Battery detachment structure

Abstract

Provided is a battery attachment / detachment structure capable of maintaining favorable movement of a link mechanism and facilitating the attachment / detachment of a battery.　A lower end section of an operation lever (36) is pivotally supported by a first swinging shaft (36g) that functions as a leverage point on one end side of a link arm (72). A plug holder (70) is supported by a third swinging shaft (71) that functions as a leverage point on the other end side of the link arm (72). A hole part (100) through which the third swinging shaft (71) is inserted is formed in the plug holder (70). The plug holder (70) is configured so that the third swinging shaft (71) presses the inner peripheral surface of the hole part (100) accompanying the swinging motion of the link arm (72), and thus the plug holder moves in the pressing direction. The hole part (100) forms an idle traveling space in which the plug holder (70) does not move vertically even when the third swinging shaft (71) moves, and comprises a first shape section (101) that has a shape following an arc trajectory (R) of the third swinging shaft (71).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery attachment / detachment structure, and particularly to a battery attachment / detachment structure for making a portable battery detachable from a storage case provided in a vehicle or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a battery attachment / detachment structure for making a portable battery detachable from a storage case provided in a vehicle or the like has been known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery attachment / detachment structure applied to an electric two-wheeler. In this structure, link mechanisms are provided in front of and behind a storage case, and by pushing down an operation lever connected to the link mechanisms, a battery-side terminal and a case-side terminal are connected, and by pulling up the operation lever, the connection between the battery-side terminal and the case-side terminal is released.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the link mechanism of Patent Document 1, in the portion connecting a link arm that swings around a swing axis and a plug holder that slides in the vertical direction, long holes that allow the connecting shaft to slide are provided in both the link arm and the plug holder. When the sliding resistance of the sliding portion increases due to dust deposition, component wear, etc., there is a problem that the movement of the link mechanism tends to become sluggish.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems of the prior art and provide a battery attachment / detachment structure that can maintain good movement of the link mechanism and facilitate attachment / detachment of the battery.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a battery detachment structure including a battery (B), a battery case (33) for housing the battery (B), a battery-side terminal (49) provided on the lower surface of the battery (B), and a case-side terminal (55) connected to the battery-side terminal (49). In a state where the battery (B) is housed in the battery case (33), a single operation lever (36) having a gripping portion (36a) positioned above the battery (B), a plug holder (70) configured to move the case-side terminal (55) between a connection position (U) connected to the battery-side terminal (49) and a retracted position (D) spaced apart from the battery-side terminal (49), and a link mechanism (L) connecting the operation lever (36) and the plug holder (70). The link mechanism (L) includes a link arm (72) swingably supported by a second swing shaft (73) functioning as a fulcrum of a lever. The lower end portion of the operation lever (36) is pivotally supported by a first swing shaft (36g) functioning as a power point on one end side of the link arm (72). The plug holder (70) is supported by a third swing shaft (71) functioning as an action point on the other end side of the link arm (72). A hole portion (100) through which the third swing shaft (71) is inserted is formed in the plug holder (70). The plug holder (70) is configured to move in the pressing direction by the third swing shaft (71) pressing the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion (100) as the link arm (72) swings. The hole portion (100) constitutes a free-running section in which the plug holder (70) does not move up and down even when the third swing shaft (71) moves, and has a first characteristic in that it includes a first shaped portion (101) having a shape along the arc trajectory (R) of the third swing shaft (71).

[0008] Further, the third swing shaft (71) moves between an upper end position (102) and a lower end position (103) along the arc trajectory (R), and the hole portion (100) has an intermediate contact portion (105) with which the third swing shaft (71) comes into contact while the third swing shaft (71) moves from the upper end position (102) to the lower end position (103). There is a second feature in that when the third swing shaft (71) presses the intermediate contact portion (105) in the pressing direction, the plug holder (70) moves in the pressing direction.

[0009] Further, the intermediate contact portion (105) has a third feature in that it is located above the second swing shaft (73) when the third swing shaft (71) is located at the upper end position (102).

[0010] Further, the hole portion (100) is continuous with the intermediate contact portion (105), and the hole portion (100) has a second shaped portion (104) in which the angle (θ) formed by the tangent line (S) of the hole portion (100) and the axis (O) in the movable direction of the plug holder (70) becomes smaller as it approaches the upper end position (102). There is a fourth feature in this regard.

[0011] Further, the first shaped portion (101) has a fifth feature in that it has a curved shape along the arc trajectory (R).

[0012] Further, when the third swing shaft (71) moves upward, there is a sixth feature in that a preload is applied to the plug holder (70) between the completion of the connection between the battery-side terminal (49) and the case-side terminal (55) and the arrival of the third swing shaft (71) at the upper end position (102).

[0013] Further, there is a seventh feature in that a plurality of batteries (B) are provided.

[0014] Further, there is an eighth feature in that the battery attachment / detachment structure is applied to a vehicle.

[0015] Furthermore, there is a ninth feature in that the battery attachment / detachment structure is applied to an electric vehicle.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the first feature, in a battery attachment / detachment structure including a battery (B), a battery case (33) in which the battery (B) is housed, a battery-side terminal (49) provided on the lower surface of the battery (B), and a case-side terminal (55) connected to the battery-side terminal (49), with the battery (B) housed in the battery case (33), a single operation lever (36) in which a gripping portion (36a) is located above the battery (B), a plug holder (70) configured to be able to move the case-side terminal (55) between a connection position (U) connected to the battery-side terminal (49) and a retracted position (D) spaced apart from the battery-side terminal (49), and a link mechanism (L) connecting the operation lever (36) and the plug holder (70). The link mechanism (L) includes a link arm (72) swingably supported by a second swing shaft (73) functioning as a fulcrum of a lever. The lower end portion of the operation lever (36) is pivotally supported by a first swing shaft (36g) functioning as a power point on one end side of the link arm (72). The plug holder (70) is supported by a third swing shaft (71) functioning as an action point on the other end side of the link arm (72). A hole portion (100) through which the third swing shaft (71) is inserted is formed in the plug holder (70). The plug holder (70) is configured to move in the pressing direction by the third swing shaft (71) pressing the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion (100) as the link arm (72) swings. The hole portion (100) constitutes a free-travel section in which the plug holder (70) does not move up and down even when the third swing shaft (71) moves, and includes a first shaped portion (101) having a shape along the arc trajectory (R) of the third swing shaft (71). Thus, the sliding operation around the third swing shaft becomes smooth, and it is possible to optimize the link shape by ensuring an appropriate stroke amount and suppressing the inclination of the plug holder. Therefore, with the configuration of the present application, circular motion (link portion) can be efficiently converted into linear motion (plug holder), so that the load on the case-side terminal and the battery-side terminal and the operation load of the operation lever can be reduced.

[0017] According to the second feature, the third swing axis (71) moves between the upper end position (102) and the lower end position (103) along the arc trajectory (R), and the hole portion (100) includes an intermediate contact portion (105) with which the third swing axis (71) contacts while the third swing axis (71) moves from the upper end position (102) to the lower end position (103). When the third swing axis (71) presses the intermediate contact portion (105) in the pressing direction side, the plug holder (70) moves in the pressing direction side. Therefore, by the third swing axis contacting the intermediate contact portion, it becomes possible to efficiently transmit the downward load to the plug holder. Thereby, it becomes possible to smoothly push down the plug holder and release the connection between the case-side contact point and the battery-side contact point.

[0018] According to the third feature, when the third swing axis (71) is located at the upper end position (102), the intermediate contact portion (105) is located above the second swing axis (73). By providing the intermediate contact portion at a position where the downward load component can be more effectively utilized, it becomes possible to appropriately push down the plug holder.

[0019] According to the fourth feature, the hole portion (100) is continuous with the intermediate contact portion (105), and the hole portion (100) includes a second shaped portion (104) in which the angle (θ) formed by the tangent line (S) of the hole portion (100) and the axis (O) in the movable direction of the plug holder (70) becomes smaller as it approaches the upper end position (102). By providing the second shaped portion having a curved shape, it becomes possible to efficiently perform the load transmission when pushing up the plug holder. Also, it becomes possible to smoothly push up the plug holder to the uppermost position by effectively utilizing the upward load component.

[0020] According to the fifth feature, since the first shaped portion (101) has a curved shape along the arc trajectory (R), a smooth sliding operation is possible when the third swing axis moves upward.

[0021] According to the sixth feature, when the third swing axis (71) moves upward, a preload is applied to the plug holder (70) between the completion of the connection between the battery-side terminal (49) and the case-side terminal (55) and the arrival of the third swing axis (71) at the upper end position (102). By applying a preload to the plug holder, even when the battery moves above the vehicle body when overcoming a large step, etc., the case-side terminal can follow the movement of the battery to maintain the electrical connection. Also, by setting to apply the preload where a large upward load can be exerted, it becomes possible to appropriately apply the preload.

[0022] According to the seventh feature, since a plurality of the batteries (B) are provided, it becomes possible to attach and detach the plurality of batteries simultaneously.

[0023] According to the eighth feature, since the battery attachment / detachment structure is applied to a vehicle, it becomes possible to smoothly attach and detach the battery applied to the vehicle.

[0024] According to the ninth feature, since the battery attachment / detachment structure is applied to an electric vehicle, it becomes possible to smoothly attach and detach the large-sized battery applied to the electric vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a left side view of an electric two-wheeler 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electric two-wheeler 1 seen from the right rear. The electric two-wheeler 1 is a so-called scooter-type saddle-riding electric vehicle in which a low-floor floor 17 on which a passenger places their feet is provided between a steering handle 2 and a seat 29.

[0027] A pair of left and right front forks 12 that rotatably support the front wheel WF are swingable by a steering handle 2 extending in the vehicle width direction. A meter device 39 is embedded in a handle cover 5 that covers the front and rear of the steering handle 2, and in addition, a windshield 3 and a pair of left and right rearview mirrors 4 are attached. Below the handle cover 5, a front cover 6 on the front side of the vehicle body and a floor panel 13 facing the passenger's legs on the rear side of the front cover 6 in the vehicle body are arranged. A front carrier 7 is supported in front of the front cover 6, and below it, a headlight 9 supported by a light stay 8 and a pair of left and right front side flasher lamps 10 are arranged. A front fender 11 that covers the upper part of the front wheel WF is supported by the left and right front forks 12.

[0028] On the upper surface of the low floor 17, a brake pedal 15 for operating the brake device of the rear wheel WR and a footrest 16 for enhancing the operability of the brake pedal 15 are arranged. At both left and right ends of the low floor 17, a pair of left and right undercovers 14 that cover the low floor 17 from below are connected. Below the seat 29 on which the driver sits, a seat under cover 30 having a curved shape convex toward the front side of the vehicle body is arranged. At the lower part of the seat under cover 30, a floor upper cover 28 continuous with the upper part of the low floor 17 is connected.

[0029] Behind the under cover 14 on the left side in the vehicle width direction, a side stand 19 is arranged. Behind the floor upper cover 28, a pair of left and right rear covers 27 are arranged, and on the upper part of the rear cover 27, a rear carrier 40 surrounded by a grip pipe 26 is arranged. Behind the rear cover 27, a tail lamp device 25 and a pair of left and right rear side flasher lamps 24 are arranged.

[0030] Behind the under cover 14, a swing unit type power unit P that rotatably supports the rear wheel WR is arranged. The power unit P incorporating a motor for driving the rear wheel WR is swingably attached to the vehicle body frame via a link lever 18. The rear part of the power unit P is suspended from the vehicle body frame by a rear cushion 23. On the upper part of the power unit P, a rear fender 22 that covers the upper rear of the rear wheel WR is attached, and a center stand 20 is attached to the lower part of the power unit P.

[0031] At a position between the seat under cover 30 and the rear fender 22, a cover member 21 for receiving the running wind introduced from the slit 30a of the floor upper cover 28 and the running wind flowing inside the under cover 14 is arranged.

[0032] Figure 3 is a left side view of the electric two-wheeler 1 with the main exterior parts removed. The vehicle body frame F (the portion shown with dot-dash hatching) of the electric two-wheeler 1 includes a main frame F2 at the center in the vehicle width direction extending downward from the head pipe F1, a pair of left and right underframes F3 connected to the lower end of the main frame F2 and curved rearward, a rising frame F4 pointing upward and rearward from the rear end of the underframe F3, and a pair of left and right rear frames F6 connected to and extending rearward from the rising frame F4. A cross pipe F5 connecting the left and right rising frames F4 to each other is connected to the front part of the rising frame F4.

[0033] A steering stem 38 is rotatably supported by the head pipe F1. A steering handle 2 is fixed to the upper end of the steering stem 38, and a bottom bridge 37 that supports the upper end of the front fork 12 is fixed to one lower end. Below the seat 29, a battery case 33 for accommodating two portable batteries B that supply power to the motor side by side in the vehicle width direction is provided. The battery case 33 consists of a vertically long lower case 35 that conforms to the shape of the battery B and an upper case 34 that is coupled to the upper part of the lower case 35 and forms an opening conforming to the bottom shape of the seat 29. The seat 29 is pivotally supported by a hinge 44 located at the upper front end of the battery case 33 so as to be openable and closable, and functions as an opening / closing lid of the battery case 33. In this figure, the seat 29 in the open state is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0034] The battery case 33 is housed behind the cross pipe F5 and between the pair of left and right rising frames F4. The seat bottom cover 30 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) extends from in front of the cross pipe F5 to the sides of the left and right rising frames F4 so as to cover the front and sides of the battery case 33. Below the low floor 17, a storage case 31 for accommodating a low-voltage sub-battery BS that supplies power to accessories such as the headlight 9 and electrical components such as fuses is provided. A connecting pipe F7 that connects the left and right underframes F3 to enhance rigidity and protects the storage case 31 is provided at the lower part of the underframe F3.

[0035] A cover member 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) that receives the traveling wind from the front of the vehicle body in front of the rear fender 22 is disposed on the rear surface side of the battery case 33, and is disposed above the rear surface side of the battery case 33. A PCU (Power Control Unit) 32 that controls the power supply to the motor is disposed at a position covered by the cover member 21.

[0036] The battery B is formed as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the vertical direction and is housed in the battery case 33 in a state of being slightly inclined rearward with respect to the vertical direction. This suppresses the height dimension of the battery case 33, lowers the center of gravity position, and facilitates the attachment and detachment work of the battery B. Further, when the battery B is inclined, the pulling-out direction (arrow shown in the figure) when the battery B is taken out from the battery case 33 is also inclined slightly rearward, and the inclination angle is such that the battery B does not interfere with the luggage C even when a large luggage C is placed on the rear carrier 40.

[0037] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the peripheral structure of the battery case 33. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the seat 29 and the under-seat cover 30 are removed and the left half of the floor upper cover 28 is removed. FIG. 5 is a structural explanatory view in which the battery case 33 is removed from the state of FIG. 4.

[0038] An operation lever 36 that an operator grips by hand and moves up and down is disposed between the two batteries B housed in the battery case 33. When the operation lever 36 is pushed downward and the battery-side terminal and the case-side terminal are connected, a pressing holder 42 that is pivotally supported by a swing shaft 42a abuts against the upper surface of the battery B with a biasing force, thereby suppressing the vertical movement of the battery B even when a large step is overcome during traveling.

[0039] In front of the operation lever 36, a lock member 43 is provided for holding the operation lever 36 in a state where it is pushed downward. The lock member 43 is pivotally supported on the upper case 34 by a swing shaft 43a, and is switched to an unlocked state by tilting forward from the illustrated upright state.

[0040] The standing wall portion 34a that constitutes the upper edge of the battery case 33 is formed to slope downward and forward so as to follow the bottom surface shape of the seat 29. Thereby, when the seat 29 is opened, it is easy to access the lock member 43 and the operation lever 36 located closer to the front, and the work of pulling out and inserting the battery B is also facilitated.

[0041] The battery case 33 is supported so as to be sandwiched between the left and right rising frames F4. A pair of left and right tandem step holders F11 are provided on the rising frames F4, and a cross pipe F5 that forms a substantially U-shaped curve convex upward and connects the left and right rising frames F4 is disposed at a position below and in front of the pair.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, a pair of front and rear link mechanisms L for converting the vertical movement of the operation lever 36 into the vertical movement of the case-side terminal are disposed before and after the lower case 35 of the battery case 33. A key cylinder 45 for operating a seat catch mechanism 48 disposed at the upper rear end of the battery case 33 is disposed at a position covered by the seat lower cover 30 below the hinge 44. The upper part of the seat catch mechanism 48 is covered by a rear cover 41, and a cable 60 extending from the key cylinder 45 is connected to the left side in the vehicle width direction of the seat catch mechanism 48. A contact 46 for turning on and off the power supply to the electrical components is disposed below the key cylinder 45.

[0043] A pair of plate-shaped support stays F10 for supporting the front side of the battery case 33 are provided on the lower surface of the cross pipe F5 made of a steel pipe, below the link mechanism L. The electrical components located below and behind the cross pipe F5 are protected on the side by the support stays F10.

[0044] At the rear of the tandem step holder F11, the front end portion of the cover member 21 is disposed. The cover member 21 is provided with a wide portion 21a that covers from the side of the battery case 33 to the rear of the PCU 32, and a narrow portion 21b that is connected to the lower portion of the wide portion 21a and is formed narrower than the wide portion 21a.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged plan view of the electric two-wheeler 1 with the exterior parts removed. The two batteries B are arranged side by side left and right, and an operation lever 36 with a gripping portion extending in the front-rear direction is disposed at the center in the vehicle width direction between the left and right batteries B. Pressing holders 42 for pressing the upper surface of the battery B are provided in a pair, one in front and one behind, for each battery B. The pressing holder 42 has a metal main body portion 42b pivotally supported by a swing shaft 42a so as to be swingable, and a rubber portion 42c that covers the tip side of the main body portion 42b. Due to the elastic force of this rubber portion 42c, it is possible to stably hold the storage state of the battery B.

[0046] One-sided biasing force is applied to the pressing holder 42 pivotally supported by the swing shaft 42a by a biasing member. The pressing holder 42 presses the upper surface of the battery B by the biasing force in a state where the operation lever 36 is pushed down, while when the operation lever 36 is pulled up, it is pushed up by the operation lever 36 and is configured to stand upright in the vertical direction.

[0047] The battery-side terminal 49 provided at the bottom of the battery B is disposed closer to the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the battery B. Thereby, the operation lever 36 for vertically moving the case-side terminal 55 located below the battery-side terminal 49 can be operated in the same manner from either the left or right side of the vehicle body, facilitating the replacement work of the battery B. Also, since the operation lever 36 and the case-side terminal 55 are spaced apart, it becomes possible to secure a space for providing a link mechanism L that interlocks the operation lever 36 and the case-side terminal 55.

[0048] The rising frame F4 connected to the underframe F3 that supports the low bed floor 17 from below has a shape in which the left - right interval widens according to the shape of the battery case 33 at the rising part from the underframe F3. The pivot 19b of the side stand 19 supported by the rising frame F4 on the left side in the vehicle width direction is provided at a portion where the rising frame F4 bulges outward in the vehicle width direction. Return springs 19a that bias the side stand 19 to the deployed state and the stored state are provided in a pair on the outside and inside of the side stand 19.

[0049] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the battery case 33 with the battery B removed. In the battery case 33 formed by combining the upper case 34 and the lower case 35, a storage portion 50 into which two batteries B arranged close to each other in the vehicle width direction are inserted is formed. The battery case 33 has a bottomed box shape with the upper side open, and its rigidity is enhanced.

[0050] At the bottom of the storage portion 50, a partition portion 54 for preventing contact between the left and right batteries B is provided. The partition portion 54 extends upward along the front and rear inner walls of the storage portion 50 to a height approximately half that of the lower case 35. According to this partition portion 54, it is possible to prevent the two batteries B stored in the battery case 33 from contacting at the bottom side and stably hold the batteries B.

[0051] At the front end portion of the upper case 34, a pedestal 44a to which a hinge 44 is attached is provided. A deep groove portion 51 capable of storing documents and the like is provided between this pedestal 44a and the lock member 43. This deep groove portion 51 is provided by utilizing the space generated by tilting the battery B backward with respect to the vertical direction.

[0052] As described above, an operation lever 36 that an operator grips by hand and moves up and down is disposed between the left and right batteries B. When the operation lever 36 is pulled upward, the battery B becomes removable from the battery case 33. On the other hand, when the operation lever 36 is pushed downward, the battery-side terminal 49 and the case-side terminal 55 are electrically connected and the battery B is held at a predetermined position.

[0053] Pressing holders 42 that press the upper surface of the battery B are provided in a pair in the front and rear directions with respect to the left and right storage portions 50. The battery B has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the vehicle body vertical direction. Among the six surfaces constituting the battery B, the surfaces facing outward in the vehicle width direction are convexly curved outward in the vehicle width direction in a plan view of the vehicle body.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the operation lever 36. The operation lever 36 made of synthetic resin or the like has a shape that is symmetric in the front-rear and left-right directions. A gripping portion 36a for moving the operation lever 36 up and down and a connecting rod 36e that extends downward to operate the link mechanism L are connected by a connecting block 36b having a hollow structure. The lock member 43 restricts the upward movement of the operation lever 36 by engaging with the upper surface of the front connecting block 36b.

[0055] At approximately the center in the vertical direction of the connecting rod 36e, a rectangular engaging plate 36d is provided that abuts against the lower surface of the pressing holder 42 and stands upright in the vertical direction when the operation lever 36 is pulled upward. Further, at the lower end portion of the connecting rod 36e, a metal stay 36f that supports a pin (first swing shaft) 36g connected to the link mechanism L is fixed by insert molding.

[0056] Between the gripping portion 36a and the connecting rod 36e, at a position inside the connecting block 36b, a pair of separator portions 36c that are inserted between the left and right batteries B when the operation lever 36 is pushed downward are provided in the front and rear directions. Thereby, the operation lever 36 can also function as a partition plate that prevents contact between the two closely arranged batteries B and stably holds them at a predetermined position.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a state in which the battery case 33 is cut in the front-rear direction. Further, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the link mechanism L. The connecting rod 36e of the operation lever 36 is guided outside the lower case 35 through an opening provided in the lower case 35, and is connected to a pair of front and rear link mechanisms L disposed in the front and rear of the lower case 35, respectively. The partition portion 54 continuous from the bottom of the storage portion 50 extends to the lower portion of the engaging plate 36d when the operation lever 36 is pushed down to a predetermined position.

[0058] On the lower part of the lower case 35, a left terminal cover 52 and a right terminal cover 53 for housing a case-side terminal 55 that moves up and down as the link mechanism L operates are attached. Further, between the left terminal cover 52 and the right terminal cover 53 at the lower part of the lower case 35, a pair of left and right support pipes 56 for supporting the battery case 33 from below are disposed.

[0059] The left and right case-side terminals 55 are disposed in accordance with the position of the battery-side terminal 49 disposed closer to the outside in the vehicle width direction. The case-side terminal 55 projects upward from the bottom of the lower case 35 and is connected to the battery-side terminal 49 by pushing down the operation lever 36. On the other hand, by pulling up the operation lever 36, it moves below the bottom of the lower case 35.

[0060] The left terminal cover 52 and the right terminal cover 53 that form the storage spaces 52a and 53a for the case-side terminals 55 are disposed apart from each other in the vehicle width direction. Thereby, the battery-side terminal 49 and the case-side terminal are disposed apart from each other, and the operation lever 36 is disposed at the center in the vehicle width direction so that it can be operated in the same manner from either the left or right side of the vehicle body. In addition, a space for disposing the link mechanism L that interlocks the operation lever 36 and the case-side terminal 55 is secured.

[0061] In this embodiment, a down regulator 57 is disposed by utilizing the space secured between the left terminal cover 52 and the right terminal cover 53. In other words, the down regulator 57 is disposed below the lower case 35 and between the left and right case side terminals 55. Thereby, the layout efficiency can be enhanced and the harness connected to the down regulator 57 can be shortened.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 10, a pair of front and rear link mechanisms L are disposed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery case 33. Thereby, it becomes possible to stably move the case side terminal 55 up and down. Further, since the link mechanism L is disposed in front of and behind the battery case 33, the vehicle width direction dimension around the battery case 33 can be reduced, and the link mechanism L can be protected even when an external force is applied from the side of the vehicle body. Further, the link mechanism L has a bilaterally symmetric structure centered on the center in the vehicle width direction, synchronizes the operations of the left and right case side terminals 55, and enables the terminals to be moved up and down well by one operation lever.

[0063] The link mechanism L is configured to move up and down a plug holder 70 that supports the case side terminal 55 by a link arm 72 connected to the lower end of the operation lever 36. The link arm 72 is swingably supported on a base plate 75 by a second swing shaft 73 that functions as a fulcrum. The end portion of the link arm 72 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction is pivotally supported on the operation lever 36 by a first swing shaft 36g that functions as a force point. On the other hand, the end portion of the link arm 72 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction is supported by the plug holder 70 by a third swing shaft 71 that functions as a point of action. In front of the left terminal cover 52 and the right terminal cover 53, a support pipe 58 fixed to a support stay F10 provided on the lower surface of the cross pipe F5 is disposed.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the battery case 33 to which the link mechanism L is attached. FIGS. 12 and 13 are front views showing the structure of the link mechanism L. FIG. 12 shows a state where the operation lever 36 is pulled up, and FIG. 13 shows a state where the operation lever 36 is pushed down to the lowest position.

[0065] At the upper end of the base plate 75 that supports the link mechanism L, a pair of left and right link arms 72 are swingably supported by a second swing shaft 73. Further, at one end side located inside the vehicle width direction of the link arm 72, a stay 36f at the lower end of the operation lever 36 is swingably supported by a first swing shaft 36g. On the other hand, at the other end side located outside the vehicle width direction of the link arm 72, a plug holder 70 that supports the case side terminal 55 is supported. The plug holder 70 is formed in a substantially U shape so as to surround the side surface of the battery B in the vehicle body front-rear direction.

[0066] According to the above-described configuration, a link mechanism L including the structure of a "lever" composed of a fulcrum, a force point, and a point of action can be obtained. Specifically, with the second swing shaft 73 as the fulcrum, the first swing shaft 36g as the force point, and the third swing shaft 71 as the point of action, when the operation lever 36 is pushed down, the plug holder 70 rises, and when the operation lever 36 is pulled up, a link mechanism L in which the plug holder 70 descends can be obtained. Further, by connecting two plug holders 70 to the link mechanism L, a structure in which the two plug holders 70 are moved up and down by a single operation lever 36 can be obtained. Furthermore, by using the principle of a lever, it is possible to move the plug holder 70 up and down with a small force. The link arm 72 and the base plate 75 can be formed of a thin plate-shaped metal or the like.

[0067] The pressing holder 42 swingably supported by the battery case 33 is biased in a direction to press the upper surface of the battery B by an elastic member. Here, when the operation lever 36 is pulled upward, the upper end surface of the engaging plate 36d abuts on the lower surface of the pressing holder 42, and by further pulling up the operation lever 36 against the biasing force of the elastic member, the pressing holder 42 swings upward to a standing state. At the same time, the plug holder 70 connected to the link mechanism L descends to the retracted position D, and the case side terminal 55 is separated from the battery B.

[0068] On the one hand, when the operation lever 36 is pushed downward, the pressing holder 42 swings in a direction to press the upper surface of the battery B by the biasing force of the elastic member. At the same time, the plug holder 70 connected to the link mechanism L rises to the connection position U, and the case-side terminal 55 is connected to the battery-side terminal 49 provided at the bottom of the battery B.

[0069] That is, by pushing down the single operation lever 36, the upper surfaces of the two batteries B are pressed by the pressing holder 42, and the case-side terminal 55 engages with the battery-side terminal 49 provided on the lower surface of the battery B, enabling the battery B to be held in a sandwiching manner from above and below. As a result, the battery B is stably held, and a good electrical connection can be maintained even when overcoming a large step.

[0070] The operation lever 36 is configured to be swingable about the first swing shaft 36g in a state where the operation lever 36 is pulled upward to move the plug holder 70 to the retracted position D. Thereby, even when the operation lever 36 is disposed between the two closely arranged batteries B, the operation lever 36 can be swung when pulling out the battery B upward to prevent interference with the battery B.

[0071] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of the battery-side terminal 49. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the case-side terminal 55. The battery-side terminal 49 is embedded at a position closer to the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the lower surface 107 of the battery B. The battery-side terminal 49 is formed with a slit 76 into which seven terminal plates 94 of the case-side terminal 55 are inserted, and an engagement hole 77 into which a positioning pin 93 supported by the support portion 93a outside the terminal plate 94 of the case-side terminal 55 is inserted.

[0072] In the case-side terminal 55, a base plate 91 that supports the terminal plate 94 and the positioning pin 93 is formed with a through hole 92 through which a support shaft (see FIGS. 16 and 17) that enables the case-side terminal 55 to slide relative to the plug holder 70 passes. A protective plate 94a that protects the terminal plate 94 is erected on the side of the terminal plate 94, and a harness holder 95 for supporting a harness that supplies power is provided on the lower surface of the base plate 91.

[0073] FIGS. 16 and 17 are structural explanatory views of a preload mechanism that presses the case-side terminal 55 against the battery-side terminal 49. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the operation lever 36 is pushed down to a position where the case-side terminal 55 engages with the battery-side terminal 49, and FIG. 17 shows a state in which the operation lever 36 is further pushed down to the lowest position to apply a preload.

[0074] The case-side terminal 55 is supported so as to be slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the plug holder 70 by a cylindrical support shaft 98 that passes through a through hole 70a formed in the plug holder 70. A coil spring 97 wound around the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft 98 is configured to generate an elastic force in a direction that separates the plug holder 70 and the case-side terminal 55. The longest distance between the plug holder 70 and the case-side terminal 55 is regulated by a snap ring 98a, while the shortest distance between the plug holder 70 and the case-side terminal 55 is regulated by a cup member 96 disposed on the lower surface of the base plate 91 and covering the coil spring 97.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the battery B is housed in the battery case 33 and the operation lever 36 is pushed down, an electrical connection between the case-side terminal 55 and the battery-side terminal 49 is completed before reaching the lowest position of the operation lever 36, and further pushing down to the lowest position causes the coil spring 97 to contract and a preload to occur. Even in a state where a preload has occurred, a gap T between the cup member 96 and the plug holder 70 is configured to be ensured.

[0076] According to the preload mechanism according to this embodiment, by disposing a spring 97 that biases the case-side terminal 55 between the case-side terminal 55 and the plug holder 70, a pressing force that presses the case-side terminal 55 against the battery-side terminal 49 can be generated in a state where the case-side terminal 55 is moved to the connection position. Thereby, even when the battery B moves above the vehicle body when overcoming a large step, the case-side terminal 55 can follow the movement of the battery B and maintain the electrical connection.

[0077] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the operations of the link arm 72 and the plug holder 70 when the operation lever 36 is pushed down. A curved hole portion 100 that protrudes in a direction away from the second swing shaft 73 is formed at the upper end portion of the plug holder 70, and a third swing shaft 71 that passes through the hole portion 100 is fixed to the other end side of the link arm 72. Hereinafter, the description will be made with reference to one location on the front side and the left side in the vehicle width direction of the battery case 33, but the structure and operation are common to the four locations.

[0078] When the operation lever 36 is pushed down from the uppermost position, the link arm 72 starts to swing counterclockwise, but during the link free travel section, the plug holder 70 does not move from the lowermost position. Next, when the third swing shaft 71 comes into contact with the inner peripheral portion of the hole portion 100, it shifts to the terminal connection section, and the plug holder 70 moves upward along with the swinging operation of the link arm 72, and the battery-side terminal 49 and the case-side terminal 55 are connected. Then, when the terminal connection is completed at the end point of the terminal connection section, it enters the preload addition section. In the preload addition section, the plug holder 70 further moves upward, and preload is added until it reaches the uppermost position.

[0079] In the link mechanism L according to the present embodiment, when the operation lever 36 is pushed down from the uppermost position, a link free-travel section is provided, so that the sliding operation around the third swing shaft 71 becomes smooth, and it is possible to secure an appropriate stroke amount and suppress the inclination of the plug holder 70, thereby enabling optimization of the link shape. Therefore, with the configuration of the present application, circular motion (link portion) can be efficiently converted into linear motion (plug holder), so that the loads on the case-side terminal 55 and the battery-side terminal 49 and the operation load of the operation lever 36 can be reduced.

[0080] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the operations of the link arm 72 and the plug holder 70 when the operation lever 36 is pulled up. When the operation lever 36 is pulled up from the lowermost position, the link arm 72 starts to swing clockwise. In the preload release section, the plug holder 70 moves downward by the amount by which the preload is released. Next, after the preload is released, when the third swing shaft 71 abuts against a stepped portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion 100, it shifts to the terminal connection release section.

[0081] In the terminal connection release section, the stepped portion of the hole portion 100 is pressed downward by the third swing shaft 71, so that the plug holder 70 moves downward and the connection between the battery-side terminal 49 and the case-side terminal 55 is released. After the terminal connection is released, the link arm 72 further swings clockwise, and in the plug self-weight fall section, the plug holder 70 moves to the lowermost position by its own weight.

[0082] In the link mechanism L according to the present embodiment, when the operation lever 36 is pulled up from the lowermost position, a portion where the third swing shaft 71 abuts downward against the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion 100 is provided, so that a downward load can be efficiently transmitted to the plug holder 72. As a result, it becomes possible to smoothly push down the plug holder 72 to release the connection between the case-side contact 55 and the battery-side contact 49.

[0083] Figures 20 to 23 are explanatory diagrams showing the correspondence between the battery-side contact 49 and the case-side contact 55 along the flow of FIG. 18. Further, FIGS. 24 to 27 are explanatory diagrams showing the correspondence between the battery-side contact 49 and the case-side contact 55 along the flow of FIG. 19.

[0084] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram when the operation lever 36 is in the uppermost position. Further, FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram when switching from the link free-running section to the terminal connection section, FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram when switching from the terminal connection section to the preload addition section, and FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram when the preload addition section ends.

[0085] The third swing shaft 71 fixed to the link arm 72 moves along the arc locus R between the uppermost position 102 and the lowermost position 103 as the link arm 72 swings. The hole portion 100 constitutes a free-running section where the plug holder 70 does not move up and down even when the third swing shaft 71 moves, and includes a first shaped portion 101 having a shape along the arc locus R of the third swing shaft 71. The first shaped portion 101 has a curved shape along the arc locus R. Thereby, the sliding operation around the third swing shaft 71 becomes smooth, and it becomes possible to ensure an appropriate stroke amount and optimize the link shape. Also, a smooth sliding operation is possible when the third swing shaft 71 moves upward.

[0086] In FIG. 21, when the third swing shaft 71 abuts on the second shaped portion 104 having a curved shape, the upward load transmission to the plug holder 70 is started, and the connection between the battery-side terminal 49 and the case-side terminal 55 is completed when the position shown in FIG. 22 is reached. In the present embodiment, by providing the second shaped portion 104 having a curved shape, it becomes possible to efficiently perform the load transmission when pushing up the plug holder 70.

[0087] Then, by further pressing down the operation lever 36, the addition of preload is completed until the third swing axis 71 reaches the uppermost position 102 shown in FIG. 23. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, the second shaped portion 104 has a curved shape toward the uppermost position 102, and the angle θ formed by the tangent line S in contact with the contact point SO in the hole portion 100 and the axis O in the movable direction of the plug holder 70 becomes smaller as it approaches the upper end position 102. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly push up the plug holder 70 to the uppermost position by effectively utilizing the upward load component. Further, when the third swing axis 71 moves upward, preload is added to the plug holder 70 between the completion of the connection between the battery-side terminal 49 and the case-side terminal 55 and the arrival of the third swing axis 71 at the upper end position 102. By setting the preload to be added at a position where a large upward load can be exerted, it is possible to appropriately add the preload.

[0088] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram when the operation lever 36 is at the lowermost position. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram when switching from the preload release section to the terminal connection release section, FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram when switching from the terminal connection release section to the plug self-weight fall section, and FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram when the plug self-weight fall section ends.

[0089] In FIG. 24, when the operation lever 36 starts to be pulled up from the lowest position, first, the preload applied to the plug holder 70 is released, and then, the third swing shaft 71 abuts against the intermediate contact portion 105 at the position shown in FIG. 25. In the present embodiment, by providing the substantially horizontal intermediate contact portion 105 that forms this stepped shape, it is possible to efficiently transmit the downward load to the plug holder 70. As a result, the plug holder 70 can be smoothly pushed down to release the connection between the case-side contact 55 and the battery-side contact 49. Further, at the upper part of the hole portion 100, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a free play section is formed in which the plug holder 70 does not move up and down even when the third swing shaft 71 moves, and an upper first shaped portion 101 having a shape along the arc locus R of the third swing shaft 71 is provided. Thereby, similar to the lower first shaped portion 101, the sliding operation around the third swing shaft 71 becomes smooth, and it is possible to optimize the link shape by ensuring an appropriate stroke amount and suppressing the inclination of the plug holder 70.

[0090] When the third swing shaft 71 is located at the upper end position 102 (see FIG. 24), the intermediate contact portion 105 is located above the second swing shaft 73. Thereby, by providing the intermediate contact portion at a position where the downward load component can be more effectively utilized, it is possible to appropriately push down the plug holder 70.

[0091] At the position shown in FIG. 26, the disconnection of both terminals is completed, and thereafter, the swinging of the link arm 72 continues until the third swing shaft 71 leaves the intermediate contact portion 105 and comes to rest at the lowest position 103. After the disconnection of both terminals is completed, as shown in FIG. 27, the plug holder 70 moves to the lowest position by its own weight, and the third swing shaft 71 comes to rest at the lower end position 103.

[0092] Note that the form of the electric two-wheeler, the shape and structure of the battery case, the shape and structure of the link mechanism, the shape and number of batteries, the arrangement of the batteries, etc. are not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. The battery attachment / detachment structure according to the present invention can be applied not only to vehicles such as electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers, but also to various electric products such as snowmobiles, boats, drones, and battery stations that allow detachable portable batteries.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0093] 1... Electric two-wheeler, 33... Battery case, 36... Operation lever, 36a... Gripping portion, 36g... First swing axis, 49... Battery-side terminal, 55... Case-side terminal, 70... Plug holder, 71... Third swing axis, 72... Link arm, 73... Second swing axis, 100... Hole portion, 101... First shaped portion, 102... Upper end position, 103... Lower end position, 104... Second shaped portion, 105... Intermediate contact portion, B... Battery, U... Connection position, D... Retracted position, L... Link mechanism, R... Arc locus of the third swing axis, S... Tangent line of the hole portion, O... Axis in the movable direction of the plug holder, θ... Angle formed by the tangent line of the hole portion and the axis in the movable direction of the plug holder

Claims

1. In a battery attachment / detachment structure including a battery (B), a battery case (33) for housing the battery (B), a battery-side terminal (49) provided on the lower surface of the battery (B), and a case-side terminal (55) connected to the battery-side terminal (49), a single operation lever (36) having a gripping portion (36a) positioned above the battery (B) with the battery (B) housed in the battery case (33), a plug holder (70) configured to move the case-side terminal (55) between a connection position (U) connected to the battery-side terminal (49) and a retracted position (D) spaced apart from the battery-side terminal (49), a link mechanism (L) connecting the operation lever (36) and the plug holder (70), the link mechanism (L) includes a link arm (72) pivotally supported by a second swing shaft (73) functioning as a fulcrum of a lever, a lower end portion of the operation lever (36) is pivotally supported by a first swing shaft (36g) functioning as a power point of the lever at one end side of the link arm (72), the plug holder (70) is supported by a third swing shaft (71) functioning as an action point of the lever at the other end side of the link arm (72), a hole portion (100) through which the third swing shaft (71) is inserted is formed in the plug holder (70), the plug holder (70) is configured to move in a pressing direction by the third swing shaft (71) pressing an inner peripheral surface of the hole portion (100) as the link arm (72) swings, the hole portion (100) constitutes a free-travel section in which the plug holder (70) does not move up and down even when the third swing shaft (71) moves, and includes a first shaped portion (101) having a shape along an arc locus (R) of the third swing shaft (71), the third swing shaft (71) moves between an upper end position (102) and a lower end position (103) along the arc locus (R), the hole portion (100) includes an intermediate contact portion (105) with which the third swing shaft (71) comes into contact between when the third swing shaft (71) moves from the upper end position (102) to the lower end position (103), the battery attachment / detachment structure, characterized in that the plug holder (70) moves in the pressing direction by the third swing shaft (71) pressing the intermediate contact portion (105) in the pressing direction.

2. (Deleted)

3. The battery attachment / detachment structure according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate abutting portion (105) is located above the second swing shaft (73) when the third swing shaft (71) is located at the upper end position (102).

4. The battery attachment / detachment structure according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the hole portion (100) is continuous with the intermediate abutting portion (105), and includes a second shaped portion (104) in which an angle (θ) formed by a tangent line (S) of the hole portion (100) and an axis (O) in the movable direction of the plug holder (70) becomes smaller as it approaches the upper end position (102).

5. The battery attachment / detachment structure according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 4, wherein the first shaped portion (101) has a curved shape along the arc locus (R).

6. The battery attachment / detachment structure according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, wherein a preload is applied to the plug holder (70) between the completion of the connection between the battery-side terminal (49) and the case-side terminal (55) and the arrival of the third swing shaft (71) at the upper end position (102) when the third swing shaft (71) moves upward.

7. The battery attachment / detachment structure according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 6, wherein a plurality of the batteries (B) are provided.

8. The battery attachment / detachment structure according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 7, wherein the battery attachment / detachment structure is applied to a vehicle.

9. The battery attachment / detachment structure according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 8, wherein the battery attachment / detachment structure is applied to an electric vehicle.

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