Terminal structure, electric vehicle and adapter device

Abstract

The device provides a terminal structure that can suppress the increase in size even when a temperature sensor is installed. [Solution] The terminal structure 120 is a terminal structure to which the battery terminals of a battery 2 used in an electric vehicle 1 are detachably connected. The terminal structure 120 comprises a plurality of terminals 121 electrically connected to the battery terminals and a holder 130 that holds the plurality of terminals 121. The holder 130 comprises a plurality of hollow compartments 150 that individually partition the plurality of terminals 121, and a temperature sensor 200 that detects the temperature of the terminals 121b placed in at least one of the compartments 151 is arranged inside the compartment 151.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal structure, an electric vehicle, and an adapter device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electric bicycle is provided with a battery mounting portion on which a battery device is mounted (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A plurality of connection terminals to which the battery device is connected are arranged in the battery mounting portion.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when the battery device is removed, the connection terminals are exposed, and there is a risk that dust or the like may adhere thereto. If the battery device is mounted in this state and a large current is discharged, the connection terminals generate heat, which may cause a malfunction in the electric bicycle. In order to prevent this, installing a temperature sensor on the connection terminal has been considered, but this requires additional installation space, leading to an increase in the size of the electric bicycle.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal structure or the like that can suppress an increase in size even when a temperature sensor is provided.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A terminal structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a terminal structure to which the battery terminals of a battery used in an electric vehicle are detachably connected, comprising a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the battery terminals and a holder for holding the plurality of terminals, wherein the holder comprises a plurality of hollow compartments that individually partition the plurality of terminals, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the terminals located in at least one of the plurality of compartments is disposed inside that compartment.

[0007] An electric vehicle according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises the terminal structure, the battery connected to the terminal structure, a motor driven by the power of the battery, and a vehicle control unit that controls the motor, wherein the temperature sensor is connected to the vehicle control unit.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is an adapter device comprising the above-described terminal structure and performing at least one of charging and discharging on the battery connected to the terminal structure, comprising an adapter control unit that controls at least one of the charging current and the discharging current to the battery, wherein the temperature sensor is connected to the adapter control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the terminal structure and other features of this disclosure, even if a temperature sensor is provided, the size increase can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view illustrating an electric vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the battery mounting section according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the terminal structure according to the embodiment, seen from diagonally above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the terminal structure according to the embodiment, seen from diagonally below. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the terminal structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a bottom view showing the terminal structure according to the embodiment with the potting material and wiring removed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the terminal structure according to the embodiment when it is cut in the XZ plane. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the terminal structure according to the embodiment, when it is cut in the YZ plane. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A is a perspective view showing a temperature sensor and fixing method according to Modification 1. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a perspective view showing the temperature sensor and fixing method according to Modification 1. [Figure 10C] Figure 10C is a perspective view showing a temperature sensor and fixing method according to Modification 1. [Figure 10D] Figure 10D is a perspective view showing a temperature sensor and fixing method according to Modification 1. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an adapter device equipped with a terminal structure according to modified example 2. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the battery mounting section according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the adapter device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Accordingly, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0012] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as vertical direction are used. For example, the vertical direction not only means being perfectly vertical, but also substantially vertical, that is, including an error of about several percent. Furthermore, the vertical direction means the vertical direction within a range that can achieve the effects of the present disclosure. The same applies when other expressions using "direction" are used.

[0013] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Therefore, for example, the scales and the like in each figure do not necessarily match. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0014] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, an electric vehicle according to an embodiment and the like will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a side view illustrating an electric vehicle 1 according to an embodiment. The electric vehicle 1 is a vehicle capable of traveling by outputting power for self-propulsion (hereinafter referred to as "self-propulsion power"). In Figure 1, as the electric vehicle 1, a vehicle having a bicycle-type self-propulsion function that does not have pedals and can travel only by the self-propulsion power of a motor 3 is illustrated. Note that the electric vehicle 1 may have pedals when no human driving force is applied to the power transmission mechanism 4.

[0015] Note that the electric vehicle 1 may be a bicycle-type vehicle having a self-propulsion function that includes pedals, may be an electric kick scooter (also referred to as a specific small motorized bicycle), or may be a motorized bicycle. Furthermore, the number of wheels in the electric vehicle 1 is not limited to two, and may be three or more. For example, the electric vehicle 1 may have two or more front wheels 12, and may also have two or more rear wheels 15.

[0016] The electric vehicle 1 comprises a frame (body) 10, handlebars 11, front wheels 12, a motor unit 13 having a motor 3, a saddle 14, rear wheels 15, a rear sprocket (driven sprocket) 16, a front sprocket (driven sprocket) 17, and a chain 18. The electric vehicle 1 also comprises a plate 22, a footrest member 23, and a battery 2.

[0017] The front sprocket 17 and the rear sprocket 16 are included in the power transmission mechanism 4. The power transmission mechanism 4 has a rear sprocket (driven sprocket) 16 provided on the drive wheel (rear wheel 15) of the front wheel 12 and rear wheel 15, and a front sprocket (drive sprocket) 17 connected to the motor 3. The power transmission mechanism 4 transmits the self-propelled power generated by the motor 3 to the drive wheel.

[0018] As already mentioned, in this embodiment, the electric vehicle 1 does not have pedals. In other words, in this embodiment, the power transmission mechanism 4 does not have a mechanism to transmit the pedaling force of the user riding on the frame (vehicle body) 10 to the drive wheels (rear wheels 15).

[0019] The frame 10 is the framework of the electric vehicle 1. The frame 10 is made of a metal such as aluminum alloy, iron, chromium-molybdenum steel, steel, or titanium. The frame 10 may also be made of carbon or synthetic resin.

[0020] The frame 10 has a head tube 10a, a down tube 10b, a seat tube 10c, and a chainstay 10d. The frame 10 may also have a suspension system.

[0021] The front fork 10e and handlebars 11 are attached to the head tube 10a so as to be able to rotate freely around an axis along the longitudinal direction of the head tube 10a. The front wheel 12 is rotatably attached to the front fork 10e. By turning the handlebars 11 left or right, the direction of the front wheel 12, which is supported by the front fork 10e, can be rotated left or right.

[0022] The down tube 10b connects the head tube 10a and the seat tube 10c. A motor unit 13, which has a motor 3, is provided at the connection point between the down tube 10b and the seat tube 10c.

[0023] The seat tube 10c holds the saddle 14. The saddle 14 is mounted on the seat tube 10c so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the seat tube 10c. The lower end of the seat tube 10c is connected to the rear end of the down tube 10b. The seat tube 10c is located between the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 15 in the front-rear direction. The seat tube 10c also includes a battery mounting section 60 to which the battery 2 is detachably attached. Details of the battery mounting section 60 will be described later.

[0024] One end of the chainstay 10d is connected to the lower end of the seat tube 10c. The other end of the chainstay 10d is attached to the rear wheel 15 and the rear sprocket 16, which is linked to the axle of the rear wheel 15. A chain 18 is stretched between the rear sprocket 16 and the front sprocket 17. As a result, the rotational force of the front sprocket 17, which is rotated by the driving force generated by the motor 3, is transmitted to the rear wheel 15 via the chain 18 and the rear sprocket 16.

[0025] The front wheel 12 has a tire 12a for the electric vehicle 1 to run on. The front wheel 12 is the front wheel of two wheels arranged in the front-to-back direction. The front wheel 12 is supported by the front fork 10e so that it can rotate around an axis along the left-to-right direction. In other words, the front wheel 12 is rotatably supported by the frame (body) 10 at the front of the frame (vehicle body) 10. The front wheel 12 may also receive power from the motor unit 13, and for example, a motor may be provided to provide the driving force to rotate the front wheel 12.

[0026] The rear wheel 15 has a tire 15a for the electric vehicle 1 to run on. The rear wheel 15 is the rear wheel of two wheels arranged in the front-to-back direction. The rear wheel 15 is supported by the chainstay 10d so that it can rotate around an axis along the left-to-right direction. In other words, the rear wheel 15 is supported by the frame 10 so as to be rotatable at the rear of the frame (vehicle body) 10. The rear wheel 15 has a rear sprocket 16. The rear sprocket 16 is connected to the front sprocket 17 via a chain 18. A speed-increasing mechanism or a speed-reducing mechanism may be provided between the rear sprocket 16 and the rear wheel 15 to create a rotational difference between the rotation of the rear sprocket 16 and the rotation of the rear wheel 15. A gear-shifting mechanism may also be provided between the rear sprocket 16 and the rear wheel 15 to change the rotational ratio, which is the ratio of the rotation of the rear sprocket 16 to the rotation of the rear wheel 15.

[0027] Saddle 14 is the part where the user sits. Saddle 14 is movably mounted on the seat tube 10c.

[0028] The chain 18 transmits the driving force output from the motor unit 13 to the rear sprocket 16 via the front sprocket 17. The chain 18 is a power transmission body that transmits the driving force output from the motor unit 13 to the drive wheel (rear wheel 15).

[0029] The motor unit 13 comprises a motor 3 and a vehicle control unit 40 that controls the motor 3, and is mounted on the frame 10. The motor unit 13 is a unitized assembly of the motor 3 and the vehicle control unit 40 housed in a resin or metal housing 13a. The motor 3 adds the driving force necessary to propel the electric vehicle 1. The motor 3 is driven by power from the battery 2, based on control by the vehicle control unit 40. The motor 3 rotates the rear wheel 15 by transmitting rotational torque, which is the driving force, to the rear sprocket 16 via the front sprocket 17 and chain 18. The rotational torque is the driving force from the motor 3. In other words, the motor 3 adds self-propelled power to the drive wheel (rear wheel 15), which is one of the wheels of the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 15, to enable self-propulsion.

[0030] The plate 22 is a long, elongated resin or metal member that is supported by the motor unit 13 by fixing its rear end to the housing 13a of the motor unit 13, for example, with a bolt. In this embodiment, the plate 22 is provided on both the left and right sides of the frame (vehicle body) 10.

[0031] The footrest member 23 is a long, rod-shaped member made of resin or metal, extending in the left-right direction (i.e., the width direction of the frame (vehicle body) 10), and is attached to the front end of the plate 22. The feet of the user seated on the saddle 14 (i.e., the user riding on the frame (vehicle body) 10) are placed on the footrest member 23. In this embodiment, as already described, since the plate 22 is provided on both the left and right sides of the frame 10, the footrest members 23 are also provided on both the left and right sides of the frame 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user seated on the saddle 14 can place their left foot and right foot on the left footrest member 23 and the right footrest member 23, respectively.

[0032] Battery 2 is a rechargeable battery that stores power for driving the motor 3. Battery 2 is, for example, a secondary battery, but may also be a capacitor or the like. Battery 2 is electrically connected to the motor 3. Specifically, Battery 2 supplies power to the motor 3. In this embodiment, as already mentioned, Battery 2 is located on the seat tube 10c. Therefore, Battery 2 is located between the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 15 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, Battery 2 is located above the motor unit 13, i.e., the motor 3.

[0033] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of an electric vehicle 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle control unit 40 of the electric vehicle 1 is electrically connected to the battery mounting unit 60, the motor 3, and the operating unit 90. Specifically, the vehicle control unit 40 includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and the CPU controls each part by loading a program stored in ROM into RAM and executing it. The battery 2 is connected to the vehicle control unit 40 via each terminal 121 of the terminal structure 120 provided on the battery mounting unit 60.

[0034] Here, the control unit 90 is located on the steering wheel 11 and is operated by the user. The control unit 90 includes a turn signal 91, a power switch 92, a mode setting unit 93, an accelerator lever 94, a brake lever 95, a notification unit 96, etc. The turn signal 91 is a device that indicates the right or left turn of the electric vehicle 1. The power switch 92 is a switch for driving the motor 3. The mode setting unit 93 is a switch for switching the driving mode of the electric vehicle 1. The accelerator lever 94 is a lever for accelerating the electric vehicle 1. The brake lever 95 is a lever for decelerating or stopping the electric vehicle 1 while it is moving. The notification unit 96 includes at least one of a speaker and a display panel and is a device that notifies the user of various information.

[0035] In this electric vehicle 1, when the power switch 92 is turned on, power is supplied from the battery 2 to the motor 3 under the control of the vehicle control unit 40. The vehicle control unit 40 then sets the driving mode of the electric vehicle 1 to the mode corresponding to the user's operation of the mode setting unit 93. When the user operates the accelerator lever 94, the motor 3 is driven, and that power is transmitted to the rear wheels 15 via the power transmission mechanism 4, causing the electric vehicle 1 to move on its own.

[0036] Next, the details of the battery mounting section 60 will be described. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the battery mounting section 60 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 shows the battery 2 removed from the battery mounting section 60.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the battery mounting section 60 comprises a connecting section 110 and a terminal structure 120. The connecting section 110 is located near the lower end of the seat tube 10c and above the motor unit 13. The connecting section 110 comprises a fitting recess 111 into which the lower end of the battery 2 fits, and a pair of shaft grooves 112 that rotatably support the lower end of the battery 2 which is attached to and detached from the fitting recess 111. The pair of shaft grooves 112 are positioned on either side of the fitting recess 111. The terminal structure 120 is located at the bottom of the fitting recess 111.

[0038] The terminal structure 120 is detachably connected to multiple battery terminals (not shown) provided on the battery 2. Specifically, the terminal structure 120 includes multiple terminals 121 that are electrically connected to each of the multiple battery terminals, and a holder 130 that holds the multiple terminals 121.

[0039] Terminal 121a, one of the multiple terminals 121, is the ground terminal for the cathode (-) for discharge (power supply) and charging. Terminal 121b, one of the multiple terminals 121, is the power supply terminal for the anode (+) for discharge (power supply). Terminal 121c, one of the multiple terminals 121, is a communication terminal for inputting and outputting various control signals. Terminal 121d, one of the multiple terminals 121, is a detection terminal for detecting whether the battery 2 is installed in the battery mounting section 60. Each terminal 121 is electrically connected to the functionally corresponding battery terminal from among the multiple battery terminals provided on the battery 2.

[0040] Next, the terminal structure 120 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the terminal structure 120 according to the embodiment, viewed from diagonally above. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the terminal structure 120 according to the embodiment, viewed from diagonally below. Figure 6 is a bottom view of the terminal structure 120 according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a bottom view showing the terminal structure 120 according to the embodiment with the potting material 159 and wiring 205 removed. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the terminal structure 120 according to the embodiment when cut in the XZ plane. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the terminal structure 120 according to the embodiment when cut in the YZ plane.

[0041] In Figures 4 to 9, the direction in which the multiple terminals 121 are aligned and the longitudinal direction of the holder 130 are defined as the X-axis direction, the width direction of the holder 130 and each terminal 121 is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the height direction of the holder 130 and each terminal 121 is defined as the Z-axis direction. In the following explanation, the positive Z-axis direction may be referred to as upward, and the negative Z-axis direction may be referred to as downward.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4 to 9, the multiple terminals 121 are arranged in the order of terminal 121b, terminal 121c, terminal 121a, and terminal 121d, starting from the negative X-axis direction. The upper end portion 122 of each terminal 121 protrudes upward from the holder 130, and these portions are electrically connected to each battery terminal of the battery 2. On the other hand, the lower end portion 123 of each terminal 121 protrudes downward from the holder 130, and these portions are electrically connected to the motor 3 and vehicle control unit 40 in the motor unit 13 via wiring (not shown).

[0043] Each terminal 121 is made of a metal plate. The upper end 122 and lower end 123 of each terminal 121 are flat plate-shaped portions parallel to the YZ plane, while the intermediate portion 124 between the upper end 122 and the lower end 123 is a flat plate-shaped portion inclined with respect to the YZ plane (see Figure 8). Each terminal 121 is integrated with a resin holder 130 by insert molding. Since the intermediate portion 124 of each terminal 121 is embedded in the holder 130, the inclination of the intermediate portion 124 catches on the holder 130 and functions as a retainer.

[0044] The holder 130 is a resin member that is elongated in the X-axis direction. The holder 130 comprises a pair of flange portions 131 and a support portion 140. The pair of flange portions 131 are parts that protrude from both ends of the support portion 140 in the X-axis direction. Each flange portion 131 is a part for fixing the holder 130 to the bottom of the fitting recess 111, and has a through hole 132 through which a fixing screw passes.

[0045] The support portion 140 is the part that supports each terminal 121. The support portion 140 is a rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the X-axis direction, and the upper ends 122 of each terminal 121 protrude from its upper surface. The support portion 140 comprises a top portion 141, a pair of long wall portions 142 that face each other in the Y-axis direction, and a pair of short wall portions 143 that connect the ends of the pair of long wall portions 142.

[0046] The ceiling portion 141 is a rectangular section that is elongated in the X-axis direction and parallel to the XY plane, and flange portions 131 are provided so as to be continuous with both ends of the ceiling portion 141 in the X-axis direction. Long wall portions 142 and short wall portions 143 protrude downward from the lower surface of the ceiling portion 141.

[0047] Each long wall portion 142 is a rectangular, flat wall portion that is elongated in the X-axis direction and parallel to the XZ plane. Each short wall portion 143 is a rectangular, flat wall portion that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and parallel to the YZ plane. Of the pair of short wall portions 143, one short wall portion 143 is connected to the ends of the pair of long wall portions 142 in the positive X-axis direction, and the other short wall portion 143 is connected to the ends of the pair of long wall portions 142 in the negative X-axis direction.

[0048] Furthermore, the support section 140 has four intermediate wall sections 144. Each intermediate wall section 144 is a rectangular, flat wall section parallel to the XZ plane, and is arranged at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction. Each end of each intermediate wall section 144 in the Y-axis direction is connected to each long wall section 142. As a result, the support section 140 has five partitioned sections 150 that are open at the bottom and arranged in the X-axis direction. Each partitioned section 150 is hollow. Of the five partitioned sections 150, terminal 121b is placed in the first partitioned section 151 from the negative X-axis direction, terminal 121c is placed in the third partitioned section 153, terminal 121a is placed in the fourth partitioned section 154, and terminal 121d is placed in the fifth partitioned section 155. In this way, partitioned sections 151, 153, 154, and 155 individually partition each terminal 121. Furthermore, none of the terminals 121 are located in the second compartment 152.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, the ceiling surfaces of compartments 151, 153, 154, and 155 all have the same convex structure 156. Here, the convex structure 156 will be described using compartment 155 as an example. The convex structure 156 includes an annular projection 157 that protrudes to continuously surround the entire circumference of the terminal 121d. In addition, a plurality of ribs 160 extend outward from the periphery of the annular projection 157. The plurality of ribs 160 include a pair of first ribs 161 extending in the Y-axis direction from both ends of the annular projection 157 in the Y-axis direction, a second rib 162 extending in the X-axis direction from the X-axis negative side of the annular projection 157, and a pair of third ribs 163 extending in the X-axis positive side of the annular projection 157. The second ribs 162 and the pair of third ribs 163 are positioned at different locations in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the second rib 162 is positioned midway along the Y-axis of the annular protrusion 157, and the pair of third ribs 163 are positioned to divide the annular protrusion 157 into three equal parts along the Y-axis.

[0050] Here, among the partitions 151, 153, 154, and 155, a temperature sensor 200 is placed in partition 154, where the ground terminal 121a is located, and in partition 151, where the power terminal 121b is located.

[0051] The temperature sensor 200 will be described below using section 151 as an example, but the same applies to section 154. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the temperature sensor 200 is located within section 151. The temperature sensor 200 comprises a substrate 201 and a chip thermistor 202. The substrate 201 is located within section 151 so as to face terminal 121b. The substrate 201 has a width (length in the Y-axis direction) that fits within section 151. A pair of recesses 203 are formed on the lower edge of the substrate 201 into which a pair of third ribs 163 are inserted. If the substrate 201 is incorrectly inserted within section 151 to a position corresponding to the second rib 162, the second rib 162 will interfere between the pair of recesses 203 of the substrate 201. Therefore, it is possible to inform the user of the incorrect insertion of the substrate 201.

[0052] On the circuit board 201, a chip thermistor 202 is mounted in the center of the surface facing terminal 121b. A pair of wires 205 attached to the circuit board 201 are electrically connected to the chip thermistor 202. These wires 205 electrically connect the chip thermistor 202 to the vehicle control unit 40, so that the temperature of terminal 121b detected by the chip thermistor 202 is output to the vehicle control unit 40.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, the compartment 151 is filled with a resin potting material 159. By injecting the liquid potting material 159 into the compartment 151 and allowing it to harden, the temperature sensor 200 is fixed within the compartment 151. The potting material 159 is interposed between the chip thermistor 202 and the terminal 121b. Therefore, the resin making up the potting material 159 has thermal conductivity that allows it to transmit the temperature from the terminal 121b to the chip thermistor 202. The resin making up the potting material 159 is preferably a thermoplastic resin. Examples of thermoplastic resins include epoxy resin and urethane resin. Preferably, it is a highly thermally conductive epoxy resin. The chip thermistor 202 may be in contact with the terminal 121b. In this case, it is possible for the temperature sensor 200 to detect the temperature of the terminal 121b more accurately.

[0054] The vehicle control unit 40 controls the motor 3 based on the detection result from the temperature sensor 200. Specifically, if the detection result from the temperature sensor 200 is above a predetermined temperature (first predetermined temperature), the vehicle control unit 40 controls the motor 3 to limit its output. This control includes stopping or limiting the output of the motor 3. This prevents excessive current from being discharged from the battery 2, thereby suppressing the deformation of terminals 121a and 121b due to high temperatures.

[0055] Furthermore, the vehicle control unit 40 controls the notification unit 96 based on the detection result from the temperature sensor 200. Specifically, if the detection result from the temperature sensor 200 is above a predetermined temperature (second predetermined temperature), the vehicle control unit 40 causes the notification unit 96 to issue an error notification. By being aware of the error notification, the user can perform maintenance on terminals 121a and 121b. The error notification may also indicate that the output has been stopped or limited as described above, but in this case, if such notifications occur frequently, the user can perform maintenance on terminals 121a and 121b. The first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature may be the same or different, but in order to reliably prevent the occurrence of abnormalities, it is preferable that the second predetermined temperature is smaller than the first predetermined temperature.

[0056] [Effects, etc.] As described above, according to this embodiment, since the temperature sensor 200 is arranged in the hollow compartments 151 and 154, the temperature sensor 200 can be housed within the terminal structure 120. In other words, the space consumed by the temperature sensor 200 can be contained within the terminal structure 120. Therefore, even if the temperature sensor 200 is provided, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the terminal structure 120.

[0057] Since the temperature sensor 200 provided in this terminal structure 120 is connected to the vehicle control unit 40 of the electric vehicle 1, the vehicle control unit 40 can perform appropriate control according to the temperature status of terminals 121a and 121b based on the detection results of the temperature sensor 200.

[0058] In particular, the vehicle control unit 40 causes the notification unit 96 to issue an error notification if the temperature sensor 200 detects a temperature above a predetermined temperature, thereby prompting the user to perform appropriate work.

[0059] Furthermore, since the compartments 151 and 154 where the temperature sensor 200 is located are filled with resin (potting material 159) to fix the temperature sensor 200 in place, the potting material 159 prevents the temperature sensor 200 from falling out of the compartments 151 and 154.

[0060] Furthermore, since the resin that becomes the potting material 159 is a thermoplastic resin, the resin liquefied by heat can be filled into the compartments 151 and 154 and hardened by cooling to form the potting material 159.

[0061] Furthermore, since the chip thermistor 202 and terminal 121b of the temperature sensor 200, which is located in one compartment 151, are positioned facing each other, the heat emitted by terminal 121b can be detected more reliably by the chip thermistor 202.

[0062] Furthermore, temperature sensors 200 are provided in both the compartment 154 where the ground terminal 121a is located and the compartment 151 where the power terminal 121b is located. Since these terminals 121a and 121b are more prone to abnormal heat generation than the other terminals 121c and 121d, the temperature sensors 200 can more reliably detect abnormal heat generation at these terminals 121a and 121b. Alternatively, temperature sensors 200 may be provided in both the compartment 154 where terminal 121a is located and the compartment 151 where terminal 121b is located. In this case as well, abnormal heat generation at least one of these terminals 121a and 121b can be more reliably detected by the temperature sensors 200.

[0063] (modified version) The following describes various modifications of the above embodiments. In the following description, parts identical to those in the above embodiments or other modifications may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0064] [Example 1] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a temperature sensor 200, comprising a substrate 201 and a chip thermistor 202, is fixed within the partitioned portion 151 by a potting material 159. However, the structure and fixing method of the temperature sensor may be any other. Modification 1 describes other examples of the structure and fixing method of the temperature sensor.

[0065] Figures 10A to 10D are perspective views showing a temperature sensor and fixing method according to Modification 1. In Figure 10A, a molded body 220a made of a resin such as rubber and a wired temperature sensor 200a having a detection part at its tip are integrated. The detection part of the temperature sensor 200a is built into the molded body 220a. The molded body 220a has a shape through which the terminal 121b passes and which fits into the compartment 151. By fitting the molded body 220a into the compartment 151, the temperature sensor 200a is also fixed into the compartment 151.

[0066] In Figure 10B, the temperature sensor 200b is a resin dip thermistor. The tip of the temperature sensor 200b is fixed within the compartment 151 with potting material 159.

[0067] In Figure 10C, a wired temperature sensor 200c, fitted with a general-purpose rectangular case 230c, is fixed to the compartment 151c. The compartment 151c has a notch 159c into which the rectangular case 230c fits.

[0068] In Figure 10D, terminal 121b is secured by fastening together a wire 129b that connects to the vehicle control unit 40 and a screw-type thermistor, which is a temperature sensor 200d.

[0069] [Differentiation 2] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the terminal structure 120 is applied to the electric vehicle 1. In this modified example 2, an example is given in which the terminal structure 120 is applied to the adapter device 300.

[0070] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an adapter device 300 equipped with a terminal structure 120 according to a modified example 2. As shown in Figure 11, the adapter device 300 is a device that performs at least one of charging and discharging a battery 2. The battery 2 is detachably mounted on the adapter device 300. Specifically, the adapter device 300 comprises a base 301, a battery mounting section 302, and an adapter notification section 303. The base 301 is a stand that is placed, for example, on the floor and supports the battery 2. The base 301 is provided with a battery mounting section 302 on which the battery 2 is detachably mounted.

[0071] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a battery mounting section 302 according to an embodiment. Figure 12 shows the battery 2 removed from the battery mounting section 302. As shown in Figure 12, the battery mounting section 302 is provided with a fitting recess 305 into which the lower end of the battery 2 is inserted, and a terminal structure 120 is installed on the bottom surface of the fitting recess 305. In this modified example, the terminal structure 120 has a positive (+) terminal 121e for charging located in the second compartment 152.

[0072] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of an adapter device 300 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the adapter control unit 304 of the adapter device 300 is electrically connected to the battery mounting unit 302 and the adapter notification unit 303. Specifically, the adapter control unit 304 includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and the CPU controls each unit by loading a program stored in ROM into RAM and executing it. The battery 2 is connected to the adapter control unit 304 via each terminal 121 of the terminal structure 120 provided on the battery mounting unit 302, and each temperature sensor 200 is also connected. The adapter control unit 304 includes a power supply circuit, etc., which allows control of at least one of the charging current and the discharging current to the battery 2. The adapter control unit 304 controls at least one of the charging current and the discharging current of the battery 2 based on the detection results from each temperature sensor 200. Specifically, the adapter control unit 304 controls the charging current and discharging current of the battery 2 to be limited if the temperature sensor 200 detects a temperature above a predetermined temperature (first predetermined temperature). This control includes stopping or limiting the output of at least one of the charging current and discharging current of the battery 2. This prevents the terminals 121a, 121b, and 121e from becoming overheated and deforming.

[0073] The adapter notification unit 303 includes at least one of a speaker and a display panel, and is a device that notifies the user of various information. The adapter control unit 304 controls the adapter notification unit 303 based on the detection result from the temperature sensor 200. Specifically, if the detection result from the temperature sensor 200 is above a predetermined temperature (second predetermined temperature), the adapter notification unit 303 causes the adapter notification unit 303 to issue an error notification. By being aware of the error notification, the user can perform maintenance on terminals 121a and 121b. In addition, the error notification may also indicate that the output has been stopped or that output has been limited as described above, but in this case, if such notifications occur frequently, the user can perform maintenance on terminals 121a, 121b, and 121e.

[0074] As described above, the temperature sensor 200 provided in the terminal structure 120 is connected to the adapter control unit 304, so the adapter control unit 304 can perform appropriate control according to the temperature status of terminals 121a and 121b based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 200.

[0075] In particular, the adapter control unit 304 causes the adapter notification unit 303 to issue an error notification if the temperature sensor 200 detects a temperature above a predetermined temperature, thereby prompting the user to perform the appropriate action.

[0076] (others) Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms that can be obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, as well as forms that can be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0077] (Note) The following describes the features of the terminal structure, electric vehicle, and adapter device described based on the above embodiment.

[0078] <Technology 1> A terminal structure in which the battery terminals of a battery used in an electric vehicle are detachably connected, Multiple terminals electrically connected to the aforementioned battery terminal, The system includes a holder that holds the plurality of terminals, The aforementioned holder is, Multiple hollow partitions that individually separate the aforementioned multiple terminals, A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the terminals located in the partitioned area is placed inside at least one of the partitioned areas. Terminal structure.

[0079] <Technology 2> The compartment in which the temperature sensor is located is filled with resin for fixing the temperature sensor. Terminal structure as described in Technical 1.

[0080] <Technology 3> The aforementioned resin is a thermoplastic resin. Terminal structure as described in Technical 2.

[0081] <Technology 4> The temperature sensor and the terminal, which are located in one of the compartments, are arranged facing each other. The terminal structure described in any one of the following three technologies.

[0082] <Technology 5> The aforementioned plurality of terminals include a ground terminal and a power supply terminal. The temperature sensor is located in at least one of the partitioned area where the ground terminal is located and the partitioned area where the power supply terminal is located. A terminal structure described in any one of the following technologies: Technology 1 to Technology 4.

[0083] <Technology 6> The temperature sensor is positioned in both the partitioned section where the ground terminal is located and the partitioned section where the power supply terminal is located. Terminal structure as described in Technical 5.

[0084] <Technology 7> The terminal structure described in any one of the technologies 1 to 6, The battery connected to the terminal structure, A motor powered by the aforementioned battery, The vehicle includes a vehicle control unit that controls the motor, The temperature sensor is connected to the vehicle control unit. Electric vehicle.

[0085] <Technology 8> The vehicle control unit, when the temperature sensor detects a temperature above a predetermined temperature, will stop or limit the output of the motor. The electric vehicle described in Technology 7.

[0086] <Technology 9> The vehicle control unit is equipped with a notification unit that provides notification based on the control of the vehicle control unit, The vehicle control unit causes the notification unit to issue an error notification if the temperature sensor detects a temperature above a predetermined temperature. An electric vehicle as described in Technology 7 or 8.

[0087] <Technology 10> An adapter device comprising a terminal structure described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 6, which performs at least one of charging and discharging the battery connected to the terminal structure, The adapter includes a control unit that controls at least one of the charging current and the discharging current to the battery, The temperature sensor is connected to the adapter control unit. Adapter device.

[0088] <Technology 11> The adapter control unit, if the temperature sensor detects a temperature above a predetermined temperature, will stop or limit the output of the battery. The adapter device described in Technical 10.

[0089] <Technology 12> The adapter includes an adapter notification unit that provides notification based on the control of the adapter control unit, The adapter control unit causes the adapter notification unit to issue an error notification if the temperature sensor detects a temperature above a predetermined temperature. An adapter device as described in Technical 10 or 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1. Electric Vehicle 2 batteries 3 motors 4 Power transmission mechanism 10 frames 11 handles 12 Front wheels 13 Motor Unit 14 saddles 15 Rear wheel 40 Vehicle Control Unit 96 Hochi Department 120 Terminal structure Terminals 121, 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d, 121e 130 Holder 131 Flange section 140 Support part Sections 150, 151, 151c, 152, 153, 154, and 155 156 Convex structure 157 Annular protrusion 159 Potting material 160 Rib 200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d temperature sensors 201 circuit board 202 Chip Thermistor 300 Adapter Device 301 Base 303 Adapter Notification Unit 304 Adapter Control Unit

Claims

1. A terminal structure in which the battery terminals of a battery used in an electric vehicle are detachably connected, Multiple terminals electrically connected to the aforementioned battery terminal, The system includes a holder that holds the plurality of terminals, The aforementioned holder is, Multiple hollow partitions that individually separate the aforementioned multiple terminals, A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the terminals located in the partitioned area is placed inside at least one of the partitioned areas. Terminal structure.

2. The compartment in which the temperature sensor is located is filled with resin for fixing the temperature sensor. The terminal structure according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned resin is a thermoplastic resin. The terminal structure according to claim 2.

4. The temperature sensor and the terminal, which are located in one of the compartments, are arranged facing each other. The terminal structure according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned plurality of terminals include a ground terminal and a power supply terminal. The temperature sensor is located in at least one of the partitioned area where the ground terminal is located and the partitioned area where the power supply terminal is located. The terminal structure according to claim 1.

6. The temperature sensor is positioned in both the partitioned section where the ground terminal is located and the partitioned section where the power supply terminal is located. The terminal structure according to claim 5.

7. A terminal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The battery connected to the terminal structure, A motor powered by the aforementioned battery, The vehicle includes a vehicle control unit that controls the motor, The temperature sensor is connected to the vehicle control unit. Electric vehicle.

8. The vehicle control unit, when the temperature sensor detects a temperature above a predetermined temperature, will stop or limit the output of the motor. The electric vehicle according to claim 7.

9. The vehicle control unit is equipped with a notification unit that provides notification based on the control of the vehicle control unit, The vehicle control unit causes the notification unit to issue an error notification if the temperature sensor detects a temperature above a predetermined temperature. The electric vehicle according to claim 7.

10. An adapter device comprising a terminal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which performs at least one of charging and discharging the battery connected to the terminal structure, The adapter includes a control unit that controls at least one of the charging current and the discharging current to the battery, The temperature sensor is connected to the adapter control unit. Adapter device.

11. The adapter control unit, if the temperature sensor detects a temperature above a predetermined temperature, will stop or limit the output of the battery. The adapter device according to claim 10.

12. The adapter includes an adapter notification unit that provides notification based on the control of the adapter control unit, The adapter control unit causes the adapter notification unit to issue an error notification if the temperature sensor detects a temperature above a predetermined temperature. The adapter device according to claim 10.

Images