Housing and power systems

Abstract

A battery exchanger (10) is provided with a slot sleeve (23) for accommodating a mobile battery (12) in an insertable and removable manner. The slot sleeve (23) has a tubular portion (23b) and a bottom portion (23a) connected to the tubular portion (23b). The tubular portion (23b) surrounds the outer periphery of the mobile battery (12) accommodated in the slot sleeve (23). The bottom portion (23a) has an air inlet (42c) for causing the inside and the outside of the slot sleeve (23) to communicate with each other, and the tubular portion (23b) has exhaust slits (22b2) for causing the inside and the outside of the slot sleeve (23) to communicate with each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2018-163757 discloses a storage device for storing a storage battery. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 11-098613 discloses a storage device for managing the temperature of the stored storage battery. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, there is room for improvement in the air flow within the containment device.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a better storage device.

[0005] An embodiment of the storage device of the present invention has an insertion port through which an electrical device is inserted, and includes a storage section that stores the electrical device in a removable manner, the storage section having a tubular section and a bottom connected to the tubular section, the tubular section surrounding the outer periphery of the electrical device stored in the storage section, the bottom having a first communication passage connecting the inside and outside of the storage section, and the tubular section having a second communication passage connecting the inside and outside of the storage section.

[0006] The present invention provides a storage device with improved internal air flow. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the battery exchange machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery exchange machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the slot. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the slot. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the slot. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the slot. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of the slot. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mobile battery. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the top surface of the mobile battery. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the mobile battery. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a mobile battery. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the slot. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the slot. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the lower plate of the slot body. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the slot body, the inner door, and the mobile battery. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the slot. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a reverse insertion prevention flange. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the reverse insertion prevention flange and the slot fixing stay. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a front view of the reverse insertion prevention flange and the slot fixing stay. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a front view of the slot flange. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a slot flange. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the slot. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the slot flange. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a slot flange. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a rear view of the slot flange. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the inner door locking mechanism. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the inner door locking mechanism. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the inner door locking mechanism. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the inner door locking mechanism. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the mobile battery inserted obliquely into the slot flange. [Figure 32] 32A and 32B are cross-sectional views of the slot. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 36] 36A, 36B, and 36C are cross-sectional views of the bottom cover assembly and the mobile battery. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a front view of the slot. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the battery lock mechanism. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a front view of the battery lock mechanism. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a rear view of the battery lock mechanism. [Figure 42] 42A and 42B are front views of the battery lock mechanism. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 shows the mobile battery being pulled out of the slot sleeve. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the bottom cover. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the slot. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the slot. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the slot. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a battery exchange machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

[0011] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery exchange machine 10. The battery exchange machine 10 has a control device 18 above the slot 14. The control device 18 controls the battery exchange machine 10. The battery exchange machine 10 has a utility space 20 below the slot 14. A cooling device or the like for cooling the inside of the battery exchange machine 10 can be installed in the utility space 20 as an option.

[0012] The battery exchange machine 10 will be described below based on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis defined as follows: The direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the slot 14 is defined as the Z-axis direction, and the direction from the innermost part of the slot 14 toward the opening 26e is defined as the +Z-axis direction. The +Z-axis direction is the direction in which the mobile battery 12 is removed from the slot 14. The direction parallel to the width direction of the battery exchange machine 10 is defined as the X-axis direction, and the right side when viewing the slot 14 from the side where it opens on the front surface 10a of the battery exchange machine 10 is defined as the +X-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and X-axis is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the upward side is defined as the +Y-axis direction.

[0013] In the following, the view from the +Z axis direction may be referred to as the front view, the view from the -Z axis direction as the back view, the view from the +Y axis direction as the top view, the view from the -Y axis direction as the bottom view, the view from the +X axis direction as the right side view, and the view from the -X axis direction as the left side view.

[0014] [Overall slot configuration] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slot 14. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the slot 14. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 14. FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 are front views of the slot 14. FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 show a state in which the mobile battery 12 is not housed in the slot 14. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the inner door 24, which will be described later, is open. FIG. 5 and FIG. 8 show a state in which the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot 14. The overall configuration of the slot 14 will be described using FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8.

[0015] The slot 14 has a slot sleeve 23. The slot sleeve 23 is a cylindrical shape with a bottom 23a and a cylindrical portion 23b. The slot sleeve 23 accommodates the mobile battery 12. The cylindrical portion 23b surrounds the outer periphery of the mobile battery 12 accommodated in the slot sleeve 23. The slot sleeve 23 has a slot body 22, a slot flange 26, and a bottom cover 42.

[0016] The cylindrical portion 23b of the slot sleeve 23 is the slot body 22. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the slot body 22 has four side surfaces: a lower plate 22a, an upper plate 22b, a left side surface 22e, and a right side surface 22f. The lower plate 22a, the upper plate 22b, the left side surface 22e, and the right side surface 22f are each a plate material made of aluminum. The lower plate 22a, the upper plate 22b, the left side surface 22e, and the right side surface 22f are fastened together with bolts 36 to form the cylindrical portion 23b of the slot sleeve 23. When the slot body 22 is viewed from the Z-axis direction, the outer shape of the cylindrical portion 23b is formed into a substantially rectangular shape.

[0017] The slot body 22 may be made of resin. Alternatively, the slot body 22 may have four side surfaces integrally formed by extrusion molding, injection molding, or the like. The slot body 22 is not limited to being made of aluminum, and may be made of other metals or resin. Using aluminum for the slot body 22 can increase durability compared to when resin is used for the slot body 22.

[0018] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a slot flange 26 is attached to the opening 22c on the +Z-axis direction side of the slot main body 22. The slot flange 26 is formed from resin. The slot flange 26 is not limited to being made of resin, and may be made of metal, for example. As shown in Figures 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8, the slot flange 26 has a guide portion 26a. The guide portion 26a is provided with an insertion opening 26c that communicates with the Z-axis direction. When the guide portion 26a is viewed from the Z-axis direction, the insertion opening 26c has a substantially rectangular shape. The end of the insertion opening 26c opposite the slot main body 22 is an opening 26e.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6, an inner door 24 is provided at the opening 22c on the +Z-axis direction side of the slot body 22. When the mobile battery 12 is not housed in the slot sleeve 23, the inner door 24 closes to block the opening 22c of the slot body 22, as shown in Figures 3 and 6. When the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot sleeve 23, the inner door 24 opens inward of the slot body 22, and the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot body 22, as shown in Figure 5.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, a bottom cover 42 is attached to the opening 22d on the -Z-axis direction side of the slot body 22. The bottom cover 42 is made of resin. The bottom 23a of the slot sleeve 23 is provided on the bottom cover 42. The bottom cover 42 is not limited to being made of resin, and may be made of metal, for example. The bottom 23a is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The tubular portions 23b extend in the Z-axis direction from each of the four sides of the bottom 23a.

[0021] Resin is used for each of the slot flange 26, the inner door 24, and the bottom cover 42. This allows each of the slot flange 26, the inner door 24, and the bottom cover 42 to be manufactured more inexpensively than if metal were used for each of the slot flange 26, the inner door 24, and the bottom cover 42.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 5, a reverse insertion prevention flange 28 is provided between the slot body 22 and the slot flange 26.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3, 6 and 7, an inner door locking mechanism 29 is provided at the insertion opening 26c of the slot flange 26. When the mobile battery 12 is not housed in the slot sleeve 23, the inner door locking mechanism 29 is in a locked state. This restricts the rotation of the closed inner door 24 so that it cannot be opened. When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot sleeve 23, the inner door locking mechanism 29 is in an unlocked state. This releases the restriction on the rotation of the inner door 24. At this time, the inner door 24 is pushed by the mobile battery 12 and rotates inward of the slot body 22.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 8, a battery lock mechanism 30 is provided at the opening on the +Z-axis direction side of the slot body 22. The battery lock mechanism 30 is provided on the +Y-axis direction side of the opening 22c of the slot body 22. As shown in Figure 8, when the battery lock mechanism 30 is in a locked state, the plate 30b protrudes inside the slot sleeve 23. At this time, when the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23 moves in the +Z-axis direction, the plate 30b abuts against the upper surface 12a of the mobile battery 12. In this way, the battery lock mechanism 30 restricts the movement of the mobile battery 12 in the +Z-axis direction.

[0025] 5 and 7, a hold detection switch 32 is provided on the bottom cover 42. When the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot sleeve 23, the hold detection switch 32 is pressed by the mobile battery 12 and switches from off to on.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, a bottom cover assembly 34 is attached to the opening on the -Z-axis direction side of the slot body 22. A fan 62, a connector unit 64, and an electronic circuit board 66 are attached to the bottom 23a of the bottom cover 42 to form the bottom cover assembly 34. The bottom cover assembly 34 has the connector unit 64. The connector unit 64 has the fan 62 and a connector 64e (see Figure 5). The fan 62 sends air into the slot sleeve 23. The connector 64e fits into the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12.

[0027] [Mobile battery configuration] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the mobile battery 12. Fig. 10 is a view showing the top surface 12a of the mobile battery 12. Fig. 11 is a view showing the bottom surface 12b of the mobile battery 12. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile battery 12. The configuration of the mobile battery 12 will be described below with reference to Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12.

[0028] In the following description of the configuration of the mobile battery 12, the U-axis, V-axis, and W-axis defined as follows are used. The longitudinal direction of the mobile battery 12 is the W-axis direction, and the direction from the bottom surface 12b toward the top surface 12a is the +W-axis direction. The direction in which the side surfaces 12c and 12d of the mobile battery 12 are aligned is the V-axis direction, and the direction from the side surface 12c toward the side surface 12d is the +V-axis direction. The direction in which the side surfaces 12e and 12f are aligned is the U-axis direction, and the direction from the side surface 12e toward the side surface 12f is the +U-axis direction.

[0029] 9 and 10, a handle 48 is provided on the top surface 12a of the mobile battery 12. The handle 48 has a first grip portion 48a extending in the U-axis direction and a second grip portion 48b extending in the V-axis direction. The user holds the handle 48 to insert or remove the mobile battery 12 into or from the slot 14.

[0030] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, of the side surfaces 12c, 12d, 12e, and 12f of the mobile battery 12, the side surface 12d is curved and convex outward. Of the side surfaces 12c, 12d, 12e, and 12f, the side surfaces 12c, 12e, and 12f are generally flat. In other words, the outer shape of the mobile battery 12 is rotationally asymmetric with respect to the axis 13 shown in Figures 9 to 11. The axis 13 is a line that passes through the center of the mobile battery 12 and extends in the W-axis direction. The W-axis direction coincides with the direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into and removed from the slot sleeve 23.

[0031] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, a connector 50 (female connector 50) is exposed on the bottom surface 12b of the mobile battery 12 in the -W-axis direction. In the V-axis direction, the connector 50 is disposed at a position in the +V-axis direction from the center of the bottom surface 12b. The connector 50 is provided in a recess 12g of the mobile battery 12. The recess 12g is formed so as to be recessed from the bottom surface 12b toward the +W-axis direction. The female connector 50 corresponds to a first electrical terminal of the present invention.

[0032] The connector 50 is positioned in the +W-axis direction relative to the bottom surface 12b. This prevents the connector 50 from coming into contact with the ground when the mobile battery 12 is placed on the ground with the bottom surface 12b facing down. This prevents the connector 50 from becoming dirty or damaged. It also prevents the connector 50 from coming into contact with conductors. This prevents the mobile battery 12 from unintentionally discharging.

[0033] [Inner door configuration] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 14. Fig. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the slot 14. Figs. 13 and 14 show the end of the inner door 24 on the -Y axis direction side and its surroundings when the inner door 24 is closed. The configuration of the inner door 24 will be described using Figs. 5, 6, 13 and 14.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the inner door 24 is provided so as to be rotatable around a shaft 44. The shaft 44 is attached to the slot body 22. The shaft 44 extends in the X-axis direction. That is, the shaft 44 extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into and removed from the slot sleeve 23 (the Z-axis direction). The shaft 44 is positioned in the +Y-axis direction relative to the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23. That is, the shaft 44 is positioned vertically above the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23. As a result, when the mobile battery 12 is pulled out of the slot sleeve 23, the inner door 24 closes by its own weight.

[0035] When viewed from the -X-axis direction, the torsion spring 46 attached to the shaft 44 biases the inner door 24 in a direction rotating counterclockwise around the shaft 44. As a result, when the mobile battery 12 is pulled out of the slot sleeve 23, the torsion spring 46 pushes the inner door 24 in a closing direction. Therefore, the inner door 24 can reliably close the insertion opening 26c of the slot flange 26. When the mobile battery 12 is not housed in the slot sleeve 23, the inner door 24 is located in the first position. At this time, the inner door 24 blocks the insertion opening 26c of the slot flange 26 to the greatest extent.

[0036] When the inner door 24 is located in the first position, at least a portion of the inner door 24 is positioned on the trajectory of the mobile battery 12 being inserted into or removed from the slot sleeve 23. By positioning the inner door 24 in this manner, when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 14, the mobile battery 12 pushes the inner door 24 open. That is, the inner door 24 rotates in the opening direction against the biasing force of the torsion spring 46. As a result, the inner door 24 releases the insertion opening 26c of the slot flange 26. When the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot sleeve 23, the inner door 24 is located in the second position. At this time, the amount of blocking of the insertion opening 26c of the slot flange 26 by the inner door 24 is smallest.

[0037] The inner door 24 is not limited to a door that opens and closes by rotating around the shaft 44, but may be a door that opens and closes by moving parallel to the X-axis or Y-axis.

[0038] It can also be said that the torsion spring 46 biases the inner door 24 in a direction from the second position toward the first position.

[0039] 13, a roller 47 is provided on the side of the inner door 24 on the −Y axis direction side. The roller 47 is provided rotatably around a shaft 47a.

[0040] 13, when the inner door 24 is closed, the portion of the roller 47 closest to the +Z axis direction is located closer to the +Z axis direction than the portion of the inner door 24 closest to the +Z axis direction. In other words, the portion of the roller 47 closest to the slot body 22 is closer to the slot body 22 than the portion of the inner door 24 closest to the slot body 22.

[0041] 14, the inner door 24 has a notch 24a. When the inner door 24 is in the first position, the notch 24a is provided at a position corresponding to a slider 22a1 of the slot main body 22, which will be described later, and a slider 28d of the reverse insertion prevention flange 28, which will be described later. The notch 24a is recessed from the side of the inner door 24 opposite to the shaft 47a toward the shaft 47a.

[0042] 14, the inner door 24 has a protrusion 24b. When the inner door 24 is located in the first position, the protrusion 24b is provided at a position corresponding to a roller relief groove 22a4 of the slot body 22, which will be described later, and a recess 22a6 of the slot body 22, which will be described later. The protrusion 24b is formed to protrude further toward the opposite side of the shaft 47a of the inner door 24 than the notch 24a.

[0043] As a result, when the inner door 24 is closed, the inner door 24 does not interfere with the slider 28d and the slider 22a1. Also, when the inner door 24 is closed and positioned at the first position, the slot body 22 can be sealed by the inner door 24.

[0044] [Slot body configuration] Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the lower plate 22a of the slot body 22. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the slot body 22, the inner door 24, and the mobile battery 12. Fig. 16 shows the inner door 24 in an open state. Fig. 16 also shows the roller 47 and the area around the roller 47. Fig. 17 is a bottom view of the slot 14. The configuration of the slot body 22 will be described using Figs. 2, 3, 5, 14, 15, 16, and 17.

[0045] As shown in Figures 5, 14, and 15, two sliders 22a1 are formed on the inner surface of the lower plate 22a of the slot body 22 in the -Y-axis direction. These two sliders 22a1 extend in the Z-axis direction. Each slider 22a1 protrudes convexly from the surface of the lower plate 22a in the +Y-axis direction. When the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot sleeve 23, the lower plate 22a is positioned vertically below the mobile battery 12. Each slider 22a1 extends in the Z-axis direction. That is, each slider 22a1 extends in the direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the slot sleeve 23. Each slider 22a1 has seven grooves 22a2 extending in the Z-axis direction. This reduces the contact area between the sliders 22a1 and the mobile battery 12 inserted or removed from the slot 14 in the Z-axis direction. This reduces friction between the mobile battery 12 and the sliders 22a1. In this embodiment, the slider 22a1 is provided on the lower plate 22a. The slider 22a1 may be provided on the upper plate 22b, the left side surface 22e, or the right side surface 22f. The slider 22a1 corresponds to the protrusion of the present invention.

[0046] A fan 62, which will be described later, introduces air into the slotted sleeve 23. The slider 22a1 adjusts the air flow inside the slotted sleeve 23 to a flow in the Z-axis direction.

[0047] 14 and 15, the slider 22a1 has a chamfered portion 22a3. The chamfered portion 22a3 is provided at the end of the slider 22a1 on the +Z-axis direction side. The chamfered portion 22a3 can prevent the mobile battery 12 from getting caught on the end of the slider 22a1 on the +Z-axis direction side when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot body 22.

[0048] As shown in Figures 5 and 15, a roller clearance groove 22a4 is formed on the inner surface of the lower plate 22a of the slot body 22. The roller clearance groove 22a4 is formed between the two sliders 22a1. The roller clearance groove 22a4 is formed at the end of the lower plate 22a on the +Z axis direction side. The roller clearance groove 22a4 has a tapered surface that is inclined with respect to the Z axis direction. The +Z axis direction side of this tapered surface is located further in the -Y axis direction than the -Z axis direction side of the tapered surface. When the inner door 24 opens or closes, the roller 47 of the inner door 24 passes through the roller clearance groove 22a4.

[0049] 15, a recess 22a6 is formed on the inner surface of the lower plate 22a of the slot body 22. The recess 22a6 is formed outside the two sliders 22a1. The recess 22a6 extends in the Z-axis direction.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 and 16, an inner door retraction section 22b1 is formed on the inner surface of the upper plate 22b located on the +Y-axis direction side of the slot body 22. The inner door retraction section 22b1 is recessed in a concave shape toward the +Y-axis direction. With the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23, the inner door 24 retracts into the inner door retraction section 22b1. The position of the inner door 24 at this time is the second position. With the inner door 24 retracted within the inner door retraction section 22b1, the roller 47 abuts against the side surface 12d of the mobile battery 12. This reduces friction between the inner door 24 and the mobile battery 12 inserted or removed from the slot 14.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, five drainage holes 22a5 that communicate between the inside and outside of the slot body 22 are formed in the lower plate 22a of the slot body 22. Three of the drainage holes 22a5 are formed in a position on the -Z-axis direction from the center of the lower plate 22a in the Z-axis direction. In addition, two of the drainage holes 22a5 are formed in a position on the +Z-axis direction from the center of the lower plate 22a in the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the -Z-axis direction side of the slot 14 is located vertically below the +Z-axis direction side of the slot 14. Therefore, most of the liquid that enters the slot 14 is drained through the three drainage holes 22a5 formed in a position on the -Z-axis direction from the center of the lower plate 22a.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the upper plate 22b of the slot body 22 is formed with two exhaust slits 22b2 that connect the inside and outside of the slot sleeve 23. The upper plate 22b is located above the center of the slot sleeve 23 in the vertical direction. Air heated by the heat of the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23 moves upward inside the slot sleeve 23. The heated air is then discharged to the outside of the slot sleeve 23 through the exhaust slits 22b2 provided in the upper plate 22b. The exhaust slits 22b2 correspond to the second communication passage of the present invention.

[0053] The exhaust slit 22b2 is formed by cutting out the edge of the upper plate 22b on the -X-axis direction side. As a result, the exhaust slit 22b2 is positioned on the -X-axis direction side of the slot body 22 with respect to the axis 21 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). The exhaust slit 22b2 is also positioned vertically above the axis 21. The vertically above direction corresponds to the fourth direction of the present invention. Furthermore, the exhaust slit 22b2 is positioned in the +Z-axis direction from the center of the slot sleeve 23 in the Z-axis direction. The +Z-axis direction corresponds to the fifth direction of the present invention.

[0054] The air introduced into the slot body 22 by the fan 62 passes between the side surfaces 12c to 12f of the mobile battery 12 and the slot body 22, and is discharged from the exhaust slits 22b2. This improves the cooling efficiency of the mobile battery 12. It also prevents dust from entering through the exhaust slits 22b2.

[0055] [Configuration of reverse insertion prevention flange and slot fixing stay] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the reverse insertion prevention flange 28. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the reverse insertion prevention flange 28 and the slot fixing stay 56. Figure 20 is a front view of the reverse insertion prevention flange 28 and the slot fixing stay 56. The configurations of the reverse insertion prevention flange 28 and the slot fixing stay 56 will be described using Figures 13, 14, 18, 19 and 20.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 18, reverse insertion prevention flange 28 has upper member 28a and lower member 28b. As shown in Fig. 19, upper member 28a and lower member 28b are attached to slot fixing stay 56. Reverse insertion prevention flange 28 has insertion hole 28c that penetrates in the Z-axis direction when upper member 28a and lower member 28b are attached to slot fixing stay 56.

[0057] 20 , of the inner surfaces 28e1, 28e2, 28e3, and 28e4 of the reverse insertion prevention flange 28, the inner surfaces 28e2, 28e3, and 28e4 are substantially flat. On the other hand, of the inner surfaces 28e1, 28e2, 28e3, and 28e4 of the reverse insertion prevention flange 28, the inner surface 28e1 is a curved surface that convex toward the +Y-axis direction. The inner surfaces 28e1, 28e2, 28e3, and 28e4 are shaped to follow the side surfaces 12d, 12c, 12e, and 12f of the mobile battery 12.

[0058] When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot sleeve 23 with the side surface 12d facing the +Y-axis direction, the mobile battery 12 passes through the insertion hole 28c and is inserted into the slot body 22. In other words, when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot sleeve 23 in the correct position with the side surface 12d facing the +Y-axis direction, the reverse insertion prevention flange 28 allows the mobile battery 12 to be inserted into the slot sleeve 23.

[0059] On the other hand, when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot sleeve 23 with the side surface 12d facing in a direction different from the +Y-axis direction, the mobile battery 12 interferes with the reverse insertion prevention flange 28. As a result, the mobile battery 12 cannot pass through the insertion hole 28c and is not inserted into the slot body 22. In other words, when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot sleeve 23 in an improper position with the side surface 12d facing in a direction different from the +Y-axis direction, the reverse insertion prevention flange 28 prevents the mobile battery 12 from being inserted into the slot sleeve 23.

[0060] 14, 18, and 19, two sliders 28d extending in the Z-axis direction are formed on the inner surface 28e2 of the reverse insertion prevention flange 28. Seven grooves 28d1 extending in the Z-axis direction are formed on each slider 28d. This reduces the contact area between the sliders 28d and the mobile battery 12 inserted or removed from the slot 14 in the Z-axis direction. This reduces friction between the mobile battery 12 and the sliders 28d.

[0061] 14, the slider 28d has a chamfered portion 28d2. The chamfered portion 28d2 is provided at the end of the slider 28d on the −Z axis direction side. The chamfered portion 28d2 can prevent the mobile battery 12 from getting caught on the end of the slider 28d on the −Z axis direction side when the mobile battery 12 passes through the reverse insertion prevention flange 28.

[0062] 13 and 14, the -Z axis direction end of the slider 28d of the reverse insertion prevention flange 28 is located further in the +Y axis direction than the +Z axis direction end of the slider 22a1 of the slot body 22. This prevents the mobile battery 12, which is inserted into the slot sleeve 23 in the -Z axis direction, from getting caught on the +Z axis direction end of the slider 22a1 of the slot body 22.

[0063] 13, a sealing member 58 is attached to the surface of the lower member 28b on the -Z axis direction side. When the inner door 24 is closed, the sealing member 58 abuts against the surface of the inner door 24 on the +Z axis direction side. This makes it possible to prevent liquid, dust, etc. from entering the slot main body 22 from between the reverse insertion prevention flange 28 and the inner door 24.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 13, a roller recess 28f is formed in the lower member 28b at a position in the -Y-axis direction relative to the seal member 58. The roller recess 28f is concave in the +Z-axis direction. By providing the roller recess 28f, the roller 47 and the reverse insertion prevention flange 28 do not come into contact with each other when the inner door 24 is closed. This allows the inner door 24 to be in close contact with the seal member 58 when the inner door 24 is closed. This prevents liquid, dust, and the like from entering the slot main body 22 from between the reverse insertion prevention flange 28 and the inner door 24.

[0065] [Slot flange configuration] FIG. 21 is a front view of the slot flange 26. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the slot flange 26. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 14. FIG. 23 shows a portion of the slot 14 in the +Z axis direction when the mobile battery 12 is not housed in the slot sleeve 23. FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the slot flange 26. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the slot flange 26. FIG. 26 is a rear view of the slot flange 26. The configuration of the slot flange 26 will be described using FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26.

[0066] 21 and 22, the slot flange 26 has a guide portion 26a and a flange portion 26b. The guide portion 26a has a side plate 26a1, a side plate 26a2, a side plate 26a3, and a side plate 26a4. When the guide portion 26a is viewed from the Z-axis direction, the guide portion 26a has a substantially rectangular shape. The guide portion 26a has an insertion opening 26c surrounded by the side plate 26a1, a side plate 26a2, a side plate 26a3, and a side plate 26a4.

[0067] 23, the opening area of ​​the insertion opening 26c of the slot flange 26 gradually increases in the Z-axis direction, which makes it easier for the user to insert the mobile battery 12 into the insertion opening 26c when inserting it into the -Z-axis direction.

[0068] 13 and 14, the side plate 26a2 of the guide portion 26a of the slot flange 26 is positioned in the +Y-axis direction further than the slider 28d of the reverse insertion prevention flange 28. This prevents the mobile battery 12, which is inserted into the slot sleeve 23 in the -Z-axis direction, from getting caught on the +Z-axis end of the slider 28d of the reverse insertion prevention flange 28.

[0069] 13 and 14, the side plate 26a2 of the guide portion 26a of the slot flange 26 is located in the +Y-axis direction further than the slider 22a1 of the slot body 22. This prevents the mobile battery 12, which is inserted into the slot sleeve 23 toward the -Z-axis direction, from getting caught on the +Z-axis direction end of the slider 22a1 of the slot body 22.

[0070] When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot sleeve 23, the side plate 26a2 of the guide portion 26a of the slot flange 26 is positioned vertically below the mobile battery 12. Furthermore, when the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot sleeve 23, the slider 22a1 of the slot body 22 is positioned vertically below the mobile battery 12.

[0071] 21 and 22, an indicator 40 is provided on the side plate 26a2 located in the -Y-axis direction of the slot flange 26. The indicator 40 is provided on the surface of the side plate 26a2 on the +Z-axis direction side. The indicator 40 indicates the availability of the slot 14, the charging state of the mobile battery 12 accommodated in the slot 14, etc., by indicating whether the light is on, flashing, or off, by the color of the light, etc.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 24, the indicator 40 has an LED unit 40a and a cover 40b. The slot flange 26 and the indicator 40 are configured separately. As shown in FIG. 25, the end of the indicator 40 on the +Z-axis direction side is positioned slightly (for example, about 0.5 mm) in the -Z-axis direction from the end of the guide portion 26a on the +Z-axis direction side. This makes it possible to suppress interference between the mobile battery 12 and the indicator 40 when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the slot 14. This improves the impact resistance of the indicator 40. It also makes it possible to suppress the movement of water droplets from the guide portion 26a to the indicator 40. This makes it possible to suppress water exposure to the indicator 40.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 22 , the portion connecting side plates 26a2 and 26a3 of guide portion 26a is arc-shaped. The portion connecting side plates 26a2 and 26a4 of guide portion 26a is arc-shaped. Indicator 40 extends from side plate 26a2 of guide portion 26a to the arc-shaped portion connecting side plates 26a2 and 26a3 of guide portion 26a. Furthermore, indicator 40 extends from side plate 26a2 of guide portion 26a to the arc-shaped portion connecting side plates 26a2 and 26a4 of guide portion 26a. This allows the user to see indicator 40 even when viewing battery exchange machine 10 from the side.

[0074] As shown in Figures 6, 7 and 26, a brush seal 60 is attached to the -Z axis direction side of the slot flange 26. The brush seal 60 is positioned in the +Z axis direction from the exhaust slit 22b2. The brush seal 60 has a frame 60a and a brush 60b. The frame 60a and the brush 60b are made of resin. The brush 60b is implanted in the frame 60a. The frame 60a and the brush 60b are flexible. The brush seal 60 corresponds to the inner peripheral protrusion portion of the present invention. The brush 60b corresponds to the flexible portion of the present invention.

[0075] The brush seal 60 is provided on the side plates 26a2, 26a3, and 26a4 of the guide portion 26a. That is, the brush seal 60 extends along the inner circumferential surface of the slotted sleeve 23. However, the brush seal 60 is not annular. The tip of the brush 60b is located inside the guide portion 26a. That is, the brush 60b of the brush seal 60 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the slotted sleeve 23. Furthermore, the tip of the brush 60b is located inside the inner surfaces 28e2, 28e3, and 28e4 of the reverse insertion prevention flange 28 described above.

[0076] The position of the mobile battery 12 when housed in the slotted sleeve 23 is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the tip of the brush 60b is positioned inside the mobile battery 12. Therefore, the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slotted sleeve 23 while tilting the brush 60b. As a result, when the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slotted sleeve 23, the tip of the brush 60b abuts against the side surfaces 12c, 12e, and 12f of the mobile battery 12. The brush 60b blocks the gaps between the mobile battery 12 and the side plate 26a2 of the guide portion 26a, between the mobile battery 12 and the side plate 26a3 of the guide portion 26a, and between the mobile battery 12 and the side plate 26a4 of the guide portion 26a. Relatively cool air in the slot 14 accumulates on the -Y-axis side of the slot 14, and relatively warm air accumulates on the +Y-axis side of the slot 14. Therefore, the brush 60b can prevent the relatively cool air from escaping from the slot 14.

[0077] The total opening area of ​​the two exhaust slits 22b2 (see FIG. 3) provided on the upper plate 22b of the slot body 22 is larger than the total opening area between the outer periphery of the mobile battery 12 and the inner periphery of the guide portion 26a of the slot flange 26. As a result, most of the air introduced into the slot body 22 by the fan 62, which will be described later, passes between the side surfaces 12c to 12f of the mobile battery 12 and the slot body 22, and is exhausted from the exhaust slits 22b2.

[0078] 13, 14, and 23, the frame 60a has a slit 60a1 cut in the Z-axis direction. The brush seal mounting portion 26d formed on the slot flange 26 is inserted into the slit 60a1. In this way, the brush seal 60 is mounted to the slot flange 26.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 23, the brush seal 60 is disposed closer to the opening of the slotted sleeve 23 in the +Z axis direction than the inner door 24.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 6, when the mobile battery 12 is not housed in the slot sleeve 23, no members protrude from the inside of the insertion opening 26c except for the inner door lock mechanism 29 and the brush seal 60. Also, as shown in Fig. 8, when the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot sleeve 23, no members protrude from the inside of the insertion opening 26c except for the battery lock mechanism 30. This makes it possible to prevent the user from being injured even if they insert their hand or the like into the insertion opening 26c.

[0081] [Configuration of inner door lock mechanism] 27, 28, 29, and 30 are perspective views of the inner door locking mechanism 29. FIGS. 28 and 29 show the inner door locking mechanism 29 with the cover 29c removed. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the mobile battery 12 inserted obliquely into the slot flange 26. The configuration of the inner door locking mechanism 29 will be described using FIGS. 6, 7, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31.

[0082] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, two inner door locking mechanisms 29 are provided on the slot flange 26. One inner door locking mechanism 29 is provided on the +X axis direction side of the slot flange 26. The other inner door locking mechanism 29 is provided on the -X axis direction side of the slot flange 26. Figures 29 and 30 show the inner door locking mechanism 29 provided on the +X axis direction side of the slot flange 26. The inner door locking mechanism 29 provided on the -X axis direction side of the slot flange 26 is a mirror image of the inner door locking mechanism 29 provided on the +X axis direction side of the slot flange 26.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 27, the inner door lock mechanism 29 includes a latch 29a, a release trigger 29b, a cover 29c, a guide 29d, and an insertion detection switch 29e.

[0084] 28, latch 29a is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat in the X-axis direction. Latch 29a is guided by a first guide protrusion 29d1 formed on guide 29d. Release trigger 29b is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat in the X-axis direction. Release trigger 29b is guided by a second guide protrusion 29d2 formed on guide 29d.

[0085] Latch 29a is biased by return spring 31 in a direction that causes it to protrude outward from latch opening 29c1 (see FIG. 27) of cover 29c. Release trigger 29b is biased by return spring 33 in a direction that causes it to protrude outward from release trigger opening 29c2 (see FIG. 27) of cover 29c.

[0086] As shown in Figure 29, latch 29a has a first protrusion 29a1 extending toward release trigger 29b. As shown in Figures 28 and 29, release trigger 29b has a second protrusion 29b1 extending toward latch 29a. When latch 29a is pressed toward guide 29d, only latch 29a retracts toward guide 29d. On the other hand, when release trigger 29b is pressed toward guide 29d, second protrusion 29b1 presses first protrusion 29a1, and latch 29a retracts toward guide 29d together with release trigger 29b.

[0087] As a result, the latch 29a and the release trigger 29b are mechanically connected. Note that the latch 29a and the release trigger 29b may also be electrically connected. For example, when the release trigger 29b is pressed toward the guide 29d, a signal may be output to an actuator (not shown) that moves the latch 29a backward. As a result, even if the latch 29a and the release trigger 29b are not mechanically connected, the latch 29a can be moved backward when the release trigger 29b is pressed toward the guide 29d.

[0088] 30, release trigger 29b has a third protrusion 29b2 extending in the −Y-axis direction. When release trigger 29b retreats toward guide 29d, third protrusion 29b2 comes into contact with lever 29e1 of insertion detection switch 29e, switching insertion detection switch 29e from off to on.

[0089] 30, a first guide hole 29a2 is formed in the latch 29a. The first guide protrusion 29d1 described above is inserted into the first guide hole 29a2 together with the return spring 31. A second guide hole 29b3 is formed in the release trigger 29b. The second guide protrusion 29d2 described above is inserted into the second guide hole 29b3 together with the return spring 33.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 23, when the inner door 24 is closed, the latch 29a is positioned in the -Z-axis direction relative to the inner door 24. That is, in the Z-axis direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the slot sleeve 23, the latch 29a is positioned on the opposite side of the inner door 24 from the insertion opening 26c. When the inner door 24 is closed, the release trigger 29b is positioned in the +Z-axis direction relative to the inner door 24. That is, in the Z-axis direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the slot sleeve 23, the release trigger 29b is positioned between the inner door 24 and the insertion opening 26c. As a result, the inner door 24 is sandwiched from both sides in the Z-axis direction by the latch 29a and the release trigger 29b.

[0091] The inner door locking mechanism 29 has a pair of latches 29a and a release trigger 29b. One pair of latches 29a and a release trigger 29b is provided on the +X-axis direction side of the slot flange 26, and another pair of latches 29a and a release trigger 29b is provided on the -X-axis direction side of the slot flange 26. That is, one pair of latches 29a and a release trigger 29b and another pair of latches 29a and a release trigger 29b are arranged facing each other. This makes it possible to suppress deflection of the inner door 24 when a force acts on the inner door 24 while the inner door locking mechanism 29 is in a locked state. Furthermore, even if one of the two inner door locking mechanisms 29 is in an unlocked state, it is possible to restrict rotation of the inner door 24 in the opening direction.

[0092] The inner door locking mechanism 29 may be provided on the +Y-axis direction side of the slot flange 26. However, it is preferable to avoid providing the inner door locking mechanism 29 on the -Y-axis direction side of the slot flange 26. In other words, it is preferable to provide the inner door locking mechanism 29 at a position on the inner periphery of the slot flange 26 excluding a portion that is below the mobile battery 12 when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 14. In other words, it is preferable to provide the inner door locking mechanism 29 at a position on the inner periphery of the slot flange 26 that avoids a position that faces below the mobile battery 12 when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 14. This is to prevent excessive force from being applied to the inner door locking mechanism 29 due to the weight of the mobile battery 12 when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot sleeve 23.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 6, the release trigger 29b is disposed on the path along which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into and removed from the slotted sleeve 23. When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slotted sleeve 23 from the +Z-axis direction, the mobile battery 12 presses the release trigger 29b. This causes the latch 29a to move back together with the release trigger 29b. As a result, the inner door locking mechanism 29 enters an unlocked state. At this time, the insertion detection switch 29e switches from off to on. This detects that the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slotted sleeve 23.

[0094] 31 shows the mobile battery 12 being inserted into the slot flange 26 when it is at its most inclined position relative to the slot flange 26. Even in this case, the mobile battery 12 presses the release trigger 29b before it contacts the inner door 24. As a result, when the mobile battery 12 presses the inner door 24, the inner door locking mechanism 29 is in an unlocked state. As a result, the inner door 24 can be rotated in the opening direction.

[0095] When the mobile battery 12 is removed from the slot 14, the latch 29a and the release trigger 29b return to their original positions. As a result, the inner door locking mechanism 29 enters a locked state. The biasing force of the return spring 31 of the latch 29a is set to be slightly smaller than the biasing force of the return spring 33 of the release trigger 29b. As a result, the latch 29a returns to its original position later than the release trigger 29b. Therefore, after the inner door 24 is closed, the latch 29a returns to its original position. This prevents the latch 29a from interfering with the rotation of the inner door 24 in the closing direction.

[0096] [Hold detection switch configuration] 32A and 32B are cross-sectional views of the slot 14. FIGS. 32A and 32B show the retention detection switch 32 and its surrounding components. FIGS. 32A and 32B show the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23. The configuration of the retention detection switch 32 will be described using FIGS. 5, 32A, and 32B.

[0097] 5, the hold detection switch 32 is attached to the bottom cover 42. The hold detection switch 32 is disposed on the −Y-axis direction from the center of the bottom cover 42 in the Y-axis direction.

[0098] When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot sleeve 23 with the side surface 12d facing the +Y-axis direction, as shown in Fig. 32A, the bottom surface 12b of the mobile battery 12 presses the holding detection switch 32. This switches the holding detection switch 32 from off to on.

[0099] When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot sleeve 23 with the side surface 12d facing the -Y-axis direction, as shown in Fig. 32B, the hold detection switch 32 is inserted into the recess 12g around the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12. Therefore, the bottom surface 12b cannot press the hold detection switch 32. As a result, the hold detection switch 32 remains in the off state.

[0100] In addition, since the slot 14 in this embodiment has a reverse insertion prevention flange 28, in reality, the mobile battery 12 cannot be inserted into the slot sleeve 23 with the side surface 12d facing in the -Y axis direction, as shown in Figure 32B.

[0101] [Bottom cover assembly configuration] 33, 34, and 35 are perspective views of the slot 14. FIG. 34 shows the bottom cover assembly 34 removed from the slot body 22. FIGS. 36A, 36B, and 36C are cross-sectional views of the bottom cover assembly 34 and the mobile battery 12. The configuration of the bottom cover assembly 34 will be described using FIGS. 5, 33, 34, 35, 36A, 36B, and 36C.

[0102] 33, 34, and 35, a fan 62, a connector unit 64, and an electronic circuit board 66 are attached to the bottom portion 23a of the bottom cover 42 to form the bottom cover assembly 34. The fan 62 corresponds to the air-generating section of the present invention.

[0103] A control unit 67 and a memory unit 69 are mounted on the electronic circuit board 66. The electronic circuit board 66 with the control unit 67 and memory unit 69 mounted thereon constitutes a computer. An electronic circuit is formed on the electronic circuit board 66, and the control unit 67, memory unit 69, and many other electronic and electrical devices are mounted on the electronic circuit. The aforementioned hold detection switch 32 is also mounted on the electronic circuit of the electronic circuit board 66. As shown in FIG. 15 , the hold detection switch 32 is attached to the surface of the electronic circuit board 66 on the +Z axis direction side. The hold detection switch 32 is included in the bottom cover assembly 34. The fan 62, connector unit 64, and electronic circuit board 66 are assembled to the bottom cover 42. The bottom cover 42 and the opening 22d on the -Z axis direction side of the slot body 22 are fastened together with bolts 68.

[0104] The control unit 67 controls charging of the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23. The control unit 67 is realized by, for example, a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The processing circuit may also be configured by an electronic circuit including discrete devices. The processing circuit may also be configured by, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In this case, the processing circuit is realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 69 in the processor.

[0105] As described above, the fan 62, connector unit 64, and electronic circuit board 66 are attached to the bottom 23a of the bottom cover 42 to form the bottom cover assembly 34. The aforementioned hold detection switch 32 is also mounted on the electronic circuit of the electronic circuit board 66. As shown in FIG. 15 , the hold detection switch 32 is attached to the surface of the electronic circuit board 66 on the +Z axis direction side. The hold detection switch 32 is included in the bottom cover assembly 34. The fan 62, connector unit 64, and electronic circuit board 66 are assembled to the bottom cover 42. The bottom cover 42 and the opening 22d on the -Z axis direction side of the slot main body 22 are fastened together with bolts 68.

[0106] As described above, the fan 62, connector unit 64, and electronic circuit board 66 are assembled to the bottom cover 42 to form the bottom cover assembly 34. Therefore, if the fan 62, connector unit 64, or electronic circuit board 66 malfunctions, the entire bottom cover assembly 34 can be replaced along with the bottom cover 42. This reduces the time required to replace a malfunctioning device. Furthermore, because the slot body 22, which is more durable than the bottom cover assembly 34, can be reused, the maintenance costs of the battery exchange device 10 can be reduced.

[0107] As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the fan 62 is attached to a position corresponding to the air intake 42c of the bottom cover 42 (see Figure 7). The air intake 42c connects the inside and outside of the slotted sleeve 23. The air intake 42c is arranged on the +X-axis direction side of the bottom cover 42 with respect to the axis 21 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). The air intake 42c is also arranged vertically below the axis 21. When the fan 62 is driven, air is sent into the slotted sleeve 23. This promotes the flow of air inside the slotted sleeve 23.

[0108] As described above, the exhaust slit 22b2 is disposed on the −X-axis direction side of the slot body 22 with respect to the axis 21 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). The exhaust slit 22b2 is also disposed vertically above the axis 21. Furthermore, the exhaust slit 22b2 is disposed in the +Z-axis direction from the center of the slotted sleeve 23 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the distance between the air intake 42c and the exhaust slit 22b2 can be increased inside the slotted sleeve 23. This can promote the overall flow of air inside the slotted sleeve 23. Furthermore, by sending air that is cooler than the mobile battery 12 into the slotted sleeve 23, cooling of the mobile battery 12 can be promoted.

[0109] 33 and 34, an electronic circuit board 66 is disposed on the -X-axis direction from the fan 62. A cable 63 is wired between the electronic circuit board 66 and the fan 62. A cable 65 is wired between the electronic circuit board 66 and a motor 64f of a connector unit 64, which will be described later. Electricity is supplied from the electronic circuit board 66 to the fan 62 and the motor 64f. This drives the fan 62 and the motor 64f.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 33, 34, and 35, the connector unit 64 includes a base 64a, a connection detection switch 64b, a disconnection detection switch 64c, a connector holder 64d, a connector 64e, and a motor 64f.

[0111] The base 64a is fixed to the bottom portion 23a of the bottom cover 42. The base 64a extends in the -Z axis direction from the surface of the bottom portion 23a on the -Z axis direction side. The base 64a may be formed integrally with the bottom cover 42. The base 64a has a main body portion 64a1, two flange portions 64a2, and a switch mounting surface 64a3.

[0112] The two flange portions 64a2 are formed integrally with the main body portion 64a1. One flange portion 64a2 is provided on the +X-axis direction side of the main body portion 64a1. The other flange portion 64a2 is provided on the -X-axis direction side of the main body portion 64a1. Each flange portion 64a2 is formed to extend in the X-axis direction from the end portion of the main body portion 64a1 on the +Z-axis direction side.

[0113] The switch mounting surface 64a3 is formed integrally with the main body 64a1. The switch mounting surface 64a3 is provided on the −X axis direction side of the main body 64a1. The switch mounting surface 64a3 extends in the −Y axis direction from the end of the main body 64a1 on the −X axis direction side.

[0114] The flange portion 64a2 of the base 64a and the bottom cover 42 are fastened with bolts 70. A connection detection switch 64b and a connection / disconnection detection switch 64c are attached to the switch mounting surface 64a3. The connection detection switch 64b and the connection / disconnection detection switch 64c are spaced apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. The connection detection switch 64b is located on the +Z-axis direction side of the center of the switch mounting surface 64a3 in the Z-axis direction, and the connection / disconnection detection switch 64c is located on the -Z-axis direction side.

[0115] A connector holder 64d is attached to the surface on the +Y axis direction side of the main body 64a1 of the base 64a. The connector holder 64d has two guide holes 64d1, a connector attachment portion 64d2, a rack 64d3, and a switch actuator 64d4.

[0116] Each guide hole 64d1 is a through hole extending in the Z-axis direction. The two guide holes 64d1 are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. Two guide pins 72 are inserted into each guide hole 64d1. The guide pins 72 are fixed to the main body portion 64a1 of the base 64a. This allows the connector holder 64d to move relative to the base 64a in the Z-axis direction.

[0117] A connector 64e (male connector 64e) is attached to the connector attachment portion 64d2. As shown in FIG. 15, the connector 64e is positioned vertically above the hold detection switch 32. This prevents the connector 64e from being wetted by liquid that has entered the slot 14. The connector 64e fits into the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12. At this time, power is supplied from the connector 64e to the mobile battery 12, and the mobile battery 12 is charged. The male connector 64e corresponds to the second electrical terminal of the present invention.

[0118] The rack 64d3 is disposed in the -Z-axis direction relative to the connector mounting portion 64d2. The rack 64d3 extends in the Z-axis direction. The +Y-axis direction side of the rack 64d3 is not exposed to the outside. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 33, the -Y-axis direction side of the rack 64d3 is exposed to the outside.

[0119] The switch actuator 64d4 is attached to the side surface of the connector holder 64d on the -X-axis direction side. The switch actuator 64d4 moves in the Z-axis direction together with the connector holder 64d. The switch actuator 64d4 extends in the -Y-axis direction from the connector holder 64d along the switch mounting surface 64a3 of the base 64a.

[0120] A motor 64f is attached to the surface of the main body 64a1 of the base 64a on the -Y axis direction side. The motor 64f has a drive shaft (not shown). The drive shaft extends from the motor 64f in the +Y axis direction. The tip of the drive shaft is inserted into the connector holder 64d. A pinion 64f1 is attached to the tip of the drive shaft of the motor 64f. The pinion 64f1 meshes with the rack 64d3. As a result, the motor 64f is mechanically connected to the connector 64e via the pinion 64f1, the rack 64d3, and the base 64a.

[0121] The connector 64e and the motor 64f are attached to the bottom portion 23a of the bottom cover 42 via the base 64a. The connector 64e and the motor 64f are supported by the bottom cover 42. This allows the connector 64e, the motor 64f, and the bottom cover 42 to be handled as a single unit.

[0122] When the bottom cover 42 is viewed from the -Z-axis direction, the hold detection switch 32, the fan 62, the base 64a, the connection detection switch 64b, the connection / disconnection detection switch 64c, the connector holder 64d, the connector 64e, the motor 64f, the pinion 64f1, the rack 64d3, and the electronic circuit board 66 are arranged to fit inside the outer edge of the bottom cover 42. In other words, the hold detection switch 32, the fan 62, the base 64a, the connection detection switch 64b, the connection / disconnection detection switch 64c, the connector holder 64d, the connector 64e, the motor 64f, the pinion 64f1, the rack 64d3, and the electronic circuit board 66 are arranged to fit within the range of a parallel projection of the outer edge of the bottom cover 42. The parallel projection of the outer edge of the bottom cover 42 is a virtual area obtained by projecting the outer edge of the bottom cover 42 in the extension direction of the slot sleeve 23 (the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12 or the Z-axis direction).

[0123] This prevents the hold detection switch 32, fan 62, base 64a, connection detection switch 64b, disconnection detection switch 64c, connector holder 64d, connector 64e, motor 64f, pinion 64f1, rack 64d3 and electronic circuit board 66 from interfering with surrounding components when attaching the bottom cover 42 to the slot body 22.

[0124] The base 64a extends in the −Z-axis direction from the −Z-axis direction surface of the bottom portion 23a of the bottom cover 42, and therefore many components can be attached to the base 64a.

[0125] [Slot Control] As the motor 64f is driven, the connector 64e moves in the Z-axis direction together with the connector holder 64d. When the hold detection switch 32 switches from off to on, the hold detection switch 32 detects that the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot sleeve 23. In this case, the motor 64f moves the connector 64e in the +Z-axis direction, bringing the connector 64e closer to the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12.

[0126] When the hold detection switch 32 switches from on to off, the hold detection switch 32 detects that the mobile battery 12 has been removed from the slot sleeve 23. In this case, the motor 64f moves the connector 64e in the −Z-axis direction to separate the connector 64e from the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12.

[0127] When the hold detection switch 32 is off, the hold detection switch 32 does not detect that the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot sleeve 23. In this case, the motor 64f does not move the connector 64e in the +Z axis direction, and does not bring the connector 64e close to the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12.

[0128] Figure 33 shows the state in which the connector holder 64d is positioned at its furthest position in the +Z-axis direction. As shown in Figure 33, when the connector holder 64d is positioned at its furthest position in the +Z-axis direction, the switch actuator 64d4 abuts against the movable contact 64b1 of the connection detection switch 64b and presses the movable contact 64b1 in the +Z-axis direction. This turns on the connection detection switch 64b. At this time, the position of the connector 64e is the connected position. The connection detection switch 64b detects that the connector 64e is positioned at the connected position and that the connector 64e is connected to the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12.

[0129] Figure 35 shows the state in which the connector holder 64d is positioned at its furthest position in the -Z axis direction. As shown in Figure 35, when the connector holder 64d is positioned at its furthest position in the -Z axis direction, the switch actuator 64d4 abuts against the movable contact 64c1 of the disconnection detection switch 64c and presses the movable contact 64c1 in the -Z axis direction. This turns on the disconnection detection switch 64c. At this time, the position of the connector 64e is in the disconnection position. The disconnection detection switch 64c detects that the connector 64e is in the disconnection position and that the connector 64e has been disconnected from the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12.

[0130] Figure 36A shows the state when connector 64e is in the disconnected position. When connector 64e is in the disconnected position, as shown in Figure 36A, the tip of terminal 64e1 of connector 64e is located further in the -Z axis direction than bottom cover 42. At this time, disconnection detection switch 64c is turned on, and connection detection switch 64b is turned off.

[0131] Figure 36B shows a state in which connector 64e has moved in the +Z-axis direction from the disconnected position. As shown in Figure 36B, when connector 64e moves in the +Z-axis direction from the disconnected position, the tip of terminal 64e1 passes through connector insertion hole 42b of bottom cover 42. The tip of terminal 64e1 that has passed through connector insertion hole 42b is inserted into terminal hole 50a of connector 50 of mobile battery 12. At this time, both disconnection detection switch 64c and connection detection switch 64b are turned off.

[0132] Figure 36C shows the state when connector 64e is in the connected position. As shown in Figure 36C, when connector 64e is in the connected position, the connection between connector 64e and connector 50 of mobile battery 12 is completed. At this time, disconnection detection switch 64c is turned off and connection detection switch 64b is turned on.

[0133] When the connection detection switch 64b detects that the connector 64e and the connector 50 are connected while the connector 64e is moving in a direction toward the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12, the control unit 67 controls the motor 64f to stop the connector 64e. When the disconnection detection switch 64c detects that the connection between the connector 64e and the connector 50 is released while the connector 64e is moving in a direction away from the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12, the control unit 67 controls the motor 64f to stop the connector 64e.

[0134] When the hold detection switch 32 detects that the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot sleeve 23, and when the connection detection switch 64b detects that the connector 64e is connected to the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12, the control unit 67 permits use of the mobile battery 12. Specifically, the control unit 67 controls charging of the mobile battery 12, and charges the mobile battery 12.

[0135] If the hold detection switch 32 does not detect that the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot sleeve 23, or if the connection detection switch 64b does not detect that the connector 64e and the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12 are connected, the control unit 67 prohibits the use of the mobile battery 12. Specifically, the control unit 67 does not control charging of the mobile battery 12, and does not charge the mobile battery 12.

[0136] When the disconnection detection switch 64c detects that the connection between the connector 64e and the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12 has been released, the control unit 67 allows the mobile battery 12 to be removed from the slot sleeve 23. Specifically, the control unit 67 sets the battery lock mechanism 30 to an unlocked state, allowing the user to pull out the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14.

[0137] If the disconnection detection switch 64c does not detect that the connection between the connector 64e and the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12 has been released, the control unit 67 prohibits the removal of the mobile battery 12 from the slot sleeve 23. Specifically, the control unit 67 puts the battery lock mechanism 30 into a locked state, preventing the user from pulling out the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14.

[0138] In the connector unit 64 of this embodiment, the motor 64f is driven to move the connector 64e from the disconnected position to the connected position, and vice versa.

[0139] The connector unit 64 may employ the following first or second mode for moving the connector 64e by utilizing an elastic biasing force of a spring or the like. In the first mode, the motor 64f is driven to move the connector 64e from the disconnected position to the connected position, and the elastic biasing force of the spring or the like moves the connector 64e from the connected position to the disconnected position. In the second mode, the elastic biasing force of the spring or the like moves the connector 64e from the disconnected position to the connected position, and the motor 64f is driven to move the connector 64e from the connected position to the disconnected position.

[0140] In the connector unit 64, the force exerted when the inner door 24 is opened may be used to move the connector 64e.

[0141] In the connector unit 64, the weight of the mobile battery 12 may be used to move the connector 64e.

[0142] [Battery lock mechanism configuration] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the slot 14. FIG. 38 is a front view of the slot 14. FIGS. 37 and 38 show the state in which the slot flange 26 has been removed. FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the battery lock mechanism 30. FIG. 40 is a front view of the battery lock mechanism 30. FIG. 41 is a rear view of the battery lock mechanism 30. FIGS. 42A and 42B are front views of the battery lock mechanism 30. FIGS. 42A and 42B show the state in which the cover 30c has been removed. FIG. 43 is a diagram showing the state in which the mobile battery 12 is being pulled out of the slot sleeve 23. The configuration of the battery lock mechanism 30 will be described using FIGS. 6, 8, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42A, 42B, and 43.

[0143] As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the battery lock mechanism 30 is attached to the +Y axis direction side of the slot fixing stay 56.

[0144] 39, the battery lock mechanism 30 has a frame 30a, a plate 30b, a cover 30c, a slide bar 30d, and a slide drive unit 30e. A stopper 30b3 of the plate 30b, which will be described later, is provided so as to be movable forward and backward along the path along which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the slot 14.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 41, the frame 30a has a slide rail 30a1 and two guide holes 30a2. The slide rail 30a1 is an elongated hole extending in the X-axis direction. The two guide holes 30a2 are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. The two guide holes 30a2 are each an elongated hole extending in the Y-axis direction. Note that in FIG. 41, one of the two guide holes 30a2 overlaps with the slide bar 30d and is not visible.

[0146] A plate 30b is attached to the surface of the frame 30a on the +Z-axis direction side. As shown in Figures 42A and 42B, the plate 30b has a main body portion 30b1, an extension portion 30b2, and a stopper 30b3.

[0147] 41, guide pins 30b4 protrude from main body 30b1 toward the −Z-axis direction. Guide pins 30b4 are inserted into guide holes 30a2 of frame 30a. This causes plate 30b to move in the Y-axis direction relative to frame 30a.

[0148] As shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B, the extension portion 30b2 is formed to extend from the main body portion 30b1 in the +X-axis direction. A slide slit 30b5 is formed in the extension portion 30b2. The slide slit 30b5 is a through-hole that penetrates the extension portion 30b2. The slide slit 30b5 has a first horizontal portion 30b6, a second horizontal portion 30b7, and an inclined portion 30b8. The inclined portion 30b8 is disposed between the first horizontal portion 30b6 and the second horizontal portion 30b7. The first horizontal portion 30b6 is provided contiguous to the end of the inclined portion 30b8 on the +X-axis direction side. The second horizontal portion 30b7 is provided contiguous to the end of the inclined portion 30b8 on the -X-axis direction side.

[0149] 42A and 42B, stopper 30b3 is formed to extend in the -Y-axis direction from main body 30b1. Stopper 30b3 has a recess 30b9 that is recessed toward the +Y-axis direction near the center of stopper 30b3 in the X-axis direction.

[0150] 39, with the plate 30b attached to the frame 30a, the cover 30c is attached to the frame 30a from the +Z-axis direction, so that the plate 30b is sandwiched between the frame 30a and the cover 30c from both sides in the Z-axis direction.

[0151] 40, the cover 30c has a slide bar attachment portion 30c1 and a slide rail 30c2. The slide bar attachment portion 30c1 is recessed from the side surface of the cover 30c toward the -Z-axis direction. The slide rail 30c2 is disposed on the slide bar attachment portion 30c1 and has an elongated hole shape extending in the X-axis direction.

[0152] As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the slide bar 30d has a front portion 30d1, a rear portion 30d2, an intermediate portion 30d3, and a slide pin 30d4.

[0153] The front portion 30d1 is positioned further in the +Z-axis direction than the cover 30c, and the rear portion 30d2 is positioned further in the -Z-axis direction than the frame 30a. The middle portion 30d3 connects the front portion 30d1 and the rear portion 30d2 on the +Y-axis side of the slide bar 30d. When the slide pin 30d4 is inserted into the slide rail 30c2 of the cover 30c, the slide slit 30b5 of the plate 30b, and the slide rail 30a1 of the frame 30a, both ends of the slide pin 30d4 are fixed to the front portion 30d1 and the rear portion 30d2, respectively. This allows the slide bar 30d to move in the X-axis direction relative to the frame 30a, the plate 30b, and the cover 30c.

[0154] As shown in Figure 41, a cam hole 30d5 is formed in the back surface portion 30d2 of the slide bar 30d. The cam hole 30d5 is an elongated hole extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 39, the slide driver 30e is attached to a mount 30f extending from the −Z-axis direction side of the frame 30a. The slide driver 30e includes a motor 30e1, a gearbox 30e2, and a cam 30e3. The motor 30e1 has a drive shaft extending in the X-axis direction. The gearbox 30e2 converts the rotation of the motor 30e1 about a rotation axis parallel to the X-axis direction into rotation about a rotation axis parallel to the Z-axis and transmits the rotation to the cam 30e3. As shown in FIG. 41, the cam 30e3 is a disk-shaped member. The cam 30e3 has a cam pin 30e4 on its outer periphery that extends in the +Z-axis direction. The cam pin 30e4 is inserted into a cam hole 30d5 in the slide bar 30d.

[0156] In FIG. 41, when the cam 30e3 rotates clockwise, the cam pin 30e4 moves within the cam hole 30d5 in the -Y-axis direction. This causes the cam pin 30e4 to slide the slide bar 30d in the +X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 42A, when the slide bar 30d slides in the +X-axis direction, the slide pin 30d4 is positioned at the first horizontal portion 30b6 of the slide slit 30b5 of the plate 30b. This causes the plate 30b to move in the +Y-axis direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the stopper 30b3 of the plate 30b does not protrude inside the slot flange 26. At this time, the battery lock mechanism 30 is in an unlocked state. This prevents the battery lock mechanism 30 from interfering with the movement of the mobile battery 12 inserted into the slot sleeve 23. Furthermore, the battery lock mechanism 30 does not interfere with the movement of the mobile battery 12 removed from the slot 14.

[0157] In FIG. 41, when the cam 30e3 rotates left, the cam pin 30e4 moves within the cam hole 30d5 in the +Y-axis direction. This causes the cam pin 30e4 and the slide bar 30d to slide in the -X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 42B, when the slide bar 30d moves in the -X-axis direction, the slide pin 30d4 passes through the slide slit 30b5 of the plate 30b and moves to the second horizontal portion 30b7. This causes the plate 30b to move in the -Y-axis direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the stopper 30b3 of the plate 30b protrudes inside the slot flange 26. At this time, the battery lock mechanism 30 is in a locked state. When the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23 moves in the +Z-axis direction, the plate 30b abuts against the upper surface 12a of the mobile battery 12. This allows the battery lock mechanism 30 to restrict the movement of the mobile battery 12 being pulled out of the slot 14.

[0158] When the battery lock mechanism 30 is in the locked state, the slide pin 30d4 is located at the second horizontal portion 30b7. In this state, even if a force acts on the stopper 30b3 in the +Y-axis direction, the movement of the stopper 30b3 in the +Y-axis direction is restricted. This prevents the battery lock mechanism 30 from entering the unlocked state.

[0159] 8, the recess 30b9 of the plate 30b is positioned in the +Y-axis direction further from the first gripping portion 48a and the second gripping portion 48b of the handle 48. When inserting or removing the mobile battery 12 into or from the slot 14, the user typically grips the second gripping portion 48b of the handle 48 of the mobile battery 12 with the second finger (index finger), third finger (middle finger), fourth finger (ring finger), and fifth finger (pinky finger). Therefore, the first finger (thumb) is hooked at the intersection of the first gripping portion 48a and the second gripping portion 48b.

[0160] The recess 30b9 of the plate 30b is located in the +Y-axis direction further from the intersection of the first gripping portion 48a and the second gripping portion 48b of the handle 48. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 43, interference between the first finger of the user and the plate 30b can be suppressed.

[0161] Second Embodiment The battery exchange machine 10 of this embodiment has a mechanism for draining liquid such as rainwater from the inside to the outside of the slot 14. The configuration of the battery exchange machine 10 of this embodiment is the same as that of the battery exchange machine 10 of the first embodiment, except for the configuration described below.

[0162] Fig. 44 is a perspective view of the bottom cover 42. Fig. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 14. Fig. 45 shows the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23.

[0163] 44, the bottom cover 42 has a switch hole 42a, a connector insertion hole 42b, an air intake port 42c, and a drainage channel 42d. The air intake port 42c corresponds to the first communication passage of the present invention. The connector insertion hole 42b corresponds to the third communication passage of the present invention. The drainage channel 42d corresponds to the fourth communication passage of the present invention.

[0164] The hold detection switch 32 is attached to the switch hole 42a from the −Z axis direction side. A part of the hold detection switch 32 passes through the switch hole 42a and is exposed on the +Z axis direction side of the bottom cover 42.

[0165] When the connector 64e moves in the +Z-axis direction, the tip of the connector 64e passes through the connector insertion hole 42b and is exposed on the +Z-axis direction side of the bottom cover 42. The connector insertion hole 42b is positioned further in the +Y-axis direction than the switch hole 42a, the air intake 42c, and the drainage channel 42d. That is, the connector insertion hole 42b is positioned vertically above the switch hole 42a, the air intake 42c, and the drainage channel 42d. The connector insertion hole 42b is positioned by utilizing the space remaining after the switch hole 42a, the air intake 42c, and the drainage channel 42d are positioned in the bottom cover 42. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the connector 64e from becoming wet due to liquid that has entered the slot 14.

[0166] The air intake port 42c and the drainage channel 42d communicate between the inside and outside of the slot 14. A fan 62 is attached to the −Z-axis direction side of the air intake port 42c. When the fan 62 is driven, air is sent from the air intake port 42c into the inside of the slotted sleeve 23. This promotes the flow of air between the inside and outside of the slotted sleeve 23.

[0167] The drainage channel 42d drains liquid such as rainwater from the inside of the slot 14 to the outside. The drainage channel 42d is disposed in the -Y-axis direction relative to the air intake port 42c and the switch hole 42a. That is, the drainage channel 42d is disposed vertically below the air intake port 42c and the switch hole 42a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 45, the drainage channel 42d is disposed vertically below the fan 62 and the hold detection switch 32.

[0168] The drainage channel 42d is made up of a first drainage channel 42d1 and a second drainage channel 42d2. As shown in FIG. 45, the portion of the bottom cover 42 on the -Y axis side of the position where the hold detection switch 32 is attached is concave toward the -Z axis direction. This concave portion extends in the X axis direction as shown in FIG. 44. This concave portion constitutes the first drainage channel 42d1. An opening that opens toward the Y axis direction is formed at the end of the first drainage channel 42d1 on the -X axis direction side. This opening constitutes the second drainage channel 42d2.

[0169] A filter member 74 is attached to the first drainage channel 42d1. The filter member 74 is fitted into the concave first drainage channel 42d1. The filter member 74 is detachable from the first drainage channel 42d1. Two ribs 42e are formed in the +Y axis direction from the first drainage channel 42d1. These two ribs 42e hold down the portion of the filter member 74 that protrudes from the first drainage channel 42d1 in the -Y axis direction. The filter member 74 may be, for example, a porous member such as a sponge filter.

[0170] Fig. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 14. Fig. 46 is an enlarged view of the drainage channel 42d and its vicinity. Fig. 46 shows the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23.

[0171] Liquid that enters the slot 14 through the insertion opening 26c passes through the filter member 74 of the first drainage channel 42d1 and is discharged to the outside of the slot 14 through the second drainage channel 42d2, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 46. By providing the filter member 74 in the first drainage channel 42d1, the flow of liquid is dispersed or slowed down while passing through the filter member 74. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid from being discharged from the slot 14 with force.

[0172] Solid debris such as sand, dust, fallen leaves, and paper may enter the slot 14 through the insertion opening 26c of the slot 14. By providing a filter member 74 in the first drainage channel 42d1, the debris can be retained inside the slot 14. The debris that has accumulated inside the slot 14 can be removed together with the filter member 74.

[0173] The air intake port 42c and the drainage channel 42d are formed in the bottom portion 23a of the bottom cover 42, so that with the bottom cover 42 removed from the slot body 22, cleaning of the air intake port 42c and the drainage channel 42d can be performed.

[0174] Third Embodiment In the battery exchange machine 10 of this embodiment, the shape of the bottom cover 42 is different from that of the battery exchange machine 10 of the first embodiment. The configuration of the battery exchange machine 10 of this embodiment, other than the configuration described below, is the same as that of the battery exchange machine 10 of the first embodiment.

[0175] 47 is a perspective view of the slot 14. In FIG. 47, the bottom cover assembly 34 is removed from the slot body 22.

[0176] The bottom cover 42 has one bottom surface 42f and four side surfaces 42g, 42h, 42j, and 42k. The bottom surface 42f is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the +Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 47 , the side surfaces 42g, 42h, 42j, and 42k extend in the +Z-axis direction from the four edges of the bottom surface 42f, respectively.

[0177] [Fourth embodiment] 48 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery exchange machine 10. The battery exchange machine 10 of this embodiment has an indoor unit 76, an outdoor unit 78, and a compressor 80. The configuration of the battery exchange machine 10 of this embodiment, other than the configuration described below, is the same as that of the battery exchange machine 10 of the first embodiment.

[0178] The indoor unit 76 and the outdoor unit 78 are heat exchangers. The indoor unit 76 causes the refrigerant to absorb heat from the air inside the battery exchange apparatus 10. The refrigerant that has absorbed the heat is sent to the compressor 80. The compressor 80 compresses the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 78. The outdoor unit 78 discharges the heat from the refrigerant to the outside of the battery exchange apparatus 10.

[0179] The dashed-dotted arrows in Figure 48 indicate the flow of air cooled by the indoor unit 76. The arrows drawn inside the slot 14 in Figure 48 indicate the flow of air inside the slot 14. The dashed-dotted arrows in Figure 48 indicate the flow of air heated inside the slot 14. The air flows indicated by the arrows in Figure 48 are an image of the air flows and do not indicate the actual air flows.

[0180] The air cooled by the indoor unit 76 is sent into the slotted sleeve 23 by the fan 62. The air sent into the slotted sleeve 23 absorbs heat from the mobile battery 12 while passing through the slotted sleeve 23. The air discharged from the slotted sleeve 23 returns to the indoor unit 76.

[0181] As a result, the battery exchange machine 10 of this embodiment can cool the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23 of each slot 14.

[0182] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0183] In the above first to fourth embodiments, the slot 14 of the battery exchange machine 10 that charges the mobile battery 12 has been described. However, the slot 14 of the first to fourth embodiments may be applied to other devices.

[0184] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the slot 14 is a device that accommodates the mobile battery 12 as an electrical device. However, the slot 14 may also accommodate a power supply device (battery power source) that has the mobile battery 12 and a power converter inside and is capable of supplying power to the outside. Furthermore, the slot 14 may also be a device that accommodates other electrical devices.

[0185] For example, the slot 14 may be applied to a stationary power supply installed in a house, a building, a factory, etc. The slot 14 may also be applied to a mobile body such as a vehicle, an airplane, a ship, etc. When the slot 14 is applied to a stationary power supply, a mobile body, etc., the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23 is charged by the stationary power supply, the mobile body, etc., and discharges to supply power.

[0186] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the slotted sleeve 23 covers the entirety of the mobile battery 12 that it holds. However, the slotted sleeve 23 may be a member that covers only a portion of the mobile battery 12 that it holds.

[0187] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, when the connector 64e of the connector unit 64 moves in the +Z axis direction, the tip of the connector 64e passes through the connector insertion hole 42b and is exposed on the +Z axis direction side of the bottom cover 42. However, the connector 64e may be immovably fixed to the bottom portion 23a of the bottom cover 42. In this case, when the tip of the connector 64e is inserted into the connector insertion hole 42b from the -Z axis direction of the bottom portion 23a, the connector 64e is immovably fixed to the bottom portion 23a. The tip of the connector 64e is always exposed on the +Z axis direction side of the bottom cover 42.

[0188] In the above first to fourth embodiments, the battery lock mechanism 30 is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward in a position that does not overlap with the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot 14. When the battery lock mechanism 30 is in a locked state, the plate 30b abuts against the upper surface 12a of the mobile battery 12, thereby restricting movement of the mobile battery 12 in the +Z-axis direction.

[0189] The battery lock mechanism 30 may be provided so as to be movable forward and backward at a position overlapping with the mobile battery 12 accommodated in the slot 14. The battery lock mechanism 30 may restrict movement of the mobile battery 12 in the +Z-axis direction by abutting against abutment portions (not shown) provided on the side surfaces 12c, 12d, 12e, and 12f. In this case, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-313543 may be applied to the slots 14 of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0190] Also, a door (not shown) may be provided at a position in the +Z-axis direction from the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 23. In this case, the battery lock mechanism 30 may be a mechanism for locking this door.

Claims

1. a housing portion (14) having an insertion opening (26c) into which the electric device (12) is inserted and housing the electric device in a removable manner; a second electrical terminal (64e) connected to the first electrical terminal (50) of the electrical device; Equipped with The storage portion has a cylindrical portion (23b) and a bottom portion (23a) connected to the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion surrounds an outer periphery of the electrical device accommodated in the accommodation portion, The bottom portion has a first communication passage (42c) that communicates the inside and outside of the storage portion, The cylindrical portion has a second communication passage (22b2) that communicates the inside and outside of the storage portion, the first communication passage is disposed on a third direction side, which is one side in a vertical direction, with respect to an axis that passes through a center of the accommodating portion and extends in a direction in which the electric device is inserted into or removed from the accommodating portion; the second communication passage is disposed on a fourth direction side with respect to the axis, the fourth direction being opposite to the third direction in the vertical direction; The bottom portion has a third communication passage (42b) that communicates the inside and outside of the storage portion, At least a portion of the second electrical terminal is inserted into the third communication passage, the third communication passage is disposed above the first communication passage in the vertical direction, The storage device (10) is configured such that the third communication passage is positioned higher than the first communication passage.

2. 2. The storage device according to claim 1, the first communication passage is disposed on a first direction side, which is one side in a horizontal direction, with respect to an axis that passes through a center of the accommodating portion and extends in a direction in which the electric device is inserted into or removed from the accommodating portion; The second communication passage is arranged on a second direction side, which is a horizontal direction opposite to the first direction, with respect to the axis.

3. 3. The storage device according to claim 1 or 2, the bottom portion has a fourth communication passage at a position in the third direction relative to the first communication passage, the fourth communication passage communicating the inside and the outside of the storage portion, The fourth communication passage is disposed at a lower position than the first communication passage.

4. 4. The storage device according to claim 3, The storage device includes a filter member (74) disposed in the fourth communication passage.

5. 3. The storage device according to claim 2, The second communication passage is arranged on a fifth direction side relative to the center of the accommodating portion, which is a direction in which the electrical device is inserted into or removed from the accommodating portion.

6. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The second communication passage is provided on an upwardly facing outer surface of the cylindrical portion.

7. 6. The storage device according to claim 5, When the bottom portion is viewed from a direction in which the electrical device is inserted into or removed from the housing portion, the bottom portion is formed in a rectangular shape, The container device has four surfaces extending in the fifth direction from four sides of the bottom.

8. A housing section having an insertion port into which an electrical device is inserted and housing the electrical device in a removable manner; an inner peripheral protrusion (60) protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the housing portion; Equipped with the storage portion has a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion connected to the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion surrounds an outer periphery of the electrical device accommodated in the accommodation portion, the bottom portion has a first communication passage that communicates the inside and the outside of the storage portion, the cylindrical portion has a second communication passage that communicates the inside and outside of the accommodation portion, The inner peripheral protrusion extends in a circumferential direction about an axis extending in a direction in which the electrical device is inserted into or removed from the accommodating portion.

9. 9. The storage device according to claim 8, The inner peripheral protrusion has a flexible portion (60b) at a tip protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the storage portion.

10. 10. The storage device according to claim 9, An accommodation device in which the tip of the flexible portion when the electrical equipment is not accommodated in the accommodation portion is located inside the outer peripheral surface of the electrical equipment when the electrical equipment is accommodated in the accommodation portion.

11. The storage device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, the second communication passage is disposed on a fifth direction side of the cylindrical portion, which is a direction in which the electric device is removed, with respect to a center of the accommodating portion in a direction in which the electric device is inserted into or removed from the accommodating portion; The inner peripheral protrusion is disposed on the fifth direction side of the second communication passage.

12. A housing section having an insertion port into which an electrical device is inserted and housing the electrical device in a removable manner; A protruding portion (22a1) protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the accommodating portion; Equipped with the storage portion has a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion connected to the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion surrounds an outer periphery of the electrical device accommodated in the accommodation portion, the bottom portion has a first communication passage that communicates the inside and the outside of the storage portion, the cylindrical portion has a second communication passage that communicates the inside and outside of the accommodation portion, The protrusion extends in a direction in which the electrical device is inserted into or removed from the accommodating part.

13. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The storage device is provided with a wind generating section (62) that promotes air flow between the inside and outside of the storage section.

14. 14. The storage device of claim 13, The air-raising section is attached to the bottom at a position corresponding to the first communication passage on the surface of the bottom opposite the tubular section, and is supported by the bottom.

15. A power system comprising the accommodation device according to claim 13 or 14, a heat exchanger (76) for absorbing heat from air in the power system; The air-generating section supplies the air, from which heat has been absorbed by the heat exchanger, to the inside of the accommodation section via the first communication passage.

Images