Battery replacement device and battery replacement method

Abstract

To provide a battery replacement apparatus which can inhibit deformation of a battery mounting stand.SOLUTION: A battery replacement apparatus 100 includes: a battery replacement station including a floor surface FL on which an electrically powered vehicle 200 can be stopped; a battery mounting stand 34 on which a first battery 201 and a second battery can be mounted and which is movable below the electrically powered vehicle 200 in a vertical direction; and a raising and lowering unit 35 movable below the electrically powered vehicle 200 in the vertical direction independently of the battery mounting stand 34. The raising and lowering unit 35 is movable between a raised position to which at least a part of the electrically powered vehicle 200 has been moved upward from the floor surface FL, and a separated position separated downward from the electrically powered vehicle 200. The battery mounting stand 34 is capable of moving up to a position where the battery mounting stand 34 abuts a bottom surface of the first battery 201 when the raising and lowering unit 35 is located at the raised position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery replacement device and a battery replacement method. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-192783 discloses a battery exchange device that exchanges a battery mounted on an electric vehicle with a charged battery. The battery exchange device includes a battery mounting section that is movable in the vertical direction below the electric vehicle, a pair of vehicle lifting members fixed to the upper surface of the battery mounting section, and a battery lifting section that can be raised and lowered relative to the battery mounting section. The pair of vehicle lifting members are arranged at both ends of the battery mounting section in the vehicle width direction. The battery lifting section is arranged in the center of the battery mounting section.

[0003] When replacing a battery using this battery exchange device, first, the battery mounting section and the vehicle lifting member rise toward the battery attached to the bottom of the electric vehicle, causing the vehicle lifting member to abut against the underside of the underreinforcement of the electric vehicle. The battery mounting section and the vehicle lifting member then raise the electric vehicle until it is horizontal. In this state, a gap is formed between the underside of the battery attached to the electric vehicle and the upper surface of the battery mounting section. If the battery is removed in this state, the battery will fall toward the battery mounting section by the gap. To avoid this, the battery exchange device then drives the battery lifting section to protrude and abut against the underside of the battery. After the battery is removed, the battery lifting section is driven to retract. This leaves the battery mounted on the battery mounting section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-192783 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the battery exchange device described in JP 2012-192783 A, when the electric vehicle is lifted by the pair of vehicle lifting members, the weight of the electric vehicle is also applied to the battery mounting section, and there is a concern that repeated battery replacement may cause deformation such as bending of the battery mounting section, which may result in unstable support of the battery by the battery lifting section.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery replacement device and a battery replacement method that can suppress deformation of a battery mounting stand. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A battery exchange device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a battery exchange device for exchanging a used first battery attached to the body of an electric vehicle for a charged second battery, the battery exchange station including a floor surface on which the electric vehicle can stop and where the first battery is removed from the body and the second battery is attached to the body; a battery mounting stand on which the first battery and the second battery can be placed and which is movable in an up and down direction below the electric vehicle; and a lifting unit which is movable in an up and down direction below the electric vehicle independently of the battery mounting stand, the lifting unit being movable between an elevated position in which at least a portion of the electric vehicle is moved upward from the floor surface and a separated position below the electric vehicle, the battery mounting stand being able to be lifted to a position where it abuts the bottom surface of the first battery when the lifting unit is in the elevated position.

[0008] A battery replacement method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a battery replacement method for replacing a used first battery attached to the body of an electric vehicle with a charged second battery, and includes a lifting step of lifting the electric vehicle using a lifting unit that is movable in an up and down direction below the electric vehicle so that at least a portion of the electric vehicle moves upward from the floor surface; a raising step of raising a battery mounting stand that is movable in an up and down direction independently of the lifting unit while the electric vehicle is lifted by the lifting unit so that the battery mounting stand abuts against the bottom surface of the first battery; and a removal step of removing the first battery from the body while the battery mounting stand abuts against the bottom surface of the first battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a battery replacement device and a battery replacement method that are capable of suppressing deformation of a battery mounting stand. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a vehicle stopping area in the battery exchange device. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery mounting base and an elevator unit. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a battery mounting base and an elevator unit. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing each step of the battery exchange device. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state before the battery mounting base and the electric vehicle are positioned relative to each other. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the battery mounting base and the electric vehicle are positioned relative to each other. FIG. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views schematically showing modified examples of the positioning pin and the marker. [Figure 10]10A and 10B are cross-sectional views schematically showing modified examples of the positioning pin and the marker. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views schematically showing modified examples of the positioning pin and the marker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0012] (Configuration of battery exchange device) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery exchange apparatus 100 and an electric vehicle 200 according to this embodiment. The battery exchange apparatus 100 is an apparatus for exchanging a battery (used battery) 201 attached to the electric vehicle 200 with a charged battery (new battery) 101. The battery 201 and the battery 101 are examples of the "first battery" and "second battery" of the present disclosure, respectively. The battery exchange apparatus 100 includes a battery exchange station 100a, a storage space 100b, and an underfloor area 100c.

[0013] The battery exchange station 100a is a station where the battery 201 is removed from the electric vehicle 200 and the battery 101 is attached to the electric vehicle 200. The battery exchange station 100a is provided with an entrance / exit 102 for the electric vehicle 200 to enter and exit.

[0014] The hangar 100b stores charged batteries 101. The hangar 100b is provided adjacent to the battery exchange station 100a. The hangar 100b is provided with charging equipment 51 that can charge the batteries 201 removed from the electric vehicle 200. The batteries 201 are charged by the charging equipment 51 in the hangar 100b. The batteries 101 charged in the hangar 100b, i.e., the charged batteries 101, are moved to a temporary storage area 40 provided in the underfloor area 100c and then transported to the electric vehicle 200.

[0015] The underfloor area 100c is provided below the battery exchange station 100a and the storage shed 100b. The underfloor area 100c is provided with a battery mounting platform 34, a lifting unit 35, a first transport unit 36, and a second transport unit 37, which will be described later.

[0016] The battery exchange device 100 includes a control device 10, a drive device 30, and a detection device 60.

[0017] The control device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication unit 13. The memory 12 stores programs executed by the processor 11 as well as information used in the programs (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). As will be described in detail later, the processor 11 controls the drive device 30 and the detection device 60.

[0018] The communication unit 13 includes various communication I / Fs. The processor 11 controls the communication unit 13. The communication unit 13 communicates with the DCM of the electric vehicle 200 and the like. Two-way communication is possible between the communication unit 13 and the electric vehicle 200. The communication unit 13 may also communicate with a mobile terminal or the like owned by the user of the electric vehicle 200.

[0019] 2, the battery replacement device 100 is provided with a vehicle stopping area 103. When the electric vehicle 200 is stopped in the vehicle stopping area 103 and a user operates a navigation system (not shown) of the electric vehicle 200 to instruct the start of battery replacement work, the communication unit 13 receives an instruction signal to start the battery replacement work from the electric vehicle 200. The processor 11 starts controlling the battery replacement work based on the communication unit 13 receiving the instruction signal. The electric vehicle 200 is stopped in the vehicle stopping area 103 so that the forward / backward direction is the X direction and the left / right direction is the Y direction.

[0020] The drive device 30 includes a wheel stopper 31 (see Figure 2), a shutter 32 (see Figure 2), a battery mounting stand 34 (see Figure 1), a lifting section 35 (see Figure 1), a first conveying section 36 (see Figure 1), and a second conveying section 37 (see Figure 1).

[0021] 2, the vehicle stopping area 103 is provided with four wheel stoppers 31. The wheel stoppers 31 are provided to correspond to the four wheels 202 of the electric vehicle 200, respectively.

[0022] The wheel stopper 31 includes a pressing member 31a and a lateral roller 31b. The pressing member 31a presses the wheel 202 from the outside (side) to move the wheel 202. The pressing member 31a is disposed so as to straddle the lateral roller 31b. In this way, the wheel 202 is positioned by the wheel stopper 31.

[0023] The lateral roller portion 31b is composed of a plurality of rollers whose rotation axes extend along the X direction. The rollers of the lateral roller portion 31b are aligned along the Y direction. When the rollers of the lateral roller portion 31b rotate, the pressing member 31a moves along the Y direction.

[0024] 2, the shutter 32 is provided in the vehicle stopping area 103. The shutter 32 is configured to be able to open and close an opening 32a formed in the floor surface FL of the vehicle stopping area 103. The shutter 32 is switchable between an open state in which the opening 32a is open and a closed state in which the opening 32a is closed.

[0025] The lifting unit 35 is movable in the vertical direction between a position higher than the floor surface FL and a position lower than the floor surface FL through the opening 32a. As shown in FIG. 3 , the lifting unit 35 is capable of lifting the electric vehicle 200 while holding the electric vehicle 200 from below so that the wheels 202 of the electric vehicle 200 are lifted above the floor surface FL. The lifting unit 35 lifts the electric vehicle so that the height H of the underside 200b of the vehicle body 200a from the floor surface FL is a predetermined height. The lifting unit 35 is movable between a raised position where at least a portion of the electric vehicle 200 is moved upward from the floor surface FL, and a separated position where the lifting unit 35 is separated downward from the electric vehicle 200. The raised position may be set to a position where the wheels 202 of the electric vehicle 200 are lifted above the floor surface FL.

[0026] The lifting section 35 includes a pair of lifting bars 35a spaced apart in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the up-down direction. Each of the pair of lifting bars 35a is provided with two protrusions 35b that protrude upward. The electric vehicle 200 is supported from below by the two protrusions 35b on each of the pair of lifting bars 35a (i.e., four protrusions 35b).

[0027] The battery mounting stand 34 is disposed below the battery exchange station 100a, more specifically below the opening 32a. The battery mounting stand 34 is capable of mounting batteries 101, 201 and is also movable up and down. The battery mounting stand 34 is movable up and down independently of the lifting unit 35. As shown in FIG. 4, the battery mounting stand 34 has a base 34e, two positioning pins 34a, four locking / unlocking tools 34b, a roller 34c, and a stopper 34f.

[0028] The base portion 34e is disposed between the pair of lifting bars 35a. The base portion 34e is movable in the up and down direction. The base portion 34e is formed in a flat plate shape. The base portion 34e has an outer shape larger than the outer shape of the batteries 101, 201. The base portion 34e is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction below the electric vehicle 200. Specifically, the base portion 34e is movable in the X direction (X1 direction, X2 direction) and the Y direction (Y1 direction, Y2 direction). The base portion 34e is rotatable so as to change its orientation (angle) within the XY plane. Note that each of the pair of lifting bars 35a may also be movable in the same way as the base portion 34e.

[0029] Each positioning pin 34a is provided on the base portion 34e. Each positioning pin 34a is a portion for positioning the base portion 34e with respect to the vehicle body 200a of the electric vehicle 200. One positioning pin 34a is provided on one end of the base portion 34e in a direction parallel to the vehicle width direction (Y direction). The other positioning pin 34a is provided on the other end of the base portion 34e in a direction parallel to the vehicle width direction (Y direction).

[0030] 5, vehicle body 200a of electric vehicle 200 has a lower surface 200b, and this lower surface 200b is provided with pin insertion holes 208 into which each positioning pin 34a is inserted. Each positioning pin 34a can be inserted into the pin insertion hole.

[0031] Each locking / unlocking tool 34b is movable in the vertical direction. Each locking / unlocking tool 34b is movable in the vertical direction relative to the base portion 34e. As shown in Fig. 4, each locking / unlocking tool 34b is disposed inside a pair of positioning pins 34a in the Y direction. Each locking / unlocking tool 34b is disposed outside the base portion 34e in the X direction.

[0032] 5, the battery 201 has a bottom surface 201e, which is provided with a tool insertion hole 201f into which each locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted. A tool insertion hole is also provided in the bottom surface of the battery 101. Each locking / unlocking tool 34b can be inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f.

[0033] The roller portion 34c is provided on the base portion 34e. The roller portion 34c is rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the X direction. When the roller portion 34c rotates in one direction, the batteries 101, 201 move relative to the base portion 34e to one side in the Y direction (e.g., the Y1 side), and when the roller portion 34c rotates in the other direction, the batteries 101, 201 move relative to the base portion 34e to the other side in the Y direction.

[0034] The markers 34d are provided on the upper ends of the positioning pins 34a. The markers 34d preferably emit light at least horizontally. The markers 34d may be formed of light-emitting elements such as LEDs. The markers 34d may have a tapered shape toward the top.

[0035] The stopper 34f is provided on the base portion 34e and will be described later.

[0036] 1 again, the first transport unit 36 ​​transports the batteries 101 stored in the storage 100b toward the battery mounting stand 34. Specifically, a temporary storage area 40 is provided in the underfloor area 100c for temporarily storing the charged batteries 101 stored in the storage 100b, and the first transport unit 36 ​​can transport the batteries 101 from the temporary storage area 40 toward the battery mounting stand 34. Note that the first transport unit 36 ​​may be, for example, a belt conveyor type.

[0037] The second transport unit 37 transports used batteries 201 that have been removed from the electric vehicle 200 and placed on the battery mounting stand 34 from the battery mounting stand 34. Specifically, a storage space 42 for storing batteries 201 is provided in the underfloor area 100c at a position away from the storage shed 100b, and the second transport unit 37 transports the batteries 201 from the battery mounting stand 34 to the storage space 42 along the transport direction (Y2 direction) in which the first transport unit 36 ​​transports the batteries 101 toward the battery mounting stand 34. The first transport unit 36 ​​and the second transport unit 37 are arranged so as to be aligned in the same straight line. The second transport unit 37 may also be, for example, a belt conveyor type.

[0038] The storage space 42 is provided with charging equipment 52 capable of charging the battery 201. The battery 201 stored in the storage space 42 is transported to the storage shed 100b by a transport unit (not shown) after or during charging by the charging equipment 52. The transport unit may be composed of a first transport unit 36 ​​and a second transport unit 37.

[0039] Here, the stopper 34f will be described. The stopper 34f is provided on the base portion 34e at a location downstream of the roller portion 34c in the conveying direction (Y2 direction). The stopper 34f abuts against the battery 101 conveyed from the first conveyor 36 to the base portion 34e in the direction opposite to the conveying direction. The position of the stopper 34f in the direction parallel to the conveying direction (Y direction) is set based on the position of the battery 201 mounted on the electric vehicle 200. The stopper 34f is movable in the vertical direction between a protruding position (position shown in FIG. 4) where it protrudes upward from the base portion 34e so as to abut against the battery 101, 201, and a recessed position where it is recessed within the base portion 34e so as to allow movement of the used battery 201 from the base portion 34e to the second conveyor 37.

[0040] Movement of the stopper 34f between the protruding position and the recessed position is controlled by the processor 11 of the control device 10. The processor 11 positions the stopper 34f in the protruding position when a charged battery 101 is moved from the first transport section 36 to the base section 34e, and positions the stopper 34f in the recessed position when a used battery 201 is moved from the base section 34e to the second transport section 37.

[0041] The detection device 60 is capable of detecting the position of the marker 34d. In this embodiment, the detection device 60 is capable of detecting light emitted from the marker 34d. The detection device 60 is configured by, for example, a camera. As shown in FIG. 3 , the detection device 60 is provided below the electric vehicle 200 stopped in the vehicle stopping area 103. A detection signal from the detection device 60 is sent to the communication unit 13 of the control device 10.

[0042] The processor 11 of the control device 10 determines that the positioning pin 34a has been inserted into the pin insertion hole 208 when the detection device 60 no longer detects the marker 34d, more specifically, when the light emitted from the marker 34d is no longer detected. In other words, the processor 11 determines that the battery mounting base 34 has been positioned relative to the batteries 101, 201 when the detection device 60 no longer detects the light emitted from the marker 34d.

[0043] (Battery replacement method) Next, a battery exchange method using the battery exchange device 100 will be described with reference to the flow chart (sequence diagram) of FIG.

[0044] [Transmission of vehicle information, etc.: Electric vehicles] First, in step S21, the electric vehicle 200 transmits information about the electric vehicle 200 and information about the battery 201 to the communication unit 13 of the battery exchange apparatus 100. For example, an operation to transmit each piece of information described above is performed in a navigation system (not shown) of the electric vehicle 200, whereby each piece of information described above is transmitted to the communication unit 13. The electric vehicle 200 transmits each piece of information described above before entering the battery exchange apparatus 100. Note that each piece of information described above may also be transmitted after the electric vehicle 200 enters the battery exchange apparatus 100.

[0045] [Acquisition of vehicle information, etc.: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S1, the communication unit 13 of the battery exchange device 100 acquires, by communication, the information about the electric vehicle 200 and the information about the battery 201 transmitted from the electric vehicle 200 in step S21. The acquired information is stored in the memory 12 (see FIG. 1).

[0046] The communication unit 13 may also acquire information on the capacity (charge capacity) of the battery 201 and the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 201.

[0047] [Sending instruction signals for battery replacement: electric vehicle] Next, in step S22, the electric vehicle 200 parked in the vehicle stopping area 103 transmits to the communication unit 13 an instruction signal to start the battery replacement work.

[0048] [Battery replacement instruction signal received: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S2, the communication unit 13 receives the instruction signal transmitted from the electric vehicle 200 in step S22. After receiving the instruction signal, in step S2, the processor 11 may transmit an instruction message or the like to the user of the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13 to turn off the ignition power supply.

[0049] [Control of wheel clamp: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S3, the processor 11 adjusts the positions of the wheel clamping units 31 (see FIG. 2) based on the information (vehicle information and battery information) acquired in step S1 through the communication unit 13. Note that the processor 11 may control each of the four wheel clamping units 31 independently of one another.

[0050] This adjusts the horizontal position and orientation of the vehicle body 200a, and also adjusts the horizontal position and orientation of the battery 201. As a result, the battery 201 is moved to a predetermined position above the opening 32a.

[0051] [Battery replacement device: Holds the vehicle horizontally] Next, in step S4, the processor 11 opens the shutter 32 and raises the lifting unit 35 while the shutter 32 is in the open state. As a result, after passing through the opening 32a, the lifting unit 35 lifts the electric vehicle 200 so that at least a portion of the electric vehicle 200 moves upward from the floor surface FL (lifting step). Specifically, the lifting unit 35 lifts the electric vehicle 200 so that the height H (see FIG. 3) of the underside 200b of the vehicle body 200a from the floor surface FL becomes a predetermined height.

[0052] [Removing the battery after use: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S5, the used battery 201 is removed from the body 200a of the electric vehicle 200. First, the processor 11 raises the battery mounting base 34. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the detection device 60 continues to detect light emitted from the marker 34d. While the detection device 60 is detecting light from the marker 34d, the processor 11 determines that the positioning pin 34a is not inserted into the pin insertion hole 208.

[0053] As the battery mounting base 34 further rises, as shown in FIG. 8 , the positioning pin 34a is inserted into the pin insertion hole 208 formed in the underside 200b of the vehicle body 200a, and the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f formed in the bottom surface 201e of the battery 201, so that the base portion 34e abuts against or approaches the bottom surface 201e of the battery 201 (rising stroke). As a result, the battery mounting base 34 is positioned relative to the electric vehicle 200 (battery 201). During this rising stroke, the marker 34d is inserted into the pin insertion hole 208, and the detection device 60 no longer detects light emitted from the marker 34d. At this time, the processor 11 determines that the positioning pin 34a has been inserted into the pin insertion hole 208. Note that, at this time, the positioning pin 34a is inserted into the pin insertion hole 208 before the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f.

[0054] In the process of raising the battery mounting stand 34, if the detection device 60 continues to detect the marker 34d even though the base part 34e has been raised to a height position where the marker 34d is intended to be inserted into the pin insertion hole 208, the processor 11 determines that the marker 34d has not been inserted into the pin insertion hole 208. In this case, the processor 11 lowers the base part 34e to a position where the marker 34d is separated from the underside 200b of the vehicle body 200a, and then adjusts the position of the base part 34e in the X direction and the Y direction relative to the vehicle body 200a, and raises the base part 34e again.

[0055] Next, the processor 11 raises the locking / unlocking tool 34b while the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f. Then, the processor 11 drives (rotates) the locking / unlocking tool 34b inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f. This unlocks the bolt 201g in the tool insertion hole 201f. As a result, the battery 201 is removed from the vehicle body 200a and placed on the base part 34e. Note that the timing at which the positioning pin 34a is inserted into the pin insertion hole 208 and the timing at which the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f may be the same.

[0056] [Battery exchange device: transporting used batteries to a storage space] Next, in step S6, the battery 201 removed from the vehicle body 200a in step S5 is transported to the storage space 42 (see FIG. 1). First, the processor 11 lowers the battery mounting stand 34 on which the battery 201 is mounted to the height position of the second transport unit 37 (see FIG. 1). Next, the processor 11 lowers the lifting unit 35 to a position lower than the battery mounting stand 34 (for example, the position shown in FIG. 1). As a result, the vehicle body 200a is no longer held by the lifting unit 35, and the electric vehicle 200 is placed on the floor surface FL of the vehicle stopping area 103. At this time, the processor 11 positions the stopper 34f in the buried position. Next, the processor 11 drives the roller unit 34c (see FIG. 4) of the battery mounting stand 34 so that the battery 201 moves on the base unit 34e in the transport direction (direction Y2). As a result, the battery 201 placed on the base portion 34e moves on the base portion 34e toward the second transporter 37 without coming into contact with the stopper 34f, and is transferred from the base portion 34e to the second transporter 37. The battery 201 is transported by the second transporter 37 to the storage space 42 and stored there. The battery 201 may be charged by the charging equipment 52 in the storage space 42. After charging is complete or during charging, the battery 201 is transported to the storage warehouse 100b by the transport unit.

[0057] [Charged batteries are transported to the battery mounting platform: Battery exchange device] Next, in step S7, the processor 11 transports the charged battery 101 stored in the storage 100b to the battery mounting stand 34. Specifically, the processor 11 transports the battery 101 from the storage 100b to the temporary storage area 40 in the underfloor area 100c, and then transports the battery 101 from the temporary storage area 40 to the battery mounting stand 34 along the transport direction (Y2 direction) using the first transport unit 36. At this time, the processor 11 positions the stopper 34f in the protruding position. When the battery 101 moves from the first transport unit 36 ​​to the base unit 34e, the processor 11 drives the roller unit 34c so that the battery 101 moves on the base unit 34e along the transport direction. As a result, the battery 101 abuts against the stopper 34f and stops at a predetermined position on the base unit 34e.

[0058] [Installing a charged battery: Battery exchange device] Next, in step S8, the processor 11 performs control to attach the charged battery 101 to the vehicle body 200a. Specifically, the processor 11 raises the lifting unit 35 so that the height H of the underside 200b of the vehicle body 200a from the floor surface FL of the vehicle stopping area 103 reaches a predetermined height.

[0059] Next, the processor 11 raises the battery mounting base 34. As a result, the positioning pins 34a are inserted into the pin insertion holes. Note that the control of the battery mounting base 34 by the processor 11 at this time is the same as that in step S5. In this state, the processor 11 raises the locking / unlocking tool 34b. As a result, the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole of the battery 101. Then, the processor 11 drives (rotates) the locking / unlocking tool 34b. As a result, the bolts in the tool insertion hole are locked. When it is detected that all the bolts are locked, the vehicle-side connector and the connector of the battery 101 are locked. As a result, the installation of the charged battery 101 into the vehicle body 200a is completed.

[0060] [Retraction of battery platform and lifting section: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S9, the processor 11 lowers the battery mounting stand 34 and the lifting unit 35 and moves them away from the electric vehicle 200. Thereafter, the processor 11 closes the shutter 32 (see FIG. 2).

[0061] [Battery replacement completion notification: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S10, the processor 11 notifies the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13 that the battery replacement work has been completed.

[0062] [Receiving notification of completion of battery replacement work: electric vehicle] Then, in step S23, the electrically powered vehicle 200 receives the notification transmitted from the communication unit 13 of the battery exchange apparatus 100 in step S10. This puts the electrically powered vehicle 200 into a state in which the ignition power can be turned on. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0063] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the position of the drive unit 30 is adjusted based on information relating to each of the electric vehicle 200 and the battery 201, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The position of the drive unit 30 may also be adjusted based on information relating to either the electric vehicle 200 or the battery 201.

[0064] As described above, in the battery exchange device 100 of this embodiment, first, the lifting section 35 is moved to the raised position to lift the electric vehicle 200 from the floor surface FL and make the electric vehicle 200 horizontal, and then the battery mounting stand 34 is raised to a position where it abuts against the bottom surface 201e of the battery 201, making it possible to remove the battery 201 from the vehicle body 200a without substantially applying the weight of the electric vehicle 200 to the battery mounting stand 34. Therefore, deformation of the battery mounting stand 34 is suppressed.

[0065] (First Modification) As shown in Fig. 9, the positioning pin 34a may be made of a compressible elastic body. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the positioning pin 34a is made of a coil spring. In this example, for example, during the control of step S5, if the base portion 34e is raised while the marker 34d and the pin insertion hole 208 do not overlap in the height direction (Z direction), as shown in Fig. 10, the positioning pin 34a is compressively deformed. This prevents damage to the marker 34d and the vehicle body 200a.

[0066] (Second Modification) Alternatively, the marker 34d may be made of a compressible elastic body, as shown in Fig. 11. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the marker 34d is made of a coil spring. In this example, the same effect as in the first modified example can be obtained.

[0067] In a second modified example, the positioning pin 34a may be configured as a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor sends its detection value to the communication unit 13. In this embodiment, the processor 11 determines that the marker 34d is not inserted into the pin insertion hole 208 when the detection value of the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a preset value. In this example, the detection device 60 may be omitted.

[0068] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of aspects described below.

[0069] [Aspect 1] A battery exchange device for exchanging a used first battery attached to a body of an electric vehicle with a charged second battery, a battery exchange station including a floor surface on which the electric vehicle can stop, where the first battery is removed from the vehicle body and the second battery is installed into the vehicle body; a battery mounting base that is capable of mounting the first battery and the second battery and that is movable in a vertical direction below the electric vehicle; a lifting unit that is located below the electric vehicle and that is movable in a vertical direction independently of the battery mounting base, the lifting unit is movable between a raised position where at least a portion of the electric vehicle is moved upward from the floor surface and a separated position where the lifting unit is separated downward from the electric vehicle, The battery mounting table is capable of rising to a position where it abuts against a bottom surface of the first battery when the lifting section is in the raised position.

[0070] In this battery replacement device, the lifting unit is first moved to the raised position to lift the electric vehicle off the floor and make the vehicle horizontal, and then the battery mounting stand is raised to a position where it abuts against the bottom surface of the first battery, making it possible to remove the first battery from the vehicle body without substantially applying the weight of the electric vehicle to the battery mounting stand, thereby suppressing deformation of the battery mounting stand.

[0071] [Aspect 2] a control device that controls the battery mounting base and the lifting unit; a detection device disposed under the vehicle body, The battery mounting base is a base portion that is movable in the vertical direction and on which the first battery and the second battery can be placed; a positioning pin protruding upward from the base portion; a marker provided on an upper end of the positioning pin, the vehicle body has a pin insertion hole into which the positioning pin and the marker are inserted, the detection device is capable of detecting the marker; 2. The battery exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the control device determines that the positioning pin has been inserted into the pin insertion hole when the detection device no longer detects the marker.

[0072] In this aspect, the control device can proceed to the next control flow based on the fact that the marker is no longer detected by the detection device.

[0073] [Aspect 3] 3. The battery exchange device according to claim 2, wherein the positioning pin is made of a compressible elastic body.

[0074] In this aspect, if the base portion is raised while the marker and the pin insertion hole are not overlapping in the height direction, the positioning pin will be compressed and deformed, thereby preventing damage to the marker and vehicle body.

[0075] [Aspect 4] A battery replacement method for replacing a used first battery attached to a body of an electric vehicle with a charged second battery, comprising: a lifting step of lifting the electric vehicle by a lifting unit that is movable in a vertical direction below the electric vehicle so that at least a portion of the electric vehicle moves upward from a floor surface; a lifting step of lifting the battery mounting stand, which is movable in a vertical direction independently of the lifting unit, so that the battery mounting stand abuts against a bottom surface of the first battery while the electric vehicle is lifted by the lifting unit; a removal step of removing the first battery from the vehicle body with the battery mounting stand in contact with the bottom surface of the first battery.

[0076] In this battery replacement method, the weight of the electric vehicle does not substantially act on the battery mounting stand during the removal process, thereby suppressing deformation of the battery mounting stand.

[0077] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1 battery exchange device, 10 control device, 11 processor, 12 memory, 13 communication unit, 30 drive unit, 31 wheel stopper unit, 32 shutter, 34 battery mounting stand, 34a positioning pin, 34b locking / unlocking tool, 34c roller unit, 34d marker, 34e base unit, 34f stopper, 35 lifting unit, 36 first conveying unit, 37 second conveying unit, 40 temporary storage area, 42 storage space, 60 detection device, 100 battery exchange device, 100a battery exchange station, 100b storage facility, 100c underfloor area, 101 battery (second battery), 200 electric vehicle, 200a vehicle body, 200b underside, 201 battery (first battery), 201e bottom surface, 201f tool insertion hole, 208 pin insertion hole.

Claims

1. A battery exchange device for exchanging a used first battery attached to a body of an electric vehicle with a charged second battery, a battery exchange station including a floor surface on which the electric vehicle can stop, where the first battery is removed from the vehicle body and the second battery is installed into the vehicle body; a battery mounting base that is capable of mounting the first battery and the second battery and that is movable in a vertical direction below the electric vehicle; a lifting unit that is located below the electric vehicle and that is movable in a vertical direction independently of the battery mounting base, the lifting unit is movable between a raised position where at least a portion of the electric vehicle is moved upward from the floor surface and a separated position where the lifting unit is separated downward from the electric vehicle, the battery mounting stand is capable of rising to a position where it abuts against a bottom surface of the first battery when the lifting unit is in the raised position; The battery mounting base is a base portion that is movable in the vertical direction and on which the first battery and the second battery can be placed; a positioning pin that protrudes upward from the base portion and that can be inserted into a pin insertion hole provided on the underside of the vehicle body.

2. a control device that controls the battery mounting base and the lifting unit; a detection device disposed under the vehicle body, the battery mounting base includes a marker provided on an upper end of the positioning pin, the pin insertion hole is capable of receiving the marker; the detection device is capable of detecting the marker; The battery exchange device according to claim 1 , wherein the control device determines that the positioning pin has been inserted into the pin insertion hole when the detection device no longer detects the marker.

3. 3. The battery exchange device according to claim 2, wherein the positioning pin is made of a compressible elastic body.

4. A battery replacement method for replacing a used first battery attached to a body of an electric vehicle with a charged second battery, comprising: a lifting step of lifting the electric vehicle by a lifting unit that is movable in a vertical direction below the electric vehicle so that at least a portion of the electric vehicle moves upward from a floor surface; a lifting step of lifting the battery mounting stand, which is movable in a vertical direction independently of the lifting unit, so that the battery mounting stand abuts against a bottom surface of the first battery while the electric vehicle is lifted by the lifting unit; a removal process of removing the first battery from the vehicle body with the battery mounting base in contact with a bottom surface of the first battery, The battery mounting base is a base portion that is movable in the vertical direction and on which the first battery and the second battery can be placed; a positioning pin that protrudes upward from the base portion and that can be inserted into a pin insertion hole that is provided on the underside of the vehicle body, In the raising step, the battery mounting stand is raised so that the base portion abuts against a bottom surface of the first battery and the positioning pin is inserted into the pin insertion hole.

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