Holding device

Abstract

A battery replacement device (10) that holds a mobile battery (12) comprises a slot (14) that holds the mobile battery (12), a male connector (58) to be connected to a female connector (49) of the mobile battery (12), a connector unit (40) that moves the male connector (58) toward the female connector (49), a stopper (72) provided so as to be movably backward and forward with respect to the movement path of the mobile battery (12), and a battery locking mechanism (26) that mechanically connects the male connector (58) and the stopper (72) to each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding device for holding an electrical device. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 6286084 discloses a holding device for holding a storage battery. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The holding device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6286084 has a drive unit that moves the connector. Furthermore, this holding device locks the lid while the storage battery is held in the holding device. Therefore, the drive unit for locking the lid must be provided separately from the drive unit for moving the connector. This increases the manufacturing cost of the holding device.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.

[0005] A holding device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a holding device for holding an electrical device having a first electrical terminal, and comprises: a holding section for holding the electrical device; a second electrical terminal connected to the first electrical terminal of the electrical device held in the holding section; a drive section for moving the second electrical terminal in a direction toward the first electrical terminal and / or moving the second electrical terminal in a direction away from the first electrical terminal; an advancing / retreating section that is arranged to be able to advance and retreat along a movement trajectory that is the trajectory along which the electrical device moves when the electrical device is held in the holding section; and a connection section that mechanically connects the second electrical terminal and the advancing / retreating section to each other.

[0006] The present invention can provide a holding device that can reduce manufacturing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the battery exchange machine. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery exchange machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the slot. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mobile battery. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the top surface of the mobile battery. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the mobile battery. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a mobile battery. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the bottom cover. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the slot. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the slot. [Figure 15] 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of the slot. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the battery lock mechanism. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the battery lock mechanism. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the battery lock mechanism. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the battery lock mechanism. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a front view of the slot. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a front view of the slot. [Figure 22] 22A, 22B, and 22C are cross-sectional views of the bottom cover assembly and the mobile battery. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the bottom cover. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the slot. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the slot. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery exchange machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the exterior of a battery exchange machine 10. The battery exchange machine 10 is a device that charges a mobile battery 12. A user deposits a mobile battery 12 with a low state of charge (SOC) at the battery exchange machine 10. The user receives another mobile battery 12 that has been fully charged from the battery exchange machine 10. The mobile battery 12 has an internal power storage unit that stores power. The mobile battery 12 corresponds to the electrical device and power storage device of the present invention.

[0009] The battery exchange machine 10 has eight slots 14 and one operation panel 16. A user inserts a mobile battery 12 into a slot 14. When the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot 14, the battery exchange machine 10 starts charging the mobile battery 12. The operation panel 16 is a device operated by a user. The user operates the operation panel 16 to, for example, pay a fee.

[0010] The slot 14 opens to the front surface 101 of the battery exchange machine 10. The front surface 101 of the battery exchange machine 10 is inclined relative to the vertical direction (the direction of gravity). When a user is standing facing the front surface 101, the upper part of the front surface 101 is located farther from the user than the lower part of the front surface 101. This allows the user to assume a forward-leaning posture when inserting the mobile battery 12 into the slot 14. This makes it easier to insert the mobile battery 12 into the slot 14.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery exchange machine 10. The battery exchange machine 10 has a power source connection unit 90 to which an external power source is connected. The external power source may be, for example, a power grid (commercial power source) or a battery power source. An inverter 94 is provided on a power transmission path 92 between the power source connection unit 90 and the slot 14. The inverter 94 functions as an AC / DC converter or a DC / DC converter. The battery exchange machine 10 has a control device 18 above the slot 14. The control device 18 functions as a charge control unit that controls the inverter 94 and performs charging control and the like in the battery exchange machine 10. The battery exchange machine 10 has a utility space 20 below the slot 14. A cooling device 96 or the like that cools the interior of the battery exchange machine 10 may be installed in the utility space 20. The inverter 94 corresponds to a first power conversion unit of the present invention.

[0012] The battery exchange machine 10 will be described below based on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis defined as follows: The direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the slot 14 is defined as the Z-axis direction. In the Z-axis direction, the direction from the innermost part of the slot 14 toward the opening is defined as the +Z-axis direction. The +Z-axis direction is the direction in which the mobile battery 12 is removed from the slot 14. The direction parallel to the width direction of the battery exchange machine 10 is defined as the X-axis direction. When a user stands facing the front surface 101 of the battery exchange machine 10, the right-hand side in the X-axis direction is defined as the +X-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and X-axis is defined as the Y-axis direction. In the Y-axis direction, the upper side is defined as the +Y-axis direction. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the holding direction in this invention. The Y-axis direction corresponds to the intersecting direction in this invention. Below, a view viewed from the +Z-axis direction may be referred to as a front view.

[0013] [Overall slot configuration] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the slot 14. Fig. 3 shows a state in which the mobile battery 12 is not inserted into the slot 14. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 14. Fig. 4 shows a state in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 14.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, the slot 14 includes a slot sleeve 22 and a battery locking mechanism 26 .

[0015] The slot sleeve 22 holds the mobile battery 12. The slot sleeve 22 has a slot body 28, a slot flange 30, a slot stay 32, a slot guide 34, and a bottom cover 36.

[0016] The slot body 28 is made of aluminum. The slot body 28 is not limited to being made of aluminum, and may be made of other metals or resin. When the slot body 28 is made of aluminum, the durability of the slot body 28 can be increased compared to when the slot body 28 is made of resin.

[0017] The slot body 28 is a cylindrical member. As shown in Fig. 4, the slot body 28 has a holding space 281 inside. The holding space 281 is a hole that penetrates the slot body 28 in the Z-axis direction. When the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot 14, most of the mobile battery 12 is held in this holding space 281.

[0018] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the slot body 28 has a substantially rectangular outer shape. The slot body 28 has four side surfaces: a lower side surface 282, an upper side surface 283, a left side surface 284, and a right side surface 285. The slot body 28 has an opening 286 at its end in the +Z-axis direction and an opening 287 at its end in the -Z-axis direction.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the slot flange 30 is attached to the opening 286 on the +Z-axis direction side of the slot body 28. The slot flange 30 is made of metal. The slot flange 30 is not limited to being made of metal, and may also be made of resin. When the slot flange 30 is made of metal, the durability of the slot flange 30 can be increased compared to when the slot flange 30 is made of resin.

[0020] 3 and 4, the slot stay 32 is attached to the +Z-axis direction side of the slot flange 30. The slot stay 32 is made of resin. The slot stay 32 is not limited to being made of resin, and may be made of metal. When the slot stay 32 is made of resin, it can be manufactured more cheaply than when the slot stay 32 is made of metal.

[0021] The slot stay 32 has an insertion opening 321. The insertion opening 321 is a hole that penetrates the slot stay 32 in the Z-axis direction. When the slot stay 32 is viewed from the Z-axis direction, the insertion opening 321 has a substantially rectangular shape. The insertion opening 321 is connected to the holding space 281 of the slot main body 28.

[0022] 3 and 4, a door 38 is attached to the slot stay 32. The door 38 is made of resin. The door 38 is not limited to being made of resin, and may be made of metal. When the door 38 is made of resin, the door 38 can be manufactured more cheaply than when the door 38 is made of metal.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, the door 38 is provided rotatably around the shaft 381. The shaft 381 is attached to the +Y-axis direction side of the slot stay 32. When the mobile battery 12 is not inserted into the slot 14, the door 38 is closed. At this time, the door 38 blocks the opening 286 on the +Z-axis direction side of the slot main body 28. When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 14, the mobile battery 12 pushes the door 38 in the -Z-axis direction. This causes the door 38 to rotate around the shaft 381 and open. At this time, the door 38 opens the opening 286 on the +Z-axis direction side of the slot main body 28.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the battery lock mechanism 26 is attached to the +Y-axis direction side of the slot stay 32. When the battery lock mechanism 26 is in a locked state, the battery lock mechanism 26 restricts movement of the mobile battery 12 in the +Z-axis direction. This prevents the user from removing the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14. When the battery lock mechanism 26 is in an unlocked state, the battery lock mechanism 26 allows movement of the mobile battery 12 in the +Z-axis direction. This allows the user to remove the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14.

[0025] 3 and 4, the slot guide 34 is attached to the +Z-axis direction side of the slot stay 32. The slot guide 34 is made of resin. The slot guide 34 is not limited to being made of resin, and may be made of metal. When the slot guide 34 is made of resin, the slot guide 34 can be manufactured more cheaply than when the slot guide 34 is made of metal.

[0026] The slot guide 34 has an insertion opening 341. The insertion opening 341 is a hole that penetrates the slot guide 34 in the Z-axis direction. When the slot guide 34 is viewed from the Z-axis direction, the insertion opening 341 has a substantially rectangular shape. The insertion opening 341 is connected to the insertion opening 321 of the slot stay 32.

[0027] 3 and 4, the bottom cover 36 is attached to the opening 287 on the −Z axis direction side of the slot body 28. The bottom cover 36 is made of resin. The bottom cover 36 is not limited to being made of resin, and may be made of metal. When the bottom cover 36 is made of resin, it can be manufactured more cheaply than when the bottom cover 36 is made of metal.

[0028] 4, a connector unit 40, a fan 42, an electronic circuit board 44, and a hold detection switch 46 are attached to the bottom cover 36. The bottom cover assembly 24 is formed with the connector unit 40, the fan 42, the electronic circuit board 44, and the hold detection switch 46 attached to the bottom cover 36. The bottom cover assembly 24 will be described in detail later.

[0029] 3 and 4, a link bar 48 of the battery lock mechanism 26 is provided on the +Y-axis direction side of the slotted sleeve 22. The link bar 48 extends from the battery lock mechanism 26 toward the connector unit 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the battery lock mechanism 26 including the link bar 48 is longer than the mobile battery 12 held in the slotted sleeve 22. In addition, the battery lock mechanism 26 including the link bar 48 extends parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0030] [Mobile battery configuration] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the mobile battery 12. Fig. 6 is a view showing a top surface 121 of the mobile battery 12. Fig. 7 is a view showing a bottom surface 122 of the mobile battery 12. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile battery 12.

[0031] In the following description of the configuration of the mobile battery 12, the U-axis, V-axis, and W-axis defined as follows are used. The longitudinal direction of the mobile battery 12 is the W-axis direction, and the direction from the bottom surface 122 toward the top surface 121 is the +W-axis direction. The direction in which the side surface 123 and the side surface 124 of the mobile battery 12 are aligned is the V-axis direction, and the direction from the side surface 123 toward the side surface 124 is the +V-axis direction. The direction in which the side surface 125 and the side surface 126 are aligned is the U-axis direction, and the direction from the side surface 125 toward the side surface 126 is the +U-axis direction.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a handle 13 is provided on the top surface 121 of the mobile battery 12. The handle 13 has a first grip portion 131 and a second grip portion 132. The first grip portion 131 extends in the U-axis direction. The second grip portion 132 extends in the V-axis direction. A user holds the handle 13 to insert or remove the mobile battery 12 into or from the slot 14.

[0033] 6 and 7, of the side surfaces 123, 124, 125, and 126 of the mobile battery 12, the side surface 124 is a curved surface that is convex outward. Of the side surfaces 123, 124, 125, and 126, the side surfaces 123, 125, and 126 are substantially flat.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , a female connector 49 is provided on the bottom surface 122 of the mobile battery 12. The female connector 49 is also referred to as a receptacle. The female connector 49 is exposed to the outside of the mobile battery 12. The female connector 49 is arranged on the +V-axis direction side of the center of the bottom surface 122 in the V-axis direction. The female connector 49 is provided in a recess 127 of the mobile battery 12. The recess 127 is recessed toward the +W-axis direction from the bottom surface 122. The female connector 49 is arranged on the +W-axis direction from the bottom surface 122. This prevents the female connector 49 from coming into contact with the ground or the like when the mobile battery 12 is placed on the ground or the like with the bottom surface 122 facing downwards. This prevents the female connector 49 from becoming dirty or damaged. This also prevents the female connector 49 from coming into contact with a conductor. This prevents the mobile battery 12 from unintentionally discharging.

[0035] [Bottom cover assembly configuration] 9, 10, and 11 are perspective views of the slot 14. Figures 9, 10, and 11 show the bottom cover assembly 24 and the structure around it. Figure 10 shows the structure when the bottom cover assembly 24 is removed from the slot body 28. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the bottom cover 36.

[0036] 4, 9, 10, and 11, the bottom cover assembly 24 has a connector unit 40, a fan 42, an electronic circuit board 44, and a hold detection switch 46. The connector unit 40, the fan 42, the hold detection switch 46, and the electronic circuit board 44 are attached to the bottom cover 36. In this state, the bottom cover 36 and the opening 287 of the slot main body 28 are fastened together with the bolts 37. As a result, the bottom cover assembly 24 is fixed to the slot main body 28.

[0037] 9, 10, and 11, the connector unit 40 includes a base 50, a connection detection switch 52, a disconnection detection switch 54, a connector holder 56, a male connector 58, and a motor 60. The male connector 58 is also called a plug.

[0038] The base 50 is fixed to a surface on the -Z axis direction side of the bottom cover 36. The base 50 extends in the -Z axis direction from the surface on the -Z axis direction side of the bottom cover 36. Therefore, a large number of components can be attached to the base 50. The base 50 may be formed integrally with the bottom cover 36. The base 50 has a base main body 501, two base flanges 502, and a switch mounting surface 503.

[0039] The two base flanges 502 are formed integrally with the base main body 501. One base flange 502 is provided on the +X-axis direction side of the base main body 501. The other base flange 502 is provided on the -X-axis direction side of the base main body 501. Each base flange 502 extends in the X-axis direction from the end of the base main body 501 on the +Z-axis direction side. The base flanges 502 and the bottom cover 36 are fastened together with bolts 504. This fixes the base 50 to the bottom cover 36.

[0040] The switch mounting surface 503 is formed integrally with the base body 501. The switch mounting surface 503 is provided on the +X-axis direction side of the base body 501. The switch mounting surface 503 extends in the -Y-axis direction from the end of the base body 501 on the -X-axis direction side.

[0041] A connection detection switch 52 and a connection / disconnection detection switch 54 are attached to the switch mounting surface 503. The connection detection switch 52 and the connection / disconnection detection switch 54 are spaced apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. With respect to the center of the switch mounting surface 503 in the Z-axis direction, the connection detection switch 52 is disposed in the +Z-axis direction, and the connection / disconnection detection switch 54 is disposed in the -Z-axis direction. The connection detection switch 52 corresponds to the first detection unit of the present invention. The connection / disconnection detection switch 54 corresponds to the second detection unit of the present invention.

[0042] A connector holder 56 is attached to the surface on the +Y-axis direction side of the base body 501. The connector holder 56 has two guide holes 561, a connector attachment portion 562, a rack 563, and a switch actuator 564.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 11 , each guide hole 561 penetrates the connector holder 56 in the Y-axis direction. The guide holes 561 extend in the Z-axis direction. The two guide holes 561 are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. Two guide pins 565 are inserted into each guide hole 561. The guide pins 565 are fixed to the base body 501 of the base 50. This allows the connector holder 56 to move relative to the base 50 in the Z-axis direction.

[0044] A male connector 58 is attached to the connector attachment portion 562. As a result, the male connector 58 is held in the connector holder 56. As shown in FIG. 4, the male connector 58 is positioned in the +Y-axis direction relative to the hold detection switch 46. This prevents the male connector 58 from becoming wet with liquid that has entered the slot sleeve 22. The male connector 58 is connected to the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12. As a result, power is supplied from the male connector 58 to the mobile battery 12, and the mobile battery 12 is charged.

[0045] The rack 563 is disposed in the -Z-axis direction relative to the connector mounting portion 562. The rack 563 extends in the Z-axis direction. The +Y-axis direction side of the rack 563 is not exposed to the outside. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the -Y-axis direction side of the rack 563 is exposed to the outside.

[0046] The switch actuator 564 is attached to a side surface on the −X-axis direction side of the connector holder 56. The switch actuator 564 moves in the Z-axis direction together with the connector holder 56. The switch actuator 564 extends from the connector holder 56 along the switch mounting surface 503 of the base 50 in the −Y-axis direction.

[0047] A motor 60 is attached to the surface of the base body 501 of the base 50 on the -Y-axis direction side. The motor 60 has a drive shaft (not shown). The drive shaft extends from the motor 60 in the +Y-axis direction. The tip of the drive shaft is inserted into the connector holder 56. A pinion 601 is attached to the tip of the drive shaft of the motor 60. The pinion 601 meshes with a rack 563. As a result, the motor 60 is mechanically connected to the male connector 58 via the pinion 601, the rack 563, and the base 50. The motor 60, the pinion 601, and the rack 563 correspond to the drive unit of the present invention.

[0048] The motor 60 moves the connector holder 56 in the Z-axis direction. Figures 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views of the slot 14. Figures 13 and 14 show the bottom cover assembly 24 and its surrounding structure. Figure 13 shows the connector holder 56 in a state where it has moved in the +Z-axis direction. Figure 14 shows the connector holder 56 in a state where it has moved in the -Z-axis direction.

[0049] When the hold detection switch 46 (described later) switches from off to on, the motor 60 moves the connector holder 56 in the +Z-axis direction. At this time, the male connector 58 moves in the +Z-axis direction and enters the inside of the slot sleeve 22 through the connector insertion hole 361 of the bottom cover 36 shown in FIG. 12. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the male connector 58 is connected to the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the switch actuator 564 abuts against the movable contact piece 521 of the connection detection switch 52 and presses the movable contact piece 521 in the +Z-axis direction. As a result, the connection detection switch 52 switches from off to on. The movable contact piece 521 corresponds to the connection detection unit of the present invention.

[0050] When the hold detection switch 46 (described later) switches from on to off, the motor 60 moves the connector holder 56 in the -Z-axis direction. At this time, the male connector 58 moves in the -Z-axis direction and retreats from the connector insertion hole 361 of the bottom cover 36 to the outside of the slot sleeve 22. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, the male connector 58 is disconnected from the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the switch actuator 564 abuts against the movable contact piece 541 of the disconnection detection switch 54 and presses the movable contact piece 541 in the -Z-axis direction. As a result, the disconnection detection switch 54 switches from off to on. The movable contact piece 541 corresponds to the disconnection detection unit of the present invention.

[0051] As described above, the male connector 58 moves in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is the same as the movement direction of the mobile battery 12 when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 14. In other words, the movement direction of the male connector 58 is the same as the movement direction of the mobile battery 12. Therefore, even if the connector unit 40 breaks down while the male connector 58 is connected to the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12, the user can pull out the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14 to disconnect the male connector 58 from the female connector 49.

[0052] The fan 42 is attached to the −Z-axis side of the air intake port 362 of the bottom cover 36 shown in FIG. 12. The air intake port 362 communicates between the inside and outside of the slotted sleeve 22. When the fan 42 is driven, air is sent into the inside of the slotted sleeve 22.

[0053] 9 and 10, the electronic circuit board 44 is disposed in the -X-axis direction relative to the fan 42. A cable 62 is wired between the electronic circuit board 44 and the fan 42. A cable 64 is wired between the electronic circuit board 44 and the motor 60. Electricity is supplied from the electronic circuit board 44 to the fan 42 and the motor 60. This drives the fan 42 and the motor 60.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 9, a control unit 66 and a memory unit 68 are mounted on the electronic circuit board 44. As shown in Fig. 4, a hold detection switch 46 is mounted on the electronic circuit board 44. An electronic circuit is formed on the electronic circuit board 44. The control unit 66, the memory unit 68, the hold detection switch 46, and many other electronic and electrical devices are mounted on the electronic circuit.

[0055] The control unit 66 controls charging of the mobile battery 12 held in the slot 14. The control unit 66 is realized by, for example, a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The processing circuit may also be configured by an electronic circuit including discrete devices. The processing circuit may also be configured by, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In this case, the processing circuit is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the storage unit 68.

[0056] The hold detection switch 46 is attached from the −Z axis direction side to the switch hole 363 of the bottom cover 36 shown in Fig. 12. The plunger 461 of the hold detection switch 46 passes through the switch hole 363 and is exposed inside the bottom cover 36.

[0057] 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of the slot 14. Figures 15A and 15B show the retention detection switch 46 and its surrounding structure. Figures 15A and 15B show the structure in a state where the mobile battery 12 is retained in the slot 14.

[0058] When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 14 with the side surface 123 facing the -Y-axis direction, the bottom surface 122 of the mobile battery 12 presses the plunger 461 of the hold detection switch 46, as shown in Fig. 15A. This switches the hold detection switch 46 from off to on.

[0059] When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 14 with the side surface 124 facing the -Y-axis direction, as shown in Fig. 15B, the plunger 461 of the hold detection switch 46 is inserted into the recess 127 of the mobile battery 12. Therefore, the bottom surface 122 of the mobile battery 12 cannot press the plunger 461 of the hold detection switch 46. As a result, the hold detection switch 46 remains in the off state.

[0060] When the bottom cover 36 is viewed from the -Z-axis direction, the connector unit 40, the fan 42, the electronic circuit board 44, and the hold detection switch 46 are arranged to fit inside the outer edge of the bottom cover 36. In other words, the connector unit 40, the fan 42, the electronic circuit board 44, and the hold detection switch 46 are arranged to fit within the range of a parallel projection of the outer edge of the bottom cover 36. The parallel projection of the outer edge of the bottom cover 36 is a virtual area obtained by projecting the outer edge of the bottom cover 36 in the extension direction of the slot sleeve 22 (the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12 or the Z-axis direction).

[0061] This makes it possible to prevent the connector unit 40, the fan 42, the electronic circuit board 44, and the hold detection switch 46 from interfering with surrounding components when the bottom cover 36 is attached to the slot body 28.

[0062] [Battery lock mechanism configuration] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the battery lock mechanism 26. Figures 17, 18, and 19 are cross-sectional views of the battery lock mechanism 26. Figures 17, 18, and 19 show the battery lock mechanism 26 and its surrounding structure. Figure 17 shows the battery lock mechanism 26 in an unlocked state. Figures 18 and 19 show the battery lock mechanism 26 in a locked state. Figures 20 and 21 are front views of the slot 14. Figure 20 shows the battery lock mechanism 26 in an unlocked state. Figure 21 shows the battery lock mechanism 26 in a locked state.

[0063] 16, the battery lock mechanism 26 has a link bar 48, a cam 70, a stopper 72, a lock cover 74, a camshaft 75, and a lock top 76. The battery lock mechanism 26, the link bar 48, and the cam 70 correspond to a connecting portion of the present invention.

[0064] 10 and 11, the -Z-axis direction side of the link bar 48 is fixed to the connector mounting portion 562 of the connector holder 56. This allows the link bar 48 to move in the Z-axis direction together with the male connector 58 attached to the connector mounting portion 562. Note that the link bar 48 may also be fixed directly to the male connector 58. The link bar 48 corresponds to the translating portion of the present invention.

[0065] 17 and 18, the +Z-axis direction side of the link bar 48 is fixed to the cam 70. As a result, the cam 70 moves in the Z-axis direction together with the link bar 48.

[0066] The cam 70 has a cam slit 701. The cam slit 701 is formed on both surfaces of the cam 70 in the X-axis direction. The cam slit 701 penetrates the cam 70 in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 19 , the cam slit 701 has a first parallel portion 702, a second parallel portion 703, and an inclined portion 704. The first parallel portion 702 and the second parallel portion 703 extend in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is the same as the movement direction of the link bar 48 and the cam 70. On the other hand, the Z-axis direction intersects with the Y-axis direction, which is the movement direction of the stopper 72 described below. The inclined portion 704 is disposed between the first parallel portion 702 and the second parallel portion 703. The first parallel portion 702 extends in the +Z-axis direction from the end of the inclined portion 704 on the +Z-axis direction. The second parallel portion 703 extends in the -Z-axis direction from the end of the inclined portion 704 on the -Z-axis direction. The cam 70 corresponds to the converting portion of the present invention.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 16, the stopper 72 has a stopper main body 721 and two connecting portions 722. The stopper main body 721 is plate-shaped. Each of the two connecting portions 722 extends in the -Z-axis direction from the end of the stopper main body 721 in the +Y-axis direction. The two connecting portions 722 are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. Each connecting portion 722 has a shaft hole 723. The shaft hole 723 passes through the connecting portion 722 in the X-axis direction. The stopper 72 corresponds to the advancing / retreating portion of the present invention.

[0068] The lock cover 74 has a stopper slit 741 and a guide slit 742. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the stopper slit 741 is formed on the surface of the lock cover 74 on the -Y-axis direction side. The stopper slit 741 penetrates the lock cover 74 in the Y-axis direction. The stopper slit 741 extends in the X-axis direction. The stopper body 721 is inserted into this stopper slit 741. As shown in FIG. 16, the guide slits 742 are formed on both surfaces of the lock cover 74 in the X-axis direction. The guide slits 742 penetrate in the X-axis direction.

[0069] With the cam 70 and stopper 72 assembled to the lock cover 74, the camshaft 75 is inserted into the guide slit 742 of the lock cover 74, the cam slit 701 of the cam 70, and the shaft hole 723 of the stopper 72. This allows the stopper 72 to move in the Y-axis direction relative to the lock cover 74. As shown in FIG. 18 , with the mobile battery 12 held in the slot 14, the stopper 72 is positioned in the +Z-axis direction above the top surface 121 of the mobile battery 12.

[0070] The lock top 76 is fixed to the +Y axis direction side of the lock cover 74 in a state in which the cam 70 and the stopper 72 are assembled to the lock cover 74.

[0071] A lock rubber 78 is provided between the lock cover 74 and the slot stay 32. The lock rubber 78 is made of resin. The lock rubber 78 has a stopper slit 781. The stopper slit 781 penetrates the lock cover 74 in the Y-axis direction. The stopper slit 781 extends in the X-axis direction. The stopper body 721 of the stopper 72 is inserted into the stopper slit 781. The lock rubber 78 is in close contact with the stopper body 721 inserted into the stopper slit 781. This prevents water and other contaminants from entering the lock cover 74 from between the stopper body 721 and the stopper slit 741 of the lock cover 74.

[0072] The stopper 72 is mechanically connected to the male connector 58 via the battery lock mechanism 26 and the connector holder 56. As described above, the battery lock mechanism 26 has the link bar 48 and the cam 70. Therefore, it can also be said that the stopper 72 is mechanically connected to the male connector 58 by the link bar 48, the cam 70, and the connector holder 56. The link bar 48 transmits the movement of the connector holder 56, which moves together with the male connector 58, in the Z-axis direction to the cam 70. The cam 70 converts the movement of the link bar 48 in the Z-axis direction into the movement of the stopper 72 in the Y-axis direction.

[0073] It can also be said that the stopper 72 is mechanically connected to the drive unit (motor 60, pinion 601, and rack 563) by the link bar 48, cam 70, and connector holder 56. This allows the motor 60 to be the common drive source for moving the male connector 58 in the Z-axis direction and the drive source for moving the stopper 72 in the Y-axis direction. This allows the number of drive sources to be reduced, thereby suppressing the manufacturing cost of the slot 14. Note that being mechanically connected does not only refer to a state in which the connection is made by a rigid body such as the link bar 48, but also includes a state in which the connection is made by the meshing of multiple gears, etc.

[0074] Furthermore, if the drive source that moves male connector 58 in the Z-axis direction and the drive source that moves stopper 72 in the Y-axis direction were separate, there is a risk that the timing of movement of male connector 58 would not match the timing of movement of stopper 72. In this embodiment, male connector 58 and stopper 72 are mechanically connected to each other so that stopper 72 moves in conjunction with male connector 58. This makes it possible to reliably match the timing of movement of male connector 58 and the timing of movement of stopper 72.

[0075] When the cam 70 moves in the -Z-axis direction, the camshaft 75 moves to the first parallel portion 702 of the cam slit 701, as shown in FIG. 17. This causes the stopper 72 to move in the +Y-axis direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20, the stopper body 721 does not protrude into the insertion opening 321 of the slot stay 32. At this time, the battery lock mechanism 26 is in an unlocked state. This causes the battery lock mechanism 26 not to hinder the movement of the mobile battery 12 being inserted into the slot 14. Furthermore, the battery lock mechanism 26 does not hinder the movement of the mobile battery 12 being removed from the slot 14.

[0076] When the cam 70 moves in the +Z-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 18, the camshaft 75 moves through the inclined portion 704 of the cam slit 701 to the second parallel portion 703. This causes the stopper 72 to move in the -Y-axis direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 21, the stopper main body 721 protrudes into the insertion opening 321 of the slot stay 32. At this time, the battery lock mechanism 26 is in a locked state. When the mobile battery 12 held in the slot 14 moves in the +Z-axis direction, the stopper 72 abuts against the upper surface 121 of the mobile battery 12. This causes the battery lock mechanism 26 to restrict the movement of the mobile battery 12 being pulled out of the slot 14.

[0077] As described above, the battery lock mechanism 26 including the link bar 48 is longer than the mobile battery 12 held in the slot sleeve 22. Therefore, the stopper 72 can be positioned in the +Z-axis direction relative to the mobile battery 12. As a result, when the battery lock mechanism 26 is in the locked state and the mobile battery 12 is pulled out in the +Z-axis direction, the stopper 72 comes into contact with the upper surface 121 of the mobile battery 12. Therefore, there is no need to provide a groove or the like on the side surface 123, 124, 125, or 126 of the mobile battery 12 to engage with the stopper 72.

[0078] When the battery lock mechanism 26 is in the locked state, the camshaft 75 is located in the second parallel portion 703 of the cam slit 701 of the cam 70. At this time, even if a force acts on the stopper 72 in the +Y-axis direction, movement of the stopper 72 in the +Y-axis direction is restricted. This prevents the battery lock mechanism 26 from entering the unlocked state.

[0079] [Slot Control] When the hold detection switch 46 switches from off to on, the hold detection switch 46 detects that the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot 14. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13 , the motor 60 moves the male connector 58 together with the connector holder 56 in the +Z axis direction. This causes the male connector 58 to approach the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12. The movement of the connector holder 56 in the +Z axis direction is transmitted to the cam 70 of the battery lock mechanism 26 via the link bar 48. As shown in FIG. 18 , the movement of the cam 70 in the +Z axis direction causes the stopper 72 to move in the -Y axis direction. This causes the battery lock mechanism 26 to enter a locked state.

[0080] When the hold detection switch 46 switches from on to off, the hold detection switch 46 detects that the mobile battery 12 has been removed from the slot 14. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14 , the motor 60 moves the male connector 58 together with the connector holder 56 in the −Z-axis direction. This causes the male connector 58 to move away from the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12. The movement of the connector holder 56 in the −Z-axis direction is transmitted to the cam 70 of the battery lock mechanism 26 via the link bar 48. As shown in FIG. 17 , the movement of the cam 70 in the −Z-axis direction causes the stopper 72 to move in the +Y-axis direction. This causes the battery lock mechanism 26 to enter an unlocked state.

[0081] When the hold detection switch 46 is off, the hold detection switch 46 does not detect that the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot 14. In this case, the motor 60 does not move the male connector 58 in the +Z-axis direction. As a result, the male connector 58 does not approach the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12.

[0082] FIG. 9 shows the state in which the connector holder 56 is positioned at its farthest position in the +Z-axis direction. When the connector holder 56 is positioned at its farthest position in the +Z-axis direction, the switch actuator 564 abuts against the movable contact 521 of the connection detection switch 52 and presses the movable contact 521 in the +Z-axis direction. This turns the connection detection switch 52 on. The position of the male connector 58 at this time is the connection position. When the male connector 58 is positioned at the connection position, the positions of the male connector 58 and the components of the battery lock mechanism 26, including the link bar 48, correspond to the first position of the present invention. The connection detection switch 52 detects that the male connector 58 is positioned at the connection position and that the male connector 58 and the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12 are connected.

[0083] FIG. 11 shows the state in which the connector holder 56 is positioned at its furthest position in the -Z-axis direction. When the connector holder 56 is positioned at its furthest position in the -Z-axis direction, the switch actuator 564 abuts against the movable contact 541 of the disconnection detection switch 54 and presses the movable contact 541 in the -Z-axis direction. This turns on the disconnection detection switch 54. The position of the male connector 58 at this time is the disconnection position. The disconnection detection switch 54 detects that the male connector 58 is positioned at the disconnection position and that the male connector 58 has been disconnected from the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12. When the male connector 58 is positioned at the disconnection position, the positions of the male connector 58 and the components of the battery lock mechanism 26, including the link bar 48, correspond to the second position of the present invention.

[0084] 22A, 22B, and 22C are cross-sectional views of the bottom cover assembly 24 and the mobile battery 12. FIG.

[0085] Fig. 22A shows the state when male connector 58 is in the disconnected position. When male connector 58 is in the disconnected position, as shown in Fig. 22A, the tip of terminal 581 of male connector 58 is located in the -Z axis direction further than bottom cover 36. At this time, disconnection detection switch 54 is turned on, and connection detection switch 52 is turned off.

[0086] 22B shows a state in which male connector 58 has moved in the +Z-axis direction from the disconnection position. When male connector 58 moves in the +Z-axis direction from the disconnection position, the tip of terminal 581 passes through connector insertion hole 361 of bottom cover 36. The tip of terminal 581 that has passed through connector insertion hole 361 is inserted into terminal hole 491 of female connector 49 of mobile battery 12. At this time, both disconnection detection switch 54 and connection detection switch 52 are turned off.

[0087] 22C shows the state when male connector 58 is in the connected position. When male connector 58 is in the connected position, the connection between male connector 58 and female connector 49 of mobile battery 12 is completed. At this time, disconnection detection switch 54 is turned off and connection detection switch 52 is turned on.

[0088] When the male connector 58 is moving in a direction toward the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12 and the connection detection switch 52 detects that the male connector 58 and the female connector 49 are connected, the control unit 66 controls the motor 60 to stop the male connector 58. When the male connector 58 is moving in a direction away from the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12 and the connection release detection switch 54 detects that the connection between the male connector 58 and the female connector 49 has been released, the control unit 66 controls the motor 60 to stop the male connector 58.

[0089] When the hold detection switch 46 detects that the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot 14, and when the connection detection switch 52 detects that the male connector 58 is connected to the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12, the control unit 66 permits use of the mobile battery 12. Specifically, the control unit 66 controls the charging of the mobile battery 12 and charges the mobile battery 12. At this time, the battery lock mechanism 26 is in a locked state, and the user cannot pull out the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14.

[0090] If the retention detection switch 46 does not detect that the mobile battery 12 is retained in the slot 14, or if the connection detection switch 52 does not detect that the male connector 58 and the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12 are connected, the control unit 66 prohibits the use of the mobile battery 12. Specifically, the control unit 66 does not control the charging of the mobile battery 12 and does not charge the mobile battery 12. At this time, the battery lock mechanism 26 is in an unlocked state, and the user can pull out the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14.

[0091] Second Embodiment The battery exchange machine 10 of this embodiment has a mechanism for draining liquid such as rainwater from the inside to the outside of the slot 14. The configuration of the battery exchange machine 10 of this embodiment is the same as that of the battery exchange machine 10 of the first embodiment, except for the configuration described below.

[0092] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the bottom cover 36. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 14. Fig. 24 shows a state in which the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot 14.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 23, the bottom cover 36 has a connector insertion hole 361, an air intake 362, a switch hole 363, and a drainage channel 364.

[0094] The drainage channel 364 drains liquid such as rainwater from the inside to the outside of the slotted sleeve 22. The drainage channel 364 is disposed in the -Y-axis direction relative to the air intake port 362 and the switch hole 363. In other words, the drainage channel 364 is disposed vertically below the air intake port 362 and the switch hole 363. As a result, as shown in FIG. 24 , the drainage channel 364 is disposed vertically below the fan 42 and the hold detection switch 46.

[0095] The drainage channel 364 is made up of a first drainage channel 365 and a second drainage channel 366. As shown in FIG. 24, the portion of the bottom cover 36 on the -Y axis side of the position where the hold detection switch 46 is attached is concave toward the -Z axis direction. This concave portion extends in the X axis direction as shown in FIG. 23. This concave portion constitutes the first drainage channel 365. An opening that opens toward the Y axis direction is formed at the end of the first drainage channel 365 on the -X axis direction side. This opening constitutes the second drainage channel 366.

[0096] A filter member 80 is attached to the first drainage channel 365. The filter member 80 is fitted into the concave first drainage channel 365. The filter member 80 is detachable from the first drainage channel 365. Two ribs 367 are formed in the +Y axis direction from the first drainage channel 365. These two ribs 367 hold down the portion of the filter member 80 that protrudes from the first drainage channel 365 in the -Y axis direction. The filter member 80 may be, for example, a porous member such as a sponge filter.

[0097] Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 14. Fig. 25 is an enlarged view of the drainage channel 364 and its vicinity. Fig. 25 shows the mobile battery 12 held in the slot sleeve 22.

[0098] 25, the liquid that has entered the slot 14 passes through the filter member 80 of the first drainage channel 365 and is discharged to the outside of the slot 14 through the second drainage channel 366. By providing the filter member 80 in the first drainage channel 365, the flow of the liquid is dispersed or slowed down while passing through the filter member 80. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid from being discharged from the slot 14 with force.

[0099] Solid debris such as sand, dust, fallen leaves, and paper may get into the inside of the slotted sleeve 22. By providing the filter member 80 in the first drainage channel 365, the debris can be retained inside the slotted sleeve 22. The debris that has accumulated inside the slotted sleeve 22 can be removed together with the filter member 80.

[0100] The air intake port 362 and the drainage channel 364 are formed in the bottom cover 36 , so that the air intake port 362 and the drainage channel 364 can be cleaned with the bottom cover 36 removed from the slot body 28 .

[0101] Third Embodiment In the battery exchange machine 10 of this embodiment, the shape of the bottom cover 36 is different from that of the battery exchange machine 10 of the first embodiment. The configuration of the battery exchange machine 10 of this embodiment, other than the configuration described below, is the same as that of the battery exchange machine 10 of the first embodiment.

[0102] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the slot 14. Fig. 26 shows a state in which the bottom cover assembly 24 has been removed from the slot body 28.

[0103] The bottom cover 36 has one bottom surface 371 and four side surfaces 372, 373, 374, and 375. The bottom surface 371 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the +Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 26 , the side surfaces 372, 373, 374, and 375 extend from the four sides of the bottom surface 371 in the +Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0104] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0105] The battery exchange machine 10 of the first to third embodiments described above is an exchange machine having a charging function. That is, the battery exchange machine 10 of the first to third embodiments functions as a charging device. In contrast, the battery exchange machine 10 may also be an exchange machine having a power supply function. That is, the battery exchange machine 10 may function as a power supply device.

[0106] For example, the battery exchanger 10 may be used as a power supply device installed in a house, a building, a factory, etc. The battery exchanger 10 may also be used as a power supply device that supplies power to a mobile object such as a vehicle, an aircraft, a ship, etc. The battery exchanger 10 may also be used as a power supply device that supplies power to a power system (commercial power source) (reverse power flow).

[0107] FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery exchange machine 10. When the battery exchange machine 10 is used as a power supply device, the battery exchange machine 10 has a power supply destination connection unit 100. A power consumption device external to the battery exchange machine 10 is connected to the power supply destination connection unit 100. A power system (commercial power supply) may be connected to the power supply destination connection unit 100. A power consumption device inside the battery exchange machine 10 may be connected to the power supply destination connection unit 100. An example of a power consumption device inside the battery exchange machine 10 is a cooling device 96. An inverter 104 is provided on a power transmission path 102 between the power supply destination connection unit 100 and the slot 14. The inverter 104 functions as a DC / AC converter or a DC / DC converter. The battery exchange machine 10 has a control device 18 above the slot 14. The control device 18 controls the inverter 104 to perform power supply control and the like in the battery exchange machine 10. The inverter 104 corresponds to a second power conversion unit of the present invention.

[0108] In the above first to third embodiments, the slotted sleeve 22 covers the entirety of the mobile battery 12 that it holds. However, the slotted sleeve 22 may be a member that covers only a portion of the mobile battery 12 that it holds.

[0109] In the above first to third embodiments, when the battery lock mechanism 26 is in the locked state, the stopper 72 abuts against the upper surface 121 of the mobile battery 12, thereby restricting movement of the mobile battery 12 in the +Z axis direction.

[0110] The battery lock mechanism 26 may restrict movement of the mobile battery 12 in the +Z-axis direction by the stopper 72 abutting against abutment portions (not shown) provided on the side surfaces 123, 124, 125, and 126 of the mobile battery 12. In this case, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-313543 may be applied to the slot 14 of the first to third embodiments.

[0111] In the first to third embodiments described above, the battery lock mechanism 26 converts the movement of the male connector 58 in the Z-axis direction into the movement of the stopper 72 in the Y-axis direction.

[0112] In the first to third embodiments described above, when the movable contact piece 521 of the connection detection switch 52 is pressed by the switch actuator 564 of the connector holder 56, the connection detection switch 52 detects that the male connector 58 and the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12 are connected. Alternatively, the connection detection switch 52 may detect that the male connector 58 and the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12 are connected by detecting the position of the switch actuator 564 using an optical method.

[0113] In the first to third embodiments described above, when the movable contact piece 541 of the disconnection detection switch 54 is pressed by the switch actuator 564 of the connector holder 56, the disconnection detection switch 54 detects that the connection between the male connector 58 and the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12 has been released. Alternatively, the disconnection detection switch 54 may detect that the connection between the male connector 58 and the female connector 49 of the mobile battery 12 has been released by detecting the position of the switch actuator 564 using an optical method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10...Battery exchanger (holding device) 12...Mobile batteries (electrical devices, storage batteries) 14...Slot (retaining part) 26...Battery lock mechanism (connection part) 48...Link bar (connection part, translation part) 49...Female connector (first electrical terminal) 52...Connection detection switch (first detection unit) 54...Disconnection detection switch (second detection section) 58...Male connector (second electrical terminal) 60...Motor (drive unit) 70... Cam (connection part, conversion part) 72... Stopper (advance and retreat part) 521... Movable contact piece (connection detection part) 563... Rack (drive part) 541... Movable contact piece (disconnection detection part) 601...Pinion (drive unit)

Claims

1. A holding device (10) for holding an electrical device (12) having a first electrical terminal (49), comprising: a holding portion (14) for holding the electrical device; a second electrical terminal (58) connected to the first electrical terminal of the electrical device held in the holding portion; a drive unit (60, 563, 601) that moves the second electrical terminal toward the first electrical terminal and / or moves the second electrical terminal away from the first electrical terminal; an advancing / retreating section (72) that is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to a movement locus that is a locus along which the electrical device moves when the electrical device is held by the holding section; a connecting portion (26, 48, 70) that mechanically connects the second electrical terminal and the advance / retract portion to each other; Equipped with the second electrical terminal is provided to move along a holding direction, which is a direction in which the electrical device moves when the electrical device is held by the holding portion, The holding device, wherein the advancing / retreating portion is provided so as to advance and retreat in a cross direction that intersects with the holding direction.

2. 2. The holding device of claim 1, The connection portion is a translating portion (48) that is provided movably integrally with the second electrical terminal; A conversion unit (70) that converts the movement of the translation unit in the holding direction into the movement of the advance / retreat unit in the cross direction; A holding device having:

3. 2. The holding device of claim 1, In a holding direction, which is a direction in which the electrical device moves when the electrical device is held by the holding portion, the second electrical terminal is disposed on one side of the electrical device held by the holding portion, The holding device, wherein the advancing / retreating section is disposed on the other side of the electrical device held by the holding section.

4. 4. The holding device according to claim 3, A holding device, wherein the connection portion is longer than the electrical device held by the holding portion in the holding direction.

5. 5. The holding device according to claim 4, A holding device, wherein the connection portion extends parallel to the holding direction.

6. 2. The holding device of claim 1, the second electrical terminal, the advance / retract portion, and the connection portion are arranged to move between a first position and a second position; the first position is a position of the second electrical terminal, the advancing / retreating unit, and the connecting unit when the second electrical terminal is connected to the first electrical terminal and the advancing / retreating unit enters the movement locus, The second position is the position of the second electrical terminal, the advancing / retreating portion, and the connection portion when the second electrical terminal is separated from the first electrical terminal and the advancing / retreating portion is retracted from the movement trajectory.

7. 7. The holding device according to claim 6, The holding device includes a first detection portion (52) that detects when the second electrical terminal, the advance / retreat portion, and the connection portion are located at the first position.

8. 8. The holding device according to claim 7, the first detection unit is disposed near the second electrical terminal, The holding device, wherein the first detection unit has a connection detection unit (521) that detects that the second electrical terminal is located in a connection position, which is the position when the second electrical terminal is connected to the first electrical terminal.

9. 9. The holding device according to claim 8, a holding device, wherein when the drive unit is moving the second electrical terminal from the second position to the first position and the connection detection unit detects that the second electrical terminal is located at the connection position, the drive unit stops the movement of the second electrical terminal.

10. 8. The holding device according to claim 7, permitting use of the electrical device when the first detection unit detects that the second electrical terminal, the advance / retreat unit, and the connection unit are located at the first position; Alternatively, a holding device that prohibits use of the electrical equipment when the first detection unit does not detect that the second electrical terminal, the advance / retreat unit, and the connection unit are located at the first position.

11. 7. The holding device according to claim 6, The holding device includes a second detection portion (54) that detects when the second electrical terminal, the advance / retreat portion, and the connection portion are located at the second position.

12. 12. The holding device of claim 11, the second detection unit is disposed near the second electrical terminal, The second detection unit has a disconnection detection unit (541) that detects when the second electrical terminal is positioned in a disconnected position where the second electrical terminal is spaced apart from the first electrical terminal.

13. 13. The holding device of claim 12, a holding device, wherein when the drive unit is moving the second electrical terminal from the first position to the second position and the disconnection detection unit detects that the second electrical terminal is located at the disconnection position, the drive unit stops the movement of the second electrical terminal.

14. 12. The holding device of claim 11, When the second detection unit detects that the second electrical terminal, the advance / retreat unit, and the connection unit are located at the second position, the electrical device is permitted to be removed from the holding unit. Alternatively, a holding device that prohibits removal of the electrical equipment from the holding portion when the second detection portion does not detect that the second electrical terminal, the advance / retract portion, and the connection portion are located at the second position.

15. A holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The electrical device is a storage battery having a storage unit therein.

16. A holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a power source connection portion (90) to which an external power source is connected; a first power conversion unit (94) disposed on a power transmission path (92) between the power source connection unit and the holding unit; A holding device comprising:

17. A holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a power supply destination connection unit (100) to which an external or internal power supply destination is connected; a second power conversion unit (104) disposed on a power transmission path (102) between the power supply destination connection unit and the holding unit; A holding device comprising:

18. A holding device for holding an electrical device having a first electrical terminal, a holding portion that holds the electrical device; a second electrical terminal connected to the first electrical terminal of the electrical device held by the holding portion; a drive unit that moves the second electrical terminal in a direction toward the first electrical terminal and / or moves the second electrical terminal in a direction away from the first electrical terminal; an advancing / retreating unit that is provided to be able to advance and retreat with respect to a movement locus that is a locus along which the electrical device moves when the electrical device is held by the holding unit; a connecting portion that mechanically connects the second electrical terminal and the advance / retract portion to each other; Equipped with In a holding direction, which is a direction in which the electrical device moves when the electrical device is held by the holding portion, the second electrical terminal is disposed on one side of the electrical device held by the holding portion, The holding device, wherein the advancing / retreating section is disposed on the other side of the electrical device held by the holding section.

19. A holding device for holding an electrical device having a first electrical terminal, a holding portion that holds the electrical device; a second electrical terminal connected to the first electrical terminal of the electrical device held by the holding portion; a drive unit that moves the second electrical terminal in a direction toward the first electrical terminal and / or moves the second electrical terminal in a direction away from the first electrical terminal; an advancing / retreating unit that is provided to be able to advance and retreat with respect to a movement locus that is a locus along which the electrical device moves when the electrical device is held by the holding unit; a connecting portion that mechanically connects the second electrical terminal and the advance / retract portion to each other; Equipped with the second electrical terminal, the advance / retract portion, and the connection portion are arranged to move between a first position and a second position; the first position is a position of the second electrical terminal, the advancing / retreating unit, and the connecting unit when the second electrical terminal is connected to the first electrical terminal and the advancing / retreating unit enters the movement locus, The second position is the position of the second electrical terminal, the advancing / retreating portion, and the connection portion when the second electrical terminal is separated from the first electrical terminal and the advancing / retreating portion is retracted from the movement trajectory.

20. The holding device according to claim 19, When the drive unit moves the second electrical terminal in a direction approaching the first electrical terminal, the movement of the second electrical terminal is transmitted to the advancing / retracting unit via the connection unit, and the advancing / retracting unit moves in a direction of entering the movement locus, A holding device in which, when the drive portion moves the second electrical terminal in a direction away from the first electrical terminal, the movement of the second electrical terminal is transmitted to the advancing / retreating portion via the connection portion, and the advancing / retreating portion moves in a direction retracting from the movement trajectory.

Images