vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle which can easily perform positioning between a vehicle side connection part and a battery side connection part.SOLUTION: A vehicle 200 comprises: a vehicle body with a mounting part 200c that is opened downwardly to be capable of mounting a battery; and a detachable battery from the mounting part. The battery includes: a battery main body 103; and a battery side connection part 104 which protrudes upward from the battery main body. The mounting part includes a vehicle body side connection part 204 which is fitted with the battery side connection part. The battery side connection part 104 is movable in a horizontal direction relatively to the battery main body 103.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles with replaceable batteries have been known in the past. For example, Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 106926825 discloses that a battery-side pipe is inserted into a vehicle-side pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 106926825 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a vehicle such as that described in CN106926825, it is difficult to align the positions of the connection part on the vehicle body side and the connection part on the battery side.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle that allows easy alignment of a vehicle body-side connection portion and a battery-side connection portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a vehicle body including a mounting portion that is open downward and capable of mounting a battery, and the battery that is detachable from the mounting portion, the battery having a battery body and a battery-side connecting portion that protrudes upward from the battery body, the mounting portion having a vehicle-side connecting portion that engages with the battery-side connecting portion, and the battery-side connecting portion being movable horizontally relative to the battery body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a vehicle can be provided in which the vehicle body side connection portion and the battery side connection portion can be easily aligned. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a vehicle stopping area in the battery exchange device. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery mounting base and an elevator unit. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a battery mounting base and an elevator unit. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing each step of the battery exchange device. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the battery mounting base and the electric vehicle are positioned relative to each other; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery. [Figure 9] 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state before the battery-side connection portion is connected to the vehicle-body-side connection portion. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the battery-side connection portion is connected to the vehicle-body-side connection portion. FIG. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating schematic configurations of modified examples of the battery-side connecting portion and the vehicle-body-side connecting portion. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating schematic configurations of modified examples of the battery-side connecting portion and the vehicle-body-side connecting portion. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating schematic configurations of modified examples of the battery-side connecting portion and the vehicle-body-side connecting portion. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating schematic configurations of modified examples of the battery-side connecting portion and the vehicle-body-side connecting portion. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating schematic configurations of modified examples of the battery-side connecting portion and the vehicle-body-side connecting portion. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating schematic configurations of modified examples of the battery-side connecting portion and the vehicle-body-side connecting portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing a battery exchange device 100 and an electric vehicle 200 according to this embodiment. The battery exchange device 100 is a device for exchanging a battery (used battery) 201 attached to the electric vehicle 200 with a charged battery (new battery) 101. The battery 201 and the battery 101 are examples of the "first battery" and the "second battery" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0011] (Electric vehicle configuration) As shown in FIG. 3, the body 200a of the electric vehicle 200 has a mounting section 200c on which batteries 101, 201 can be mounted. As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting section 200c opens downward. The mounting section 200c has a shape that is recessed upward from the lower surface 200b of the body 200a. The batteries 101, 201 are detachable from the mounting section 200c. Specifically, the batteries 101, 201 are fastened to the mounting section 200c by fastening members 201g such as bolts (see FIG. 7).

[0012] Next, the configuration of the battery will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. In the following, the battery 101 will be described as an example. As shown in Figure 8, the battery 101 has a battery body 103 and a battery-side connection part 104.

[0013] The battery-side connection part 104 protrudes upward from the battery body 103. The battery-side connection part 104 includes a battery-side refrigerant pipe 104A and a battery-side connector 104B.

[0014] The battery side refrigerant pipe 104A is a pipe through which a refrigerant flows to cool the battery main body 103. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the battery side refrigerant pipe 104A has a connecting shaft portion 105A and a plate 106A.

[0015] The connecting shaft portion 105A is formed in a linear shape. The connecting shaft portion 105A is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0016] The plate 106A protrudes outward from the connecting shaft portion 105A in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting shaft portion 105A (the vertical direction in FIG. 9). The plate 106A is formed in a disk shape. The plate 106A is configured to be removable from the connecting shaft portion 105A. For example, a male thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion 105A, and a female thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the plate 106A. This makes it easy to replace the plate 106A.

[0017] The battery-side connector 104B can electrically connect the battery main body 103 to the vehicle body 200a. The battery-side connector 104B has a connecting shaft portion (not shown) and a plate (not shown). The connecting shaft portion is formed in a straight line. The connecting shaft portion is formed in a cylindrical shape. The configuration of the plate is the same as the configuration of the plate 106A of the battery-side refrigerant pipe 104A.

[0018] 9 and 10, the battery body 103 has a holding portion 108 that holds the plate 106A of the battery-side refrigerant pipe 104A by sandwiching it from both the top and bottom. The holding portion 108 has an enclosing portion 103a that surrounds the insertion opening of the battery body 103 through which the connecting shaft portion 105A is inserted, and a lower holding portion 107 connected to the bottom surface of the enclosing portion 103a. The holding portion 108 holds the plate 106A so that the plate 106A can move horizontally.

[0019] Although not shown, the battery body 103 also has a holding portion that holds the plate of the battery-side connector 104B by sandwiching it from both sides in the upper and lower direction. This holding portion has a configuration similar to that of the holding portion 108.

[0020] The mounting portion 200c has a vehicle body side connection portion 204 that mates with the battery side connection portion 104B. The vehicle body side connection portion 204 includes a vehicle body side refrigerant pipe 204A (see Figures 9 and 10) and a vehicle body side connector (not shown). The vehicle body side refrigerant pipe 204A is a pipe that mates with the battery side refrigerant pipe 104A. The vehicle body side connector is a connector that can be electrically connected to the battery side connector 104B.

[0021] 9 and 10, the vehicle-body-side refrigerant pipe 204A has a guide portion 204a that guides the battery-side refrigerant pipe 104A. The guide portion 204a has a shape that gradually increases in diameter as it extends downward. The guide portion may be provided in the vehicle-body-side connector.

[0022] (Configuration of battery exchange device) The battery exchange device 100 includes a battery exchange station 100a, a storage space 100b, and an underfloor area 100c.

[0023] The battery exchange station 100a is a station where the battery 201 is removed from the electric vehicle 200 and the battery 101 is attached to the electric vehicle 200. The battery exchange station 100a is provided with an entrance / exit 102 for the electric vehicle 200 to enter and exit.

[0024] The hangar 100b stores charged batteries 101. The hangar 100b is provided adjacent to the battery exchange station 100a. The hangar 100b is provided with charging equipment 51 that can charge the batteries 201 removed from the electric vehicle 200. The batteries 201 are charged by the charging equipment 51 in the hangar 100b. The batteries 101 charged in the hangar 100b, i.e., the charged batteries 101, are moved to a temporary storage area 40 provided in the underfloor area 100c and then transported to the electric vehicle 200.

[0025] The underfloor area 100c is provided below the battery exchange station 100a and the storage shed 100b. The underfloor area 100c is provided with a battery mounting table 34, an elevator 35, and a transport unit 36, which will be described later.

[0026] The battery exchange device 100 includes a control device 10 and a drive device 30.

[0027] The control device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication unit 13. The memory 12 stores programs executed by the processor 11 as well as information used in the programs (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). As will be described in detail later, the processor 11 controls the drive device 30.

[0028] The communication unit 13 includes various communication I / Fs. The processor 11 controls the communication unit 13. The communication unit 13 communicates with the DCM of the electric vehicle 200 and the like. Two-way communication is possible between the communication unit 13 and the electric vehicle 200. The communication unit 13 may also communicate with a mobile terminal or the like owned by the user of the electric vehicle 200.

[0029] 2, the battery replacement apparatus 100 is provided with a vehicle stopping area SA. When the electric vehicle 200 is stopped in the vehicle stopping area SA and a user operates a navigation system (not shown) of the electric vehicle 200 to instruct the start of battery replacement work, the communication unit 13 receives an instruction signal to start the battery replacement work from the electric vehicle 200. The processor 11 starts controlling the battery replacement work based on the communication unit 13 receiving the instruction signal. The electric vehicle 200 is stopped in the vehicle stopping area SA so that the forward / backward direction is the X direction and the left / right direction is the Y direction.

[0030] The driving device 30 includes a wheel stopper 31 (see FIG. 2), a shutter 32 (see FIG. 2), a battery mounting base 34 (see FIG. 1), a lifting unit 35 (see FIG. 1), and a transport unit 36 ​​(see FIG. 1).

[0031] 2, the vehicle stopping area SA is provided with four wheel stoppers 31. The wheel stoppers 31 are provided to correspond to the four wheels 202 of the electric vehicle 200, respectively.

[0032] The wheel stopper 31 includes a pressing member 31a and a lateral roller 31b. The pressing member 31a presses the wheel 202 from the outside (side) to move the wheel 202. The pressing member 31a is disposed so as to straddle the lateral roller 31b. In this way, the wheel 202 is positioned by the wheel stopper 31.

[0033] The lateral roller portion 31b is composed of a plurality of rollers whose rotation axes extend along the X direction. The rollers of the lateral roller portion 31b are aligned along the Y direction. When the rollers of the lateral roller portion 31b rotate, the pressing member 31a moves along the Y direction.

[0034] 2, the shutter 32 is provided in the vehicle stopping area SA. The shutter 32 is configured to be able to open and close an opening 32a formed in the floor surface FL of the vehicle stopping area SA. The shutter 32 is switchable between an open state in which the opening 32a is open and a closed state in which the opening 32a is closed.

[0035] The lifting unit 35 is capable of moving up and down through the opening 32a between a position higher than the floor surface FL and a position lower than the floor surface FL. As shown in Fig. 3, the lifting unit 35 is capable of lifting the electric vehicle 200 while holding the electric vehicle 200 from below to a position where the wheels 202 of the electric vehicle 200 are lifted above the floor surface FL. The lifting unit 35 lifts the electric vehicle so that the height H of the underside 200b of the vehicle body 200a from the floor surface FL reaches a predetermined height.

[0036] The lifting section 35 includes a pair of lifting bars 35a spaced apart in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the up-down direction. Each of the pair of lifting bars 35a is provided with two protrusions 35b that protrude upward. The electric vehicle 200 is supported from below by the two protrusions 35b on each of the pair of lifting bars 35a (i.e., four protrusions 35b).

[0037] The battery mounting stand 34 is disposed below the battery exchange station 100a, more specifically below the opening 32a. The battery mounting stand 34 is capable of mounting batteries 101, 201 and is movable up and down. As shown in Fig. 4, the battery mounting stand 34 has a base 34e, two positioning pins 34a, four locking / unlocking tools 34b, and a roller 34c.

[0038] The base portion 34e is disposed between the pair of lifting bars 35a. The base portion 34e is movable in the up and down direction. The base portion 34e is formed in a flat plate shape. The base portion 34e has an outer shape larger than the outer shape of the batteries 101, 201. The base portion 34e is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction below the electric vehicle 200. Specifically, the base portion 34e is movable in the X direction (X1 direction, X2 direction) and the Y direction (Y1 direction, Y2 direction). The base portion 34e is rotatable so as to change its orientation (angle) within the XY plane. Note that each of the pair of lifting bars 35a may also be movable in the same way as the base portion 34e.

[0039] Each positioning pin 34a is provided on the base portion 34e. Each positioning pin 34a is a portion for positioning the base portion 34e with respect to the vehicle body 200a of the electric vehicle 200. One positioning pin 34a is provided on one end of the base portion 34e in a direction parallel to the vehicle width direction (Y direction). The other positioning pin 34a is provided on the other end of the base portion 34e in a direction parallel to the vehicle width direction (Y direction).

[0040] 5, pin insertion holes 208 into which the positioning pins 34a are inserted are provided on the underside 200b of the vehicle body 200a of the electric vehicle 200. The positioning pins 34a can be inserted into the pin insertion holes 208.

[0041] Each locking / unlocking tool 34b is movable in the vertical direction. Each locking / unlocking tool 34b is movable in the vertical direction relative to the base portion 34e. As shown in Fig. 4, each locking / unlocking tool 34b is disposed inside a pair of positioning pins 34a in the Y direction. Each locking / unlocking tool 34b is disposed outside the base portion 34e in the X direction.

[0042] 5, the battery 201 has a bottom surface 201e, which is provided with tool insertion holes 201f into which the locking / unlocking tools 34b are inserted. A tool insertion hole is also provided in the bottom surface of the battery 101. The locking / unlocking tools 34b can be inserted into the tool insertion hole.

[0043] The roller portion 34c is provided on the base portion 34e. The roller portion 34c is rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the X direction. When the roller portion 34c rotates in one direction, the batteries 101, 201 move relative to the base portion 34e to one side in the Y direction (e.g., the Y1 side), and when the roller portion 34c rotates in the other direction, the batteries 101, 201 move relative to the base portion 34e to the other side in the Y direction.

[0044] The markers 34d are provided at the tip of each positioning pin 34a. The markers 34d may have a tapered shape that tapers upward.

[0045] 1 again, the transport unit 36 ​​transports the battery 101 stored in the storage 100b toward the battery mounting stand 34. Specifically, a temporary storage area 40 is provided in the underfloor area 100c for temporarily storing the charged battery 101 stored in the storage 100b, and the transport unit 36 ​​can transport the battery 101 from the temporary storage area 40 toward the battery mounting stand 34. Note that the transport unit 36 ​​may be, for example, a belt conveyor type.

[0046] (Battery replacement method) Next, a battery exchange method using the battery exchange device 100 will be described with reference to the flow chart (sequence diagram) of FIG.

[0047] [Transmission of vehicle information, etc.: Electric vehicles] First, in step S21, the electric vehicle 200 transmits information about the electric vehicle 200 and information about the battery 201 to the communication unit 13 of the battery exchange apparatus 100. For example, an operation to transmit each piece of information described above is performed in a navigation system (not shown) of the electric vehicle 200, whereby each piece of information described above is transmitted to the communication unit 13. The electric vehicle 200 transmits each piece of information described above before entering the battery exchange apparatus 100. Note that each piece of information described above may also be transmitted after the electric vehicle 200 enters the battery exchange apparatus 100.

[0048] [Acquisition of vehicle information, etc.: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S1, the communication unit 13 of the battery exchange device 100 acquires, by communication, the information about the electric vehicle 200 and the information about the battery 201 transmitted from the electric vehicle 200 in step S21. The acquired information is stored in the memory 12 (see FIG. 1).

[0049] The communication unit 13 may also acquire information on the capacity (charge capacity) of the battery 201 and the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 201.

[0050] [Sending instruction signals for battery replacement: electric vehicle] Next, in step S22, the electric vehicle 200 parked in the vehicle stopping area SA transmits to the communication unit 13 a command signal to start the battery replacement work.

[0051] [Battery replacement instruction signal received: Battery replacement device]

[0052] Next, in step S2, the communication unit 13 receives the instruction signal transmitted from the electric vehicle 200 in step S22. After receiving the instruction signal, in step S2, the processor 11 may transmit an instruction message or the like to the user of the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13 to turn off the ignition power supply.

[0053] [Control of wheel clamp: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S3, the processor 11 adjusts the positions of the wheel clamping units 31 (see FIG. 2) based on the information (vehicle information and battery information) acquired in step S1 through the communication unit 13. Note that the processor 11 may control each of the four wheel clamping units 31 independently of one another.

[0054] This adjusts the horizontal position and orientation of the vehicle body 200a, and also adjusts the horizontal position and orientation of the battery 201. As a result, the battery 201 is moved to a predetermined position above the opening 32a.

[0055] [Battery replacement device: Holds the vehicle horizontally] Next, in step S4, processor 11 opens shutter 32 and raises lifting unit 35 while shutter 32 is open. As a result, after passing through opening 32a, lifting unit 35 raises electric vehicle 200 so that height H of underside 200b of vehicle body 200a from floor surface FL reaches a predetermined height (see FIG. 3).

[0056] [Removing the battery after use: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S5, the used battery 201 is removed from the body 200a of the electric vehicle 200. First, the processor 11 raises the battery mounting base 34. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the positioning pin 34a is inserted into the pin insertion hole 208 formed in the underside 200b of the body 200a, and the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f formed in the bottom surface 201e of the battery 201, so that the base portion 34e abuts against or approaches the bottom surface 201e of the battery 201. As a result, the battery mounting base 34 is positioned relative to the electric vehicle 200 (battery 201). Note that, at this time, the positioning pin 34a is inserted into the pin insertion hole 208 before the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f.

[0057] Next, the processor 11 raises the locking / unlocking tool 34b while the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f. Then, the processor 11 drives (rotates) the locking / unlocking tool 34b inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f. This unlocks the fastening member 201g in the tool insertion hole 201f. As a result, the battery 201 is removed from the vehicle body 200a and placed on the base part 34e. Note that the timing at which the positioning pin 34a is inserted into the pin insertion hole 208 and the timing at which the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f may be the same.

[0058] [Used batteries are transported to the storage facility: Battery exchange device] Next, in step S6, the battery 201 removed from the vehicle body 200a in step S5 is transported to the storage 100b (see FIG. 1). First, the processor 11 lowers the battery mounting stand 34 on which the battery 201 is mounted to the height position of the transport unit 36 ​​(see FIG. 1). Next, the processor 11 lowers the lifting unit 35 to a position lower than the battery mounting stand 34 (for example, the position shown in FIG. 1). As a result, the vehicle body 200a is no longer held by the lifting unit 35, and the electric vehicle 200 is placed on the floor surface FL of the vehicle stopping area SA. Next, the processor 11 drives the roller unit 34c (see FIG. 4) of the battery mounting stand 34 so that the battery 201 moves on the base unit 34e in the storage direction (direction Y1). As a result, the battery 201 placed on the base part 34e moves on the base part 34e toward the transport part 36, and is transferred from the base part 34e to the transport part 36. The battery 201 is transported to the temporary storage site 40 by the transport part 36, and then stored in the storage facility 100b.

[0059] [Charged batteries are transported to the battery mounting platform: Battery exchange device] Next, in step S7, the processor 11 transports the charged battery 101 stored in the storage 100b to the battery mounting stand 34. Specifically, the processor 11 transports the battery 101 from the storage 100b to the temporary storage site 40 in the underfloor area 100c, and then transports the battery 101 from the temporary storage site 40 to the battery mounting stand 34 along the transport direction (Y2 direction) using the transport unit 36. When the battery 101 moves from the transport unit 36 ​​to the base unit 34e, the processor 11 drives the roller unit 34c so that the battery 101 moves on the base unit 34e along the transport direction. As a result, the battery 101 stops at a predetermined position on the base unit 34e.

[0060] [Installing a charged battery: Battery exchange device] Next, in step S8, the processor 11 performs control to attach the charged battery 101 to the vehicle body 200a. Specifically, the processor 11 raises the lifting unit 35 so that the height H of the underside 200b of the vehicle body 200a from the floor surface FL of the vehicle stopping area SA reaches a predetermined height.

[0061] Next, the processor 11 raises the battery mounting base 34. This inserts the positioning pin 34a into the pin insertion hole. In this embodiment, the battery-side connection part 104 is movable horizontally relative to the battery body 103, so the battery-side connection part 104 is connected to the vehicle-side connection part 204 in an appropriately aligned state. In this state, the processor 11 raises the locking / unlocking tool 34b. This inserts the locking / unlocking tool 34b into the tool insertion hole of the battery 101. The processor 11 then drives (rotates) the locking / unlocking tool 34b. This locks the bolts in the tool insertion hole. When it is detected that all the bolts are locked, the vehicle-side connection part 204 and the battery-side connection part 104 are locked. As a result, the installation of the charged battery 101 to the vehicle body 200a is completed.

[0062] [Retraction of battery platform and lifting section: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S9, the processor 11 lowers the battery mounting stand 34 and the lifting unit 35 and moves them away from the electric vehicle 200. Thereafter, the processor 11 closes the shutter 32 (see FIG. 2).

[0063] [Battery replacement completion notification: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S10, the processor 11 notifies the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13 that the battery replacement work has been completed.

[0064] [Receiving notification of completion of battery replacement work: electric vehicle] Then, in step S23, the electrically powered vehicle 200 receives the notification transmitted from the communication unit 13 of the battery exchange apparatus 100 in step S10. This puts the electrically powered vehicle 200 into a state in which the ignition power can be turned on. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0065] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the position of the drive unit 30 is adjusted based on information relating to each of the electric vehicle 200 and the battery 201, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The position of the drive unit 30 may also be adjusted based on information relating to either the electric vehicle 200 or the battery 201.

[0066] As described above, in the electric vehicle 200 of this embodiment, the battery side connection part 104 can move horizontally relative to the battery main body 103, making it possible to easily align the vehicle body side connection part 204 and the battery side connection part 104.

[0067] Several modifications of the above embodiment will be described below.

[0068] (First Modification) As shown in FIG. 11, the guide portion 204a of the vehicle body side connection portion 204 may be omitted.

[0069] (Second Modification) 12 , the plate of the battery-side connection part 104 may be omitted. In this case, the holding part 108 of the battery body 103 is also omitted. In this case, the battery-side connection part 104 is fixed to the battery body 103 so that the battery-side connection part 104 does not move relative to the battery body 103 in the horizontal direction.

[0070] (Third Modification) 13, a seal member 150 may be provided between the outer circumferential surface of the battery-side refrigerant pipe 104A and the tip of the vehicle-body-side refrigerant pipe 204A. The seal member 150 may be fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the battery-side refrigerant pipe 104A or to the tip of the vehicle-body-side refrigerant pipe 204A. The seal member 150 is preferably fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the battery-side refrigerant pipe 104A.

[0071] (Fourth Modification) 14, the mounting portion 200c may have a rain protection portion 210 that is provided around the vehicle body side connecting portion 204 and has a shape that extends downward. The rain protection portion 210 is formed in a ring shape that surrounds the vehicle body side connecting portion 204.

[0072] (Fifth Modification) As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the battery side refrigerant pipe 104A may be configured to block the outflow of refrigerant R when removed from the vehicle body side refrigerant pipe 204A, and the vehicle body side refrigerant pipe 204A may be configured to block the outflow of refrigerant R when removed from the battery side refrigerant pipe 104A.

[0073] The battery side refrigerant pipe 104A has a connecting shaft portion 105A, a support plate 120A, a closing member 130A, and a biasing member 140A.

[0074] The support plate 120A is fixed inside the connecting shaft portion 105A. The support plate 120A allows the passage of the refrigerant R. A plurality of through holes are formed in the support plate 120A.

[0075] The closing member 130A has a shape that closes the opening at the tip of the connecting shaft portion 105A.

[0076] The biasing member 140A is disposed between the support plate 120A and the closing member 130A. The biasing member 140A biases the closing member 130A toward the tip end of the connecting shaft portion 105A.

[0077] The vehicle body side refrigerant pipe 204A has a connecting shaft portion 205A, a support plate 220A, a closing member 230A, and a biasing member 240A.

[0078] The connecting shaft 205A is formed in a cylindrical shape. A receiving portion 206A is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 205A. The receiving portion 206A is a portion that receives the tip end of the connecting shaft 105A of the battery-side refrigerant pipe 104A. The receiving portion 206A protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 205A toward the inside in the radial direction of the connecting shaft 205A. In other words, the inner diameter of the receiving portion 206A is smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting shaft 205A.

[0079] The support plate 220A is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the connecting shaft portion 205A. The support plate 220A allows the passage of the refrigerant R. A plurality of through holes are formed in the support plate 220A.

[0080] The closing member 230A has a shape that closes the opening of the receiving portion 206A. The closing member 230A has a contact portion 232 that contacts the receiving portion 206A and a pressing portion 234 that presses the closing member 130A of the battery-side refrigerant tube 104A.

[0081] The biasing member 240A is disposed between the support plate 220A and the closing member 230A. The biasing member 240A biases the closing member 230A toward the receiving portion 206A.

[0082] In this example, when the connecting shaft 105A of the battery-side refrigerant pipe 104A is inserted into the connecting shaft 205A of the vehicle-body-side refrigerant pipe 204A, the pressing portion 234 presses the closing member 130A against the biasing force of the biasing member 140A, as shown in Fig. 16. At this time, the closing member 230A receives a reaction force, which compresses the biasing member 240A. This allows the refrigerant R to flow between the connecting shaft 105A and the connecting shaft 205A.

[0083] On the other hand, when the connecting shaft portion 105A is removed from the connecting shaft portion 205A, as shown in FIG. 15, the blocking member 130A is pressed against the receiving portion 206A, thereby suppressing the outflow of the refrigerant R from the connecting shaft portion 105A, and the blocking member 230A is pressed against the tip end of the connecting shaft portion 205A, thereby suppressing the outflow of the refrigerant R from the connecting shaft portion 205A.

[0084] The above-described multiple modified examples can be applied to the above-described embodiment alone or in combination.

[0085] For example, in a vehicle with a replaceable battery, there is a problem that rainwater flows down the vehicle body-side connection part and reaches the battery-side connection part. This problem can be solved by applying the second and fourth modifications to the above embodiment.

[0086] Furthermore, in vehicles with replaceable batteries, there is a problem that refrigerant leaks from the battery-side refrigerant pipe and the vehicle-side refrigerant pipe when the battery is removed from the vehicle body. This problem can be solved by applying the second and fifth modifications to the above embodiment.

[0087] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of aspects described below.

[0088] [Aspect 1] a vehicle body including a mounting portion that is open downward and capable of mounting a battery; the battery being detachable from the mounting portion, The battery comprises: A battery body; a battery-side connection portion protruding upward from the battery body, the mounting portion has a vehicle body side connection portion that fits into the battery side connection portion, The vehicle, wherein the battery-side connection portion is relatively movable in a horizontal direction with respect to the battery body.

[0089] In this battery exchange device, the battery-side connection part is movable horizontally relative to the battery body, so that the vehicle-side connection part and the battery-side connection part can be easily aligned.

[0090] [Aspect 2] The battery-side connection portion is a connecting shaft portion formed in a straight line; a plate extending outward from the connecting shaft portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting shaft portion, the battery body includes a holding portion that holds the plate by sandwiching it from both sides in the up-down direction, 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the holding portion holds the plate so that the plate is movable in a horizontal direction.

[0091] In this aspect, relative movement of the battery-side connecting portion with respect to the battery body in the horizontal direction is permitted, while relative movement of the battery-side connecting portion with respect to the battery body in the axial direction of the connecting shaft is restricted.

[0092] [Aspect 3] the vehicle body-side connection portion has a guide portion that guides the battery-side connection portion, 3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion has a shape that gradually increases in diameter downward.

[0093] In this aspect, the battery side connection portion is guided by the guide portion when it is fitted to the vehicle body side connection portion, thereby preventing improper fitting of the battery side connection portion to the vehicle body side connection portion.

[0094] [Aspect 4] Aspect 4. The vehicle according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the mounting portion further includes a rain protection portion that is provided around the vehicle body side connection portion and has a shape that extends downward.

[0095] In this configuration, even if rainwater drips onto the mounting portion of the vehicle body, the rainwater will drip down the rain protection portion, preventing the rainwater from reaching the battery-side connection portion via the vehicle-side connection portion.

[0096] [Aspect 5] the battery-side connection portion includes a battery-side connector capable of electrically connecting the battery main body to the vehicle body, Aspects 1 to 4: The vehicle according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle body-side connection portion includes a vehicle body-side connector that is electrically connectable to the battery-side connector.

[0097] [Aspect 6] the battery-side connection portion includes a battery-side refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant for cooling the battery main body flows, Aspect 6. The vehicle according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the vehicle body-side connection portion includes a vehicle body-side refrigerant pipe that fits with the battery-side refrigerant pipe.

[0098] [Aspect 7] the battery-side refrigerant pipe is configured to block the outflow of the refrigerant when removed from the vehicle-body-side refrigerant pipe; 7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the vehicle body-side refrigerant pipe is configured to block the outflow of the refrigerant when detached from the battery-side refrigerant pipe.

[0099] In this aspect, when the battery is removed from the vehicle body, the outflow of refrigerant from both the battery-side refrigerant pipe and the vehicle-body-side refrigerant pipe is suppressed.

[0100] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1 Battery exchange device, 10 Control device, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Communication unit, 30 Drive unit, 31 Wheel stopper unit, 32 Shutter, 34 Battery mounting stand, 34a Positioning pin, 34b Locking / unlocking tool, 34c Roller unit, 34e Base unit, 34g Positioning pin, 35 Lifting unit, 36 Transport unit, 40 Temporary storage area, 100 Battery exchange device, 100a Battery exchange station, 100b Storage, 100c Underfloor area, 101 Battery (second battery), 103 Battery body, 104 Battery side connection unit, 104A Battery side refrigerant pipe, 105A Connection shaft unit, 106A Plate, 107 Lower holding unit, 108 Holding unit, 120A Support plate, 130A Blocking member, 140A Pressurizing member, 150 Sealing member, 200 electric vehicle, 200a vehicle body, 200b underside, 200c mounting portion, 201 battery (first battery), 204 vehicle body side connection portion, 204A vehicle body side refrigerant pipe, 204a guide portion, 205A connection shaft portion, 210 rain protection portion, 220A support plate, 230A blocking member, 240A biasing member, R refrigerant.

Claims

1. a vehicle body including a mounting portion that is open downward and capable of mounting a battery; the battery being detachable from the mounting portion, The battery comprises: A battery body; a battery-side connection portion protruding upward from the battery body, The mounting section is a vehicle body side connection portion that fits into the battery side connection portion; a rain protection portion provided around the vehicle body side connection portion and extending downward, the battery-side connection portion is movable relative to the battery body in a horizontal direction, The rain protection portion is formed in a ring shape surrounding the vehicle body side connection portion and faces the battery body.

2. The battery-side connection portion is a connecting shaft portion formed in a straight line; a plate extending outward from the connecting shaft portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting shaft portion, the battery body includes a holding portion that holds the plate by sandwiching it from both sides in the up-down direction, The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the holding portion holds the plate so that the plate is movable in a horizontal direction.

3. the vehicle body-side connection portion has a guide portion that guides the battery-side connection portion, The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the guide portion has a shape that gradually increases in diameter downward.

4. the battery-side connection portion includes a battery-side connector capable of electrically connecting the battery main body to the vehicle body, The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle body side connection portion includes a vehicle body side connector that is electrically connectable to the battery side connector.

5. the battery-side connection portion includes a battery-side refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant for cooling the battery main body flows, The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle body side connection portion includes a vehicle body side refrigerant pipe that mates with the battery side refrigerant pipe.

6. the battery-side refrigerant pipe is configured to block the outflow of the refrigerant when removed from the vehicle-body-side refrigerant pipe; The vehicle according to claim 5 , wherein the vehicle body side refrigerant pipe is configured to block the outflow of the refrigerant when the vehicle body side refrigerant pipe is detached from the battery side refrigerant pipe.

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