Vehicle and battery pack installation method

Abstract

To provide a vehicle equipped with a battery pack with a compact structure that does not interfere with the vehicle, and a method for mounting the battery pack. [Solution] The vehicle and battery pack mounting method includes a replaceable battery pack mounted on the bottom surface of the vehicle, the battery pack comprising a power storage device, a housing for housing the power storage device, a pair of connecting parts arranged on both sides of the housing for connection to the bottom surface of the vehicle, and a folding mechanism for the connecting parts, the folding mechanism folds the connecting parts in the vehicle height direction until the battery pack is transported to the bottom surface of the vehicle when the battery pack is replaced, and after the battery pack has been transported to the bottom surface of the vehicle, it unfolds the connecting parts in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for mounting a vehicle and a battery pack.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses, as a structure of a battery pack mounted on a vehicle, a housing portion that houses a power storage device (power storage module) and a connection portion for connecting the battery pack to a vehicle body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, it has been considered to carry a battery pack to the bottom surface of a vehicle and attach it to the vehicle with the tires in contact with the ground without lifting the vehicle. However, in the battery pack disclosed in Patent Document 1, when being carried to the bottom surface of the vehicle, the connection portion extending in the vehicle width direction may interfere with the vehicle (e.g., tires, etc.), so a more compact structure is required.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle including a battery pack having a compact structure that does not interfere with a vehicle and a method for mounting the battery pack.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle and battery pack mounting method according to this disclosure comprises a replaceable battery pack mounted on the bottom surface of the vehicle, the battery pack comprising an energy storage device, a housing for housing the energy storage device, a pair of connecting parts arranged on both sides of the housing for connection to the bottom surface of the vehicle, and a folding mechanism for the connecting parts, wherein the folding mechanism folds the connecting parts in the vehicle height direction until the battery pack is transported to the bottom surface of the vehicle when the battery pack is replaced, and unfolds the connecting parts in the vehicle width direction after the battery pack has been transported to the bottom surface of the vehicle.

[0007] A battery pack mounting method according to this disclosure includes a transport step of transporting the battery pack to the bottom surface of the vehicle by passing it between a pair of tires of the vehicle, and a mounting step of raising the battery pack toward the bottom surface of the vehicle and mounting it to the bottom surface of the vehicle, wherein in the transport step, the battery pack is transported to the bottom surface of the vehicle with the connecting portion for connecting the battery pack to the bottom surface of the vehicle folded in the vehicle height direction by a folding mechanism, and in the mounting step, the battery pack is mounted to the bottom surface of the vehicle with the connecting portion unfolded in the vehicle width direction by the folding mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, interference between the battery pack and the vehicle can be suppressed when replacing the battery pack on the underside of the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack and elevator in a vehicle according to an embodiment, and is a front view showing the battery pack connection folded and the elevator before operation. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack and elevator in a vehicle according to the embodiment, and is a side view showing the battery pack connection part folded and the elevator before operation. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack and elevator in a vehicle according to the embodiment, and is a front view showing the state after the battery pack connection is deployed and the elevator is in operation. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack and elevator in a vehicle according to the embodiment, and is a side view showing the state after the battery pack connection part is deployed and the elevator is in operation. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view showing the battery pack mounted on the bottom surface of the vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view showing the battery pack mounted on the bottom surface of the vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view showing the configuration of a switch for operating the folding mechanism and a projection for pressing the switch in a vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a front view showing how a battery pack is attached to the bottom surface of a vehicle according to an embodiment by pressing a switch with a protrusion. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view showing the configuration of the elastic member and the projection in a vehicle according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] A vehicle and a method for mounting a battery pack according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that some of the components in the embodiments described below are substituted or substantially identical to those that can be easily substituted by a person skilled in the art.

[0011] (vehicle) A vehicle according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. The vehicle according to the embodiment is a vehicle equipped with a replaceable battery pack. Specific examples of the vehicle according to the embodiment include, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the vehicle according to this embodiment comprises at least a battery pack 1 and a pair of tires 2 arranged in the vehicle width direction. The battery pack 1 is mounted on the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. As will be described later, the transport and replacement of the battery pack 1 is performed using a lifting device 3 equipped with wheels. The replacement of the battery pack 1 is performed with the tires 2 in contact with the ground without lifting the vehicle.

[0013] The battery pack 1 comprises at least a power storage device 11, a housing section 12, a pair of connection sections 13, a pair of folding mechanisms 14, and a pair of locking mechanisms 15.

[0014] The energy storage device (energy storage module) 11 is composed of multiple battery cells. These battery cells are secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, if the battery cells are composed of lithium-ion batteries, they may be either liquid-based batteries or all-solid-state batteries.

[0015] The housing section 12 is a case for housing the energy storage device 11. The connecting section 13 is an EA (Energy Absorption) material that protects the battery pack 1 from side impacts. This connecting section 13 is located on both sides of the housing section 12 via a folding mechanism 14. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the connecting section 13 is connected to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle when unfolded in the vehicle width direction by the folding mechanism 14.

[0016] The connection part 13 is provided with a plurality of screw holes 131 which are thread - cut on the inner peripheral surface. Further, corresponding to these plurality of screw holes 131, on the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle, a plurality of fastening members 41 which are thread - cut on the outer peripheral surface are provided. Then, by inserting and fastening the fastening members 41 into the screw holes 131 of the connection part 13 respectively, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the battery pack 1 is fixed to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle via the connection part 13. Note that the method of fastening the fastening member 41 to the screw hole 131 is not particularly limited. For example, a mechanism for automatically rotating the fastening member 41 may be provided separately to fasten the fastening member 41 to the screw hole 131, or the fastening member 41 may be manually fastened to the screw hole 131.

[0017] The folding mechanism 14 is a hinge for folding and unfolding the connection part 13. In this embodiment, the folding mechanism 14 is attached to the lower side of the housing part 12, but it may be attached to a position other than the lower side of the housing part 12 (center, upper side).

[0018] During the replacement of the battery pack 1, the folding mechanism 14 keeps the connection part 13 in a folded state in the vehicle height direction as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 until the battery pack 1 is transported to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle. Note that "until the battery pack 1 is transported to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle" includes, for example, the following states.

[0019] (1) The state before the battery pack 1 is transported to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle (2) The state before the battery pack 1 is lifted by the elevator 3 after the battery pack 1 is transported to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle

[0020] On the other hand, during the replacement of the battery pack 1, after the battery pack 1 is transported to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle, the folding mechanism 14 keeps the connection part 13 in a deployed state in the vehicle width direction as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Note that "after the battery pack 1 is transported to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle" includes the following states.

[0021] (1) The state after the battery pack 1 has been transported to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle and then raised by the elevator 3. (2) Battery pack 1 is attached to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the locking mechanism 15 maintains the connected portion 13 in the extended state by locking its movement when the connected portion 13 is extended by the folding mechanism 14. The locking mechanism 15 also functions as a reinforcing member when the connected portion 13 is extended, suppressing the shaking of the battery pack 1 due to vibrations.

[0023] Here, as shown in Figure 1, when the connecting part 13 is folded by the folding mechanism 14, the width W of the battery pack 1 is smaller than the distance D between the tires 2. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, when the connecting part 13 is unfolded by the folding mechanism 14, the width W of the battery pack 1 is larger than the distance D between the tires 2.

[0024] By setting the relationship between the width W of the battery pack 1 and the distance D between the tires 2 before and after folding the connection section 13 as described above, interference between the battery pack 1 and the vehicle's tires 2 is suppressed when transporting the battery pack 1 to the vehicle's bottom surface 4. Furthermore, even if there is insufficient space in the vehicle's width direction on the vehicle's bottom surface 4, for example, the battery pack 1 can be replaced. To achieve the relationship between the width W of the battery pack 1 and the distance D between the tires 2 before and after folding the connection section 13 as described above, one can adjust the width of the storage section 12 or the length of the connection section 13 in relation to the distance D between the tires 2.

[0025] Here, in the battery pack 1, as shown in part A of Figure 1, when the connecting part 13 is folded by the folding mechanism 14, the position of the tip of the connecting part 13 is higher than the height of the housing part 12. "The position of the tip of the connecting part 13 is higher than the height of the housing part 12" means that the radius of rotation of the connecting part 13 when folded by the folding mechanism 14 is longer than the distance from the axis of rotation of the folding mechanism 14 to the top surface of the housing part 12. In other words, when the connecting part 13 is folded, the tip of the connecting part 13 protrudes from the top surface of the housing part 12.

[0026] Conversely, in the battery pack 1, when the connector 13 is folded as in Figure 1, the position of the tip of the connector 13 may be configured to be lower than the height of the housing 12. "The position of the tip of the connector 13 is lower than the height of the housing 12" means that the rotation radius of the connector 13 when folded by the folding mechanism 14 is shorter than the distance from the rotation axis of the folding mechanism 14 to the top surface of the housing 12. In other words, when the connector 13 is folded, the tip of the connector 13 does not protrude from the top surface of the housing 12.

[0027] In this way, by ensuring that the tip of the connecting part 13 does not protrude from the storage part 12 when the connecting part 13 is folded, interference between the battery pack 1 and the vehicle can be more reliably suppressed when transporting the battery pack 1 to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle.

[0028] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, an example is shown where the connecting portion 13 is folded upward by the folding mechanism 14. However, the connecting portion 13 may also be folded downward. By folding the connecting portion 13 downward in this way, the tip of the connecting portion 13 no longer protrudes from the housing portion 12, thereby more reliably suppressing interference between the battery pack 1 and the vehicle when transporting the battery pack 1 to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle.

[0029] Here, the specific method for operating the folding mechanism 14 to open and close the connection part 13 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Figure 7, a switch 16 for operating the folding mechanism 14 may be provided on the top surface of the battery pack 1. This switch 16 is configured, for example, to be linked to the operation of the folding mechanism 14. In addition, a projection 42 for pressing the switch 16 is also provided on the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle, corresponding to the switch 16.

[0030] After the battery pack 1 is transported to the vehicle's bottom surface 4, as shown in Figure 8, when the battery pack 1 is raised by the lifter 3, the switch 16 is pressed by the projection 42, the folding mechanism 14 operates, and the connector 13 unfolds. In order to suppress interference between the switch 16 and the battery pack 1, it is preferable that the projection 42, after the switch 16 is pressed, be able to be stored in the vehicle's bottom surface 4, as shown in Figure 8. In this way, by using the switch 16 and the projection 42, the battery pack 1 can be attached to the vehicle's bottom surface 4 by unfolding the connector 13 with a simple operation of raising the battery pack 1 with the lifter 3.

[0031] Furthermore, when using the switch 16 or the projection 42, for example, when the battery pack 1 attached to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle is lowered to remove it, the switch 16 is released from pressing the projection 42. In response, the connector 13 also folds down.

[0032] The method for opening and closing the connecting portion 13 by operating the folding mechanism 14 is not limited to the method shown in Figures 7 and 8. For example, as shown in Figure 9, a pair of elastic members 17 and a pair of protrusions 43 may be used.

[0033] The elastic member 17 is used in place of the locking mechanism 15. This elastic member 17 connects the side surface of the housing 12 to the upper surface of the connecting part 13. The projection 43 is provided on the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle, and its tip is in contact with the upper surface of the connecting part 13.

[0034] Until the battery pack 1 is transported to the vehicle's bottom surface 4, the elastic force of the elastic member 17 pulls the connection portion 13, keeping it folded. On the other hand, after the battery pack 1 has been transported to the vehicle's bottom surface 4, when the battery pack 1 is raised by the lifter 3, as shown in Figure 9, the connection portion 13 is pushed by the projection 43, activating the folding mechanism 14 and unfolding the connection portion 13. In order to suppress interference between the projection 43 and the battery pack 1, it is preferable that the projection 43, after pushing the connection portion 13, be able to be stored in the vehicle's bottom surface 4. In this way, by using the elastic member 17 and the projection 43, the battery pack 1 can be attached to the vehicle's bottom surface 4 by unfolding the connection portion 13 with a simple operation of raising the battery pack 1 with the lifter 3.

[0035] Furthermore, when using the elastic member 17 and the projection 43, for example, when the battery pack 1 attached to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle is lowered to remove it, the projection 43 is released from pressing against the connection part 13. In response, the connection part 13 also folds down.

[0036] (How to install the battery pack) A method for installing a battery pack according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In the battery pack installation method according to the embodiment, the battery pack 1 is transported to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle without lifting the vehicle, and the battery pack 1 is installed on the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the battery pack installation method according to the embodiment, the transport step and the installation step are performed in this order.

[0037] In the transport step, the battery pack 1 is transported to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle by passing it between a pair of tires 2 of the vehicle. In the transport step, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the elevator 3 on which the battery pack 1 is placed is transported to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle without operating the elevator 3. The method of transporting the elevator 3 to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle is not particularly limited; the elevator 3 may be towed to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle using some device, or the elevator 3 itself may be moved to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle autonomously or non-autonomously.

[0038] Furthermore, in the transport step, specifically as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the battery pack 1 is transported to the vehicle's bottom surface 4 with the connecting portion 13 for connecting the battery pack 1 to the vehicle's bottom surface 4 folded in the vehicle height direction by the folding mechanism 14.

[0039] In the installation step, the battery pack 1 is raised toward the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle and attached to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle. In the installation step, first, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the connecting part 13 is unfolded in the vehicle width direction by the folding mechanism 14 at the position of the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle. Next, with the connecting part 13 unfolded in the vehicle width direction, the lifting device 3 on which the battery pack 1 is placed is operated, and the battery pack 1 is raised as shown in Figure 5, thereby attaching the battery pack 1 to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle. In addition, in the installation step, the battery pack 1 is fixed to the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle by fastening members 41 provided on the bottom surface 4 of the vehicle to multiple screw holes 131 of the connecting part 13.

[0040] According to the vehicle and battery pack mounting method of the embodiment described above, interference between the battery pack 1 and the vehicle can be suppressed when replacing the battery pack 1 on the underside 4 of the vehicle. Furthermore, by making the connection portion 13 of the battery pack 1 foldable, the width of the energy storage device 11 can be increased, thereby increasing the battery capacity.

[0041] Furthermore, in the vehicle and battery pack mounting method according to the embodiment, the battery pack 1 can be replaced by sliding it under the vehicle's bottom surface 4 without lifting the vehicle, thus allowing for easy and low-cost replacement of the battery pack 1. In addition, since the battery pack 1 can be replaced quickly in the vehicle and battery pack mounting method according to the embodiment, the vehicle's charging time (downtime) can be reduced.

[0042] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0043] 1 Battery pack 11. Energy storage device 12 Storage Unit 13 Connection part 131 screw holes 14. Folding mechanism 15. Locking mechanism 16 switches 17 Elastic members 2 tires 3 Elevators 4. Bottom 41 Fastening members 42,43 Protrusion

Claims

1. It is mounted on the underside of the vehicle and has a replaceable battery pack. The aforementioned battery pack is Energy storage device, A housing section for housing the aforementioned energy storage device, A pair of connecting parts are arranged on both sides of the aforementioned storage section and connected to the bottom surface of the vehicle, The folding mechanism of the aforementioned connecting part, Equipped with, The folding mechanism is designed to allow for the replacement of the battery pack. Until the battery pack is transported to the bottom of the vehicle, the connection part is folded in the direction of the vehicle height. After the battery pack has been transported to the bottom of the vehicle, the connection portion is extended in the vehicle width direction. vehicle.

2. The vehicle has a pair of tires in the vehicle width direction, When the connecting portion is folded by the folding mechanism, the width of the battery pack is smaller than the distance between the tires. When the connecting portion is unfolded by the folding mechanism, the width of the battery pack is greater than the distance between the tires. The vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when the connecting portion is folded by the folding mechanism, the position of the tip of the connecting portion is lower than the height of the storage portion.

4. A switch for operating the folding mechanism is provided on the top surface of the battery pack. The bottom surface of the vehicle is provided with a projection for pressing the switch. The vehicle according to claim 1.

5. A transport step for transporting the battery pack through a pair of tires of the vehicle to the bottom surface of the vehicle, Mounting step: Raising the battery pack toward the bottom surface of the vehicle and attaching it to the bottom surface of the vehicle, Includes, In the transport step, the battery pack is transported to the bottom of the vehicle with the connecting portion for connecting the battery pack to the bottom of the vehicle folded in the vehicle height direction by a folding mechanism. In the aforementioned mounting step, with the connecting portion unfolded in the vehicle width direction by the folding mechanism, the battery pack is attached to the bottom surface of the vehicle. How to install the battery pack.

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