Battery replacement system and battery replacement method

Abstract

A battery replacement system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a main body; a plurality of replacement parts, which are mounted on the main body, and on which the battery is mounted for charging; a detection section provided on the main body to face a user and configured to detect body information of the user; a transmission section configured to transmit position information of the replacement section and charging information of a battery mounted on the replacement section to a user in at least one of a video providing manner or an audio manner; and a control section configured to control an operation of the replacement section and an operation of the transmission section according to the body information of the user detected by the detection section, in which the control section may be configured to select one of the plurality of replacement sections based on the body information of the user detected by the detection section, and operating the transmission unit to inform the user of information about the selected replacement unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0105152, filed on August 10, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present application relates to a battery replacement system and method that improve user convenience. BACKGROUND

[0005] Research and development of power generation based on eco-friendly energy is being conducted to solve the problem of environmental pollution due to the use of oil resources, and to solve the problem of energy shortage due to depletion of oil resources. In particular, research on secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged / discharged and thus have high availability is being actively conducted, and research on various aspects of secondary batteries, such as materials, structures, processing, and stability, is being conducted.

[0006] In general, the types of secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries, etc. Such secondary batteries are being applied to and used in small-sized products such as digital camcorders, P-DVDs, MP3Ps, mobile phones, PDAs, portable game devices, power tools, electric bicycles, etc., and large-sized products requiring high power such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, power storage devices for storing surplus power or renewable energy, and backup power storage devices.

[0007] In addition, in the case of devices requiring high-output and high-capacity electric power, such as electric vehicles or electric motorcycles, a battery pack in which a plurality of secondary batteries are coupled to each other is generally used. However, since the battery pack is a high-output and high-capacity electric power storage device, the battery pack has a disadvantage that it takes some time to recharge electric power.

[0008] In order to overcome this defect, a battery replacement device provided with a plurality of battery packs pre-charged is generally used. For example, a battery swap station (BSS) is installed on a certain area, and a user can easily and quickly replace a used battery pack with a charged battery pack through the battery swap station. Since the battery swap station enables the user to immediately replace the battery pack, the time required for charging and replacing the battery pack is shortened, thereby improving the availability of the battery pack.

[0009] However, because battery packs are designed for use in large devices such as cars and motorcycles, the following problems exist: battery packs are manufactured to be relatively heavy, and a considerable amount of force is required when a user inserts and removes the battery pack from the battery swapping station. These issues may reduce the ease of use of the battery swapping station and potentially cause physical injury to the user.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a battery replacement system and method that can operate without requiring additional force from the user, thereby improving user convenience. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The purpose of this invention, which addresses the above problems, is to provide a battery replacement system and method that improves ease of use by operating based on the user's physical information.

[0013] Technical solutions

[0014] A battery replacement system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a main body; a plurality of replacement units mounted on the main body and a battery mounted on the plurality of replacement units for charging; a detection unit disposed on the main body facing a user and configured to detect the user's body information; a transmission unit configured to transmit to the user, in at least one of a video delivery method or an audio delivery method, location information of the replacement units and charging information of the batteries mounted on the replacement units; and a controller configured to control the operation of the replacement units and the transmission unit based on the user's body information detected by the detection unit, wherein the controller may be configured to select one of the plurality of replacement units based on the user's body information detected by the detection unit, and to operate the transmission unit to inform the user of the information of the selected replacement unit.

[0015] The detection unit can be configured to detect the user's height information, and multiple replacement units can be arranged along the height direction relative to the ground.

[0016] The controller can be configured to select from multiple replacement units the one whose median height is closest to the user's height information.

[0017] The detection unit can be configured to detect the user's waist and chest area.

[0018] The controller can be configured to control the replacement unit, allowing it to move between the user's waist and chest areas.

[0019] Multiple replacement units can be moved as a single unit.

[0020] The main body can move together with multiple replacement parts.

[0021] The battery replacement system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a drive unit disposed below the main body to support the bottom surface of the main body and configured to move the main body and a plurality of replacement units upward or downward.

[0022] The battery replacement system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a storage unit configured to store location information of the replacement unit, charging information of the battery installed on the replacement unit, and operation information of the replacement unit controlled by a controller.

[0023] The controller can be configured to calculate the position information of the replacement unit stored in the storage unit as coordinate values, calculate the average value of the coordinate values ​​of the replacement unit, and enable the replacement unit to be ready at the position corresponding to the average value of the coordinate values.

[0024] A battery replacement method according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: a detection phase in which a detection unit mounted on a main body detects a user's body information; a transmission phase in which a controller selects one of a plurality of replacement units on which a battery is installed for charging, based on the user's body information detected by the detection unit, and transmits information of the selected replacement unit to the user via a transmission unit; a control phase in which the controller controls the operation of the replacement unit according to the user's body information detected by the detection unit; and a replacement phase in which a used battery is placed into one of the plurality of replacement units, and a charged battery is ejected into another of the plurality of replacement units.

[0025] During the detection phase, the detection unit can detect the user's height information, and during the transmission phase, the controller can select from multiple replacement units the one whose height is closest to the median height based on the user's height information.

[0026] During the detection phase, the detection unit can detect the user's waist and chest areas, and during the control phase, the controller can control the replacement unit to move between the user's waist and chest areas.

[0027] During the control phase, multiple replacement units can be moved as a whole by a controller.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, ease of use can be improved by operating based on the user's physical information, thereby improving ease of use and preventing physical injury to the user in advance.

[0030] Furthermore, the configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may include effects that can be readily predicted by those skilled in the art. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The following figures accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are used to further understand the technical spirit of the present disclosure together with the detailed description thereof. This disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the figures.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a view showing the state in which the battery replacement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is used.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a battery replacement system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a view showing the state in which the drive unit is installed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a battery replacement method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the invention. However, the invention may be implemented in several different forms and is not limited to or construed as described below.

[0037] To clearly illustrate the invention, detailed descriptions of irrelevant parts or related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the invention have been omitted, and reference numerals have been added to components in each figure. In this case, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0038] Furthermore, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as having a general meaning or a dictionary-based meaning, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are within the scope of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe and interpret his or her invention.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a view showing the state in which the battery replacement system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used, and Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a battery replacement system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The battery replacement system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention can create an environment in which users can easily and quickly replace batteries. For example, the battery replacement system 1 can be configured to install battery replacement devices in specific areas, allowing users to replace batteries as needed. Specifically, the battery replacement system 1 may include a battery replacement station (BSS).

[0041] As described above, due to the function of the battery replacement system 1, users can put used batteries into the battery replacement station and eject charged batteries from the battery replacement station, thereby saving the time spent charging batteries and making more efficient use of batteries.

[0042] Additionally, the battery replacement system 1 may include specific structures that make it easier for the user to replace the battery. For example, the battery replacement system 1 may include a battery replacement station driven according to the user's body structure.

[0043] In addition, the battery replacement system 1 can identify the user's body structure to select a rechargeable battery in a location that is advantageous to the body structure and inform the user of the selected battery, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0044] Specifically, the battery replacement system 1 may include a main body 10, a replacement unit 11, a detection unit 12, a transmission unit 13, and a controller 14.

[0045] The main body 10 can be installed in a specific area. For example, the main body 10 can be installed on the ground as part of a device in which the battery is replaced, and can define a main frame in which the replacement unit 11 and the detection unit 12, which will be described later, are installed.

[0046] The replacement unit 11 can be used to install and charge a battery. For example, multiple replacement units 11 can be provided, and multiple replacement units 11 can be mounted on the main body 10. The multiple replacement units 11 can be configured as multiple recessed compartments in which batteries are installed, and the batteries can be installed in the multiple replacement units 11 and then charged.

[0047] Specifically, a used battery can be inserted into the replacement unit 11, and the battery can be coupled to or contacted with the connection terminals inside the replacement unit 11, thereby charging the battery inside the replacement unit 11. In this case, the connection terminals inside the replacement unit 11 can be electrically connected to wiring provided inside the main body 10, and the wiring provided inside the main body 10 can be connected to an external charging device to charge the battery inside the replacement unit 11.

[0048] Multiple replacement units 11 can be arranged in a direction relative to the height of the ground. For example, multiple replacement units 11 can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the ground. Alternatively, multiple replacement units 11 can be arranged in a direction parallel to the ground. In other words, multiple replacement units 11 can be widely distributed in a direction facing the user, allowing for battery replacement according to user convenience.

[0049] When installed inside the body 10, a portion of the plurality of replacement parts 11 may be movable. For example, a replacement part 11 may include a connector coupled to or decoupled from the interior of the body 10. When the connector is decoupled from the interior of the body 10, the replacement part 11 can move to allow the connector to be coupled to other parts of the interior of the body 10, thus allowing the replacement part 11 to move within the body 10.

[0050] Additionally, multiple replacement units 11 can be connected to the interior of the body 10 in a contact manner. For example, the multiple replacement units 11 can contact the interior of the body 10 via a wireless charging method instead of having individual connectors, or they may not contact the interior of the body 10.

[0051] Furthermore, the multiple replacement units 11 can move as a single unit. That is, the multiple replacement units 11 can move simultaneously within the main body 10. In addition, the multiple replacement units 11 and the main body 10 can be connected to each other as a single unit, so as to move upward or downward by the drive unit 17 described later.

[0052] This is one method of driving multiple replacement parts 11 based on the user's body structure. The detailed operating principle related to this structure will be described below.

[0053] The detection unit 12 can be disposed on the main body 10 facing the user and can detect the user's body information. For example, the detection unit 12 can be disposed on the upper side of the main body 10. The detection unit 12 may include an optical sensor. The position of the detection unit 12 is not limited to this, and the detection unit 12 can be disposed in various positions depending on factors such as the ease of effective detection or design.

[0054] The detection unit 12 can detect the user's height information. In other words, the detection unit 12 can detect the overall height from the ground to the user's head.

[0055] Furthermore, the detection unit 12 can identify and detect specific body structures of the user. For example, the detection unit 12 can detect the user's waist and chest. That is, the detection unit 12 can receive feature information about the waist and chest of the human body structure in advance and identify the user's waist and chest.

[0056] The transmission unit 13 can transmit the location information of the replacement unit 11 and the charging information of the battery installed on the replacement unit 11 to the user. For example, the transmission unit 13 can transmit information to the user in at least one of video or audio modes.

[0057] Specifically, the transmission unit 13 can be designed in various forms, such as a device and application for transmitting information from the replacement unit 11. For example, the transmission unit 13 may include a display device installed in the main body 10 to inform the user waiting in front of the main body 10 about the currently empty replacement unit 11 and the charging status of the battery for each replacement unit 11.

[0058] Alternatively, the transmission unit 13 can be provided as an application installed on a user's personal terminal. That is, even if the user is not in front of the main unit 10, the transmission unit 13 can remotely provide the user with information about the replacement unit 11 and the battery through the application.

[0059] However, the transmission unit 13 is not limited to the above examples and can be designed in various forms, such as a device, application or program capable of transmitting video and audio information.

[0060] Due to the functions of the controller 14 described below, the transmission unit 13 can recommend the replacement unit 11 to be set in the most convenient location for use, so as to inform the user of the location, and the user can use the replacement unit 11 recommended by the transmission unit 13 to replace the battery.

[0061] The controller 14 can control the operation of the transmission unit 13 and the operation of the replacement unit 11 based on the user's physical information detected by the detection unit 12.

[0062] First, the controller 14 can transmit information about a suitable replacement unit 11 for the user via the transmission unit 13 based on the user's body information. For example, the controller 14 can select one of a plurality of replacement units 11 based on the user's body information detected by the detection unit 12. Specifically, the controller 14 can select the replacement unit 11 among the plurality of replacement units 11 that is closest to the median height based on the user's height information. That is, the controller 14 can select the replacement unit 11 that is closest to the position corresponding to the user's torso height.

[0063] The controller 14 can operate the transmission unit 13 to inform the user of the selected replacement unit 11. For example, the transmission unit 13 can inform the user of the location of the selected replacement unit 11 because of the controller 14.

[0064] In other words, the controller 14 can recommend a replacement part 11 that is suitable for the user's body structure, and the user can more easily put the used battery into the selected replacement part 11, thereby further improving the practicality of the battery replacement system 1.

[0065] Furthermore, based on the user's body structure, if there is no suitable and empty replacement unit 11 for the user, the controller 14 can move the replacement unit 11, which is located in different compartments, to the user. For example, the controller 14 can control the replacement unit 11 to move between the user's waist and chest areas.

[0066] In other words, based on the user's body information detected by the detection unit 12, the controller 14 can specify the position of the user's waist and chest, and can control the replacement unit 11 by moving it horizontally or vertically, so that the empty replacement unit 11 is set to face the user's torso.

[0067] In this scenario, the controller 14 can select the empty replacement unit 11 that is closest to the user and move it, allowing the replacement unit 11 to move to the user more efficiently and quickly. This mechanism can further enhance the usefulness of the battery replacement system 1.

[0068] Figure 3 This is a view showing the state in which the drive unit 17 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 The battery replacement system 1 may further include a drive unit 17 disposed on the underside of the main body 10 to support the bottom surface of the main body 10. The drive unit 17 may be disposed between the ground and the bottom surface of the main body 10 to support the bottom surface of the main body 10. In this state, the drive unit 17 can move the main body 10 and the plurality of replacement units 11 in an upward or downward direction. Due to the structure and operation of the drive unit 17 as described above, the plurality of replacement units 11 can move upward or downward integrally with the main body 10.

[0070] Even in this case, the controller 14 can control the operation of the drive unit 17 based on the user's body information detected by the detection unit 12. For example, when a user taller than average uses the battery replacement system 1, the controller 14 can improve user convenience by moving the main body 10 and the multiple replacement units 11 upwards via the drive unit 17.

[0071] Conversely, when a user with a height less than average uses the battery replacement system 1, the controller 14 can move the main body 10 and the plurality of replacement units 11 downward via the drive unit 17.

[0072] In addition, the battery replacement system 1 may also include a storage unit 15, which stores the location information of the replacement unit 11, the charging information of the battery installed on the replacement unit 11, and the operation information of the replacement unit 11 controlled by the controller 14.

[0073] In other words, the storage unit 15 can store information about the usage history of the replacement unit 11. For example, the storage unit 15 can build a database and then collect and store information such as the location of the replacement unit 11 selected according to the user's body structure, the location of the replacement unit 11 mainly used, the movement mode of the replacement unit 11 performed by the controller 14, the charging level and replacement rate of the replacement unit 11 for each location, etc.

[0074] The controller 14 can calculate the position information of the replacement unit 11 stored in the storage unit 15 as coordinate values, and calculate the average value of the coordinate values ​​of the replacement unit 11. In other words, the controller 14 can calculate the position value of the frequently used replacement unit 11 based on the usage history information of the replacement unit 11 stored in the storage unit 15. The controller 14 can enable the replacement unit 11 to wait at the position corresponding to the average value of the coordinate values.

[0075] In other words, when the battery replacement system 1 is not in use, the controller 14 can calculate the location of the most frequently used replacement unit 11 so that an empty replacement unit 11 can be set in a spare position, thereby enabling a more suitable replacement unit 11 to be set for the user.

[0076] Finally, the battery replacement system 1 may also include an input unit 16 into which the operating values ​​of the replacement unit 11 and the drive unit 17 are input. For example, like the transmission unit 13, the input unit 16 may be designed as a display mounted on the main body 10 or as an application installed on a user's personal terminal. The user can operate the replacement unit 11 and the drive unit 17, etc., in a desired manner through the input unit 16.

[0077] The controller 14 can control the operation of the changing unit 11 and the drive unit 17 based on the operation value input by the input unit 16, thereby making it easier and faster for the user to use the changing unit 11.

[0078] Hereinafter, a battery replacement method according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Detailed descriptions of content that overlaps with the battery replacement system 1 of the foregoing embodiment of the present invention will be omitted.

[0079] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a battery replacement method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Reference Figure 4 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the battery replacement method enables users to replace batteries more easily and quickly. For example, users can replace batteries more conveniently by using a battery replacement structure adapted to their body structure.

[0081] The battery replacement method may include a detection stage (S10), a transmission stage (S20), a control stage (S30), and a replacement stage (S40).

[0082] During the detection phase (S10), the detection unit 12 installed on the main body 10 can detect the user's body information. The detection unit 12 can be installed on the main body 10 facing the user and can detect the user's body information. The detection unit 12 can detect the user's height information. In addition, the detection unit 12 can identify and detect specific body structures of the user. For example, the detection unit 12 can detect the user's waist and chest.

[0083] During the transmission phase (S20), the controller 14 can select one of a plurality of replacement units 11 in which the battery is installed and charged, based on the user's physical information detected by the detection unit 12. The transmission unit 13 can then transmit information about the selected replacement unit 11 to the user.

[0084] Specifically, the transmission unit 13 can transmit to the user the location information of the replacement unit 11 and the charging information of the battery installed on the replacement unit 11. For example, the transmission unit 13 can transmit information to the user in at least one of video or audio modes.

[0085] The controller 14 can select the replacement unit 11 from a plurality of replacement units 11 that is closest to the median height based on the user's height information.

[0086] The controller 14 can operate the transmission unit 13 to inform the user of the selected replacement unit 11. For example, the transmission unit 13 can inform the user of the location of the selected replacement unit 11 through the controller 14.

[0087] During the control phase (S30), the controller 14 can control the operation of the replacement unit 11 based on the user's body information detected by the detection unit 12. Specifically, during the detection phase (S10), the detection unit 12 can detect the user's waist and chest.

[0088] During the control phase (S30), the controller 14 can control the movement of the replacement unit 11 between the user's waist and chest area. Additionally, the controller 14 can move multiple replacement units 11 together.

[0089] During the replacement phase (S40), the used battery can be placed into one of the multiple replacement sections 11, and the charged battery can be ejected into another of the multiple replacement sections 11.

[0090] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements and other implementations that fall within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0091] Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments.

[0092] Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not defined by the detailed description of the invention, but by the appended claims, and all differences within that scope shall be construed as included in this disclosure.

[0093] Description of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0094] 1: Battery replacement system

[0095] 10: Main Body

[0096] 11: Replacement Department

[0097] 12: Testing Department

[0098] 13: Transmission Department

[0099] 14: Controller

[0100] 15: Storage Department

[0101] 16: Input Section

[0102] 17: Drive Unit

[0103] S10: Detection Phase

[0104] S20: Transmission Phase

[0105] S30: Control Phase

[0106] S40: Replacement Phase

Claims

1. A battery replacement system comprising: a main body; a plurality of replacement portions installed on the main body and on which batteries are mounted to be charged; a detection portion provided on the main body to face a user and configured to detect body information of the user; a transmission portion configured to transmit position information of the replacement portions and charging information of the batteries mounted on the replacement portions to the user in at least one of a video providing manner or an audio manner; and a controller configured to control operations of the replacement portions and the transmission portion according to the body information of the user detected by the detection portion, wherein the controller is configured to select one of the plurality of replacement portions based on the body information of the user detected by the detection portion, and to operate the transmission portion to inform the user of information of the selected replacement portion. The detection portion is configured to detect height information of the user, and 2. The battery replacement system of claim 1, wherein, The replacement portions are provided in a plurality to be arranged in a height direction with respect to the ground. The controller is configured to select one of the plurality of replacement portions closest to a middle height based on the height information of the user.

3. The battery replacement system of claim 2, wherein, The detection portion is configured to detect a waist portion and a chest portion of the user.

4. The battery replacement system of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to control the replacement portions so that the replacement portions move between the waist portion and the chest portion of the user.

5. The battery replacement system of claim 4, wherein, The plurality of replacement portions are integrally movable.

6. The battery replacement system of claim 1, wherein, The main body is integrally movable with the plurality of replacement portions.

7. The battery replacement system of claim 6, wherein, 8.The battery replacement system of claim 7, further comprising a driving portion provided below the main body to support a bottom surface of the main body and configured to move the main body and the plurality of replacement portions upward or downward. 9.The battery replacement system of claim 1, further comprising a storage portion configured to store position information of the replacement portions, charging information of the batteries mounted on the replacement portions, and operation information of the replacement portions controlled by the controller. The controller is configured to calculate the position information of the replacement portions stored in the storage portion as coordinate values, calculate an average of the coordinate values of the replacement portions, and enable the replacement portions to be standby at a position corresponding to the average of the coordinate values.

10. The battery replacement system of claim 9, wherein, 11.A battery replacement method comprising: a detection phase of detecting body information of a user by a detection portion installed on a main body; a transmission phase of selecting one of a plurality of replacement portions on which batteries are mounted to be charged by a controller based on the body information of the user detected by the detection portion, to transmit information of the selected replacement portion to the user by a transmission portion; a control phase of controlling operations of the replacement portions by the controller according to the body information of the user detected by the detection portion; and a replacement phase of putting a used battery into one of the plurality of replacement portions to eject a charged battery to another of the plurality of replacement portions. ​ ​ 12. The battery replacement method according to claim 11, wherein, In the detection stage, the detection section detects height information of a user, and In the transmission stage, the controller selects one of the plurality of replacement sections that is closest to an intermediate height based on the height information of the user.

13. The battery replacement method according to claim 11, wherein, In the detection stage, the detection section detects a waist portion and a chest portion of a user, and In the control stage, the controller controls the replacement section so that the replacement section moves between the waist portion and the chest portion of the user.

14. The battery replacement method according to claim 11, wherein, In the control stage, the plurality of replacement sections are integrally moved by the controller.

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