Battery exchange device

Abstract

To provide a battery replacement system capable of reducing impact due to foreign matters adhering to an underside of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A battery replacement system 100 for replacing a first battery attached to a vehicle 200, with a second battery, includes: a battery replacement mechanism 33 configured to detach the first battery from the vehicle 200 and attach the second battery to the vehicle; and a washing device 40 configured to wash part of the vehicle. The washing device 40 is configured to, before the battery replacement mechanism detaches the first battery 201, wash at least one of: an area of the vehicle 200 where the battery replacement mechanism 33 contacts with the vehicle 200; and an underside 200k of the vehicle 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery exchange device, and more particularly to a battery exchange device for exchanging a battery mounted on a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-192782 (Patent Document 1) discloses a battery replacement device that replaces a battery installed in a vehicle with a new battery. The battery is fixed to the vehicle by a battery support part equipped with a locking mechanism. The battery replacement device attaches and detaches a battery unit from the lower side of the battery support part. The battery replacement device includes a battery mounting part that is movably mounted at a position corresponding to the battery support part of a vehicle parked at a vehicle stop part.

[0003] When replacing a battery unit, the battery mounting section is moved to a raised position for receiving the battery, the locking mechanism is unlocked, and the used battery is received from the battery support section of the stopped vehicle. The battery mounting section then descends to a standby position, the used battery is removed, and a new, charged battery is placed on the battery mounting section. The battery mounting section then rises to the raised position and hands over the new battery to the battery support section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-192782 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, a battery support portion that supports the battery is provided on the underside of the vehicle, but the battery support portion may also be fixed to the side of the vehicle.

[0006] Depending on the road conditions, weather, and other factors, foreign objects such as mud, snow, or ice may adhere to the underside or sides of the vehicle or the surface of the battery. In such cases, it may be difficult to properly release the locking mechanism that locks the battery to the battery support, which could hinder battery replacement work. When foreign objects such as snow or ice adhere, they must be removed using warm water, warm air, snow-melting agents, or the like.

[0007] For example, when positioning the battery mounting section and the battery by engaging a positioning pin on the battery mounting section with a positioning hole on the underside of the vehicle, there is a concern that foreign matter adhering to the positioning hole may prevent the positioning pin from being inserted into the positioning hole. Furthermore, if foreign matter falls into the work area where the battery is replaced and / or onto the battery mounting section, there is a concern that the operation of the battery mounting section may be hindered. Furthermore, if foreign matter is attached to the battery when storing the removed battery in a storage compartment, there is a concern that the storage compartment may be contaminated by the foreign matter.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery replacement device that can reduce the effects of foreign matter attached to a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A battery exchange device according to the present disclosure is for replacing a first battery attached to a vehicle with a second battery, and includes a battery exchange mechanism that removes the first battery from the vehicle and attaches the second battery to the vehicle, and a cleaning device that cleans a portion of the vehicle. Before the battery exchange mechanism removes the first battery, the cleaning device cleans at least one of the portion of the vehicle that the battery exchange mechanism will come into contact with the vehicle and the underside.

[0010] According to the above configuration, by cleaning at least one of the portion of the vehicle where the battery replacement mechanism comes into contact with the vehicle and the underside before removing the first battery, even if the vehicle becomes soiled with foreign matter while in motion, it is possible to perform battery replacement with the foreign matter removed, thereby preventing the battery replacement from being hindered by foreign matter.

[0011] The battery exchange device according to the present disclosure may include a vehicle stopping area for stopping the vehicle, and the cleaning device may be provided to be able to clean the vehicle stopped in the vehicle stopping area.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the vehicle can be washed while it is stopped in the vehicle stopping area, which makes it possible to more reliably remove foreign matter adhering to the vehicle compared to washing the vehicle while it is moving.

[0013] In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, the vehicle stopping area may be provided with an opening through which the battery exchange mechanism can pass and a shutter that can open and close the opening. The cleaning device may clean the underside of the vehicle with the opening closed by the shutter.

[0014] According to the above configuration, foreign matter or the like that falls off the vehicle during cleaning can be prevented from passing through the opening and entering the area below the vehicle stopping area.

[0015] In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, the vehicle stopping area may have a floor portion facing the underside of the vehicle, and the shutter portion may be provided such that at least a portion of the shutter portion is positioned above the floor portion when the opening portion is closed by the shutter portion.

[0016] With the above configuration, when the opening is closed by the shutter, foreign matter, cleaning liquid, etc. that has fallen from the vehicle can flow from the portion of the shutter that is located above the floor toward the floor. This allows the foreign matter, cleaning liquid, etc. to be guided to the outside of the opening. As a result, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter, cleaning liquid, etc. from entering the opening.

[0017] In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, the cleaning device may clean the underside of the vehicle by spraying a cleaning liquid toward the vehicle, and in this case, the floor portion may be provided with a discharge flow path for discharging the cleaning liquid.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the cleaning liquid that has washed the vehicle can be prevented from stagnating in the vehicle stopping area, and the cleaning liquid can be discharged from the discharge flow path.

[0019] The battery exchange device according to the present disclosure may include a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires information from the vehicle. The vehicle information acquisition unit may be configured to acquire stop information that the vehicle has stopped in the vehicle stop area. In this case, the cleaning device may start cleaning the underside of the vehicle after the vehicle information acquisition unit acquires the stop information.

[0020] According to the above configuration, cleaning can be performed during the preparation period between the vehicle and the battery exchange device, from when the vehicle stops until the actual battery exchange begins, thereby enabling the battery exchange to be carried out smoothly.

[0021] The battery exchange device according to the present disclosure may include a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires information from the vehicle. The cleaning device may be movably provided. In this case, the cleaning device may move to a cleaning position based on the information from the vehicle acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the washing device can be positioned at an appropriate washing position based on information from the vehicle.

[0023] In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, a positioning hole for aligning with the battery exchange mechanism may be provided on the underside of the vehicle. The cleaning device may clean the positioning hole.

[0024] According to the above configuration, by cleaning the positioning hole and removing any dirt from the positioning hole, it is possible to smoothly align the battery replacement mechanism with the vehicle.

[0025] In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, the battery exchange mechanism may have an insertion portion that is insertable into the positioning hole. In this case, the battery exchange device may include an insertion detection portion that detects whether the insertion portion is inserted into the positioning hole. When the insertion detection portion detects that the insertion portion is not inserted into the positioning hole, the cleaning device may clean the positioning hole.

[0026] According to the above configuration, if the insertion portion cannot be inserted into the positioning hole after cleaning the positioning hole due to insufficient cleaning, the positioning hole can be cleaned again.

[0027] The battery replacement device based on the present disclosure further includes a warning notification unit that issues a warning when the insertion detection unit detects that the battery is not inserted into the positioning hole after the insertion detection unit has repeatedly detected that the battery is not inserted into the positioning hole and the cleaning device has repeatedly cleaned the positioning hole.

[0028] According to the above configuration, when the positioning hole has been repeatedly cleaned, the warning notification section can notify the user that foreign matter cannot be removed by the cleaning.

[0029] In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, the cleaning device may clean the underside of the vehicle by spraying a cleaning medium toward the vehicle. The cleaning medium may include a liquid or a gas.

[0030] According to the above configuration, the underside of the vehicle can be cleaned using a liquid or gas. In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, the liquid may include warm water or a highly volatile cleaning liquid.

[0031] According to the above configuration, when washing with warm water, foreign matter such as snow and ice can be dissolved, and when washing with a highly volatile washing liquid, it is possible to omit drying the vehicle after washing.

[0032] In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, the cleaning device may clean the vehicle by spraying a liquid toward the vehicle. In this case, the battery exchange device may further include a drying device that dries the vehicle cleaned by the cleaning device.

[0033] According to the above configuration, the liquid adhering to the vehicle after washing can be dried by the drying device.

[0034] In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, the cleaning device may clean the vehicle by spraying a liquid toward the vehicle. In this case, the battery exchange device may further include a wiping device that wipes off the liquid adhering to the vehicle cleaned by the cleaning device.

[0035] According to the above configuration, the liquid adhering to the vehicle after washing can be wiped off by the wiping device.

[0036] In the battery replacement device according to the present disclosure, the cleaning device may clean the vehicle by spraying a cleaning medium toward the vehicle. In this case, the battery replacement device may include a heating device that heats the cleaning medium.

[0037] According to the above configuration, by heating the cleaning medium with the heating device, foreign matter such as snow and ice can be melted when washing a vehicle.

[0038] In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, the first battery may be releasably fixed to the vehicle body by a plurality of fasteners. The battery exchange mechanism may include an anchor release unit that releases the first battery from the vehicle body by the plurality of fasteners. In this case, the cleaning device may clean a portion where the anchor release unit contacts the fasteners.

[0039] According to the above configuration, by cleaning the portion of the fixing release part that comes into contact with the fixing tool, the fixing state by the fixing tool can be easily released using the fixing release part.

[0040] In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, the first battery may be fastened to the lower surface from below by a plurality of fastening bolts. The plurality of fastening bolts may have heads located on the lower side. The battery exchange mechanism may include a fastening release unit that releases the fastening of the plurality of fastening bolts. In this case, the cleaning device may clean the heads of the plurality of fastening bolts.

[0041] According to the above configuration, by cleaning the head portion of the fastening bolt, the fastening bolt can be easily released by the release portion.

[0042] In the battery replacement device based on the present disclosure, the cleaning device may further clean the underside of the vehicle from which the first battery has been removed by the battery replacement mechanism before the second battery is installed in the vehicle.

[0043] According to the above configuration, the area on the underside of the vehicle where the first battery overlaps can be cleaned.

[0044] The battery exchange device according to the present disclosure may include a vehicle stopping area for stopping the vehicle, and in this case, the cleaning device may be provided forward of the vehicle stopping area.

[0045] According to the above configuration, the underside of the vehicle can be washed before the vehicle enters the vehicle stopping area.

[0046] In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, the cleaning device may clean the vehicle by spraying a liquid toward the vehicle. The battery exchange device may further include a drying device that dries the vehicle cleaned by the cleaning device. In this case, the cleaning device and the drying device may be arranged side by side in a direction in which the vehicle enters, forward of the vehicle stopping area. The drying device may be arranged closer to the vehicle stopping area than the cleaning device.

[0047] According to the above configuration, the vehicle can be washed by the washing device and then dried before entering the vehicle stopping area, thereby preventing foreign matter adhering to the vehicle from entering the vehicle stopping area.

[0048] The battery exchange device according to the present disclosure may further include a position detection mechanism for detecting the position of the vehicle. In this case, when the position detection mechanism detects that the vehicle is located above the cleaning device, the cleaning device may clean the vehicle.

[0049] According to the above configuration, the position of the vehicle is detected by the position detection mechanism before washing is performed, so that the vehicle can be washed reliably while reducing the loss of cleaning medium.

[0050] In the battery exchange device according to the present disclosure, the cleaning device may be provided so as to be able to clean a surface of the first battery.

[0051] According to the above configuration, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the first battery can be removed, thereby preventing the first battery from being stored in housing 101b with foreign matter still adhering to it after removal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0052] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a battery exchange device that can reduce the effects of foreign matter attached to the underside of a vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a battery exchange device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the underside of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a battery exchange station of a battery exchange device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration under the floor of a battery exchange device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery mounting stand of a battery exchange mechanism according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a battery exchange process of the battery exchange device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram showing a step of cleaning the underside of the vehicle in the battery replacement step shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how the underside of the vehicle that has been washed is wiped off with a wiping device in the process of washing the underside of the vehicle. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how the insertion portion of the battery mounting base is inserted into a positioning hole in the vehicle in the process of removing the battery; [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how the locking / unlocking tool is inserted into the tool insertion hole in the process of removing the battery. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how the locking / unlocking tool unlocks the fastening bolt in the process of removing the battery. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a process of transporting a battery removed from a vehicle. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a process of cleaning the underside of a vehicle after removing the battery from the vehicle. [Figure 15] 10A-10C illustrate the process of installing a new battery in a vehicle. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of a battery exchange station of a battery exchange device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing a battery exchange process of a battery exchange device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the configuration of a battery exchange station of a battery exchange device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0055] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery exchange device according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the battery exchange device 100 is a device for exchanging a battery (first battery) 201 attached to a vehicle 200 with another battery (second battery) 101. The other battery 101 may be a new battery, or may be a battery that has been exchanged from the vehicle 200 at another time and then recharged.

[0056] The battery exchange device 100 includes a battery exchange station 100a where battery exchange takes place and a storage room 100b where other batteries 101 are stored. The storage room 100b is provided adjacent to the battery exchange station 100a. The battery exchange station 100a has a floor 39, and the battery exchange device 100 has an underfloor area S below the floor 39.

[0057] The battery replacement device 100 includes a battery replacement mechanism 33, a transport unit 36, a cleaning device 40, a cleaning medium supply unit 45, a heater 46, a supply pipe 47, a drying device 50 (see FIG. 4), and a warning notification unit 85.

[0058] The battery replacement mechanism 33 is a mechanism for removing the battery 201 from the vehicle 200 and attaching another battery 101 to the vehicle 200. The battery replacement mechanism 33 is provided in the storage space 100b and the underfloor area S. The battery replacement mechanism 33 includes a battery mounting stand 34 and an elevator unit 35.

[0059] The battery mounting table 34 moves the batteries 101, 201 between the transport unit 36 ​​and the vehicle 200. The lifting unit 35 raises and lowers the vehicle 200 between the parking position at the battery exchange station 100a and a predetermined height position. The transporting unit 36 ​​moves the batteries 101, 201 between the temporary storage area 90 and the battery mounting table 34. The transporting unit 36 ​​may be, for example, a belt conveyor type.

[0060] The transport unit 36 ​​transports the battery 201, which has been removed from the vehicle 200 and placed on the battery mounting stand 34, to the temporary storage site 90. Specifically, the battery mounting stand 34 on which the removed battery 201 is placed is lowered to the same height position (position in the Z direction) as the transport unit 36, and then the battery 201 is transferred from the battery mounting stand 34 to the transport unit 36. The transfer of the battery 201 is performed by rotating the roller unit 34c (see FIG. 6) of the battery mounting stand 34.

[0061] Furthermore, the transport unit 36 ​​moves the other battery 101 that was transported from the storage 100b to the temporary storage area 90 to the Y2 side and places it on the battery mounting stand 34. At this time, the roller unit 34c of the battery mounting stand 34 rotates in the opposite direction to the above, so that the battery 101 is transferred to the Y2 side on the battery mounting stand 34.

[0062] The batteries 101, 201 are moved between the temporary storage site 90 and the storage facility 100b by another transport device (not shown).

[0063] The cleaning device 40, the cleaning medium supply unit 45, the heater 46, the supply pipe 47, and the warning / notification unit 85 are provided in the battery exchange station 100a.

[0064] The cleaning medium supply unit 45 supplies a cleaning medium to the cleaning device 40 via a supply pipe 47. The cleaning medium may include a liquid such as water or a cleaning liquid, or a gas. The heater 46 heats the cleaning medium. Specifically, the heater 46 heats the cleaning medium flowing through the supply pipe 47. The heater 46 may heat the cleaning medium stored on the cleaning medium supply unit 45 side.

[0065] The cleaning device 40 sprays a cleaning medium toward the vehicle 200 to clean a part of the vehicle 200. For example, the cleaning device 40 cleans the underside 200k.

[0066] Note that the area of ​​the vehicle 200 that the cleaning device 40 cleans is not limited to the underside 200k, and may be the area where the battery replacement mechanism 33 comes into contact with the vehicle 200. The area where the battery replacement mechanism 33 comes into contact with the vehicle 200 refers to the area where the battery replacement mechanism 33 comes into contact with the vehicle body 200a to release the fixed state between the vehicle body 200a and the battery 201 when removing the battery 201 from the vehicle body 200a, and the area nearby. For example, if the battery 201 is fixed to the side of the vehicle 200, the side of the vehicle may be cleaned.

[0067] When the cleaning medium is heated by the heater 46 as described above, foreign matter such as snow and ice adhering to the vehicle can be melted when the vehicle is washed. This is particularly effective when snow and / or ice has entered the positioning hole 208 and the tool insertion hole 201f (see FIG. 10), which will be described later. Note that when the cleaning medium is not heated, a cleaning medium containing an ice-melting agent may be used to melt the snow and / or ice.

[0068] Furthermore, a highly volatile cleaning liquid may be used as the cleaning medium, which evaporates after cleaning, thereby simplifying or eliminating the drying process of the vehicle.

[0069] The warning notification unit 85 issues a warning when it detects a condition described below. The warning notification unit 85 includes, for example, a light source, and causes the light source to blink or light up when issuing a warning. The warning notification unit may also include a sound source, and may emit a sound from the sound source when issuing a warning.

[0070] The battery exchange device 100 includes a control device 10, a detection device 20, and a drive device 30. The detection device 20 is an example of an insertion detection unit of the present disclosure.

[0071] 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 (e.g., maps, formulas, and various parameters). The processor 11 controls the drive device 30. The drive device 30 includes the above-mentioned battery replacement mechanism 33, the transport unit 36, the cleaning device 40, the cleaning medium supply unit 45, the heater 46, the supply pipe 47, the drying device 50 (see FIG. 4), and the warning notification unit 85.

[0072] 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 vehicle 200 and the like. Two-way communication is possible between the communication unit 13 and the vehicle 200. The communication unit 13 may also communicate with a mobile terminal or the like owned by the user of the vehicle 200. The communication unit 13 is an example of a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires information from the vehicle.

[0073] When replacing battery 201, while vehicle 200 is parked in vehicle stopping area 103, the user performs an operation on a navigation system (not shown) of vehicle 200 to instruct the start of battery replacement work. Communication unit 13 receives an instruction signal to start battery replacement work from vehicle 200. Processor 11 starts controlling the battery replacement work based on communication unit 13 receiving the instruction signal.

[0074] The vehicle 200 may be automatically steered to stop in the vehicle stopping area 103 in the battery exchange station 100a by a user operating a navigation system outside the battery exchange station 100a, or the vehicle 200 may be driven by the user to stop in the vehicle stopping area 103. The vehicle 200 stops in the vehicle stopping area 103 so that the front-to-rear direction is the X direction and the left-to-right direction is the Y direction.

[0075] The detection device 20 includes a camera 61 and an image processing unit 62. The detection device 20 will be described in detail later.

[0076] Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the underside of the vehicle according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, vehicle 200 includes a vehicle body 200a, a plurality of wheels 202, and a battery 201. Vehicle body 200a has a lower surface 200k.

[0077] The lower surface 200k is provided with a plurality of positioning holes 208, which will be described later. The plurality of positioning holes 208 are provided on the outside of the battery 201. The battery 201 is fixed to the lower surface 200k by a plurality of fastening bolts 201g. The plurality of fastening bolts 201g are inserted into tool insertion holes 201f, which will be described later (see FIG. 10).

[0078] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 3, vehicle 200 includes PCU (Power Control Unit) 203, SMR (System Main Relay) 204, MG (Motor Generator) 205, auxiliary battery 206, DC / DC converter 207, vehicle-side connector 210, and connector 211 for battery 201.

[0079] When replacing the battery 201, the ignition power supply (not shown) is turned off while the vehicle 200 is stopped in a vehicle stop area 103 (described later), and the SMR 204 connecting the battery 201 and the PCU 203 is turned off. This electrically disconnects the battery 201 from the PCU 203 and the MG 205.

[0080] In this state, when an operation to instruct the start of battery replacement work is performed in vehicle 200, battery replacement device 100 starts controlling the battery replacement work. Furthermore, based on the above operation, the vehicle-side connector 210 and connector 211 of battery 201 are unlocked. After SMR 204 is turned off, power from auxiliary battery 206 is supplied to accessories such as MG 205 and DCM via DC / DC converter 207 and PCU 203.

[0081] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of a battery exchange station of the battery exchange device according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 4, four wheel stoppers 31 are provided in the vehicle stopping area 103. The four wheel stoppers 31 are provided to correspond to the four wheels 202, respectively.

[0082] The wheel retainer 31 includes a pressing member 31a, a pair of lateral rollers 31b, and a slider 31c. The pressing member 31a is disposed so as to straddle the pair of lateral rollers 31b and the slider 31c. The pressing member 31a presses the wheel 202 from the outside (side) to move the wheel 202. As a result, the wheel 202 is positioned by the wheel retainer 31.

[0083] The lateral roller portions 31b are provided on both the X1 side and the X2 side of the slider portion 31c. Each of the pair of lateral roller portions 31b is composed of multiple rollers whose rotation axes extend along the X direction. The multiple rollers of the lateral roller portion 31b are aligned along the Y direction. As the multiple rollers of the lateral roller portion 31b rotate, the pressing member 31a moves along the Y direction.

[0084] The slider portion 31c moves the pressing member 31a placed on the wheel stopper portion 31 along the X direction. The slider portion 31c may be, for example, a belt conveyor type. The configuration of the wheel stopper portion 31 is not limited to the above example. For example, either the horizontal roller portion 31b or the slider portion 31c may not be provided.

[0085] The cleaning device 40 is provided so as to be able to clean the vehicle 200 parked in the vehicle stopping area 103. The cleaning device 40 includes a movable body 41, an arm unit 42, and a nozzle unit 43. The movable body 41 is provided so as to be able to move, for example, in the X direction and the Y direction. The movable body 41 may also be provided so as to be able to move in the Z direction.

[0086] The arm 42 is provided so as to be extendable and contractible in the Y direction, for example. The arm 42 connects the movable body 41 and the nozzle 43. The arm 42 includes a first portion 42a at its tip end, and the first portion 42a may be provided so as to be able to change its inclination angle with respect to the Z direction. A flow path through which the cleaning medium flows is provided within the arm 42.

[0087] The nozzle portion 43 is connected to the tip of the arm portion 42, and sprays the cleaning medium supplied from the cleaning medium supply portion 45 toward the vehicle 200 (more specifically, toward the underside 200k).

[0088] The vehicle stopping area 103 has a floor 39. The floor 39 faces the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 parked in the vehicle stopping area 103 from below. The vehicle stopping area 103 is provided with an opening 32a penetrating the floor 39 and a shutter 32. The opening 32a is provided to allow the battery replacement mechanism 33 to pass through. The shutter 32 closes the opening 32a in an openable and closable manner. When the shutter 32 is opened, the opening 32a is exposed. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the shutter 32 is a double-hinged shutter, but the shutter 32 may also be a single-hinged shutter.

[0089] An opening surface 32c (see FIG. 5) of the opening 32a is located above the floor 39, and an inclined portion 70 is provided around the periphery of the opening 32a. The inclined portion 70 is inclined from the opening surface 32c toward the floor 39.

[0090] By providing the inclined portion 70, foreign matter, cleaning liquid, etc. that falls from the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 during cleaning can be prevented from entering the opening 32a.

[0091] A discharge path R for discharging the cleaning liquid is provided in the floor portion 39. The discharge path R discharges the cleaning liquid to the outside of the vehicle stopping area 103. The downstream side of the discharge path R may be connected to a recovery unit (not shown) that recovers the cleaning liquid. The upstream side of the discharge path R may be connected to the inclined portion 70. In this case, the cleaning liquid flowing from the inclined portion 70 can be introduced directly into the discharge path R. The discharge path R may be omitted.

[0092] Although the above description has been given of an example in which the inclined portion 70 is provided as a configuration for preventing liquid such as cleaning liquid from entering the opening 32a, this is not limiting. For example, the opening surface 32c of the opening 32a may be provided substantially flush with the floor 39, and the shutter 32 may be provided so as to protrude upward from the opening surface 32c and close the opening 32c. In this case, when the shutter 32 closes the opening 32a, foreign matter, cleaning liquid, etc. can be guided from the top of the shutter 32 toward the floor 39.

[0093] Furthermore, when the opening surface 32c is located above the floor 39 as described above, a substantially vertical wall (step) may be provided around the opening 32a instead of the inclined portion 70. In this case, the shutter 32 may also be provided so as to be substantially flush with the opening surface 32c. Even with this configuration, foreign matter, cleaning liquid, etc. can be guided down the step to the floor.

[0094] As described above, when the opening 32a is closed by the shutter portion 32, at least a portion of the shutter portion 32 is positioned above the floor portion 39, thereby making it possible to guide foreign matter, cleaning liquid, etc. to the floor portion 39.

[0095] A drying device 50 is provided on the floor portion 39. The drying device 50 includes, for example, a first nozzle unit 51 and a second nozzle unit 52. The first nozzle unit 51 and the second nozzle unit 52 are arranged opposite each other so as to sandwich the opening 32a in the Y direction.

[0096] The first nozzle unit 51 and the second nozzle unit 52 alternately blow air toward the underside 200k of the vehicle 200. Specifically, the first nozzle unit 51 blows air from one side to the other in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The second nozzle unit 52 blows air from the other side to one side in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The second nozzle unit 52 blows air while the first nozzle unit 51 stops blowing air.

[0097] By alternately blowing air from the first nozzle unit 51 and the second nozzle unit 52 in this manner, the vehicle 200 washed by the washing device 40 can be dried.

[0098] The drying device 50 is not limited to having the first nozzle unit 51 and the second nozzle unit 52 as described above, as long as it can be installed to dry the vehicle 200. The number of nozzle units may be one, or may be three or more. The positions of the nozzle units may be set appropriately. The drying device 50 may blow hot air toward the vehicle. The drying device 50 is not limited to being installed on the floor 39, and may be installed inside the battery exchange station 100a.

[0099] The multiple cameras 61 are provided so as to be able to capture images of the underside 200k of the vehicle 200. The multiple cameras 61 are arranged corresponding to the multiple tool insertion holes 201f. The multiple cameras 61 include two cameras 61 located on the front side of the vehicle parked in the vehicle stopping area 103 and two cameras 61 located on the rear side of the vehicle. These two cameras 61 located on the front side and the two cameras 61 located on the rear side are arranged to sandwich the opening 32a in the Y direction.

[0100] Each of the multiple cameras 61 captures an image of a corresponding multiple of tool insertion holes 201f. The multiple cameras 61 have a waterproof structure to prevent infiltration of cleaning fluid. The multiple cameras 61 and the image processing unit 62 described above function as an insertion detection unit that detects whether or not a positioning pin 34a (described later) has been inserted into a positioning hole 208. The multiple cameras 61 and the image processing unit 62 also function as a removal detection unit that detects whether or not the battery 101 can be removed.

[0101] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the underfloor configuration of the battery exchange device according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the lifting / lowering unit 35 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z direction). The lifting / lowering unit 35 can raise and lower the vehicle 200 while holding it from below. The lifting / lowering unit 35 is provided so as to be able to pass through the opening 32a when the opening 32a is open.

[0102] The lifting section 35 includes a pair of lifting bars 35a. Each of the pair of lifting bars 35a is provided with two protrusions 35b that protrude toward the Z1 side. The vehicle 200 is supported from below by the two protrusions 35b of each of the pair of lifting bars 35a (i.e., four protrusions 35b).

[0103] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the battery mounting stand of the battery exchange mechanism according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 6, the battery mounting stand 34 is provided with two positioning pins 34a, four locking / unlocking tools 34b, and a roller portion 34c.

[0104] The positioning pin 34a has a tapered surface 34d (see FIG. 10) at the tip thereof. That is, the positioning pin 34a has a shape that tapers toward the Z1 side.

[0105] The battery mounting stand 34 is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction below the vehicle 200. Specifically, the battery mounting stand 34 is movable in the X direction (X1 direction, X2 direction) and the Y direction (Y1 direction, Y2 direction). The battery mounting stand 34 is also 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 battery mounting stand 34.

[0106] (Battery replacement flow) 7 is a flow diagram showing the battery exchange process of the battery exchange device according to Embodiment 1. The battery exchange flow will be described with reference to FIG.

[0107] [Transmission of vehicle information, etc.: Vehicle] First, in step S21, the vehicle 200 transmits information about the 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 vehicle 200, whereby each piece of information described above is transmitted to the communication unit 13. The 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 vehicle 200 enters the battery exchange apparatus 100.

[0108] [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 vehicle 200 and the information about the battery 201 transmitted from the vehicle 200 in step S21. The acquired information is stored in the memory 12 (see FIG. 1).

[0109] Specifically, the communication unit 13 acquires information relating to the size (vehicle class) of the vehicle 200. The information relating to the size of the vehicle 200 includes information on the overall length and width of the vehicle 200. The information relating to the size of the vehicle 200 may also include information on the vehicle height and ground clearance of the vehicle 200.

[0110] Furthermore, the communication unit 13 acquires information regarding the size of the battery 201. Specifically, the communication unit 13 acquires information regarding the length and width of the battery 201. The communication unit 13 may also acquire information regarding the height of the battery 201.

[0111] The communication unit 13 may acquire location information of the battery 201, or may acquire information on the capacity (charge capacity) of the battery 201 and the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 201.

[0112] [Vehicle entering battery exchange station: Vehicle] In step S1, vehicle information and battery information are transmitted from the vehicle 200 to the communication unit 13, and then in step S22, the vehicle 200 enters the battery exchange station 100a by automatic driving or by being driven by the user.

[0113] [Vehicle stopping in vehicle stopping area: Vehicle] Subsequently, in step S23, the vehicle 200 stops in the vehicle stopping area 103. The vehicle 200 stops so that each of the wheels 202 is positioned on the corresponding wheel stopper 31.

[0114] [Sends instruction signal for battery replacement; vehicle] Next, in step S24, vehicle 200 parked in vehicle stopping area 103 transmits an instruction signal to communication unit 13 to start the battery replacement work. After transmitting the instruction signal to communication unit 13, vehicle 200 turns off SMR 204 (see FIG. 3). At this time, communication between vehicle 200 and communication unit 13 is maintained by the supply of power from auxiliary battery 206 (see FIG. 3).

[0115] [Battery replacement instruction signal received: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S2, communication unit 13 receives the instruction signal transmitted from vehicle 200 in step S24. Note that in step S2, after receiving the instruction signal, processor 11 may transmit an instruction message or the like to the user of vehicle 200 via communication unit 13 to turn off the ignition power.

[0116] [Control of wheel clamp: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S3, the processor 11 adjusts the position of the wheel stopper 31 (see FIG. 4) based on the information (vehicle information and battery information) acquired through the communication unit 13 in step S1.

[0117] Specifically, the processor 11 controls the driving of the pair of lateral roller units 31b (see FIG. 4) based on information about the width of the vehicle 200. The processor 11 also controls the driving of the slider unit 31c (see FIG. 2) based on the overall length of the vehicle 200. The processor 11 also controls the wheel stopper unit 31 (the lateral roller units 31b and the slider unit 31c) based on position information about the battery 201 relative to the vehicle body 200a. Through these controls, the positions of each pressing member 31a in the X direction and the Y direction are adjusted. The processor 11 may also control each of the four wheel stoppers 31 independently of one another.

[0118] This adjusts the horizontal position and orientation of the vehicle body 200a, as well as the horizontal position and orientation of the battery 201. As a result, it is possible to move the battery 201 to a predetermined position above the opening 32a.

[0119] [Detects the condition of the vehicle underside: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S4, the condition of the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 is detected. Specifically, the underside 200k is imaged by the multiple cameras 61. The image processing unit 62 processes the captured images and detects the degree of dirt on the underside 200k. Note that the multiple cameras 61 do not need to capture images of the entire underside 200k; it is sufficient to capture images of the positioning hole 208, the tool insertion hole 201f, or the heads of the multiple fastening bolts 201g required for battery replacement and detect the degree of dirt on these. The detected detection information (image information) is input to the processor 11.

[0120] [Determining whether cleaning is necessary: ​​Battery replacement device] Next, in step S5, it is determined whether cleaning is necessary. Specifically, when the brightness or the like differs within a predetermined range in the image obtained by image processing, or when a predetermined portion cannot be confirmed, the processor 11 determines that the lower surface 200k is dirty and that cleaning is necessary.

[0121] In particular, if the heads of the positioning hole 208, the tool insertion hole 201f, or the multiple fastening bolts 201g cannot be confirmed, or if it is determined that foreign matter is attached to the positioning hole 208, the tool insertion hole 201f, or the multiple fastening bolts 201g, it is determined that cleaning is necessary.

[0122] If it is determined that cleaning is necessary (step S5: YES), step S6 is performed, and if it is determined that cleaning is not necessary (step S5: NO), step S7 is performed. Note that the above-described process of detecting the state of the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 parked in the vehicle stopping area 103 may be omitted, and the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 parked in the vehicle stopping area 103 may be cleaned.

[0123] [Cleaning the underside of the vehicle (200km): Battery replacement device] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a step of cleaning the underside of the vehicle in the battery replacement step shown in FIG.

[0124] 8, the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 is cleaned before the battery 101 is removed. Specifically, the cleaning device 40 is moved in the X and Y directions while the cleaning medium W is sprayed from the nozzle 43. The cleaning device 40 starts cleaning the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 after the communication unit 13 acquires stop information that the vehicle 200 has stopped in the vehicle stopping area 103.

[0125] The cleaning device 40 cleans the underside 200k side with the opening 32a closed by the shutter 32. This prevents the liquid, such as a cleaning solution, from passing through the opening 32a and entering the underfloor area S when the liquid is used as a cleaning medium.

[0126] During cleaning, it is not necessary to clean the entire underside 200k, and cleaning may be focused on the positioning holes 208, the tool insertion holes 201f, or the heads of the multiple fastening bolts 201g. When the entire underside 200k is cleaned, mud and foreign matter adhering to the underside 200k is removed. This prevents the mud and foreign matter from passing through the opening 32a and falling under the floor when the shutter portion 32 is opened. The cleaning device 40 may clean both left and right side surfaces of the vehicle 200 in addition to the underside 200k.

[0127] Furthermore, the cleaning device 40 may clean the surface of the battery 201 (specifically, for example, the surface of the battery 201 exposed from the vehicle 200). In this case, foreign matter attached to the surface of the battery can be removed. This makes it possible to prevent the removed battery 201 with foreign matter attached thereto from being stored in the storage shed 101b in the process described below.

[0128] After washing by the washing device 40, the vehicle 200 is dried by the drying device 50. Specifically, the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 washed by the washing device 40 is dried by alternately blowing air from the first nozzle unit 51 and the second nozzle unit 52.

[0129] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing how the underside of the vehicle that has been washed in the process of washing the underside of the vehicle is wiped off with a wiping device.

[0130] 9, the battery exchange device 100 may include a wiping device 55, and in this case, the wiping device 55 may wipe the underside 200k of the vehicle that has been washed by the washing device 40. The wiping device 55 is configured, for example, by a movable member such as a brush, a sponge, a nonwoven fabric, or a wiper. The wiping device 55 is provided, for example, to be movable in the X direction, and wipes the underside 200k by moving it as indicated by arrow AR1.

[0131] [Opening of the battery exchange station: battery exchange device] Next, in step S7, the processor 11 opens the shutter portion 32 to open the opening 32a, thereby enabling the battery replacement mechanism 33 to pass through the opening 32a, and the battery 201 replacement operation to begin.

[0132] [Battery replacement device: Holds the vehicle horizontally] Next, in step S8, the processor 11 raises the lifting bar 35a while keeping the shutter unit 32 in the open state. As a result, the lifting bar 35a passes through the opening 32a, and the vehicle 200 is lifted by the lifting bar 35a. The processor 11 raises the lifting bar 35a to a predetermined height position, thereby holding the vehicle 200 parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0133] In step S8, the processor 11 may adjust the position of the lifting bar 35a based on the information about the vehicle 200 acquired in step S1. Specifically, the processor 11 may adjust the distance by which the lifting bar 35a is raised based on information about the ground clearance of the vehicle 200, or may change the distance between the lifting bars 35a based on the width of the vehicle 200.

[0134] [Battery removal: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S9, the battery 201 is removed from the body 200a of the vehicle 200.

[0135] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the insertion portion of the battery mounting base is inserted into the positioning hole of the vehicle in the process of removing the battery.

[0136] First, the processor 11 raises the battery mounting base 34 by a distance based on the information on the height position of the battery 201 acquired in step S6. As a result, the positioning pin 34a is inserted into the positioning hole 208, as shown in Fig. 10. The positioning pin 34a corresponds to an insertion portion that is provided so as to be insertable into the positioning hole 208.

[0137] A tapered surface 34d is provided at the tip of the positioning pin 34a, and the positioning pin 34a is inserted into the positioning hole 208 while being guided by the tapered surface 34d.

[0138] 11 is a diagram showing how the locking / unlocking tool is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f during the battery removal process. As shown in FIG. 11, with the positioning pin 34a guided by the positioning hole 208, the battery mounting base 34 is further raised, whereby the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f.

[0139] 12 is a diagram showing how the locking / unlocking tool unlocks the fastening bolt in the process of removing the battery. As shown in FIG. 12, the processor 11 raises the locking / unlocking tool 34b while the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f.

[0140] The fastening bolt 201g has a head portion located on the lower side. With the locking / unlocking tool 34b engaged with the head portion, the processor 11 drives (rotates) the locking / unlocking tool 34b inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f. This unlocks the fastening bolt 201g in the tool insertion hole 201f. As a result, the battery 201 is removed from the vehicle body 200a and placed on the battery mounting base 34. The locking / unlocking tool 34b corresponds to a fastening / unfastening unit that releases the fastening of the multiple fastening bolts 201g.

[0141] In the above-described series of operations, the timing at which the positioning pin 34a is inserted into the positioning hole 208 and the timing at which the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f may be the same.

[0142] [Check battery removal: Battery replacement device] In step S10, the processor 11 determines whether the battery 101 has been successfully removed.

[0143] Specifically, for example, it is detected whether or not the positioning pin 34a has been inserted into the positioning hole 208. The above-mentioned multiple cameras 61 may be used as an insertion detection device that detects the insertion state. In this case, the multiple cameras 61 capture images of whether the positioning pin 34a is inserted into the positioning hole 208 or positioned outside the positioning hole. For example, it is possible to provide a marker on the positioning pin 34a, and to check whether the marker is positioned inside the positioning hole 208 and not visible, or whether the marker is exposed outside the positioning hole 208.

[0144] It may also be possible to detect whether or not the locking / unlocking tool 34b has been inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f, or whether or not the fastening bolt in a fastened state has been unlocked by the locking / unlocking tool 34b.

[0145] If it is determined that the battery 101 can be removed (step S10: YES), steps S11 and S12 are carried out, and if it is determined that the battery 101 cannot be removed (step S10: NO), step S10A is carried out.

[0146] [Checking the number of times the battery was determined to be non-removable: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S10A, processor 11 checks whether the number of times battery 201 has been determined to be unremovable is smaller than a reference value n (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2).

[0147] Specifically, for example, it is confirmed whether the number of times that the insertion detection unit (multiple cameras 61) has detected that the positioning pin 34a has not been inserted into the positioning hole 208 and that the cleaning device 40 has repeatedly cleaned the positioning hole 208 is smaller than a reference value n.

[0148] In addition, the removal detection unit, which detects whether the battery 101 can be removed, checks whether the number of times that the locking / unlocking tool 34b has not been inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f, or that the locking / unlocking tool 34b has not been able to unlock the fastening bolt that is in a fastened state, and the cleaning of the positioning hole 208 by the cleaning device 40 have been repeated is less than the reference value n.

[0149] If it is determined that the number of times that the battery 201 has been determined to be unremovable is smaller than the reference value n (step S10A: YES), the flow from step S6 is repeatedly performed.

[0150] More specifically, when the insertion detection unit detects that the positioning pin 34a is not inserted into the positioning hole 208, the cleaning device 40 cleans the positioning hole 208. Similarly, when the removal detection unit detects that the locking / unlocking tool 34b is not in the tool insertion hole 201f or that the locking / unlocking tool 34b has not been able to unlock the fastening bolt in a fastened state, the cleaning device 40 cleans the tool insertion hole 201f and / or the head portion of the fastening bolt 201g.

[0151] If it is determined that the number of times that the battery 201 has been determined to be unremovable is equal to or greater than the reference value n (step S10A: NO), step S10B is carried out.

[0152] [Warning by warning notification unit: battery replacement device] In step S10B, processor 11 issues a warning by warning notification unit 85 to inform the user or the like that it is difficult to remove battery 201.

[0153] [Batteries are transported to the hangar: Battery exchange device] Next, in step S11, the battery 201 removed from the vehicle body 200a in step S9 is transported to the storage shed 100b.

[0154] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the process of transporting a battery removed from a vehicle. As shown in Fig. 13, the processor 11 lowers the battery mounting table 34 on which the battery 201 is mounted to the height position of the transport unit 36 ​​(see Fig. 1).

[0155] The processor 11 also lowers the lifting section 35 (lifting bar 35a) to a position lower than the battery mounting stand 34. As a result, the body 200a of the vehicle 200 is placed on the floor 39 without being held by the lifting bar 35a.

[0156] Next, the processor 11 drives the roller unit 34c (see FIG. 5) of the battery mounting stand 34. As a result, the battery 201 mounted on the battery mounting stand 34 is transferred to the transport unit 36. The battery 201 transferred to the transport unit 36 ​​is transported to the temporary storage area 90, and then stored in the storage facility 100b by another transport device (not shown).

[0157] [Cleaning the underside of the vehicle (200km): Battery replacement device] 14 is a diagram showing a process of cleaning the underside of the vehicle after the battery has been removed from the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 14, in step S12, the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 is cleaned in parallel with step S11.

[0158] Specifically, the processor 11 closes the shutter 32 and closes the opening 32a when the lifting unit 35 and the battery mounting stand 34 are lowered to the underfloor area S. From this state, the cleaning device 40 is moved in the X and Y directions while spraying the cleaning medium from the nozzle 43.

[0159] In this way, by cleaning the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 after removing the battery 201 from the vehicle 200, it is possible to clean the portion of the underside 200k that will cover the upper surface of the battery 201. Furthermore, by cleaning the positioning hole 208 and the tool insertion hole 201f again, it is possible to avoid a situation where another battery 101 cannot be attached due to foreign matter remaining in the positioning hole 208 and the tool insertion hole 201f.

[0160] [Installing other batteries: Battery replacement device] 15 is a diagram showing the process of attaching another battery to a vehicle. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15, in step S13, processor 11 performs control to attach another battery 101 to vehicle body 200a.

[0161] Specifically, the processor 11 raises the lifting section 35 (lifting bar 35a) to hold the vehicle 200 parallel to the horizontal at a predetermined height. Next, the processor 11 raises the battery mounting base 34 on which another battery 101 is placed to insert the positioning pin 34a into the positioning hole 208. In this state, the processor 11 raises the locking / unlocking tool 34b and inserts it into the tool positioning hole 208h. Next, the processor 11 drives (rotates) the locking / unlocking tool 34b to lock the fastening bolt in the tool insertion hole.

[0162] When it is detected that all of the fastening bolts are locked, the vehicle-side connector 210 and the connector of the battery 101 are locked together, thereby completing the installation of the battery 101 in the vehicle body 200a.

[0163] [Retraction of battery platform and lifting section: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S14, the processor 11 lowers the battery mounting stand 34 and the lifting unit 35 to predetermined positions. The vehicle 200 is placed on the floor unit 39, and the processor 11 closes the shutter unit 32.

[0164] [Battery replacement completion notification: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S15, the processor 11 notifies the vehicle 200 that the battery replacement work has been completed via the communication unit 13. The processor 11 also notifies the vehicle 200 of information regarding the cleaning. Specifically, for example, the processor 11 notifies the vehicle 200 of the number of cleanings, the cleaning cost, or an image of the underside 200k captured after cleaning.

[0165] [Receive notification of completion of battery replacement: Vehicle] In step S25, the vehicle 200 receives the notification transmitted from the communication unit 13 of the battery exchange apparatus 100 in step S15. This puts the vehicle 200 into a state in which the ignition power can be turned on. Then, the process ends.

[0166] Through the above steps, the battery 201 can be replaced with another battery 101 by the battery exchange device 100.

[0167] (Embodiment 2) 16 is a plan view showing the configuration of a battery exchange station of a battery exchange apparatus according to Embodiment 2. The battery exchange apparatus according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0168] As shown in Figure 16, the battery exchange device of embodiment 2 differs from the battery exchange device 100 of embodiment 1 in that it is equipped with a cleaning device 40A that is located forward of the vehicle stopping area 103.

[0169] The washing device 40A is provided so as to be able to wash the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 entering the vehicle stopping area 103. The washing device 40A is provided in a line shape extending along the Y direction, for example.

[0170] 17 is a flow diagram showing the battery exchange process of the battery exchange device according to Embodiment 2. The battery exchange flow of the battery exchange device according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0171] In embodiment 2, battery replacement is basically performed in accordance with the battery replacement flow of embodiment 1, but differs from embodiment 1 in that step 1A is provided between step S1 and step S2.

[0172] In step S1A, the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 is washed by the washing device 40A before the vehicle 200 enters the vehicle stopping area 103. This allows the vehicle 200 to be washed before the battery exchange begins. Furthermore, by providing the washing device 40A in front of the vehicle stopping area 103, it is possible to prevent the washing liquid from entering the vehicle stopping area 103.

[0173] Furthermore, since the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 can be cleaned in step S1A, in the second embodiment, steps S4 to S6, as well as steps S10, S10A, S10B and step S12 in the battery replacement flow of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0174] (Embodiment 3) 18 is a plan view showing the configuration of a battery exchange station of a battery exchange apparatus according to Embodiment 3. The battery exchange apparatus according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0175] 18, the battery exchange device according to the third embodiment differs from the power storage device according to the second embodiment in that it further includes a drying device 50B and a position detection mechanism 65. The other configurations are substantially the same.

[0176] The drying device 50B is disposed between the vehicle stopping area 103 and the washing device 40A. That is, the washing device 40A and the drying device 50B are disposed side by side in the vehicle entry direction ahead of the vehicle stopping area (upstream in the vehicle entry direction). The drying device 50B is disposed closer to the vehicle stopping area 103 than the washing device 40A. The drying device 50B has a configuration substantially similar to that of the drying device 50 described above.

[0177] By providing the drying device 50B in this manner, the vehicle 200 washed by the washing device 40A can be dried before entering the vehicle stopping area 103.

[0178] The position detection mechanism 65 is provided so as to be able to detect the position of the vehicle 200. The position detection mechanism 65 detects that the vehicle 200 is located above the cleaning device 40A. Position information of the vehicle 200 detected by the position detection mechanism 65 is input to the processor 11.

[0179] The position detection mechanism 65 includes, for example, a plurality of cameras 66. The position detection mechanism 65 detects whether the vehicle is located above the cleaning device 40A by capturing an image of the vehicle using the cameras 66. Note that the position detection mechanism 65 is not limited to the plurality of cameras 66, and may be a weight sensor, a radar, or the like.

[0180] When a weight sensor is used as the position detection mechanism 65, the position of the vehicle 200 can be detected by detecting the weight of the vehicle 200. When a radar is used as the position detection mechanism 65, the position of the vehicle 200 can be detected by detecting the distance between the vehicle stopping area 103 and the vehicle 200, for example.

[0181] In the third embodiment, the battery replacement is performed in accordance with the battery replacement flow according to the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, in step S1A, before the vehicle 200 enters the vehicle stopping area 103, the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 is washed by the washing device 40A, and the vehicle after washing is dried by the drying device 50B.

[0182] More specifically, when the position detection mechanism 65 detects that the vehicle 200 is located above the washer 40A, the processor 11 activates the washer 40A based on the detection information. This causes the washer 40A to perform washing. Then, before the vehicle 200 enters the vehicle stopping area 103, the washed vehicle 200 is dried by the drying device 50B. This prevents the cleaning liquid and the like from falling from the vehicle 200 within the vehicle stopping area 103.

[0183] In the third embodiment, since the underside 200k of the vehicle 200 can be cleaned in step S1A, steps S4 to S6, as well as steps S10, S10A, S10B, and S12 in the battery replacement flow of the first embodiment may be omitted in the third embodiment. In this case, the cleaning device 40 and the drying device 50 in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0184] In the above-described first to third embodiments, the battery 201 is fixed to the underside 200k of the vehicle 200, and the cleaning device 40, 40A is used to clean the underside 200k of the vehicle 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If the battery 201 is fixed to the side of the vehicle, the cleaning device 40, 40A may clean the side of the vehicle 200. In this way, it is sufficient to clean at least one of the part of the vehicle where the battery replacement mechanism 33 comes into contact with the vehicle 200 and the underside.

[0185] Furthermore, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the battery 101, 201 is removably fixed to the vehicle body 200a by a plurality of fastening bolts 201g as fasteners, but this is not limiting. The battery 101, 201 may also be removably fixed to the vehicle body 200a using a latch structure, a magnet, or the like as a fastener.

[0186] In this way, the above disclosure can be applied to a vehicle in which the battery 201 is releasably fixed to the vehicle body 200a by multiple fasteners. In this case, the battery replacement device includes an anchor release unit that releases the battery 201 from the fixed state of the battery 201 to the vehicle body 200a by the multiple fasteners. The cleaning device 40, 40A may be provided so as to be able to clean the portion where the anchor release unit comes into contact with the fixed unit in any of steps S1, S6, and S12 in the above battery replacement flow.

[0187] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0188] 10 control device, 11 processor, 12 memory, 13 communication unit, 20 detection device, 30 drive unit, 31 wheel stopper unit, 31a pressing member, 31b horizontal roller unit, 31c slider unit, 32 shutter unit, 32a opening, 32c opening surface, 33 battery replacement mechanism, 34 battery mounting base, 34a positioning pin, 34b locking / unlocking tool, 34c roller unit, 34d tapered surface, 35 lifting unit, 35a lifting bar, 35b protrusion, 36 conveying unit, 39 floor unit, 40, 40A cleaning device, 41 movable body, 42 arm unit, 42a first part, 43 nozzle unit, 45 cleaning medium supply unit, 46 heater, 47 supply piping, 50 drying device, 51 first nozzle unit, 52 second nozzle unit, 55 Wiping device, 61 camera, 62 image processing unit, 70 inclined portion, 85 warning notification unit, 90 temporary storage area, 100 battery exchange device, 100a battery exchange station, 100b storage shed, 101 battery, 103 vehicle stopping area, 200 vehicle, 200a vehicle body, 200k underside, 201f tool insertion hole, 201g fastening bolt, 201 battery, 202 wheels, 206 auxiliary battery, 207 converter, 208 positioning hole, 208h tool positioning hole, 210 vehicle side connector, 211 connector, R discharge path, S underfloor area.

Claims

1. A battery exchange device for exchanging a first battery installed in a vehicle with a second battery, a battery replacement mechanism that removes the first battery from the vehicle and installs the second battery in the vehicle; a washing device for washing a part of the vehicle, the cleaning device cleans at least one of a portion of the vehicle that the battery replacement mechanism will come into contact with the vehicle and an underside of the vehicle before the battery replacement mechanism removes the first battery; a vehicle stopping area for stopping the vehicle; The battery exchange device is configured so that the cleaning device can clean the vehicle parked in the vehicle stopping area.

2. the vehicle stopping area is provided with an opening through which the battery replacement mechanism can pass and a shutter that closes the opening in an openable and closable manner; The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , wherein the cleaning device cleans the underside of the vehicle with the opening closed by the shutter.

3. the vehicle stopping area has a floor portion facing the underside of the vehicle, The battery exchange device according to claim 2 , wherein the shutter portion is provided so that at least a portion of the shutter portion is positioned above the floor portion when the opening portion is closed by the shutter portion.

4. the cleaning device cleans the underside of the vehicle by spraying a cleaning liquid toward the vehicle; The battery exchange device according to claim 3 , wherein the floor portion is provided with a discharge flow path for discharging the cleaning liquid.

5. a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires information from the vehicle; the vehicle information acquisition unit is configured to be able to acquire stop information that the vehicle has stopped in the vehicle stopping area, The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , wherein the cleaning device starts cleaning the underside of the vehicle after the vehicle information acquisition unit acquires the stop information.

6. a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires information from the vehicle; The cleaning device is provided movably, The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , wherein the cleaning device moves to a cleaning position based on the information from the vehicle acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit.

7. a positioning hole for aligning with the battery replacement mechanism is provided on the underside of the vehicle; The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , wherein the cleaning device cleans the positioning hole.

8. the battery replacement mechanism has an insertion portion that is insertable into the positioning hole, an insertion detection unit that detects whether the insertion unit is inserted into the positioning hole; The battery exchange device according to claim 7 , wherein the cleaning device cleans the positioning hole when the insertion detection unit detects that the insertion unit is not inserted into the positioning hole.

9. The battery replacement device of claim 8, further comprising a warning notification unit that issues a warning when the insertion detection unit detects that the battery is not inserted into the positioning hole after the insertion detection unit detects that the battery is not inserted into the positioning hole and the cleaning device cleans the positioning hole repeatedly.

10. the cleaning device cleans the vehicle by spraying a liquid toward the vehicle; The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , further comprising a drying device that dries the vehicle washed by the washing device.

11. the cleaning device cleans the vehicle by spraying a liquid toward the vehicle; The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , further comprising a wiping device that wipes off the liquid adhering to the vehicle that has been washed by the washing device.

12. the cleaning device cleans the vehicle by spraying a cleaning medium toward the vehicle; The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , further comprising a heating device for heating the cleaning medium.

13. the first battery is releasably fixed to the vehicle body by a plurality of fixing devices; the battery replacement mechanism includes a fixation release unit that releases a fixed state in which the first battery is fixed to the vehicle body by the plurality of fixators, The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , wherein the cleaning device cleans a portion of the fixing release part that comes into contact with the fixing tool.

14. 5. The battery replacement device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device further cleans the underside of the vehicle from which the first battery has been removed by the battery replacement mechanism before the second battery is installed in the vehicle.

15. The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , wherein the cleaning device is provided forward of the vehicle stopping area.

16. the cleaning device cleans the vehicle by spraying a liquid toward the vehicle; a drying device for drying the vehicle washed by the washing device; the washing device and the drying device are arranged side by side in a direction in which the vehicle enters, forward of the vehicle stopping area; The battery exchange device according to claim 15, wherein the drying device is disposed closer to the vehicle stopping area than the cleaning device.

17. a position detection mechanism for detecting the position of the vehicle; 17. The battery exchange device according to claim 15, wherein the washing device washes the vehicle when the position detection mechanism detects that the vehicle is located above the washing device.

18. The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , wherein the cleaning device is capable of cleaning a surface of the first battery that is exposed from the vehicle when the battery exchange device is mounted on the vehicle.

Images