Electric vehicle

Abstract

An electric vehicle according to the present disclosure includes at least one exchangeable battery, an electric motor for accessing electric power with the battery, a battery container including a container body having an opening portion through which the battery is inserted and extracted, and a cover body for opening / closing the opening portion of the container body, and a lock device. The locking device locks the cover body of the battery container to be unopenable at least when the starting switch of the electric vehicle is turned on.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric vehicle capable of traveling based on power from an electric motor that stores and receives electric power from an exchangeable battery. Background Art

[0002] Currently, a saddle-type electric vehicle is known, which includes a battery storage section arranged below the floor where the passenger places their feet, and the battery can be detachably stored in the battery storage section (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-208962). On the upper surface of the battery of the saddle-type electric vehicle, a cover member of the battery storage section is integrated in a manner to form the above-mentioned floor. In addition, a power supply connector and a striker are provided on the lower surface of the battery. Furthermore, a power receiver connected to the power supply connector and a latch for fixing the striker are provided in the battery storage section. Thus, if the cover member is grasped and the battery is lowered into the battery storage section, the power supply connector is connected to the power receiver, and the latch is fixed to the latch. In addition, if the master key is operated to release the locking state between the latch and the striker, the power supply connector can be detached from the power receiver by lifting the cover member, so that the battery can be removed integrally with the cover member. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the above-mentioned conventional saddle-type electric vehicle, if the user operates the master key to release the locking state between the lock cylinder and the lock catch, the battery can be removed. However, from the perspective of safety, the battery should not be allowed to be removed at will.

[0004] Therefore, a main object of the present disclosure is to ensure good safety during battery replacement in an electric vehicle that can travel based on power from an electric motor that transfers electric power to and from a replaceable battery.

[0005] The electric vehicle of the present disclosure includes at least one exchangeable battery and an electric motor that exchanges power with the battery, and is capable of traveling based on power from the electric motor. The electric vehicle comprises: A battery container including a container body having an opening for inserting and removing the battery, and a cover for opening and closing the opening of the container body; and The locking device locks the cover so that it cannot be opened at least when a start switch of the electric vehicle is turned on.

[0006] In the electric vehicle disclosed herein, the lid of the battery container housing the swappable battery is locked and cannot be opened, at least when the vehicle's start switch is turned on. In an electric vehicle, a closed circuit containing the battery may or may not be formed. In this case, it is possible that a worker attempting to replace the battery is prevented from contacting the battery. As a result, the electric vehicle disclosed herein effectively ensures safety during battery replacement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Hereinafter, features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like parts, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electric vehicle disclosed herein; Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram showing a battery container included in the electric vehicle of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a locking device for a battery container included in the electric vehicle of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a control block diagram of the electric vehicle of the present disclosure; and Figure 5 This is a timing chart for explaining the welding determination process of the battery relay in the electric vehicle of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention disclosed herein will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 This figure schematically illustrates the configuration of an electric vehicle 100 according to the present disclosure. The electric vehicle 100 shown in this figure is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that includes multiple interchangeable batteries 10, a system main relay SMR (a normally open mechanical relay (contact relay), a power control unit (hereinafter referred to as "PCU") 110, and a motor generator MG. PCU 110 includes an inverter (drive circuit), a boost converter, a DC / DC converter, and other components that drive the motor generator MG. The motor generator MG is a synchronous motor generator (a three-phase AC motor).

[0010] The rotor of the motor generator MG is connected to a propeller shaft that rotates integrally with the drive wheels (wheels) DW via a power transmission device comprising a speed reducer and a differential gear. The motor generator MG is driven by electric power from the PCU 110 (battery 10) and outputs drive torque (driving force) to the drive wheels DW. Furthermore, when the electric vehicle 100 brakes, the motor generator MG outputs regenerative braking torque to the drive wheels DW. The electric power generated (regenerated) by the motor generator is stored in the multiple batteries 10.

[0011] In this embodiment, the electric vehicle 100 is a commercial vehicle used for cargo delivery, etc. When the SOC of the plurality of batteries 10 mounted on the electric vehicle 100 is low, the batteries 10 are replaced by a battery charging device 80 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) to fully charge multiple batteries 10. The battery charging device 80 is installed at a collection and transportation station for goods, a parking facility for electric vehicles 100, etc. In addition, at the collection and transportation station, a battery transport cart 90 (see Figure 2 ) Take and place multiple batteries 10 relative to the electric vehicle 100 and the battery charging device 80.

[0012] Each of the multiple batteries 10 includes a roughly rectangular package container (pack case) and multiple battery cells 11 housed in the package container, and has the same specifications (including dimensions) as each other. The battery cells 11 of each battery 10 are, for example, lithium-ion secondary battery cells or nickel-metal hydride secondary battery cells. In this embodiment, the multiple battery cells 11 are connected in series within the package container to form a battery cell stack. In addition, the positive terminal of the battery cell stack is electrically connected to the positive side connector 12p via a mechanical (contact type) battery relay Rp. The negative terminal of the battery cell stack is electrically connected to the negative side connector 12n via a mechanical battery relay Rn.

[0013] like Figure 1 As shown, the electric vehicle 100 includes a battery container 1 that houses a plurality of (for example, three in this embodiment) interchangeable batteries 10 arranged in parallel. The battery container 1 is located, for example, behind the front seat of the electric vehicle 100 and is connected to the battery container 1 via a plurality of brackets B (see FIG. Figure 2 ) is fixed to the floor (body) of the electric vehicle 100. This partition forms the battery storage section of the electric vehicle 100. The battery container 1 includes a bottomed, square, tubular container body 2 with an opening 2o, and a lid 3 that opens and closes the opening 2o of the container body 2. In this embodiment, the container body 2 of the battery container 1 is fixed to the floor, such that the opening 2o faces the side of the electric vehicle 100, for example, the driver's seat side.

[0014] Inside the container body 2 of the battery container 1, multiple positive-side sockets 4p and multiple negative-side sockets 4n are provided. The multiple positive-side sockets 4p can be connected to the positive-side connectors 12p of the corresponding batteries 10, and the multiple negative-side sockets 4n can be connected to the negative-side connectors 12n of the corresponding batteries 10. The multiple batteries 10 are connected in series via two electrically connected pairs of the positive-side sockets 4p and negative-side sockets 4n. Furthermore, any positive-side socket 4p not connected to a negative-side socket 4n is electrically connected to the positive-side power line PL via the positive-side relay of the system main relay SMR. Any negative-side socket 4n not connected to a positive-side socket 4p is electrically connected to the negative-side power line NL via the negative-side relay of the system main relay SMR. Furthermore, the positive-side power line PL and the negative-side power line NL are electrically connected to the PCU 110. When the system main relay SMR is turned on, the PCU 110 can be electrically connected to the multiple batteries 10. Furthermore, voltage sensors V1, V2, and V3 are provided near or on the battery container 1 on the floor of the electric vehicle 100. The voltage sensors V1, V2, and V3 detect the voltage between the positive-side socket 4p and the negative-side socket 4n disposed within the container of the corresponding battery 10.

[0015] like Figure 2 As shown, the container body 2 of the battery container 1 is formed from a plurality of metal plates, for example, after being subjected to a stamping process. The container body 2 includes a bottom 20, a pair of side walls 21 extending upward from corresponding side edges of the bottom 20, a top 22 spaced apart from the bottom 20, and an end wall 23. The bottom 20, the pair of side walls 21, and the top 22 form a flat square tube, with the end wall 23 closing one end of the square tube. As a result, a rectangular opening 2o is formed at the end of the container body 2 opposite the end wall 23. Furthermore, the plurality of positive-side sockets 4p and the plurality of negative-side sockets 4n are arranged in proximity to the end wall 23. The bottom 20 and the pair of side walls 21 of the container body 2 may be formed integrally, or they may be formed separately and fixed to each other.

[0016] Inside the container body 2, a plurality of (three) batteries 10 are housed in a manner arranged along the longitudinal direction (the direction intersecting the paper) of the opening 2o serving as the insertion port. That is, each battery 10 is inserted and removed from the container body 2 via the opening 2o along the extending direction of the pair of side walls 21. In addition, inside the container body 2, a plurality of partition walls 24 (see FIG. 2 ) are provided so as to be located between adjacent batteries 10. Figure 1 ). In addition, in order to facilitate positioning and storage of the battery 10 relative to the battery container 1, the container body 2 is provided with a plurality of (for example, three in this embodiment) container side guides 25 having the same height and width.

[0017] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple container-side guides 25 are provided on the bottom 20. Specifically, each of the container-side guides 25 extends parallel to the sidewalls 21 from the opening 2o side toward the end wall 23 side (inside the container body 2) and is spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the opening 2o (a direction intersecting the paper). In this embodiment, each container-side guide 25 is formed by stamping so that it projects from the inner surface (upper surface) of the bottom 20, which serves as the inner bottom surface of the container body 2, toward the interior side, i.e., the top 22, of the container body 2. Each container-side guide 25 is located below the center portion, in the width direction, of each battery 10 housed within the container body 2. Furthermore, the top surface of each container-side guide 25 is formed flat, and an inclined surface is formed at the ends of each container-side guide 25 on the opening 2o side and the end wall 23 side, connecting the top surface to the inner surface of the bottom 20.

[0018] The cover 3 is formed of a metal plate after stamping, for example, and is connected to the container body 2 via a plurality of hinges (not shown) so as to be able to rotate around the axis A (see FIG. Figure 2 ) is rotatably supported. The rotation axis A extends along the lower edge of the opening 2o, i.e., along one side of the bottom 20 that defines and forms the opening 2o. Thus, by rotating the lid 3 from top to bottom (falling forward) about the rotation axis A, the lid 3 can be opened, exposing the opening 2o. Furthermore, by rotating the lid 3 from bottom to top (lifting) about the rotation axis A, the lid 3 can be closed, thereby sealing the opening 2o.

[0019] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the lid 3 is provided with multiple (three, for example, in this embodiment) lid-side guides 35 of equal height and width, aligned with the corresponding container-side guides 25 when the lid 3 is open (fully opened). The multiple lid-side guides 35 are formed by stamping, projecting from the inner surface of the lid 3 toward the interior of the container body 2 and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the lid 3 (a direction intersecting the paper). The multiple lid-side guides 35 are located below the widthwise center of each battery 10 that is inserted and removed from the container body 2. The top surface of each lid-side guide 35 is flat, and when the lid 3 is open (fully opened), it lies approximately flush with the top surface of the corresponding container-side guide 25. Furthermore, at the end of each lid-side guide 35 on the movable side of the lid 3, an inclined surface 35a is formed, connecting the top surface of the lid-side guide 35 to the inner surface of the lid 3. An inclined surface 35 b is formed at the end portion of each cover-side guide portion 35 on the side of the rotation axis A so that the upper surface of the cover-side guide portion 35 and the inner surface of the cover body 3 are continuous.

[0020] Furthermore, each battery 10 includes a guided portion (not shown) that engages with the container-side guide portion 25 of the container body 2 and the cover-side guide portion 35 of the cover body 3. In the present embodiment, the guided portion is a pair of ridges (guide rails) that protrude downward from the bottom surface of the battery 10 (wrapping container) and extend along the length direction of the battery 10. The pair of ridges extend parallel to each other at a distance slightly larger than the width of the container-side guide portion 25 and the cover-side guide portion 35, and are each slidably connected to the corresponding side surfaces of the container-side guide portion 25 and the cover-side guide portion 35 and the inner surface of the bottom 20. In addition, an abutment member 15 (see FIG. 1 ) formed of an elastic body such as rubber or resin is provided on at least one end surface of each battery 10 (wrapping container). Figure 2 The contact member 15 is disposed below the handle portion 14 of the battery 10 and has a surface that is inclined so as to be separated from the end surface of the battery 10 as it moves from the upper surface side toward the bottom surface side of the battery 10 .

[0021] Furthermore, the container body 2 of the battery container 1 is provided with a locking device 5 for locking the cover 3 that closes the opening 2o so that it cannot be opened, and two courtesy switches 6 for respectively detecting the opening and closing of the cover 3. Figure 3 As shown, the locking device 5 includes a locking mechanism 50 and a locking solenoid 55 that drives the locking mechanism 50 in a locked state in response to energization. The locking mechanism 50 selects a lock release state (see the double-dashed line in the figure) that allows the cover 3 to be opened and a lock state (see the solid line in the figure) that restricts the opening of the cover 3.

[0022] The locking mechanism 50 of the locking device 5 includes a locking rod 51 and an engaged portion 53 fixed to the lid 3. The locking rod 51 is arranged on the end wall portion 23 side of the support portion 21s supported by one side wall portion 21 of the container body 2 so as to extend parallel to the lid 3 after locking. Figure 3 (Image of the front side of the center paper). Furthermore, the longitudinal center portion of the locking lever 51 is supported by the support portion 21s so that it can rotate about an axis extending parallel to the side wall portion 21. The engaged portion 53 is fixed to one end of the cover 3 so that it is inserted into the opening 21o formed at the outer end of the support portion 21s when the cover 3 is locked (fully closed). Furthermore, an engaging portion 52 is formed at one end (the upper end) of the locking lever 51, which is capable of engaging with the engaged portion 53 on the side of the cover 3 inserted into the opening 21o.

[0023] The locking solenoid 55 is a pull-in solenoid that pulls a plunger connected to a shaft 57 into a coil in response to power being supplied. The locking solenoid 55 is fixed to the surface of the support portion 21s on the side of the end wall 23, with the shaft 57 protruding outward from the side wall 21. The shaft 57 of the locking solenoid 55 is rotatably connected to the other end (lower end) of the locking lever 51 via a pin joint. This locks the lid 3 (completely closed). Furthermore, when current is supplied to the locking solenoid 55 (coil), the engaging portion 52 of the locking lever 51 rotates toward the opening 21o in response to the shaft 57 being drawn toward the coil side, and engages with the engaged portion 53 protruding from the opening 21o toward the end wall 23. As a result, while the locking solenoid 55 is energized, the lid 3 is locked by the locking device 5 and cannot be opened. The locking device 5 may also include a push-out solenoid.

[0024] Two courtesy switches 6 are mounted on the aforementioned support portion 21s or the other side wall portion 21 of the container body 2 so as to abut against a corresponding one of the two ends of the lid 3. Each courtesy switch 6 is a push-to-close switch that closes when pressed by the locked lid 3 and opens when the lid 3 is opened. In this embodiment, each courtesy switch 6 is grounded so as to form a closed circuit when closed.

[0025] The battery container 1 constructed as described above is also used in the battery charging device 80. That is, in the housing 85 of the battery charging device 80, a plurality of battery containers 1 are arranged in a vertical direction so as to partition and form the battery storage portion of the battery charging device 80 (see FIG. Figure 2 ). In addition, in this embodiment, the battery transport cart 90 includes a battery loading plate 95, which is equivalent to a component obtained by partially removing the pair of side wall portions 21 from the bottom 20 of the container body 2 integrated with the pair of side wall portions 21. The battery transport cart 90 includes a base frame, a cart body 91 including a plurality of casters and a handle, and a top plate 92. The plurality of casters are at least 3 casters. The top plate 92 is supported by the cart body 91 (base frame) via a lifting mechanism (elevator) so as to be freely raised and lowered. The battery loading plate 95 is supported by the top plate 92 (cart body 91).

[0026] Figure 4This is a control block diagram of an electric vehicle 100. As shown in this figure, the electric vehicle 100 includes a full-scale electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "BEVECU") 200, a motor electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "MGECU") 300 that controls the PCU 110, and a battery electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "battery ECU") for managing multiple batteries 10. The BEVECU 200, MGECU 300, and battery ECU 400 include microcomputers (not shown), various drive circuits, various logic ICs, and the like. The microcomputers have CPUs, ROMs, RAMs, and input / output interfaces. The BEVECU 200, MGECU 300, and battery ECU 400 exchange information (communication frames) with each other via a shared communication line (CAN bus) CB, etc.

[0027] BEVECU 200 is connected to various sensors, including a start switch (IG switch) SS, an accelerator pedal position sensor, a shift position sensor, and a vehicle speed sensor. While electric vehicle 100 is traveling, BEVECU 200 sets a requested torque based on the accelerator pedal position and vehicle speed. Furthermore, BEVECU 200 sets a torque command value for motor generator MG based on this requested torque. Furthermore, BEVECU 200 controls the opening and closing of system main relay SMR and power supply relay (IGCT relay) 120.

[0028] The power relay 120 is a normally open mechanical relay (contact relay). The power relay 120 can electrically connect the auxiliary battery (low-voltage battery) 130 of the electric vehicle 100 and the DC / DC converter of the PCU 110 to the low-voltage power line LL. The auxiliary battery 130 has a rated output voltage of about 12V, for example. The low-voltage power line LL is connected to a plurality of auxiliary devices including the MGECU 300, the battery ECU 400, etc. The driver of the electric vehicle 100 requests the system of the electric vehicle 100 to start by turning on the start switch SS. In this way, the BEVECU 200 supplies the excitation current generated based on the power from the auxiliary battery 130, etc. to the coil of the power relay 120, thereby turning on the power relay 120. By turning on the power relay 120, power from the auxiliary battery 130, etc. is supplied to various auxiliary devices.

[0029] In addition, after turning on the power relay 120, the BEVECU 200 performs predetermined processing such as welding judgment, overheat judgment, and leakage judgment of the system main relay SMR. If the predetermined preparation conditions are met, the BEVECU 200 turns on the system main relay SMR. In this case, the BEVECU 200 supplies the excitation current generated based on the power from the auxiliary battery 130, etc. to the coils of the system main relay SMR (positive side relay and negative side relay) to turn on the system main relay SMR. When the system is started, a fault such as welding of the system main relay SMR (connection failure) may occur. In this case, the BEVECU 200 lights up the specified warning light on the display provided on the instrument panel and switches the electric vehicle 100 to the corresponding fault protection mode.

[0030] Furthermore, if the driver requests a system stop of the electric vehicle 100 by turning off the start switch SS, the BEVECU 200 disconnects the supply of the excitation current, thereby opening the system main relay SMR. Thereafter, the BEVECU 200 performs predetermined processes such as welding determination, overheat determination, and leakage determination of the system main relay SMR. If predetermined conditions are met, the BEVECU 200 disconnects the supply of the excitation current, thereby opening the power supply relay 120. If a fault such as welding of the system main relay SMR occurs when a system stop is requested, the BEVECU 200 turns on a predetermined fault flag and then shuts down the electric vehicle 100. In this case, the electric vehicle 100 switches to a failsafe mode the next time the start switch SS is turned on. Furthermore, in the electric vehicle 100, if the start switch SS is turned off, the instrument panel display goes dark.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, battery ECU 400 acquires the detection values ​​of voltage sensors V1, V2, and V3 provided on each of the multiple batteries 10. Furthermore, battery ECU 400 is electrically connected to the battery relays Rp and Rn of each battery 10 via connectors, sockets, and power supply cables (not shown). While power relay 120 is on, battery ECU 400 supplies excitation current to the coils of each battery relay Rp and Rn, thereby turning on each battery relay Rp and Rn. This excitation current is generated based on power supplied from auxiliary battery 130 and the like via power relay 120. Furthermore, battery ECU 400 can disconnect the supply of this excitation current, thereby turning off each battery relay Rp and Rn. If at least one of battery relays Rp and Rn is off, the high-voltage circuit (closed circuit) including the multiple batteries 10, PCU 110, and motor generator MG is disconnected, even if system main relay SMR is on.

[0032] In addition, after the power supply relay 120 is turned on in response to the start switch SS being turned on (and before the system main relay SMR is turned on), and after the system main relay SMR is turned off in response to the start switch SS being turned off, the battery ECU 400 determines whether the battery relays Rp and Rn of each battery 10 are welded (failure to connect). That is, after the start switch SS is turned on and the power supply relay 120 is turned on, if Figure 5 As shown, the battery ECU 400 determines whether one of the battery relays Rp and Rn of each battery 10 (for example, the battery relay Rp) is welded. Figure 5 Relays Rp_1 and Rn_1 in FIG. 1 represent battery relays Rp and Rn of the first battery 10 . Relays Rp_2 and Rn_2 represent battery relays Rp and Rn of the second battery 10 . Relays Rp_3 and Rn_3 represent battery relays Rp and Rn of the third battery 10 .

[0033] Specifically, after the power supply relay 120 is turned on, the battery ECU 400 turns on only the other battery relay (for example, the battery relay Rn) of the battery relays Rp and Rn of each battery 10 ( Figure 5 In addition, the battery ECU 400 determines whether there is welding of one of the battery relays Rp and Rn of each battery 10 based on the detection values ​​of the voltage sensors V1, V2, and V3. When the detection values ​​of the voltage sensors V1, V2, and V3 are all zero (0), the battery ECU 400 as a fault determination device determines that there is no welding of one of the battery relays Rp and Rn of each battery 10, and turns on the battery relay Rp and Rn of each battery 10. In addition, the battery ECU 400 sends a notification of the permission to turn on the system main relay SMR to the BEVECU 200 ( Figure 5 In this case, the BEVECU 200 turns on the system main relay SMR on the condition that the system main relay SMR and the like are normal ( Figure 5 On the other hand, battery ECU 400 may determine, based on the detection values ​​of voltage sensors V1, V2, and V3, that at least one of the battery relays Rp and Rn of each battery 10 is welded. In this case, battery ECU 400 illuminates a predetermined warning light on the instrument panel display and switches electric vehicle 100 to the corresponding failsafe mode.

[0034] Then, after the start switch SS is turned off and the system main relay SMR is turned off ( Figure 5At time t3 in the figure, the battery ECU 400 determines whether the other battery relay (e.g., battery relay Rn) of the battery relays Rp and Rn of each battery 10 is welded. Specifically, after the system main relay SMR is turned off, the battery ECU 400 only turns off the other battery relay (e.g., battery relay Rn) of the battery relays Rp and Rn of each battery 10. Figure 5 The battery ECU 400 determines whether the battery relay on the other side of the battery relays Rp and Rn of each battery 10 is welded based on the detection values ​​of the voltage sensors V1, V2, and V3. When the detection values ​​of the voltage sensors V1, V2, and V3 are all zero (0), the battery ECU 400 as a fault determination device determines that the battery relay on the other side of the battery relays Rp and Rn of each battery 10 is not welded. The battery ECU 400 disconnects the battery relay on one side of the battery relays Rp and Rn of each battery 10, and sends a disconnection permission notification of the power supply relay 120 to the BEVECU 200 ( Figure 5 (At time t5 in FIG. 1 ), upon receiving the disconnection permission notification from battery ECU 400, BEVECU 200 disconnects power supply relay 120 on the condition that system main relay SMR and the like are normal.

[0035] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the locking solenoid 55 (coil) of the locking device 5 of the battery container 1 is connected to the low-voltage power line LL. While the power relay 120 is on, the locking solenoid 55 is constantly supplied with current from the auxiliary battery 130 or the like. Consequently, while the power relay 120 is on, the locking solenoid 55 maintains the locking lever 51 of the locking mechanism 50 with the engaging portion 52 engaged with the engaged portion 53 of the insertion opening 21o. As a result, while the starter switch SS is on and the power relay 120 is on, the lid 3 of the battery container 1 is locked by the locking device 5, preventing it from opening.

[0036] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the two courtesy switches 6 of the battery container 1 are electrically connected to one end of a coil 150c of an interlock relay (circuit on / off relay) 150 via a connector, socket, and wires (not shown). Interlock relay 150 is a mechanical relay (a relay with contacts). The other end of coil 150c of interlock relay 150 is connected to the low-voltage power line LL described above. Furthermore, one of the two contacts of interlock relay 150 is electrically connected to a first terminal of BEVECU 200, and the other of the two contacts is electrically connected to a second terminal of BEVECU 200. During the period between when starter switch SS is on and off, BEVECU 200 applies a voltage generated by power from auxiliary battery 130, etc., to the first terminal.

[0037] After the battery container 1's lid 3 is locked and at least one of the two courtesy switches 6 is closed, one end of the coil 150c of the interlock relay 150 is grounded via the courtesy switch 6. Consequently, when the battery container 1's lid 3 is locked and the power supply relay 120 is turned on, an excitation current generated by power from the auxiliary battery 130, etc., is supplied to the coil 150c, turning on the interlock relay 150. After the interlock relay 150 is turned on, the first and second terminals of the BEVECU 200 are electrically connected via the interlock relay 150. The BEVECU 200 compares the voltages of the first and second terminals and, if the voltages are approximately equal, determines that the interlock relay 150 is on.

[0038] In contrast, if the lid 3 of the battery container 1 is opened, even if the power supply relay 120 is on, the excitation current supplied to the coil 150c is cut off due to the opening of each courtesy switch 6, and the interlock relay 150 is turned off. The opening of each courtesy switch 6 is a closed circuit disconnection caused by grounding. In this case, the electrical connection between the first and second terminals of the BEVECU 200 is disconnected, and the voltage at the second terminal becomes 0 (zero). When the voltage at the second terminal drops (decreases to 0), the BEVECU 200 determines that the lid 3 of the battery container 1 is opened, and each courtesy switch 6 is opened, thereby turning off the interlock relay 150. The BEVECU 200 cuts off the excitation current supply to the system main relay SMR, turning it off. This disconnects the high-voltage circuit (closed circuit) including the multiple batteries 10, the PCU 110, and the motor generator MG.

[0039] And, as Figure 4 As shown, the battery ECU 400 is electrically connected to a light emitter 140 as a notification device. The light emitter 140 is a component including a light emitting diode, etc. The light emitter 140 is provided on the front side of the cover 3 (see Figure 2 ) so that the operator (user) who is replacing the battery 10 can identify the battery container 1 when the lid 3 of the battery container 1 is locked. The front side of the lid 3 is near the battery container 1 on the floor of the electric vehicle 100. Of course, the light emitter 140 can also be provided on the battery container 1 as long as the operator can identify the battery container 1 when the lid 3 of the battery container 1 is locked. While the starter switch SS is turned on and the power relay 120 is on, the battery ECU 400 supplies an excitation current to the light emitter 140, causing the light emitter 140 to illuminate (shine). The excitation current is generated based on the power supplied from the auxiliary battery 130, etc. via the power relay 120.

[0040] Specifically, in the electric vehicle 100, while the starter switch SS is on and the power relay 120 is on, the lid 3 of the battery container 1 is locked and cannot be opened by the locking device 5. Furthermore, the light emitter 140 disposed near the battery container 1 is illuminated. Thus, the light emitter 140 functions as a notification device that notifies the user that the lid 3 of the battery container 1 is locked. Furthermore, the battery ECU 400 can cause the light emitter 140 to flash by intermittently supplying an excitation current.

[0041] As described above, electric vehicle 100 includes multiple interchangeable batteries 10 and a motor-generator MG that exchanges power with these batteries 10. Electric vehicle 100 is capable of traveling based on the power from motor-generator MG. Furthermore, electric vehicle 100 includes a battery container 1 and a locking device 5. Battery container 1 includes a container body 2 having an opening 2o for inserting and removing multiple batteries 10, and a lid 3 that opens and closes the opening 2o of container body 2. Locking device 5 locks lid 3 so that it cannot be opened, at least when the start switch SS of electric vehicle 100 is turned on.

[0042] More specifically, while the starter switch SS of electric vehicle 100 is on and the power relay 120 is energized, the lid 3 of the battery container 1 is locked and cannot be opened. This effectively prevents a worker attempting to replace a battery 10 from touching it when a high-voltage circuit (closed circuit) including multiple batteries 10, PCU 110, and motor generator MG is formed in electric vehicle 100, as is likely after the starter switch SS is turned on. Consequently, safety during battery 10 replacement in electric vehicle 100 is effectively maintained.

[0043] The locking device 5 of the battery container 1 includes a locking mechanism 50 and a locking solenoid 55. The locking mechanism 50 selects between an unlocked state, which allows the lid 3 to be opened, and a locked state, which restricts the lid 3 from opening. The locking solenoid 55 drives the locking mechanism 50 to lock in response to power supply. Furthermore, the locking solenoid 55 of the locking device 5 is connected to a power source, such as the auxiliary battery 130, via a power relay 120, which is turned on in response to the start switch SS being turned on. This ensures that the locking device 5 reliably operates when the start switch SS is turned on, while minimizing control complexity in the electric vehicle 100.

[0044] Furthermore, in the electric vehicle 100, the locking solenoid 55 is supported by the container body 2 of the battery container 1. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 50 includes a locking lever 51 rotatably supported by the container body 2. This locking lever 51 is driven by the locking solenoid 55 to engage with an engaged portion 53 provided on the lid 3. This allows the locking device 5 to be centralized on the battery container 1 side, further improving the ease of assembly and versatility of the battery container 1 in the electric vehicle 100. Of course, the locking device 5 can also be provided on the body side of the electric vehicle 100, such as on the floor panel.

[0045] Furthermore, the battery container 1 of the electric vehicle 100 includes multiple courtesy switches 6 that detect the opening and closing of the lid 3. Each courtesy switch 6 is closed when the lid 3 is locked, allowing the high-voltage circuit (closed circuit) containing the multiple batteries 10, the PCU 110, the motor generator MG, and the like to be connected. Furthermore, each courtesy switch 6 is opened when the lid 3 is opened, prohibiting the high-voltage circuit from being connected. This prevents the formation of a high-voltage circuit that allows current from the batteries 10 to flow when the lid 3 of the battery container 1 is opened, further ensuring safety during battery 10 replacement. Of course, the battery container 1 may include a single courtesy switch 6.

[0046] Furthermore, the electric vehicle 100 includes an interlock relay (circuit on / off relay) 150, which, in conjunction with the BEVECU 200, opens and closes a high-voltage circuit (closes the circuit) that includes the multiple batteries 10, the PCU 110, and the motor generator MG. The high-voltage circuit includes the multiple batteries 10, the PCU 110, and the motor generator MG. Specifically, the interlock relay 150 is turned on when an excitation current is supplied to the coil 150c, allowing the high-voltage circuit to be connected. It is turned off when no excitation current is supplied to the coil 150c, prohibiting the high-voltage circuit from being connected. Furthermore, each courtesy switch 6 of the battery container 1 is turned on when the lid 3 is locked, allowing the supply of excitation current to the interlock relay 150 (coil 150c). Furthermore, each courtesy switch 6 is turned off when the lid 3 of the battery container 1 is opened, blocking the supply of excitation current to the interlock relay 150. This can more reliably suppress the formation of a high-voltage circuit through which current from the plurality of batteries 10 flows when the lid 3 of the battery container 1 is opened.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the interlock relay 150 is a component that notifies the BEVECU 200 of the open / closed state of the lid 3 of the battery container 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the interlock relay 150 may, for example, be a component that interrupts the supply of excitation current to the system main relay SMR when the courtesy switch 6 is off. Alternatively, instead of providing the voltage sensors V1, V2, and V3 in the electric vehicle 100 or battery container 1, a voltage sensor V1, V2, or V3 may be provided. The voltage sensor V1, V2, or V3 detects the voltage between the positive-side receptacle 4p and the negative-side receptacle 4n within the container housing each battery 10. Alternatively, a capacitor may be provided between the positive-side receptacle 4p and the negative-side receptacle 4n of each battery 10. In this case, a separate voltage sensor may be provided in the electric vehicle 100 or battery container 1. Furthermore, an indicator light that illuminates when the battery relay Rp or Rn is turned on may be provided in each battery 10. Furthermore, the battery container 1 may be mounted on a mobile object other than the electric vehicle 100, such as a railway vehicle, or may be installed in a fixed device other than the battery charging device 80. Furthermore, the battery container 1 may be configured to house a single exchangeable battery 10. Furthermore, the container body 2 of the battery container 1 may be a member formed by partitioning the body of the electric vehicle 100. A portion of the container body 2 may also be formed by a portion of the body of the electric vehicle 100.

[0048] Furthermore, the invention disclosed herein is not limited by the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be implemented within the scope of the invention. In addition, the above-described embodiments are merely a specific form of the invention described in the Summary of the Invention section and do not limit the elements of the invention described in the Summary of the Invention section.

[0049] The invention disclosed herein can be applied to the electric vehicle manufacturing industry and the like.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle comprising at least one interchangeable battery and an electric motor for storing and receiving electric power from the battery, and capable of traveling based on power from the electric motor. The electric vehicle has: A battery container including a container body having an opening for inserting and removing the battery, and a cover for opening and closing the opening of the container body; and The locking device locks the cover so that it cannot be opened at least when a start switch of the electric vehicle is turned on.

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The locking device includes: a locking mechanism that selectively forms a lock release state that allows the cover to be opened and a lock state that restricts the opening of the cover; and a solenoid that drives the locking mechanism in a manner that forms the lock state in response to energization. The solenoid of the locking device is connected to a power source via a relay that is turned on in response to the start switch being turned on.

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The solenoid is supported by the container body, The locking mechanism includes a locking lever rotatably supported by the container body and engaged with an engaged portion provided on the lid body when the locking lever is rotationally driven by the solenoid.

4. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The battery container includes a switch for detecting opening / closing of the cover. The switch allows a closed circuit to be completed when the cover is locked, and prohibits the closed circuit including the battery from being completed when the cover is opened.

5. The electric vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: A circuit on-off relay is further provided, which is turned on to allow the closed circuit to be closed when the excitation current is supplied, and is turned off to prohibit the closed circuit from being closed when the excitation current is not supplied. The switch is turned on to allow the excitation current to be supplied to the circuit-breaking relay when the lid is locked, and is turned off to cut off the supply of the excitation current to the circuit-breaking relay when the lid is opened.

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