Battery unit and vehicle

Abstract

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery unit and a vehicle in which the labor required for transporting a plurality of battery packs is smaller than that required in the prior art. In order to solve the problem, a battery unit according to an embodiment is provided with a plurality of battery packs and a connection part. The connecting part connects the plurality of battery packs to be foldable so that the plurality of battery packs can be deformed by folding the plurality of battery packs from a first state in which the plurality of battery packs can be accommodated in an accommodating part of the vehicle to a second state for transportation. The battery unit according to an embodiment may further include a leg portion that can be folded, and the leg portion can be grounded to the ground when a portion of the battery pack in the first form is housed in the vehicle in an unfolded state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a battery unit and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that a plurality of detachable thin battery packs are stored under the floor of a pure electric vehicle. Such battery packs can be removed from the pure electric vehicle for charging.

[0003] [Prior Technical Literature]

[0004] (Patent Document)

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-16706 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When charging such multiple battery packs, it is time-consuming and laborious to carry the multiple battery packs one by one from the parking place of the pure electric vehicle to the charging place of the battery packs. In particular, when the parking place is far from the charging place, it is difficult to carry the battery packs to the remote place many times.

[0008] An object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a battery unit and a vehicle that require less labor than conventional labor to transport a plurality of battery packs.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] A battery unit according to an embodiment includes a plurality of battery packs and a connecting portion that connects the plurality of battery packs so as to be foldable so as to be deformable from a first state in which the plurality of battery packs can be stored in a storage portion of a vehicle to a second state for transportation.

[0011] (Effects of the Invention)

[0012] According to the present invention, the labor required for carrying a plurality of battery packs is smaller than before. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the vehicle according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the storage battery unit according to the embodiment is stored in the storage portion.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a main part of a battery unit according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is drawn by Figure 3 A flowchart of an example of processing performed by a processor in .

[0017] Figure 5 It is a perspective view for explaining a deformation state of the battery unit according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a perspective view for explaining a deformation state of the battery unit according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a perspective view for explaining a deformation state of the battery unit according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a perspective view for explaining a deformation state of the battery unit according to the embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view for explaining a deformation state of the battery unit according to the embodiment.

[0022] Fig.10 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the entire battery unit according to the embodiment is removed from the storage portion.

[0023] Fig.11 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the entire battery unit according to the embodiment is removed from the storage portion.

[0024] Fig.12 It is a perspective view for explaining a deformation state of the battery unit according to the embodiment.

[0025] Fig.13 It is a perspective view for explaining a deformation state of the battery unit according to the embodiment.

[0026] Fig.14 It is a perspective view for explaining a deformation state of the battery unit according to the embodiment.

[0027] Fig.15 This is a diagram of the battery unit according to the embodiment as viewed from above.

[0028] Fig.16 This is a diagram of the battery unit according to the embodiment as viewed from above.

[0029] Fig.17 This is a diagram of the battery unit according to the embodiment as viewed from above.

[0030] Fig.18 This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a battery unit according to an embodiment of the suitcase form. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following is a description of the vehicle of the embodiment using the accompanying drawings. In addition, the scales of the various parts of the various drawings used in the following description of the embodiment are sometimes appropriately changed. In addition, for the sake of convenience, the various drawings used in the following description of the embodiment are sometimes shown with the structure omitted. In addition, in the various drawings and this specification, the same symbol represents the same component.

[0032] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the vehicle 1 according to the embodiment.

[0033] The vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle such as a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. At least a part of the vehicle 1 can be operated by the power output by the battery unit 100. As an example, the vehicle 1 includes the battery unit 100, the storage unit 200 and the removal button 300.

[0034] The housing portion 200 is a box-shaped component that can house the battery unit 100. Figure 1 The state where the storage unit 100 is stored in the storage unit 200 is shown. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the storage unit 100 is stored in the storage unit 200 . Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the storage portion 200 and the battery unit 100 as viewed from the front side of the vehicle 1. Figure 2 The ground GR is also shown in the figure. The vehicle 1 includes a storage unit 200, for example, below the vehicle compartment, that is, under the floor of the vehicle compartment. The storage unit 200 includes a vehicle-side connection unit 201 electrically connected to the battery unit 100. The vehicle-side connection unit 201 is Figure 1 The vehicle-side connection unit 201 receives input of power outputted from the battery unit 100. Each part of the vehicle 1 is operated by the power. In addition, the vehicle 1 can communicate with the battery unit 100 via the vehicle-side connection unit 201. The vehicle 1 can control the battery unit 100 using the communication.

[0035] The take-out button 300 is an input device that receives an operation performed by an operator of the vehicle 1, such as a driver of the vehicle 1. The take-out button 300 is a button used for operation when taking out the battery unit 100 accommodated in the accommodating portion 200. The take-out button 300 may also be a button displayed on a touch screen. The take-out button 300 may be located inside or outside the vehicle 1. In addition, the battery unit 100 may also be provided with the take-out button 300.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the main parts of the battery unit 100 . Figure 3 The vehicle-side connection portion 201 is also shown in the figure.

[0037] The battery unit 100, for example, includes a plurality of battery packs 101 and has a structure that facilitates easy transportation of the plurality of battery packs 101. In addition, the battery unit 100 can be transformed into two forms: a battery form and a suitcase form. The battery form is the form when housed in the housing portion 200. The suitcase form is a form in which the battery unit 100 is made into a suitcase shape. The suitcase form is a form used to carry the battery unit 100. The battery unit 100 in the suitcase form is easier to carry than the battery form. The battery unit 100 has a function of automatically transforming into two forms. The battery unit 100 can also be manually transformed. As an example, the battery unit 100 includes a battery pack 101, a handle 102, a hinge 103, a fixing member 104, a leg 105, a wheel 106, a battery side connection portion 107, a charging portion 108, and a control portion 110. In addition, a bus 120 and the like connect these parts. The battery form is an example of a first form that can be stored in a storage portion of a vehicle, and the suitcase form is an example of a second form for transportation.

[0038] The battery pack 101 is a secondary battery that supplies power to the vehicle 1. The battery pack 101 is preferably thin so that it can be accommodated at the bottom of the vehicle compartment. That is, the thickness of the battery pack 101 when accommodated in the accommodation portion 200 is preferably shorter than the horizontal length when accommodated in the accommodation portion 200. The horizontal length is the height of the battery pack 101 and the width of the battery pack 101. In addition, the height of the battery pack 101 is the length from the top to the bottom. The upper part of the battery unit 100 (the upper part of the battery pack 101) is the front side of the accommodation portion 200 when the battery unit 100 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 200. In other words, the upper part of the battery unit 100 is the upper side when the battery unit 100 is erected, that is, the side close to the air. In other words, the upper part of the battery unit 100 is the side with the handle 102. Furthermore, the lower part of the battery unit 100 (the lower part of the battery pack 101) is the deep side of the storage unit 200 when the battery unit 100 is stored in the storage unit 200. In other words, the lower part of the battery unit 100 is the lower side when the battery unit 100 is in an upright state, that is, the side close to the ground. In other words, the lower part of the battery unit 100 is the side with the wheel 106 attached. In addition, the width of the battery pack 101 is the length from front to back. In addition, the front is the front of the vehicle 1 when the battery unit 100 is stored in the storage unit 200. The rear is the rear of the vehicle 1 when the battery unit 100 is stored in the storage unit 200. In addition, the thickness of the battery pack 101 is the length of the battery pack 101 in the vertical direction when the battery unit 100 is stored in the storage unit 200. The battery unit 100 includes a plurality of battery packs 101. As an example, the battery unit 100 includes three battery packs 101 . Figure 1 The battery unit 100 shown in the figure includes three battery packs 101, namely, battery pack 101A to battery pack 101C. The plurality of battery packs 101 are accommodated in the accommodation portion 200 in a state of being arranged in a row from front to back, for example. The battery pack 101A, the battery pack 101B, and the battery pack 101C are accommodated in the accommodation portion 200 in a state of being arranged in this order from the front. In addition, the battery pack 101 supplies power for the operation of the battery unit 100 to each part of the battery unit 100.

[0039] The handle 102 is retractable and can be stored in the battery unit 100 by being retracted. The handle 102 can be stored in the battery pack 101A, for example. The stored handle 102 can be used by being extended. Figure 1The battery unit 100 shown is in a state where the handle 102 is accommodated in the battery unit 100. The battery unit 100 is provided with the handle 102 at the upper portion. In other words, the upper portion of the battery unit 100 refers to the front side of the accommodating portion 200 when the battery unit 100 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 200. Also, the lower portion of the battery unit 100 refers to the depth side of the accommodating portion 200 when the battery unit 100 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 200. The handle 102 may also be electrically retractable. The handle 102 may be used as a handle for pulling the battery unit 100 out of the accommodating portion 200 of the vehicle 1. In addition, the handle 102 may be used as a handle for carrying the battery unit 100.

[0040] The hinge 103 foldably connects the battery packs 101 to the battery packs 101. The hinge 103 may also be electrically openable and closable. The hinge 103 is an example of a connecting portion that foldably connects the plurality of battery packs so that the plurality of battery packs can be deformed from a first state in which the plurality of battery packs can be stored in a storage portion of a vehicle to a second state for transportation.

[0041] The fixing element 104 fixes the folded battery unit 100 in a manner that prevents the folded battery unit 100 from being unfolded. The fixing element 104 may also be electrically powered.

[0042] The leg 105 prevents the upper side of the back of the battery cell 100 from falling to the ground when the battery cell 100 is removed from the storage unit 200. In addition, the back of the battery cell 100 is the side close to the ground when the battery cell 100 is stored in the storage unit 200. In addition, the front of the battery cell 100 is the side opposite to the back, and is the side close to the air when the battery cell 100 is stored in the storage unit 200. The battery cell 100 is provided with the leg 105 at a position close to the upper part of the back of the battery cell 100, for example. The leg 105 is, for example, a foldable or telescopic type, and can be stored in the battery cell 100 by folding or shrinking. The leg 105 can be stored in the battery pack 101A, for example. The stored leg 105 can be unfolded and used by expanding or pulling out. The front end of the leg 105 can also be provided with a wheel 1051. Since the front end of the leg 105 is provided with a wheel 1051, the battery unit 100 can be easily removed from the storage portion 200. The leg 105 can also be electrically folded and unfolded. The length of the leg 105, that is, the length from the back of the battery pack 110 to the front end of the leg 105, is preferably equivalent to the length from the back of the battery pack 110 to the ground GR when the battery unit 100 is stored in the storage portion 200.

[0043] The battery unit 100 has wheels 106 at the bottom. The wheels 106 are attached to the bottom of the battery pack 101A, for example. The wheels 106 are used for moving the battery unit 100 when it is transported. The wheels 106 may have a motor for rotating the wheels 106. The wheels 106 may be electrically rotatable.

[0044] The battery-side connection part 107 is electrically connected to the vehicle-side connection part 201. The battery unit 100 supplies the power output by the battery pack 101 to the vehicle 1 via the battery-side connection part 107 and the vehicle-side connection part 201. In addition, the battery unit 100 can communicate with the vehicle 1 via the battery-side connection part 107 and the vehicle-side connection part 201. The battery unit 100 includes one or more battery-side connection parts 107. The battery unit 100 may also include one battery-side connection part 107 for each battery unit 101.

[0045] The charging unit 108 includes a terminal, a cable, a plug, etc. for receiving input of power for charging the battery pack 101. The charging unit 108 is connected to a socket for charging. The battery pack 101 is charged with power supplied from the socket. The socket may also be a household socket. The battery unit 100 includes one or more charging units 108. The battery unit 100 may also include one charging unit 108 for each battery unit 101. One charging unit 108 charges one or more battery units 101.

[0046] The control unit 110 is a computer that performs processing such as calculation and control required for the operation of the battery cell 100. The control unit 110 performs control for deforming the shape of the battery cell 100. As an example, the control unit 110 includes a processor 111, a read-only memory (ROM) 112, and a random access memory (RAM) 113.

[0047] The processor 111 is the core part of the computer that performs the calculations and control required for the operation of the vehicle 1, and performs various calculations and processes. The processor 111 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Alternatively, the processor 111 is a combination of multiple of these. In addition, the processor 111 can also be a combination of hardware accelerators and the like. The processor 111 controls each part based on the firmware, system software, and application software programs stored in the ROM 112, etc., so as to realize various functions of the vehicle 1. In addition, the processor 111 performs the processing described below based on the program. In addition, part or all of the program can also be incorporated into the circuit of the processor 111.

[0048] ROM 112 and RAM 113 are main storage devices of a computer with processor 111 as the core. ROM 112 is a non-volatile memory dedicated to reading data. ROM 112 stores, for example, firmware among the above-mentioned programs. In addition, ROM 112 also stores data used by processor 111 when performing various processes.

[0049] The RAM 113 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 113 is used as a work area or the like for storing data temporarily used when the processor 111 performs various processes. The RAM 113 is typically a volatile memory.

[0050] The bus 120 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals exchanged between various components of the battery unit 100 .

[0051] The following is based on Figure 4 The operation of the storage battery unit 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. The contents of the processing in the following operation description are just examples, and various processing that can obtain the same result can be used as appropriate. Figure 4FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the processor 111 of the battery unit 100. The processor 111 executes, for example, a program stored in the ROM 112 or the like. Figure 4 In addition, the processor 111 starts the processing in the state of being accommodated in the accommodating unit 200. Figure 4 processing.

[0052] exist Figure 4 In step ST11, the processor 111 of the battery unit 100 determines whether the battery unit 100 is removed from the storage section 200 and deformed into a suitcase form. The processor 111 determines that the battery unit 100 is removed from the storage section 200 and deformed into a suitcase form, for example, based on the operation of the removal button 300. If it is not determined that the battery unit 100 is removed from the storage section 200 and deformed into a suitcase form, the processor 111 determines that it is not removed from the storage section 200 and deformed into a suitcase form, and the processing of step ST11 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the battery unit 100 is removed from the storage section 200 and deformed into a suitcase form, the processor 111 determines that it is not removed from the storage section 200 and deformed into a suitcase form, and the processing of step ST11 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the battery unit 100 is removed from the storage section 200 and deformed into a suitcase form, the processor 111 determines that it is not removed from the storage section 200 and deformed into a suitcase form, and the processing of step ST12 is repeated.

[0053] In step ST12, the processor 111 controls the handle 102 to move the handle 102 out of the battery unit 100. Figure 1 That state becomes Figure 5 In addition, Figures 5 to 9 and Figure 12 to Figure 14 It is a perspective view for explaining a state of deformation of the battery cell 100 .

[0054] In step ST13, the processor 111 causes a part of the battery unit 100 to be removed from the storage section 200. In other words, the processor 111 causes half of the battery unit 100 to be removed from the storage section 200. The processor 111 moves the battery unit 100 by, for example, rotating the wheels 106, thereby removing the battery unit 100 from the storage section 200. Alternatively, the battery unit 100 or the storage section 200 may include a mechanism other than the wheels 106 for removing the battery unit 100 from the storage section. The processor 111 operates the mechanism to remove the battery unit 100 from the storage section 200. Figure 6 The battery unit 100 is shown as being halfway removed from the receiving portion 200 .

[0055] In step ST14 , the processor 111 controls the legs 105 to unfold the legs 105 . Figure 7 The leg portion 105 is shown halfway unfolded. Figure 8 The legs 105 are shown unfolded. Figure 8In the state, the front end of the leg 105 is grounded to the ground GR. Alternatively, the front end of the leg 105 may be grounded to the ground GR when the battery unit 100 is further moved out of the storage portion 200.

[0056] In step ST15, the processor 111 removes the entire battery unit 100 from the storage section 200. The method of removing the battery unit 100 from the storage section 200 is, for example, the same as that in step ST13. Fig. 9 The battery unit 100 is shown as a whole being removed from the receiving portion 200 .

[0057] Fig.10 and Fig.11 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the entire battery unit 100 is removed from the receiving portion 200. The battery unit 100 is removed from the receiving portion 200 by the processing of steps ST11 to ST15. Figure 2 The status shown changes to Fig.10 The status shown. Fig.10 In the state, the lower part of the battery cell 100 becomes a floating state. Therefore, the lower part of the battery cell 100 falls down, for example, in the direction of the arrow AR. As a result, the battery cell 100 becomes Fig.11 The status shown. Fig.11 In the state of the wheel 106 is in the state of ground contact with the ground GR. In addition, the battery unit 100 may also have a mechanism in which the lower part slowly falls.

[0058] In step ST16, the processor 111 controls the leg 105 to accommodate the leg 105. After the battery unit 100 is accommodated in the leg 105, Fig.12 By housing the legs 105, the upper back surface of the battery unit 100 is grounded to the ground GR.

[0059] In step ST17 , the processor 111 controls the hinge 103 to fold the battery pack 101 . Fig.13 The battery pack 101 is shown folded in half. Fig.14 The battery pack 101 is shown after being folded.

[0060] use Figure 15 to Figure 17 A method of folding the battery pack 101 and the hinge 103 will be described. Figure 15 to Figure 17 This is a diagram showing an example of how the battery pack 101 is folded. Figure 15 to Figure 17 This is a diagram of the battery unit 100 as viewed from the upper side. Figure 15 to Figure 17 Illustration of the handle 102 and the like is omitted. Fig.15 The battery pack 101 is shown in a state before being folded. Fig.16 The battery pack 101B is folded toward the battery pack A. Fig.17 Draw Fig.16 After the battery pack 101C is folded toward the battery pack 101A.

[0061] exist Figure 15 to Figure 17 , the battery pack 101C is folded after the battery pack 101B is folded. However, the battery pack 101B and the battery pack 101C may be folded at the same time.

[0062] Figure 15 to Figure 17 2 , a hinge 103A and a hinge 103B are shown. The hinge 103A is a hinge 103 that connects the battery pack 101A and the battery pack 101B so that they can be folded. The hinge 103B is a hinge 103 that connects the battery pack 101A and the battery pack 101C so that they can be folded.

[0063] Hinge 103A includes rotation axis 1031A. Rotation axis 1031A connects battery pack 101A and battery pack 101B so that they can rotate with each other around rotation axis 1031A. In addition, it is preferred that rotation axis 1031A connects battery pack 101A and battery pack 101B so that they can be folded in a valley rather than in a mountainous direction. Battery pack 101A and battery pack 101B can be opened and closed around rotation axis 1031A, for example, within a range of 0 to 180 degrees between the angle θ1 formed by the surface of battery pack 101A and the surface of battery pack 101B. Fig.15 In the state, θ1 is 180 degrees. Fig.16 and Fig.17 In the state of θ1 being 0 degrees, the battery pack 101B is folded. The battery pack 101B is folded so that the surface of the battery pack 101A and the surface of the battery pack 101B overlap in contact with each other.

[0064] Hinge 103B includes a rotation axis 1031B, a rotation axis 1031C, and a plate 1032. Rotation axis 1031B connects battery pack 101A and plate 1032 so that they can rotate with each other around rotation axis 1031B. In addition, it is preferred that rotation axis 1031B connects battery pack 101A and plate 1032 so that they can be valley-folded rather than mountain-folded. Battery pack 101A and plate 1032 can be opened and closed with rotation axis 1031B as the center within a range of, for example, 90 to 180 degrees between the angle θ2 formed between the surface of battery pack 101A and the surface of plate 1032. Fig.15 and Fig.16 In the state, θ2 is 180 degrees. Fig.17 In this state, θ2 is 90 degrees.

[0065] The rotating shaft 1031C connects the plate 1032 and the battery pack 101C so that they can rotate with each other around the rotating shaft 1031C. In addition, it is preferred that the rotating shaft 1031C connects the plate 1032 and the battery pack 101C so that it can be folded in a valley rather than in a mountain fold. The plate 1032 and the battery pack 101C can be opened and closed around the rotating shaft 1031C within a range of, for example, 90 to 180 degrees between the surface of the plate 1032 and the surface of the battery pack 101C. Fig.15 and Fig.16 In the state, θ3 is 180 degrees. Fig.17 In this state, θ3 is 90 degrees.

[0066] The state where θ2 is 90 degrees and θ3 is 90 degrees is the state where the battery pack 101C is folded. The state where the battery pack 101C is folded is the state where the back surface of the battery pack 101B overlaps with the front surface of the battery pack 101C so as to be in contact with each other.

[0067] The plate 1032 is a plate-shaped member connecting the rotation axis 1031B and the rotation axis 1031C. The length of the plate 1032 from the rotation axis 1031B to the rotation axis 1031C is equivalent to the thickness of the battery pack 101A. Since the plate 1032 is equivalent to the thickness of the battery pack 101A, the battery pack 101C can be overlapped on the folded battery pack 101B.

[0068] In the state where the battery pack 101 is folded, that is, the state where the battery pack 101B and the battery pack 101C are folded, the battery packs 101A to 101C are stacked.

[0069] In order to prevent the battery pack 101 from opening after being folded, the processor 111 controls the fixing member 104 to fix the overlapping battery packs 101 to each other. After the processing of step ST17, the processor 111 ends. Figure 4 Processing shown.

[0070] As described above, the battery cell 100 is Figure 4 When the battery unit 100 in the suitcase form is placed upright with the lower part facing downward, it becomes Fig.18 The state shown. Fig.18 It is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the battery unit 100 in the form of a suitcase.

[0071] The battery unit 100 of the embodiment includes a plurality of battery packs 101. In addition, the plurality of battery packs 101 are foldably connected by hinges 103. In this way, by foldably connecting the plurality of battery packs 101, the plurality of battery packs 101 can be carried at one time in a folded state, so there is no need to carry the battery packs 101 one by one multiple times. Therefore, in the battery unit 100 of the embodiment, the labor required to carry the plurality of battery packs 101 is small. The battery unit 100 of the embodiment is easier to carry to one's home than before, so it is particularly useful for people who have parking lots outside their homes, such as apartments, and users of monthly parking lots, and charge their batteries using their own home sockets.

[0072] In addition, the battery unit 100 of the embodiment has a foldable leg 105. In addition, the leg 105 is grounded to the ground when a part of the battery unit 100 enters the storage unit 200, that is, when a part of the battery unit 100 is removed from the storage unit 200. Thus, the upper side of the battery unit 100 of the embodiment is prevented from falling when it is removed from the storage unit 200. In addition, the battery unit 100 of the embodiment has the leg 105, so it is easy to be removed from the storage unit 200.

[0073] Furthermore, the battery unit 100 of the embodiment is thin and can be housed under the floor of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the battery unit 100 of the embodiment is unlikely to obstruct the space inside the vehicle.

[0074] In addition, the battery unit 100 of the embodiment has wheels 106 at the bottom. When the battery unit 100 is removed from the storage unit 200 as a whole, the lower side of the wheels 106 is lowered and grounded. In addition, the wheels 106 are also used for transporting the battery unit 100. Therefore, with respect to the battery unit 100 of the embodiment, the loading and unloading of the battery with respect to the vehicle 1 and the transportation can be smoothly performed. In addition, since the battery unit 100 of the embodiment has the wheels 106, it is easy to transport.

[0075] In addition, the battery unit 100 of the embodiment includes a handle 102 that can be accommodated in the battery pack 101. The battery unit 100 of the embodiment can be carried by pulling or pressing the handle, so it is easy to carry. In addition, since the handle 102 can be accommodated, the handle 102 will not become an obstacle when the battery unit 100 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 200.

[0076] In addition, the battery unit 100 of the embodiment includes a battery pack 101A, a battery pack 101B, and a battery pack 101C. The battery pack 101B is connected to the battery pack 101A in a foldable manner. In addition, the battery pack 101C is connected to the battery pack 101A in a foldable manner. Therefore, both the battery pack 101B and the battery pack 101C are folded toward the battery pack 101A side. By setting the structure to fold the battery pack 101B and the battery pack 101C toward the battery pack 101A side having wheels, it is possible to fold in a stable state.

[0077] In addition, in the battery unit 100 of the embodiment, the hinge 103 connects the battery packs 101 to each other so that the battery packs 101 can be valley-folded but not mountain-folded. In the case where the hinge 103 can be mountain-folded, when the battery unit 100 is removed from the storage portion 200, the battery packs 101B and 101C will fall due to gravity. At this time, the hinge 103 is in a state of being folded in the mountain-folding direction. Therefore, the battery unit 100 of the embodiment prevents the battery packs 101B and 101C from falling by preventing the hinge 103 from being mountain-folded.

[0078] Furthermore, the battery unit 100 of the embodiment automatically transforms from the battery form to the suitcase form under the control of the control unit 110. Therefore, the battery unit 100 of the embodiment does not need to be laborious to transform.

[0079] The above-mentioned embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0080] The battery unit of the embodiment may not have the automatic deformation function. In this case, the battery unit may not have the control unit 110 and the bus line 120 .

[0081] Some or all of the operations in the modifications of the above-described embodiments may be performed manually by a person.

[0082] The processing order of step ST16 and step ST17 may be reversed.

[0083] In the above embodiment, both the battery pack 101B and the battery pack 101C are folded toward the front side. However, the battery unit of the embodiment may be configured such that at least one of the battery pack 101B and the battery pack 101C is folded toward the back side.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the battery pack 101 is folded when the battery unit 100 is in a state where the battery unit 100 is lying down, that is, when the surface of the battery pack 101A is facing up. However, the battery pack 101 may be folded when the battery unit 100 is standing up, that is, when the upper part is facing up. In addition, the method for standing the battery unit 100 up may be manual or automatic. When the method for standing the battery unit 100 up is automatic, the battery unit 100 has a mechanism for rising from the lying state to the standing state.

[0085] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the method of erecting the battery unit 100 is manual. However, the battery unit 100 may be provided with a mechanism for raising it from the fallen state to the erected state.

[0086] The battery unit 100 may include two or four or more battery packs 101 .

[0087] The battery unit 100 may also be electrically assisted. That is, when the owner of the battery unit 100 or the like attempts to move the battery unit 100 in a certain direction by holding the handle, the battery unit 100 detects this. Then, the battery unit 100 operates the wheels 106, thereby applying a force to the battery unit 100 to move in the direction. Thus, the owner of the battery unit 100 can move the battery unit 100 with less force.

[0088] The battery unit 100 may also have a function of automatically following the owner of the battery unit 100. In this case, the battery unit 100 has a sensor for detecting the position of the owner and other pedestrians. The battery unit 100 detects the position of the owner using the sensor and rotates the wheels 106 to follow the owner. In addition, the battery unit 100 may also move in a manner to avoid contact with other pedestrians. The control unit 110 performs the control required for automatic following.

[0089] The battery unit 100 may include batteries other than the battery pack 101 . The battery unit 100 may operate with power output from batteries other than the battery pack 101 .

[0090] A part or all of the processing performed by the control unit 110 in the above embodiment may be executed by a control unit provided in the vehicle 1. The control unit may be an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0091] The vehicle 1 may include a plurality of battery cells 100 .

[0092] The processor 111 may implement part or all of the processing implemented by the program in the above-mentioned embodiments by means of a hardware structure of a circuit.

[0093] The program for implementing the processing of the embodiment is transferred, for example, in a state stored in a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium in the device. However, the device can also be transferred without storing the program. Then, the program can also be transferred separately and written to the device. The program transfer in this case can be achieved by recording in a removable non-temporary computer-readable storage medium or downloading via a network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN).

[0094] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these are shown as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0095] Reference numerals

[0096] 1 Vehicle

[0097] 100, 101A, 101B, 101C battery unit

[0098] 101 Battery Pack

[0099] 102 Handle

[0100] 103, 103A, 103B hinge

[0101] 104 Fixing parts

[0102] 105 Legs

[0103] 106, 1051 wheels

[0104] 107 Battery side connection

[0105] 108 Charging Department

[0106] 110 Control Department

[0107] 111 Processor

[0108] 112 ROM

[0109] 113 RAM

[0110] 120 Bus

[0111] 200 Containment

[0112] 201 Vehicle side connection

[0113] 300 Take out button

[0114] 1031 Rotating axis

[0115] 1032 Plate

Claims

1. A battery unit comprising: a plurality of battery packs; and, The connecting portion connects the plurality of battery packs so as to be foldable so as to be deformable from a first state in which the plurality of battery packs can be stored in a storage portion of the vehicle to a second state for transportation.

2. The battery unit according to claim 1, further comprising a leg portion, wherein the leg portion is foldable and can be grounded to the ground when a portion of the battery pack in the first form is accommodated in the vehicle in an unfolded state.

3. The battery unit according to claim 1, wherein: The housing portion is located below the vehicle compartment. The battery pack has a vertical length shorter than a horizontal length when housed in the housing portion. 4 . The battery unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a wheel on the deep side of the housing portion when the battery unit is housed in the housing portion. 5 . The battery unit according to claim 4 , further comprising a handle that can be accommodated in the battery pack on the front side of the accommodation portion when the battery unit is accommodated in the accommodation portion.

6. The battery unit according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of battery packs include a first battery pack, a second battery pack and a third battery pack. The first battery pack and the second battery pack are connected via the connecting portion, and the first battery pack and the third battery pack are connected via the connecting portion. The wheel is mounted on the first battery pack.

7. The battery unit according to claim 1, wherein: When the side close to the air in the state of being accommodated in the aforementioned accommodation portion is set as the surface, the aforementioned connecting portion can be folded in a valley but cannot be folded in a mountain shape. 8 . The battery unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a control unit configured to control the transformation from the first state to the second state.

9. A vehicle comprising a battery unit and a storage portion, The battery unit comprises: Multiple battery packs; and, a connecting portion for connecting the plurality of battery packs so as to be foldable so as to be deformable by folding the plurality of battery packs from a first state in which the plurality of battery packs can be accommodated in the accommodation portion into a second state for transportation; The housing portion can house the battery unit.

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