Cleaning device

Abstract

To provide a cleaning device capable of cleaning a storage section or a stored object.SOLUTION: A cleaner 200, which is a cleaning device, is removably inserted to a slot 16 of a battery replacement device. The slot 16 is capable of storing a mobile battery. The cleaner 200 comprises a cleaning section 202 that cleans the interior of the slot 16 while being inserted into the slot 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a holding device (storage device) capable of storing a battery (storage object) having battery cells. The holding device is provided with a plurality of slots (storage sections). The plurality of slots have the same shape and size. Each of the plurality of slots stores a battery in a removable manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 107069 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The storage device may be installed outdoors, and when installed outdoors, foreign matter such as dust tends to accumulate in the storage unit. Furthermore, if an object to be stored has foreign matter attached to it and the object is stored in the storage unit, the foreign matter attached to the object may accumulate in the storage unit. It is desirable to be able to clean the storage unit or the object to be stored.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a cleaning device that includes a cleaning unit that is insertable into and removable from a storage unit of a storage device having a storage unit capable of storing storage objects, and that cleans the inside of the storage unit when inserted into the storage unit.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a cleaning device comprising a storage unit capable of storing a storage object, and another cleaning unit that cleans the exterior of the storage object while the storage object is stored in the storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the storage unit or stored objects can be efficiently cleaned. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery exchange machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile battery. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the mobile battery. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the mobile battery. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a slot in which a mobile battery is housed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the slot of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cleaner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the cleaner of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the slot with the cleaner inserted. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cleaner according to a first modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the cleaner of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the slot with the cleaner of FIG. 12 inserted. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of the cleaner of FIG. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a battery exchange machine equipped with a cleaner according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaner housing a mobile battery. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaner housing a mobile battery. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaner according to a second modified example in which a mobile battery is housed. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of the cleaner of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [General configuration of battery exchange machine 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery exchanger 10 (storage device, second power device).

[0011] The battery exchange machine 10 is a device that charges a mobile battery 12 (storage object, first power device, power device, power storage device). A user deposits a mobile battery 12 with a low state of charge (SOC) at the battery exchange machine 10. The user receives another mobile battery 12 that has been fully charged from the battery exchange machine 10. The mobile battery 12 has a cell pack 14 (power storage unit) inside that stores power (see Figure 2).

[0012] The battery exchange machine 10 has 12 slots 16 (storage sections) and one operation panel 18. A user inserts a mobile battery 12 into the slot 16. When the mobile battery 12 is stored in the slot 16, the battery exchange machine 10 starts charging the mobile battery 12. The operation panel 18 is a device operated by a user. A user operates the operation panel 18 to, for example, pay a fee.

[0013] Each of the multiple slots 16 opens to a front surface 19 of the battery exchange machine 10. The front surface 19 of the battery exchange machine 10 is a surface parallel to the vertical direction (the direction of gravity). Each of the multiple slots 16 is inclined diagonally downward with respect to the front surface 19. A user inserts a mobile battery 12 into a slot 16 while standing facing the front surface 19. Also, the user removes the mobile battery 12 housed in a slot 16 while standing facing the front surface 19. Figure 1 illustrates a state in which mobile batteries 12 are housed in ten of the twelve slots 16. Also, Figure 1 illustrates a state in which the mobile batteries 12 have been removed from the remaining two slots 16.

[0014] In the following description, the direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the slot 16 is referred to as the Z-axis direction. In the Z-axis direction, the direction from the innermost part of the slot 16 toward the opening 54f (see Figures 6 and 7) is referred to as the +Z-axis direction. The +Z-axis direction is the direction in which the mobile battery 12 is removed from the slot 16. The -Z-axis direction is the opposite direction to the +Z-axis direction. The -Z-axis direction is the direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the slot 16. In other words, the Z-axis direction is the direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the slot 16. The Z-axis direction is also the direction along the central axis 21 (axis) of the slot 16 (see Figure 7).

[0015] The direction parallel to the width direction of the battery exchange machine 10 is the X-axis direction. When a user stands facing the front 19 of the battery exchange machine 10, the right-hand side in the X-axis direction is the +X-axis direction. The -X-axis direction is the opposite direction to the +X-axis direction and is the left-hand side in the X-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and X-axis is the Y-axis direction. The upper side in the Y-axis direction is the +Y-axis direction. The lower side in the Y-axis direction is the -Y-axis direction.

[0016] Note that "removable" is essentially synonymous with "detachable." In other words, the mobile battery 12 can be attached (inserted) to the slot 16. The mobile battery 12 can be removed (pulled out) from the slot 16. Also, "detachable" means that the user can insert and remove the mobile battery 12 from the slot 16 without using tools or the like. Also, "removable" is synonymous with "inserting and removing." Therefore, "inserted and removed" or "detached" are synonymous with "inserted and removed."

[0017] [Outline of Mobile Battery 12] The mobile battery 12 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 4. The mobile battery 12 has a structure similar to that of the mobile battery disclosed in WO 2023 / 100445. That is, as shown in Fig. 2, the mobile battery 12 has a bottom case 20, a main case 22, and a top case 24. The bottom case 20, the main case 22, and the top case 24 form a housing 25 of the mobile battery 12. The bottom case 20 forms the bottom surface of the mobile battery 12.

[0018] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the top case 24 forms the top surface of the mobile battery 12. A handle 26 is provided on the top surface. The handle 26 has a first grip portion 28 and a second grip portion 30. A user holds the handle 26 to insert or remove the mobile battery 12 into or from the slot 16 (see Figure 1).

[0019] The main case 22 is a hollow rectangular tubular body with both ends open. Therefore, the mobile battery 12 has four side surfaces. The four side surfaces are side surface 34a, side surface 34b, side surface 34c, and side surface 34d. Side surface 34a is a curved surface that convexly faces outward. Side surface 34a is the surface that corresponds to the second gripping portion 30. Side surface 34b, side surface 34c, and side surface 34d are substantially flat. In the illustrated example, side surface 34a is entirely curved, but a portion of side surface 34a may be locally curved.

[0020] The main case 22 houses a cell pack 14. The cell pack 14 is formed by electrically connecting a plurality of unit cells. The configuration of the cell pack 14 is publicly known, as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-198229. Therefore, detailed illustrations and descriptions of the cell pack 14 are omitted.

[0021] As described above, since the mobile battery 12 is inserted into and removed from the slot 16 in the Z-axis direction, the external shape (external shape, second external shape) of the housing 25 is formed to approximate the internal shape (internal shape) of the slot 16. Specifically, as will be described later, when the slot 16 is viewed from the Z-axis direction, the internal shape of the slot 16 is formed to be substantially rectangular in a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction (central axis 21) (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Therefore, in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 35 of the main case 22, the mobile battery 12 is formed to be substantially rectangular (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Furthermore, when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into and removed from the slot 16, the central axis 35 is oriented along the Z-axis direction. That is, the mobile battery 12 is accommodated in the slot 16 with the central axis 35 substantially aligned with the central axis 21 of the slot 16. When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 16, the mobile battery 12 cannot rotate around the central axes 21, 35.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, a female connector 32 (electrical terminal, first electrical terminal) is exposed to the outside of the housing 25 on the bottom surface. The connector 32 has a female electrical terminal and a female communication terminal. The female electrical terminal is an electrical terminal for receiving and transmitting power. The female communication terminal is an electrical terminal for receiving and transmitting communication signals. In other words, the connector 32 serves as both an electrical terminal and a communication terminal. The connector 32 is provided in a recessed space 38 on the bottom surface. In other words, the connector 32 is provided in a position slightly closer to the top case 24 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) from the bottom surface. The connector 32 is closer to the end where the second grip portion 30 is provided, from the center of the bottom surface. The female connector 32 is sometimes called a receptacle.

[0023] 2 to 4, the four corners 36b of the bottom case 20 and the four corners 36t of the top case 24 protrude slightly further than the four corners 36m of the main case 22. Therefore, as can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 4, the outer edges of the main case 22 are positioned more inward than the outer edges of the four corners 36b of the bottom case 20 and the four corners 36t of the top case 24. As a result, the main case 22 is recessed relative to the four corners 36b of the bottom case 20 and the four corners 36t of the top case 24. In other words, recesses 40 are formed in the mobile battery 12 based on the dimensional differences between the main case 22 and the bottom case 20 and top case 24.

[0024] For example, a light metal is selected as the material for the bottom case 20, the main case 22, and the top case 24. Suitable examples of light metals include aluminum and aluminum alloys, as aluminum and aluminum alloys are lightweight and chemically stable.

[0025] [Slot 16 Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of slots 16 is provided in the battery exchange machine 10 in an inclined position such that an opening 42 for inserting and removing the mobile battery 12 is higher than the bottom.

[0026] The configuration of the slot 16 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 8. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the slot 16. Fig. 5 shows a state in which the mobile battery 12 (see Figs. 2 to 4) is not inserted into the slot 16. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the opening 42 of the slot 16. Fig. 6 is a perspective view in which a door 44 (see Figs. 5 and 7), which will be described later, is retracted from the opening 54f. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the slot 16. Fig. 7 shows a state in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 16.

[0027] The slot 16 has a structure similar to the slots disclosed in WO 2023 / 058752 and WO 2023 / 100445. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the slot 16 has a slot sleeve 50 and a battery lock mechanism 52. The slot sleeve 50 holds the mobile battery 12. The inside of the slot sleeve 50 forms an inner surface 56 for holding the mobile battery 12. The inner surface 56 of the slot sleeve 50 is the inner surface of the slot 16. The slot sleeve 50 has a slot body 54, a slot flange 78, a slot guide 80, and a bottom cover 60 (bottom).

[0028] 1, 5, and 6, when the slot 16 is viewed from the Z-axis direction, the outer and inner shapes of the slot 16 are formed into a substantially rectangular shape in a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction (center axis 21). Therefore, the outer and inner shapes of the slot sleeve 50, which is the main part of the slot 16, are formed into a substantially rectangular shape.

[0029] Specifically, the slot body 54 is a cylindrical member (cylinder portion) having a lower plate 54a, a left plate 54b, a right plate 54c, and an upper plate 54d. The slot body 54 extends along the Z-axis direction, which is the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12. The slot body 54 is a hollow body having a substantially rectangular prism shape. Therefore, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the slot body 54 has a substantially rectangular outer shape (see Figures 5 and 6). The inner surface of the slot body 54 forms a part of the inner surface 56 of the slot sleeve 50. The slot body 54 has an opening 54f at its end in the +Z-axis direction. The slot body 54 has an opening 54g at its end in the -Z-axis direction.

[0030] The slot body 54 may be a hollow body (cylinder) having a substantially cylindrical shape. In this case, when the slot body 54 is viewed from the Z-axis direction, the external shape of the slot body 54 is substantially circular. When the slot body 54 is cylindrical, it is desirable that the mobile battery 12 be a cylindrical mobile battery.

[0031] In the slot body 54, outer ribs 61 extending along the Z-axis direction are provided on the outer surfaces of the lower plate 54a, left plate 54b, right plate 54c, and upper plate 54d. The outer ribs 61 improve the rigidity of the slot body 54.

[0032] 6 to 8, the slot body 54 has a holding space 54e therein. When the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot 16, most of the mobile battery 12 is held in the holding space 54e.

[0033] The slot body 54 and the bottom cover 60 are separate members, but it is also possible to configure the slot body 54 and the bottom cover 60 from a single member.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, an in-slot protrusion 62 is provided on the upper surface (inner surface) of the lower plate 54a. The in-slot protrusion 62 has two first in-tube rails 64. The first in-tube rails 64 protrude vertically upward (+Y-axis direction) from the upper surface of the lower plate 54a. The two first in-tube rails 64 extend along the Z-axis direction to the vicinity of the bottom cover 60 while being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is constant. Therefore, the two first in-tube rails 64 are parallel to each other. In other words, the two first in-tube rails 64 protrude in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12 and extend along the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12. The two first in-tube rails 64 are provided on the lower plate 54a so as to be detachable from the lower plate 54a.

[0035] 5 and 6 show an example in which there are two first internal rails 64. The number of first internal rails 64 may be one. Alternatively, the number of first internal rails 64 may be three or more.

[0036] An internal space (not shown) is formed in the first cylindrical rail 64. That is, the first cylindrical rail 64 is hollow. This makes it possible to prevent the weight of the slot body 54 from increasing due to the provision of the first cylindrical rail 64.

[0037] 6 and 7, the first cylindrical rail 64 has a rail main body 66 that is positioned in the slot main body 54. A guide rail portion 68 extends in the +Y-axis direction from the upper surface of the rail main body 66 that faces the +Y-axis direction. The rail main body 66 and the guide rail portion 68 extend along the Z-axis direction.

[0038] A gently sloping inclined portion 70 is formed at the end (front end) of the guide rail portion 68 in the +Z-axis direction. The top surface of the inclined portion 70 faces the -Y-axis direction as it moves from the -Z-axis direction to the +Z-axis direction. When the door 44 (described later) opens or closes, one end of the door 44 passes near the inclined portion 70. This prevents the door 44 from interfering with the guide rail portion 68 during rotation. In other words, the inclined portion 70 is a relief portion that prevents the door 44 from interfering with the guide rail portion 68. The length of the inclined portion 70 along the Z-axis direction is set so that the inclined portion 70 is outside the movement trajectory of the door 44.

[0039] A suitable material for the first internal rail 64 is a resin such as polyoxymethylene, also known as polyacetal or POM. Another example of a resin that can be used for the first internal rail 64 is polyamide 66.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a second cylindrical rail 72 and a third cylindrical rail 74 are provided on the inner surfaces of the left and right plates 54b, 54c of the slot body 54. The second cylindrical rail 72 and the third cylindrical rail 74 protrude horizontally (in the X-axis direction) from the inner surfaces of the left and right plates 54b, 54c. The second cylindrical rail 72 and the third cylindrical rail 74 are aligned vertically along the Y-axis direction on the inner surfaces of the left and right plates 54b, 54c. The second cylindrical rail 72 and the third cylindrical rail 74 are provided on the left and right plates 54b, 54c so as to be detachable from the left and right plates 54b, 54c, respectively.

[0041] The second and third cylindrical rails 72 and 74 extend along the Z-axis direction to the vicinity of the bottom cover 60. In other words, the second and third cylindrical rails 72 and 74 protrude in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12, and extend along the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, the side surface 34c of the mobile battery 12 abuts against the guide rail portions 68 of the two first cylindrical rails 64. Although not shown, the side surface 34b of the mobile battery 12 abuts against the second cylindrical rail 72 and the third cylindrical rail 74 provided on the left side plate 54b. The side surface 34d of the mobile battery 12 abuts against the second cylindrical rail 72 and the third cylindrical rail 74 provided on the right side plate 54c. Due to these abutments, the mobile battery 12 is positioned within the slot body 54. When there are two or more first cylindrical rails 64, the posture of the mobile battery 12 becomes even more stable.

[0043] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, a bezel 76 is attached to the opening 54f of the slot body 54 in the +Z axis direction. The bezel 76 is a separate member from the slot body 54. The bezel 76 is adjacent to the slot body 54 and connected to the slot body 54. The dividing point between the bezel 76 and the slot body 54 is not particularly limited to the position shown in Figure 7. For example, the dividing point between the bezel 76 and the slot body 54 may be located further in the -Z axis direction than the door 44.

[0044] The bezel 76 is positioned at a position that is on the outer side of the slot 16. The slot body 54 is positioned at a position that is on the inner side of the slot 16. Here, the outer side refers to the outer side in the direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted and removed relative to the opening 42 of the slot 16, which is an entrance and exit. The inner side is the opposite side to the outer side. In the illustrated example, the outer side is the +Z axis direction, and the inner side is the -Z axis direction.

[0045] The bezel 76 has a slot flange 78 and a slot guide 80. The slot flange 78 and the slot guide 80 are separate members. A packing (not shown) is interposed between the slot flange 78 and the slot guide 80.

[0046] The slot guide 80 has an outer member 82 and an inner member (not shown). The outer member 82 has a frame portion 84 and a flange portion 86. The frame portion 84 has an annular shape (rectangular shape). The frame portion 84 is a hollow portion with an annular internal space (not shown). In other words, the outer member 82 that constitutes the bezel 76 is a hollow body with an annular internal space that follows the frame portion 84. By making the frame portion 84 a hollow portion, the weight of the outer member 82 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the amount of material used for the outer member 82 is reduced, the manufacturing cost of the outer member 82 is reduced. The annular internal space is a space that houses the inner member.

[0047] An opening 42 of the slot 16 is formed in the frame portion 84. The mobile battery 12 is inserted or removed through the opening 42.

[0048] The frame 84 has a lower inner surface 88a, a left inner surface 88b, a right inner surface 88c, and an upper inner surface 88d. When the slot 16 is oriented such that the longitudinal direction of the slot 16 is aligned horizontally, the lower inner surface 88a and the upper inner surface 88d extend substantially horizontally. Meanwhile, the left inner surface 88b and the right inner surface 88c extend in a direction intersecting the horizontal and vertical directions at a predetermined angle.

[0049] An inner-bezel protrusion 90 is provided on the lower inner surface 88a. The inner-bezel protrusion 90 has two inner-bezel rails 92. The inner-bezel rails 92 protrude vertically upward (in the +Y-axis direction) from the lower inner surface 88a. The two inner-bezel rails 92 extend along the Z-axis direction toward the bottom cover 60 while being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is constant. Therefore, the two inner-bezel rails 92 are parallel to each other. The two inner-bezel rails 92 are provided on the lower inner surface 88a so as to be detachable from the lower inner surface 88a.

[0050] Here, an example is shown in which there are two bezel inner rails 92, but the number of bezel inner rails 92 may be one. Alternatively, the number of bezel inner rails 92 may be three or more. In a typical example, the number of bezel inner rails 92 is the same as the number of first-cylinder inner rails 64. The bezel inner rails 92 are continuous with the first-cylinder inner rails 64 in the +Z-axis direction. However, it is not essential that the number of bezel inner rails 92 and the number of first-cylinder inner rails 64 are the same.

[0051] The bezel inner rail 92 and the guide rail portion 68 of the first-cylinder inner rail 64 do not necessarily need to be connected to each other along the Z-axis direction. For example, the bezel inner rail 92 may be shifted in the −X-axis direction or the +X-axis direction relative to the first-cylinder inner rail 64.

[0052] Similar to the first cylinder rail 64, the two bezel inner rails 92 protrude in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12. The two bezel inner rails 92 extend along the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12. The bezel inner rails 92 are rounded, and their width along the X direction decreases toward the +Z axis direction.

[0053] An internal space (not shown) is formed in the bezel inner rail 92. In other words, the bezel inner rail 92 is hollow. Therefore, by providing the bezel inner rail 92, an increase in the weight of the slot body 54 is avoided.

[0054] While the mobile battery 12 is being inserted into the holding space 54e, the side surface 34c of the mobile battery 12 comes into sliding contact with the bezel inner rails 92. When there are two or more bezel inner rails 92, the posture of the mobile battery 12 is stable.

[0055] Protrusions 94 are formed on the left inner surface 88b and the right inner surface 88c of the frame portion 84, respectively. The protrusion 94 formed on the left inner surface 88b has a convex shape that protrudes toward the right inner surface 88c. The protrusion 94 formed on the right inner surface 88c has a convex shape that protrudes toward the left inner surface 88b. The protrusion 94 extends from the lower inner surface 88a to the upper inner surface 88d. However, the length of the protrusion 94 in the extending direction (the length along the Y-axis direction) is shorter than the distance from the lower inner surface 88a to the upper inner surface 88d. The four corners 36b of the bottom case 20 (see FIG. 2) and the four corners 36t of the top case 24 pass through a clearance 96a between the protrusion 94 and the lower inner surface 88a and a clearance 96b between the protrusion 94 and the upper inner surface 88d. In this way, the clearances 96a and 96b are relief portions.

[0056] The protruding length (length along the X-axis direction) of the protruding portion 94 is a length that allows it to abut against the side surfaces 34b and 34d of the main case 22. Alternatively, the protruding length (length along the X-axis direction) of the protruding portion 94 is a length that allows it to be slightly spaced apart from the side surfaces 34b and 34d of the main case 22. As can be seen from this, the shape of the protruding portion 94 corresponds to the shape of the recess 40 of the mobile battery 12 (see FIG. 2).

[0057] The flange portion 86 is an extending portion that extends outward in an annular (rectangular) shape from the outer edge of the frame portion 84. The flange portion 86 is formed to be thin-walled.

[0058] The material of the outer member 82 is preferably a material that is lower in hardness than the materials of the bottom case 20, main case 22, and top case 24 of the mobile battery 12. As described above, when the bottom case 20, main case 22, and top case 24 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a suitable example of the material of the outer member 82 is a resin such as polycarbonate. In this case, the material of the bezel inner rail 92 and the protrusion 94 is also a resin such as polycarbonate.

[0059] As described above, the material of the first cylindrical rail 64 is, for example, a resin such as POM or polyamide 66. In this case, when the bottom case 20, the main case 22, and the top case 24 of the mobile battery 12 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the material of the first cylindrical rail 64 has a lower hardness than the materials of the bottom case 20, the main case 22, and the top case 24.

[0060] Resin may be selected as the material for the bottom case 20 and the top case 24 of the mobile battery 12. In this case, a resin having a lower hardness than the resin material for the bottom case 20 and the top case 24 may be selected as the material for the outer member 82, the bezel inner rail 92, the protrusion 94, the slot flange 78, and the first cylindrical inner rail 64. Conversely, if avoiding wear of the battery exchange device 10 is a priority, a resin having a higher hardness than the resin material for the bottom case 20 and the top case 24 may be selected as the material for the outer member 82, the bezel inner rail 92, the protrusion 94, the slot flange 78, and the first cylindrical inner rail 64.

[0061] The outer member 82 is translucent. Here, "translucent" means the property of transmitting visible light. In other words, the outer member 82 has the property of transmitting visible light. The outer member 82 may be transparent. The outer member 82 may be opaque. Because the outer member 82 is translucent, the user can see the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 98 from outside the outer member 82. The light-emitting unit 98 will be described later.

[0062] The entire outer member 82 may be translucent, or only the portion of the outer member 82 corresponding to the light emitting portion 98 may be translucent.

[0063] The inner member has an annular shape (rectangular shape). A light-emitting unit 98 (see FIG. 6) is provided on the side of the inner member in the +X-axis direction. Another light-emitting unit 98 is provided on the side of the inner member in the -X-axis direction. The two light-emitting units 98 are arranged facing each other on the inner member and extend vertically. The light-emitting units 98 indicate the availability of the slots 16, the charging state of the mobile battery 12 accommodated in the slots 16, etc., by indicating whether the light is on, flashing, or off, the color of the light, etc.

[0064] The slot flange 78 is a ring-shaped body having a substantially rectangular shape. The slot flange 78 is connected to the slot guide 80 in the −Z-axis direction. The outer member 82 of the slot guide 80 and the slot flange 78 are connected to each other in the Z-axis direction. The mobile battery 12 inserted through the opening 42 passes through the slot flange 78.

[0065] The remainder of the bezel inner rail 92 is provided on the lower inner surface of the slot flange 78. As can be seen from this, the bezel inner protrusion 90 is provided from the slot guide 80 to the slot flange 78. The bezel inner rail 92 provided on the slot guide 80 and the bezel inner rail 92 provided on the slot flange 78 are continuous along the Z-axis direction. The bezel inner rail 92 provided on the slot guide 80 is located in the +Z-axis direction. The bezel inner rail 92 provided on the slot flange 78 is located in the -Z-axis direction. The remainder of the bezel inner rail 92 is provided on the lower inner surface of the slot flange 78 so as to be detachable from the lower inner surface of the slot flange 78.

[0066] Like the outer member 82, the material of the slot flange 78 is preferably a material that is lower in hardness than the materials of the bottom case 20, main case 22, and top case 24 of the mobile battery 12. A specific example of a suitable material for the slot flange 78 is polycarbonate. In this case, the material of the bezel inner rail 92 is also polycarbonate. Like the bezel inner rail 92 provided on the outer member 82, the bezel inner rail 92 provided on the slot flange 78 is also a hollow portion having an internal space.

[0067] 5 and 7, the door 44 is attached to the slot body 54. The door 44 is made of resin. The door 44 is not limited to being made of resin, and may be made of metal. When the door 44 is made of resin, the door 44 can be manufactured more cheaply than when the door 44 is made of metal.

[0068] The door 44 is rotatable about the shaft 100. A spring force acting on the door 44 by a torsion spring (not shown) causes the door 44 to return in a direction that closes the opening 54f of the slot body 54. The shaft 100 is attached to the +Y-axis direction side of the slot body 54. The shaft 100 is attached to the inner surface of the upper plate 54d of the slot body 54. When the mobile battery 12 is not inserted into the slot 16, the door 44 closes the opening 54f on the +Z-axis direction side of the slot body 54 due to the spring force of the torsion spring. When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 16, the mobile battery 12 pushes the door 44 in the -Z-axis direction. As a result, the door 44 rotates about the shaft 100 against the spring force of the torsion spring and opens. At this time, the door 44 opens the opening 54f on the +Z-axis direction side of the slot body 54.

[0069] The battery lock mechanism 52 is attached to the +Y axis direction side of the slot flange 78. The battery lock mechanism 52 is switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0070] When the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot 16 and the battery lock mechanism 52 is in the locked state, the battery lock mechanism 52 restricts movement of the mobile battery 12 in the +Z-axis direction. This prevents the user from pulling out the mobile battery 12 from the slot 16.

[0071] When the battery lock mechanism 52 is in the unlocked state, the battery lock mechanism 52 allows the mobile battery 12 to move in the Z-axis direction. This allows the user to pull the mobile battery 12 out of the slot 16 when the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot 16. The user can also insert the mobile battery 12 into the slot 16.

[0072] 5 to 8, a bottom cover 60 is attached to an opening 54g in the −Z-axis direction of the slot body 54. A connector unit 120, a fan 122, an electronic circuit board 124, and a detection switch 126 are attached to the bottom cover 60. This configuration constitutes a bottom cover assembly 130. The bottom cover assembly 130 will be described later.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the bottom cover 60 is formed with a through-hole 132, an insertion hole 134, and a ventilation hole 136. A detection unit 138 of the detection switch 126 is inserted into the insertion hole 134. The ventilation hole 136 is a hole for sending cooling air generated by the fan 122 into the slot 16. A connector 140, which will be described later, passes through the through-hole 132. As shown in FIG. 7, when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot main body 54, the connector 140 passes through the through-hole 132 so as to move from the -Z-axis direction to the +Z-axis direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the mobile battery 12 is removed from the slot main body 54, the connector 140 passes through the through-hole 132 so as to move from the +Z-axis direction to the -Z-axis direction.

[0074] The bottom cover assembly 130 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0075] The fan 122 promotes air flow within the slotted sleeve 50 .

[0076] The connector unit 120 has a connector 140 (second electrical terminal) and a motor 142. The connector 140 is a male connector. The connector 140 has a male electrical terminal for receiving and transmitting power, and a male communication terminal for receiving and transmitting communication signals. In other words, the connector 140 serves as both an electrical terminal and a communication terminal. The male connector 140 is sometimes called a plug.

[0077] The connector 140 is fitted into the connector 32 of the mobile battery 12. At this time, power is supplied from the connector 140 to the mobile battery 12, and the mobile battery 12 is charged. Alternatively, power is extracted from the mobile battery 12 via the connector 140, and the mobile battery 12 is discharged. Furthermore, the mobile battery 12 and a control unit (not shown) of the battery exchange machine 10 are communicatively connected via the connector 32 and the connector 140. That is, communication signals are exchanged between the mobile battery 12 and the control unit of the battery exchange machine 10.

[0078] The connector 140 is moved forward or backward along the Z-axis direction by the motor 142. Specifically, the motor 142 has a rotating shaft (not shown). The rotating shaft extends from the motor 142 in the +Y-axis direction. A pinion (not shown) is attached to the tip of the rotating shaft. The pinion meshes with a rack (not shown). The motor 142 is mechanically connected to the connector 140 via the pinion, rack, and base 148. The connector 140 and motor 142 are attached to the bottom cover 60 via the base 148. In this way, the motor 142 is supported on the bottom cover 60. The rack and base 148 form a connector holder 150 for fixing the connector 140.

[0079] The electronic circuit board 124, for example, controls charging of the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot 16. A detection switch 126 is mounted on the electronic circuit board 124. When the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot 16, the detection unit 138 of the detection switch 126 is pressed down by the mobile battery 12. This switches the detection switch 126 from off to on.

[0080] The relationship between the on / off of detection switch 126 and the movement of connector 140 will be described in detail. Fig. 7 shows a state in which connector holder 150 has moved in the +Z-axis direction. Fig. 8 shows a state in which connector holder 150 has moved in the -Z-axis direction.

[0081] 7, when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 16 and the bottom case 20 of the mobile battery 12 presses down the detection unit 138 of the detection switch 126 in the -Z-axis direction, the detection switch 126 switches from off to on. In response to the detection switch 126 switching from off to on, the motor 142 moves the connector holder 150 in the +Z-axis direction. At this time, the connector 140 moves in the +Z-axis direction and enters the inside of the slot sleeve 50 through the through-hole 132 of the bottom cover 60. As a result, the connector 140 is connected to the connector 32 of the mobile battery 12.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8 , when the mobile battery 12 moves in the +Z-axis direction and the bottom case 20 of the mobile battery 12 moves away from the detection portion 138 of the detection switch 126, the detection portion 138 protrudes into the slot 16 through the insertion hole 134. This switches the detection switch 126 from on to off. In response to the detection switch 126 switching from on to off, the motor 142 moves the connector holder 150 in the -Z-axis direction. At this time, the connector 140 moves in the -Z-axis direction and retracts from the through-hole 132 of the bottom cover 60 to the outside of the slot sleeve 50. This releases the connector 140 from the connector 32 of the mobile battery 12.

[0083] As described above, the connector 140 moves in the Z-axis direction. The movement direction of the connector 140 is the same as the movement direction of the mobile battery 12 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 16. In other words, the movement direction of the connector 140 is the same as the movement direction of the mobile battery 12. Therefore, even if the connector unit 120 breaks down while the connector 140 is connected to the connector 32 of the mobile battery 12, the user can pull out the mobile battery 12 from the slot 16 to disconnect the two connectors 32, 140.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the battery lock mechanism 52 includes a link bar 160, a cam 162, a stopper 164, and a camshaft 166.

[0085] The −Z-axis direction side of the link bar 160 is fixed to the connector holder 150. This allows the link bar 160 to move in the Z-axis direction together with the connector 140. Note that the link bar 160 may also be fixed directly to the connector 140.

[0086] The +Z-axis direction side of the link bar 160 is fixed to the cam 162. This allows the cam 162 to move together with the link bar 160 in the Z-axis direction.

[0087] The cam 162 has a cam slit 168. The cam slit 168 penetrates the cam 162 in the X-axis direction. The cam slit 168 is formed in an S-shape. Both end portions of the cam slit 168 extend in the Z-axis direction. One end portion of the cam slit 168 in the +Z-axis direction is located closer to the +Y-axis direction than the other end portion of the cam slit 168 in the -Z-axis direction. The portion between one end portion and the other end portion of the cam slit 168 is an inclined portion that extends more in the +Y-axis direction as it approaches the +Z-axis direction.

[0088] The stopper 164 has a stopper body 164a and two connecting portions 164b. The stopper body 164a is plate-shaped. Each of the two connecting portions 164b extends in the -Z-axis direction from the end of the stopper body 164a in the +Y-axis direction. The two connecting portions 164b are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

[0089] The camshaft 166 passes through the cam slit 168 and the stopper 164. As shown in FIG. 7, when the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot 16, the stopper body 164a of the stopper 164 is positioned in the +Z-axis direction relative to the main case 22 of the mobile battery 12.

[0090] The stopper 164 is mechanically connected to the connector 140 via the battery lock mechanism 52 and the connector holder 150. More specifically, the stopper 164 is mechanically connected to the connector 140 by the link bar 160, the cam 162, and the connector holder 150. The link bar 160 transmits the movement of the connector holder 150 in the Z-axis direction, which moves together with the connector 140, to the cam 162. The cam 162 converts the movement of the link bar 160 in the Z-axis direction into the movement of the stopper 164 in the Y-axis direction.

[0091] The stopper 164 is mechanically connected to the motor 142, pinion, and rack by the link bar 160, cam 162, and connector holder 150. This allows the common motor 142 to be used as the drive source for moving the connector 140 in the Z-axis direction and the drive source for moving the stopper 164 in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the number of drive sources is reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the slot 16 can be suppressed. Note that being mechanically connected does not only refer to a state in which the connector 140 is connected by a rigid body, such as the link bar 160, but also includes a state in which the connector 164 is connected by the meshing of multiple gears, etc.

[0092] Furthermore, if the drive source that moves connector 140 in the Z-axis direction and the drive source that moves stopper 164 in the Y-axis direction were separate, there is a possibility that the timing at which connector 140 moves and the timing at which stopper 164 moves may not match. As described above, connector 140 and stopper 164 are mechanically connected to each other so that stopper 164 moves in conjunction with connector 140. This makes it possible to match the timing at which connector 140 moves and the timing at which stopper 164 moves.

[0093] When the cam 162 moves in the -Z-axis direction, the camshaft 166 moves to one end of the cam slit 168. This causes the stopper 164 to move in the +Y-axis direction. As a result, the stopper body 164a does not protrude into the slot sleeve 50. At this time, the battery lock mechanism 52 is in an unlocked state. This causes the battery lock mechanism 52 not to hinder the movement of the mobile battery 12 being inserted into the slot 16. Furthermore, the battery lock mechanism 52 does not hinder the movement of the mobile battery 12 being pulled out of the slot 16.

[0094] When the cam 162 moves in the +Z-axis direction, the camshaft 166 moves to the other end of the cam slit 168. This causes the stopper 164 to move in the -Y-axis direction. As a result, the stopper body 164a protrudes into the slot sleeve 50. At this time, the battery lock mechanism 52 is in a locked state. When the mobile battery 12 held in the slot 16 moves in the +Z-axis direction, the stopper 164 abuts against the top case 24 of the mobile battery 12. This causes the battery lock mechanism 52 to restrict the movement of the mobile battery 12 being pulled out of the slot 16.

[0095] The battery lock mechanism 52 including the link bar 160 is longer than the mobile battery 12 held in the slot sleeve 50. Therefore, the stopper 164 can be positioned in the +Z-axis direction relative to the mobile battery 12. As a result, when the battery lock mechanism 52 is in the locked state and the mobile battery 12 is pulled out in the +Z-axis direction, the stopper 164 comes into contact with the top case 24 of the mobile battery 12. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide grooves or the like for engaging with the stopper 164 on the four side surfaces 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d of the mobile battery 12.

[0096] When the battery lock mechanism 52 is in the locked state, the camshaft 166 is located at the other end of the cam slit 168 of the cam 162. At this time, even if a force acts on the stopper 164 in the +Y-axis direction, movement of the stopper 164 in the +Y-axis direction is restricted. This prevents the battery lock mechanism 52 from entering the unlocked state.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 1 , the end of the bezel 76 of the slot 16 in the +Z-axis direction is exposed in the +Z-axis direction from the front surface 19 of the battery exchange machine 10. The slot 16 is inclined relative to the vertical direction (the direction of gravity). When a user stands upright facing the front surface of the battery exchange machine 10, the upper part of the slot 16 is located farther from the user than the lower part of the slot 16. This causes the user to assume a forward-leaning posture when inserting or removing the mobile battery 12 from the slot 16. This makes it easy for the user to insert or remove the mobile battery 12 from the slot 16.

[0098] [Insertion and removal of the mobile battery 12 from the slot 16] Next, the operation of inserting and removing the mobile battery 12 into and from the slot 16 will be described.

[0099] When the SOC of the mobile battery 12 drops, the user inserts the mobile battery 12 into an empty slot 16 in the battery exchange machine 10. At this time, the user grasps the handle 26 (see Figures 2 and 3) and lifts the mobile battery 12. The user points the bottom case 20 toward the slot 16 and tilts the mobile battery 12. The user also points the convex curved side surface 34a vertically upward. As a result, with the side surface 34a facing vertically upward, the bottom case 20 is in a low position and the top case 24 is in a high position.

[0100] Next, the user inserts the bottom case 20 into the opening 42 of the slot 16 (see Figures 5 and 6). At this time, the side surface 34c of the mobile battery 12 faces vertically downward, and the side surface 34a faces vertically upward. This causes the bottom case 20 to move to the back side of the slot guide 80. Here, two inner bezel rails 92 are provided on the lower inner surface 88a of the slot guide 80 and the lower inner surface of the slot flange 78. Therefore, the side surface 34c of the bottom case 20 abuts against the upper surfaces of the two inner bezel rails 92.

[0101] In this state, the user pushes the mobile battery 12 toward the holding space 54e. This pushing causes the mobile battery 12 to move toward the holding space 54e. At this time, the mobile battery 12 pushes the end face of the door 44 on the +Z-axis direction side in the -Z-axis direction. This causes the door 44 to rotate around the shaft 100. The door 44 retreats to a location on the +Y-axis direction side within the holding space 54e.

[0102] When the mobile battery 12 moves toward the holding space 54e, the side surface 34c of the mobile battery 12 slides against the bezel inner rail 92. This prevents the lower inner surface 88a from being worn. Furthermore, because the bezel inner rail 92 bears the weight of the mobile battery 12, it also prevents the left inner surface 88b, the right inner surface 88c, and the upper inner surface 88d from being worn. This maintains the aesthetic appearance of the slot guide 80 and the slot flange 78.

[0103] The bezel inner rail 92 is provided from the slot guide 80 to the slot flange 78. Therefore, the bezel inner rail 92 extends from the opening 42 to the opening 54f of the slot body 54. This makes it easy to move the mobile battery 12 to the holding space 54e.

[0104] The bottom case 20 reaches the opening 54f of the slot body 54. A first cylindrical rail 64 is provided on the inner surface of the lower plate 54a of the slot body 54. Therefore, the bottom case 20 transfers from the bezel inner rail 92 to the first cylindrical rail 64. When the user further pushes the mobile battery 12 toward the holding space 54e, the bottom case 20 comes into sliding contact with the upper surface of the guide rail portion 68 of the first cylindrical rail 64. At the same time, the main case 22 comes into sliding contact with the upper surface of the bezel inner rail 92. When the user further pushes the mobile battery 12 toward the holding space 54e, the main case 22 comes into sliding contact with the upper surface of the first cylindrical rail 64. At the same time, the top case 24 comes into sliding contact with the upper surface of the bezel inner rail 92.

[0105] When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the holding space 54e, the four corners 36b of the bottom case 20 and the four corners 36t of the top case 24 pass through the clearance 96a between the protrusion 94 and the lower inner surface 88a and the clearance 96b between the protrusion 94 and the upper inner surface 88d. In other words, the four corners 36b of the bottom case 20 and the four corners 36t of the top case 24 do not interfere with the protrusion 94.

[0106] The second and third cylindrical rails 72 and 74 abut against the side surfaces 34b and 34d of the mobile battery 12 accommodated in the holding space 54e, respectively. The protruding tips of the protrusions 94 also abut against or are close to the side surfaces 34b and 34d. Therefore, the mobile battery 12 is positioned by the two second and two third cylindrical rails 72, 74, and two protrusions 94. This positioning also aligns the connector 32 with the connector 140. In this way, by providing the second and third cylindrical rails 72, 74, and protrusions 94 in the slot 16, it is easy to align the position of the connector 32 with the position of the connector 140.

[0107] When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the holding space 54e and the bottom case 20 of the mobile battery 12 moves up to the bottom cover 60 (see FIG. 7), the mobile battery 12 presses down the detection portion 138 of the detection switch 126. This switches the detection switch 126 from off to on.

[0108] The motor 142 is driven in response to the detection switch 126 being switched on, and moves the connector holder 150 in the +Z-axis direction. This causes the connector 140 to move in the +Z-axis direction. The connector 140 passes through the through-hole 132 and engages with the connector 32 of the mobile battery 12.

[0109] Additionally, in conjunction with the movement of the connector holder 150, the link bar 160 of the battery lock mechanism 52 moves in the +Z-axis direction. This causes the stopper 164 of the battery lock mechanism 52 to protrude into the slot sleeve 50. As a result, the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot 16 is positioned and fixed.

[0110] With the two connectors 32, 140 connected, power is supplied to the mobile battery 12. The supplied power is stored in the cell pack 14 inside the main case 22.

[0111] When the mobile battery 12 is accommodated in a slot 16 in this manner, for example, a light-emitting structure lights up in another slot 16. Specifically, the light-emitting unit 98 of the other slot 16 accommodating the mobile battery 12 lights up. The other slot 16 is a slot accommodating a mobile battery 12 whose SOC has become sufficiently high. The user pulls out the mobile battery 12 from the slot 16 whose light-emitting unit 98 is lit. In this case, the user can easily recognize the opening 42, which is the starting position for pulling out the mobile battery 12, based on the lit position of the light-emitting unit 98.

[0112] When the user pulls out the mobile battery 12, the bottom case 20 of the mobile battery 12 moves away from the bottom cover 60 in the +Z direction (see FIG. 8). This causes the detection switch 126 to switch from on to off. The motor 142 starts up in response to the detection switch 126 switching off, and moves the connector holder 150 in the -Z axis direction. This causes the connector 140 to move in the -Z axis direction, and the connection between the connector 140 and the connector 32 of the mobile battery 12 is released. The connector 140 passes through the through hole 132 and retreats in the -Z axis direction from the bottom cover 60.

[0113] In conjunction with the movement of the connector holder 150, the link bar 160 of the battery lock mechanism 52 moves in the -Z-axis direction. This causes the stopper 164 of the battery lock mechanism 52 to retract in the +Y-axis direction. As a result, the mobile battery 12 is released from the locked state by the stopper 164. Therefore, the user can easily remove the mobile battery 12 from the slot 16. When the mobile battery 12 is removed from the slot 16, the door 44 closes the opening 54f of the slot body 54.

[0114] [Configuration of the cleaner 200 according to the first embodiment] Next, a cleaner 200 (cleaning device) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the cleaner 200. Figure 10 is a bottom view of the cleaner 200.

[0115] The cleaner 200 is a cleaning device for cleaning the slot 16. The cleaner 200 cleans the inside of the slot 16 while inserted into the slot 16.

[0116] The cleaner 200 has approximately the same external shape (outer shape, first outer shape) as the mobile battery 12. Therefore, in the cleaner 200, the same components as those in the mobile battery 12 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0117] The cleaner 200 includes a housing 25 and a cleaning unit 202 .

[0118] The housing 25 of the cleaner 200 is configured by reusing the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12 (see FIGS. 2 to 4). Therefore, the external shape of the housing 25 of the cleaner 200 is substantially the same as the external shape (second external shape) of the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12. The dimensions of the housing 25 of the cleaner 200 are substantially the same as the dimensions of the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11 , the cleaner 200 can be inserted into and removed from the slot 16 in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, when the cleaner 200 is inserted into the slot 16, the housing 25 of the cleaner 200 cannot rotate around the central axes 21, 35.

[0119] 9 to 11. The housing 25 of the cleaner 200 may have any shape as long as it can be inserted into and removed from the slot 16 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the shape of the housing 25 of the cleaner 200 may be circular in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 35. In this case, it is preferable that the slot 16 is also cylindrical.

[0120] Furthermore, the external shape of the housing 25 of the cleaner 200 does not have to be substantially the same as the external shape of the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12. The external shape of the housing 25 of the cleaner 200 may be a shape that is similar to the external shape of the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12.

[0121] Furthermore, the dimensions of the housing 25 of the cleaner 200 do not have to be approximately the same as the dimensions of the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12. At least, the dimensions of the portion of the housing 25 of the cleaner 200 that is inserted into the slot 16 need only be approximately the same as the dimensions of the portion of the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12 that is inserted into the slot 16.

[0122] The cleaning unit 202 is housed in a housing 25. The cleaning unit 202 has two suction units 204 and 206, a dust collection unit 208, a fan 210, and a motor 212.

[0123] The dust collecting section 208 is a hollow portion formed inside the housing 25 .

[0124] The two suction parts 204 and 206 are communication passages that open to the outside of the housing 25 and communicate with the dust collecting part 208 .

[0125] One end of one of the suction parts 204 opens to the bottom surface of the bottom case 20. The opening 204a formed at one end of the suction part 204 is formed in the recessed space 38 of the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12. That is, the opening 204a of the suction part 204 is formed by utilizing the recessed space 38. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11 , when the cleaner 200 is inserted into the slot 16, the opening 204a faces the connector 140 and the bottom cover 60 in the Z-axis direction. The other end of the suction part 204 communicates with the dust collection part 208.

[0126] One end of the other suction part 206 opens to a portion of the side surface 34c near the bottom case 20. As a result, as shown in Figure 11, when the cleaner 200 is inserted into the slot 16, the opening 206a formed at one end of the other suction part 206 faces a portion of the lower plate 54a closer to the bottom cover 60. The other end of the suction part 206 communicates with the dust collection part 208.

[0127] The motor 212 is disposed within the dust collection unit 208 along the central axis 35. A rotation shaft (not shown) of the motor 212 extends along the central axis 35 toward the bottom case 20. A power supply (not shown) is housed inside the cleaner 200. The motor 212 is driven by power supplied from the power supply. In other words, the cleaner 200 is a cordless cleaning device. However, the cleaner 200 may also be a corded cleaning device in which the motor 212 is driven by power supplied from an external power source.

[0128] The fan 210 is disposed in the dust collecting section 208 so as to be adjacent to the other ends of the two suction sections 204, 206. The fan 210 is coaxially connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 212. When the motor 212 is driven, the fan 210 rotates around the axis of the rotating shaft.

[0129] The dust collection unit 208 has a portion on the top case 24 side that communicates with the outside via an exhaust port (not shown). A filter (not shown) is arranged on the top case 24 side of the dust collection unit 208 to block the exhaust port.

[0130] An operation button (not shown) is arranged on the surface of the cleaner 200. A user can operate the operation button to drive the cleaner 200. The operation button is provided on the handle 26, for example.

[0131] [Cleaning the inside of slot 16 with cleaner 200] Next, a description will be given of the operation of cleaning the inside of the slot 16 by the cleaner 200. Note that in this description, the same operation as the operation of inserting and removing the mobile battery 12 into and from the slot 16 will not be described.

[0132] The user grasps the handle 26 of the cleaner 200 and points the bottom case 20 toward the empty slot 16 .

[0133] Next, the user inserts the bottom case 20 into the opening 42 (see FIG. 11) of the slot 16 and pushes the cleaner 200 toward the holding space 54e. This pushing causes the cleaner 200 to move toward the holding space 54e.

[0134] At this time, when the user operates the operation button to start the cleaner 200, the motor 212 is driven and the fan 210 rotates. As a result, air in the dust collection unit 208 is exhausted to the outside of the housing 25 through the exhaust port, generating negative pressure within the dust collection unit 208. The generation of negative pressure causes the cleaner 200 to suck dust inside the slot 16 through the two suction units 204 and 206. Specifically, the cleaner 200 sucks dust present on the −Z axis direction side (bottom cover 60 side) of the slot 16 through the opening 204a of the suction unit 204. The cleaner 200 also sucks dust present on the inner surface of the lower plate 54a inside the slot 16 through the opening 206a of the suction unit 206. As described above, a filter is disposed within the dust collection unit 208 to block the exhaust port. Therefore, the sucked dust accumulates within the dust collection unit 208. By driving the cleaner 200 while the user presses the cleaner 200 in the −Z axis direction, the inside of the slot 16 can be cleaned appropriately.

[0135] When the bottom case 20 moves up to the bottom cover 60 (see FIG. 11 ), the cleaner 200 presses down the detection portion 138 of the detection switch 126, switching the detection switch 126 from OFF to ON. When the motor 142 is driven in response to the detection switch 126 switching ON, the connector holder 150 moves in the +Z-axis direction. As a result, the connector 140 moves in the +Z-axis direction, passes through the through-hole 132, and is inserted into the opening 204a of the suction portion 204. This allows the cleaner 200 to suitably suck in dust adhering to the connector 140 and the bottom cover 60 via the suction portion 204. Therefore, the connector 140 can be efficiently cleaned.

[0136] Furthermore, when the bottom case 20 moves to the bottom cover 60, the opening 206a of the suction unit 206 faces a portion of the inner surface of the lower plate 54a near the bottom cover 60. The slot 16 slopes downward as it moves in the -Z-axis direction. Therefore, dust tends to accumulate at the connection between the bottom cover 60 and the lower plate 54a inside the slot 16 (the inner surface of the lower plate 54a, toward the back). By positioning the opening 206a of the suction unit 206 near this connection, dust accumulated at the connection can be efficiently sucked in. Therefore, the connection can be efficiently cleaned.

[0137] When the user determines that cleaning of the inside of the slot 16 is complete, the user pulls out the cleaner 200 from the slot 16. At this time, the user may operate the operation button to continue driving the cleaner 200. This allows the user to clean the inside of the slot 16 while pulling out the cleaner 200 from the slot 16.

[0138] [Modification of the First Embodiment (First Modification)] Next, a cleaner 200A according to a modification (first modification) of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0139] The cleaner 200A according to the first modification has the functions of the above-described cleaner 200 (see FIGS. 9 to 11) and further has a function for inspecting whether or not the connector 140 has deteriorated and the state of the deterioration.

[0140] 15, cleaner 200A further includes tester 220 (inspection unit). That is, cleaner 200A may include housing 25, cleaning unit 202, and tester 220. Tester 220 includes connector 32a (terminal for inspection), power supply 222 (power supply for inspection), switch 224, voltage sensor 226, current sensor 228, processor 230 (detection unit), and output unit 232. Processor 230 includes calculation unit 230a and memory 230b.

[0141] The connector 32a has the same shape as the connector 32 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) of the mobile battery 12. In the housing 25 of the cleaner 200A, a recessed space 38 is provided on the bottom surface of the bottom case 20, similar to the mobile battery 12. The connector 32a is disposed in the recessed space 38. When the cleaner 200A is inserted into the slot 16, the connector 32a and the connector 140 can be connected to each other.

[0142] In accordance with the provision of the connector 32a, the suction portion 204 of the cleaner 200A is provided so as to avoid the connector 32a. Fig. 13 illustrates a case where two suction portions 204 (openings 204a) are provided on the bottom surface of the bottom case 20, with the connector 32a sandwiched between them.

[0143] A power converter 240 is connected to the connector 140. The power converter 240 includes an inverter or a DC / DC converter. When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 16 and the two connectors 32, 140 are connected, the power converter 240 charges the cell pack 14 with DC power via the two connectors 32, 140. Alternatively, the power converter 240 receives DC power discharged from the cell pack 14 via the two connectors 32, 140.

[0144] The power supply 222 is a DC power supply. The positive terminal of the power supply 222 is connected to the connector 32a via a positive wire 242. The negative terminal of the power supply 222 is connected to the connector 32a via a negative wire 244. When the cleaner 200A is inserted into the slot 16 and the two connectors 32a and 140 are connected, the power supply 222 is connected to the power converter 240 via the two connectors 32a and 140.

[0145] The switch 224 is disposed on the positive electrode line 242. The switch 224 is turned on and off by a control signal supplied from the calculation unit 230a of the processor 230.

[0146] The voltage sensor 226 is disposed between the switch 224 and the connector 32a. The voltage sensor 226 is connected in parallel to the series circuit of the power supply 222 and the switch 224. The voltage sensor 226 sequentially detects the DC voltage between the positive electrode line 242 and the negative electrode line 244, and outputs the detection results to the calculation unit 230a.

[0147] The current sensor 228 is disposed on the positive electrode line 242 between the switch 224 and the connector 32a. The current sensor 228 sequentially detects the DC current flowing through the positive electrode line 242 and outputs the detection result to the calculation unit 230a. The current sensor 228 may also be disposed on the negative electrode line 244.

[0148] The processor 230 is an ECU (electronic control unit) mounted in the housing 25. The processor 230 is a computer that may include a processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) or a GPU (graphics processing unit). In other words, the processor 230 may be configured by processing circuitry.

[0149] The arithmetic unit 230a of the processor 230 reads and executes a program stored in the memory 230b, thereby realizing a function for inspecting whether or not the connector 140 is degraded and the state of the degradation.

[0150] At least a part of the processor 230 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Also, at least a part of the processor 230 may be configured by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0151] The memory 230b is a volatile or non-volatile memory, and is used as a working memory for the calculation unit 230a, temporarily storing data necessary for processing or calculation.

[0152] When the two connectors 32a and 140 are connected, the calculation unit 230a turns on the switch 224. This causes a DC current to flow from the power supply 222 to the power converter 240. At this time, the voltage sensor 226 sequentially detects the DC voltage and outputs the detection results to the calculation unit 230a. In addition, the current sensor 228 sequentially detects the DC current and outputs the detection results to the calculation unit 230a.

[0153] The calculation unit 230a acquires the detection result of the DC voltage from the voltage sensor 226, and acquires the detection result of the DC current from the current sensor 228. Using the acquired DC voltage and DC current, the calculation unit 230a calculates the resistance value from the positions of the voltage sensor 226 and the current sensor 228 to the power converter 240 (resistance value = DC voltage / DC current).

[0154] The calculation unit 230a determines whether the connector 140 has deteriorated based on the calculated resistance value. For example, if the calculated resistance value is higher than a predetermined threshold value, the calculation unit 230a determines that the connector 140 has deteriorated. Alternatively, the calculation unit 230a determines the deterioration state of the connector 140 based on the calculated resistance value.

[0155] The calculation unit 230a outputs the determination result of whether or not the connector 140 has deteriorated or the state of the deterioration to the outside of the cleaner 200 via the output unit 232. The output unit 232 is, for example, a display unit such as a display that displays the determination result as an image, or an audio output unit such as a speaker that outputs the determination result as audio.

[0156] Therefore, the cleaner 200A according to the first modification can clean the inside of the slot 16 and the connector 140 while simultaneously detecting whether or not the connector 140 has deteriorated and the state of that deterioration. By detecting whether or not the connector 140 has deteriorated and the state of that deterioration, it is also possible to predict the lifespan of the connector 140.

[0157] [Other Modifications of the First Embodiment] In the above description, the cleaners 200 and 200A are mainly used to clean the connector 140, the bottom cover 60, and the lower plate 54a. The cleaners 200 and 200A may have openings 204a and 206a for the suction sections 204 and 206 provided on the side surfaces 34a, 34b, and 34d. This allows dust adhering to the upper plate 54d, the left plate 54b, and the right plate 54c to be efficiently sucked in.

[0158] In the above description, the battery exchange machine 10 is a charging device for the mobile battery 12. The battery exchange machine 10 may also be a power supply device that outputs power supplied from the mobile battery 12 to the outside of the battery exchange machine 10. Alternatively, the battery exchange machine 10 may function as both a charging device and a power supply device.

[0159] A brush may be provided on the outer surface of the cleaner 200, 200A. In this way, when the cleaner 200, 200A is inserted into or removed from the slot 16, the tip of the brush comes into contact with the inside of the slot 16, making it possible to scrape off dust adhering to the inside of the slot 16. Examples of the brush include a cloth brush and a sponge brush.

[0160] When inserting or removing the cleaner 200, 200A into or from the slot 16, water may be sprayed from the cleaner 200, 200A toward the inside of the slot 16. This makes it possible to wash away dust adhering to the inside of the slot 16.

[0161] In the above description, the entire cleaning unit 202 is accommodated inside the housing 25 of the cleaner 200, 200A. In the first embodiment, a part of the cleaning unit 202 may be disposed outside the housing 25 of the cleaner 200, 200A. For example, a part of the suction units 204, 206 may be a suction hose, a suction nozzle, or the like, and the suction hose, the suction nozzle, or the like may be provided outside the housing 25.

[0162] [Effects of the first embodiment] The effects of the first embodiment will be described.

[0163] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, the cleaners 200 and 200A include the cleaning portion 202, so that the inside of the slot 16 can be cleaned efficiently.

[0164] The housing 25 of the cleaner 200, 200A houses the cleaning unit 202, and the external shape of the housing 25 is similar to the external shape of the mobile battery 12 (see FIGS. 2 to 4). This allows the cleaner 200, 200A to be easily inserted into and removed from the slot 16. As a result, the inside of the slot 16 can be cleaned effectively.

[0165] The external shape of the housing 25 of the cleaners 200 and 200A is substantially the same as the external shape of the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12. This allows the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12 to be used as the housing 25 of the cleaners 200 and 200A. As a result, the manufacturing costs of the cleaners 200 and 200A can be reduced.

[0166] The external shape of the housing 25 of the cleaners 200 and 200A has the same dimensions as the external shape of the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12, at least in the range of the housing 25 that is inserted into the slot 16. This allows the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12 to be used as the housing 25 of the cleaners 200 and 200A, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the cleaners 200 and 200A.

[0167] The external shape of the housing 25 of the cleaners 200 and 200A is similar to the shape of the inside of the slot 16. This allows the inside of the slot 16 to be efficiently cleaned while the cleaners 200 and 200A are inserted into and removed from the slot 16.

[0168] The inside of slot 16 has a generally rectangular shape in a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, cleaners 200 and 200A also have a generally rectangular shape in the plane. This allows cleaners 200 and 200A to be inserted into and removed from slot 16, thereby more efficiently cleaning the inside of slot 16.

[0169] When the cleaners 200, 200A are inserted into the slots 16, the cleaners 200, 200A cannot rotate around the central axes 21, 35. This determines the orientation of the cleaners 200, 200A within the slots 16 (the rotational phase around the central axes 21, 35). As a result, the quality of cleaning for the slots 16 is stabilized. In other words, it is possible to reduce variations in cleaning quality depending on the user.

[0170] The cleaning unit 202 can easily clean the connector 140 of the battery exchange machine 10 with the cleaner 200, 200A inserted in the slot 16.

[0171] The tester 220 of the cleaner 200A inspects the connector 140 while the cleaner 200A is inserted into the slot 16. In this case, the tester 220 supplies a direct current from a power source 222 to the connector 140. The calculation unit 230a detects the presence or absence of deterioration of the connector 140 and the state of the deterioration based on the direct current. This makes it possible to detect the presence or absence of deterioration of the connector 140 and the state of the deterioration while cleaning the inside of the slot 16. By detecting the presence or absence of deterioration of the connector 140 and the state of the deterioration, it is also possible to predict the lifespan of the connector 140.

[0172] [Configuration of the cleaner 300 according to the second embodiment] Next, a cleaner 300 (cleaning device) according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 16 to 18. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a battery exchange machine 10 including the cleaner 300. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner 300. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner 300 as viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0173] The cleaner 300 is provided in the battery exchange machine 10. The cleaner 200 is a cleaning device for cleaning the mobile battery 12 (see FIGS. 2 to 4). The cleaner 300 cleans the outer surface (exterior) of the mobile battery 12 while the mobile battery 12 is inserted.

[0174] Specifically, the cleaner 300 has an external shape similar to that of the slot 16 (see FIGS. 5 to 8). The cleaner 300 is provided in the battery exchange machine 10 by replacing at least one of the multiple slots 16 of the battery exchange machine 10 with the cleaner 300. FIG. 16 illustrates a case in which the lower left slot 16 of the 12 slots 16 of the battery exchange machine 10 has been replaced with the cleaner 300. Note that in the second embodiment, two or more slots 16 may be replaced with the cleaner 300 in the battery exchange machine 10.

[0175] As described above, the cleaner 300 has approximately the same external shape (outer shape) as the slot 16. Therefore, in the cleaner 300, the same components as those in the slot 16 will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0176] The cleaner 300 includes a slotted sleeve 50 and a cleaning portion 302 .

[0177] The slotted sleeve 50 of the cleaner 300 is configured by reusing the slotted sleeve 50 of the slot 16 (see Figures 5 to 8). Therefore, the external shape (outer shape) of the slotted sleeve 50 of the cleaner 300 is approximately the same as the external shape (outer shape) of the slotted sleeve 50 of the slot 16. The dimensions of the slotted sleeve 50 of the cleaner 300 are approximately the same as the dimensions of the slotted sleeve 50 of the slot 16. Therefore, as shown in Figure 17, the mobile battery 12 can be inserted into and removed from the cleaner 300 in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the cleaner 300, the mobile battery 12 cannot rotate around the central axes 21, 35.

[0178] The slotted sleeve 50 of the cleaner 300 is not limited to the external shape shown in Figures 16 to 18. The slotted sleeve 50 of the cleaner 300 may have any shape as long as it allows the mobile battery 12 to be inserted and removed in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, in a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, the slotted sleeve 50 of the cleaner 300 may have a cylindrical shape. In this case, it is preferable that the mobile battery 12 also has a circular shape.

[0179] Furthermore, the external shape of the slotted sleeve 50 of the cleaner 300 does not have to be substantially the same as the external shape of the slotted sleeve 50 of the slot 16. The external shape of the slotted sleeve 50 of the cleaner 300 may be a shape that is similar to the external shape of the slotted sleeve 50 of the slot 16.

[0180] The cleaning unit 302 is provided inside the battery exchange machine 10 so as to be connected to the slot sleeve 50. The cleaning unit 302 has two suction units 304 and 306, a dust collection unit 308, a fan 310, a motor 312, and a brush 314.

[0181] The dust collecting section 308 is a hollow portion formed inside the battery exchange machine 10 .

[0182] The two suction sections 304 and 306 are communication passages that open toward the slotted sleeve 50 and communicate with the dust collecting section 308 .

[0183] One end of one suction part 304 opens to the bottom cover 60. The opening 304a formed at one end of the suction part 304 is formed at the location of the through-hole 132 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) in the bottom cover 60 of the slot 16. That is, the opening 304a of the suction part 304 is formed by utilizing the through-hole 132. As a result, when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot sleeve 50, the opening 304a and the connector 32 face each other in the Z-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 17. The other end of the suction part 304 communicates with the dust collection part 308.

[0184] One end of the other suction part 306 opens to a location on the lower plate 54a near the bottom cover 60. As a result, as shown in Figure 17, when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot sleeve 50, the opening 306a formed at one end of the other suction part 306 faces the bottom case 20 of the mobile battery 12. The other end of the suction part 306 communicates with the dust collection part 308.

[0185] The motor 312 is disposed within the dust collection unit 308 along the Z-axis direction. A rotating shaft (not shown) of the motor 312 extends along the Z-axis direction toward the bottom cover 60. A power supply (not shown) is housed inside the battery exchange machine 10. The motor 312 is driven by the power supplied from the power supply.

[0186] The fan 310 is disposed in the dust collecting section 308 so as to be adjacent to the other ends of the two suction sections 304, 306. The fan 310 is coaxially connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 312. When the motor 312 is driven, the fan 310 rotates around the axis of the rotating shaft.

[0187] The −Z axis direction side of the dust collection unit 308 is in communication with the outside via an exhaust port (not shown). A filter (not shown) is arranged on the −Z axis direction side of the dust collection unit 308 to block the exhaust port.

[0188] The brush 314 is disposed inside the slotted sleeve 50. The brush 314 is disposed on the inner surface of the slotted body 54. Specifically, the brush 314 is disposed on the inner surfaces of the lower plate 54a, the left plate 54b, the right plate 54c, and the upper plate 54d. The brush 314 extends inward from the inner surfaces of the lower plate 54a, the left plate 54b, the right plate 54c, and the upper plate 54d. In other words, the brush 314 is disposed in the retaining space 54e. To accommodate the brush 314, the slotted sleeve 50 does not include the door 44, the shaft 100, the battery lock mechanism 52, the intra-slot protrusion 62 (see FIGS. 5 to 8), etc. The brush 314 has a length sufficient to contact the side surface of the mobile battery 12 when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slotted sleeve 50. Examples of the brush include a cloth brush and a sponge brush.

[0189] Furthermore, the user can operate the operation panel 18 to drive the cleaner 300, for example.

[0190] [Cleaning the outer surface of the mobile battery 12 with the cleaner 300] Next, the operation of cleaning the outer surface of the mobile battery 12 by the cleaner 300 will be described. Note that in this explanation, the same operations as the insertion and removal of the mobile battery 12 into and from the slot 16 will not be described.

[0191] The user holds the handle 26 of the mobile battery 12 and points the bottom case 20 toward the cleaner 300.

[0192] Next, the user inserts the bottom case 20 into the opening 42 (see FIG. 17) of the cleaner 300 and pushes the mobile battery 12 toward the holding space 54e. This pushing causes the mobile battery 12 to move toward the holding space 54e.

[0193] At this time, the outer surface of the mobile battery 12 comes into contact with the brush 314. As the mobile battery 12 moves in the −Z-axis direction, the brush 314 can scrape off dust adhering to the outer surface of the mobile battery 12. This allows the outer surface of the mobile battery 12 to be efficiently cleaned. The scraped-off dust falls onto the lower plate 54a.

[0194] When the bottom case 20 moves up to the bottom cover 60 (see FIG. 17), the connector 32 of the mobile battery 12 faces the opening 304a of the suction part 304. Also, the bottom case 20 faces the opening 306a of the suction part 306.

[0195] Next, when the user operates the operation panel 18 to start the cleaner 300, the motor 312 is driven and the fan 310 rotates. This causes air in the dust collection unit 308 to be exhausted to the outside of the battery exchange machine 10 through the exhaust port, generating negative pressure within the dust collection unit 308. This negative pressure causes the cleaner 300 to suck dust from the outer surface of the mobile battery 12 via the two suction units 304 and 306. More specifically, the cleaner 300 sucks dust removed from the mobile battery 12 by the brush 314 via the openings 304a and 306a of the suction units 304 and 306. As described above, the connector 32 and the opening 304a face each other. This allows the cleaner 300 to efficiently suck dust adhering to the connector 32 via the suction unit 304.

[0196] Furthermore, when the bottom case 20 of the mobile battery 12 moves up to the bottom cover 60, the opening 206a of the suction part 206 faces the bottom case 20. The slotted sleeve 50 is inclined downward as it moves in the -Z-axis direction. Therefore, dust removed from the mobile battery 12 tends to accumulate at the connection point between the bottom cover 60 and the lower plate 54a inside the slotted sleeve 50 (the inner surface of the lower plate 54a, at the back side). The cleaner 300 can effectively suck in dust at the connection point through the opening 306a of the suction part 306.

[0197] The dust sucked in as described above accumulates in the dust collection section 308. Therefore, the cleaner 300 can efficiently clean the connector 32 and the outer surface of the mobile battery 12.

[0198] In the above description, the motor 312 may be driven from the moment the bottom case 20 of the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 16. This allows the brush 314 to scrape off dust adhering to the outer surface of the mobile battery 12, while efficiently sucking up the scraped-off dust.

[0199] When the user determines that cleaning of the mobile battery 12 is complete, he or she removes the mobile battery 12 from the cleaner 300. At this time, the mobile battery 12 moves in the +Z-axis direction, allowing the brush 314 to efficiently scrape off dust remaining on the outer surface of the mobile battery 12. At this time, the motor 312 is driven to rotate the fan 310, allowing the dust removed from the mobile battery 12 to be efficiently sucked in.

[0200] [Modification of the Second Embodiment (Second Modification)] Next, a cleaner 300A according to a modification (second modification) of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0201] A cleaner 300A according to the second modification has the functions of the above-described cleaner 300 (see FIGS. 16 to 18) and further has a function for inspecting whether or not the connector 32 has deteriorated and the state of the deterioration.

[0202] 20, the cleaner 300A further includes a tester 320 (another inspection unit). That is, the cleaner 300A may include a slotted sleeve 50, a cleaning unit 302, and a tester 320. The tester 320 includes a connector 140a, a power supply 322 (another inspection power supply), a switch 324, a voltage sensor 326, a current sensor 328, a processor 330 (another detection unit), and an output unit 332. The processor 330 includes a calculation unit 330a and a memory 330b.

[0203] The connector 140a has the same shape as the connector 140 of the slot 16 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). In the cleaner 300A, the connector 140a is located in the opening 304a. When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the cleaner 300, the connector 140a and the connector 32 can be connected to each other.

[0204] In the mobile battery 12, the cell pack 14 is connected to the connector 32.

[0205] The power supply 322 is a DC power supply. The positive electrode of the power supply 322 is connected to the connector 140a via a positive electrode wire 342. The negative electrode of the power supply 322 is connected to the connector 140a via a negative electrode wire 344. When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the cleaner 300A and the two connectors 32, 140a are connected, the power supply 322 is connected to the cell pack 14 via the two connectors 32, 140a.

[0206] The switch 324 is disposed on the positive electrode line 342. The switch 324 is turned on and off by a control signal supplied from the calculation unit 330a of the processor 330.

[0207] The voltage sensor 326 is disposed between the switch 324 and the connector 140a. The voltage sensor 326 is connected in parallel to the series circuit of the power supply 322 and the switch 324. The voltage sensor 326 sequentially detects the DC voltage between the positive electrode line 342 and the negative electrode line 344, and outputs the detection results to the calculation unit 330a.

[0208] The current sensor 328 is disposed on the positive electrode line 342 between the switch 324 and the connector 140a. The current sensor 328 sequentially detects the DC current flowing through the positive electrode line 342 and outputs the detection result to the calculation unit 330a. The current sensor 328 may also be disposed on the negative electrode line 344.

[0209] The processor 330 is an ECU mounted on the battery exchange machine 10. The processor 330 is a computer that may be configured to include a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. That is, the processor 330 may be configured by a processing circuit.

[0210] The calculation unit 330a of the processor 330 reads and executes a program stored in the memory 330b, thereby realizing a function for inspecting the connector 32 for deterioration or the presence or absence of the deterioration state.

[0211] At least a part of the processor 330 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, an FPGA, etc. Also, at least a part of the processor 330 may be configured by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0212] The memory 330b is a volatile or non-volatile memory, and is used as a working memory for the calculation unit 330a, temporarily storing data necessary for processing or calculation.

[0213] When the two connectors 32, 140a are connected, the calculation unit 330a turns on the switch 324. This causes a DC current to flow from the power supply 322 to the cell pack 14. At this time, the voltage sensor 326 sequentially detects the DC voltage and outputs the detection results to the calculation unit 330a. In addition, the current sensor 328 sequentially detects the DC current and outputs the detection results to the calculation unit 330a.

[0214] The calculation unit 330a acquires the detection result of the DC voltage from the voltage sensor 326 and acquires the detection result of the DC current from the current sensor 328. Using the acquired DC voltage and DC current, the calculation unit 330a calculates the resistance value from the positions of the voltage sensor 326 and the current sensor 328 to the cell pack 14 (resistance value = DC voltage / DC current).

[0215] The calculation unit 330a determines whether the connector 32 has deteriorated based on the calculated resistance value. For example, if the calculated resistance value is higher than a predetermined threshold value, the calculation unit 330a determines that the connector 32 has deteriorated. Alternatively, the calculation unit 330a determines the deterioration state of the connector 32 based on the calculated resistance value.

[0216] The calculation unit 330a outputs the determination result of whether or not the connector 32 has deteriorated or the state of the deterioration to the outside of the battery exchange machine 10 via the output unit 332. The output unit 332 is, for example, a display unit such as a display that displays the determination result as an image, or an audio output unit such as a speaker that outputs the determination result as audio. Alternatively, the calculation unit 330a may cause the operation panel 18 to display the determination result.

[0217] Therefore, the cleaner 300A according to the second modification can clean the mobile battery 12 and the connector 32 while simultaneously detecting whether or not the connector 32 has deteriorated and the state of the deterioration. By detecting whether or not the connector 32 has deteriorated and the state of the deterioration, it is also possible to predict the lifespan of the connector 32.

[0218] [Another Modification of the Second Embodiment] In the above description, the slot 16 of the battery exchange machine 10 is replaced with the cleaners 300 and 300A. In the second embodiment, one cleaning device may be configured using only the cleaners 300 and 300A. In this case, one cleaning device may be configured using one cleaner 300 and 300A. Alternatively, one cleaning device may be configured using a plurality of cleaners 300 and 300A.

[0219] [Effects of the second embodiment] The effects of the second embodiment will be described.

[0220] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, the battery exchange machine 10 has the cleaners 300, 300A, so that the mobile battery 12 can be cleaned efficiently.

[0221] The inner shape of the slot sleeve 50 of the cleaner 300, 300A is similar to the external shape of the housing 25 of the mobile battery 12. This allows the mobile battery 12 to be easily inserted into and removed from the cleaner 300, 300A. As a result, the mobile battery 12 can be effectively cleaned.

[0222] The cleaning unit 302 can clean the connector 32 while the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot sleeve 50. This allows the connector 32 to be cleaned efficiently.

[0223] The tester 320 of the cleaner 300A inspects the connector 32 with the mobile battery 12 inserted into the slot sleeve 50. In this case, the tester 320 supplies a direct current from a power source 322 to the connector 32. The calculation unit 330a detects the presence or absence of deterioration of the connector 32 and the state of the deterioration based on the direct current. This makes it possible to detect the presence or absence of deterioration of the connector 32 and the state of the deterioration while cleaning the mobile battery 12. By detecting the presence or absence of deterioration of the connector 32 and the state of the deterioration, it is also possible to predict the lifespan of the connector 32.

[0224] [Other variations] In the above description, the cleaners 200, 200A, 300, and 300A are applied to the battery exchange machine 10. In the first and second embodiments, the cleaners 200, 200A, 300, and 300A may be applied to devices other than the battery exchange machine 10.

[0225] Specifically, the cleaners 300 and 300A can be applied to cleaning devices that clean containers other than the mobile battery 12. For example, the cleaners 300 and 300A may be used as cleaning devices for cleaning hydrogen containers (portable hydrogen tanks) that store hydrogen, which is an energy source for fuel cells. Alternatively, the cleaners 300 and 300A may be used as cleaning devices for cleaning transported items such as luggage and deliveries.

[0226] Furthermore, cleaners 200 and 200A can be applied to cleaning devices that clean the storage section of a storage device that stores various objects or the storage section of a storage device that stores various objects. For example, cleaners 200 and 200A may be used as cleaning devices for cleaning a place (storage section or storage section) that stores or keeps energy storage devices (energy containers) that store energy sources such as batteries and hydrogen. Alternatively, cleaners 200 and 200A may be used as cleaning devices for cleaning a place that stores or keeps transported items such as parcels and deliveries.

[0227] In addition to the above disclosure, the following additional notes are disclosed.

[0228] (Appendix 1) The cleaning device (200, 200A) is provided with a cleaning unit (202) that is insertable into and removable from a storage section (16) of a storage device (10) that has the storage section (16) capable of storing an object to be stored (12), and that cleans the inside of the storage section when inserted into the storage section.

[0229] According to the present invention, the storage section can be cleaned efficiently.

[0230] (Appendix 2) In the cleaning device described in Appendix 1, the cleaning device may further include a housing (25) that houses the cleaning unit, and a first external shape that is the external shape of the housing may be configured to approximate a second external shape that is the external shape of the storage object.

[0231] This allows the cleaning device to be easily inserted into and removed from the storage section, thereby enabling the inside of the storage section to be cleaned effectively.

[0232] (Appendix 3) In the cleaning device described in Supplementary Note 2, the first outer shape may be substantially the same as the second outer shape.

[0233] This allows the housing of the storage object to be reused as the housing of the cleaning device, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the cleaning device.

[0234] (Appendix 4) In the cleaning device described in Supplementary Note 3, the first outer shape may be formed to have the same dimensions as the second outer shape at least in a range of the housing that is inserted into the storage section.

[0235] This allows the housing of the stored object to be used as the housing of the cleaning device, making it possible to manufacture the cleaning device more inexpensively.

[0236] (Appendix 5) In the cleaning device described in Supplementary Note 1, the cleaning device may further include a housing that houses the cleaning unit, and the outer shape of the housing may be configured to approximate the inner shape of the storage unit.

[0237] This allows the inside of the storage section to be efficiently cleaned while inserting and removing the cleaning device into and from the storage section.

[0238] (Appendix 6) In the cleaning device described in Appendix 5, the inner shape may be formed into an approximately rectangular shape in a plane perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction of the cleaning device relative to the storage section, and the outer shape may be formed into an approximately rectangular shape in the plane.

[0239] This allows the inside of the storage section to be cleaned more efficiently while inserting and removing the cleaning device into and from the storage section.

[0240] (Appendix 7) In the cleaning device described in Appendix 6, the external shape may be formed so that when the cleaning device is inserted into the storage section, the cleaning device cannot rotate around an axis (21) that passes through the center of the storage section and extends in the insertion / removal direction.

[0241] This determines the attitude of the cleaning device within the storage unit (rotational phase around the axis), which stabilizes the quality of cleaning the storage unit and reduces variations in cleaning quality between users.

[0242] (Appendix 8) In the cleaning device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 7, the storage object may be a first power device (12) having a first electrical terminal (32), the storage device may be a second power device (10) having a second electrical terminal (140) detachable from the first electrical terminal, and the cleaning unit may be configured to be able to clean the second electrical terminal when the cleaning device is inserted into the storage unit.

[0243] This allows the cleaning unit to easily clean the second electrical terminal of the second power device while the cleaning device is inserted into the storage unit.

[0244] (Appendix 9) In the cleaning device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 8, the storage object may be a first power device having a first electrical terminal, and the storage device may be a second power device having a second electrical terminal detachable from the first electrical terminal, and the cleaning device may further include an inspection unit (220) that inspects the second electrical terminal when inserted into the storage unit.

[0245] As a result, the inspection unit inspects the second electrical terminal while the cleaning device is inserted into the storage unit.

[0246] (Appendix 10) In the cleaning device described in Appendix 9, the inspection unit may include an inspection terminal (32a) connected to the second electrical terminal, an inspection power supply (222) connected to the inspection terminal and supplying current to the second electrical terminal via the inspection terminal, and a detection unit (230) that detects the presence or absence of deterioration of the second electrical terminal or the state of deterioration based on the current.

[0247] This makes it possible to detect the presence or absence of deterioration of the second electrical terminals and the state of deterioration while cleaning the inside of the storage section. By detecting the presence or absence of deterioration of the second electrical terminals and the state of deterioration, it is also possible to predict the lifespan of the second electrical terminals.

[0248] (Appendix 11) In the cleaning device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 10, the cleaning device may further include another cleaning device (300, 302A) having a storage section (50) capable of storing the storage object and another cleaning section (302) that cleans the outside of the storage object while the storage object is stored in the storage section.

[0249] This allows the stored items to be cleaned efficiently.

[0250] (Appendix 12) In the cleaning device described in Supplementary Note 11, the inner shape of the storage section may be configured to be similar to the outer shape of a housing of the storage object.

[0251] This allows the storage object to be easily inserted into and removed from the cleaning device, thereby enabling the storage object to be effectively cleaned.

[0252] (Appendix 13) In the cleaning device described in Appendix 11 or 12, the storage object may be an electric power device (12) having an electric terminal (32) exposed to the outside of the storage object, and the other cleaning unit may be configured to be able to clean the electric terminal while the electric power device is stored in the storage unit.

[0253] This allows the electrical terminals to be cleaned efficiently.

[0254] (Appendix 14) In the cleaning device described in any one of Appendices 11 to 13, the storage object may be an electric power device having an electric terminal, and the other cleaning device may further include another inspection unit (320) that inspects the electric terminal while the electric power device is stored in the storage unit.

[0255] This allows the inspection unit to inspect the electrical terminals while the storage object is stored in the storage unit.

[0256] (Appendix 15) In the cleaning device described in Appendix 14, the other inspection unit may include another inspection terminal (140a) connected to the electric terminal, another inspection power supply (322) connected to the other inspection terminal and supplying current to the electric terminal via the other inspection terminal, and another detection unit (330) that detects the presence or absence of deterioration of the electric terminal or the state of the deterioration based on the current.

[0257] This makes it possible to detect the presence or absence of deterioration of the electrical terminals and the state of the deterioration while cleaning the stored object. By detecting the presence or absence of deterioration of the electrical terminals and the state of the deterioration, it is also possible to predict the lifespan of the electrical terminals.

[0258] (Appendix 16) In the cleaning device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 15, the storage object may be a power storage device (12) having a power storage unit (14) and a housing that houses the power storage unit.

[0259] This allows the electricity storage device to be cleaned efficiently.

[0260] (Appendix 17) The cleaning device (300, 300A) includes a storage section capable of storing a storage object, and another cleaning section that cleans the exterior of the storage object while the storage object is stored in the storage section.

[0261] According to the present invention, stored objects can be efficiently cleaned.

[0262] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0263] 10...Battery exchange machine (storage device) 12...Mobile battery (item to be stored) 16...Slot (storage area) 50...Slot sleeve (receiving part) 200, 200A, 300, 300A...Cleaner (cleaning device) 202…Cleaning Department 302...Cleaning Department (Other Cleaning Department)

Claims

1. A cleaning device is provided in a storage device having a storage section capable of storing storage objects, the cleaning device being insertable into and removable from the storage section, and cleaning the inside of the storage section when inserted into the storage section.

2. 2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, Further provided is a housing that houses the cleaning unit, A cleaning device in which a first external shape, which is the external shape of the housing, is configured to approximate a second external shape, which is the external shape of the storage object.

3. 3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, The cleaning device is configured such that the first outer shape is substantially the same as the second outer shape.

4. 4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, The cleaning device, wherein the first external shape is configured to have the same dimensions as the second external shape at least in a range of the housing that is inserted into the storage section.

5. 2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, Further provided is a housing that houses the cleaning unit, The cleaning device is configured such that the outer shape of the housing is similar to the inner shape of the storage section.

6. 6. The cleaning device according to claim 5, the inner shape is formed to be substantially rectangular in a plane perpendicular to a direction in which the cleaning device is inserted into and removed from the storage section; The cleaning device, wherein the outer shape in the plane is formed to be substantially rectangular.

7. 7. The cleaning device according to claim 6, The cleaning device has an outer shape formed such that, when the cleaning device is inserted into the storage section, the cleaning device cannot rotate around an axis that passes through the center of the storage section and extends in the insertion / removal direction.

8. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the storage object is a first power device having a first electrical terminal; the storage device is a second power device having a second electrical terminal detachable from the first electrical terminal; The cleaning unit is configured to be able to clean the second electrical terminal when the cleaning unit is inserted into the storage unit.

9. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the storage object is a first power device having a first electrical terminal; the storage device is a second power device having a second electrical terminal detachable from the first electrical terminal; The cleaning device further includes an inspection unit that inspects the second electrical terminal when the cleaning device is inserted into the storage unit.

10. 10. The cleaning device according to claim 9, the inspection unit includes an inspection terminal connected to the second electrical terminal, an inspection power supply connected to the inspection terminal and supplying current to the second electrical terminal via the inspection terminal, and a detection unit that detects whether or not the second electrical terminal has deteriorated or the state of deterioration based on the current.

11. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The cleaning device further includes another cleaning device having a storage section capable of storing the storage object and another cleaning section that cleans the exterior of the storage object while the storage object is stored in the storage section.

12. 12. The cleaning device according to claim 11, A cleaning device in which the internal shape of the storage section is configured to approximate the external shape of the housing of the storage object.

13. 13. The cleaning device according to claim 11 or 12, the storage object is an electric power device having an electric terminal exposed to the outside of the storage object, The other cleaning unit is provided so as to be able to clean the electrical terminals while the power device is housed in the housing unit.

14. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, the storage object is an electric power device having an electric terminal, The other cleaning device further includes another inspection unit that inspects the electrical terminals while the power device is housed in the housing unit.

15. 15. The cleaning device of claim 14, the other inspection unit includes: another inspection terminal connected to the electrical terminal; another inspection power supply connected to the other inspection terminal and supplying current to the electrical terminal via the other inspection terminal; and another detection unit that detects whether or not the electrical terminal has deteriorated or the state of the deterioration based on the current.

16. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The cleaning device, wherein the storage object is a power storage device having a power storage unit and a housing that houses the power storage unit.

17. a storage unit capable of storing storage objects; Another cleaning unit that cleans the outside of the storage object while the storage object is stored in the storage unit; A cleaning device comprising:

Images