuit 220. 13 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal configuration of a power adapter 1320. 14 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal configuration of a power adapter 1420. 12 shows an example of the internal configuration of a single-phase AC/DC converter 1250. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the internal configuration of the mobile battery 20. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the internal configuration of the charger 348. 3 shows an example of the internal configuration of a computer 3000.

The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. In the drawings, the same reference numbers may be used to designate identical or similar parts, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

(Overview of management system 100)
1 schematically shows an example of the system configuration of a management system 100. In this embodiment, the management system 100 manages one or more (sometimes referred to as one or more) mobile batteries 20. The management system 100 may manage one or more battery exchangers 120 configured to allow at least some of the multiple mobile batteries 20 to be detachable (sometimes referred to as freely detachable or easily detachable). Each of the one or more battery exchangers 120 is configured to be able to store, for example, one or more mobile batteries 20.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the mobile battery 20 is configured to be attachable and detachable to other devices. For example, the mobile battery 20 is configured to be easily attachable and detachable to other devices. For example, the mobile battery 20 is configured to be easily attachable and detachable to other devices.

In one embodiment, the mobile battery 20 is configured so that even a general user who has less knowledge about maintenance than the maintenance personnel who maintain the equipment to which the mobile battery 20 is attached can easily attach and detach the mobile battery 20 to the equipment. The mobile battery 20 is configured so that, for example, a general user can easily attach and detach the mobile battery 20 to the equipment without using separate or special tools. The mobile battery 20 is configured so that a general user can easily attach and detach the mobile battery 20 to the equipment using tools installed on the mobile battery 20 or the equipment.

In another embodiment, the mobile battery 20 is configured so that the integrity of the unit is not significantly impaired when the mobile battery 20 is attached to or detached from the above-mentioned device. As a result, even if, for example, a general user or a maintenance technician needs to disassemble the mobile battery 20 when removing it from the above-mentioned device, the general user or maintenance technician can easily remove the mobile battery 20 from the above-mentioned device. For example, even if, for example, a general user or a maintenance technician needs to assemble the mobile battery 20 when attaching it to the above-mentioned device, the general user or maintenance technician can easily attach the mobile battery 20 to the above-mentioned device.

For the purpose of simplicity, in this embodiment, an example of the management system 100 will be described using an example in which the management system 100 provides a mobile battery 20 sharing service to users 40 of electric motorcycles 30. An overview of the mobile battery 20 sharing service will be described later.

In this embodiment, the electric motorcycle 30 is a three-wheeled motorcycle (sometimes called a rickshaw, tuk-tuk, etc.) used for transportation services, and can carry luggage, passengers, etc. in addition to the operator. Examples of users 40 of the electric motorcycle 30 include the operator or passenger of the electric motorcycle 30 (sometimes called the user of the electric motorcycle 30), the owner of the electric motorcycle 30, or the manager of the electric motorcycle 30 (sometimes called the user of the electric motorcycle 30, etc.). The user 40 may be a natural person, a corporation, or an organization. The user 40 may be the manager or officer of a corporation or organization, or an employee or staff member of a corporation or organization.

In a mobile battery 20 sharing service, the factors considered in determining the price of the service are not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the price of the sharing service is determined based on the number of times the mobile battery 20 is replaced. In another embodiment, the price of the sharing service is determined based on the degree of deterioration of the mobile battery 20 due to the user 40's use of the mobile battery 20. In another embodiment, the price of the sharing service is determined based on the amount of electricity used by the user 40. In another embodiment, the price of the sharing service is determined based on a combination of the above factors.

(Overview of management system 100)
In this embodiment, the management system 100 includes one or more (sometimes simply referred to as one or more) battery exchangers 120 and a management server 140. In this embodiment, the battery exchanger 120 includes a power distribution unit 122, a battery storage unit 123, a control unit 124, a communication unit 125, an information providing unit 126, a power wiring 132, and a communication wiring 134.

According to the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 1, the control unit 124, the communication unit 125, and the information providing unit 126 are implemented in a single housing or on a single circuit board (indicated by dotted lines in the figure). However, the battery exchange machine 120 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the control unit 124, the communication unit 125, and the information providing unit 126 may be implemented in multiple housings or on multiple circuit boards. For example, at least two of the control unit 124, the communication unit 125, and the information providing unit 126 may be implemented in different housings or on different circuit boards.

In this embodiment, each component of the management system 100 operates by consuming power received from the power grid 12. Each component of the management system 100 may send and receive information to and from each other via the communication network 14.

For example, when power is normally supplied from the power system 12 to the battery exchange device 120, the battery exchange device 120 uses the power supplied from the power system 12 to operate the control unit 124 and charge the mobile battery 20. When an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power system 12 to the battery exchange device 120, the battery exchange device 120 may operate by consuming power stored in the mobile battery 20 stored in the battery exchange device 120. In this case, the battery exchange device 120 may use the power supplied from the mobile battery 20 to operate the control unit 124. Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power system 12 to the battery exchange device 120, the battery exchange device 120 may continue charging the mobile battery 20, or may interrupt or stop charging the mobile battery 20.

(Overview of sharing service)
A user 40 who has subscribed to the sharing service for the mobile battery 20 accesses the management system 100 using, for example, a communication terminal 42 and requests the rental of a mobile battery 20. The user 40 may reserve the rental of the mobile battery 20 by specifying the date, time, and location at which the user wishes to rent the mobile battery 20, as well as the number of mobile batteries 20 that the user wishes to rent. The communication terminal 42 may access the management system 100 via the communication network 14, or may access the management system 100 via the battery exchange machine 120. The user 40 may also operate the battery exchange machine 120 to request the rental of a mobile battery 20.

Once the above request is accepted, the user 40 can remove the mobile battery 20 stored in the battery exchange machine 120 (sometimes referred to as withdrawing the mobile battery 20). This allows the user 40 to exchange the mobile battery 20 attached to the electric motorcycle 30 for the mobile battery 20 stored in the battery exchange machine 120.

More specifically, the user 40 removes the mobile battery 20 attached to the electric motorcycle 30 from the electric motorcycle 30. The user 40 returns the mobile battery 20 removed from the electric motorcycle 30 to the battery exchange machine 120. When the user 40 returns the mobile battery 20, the battery exchange machine 120 dispenses the charged mobile battery 20 stored in the battery exchange machine 120. The user 40 receives the charged mobile battery 20 from the battery exchange machine 120 and attaches the charged mobile battery 20 to the electric motorcycle 30. In this way, the mobile battery 20 is exchanged between the user 40 and the battery exchange machine 120.

(Overview of each part related to the management system 100)
In this embodiment, the communication network 14 transmits information. The communication network 14 may be a wired communication transmission path, a wireless communication transmission path, or a combination of a wireless communication transmission path and a wired communication transmission path. The communication network 14 may include a wireless packet communication network, the Internet, a P2P network, a dedicated line, a VPN, a power line communication line, etc.

The communication network 14 may include (i) a mobile communication network such as a mobile phone network, or (ii) a wireless communication network such as a wireless MAN (e.g., WiMAX (registered trademark)), a wireless LAN (e.g., WiFi (registered trademark)), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), or NFC (Near Field Communication). Wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), and NFC may be examples of short-range wireless communication.

In this embodiment, the mobile battery 20 stores electrical energy. The mobile battery 20 may be configured to be detachable (sometimes referred to as "freely detachable") from the electric motorcycle 30. The mobile battery 20 may be configured to be detachable from the battery exchanger 120. This allows the user 40 to exchange the mobile battery 20 attached to the electric motorcycle 30 for the mobile battery 20 housed in the battery exchanger 120.

In one embodiment, the mobile battery 20 is attached to the electric motorcycle 30 and supplies power to the electric motorcycle 30. In another embodiment, the mobile battery 20 is charged by the battery exchange machine 120 while it is housed in the battery exchange machine 120. In yet another embodiment, the mobile battery 20 supplies power to the battery exchange machine 120 while it is housed in the battery exchange machine 120. This allows the battery exchange machine 120 to use some of the mobile batteries 20 housed in the battery exchange machine 120 as an uninterruptible power supply (sometimes referred to as a UPS).

In this embodiment, the electric motorcycle 30 is equipped with a mobile battery 20. The electric motorcycle 30 may be equipped with multiple mobile batteries 20. The electric motorcycle 30 runs by consuming power supplied from the mobile battery 20.

In this embodiment, the communication terminal 42 sends and receives information to and from each part of the management system 100 via the communication network 14. The communication terminal 42 may function as a user interface when the user 40 accesses the management system 100. The communication terminal 42 may also be used for user authentication processing by the management system 100.

Examples of communication terminals 42 include personal computers and mobile terminals. Examples of mobile terminals include mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs, tablets, notebook or laptop computers, and wearable computers.

In this embodiment, the battery exchanger 120 accommodates a mobile battery 20. The battery exchanger 120 may accommodate multiple mobile batteries 20. In this embodiment, the battery exchanger 120 charges each of the multiple mobile batteries 20. The battery exchanger 120 may charge the mobile battery 20 until the charge rate or voltage of the mobile battery 20 reaches a predetermined set value.

In this embodiment, the battery exchange machine 120 makes the fully charged mobile battery 20 ready to be removed (sometimes referred to as dispensing). In response to a request from a user 40, the battery exchange machine 120 may dispense a mobile battery 20 that meets the request. The battery exchange machine 120 may obtain information indicating dispensing conditions, which are conditions related to the mobile battery 20 to be dispensed, from the management server 140, and may determine the mobile battery 20 to actually be dispensed from among the mobile batteries 20 that meet the dispensing conditions.

In this embodiment, the battery exchange device 120 may discharge at least some of the multiple mobile batteries 20. The battery exchange device 120 may operate by consuming the power output by discharging the mobile batteries 20. When the battery exchange device 120 operates by consuming the power output by discharging one mobile battery 20, it may stop or interrupt the charging operation of the other mobile batteries 20. Even in this case, the battery exchange device 120 may continue the dispensing operation of the mobile batteries 20.

This allows the battery exchange machine 120 to use some of the mobile batteries 20 housed in the battery exchange machine 120 as an uninterruptible power supply. With the battery exchange machine 120 according to this embodiment, for example, even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power grid 12 to the battery exchange machine 120, the power supply to the control unit 124 can be continued. As a result, for example, the battery exchange machine 120 can continue to dispense mobile batteries 20. Therefore, even if the battery exchange machine 120 is installed in an area where power outages occur relatively frequently, for example, an environment in which batteries can be replaced reliably can be provided.

In general, it is extremely difficult to predict the frequency and scale of power outages and install an uninterruptible power supply of an appropriate size. In particular, in applications such as battery exchangers 120, the state of charge of one or more stored mobile batteries 20 varies greatly depending on the timing of the power outage. This makes it extremely difficult to determine the specifications of the uninterruptible power supply. Furthermore, when installing uninterruptible power supply equipment, it is necessary to secure the cost and installation space. In contrast, the battery exchanger 120 of this embodiment can solve the above-mentioned cost and installation space issues. Furthermore, by operating the battery exchanger 120, it is possible to secure mobile batteries 20 that can be used as uninterruptible power supply equipment, making it possible to respond to sudden power outages.

The types of operations that the battery exchange device 120 can perform may differ between when the battery exchange device 120 is operating on power from the power grid 12 and when the battery exchange device 120 is operating on power from the mobile battery 20 functioning as a UPS. For example, while the battery exchange device 120 is operating on power from the mobile battery 20 functioning as a UPS, the operations that can be performed by the battery exchange device 120 are limited.

The number of types of operations that can be performed while the battery exchange device 120 is operating on power from the mobile battery 20 functioning as a UPS may be fewer than the number of types of operations that can be performed while the battery exchange device 120 is operating on power from the power grid 12. For example, while the battery exchange device 120 is operating on power from the mobile battery 20 functioning as a UPS, the charging operation of the mobile battery 20 is stopped or interrupted. This allows the battery exchange device 120 to operate on power from the mobile battery 20 functioning as a UPS for a longer period of time.

In this embodiment, the power distribution unit 122 receives power supplied from the power grid 12. The power distribution unit 122 may convert the power received from the power grid 12 into DC power. The power distribution unit 122 may supply the DC power to the power wiring 132. Details of the power distribution unit 122 will be described later.

In this embodiment, the battery storage unit 123 stores one or more mobile batteries 20. The battery storage unit 123 charges the mobile batteries 20 using DC power (sometimes referred to as charging power) supplied from the power distribution unit 122. Details of the battery storage unit 123 will be described later.

In this embodiment, the control unit 124 controls the battery exchange machine 120. The control unit 124 may control the operation of each unit of the battery exchange machine 120 using DC power supplied from the power distribution unit 122. The control unit 124 may control the operation of the battery storage unit 123. In one embodiment, the control unit 124 controls the dispensing of the mobile battery 20. In another embodiment, the control unit 124 controls the return of the mobile battery 20. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 124 controls the charging and/or discharging of the mobile battery 20. The control unit 124 may operate by consuming DC power (sometimes referred to as control power) supplied from the power distribution unit 122.

In this embodiment, the communication unit 125 communicates with the outside. The communication unit 125 may communicate with an information processing device located outside the battery exchange machine 120. For example, the communication unit 125 sends and receives information to and from the electric motorcycle 30. For example, the communication unit 125 sends and receives information to and from the communication terminal 42. For example, the communication unit 125 sends and receives information to and from the management server 140. The communication unit 125 may be compatible with multiple communication methods.

In this embodiment, the information providing unit 126 provides information to the user of the battery exchange machine 120 (for example, the user 40 described above). Examples of the information providing unit 126 include a display, a projector, and a speaker. The information providing unit 126 may function as a user interface. In this case, the information providing unit 126 may not only provide information to the user of the battery exchange machine 120, but may also accept input from the user of the battery exchange machine 120.

In this embodiment, the power wiring 132 is electrically connected to each component of the battery exchange machine 120. The power wiring 132 may transmit power supplied from the power distribution unit 122 to each component of the battery exchange machine 120. The power wiring 132 may include high-voltage wiring and low-voltage wiring. The power wiring 132 may also be referred to as an internal power bus. Details of the power wiring 132 will be described later.

In this embodiment, the communication wiring 134 is communicatively connected to each component of the battery exchange machine 120. The communication wiring 134 may be a wired communication transmission path, a wireless communication transmission path, or a combination of a wireless communication transmission path and a wired communication transmission path.

In this embodiment, the management server 140 manages one or more mobile batteries 20. For example, the management server 140 manages the status of each of the one or more mobile batteries 20. The management server 140 may manage the return and disbursement of each of the one or more mobile batteries 20.

The management server 140 may manage one or more battery exchangers 120. The management server 140 may manage the status of each of the one or more battery exchangers 120. Examples of the status of the battery exchanger 120 include the external power supply status, the number of mobile batteries 20 that can be accepted, the number of mobile batteries 20 that can be dispensed, the presence or absence of mobile batteries 20 that can be used as uninterruptible power supplies, the number of such mobile batteries 20 or their identification information, and the charge status of the mobile batteries 20.

The management server 140 may determine dispensing conditions, which are conditions related to the mobile batteries 20 to be dispensed, for at least some of one or more battery exchangers 120. Examples of dispensing conditions include the priority order for dispensing each of the multiple mobile batteries 20 stored in the battery exchanger 120, the identification information of the mobile batteries 20 to be preferentially dispensed, and the characteristics of the mobile batteries 20 to be preferentially dispensed.

The power grid 12 may be an example of an external power source. The mobile battery 20 may be an example of a power storage device. The management system 100 may be an example of a power device. The battery exchanger 120 may be an example of a power device. The control unit 124 may be an example of a control unit.

The mobile battery 20 may be an example of an item. The dispensing of the mobile battery 20 may be an example of providing an item in the storage unit. The return of the mobile battery 20 may be an example of receiving an item in the storage unit. The control unit 124 may be an example of a first control unit.

(An example of another embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the details of the management system 100 have been described using as an example a case in which the battery exchanger 120 receives a supply of power from the power grid 12. However, the management system 100 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the battery exchanger 120 receives a supply of power from, for example, a stationary power source. The battery exchanger 120 may receive AC power or DC power.

In this embodiment, the management system 100 has been described in detail using the example of an electric motorcycle 30 consuming power supplied from a mobile battery 20. However, devices that consume power supplied from the mobile battery 20 (sometimes referred to as power consumption devices) are not limited to electric motorcycles 30. In other embodiments, the power consumption device may be a mobile object powered by an electric motor, or a stationary power storage device.

Examples of mobile objects include automobiles, motorcycles, stand-up vehicles with power units, ships, and aircraft. Examples of automobiles include gasoline-powered vehicles, diesel-powered vehicles, electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, hybrid vehicles, small commuters, and electric carts. Examples of motorcycles include motorbikes, three-wheeled bikes, and electric bicycles. Examples of ships include boats, hovercraft, jet skis, submarines, submersibles, and underwater scooters. Examples of aircraft include airplanes, airships, balloons, helicopters, and drones.

(Specific configuration of each part of the management system 100)
Each unit of the management system 100 may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. At least a portion of each unit of the management system 100 may be implemented by a single server or multiple servers. At least a portion of each unit of the management system 100 may be implemented on a virtual server or a cloud system. At least a portion of each unit of the management system 100 may be implemented by a personal computer or a mobile terminal. Examples of mobile terminals include mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs, tablets, notebook computers or laptop computers, and wearable computers. Each unit of the management system 100 may store information using a distributed ledger technology or a distributed network such as blockchain.

When at least some of the components constituting the management system 100 are implemented by software, the components implemented by the software may be implemented by launching software or a program that defines the operation of the components in an information processing device with a general configuration. The information processing device with the general configuration described above may include: (i) a data processing device having a processor such as a CPU or GPU, ROM, RAM, a communication interface, etc.; (ii) input devices such as a keyboard, pointing device, touch panel, camera, voice input device, gesture input device, various sensors, and GPS receiver; (iii) output devices such as a display device, voice output device, and vibration device; and (iv) storage devices (including external storage devices) such as memory, HDD, and SSD.

In the information processing device of the above general configuration, the data processing device or storage device may store the above software or program. When executed by a processor, the software or program causes the information processing device to perform the operations specified by the software or program. The software or program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. The software or program may be a program that causes a computer to function as the management system 100 or a part thereof. The software or program may be a program that causes a computer to perform information processing in the management system 100 or a part thereof.

Figure 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of the power distribution unit 122. In this embodiment, the power distribution unit 122 includes a power terminal 210, an AC/DC power supply circuit 220, a control power supply circuit 230, and an interface board 240. In this embodiment, the power wiring 132 includes a high-voltage wiring 232 and a low-voltage wiring 233.

In this embodiment, the power terminal 210 is electrically connected to the power grid 12. The power terminal 210 is electrically connected to the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 of the power distribution unit 122. This allows the battery exchange machine 120 to exchange power with the power grid 12 via the power terminal 210.

In this embodiment, the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 is disposed on a power transmission path arranged inside the battery exchange machine 120 and converts power. The AC/DC power supply circuit 220 converts power in accordance with commands from, for example, the control unit 124.

More specifically, the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 is electrically connected to the power terminal 210. The AC/DC power supply circuit 220 is electrically connected to the power grid 12 via the power terminal 210. In this embodiment, the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 receives AC power from the power grid 12. The AC/DC power supply circuit 220 converts the AC power received from the power grid 12 into DC power. The AC/DC power supply circuit 220 converts the voltage of the DC power to a voltage (e.g., 400 V DC) that can be used by electrical equipment (sometimes referred to as internal equipment) located inside the battery exchange device 120. This generates, for example, charging power. The AC/DC power supply circuit 220 outputs the converted power to the control power supply circuit 230 and the high-voltage wiring 232. This allows the internal equipment to operate using the power converted by the AC/DC power supply circuit 220. Details of the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 will be described later.

In this embodiment, the control power supply circuit 230 is placed on a power transmission path arranged inside the battery exchange machine 120 and converts power. The control power supply circuit 230 converts power in accordance with commands from the control unit 124, for example.

More specifically, the control power supply circuit 230 is electrically connected to the AC/DC power supply circuit 220. The control power supply circuit 230 is electrically connected to the power system 12 via the AC/DC power supply circuit 220. In this embodiment, the control power supply circuit 230 receives DC power from the AC/DC power supply circuit 220. The control power supply circuit 230 converts the voltage of the DC power received from the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 into a voltage usable by the control unit 124 (e.g., DC 12.5 V). This generates control power. The control power supply circuit 230 outputs the converted power to the low-voltage wiring 233 and the interface board 240. This allows the control unit 124 to operate using the power converted by the control power supply circuit 230.

In this embodiment, the high-voltage wiring 232 transmits the power output by the AC/DC power supply circuit 220. This electrically connects, for example, the power terminal 210 and/or the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 to the mobile battery 20 housed in the battery housing 123.

In this embodiment, the low-voltage wiring 233 transmits the power output by the control power supply circuit 230. This electrically connects, for example, the power terminal 210 and/or the control power supply circuit 230 to the control unit 124.

In this embodiment, the interface board 240 controls, for example, communication between the control unit 124 and the AC/DC power supply circuit 220. The interface board 240 may also control communication between the control unit 124 and the control power supply circuit 230.

The power terminal 210 may be an example of a first connection unit. The AC/DC power supply circuit 220 may be an example of a first connection unit, a power conversion device, or an AC power conversion device. The control power supply circuit 230 may be an example of a first connection unit or a third power conversion unit. The high-voltage wiring 232 may be an example of a power transmission path or a second power transmission path. The low-voltage wiring 233 may be an example of a first power transmission path. An electrical circuit including the power terminal 210, the AC/DC power supply circuit 220, the control power supply circuit 230, and the low-voltage wiring 233 may be an example of a first power transmission path. An electrical circuit including the power terminal 210, the AC/DC power supply circuit 220, and the high-voltage wiring 232 may be an example of a power transmission path or a second power transmission path.

(Outline of battery storage section 123)
3 schematically illustrates an example of the internal configuration of the battery housing 123. In this embodiment, the battery housing 123 includes a slot 320 and a slot 340. The battery housing 123 may include a plurality of slots 320. The battery housing 123 may include a plurality of slots 340. It is preferable that the battery housing 123 include at least two slots 340.

In this embodiment, slot 320 has a power connector 322, a communication connector 324, an interface board 326, a charger 328, and a drive unit 329. In this embodiment, slot 340 has a power connector 322, a communication connector 324, an interface board 326, a charger 348, and a drive unit 329.

(Overview of slot 320)
In this embodiment, the slot 320 accommodates the mobile battery 20. This allows the mobile battery 20 to be stored. The slot 320 is configured to be able to charge the mobile battery 20. The slot 320 has a function (sometimes referred to as a charging function) of supplying power from the battery exchanger 120 to the mobile battery 20 electrically connected to the power connector 322 of the slot 320. The slot 320 does not necessarily have a function (sometimes referred to as a discharging function) of supplying power from the mobile battery 20 electrically connected to the power connector 322 of the slot 320 to the battery exchanger 120.

In this embodiment, the power connector 322 is electrically connected to the electrode terminals 22 of the mobile battery 20. This allows the slot 320 to grasp the electrical status of the mobile battery 20. Examples of the electrical status of the mobile battery 20 include the output voltage and charging rate. The power supply method between the power connector 322 and the mobile battery 20 may be a wired power supply method or a wireless power supply method.

In this embodiment, the communication connector 324 is communicatively connected to the communication terminal 24 of the mobile battery 20. This allows the slot 320 to acquire various information indicating the state of the mobile battery 20. Examples of the state of the mobile battery 20 include the current flowing through the mobile battery, the voltage, charge state, degradation state, and temperature of each of the multiple storage cells included in the mobile battery 20. The communication method between the power connector 322 and the mobile battery 20 may be wired communication or wireless communication.

In this embodiment, the interface board 326 controls, for example, the operation of the slot 320. The interface board 326 controls, for example, communication between the control unit 124 and the charger 328. The interface board 326 may also control communication between the control unit 124 and the drive unit 329. The interface board 326 may also control the operation of the drive unit 329 in accordance with commands from the control unit 124. Details of the interface board 326 will be described later.

In this embodiment, the charger 328 supplies power from the power wiring 132 to the mobile battery 20 via the power connector 322. The charger 328 may supply DC power to the mobile battery 20. The charger 328 may control the transfer of power between the power wiring 132 and the mobile battery 20. Examples of control related to the transfer of power include (i) starting, interrupting, or stopping the transfer of power, (ii) the direction in which power is transferred, and (iii) the amount of power transferred. The charger 328 may send and receive information to and from the control unit 124 via the interface board 326. The charger 328 may control the transfer of power from the power wiring 132 to the mobile battery 20 in accordance with commands from the control unit 124.

More specifically, the charger 328 is electrically connected to the high-voltage wiring 232. The charger 328, for example, uses power supplied from the high-voltage wiring 232 to charge the mobile battery 20 electrically connected to the power connector 322. The charger 328 does not have to be electrically connected to the low-voltage wiring 233. The charger 328 differs from the charger 348 described below in that it is not configured to be able to output power to the low-voltage wiring 233. Details of the charger 328 will be described below.

In this embodiment, the drive unit 329 performs various operations for storing, returning, dispensing, charging, and/or discharging the mobile battery 20. The drive unit 329 may send and receive information to and from the control unit 124 via the interface board 326. The drive unit 329 may perform the various operations described above in accordance with commands from the control unit 124. The drive unit 329 may be electrically connected to the high-voltage wiring 232 and/or the low-voltage wiring 233. The drive unit 329 may perform the various operations described above using power supplied from the high-voltage wiring 232 and/or the low-voltage wiring 233.

(Overview of slot 340)
In this embodiment, the slot 340 accommodates the mobile battery 20. This allows the mobile battery 20 to be stored. In this embodiment, the slot 320 is configured to be able to charge and discharge the mobile battery 20. The slot 340 differs from the slot 320 in that it includes a charger 348 instead of the charger 328 and has the function of charging and discharging the mobile battery 20. Except for the above differences, the slot 340 may have the same configuration as the slot 320.

In this embodiment, the charger 348 supplies power from the power line 132 to the mobile battery 20 via the power connector 322. The charger 328 may supply DC power to the mobile battery 20. The charger 348 may control the transfer of power between the power line 132 and the mobile battery 20. Examples of control related to the transfer of power include (i) starting, interrupting, or stopping the transfer of power, (ii) the direction in which power is transferred, and (iii) the amount of power transferred. The charger 348 may send and receive information to and from the control unit 124 via the interface board 326. The charger 348 may control the transfer of power from the power line 132 to the mobile battery 20 in accordance with commands from the control unit 124.

More specifically, the charger 348 is electrically connected to the high-voltage wiring 232. The charger 328, for example, uses power supplied from the high-voltage wiring 232 to charge the mobile battery 20 electrically connected to the power connector 322.

In this embodiment, the charger 348 is electrically connected to the low-voltage wiring 233 and is configured to be able to supply power from the mobile battery 20 to the low-voltage wiring 233. The charger 348 may be configured to limit the supply of power from the low-voltage wiring 233 to the mobile battery 20. For example, the charger 348 is configured to prevent power from being supplied from the low-voltage wiring 233 to the mobile battery 20.

The charger 348 is configured to supply power from the mobile battery 20 to the low-voltage wiring 233 when the voltage of the low-voltage wiring 233 falls below a predetermined value (sometimes referred to as a set value). The absolute value of the difference between the set value and the normal value of the output voltage of the control power supply circuit 230 may be 1 V or less, less than 1 V, or 0.5 V or less. As a result, if an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power grid 12 to the battery exchanger 120 due to a power outage or the like, power is automatically supplied from the mobile battery 20 to the low-voltage wiring 233. Details of the charger 348 will be described later.

The power connector 322 may be an example of a second connection section or a second input/output terminal. The charger 348 may be an example of a power conversion device or a DC power conversion device. The above set value may be an example of the voltage after conversion by the second power conversion section. The normal value of the output voltage of the control power supply circuit 230 may be an example of the voltage after conversion of the third power.

Slot 320 may be an example of a storage unit. Slot 340 may be an example of a storage unit. Interface board 326 may be an example of a second control unit.

(An example of another embodiment)
In this embodiment, the details of the slot 320 have been described using an example in which a single slot 320 accommodates multiple mobile batteries 20. However, the slot 320 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, when a single slot 320 accommodates multiple mobile batteries 20, the slot 320 may have power connectors 322 and communication connectors 324 corresponding to the number of mobile batteries 20 accommodated. The slot 320 may have chargers 328 corresponding to the number of mobile batteries 20 accommodated.

In this embodiment, the details of the slot 340 have been described using the example of a single slot 340 accommodating multiple mobile batteries 20. However, the slot 340 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, when a single slot 340 accommodates multiple mobile batteries 20, the slot 340 may have power connectors 322 and communication connectors 324 corresponding to the number of mobile batteries 20 accommodated. The slot 340 may also have chargers 348 corresponding to the number of mobile batteries 20 accommodated.

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal configuration of the charger 328. In this embodiment, the charger 328 includes a power transmission path 410, a positive terminal 412, a negative terminal 414, and a power connector 322. In this embodiment, the power transmission path 410 includes a unidirectional DC/DC converter 420. In this embodiment, the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420 includes an input positive terminal 422, an input negative terminal 424, an output positive terminal 426, and an output negative terminal 428. In this embodiment, the power connector 322 includes a positive terminal 416 and a negative terminal 418.

In this embodiment, the positive terminal 412 is electrically connected to the positive wire 402 of the high-voltage wiring 232. The positive terminal 412 is electrically connected to the input-side positive terminal 422 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420. In this embodiment, the negative terminal 414 is electrically connected to the negative wire 404 of the high-voltage wiring 232. The negative terminal 414 is electrically connected to the input-side negative terminal 424 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420. In this embodiment, the positive terminal 416 is electrically connected to the output-side positive terminal 426 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420. In this embodiment, the negative terminal 418 is electrically connected to the output-side negative terminal 428 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420.

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal configuration of the charger 348. In this embodiment, the charger 348 includes a power transmission path 410, a positive terminal 412, a negative terminal 414, and a power connector 322. In this embodiment, the power transmission path 410 includes a unidirectional DC/DC converter 420. In this embodiment, the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420 includes an input positive terminal 422, an input negative terminal 424, an output positive terminal 426, and an output negative terminal 428. In this embodiment, the power connector 322 includes a positive terminal 416 and a negative terminal 418.

In this embodiment, the positive terminal 412 is electrically connected to the positive wire 402 of the high-voltage wiring 232. The positive terminal 412 is electrically connected to the input-side positive terminal 422 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420. In this embodiment, the negative terminal 414 is electrically connected to the negative wire 404 of the high-voltage wiring 232. The negative terminal 414 is electrically connected to the input-side negative terminal 424 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420. In this embodiment, the positive terminal 416 is electrically connected to the output-side positive terminal 426 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420. In this embodiment, the negative terminal 418 is electrically connected to the output-side negative terminal 428 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420.

In this embodiment, the charger 348 includes a power transmission path 510, a positive terminal 516, and a negative terminal 518. In this embodiment, the power transmission path 510 includes a unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 and a diode 540. In this embodiment, the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 includes an input positive terminal 522, an input negative terminal 524, an output positive terminal 526, and an output negative terminal 528.

In this embodiment, the power transmission path 410 electrically connects the high-voltage wiring 232 and the power connector 322. This electrically connects the power terminal 210 and/or the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 to the power connector 322. In this embodiment, the positive terminal 416 is electrically connected to a positive terminal (not shown) included in the electrode terminal 22 of the mobile battery 20. In this embodiment, the negative terminal 418 is electrically connected to a negative terminal (not shown) included in the electrode terminal 22 of the mobile battery 20.

In this embodiment, the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420 is disposed in the power transmission path 410 and converts DC power. In this embodiment, the input side positive terminal 422 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 412. The input side negative terminal 424 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 414. The output side positive terminal 426 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 416. The output side negative terminal 428 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 418.

In this embodiment, the power transmission path 510 electrically connects the low-voltage wiring 233 and the power transmission path 410. This electrically connects the control unit 124 and the power transmission path 410. It also electrically connects the mobile battery 20 and the control unit 124. As a result, if an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power grid 12 to the battery exchanger 120 due to a power outage or the like, power can be automatically supplied from the mobile battery 20 to the low-voltage wiring 233.

In this embodiment, the positive terminal 516 is electrically connected to the positive wire 502 of the low-voltage wiring 233. The positive terminal 516 is electrically connected to the output positive terminal 526 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520. More specifically, the positive terminal 516 is electrically connected to the output positive terminal 526 via the diode 540.

In this embodiment, the negative terminal 518 is electrically connected to the negative wire 504 of the low-voltage wiring 233. The negative terminal 518 is electrically connected to the output negative terminal 528 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520. In other embodiments, the negative terminal 518 may be electrically connected to the output positive terminal 526 via a diode (not shown).

In this embodiment, the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 is arranged in the power transmission path 510 and converts DC power. The unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 converts the voltage of DC power input to the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 from, for example, the mobile battery 20, and outputs the converted DC power to the low-voltage wiring 233.

The unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 converts DC power, for example, in accordance with commands from the interface board 326. The unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 may convert DC power without receiving commands from the control unit 124 when the voltage of the low-voltage wiring 233 becomes lower than a predetermined set value. The absolute value of the difference between the set value and the normal value of the output voltage of the control power supply circuit 230 may be 1 V or less, may be less than 1 V, or may be 0.5 V or less.

For example, when power is being normally supplied from the power grid 12 to the battery exchanger 120, the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 controls the voltage of the DC power output to the low-voltage wiring 233 so that the voltage on the output side of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 (e.g., 12 V) is lower than the voltage on the output side of the control power supply circuit 230 (e.g., 12.5 V). In this state, no current flows out of the mobile battery 20. Furthermore, because a diode 540 is arranged between the low-voltage wiring 233 and the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520, no current flows from the low-voltage wiring 233 to the mobile battery 20.

The voltage on the output side of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 may be referred to as the converted voltage of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520. The voltage on the output side of the control power supply circuit 230 (i.e., the power supplied to the low-voltage wiring 233) may be referred to as the converted voltage of the control power supply circuit 230.

On the other hand, if an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power grid 12 to the battery exchanger 120 due to a power outage or the like, the voltage on the low-voltage line 233 will be lower than the normal value (e.g., 12.5 V). If the voltage on the low-voltage line 233 is lower than the set value of the output voltage of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 (e.g., 12 V), current will flow from the mobile battery 20 toward the low-voltage line 233.

By operating the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 according to the procedure described above, the mobile battery 20 used as a USP can be placed on standby in a state where it can respond immediately if an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power grid 12 to the battery exchanger 120. As a result, if an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power grid 12 to the battery exchanger 120 due to a power outage or the like, power is automatically supplied from the mobile battery 20 to the low-voltage wiring 233. As a result, the control unit 124 can continue to control the battery exchanger 120.

In this embodiment, the control power generated by the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 is smaller than the charging power. Therefore, the capacity and dimensions of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 are smaller than the capacity and dimensions of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cost and dimensions can be reduced compared to when a bidirectional DC/DC converter is used to achieve the same functions as the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420 and the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520.

In this embodiment, the input positive terminal 522 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 416. The input positive terminal 522 may be electrically connected to the positive terminal 416 and the output positive terminal 426. As a result, the connection point between the power transmission path 410 and the input positive terminal 522 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 is located between the positive terminal 416 and the output positive terminal 426.

In this embodiment, the input negative terminal 524 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 418. The input negative terminal 524 may be electrically connected to the negative terminal 418 and the output negative terminal 428. As a result, the connection point between the power transmission path 410 and the input negative terminal 524 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 is located between the negative terminal 418 and the output negative terminal 428.

In this embodiment, the output positive terminal 526 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 516. The output positive terminal 526 of the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 516 via the diode 540.

In this embodiment, the output negative terminal 528 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 518. In other embodiments, the output negative terminal 528 may be electrically connected to the output negative terminal 528 via a diode (not shown).

In this embodiment, the diode 540 is arranged in the power transmission path 510. The diode 540 is arranged, for example, between the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 and the control unit 124. The diode 540 allows current to flow in the direction from the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 to the control unit 124. For example, the diode 540 allows current to flow in the direction from the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 to the control unit 124. The diode 540 prevents current from flowing in the direction from the control unit 124 to the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520. For example, the diode 540 does not substantially allow current to flow in the direction from the control unit 124 to the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520.

The location of the diode 540 is not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the diode 540 is disposed between the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 and the low-voltage wiring 233. In another embodiment, the diode 540 is disposed between the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 and the power connector 322.

In this embodiment, one end of diode 540 is electrically connected to positive terminal 516. The other end of diode 540 is electrically connected to output side positive terminal 526. In this embodiment, diode 540 allows current to flow in the direction from output side positive terminal 526 to positive terminal 516. For example, diode 540 allows current to flow in the direction from output side positive terminal 526 to positive terminal 516. Diode 540 prevents current from flowing in the direction from positive terminal 516 to output side positive terminal 526. For example, diode 540 does not substantially allow current to flow in the direction from positive terminal 516 to output side positive terminal 526.

The power transmission path 410 may be an example of a second power transmission path. The positive terminal 412 and the negative terminal 414 may be an example of a pair of first input/output terminals. The positive terminal 416 and the negative terminal 418 may be an example of a second connection portion or a pair of second input/output terminals. The input positive terminal 422 and the input negative terminal 424 may be an example of an input of the first power conversion unit. The output positive terminal 426 and the output negative terminal 428 may be an example of an output of the first power conversion unit. The power transmission path 510 may be an example of a third power transmission path. The positive terminal 516 and the negative terminal 518 may be an example of a pair of output terminals. The unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 may be an example of a second power conversion unit. The diode 540 may be an example of a unidirectional power transmission unit or a rectifier unit.

Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the battery exchange machine 120 under normal circumstances. For the purpose of simplifying the explanation, in this embodiment, the operation of the battery exchange machine 120 under normal circumstances will be explained using as an example a case in which the battery storage section 123 of the battery exchange machine 120 has multiple slots, including slot 620 having a configuration similar to slot 320, and slots 642 and 644 having a configuration similar to slot 340.

According to this embodiment, if an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power grid 12 to the battery exchanger 120, the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 in slot 642 operates to supply power to the low-voltage wiring 233 from the mobile battery 20 stored in slot 642 (sometimes referred to as UPS operation). Meanwhile, the unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 in slot 644 is stopped.

Of multiple slots with a configuration similar to slot 340, the slot that will perform UPS operation is determined by the control unit 124, for example, before an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the power grid 12 to the battery exchange machine 120. Each of the multiple slots arranged in the battery exchange machine 120 determines whether to perform UPS operation in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 124.

If the remaining capacity or voltage of a mobile battery 20 stored in a slot performing UPS operation falls below a predetermined value (e.g., DC 36 to 60 V), the control unit 124 determines to supply power from another mobile battery 20 to the low-voltage wiring 233. The control unit 124 controls the slot storing the other mobile battery 20 to perform UPS operation. The control unit 124 also controls the slot storing the mobile battery 20 whose remaining capacity or voltage has fallen below a predetermined value to stop UPS operation.

As described above, under normal circumstances, power is normally supplied from the power grid 12 to the battery exchanger 120. In this case, the converted voltage of the control power supply circuit 230 is normal, and no current flows from the mobile battery 20 to the low-voltage wiring 233 via the power transmission path 510.

In this embodiment, charging power is supplied from the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 to the high-voltage wiring 232. Slots 620 and 644 charge the mobile batteries 20 stored therein. Slot 642 does not need to charge the mobile battery 20 stored therein.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, DC power is supplied from the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 to the control power supply circuit 230. As a result, the control power supply circuit 230 generates control power and supplies this power to the low-voltage wiring 233.

Figure 7 shows an example of the operation of the battery exchange machine 120 during a power outage. During a power outage, the supply of power from the power grid 12 to the battery exchange machine 120 is interrupted. As a result, the voltage of the charging power supplied from the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 to the high-voltage wiring 232 drops. Furthermore, the converted voltage of the control power supply circuit 230 drops, causing the voltage of the low-voltage wiring 233 to also drop. As described above, when the voltage of the low-voltage wiring 233 falls below a predetermined set value, power is supplied to the low-voltage wiring 233 from the mobile battery 20 stored in slot 642. This allows the control unit 124 to continue controlling the battery exchange machine 120. For example, the control unit 124 interrupts or stops the charging operation in slots 620 and 644.

After that, when power is normally supplied from the power grid 12 to the battery exchange machine 120, the control unit 124 resumes charging operations, for example, in slots 620 and 644. This returns the state of the battery exchange machine 120 to the state described in connection with FIG. 6.

Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the overall configuration of the battery exchange machine 120. In this embodiment, the battery exchange machine 120 includes a power distribution unit 122 and a battery storage unit 123. In this embodiment, the battery storage unit 123 includes multiple slots installed at different heights. For example, the battery storage unit 123 includes three slots 832 located at the highest position, three slots 834 located lower than slots 832, three slots 836 located lower than slots 832 and 834, and three slots 838 located at the lowest position.

According to this embodiment, two or more of the multiple slots have a configuration similar to slot 340. For example, slots having a configuration similar to slot 340 are installed at a relatively low position. On the other hand, slots having a configuration similar to slot 320 are installed at a relatively high position. The proportion of slots having a configuration similar to slot 340 among the multiple slots installed at a first height may be greater than the proportion of slots having a configuration similar to slot 340 among the multiple slots installed at a second height higher than the first height. For example, slot 832, slot 834, and slot 836 have a configuration similar to slot 320, and slot 838 has a configuration similar to slot 340.

Figure 9 shows an example of the internal configuration of the interface board 326. In this embodiment, the interface board 326 includes a communication control unit 912, a drive control unit 914, and a setting storage unit 920. In this embodiment, the setting storage unit 920 includes a DIP switch 922.

The communication control unit 912 controls communication between the slot in which the interface board 326 is arranged (e.g., slot 320 or slot 340) and the control unit 124. The communication control unit 912 and the control unit 124 send and receive, for example, various data and/or commands related to the slot in which the interface board 326 is arranged. The communication control unit 912 and the control unit 124 may send and receive identification information for identifying each of the multiple slots included in the battery receptacle 123 in association with the above data and/or commands. Details of the above identification information will be described later.

The drive control unit 914 controls the operation of the drive unit 329. The drive control unit 914 controls the operation of the drive unit 329, for example, in accordance with commands from the control unit 124.

The setting storage unit 920 stores various settings related to control by the communication control unit 912 and the drive control unit 914. The DIP switch 922 includes n switches (not shown) that can be positioned in m different positions. This allows the DIP switch 922 to switch between m to the power of n states (sometimes referred to as switching states). For example, each switch can be positioned in two positions: 0 and 1. The switching states are operated so that each slot has a unique or specific switching state that does not overlap among multiple slots. This allows the switching states of the DIP switch 922 to be used to identify each of the multiple slots.

The information indicating the positions of the n switches of the DIP switch 922 (sometimes referred to as the setting value of the DIP switch 922) is used, for example, to configure the communication between the communication control unit 912 and the control unit 124. The setting value of the DIP switch 922 indicates the switching state of the DIP switch 922.

For example, at least one of the communication control unit 912 and the control unit 124 generates data identification information indicating that the data (including commands and requests) is intended for transmission from or to each slot, based on the basic ID assigned to each slot or each interface board and information indicating the switching state of the DIP switch 922 arranged on each interface board. This allows the above data to be accurately transmitted and received between the communication control unit 912 and the control unit 124, even when the communication control unit 912 and the control unit 124 transmit and receive data and/or commands using a communication method in which multiple devices share a single transmission path, such as a controller area network (CAN).

For example, the communication control unit 912 reads information indicating the switching state of the DIP switch 922 from the DIP switch 922. The communication control unit 912 changes the CAN communication ID according to the switching state of the DIP switch 922. Specifically, the communication control unit 912 changes the CAN communication ID for the basic ID data handled on each interface board according to the setting value of the DIP switch 922. The communication control unit 912 may refer to a predetermined data table and change the CAN communication ID based on the setting value of the DIP switch 922. The communication control unit 912 may send data to the control unit 124 using the changed ID.

This allows the communication control unit 912 to transmit data obtained from each of multiple slots onto a single CAN bus shared by those multiple slots using unique IDs. As a result, the control unit 124 can appropriately monitor the status of each slot and appropriately control each slot.

The communication control unit 912 may be an example of a second control unit. The drive control unit 914 may be an example of a second control unit. The DIP switch 922 may be an example of a switching unit. Each of the n switches included in the DIP switch 922 may be an example of a first operator. The basic ID may be an example of first identification information, and the data identification information may be an example of second identification information.

An example of identification information used by the control unit 124 to identify each of the multiple slots included in the battery housing unit 123 will be described using Figures 10 and 11. In this embodiment, the details of the above identification information will be described using an example in which the interface board 326 arranged in each of the multiple slots included in the battery housing unit 123 includes a DIP switch 922. According to this embodiment, the details of the above identification information will be described using an example in which the DIP switch 922 includes four switches that can be positioned at two positions, the 0 position and the 1 position.

Figure 10 shows an example of a data table 1000 in which the position of each switch is associated with the number of each of the 12 slots included in the battery exchange machine 120 described in relation to Figure 8. As shown in Figure 10, the data table 1000 stores information indicating the correspondence between a slot address 1022, which is a combination of the position of each switch, and the number 1024 of the slot in which each switch is located. Figure 11 shows an example of a data table 1100 in which the basic ID 1122 handled by each slot, the number 1124 of each slot, and an ID 1126 for CAN communication are associated.

As shown in FIG. 10, the communication control unit 912 reads information indicating the switching state of the DIP switch 922 from the DIP switch 922, and by referring to data table 1000, can obtain the slot number associated with the slot address indicated by the switching state. As shown in FIG. 11, the communication control unit 912 can by referring to data table 1100, obtain the ID for CAN communication associated with the basic ID and slot number. This allows the communication control unit 912 to transmit data obtained from each of multiple slots onto a single CAN bus shared by the multiple slots using unique IDs.

Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal configuration of the AC/DC power supply circuit 220. In this embodiment, the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 includes a power adapter 1220 and a main body 1240. In this embodiment, the power adapter 1220 is attached to the main body 1240 in accordance with the AC power specifications. Examples of AC power specifications include single-phase two-wire, three-phase three-wire, and three-phase four-wire. In this embodiment, the main body 1240 converts AC power into DC power.

In one embodiment, the power adapter 1220 and the main body 1240 are configured to be detachable. The main body 1240 may be configured to be detachable from one power adapter 1220 and from another power adapter 1220. This allows the power adapter 1220 attached to the main body 1240 to be selected according to the AC power specifications of the area where the battery exchange machine 120 is installed.

In other embodiments, the power adapter 1220 and the main body 1240 are fixed or physically coupled. Even in this case, the main body 1240 may be configured to allow attachment of multiple types of power adapters 1220. This allows a power adapter 1220 selected according to the AC power specifications of the area in which the battery exchange machine 120 is installed to be fixed or coupled to the main body 1240.

(Overview of power adapter 1220)
The power adapter 1220 is used to output AC power received from the power grid 12 to the main body 1240. The power adapter 1220 is configured to be attachable to the input side end of the main body 1240. The power adapter 1220 may be a single-phase two-wire adapter.

In this embodiment, the power adapter 1220 has an AC input terminal 1202, an AC input terminal 1204, an AC output terminal 1221, an AC output terminal 1222, an AC output terminal 1223, an AC output terminal 1224, an AC output terminal 1225, and an AC output terminal 1226. The power adapter 1220 has wiring 1232 and wiring 1234.

In this embodiment, wiring 1232 electrically connects AC input terminal 1202 to AC output terminal 1221, AC output terminal 1223, and AC output terminal 1225. In this embodiment, wiring 1234 electrically connects AC input terminal 1204 to AC output terminal 1222, AC output terminal 1224, and AC output terminal 1226.

In this embodiment, AC is input to AC input terminal 1202 and AC input terminal 1204 from power grid 12. AC output terminal 1221 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1202, and AC output terminal 1222 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1204. AC output terminal 1223 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1202, and AC output terminal 1224 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1204. AC output terminal 1225 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1202, and AC output terminal 1226 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1204. This connects multiple power lines electrically connected to single-phase AC/DC converter 1250, single-phase AC/DC converter 1260, and/or single-phase AC/DC converter 1270.

(Outline of main body 1240)
In this embodiment, main body 1240 has AC input terminal 1241, AC input terminal 1242, AC input terminal 1243, AC input terminal 1244, AC input terminal 1245, AC input terminal 1246, positive terminal 1212, and negative terminal 1214. Main body 1240 also has single-phase AC/DC converter 1250, single-phase AC/DC converter 1260, and single-phase AC/DC converter 1270. Single-phase AC/DC converter 1250 includes output positive terminal 1251 and output negative terminal 1252. Single-phase AC/DC converter 1260 includes output positive terminal 1261 and output negative terminal 1262. Single-phase AC/DC converter 1270 includes output positive terminal 1271 and output negative terminal 1272. The main body 1240 has a wiring 1282 and a wiring 1284 .

In this embodiment, AC input terminal 1241 is electrically connected to AC output terminal 1221. AC input terminal 1242 is electrically connected to AC output terminal 1222. AC input terminal 1241 and AC input terminal 1242 function as input terminals of single-phase AC/DC converter 1250.

The AC input terminal 1241 and the AC output terminal 1221 may be configured to be detachable. The AC input terminal 1242 and the AC output terminal 1222 may be configured to be detachable. This allows the power adapter 1220 to be detachably attached to the input side end of the main body 1240.

The single-phase AC/DC converter 1250 converts AC power into DC power. The single-phase AC/DC converter 1250 may convert a portion of the AC power input to the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 into DC power. The output positive terminal 1251 is electrically connected to wiring 1282. The output positive terminal 1251 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 1212 via wiring 1282. The output negative terminal 1252 is electrically connected to wiring 1284. The output negative terminal 1252 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 1214 via wiring 1284.

As shown in FIG. 12, a diode 1254 may be arranged between the output side positive terminal 1251 and the positive terminal 1212. The diode 1254 is arranged so that a current flows from the output side positive terminal 1251 to the positive terminal 1212, but does not substantially flow from the positive terminal 1212 to the output side positive terminal 1251.

In this embodiment, AC input terminal 1243 is electrically connected to AC output terminal 1223. AC input terminal 1244 is electrically connected to AC output terminal 1224. AC input terminal 1243 and AC input terminal 1244 function as input terminals of single-phase AC/DC converter 1260.

The AC input terminal 1243 and the AC output terminal 1223 may be configured to be detachable. The AC input terminal 1244 and the AC output terminal 1224 may be configured to be detachable. This allows the power adapter 1220 to be detachably attached to the input side end of the main body 1240.

The single-phase AC/DC converter 1260 converts AC power into DC power. The single-phase AC/DC converter 1260 may convert a portion of the AC power input to the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 into DC power. The output positive terminal 1261 is electrically connected to wiring 1282. The output positive terminal 1261 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 1212 via wiring 1282. The output negative terminal 1262 is electrically connected to wiring 1284. The output negative terminal 1262 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 1214 via wiring 1284.

As shown in FIG. 12, a diode 1264 may be arranged between the output side positive terminal 1261 and the positive terminal 1212. The diode 1264 is arranged so that a current flows from the output side positive terminal 1261 to the positive terminal 1212, but substantially no current flows from the positive terminal 1212 to the output side positive terminal 1261.

In this embodiment, AC input terminal 1245 is electrically connected to AC output terminal 1225. AC input terminal 1246 is electrically connected to AC output terminal 1226. AC input terminal 1245 and AC input terminal 1246 function as input terminals of single-phase AC/DC converter 1270.

The AC input terminal 1245 and the AC output terminal 1225 may be configured to be detachable. The AC input terminal 1246 and the AC output terminal 1226 may be configured to be detachable. This allows the power adapter 1220 to be detachably attached to the input side end of the main body 1240.

The single-phase AC/DC converter 1270 converts AC power into DC power. The single-phase AC/DC converter 1270 may convert a portion of the AC power input to the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 into DC power. The output positive terminal 1271 is electrically connected to wiring 1282. The output positive terminal 1271 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 1212 via wiring 1282. The output negative terminal 1272 is electrically connected to wiring 1284. The output negative terminal 1272 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 1214 via wiring 1284.

As shown in FIG. 12, a diode 1274 may be arranged between the output side positive terminal 1271 and the positive terminal 1212. The diode 1274 is arranged so that a current flows from the output side positive terminal 1271 to the positive terminal 1212, but substantially no current flows from the positive terminal 1212 to the output side positive terminal 1271.

The positive terminal 1212 and the negative terminal 1214 may be an example of a pair of DC output terminals. The power adapter 1220 may be an example of a second component or an adapter. The main body 1240 may be an example of a first component or a power converter. The wiring 1232 may be an example of a connecting section. The wiring 1234 may be an example of a connecting section. The AC input terminals 1241 and 1242 may be an example of an input of the first AC/DC conversion section or a pair of first input terminals. The AC input terminals 1243 and 1244 may be an example of an input of the second AC/DC conversion section or a pair of second input terminals. The AC input terminals 1245 and 1246 may be an example of an input of the third AC/DC conversion section or a pair of second input terminals.

The single-phase AC/DC converter 1250 may be an example of a power conversion unit, an AC/DC conversion unit, or a first AC/DC conversion unit. The output positive terminal 1251 and the output negative terminal 1252 may be an example of an output of a first AC/DC conversion unit. The single-phase AC/DC converter 1260 may be an example of a power conversion unit, an AC/DC conversion unit, or a second AC/DC conversion unit. The output positive terminal 1261 and the output negative terminal 1262 may be an example of an output of a second AC/DC conversion unit. The single-phase AC/DC converter 1270 may be an example of a power conversion unit, an AC/DC conversion unit, or a third AC/DC conversion unit. The output positive terminal 1271 and the output negative terminal 1272 may be an example of an output of a third AC/DC conversion unit.

AC input terminal 1202 and AC input terminal 1204 may be an example of a pair of AC input terminals. AC output terminal 1221 and AC output terminal 1222 may be an example of a pair of first output terminals. AC output terminal 1223 and AC output terminal 1224 may be an example of a pair of second output terminals. AC output terminal 1225 and AC output terminal 1226 may be an example of a pair of third output terminals.

(An example of another embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the details of the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 have been described using an example in which the single-phase AC/DC converters 1250, 1260, and 1270 are configured to operate independently. However, the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the AC/DC power supply circuit 220 may monitor the presence or absence of unbalanced utilization and/or phase loss in the single-phase AC/DC converters 1250, 1260, and 1270. The AC/DC power supply circuit 220 may control the operation of the single-phase AC/DC converters 1250, 1260, and 1270 to suppress the unbalanced utilization and/or phase loss.

Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal configuration of the power adapter 1320. The power adapter 1320 is used to output AC power received from the power grid 12 to the main unit 1240. The power adapter 1320 is configured to be attachable to the input end of the main unit 1240. The power adapter 1320 may be a three-phase, three-wire adapter.

Power adapter 1320 may have a similar configuration to power adapter 1220, except for the number of terminals and the wiring configuration. In one embodiment, power adapter 1320 and main body 1240 are configured to be detachable. In another embodiment, power adapter 1320 and main body 1240 are fixed or physically coupled.

In this embodiment, the power adapter 1320 has AC input terminal 1202, AC input terminal 1204, AC input terminal 1306, AC output terminal 1221, AC output terminal 1222, AC output terminal 1223, AC output terminal 1224, AC output terminal 1225, and AC output terminal 1226. The power adapter 1320 has wiring 1332, wiring 1334, and wiring 1336.

In this embodiment, wiring 1332 electrically connects AC input terminal 1202 to AC output terminal 1221 and AC output terminal 1226. In this embodiment, wiring 1334 electrically connects AC input terminal 1204 to AC output terminal 1222 and AC output terminal 1223. In this embodiment, wiring 1336 electrically connects AC input terminal 1306 to AC output terminal 1224 and AC output terminal 1225.

In this embodiment, AC is input to AC input terminal 1202 and AC input terminal 1204 from power grid 12. AC output terminal 1221 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1202, and AC output terminal 1222 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1204. AC output terminal 1223 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1204, and AC output terminal 1224 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1306. AC output terminal 1225 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1306, and AC output terminal 1226 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1202.

Power adapter 1220 may be one of the first connection and the second connection. Power adapter 1320 may be the other of the first connection and the second connection. Power adapter 1320 may be an example of a second component or another second component. Wiring 1332 may be an example of a connection or another connection. Wiring 1334 may be an example of a connection or another connection. Wiring 1336 may be an example of a connection or another connection.

Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal configuration of the power adapter 1420. The power adapter 1420 is used to output AC power received from the power grid 12 to the main unit 1240. The power adapter 1420 is configured to be attachable to the input end of the main unit 1240. The power adapter 1420 may be a three-phase, four-wire adapter.

Power adapter 1420 may have a configuration similar to power adapter 1220 or power adapter 1320, except for the number of terminals and the wiring configuration. In one embodiment, power adapter 1420 and main body 1240 are configured to be detachable. In another embodiment, power adapter 1420 and main body 1240 are fixed or physically coupled.

In this embodiment, the power adapter 1420 has AC input terminal 1202, AC input terminal 1204, AC input terminal 1306, AC input terminal 1408, AC output terminal 1221, AC output terminal 1222, AC output terminal 1223, AC output terminal 1224, AC output terminal 1225, and AC output terminal 1226. The power adapter 1420 has wiring 1432, wiring 1434, wiring 1436, and wiring 1438.

In this embodiment, wiring 1432 electrically connects AC input terminal 1202 and AC output terminal 1221. In this embodiment, wiring 1434 electrically connects AC input terminal 1204 and AC output terminal 1223. In this embodiment, wiring 1436 electrically connects AC input terminal 1306 and AC output terminal 1225. In this embodiment, wiring 1438 electrically connects AC input terminal 1408 and AC output terminal 1222, AC output terminal 1224, and AC output terminal 1226.

In this embodiment, AC is input to AC input terminal 1202 and AC input terminal 1204 from power grid 12. AC output terminal 1221 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1202, and AC output terminal 1222 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1408. AC output terminal 1223 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1204, and AC output terminal 1224 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1408. AC output terminal 1225 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1306, and AC output terminal 1226 is electrically connected to AC input terminal 1408.

Power adapter 1220 or power adapter 1320 may be one of the first connection and the second connection. Power adapter 1420 may be the other of the first connection and the second connection. Power adapter 1420 may be an example of a second component or another second component. Wiring 1432 may be an example of a connection or another connection. Wiring 1434 may be an example of a connection or another connection. Wiring 1436 may be an example of another connection. Wiring 1438 may be an example of a connection or another connection.

Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal configuration of single-phase AC/DC converter 1250. Single-phase AC/DC converter 1260 and/or single-phase AC/DC converter 1270 may have a configuration similar to that of single-phase AC/DC converter 1250. Single-phase AC/DC converter 1250 includes an EMI filter 1522, a bridge rectifier 1524, a PFC converter 1526, a power switch 1528, a transformer 1530, and a rectifier 1532.

The internal configuration of the single-phase AC/DC converter 1250 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, any known single-phase AC/DC converter may be used as the single-phase AC/DC converter 1250.

Figure 16 schematically illustrates another example of the internal configuration of the mobile battery 20. In the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 15, an example of the mobile battery 20 was described, in which the mobile battery 20 is electrically connected to a unidirectional DC/DC converter 420 and a unidirectional DC/DC converter 520 disposed in a charger 348 via electrode terminals 22. In the embodiment described with reference to Figure 16, an example of a mobile battery 1600, which is another example of the mobile battery 20, is described.

According to this embodiment, the mobile battery 1600 includes an electrode terminal 22, an electrode terminal 1610, a storage cell 1620 that stores electrical energy, and a unidirectional DC/DC converter 520. In this embodiment, the electrode terminal 22 has a positive terminal 1602 and a negative terminal 1604. In this embodiment, the electrode terminal 1610 has a positive terminal 1606 and a negative terminal 1608. In this embodiment, the storage cell 1620 has a positive terminal 1622 and a negative terminal 1624.

In this embodiment, the positive electrode 1622 is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 1602 and the input side positive electrode terminal 522. The negative electrode 1624 is electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal 1604 and the input side negative electrode terminal 524. The positive electrode terminal 1606 is electrically connected to the output side positive electrode terminal 526. The negative electrode terminal 1608 is electrically connected to the output side negative electrode terminal 528.

The mobile battery 1600 may be an example of a power storage device. The positive terminal 1602 and the negative terminal 1604 may be an example of a pair of input/output terminals. The positive terminal 1606 and the negative terminal 1608 may be an example of a pair of output terminals.

Figure 17 schematically illustrates another example of the internal configuration of charger 348. According to the embodiment described in relation to Figure 17, an example of charger 1700, which is another example of charger 348, is described. Charger 1700 may be an example of a charger configured to be detachable from mobile battery 1600.

In this embodiment, the charger 1700 includes a power transmission path 410, a positive terminal 412, a negative terminal 414, and a power connector 322. The charger 1700 includes a power transmission path 1710, a positive terminal 516, a negative terminal 518, and a power connector 1720.

In this embodiment, the power transmission path 410 includes a unidirectional DC/DC converter 420. In this embodiment, the unidirectional DC/DC converter 420 includes an input positive terminal 422, an input negative terminal 424, an output positive terminal 426, and an output negative terminal 428. In this embodiment, the power connector 322 includes a positive terminal 416 and a negative terminal 418.

In this embodiment, the power transmission path 410 includes a diode 540. In this embodiment, the power connector 1720 includes a positive terminal 1722 and a negative terminal 1724. The positive terminal 1722 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 1606. The negative terminal 1724 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 1608.

Figure 18 shows an example of a computer 3000 in which multiple aspects of the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part. At least a portion of the management system 100 may be realized by the computer 3000. For example, the control unit 124 or a portion thereof may be realized by the computer 3000. The management server 140 or a portion thereof may also be realized by the computer 3000.

Programs installed on computer 3000 can cause computer 3000 to function as or perform operations associated with an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention or one or more "parts" of the apparatus, and/or can cause computer 3000 to perform processes or steps of processes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such programs can be executed by CPU 3012 to cause computer 3000 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

The computer 3000 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 3012, RAM 3014, GPU 3016, and display device 3018, which are interconnected by a host controller 3010. The computer 3000 also includes input/output units such as a communications interface 3022, a hard disk drive 3024, a DVD-ROM drive 3026, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 3010 via an input/output controller 3020. The computer also includes legacy input/output units such as a ROM 3030 and a keyboard 3042, which are connected to the input/output controller 3020 via an input/output chip 3040.

The CPU 3012 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 3030 and RAM 3014, thereby controlling each unit. The GPU 3016 acquires image data generated by the CPU 3012 into a frame buffer provided in the RAM 3014 or into the GPU 3016 itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 3018.

The communication interface 3022 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 3024 stores programs and data used by the CPU 3012 in the computer 3000. The DVD-ROM drive 3026 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 3001 and provides the programs or data to the hard disk drive 3024 via the RAM 3014. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and/or writes programs and data to an IC card.

ROM 3030 stores therein boot programs and the like that are executed by computer 3000 upon activation, and/or programs that depend on the hardware of computer 3000. I/O chip 3040 may also connect various I/O units to I/O controller 3020 via parallel ports, serial ports, keyboard ports, mouse ports, etc.

The programs are provided on a computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM 3001 or an IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable storage medium, installed on the hard disk drive 3024, RAM 3014, or ROM 3030, which are also examples of computer-readable storage media, and executed by the CPU 3012. The information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 3000, resulting in cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured by implementing the operation or processing of information in accordance with the use of the computer 3000.

For example, when communication is performed between computer 3000 and an external device, CPU 3012 may execute a communication program loaded into RAM 3014 and instruct communication interface 3022 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of CPU 3012, communication interface 3022 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area provided in RAM 3014, hard disk drive 3024, DVD-ROM 3001, or a recording medium such as an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes received data received from the network to a reception buffer area or the like provided on the recording medium.

The CPU 3012 may also cause all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored on an external recording medium such as the hard disk drive 3024, DVD-ROM drive 3026 (DVD-ROM 3001), IC card, etc. to be read into the RAM 3014, and perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM 3014. The CPU 3012 may then write the processed data back to the external recording medium.

Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and may undergo information processing. The CPU 3012 may perform various types of processing on data read from RAM 3014, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search/replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the program's instruction sequence, and write the results back to RAM 3014. The CPU 3012 may also search for information in files, databases, etc. on the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute, are stored on the recording medium, the CPU 3012 may search for an entry whose attribute value of the first attribute matches a specified condition from among the multiple entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

The above-described programs or software modules may be stored on computer-readable storage media on or near computer 3000. Recording media such as a hard disk or RAM provided within a server system connected to a dedicated communications network or the Internet can also be used as computer-readable storage media, thereby providing the above-described programs to computer 3000 via the network.

The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, to the extent that there is no technical inconsistency, the details described for a particular embodiment can be applied to other embodiments. Furthermore, each component may have the same characteristics as other components with the same name but different reference numerals. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

The order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," or the like, and it should be noted that processes can be performed in any order, unless the output of a previous process is used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that it is necessary to perform the processes in that order.

12 Power system, 14 Communication network, 20 Mobile battery, 22 Electrode terminal, 24 Communication terminal, 30 Electric motorcycle, 40 User, 42 Communication terminal, 100 Management system, 120 Battery exchanger, 122 Power distribution unit, 123 Battery storage unit, 124 Control unit, 125 Communication unit, 126 Information providing unit, 132 Power wiring, 134 Communication wiring, 140 Management server, 210 Power terminal, 220 AC/DC power supply circuit, 230 Control power supply circuit, 232 High voltage wiring, 233 Low voltage wiring, 240 Interface board, 320 Slot, 322 Power connector, 324 Communication connector, 326 Interface board, 328 Charger, 329 Drive unit, 340 Slot, 348 Charger, 402 Positive wire, 404 Negative wire, 410 Power transmission path, 412 Positive terminal, 414 Negative terminal, 416 Positive terminal, 418 Negative terminal, 420 Unidirectional DC/DC converter, 422 Input side positive terminal, 424 Input side negative terminal, 426 Output side positive terminal, 428 Output side negative terminal, 502 Positive wire, 504 Negative wire, 510 Power transmission path, 516 Positive terminal, 518 Negative terminal, 520 Unidirectional DC/DC converter, 522 Input side positive terminal, 524 Input side negative terminal, 526 Output side positive terminal, 528 Output side negative terminal, 540 Diode, 620 Slot, 642 Slot, 644 Slot, 832 Slot, 834 Slot, 836 Slot, 838 Slot, 912 Communication control unit, 914 Drive control unit, 920 Setting storage unit, 922 DIP switch, 1000 Data table, 1022 Slot address, 1100 Data table, 1122 Basic ID, 1124 Number, 1126 ID, 1202 AC input terminal, 1204 AC input terminal, 1212 Positive terminal, 1214 Negative terminal, 1220 Power adapter, 1221 AC output terminal, 1222 AC output terminal, 1223 AC output terminal, 1224 AC output terminal, 1225 AC output terminal, 1226 AC output terminal, 1232 Wiring, 1234 Wiring, 1240 Main body, 1241 AC input terminal, 1242 AC input terminal, 1243 AC input terminal, 1244 AC input terminal, 1245 AC input terminal, 1246 AC input terminal, 1250 Single-phase AC/DC converter, 1251 Output side positive terminal, 1252 Output negative terminal, 1254 Diode, 1260 Single-phase AC/DC converter, 1261 Output positive terminal, 1262 Output negative terminal, 1264 Diode, 1270 Single-phase AC/DC converter, 1271 Output positive terminal, 1272 Output negative terminal, 1274 Diode, 1282 Wiring, 1284 Wiring, 1306 AC input terminal, 1320 Power adapter, 1332 Wiring, 1334 Wiring, 1336 Wiring, 1408 AC input terminal, 1420 Power adapter, 1432 Wiring, 1434 Wiring, 1436 Wiring, 1438 Wiring, 1522 EMI filter, 1524 Bridge rectifier, 1526 PFC converter, 1528 Power switch, 1530 Transformer, 1532 Rectifier, 1600: Mobile battery, 1602: Positive terminal, 1604: Negative terminal, 1606: Positive terminal, 1608: Negative terminal, 1610: Electrode terminal, 1620: Storage cell, 1622: Positive electrode, 1624: Negative electrode, 1700: Charger, 1710: Power transmission path, 1720: Power connector, 1722: Positive terminal, 1724: Negative terminal, 3000: Computer, 3001: DVD-ROM, 3010: Host controller, 3012: CPU, 3014: RAM, 3016: GPU, 3018: Display device, 3020: Input/output controller, 3022: Communication interface, 3024: Hard disk drive, 3026: DVD-ROM drive, 3030: ROM, 3040: Input/output chip, 3042: Keyboard

Claims (13)

An electric power device configured to be able to store an electric storage device,
a first connection portion electrically connected to an external power source;
a second connection portion electrically connected to the power storage device;
a first power transmission path electrically connecting a control unit that controls the power device and the first connection unit;
a second power transmission path electrically connecting the first connection portion and the second connection portion;
a third power transmission path that electrically connects the second power transmission path and the control unit;
a second power conversion unit disposed in the third power transmission path;
Equipped with
a converted voltage of the second power conversion unit is lower than a converted voltage of a third power conversion unit disposed in the first power transmission path;
Power equipment. a first power conversion unit disposed in the second power transmission path;
a connection point between the second power transmission path and the third power transmission path is disposed between the first power conversion unit and the second connection unit;
The power device of claim 1 . further comprising a second power conversion unit disposed in the third power transmission path;
The power device according to claim 1 or 2. a one-way power transmission unit disposed in the third power transmission path,
The one-way power transmission unit is
The power converter is disposed between the second power conversion unit and the control unit,
allowing a current to flow in a direction from the second power conversion unit to the control unit;
and inhibiting a current from flowing in a direction from the control unit toward the second power conversion unit.
The power device of claim 3. further comprising a third power conversion unit disposed in the first power transmission path;
The power device according to claim 1 or 2 . Further comprising the third power conversion unit,
The power device according to claim 1 or 2 . further comprising a plurality of storage units capable of accommodating a plurality of the power storage devices;
the third power transmission path and the second power conversion unit are provided in one or more first storage units among the plurality of storage units,
The third power transmission path and the second power conversion unit are not provided in a second storage unit among the plurality of storage units.
The power device according to claim 1 or 2. the plurality of storage units are capable of detachably storing the plurality of power storage devices,
at least one of the plurality of storage units accommodates at least one of the power storage devices provided by a user, or at least one of the one or more power storage devices accommodated in the plurality of storage units is provided to a user;
The second storage unit is provided at the lowest position among the plurality of storage units.
The power device of claim 7. An electric power device configured to be able to store an electric storage device,
a first connection portion electrically connected to an external power source;
a second connection portion electrically connected to the power storage device;
a first power transmission path electrically connecting a control unit that controls the power device and the first connection unit;
a second power transmission path electrically connecting the first connection portion and the second connection portion;
a third power transmission path that electrically connects the second power transmission path and the control unit;
a first power conversion unit disposed in the second power transmission path;
a second power conversion unit disposed in the third power transmission path;
Equipped with
a connection point between the second power transmission path and the third power transmission path is disposed between the first power conversion unit and the second connection unit;
When an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the external power source, power is supplied from the power storage device to the first power transmission path through the connection point between the second power transmission path and the third power transmission path.
Power equipment. a pair of first input/output terminals;
a pair of second input/output terminals;
a pair of output terminals;
a first power conversion unit;
a second power conversion unit;
a rectification unit;
Equipped with
an input of the first power conversion unit is electrically connected to the pair of first input/output terminals;
an output of the first power conversion unit is electrically connected to the pair of second input/output terminals;
an input of the second power conversion unit is electrically connected to the pair of second input/output terminals;
an output of the second power conversion unit electrically connected to the pair of output terminals;
The rectifying unit is
the second power converter is disposed between an output of the second power converter and the pair of output terminals;
allowing a current to flow in a direction from the output of the second power conversion unit toward the pair of output terminals;
a current flowing from the pair of output terminals toward the output of the second power conversion unit is inhibited ;
a voltage on the output side of the second power conversion unit is lower than a voltage on the output side of a third power conversion unit disposed on a first power transmission path electrically connected to the pair of output terminals;
Power conversion device. a pair of first input/output terminals;
a pair of second input/output terminals;
a pair of output terminals;
a first power conversion unit;
a second power conversion unit;
a rectification unit;
Equipped with
an input of the first power conversion unit is electrically connected to the pair of first input/output terminals;
an output of the first power conversion unit is electrically connected to the pair of second input/output terminals;
an input of the second power conversion unit is electrically connected to the pair of second input/output terminals;
an output of the second power conversion unit electrically connected to the pair of output terminals;
The rectifying unit is
the second power converter is disposed between an output of the second power converter and the pair of output terminals;
allowing a current to flow in a direction from the output of the second power conversion unit toward the pair of output terminals;
a current flowing from the pair of output terminals toward the output of the second power conversion unit is inhibited;
a connection point between the pair of second input/output terminals and an input of the second power conversion unit is disposed between the first power conversion unit and the pair of second input/output terminals;
When an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the external power source, power is supplied from the power storage device electrically connected to the pair of second input/output terminals through the connection point to the first power transmission path electrically connected to the pair of output terminals.
Power conversion device. An electricity storage device,
a pair of input/output terminals;
a pair of power output terminals;
a power storage unit that stores electric energy;
a unidirectional DC/DC converter;
Equipped with
the pair of input/output terminals are electrically connected to the power storage unit,
an input of the unidirectional DC/DC converter is electrically connected to the power storage unit;
an output of the unidirectional DC/DC converter is electrically connected to the pair of power output terminals ;
the pair of input/output terminals are terminals electrically connected to an external power source,
the pair of power output terminals are terminals electrically connected to a control unit that controls a power device to which the power storage device is connected,
a voltage after conversion by the unidirectional DC/DC converter is lower than a voltage of power supplied to the control unit based on power from the external power source;
Energy storage device. An electricity storage device,
a pair of input/output terminals;
a pair of power output terminals;
a power storage unit that stores electric energy;
a unidirectional DC/DC converter;
Equipped with
the pair of input/output terminals are electrically connected to the power storage unit,
an input of the unidirectional DC/DC converter is electrically connected to the power storage unit;
an output of the unidirectional DC/DC converter is electrically connected to the pair of power output terminals;
the pair of input/output terminals are terminals electrically connected to an external power source,
the pair of power output terminals are terminals electrically connected to a control unit that controls a power device to which the power storage device is connected,
the pair of input/output terminals are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power storage unit by wiring,
the input of the unidirectional DC/DC converter is connected to a connection point between the pair of input/output terminals on the wiring and the positive and negative terminals;
When an abnormality occurs in the power supply from the external power source, the power from the power storage unit converted by the unidirectional DC/DC converter is supplied via the connection point and the pair of power output terminals.
Energy storage device.