Battery exchange device

Abstract

To provide a battery exchange device capable of restricting occurrence of congestion due to an electric vehicle standing by to carry out battery exchange processing.SOLUTION: A battery exchange device 100 comprises: a battery exchange processing part 20 for implementing battery exchange processing to exchange a battery pack 211 (batteries) mounted to an electric vehicle 200; and an inspection part 30 for inspecting a state of a battery exchange portion 210 of the electric vehicle 200 before the battery exchange processing. A position P1 (a first position) where the battery exchange processing will be performed by the battery exchange processing part 20 is different from a position P2 (a second position) where inspection will be conducted by the inspection part 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery exchange device. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-008020 (Patent Document 1) discloses a vehicle in which a battery is replaced by a battery replacement device. The vehicle's navigation device displays images showing the battery replacement location and the battery installation location in the vehicle based on an image of the battery replacement location captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-008020 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although not explicitly stated in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable that vehicle abnormalities (abnormalities in parts related to battery replacement) may be detected based on images captured by a camera. Because battery replacement and inspection each require a certain amount of time, congestion may occur due to vehicles waiting in front of the battery replacement device to have their batteries replaced.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery exchange device that can prevent traffic congestion caused by electric vehicles waiting to perform battery exchange processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A battery exchange device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a battery exchange device that executes a battery exchange process to replace a battery mounted on an electric vehicle, and includes a battery exchange processing unit that executes the battery exchange process, and an inspection unit that inspects a state of a battery replacement part of the electric vehicle that is related to the battery exchange process before the battery exchange process. A first position where the battery exchange process is performed by the battery exchange processing unit is different from a second position where the inspection is performed by the inspection unit.

[0007] In a battery exchange device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the inspection performed before the battery exchange process is performed at a second position different from the first position where the battery exchange process is performed. This makes it possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery exchange part by inspection before the electric vehicle is moved to the first position. As a result, it is possible to prompt users of electric vehicles with abnormalities in the battery exchange part to move away from the battery exchange device, thereby preventing electric vehicles with the abnormality from being moved to the first position. As a result, it is possible to prevent congestion caused by electric vehicles waiting to perform the battery exchange process compared to when all electric vehicles are moved to the first position.

[0008] The battery replacement device may include a replacement feasibility determination unit that determines whether or not a battery replacement process can be performed based on the inspection result by the inspection unit, and a notification unit that performs notification processing to notify a user of the electric vehicle of information. When the replacement feasibility determination unit determines that the battery replacement process cannot be performed, the notification unit may perform notification processing to notify the user that the battery replacement process cannot be performed before the electric vehicle moves to the first position. With this configuration, by notifying the user that the battery replacement process cannot be performed, it is possible to easily prevent an electric vehicle in a state where battery replacement is not possible from being moved to the first position. As a result, it is possible to easily prevent congestion caused by electric vehicles waiting to perform the battery replacement process.

[0009] The battery replacement device may include an abnormality determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery replacement part based on the inspection result by the inspection unit, and an abnormality resolution unit that performs an abnormality resolution process to resolve the abnormality in the battery replacement part. The abnormality resolution unit may execute the abnormality resolution process when the abnormality determination unit determines that there is an abnormality in the battery replacement part. With this configuration, even an electric vehicle that has been determined to have an abnormality by the abnormality determination unit can undergo battery replacement processing if the abnormality is resolved by the abnormality resolution unit.

[0010] The inspection unit may inspect an electric vehicle at the second location while a battery replacement process is being performed on another electric vehicle at the first location. With this configuration, the battery replacement process at the first location and the inspection at the second location can be performed in parallel. As a result, the time required to perform the inspection and battery replacement process on multiple electric vehicles can be shortened compared to when the battery replacement process and the inspection are performed at different times. As a result, traffic congestion caused by electric vehicles waiting to perform the battery replacement process can be further reduced.

[0011] The inspection unit may include at least one of an imaging unit that images the battery replacement part, a tool configured to be accessible to the battery replacement part, and an acquisition unit that acquires information based on the tilt of the battery replacement part. With this configuration, the condition of the battery replacement part can be easily inspected using at least one of the imaging unit, the tool, and the acquisition unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent congestion caused by electric vehicles waiting to perform a battery exchange process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a battery exchange system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 illustrates a camera of an inspection unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a lift-up device of an inspection unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an inspection jig for an inspection unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cleaning unit (water discharge unit) of the inspection unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating control by the battery exchange system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0015] 1 is a diagram showing a battery exchange system 300 according to this embodiment. The battery exchange system 300 includes a battery exchange device 100 and an electric vehicle 200. In this specification, the Z direction is the up-down direction, and the Z1 direction and Z2 direction are upward and downward, respectively.

[0016] Electric vehicle 200 is, for example, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

[0017] The electric vehicle 200 includes a battery pack 211, a navigation device 220, a communication device 230, and a heater 240. The battery pack 211 is replaceably mounted on the electric vehicle 200. The battery pack 211 of the electric vehicle 200 is replaced in the battery exchange device 100. As a result, the battery pack 211 provided in the battery exchange device 100 is attached to the electric vehicle 200. The battery pack 211 is an example of a "battery" in the present disclosure.

[0018] The battery pack 211 stores electric power used to drive (for example, propel) the electric vehicle 200. The battery pack 211 is provided in a battery replacement section 210 of the electric vehicle 200. The battery replacement section 210 is a section of the electric vehicle 200 that is involved in the battery replacement process. For example, in addition to the battery pack 211, the battery replacement section 210 is provided with fastening members (bolts 212 ( FIG. 4 ), etc.) for fixing (fastening) the battery pack 211 to the body of the electric vehicle 200, a fixing member (locker) (not shown) to which the battery pack 211 is fixed, and the like.

[0019] The battery cells provided in the battery pack 211 are composed of secondary batteries such as lithium ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, or sodium ion batteries. The type of secondary battery may be a liquid secondary battery or an all-solid-state secondary battery. A plurality of secondary batteries may form a battery pack.

[0020] The communication device 230 communicates with a communication unit 13 (described later) of the battery replacement device 100, an external server, etc. The heater 240 is provided to raise the temperature of the battery pack 211 (battery replacement part 210). Note that the heater 240 may be a dedicated heater provided to raise the temperature of the battery replacement part 210.

[0021] The battery exchange device 100 includes a battery exchange device main body 1 and a housing 2. The housing 2 stores a battery pack 211. The battery exchange device main body 1 is provided next to the housing 2.

[0022] The battery exchange device main body 1 performs the battery exchange process for the electric vehicle 200. The battery exchange device main body 1 is a device that performs battery exchange by replacing the battery pack 211 mounted on the electric vehicle 200 with a battery pack 211 provided in the storage shed 2. The battery exchange device 100 (battery exchange device main body 1) is provided with an entrance / exit 3 through which the electric vehicle 200 enters and exits.

[0023] The battery replacement process is performed at position P1 inside the battery replacement device main body 1. In other words, the battery replacement process is performed with the electric vehicle 200 placed at position P1. Position P1 is an example of the "first position" in the present disclosure.

[0024] The battery exchange device 100 includes a control unit 10, a battery exchange processing unit 20, an inspection unit 30, a cleaning unit 40, and a display unit 50. The control unit 10 controls, for example, each of the battery exchange processing unit 20, the inspection unit 30, the cleaning unit 40, and the display unit 50. The control unit 10 may be provided in a location different from the battery exchange device main body 1. The processor 11 is an example of the "replacement possibility determination unit" and the "abnormality determination unit" of the present disclosure.

[0025] The control unit 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication unit 13. The memory 12 stores programs executed by the processor 11 as well as information used in the programs (for example, maps, formulas, and various parameters). The communication unit 13 is an example of a "notification unit" in the present disclosure.

[0026] The battery exchange processing unit 20 executes a process of exchanging the battery pack 211 mounted on the electric vehicle 200 with the battery pack 211 stored in the storage shed 2 .

[0027] The inspection unit 30 inspects the condition of the battery replacement part 210. The inspection unit 30 inspects the condition of the battery replacement part 210 before the battery replacement process is performed. The inspection unit 30 is provided at position P2 in the battery replacement device 100. Position P2 is a position different from position P1 where the battery replacement process is performed. Position P2 is outside the battery replacement device main body 1. After being inspected by the inspection unit 30 at position P2, the electric vehicle 200 moves to position P1, where it undergoes the battery replacement process. Details of the inspection unit 30 will be described later. Position P2 is an example of a "second position" in the present disclosure. The battery replacement device 100 may also include a transporter (e.g., a belt conveyor) that transports the electric vehicle 200 from position P2 to position P1.

[0028] The inspection unit 30 is driven independently of the battery exchange processing unit 20. This allows the inspection unit 30 to inspect the electric vehicle 200 at position P1 while the battery exchange processing unit 20 is performing battery exchange processing on another electric vehicle 201 at position P1. In other words, the battery exchange device 100 allows the inspection unit 30 to perform an inspection process while the battery exchange processing unit 20 is performing a battery exchange process.

[0029] The cleaning unit 40 is, for example, a device that cleans the battery replacement part 210. The cleaning unit 40 is provided at the position P2, similar to the inspection unit 30. Details of the cleaning unit 40 will be described later.

[0030] The display unit 50 is provided at a position visible to a user riding on the electric vehicle 200 located at position P2.

[0031] Each of the battery replacement processing unit 20, the inspection unit 30, the cleaning unit 40, and the display unit 50 is driven (operated) based on a command signal transmitted from the processor 11 via the communication unit 13.

[0032] 2 to 4, the inspection unit 30 includes a camera 31 (FIG. 2), a lift-up device 32 (FIG. 3), an inspection jig 33 (FIG. 4), and a vehicle placement unit 34. The camera 31 and the inspection jig 33 are examples of the "imaging unit" and the "jig" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 31 captures an image of the battery replacement part 210 (battery pack 211) from the Z2 side. The camera 31 is disposed so as to be located below the electric vehicle 200 parked in the vehicle location section 34 at position P2. Note that in FIG. 2, the camera 31 is provided so as to protrude from the vehicle location section 34, but the camera 31 may also be embedded in the vehicle location section 34. The image captured by the camera 31 is transmitted to the communication unit 13 (FIG. 1). Note that the driving of the camera 31 is controlled by the processor 11 via the communication unit 13. Also, the number of cameras 31 may be one or more.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, the lift-up device 32 has a plurality of (e.g., four) pressure sensors 32a and a plurality of (e.g., two) lifting bars 32b. The plurality of lifting bars 32b raise and lower the electric vehicle 200 while supporting it from the Z2 side. The lifting bars 32b are capable of holding the electric vehicle 200 above the vehicle placement section 34. The raising and lowering of the lifting bars 32b is controlled by the processor 11 via the communication section 13. The pressure sensor 32a is an example of an "acquisition section" in the present disclosure. The detection value of the pressure sensor 32a is an example of "information based on the tilt of the battery replacement section" in the present disclosure.

[0035] Each of the multiple pressure sensors 32a is disposed on the upper surface of the lifting bar 32b. Therefore, when the electric vehicle 200 is supported (held) by the lifting bar 32b, pressure from the electric vehicle 200 is applied to each pressure sensor 32a. Information on the detected value of each pressure sensor 32a is transmitted to the communication unit 13 (FIG. 1). The processor 11 may change the positional relationship (interval) between the multiple pressure sensors 32a depending on the type of electric vehicle 200.

[0036] The lifting bar 32b passes through an opening / closing section 34a provided in the vehicle placement section 34 and moves between below and above the vehicle placement section 34. The opening and closing of the opening / closing section 34a is controlled by the processor 11 via the communication section 13.

[0037] 4, the inspection jig 33 is configured to be accessible to the battery replacement section 210. For example, the inspection jig 33 is configured to be movable to a position where it comes into contact with a bolt 212 provided in the battery replacement section 210. The movement of the inspection jig 33 is controlled by the processor 11 via the communication unit 13. Note that the inspection jig 33 may be configured to be accessible to the battery replacement section 210 through an opening / closing unit 34a of the vehicle placement unit 34.

[0038] Here, there may be a case where the inspection jig 33 cannot move to the position of the bolt 212 due to, for example, mud 4 adhering to the bolt 212. Position information and the like of the inspection jig 33 are transmitted to the communication unit 13 (FIG. 1). Note that what is transmitted to the communication unit 13 is not limited to the position information of the inspection jig 33.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the cleaning unit 40. The cleaning unit 40 includes a water discharge unit 41. The water discharge unit 41 is arranged so as to be located below the electric vehicle 200 parked in the vehicle placement unit 34 at position P2. This allows the water discharge unit 41 to discharge water onto the battery replacement unit 210 from below. The water discharged from the water discharge unit 41 can remove mud 4 adhering to the battery replacement unit 210 and can also remove frozen portions 5 formed on the battery replacement unit 210. The direction of water discharge from the water discharge unit 41, etc., is controlled by the processor 11 (FIG. 1) via the communication unit 13 (FIG. 1).

[0040] <Sequence control of battery exchange system> The sequence control by the battery exchange system 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The control by the battery exchange device 100 is executed by the control unit 10 (processor 11). The sequence in Fig. 6 may be executed (started) every time the electric vehicle 200 stops at position P2.

[0041] In step S1, the battery exchange device 100 uses the camera 31 (FIG. 2) to capture an image of the battery exchange portion 210 of the electric vehicle 200. The communication unit 13 (FIG. 1) acquires the image captured by the camera 31.

[0042] In step S2, the battery exchange apparatus 100 drives the lift-up device 32 (FIG. 3) to use the lift-up bar 32b to hold the electric vehicle 200. The communication unit 13 (FIG. 1) acquires information on values ​​detected by the multiple pressure sensors 32a.

[0043] In step S3, the battery replacement apparatus 100 drives the inspection jig 33 (FIG. 4). The communication unit 13 (FIG. 1) acquires position information and the like of the inspection jig 33. Note that the order of the processes in steps S1 to S3 is not limited to the above order.

[0044] In step S4, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery replacement part 210 based on the information acquired in steps S1 to S3. Specifically, the battery replacement device 100 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery replacement part 210 based on the image of the camera 31 acquired in step S1, information on the detection values ​​of the multiple pressure sensors 32a acquired in step S2, and position information of the inspection jig 33 acquired in step S3. If there is an abnormality in the battery replacement part 210 (Yes in S4), the process proceeds to step S5. If there is no abnormality in the battery replacement part 210 (No in S4), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0045] For example, the battery exchange device 100 identifies the presence (position, size, etc.) of mud 4, frozen portions 5, etc. (FIG. 5) based on images acquired by the camera 31. In this determination, a trained model generated by machine learning techniques such as deep learning may be used.

[0046] The battery exchange apparatus 100 calculates the tilt angle (e.g., angle with respect to the horizontal direction) of the electric vehicle 200 (battery exchange unit 210) based on the detection values ​​of each of the multiple pressure sensors 32a. For example, the battery exchange apparatus 100 may calculate the tilt angle based on the deviation of the detection values ​​of each pressure sensor 32a. The battery exchange apparatus 100 may detect the tilt angle by comparing the detection values ​​of each pressure sensor 32a with a reference value indicating the detection value of each pressure sensor 32a when the electric vehicle 200 (battery exchange unit 210) is horizontal. For example, the battery exchange apparatus 100 may determine that there is an abnormality in the battery exchange unit 210 when the calculated tilt angle is larger than a preset threshold A (e.g., 5 degrees). The reference value and threshold A may be stored in the memory 12 (FIG. 1). The reference value and threshold A may also be set for each vehicle model.

[0047] For example, if the height position of the inspection jig 33 in the Z direction is smaller than threshold value B, the battery replacement device 100 may determine that the inspection jig 33 cannot move normally due to an abnormality in the battery replacement part 210 (i.e., there is an abnormality in the battery replacement part 210).

[0048] In step S5, the battery exchange device 100 determines whether the battery exchange processing unit 20 (FIG. 1) can execute the battery exchange process. If the battery exchange process can be executed (Yes in S5), the process proceeds to step S6. If the battery exchange process cannot be executed (No in S5), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0049] Specifically, the battery replacement device 100 may determine that the battery replacement process is not possible when the tilt angle of the battery replacement part 210 calculated in step S2 is greater than threshold value B. Note that threshold value B may be a value greater than threshold value A. Furthermore, threshold value B is a value stored in advance in memory 12, and may be set for each model of the electric vehicle 200.

[0050] In addition, the battery replacement device 100 may determine that the battery replacement process is not possible if the amount of foreign matter such as mud 4 and frozen portions 5 estimated based on the information obtained in each of steps S1 and S3 is greater than a threshold value.

[0051] In step S6, the battery exchange device 100 determines whether or not a foreign object such as mud 4 (FIG. 5) is attached to the battery exchange part 210. If a foreign object such as mud 4 is attached (Yes in S6), the process proceeds to step S7. If a foreign object such as mud 4 is not attached (No in S6), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0052] In step S7, the battery exchange device 100 executes a cleaning process. Specifically, the battery exchange device 100 drives the water discharge unit 41 (FIG. 5) to remove foreign matter such as mud 4 adhering to the battery exchange part 210. Note that the discharge of water by the water discharge unit 41 is an example of the "abnormality resolution process" of the present disclosure. Therefore, the water discharge unit 41 is an example of the "abnormality resolution unit" of the present disclosure. Next, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0053] In step S8, it is determined whether or not a frozen portion 5 (FIG. 5) has occurred in the battery replacement portion 210. If a frozen portion 5 has occurred (Yes in S8), the process proceeds to step S9. If a frozen portion 5 has not occurred (No in S8), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0054] In step S9, the battery exchange device 100 transmits a command signal to the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13 (FIG. 1) to turn on the heater 240 (FIG. 1). Note that transmitting the command signal is an example of the "abnormality resolution process" of the present disclosure. Therefore, the communication unit 13 is an example of the "abnormality resolution unit" of the present disclosure. Next, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0055] In step S10, the battery exchange device 100 performs the inspections of steps S1 to S3 again, and then determines whether or not the battery exchange process can be performed, as in step S5. If the battery exchange process can be performed (Yes in S10), the process proceeds to step S11. If the battery exchange process cannot be performed (No in S10), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0056] It is noted that only one of the process of determining whether or not the battery replacement process can be performed in step S10 and the process of determining whether or not the battery replacement process can be performed in step S5 may be performed.

[0057] In step S11, the battery exchange device 100 causes the display unit 50 to display, via the communication unit 13 (FIG. 1), that the battery exchange process is executable. For example, the battery exchange device 100 displays a message on the display unit 50 saying, "The battery exchange process is executable, so please proceed to the battery exchange process." The processing of the battery exchange device 100 then ends. Note that a stopper (not shown) may be provided at position P2 to prevent the electric vehicle 200 from moving to position P1 until the battery exchange process of the other electric vehicle is completed.

[0058] In step S12, the battery exchange device 100 issues a notification via the communication unit 13 (FIG. 1) urging the user to leave the battery exchange device 100 (position P1). For example, the battery exchange device 100 displays a message on the display unit 50 saying, "Please leave the battery exchange device because the battery exchange process cannot be performed." Thereafter, the processing of the battery exchange device 100 ends.

[0059] In step S21, the electric vehicle 200 determines whether or not it has received a command (command of S9) to turn on the heater 240. If it has received a command to turn on the heater 240 (Yes in S21), the process proceeds to step S22. If it has not received a command to turn on the heater 240 (Yes in S21), the process of the electric vehicle 200 ends.

[0060] In step S22, the electric vehicle 200 performs control to turn on the heater 240. This increases the temperature of the battery pack 211 (battery replacement part 210). Thereafter, the processing of the electric vehicle 200 ends.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, the position P1 where the battery replacement processing is performed by the battery replacement processing unit 20 is different from the position P2 where the inspection is performed by the inspection unit 30. This allows an electric vehicle 200 that cannot perform the battery replacement processing to be evacuated from the battery replacement apparatus 100 before the electric vehicle 200 moves to the battery replacement position (position P1). As a result, it is possible to prevent congestion caused by electric vehicles 200 waiting to perform the battery replacement processing. This makes it possible to shorten the waiting time of the electric vehicle 200 in the battery replacement apparatus 100.

[0062] [Variations] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the user of electric vehicle 200 is notified of whether or not the battery replacement process can be performed, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the user may be notified of only whether or not there is an abnormality in battery replacement part 210.

[0063] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which, when an abnormality occurs in the battery replacement part 210, a process for resolving the abnormality (water discharge by the water discharge unit 41) is executed, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. When an abnormality occurs in the battery replacement part 210, a process for resolving the abnormality does not have to be executed. In other words, a device for resolving the abnormality (water discharge unit 41) does not have to be provided in the battery replacement device 100.

[0064] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the process for resolving the abnormality of the battery replacement part 210 (water discharge by the water discharge unit 41) is performed at position P2 where the inspection is performed by the inspection unit 30, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The process for resolving the abnormality may be performed, for example, at position P1 where the battery replacement process is performed, or between position P1 and position P2.

[0065] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which an inspection using the camera 31, an inspection using the lift-up device 32, and an inspection using the inspection jig 33 are performed, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Only one or two of the above three inspections may be performed.

[0066] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the process of turning on the heater 240 is executed when a frozen portion 5 has formed in the battery replacement portion 210, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the frozen portion 5 may be removed by spraying water onto the frozen portion 5 using the water spraying unit 41. The temperature of the water sprayed onto the frozen portion 5 may be higher than the temperature of the water sprayed onto foreign matter such as mud 4.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the presence of a foreign object or the like is detected based on the position information or the like of the inspection jig 33, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the inspection jig 33 may be provided with sensors (such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a pressure sensor), and the presence of a foreign object or the like may be detected based on the detection values ​​of the sensors.

[0068] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which messages (51, 52) for notifying whether or not the battery replacement process can be performed are displayed on the display unit 50 provided in the battery replacement device 100, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the notification may be made by voice. Furthermore, the notification may be displayed on the navigation device 220 of the electric vehicle 200 and on a user terminal (for example, a smartphone, a PC, etc.) owned by the user of the electric vehicle 200.

[0069] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the battery replacement processing unit 20, the inspection unit 30, the cleaning unit 40, and the display unit 50 are each controlled by the processor 11, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the battery replacement processing unit 20, the inspection unit 30, the cleaning unit 40, and the display unit 50 may each be controlled by a different processor. Furthermore, two or three of the battery replacement processing unit 20, the inspection unit 30, the cleaning unit 40, and the display unit 50 may be controlled by the same processor.

[0070] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which water is discharged by the water discharge unit 41 when mud 4, frozen portions 5, etc. are present in the battery replacement part 210, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when mud 4, frozen portions 5, etc. are present in the battery replacement part 210, a command to clean the battery replacement part 210 may be notified to the operator of the battery replacement device 100.

[0071] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the heater 240 of the electric vehicle 200 is turned on when the frozen portion 5 is present in the battery replacement section 210, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the battery replacement device may turn on a heater provided at position P2 (such as the vehicle placement section 34) when the frozen portion 5 is present in the battery replacement section 210.

[0072] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the camera 31 of the battery exchange device 100 provided at position P2 is used to inspect the battery replacement part 210 for abnormalities, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The battery replacement part 210 may also be inspected for abnormalities using a camera provided on the electric vehicle. This makes it possible to inspect the battery replacement part 210 for abnormalities earlier (before the electric vehicle 200 arrives at position P2). In this case, a command to activate the camera may be sent from the battery exchange device to the electric vehicle.

[0073] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which whether or not to execute the battery replacement process was determined based on the tilt of battery replacement part 210, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the position and weight (size) of a foreign object or frozen part 5 attached to battery replacement part 210 may be detected based on the tilt of battery replacement part 210.

[0074] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the inspection of the battery replacement part 210 is performed outside the battery replacement device main body 1, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The inspection of the battery replacement part 210 may also be performed inside the battery replacement device main body 1.

[0075] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the tilt angle of the battery replacement part 210 is calculated based on the detection values ​​of the multiple pressure sensors 32a, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the tilt angle of the battery replacement part 210 may be calculated based on an image acquired by the camera 31.

[0076] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which foreign matter and the like is removed by spraying water from the water spraying unit 41, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, foreign matter and the like may be removed by a jig (tool) or the like that applies an external force to the foreign matter and the like.

[0077] The configuration of the battery exchange device 100 shown in the above embodiment is merely an example, and the configuration of the battery exchange device 100 described in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate within the appropriate scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] The configurations (processing) of the above-described embodiment and the above-described modifications may be combined with each other.

[0079] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 11 processor (replacement possibility determination unit) (abnormality determination unit), 13 communication unit (notification unit) (abnormality resolution unit), 20 battery replacement processing unit, 30 inspection unit, 31 camera (imaging unit), 32 lift-up device, 32a pressure sensor (acquisition unit), 33 inspection jig (jig), 40 cleaning unit, 41 water discharge unit (abnormality resolution unit), 50 display unit, 100 battery replacement device, 200 electric vehicle, 210 battery replacement part, 211 battery pack (battery), P1 position (first position), P2 position (second position).

Claims

1. A battery exchange device that executes a battery exchange process for replacing a battery mounted on an electric vehicle, a battery replacement processing unit that executes the battery replacement process; an inspection unit that inspects a state of a battery replacement part of the electric vehicle that is related to the battery replacement process before the battery replacement process; A battery exchange device, wherein a first position where the battery exchange processing is performed by the battery exchange processing unit is different from a second position where the inspection is performed by the inspection unit.

2. a replacement possibility determination unit that determines whether the battery replacement process can be performed based on the inspection result by the inspection unit; a notification unit that performs notification processing to notify a user of the electric vehicle of information, 2. The battery exchange device according to claim 1, wherein, when the battery exchange feasibility determination unit determines that the battery exchange process cannot be performed, the notification unit performs the notification process to notify the user that the battery exchange process cannot be performed before the electric vehicle moves to the first position.

3. an abnormality determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery replacement part based on the inspection result by the inspection unit; an abnormality resolution unit that performs an abnormality resolution process to resolve the abnormality in the battery replacement part, 3. The battery exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality eliminating unit executes the abnormality eliminating process when the abnormality determining unit determines that there is an abnormality in the battery exchange part.

4. The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , wherein the inspection unit inspects the electric vehicle at the second location while the battery exchange process is being performed on another electric vehicle at the first location.

5. The battery replacement device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inspection unit includes at least one of an imaging unit that images the battery replacement part, a jig configured to be accessible to the battery replacement part, and an acquisition unit that acquires information based on the inclination of the battery replacement part.

Images