Battery charging device

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a battery charging device that is convenient to use and allows for stable management. [Solution] A battery charging device according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a case having a housing space into which a battery pack is inserted; a movable plate on which the battery pack is placed and which moves along the length of the case within the housing space; a terminal plate provided with charging terminals that are selectively connected to the battery pack inserted in the housing space; and a guide portion disposed within the housing space that guides the movable plate to move along the length of the case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery charging device, and more particularly to a battery charging device into which a battery pack is inserted.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, and the like. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, so they can be freely charged and discharged, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0003] Such lithium secondary batteries usually use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. In addition, a lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, an electrode assembly in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material for sealing and storing the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.

[0004] On the other hand, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the battery case. And the can-type secondary battery can be further classified into a cylindrical battery and a prismatic battery according to the form of the metal can.

[0005] In recent years, the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has been increasing rapidly. As the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, etc. has become full-scale, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged using the aforementioned lithium secondary batteries has been actively carried out.

[0006] In particular, the number of vehicles with internal combustion engines is gradually decreasing, and consequently, the demand for hybrid and electric vehicles is increasing. In line with this trend, the demand for electric motorcycles and electric scooters, which are driven solely by electric motors, is also increasing for two-wheeled vehicles used for short-distance travel, and the market is expanding even further.

[0007] Traditionally, to charge the batteries of electric motorcycles, users had to either travel to a separate charging facility or connect a plug-in type charger to the motorcycle. However, this method had the drawback of requiring users to wait until the battery was fully charged, during which time they could not operate the motorcycle.

[0008] To address these issues, Battery Swapping Stations (BSS) have been introduced, where users can return used batteries and receive fully charged ones.

[0009] Such battery swapping stations need to provide users with an optimized battery swapping experience, and the management of these battery swapping stations needs to be efficiently implemented. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] One problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a battery charging device that is convenient to use and allows for stable management.

[0011] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A battery charging device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a case having a housing space into which a battery pack is inserted, a terminal plate provided with charging terminals selectively connected to the battery pack inserted in the housing space, and an opening / closing plate located between the entrance to the housing space and the terminal plate, configured to open and close in accordance with the movement of the battery pack.

[0013] The battery charging device may further include a movable plate on which the battery pack is mounted and which moves along the length of the case within the housing space.

[0014] The battery charging device may further include a plate fixing part that secures the movable plate when the battery pack and the charging terminals are connected.

[0015] The movable plate may be equipped with a damper configured to mitigate the impact applied when the battery pack is inserted.

[0016] The battery charging device may further include a guide section positioned within the housing space and guiding the movable plate to move along the length of the case.

[0017] The guide portion may include a guide rail positioned on the inner surface of the case and extending in the longitudinal direction of the case, and a guide block slidably coupled to the guide rail and to which the movable plate is connected.

[0018] The guide rail may be equipped with a damper configured to mitigate the impact applied by the guide block when the battery pack is inserted or removed.

[0019] The guide portion may further include an electromagnet that selectively applies an attractive force to the terminal plate on the guide block.

[0020] The guide portion may further include an elastic member that applies an elastic force to the guide block toward the entrance of the accommodation space.

[0021] The elastic member can be a spring configured to pull the guide block toward the entrance of the accommodation space.

[0022] The battery charging device may further include a pack fixing portion provided on the terminal plate for fixing the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected.

[0023] The battery pack can be connected to the charging terminal in a state where the opening / closing plate is open.

[0024] The opening / closing plate can be configured to close when the battery pack is discharged from the accommodation space.

[0025] The battery charging device may further include a driving portion that selectively opens and closes the opening / closing plate according to the movement of the battery pack.

[0026] The battery charging device may further include a proximity sensor that detects whether the battery pack has reached a predetermined position.

[0027] The driving portion can be configured to open and close the opening / closing plate based on the detection result of the proximity sensor.

[0028] The opening / closing plate can include a first plate and a second plate arranged in the width direction of the case and rotating in opposite directions to each other.

[0029] The first plate can be pivotally hinged to the inner surface of one side of the case, and the second plate can be pivotally hinged to the inner surface of the other side of the case.

[0030] When the opening / closing plate is opened, the battery pack can enter between the first plate and the second plate.

[0031] With the battery pack connected to the charging terminal, the battery pack can be positioned between the first plate and the second plate.

[0032] With the battery pack connected to the charging terminal, the first plate and the second plate can be configured to support both sides of the battery pack.

[0033] A battery charging device according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a case having a housing space into which a battery pack is inserted; a movable plate on which the battery pack is placed and which moves along the length of the case within the housing space; a terminal plate provided with charging terminals that are selectively connected to the battery pack inserted in the housing space; and a guide portion disposed within the housing space and guiding the movable plate to move along the length of the case.

[0034] The movable plate may be equipped with a damper configured to mitigate the impact applied by the battery pack when the battery pack is inserted.

[0035] The guide portion may include a guide rail positioned on the inner surface of the case and extending in the longitudinal direction of the case, and a guide block slidably coupled to the guide rail and to which the movable plate is connected.

[0036] The guide rail may be equipped with a damper configured to mitigate the impact applied by the guide block when the battery pack is inserted into or removed from the rail.

[0037] The guide portion may further include an electromagnet that selectively applies an attractive force to the terminal plate on the guide block.

[0038] The guide portion may further include an elastic member that applies elastic force to the guide block toward the entrance of the containment space.

[0039] The elastic member may be a spring configured to pull the guide block toward the entrance of the housing space.

[0040] The battery charging device may further include a plate fixing part that secures the movable plate when the battery pack and the charging terminals are connected.

[0041] The plate fixing portion may include a latch configured to be connected to the movable plate, and a latch driving portion that drives the latch so that the latch fixes or releases the movable plate.

[0042] The battery charging device may further include a pack fixing portion provided on the terminal plate, which secures the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminals are connected.

[0043] The pack fixing part may include a hook configured to be connected to the battery pack, and a hook driving part that drives the hook so that the hook fixes or releases the battery pack.

[0044] The terminal plate has an opening through which the hook protrudes, and the hook can pass through the opening and be selectively connected to the battery pack.

[0045] The aforementioned hooks may comprise a pair located on both sides of the charging terminal.

[0046] The battery charging device may further include a door that selectively opens and closes the entrance to the storage space.

[0047] The door section may include a door frame provided at one end of the case and defining an entrance to the storage space, and a door plate rotatably hinged to the door frame and selectively opening and closing the entrance to the storage space.

[0048] The guide portion may include a guide rail positioned on the inner surface of the case and extending in the longitudinal direction of the case, a guide block slidably coupled to the guide rail and to which the movable plate is connected, and an elastic member that applies an elastic force to the guide block toward the entrance of the housing space.

[0049] The case or the door frame may be provided with a first spring holder to which one end of the elastic member is connected, and the guide block may be provided with a second spring holder to which the other end of the elastic member is connected.

[0050] The door portion may be equipped with a door lock that selectively locks the door plate against the door frame.

[0051] The door lock may include a locking groove formed in the door frame and a locking device provided in the door plate for selectively inserting a locking portion into the locking groove.

[0052] The door section is equipped with a communication unit that communicates wirelessly with an external device or the battery pack, and the door lock can be selectively locked or unlocked in response to a signal input via the communication unit.

[0053] The door plate is connected to the door frame via an elastic hinge, which can apply an elastic force to the door plate so that it closes the entrance to the storage space.

[0054] When the battery pack is inserted into the housing space, the open door plate can be positioned between the battery pack and the inner surface of the case.

[0055] A battery charging device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a case having a housing space into which a battery pack is inserted; a terminal plate having charging terminals that are selectively connected to the battery pack inserted in the housing space and move along the length of the case; a fixing plate facing the terminal plate and located on the opposite side of the entrance to the housing space relative to the terminal plate; and a buffer portion located between the terminal plate and the fixing plate and providing buffer support for the terminal plate.

[0056] One of the two sides of the terminal plate, the side facing the battery pack, may be equipped with a damper configured to mitigate the impact applied by the battery pack when it is inserted.

[0057] The buffer portion may include a shock absorber provided on the fixing plate and a support base provided on the terminal plate, which contacts or connects to the shock absorber when the terminal plate approaches the fixing plate.

[0058] The support base can support the terminal plate relative to the case.

[0059] The support base can be provided at the four corners of the terminal plate.

[0060] The buffer portion can be configured to apply a restoring force to the terminal plate toward the entrance of the housing space.

[0061] The battery charging device may further include a pack fixing portion provided on the terminal plate, which secures the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminals are connected.

[0062] The battery charging device may further include a terminal plate restraining portion that selectively restrains the terminal plate with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case.

[0063] A battery charging device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a case having a housing space into which a battery pack is inserted; a terminal plate provided with charging terminals selectively connected to the battery pack inserted in the housing space; a fixing plate facing the terminal plate and located on the opposite side of the entrance to the housing space relative to the terminal plate; and a buffer portion protruding inward from the fixing plate to the terminal plate and providing buffer support for the battery pack.

[0064] The buffer portion may include a shock absorber provided on the fixing plate and a support base extending from the shock absorber inward from the terminal plate.

[0065] The end of the support base may be equipped with a damper configured to mitigate the impact applied by the battery pack when the battery pack is inserted.

[0066] The terminal plate can have a through hole formed in it through which the support base passes.

[0067] The support base can protrude inward by passing through the four corners of the terminal plate.

[0068] The buffer portion can apply a restoring force to the battery pack toward the entrance of the housing space.

[0069] The battery charging device may further include a pack fixing portion provided on the terminal plate, which secures the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminals are connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the insertion and removal of the battery pack from the case's storage space can be performed smoothly, thereby improving user convenience.

[0071] Furthermore, when the connection between the battery pack and the charging terminal is released, the battery pack can be easily ejected from the case.

[0072] Furthermore, since the battery pack is securely fixed while charging, it is possible to prevent the battery pack from being arbitrarily ejected or separated.

[0073] Furthermore, the impact applied to internal components when inserting the battery pack is mitigated, improving the safety of the battery charging device.

[0074] Furthermore, since the door of the battery charger is locked when not in use, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the case and prevent electric shock accidents to the user.

[0075] Furthermore, various other additional effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. These various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, or their description will be omitted if they are easily understood by those skilled in the art. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0076] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to provide a better understanding of the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in these drawings. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a battery exchange station. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the state of the battery charging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention before a battery pack is inserted. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the battery charger with a battery pack inserted. [Figure 4] This figure shows the inside of a battery charging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' in Figure 2. [Figure 6]This is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B' in Figure 3. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C' in Figure 2. [Figure 8] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the door section shown in Figure 2, viewed from a different direction. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0077] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be realized in various different forms and is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0078] To clearly illustrate the present invention, detailed descriptions of relevant prior art that are not relevant to the description or that may obscure the gist of the invention have been omitted. In this specification, when assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the specification for components that are the same or similar.

[0079] Furthermore, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted in a manner and concept consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention.

[0080] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery exchange station.

[0081] The battery replacement station 1 may include at least one, preferably more than one, battery charging device 100. For example, the multiple battery charging devices 100 can be housed in a single cabinet, and the user can access the multiple battery charging devices 100 from the front of the cabinet.

[0082] A battery pack can be inserted into each battery charging device 100, and the battery charging device 100 can charge the inserted battery pack. Users can receive fully charged battery packs from each battery charging device 100 and return their existing battery packs to the battery charging device 100.

[0083] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the battery charging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention before a battery pack is inserted; Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the battery charging device shown in Figure 2 with a battery pack inserted; Figure 4 is a diagram showing the inside of the battery charging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' in Figure 2; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B' in Figure 3; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C' in Figure 2; and Figure 8 is a perspective view of the door section shown in Figure 2 from another direction.

[0084] A battery charging device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a case 110 having a housing space S into which a battery pack 10 is inserted, a movable plate 120 on which the battery pack 10 is placed, a terminal plate 130 provided with charging terminals 131, and a guide portion 140 that guides the movable plate 120. The battery charging device 100 may further include a door portion 160 that opens and closes the entrance to the housing space S.

[0085] The case 110 may have a housing space S into which the battery pack 10 is inserted. That is, the case 110 may be a slot into which the battery pack 10 is inserted.

[0086] The case 110 can be formed to be elongated in one direction (for example, in the front-to-back direction). An entrance to the housing space S can be formed at one end of the case 110, and the battery pack 10 can be inserted into or removed from the housing space S through the entrance. The case 110 can have a substantially box shape. One end of the case 110 can be open and form the entrance to the housing space S.

[0087] For example, case 110 may include an inner case having a housing space S and an outer case that houses the inner case. In this case, electrical components such as a control board, a detection sensor, and a drive device may be provided between the inner case and the outer case. However, it goes without saying that case 110 may consist of a single case having a housing space S.

[0088] The case 110 may be equipped with a cooling fan 115. The cooling fan 115 can be configured to expel the hot air from the housing space S to the outside of the case 110. This allows for the smooth dissipation of the heat generated by charging the battery pack 10.

[0089] The movable plate 120 can support the battery pack 10. The movable plate 120 can be placed inside the case 110. The movable plate 120 can be positioned horizontally. The movable plate 120 can move along the length of the case 110 within the housing space S of the case 110. The movable plate 120 can slide along the length of the case 110 within the housing space S.

[0090] The terminal plate 130 can be positioned approximately vertically. The terminal plate 130 can be positioned facing the entrance of the housing space S. The shape of the terminal plate 130 is not limited.

[0091] The terminal plate 130 can be fixed to the case 110. For example, an entrance to the housing space S can be formed at one end of the case 110, and the terminal plate 130 can be placed at the other end. The housing space S can be defined by the inner surface of the case 110 and the inner surface of the terminal plate 130.

[0092] The terminal plate 130 may be equipped with charging terminals 131 that are selectively connected to the battery pack 10 inserted into the housing space S. The charging terminals 131 may be exposed on the inside of the housing space S. One side of the battery pack 10 (e.g., the back) may be equipped with a connector configured to connect to the charging terminals 131. The battery pack 10 and the movable plate 120 can be moved to a position where the connector of the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminals 131.

[0093] The guide section 140 can be positioned within the storage space S. The guide section 140 can guide the movement of the movable plate 120. More specifically, the guide section 140 can guide the movable plate 120 to move along the longitudinal direction of the case 110.

[0094] More specifically, the guide section 140 may include a guide rail 141 and a guide block 142.

[0095] The guide rail 141 can be positioned on the inner surface of the case 110. More specifically, the guide rail 141 can be positioned on the inner bottom surface of the case 110. The guide rail 141 can extend in a parallel manner along the length of the case 110.

[0096] The guide block 142 can be slidably coupled to the guide rail 141. A movable plate 120 can also be connected to the guide block 142. For example, the guide block 142 can be fastened to the bottom surface of the movable plate 120. This allows the guide block 142 and the movable plate 120 to move along the guide rail 141.

[0097] For example, the guide section 140 can be a well-known LM guide.

[0098] Multiple guide rails 141 can be arranged side by side. Multiple guide rails 141 can be spaced apart in the width direction of the case 110. At least one, preferably multiple, guide blocks 142 can be attached to each guide rail 141.

[0099] The battery pack 10, which is inserted into the storage space S, enters the upper side of the movable plate 120 and can be placed on the movable plate 120. The battery pack 10, the movable plate 120, and the guide block 142 can be moved to the back of the storage space S along the guide rail 141 by the force with which the user inserts the battery pack 10.

[0100] However, it goes without saying that the battery charging device 100 may also include a drive unit (e.g., an actuator) for moving the movable plate 120 or guide block 142. When the battery pack 10 is inserted into the housing space S, the drive unit can move the movable plate 120 or guide block 142 toward the terminal plate 130. In this case, there is the advantage that the drive unit can appropriately adjust the moving speed of the movable plate 120 or guide block 142.

[0101] The guide section 140 may further include an elastic member 143 that applies an elastic force to the guide block 142 toward the entrance of the accommodation space S. The elastic member 143 can be configured to pull the guide block 142 toward the entrance of the accommodation space S.

[0102] When the battery pack 10 is separated from the charging terminal 131, the elastic force of the elastic member 143 allows the guide block 142, the movable plate 120, and the battery pack 10 to easily move toward the entrance of the housing space S. This allows the battery pack 10 to be easily discharged from the case 110.

[0103] For example, the elastic member 143 can be a spring configured to pull the guide block 142 toward the entrance of the housing space S. The spring can extend parallel to the guide rail 141.

[0104] One end of the elastic member 143 can be connected to the case 110 or the door frame 161 described later, and the other end of the elastic member 143 can be connected to the guide block 142. More specifically, the case 110 or the door frame 161 is provided with a first spring holder 143a (see Figure 9) to which one end of the elastic member 143 is connected, and the guide block 142 may be provided with a second spring holder (not shown) to which the other end of the elastic member 143 is connected.

[0105] The door section 160 can be positioned at one end of the case 110. The door section 160 can selectively open and close the entrance to the storage space S.

[0106] More specifically, the door section 160 may include a door frame 161 and a door plate 162.

[0107] The door frame 161 is provided at one end of the case 110 and can define the entrance to the storage space S. The door frame 161 can be a roughly rectangular frame. The door plate 162 can be rotatably hinged to the door frame 161. The door plate 162 can selectively open and close the entrance to the storage space S.

[0108] The outer surface of the door plate 162 may be equipped with a handle (not shown). The user can grasp the handle and manually open and close the door plate 162.

[0109] The door plate 162 can rotate inward from the case 110, opening the entrance to the storage space S.

[0110] When the battery pack 10 is inserted into the storage space S, the open door plate 162 can be positioned between the battery pack 10 and the inner surface of the case 110. More specifically, the open door plate 162 can be positioned between the battery pack 10 and the inner top surface of the case 110. That is, while the battery pack 10 is inserted into the storage space S, the entrance to the storage space S can be kept open.

[0111] This offers the advantage of allowing the user to immediately insert the battery pack 10 without having to manually open the door plate 162, which is convenient.

[0112] However, it is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the door plate 162 can also be rotated to the outside of the case 110 so that the entrance to the storage space S is opened. In this case, the door plate 162 can close the entrance to the storage space S while the battery pack 10 is inserted into the storage space S.

[0113] The door plate 162 can be connected to the door frame 161 via an elastic hinge 163. The elastic hinge 163 can apply an elastic force to the door plate 162 so that it closes the entrance to the storage space S. For example, the elastic hinge 163 may be equipped with a torsion spring.

[0114] As a result, when the battery pack 10 is ejected from the case 110, the elastic force of the elastic hinge 163 allows the door plate 162 to automatically close the entrance to the storage space S. Furthermore, the elastic force of the elastic hinge 163 allows the door plate 162 to maintain the closed position of the entrance to the storage space S.

[0115] On the other hand, the door portion 160 may not include the door frame 161. In this case, the inner periphery of one end of the case 110 can define the entrance to the storage space S, and the door plate 162 can be rotatably connected to the case 110 via an elastic hinge 163.

[0116] The door section 160 may be equipped with a door lock 165 that selectively locks the door section 160. The door lock 165 can selectively lock the door plate 162 against the door frame 161.

[0117] More specifically, the door lock 165 may include a locking groove 167 formed in the door frame 161 and a locking device 166 provided on the door plate 162 for selectively inserting a locking portion 166a into the locking groove 167.

[0118] When the locking portion 166a is inserted into the locking groove 167, the rotation of the door plate 162 can be restricted. As a result, the door plate 162 can be locked in a closed position at the entrance to the storage space S.

[0119] The locking groove 167 can be formed on the inner periphery of the door frame 161. For example, the locking groove 167 can be formed on the lower inner surface of the door frame 161.

[0120] The locking device 166 may include a locking portion 166a and a drive unit for moving the locking portion 166a. The locking portion 166a may be a bar or projection extending in one direction. The drive unit can insert the locking portion 166a into the locking groove 167 or disengage the locking portion 166a from the locking groove 167.

[0121] With the door plate 162 closing the entrance to the storage space S, the locking portion 166a of the locking device (locking device 166) can face the locking groove 167. In this state, the locking device can lock the door plate 162 by inserting the locking portion 166a into the locking groove 167. Conversely, the locking device 166 can unlock the door plate 162 by disengaging the locking portion 166a from the locking groove 167.

[0122] The door lock 165 can be kept locked when the battery charging device 100 is not in use, that is, when the storage space S of the case 110 is empty.

[0123] However, it is not limited to this, and if the door plate 162 is configured to rotate to the outside of the case 110, the door plate 162 can close the entrance to the storage space S while the battery pack 10 is charging, and the door lock 165 can be kept locked.

[0124] The door section 160 may include a communication unit 164 (see Figures 7 and 8) that communicates wirelessly with an external device or battery pack 10. The door lock 165 can be selectively locked or unlocked in response to a signal input via the communication unit 164.

[0125] The configuration of the communication unit 164 is not limited. For example, the communication unit 164 may include an NFC antenna. In this case, the battery pack 10 may have an NFC tag. When the user brings the battery pack 10 close to the door unit 160, the NFC tag on the battery pack 10 and the communication unit 164 on the door unit 160 are wirelessly connected to each other, and the door lock 165 can be unlocked. This allows the user to open the door unit 160 and insert the battery pack 10 into the storage space S.

[0126] However, the communication unit 164 may communicate wirelessly with an external device such as a terminal (e.g., a smartphone or tablet) to receive a lock signal or an unlock signal, thereby locking or unlocking the door lock 165.

[0127] On the other hand, the battery charging device 100 may further include a pack fixing part 180 for selectively fixing the battery pack 10.

[0128] The pack fixing part 180 can be provided on the terminal plate 130. When the battery pack 10 and the charging terminal 131 are connected, the pack fixing part 180 can fix the battery pack 10. Conversely, when an ejection signal for the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the pack fixing part 180 can release the battery pack 10.

[0129] The pack fixing portion 180 can fix the battery pack 10 to the case 110 in at least one direction: width, length, or height.

[0130] More specifically, the pack fixing unit 180 may include a hook 181 configured to be connected to the battery pack 10, and a hook drive unit 182 that drives the hook 181.

[0131] The battery pack 10 may have a groove (not shown) into which the hook 181 is inserted or locked. The terminal plate 130 may have an opening 130h into which the hook 181 protrudes. The hook 181 can pass through the opening 130h and be selectively connected to the battery pack 10.

[0132] The hook 181 protrudes from the terminal plate 130 through the opening 130h into the housing space S and can be inserted into or fixed into the groove of the battery pack 10. This allows the battery pack 10 to be firmly fixed. The shape of the hook 181 is not limited.

[0133] The hooks 181 may consist of a pair located on both sides of the charging terminals 131. This allows the battery pack 10 to be more securely fixed and maintains a highly reliable connection between the battery pack 10 and the charging terminals 131.

[0134] The hook drive unit 182 can drive the hook 181 to fix or release the battery pack 10. For example, the hook drive unit 182 may include a solenoid.

[0135] More specifically, when the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131, the hook drive unit 182 can advance the hook 181 inward into the housing space S so that the hook 181 connects to the battery pack 10. Conversely, when an ejection signal for the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the hook drive unit 182 can retract the hook 181 toward the terminal plate 130 so that the hook 181 separates from the battery pack 10.

[0136] However, this is not the only way to do so; it is also possible to fix the battery pack 10 by varying the configuration and operation of the pack fixing part 180.

[0137] On the other hand, the battery charging device 100 may further include a plate fixing part 190 for selectively fixing the movable plate 120.

[0138] The plate fixing part 190 can be provided on the terminal plate 130. The plate fixing part 190 can fix the movable plate 120 when the battery pack 10 and the charging terminal 131 are connected. Conversely, when an ejection signal is transmitted from the battery pack 10, the plate fixing part 190 can release the movable plate 120.

[0139] The plate fixing portion 190 can fix the movable plate 120 in at least one direction of the case 110, either in the width direction, length direction, or height direction.

[0140] More specifically, the plate fixing portion 190 may include a latch 191 configured to be connected to the movable plate 120, and a latch driving portion 192 that drives the latch 191.

[0141] The configuration of the latch 191 is not limited. The latch 191 may consist of a pair spaced apart in the width direction of the movable plate 120. This allows the movable plate 120 to be fixed more securely.

[0142] The latch drive unit 192 can drive the latch 191 so that the latch 191 locks or unlocks the battery pack 10. For example, the latch drive unit 192 may include a motor.

[0143] More specifically, the latch drive unit 192 can rotate or advance the latch 191 in one direction so that when the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131, the latch 191 is connected to the movable plate 120. Conversely, when an ejection signal for the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the latch drive unit 192 can rotate or retract the latch 191 in the other direction so that the latch 191 is separated from the movable plate 120.

[0144] However, this is not the only option, and it is also possible to fix the movable plate 120 by varying the configuration and operation of the plate fixing part 190.

[0145] The pack fixing portion 180 and / or plate fixing portion 190 prevent the battery pack 10 from being ejected from the housing space S while it is being charged. This allows the battery pack 10 to be charged stably. In addition, the elastic member 143 of the guide portion 140 prevents the battery pack 10 from being separated from the charging terminal 131.

[0146] On the other hand, the battery charging device 100 may further include a door sensor 101 that detects whether the door section 160 is open or closed. The door sensor 101 may be provided on one side of the case 110.

[0147] For example, the door sensor 101 can be a reed sensor and can be configured to detect a magnet 169 (see Figure 8) provided on the door section 160. More specifically, when the door section 160 closes the entrance to the storage space S, the magnet 169 and the door sensor 101 become adjacent, and when the door section 160 opens the entrance to the storage space S, the magnet 169 and the reed sensor (door sensor 101) become separated.

[0148] The battery charging device 100 may further include a proximity sensor 102 for detecting whether the battery pack 10 has reached a predetermined position. The proximity sensor 102 may be located on one side of the case 110. The type of proximity sensor 102 is not limited.

[0149] For example, when the battery pack 10 reaches the position where it is connected to the charging terminal 131, the proximity sensor 102 can detect the battery pack 10.

[0150] On the other hand, the battery charging device 100 may further include a control unit 170. The control unit 170 can control the overall operation of the battery charging device 100.

[0151] The control unit 170 may include at least one processor. For example, the control unit 170 may include a control board equipped with a plurality of processors and a case that houses the control board.

[0152] The control unit 170 can be located outside the case 110. For example, the control unit 170 can be located at the rear of the case 110.

[0153] However, this is not limited to the above, and as mentioned above, if the case 110 includes an inner case and an outer case, the control unit 170 can be positioned between the inner case and the outer case. Alternatively, the control unit 170 can be provided in the battery replacement station 1 and can control multiple battery charging devices 100.

[0154] The control unit 170 can detect whether or not the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 130. The control unit 170 can control the charging of the battery pack 10 via the charging terminal 130.

[0155] The control unit 170 can control at least one of the pack fixing unit 180, the plate fixing unit 190, or the door lock 165. More specifically, the control unit 170 can control the hook drive unit 182 so that the hook 181 of the pack fixing unit 180 fixes or unlocks the battery pack 10. The control unit 170 can control the latch drive unit 192 so that the latch 191 of the plate fixing unit 190 fixes or unlocks the movable plate 120. The control unit 170 can lock or unlock the door lock 165.

[0156] The control unit 170 can communicate with at least one of the door sensor 101 or the proximity sensor 102 and receive the detection results from each sensor 101, 102. For example, based on the detection result of the door sensor 101, the control unit 170 can control the door lock 165 when the door section 160 is closed. As another example, based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102, the control unit 170 can control the pack fixing section 180 and / or the plate fixing section 190 when the battery pack 10 has reached a predetermined position.

[0157] The control unit 170 can communicate with the communication unit 164 (see Figure 8) provided in the door unit 160 and receive signals transmitted via the communication unit 164. For example, when an NFC tag provided in the battery pack 10 is wirelessly connected to the NFC antenna included in the communication unit 164, the control unit can unlock the door lock 165.

[0158] As another example, the control unit 170 can receive a signal from an external device to eject the battery pack 10 via the communication unit 164. In this case, the control unit 170 can control the pack fixing unit 180 so that the battery pack 10 is released, and control the plate fixing unit 190 so that the movable plate 120 is released.

[0159] It goes without saying that, in addition to the communication unit 164 provided in the door section 160, the control unit 170 itself can also include a communication unit.

[0160] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] The following explanation will refer to the content that overlaps with the first embodiment described above, and will focus on the differences.

[0162] A battery charging device 100A according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include at least one damper 120d, 140d1, 140d2.

[0163] The movable plate 120 may be equipped with a damper 120d configured to mitigate the impact applied by the battery pack 10 when the battery pack 10 is inserted.

[0164] More specifically, the damper 120d can be located at the inner end of the movable plate 120. When the battery pack 10 is inserted into the entrance of the housing space S and enters the upper side of the movable plate 120, the inner surface of the battery pack 10 can be locked to the damper 120d. For example, the battery pack 10 moves independently until it is locked to the damper 120d, and after the battery pack 10 is locked to the damper 120d, the battery pack 10 and the movable plate 120 can move together.

[0165] The damper 120d can mitigate the impact that the battery pack 10 exerts on the movable plate 120, even if the user inserts the battery pack 10 forcefully. This reduces concerns about malfunction of the battery charging device 100.

[0166] The guide rail 141 may be equipped with dampers (inner damper 140d1, outer damper 140d2) configured to mitigate the impact applied by the guide block 142 when inserting or removing the battery pack 10.

[0167] More specifically, the guide rail 141 may include at least one of an inner damper 140d1 or an outer damper 140d2. The inner damper 140d1 may be configured to mitigate the impact applied by the guide block 142 when the battery pack 10 is inserted. The outer damper 140d2 may be configured to mitigate the impact applied by the guide block 142 when the battery pack 10 is ejected.

[0168] The inner damper 140d1 can be positioned closer to the inner end of the guide rail 141, and the outer damper 140d2 can be positioned closer to the outer end of the guide rail 141.

[0169] When multiple guide blocks 142 are connected to each guide rail 141, the guide block 142 that contacts the inner damper 140d1 and the guide block 142 that contacts the outer damper 140d2 can be different from each other.

[0170] The battery pack 10 can be connected to the charging terminal 131 with the guide block 142 in contact with the inner damper 140d1. The battery pack 10 can also be discharged from the case 110 with the guide block 142 in contact with the outer damper 140d2.

[0171] Even if the user forcefully inserts the battery pack 10, the inner damper 140d1 allows the guide block (guide section 140) and the movable plate 120 to slowly stop at a predetermined position. This prevents the battery pack 10 from colliding forcefully with the charging terminals 131.

[0172] Even if the battery pack 10 is forcefully ejected by the elastic member 143 of the guide section 140, the outer damper 140d2 allows the guide block 142 and the movable plate 120 to slowly stop at a predetermined position. This prevents the battery pack 10 from unintentionally flying out of the case 110.

[0173] On the other hand, the guide section 140 of the battery charging device 100A may further include an electromagnet 145 in the guide block 142 that selectively applies an attractive force toward the terminal plate 130.

[0174] The electromagnet 145 can be, but is not limited to, positioned on the terminal plate 130 or the inner surface of the case 110. Similar to the guide rail 141, there may be multiple electromagnets 145. The multiple electromagnets 145 can be spaced apart in the width direction of the case 110.

[0175] The guide block 142 may contain a magnetic material that exhibits magnetism and may be configured to interact with the magnetic force of the electromagnet 145.

[0176] The control unit 170 (see Figure 3) can control the electromagnet 145. For example, the control unit 170 can control the electromagnet 145 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102.

[0177] The control unit 170 can activate the electromagnet 145 when the battery pack 10 is inserted to a predetermined position in the housing space S. The attractive force that the activated electromagnet 145 exerts on the guide block 142 can be made greater than the elastic force that the elastic member 143 exerts on the guide block 142.

[0178] When the activated electromagnet 145 applies an attractive force to the guide block 142, the guide block 142, the movable plate 120, and the battery pack 10 can be easily moved toward the terminal plate 130. Furthermore, with the battery pack 10 connected to the charging terminal 131, the activated electromagnet 145 can fix the guide block 142 in place.

[0179] Conversely, when the battery pack 10 is ejected, the control unit 170 can deactivate the electromagnet 145. In this case, the attractive force applied to the guide block 142 is eliminated, allowing the guide block 142, the movable plate 120, and the battery pack 10 to easily move towards the entrance of the housing space S by the elastic member 143.

[0180] Figures 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of a battery charging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0181] A battery charging device 100B according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a case 110 having a housing space S into which a battery pack 10 is inserted, a terminal plate 130 provided with charging terminals 131 that are selectively connected to the battery pack 10 inserted in the housing space S, and an opening / closing plate 150 located between the entrance to the housing space S and the terminal plate 130, configured to open and close in accordance with the movement of the battery pack 10.

[0182] The battery charging device 100B may further include a drive unit 153 that selectively opens and closes the opening / closing plate 150 in accordance with the movement of the battery pack 10.

[0183] Hereinafter, with the exception of the opening / closing plate 150 and the drive unit 153, the contents described in the first and second embodiments above will be incorporated by reference. It goes without saying that the configurations described in the first and second embodiments above may also be further included in the battery charging device 100B.

[0184] Figure 10 shows the opening / closing plate 150 in the closed state, and Figure 11 shows the opening / closing plate 150 in the open state.

[0185] The opening / closing plate 150 can prevent the battery pack 10 from arbitrarily approaching the charging terminal 131. The battery pack 10 can be connected to the charging terminal 131 when the opening / closing plate 150 is open. The opening / closing plate 150 can be configured to close when the battery pack 10 is removed from the housing space S.

[0186] The opening and closing plate 150 can be of the double-door type. More specifically, the opening and closing plate may include a first plate 151 and a second plate 152 arranged in the width direction of the case 110 and rotating in opposite directions to each other. The first plate 151 and the second plate 152 can be arranged to face each other in the width direction of the case 110.

[0187] The first plate 151 and the second plate 152 can rotate with respect to a vertical axis of rotation (not shown). The axis of rotation of the first plate 151 can be located adjacent to one inner surface of the case 110, and the axis of rotation of the second plate 152 can be located adjacent to the other inner surface of the case 110.

[0188] More specifically, the first plate 151 can be rotatably hinged to one inner surface of the case 110, and the second plate 152 can be rotatably hinged to the other inner surface of the case 110.

[0189] When the opening / closing plate 150 is opened, the battery pack 10 can enter between the first plate 151 and the second plate 152.

[0190] With the battery pack 10 connected to the charging terminal 13, the battery pack 10 can be positioned between the first plate 151 and the second plate 152. More specifically, with the battery pack 10 connected to the charging terminal 131, the first plate 151 and the second plate 152 can be configured to support both sides of the battery pack 10.

[0191] This allows for safe protection of the battery pack 10 from external impacts while it is being charged. It also allows for a more secure attachment of the battery pack 10 while it is being charged.

[0192] On the other hand, the drive unit 153 can selectively open and close the opening / closing plate 150 in accordance with the movement of the battery pack 10. For example, the drive unit 153 may include a solenoid switch. The drive unit 153 may be provided on the first plate 151 and the second plate 152, respectively, but is not limited to this.

[0193] The control unit 170 (see Figure 3) can control the drive unit 153. For example, the control unit 170 can control the drive unit 153 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102. That is, the drive unit 153 can be configured to open and close the opening / closing plate 150 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102.

[0194] Once the battery pack 10 is inserted to a predetermined position within the housing space S, the control unit 170 can control the drive unit 153 so that the opening / closing plate 150 is opened. This allows the battery pack 10 to enter between the first plate 151 and the second plate 152 and connect to the charging terminal 131.

[0195] When the battery pack 10 is removed from its predetermined position within the housing space S, the control unit 170 can control the drive unit 153 so that the opening / closing plate 150 is closed. The opening / closing plate 150 can remain closed even after the battery pack 10 has been ejected from the housing space S.

[0196] When the opening / closing plate 150 is closed, it prevents foreign objects from entering the charging terminal 131. In addition, the opening / closing plate 150, together with the door portion 160, can prevent unauthorized battery packs 10 from being connected to the charging terminal 131.

[0197] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0198] A battery charging device 100C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a case 110 having a housing space S into which a battery pack 10 is inserted, a terminal plate 130' having a charging terminal 131 that is selectively connected to the battery pack 10 inserted into the housing space S and moves along the longitudinal direction of the case 110, a fixed plate 210 facing the terminal plate 130' and located on the opposite side of the entrance to the housing space S relative to the terminal plate 130', and a buffer portion 220 located between the terminal plate 130' and the fixed plate 210 and providing buffer support for the terminal plate 130'.

[0199] In the following, explanations that overlap with those described in the first to third embodiments above will be referenced. Furthermore, it goes without saying that configurations described in the first to third embodiments above may also be included in the battery charging device 100C even if they are not shown in Figure 12.

[0200] The fixing plate 210 can be fixed to the case 110. For example, an entrance to the storage space S can be formed at one end of the case 110, and the fixing plate 210 can be placed at the other end. The storage space S can be defined by the inner surface of the case 110 and the inner surface of the fixing plate 210.

[0201] The terminal plate 130' may be configured not to be fixed to the case 110, but to move along the length of the case 110. The terminal plate 130' may be located within the housing space S. The terminal plate 130' may move along the length of the case 110 within the housing space S.

[0202] One side of the terminal plate 130' faces the entrance to the housing space S, and the other side faces the fixing plate 210. The charging terminal 131 can be provided on the aforementioned one side of the terminal plate 130'.

[0203] When the user inserts the battery pack 10 into the storage space S, the force pushing the battery pack 10 causes the terminal plate 130' to move toward the fixing plate 210 together with the battery pack 10.

[0204] On one of the two sides of the terminal plate 130', the side facing the entrance to the housing space S may be equipped with a damper 130d configured to mitigate the impact applied by the battery pack 10 when the battery pack 10 is inserted.

[0205] For example, the battery pack 10 moves independently until it hits the damper 130d, and after the battery pack 10 hits the damper 120d, the battery pack 10 and the terminal plate 130' can move together.

[0206] The damper 130d helps to mitigate the impact that the battery pack 10 exerts on the terminal plate 130', even if the user inserts the battery pack 10 forcefully.

[0207] The buffer portion 220 can be positioned between the terminal plate 130 and the fixing plate 210. The buffer portion 220 can buffer and support the terminal plate 130 against the fixing plate 210.

[0208] More specifically, the buffer section 220 may include a shock absorber 221 provided on the fixing plate 210 and a support base 222 provided on the terminal plate. The support base 222 can contact or connect to the shock absorber 221 when the terminal plate 130' approaches the fixing plate 210.

[0209] The shock absorber 221 can be configured to absorb shock while being compressed when it comes into contact with or connects to the support base 222. For example, the shock absorber 221 can be a hydraulic or pneumatic compression shock absorber. Since the configuration of such a shock absorber 221 is well known, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0210] The support base 222 can extend in a line along the length of the case 110. The support base 222 can be in a roughly bar shape.

[0211] The support base 222 can support the terminal plate 130' against the case 110. More specifically, the support base 222 is in contact with the inner surface of the case 110 and can support the terminal plate 130' so that it moves while maintaining an upright position without falling over.

[0212] The support base 222 can be provided on the other side of the terminal plate 130' that faces the fixing plate 210.

[0213] The support bases 222 can be provided at the corners of the terminal plate 130'. In other words, four support bases 222 can be provided. This allows the case 110 to be stably supported. As a result, the shock absorbers 221 can be provided at the four corners of the fixing plate 210. However, the number of support bases 222 and shock absorbers 221 may be more than four, or fewer.

[0214] Although not shown in Figure 12, the terminal plate 130' may include the aforementioned pack fixing portion 180 (see Figure 9).

[0215] On the other hand, the battery charging device 100C may further include a terminal plate fixing portion 230 that selectively fixes the terminal plate 130' with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case 110.

[0216] The terminal plate fixing portion 230 can be provided on the case 110 or the fixing plate 210.

[0217] The terminal plate fixing portion 230 can fix the terminal plate 130' while the shock absorber 221 and the support base 222 are connected or in contact with each other.

[0218] The configuration of the terminal plate fixing portion 230 is not limited. For example, the terminal plate fixing portion 230 may include a latch and a latch drive unit (e.g., a motor) for driving the latch, similar to the plate fixing portion 190. In this case, a locking groove can be formed in the terminal plate 130' for engaging the latch. However, it is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can implement the terminal plate fixing portion 230 in a variety of ways.

[0219] The control unit 170 can control the terminal plate fixing part 230 so that the terminal plate 130' is fixed or released. For example, the control unit 170 can control the plate fixing part 230 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102.

[0220] When the battery pack 10 or terminal plate 130' reaches a predetermined position, the control unit 170 can control the terminal plate fixing unit 230 so that the terminal plate 130' is fixed in place. When an ejection signal for the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the control unit 170 can control the terminal plate fixing unit 230 so that the terminal plate 130' is released.

[0221] On the other hand, to facilitate the removal of the battery pack 10, the buffer section 220 can be configured to apply a restoring force to the terminal plate 130' toward the entrance of the housing space S. For example, the shock absorber 221 can be configured not only to mitigate impact but also to push out the support base 222 while returning to its original shape after being compressed.

[0222] Therefore, when the terminal plate fixing part 230 releases the fixing of the terminal plate 130', the terminal plate 130' and the battery pack 10 can move toward the entrance of the housing space S due to the restoring force. This allows for easy removal of the battery pack 10.

[0223] However, the configuration for easy removal of the battery pack 10 is not limited to this. For example, a buffer portion 220 and another elastic portion may be provided between the terminal plate 130' and the fixing plate 210, and a pusher driven to push out the terminal plate 130' may also be provided.

[0224] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0225] A battery charging device 100D according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention may include a case 110 having a housing space S into which a battery pack 10 is inserted; a terminal plate 130 provided with charging terminals 131 that are selectively connected to the battery pack 10 inserted in the housing space S; a fixing plate 310 facing the terminal plate 130 and located on the opposite side of the entrance to the housing space S relative to the terminal plate 130; and a buffer portion 320 that protrudes inward from the fixing plate 310 to the terminal plate 130 and provides buffer support for the battery pack 10.

[0226] In the following, explanations that overlap with those described in the first to third embodiments above will be referenced. It goes without saying that the configurations described in the first to third embodiments above may also be included in the battery charging device 100D even if they are not shown in Figure 13.

[0227] The fixing plate 310 can be positioned outside the case 110. The fixing plate 310 can be fixed to the case 110 or to another structure outside the case 110. In this case, the fixing plate 310 can face the terminal plate 130 provided at the end of the case 110.

[0228] However, this is not the only option; the fixing plate 310 can also be provided at the end of the case 110. In this case, the terminal plate 130 can be fixed inside the case 110.

[0229] The buffer portion 320 can protrude from the fixing plate 310 to the inside of the terminal plate 130. The buffer portion 320 can protrude from the fixing plate 310 through the terminal plate 130 into the housing space S.

[0230] More specifically, the buffer section 320 may include a shock absorber 321 provided on the fixing plate 310 and a support base 322 extending from the shock absorber 321 and protruding inward from the terminal plate 130.

[0231] The shock absorber 321 can be installed on one side of the fixing plate 310 that faces the terminal plate 130.

[0232] The shock absorber 321 can be configured to absorb the impact while being compressed when the battery pack 10 hits the support base 322. For example, the shock absorber 321 can be a hydraulic or pneumatic compression shock absorber. Since the configuration of such a shock absorber 321 is well known, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0233] The support base 322 can support the battery pack 10 along the length of the case 110. The support base 322 can extend in a parallel manner along the length of the case 110. The support base 322 can be substantially bar-shaped.

[0234] The support base 322 can be connected to the shock absorber 321. More specifically, one end of the support base 322 can be connected to the shock absorber 321. The other end of the support base 322 may be equipped with a damper 322d, which will be described later.

[0235] The length of the support base 322 protruding from the shock absorber 321 can be varied. For example, when the shock absorber 321 is compressed, the length of the support base 322 protruding from the shock absorber 321 can be reduced.

[0236] The support base 322 can penetrate the terminal plate 130 and protrude into the interior of the housing space S. More specifically, the terminal plate 130 can have a through hole (opening 130h) through which the support base 322 passes.

[0237] The end of the support base 322 may be equipped with a damper 322d configured to mitigate the impact applied by the battery pack 10 when it is inserted.

[0238] The damper 322d helps to mitigate the impact that the battery pack 10 exerts on the support base 322, even if the user inserts the battery pack 10 forcefully.

[0239] The support base 322 can pass through the four corners of the terminal plate 130 and protrude inward. That is, there can be four support bases 322, and through holes (openings 130h) can be formed in the four corners of the terminal plate 130 through which each support base 322 passes. This allows the shock absorbers 321 to be installed in the four corners of the fixing plate 310. However, the number of support bases 322 and shock absorbers 321 may be more than four, or fewer.

[0240] This allows the battery pack 10 to be stably supported and prevents the support base 322 from interfering with the charging terminal 131.

[0241] Although not shown in Figure 13, the terminal plate 130 may be equipped with the aforementioned pack fixing portion 180 (see Figure 9).

[0242] On the other hand, to facilitate the removal of the battery pack 10, the buffer section 320 can be configured to apply a restoring force to the battery pack 10 toward the entrance of the housing space S. For example, the shock absorber 321 can be configured not only to mitigate impact but also to push out the support base 322 while returning to its original shape after being compressed.

[0243] Therefore, when the pack fixing part 180 releases the battery pack 10, the elastic force allows the battery pack 10 to move towards the entrance of the housing space S. This makes it possible to easily remove the battery pack 10.

[0244] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs could make various modifications and alterations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0245] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are for illustrative purposes only, and not to limit the technical concept of the invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited by such embodiments.

[0246] The scope of protection of this invention should be interpreted in accordance with the attached claims, and all technical ideas within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of this invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0247] 10 battery packs 100 battery charging device 101 Door Sensor 102 Proximity Sensor 110 cases 120 Mobile Plates 130 Terminal Plate 131 Charging terminal 140 Guide section 141 Guide rail 142 Guide Block 143 Elastic members 145 Electromagnet 150 Opening / Closing Plate 160 Door section 161 Door frame 162 Door Plate 163 Elastic Hinge 164 Communications Department 165 Door lock 166 Locking device 166a Locking part 167 Locking groove 170 Control Unit 180 Pack fixing part 181 Hook 182 Hook drive unit 190 Plate fixing part 191 Latch 192 Latch drive unit 210, 310 Fixing Plate 220, 320 buffer section 221, 321 Shock absorbers 222, 322 Support stand

Claims

1. A case having a storage space into which a battery pack is inserted, A terminal plate is provided with charging terminals that are selectively connected to the battery pack inserted into the aforementioned housing space, An opening / closing plate is located between the entrance to the housing space and the terminal plate, and is configured to open and close in accordance with the movement of the battery pack. A battery charging device, including a battery charger.

2. The battery charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a movable plate on which the battery pack is mounted and which moves along the length of the case within the housing space.

3. The battery charging device according to claim 2, further comprising a plate fixing portion for fixing the movable plate when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected.

4. The battery charging device according to claim 2, wherein the movable plate is provided with a damper configured to mitigate the impact applied when the battery pack is inserted.

5. The battery charging device according to claim 2, further comprising a guide portion disposed within the housing space and guiding the movable plate to move along the length of the case.

6. The aforementioned guide section is A guide rail is arranged on the inner surface of the case and extends in the longitudinal direction of the case, A guide block is slidably connected to the guide rail, and the movable plate is connected to it. The battery charging device according to claim 5, including the battery charging device according to claim 5.

7. The battery charging device according to claim 6, wherein the guide rail is provided with a damper configured to mitigate the impact applied by the guide block when the battery pack is inserted or removed.

8. The battery charging device according to claim 6, wherein the guide portion further includes an electromagnet that selectively applies an attractive force to the terminal plate on the guide block.

9. The battery charging device according to claim 6, wherein the guide portion further includes an elastic member that applies elastic force to the guide block toward the entrance of the housing space.

10. The battery charging device according to claim 9, wherein the elastic member is a spring configured to pull the guide block toward the entrance of the housing space.

11. The battery charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a pack fixing portion provided on the terminal plate for fixing the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected.

12. The battery charging device according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack is connected to the charging terminal when the opening / closing plate is open.

13. The battery charging device according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing plate is configured to close when the battery pack is discharged from the storage space.

14. The battery charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a drive unit that selectively opens and closes the opening and closing plate in accordance with the movement of the battery pack.

15. The battery charging device according to claim 14, further comprising a proximity sensor for detecting whether the battery pack has reached a predetermined position.

16. The battery charging device according to claim 15, wherein the drive unit is configured to open and close the opening / closing plate based on the detection result of the proximity sensor.

17. The battery charging device according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing plates include a first plate and a second plate arranged in the width direction of the case and rotating in opposite directions to each other.

18. The battery charging device according to claim 17, wherein the first plate is rotatably hinged to one inner surface of the case, and the second plate is rotatably hinged to the other inner surface of the case.

19. The battery charging device according to claim 17, wherein when the opening / closing plate is opened, the battery pack enters between the first plate and the second plate.

20. The battery charging device according to claim 17, wherein the battery pack is located between the first plate and the second plate when the battery pack is connected to the charging terminal.

21. The battery charging device according to claim 17, wherein the first plate and the second plate are configured to support both sides of the battery pack when the battery pack is connected to the charging terminal.

22. A case having a storage space into which a battery pack is inserted, A movable plate on which the battery pack is placed and which moves along the length of the case within the housing space, A terminal plate is provided with charging terminals that are selectively connected to the battery pack inserted into the aforementioned housing space, A guide portion is provided within the aforementioned storage space and guides the movable plate to move along the length of the case, A battery charging device, including a battery charger.

23. The battery charging device according to claim 22, wherein the movable plate is provided with a damper configured to mitigate the impact applied by the battery pack when the battery pack is inserted.

24. The aforementioned guide section is A guide rail is arranged on the inner surface of the case and extends in the longitudinal direction of the case, A guide block is slidably connected to the guide rail, and the movable plate is connected to it. A battery charging device according to claim 22, including the following:

25. The battery charging device according to claim 24, wherein the guide rail is provided with a damper configured to mitigate the impact applied by the guide block when the battery pack is inserted into or removed.

26. The battery charging device according to claim 24, wherein the guide portion further includes an electromagnet that selectively applies an attractive force to the terminal plate on the guide block.

27. The battery charging device according to claim 24, wherein the guide portion further includes an elastic member that applies elastic force to the guide block toward the entrance of the housing space.

28. The battery charging device according to claim 27, wherein the elastic member is a spring configured to pull the guide block toward the entrance of the housing space.

29. The battery charging device according to claim 22, further comprising a plate fixing portion for fixing the movable plate when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected.

30. The aforementioned plate fixing portion is A latch configured to be connected to the aforementioned movable plate, A latch drive unit drives the latch so that the latch fixes or releases the movable plate, A battery charging device according to claim 29, including the following:

31. The battery charging device according to claim 22, further comprising a pack fixing portion provided on the terminal plate for fixing the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected.

32. The aforementioned pack fixing part is, A hook configured to be connected to the aforementioned battery pack, A hook drive unit drives the hook so that the hook fixes or releases the battery pack, A battery charging device according to claim 31, including the following:

33. The terminal plate has an opening formed therein through which the hook protrudes. The battery charging device according to claim 32, wherein the hook passes through the opening and is selectively connected to the battery pack.

34. The battery charging device according to claim 32, wherein the hooks are provided in a pair located on both sides of the charging terminal.

35. The battery charging device according to claim 22, further comprising a door section for selectively opening and closing the entrance to the aforementioned storage space.

36. The aforementioned door section is A door frame is provided at one end of the case and defines the entrance to the storage space, A door plate is rotatably hinged to the door frame and selectively opens and closes the entrance to the storage space, The battery charging device according to claim 35, including the battery charging device according to claim 35.

37. The aforementioned guide section is A guide rail is arranged on the inner surface of the case and extends in the longitudinal direction of the case, A guide block is slidably connected to the guide rail, and the movable plate is connected to it. The guide block is provided with an elastic member that applies elastic force toward the entrance of the containment space, A battery charging device according to claim 36, including the battery charging device according to claim 36.

38. The case or door frame is provided with a first spring holder to which one end of the elastic member is connected. The battery charging device according to claim 37, wherein the guide block is provided with a second spring holder to which the other end of the elastic member is connected.

39. The battery charging device according to claim 36, wherein the door portion is provided with a door lock that selectively locks the door plate against the door frame.

40. The aforementioned door lock is A locking groove formed in the door frame, A locking device provided on the door plate for selectively inserting a locking portion into the locking groove, A battery charging device according to claim 39, including the battery charging device according to claim 39.

41. The door section is equipped with a communication unit that communicates wirelessly with an external device or the battery pack. The battery charging device according to claim 39, wherein the door lock is selectively locked or unlocked in response to a signal input via the communication unit.

42. The door plate is connected to the door frame via an elastic hinge, The battery charging device according to claim 36, wherein the elastic hinge applies an elastic force to the door plate so that the door plate closes the entrance to the storage space.

43. The battery charging device according to claim 36, wherein when the battery pack is inserted into the housing space, the opened door plate is positioned between the battery pack and the inner surface of the case.

44. A case having a storage space into which a battery pack is inserted, A charging terminal is provided which is selectively connected to the battery pack inserted into the housing space, and a terminal plate moves along the length of the case, A fixing plate facing the terminal plate and located on the opposite side of the entrance to the housing space relative to the terminal plate, A battery charging device comprising: a buffer portion located between the terminal plate and the fixing plate, which buffers and supports the terminal plate.

45. The battery charging device according to claim 44, wherein one of the two sides of the terminal plate that faces the battery pack is provided with a damper configured to mitigate the impact applied by the battery pack when the battery pack is inserted.

46. The aforementioned buffer portion is The shock absorber provided on the aforementioned fixing plate, A support base is provided on the terminal plate, and when the terminal plate approaches the fixing plate, it contacts or connects to the shock absorber, The battery charging device according to claim 44, including the battery charging device according to claim 44.

47. The battery charging device according to claim 46, wherein the support base supports the terminal plate relative to the case.

48. The battery charging device according to claim 46, wherein the support base is provided at the four corners of the terminal plate.

49. The battery charging device according to claim 44, wherein the buffer portion is configured to apply a restoring force to the terminal plate toward the entrance of the housing space.

50. The battery charging device according to claim 44, further comprising a pack fixing portion provided on the terminal plate for fixing the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected.

51. The battery charging device according to claim 44, further comprising a terminal plate restraining portion that selectively restrains the terminal plate with respect to the longitudinal direction of the case.

52. A case having a storage space into which a battery pack is inserted, A terminal plate is provided with charging terminals that are selectively connected to the battery pack inserted into the aforementioned housing space, A fixing plate facing the terminal plate and located on the opposite side of the entrance to the housing space relative to the terminal plate, A cushioning portion protrudes from the fixing plate inward from the terminal plate and cushions and supports the battery pack, A battery charging device, including a battery charger.

53. The aforementioned buffer portion is The shock absorber provided on the aforementioned fixing plate, A support base extending from the shock absorber inward from the terminal plate, The battery charging device according to claim 52, including the battery charging device according to claim 52.

54. The battery charging device according to claim 53, wherein the end of the support base is provided with a damper configured to mitigate the impact applied by the battery pack when the battery pack is inserted.

55. The battery charging device according to claim 53, wherein the terminal plate has a through hole through which the support base passes.

56. The battery charging device according to claim 53, wherein the support base passes through the four corner portions of the terminal plate and protrudes inward.

57. The battery charging device according to claim 52, wherein the buffer portion applies a restoring force to the battery pack toward the entrance of the housing space.

58. The battery charging device according to claim 52, further comprising a pack fixing portion provided on the terminal plate for fixing the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected.

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