Mobile battery charger

Abstract

A mobile battery charger is a mobile battery charger (1) for electric vehicles, comprising: a tray (2) on which a battery (100) is placed; a control device (4) for controlling the charging of the battery (100); and a frame (33) located above the control device (4); the tray (2) having: a first inclined surface (10a) inclined relative to a horizontal plane and extending along the length direction of the battery (100) in a state of being placed on the charger (1); (V1); and a second inclined surface (11a) which stands up from the end of the first inclined surface (10a) in a manner along the height direction (V2) of the battery (100) in a loaded state placed on the charger (1) and supports the bottom surface of the battery (100), wherein the control device (4) is arranged below the first inclined surface (10a), and the frame (33) is arranged between the control device (4) and the first inclined surface (10a) in the upper and lower directions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charger for a mobile battery.

[0002] The present invention claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-177751 filed in Japan on September 27, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Battery chargers for electric vehicles are known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-99200 discloses a charger in which a vertically elongated battery is assembled into a detachable configuration. When the battery is mounted on the charger (in a loaded position), the battery is arranged upright, extending vertically.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-99200 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, if the placed battery is erected so as to be elongated in the vertical direction, there is a high possibility that a wide space in the vertical direction will be required when charging the battery.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the vertical height of a mobile battery charger in a battery-mounted state.

[0011] Solutions to Problems

[0012] As a solution to the above-mentioned problem, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0013] (1) The mobile battery charger (1) of the present invention is a mobile battery charger (1) for electric vehicles, comprising: a tray (2) on which a battery (100) is placed; a control device (4) for controlling the charging of the battery (100); and a frame (33) located above the control device (4), wherein the tray (2) has: a first inclined surface (10a) inclined relative to a horizontal plane and arranged to extend along the battery (100) in a loaded state placed on the charger (1). ) is formed in a manner along the longitudinal direction (V1) of the battery (100); and a second inclined surface (11a) is erected from the end of the first inclined surface (10a) in a manner along the height direction (V2) of the battery (100) in a loaded state placed on the charger (1) and supports the bottom surface of the battery (100), wherein the control device (4) is arranged below the first inclined surface (10a), and the frame (33) is arranged between the control device (4) and the first inclined surface (10a) in the vertical direction.

[0014] (2) In the mobile battery charger (1) described in (1) above, the battery (100) may have a gripping portion (110) at the end portion in the longitudinal direction (V1), the gripping portion (110) being arranged on the upper end side of the first inclined surface (10a), and the frame (33) being arranged at a position closer to the gripping portion (110) than the center portion of the first inclined surface (10a) in the longitudinal direction (V1).

[0015] (3) In the mobile battery charger (1) described in (1) or (2) above, the bottom of the charger (1) may have a recessed portion (16) that is recessed downward at a location below the control device (4).

[0016] (4) In the mobile battery charger (1) described in (3) above, a heat-conducting member (20) having a higher thermal conductivity than the bottom of the charger (1) may be arranged in the recess (16).

[0017] (5) In the mobile battery charger (1) described in any one of (1) to (4) above, a rib (10b) protruding upward may be formed on the first inclined surface (10a).

[0018] (6) In the mobile battery charger (1) described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the center portion of the first inclined surface (10a) in the width direction may have a curved surface shape that is convex downward.

[0019] (7) In the charger (1) for a mobile battery described in any one of (1) to (6) above, a drainage hole (10h) may be formed at the lowest end of the first inclined surface (10a), and the bottom of the charger (1) may have a surrounding portion (13) with an opening larger than the drainage hole (10h) at a position below the drainage hole (10h), and a discharge hole (13h) may be formed in the surrounding portion (13).

[0020] (8) In the mobile battery charger (1) described in any one of (1) to (7) above, the mobile battery charger may further include a retaining member (7) for retaining the charger terminal (6) in a direction for connection with the battery (100).

[0021] (9) In the mobile battery charger (1) described in any one of (1) to (8) above, the frame (33) may extend over the entire width direction (V3) of the battery (100).

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the mobile battery charger described in (1) above of the present invention, the tray has a first inclined surface that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane and formed in a manner along the length direction of the battery in a loaded state placed on the charger, and a second inclined surface that stands up from the end of the first inclined surface in a manner along the height direction of the battery in a loaded state placed on the charger and supports the bottom surface of the battery, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0024] The first and second inclined surfaces of the tray are arranged to be inclined relative to the vertical direction. Therefore, the vertical height of the battery in the mounted state can be reduced compared to a case where the battery is arranged to be vertically elongated when the battery is mounted on the charger.

[0025] Furthermore, positioning the control device below the first inclined surface provides the following advantages: The vertical height of the charger can be reduced compared to positioning the control device above the first inclined surface. Furthermore, the charger installation area can be reduced compared to positioning the control device to the side of the first inclined surface.

[0026] Furthermore, by arranging the frame between the control device and the first inclined surface in the vertical direction, it is possible to suppress the transmission of an impact to the control device when the heavy battery is placed on the tray.

[0027] According to the mobile battery charger described in (2) above of the present invention, the battery has a holding portion at the end in the longitudinal direction, the holding portion is arranged on the upper end side of the first inclined surface, and the frame is arranged at a position closer to the holding portion side than the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the first inclined surface, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0028] The gripping portion is positioned on the upper end of the first inclined surface, making it easier to place the battery on the tray compared to a case where the gripping portion is positioned on the lower end of the first inclined surface. Furthermore, the frame is positioned closer to the gripping portion than the longitudinal center of the first inclined surface. This facilitates placing the battery on the tray, effectively reducing the load on the control device when placing the battery on the tray.

[0029] According to the mobile battery charger described in (3) above, the bottom of the charger has a downwardly recessed portion below the control device, thereby achieving the following effects: Heat from the control device can be dissipated through the gap between the control device and the recess.

[0030] According to the portable battery charger of the present invention described in (4) above, a heat-conducting member having a higher heat conductivity than the bottom of the charger is arranged in the recessed portion, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0031] The heat of the control device can be dissipated more effectively via the heat conducting member.

[0032] According to the portable battery charger described in the above (5) of the present invention, the rib protruding upward is formed on the first inclined surface, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0033] The ribs can mitigate the impact when the battery is placed on the first inclined surface.

[0034] According to the portable battery charger of the present invention described in (6) above, the center portion of the first inclined surface in the width direction has a downwardly convex curved surface shape, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0035] It is possible to suppress heat from stagnating on the lower surface (the surface on the first inclined surface side) of the battery.

[0036] According to the charger of the mobile battery described in (7) above of the present invention, a drainage hole is formed at the lowest end of the first inclined surface, and the bottom of the charger has an enclosure portion located below the drainage hole, the opening of which is larger than the drainage hole, and a drainage hole is formed in the enclosure portion, thereby achieving the following effect.

[0037] Water that has entered the tray can be drained away satisfactorily through the drain hole and the discharge hole.

[0038] According to the portable battery charger described in the above (8) of the present invention, the charger further includes a holding member for holding the charger terminal in a direction of connection with the battery, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0039] The charger terminal and the battery can be smoothly connected by the holding member.

[0040] According to the mobile battery charger of the present invention described in (9) above, the frame extends over the entire width direction of the battery, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0041] The impact generated when the battery, which is a heavy object, is placed on the tray can be more effectively suppressed from being transmitted to the control device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the charger in a state where the battery is placed according to the embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a front view of the charger in a state where the battery is placed according to the embodiment.

[0044] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a charger according to the embodiment.

[0045] Figure 4 It is a front view of the charger according to the embodiment.

[0046] Figure 5 It is a top view of the charger according to the embodiment.

[0047] Figure 6 is Figure 5 The figure shows the state after the tray and upper cover are removed.

[0048] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 VII-VII section view.

[0049] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Sectional view VIII-VIII of .

[0050] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 IX-IX sectional view.

[0051] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 XX cross-sectional view.

[0052] Figure 11 yes Figure 5 XI-XI sectional view.

[0053] Figure 12 yes Figure 2Sectional view XII-XII.

[0054] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram of the position of the end portion of the upper cover according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals are used for the same structure. In the embodiment, as an example of a charger for a mobile battery, a charger for a mobile battery (portable battery) used in an electric motorcycle (straddle-type electric vehicle) will be described. In the embodiment, the installation surface of the charger (hereinafter also referred to as "charger") for the mobile battery (hereinafter also referred to as "battery") is a flat ground (horizontal surface).

[0056] <Battery>

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery 100 is in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the battery 100 is a lithium-ion battery.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery 100 has a pair of upper and lower first sides 101 and second sides 102 extending along the width direction V3, and a pair of upper and lower sides extending along the height direction V2 (see FIG. Figure 12 ) extends along the left and right third side 103 and the fourth side 104. The battery 100 has side surfaces 121 and 122 extending along the longitudinal direction V1 (see Figure 12 The first side 101 has a side facing the opposite side to the second side 102 ( Figure 2 The side surface 121 on the first side 101 side of the battery 100 (a surface in the height direction V2 of the battery 100) has a curved surface shape that is convex toward the side opposite to the side surface 122 on the second side 102 side.

[0059] The battery 100 has a grip portion 110 (handle) for the user to grip. The grip portion 110 is provided at an end portion of the battery 100 in the longitudinal direction V1 (see Figure 12 The gripping portion 110 is provided on a first surface 111 of the battery 100 that faces one side in the longitudinal direction V1. The terminal 106 of the battery 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "battery terminal 106") is provided on a second surface 112 (bottom surface) that is opposite to the first surface 111 in the longitudinal direction V1 of the battery 100 (see Figure 12 The battery terminal 106 is arranged near a side surface 121 (hereinafter also referred to as “first side surface 121”) on the first side 101 side of the second surface 112 (see Figure 12 ).

[0060] <Charger>

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the charger 1 comprises: a tray 2 for placing the battery 100; an upper cover 3 for covering a portion of the tray 2 from above; a control device 4 for controlling the charging of the battery 100 (see Figure 12 ) constituting the main frame 5 of the skeleton of the charger 1 (reference Figure 11 ); Terminal 6 of charger 1 (hereinafter referred to as "charger terminal 6". Figure 4 ); holding the charger terminal 6 holding member 7 (reference Figure 4 ); and the operating mechanism 8 (reference to the charger terminal 6) to move Figure 11 ). The bottom surface of the charger 1 is formed parallel to the ground (horizontally).

[0062] In the following description, the depth direction (with Figure 4 The direction perpendicular to the drawing shown in FIG. 1 is defined as the "front-back direction," the direction normal to the ground (vertical direction) is defined as the "up-down direction," and the direction perpendicular to each of the front-back direction and the up-down direction is defined as the "left-right direction (width direction)." In the figure, the front direction is indicated by an arrow FR, the upper direction is indicated by an arrow UP, and the left direction is indicated by an arrow LH.

[0063] <Pallet>

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the tray 2 can be loaded and removed from the battery 100 (see Figure 1 ) is opened at the top and front. The tray 2 includes: a bottom portion 10 formed along the longitudinal direction V1 of the battery 100 in the state of being placed on the charger 1; a receiving portion 11 that receives the bottom of the battery 100; and a pair of left and right side portions 12 facing the side surfaces in the width direction V3 of the battery 100. The receiving portion 11 and the pair of left and right side portions 12 rise from the bottom portion 10 along the height direction V2 of the battery 100 in the state of being placed on the charger 1 (see Figure 12 ). In the figure, reference numeral 12h denotes a long hole for restricting the movement of the operating lever 60 (rotation of the first link 61 around the first support shaft 65).

[0065] like Figure 7As shown, the bottom portion 10 has a first inclined surface 10a that is inclined relative to the bottom surface of the charger 1. The first inclined surface 10a is a loading surface on which the battery 100 is loaded. The first inclined surface 10a is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The first inclined surface 10a is formed along the longitudinal direction V1 of the battery 100 in the loaded state loaded on the charger 1. The first inclined surface 10a is a surface that is opposite to the side surface 122 on the side of the second side 102 of the battery 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the "second side surface 122"). The first inclined surface 10a is inclined so as to form an acute angle of less than 45° with the bottom surface of the charger 1.

[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, the center portion of the first inclined surface 10a in the width direction V3 has a downwardly convex curved surface. The first inclined surface 10a is curved so that the center position in the width direction V3 is located at the lowest position and the outer end position in the width direction V3 is located at the highest position. The first inclined surface 10a is generally in the shape of an arc that convexly points downward.

[0067] A rib 10b protruding upward is formed on the first inclined surface 10a. The rib 10b extends in the front-to-back direction. A plurality of ribs 10b are arranged at intervals in the width direction V3. The intervals between two adjacent ribs 10b in the width direction V3 are the same. The upper ends of the plurality of ribs 10b are positioned at the same position in the vertical direction. When the battery 100 is placed on the tray 2 (hereinafter also referred to as the "placed state"), the upper end of each rib 10b contacts the second side surface 122 of the battery 100.

[0068] like Figure 9 As shown, a drainage hole 10h is formed at the lowermost end 14b of the first inclined surface 10a. The drainage hole 10h is arranged at the center of the rear end portion of the first inclined surface 10a in the width direction V3 (refer to Figure 5 The drainage hole 10h opens in the vertical direction at the rear end portion of the first inclined surface 10a.

[0069] The bottom of the charger 1 has a surrounding portion 13 located below the drain hole 10h. The surrounding portion 13 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening larger than the drain hole 10h. Specifically, the surrounding portion 13 has an opening larger than the cylindrical portion having the drain hole 10h. The surrounding portion 13 is annular and extends along the width direction V3 (see FIG. Figure 6 ).like Figure 6 As shown, a discharge hole 13h is formed at the bottom of the enclosure 13. A pair of discharge holes 13h are arranged at intervals in the width direction V3. The pair of discharge holes 13h are arranged at both ends of the enclosure 13 in the width direction V3.

[0070] like Figure 7As shown, the receiving surface portion 11 has a second inclined surface 11a that is inclined relative to the bottom surface of the charger 1. The second inclined surface 11a rises from the end (the rear lower end) of the first inclined surface 10a in a manner that is along the height direction V2 of the battery 100 in the placed state. The second inclined surface 11a is the portion that receives the second surface 112 of the battery 100. The second inclined surface 11a is inclined so as to be perpendicular to the first inclined surface 10a. The second inclined surface 11a is inclined so as to form an acute angle greater than 45° with the bottom surface of the charger 1.

[0071] like Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the upper end position of the side surface portion 12 is located below the upper end position of the battery 100 in the placed state. Figure 7 In a side view, the upper edge of the side surface portion 12 is inclined so as to be positioned downward from the upper end position toward the front side. In a side view, the front end edge of the side surface portion 12 is inclined so as to be positioned forward from the front end of the upper edge toward the lower side.

[0072] like Figure 12 As shown, the gripping portion 110 of the battery 100 in the loaded state is arranged on the upper end side of the first inclined surface 10a. When viewed from the side, the upper end of the front end edge of the side portion 12 (the front end of the upper end edge) is located rearward of the front end position of the gripping portion 110 of the battery 100 in the loaded state. When viewed from the side, a portion of the gripping portion 110 of the battery 100 in the loaded state is exposed from the side portion 12. When viewed from the side, the front end portion of the battery 100 in the loaded state does not protrude outward from the tray 2. The symbol KL in the figure represents a perpendicular line (imaginary plumb line) passing through the front end portion of the tray 2. The front end portion of the battery 100 in the loaded state is located inward (on the charger 1 side) of the perpendicular line KL.

[0073] The end portion of the tray 2 on the grip portion 110 side of the battery 100 in the loading state has a recess 14 (hereinafter also referred to as "loading surface recess 14") that is recessed downward from the first inclined surface 10a (loading surface). For example, the loading surface recess 14 is large enough to accommodate a portion of the user's hand (finger). The loading surface recess 14 is arranged at the center of the tray 2 in the width direction V3 (see Figure 4 ). When viewed from above, the outer shape of the placement surface recess 14 is a trapezoidal shape having an upper base on the rear side and a lower base on the front side that is longer than the upper base in the width direction V3 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0074] exist Figure 10 The bottom surface 14a of the placement surface recess 14 is inclined so as to be located downward as it approaches the front side. The bottom end 14b of the placement surface recess 14 is located above the upper end of the control device 4 (see FIG. Figure 12In the figure, reference numeral 14c denotes a rising portion rising upward from the rear end of the bottom surface 14a of the placement surface recess 14 toward the first inclined surface 10a.

[0075] A wall portion 15 is provided at the boundary between the placement surface recess 14 and the first inclined surface 10a, protruding upward from the first inclined surface 10a. The wall portion 15 is a portion protruding upward from the upper end of the rising portion 14c, further than the first inclined surface 10a. The upper edge of the wall portion 15 extends linearly along the width direction V3 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 ).

[0076] The wall portion 15 is connected to the front end of the rib 10b located near the center in the width direction V3 among the plurality of ribs 10b (see Figure 5 The upper end of the wall portion 15 is positioned vertically at the same position as the upper end of the ribs 10b. The upper end of the wall portion 15 and the ribs 10b are in contact with the second side surface 122 of the battery 100 in the placed state.

[0077] <Upper cover>

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper cover 3 is provided at the upper rear portion of the charger 1. The upper cover 3 covers the bottom portion 10 and a portion of the left and right side portions 12 of the tray 2 from above (see FIG. Figure 12 ).like Figure 12 As shown, the upper cover 3 covers the charger terminal 6 and the holding member 7 from above. When viewed from the side, the upper edge of the upper cover 3 is inclined so as to be located downward as it goes toward the rear side. Figure 4 The opening edge 3a of the upper cover 3 has a first side surface 121 (see FIG. 1 ) along the battery 100. Figure 2 )’s surface shape.

[0079] <Control device>

[0080] like Figure 12 As shown, the control device 4 is arranged below the first inclined surface 10a of the tray 2. Figure 6 In a plan view, the control device 4 has a rectangular shape extending along the width direction V3. The control device 4 includes multiple control boards that control the charging of the battery 100. For example, the control boards may be arranged with the control circuitry for controlling the charging of the battery 100 facing inward. For example, a heat sink or radiator may be provided on the outer surface of the control boards.

[0081] like Figure 7As shown, the bottom of the charger 1 has a recessed portion 16 (hereinafter also referred to as "bottom recessed portion 16") that is recessed downward in a portion located below the control device 4. When viewed from the top and bottom, the bottom recessed portion 16 is arranged at a position overlapping with the control device 4. When viewed from the top and bottom, the outer shape of the bottom recessed portion 16 is a rectangular shape that is larger than the outer shape of the control device 4. A heat-conducting member 20 having a higher thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of the bottom of the charger 1 is arranged in the bottom recessed portion 16. For example, the bottom of the charger 1 is made of resin. For example, the heat-conducting member 20 is an aluminum sheet.

[0082] <Main frame>

[0083] like Figure 11 As shown, the main body frame 5 includes a front frame 30 located in the front portion of the charger 1 and a rear frame 40 located in the rear portion of the charger 1 .

[0084] The front frame 30 includes a frame body 31 that is rectangular when viewed from the top and bottom (see FIG. Figure 6 ), a pair of left and right columns 32 extending in the up-down direction, and a horizontal pipe 33 (frame) extending in the width direction V3.

[0085] exist Figure 6 When viewed from above, the frame 31 is rectangular and larger than the outer shape of the control device 4. The control device 4 is housed inside the frame 31. In the figure, reference numeral 34 denotes a pair of left and right front flanges protruding forward from the upper front edge of the frame 31. Reference numeral 35 denotes a pair of left and right rear flanges protruding rearward from the upper rear edge of the frame 31. Reference numeral 18 denotes a boss portion on the bottom of the charger 1, positioned so as to overlap with each of the flanges 34 and 35 when viewed from above. For example, each of the flanges 34 and 35 is connected to each of the boss portions 18 via a fastening member such as bolts.

[0086] The pillars 32 are arranged outside the frame 31 in the width direction V3. The lower portion of the pillars 32 is connected to the side portion of the frame 31 in the width direction V3.

[0087] like Figure 7 As shown, the cross pipe 33 is arranged above the control device 4. The cross pipe 33 extends over the entire width direction V3 of the battery 100 in the placed state (see FIG. Figure 12 In the width direction V3, the length of the transverse pipe 33 is longer than the control device 4 (refer to Figure 6 The left and right ends of the cross pipe 33 are connected to the upper and lower center parts of the column 32 (see Figure 11 ).

[0088] like Figure 12As shown, the transverse tube 33 is positioned vertically between the control device 4 and the first inclined surface 10a. The transverse tube 33 is positioned closer to the grip 110 of the battery 100 when placed, relative to the center of the first inclined surface 10a in the longitudinal direction V1. The transverse tube 33 is positioned rearward of and adjacent to the rising portion 14c of the placement surface recess 14.

[0089] exist Figure 6 In the top view, the cross pipe 33 is arranged at a position overlapping with the front and rear center of the control device 4. In the figure, the symbol 37 represents a pair of left and right brackets protruding forward from the front of the cross pipe 33, and the symbol 19 (refer to Figure 5 ) denotes a boss portion disposed on the lower portion of the first inclined surface 10a at a position overlapping with each bracket 37 in a plan view. For example, each bracket 37 is connected to each boss portion 19 by a fastening member 38 such as a bolt.

[0090] like Figure 11 As shown, the rear frame 40 is arranged behind the front frame 30. The rear frame 40 is arranged below the upper cover 3. The rear frame 40 includes a pair of left and right side wall portions 41 extending in the vertical direction and a widthwise extending portion 42 extending in the width direction V3 (see FIG. Figure 6 The left and right side wall portions 41 and the widthwise extending portion 42 are integrally formed from the same member. It should be noted that the left and right side wall portions 41 and the widthwise extending portion 42 may also be integrally formed from different members.

[0091] The side wall portion 41 is arranged on the outer side in the width direction V3 of the rear portion of the tray 2 (the rear portion of the battery 100 in the placed state) (see FIG. Figure 12 ).exist Figure 11 When viewed from the side, the side wall 41 has a shape that increases in length in the front-to-back direction as it approaches the lower side. The side wall 41 has a pair of upper and lower circular openings 41h. The lower end of the side wall 41 is connected to the bottom of the charger 1 via a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0092] The widthwise extending portion 42 is disposed on the upper side of the rear portion of the tray 2 (the rear portion of the battery 100 in the placed state) (see FIG. Figure 12 The widthwise extending portion 42 is disposed between the charger terminal 6 and the upper cover 3 in the vertical direction (see Figure 12 The left and right ends of the widthwise extending portion 42 are connected to the upper end of the side wall portion 41. Figure 4 In the front view, the widthwise extending portion 42 has a curved shape along the opening edge 3a of the upper cover 3. Figure 12 The widthwise extending portion 42 is inclined rearward and downward along the upper cover 3 in a cross-sectional view.

[0093] <Holding Member>

[0094] like Figure 12 As shown, the holding member 7 holds the charger terminal 6 in the direction of connection with the battery 100 (the direction of arrow J1 in the figure). Figure 6 When viewed from above, the retaining member 7 has a U-shape that opens forward. The retaining member 7 includes a pair of left and right side arms 50 extending in the front-to-back direction, and a support arm 51 that supports the charger terminal 6. The left and right side arms 50 and support arm 51 are integrally formed from the same member. It should be noted that the left and right side arms 50 and support arm 51 may also be integrally formed from separate members.

[0095] The side arm portion 50 is arranged on the inner side of the side wall portion 41 of the rear frame 40 in the width direction V3. Figure 11 In a side view, the side arm 50 extends downward toward the rear, following the inclination of the battery 100 when placed. The side arm 50 has an elongated hole 50h (guide hole). The elongated hole 50h extends along the direction in which the side arm 50 extends. The side arm 50 is supported by an axis (not shown) extending along the width direction V3 of the charger 1 via the elongated hole 50h.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown, the support arm 51 is positioned behind the charger terminal 6. The support arm 51 extends along the width direction V3. The left and right ends of the support arm 51 are connected to the rear ends of the side arms 50. In the figure, reference numeral 52 denotes a pair of left and right support pins projecting forward from the support arm 51, and reference numeral 53 denotes a biasing member (elastic member) such as a spring provided on each support pin.

[0097] At the connection position (see Figure 12 ), the charger terminal 6 is urged in the direction of arrow J1 in the figure toward the battery terminal 106 by the urging member 53. That is, the urging member 53 urges the charger terminal 6 in the direction of connection with the battery 100 at the connection position.

[0098] <Operating mechanism>

[0099] like Figure 12 As shown, the operating mechanism 8 includes an operating lever 60 (operating portion) that can position the charger terminal 6 at a connection position (hereinafter also referred to as a "connection position") connected to the battery terminal 106. Figure 12 solid line) and the avoidance position (hereinafter also referred to as the "avoidance position") away from the battery terminal 106. Figure 12 Move between the double-dotted lines).

[0100] Here, the connection position means the position where the charger terminal 6 is engaged with the terminal 106 of the battery 100 in the placed state. The avoidance position means the position where the charger terminal 6 is separated from the terminal 106 of the battery 100 in the placed state. The operating mechanism 8 moves the charger terminal 6 between the connection position and the avoidance position through the link mechanism. Figure 11 As shown, the operating mechanism 8 includes an operating lever 60 as an operating portion, and a first link 61 , a second link 62 , and a third link 63 constituting a link mechanism.

[0101] like Figure 5 As shown, the operating lever 60 is arranged at a position outside the charger 1 relative to the placement surface recess 14. The operating lever 60 has a U-shape that opens upward in the center of the width direction V3 of the tray 2 (see FIG. Figure 4 ).exist Figure 4 In a front view, the operating lever 60 includes: a first extending portion 60a extending along the width direction V3; and a second extending portion 60b extending obliquely from the left and right ends of the first extending portion 60a so as to be positioned upward as the outer side in the width direction V3 approaches.

[0102] like Figure 11 As shown, the operating lever 60 is rotatable around an axis along the width direction V3 of the charger 1 (around the first support shaft 65). The operating lever 60 is configured to rotate downward around the axis under the action of a load from above. The operating lever 60 is configured to rotate upward around the axis under the action of a load from below. The operating lever 60 in the connected position (see Figure 11 The double-dashed line) is in a position larger than the operating lever 60 in the avoidance position (refer to Figure 11 A portion of the operating lever 60 (a portion of the first extension portion 60a) is located below the lowermost end 14b of the placement surface recess 14 at the escape position (see FIG. Figure 10 ).

[0103] like Figure 11 As shown, the first link 61 extends between the end portion of the operating lever 60 (the second extension portion 60b) in the width direction V3 and the first support shaft 65 (the shaft serving as a fulcrum). One end of the first link 61 is connected (fixed) to the end portion of the operating lever 60 in the width direction V3. The other end of the first link 61 (the end opposite the operating lever 60) is rotatable about the first support shaft 65. The other end of the first link 61 has an arcuate elongated hole 61h in a side view that restricts rotation about the first support shaft 65.

[0104] The second link 62 extends across the first support shaft 65 and the second support shaft 66 (the axis serving as the point of action). One end of the second link 62 is connected (fixed) to the other end of the first link 61. The one end of the second link 62 is rotatable about the first support shaft 65.

[0105] The third link 63 extends in a crank shape in the front-to-rear direction so as to span between the second support shaft 66 and the holding member 7. One end of the third link 63 is connected to the other end of the second link 62 via the second support shaft 66. The other end of the third link 63 is connected (fixed) to the front end of the side arm 50 of the holding member 7 by a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0106] When the operating lever 60 is moved between the connected position and the retracted position, the third link 63 moves in a direction (direction indicated by arrow V1 in the figure, the direction in which the elongated hole of the side arm 50 extends) along the inclination of the loading surface of the tray 2 (the inclination of the battery 100 when loaded). Although not shown, at least one of the other end of the second link 62 and one end of the third link 63 includes a portion (e.g., a retracted portion such as an elongated hole) for converting rotation about the second support shaft 66 to movement in the direction indicated by arrow V1 in the figure.

[0107] <Position of the End of the Upper Cover>

[0108] Figure 13 An example is shown in which the battery 100 is inserted between the operating lever 60 at the connection position and the upper cover 3. Figure 13 In the example, a portion of the second side surface 122 of the battery 100 is in contact with the upper end of the operating lever 60 located in the connection position. In addition, the bottom corner of the battery 100 (the corner formed by the second side surface 122 of the battery 100 and the second surface 112) is in contact with the rib 10b of the first inclined surface 10a of the tray 2. In addition, a portion of the first side surface 121 of the battery 100 is in contact with the opening edge 3a of the upper cover 3. The position of the end of the upper cover 3 is set to avoid interference between the charger terminal 6 and the second side 112 of the battery 100 when the battery 100 is inserted between the operating lever 60 located in the connection position and the upper cover 3. Symbol G1 in the figure shows the gap between the second side 112 of the battery 100 and the charger terminal 6.

[0109] <Effects>

[0110] As described above, the charger 1 for the mobile battery 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment is a charger 1 for the mobile battery 100 for electric vehicles, which includes a tray 2 for loading the battery 100, a control device 4 for controlling the charging of the battery 100, and a cross pipe 33 located above the control device 4. The tray 2 has a first inclined surface 10a that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane and formed in a manner along the longitudinal direction V1 of the battery 100 in the loaded state, and a second inclined surface 11a that stands up from the end of the first inclined surface 10a in a manner along the height direction V2 of the battery 100 in the loaded state and supports the second surface 112 of the battery 100. The control device 4 is arranged below the first inclined surface 10a, and the cross pipe 33 is arranged between the control device 4 and the first inclined surface 10a in the vertical direction.

[0111] According to this structure, the first inclined surface 10a and the second inclined surface 11a of the tray 2 are arranged to be inclined relative to the vertical direction. Therefore, compared with a case where the battery 100 is arranged upright so as to be elongated in the vertical direction when the battery 100 is mounted on the charger 1, the vertical height of the battery 100 can be reduced.

[0112] Furthermore, positioning the control device 4 below the first inclined surface 10a provides the following advantages: The vertical height of the charger 1 can be reduced compared to a case where the control device 4 is positioned above the first inclined surface 10a. Furthermore, the installation area of ​​the charger 1 can be reduced compared to a case where the control device 4 is positioned to the side of the first inclined surface 10a.

[0113] Furthermore, the cross pipe 33 is disposed between the control device 4 and the first inclined surface 10 a in the vertical direction, thereby preventing the impact generated when the heavy battery 100 is placed on the tray 2 from being transmitted to the control device 4 .

[0114] In the above embodiment, the battery 100 has a gripping portion 110 at the end portion in the longitudinal direction V1, the gripping portion 110 is arranged on the upper end side of the first inclined surface 10a, and the cross tube 33 is arranged at a position closer to the gripping portion 110 than the central portion in the longitudinal direction V1 of the first inclined surface 10a, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0115] The gripping portion 110 is disposed on the upper end side of the first inclined surface 10a, making it easier to place the battery 100 on the tray 2 compared to a case where the gripping portion 110 is disposed on the lower end side of the first inclined surface 10a. Furthermore, the cross tube 33 is disposed closer to the gripping portion 110 than the center portion of the first inclined surface 10a in the longitudinal direction V1. This facilitates placing the battery 100 on the tray 2, effectively reducing the load applied to the control device 4 when the battery 100 is placed on the tray 2.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the bottom of the charger 1 has the bottom surface recessed portion 16 that is recessed downward at a portion located below the control device 4 , thereby achieving the following effects.

[0117] The heat of the control device 4 can be dissipated through the gap between the control device 4 and the bottom surface recessed portion 16 .

[0118] In the above embodiment, the heat conducting member 20 having a higher thermal conductivity than the bottom of the charger 1 is arranged in the bottom recess 16 , thereby achieving the following effects.

[0119] The heat of the control device 4 can be dissipated more efficiently via the heat conduction member 20 .

[0120] In the above-described embodiment, the rib 10 b protruding upward is formed on the first inclined surface 10 a , thereby producing the following effects.

[0121] The ribs 10 b can mitigate the impact when the battery 100 is placed on the first inclined surface 10 a.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the central portion of the first inclined surface 10 a in the width direction V3 has a downwardly convex curved surface shape, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0123] It is possible to suppress heat from stagnating on the lower surface (the surface on the first inclined surface 10 a side) of the battery 100 .

[0124] In the above embodiment, a drainage hole 10h is formed at the lowermost end 14b of the first inclined surface 10a, and the bottom of the charger 1 has a surrounding portion 13 with an opening larger than the drainage hole 10h at a position below the drainage hole 10h. A drain hole 13h is formed in the surrounding portion 13, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0125] Water that has entered the tray 2 can be drained away satisfactorily through the drain holes 10h and the drain holes 13h.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the holding member 7 for holding the charger terminal 6 in the direction J1 for connection with the battery 100 is further provided, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0127] The holding member 7 allows the charger terminal 6 and the battery 100 to be smoothly connected.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the cross pipe 33 extends over the entire width direction V3 of the battery 100 , thereby achieving the following effects.

[0129] It is possible to more effectively suppress the transmission of the impact generated when the battery 100 , which is a heavy object, is placed on the tray 2 to the control device 4 .

[0130] <Modification>

[0131] In the above embodiment, the first inclined surface 10a is described as being inclined relative to the bottom surface of the charger 1, but this is not limiting. For example, the first inclined surface 10a may be parallel to the bottom surface of the charger 1. For example, the bottom surface of the charger 1 (e.g., the bottom surface of a cabinet on which the charger is mounted) may be inclined relative to the horizontal plane so that the bottom surface of the charger 1 and the first inclined surface 10a are parallel to each other. The first inclined surface 10a only needs to be inclined relative to the horizontal plane. In other words, the battery 100 can be arranged so that it is tilted upward.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the grip 110 of the battery 100 is arranged on the upper end side of the first inclined surface 10a, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the grip 110 may be arranged on the lower end side of the first inclined surface 10a.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the cross tube 33 is arranged closer to the grip portion 110 than the center portion of the first inclined surface 10a in the longitudinal direction V1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cross tube 33 may be arranged closer to the second surface 112 (opposite to the grip portion 110) than the center portion of the first inclined surface 10a in the longitudinal direction V1.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the bottom portion of the charger 1 is described as having a downwardly recessed bottom portion 16 located below the controller 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the bottom portion of the charger 1 may also include a flat support portion that supports the controller 4 from below. In other words, the bottom portion of the charger 1 does not need to include the bottom portion 16 located below the controller 4.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the thermally conductive member 20 having a higher thermal conductivity than the bottom of the charger 1 is disposed in the bottom recess 16 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive member 20 may not be disposed in the bottom recess 16 .

[0136] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the first inclined surface 10a is provided with an upwardly protruding rib 10b. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first inclined surface 10a may have a flat upper surface that contacts the second side surface 122 of the battery 100 from below. In other words, the first inclined surface 10a does not need to have an upwardly protruding rib 10b.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the central portion of the first inclined surface 10a in the width direction V3 has a downwardly convex curved surface shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the central portion of the first inclined surface 10a in the width direction V3 may not have a downwardly convex curved surface shape.

[0138] In the above embodiment, a drain hole 10h is formed at the lowest end 14b of the first inclined surface 10a, and the bottom portion of the charger 1 has a surrounding portion 13 with an opening larger than the drain hole 10h located below the drain hole 10h, and a drain hole 13h is formed in the surrounding portion 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the drain hole 10h may not be formed at the lowest end 14b of the first inclined surface 10a. Alternatively, the bottom portion of the charger 1 may not have the surrounding portion 13 with an opening larger than the drain hole 10h located below the drain hole 10h. Alternatively, the drain hole 13h may not be formed in the surrounding portion 13.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the cross tube 33 is described as extending entirely along the width direction V3 of the battery 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the cross tube 33 may extend along a portion of the width direction V3 of the battery 100. For example, the cross tube 33 may extend in a direction intersecting the width direction V3 of the battery 100. For example, the frame positioned vertically between the control device 4 and the first inclined surface 10a may be a structure other than the cross tube 33, such as a plate member.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the example of the charger 1 having a biasing member 53 that biases the charger terminal 6 toward the battery 100 at the connection position is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the charger terminal 6 may not be biased toward the battery terminal 106 by the biasing member 53. In other words, the charger 1 may not have the biasing member 53.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the operating mechanism 8 is described as moving the charger terminal 6 between the connected position and the retracted position using a linkage mechanism. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the operating mechanism 8 may also use a structure other than a linkage mechanism, such as a cam mechanism, to move the charger terminal 6 between the connected position and the retracted position.

[0142] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, the above-mentioned straddle-type electric vehicles include all vehicles in which the driver rides astride the vehicle body, including not only two-wheeled motor vehicles (including bicycles and scooters with a prime mover) but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel in addition to vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels). Furthermore, the present invention is applicable not only to two-wheeled motor vehicles but also to four-wheeled vehicles such as automobiles.

[0143] For example, the charger is not limited to a charger for a portable battery of a motorcycle, and can also be applied to a charger for electrical equipment other than electric vehicles.

[0144] Furthermore, the configuration in the above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with well-known components.

[0145] Explanation of symbols:

[0146] 1 charger

[0147] 2 pallets

[0148] 4 Control device

[0149] 6 Charger terminals

[0150] 7. Retaining member

[0151] 10a First inclined surface

[0152] 10b Rib

[0153] 10h Drain hole

[0154] 11a Second inclined surface

[0155] 13 Encirclement

[0156] 13h discharge hole

[0157] 16 Bottom concave part (recessed part)

[0158] 20 Thermal Conductive Components

[0159] 33 cross tube (frame)

[0160] 100 batteries

[0161] 110 grip

[0162] J1 Direction of connecting the charger terminal to the battery

[0163] V1 Battery length direction

[0164] V2 Battery height direction

[0165] V3 Battery width direction

Claims

1. A mobile battery charger, which is a mobile battery charger for electric vehicles (1), characterized in that: The mobile battery charger (1) comprises: a tray (2) for carrying a battery (100); a control device (4) for controlling the charging of the storage battery (100); and a frame (33) located above the control device (4), The tray (2) has: a first inclined surface (10a) inclined relative to a horizontal plane and formed along a longitudinal direction (V1) of the battery (100) in a state of being placed on the charger (1); as well as a second inclined surface (11a) rising from the end of the first inclined surface (10a) in a manner along the height direction (V2) of the storage battery (100) in a state of being placed on the charger (1) and supporting the bottom surface of the storage battery (100); The control device (4) is arranged below the first inclined surface (10a), The frame (33) is arranged between the control device (4) and the first inclined surface (10a) in the vertical direction. An upper cover (3) is provided on the upper rear portion of the charger (1) to cover the charger terminal (6) from above. The frame (33) is arranged at a position forward of a center portion of the first inclined surface (10a) in the longitudinal direction (V1). The upper cover (3) has an opening edge (3a) along one side (121) of the battery (100) in a state of being placed on the charger (1). The frame (33) is arranged at a position closer to the front side than the opening edge (3a). The frame (33) is arranged at a position closer to the upper end side than the center portion of the first inclined surface (10a) in the longitudinal direction (V1).

2. The mobile battery charger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery (100) has a gripping portion (110) at the end portion in the longitudinal direction (V1), and the gripping portion (110) is arranged on the upper end side of the first inclined surface (10a). The frame (33) is arranged at a position closer to the gripping portion (110) than the center portion of the first inclined surface (10a) in the longitudinal direction (V1).

3. The mobile battery charger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the charger (1) has a downwardly recessed portion (16) at a location below the control device (4).

4. The mobile battery charger according to claim 3, characterized in that: A heat-conducting member (20) having a higher heat conductivity than the bottom of the charger (1) is arranged in the recess (16).

5. The mobile battery charger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A rib (10b) protruding upward is formed on the first inclined surface (10a).

6. The mobile battery charger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The center portion of the first inclined surface (10a) in the width direction has a curved surface shape that is convex downward.

7. The mobile battery charger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A drainage hole (10h) is formed at the lowermost end of the first inclined surface (10a). The bottom of the charger (1) has a surrounding portion (13) with an opening larger than the drainage hole (10h) at a position below the drainage hole (10h). A discharge hole (13h) is formed in the surrounding portion (13).

8. The mobile battery charger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The mobile battery charger (1) further includes a holding member (7) for holding the charger terminal (6) in a direction for connection with the battery (100).

9. The mobile battery charger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The frame (33) extends over the entire width direction (V3) of the battery (100).

Images