vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle which can reduce the load which acts on a vehicle-side connector and on a battery-side connector.SOLUTION: The vehicle includes a vehicle body and a battery 101 which can be removably attached to the vehicle body. The battery 101 includes a battery-side connector 104. The vehicle includes: a vehicle-side connector 204 electrically connectable to the battery-side connector; and a holding unit 205 for holding the vehicle-side connector. The holding unit 205 holds the vehicle-side connector so that the vehicle-side connector 204 can be moved along the direction in which the vehicle-side connector and the battery-side connector are engaged with each other, in a state in which the battery-side connector and the vehicle-side connector are connected to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles capable of battery replacement are known. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-192782, a portion where a battery is mounted is provided at the lower part of the vehicle body, and it is disclosed that the battery can be replaced from below the vehicle body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the electric vehicle described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-192782, when vibrations occur during driving, loads are applied to the connectors on the vehicle side and the connectors on the battery side.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle capable of reducing the loads acting on the vehicle body side connector and the battery side connector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body capable of mounting a battery, and the battery detachable from the vehicle body. The battery includes a battery side connector, and the vehicle body has a vehicle body side connector electrically connectable to the battery side connector and a holding portion for holding the vehicle body side connector. The holding portion holds the vehicle body side connector such that the vehicle body side connector is movable along the fitting direction in which the vehicle body side connector and the battery side connector fit together when the battery side connector is connected to the vehicle body side connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle that can reduce the load acting on the vehicle body side connector and the battery side connector. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows a battery replacement device in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the vehicle stopping area in a battery replacement device. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of the battery mounting platform and the lifting mechanism. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view that schematically shows the configuration of the battery mounting platform and the lifting mechanism. [Figure 5] This is a bottom view of the electric vehicle. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing each step of the battery replacement process. [Figure 7] This diagram schematically shows the battery mounting platform and the electric vehicle positioned relative to each other. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the battery. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state before the battery-side connector is connected to the vehicle-side connector. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the battery-side connector connected to the vehicle-side connector. [Figure 11] This diagram schematically shows a modified configuration of the vehicle body side connection part. [Figure 12] This diagram schematically shows a modified configuration of the vehicle body side connection part. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

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

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

[0012] Next, the configuration of the battery will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. Hereinafter, the battery 101 will be described as an example. The battery 101 has a battery body 103, a battery-side connector 104, and a pair of fitting pins 105.

[0013] The battery-side connector 104 protrudes upward from the battery body 103. The battery-side connector 104 can be connected to a vehicle-body-side connector 204 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). A magnet 109 is provided on the battery-side connector 104.

[0014] The pair of fitting pins 105 protrude upward from the battery body 103. The pair of fitting pins 105 are arranged on the side of the battery-side connector 104.

[0015] The mounting portion 200c has a vehicle-body-side connection portion 203 that fits with the battery-side connector 104 and the pair of fitting pins 105. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the vehicle-body-side connection portion 203 has a vehicle-body-side connector 204, a holding portion 205, and a biasing member 206.

[0016] The vehicle body side connector 204 has a connector body 204a and a flange 204b.

[0017] The connector body 204a is a part that is electrically connected to the battery side connector 104. For example, the battery side connector 104 is provided with a claw portion (not shown), and the connector body 204a is provided with a recess (not shown) that engages with the claw portion. Note that the battery side connector 104 may be provided with a recess, and the connector body 204a may be provided with a claw portion. A magnet 209 is provided on the connector body 204a. Note that either one of the magnets 109 and 209 may be omitted.

[0018] The flange 204b has a shape that protrudes outward in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 9) in which the connector body 204a and the battery side connector 104 are fitted to each other from the connector body 204a. The flange 204b is connected to the upper end portion of the connector body 204a. <(

[0019] The holding portion 205 holds the vehicle body side connector 204. The holding portion 205 holds the vehicle body side connector 204 such that the vehicle body side connector 204 is movable along the fitting direction in a state where the battery side connector 104 is connected to the vehicle body side connector 204. The holding portion 205 holds the vehicle body side connector 204 such that the vehicle body side connector 204 is relatively movable in the orthogonal direction with respect to the holding portion 205.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the holding portion 205 has a peripheral wall 205a and a receiving portion 205b.

[0021] The peripheral wall 205a has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the vehicle body side connector 204. The peripheral wall 205a guides the movement of the vehicle body side connector 204 along the fitting direction. A gap is formed between the peripheral wall 205a and the flange 204b.

[0022] The receiving portion 205b is the part that receives the flange 204b. The receiving portion 205b faces the flange 204b in the fitting direction. The receiving portion 205b has a shape that protrudes inward in a direction perpendicular to the lower end of the peripheral wall 205a. A gap is formed between the receiving portion 205b and the connector body 204a.

[0023] The biasing member 206 biases the vehicle-side connector 204 toward the battery-side connector 104 along the mating direction. When the battery-side connector 104 is not connected to the vehicle-side connector 204 (as shown in Figure 9), the biasing force of the biasing member 206 presses the flange 204b against the receiving portion 205b. The biasing member 206 is composed of, for example, a coil spring. The biasing member 206 is located within the holding portion 205.

[0024] (Configuration of the battery replacement device) Next, the battery replacement device 100 will be described. The battery replacement device 100 comprises a battery replacement station 100a, a storage compartment 100b, and an underfloor area 100c.

[0025] The battery exchange station 100a is a station where the battery 201 is removed from the electric vehicle 200 and the battery 101 is installed in 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.

[0026] The hangar 100b stores the charged battery 101. The hangar 100b is adjacent to the battery exchange station 100a. The hangar 100b is equipped with charging equipment 51 capable of charging the battery 201 removed from the electric vehicle 200. The battery 201 is charged in the charging equipment 51 in the hangar 100b. The battery 101 that has been charged in the hangar 100b, i.e., the fully charged battery 101, is moved to the temporary storage area 40 located in the underfloor area 100c, and then transported to the electric vehicle 200.

[0027] The underfloor area 100c is located below the battery exchange station 100a and the storage area 100b. The underfloor area 100c is equipped with a battery mounting platform 34, a lifting section 35, and a transport section 36, which will be described later.

[0028] The battery replacement device 100 comprises a control device 10 and a drive device 30.

[0029] The control unit 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication unit 13. The memory 12 stores the program executed by the processor 11, as well as information used by the program (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). As will be described in detail later, the processor 11 controls the drive unit 30.

[0030] The communication unit 13 includes various communication interfaces. The processor 11 controls the communication unit 13. The communication unit 13 communicates with the DCM, etc., of the electric vehicle 200. Communication between the communication unit 13 and the electric vehicle 200 is bidirectional. The communication unit 13 may also communicate with a mobile terminal, etc., owned by the user of the electric vehicle 200.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the battery replacement device 100 is provided with a vehicle stopping area SA. When the electric vehicle 200 is stopped in the vehicle stopping area SA, and the user performs an operation to instruct the start of battery replacement work in the navigation system (not shown) of the electric vehicle 200, the communication unit 13 receives an instruction signal from the electric vehicle 200 to start battery replacement work. Based on the fact that the communication unit 13 has received the instruction signal, the processor 11 starts controlling the battery replacement work. The electric vehicle 200 is stopped in the vehicle stopping area SA with the front-to-back direction being the X direction and the left-to-right direction being the Y direction.

[0032] The drive unit 30 includes a wheel chock 31 (see Figure 2), a shutter 32 (see Figure 2), a battery mounting base 34 (see Figure 1), a lifting unit 35 (see Figure 1), and a transport unit 36 ​​(see Figure 1).

[0033] Referring again to Figure 2, the vehicle stopping area SA is provided with four wheel chocks 31. Each of the wheel chocks 31 is positioned to correspond to one of the four wheels 202 of the electric vehicle 200.

[0034] The wheel chock portion 31 includes a pressing member 31a and a lateral roller portion 31b. The pressing member 31a moves the wheel 202 by pressing it from the outside (side). The pressing member 31a is positioned to straddle the lateral roller portion 31b. As a result, the wheel 202 is positioned by the wheel chock portion 31.

[0035] The lateral roller section 31b is composed of multiple rollers whose rotation axes extend along the X direction. The multiple rollers of the lateral roller section 31b are arranged along the Y direction. As the multiple rollers of the lateral roller section 31b rotate, the pressing member 31a is moved along the Y direction.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the shutter 32 is provided in the vehicle stopping area SA. The shutter 32 is configured to open and close an opening 32a formed in the floor surface FL of the vehicle stopping area SA. The shutter 32 can be switched between an open state, where the opening 32a is open, and a closed state, where the opening 32a is closed.

[0037] The lifting unit 35 is movable vertically 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 Figure 3, the lifting unit 35 can raise the electric vehicle 200 while holding it from below until the wheels 202 of the electric vehicle 200 are lifted off the floor surface FL. The lifting unit 35 raises the electric vehicle so that the height H of the lower surface 200b of the vehicle body 200a from the floor surface FL is a predetermined height.

[0038] The lifting section 35 includes a pair of lifting bars 35a spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (Y direction). Each of the pair of lifting bars 35a is provided with two projections 35b that protrude upward. The electric vehicle 200 is supported from below by the two projections 35b (i.e., four projections 35b) on each of the pair of lifting bars 35a.

[0039] The battery mounting base 34 is located below the battery replacement station 100a, more specifically below the opening 32a. The battery mounting base 34 is capable of holding batteries 101 and 201 and is movable in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 4, the battery mounting base 34 has a base portion 34e, two positioning pins 34a, four locking / unlocking tools 34b, and a roller portion 34c.

[0040] The base portion 34e is positioned between a pair of lifting bars 35a. The base portion 34e is movable in the vertical 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 and 201. The base portion 34e is configured to be movable horizontally 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) in 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.

[0041] Each positioning pin 34a is provided on the base portion 34e. Each positioning pin 34a is a part that positions the vehicle body 200a of the electric vehicle 200 and the base portion 34e. One positioning pin 34a is provided at 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 at the other end of the base portion 34e in a direction parallel to the vehicle width direction (Y direction).

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the lower surface 200b of the body 200a of the electric vehicle 200 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 208.

[0043] 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 Figure 4, each locking / unlocking tool 34b is positioned inside a pair of positioning pins 34a in the Y direction. Each locking / unlocking tool 34b is positioned outside the base portion 34e in the X direction.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the battery 201 has a bottom surface 201e, and this bottom surface 201e is provided with tool insertion holes 201f into which each locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted. The bottom surface of the battery 101 is also provided with tool insertion holes. Each locking / unlocking tool 34b can be inserted into the tool insertion hole.

[0045] The roller portion 34c is provided on the base portion 34e. The roller portion 34c is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the X direction. When the roller portion 34c rotates in one direction, the batteries 101 and 201 move relative to the base portion 34e to one side in the Y direction (for example, the Y1 side), and when the roller portion 34c rotates in the other direction, the batteries 101 and 201 move relative to the base portion 34e to the other side in the Y direction.

[0046] The markers 34d are provided at the tip of each positioning pin 34a. The markers 34d may have a tapered shape towards the top.

[0047] Referring again to Figure 1, the transport unit 36 ​​transports the batteries 101 stored in the storage compartment 100b toward the battery mounting platform 34. Specifically, a temporary storage area 40 is provided in the underfloor area 100c for temporarily storing the charged batteries 101 that were stored in the storage compartment 100b, and the transport unit 36 ​​can transport the batteries 101 from the temporary storage area 40 toward the battery mounting platform 34. The transport unit 36 ​​may be, for example, a belt conveyor type.

[0048] (Battery replacement method) Next, the battery replacement method using the battery replacement device 100 will be explained with reference to the flowchart (sequence diagram) in Figure 6.

[0049] [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 device 100. For example, the above information is transmitted to the communication unit 13 by performing an operation to transmit the above information in the navigation system of the electric vehicle 200 (not shown). The electric vehicle 200 transmits the above information before entering the battery exchange device 100. However, the above information may also be transmitted after the electric vehicle 200 has entered the battery exchange device 100.

[0050] [Acquisition of vehicle information, etc.: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S1, the communication unit 13 of the battery replacement device 100 receives information about the electric vehicle 200 and information about the battery 201 transmitted from the electric vehicle 200 in step S21 via communication. The acquired information is stored in the memory 12 (see Figure 1).

[0051] Furthermore, the communication unit 13 may acquire information on the capacity (charge capacity) of the battery 201 and the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 201.

[0052] [Sending a signal to instruct battery replacement work: Electric vehicle] Next, in step S22, the electric vehicle 200, which is stopped in the vehicle stopping area SA, transmits an instruction signal to the communication unit 13 to start the battery replacement work.

[0053] [Received instruction signal for battery replacement: Battery replacement device]

[0054] Next, in step S2, the communication unit 13 receives the instruction signal transmitted from the electric vehicle 200 in step S22. In step S2, after receiving the instruction signal, the processor 11 may send an instruction message to the user of the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13, instructing them to turn off the ignition power.

[0055] [Wheel chock control: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S3, the processor 11 adjusts the position of the wheel chocks 31 (see Figure 2) based on the information (vehicle information and battery information) obtained through the communication unit 13 in step S1. The processor 11 may also control each of the four wheel chocks 31 independently of each other.

[0056] This adjusts the horizontal position and orientation of the vehicle body 200a, as well as the horizontal position and orientation of the battery 201. As a result, the battery 201 is moved to a predetermined position above the opening 32a.

[0057] [Holds the vehicle body horizontally: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S4, the processor 11 opens the shutter 32 and raises the lifting unit 35 while the shutter 32 is open. As a result, the lifting unit 35 lifts the electric vehicle 200 so that after passing through the opening 32a, the height H of the lower surface 200b of the vehicle body 200a from the floor surface FL reaches a predetermined height (see Figure 3).

[0058] [Removing batteries after use: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S5, the used battery 201 is removed from the body 200a of the electric vehicle 200. First, the processor 11 raises the battery mounting base 34. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the positioning pin 34a is inserted into the pin insertion hole 208 formed in the lower surface 200b of the body 200a, and the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f formed in the bottom surface 201e of the battery 201, causing the base portion 34e to contact or come close to the bottom surface 201e of the battery 201. As a result, the battery mounting base 34 is positioned relative to the electric vehicle 200 (battery 201). Note that at this time, the positioning pin 34a is inserted into the pin insertion hole 208 before the locking / unlocking tool 34b is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f.

[0059] Next, the processor 11 raises the locking / unlocking tool 34b while it is inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f. Then, the processor 11 drives (rotates) the locking / unlocking tool 34b inserted into the tool insertion hole 201f. This unlocks the fastening member 201g inside the tool insertion hole 201f. As a result, the battery 201 is removed from the vehicle body 200a and placed on the base portion 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.

[0060] [Transporting used batteries to the storage area: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S6, the battery 201, which was removed from the vehicle body 200a in step S5, is transported to the storage compartment 100b (see Figure 1). First, the processor 11 lowers the battery mounting platform 34 on which the battery 201 is placed to the height of the transport unit 36 ​​(see Figure 1). Next, the processor 11 lowers the lifting unit 35 to a position below the battery mounting platform 34 (for example, the position shown in Figure 1). As a result, the vehicle body 200a is no longer held by the lifting unit 35, and the electric vehicle 200 is placed on the floor surface FL of the vehicle stopping area SA. Subsequently, the processor 11 drives the roller portion 34c (see Figure 4) of the battery mounting platform 34 so that the battery 201 moves on the base portion 34e in the storage direction (Y1 direction). As a result, the battery 201 placed on the base 34e moves along the base 34e towards the transport unit 36, and is transferred from the base 34e to the transport unit 36. The battery 201 is then transported by the transport unit 36 ​​to the temporary storage area 40, and then stored in the storage compartment 100b.

[0061] [Transporting charged batteries to the battery tray: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S7, the processor 11 transports the charged battery 101 stored in the storage compartment 100b to the battery mounting platform 34. Specifically, the processor 11 transports the battery 101 from the storage compartment 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 platform 34 along the transport direction (Y2 direction) using the transport unit 36. When the battery 101 moves from the transport unit 36 ​​to the base unit 34e, the processor 11 drives the roller unit 34c so that the battery 101 moves along the transport direction on the base unit 34e. As a result, the battery 101 stops at a predetermined position on the base unit 34e.

[0062] [Inserting a charged battery: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S8, the processor 11 controls the attachment of 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 lower surface 200b of the vehicle body 200a from the floor FL of the vehicle stopping area SA reaches a predetermined height.

[0063] Next, the processor 11 raises the battery mounting base 34. This inserts the positioning pin 34a into the pin insertion hole. In this state, the processor 11 raises the locking / unlocking tool 34b. This inserts the locking / unlocking tool 34b into the tool insertion hole of the battery 101. Then, the processor 11 drives (rotates) the locking / unlocking tool 34b. This locks the bolts in the tool insertion hole. Once it is detected that all bolts are locked, the vehicle-side connector 204 and the battery-side connector 104 are locked. As a result, the installation of the charged battery 101 into the vehicle body 200a is completed.

[0064] [Battery mounting platform and lifting mechanism retraction: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S9, the processor 11 lowers the battery mounting platform 34 and the lifting unit 35 and moves them away from the electric vehicle 200. After that, the processor 11 closes the shutter 32 (see Figure 2).

[0065] [Notification of completion of battery replacement work: Battery replacement device] Next, in step S10, the processor 11 notifies the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13 that the battery replacement operation has been completed.

[0066] [Battery replacement completion notification received: Electric vehicle] Then, in step S23, the electric vehicle 200 receives the notification transmitted from the communication unit 13 of the battery replacement device 100 in step S10. This puts the electric vehicle 200 in a state where the ignition power can be turned on. After that, the process is terminated.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the position of the drive unit 30 is adjusted based on information about the electric vehicle 200 and the battery 201, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The position of the drive unit 30 may be adjusted based on information about either the electric vehicle 200 or the battery 201.

[0068] As described above, in the electric vehicle 200 of this embodiment, when the battery-side connector 104 is connected to the vehicle-side connector 204, the vehicle-side connector 204 is movable along the mating direction, thereby reducing the load acting on the vehicle-side connector 204 and the battery-side connector 104 due to vibration.

[0069] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the vehicle body side connection portion 203 may further have a locking portion 207. The locking portion 207 locks the position of the vehicle body side connector 204 relative to the retaining portion 205. Specifically, the locking portion 207 locks the flange 204b. The locking portion 207 is movable relative to the retaining portion 205 between a locked position (the position shown in Figure 11) and an unlocked position (the position shown in Figure 12).

[0070] The locked position is the position in which the battery-side connector 104 is locked to the vehicle-side connector 204 when it is connected. The unlocked position is the position that allows relative movement of the battery-side connector 104 in the mating direction relative to the retaining portion 205. In this example, the unlocked position is set to a position retracted from the flange 204b in a direction perpendicular to the locked position.

[0071] In the locked position, the locking portion 207 locks the flange 204b at a position where the flange 204b is separated from the receiving portion 205b. In the unlocked position, the locking portion 207 is separated from the flange 204b in a perpendicular direction.

[0072] The position of the locking part 207 is controlled by the processor 11. Specifically, in step S8 of the battery replacement method, the processor 11 holds the locking part 207 in the locked position. Then, in step S9, the processor 11 holds the locking part 207 in the unlocked position.

[0073] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the embodiments described below.

[0074] [Aspect 1] A vehicle body capable of housing batteries, The vehicle body is equipped with a battery that is detachable from the vehicle body, The battery includes a battery-side connector, The aforementioned vehicle body is The aforementioned battery-side connector and the vehicle-side connector that can be electrically connected, It has a holding portion for holding the vehicle body side connector, The holding portion holds the vehicle body connector such that, when the battery side connector is connected to the vehicle body side connector, the vehicle body side connector is movable along the mating direction in which the vehicle body side connector and the battery side connector mate with each other.

[0075] In this vehicle, when the battery-side connector is connected to the vehicle-side connector, the vehicle-side connector is movable along the mating direction, thus reducing the load acting on the vehicle-side connector and the battery-side connector due to vibration.

[0076] [Aspect 2] The vehicle according to embodiment 1, wherein the vehicle body further comprises a biasing member that biases the vehicle body-side connector toward the battery-side connector in the mating direction.

[0077] In this embodiment, the vehicle-side connector is biased toward the battery-side connector, thereby reducing the contact resistance between the vehicle-side connector and the battery-side connector.

[0078] [Aspect 3] The vehicle body further includes a locking portion that locks the position of the vehicle body-side connector relative to the holding portion. The vehicle according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the locking portion is movable relative to the retaining portion between a locked position in which the battery-side connector is locked to the vehicle-side connector at the position in which the battery-side connector is connected to the vehicle-side connector, and an unlocked position in which relative movement of the battery-side connector in the mating direction with respect to the retaining portion is permitted.

[0079] In this embodiment, when connecting the battery-side connector to the vehicle-side connector, the position of the battery-side connector relative to the retaining part is locked by setting the locking part to the locked position, so that the battery-side connector is properly connected to the vehicle-side connector. Furthermore, after connecting the battery-side connector to the vehicle-side connector, the vehicle-side connector becomes movable along the mating direction by setting the locking part to the unlocked position, thereby reducing the load acting on both the vehicle-side connector and the battery-side connector.

[0080] [Aspect 4] The holding portion holds the vehicle body-side connector such that the vehicle body-side connector can move relative to the holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction. A vehicle according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein a magnet is provided on at least one of the vehicle body-side connector and the battery-side connector.

[0081] In this embodiment, for example, poor connection of the battery-side connector to the vehicle-side connector due to misalignment of the battery-side connector relative to the vehicle-side connector is suppressed, and the position of the battery-side connector relative to the vehicle-side connector is effectively determined by the magnet.

[0082] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 Control device, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Communication unit, 30 Drive unit, 31 Wheel chock unit, 32 Shutter, 34 Battery mounting base, 34a Positioning pin, 34b Locking / unlocking tool, 34c Roller unit, 34e Base unit, 34g Positioning pin, 35 Lifting unit, 36 Transport unit, 40 Temporary storage area, 100 Battery replacement device, 100a Battery replacement station, 100b Storage unit, 100c Underfloor area, 101 Battery (second battery), 103 Battery body, 104 Battery side connector, 105 Mating pin, 109 Magnet, 200 Electric vehicle, 200a Body, 200b Underside, 200c Mounting unit, 201 Battery (first battery), 203 Body side connection unit, 204 Body side connector, 205 206 Holding part, 207 Biasing member, 207 Locking part, 209 Magnet.

Claims

1. A vehicle body capable of housing batteries, The vehicle body is equipped with a battery that is detachable from the vehicle body, The battery includes a battery-side connector, The aforementioned vehicle body is The aforementioned battery-side connector and the vehicle-side connector that can be electrically connected, A retaining part that holds the vehicle body side connector, It has a locking part that locks the position of the vehicle body side connector relative to the holding part, The holding portion holds the vehicle body-side connector such that, when the battery-side connector is connected to the vehicle body-side connector, the vehicle body-side connector can move along the mating direction in which the vehicle body-side connector and the battery-side connector mate with each other. The locking portion is movable relative to the retaining portion between a locked position in which the battery-side connector is locked to the vehicle-side connector at the position in which the battery-side connector is connected to the vehicle-side connector, and an unlocked position in which relative movement of the battery-side connector in the mating direction relative to the retaining portion. The aforementioned vehicle body side connector is The connector body is electrically connected to the aforementioned battery-side connector, The connector body has a flange that protrudes outward in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction, The unlocked position is set to a position retracted from the flange in a direction perpendicular to the locked position. The aforementioned retaining part is A peripheral wall having a shape that surrounds the vehicle body-side connector and that guides the vehicle body-side connector to move along the mating direction, It has a shape that protrudes inward in the perpendicular direction from the lower end of the peripheral wall, and has a receiving portion that faces the flange in the fitting direction and receives the flange, The locking portion locks the flange in the locking position at a position where the flange is spaced apart from the receiving portion in the fitting direction.

2. The peripheral wall has through holes that penetrate the peripheral wall in the direction perpendicular to the peripheral wall, The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion enters the through hole when moving from the locked position to the unlocked position.

3. The holding portion holds the vehicle body-side connector such that the vehicle body-side connector can move relative to the holding portion in the orthogonal direction. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a magnet is provided on at least one of the vehicle body-side connector and the battery-side connector.

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