Battery charging device
The battery charging device addresses the inconvenience of existing systems by allowing easy and secure battery pack insertion and removal with shock absorption and secure charging, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing battery charging systems for electric vehicles, such as electric motorcycles, are inconvenient and inefficient, requiring users to wait for batteries to charge and lack stable management solutions.
A battery charging device with a case, movable plate, guide portion, and terminal plate that facilitates easy insertion and removal of battery packs, includes shock absorption and fixation mechanisms, and a door system for secure access.
Enables smooth battery pack insertion and removal, prevents accidental ejection, reduces impact on components, and ensures secure charging with a locked door to prevent foreign object entry and user safety.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a battery charging device, and more particularly to a battery charging device into which a battery pack is inserted. [Background technology]
[0002] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they have the advantages of being free to charge and discharge, having a very low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.
[0003] Such lithium secondary batteries typically use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and include a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, an electrode assembly in which the positive and negative electrode plates are disposed with a separator sandwiched therebetween, and an exterior material that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.
[0004] Meanwhile, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in an aluminum laminated sheet pouch, depending on the shape of the battery case. Can-type secondary batteries can be further classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries depending on the shape of the metal can.
[0005] In recent years, demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased dramatically, and as the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, and other products has gained momentum, research into high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, using the aforementioned lithium secondary batteries, is actively progressing.
[0006] In particular, as the number of means of transportation using internal combustion engines is gradually decreasing, the demand for hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles is increasing. In response to this trend, the demand for electric motorcycles and electric scooters, which are driven solely by electric motors, is also increasing in the field of two-wheeled vehicles used for short-distance travel, and the market is expanding.
[0007] In the past, to charge the battery of an electric motorcycle, users had to go to a separate charging facility or connect a plug-in type charging device to the electric motorcycle to charge it. However, in these cases, the user had to wait until the battery was fully charged, which meant that the motorcycle could not be driven.
[0008] To solve this problem, a battery swapping station (BSS) has been proposed, where a user can return a used battery and receive a fully charged battery.
[0009] Such a battery exchange station should provide users with an optimized battery exchange experience, and the management of the battery exchange station should be efficiently implemented. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery charging device that is easy to use and can be stably managed.
[0011] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]
[0012] A battery charging device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a case having an accommodation space into which a battery pack is inserted, a terminal plate having charging terminals selectively connected to the battery pack inserted into the accommodation space, and an opening / closing plate positioned between an entrance to the accommodation space and the terminal plate and configured to open and close in accordance with movement of the battery pack.
[0013] The battery charging device may further include a moving plate on which the battery pack is placed and which moves along the length of the case within the receiving space.
[0014] The battery charging device may further include a plate fixing part that fixes the moving plate when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected to each other.
[0015] The moving plate may include a damper configured to absorb shock applied when the battery pack is inserted.
[0016] The battery charging device may further include a guide portion disposed in the receiving space and configured to guide the moving plate to move along the length of the case.
[0017] The guide portion may include a guide rail disposed on an inner surface of the case and extending in parallel in a longitudinal direction of the case, and a guide block slidably coupled to the guide rail and connected to the moving plate.
[0018] The guide rail may include a damper configured to absorb an impact applied by the guide block when the battery pack is inserted or ejected.
[0019] The guide portion may further include an electromagnet that selectively applies an attractive force to the guide block toward the terminal plate.
[0020] The guide part may further include an elastic member that applies an elastic force to the guide block toward the entrance of the receiving space.
[0021] The elastic member may be a spring configured to pull the guide block toward the entrance of the receiving space.
[0022] The battery charging device may further include a pack fixing part provided on the terminal plate to fix the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected.
[0023] The battery pack may be connected to the charging terminal with the opening / closing plate open.
[0024] The opening / closing plate may be configured to be closed when the battery pack is removed from the receiving space.
[0025] The battery charging device may further include a driving unit that selectively opens and closes the opening and closing plate according to movement of the battery pack.
[0026] The battery charging device may further include a proximity sensor that detects whether the battery pack has reached a predetermined position.
[0027] The drive unit may be configured to open and close the opening and closing plate based on the detection result of the proximity sensor.
[0028] The opening and closing plates may include a first plate and a second plate arranged in a width direction of the case and rotating in opposite directions.
[0029] The first plate may be pivotally hinged to an inner surface of one side of the case, and the second plate may be pivotally hinged to an inner surface of the other side of the case.
[0030] When the opening and closing plate is opened, the battery pack can be inserted between the first plate and the second plate.
[0031] When the battery pack is connected to the charging terminal, the battery pack may be positioned between the first plate and the second plate.
[0032] The first plate and the second plate may be configured to support both sides of the battery pack when the battery pack is connected to the charging terminal.
[0033] A battery charging device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a case having an accommodation space into which a battery pack is inserted, a movable plate on which the battery pack is placed and which moves along the length of the case within the accommodation space, a terminal plate provided with charging terminals that are selectively connected to the battery pack inserted into the accommodation space, and a guide portion disposed within the accommodation space and guiding the movable plate to move along the length of the case.
[0034] The moving plate may include a damper configured to absorb an impact applied by the battery pack when the battery pack is inserted.
[0035] The guide portion may include a guide rail disposed on an inner surface of the case and extending in parallel in a longitudinal direction of the case, and a guide block slidably coupled to the guide rail and connected to the moving plate.
[0036] The guide rail may include a damper configured to absorb an impact applied by the guide block when the battery pack is inserted or removed.
[0037] The guide portion may further include an electromagnet that selectively applies an attractive force to the guide block toward the terminal plate.
[0038] The guide part may further include an elastic member that applies an elastic force to the guide block toward the entrance of the receiving space.
[0039] The elastic member may be a spring configured to pull the guide block toward the entrance of the receiving space.
[0040] The battery charging device may further include a plate fixing part that fixes the moving plate when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected to each other.
[0041] The plate fixing part may include a latch configured to be connected to the moving plate, and a latch driving part that drives the latch so that the latch fixes or unlocks the moving plate.
[0042] The battery charging device may further include a pack fixing part provided on the terminal plate to fix the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected.
[0043] The pack fixing unit may include a hook configured to be connected to the battery pack, and a hook driving unit that drives the hook so that the hook fixes or releases the battery pack.
[0044] The terminal plate has an opening through which the hook protrudes, and the hook can pass through the opening to selectively connect to the battery pack.
[0045] The hooks may include a pair located on both sides of the charging terminal.
[0046] The battery charging device may further include a door portion that selectively opens and closes an entrance to the storage space.
[0047] The door may include a door frame provided at one side end of the case and defining an entrance to the storage space, and a door plate rotatably hingedly connected to the door frame and selectively opening and closing the entrance to the storage space.
[0048] The guide portion may include a guide rail disposed on the inner surface of the case and extending in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the case, a guide block slidably coupled to the guide rail and connected to the moving plate, and an elastic member that applies an elastic force to the guide block toward the entrance of the storage space.
[0049] The case or the door frame may be provided with a first spring holder to which one end of the elastic member is connected, and the guide block may be provided with a second spring holder to which the other end of the elastic member is connected.
[0050] The door portion may include a door lock for selectively locking the door plate to the door frame.
[0051] The door lock may include a locking groove formed in the door frame, and a locking device provided on the door plate for selectively inserting a locking portion into the locking groove.
[0052] The door section is provided with a communication section that wirelessly communicates with an external device or the battery pack, and the door lock can be selectively locked or unlocked in response to a signal input via the communication section.
[0053] The door plate is connected to the door frame via an elastic hinge, and the elastic hinge can apply an elastic force to the door plate so that the door plate closes the entrance of the receiving space.
[0054] When the battery pack is inserted into the receiving space, the open door plate may be positioned between the battery pack and the inner surface of the case.
[0055] A battery charging device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a case having an accommodating space into which a battery pack is inserted, a terminal plate having charging terminals selectively connected to the battery pack inserted into the accommodating space and moving along the length of the case, a fixing plate facing the terminal plate and positioned on the opposite side of the entrance to the accommodating space from the terminal plate, and a buffer portion positioned between the terminal plate and the fixing plate to buffer and support the terminal plate.
[0056] Of both surfaces of the terminal plate, one surface facing the battery pack may be provided with a damper configured to absorb impacts applied by the battery pack when the battery pack is inserted.
[0057] The buffering part may include a shock absorber provided on the fixing plate, and a support provided on the terminal plate, which contacts or is connected to the shock absorber when the terminal plate approaches the fixing plate.
[0058] The support base can support the terminal plate relative to the case.
[0059] The support bases may be provided at four corners of the terminal plate.
[0060] The buffer portion may be configured to apply a restoring force to the terminal plate toward the entrance of the accommodating space.
[0061] The battery charging device may further include a pack fixing part provided on the terminal plate to fix the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected.
[0062] The battery charging device may further include a terminal plate restraining portion that selectively restrains the terminal plate in the length direction of the case.
[0063] A battery charging device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a case having an accommodation space into which a battery pack is inserted, a terminal plate having charging terminals selectively connected to the battery pack inserted into the accommodation space, a fixing plate facing the terminal plate and positioned on the opposite side of the entrance to the accommodation space from the terminal plate, and a buffer portion protruding from the fixing plate toward the inside of the terminal plate to buffer and support the battery pack.
[0064] The buffering portion may include a shock absorber provided on the fixing plate, and a support base extending from the shock absorber to protrude toward the inside of the terminal plate.
[0065] The end of the support base may be provided with a damper configured to absorb the impact applied by the battery pack when the battery pack is inserted.
[0066] The terminal plate may have a through hole formed therein through which the support base passes.
[0067] The support base may pass through four corners of the terminal plate and protrude inward.
[0068] The buffer section can apply a restoring force to the battery pack toward the entrance of the accommodating space.
[0069] The battery charging device may further include a pack fixing part provided on the terminal plate to fix the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected. [Effects of the Invention]
[0070] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the battery pack can be smoothly inserted into and removed from the storage space of the case, thereby improving user convenience.
[0071] Furthermore, when the connection between the battery pack and the charging terminal is released, the battery pack can be easily ejected to the outside of the case.
[0072] Furthermore, since the battery pack is firmly fixed during charging, it is possible to prevent the battery pack from being arbitrarily ejected or separated.
[0073] Furthermore, the impact applied to the internal components when the battery pack is inserted is reduced, improving the safety of the battery charging device.
[0074] Furthermore, since the door of the battery charging device is locked when not in use, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the case and prevent the user from getting an electric shock.
[0075] In addition, various other additional effects can be achieved by various aspects of the present invention. Such various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, or a description of effects that can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art will be omitted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0076] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters shown in these drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery exchange station. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a state before a battery pack is inserted into a battery charging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a battery pack is inserted into the battery charging device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing the inside of a battery charging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB′ in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC' in FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a perspective view of the door portion shown in FIG. 2 as seen from another direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0077] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily understand the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the following embodiments.
[0078] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of parts that are not relevant to the explanation or related known technologies that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted, and in this specification, when adding reference symbols to components in each drawing, the same or similar reference symbols will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.
[0079] Furthermore, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limited way to their general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical idea of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that an inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term in order to best describe his or her invention.
[0080] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery exchange station.
[0081] The battery exchange station 1 may include at least one, and preferably multiple, battery charging devices 100. For example, multiple battery charging devices 100 may be housed within a single cabinet, with the multiple battery charging devices 100 accessible to a user from the front of the cabinet.
[0082] A battery pack can be inserted into each battery charging device 100, and the battery charging device 100 can charge the inserted battery pack. A user can receive a battery pack that has been fully charged by each battery charging device 100, and can return the existing battery pack to the battery charging device 100.
[0083] Figure 2 is an oblique view showing the state before a battery pack is inserted into the battery charging device of the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is an oblique view showing the state after a battery pack is inserted into the battery charging device shown in Figure 2, Figure 4 is a view showing the interior of the battery charging device of the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' in Figure 2, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B' in Figure 3, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line C-C' in Figure 2, and Figure 8 is an oblique view of the door portion shown in Figure 2 from another direction.
[0084] The battery charging device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a case 110 having an accommodating space S into which the battery pack 10 is inserted, a movable plate 120 on which the battery pack 10 is placed, a terminal plate 130 equipped with charging terminals 131, and a guide unit 140 for guiding the movable plate 120. The battery charging device 100 may further include a door unit 160 for opening and closing the entrance to the accommodating space S.
[0085] The case 110 may have an accommodating space S into which the battery pack 10 is inserted. That is, the case 110 may be a slot into which the battery pack 10 is inserted.
[0086] The case 110 may be formed to be long in one direction (for example, the front-to-rear direction). An entrance to the storage space S may be formed at one end of the case 110, and the battery pack 10 may be inserted into or removed from the storage space S through the entrance. The case 110 may have a substantially box shape. One end of the case 110 may be open and form the entrance to the storage space S.
[0087] As an example, case 110 may include an inner case having a storage space S and an outer case that stores the inner case. In this case, electrical components such as a control board, a detection sensor, and a drive device may be provided between the inner case and the outer case. However, this is not limiting, and it goes without saying that case 110 may be a single case having the storage space S.
[0088] The case 110 may be provided with a heat dissipation fan 115. The heat dissipation fan 115 may be configured to exhaust hot air in the accommodation space S to the outside of the case 110. This allows the heat generated by charging the battery pack 10 to be smoothly dissipated.
[0089] The moving plate 120 can place the battery pack 10 thereon. The moving plate 120 can be disposed inside the case 110. The moving plate 120 can be disposed horizontally. The moving plate 120 can move along the length of the case 110 within the accommodation space S of the case 110. The moving plate 120 can slide along the length of the case 110 within the accommodation space S.
[0090] The terminal plate 130 can be disposed substantially vertically. The terminal plate 130 can be disposed so as to face the entrance of the accommodation space S. The shape of the terminal plate 130 is not limited.
[0091] The terminal plate 130 can be fixed to the case 110. For example, an entrance to the receiving space S can be formed at one end of the case 110, and the terminal plate 130 can be disposed at the other end. The receiving space S can be defined by the inner surface of the case 110 and the inner surface of the terminal plate 130.
[0092] The terminal plate 130 may include a charging terminal 131 that is selectively connected to the battery pack 10 inserted into the receiving space S. The charging terminal 131 may be exposed to the inside of the receiving space S. One surface (e.g., the back surface) of the battery pack 10 may include a connector configured to be connected to the charging terminal 131. The battery pack 10 and the movable plate 120 may move to a position where the connector of the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131.
[0093] The guide portion 140 may be disposed within the accommodation space S. The guide portion 140 may guide the movement of the moving plate 120. More specifically, the guide portion 140 may guide the moving plate 120 to move along the length direction of the case 110.
[0094] More specifically, the guide portion 140 may include a guide rail 141 and a guide block 142 .
[0095] The guide rails 141 may be disposed on the inner surface of the case 110. More specifically, the guide rails 141 may be disposed on the inner bottom surface of the case 110. The guide rails 141 may extend side by side in the length direction of the case 110.
[0096] The guide block 142 may be slidably coupled to the guide rail 141. The moving plate 120 may be connected to the guide block 142. For example, the guide block 142 may be fastened to the bottom surface of the moving plate 120. This allows the guide block 142 and the moving plate 120 to move along the guide rail 141.
[0097] For example, the guide portion 140 can be a well-known LM guide.
[0098] A plurality of guide rails 141 may be provided side by side and spaced apart in the width direction of the case 110. At least one, and preferably a plurality of, guide blocks 142 may be coupled to each guide rail 141.
[0099] The battery pack 10 inserted into the storage space S enters the upper side of the movable plate 120 and can be placed on the movable plate 120. The battery pack 10, the movable plate 120, and the guide block 142 can move to the back side of the storage space S along the guide rails 141 by the force of the user inserting the battery pack 10.
[0100] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that the battery charging device 100 may include a driving unit (e.g., an actuator) that moves the moving plate 120 or the guide block 142. When the battery pack 10 is inserted into the accommodating space S, the driving unit can move the moving plate 120 or the guide block 142 toward the terminal plate 130. In this case, there is an advantage that the driving unit can appropriately adjust the moving speed of the moving plate 120 or the guide block 142.
[0101] The guide unit 140 may further include an elastic member 143 that applies an elastic force to the guide block 142 toward the entrance of the accommodation space S. The elastic member 143 may be configured to pull the guide block 142 toward the entrance of the accommodation space S.
[0102] When the battery pack 10 is separated from the charging terminal 131, the elastic force of the elastic member 143 allows the guide block 142, the moving plate 120, and the battery pack 10 to easily move toward the entrance of the storage space S. This allows the battery pack 10 to be easily ejected to the outside of the case 110.
[0103] For example, the elastic member 143 may be a spring configured to pull the guide block 142 towards the entrance of the receiving space S. The spring may extend alongside the guide rail 141.
[0104] One end of the elastic member 143 may be connected to the case 110 or a door frame 161 described below, and the other end of the elastic member 143 may be connected to the guide block 142. More specifically, the case 110 or the door frame 161 may be provided with a first spring holder 143a (see FIG. 9) to which one end of the elastic member 143 is connected, and the guide block 142 may be provided with a second spring holder (not shown) to which the other end of the elastic member 143 is connected.
[0105] The door portion 160 may be disposed at one end of the case 110. The door portion 160 may selectively open and close the entrance to the storage space S.
[0106] More specifically, the door portion 160 may include a door frame 161 and a door plate 162 .
[0107] The door frame 161 is provided at one end of the case 110 and can define an entrance to the storage space S. The door frame 161 can be a substantially rectangular frame. The door plate 162 can be rotatably hingedly connected to the door frame 161. The door plate 162 can selectively open and close the entrance to the storage space S.
[0108] A handle (not shown) may be provided on the outer surface of the door plate 162. A user can grip the handle to manually open or close the door plate 162.
[0109] The door plate 162 can be rotated inward of the case 110 to open the entrance to the storage space S.
[0110] When the battery pack 10 is inserted into the accommodating space S, the open door plate 162 may be positioned between the battery pack 10 and the inner surface of the case 110. More specifically, the open door plate 162 may be positioned between the battery pack 10 and the inner top surface of the case 110. In other words, while the battery pack 10 is inserted into the accommodating space S, the entrance of the accommodating space S may be maintained in an open state.
[0111] This has the advantage that the user can easily insert the battery pack 10 immediately without having to manually open the door plate 162.
[0112] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the door plate 162 can be rotated outward from the case 110 to open the entrance to the storage space S. In this case, with the battery pack 10 inserted in the storage space S, the door plate 162 can close the entrance to the storage space S.
[0113] The door plate 162 can be connected to the door frame 161 via an elastic hinge 163. The elastic hinge 163 can apply an elastic force to the door plate 162 so that the door plate 162 closes the entrance to the storage space S. For example, the elastic hinge 163 can be provided with a torsion spring.
[0114] As a result, when the battery pack 10 is ejected to the outside of the case 110, the elastic force of the elastic hinge 163 allows the door plate 162 to automatically close the entrance to the storage space S. In addition, the elastic force of the elastic hinge 163 allows the door plate 162 to maintain the entrance to the storage space S in a closed state.
[0115] On the other hand, the door part 160 may not include the door frame 161. In this case, the inner peripheral edge of one end of the case 110 may define the entrance of the storage space S, and the door plate 162 may be rotatably connected to the case 110 via an elastic hinge 163.
[0116] The door portion 160 may include a door lock 165 for selectively locking the door portion 160. The door lock 165 may selectively lock the door plate 162 to the door frame 161.
[0117] More specifically, the door lock 165 may include a locking groove 167 formed in the door frame 161 and a locking device 166 provided on the door plate 162 and configured to selectively insert a locking portion 166a into the locking groove 167.
[0118] When the locking portion 166a is inserted into the locking groove 167, it is possible to restrict the rotation of the door plate 162. This allows the door plate 162 to be locked in a state in which the entrance to the accommodation space S is closed.
[0119] The locking groove 167 may be formed on the inner peripheral edge of the door frame 161. For example, the locking groove 167 may be formed on the lower inner surface of the door frame 161.
[0120] The locking device 166 may include a locking portion 166a and a driving portion for moving the locking portion 166a. The locking portion 166a may be a bar or a protrusion extending in one direction. The driving portion may insert the locking portion 166a into the locking groove 167 or disengage the locking portion 166a from the locking groove 167.
[0121] When the door plate 162 closes the entrance to the accommodation space S, the locking portion 166a of the locking device (locking device 166) can face the locking groove 167. In this state, the locking device can insert the locking portion 166a into the locking groove 167 to lock the door plate 162. Conversely, the locking device 166 can disengage the locking portion 166a from the locking groove 167 to unlock the door plate 162.
[0122] When the battery charging device 100 is not in use, that is, when the storage space S of the case 110 is empty, the door lock 165 can be kept in the locked state.
[0123] However, this is not limited to this, and if the door plate 162 is configured to be rotatable outside the case 110, the door plate 162 can close the entrance to the storage space S while the battery pack 10 is being charged, and the door lock 165 can be maintained in a locked state.
[0124] The door unit 160 may include a communication unit 164 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) that wirelessly communicates with an external device or the battery pack 10. The door lock 165 can be selectively locked or unlocked in response to a signal input via the communication unit 164.
[0125] The configuration of the communication unit 164 is not limited. For example, the communication unit 164 may include an NFC antenna. In this case, the battery pack 10 may be provided with an NFC tag. When the user brings the battery pack 10 close to the door unit 160, the NFC tag of the battery pack 10 and the communication unit 164 of the door unit 160 are wirelessly connected to each other, thereby unlocking the door lock 165. This allows the user to open the door unit 160 and insert the battery pack 10 into the storage space S.
[0126] However, without being limited thereto, the communication unit 164 may wirelessly communicate with an external device such as a terminal (e.g., a smartphone or a tablet) and receive a lock signal or an unlock signal, thereby locking or unlocking the door lock 165.
[0127] Meanwhile, the battery charging device 100 may further include a pack fixing unit 180 that selectively fixes the battery pack 10 .
[0128] The pack fixing part 180 may be provided on the terminal plate 130. The pack fixing part 180 may fix the battery pack 10 when the battery pack 10 and the charging terminal 131 are connected. Conversely, when an ejection signal for the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the pack fixing part 180 may release the fixation of the battery pack 10.
[0129] The pack fixing portion 180 can fix the battery pack 10 in at least one of the width, length, and height directions of the case 110 .
[0130] More specifically, the pack fixing part 180 may include a hook 181 configured to be connected to the battery pack 10 and a hook driving part 182 that drives the hook 181.
[0131] The battery pack 10 may be formed with a groove (not shown) into which the hook 181 is inserted or engaged. The terminal plate 130 may be formed with an opening 130h through which the hook 181 protrudes. The hook 181 may pass through the opening 130h and be selectively connected to the battery pack 10.
[0132] The hook 181 protrudes from the terminal plate 130 into the housing space S through the opening 130h and can be inserted into or fixed to a groove in the battery pack 10. This makes it possible to firmly fix the battery pack 10. The shape of the hook 181 is not limited.
[0133] A pair of hooks 181 may be provided, one on each side of the charging terminal 131. This allows the battery pack 10 to be fixed more firmly, and the connection between the battery pack 10 and the charging terminal 131 can be maintained with high reliability.
[0134] The hook driving unit 182 can drive the hook 181 so that the hook 181 fastens or releases the battery pack 10. For example, the hook driving unit 182 can include a solenoid.
[0135] More specifically, when the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131, the hook driving unit 182 can move the hook 181 forward into the accommodating space S so that the hook 181 is connected to the battery pack 10. Conversely, when an ejection signal for the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the hook driving unit 182 can move the hook 181 backward toward the terminal plate 130 so that the hook 181 is separated from the battery pack 10.
[0136] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the battery pack 10 can be fixed by changing the configuration and function of the pack fixing portion 180.
[0137] Meanwhile, the battery charging device 100 may further include a plate fixing part 190 that selectively fixes the moving plate 120.
[0138] The plate fixing part 190 may be provided on the terminal plate 130. The plate fixing part 190 may fix the moving plate 120 when the battery pack 10 and the charging terminal 131 are connected. Conversely, the plate fixing part 190 may release the moving plate 120 when an ejection signal of the battery pack 10 is transmitted.
[0139] The plate fixing portion 190 can fix the moving plate 120 in at least one direction of the width direction, length direction, or height direction of the case 110.
[0140] More specifically, the plate fixing part 190 may include a latch 191 configured to be connected to the moving plate 120 and a latch driving part 192 that drives the latch 191.
[0141] There is no limitation on the configuration of the latch 191. A pair of latches 191 may be provided spaced apart in the width direction of the moving plate 120. This allows the moving plate 120 to be fixed more firmly.
[0142] The latch driving unit 192 can drive the latch 191 so that the latch 191 fastens or unlocks the battery pack 10. For example, the latch driving unit 192 can include a motor.
[0143] More specifically, when the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131, the latch driver 192 can rotate or advance the latch 191 in one direction so that the latch 191 is connected to the moving plate 120. Conversely, when an ejection signal for the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the latch driver 192 can rotate or retreat the latch 191 in the other direction so that the latch 191 is separated from the moving plate 120.
[0144] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to fix the moving plate 120 by changing the configuration and function of the plate fixing portion 190.
[0145] The pack fixing portion 180 and / or the plate fixing portion 190 can prevent the battery pack 10 from being ejected from the accommodation space S during charging. This allows stable charging of the battery pack 10. In addition, the elastic member 143 of the guide portion 140 can prevent the battery pack 10 from being separated from the charging terminal 131.
[0146] Meanwhile, the battery charging device 100 may further include a door sensor 101 for detecting whether the door 160 is opened or closed. The door sensor 101 may be provided on one side of the case 110.
[0147] For example, the door sensor 101 may be a reed sensor and may be configured to detect a magnet 169 (see FIG. 8) provided on the door section 160. More specifically, when the door section 160 closes the entrance to the storage space S, the magnet 169 and the door sensor 101 are adjacent to each other, and when the door section 160 opens the entrance to the storage space S, the magnet 169 and the reed sensor (door sensor 101) can be separated from each other.
[0148] The battery charging device 100 may further include a proximity sensor 102 that detects whether the battery pack 10 has reached a predetermined position. The proximity sensor 102 may be provided on one side of the case 110. The type of the proximity sensor 102 is not limited.
[0149] For example, when the battery pack 10 reaches a position where it is connected to the charging terminal 131 , the proximity sensor 102 can detect the battery pack 10 .
[0150] Meanwhile, the battery charging apparatus 100 may further include a control unit 170. The control unit 170 may control the overall operation of the battery charging apparatus 100.
[0151] The control unit 170 may include at least one processor. For example, the control unit 170 may include a control board having a plurality of processors and a case in which the control board is accommodated.
[0152] The control unit 170 can be disposed outside the case 110. For example, the control unit 170 can be disposed at the rear of the case 110.
[0153] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as described above, if the case 110 includes an inner case and an outer case, the control unit 170 can be disposed between the inner case and the outer case. Alternatively, the control unit 170 can be provided in the battery exchange station 1 and control multiple battery charging devices 100.
[0154] The control unit 170 can detect whether the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 130. The control unit 170 can control charging of the battery pack 10 via the charging terminal 130.
[0155] The control unit 170 can control at least one of the pack fixing unit 180, the plate fixing unit 190, or the door lock 165. More specifically, the control unit 170 can control the hook driving unit 182 so that the hook 181 of the pack fixing unit 180 fixes or unlocks the battery pack 10. The control unit 170 can control the latch driving unit 192 so that the latch 191 of the plate fixing unit 190 fixes or unlocks the moving plate 120. The control unit 170 can lock or unlock the door lock 165.
[0156] The control unit 170 can communicate with at least one of the door sensor 101 or the proximity sensor 102 and can receive detection results from each of the sensors 101, 102. As an example, the control unit 170 can control the door lock 165 when the door unit 160 is closed based on the detection result of the door sensor 101. As another example, the control unit 170 can control the pack fixing unit 180 and / or the plate fixing unit 190 when the battery pack 10 has reached a predetermined position based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102.
[0157] The control unit 170 can communicate with a communication unit 164 (see FIG. 8) provided in the door unit 160 and can receive a signal input via the communication unit 164. For example, when an NFC tag provided in the battery pack 10 is wirelessly connected to an NFC antenna included in the communication unit 164, the control unit can unlock the door lock 165.
[0158] As another example, the control unit 170 may receive a signal to eject the battery pack 10 from an external device via the communication unit 164. In this case, the control unit 170 may control the pack fixing unit 180 to release the fixation of the battery pack 10, and may control the plate fixing unit 190 to release the fixation of the moving plate 120.
[0159] It goes without saying that the control unit 170 itself may include a communication unit in addition to the communication unit 164 provided in the door unit 160 .
[0160] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0161] The following description will be centered on the differences from the first embodiment, with the overlapping content being cited.
[0162] The battery charging apparatus 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include at least one damper 120d, 140d1, 140d2.
[0163] The moving plate 120 may include a damper 120d configured to cushion the impact exerted by the battery pack 10 when the battery pack 10 is inserted.
[0164] More specifically, the damper 120d may be located at the inner end of the moving plate 120. When the battery pack 10 is inserted into the entrance of the receiving space S and enters the upper side of the moving plate 120, the inner surface of the battery pack 10 may be locked with the damper 120d. For example, the battery pack 10 moves independently until it is locked with the damper 120d, and after the battery pack 10 is locked with the damper 120d, the battery pack 10 and the moving plate 120 may move together.
[0165] The damper 120d can absorb the impact that the battery pack 10 applies to the moving plate 120 even if the user inserts the battery pack 10 forcefully. This can reduce the risk of the battery charging device 100 breaking down.
[0166] The guide rail 141 may include dampers (inner damper 140d1, outer damper 140d2) configured to absorb the impact applied by the guide block 142 when the battery pack 10 is inserted or ejected.
[0167] More specifically, the guide rail 141 may include at least one of an inner damper 140d1 or an outer damper 140d2. The inner damper 140d1 may be configured to absorb the impact applied by the guide block 142 when the battery pack 10 is inserted. The outer damper 140d2 may be configured to absorb the impact applied by the guide block 142 when the battery pack 10 is ejected.
[0168] The inner damper 140d1 can be positioned closer to the inner end of the two ends of the guide rail 141, and the outer damper 140d2 can be positioned closer to the outer end of the two ends of the guide rail 141.
[0169] When a plurality of guide blocks 142 are coupled to each guide rail 141, the guide block 142 in contact with the inner damper 140d1 and the guide block 142 in contact with the outer damper 140d2 may be different from each other.
[0170] The battery pack 10 can be connected to the charging terminal 131 with the guide block 142 in contact with the inner damper 140d1. The battery pack 10 can also be ejected to the outside of the case 110 with the guide block 142 in contact with the outer damper 140d2.
[0171] Even if the user inserts the battery pack 10 forcefully, the inner damper 140d1 can slowly stop the guide block (guide part 140) and the moving plate 120 at a predetermined position, thereby preventing the battery pack 10 and the charging terminal 131 from colliding strongly.
[0172] Even if the battery pack 10 is forcefully ejected by the elastic member 143 of the guide portion 140, the outer damper 140d2 can slowly stop the guide block 142 and the moving plate 120 at a predetermined position, thereby preventing the battery pack 10 from accidentally flying out of the case 110.
[0173] Meanwhile, the guide unit 140 of the battery charging device 100A may further include an electromagnet 145 that selectively applies an attractive force to the guide block 142 toward the terminal plate 130.
[0174] The electromagnet 145 may be disposed on the terminal plate 130 or the inner surface of the case 110, but is not limited to this. Similar to the guide rail 141, a plurality of electromagnets 145 may be provided. The plurality of electromagnets 145 may be spaced apart in the width direction of the case 110.
[0175] The guide block 142 may include a magnetic material that exhibits magnetic properties and may be configured to interact with the magnetic force of the electromagnet 145 .
[0176] The control unit 170 (see FIG. 3) can control the electromagnet 145. For example, the control unit 170 can control the electromagnet 145 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102.
[0177] The control unit 170 can activate the electromagnet 145 when the battery pack 10 is inserted to a predetermined position in the accommodation space S. The attractive force that the activated electromagnet 145 applies to the guide block 142 can be greater than the elastic force that the elastic member 143 applies to the guide block 142.
[0178] When the activated electromagnet 145 applies an attractive force to the guide block 142, the guide block 142, the moving plate 120, and the battery pack 10 can easily move toward the terminal plate 130. Also, when the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131, the activated electromagnet 145 can fix the guide block 142.
[0179] Conversely, when a signal to eject the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the control unit 170 can deactivate the electromagnet 145. In this case, the attractive force acting on the guide block 142 is eliminated, and the guide block 142, the moving plate 120, and the battery pack 10 can easily move toward the entrance of the storage space S by the elastic member 143.
[0180] 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of a battery charging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0181] A battery charging device 100B according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a case 110 having a storage space S into which a battery pack 10 is inserted, a terminal plate 130 provided with a charging terminal 131 selectively connected to the battery pack 10 inserted into the storage space S, and an opening / closing plate 150 positioned between the entrance of the storage space S and the terminal plate 130 and configured to be opened and closed in accordance with the movement of the battery pack 10.
[0182] The battery charging device 100B may further include a drive unit 153 that selectively opens and closes the opening and closing plate 150 in accordance with the movement of the battery pack 10.
[0183] The following description of the first and second embodiments will be applied, except for the opening / closing plate 150 and the drive unit 153. It goes without saying that the configurations described in the first and second embodiments may also be included in the battery charging device 100B.
[0184] FIG. 10 shows the opening and closing plate 150 in a closed state, and FIG. 11 shows the opening and closing plate 150 in an open state.
[0185] The opening / closing plate 150 can prevent the battery pack 10 from arbitrarily approaching the charging terminal 131. The battery pack 10 can be connected to the charging terminal 131 with the opening / closing plate 150 in an open state. The opening / closing plate 150 can be configured to close when the battery pack 10 is removed from the accommodating space S.
[0186] The opening and closing plate 150 may be a double door type. More specifically, the opening and closing plate may include a first plate 151 and a second plate 152 that are arranged in the width direction of the case 110 and rotate in opposite directions. The first plate 151 and the second plate 152 may be arranged to face each other in the width direction of the case 110.
[0187] The first plate 151 and the second plate 152 can rotate about a vertical rotation axis (not shown). The rotation axis of the first plate 151 can be located adjacent to one inner surface of the case 110, and the rotation axis of the second plate 152 can be located adjacent to the other inner surface of the case 110.
[0188] More specifically, the first plate 151 may be pivotally hinged to one inner surface of the case 110, and the second plate 152 may be pivotally hinged to the other inner surface of the case 110.
[0189] When the opening and closing plate 150 is opened, the battery pack 10 can be inserted between the first plate 151 and the second plate 152 .
[0190] When the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131, the battery pack 10 may be located between the first plate 151 and the second plate 152. More specifically, when the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131, the first plate 151 and the second plate 152 may be configured to support both sides of the battery pack 10.
[0191] This makes it possible to safely protect the battery pack 10 from external shocks during charging, and also to more firmly secure the battery pack 10 during charging.
[0192] Meanwhile, the driving unit 153 can selectively open and close the opening / closing plate 150 in accordance with the movement of the battery pack 10. For example, the driving unit 153 may include a solenoid switch. The driving unit 153 may be provided on each of the first plate 151 and the second plate 152, but is not limited thereto.
[0193] The control unit 170 (see FIG. 3) can control the driving unit 153. For example, the control unit 170 can control the driving unit 153 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102. That is, the driving unit 153 can be configured to open and close the opening and closing plate 150 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102.
[0194] When the battery pack 10 is inserted to a predetermined position in the accommodating space S, the control unit 170 can control the driving unit 153 to open the opening / closing plate 150. As a result, the battery pack 10 can enter between the first plate 151 and the second plate 152 and be connected to the charging terminal 131.
[0195] When the battery pack 10 is removed from a predetermined position in the accommodating space S, the control unit 170 can control the driving unit 153 to close the opening and closing plate 150. With the battery pack 10 removed from the accommodating space S, the opening and closing plate 150 can maintain the closed state.
[0196] When the opening / closing plate 150 is closed, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the charging terminal 131. In addition, the opening / closing plate 150, together with the door part 160, can prevent an unauthorized battery pack 10 from being connected to the charging terminal 131.
[0197] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0198] A battery charging device 100C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a case 110 having an accommodation space S into which a battery pack 10 is inserted, a terminal plate 130′ having a charging terminal 131 selectively connected to the battery pack 10 inserted into the accommodation space S and moving along the length of the case 110, a fixing plate 210 facing the terminal plate 130′ and positioned on the opposite side of the entrance to the accommodation space S from the terminal plate 130′, and a buffer section 220 positioned between the terminal plate 130′ and the fixing plate 210 to buffer and support the terminal plate 130′.
[0199] Hereinafter, any overlapping description with the contents explained in the first to third embodiments will be used. It goes without saying that the configurations explained in the first to third embodiments can also be included in the battery charging device 100C, even if they are not shown in FIG.
[0200] The fixing plate 210 can be fixed to the case 110. For example, an entrance to the accommodation space S can be formed at one end of the case 110, and the fixing plate 210 can be disposed at the other end. The accommodation space S can be defined by the inner surface of the case 110 and the inner surface of the fixing plate 210.
[0201] The terminal plate 130' is not fixed to the case 110 and can be configured to move along the length of the case 110. The terminal plate 130' can be positioned within the accommodation space S. The terminal plate 130' can move along the length of the case 110 within the accommodation space S.
[0202] One side of the terminal plate 130' may face the entrance of the receiving space S, and the other side may face the fixing plate 210. The charging terminal 131 may be provided on the one side of the terminal plate 130'.
[0203] When the user inserts the battery pack 10 into the storage space S, the terminal plate 130' can move toward the fixing plate 210 together with the battery pack 10 due to the force pressing on the battery pack 10.
[0204] Of the two surfaces of the terminal plate 130', one surface facing the entrance of the accommodation space S may be provided with a damper 130d configured to absorb the impact applied by the battery pack 10 when the battery pack 10 is inserted.
[0205] For example, the battery pack 10 moves independently until it hits the damper 130d, and after the battery pack 10 hits the damper 120d, the battery pack 10 and the terminal plate 130' can move together.
[0206] The damper 130d can reduce the impact that the battery pack 10 applies to the terminal plate 130' even if the user inserts the battery pack 10 forcefully.
[0207] The buffer portion 220 may be located between the terminal plate 130 and the fixed plate 210. The buffer portion 220 may provide buffer support for the terminal plate 130 relative to the fixed plate 210.
[0208] More specifically, the buffering unit 220 may include a shock absorber 221 provided on the fixing plate 210 and a support 222 provided on the terminal plate 210. The support 222 may contact or be connected to the shock absorber 221 when the terminal plate 130' approaches the fixing plate 210.
[0209] The shock absorber 221 can be configured to absorb shock while being compressed when in contact with or connected to the support base 222. For example, the shock absorber 221 can be a hydraulic or pneumatic compression shock absorber. The configuration of such a shock absorber 221 is well known technology, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0210] The support bases 222 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the case 110. The support bases 222 may be substantially bar-shaped.
[0211] The support base 222 can support the terminal plate 130′ relative to the case 110. More specifically, the support base 222 is in contact with the inner surface of the case 110 and can support the terminal plate 130′ so that it can move while maintaining an upright position without tipping over.
[0212] The support base 222 may be provided on the other surface of the terminal plate 130' that faces the fixed plate 210.
[0213] The support bases 222 may be provided at the corners of the terminal plate 130'. That is, four support bases 222 may be provided. This allows the case 110 to be stably supported. This allows the shock absorbers 221 to be provided at the four corners of the fixing plate 210. However, the number of support bases 222 and shock absorbers 221 may be more than four or fewer than four.
[0214] Although not shown in FIG. 12, the terminal plate 130' may include the aforementioned pack fixing portion 180 (see FIG. 9).
[0215] Meanwhile, the battery charging device 100C may further include a terminal plate fixing portion 230 that selectively fixes the terminal plate 130' in the length direction of the case 110.
[0216] The terminal plate fixing portion 230 can be provided on the case 110 or the fixing plate 210 .
[0217] The terminal plate fixing portion 230 can fix the terminal plate 130' in a state where the shock absorber 221 and the support base 222 are connected or in contact with each other.
[0218] The configuration of the terminal plate fixing part 230 is not limited. For example, the terminal plate fixing part 230 may include a latch and a latch driver (e.g., a motor) for driving the latch, similar to the plate fixing part 190. In this case, the terminal plate 130' may have a locking groove for locking the latch. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art may realize the terminal plate fixing part 230 in various ways.
[0219] The control unit 170 can control the terminal plate fixing unit 230 so that the terminal plate 130′ is fixed or released. For example, the control unit 170 can control the plate fixing unit 230 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102.
[0220] When the battery pack 10 or the terminal plate 130′ reaches a predetermined position, the control unit 170 may control the terminal plate fixing unit 230 to fix the terminal plate 130′. When an ejection signal for the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the control unit 170 may control the terminal plate fixing unit 230 to release the fixation of the terminal plate 130′.
[0221] Meanwhile, to facilitate easy ejection of the battery pack 10, the buffer 220 may be configured to apply a restoring force to the terminal plate 130' toward the entrance of the accommodating space S. For example, the shock absorber 221 may be configured not only to absorb impact but also to push out the support base 222 while returning to its original shape after being compressed.
[0222] Therefore, when the terminal plate fixing portion 230 releases the fixing of the terminal plate 130', the restoring force allows the terminal plate 130' and the battery pack 10 to move toward the entrance of the accommodating space S. This allows the battery pack 10 to be easily removed.
[0223] However, the configuration for easy ejection of the battery pack 10 is not limited to this. For example, an elastic part other than the buffer part 220 may be provided between the terminal plate 130' and the fixing plate 210, or a pusher that is driven to push out the terminal plate 130' may be provided.
[0224] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0225] A battery charging device 100D according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention may include a case 110 having an accommodation space S into which a battery pack 10 is inserted, a terminal plate 130 having a charging terminal 131 selectively connected to the battery pack 10 inserted into the accommodation space S, a fixing plate 310 facing the terminal plate 130 and positioned on the opposite side of the entrance to the accommodation space S from the terminal plate 130, and a buffer portion 320 protruding from the fixing plate 310 toward the inside of the terminal plate 130 to provide buffer support for the battery pack 10.
[0226] Hereinafter, any explanation that overlaps with the contents explained in the first to third embodiments will be cited. It goes without saying that the configurations explained in the first to third embodiments can also be included in the battery charging device 100D, even if they are not shown in FIG.
[0227] The fixing plate 310 may be disposed outside the case 110. The fixing plate 310 may be fixed to the case 110 or to another structure outside the case 110. In this case, the fixing plate 310 may face the terminal plate 130 provided at the end of the case 110.
[0228] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fixing plate 310 may be provided at the end of the case 110. In this case, the terminal plate 130 may be fixed inside the case 110.
[0229] The buffering portion 320 may protrude from the fixing plate 310 to the inside of the terminal plate 130. The buffering portion 320 may protrude from the fixing plate 310 into the receiving space S, passing through the terminal plate 130.
[0230] More specifically, the buffering portion 320 may include a shock absorber 321 provided on the fixing plate 310 and a support base 322 extending from the shock absorber 321 toward the inside of the terminal plate 130 .
[0231] The shock absorber 321 can be provided on one of both surfaces of the fixed plate 310 that faces the terminal plate 130 .
[0232] The shock absorber 321 can be configured to absorb impact while being compressed when the battery pack 10 hits the support base 322. For example, the shock absorber 321 can be a hydraulic or pneumatic compression shock absorber. The configuration of such a shock absorber 321 is well known technology, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0233] The support base 322 can support the battery pack 10 in the length direction of the case 110. The support base 322 can extend in parallel with the length direction of the case 110. The support base 322 can be substantially bar-shaped.
[0234] The support base 322 can be connected to the shock absorber 321. More specifically, one end of the support base 322 can be connected to the shock absorber 321. The other end of the support base 322 can be provided with a damper 322d, which will be described later.
[0235] The length of the support base 322 protruding from the shock absorber 321 may be variable. For example, when the shock absorber 321 is compressed, the length of the support base 322 protruding from the shock absorber 321 may decrease.
[0236] The support base 322 may penetrate the terminal plate 130 and protrude into the accommodating space S. More specifically, the terminal plate 130 may be formed with a through-hole (opening 130h) through which the support base 322 passes.
[0237] The end of the support base 322 may be provided with a damper 322d configured to absorb the impact applied by the battery pack 10 when the battery pack 10 is inserted.
[0238] The damper 322d can reduce the impact that the battery pack 10 applies to the support base 322 even if the user inserts the battery pack 10 forcefully.
[0239] The support bases 322 can protrude inward while passing through the four corners of the terminal plate 130. That is, four support bases 322 can be provided, and through holes (openings 130h) through which each support base 322 passes can be formed in the four corners of the terminal plate 130. This allows the shock absorbers 321 to be provided at the four corners of the fixing plate 310. However, the number of support bases 322 and shock absorbers 321 may be more than four, or fewer than four.
[0240] This allows the battery pack 10 to be stably supported, and prevents the support base 322 from interfering with the charging terminal 131.
[0241] Although not shown in FIG. 13, the terminal plate 130 may be provided with the pack fixing portion 180 (see FIG. 9) described above.
[0242] Meanwhile, in order to facilitate easy ejection of the battery pack 10, the buffer part 320 may be configured to apply a restoring force to the battery pack 10 toward the entrance of the accommodating space S. For example, the shock absorber 321 may be configured not only to absorb impact but also to push out the support base 322 while returning to its original shape after being compressed.
[0243] Therefore, when the pack fixing part 180 releases the fixing of the battery pack 10, the elastic force allows the battery pack 10 to move toward the entrance of the accommodation space S. This allows the battery pack 10 to be easily removed.
[0244] The above description is merely an illustrative example of the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.
[0245] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments.
[0246] The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0247] 10 Battery pack 100 battery charging device 101 Door Sensor 102 Proximity Sensor 110 cases 120 Moving Plate 130 Terminal Plate 131 Charging terminal 140 Guide section 141 Guide rail 142 Guide Block 143 Elastic Members 145 Electromagnet 150 Opening and Closing Plate 160 Door section 161 Door Frame 162 Door Plate 163 Elastic hinge 164 Communications Department 165 Door Lock 166 Locking device 166a Locking part 167 Locking groove 170 Control Unit 180 Pack fixing part 181 Hook 182 Hook drive unit 190 Plate fixing part 191 Latch 192 Latch drive unit 210, 310 fixing plate 220, 320 buffer section 221, 321 shock absorber 222, 322 Support stand
Claims
1. a case having a storage space into which a battery pack is inserted; a terminal plate having a charging terminal selectively connected to the battery pack inserted into the receiving space; an opening / closing plate positioned between the entrance of the accommodating space and the terminal plate, the opening / closing plate being configured to open and close in accordance with movement of the battery pack; Including, The opening and closing plates include a first plate and a second plate arranged in a width direction of the case and rotating in opposite directions to each other, When the battery pack is connected to the charging terminal, the battery pack is positioned between the first plate and the second plate.
2. The battery charging device according to claim 1 , further comprising a moving plate on which the battery pack is placed and which moves along the length of the case within the storage space.
3. The battery charging device of claim 2 , further comprising a plate fixing part that fixes the moving plate when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected.
4. 3. The battery charging device according to claim 2, wherein the moving plate is provided with a damper configured to absorb shock applied when the battery pack is inserted.
5. The battery charging device according to claim 2 , further comprising a guide portion disposed in the receiving space and configured to guide the moving plate to move along the length direction of the case.
6. The guide portion is guide rails disposed on the inner surface of the case and extending in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the case; a guide block slidably coupled to the guide rail and connected to the moving plate; 6. The battery charging device of claim 5, comprising:
7. 7. The battery charging device according to claim 6, wherein the guide rail is provided with a damper configured to absorb an impact applied by the guide block when the battery pack is inserted or ejected.
8. 7. The battery charging device of claim 6, wherein the guide portion further includes an electromagnet that selectively applies an attractive force to the guide block toward the terminal plate.
9. The battery charging device according to claim 6 , wherein the guide portion further includes an elastic member that applies an elastic force to the guide block toward the entrance of the accommodating space.
10. 10. The battery charging device of claim 9, wherein the elastic member is a spring configured to pull the guide block toward the entrance of the accommodating space.
11. The battery charging device according to claim 1 , further comprising a pack fixing portion provided on the terminal plate, the pack fixing portion fixing the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected to each other.
12. The battery charging device according to claim 1 , wherein the battery pack is connected to the charging terminal with the opening / closing plate in an open state.
13. The battery charging device according to claim 1 , wherein the opening and closing plate is configured to be closed when the battery pack is ejected from the accommodating space.
14. The battery charging device according to claim 1 , further comprising a drive unit that selectively opens and closes the opening and closing plate in accordance with the movement of the battery pack.
15. 15. The battery charging device of claim 14, further comprising a proximity sensor that detects whether the battery pack has reached a predetermined position.
16. The battery charging device according to claim 15, wherein the drive unit is configured to open and close the opening and closing plate based on a detection result of the proximity sensor.
17. 2. The battery charging device of claim 1, wherein the first plate is pivotally hinged to an inner surface of one side of the case, and the second plate is pivotally hinged to an inner surface of the other side of the case.
18. The battery charging device according to claim 1 , wherein when the opening and closing plate is opened, the battery pack enters between the first plate and the second plate.
19. 2. The battery charging device according to claim 1, wherein the first plate and the second plate are configured to support both sides of the battery pack when the battery pack is connected to the charging terminal.
Citation Information
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