electrical equipment

Abstract

In the present invention, a battery exchanger (electric power device) comprises an external electric power supply connection portion that is connected to an external electric power supply, a housing (2), an internal connection portion that is connected to a battery disposed in the interior of the housing (2), an electric power conversion unit (73) that is provided on an electric power transmission path connecting the external electric power supply connection portion and the internal connection portion, and a pressing member (75). The internal connection portion has a plurality of internal connection portions that are respectively connected to a plurality of batteries, and the electric power conversion unit (73) has a plurality of electric power conversion units that respectively electrically connect the external electric power supply connection portion and the internal connection portions. The plurality of internal connection portions are arranged near one another in a first region of the housing (2), and the plurality of electric power conversion units are arranged near one another in a second region (32) of the housing (2). The pressing member (75) secures the plurality of electric power conversion units to the housing (2) in bulk.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electric power devices. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-146099, filed September 14, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electric power devices that house a plurality of power supply devices are known. In these electric power devices, a configuration is disclosed in which a cover can be opened to perform maintenance or the like on the power supply devices inside.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the configuration of a power device capable of charging batteries. The lower section of the power device is provided with slots for detachably accommodating multiple batteries. The upper section of the power device accommodates a control device that controls the charging and discharging of the batteries. According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, each slot is provided with a door located inside the insertion opening through which the battery is inserted, which pivots relative to the slot in response to the insertion and removal of the battery. This is said to make it easy to insert and remove the battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 075430 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the power device described above, conventionally, power converters, such as battery charging converters, are arranged adjacent to multiple battery slots. In this case, the power converters are arranged between the battery slots, which means that the power device tends to become larger horizontally as the number of battery slots increases. This means that users must move horizontally while holding the batteries when replacing them, which leaves room for improvement in terms of convenience. Furthermore, the increased horizontal size can lead to a larger installation footprint.

[0006] Furthermore, when performing maintenance on the power conversion unit, it is desirable to provide a cover or lock that cannot be opened by a user, for example, when replacing a battery, and that can only be opened by a maintenance technician. However, in conventional technology in which the power conversion unit is located adjacent to the battery slot, a cover or lock must be provided for each power conversion unit, leaving room for improvement in terms of maintainability. Furthermore, in conventional technology in which multiple power conversion units are located apart, a cooling device such as a fan or vent must be provided for each power conversion unit. This tends to make the entire power device more complex and larger, leaving room for further improvement in terms of maintainability. Therefore, in the prior art, there is room for improvement in terms of improving user convenience, including ease of maintenance, while suppressing an increase in size of the power device.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a power device that can improve user convenience compared to conventional technologies while suppressing an increase in size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the power device according to the present invention employs the following configuration. (1) A power device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an external power supply connection section electrically connected to an external power supply, a housing, an internal connection section connected to a power storage section disposed inside the housing, and a power conversion section provided on a power transmission path electrically connecting the external power supply connection section and the internal connection section, wherein the internal connection section includes a first internal connection section to which a first power storage section of the power storage section is connected, and a second internal connection section to which a second power storage section different from the first power storage section is connected, and the power conversion section includes a first power conversion section electrically connecting the external power supply connection section and the first internal connection section and provided on the power transmission path, and a second power conversion section electrically connecting the external power supply connection section and the second internal connection section and provided on the power transmission path.

[0009] (2) In the power device described in (1) above, the first internal connection part and the second internal connection part may be arranged close to each other in a first region inside the housing, and the first power conversion part and the second power conversion part may be arranged close to each other in a second region inside the housing that is different from the first region.

[0010] (3) The power device described in (2) above may further include a fixing portion that fixes the first power conversion unit connected to the first internal connection portion and the second power conversion unit connected to the second internal connection portion together to the housing.

[0011] (4) In the power device described in (3) above, another power conversion unit may be further provided that is arranged closer to the external power supply connection unit on the power transmission path than the power conversion unit, and the fixing unit may fix the other power conversion unit together in addition to the first power conversion unit and the second power conversion unit.

[0012] (5) The electric power device according to (3) or (4) above may further include a detector capable of detecting whether the fixing portion is fixed.

[0013] (6) In the power device described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the power conversion unit may have a power conversion unit main body and a housing that houses the power conversion unit main body in a removably insertable manner.

[0014] (7) In the power device described in (6) above, the power conversion unit may have a main body side connection portion provided in the power conversion unit main body, and a accommodating unit side connection portion provided in the accommodating unit and detachably connected to the main body side connection portion.

[0015] (8) In the power device described in (6) or (7) above, the accommodating section may have a first accommodating section that accommodates the first power conversion section, and a second accommodating section that accommodates the second power conversion section and is arranged adjacent to the first accommodating section.

[0016] (9) In the power device described in any one of (6) to (8) above, the accommodating section may have a protrusion that protrudes toward the inside where the power conversion unit main body is stored, and the power conversion unit main body may have a notch that is formed to avoid interference with the protrusion when stored in the accommodating section in the correct orientation, and to allow interference between the protrusion and the power conversion unit main body when stored in the accommodating section in the incorrect orientation.

[0017] (10) The power device described in (2) above may further include an upper cover that allows the second area to be opened, and a front cover that covers the front of the housing at a position corresponding to the first area, and the front cover may have multiple engaging portions that engage with engaging portions provided on the housing, and by moving the front cover when the upper cover is open, it may be possible to simultaneously engage or disengage the multiple engaging portions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the above aspect (1), the power device includes an external power supply connection unit, a housing, an internal connection unit, and a power conversion unit. The internal connection unit, which includes a first internal connection unit and a second internal connection unit, and the power conversion unit, which includes a first power conversion unit and a second power conversion unit, are arranged as separate units (in separate areas). By providing the power conversion unit separately from the internal connection unit, work related to the internal connection unit and work related to the power conversion unit can be performed separately. This improves convenience for the worker (user) performing each work. Furthermore, by separating the internal connection unit and the power conversion unit, for example, the work area for a user performing work related to the power conversion unit is narrowed, thereby reducing the effort required for travel. Furthermore, by providing the power conversion unit separately from the internal connection unit, maintenance work on the power conversion unit can be performed more easily compared to conventional technology in which multiple internal connection units and power conversion units are arranged adjacent to each other, such as a first internal connection unit, a first power conversion unit, a second internal connection unit, a second power conversion unit, etc. For example, when the internal connector and the power converter are arranged vertically, the size of the power device can be suppressed, particularly in the horizontal direction, compared to the conventional technology in which the power converter is arranged between multiple battery slots. This reduces the installation footprint of the power device. Furthermore, even when a user replaces multiple power storage units, the user does not need to move horizontally, which improves convenience for the user working on the internal connector. Furthermore, by providing the internal connection unit and the power conversion unit separately, it is possible to configure the unit with a cover or lock that cannot be opened by users working on the internal connection unit and can only be opened by maintenance workers working on the power conversion unit. Furthermore, since multiple power conversion units are housed together, they can be configured to be cooled collectively, which also helps prevent increases in cooling costs. Therefore, it is possible to provide a power device that can improve user convenience compared to conventional technologies while suppressing an increase in size.

[0019] According to the above aspect (2), the first internal connection portion and the second internal connection portion are arranged adjacent to each other in a first region, and the first power conversion portion and the second power conversion portion are arranged adjacent to each other in a second region different from the first region. By separating the region where the power conversion portion is provided from the region where the internal connection portion is provided, work related to the internal connection portion and work related to the power conversion portion can be performed separately. This improves convenience for the worker (user) performing each task. Separating the regions narrows the work area for a user performing work related to the power conversion portion, for example, thereby reducing the effort required for movement, etc. For example, if the second region is arranged above the first region, the power conversion portion is located relatively higher, making it easier to perform maintenance work on the power conversion portion. In the first region, the first internal connection portion and the second internal connection portion are arranged close to each other. This allows the first region to be made smaller. Similarly, in the second region, the first power conversion portion and the second power conversion portion are arranged close to each other. This allows the second region to be made smaller. This prevents the power device from becoming larger. Furthermore, because each region is compact, convenience is improved for both users who work on the internal connection portion and users who work on the power conversion portion.

[0020] According to the above aspect (3), the fixing unit fixes the first power conversion unit and the second power conversion unit to the housing together. This allows each power conversion unit to be easily fixed to the housing even when multiple power conversion units are provided. Therefore, compared to a case where a fixing unit is provided for each of the multiple power conversion units, the work involved in fixing the power conversion units can be simplified, improving user convenience. Furthermore, compared to a case where multiple fixing units are provided, an increase in cost can be suppressed.

[0021] According to the above aspect (4), the fixing unit fixes not only the first power conversion unit and the second power conversion unit but also other power conversion units collectively. This allows various power conversion units to be easily fixed to the housing. Therefore, compared to, for example, a case where a fixing unit is provided for each power conversion unit and other power conversion unit, it is possible to further improve user convenience. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress cost increases compared to a case where multiple fixing units are provided.

[0022] According to the above aspect (5), the power device further includes a detector that can detect whether the fixing part is fixed. This can prevent the fixing part from being left unfastened. Furthermore, for example, control can be performed, such as switching between energizing and cutting off the power to the internal power conversion part, depending on the detection result of the detector. This further improves user convenience.

[0023] According to the above aspect (6), the power conversion unit has a power conversion unit main body and a housing that detachably houses the power conversion unit main body. By configuring the power conversion unit main body to be housed in the housing, it is possible to house multiple power conversion units together. Since the power conversion unit main bodies can be arranged in an organized manner, it is possible to improve the maintainability of the power conversion unit.

[0024] According to the above aspect (7), the power conversion unit main body is provided with a main body-side connection portion, and the accommodation portion is provided with a accommodation portion-side connection portion. The accommodation portion-side connection portion is detachably connected to the main body-side connection portion. As a result, by accommodating the power conversion unit main body in the accommodation portion, the accommodation portion-side connection portion and the main body-side connection portion can be electrically connected. Furthermore, if the accommodation portion-side connection portion is configured to be connected to the internal connection portion and the external power supply connection portion in advance, the power conversion unit can be connected to the internal connection portion and the external power supply connection portion by accommodating the power conversion unit main body in the accommodation portion. This makes it easy to replace or maintain the power conversion unit.

[0025] According to the above aspect (8), the housing includes a first housing that houses the first power conversion unit and a second housing that houses the second power conversion unit. The second power conversion unit is provided adjacent to the first housing. For example, by forming the housing in a rack shape, the multiple housings can be arranged close to each other while being separated from each other. This allows the multiple power conversion units to be arranged in an organized manner while preventing the housing from becoming too large. This improves the maintainability of the power conversion units.

[0026] According to the above aspect (9), a protrusion is provided on the housing, and a notch corresponding to the protrusion is provided on the power conversion unit main body. The notch is formed so as to avoid interference with the protrusion when the power conversion unit main body is stored in the housing in the correct orientation, and to interfere with the protrusion when the power conversion unit main body is stored in the housing in the incorrect orientation. This makes it possible to prevent incorrect assembly of the power conversion unit. Because the configuration includes a protrusion and a notch, if the power conversion unit main body is stored in the housing in the incorrect orientation, for example, the protrusion and the power conversion unit main body interfere with each other, causing the power conversion unit main body to appear to protrude from the housing. This makes it easy to visually recognize incorrect assembly. This further improves convenience for users assembling the power conversion unit.

[0027] According to the above aspect (10), the second area can be opened or closed by opening or closing the upper cover. This allows maintenance of the power conversion unit provided in the second area to be performed by opening the upper cover. Since the upper cover is provided so that only the second area can be opened or closed, it can be configured so that it cannot be opened by general users performing work on internal connections, for example, and can be opened or closed only by users (maintenance workers) performing maintenance on the power conversion unit. This increases safety and improves the workability of maintenance workers. The first area can be opened or closed by opening or closing the front cover. This allows maintenance of the internal connection parts provided in the first area to be performed by opening the front cover. The front cover has multiple mating parts that fit into mating parts of the housing, and by moving the front cover while the upper cover is open, it is possible to simultaneously fit or release the multiple mating parts. This makes it easy to open and close the front cover. This improves user convenience (ease of maintenance). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a battery sharing service system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery exchange machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery exchange machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the battery exchange machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of a charging DC / DC converter. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the second area of the battery exchange machine. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the pressing member is removed from FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] Exploded view of the power supply unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of an upper portion of the DC / DC converter group. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] Enlarged view of part XIII in Figure 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front cover as seen from the rear (back side). [Figure 15] Enlarged view of part XV in Figure 14. [Figure 16]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a fitting portion of the front cover. [Figure 17] Enlarged view of part XVII in Figure 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the side closest to the user using the battery exchange machine 1 will be referred to as the front, the side farther away from the user as the back, the right-hand side as the right, and the left-hand side as the left.

[0030] (Battery sharing service system) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a battery sharing service system 100 according to an embodiment. The battery sharing service system 100 includes one or more (for example, a plurality of) battery exchange stations 200 (four battery exchange stations 200-1 to 200-4 are shown in FIG. 1) and a management server device 300.

[0031] The battery exchange station 200 includes, for example, one or more battery exchangers 1 (power devices in the claims) (three battery exchangers 1a, 1b, and 1c are shown in FIG. 1). At least one of the multiple battery exchangers 1 (battery exchanger 1c in FIG. 1) also functions as a station control device 210. The station control device 210 and the battery exchanger 1 can communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly. The station control device 210 and the battery exchanger 1 may be configured as a single integrated device rather than as separate devices.

[0032] The station control device 210 manages the charging and discharging of the battery 3 in the battery exchange machine 1 and the receipt and provision of the battery 3 (hereinafter referred to as "exchange of the battery 3"). The battery 3 is a removable battery that can be attached to and detached from the battery exchange machine 1. When a user of an electric vehicle 400 uses the battery exchange station 200, the station control device 210 provides the user with information for exchanging the battery 3. For example, the station control device 210 provides the user with information indicating a battery slot 27 that will receive a battery 3 that has been used in the electric vehicle 400 and has low remaining capacity, and information indicating a battery slot 27 that accommodates another battery 3 to be provided in place of the received battery 3. The battery slot 27 accommodates at least a portion of the battery 3.

[0033] The battery exchange machine 1 stores the batteries 3 by accommodating the batteries 3 in the battery slots 27. The battery exchange machine 1 is a device for charging, discharging, and exchanging the batteries 3. The battery exchange machine 1 has one or more (e.g., multiple) battery slots 27. The battery slot 27 is an accommodating section that can accommodate the batteries 3 and charge and discharge them. The battery slots 27 hold the batteries 3 in a detachable manner. In the example shown in FIG. 1, one battery exchange machine 1 has 12 battery slots 27 and can accommodate 12 batteries 3 simultaneously.

[0034] The battery exchange machine 1 can simultaneously charge multiple batteries 3 (up to 12 batteries 3 in the example shown in FIG. 1) housed in multiple battery slots 27. In this specification, "charging simultaneously" or "simultaneous charging" is not limited to cases where charging of multiple batteries 3 starts at the same time, but also includes cases where part of the charging time for one battery 3 and part of the charging time for another battery 3 occur at the same time.

[0035] The battery exchange machine 1 is supplied with power from an external power source 500. The external power source 500 is, for example, a 100V AC commercial power source. The battery exchange machine 1 charges the battery 3 received from the user of the electric vehicle 400 under the control of the station control device 210. When charging of the battery 3 is complete, the battery exchange machine 1 transmits a notification indicating that charging is complete to the station control device 210. This allows the station control device 210 to recognize the battery 3 that can be provided to the user of the electric vehicle 400. The battery exchange machine 1 may also discharge any remaining power in the battery 3.

[0036] The management server device 300 is connected to a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, one or more of the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), etc. In this embodiment, the management server device 300 communicates with a plurality of battery exchange stations 200 via the network NW and manages the plurality of battery exchange stations 200. For example, the management server device 300 receives information indicating the status of each battery exchange station 200 (hereinafter referred to as "status information") from each battery exchange station 200, and determines the status of each battery exchange station 200 based on the status information.

[0037] The management server device 300 communicates, directly or via the network NW, with a terminal device T1 used by an administrator P1 who manages the battery sharing service system 100, and outputs a predetermined notification regarding the status of the battery exchange station 200 to the terminal device T1. The terminal device T1 is a desktop or laptop personal computer, for example. The management server device 300 communicates, via the network NW, with a terminal device T2 used by a security personnel P2 who is in charge of maintaining the battery exchange station 200, and outputs a predetermined notification regarding the status of the battery exchange station 200 to the terminal device T2. The terminal device T2 is, for example, a portable terminal device, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0038] The electric vehicle 400 runs on the driving force of an electric motor driven by power supplied from the battery 3. However, the electric vehicle 400 may also be a hybrid electric vehicle that runs on the driving force of a combination of the battery 3 and an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine or a gasoline engine. The electric vehicle 400 includes, for example, a battery connection unit (not shown) to which the battery 3 is connected. In the present embodiment, the electric vehicle 400 is used as an example of the use of the charged battery 3, but this is not limiting. The battery exchange machine 1 may be capable of charging portable mobile batteries used for various purposes.

[0039] (battery exchange machine) (Housing) Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the battery exchange machine 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery exchange machine 1 according to the embodiment. The battery exchange machine 1 includes a housing 2, a battery 3 (a power storage unit in the claims), an external power supply connection unit 4, an internal connection unit 5, a power transmission path 6, a power supply unit 7, an upper cover 8, and a front cover 9. The housing 2 is formed, for example, in the shape of a vertically elongated rectangular parallelepiped. Specifically, the housing 2 has a bottom wall 21, a front wall 22 (front panel), a rear wall 23, a left side wall 24, and a right side wall 25. The bottom wall 21 is installed on the floor. The front wall 22, the rear wall 23, the left side wall 24, and the right side wall 25 rise from the front end, rear end, left end, and right end of the bottom wall 21, respectively, and extend vertically. The top surface of the housing 2 is open, and the top surface of the housing 2 is closed or opened by an upper cover 8, which will be described in detail later.

[0040] More specifically, the rear wall 23, right side wall 25, and left side wall 24 are all at the same height from the floor. The front wall 22 is lower than the rear wall 23, right side wall 25, and left side wall 24. Corners 26 located above and forward of the right side wall 25 and left side wall 24 are formed in an arc-like shape that curves downward toward the front when viewed from the side of the battery exchange machine 1. This makes it easier for a user standing in front of the front wall 22 to view the inside of the housing 2 and to perform maintenance on the power supply device 72.

[0041] The front wall 22 is provided with an opening (battery replacement opening 28) that exposes the battery slots 27 provided inside the housing 2 to the outside of the housing 2. In this embodiment, twelve battery slots 27 are arranged in a matrix of three columns horizontally and four columns vertically. The battery 3 is placed inside the housing 2 by being inserted into the battery slot 27 through the battery replacement opening 28.

[0042] The battery 3 inserted into the battery slot 27 generates heat when charged by the battery exchange machine 1. The front wall 22 and rear wall 23 are provided with a plurality of air intakes and exhausts (neither of which is shown) for ventilating the air that rises due to this heat. The air intakes and exhausts connect the inside and outside of the housing 2. Fans (not shown) may be provided near the air intakes and exhausts. The housing 2 may also have a separate cooling device that discharges cooled air into the housing 2.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3 , the battery slot 27 opens on the front of the battery exchange machine 1. The battery slot 27 is inclined downward from the front to the back. In other words, the battery exchange opening 28 of the battery slot 27 opens diagonally upward. This allows the user to assume a forward-leaning posture when inserting the battery 3 into the battery slot 27. This makes it easier to insert the battery 3 into the battery slot 27.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, a front panel 29 and an operation panel 30 formed integrally with the front panel 29 are provided above the battery slot 27 on the front wall 22. The front panel 29 is formed, for example, in a mesh shape. The front panel 29 is provided at a position corresponding to a fan 34 (see FIG. 3) of the power supply unit 7, which will be described later, in the vertical direction, and releases heat generated from the power supply unit 7 to the outside. The operation panel 30 is provided integrally with the right end of the front panel 29. The operation panel 30 is a device operated by a user. A user operates the operation panel 30 to, for example, pay a fee.

[0045] (battery) The battery 3 inserted into the battery slot 27 includes, for example, an assembled battery in which a plurality of cells are connected in series. The cells that make up the assembled battery are secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), nickel-metal hydride batteries, and all-solid-state batteries. The secondary batteries that make up the assembled battery may be, for example, lead-acid batteries, sodium-ion batteries, capacitors such as electric double-layer capacitors, or combination batteries that combine secondary batteries and capacitors. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the secondary batteries that make up the assembled battery.

[0046] In addition to the battery pack, the battery 3 includes a BMU, a connection unit, etc. The BMU controls charging and discharging of the battery 3, performs cell balancing, detects abnormalities in the battery 3, and estimates the SOC of the battery 3. The BMU includes a non-volatile storage device that stores the state of the battery 3 as state information based on the measurement results of various sensors.

[0047] (External power supply connection) (internal connection) 3, the external power supply connection unit 4 is electrically connected to an external power supply 500 of the battery exchange machine 1. Power is supplied to the battery exchange machine 1 from the external power supply 500 via the external power supply connection unit 4. The internal connection part 5 is provided, for example, at the rear end of the battery slot 27. The internal connection part 5 is electrically connected to the battery 3 placed inside the housing 2. The internal connection part 5 is, for example, a plug (e.g., a male connector) not shown. A female connector of the battery 3 fits into the male connector. As a result, by inserting the battery 3 into the battery slot 27, the battery 3 is electrically connected to a circuit inside the housing 2 (a power transmission path 6 described in detail later).

[0048] In this embodiment, the internal connection portion 5 has a total of 12 internal connection portions, numbered first to twelfth. As shown in FIG. 2, the internal connection portion 5 specifically includes a first internal connection portion 5a, a second internal connection portion 5b, a third internal connection portion 5c, a fourth internal connection portion 5d, a fifth internal connection portion 5e, a sixth internal connection portion 5f, a seventh internal connection portion 5g, an eighth internal connection portion 5h, a ninth internal connection portion 5i, a tenth internal connection portion 5j, an eleventh internal connection portion 5k, and a twelfth internal connection portion 5l. The first internal connection portion 5a is connected to a first battery 3a (a first power storage portion in the claims) among the plurality of batteries 3. The second internal connection portion 5b is connected to a second battery 3b (a second power storage portion in the claims) among the plurality of batteries 3. Similarly, the third to twelfth internal connection portions 5c to 5l are connected to corresponding third to twelfth batteries 3c to 3d among the plurality of batteries 3.

[0049] The first internal connection portion 5a and the second internal connection portion 5b are arranged adjacent to each other in a first region 31 inside the housing 2. "Arranged adjacent to each other" means that they are arranged at positions closer than the distance between the first internal connection portion 5a and the second internal connection portion 5b when a charging DC / DC converter corresponding to each battery slot 27 is arranged between the first internal connection portion 5a and the second internal connection portion 5b. Similarly, the second internal connection portion 5b and the third internal connection portion 5c are arranged adjacent to each other in the first region 31. The first internal connection portion 5a and the fourth internal connection portion 5d located above it are also arranged adjacent to each other in the first region 31. In this way, all of the internal connection portions 5 (the first to twelfth internal connection portions 5a to 5l) are arranged in a matrix of three horizontal columns and four vertical columns according to the positions of the corresponding battery slots.

[0050] (power transmission path) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration (power transmission path 6) of the battery exchange machine 1 according to the embodiment. Solid lines in Fig. 4 indicate power lines (such as power cables). Broken lines in Fig. 4 indicate signal lines (such as communication cables). 3 and 4 is an electric circuit provided inside the housing 2, and electrically connects the external power supply 500 and the internal connection unit 5 via the external power supply connection unit 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the power transmission path 6 has an AC / DC converter 61, a DC / DC converter group 62, a plurality of interface boards (IF boards 63), and a control board 64.

[0051] The AC / DC converter 61 is supplied with AC power from the external power supply 500. The AC / DC converter 61 converts the AC power supplied from the external power supply 500 into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to the DC / DC converter group 62. The AC / DC converter 61 is electrically connected to the battery 3. One AC / DC converter 61 is provided for multiple battery slots 27 (multiple batteries 3). The AC / DC converter 61 is arranged so that it can simultaneously supply charging power to the multiple batteries 3 accommodated in the multiple battery slots 27. In other words, multiple battery slots 27 are connected to one AC / DC converter 61.

[0052] The DC / DC converter group 62 has a plurality of DC / DC converters 66 for charging, a DC / DC converter 67 for cooling, and a DC / DC converter 68 for control. The charging DC / DC converters 66 are provided in a one-to-one relationship for the plurality of battery slots 27. The plurality of charging DC / DC converters 66 are electrically connected in parallel to the AC / DC converter 61. The batteries 3 electrically connected to the charging DC / DC converters 66 are discharged to and charged by each charging DC / DC converter 66. The charging DC / DC converters 66 are connected to the batteries 3 accommodated in the battery slots 27 via the internal connection parts 5 of the battery slots 27. The charging DC / DC converters 66 convert DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 into DC power having a voltage suitable for charging the batteries 3, and supply the converted DC power to the batteries 3.

[0053] In this embodiment, the charging DC / DC converter 66 specifically includes a first charging DC / DC converter 66a, a second charging DC / DC converter 66b, a third charging DC / DC converter 66c, a fourth charging DC / DC converter 66d, a fifth charging DC / DC converter 66e, a sixth charging DC / DC converter 66f, a seventh charging DC / DC converter 66g, an eighth charging DC / DC converter 66h, a ninth charging DC / DC converter 66i, a tenth charging DC / DC converter 66j, an eleventh charging DC / DC converter 66k, and a twelfth charging DC / DC converter 66l. The first to twelfth charging DC / DC converters 66a to 66l correspond to the first to twelfth internal connectors 5a to 5l, respectively. For example, the first charging DC / DC converter 66a is connected to the first battery 3a in correspondence with the first internal connector 5a.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the charging DC / DC converter 66. 5 , the charging DC / DC converter 66, in more detail, has a DC / DC converter 36 for charging the battery and a DC / DC converter 37 for discharging the battery. When charging the battery, the DC / DC converter 36 for charging the battery converts the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 into DC power having a voltage suitable for charging the battery 3, and supplies the converted DC power to the battery 3. On the other hand, when discharging the battery, the DC / DC converter 37 for discharging the battery converts the DC power supplied from the battery 3 into DC power having a voltage suitable for output to the control board 64, and supplies the converted DC power to the control board 64.

[0055] As described above, a plurality of charging DC / DC converters 66 are provided corresponding to the plurality of battery slots 27 (or the plurality of internal connectors 5 connected thereto), and some of them (for example, charging DC / DC converter 66-2 in FIG. 4) have the above-mentioned DC / DC converter 36 for battery charging and DC / DC converter 37 for battery discharge. The remaining charging DC / DC converter 66 (for example, charging DC / DC converter 66-1 in FIG. 4) has only the DC / DC converter 36 for battery charging. In other words, the plurality of charging DC / DC converters 66 include those that have a DC / DC converter 37 for battery discharge and those that do not have a DC / DC converter 37 for battery discharge.

[0056] The cooling DC / DC converter 67 is connected to a heat exchange fan (for example, the fan 34 provided in the second area shown in FIG. 3), a capacitor, etc. The cooling DC / DC converter 67 converts the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 into DC power having a voltage suitable for a cooling system such as a fan or a capacitor, and supplies the converted DC power to the fan via the IF board 63. A power detector is connected to the wiring between the IF board 63 and the fan.

[0057] The control DC / DC converter 68 is connected to a control board 64, which is the main control unit of the power transmission path 6. The control DC / DC converter 68 converts the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 into DC power having a voltage suitable for the control board 64, and supplies the converted DC power to the control board 64 via the IF board 63.

[0058] The multiple IF boards 63 are provided in a one-to-one relationship with the multiple battery slots 27. In this embodiment, the IF board 63 is provided at the rear end of the battery slot 27. The IF board 63 is connected to the battery 3 accommodated in the battery slot 27 via the internal connection part 5 of the battery slot 27. The IF board 63 communicates with the battery 3 and acquires information stored in the memory part of the BMU of the battery 3 from the battery 3 (for example, status information of the battery 3, the ID of the battery 3, etc.). The IF board 63 outputs the information acquired from the battery 3 to the control board 64.

[0059] The control board 64 (controller) controls the AC / DC converter 61, each DC / DC converter in the DC / DC converter group 62, and the multiple IF boards 63. For example, the control board 64 controls the magnitude of power converted by the AC / DC converter 61 by controlling a field effect transistor (FET) included in the AC / DC converter 61 according to the number of batteries 3 to be charged simultaneously. Note that the term "board" in this specification refers to a base on which components are mounted, and is not limited to a printed wiring board, and may be a metal plate or the like.

[0060] (Power supply unit) As shown in FIG. 3 , the power supply unit 7 is disposed above the battery slots 27 inside the housing 2. In this embodiment, a partition wall 33 is provided inside the housing 2. The partition wall 33 is disposed above the battery slots 27 (the batteries 3). The power supply unit 7 is placed on the partition wall 33 and disposed above the battery slots 27. In other words, the partition wall 33 divides the space inside the housing 2 into a first area 31 in which the battery slots 27 and the internal connectors 5 of the batteries 3 are provided, and a second area 32 in which the power supply unit 7 is provided. The first area 31 occupies more than half of the overall volume of the internal space of the housing 2. The above-mentioned air intake and exhaust ports are provided at positions corresponding to the first area 31, and connect the first area 31 to the external space. Note that the second area 32 is also provided with air intake and exhaust ports that connect the second area 32 to the external space.

[0061] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the second area 32 of the battery exchange machine 1. Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the second area 32. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the state in which the pressing member 75 has been removed from Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the power supply equipment unit 7. As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the power supply device unit 7 has a storage case 71, a power supply device 72, a power conversion section 73, an erroneous insertion prevention section 74, a pressing member 75, and a fixed detection section 76 (detection section in the claims).

[0062] 8 and 9 in particular, storage case 71 stores power supply device 72. Storage case 71 integrally stores at least the AC / DC converter 61 and DC / DC converter group 62 described above. Storage case 71 stores AC / DC converter 61 and DC / DC converter group 62 in a detachable manner. Storage case 71 has a plurality of storage pockets 41, 42 in which power supply device 72 is stored, and case-side terminal portions 43 (storage section-side connection portions in the claims). As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of storage pockets specifically include a first storage pocket 41 and a second storage pocket 42.

[0063] The first storage pocket 41 is provided on the left side as seen from the user. A plurality of first storage pockets 41 (two in this embodiment) are provided and lined up in the vertical direction. The second storage pocket 42 is located to the right of the first storage pocket 41. The second storage pockets 42 are arranged in a matrix of three horizontal rows and five vertical rows, for a total of 15 second storage pockets 42. In the following description, the one located at the bottom left of the 15 second storage pockets 42 when viewed from the front may be referred to as storage pocket No. 1 42a (first storage section in claims), the one immediately to the right of it as storage pocket No. 2 42b (second storage section in claims), and the one immediately to the right of that as storage pocket No. 3 42c. Similarly, the one at the left end of the second row from the bottom may be referred to as storage pocket No. 4 42d, the one immediately to the right of that as storage pocket No. 5 42e, and the one immediately to the right of that as storage pocket No. 6 42f. The one at the left end of the third row from the bottom may be referred to as storage pocket No. 7 42g, the one immediately to the right of that as storage pocket No. 8 42h, and the one immediately to the right of that as storage pocket No. 9 42i. The leftmost pocket on the fourth row from the bottom is sometimes referred to as storage pocket 42j No. 10, the pocket immediately to its right as storage pocket 42k No. 11, and the pocket immediately to its right as storage pocket 42l No. 12. The leftmost pocket on the top row is sometimes referred to as storage pocket 42m No. 13, the pocket immediately to its right as storage pocket 42n No. 14, and the pocket immediately to its right as storage pocket 42p No. 15. In this way, second storage pocket 42 has a total of 15 storage pockets 42a to 42p, numbered 1 through 15.

[0064] The case side terminal portions 43 are provided at the rear end portions of the first storage pocket 41 and the second storage pocket 42, respectively. The number of case side terminal portions 43 provided is, for example, the same as the number of storage pockets. In this embodiment, a total of 17 case side terminal portions 43 are provided corresponding to the two first storage pockets 41 and the fifteen second storage pockets 42. Note that FIG. 6 illustrates only a portion of the case side terminal portions 43. The case side terminal portions 43 are connected to the power transmission path 6. Terminals of the power supply devices 72 stored in each storage pocket of the storage case 71 are connected to the case side terminal portions 43. Therefore, storing the power supply devices 72 in the storage case 71 electrically connects the power supply devices 72 to the power transmission path 6 inside the housing 2.

[0065] The power supply device 72 includes the AC / DC converter 61 and the DC / DC converter group 62 described above. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the AC / DC converter 61 has a box-shaped outer shape. In this embodiment, the AC / DC converter 61 is configured, for example, by arranging two box-shaped devices one above the other. These two AC / DC converters 61 are stored in the first storage pocket 41 of the storage case 71. A terminal 45 is provided at the rear end of each AC / DC converter 61. By storing the AC / DC converter 61 in the first storage pocket 41, the terminal 45 of the AC / DC converter 61 is connected to the case-side terminal 43 provided at the rear end of the first storage pocket 41.

[0066] The DC / DC converter group 62 is formed in a box-like shape with an external shape that is slightly smaller than that of the AC / DC converter 61. In this embodiment, the DC / DC converter group 62 has twelve charging DC / DC converters 66, one control DC / DC converter 68, and two cooling DC / DC converters 67. Each DC / DC converter (the charging DC / DC converter 66, the control DC / DC converter 68, and the cooling DC / DC converter 67) is formed in a box-like shape with the same external shape.

[0067] The 12 charging DC / DC converters 66 (first to twelfth charging DC / DC converters 66a to 66l) each have the same configuration. The 12 charging DC / DC converters 66 are housed in the first to twelfth storage pockets 42a to 42l of the second storage pocket 42, respectively. The 12 charging DC / DC converters 66 are housed in the storage pockets while being partitioned from one another.

[0068] Specifically, the first storage pocket 42a stores a first charging DC / DC converter 66a, the second storage pocket 42b stores a second charging DC / DC converter 66b, and similarly the third to twelfth storage pockets 42c to 42l store third to twelfth charging DC / DC converters 66c to 66l, respectively.

[0069] One control DC / DC converter 68 is housed in the thirteenth storage pocket 42 m of the second storage pockets 42 . The two cooling DC / DC converters 67 are housed in the fourteenth and fifteenth storage pockets 42n, 42p, respectively, of the second storage pockets 42. The two cooling DC / DC converters 67 are housed in the storage pockets while being partitioned from each other.

[0070] Note that the power supply device 72 may include an IF board 63, a control board 64 (control unit), and the like in addition to the above-described AC / DC converter 61 and DC / DC converter group 62. In this case, as shown in Fig. 6, for example, the IF board 63 and the control board 64 may be placed on top of the storage case 71. For example, a third storage pocket (not shown) for storing the IF board 63 and the control board 64 may be formed in the storage case 71, and the IF board 63 and the control board 64 may be stored in the third storage pocket.

[0071] The power conversion unit 73 is provided on the power transmission path 6, is provided in the second area 32 of the housing 2, and corresponds to each battery 3 inserted into the battery slot 27. The power conversion unit 73 is collectively accommodated in the second area 32 along with other power conversion units (AC / DC converter 61, IF board 63, and control board 64). As shown in FIG. 9 , the power conversion unit 73 of this embodiment has the second storage pocket 42 (more specifically, the first to twelfth storage pockets 42a to 42l of the second storage pocket 42) (a storage unit in claims) and a charging DC / DC converter 66 (a power conversion unit main body in claims) of the DC / DC converter group 62. The first to twelfth storage pockets 42a to 42l of the second storage pocket 42 detachably accommodate the charging DC / DC converter 66.

[0072] More specifically, the power conversion unit 73 includes a first power conversion unit 73a, a second power conversion unit 73b, a third power conversion unit 73c, a fourth power conversion unit 73d, a fifth power conversion unit 73e, a sixth power conversion unit 73f, a seventh power conversion unit 73g, an eighth power conversion unit 73h, a ninth power conversion unit 73i, a tenth power conversion unit 73j, an eleventh power conversion unit 73k, and a twelfth power conversion unit 73l. The first power conversion unit 73a electrically connects the external power supply connection unit 4 to the first internal connection unit 5a. The second power conversion unit 73b electrically connects the external power supply connection unit 4 to the second internal connection unit 5b. Similarly, the third to twelfth power conversion units 73c to 73l electrically connect the external power supply connection unit 4 to the third to twelfth internal connection units 5c to 5l, respectively.

[0073] In other words, the first power conversion unit 73a has the first storage pocket 42a and the first charging DC / DC converter 66a stored in the first storage pocket 42a. The second power conversion unit 73b has the second storage pocket 42b and the second charging DC / DC converter 66b stored in the second storage pocket 42b. Similarly, the third to twelfth power conversion units 73c to 73l have the third to twelfth storage pockets 42c to 42l and the third to twelfth charging DC / DC converters 66c to 66l stored in the third to twelfth storage pockets 42c to 42l, respectively.

[0074] The first power conversion unit 73a and the second power conversion unit 73b are arranged adjacent to each other in the second region 32. Here, "arranged adjacent to each other" refers to, for example, the first power conversion unit 73a and the second power conversion unit 73b being stored and arranged in adjacent storage pockets (the first storage pocket 42a and the second storage pocket 42b in this embodiment). Similarly, the second power conversion unit 73b and the third power conversion unit 73c are arranged adjacent to each other by being stored in adjacent storage pockets (the second storage pocket 42b and the third storage pocket 42c in this embodiment). The first power conversion unit 73a and the fourth power conversion unit 73d located above it are arranged adjacent to each other by being stored in adjacent storage pockets (the first storage pocket 42a and the fourth storage pocket 42d in this embodiment) in the up-down direction. In this way, all the power conversion units 73 (first to twelfth power conversion units 73a to 73l) are arranged in a matrix of three columns in the horizontal direction and four columns in the vertical direction according to the positions of the corresponding storage pockets.

[0075] Furthermore, the power conversion unit 73 has terminals 45 (main body-side connection parts in the claims) provided on each charging DC / DC converter 66, which is the power conversion unit main body, and case-side terminals 43 (accommodation section-side connection parts in the claims) provided on the storage case 71. The case-side terminals 43 of the power conversion unit 73 are provided on the rear end parts of the first to twelfth storage pockets 42a to 42l (accommodation sections in the claims) of the second storage pocket 42, respectively. The case-side terminals 43 of the power conversion unit 73 are detachably connected to the terminals 45 of the charging DC / DC converters 66.

[0076] Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper portion of the DC / DC converter group 62. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the storage case 71 as seen from the rear. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the incorrect insertion prevention section 74 has a protrusion 79 provided on the storage case 71 and a notch 78 provided on the DC / DC converter group 62, which is the main body of the power conversion section.

[0077] 11, of the 15 second storage pockets 42a to 42p, all of the storage pockets 42a to 42l, 42n, 42p except for the thirteenth storage pocket 42m are provided with one protrusion 79. Each protrusion 79 protrudes from the inner upper surface of the storage pockets 42a to 42l, 42n, 42p toward the inside where each DC / DC converter group 62, which is the power conversion unit main body, is stored.

[0078] The protrusions 79 provided on the storage pockets Nos. 1 to 12, 42a to 42l, are positioned differently from the protrusions 79 provided on the storage pockets Nos. 14 and 15, 42n, 42p. Specifically, the protrusions 79 provided on the storage pockets Nos. 1 to 12, 42a to 42l, are positioned corresponding to the right rear corners of the respective storage pockets. On the other hand, the protrusions 79 provided on the storage pockets Nos. 14 and 15, 42n, 42p, are positioned corresponding to the left rear corners of the respective storage pockets. As mentioned above, the 13th storage pocket, 42m, is not provided with a protrusion.

[0079] 10, each of the DC / DC converter group 62 (the charging DC / DC converter 66 and the cooling DC / DC converter 67) has a notch 78 at a position corresponding to the above-mentioned protrusion 79. The notch 78 is formed so as to avoid interference with the protrusion 79 when each of the DC / DC converter group 62 is stored in the storage case 71 in the correct orientation, and so as to interfere with the protrusion 79 when each of the DC / DC converter group 62 is stored in the storage case 71 in the wrong orientation.

[0080] Specifically, the charging DC / DC converter 66 that can be housed in the storage pockets 42a-42l numbered 1 through 12 has a notch 78 formed in the rear right corner of its top surface. The cooling DC / DC converter 67 that can be housed in the storage pockets 42n and 42p numbered 14 and 15 has a notch 78 formed in the rear left corner of its top surface. The control DC / DC converter 68 that can be housed in the storage pocket 42m numbered 13 does not have a notch. The terminal 45 provided at the rear end of the charging DC / DC converter 66 and the terminal 45 provided at the rear end of the cooling DC / DC converter 67 have the same shape. For example, the width dimension of the terminal 45 provided at the rear end of the control DC / DC converter 68 is different from that of the terminal 45 of the charging DC / DC converter 66 and the cooling DC / DC converter 67.

[0081] Therefore, if an attempt is made to store a cooling DC / DC converter 67 in any of the storage pockets 42a to 42l numbered 1 to 12, the cooling DC / DC converter 67 will interfere with the protrusion 79, causing the cooling DC / DC converter 67 to protrude from the front surface of the storage case 71. This prevents incorrect insertion. Furthermore, if an attempt is made to store a control DC / DC converter 68 in any of the storage pockets 42a to 42l numbered 1 to 12, the control DC / DC converter 68 cannot be stored in the first place because the shape of the terminal portion 45 is different. This prevents incorrect insertion. Similarly, if an attempt is made to store a charging DC / DC converter 66 in any of the storage pockets 42n and 42p numbered 14 and 15, the charging DC / DC converter 66 will interfere with the protrusion 79, causing the charging DC / DC converter 66 to protrude from the front surface of the storage case 71, preventing incorrect insertion. If an attempt is made to store the charging DC / DC converter 66 or the cooling DC / DC converter 67 in storage pocket 42m No. 13, it will be impossible to store the control DC / DC converter 68 or the cooling DC / DC converter 67 because the shapes of the terminal portions 45 are different to begin with, thereby preventing incorrect insertion.

[0082] Furthermore, each of these DC / DC converter groups 62 (specifically, the charging DC / DC converter 66, the cooling DC / DC converter 67, and the control DC / DC converter 68) is provided with a lever 11 and a claw 12. When removing each DC / DC converter group 62 from the second storage pocket 42, the lever 11 is pushed toward the inside of the body of the DC / DC converter group 62 (to the left in FIG. 10), causing the claw 12 to retract into the inside of the body and to come out of the slit (not shown) in the second storage pocket 42. This makes it possible to pull out each converter of the DC / DC converter group 62 (the charging DC / DC converter 66, the cooling DC / DC converter 67, and the control DC / DC converter 68) forward.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 7 , a presser member 75 (a fixing portion in the claims) is detachably attached to the front surface of the second storage pocket 42 of the storage case 71. The presser member 75 is formed in a lattice shape in a front view, and is formed so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the DC / DC converter group stored in the second storage pocket 42. The presser member 75 is fastened to the storage case 71 at both left and right ends with fastening members such as screws. By being attached to the storage case 71, the presser member 75 fixes the stored DC / DC converter groups 62 so that they cannot be removed. In other words, the presser member 75 collectively fixes at least the first to twelfth power conversion units 73a to 73l to the housing 2.

[0084] In this embodiment, the pressing member 75 collectively fixes the cooling DC / DC converter 67 and the control DC / DC converter 68 in addition to the first to twelfth power conversion units 73a to 73l to the housing 2. Furthermore, one end (left end) of the pressing member 75 to be fastened is fastened to the front surface of the AC / DC converter 61 (another power conversion unit in the claims), thereby also collectively fixing the AC / DC converter 61 to the housing 2. Here, the AC / DC converter 61 is a device that is arranged closer to the external power supply connection unit 4 than the power conversion units 73 are on the power transmission path 6. In other words, the pressing member 75 fixes all of the power supply equipment (first to twelfth power conversion units 73a to 73l, cooling DC / DC converter 67, control DC / DC converter 68 and AC / DC converter 61) housed in the storage case 71 together to the housing 2.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 8, the fixed detector 76 (the detector in the claims) is configured to be able to detect whether the pressing member 75 is fixed to the storage case 71. The fixed detector 76 is provided on the storage case 71. The fixed detector 76 is provided at a position corresponding to the other end (right end) of the pressing member 75 to which the pressing member 75 is fastened. The fixed detector 76 is, for example, a contact switch. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fixed detector 76 is configured so that when the pressing member 75 is attached to the storage case 71, the switch is pressed by the pressing member 75 to turn on, and when the pressing member 75 is removed, the switch is turned off. The fixed detector 76 is electrically connected to the control board 64 of the power supply device 72, and performs desired control depending on whether the pressing member 75 is attached.

[0086] (Upper cover) As shown in FIG. 6 , the upper cover 8 is provided so as to be able to open and close the top surface of the housing 2 by rotating a base end 52 (rear end) located at the rear relative to the housing 2. The upper cover 8 has a top plate 81. The top plate 81 is formed in a plate shape that covers the top surface of the housing 2. A hinge (not shown) is provided at the base end 52 of the top plate 81. A pair of hinges are provided on the left and right. The rear wall 23 of the housing 2 and the top plate 81 are connected via the hinges, so that the top plate 81 can rotate about a rotation shaft 80 extending horizontally relative to the housing 2. In other words, the rotation shaft 80 is provided along the base end 52 of the top plate 81, and the top plate 81 opens and closes relative to the housing 2 by rotating a tip end (front end) 51 of the top plate 81 up and down around the rotation shaft 80.

[0087] The top plate 81 is formed in a shape that follows the shape of the top surface of the housing 2 so as to cover the top surface of the housing 2 without any gaps. Specifically, the top plate 81 is formed of a flat portion that covers the top surface of the housing 2 when the upper cover 8 is closed, and an arc-shaped portion that is connected to the front end of the flat portion and curves in an arc.

[0088] The top plate is provided with a striker (neither of which is shown) that engages with a latch provided on the housing 2. When the latch and the striker engage with each other, the upper cover 8 (top plate 81) is fixed in a closed state relative to the housing 2. The upper cover 8 may be provided with a keyhole or the like (not shown) to make it a locked upper cover 8. By opening the upper cover 8, it is possible to access the power supply device 72 arranged in the second area 32. In other words, the upper cover 8 is provided so that the power supply device 72 including the charging DC / DC converter 66 can be inserted into and removed from the storage case 71 when the upper cover 8 is in the open state.

[0089] In addition to the above-described configuration, the upper cover 8 may be provided with, for example, an open / close detection unit that detects whether the upper cover 8 is closed or not, a reinforcing member (none of which are shown) for reinforcing the top plate 81, etc. In this case, the open / close detection unit may be electrically connected to the control board 64 and perform desired control depending on the open / close state of the upper cover 8.

[0090] (front cover) Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the front cover. Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of part XIII in Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the front cover as seen from the rear (back side). Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of part XV in Fig. 14. 12 to 15, the front cover 9 covers the front surface of the housing 2 at a position corresponding to the first area 31 in the vertical direction. The front cover 9 has a cover main body 91, a fitting portion 92, and a fitted portion 93.

[0091] 12 and 14, the cover body 91 is formed in a flat plate shape that fits along the front surface of the housing 2. When viewed from the front, the cover body 91 is formed in a lattice shape with a plurality of openings 90 (12 in this embodiment) provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of battery replacement openings 28 (see FIG. 3) of the battery slot 27.

[0092] 14 and 15, a plurality of fitting portions 92 (four in FIG. 14) are provided on the back surface of the cover main body 91. The fitting portion 92 is provided, for example, in the approximate center of the cover main body 91, between two openings 90 adjacent in the left-right direction. The fitting portion 92 has a pair of support walls 94 that protrude rearward, and a pin 95 that extends so as to bridge between the pair of support walls.

[0093] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the fitted portion 93 is attached to the frame 38 on the housing 2 side. The fitted portion 93 is provided at a position corresponding to the fitting portion 92 of the front cover 9. The fitted portion 93 fits into the fitting portion 92 of the front cover 9. The front cover 9 is attached to the housing 2 by fitting the fitted portion 93 and the fitting portion 92 together. As shown in Figure 13, the fitted portion 93 is a latch mechanism having a bracket 96 and a movable portion 97 that rotates relative to the bracket 96. The bracket 96 is attached to the frame 38 on the housing 2 side. The base end of the movable portion 97 rotates around an axis that is horizontal to the bracket 96. A recess 97a that receives the pin 95 of the fitting portion 92 is formed in the tip end of the movable portion 97 located opposite the base end.

[0094] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the fitting portion 92 of the front cover 9. Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion XVII in Fig. 16. Fig. 17 shows a state in which the fitting portion 92 is fitted into the fitted portion 93. A connecting bar 99 is connected to the mating portions 93, connecting the mating portions 93 together. By sliding the connecting bar 99 of the front cover 9 in the vertical direction while the upper cover is open, the movable portion 97 rotates relative to the bracket 96. This allows the mating portions 93 to simultaneously engage with or disengage from the mating portions 92. Specifically, as shown by arrow A1 in FIGS. 16 and 17 , when the connecting bar 99 is lifted upward, the movable portions 97 of the mating portions 93 rotate in the direction indicated by arrow A2 relative to the bracket 96. This allows the pins 95 of the mating portions 92 to be released from their respective positions. On the other hand, when the connecting bar 99 is lowered in the direction opposite to arrow A1 with the pins 95 inserted into the recesses 97a, the movable portions 97 of the mating portions 93 rotate in the direction opposite to arrow A2 relative to the bracket 96. This allows the mating portions 93 to hold the pins 95 of the mating portions 92, allowing the front cover 9 to be attached to the housing.

[0095] (Action, effect) Next, the operation and effect of the above-mentioned power device 1 (battery exchanger 1) will be described. The power device 1 of this embodiment includes an external power supply connection unit 4, a housing 2, an internal connection unit 5, and a power conversion unit 73. The internal connection unit 5, which includes a first internal connection unit 5a and a second internal connection unit 5b, and the power conversion unit 73, which includes a first power conversion unit 73a and a second power conversion unit 73b, are arranged as separate units (in separate areas). By providing the power conversion unit 73 separately from the internal connection unit 5, work related to the internal connection unit 5 and work related to the power conversion unit 73 can be performed separately. This improves convenience for the worker (user) performing each task. Furthermore, by separating the internal connection unit 5 and the power conversion unit 73, the work area for a user performing work related to the power conversion unit 73 is narrowed, thereby reducing the effort required for travel, for example. Furthermore, by providing the power conversion unit 73 separately from the internal connection unit 5, maintenance work on the power conversion unit 73 can be made easier compared to conventional technology in which multiple internal connection units 5 and power conversion units 73 are arranged adjacent to each other and alternately, for example, a first internal connection unit 5a, a first power conversion unit 73a, a second internal connection unit 5b, a second power conversion unit 73b, etc. For example, when the internal connection unit 5 and the power conversion unit 73 are arranged one above the other, the increase in size, particularly in the horizontal direction, can be suppressed compared to the conventional technology in which the power conversion unit 73 is arranged between multiple battery slots 27. This makes it possible to reduce the installation footprint of the power device 1. Furthermore, even when a user replaces multiple power storage units (batteries 3), there is no need to move horizontally, which improves convenience for the user performing work on the internal connection unit 5. Furthermore, by providing the internal connection unit 5 and the power conversion unit 73 separately, it is possible to provide a configuration with a cover or a lock that cannot be opened by a user performing work on the internal connection unit 5 and can only be opened by a maintenance worker performing work on the power conversion unit 73. Furthermore, since multiple power conversion units 73 are housed together, they can be cooled collectively. This also reduces the cost of cooling. Therefore, it is possible to provide a power device 1 that is more convenient for users than conventional technology while reducing size.

[0096] The first internal connection portion 5a and the second internal connection portion 5b are disposed adjacent to each other in the first region 31, and the first power conversion portion 73a and the second power conversion portion 73b are disposed adjacent to each other in a second region 32 different from the first region 31. By separating the region in which the power conversion portion 73 is provided from the region in which the internal connection portion 5 is provided, work related to the internal connection portion 5 and work related to the power conversion portion 73 can be performed separately. This improves convenience for the worker (user) performing each work. By separating the regions, for example, the work area for a user performing work related to the power conversion portion 73 is narrowed, thereby reducing the effort required for movement, etc. For example, if the second region 32 is disposed above the first region 31, the power conversion portion 73 is located relatively higher, making it easier to perform maintenance work on the power conversion portion 73. In the first region 31, the first internal connection portion 5a and the second internal connection portion 5b are arranged close to each other. This allows the first region 31 to be made smaller. Similarly, in the second region 32, the first power conversion portion 73a and the second power conversion portion 73b are arranged close to each other. This allows the second region 32 to be made smaller. This prevents the power device 1 from becoming larger. Because each region is compact, convenience is improved for both users who perform work on the internal connection portion 5 and users who perform work on the power conversion portion 73.

[0097] The fixing portion (holding member 75) fixes the first power conversion unit 73a and the second power conversion unit 73b together to the housing 2. This allows each power conversion unit 73 to be easily fixed to the housing 2 even when a plurality of power conversion units 73 are provided. Therefore, compared to a case where a holding member 75 is provided for each of the plurality of power conversion units 73, the work involved in fixing the power conversion units 73 is simplified, improving user convenience. Furthermore, compared to a case where a plurality of holding members 75 are provided, an increase in costs can be suppressed.

[0098] The fixing portion (pressing member 75) collectively fixes not only the first power conversion unit 73a and the second power conversion unit 73b but also other power conversion units (such as the AC / DC converter 61). This allows various power conversion units 73 to be easily fixed to the housing 2. This further improves user convenience compared to, for example, providing a pressing member 75 for each of the power conversion unit 73 (the charging DC / DC converter 66) and the other power conversion units (the AC / DC converter 61). Furthermore, it is possible to suppress an increase in costs compared to providing multiple pressing members 75.

[0099] The power device 1 (battery exchange machine 1) further includes a detection unit (fixed detection unit 76) that can detect whether the fixing unit (holding member 75) is fixed. This can prevent the holding member 75 from being left unfastened. Furthermore, for example, control can be performed such as switching between energizing and cutting off the power to the internal power conversion unit 73 depending on the detection result of the fixed detection unit 76. This can further improve user convenience.

[0100] The power conversion unit 73 has a power conversion unit main body (charging DC / DC converter 66) and a storage section (second storage pocket 42) that detachably stores the charging DC / DC converter 66. By configuring the second storage pocket 42 to store the charging DC / DC converter 66, it is possible to store multiple power conversion units 73 together. Since the charging DC / DC converters 66 can be arranged in an organized manner, the maintainability of the power conversion units 73 can be improved.

[0101] The power conversion unit main body (charging DC / DC converter 66) is provided with a main body-side connection portion (terminal portion 45), and the second storage pocket 42 is provided with a storage unit-side connection portion (case-side terminal portion 43). The case-side terminal portion 43 is detachably connected to the terminal portion 45 of the charging DC / DC converter 66. As a result, by storing the charging DC / DC converter 66 in the second storage pocket 42, the case-side terminal portion 43 and the charging DC / DC converter 66 can be electrically connected. Furthermore, if the case-side terminal portion 43 is configured to be connected to the internal connection portion 5 and the external power supply connection portion 4 in advance, storing the charging DC / DC converter 66 in the second storage pocket 42 can connect the power conversion unit 73 to the internal connection portion 5 and the external power supply connection portion 4. This facilitates replacement and maintenance of the power conversion unit 73.

[0102] The storage section (second storage pocket 42) includes a first storage section (first storage pocket 42a in this embodiment) that stores the first power conversion unit 73a, and a second storage section (second storage pocket 42b in this embodiment) that stores the second power conversion unit 73b. The second power conversion unit 73b is provided adjacent to the first storage pocket 42a. For example, by forming the second storage pocket 42 in a rack shape, multiple second storage pockets 42 can be arranged close to each other while being separated from each other. This allows the multiple power conversion units 73 to be arranged in an organized manner while preventing the second storage pocket 42 from becoming larger. This improves the maintainability of the power conversion units 73.

[0103] A protrusion 79 is provided on the storage section (second storage pocket 42), and a notch 78 corresponding to the protrusion 79 is provided on the power conversion unit main body (charging DC / DC converter 66). The notch 78 is formed to avoid interference with the protrusion 79 when the charging DC / DC converter 66 is stored in the second storage pocket 42 in the correct orientation, and to interfere with the protrusion 79 when the charging DC / DC converter 66 is stored in the second storage pocket 42 in the incorrect orientation. This prevents incorrect assembly of the power conversion unit 73. Because the protrusion 79 and the notch 78 are provided, if the charging DC / DC converter 66 is stored in the second storage pocket 42 in the incorrect orientation, for example, the protrusion 79 interferes with the charging DC / DC converter 66, causing the charging DC / DC converter 66 to appear to protrude from the second storage pocket 42. This makes it visually easy to recognize that an incorrect assembly has occurred. This further improves convenience for the user assembling the power conversion unit 73.

[0104] The second area 32 can be opened or closed by opening or closing the upper cover 8. This allows maintenance, etc., of the power conversion unit 73 provided in the second area 32 to be performed by opening the upper cover 8. Because the upper cover 8 is provided so that only the second area 32 can be opened or closed, it can be configured so that it cannot be opened by general users performing work on the internal connection unit 5, for example, and can be opened and closed only by users (maintenance workers) performing maintenance on the power conversion unit 73. This increases safety and improves the workability of maintenance workers. The first area 31 can be opened or closed by opening or closing the front cover 9. This allows maintenance of the internal connection parts 5 provided in the first area 31 to be performed by opening the front cover 9. The front cover 9 has multiple mating parts 92 that mate with mated parts 93 of the housing 2, and by moving the front cover 9 with the upper cover 8 open, it is possible to simultaneously engage or disengage the multiple mating parts 92. This allows the front cover 9 to be easily opened and closed, thereby improving user convenience (ease of maintenance).

[0105] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the battery exchanger 1 that charges the mobile battery 3 has been described as an example, but the present invention may be applied to other power devices. The external power supply connection unit 4 may be any part that connects the power supply (battery exchanger 1) to the grid power, and may be provided outside the housing 2.

[0106] The shapes of the upper cover 8 and the front cover 9 are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment. The sliding direction of the front cover 9 is not limited to the direction (up and down) in the above-described embodiment. The front cover 9 may be configured to be attached or detached by a movement method other than sliding. An open / close detector may be provided separately to detect whether the upper cover 8 is closed. In this case, different controls may be performed on the power supply unit depending on the combination of the detection result of the open / close detector of the upper cover 8 and the detection result of the fixed detector 76 of the pressing member 75.

[0107] The fixed detector 76 may be, for example, a non-contact sensor. The storage case 71 may house power supply devices 72 other than the AC / DC converter 61 and the DC / DC converter group 62. In this case, the storage case 71 may have a plurality of storage pockets in addition to the first storage pocket 41 and the second storage pocket 42. The cooling DC / DC converter 67 is an example of an auxiliary DC / DC converter, and a DC / DC converter for an auxiliary device other than the cooling system may be provided instead of the cooling DC / DC converter 67.

[0108] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1 Battery exchanger (power device) 2. Case 3 Battery (storage unit) 3a First battery (first power storage unit) 3b Second battery (second power storage unit) 4 External power supply connection 5 Internal Connections 5a First internal connection 5b Second internal connection 6 Power transmission path 8 Upper cover 9 Front cover 31 The First Region 32 The Second Realm 42 Second storage pocket (storage section) 42a No. 1 storage pocket (first storage area) 42b No. 2 storage pocket (second storage area) 43 Case side terminal part (accommodation part side connection part) 45 Terminal part (connection part on the main body side) 61 AC / DC converter (other power conversion parts) 66 Charging DC / DC converter (power conversion unit) 73 Power conversion section 73a First power conversion unit 73b Second power conversion unit 75 Holding member (fixing part) 76 Fixed detector (detector) 78 Notch 79 Protrusion 92 Fitting part 93 Fitted part 500 external power supply

Claims

1. an external power supply connection portion electrically connected to an external power supply; The housing and an internal connection portion connected to a power storage portion disposed inside the housing; a power conversion unit provided on a power transmission path electrically connecting the external power supply connection unit and the internal connection unit; Equipped with The internal connection portion is a first internal connection portion to which a first power storage unit of the power storage units is connected; a second internal connection portion to which a second power storage unit different from the first power storage unit is connected; and Including, The power conversion unit a first power conversion unit that electrically connects the external power supply connection unit and the first internal connection unit and is provided on the power transmission path; a second power conversion unit that electrically connects the external power supply connection unit and the second internal connection unit and is provided on the power transmission path; Including, Power equipment.

2. the first internal connection portion and the second internal connection portion are disposed adjacent to each other in a first region inside the housing; the first power conversion unit and the second power conversion unit are disposed adjacent to each other in a second region different from the first region within the housing. The power device of claim 1 .

3. a fixing portion that collectively fixes the first power conversion unit connected to the first internal connection portion and the second power conversion unit connected to the second internal connection portion to the housing, The power device of claim 2 .

4. further comprising another power conversion unit disposed on the power transmission path closer to the external power supply connection unit than the power conversion unit; the fixing unit collectively fixes the other power conversion units in addition to the first power conversion unit and the second power conversion unit, The power device of claim 3.

5. Further provided is a detection unit capable of detecting whether the fixing unit is fixed or not. The power device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The power conversion unit a power conversion unit main body; a housing portion that detachably houses the power conversion unit main body; having The power device of claim 1 .

7. The power conversion unit a main body side connection portion provided on the power conversion unit main body; a housing-side connection portion provided in the housing portion and detachably connected to the main body-side connection portion; having The power device of claim 6.

8. The storage section is a first housing portion that houses the first power conversion portion; a second housing portion that houses the second power conversion portion and is provided adjacent to the first housing portion; having The power device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. the housing portion has a protrusion that protrudes toward an inner side where the power conversion unit main body is housed, The power conversion unit main body has a notch formed to avoid interference with the protrusion when housed in the housing in the correct orientation, and to allow interference between the protrusion and the power conversion unit main body when housed in the housing in the wrong orientation. The power device according to claim 6 or 7.

10. an upper cover that allows the second area to be opened; a front cover that covers a front surface of the housing at a position corresponding to the first area; Furthermore, the front cover has a plurality of fitting portions that fit into fitting portions provided on the housing, By moving the front cover with the upper cover open, it is possible to simultaneously engage or disengage the multiple engagement portions. The power device of claim 2 .

Images