vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle capable of inhibiting occurrence of poor connection between a battery and a vehicle body.SOLUTION: A vehicle includes: a vehicle body including a mounting portion which opens downward and in which a battery is mountable; and the battery 101 attachable to and detachable from the mounting portion, from below the mounting portion. At least one of the battery 101 and the mounting portion 200c has a tapered portion 102 having a shape that gradually expands downward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles capable of battery replacement have been known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-192782 discloses a battery replacement device that can replace a battery mounted on the lower part of a vehicle body 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 battery replacement device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-192782, when the battery is connected to the vehicle body, if the position of the battery-side connector is displaced with respect to the position of the vehicle body-side connector, the battery cannot be connected to the vehicle body.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle capable of suppressing the occurrence of poor connection between a battery-side connector and a vehicle body-side connector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body having a mounting portion that opens downward and is capable of mounting a battery, and the battery that is detachable from below with respect to the mounting portion. The battery has a battery-side connector, and the vehicle body has a vehicle body-side connector that can be electrically connected to the battery-side connector. At least one of the battery-side connector and the vehicle body-side connector has a tapered portion having a shape that gradually expands downward.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle that can suppress the occurrence of connection failures between the battery-side connector and the vehicle-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 diagram schematically shows the state of the vehicle before the battery is connected to the vehicle body. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the state after the battery has been connected to the vehicle body. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the mounting section and battery before connection. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified configuration of the mounting section and battery after connection. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the battery. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the battery-side connector and the vehicle-side connector before connection. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state after the battery-side connector and the vehicle-side connector have been connected. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing modified examples of the battery-side connector and the vehicle-side connector before connection. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing modified versions of the battery-side connector and the vehicle-side connector after connection. [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] Figure 1 shows a battery replacement device 100 and an electric vehicle 200 according to this embodiment. The battery replacement device 100 is a device for replacing a battery (used battery) 201 installed in an electric vehicle 200 with a charged battery (new battery) 101. Battery 201 and battery 101 are examples of the "first battery" and "second battery" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0011] (Electric vehicle configuration) As shown in Figure 1, the body 200a of the electric vehicle 200 has a mounting section 200c on which batteries 101 and 201 can be mounted. The mounting section 200c is open downwards. The mounting section 200c has a shape that is recessed upwards from the lower surface 200b of the body 200a. The batteries 101 and 201 are detachable from the mounting section 200c. Specifically, the batteries 101 and 201 are fastened to the mounting section 200c by fastening members such as bolts.

[0012] Next, the configuration of the battery and the mounting section 200c will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. In the following explanation, a fully charged battery 101 will be used as an example.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the battery 101 has a tapered portion 102. The tapered portion 102 has a shape that gradually widens as it extends downward. The tapered portion 102 is connected to the upper surface of the battery 101. The tapered portion 102 may be formed in an annular shape. The length of the tapered portion 102 in the vehicle width direction (Y direction) may be longer than the length of the tapered portion 102 in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0014] The mounting section 200c has a buffer section 210. The buffer section 210 is provided on the vehicle body 200a at the part facing the tapered section 102 when the battery 101 is connected to the mounting section 200c. The buffer section 210 is made of ball bearings, sponge, or the like. The buffer section 210 may also be provided on the tapered section 102.

[0015] (Configuration of the battery replacement device) Next, the battery swapping device 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the battery swapping device 100 includes a battery swapping station 100a, a storage 100b, and an underfloor area 100c.

[0016] The battery swapping 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. An entrance / exit a1 for the electric vehicle 200 to enter and exit is provided in the battery swapping station 100a.

[0017] The storage 100b stores the charged battery 101. The storage 100b is provided adjacent to the battery swapping station 100a. A charging facility 51 capable of charging the battery 201 removed from the electric vehicle 200 is provided in the storage 100b. The battery 201 is charged by the charging facility 51 in the storage 100b. The battery 101 charged in the storage 100b, that is, the charged battery 101, is moved to a temporary placement area 40 provided in the underfloor area 100c and then transported to the electric vehicle 200.

[0018] The underfloor area 100c is provided below the battery swapping station 100a and the storage 100b. In the underfloor area 100c, a battery placement table 34, a transport unit 36, and a temporary placement area 40, which will be described later, are provided.

[0019] The battery swapping device 100 includes a control device 10 and a drive device 30.

[0020] The control device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication unit 13. In addition to the program executed by the processor 11, information used in the program (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters) is stored in the memory 12. As will be described in detail later, the processor 11 controls the drive device 30.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The battery replacement station 100a is provided with a vehicle stopping area (not shown). When the electric vehicle 200 is stopped in the vehicle stopping area, and the user performs an operation to instruct the start of battery replacement work on 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 with the front-to-back direction being the X direction and the left-to-right direction being the Y direction.

[0023] The drive unit 30 includes a shutter 32, a battery mounting base 34, and a transport unit 36.

[0024] The shutter 32 is provided in the vehicle stopping area. The shutter 32 is configured to open and close an opening formed in the floor surface of the vehicle stopping area. The shutter 32 can be switched between an open state and a closed state.

[0025] The battery mounting base 34 is located below the battery replacement station 100a, more specifically below the opening of the shutter 32. The battery mounting base 34 is capable of holding batteries 101 and 201 and is movable in the vertical direction.

[0026] 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.

[0027] (Battery replacement method) Next, a method for replacing batteries using the battery replacement device 100 will be described.

[0028] [Transmission of vehicle information, etc.: Electric vehicles] First, 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 when an operation to transmit the above information is performed in the navigation system (not shown) of the electric vehicle 200. 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.

[0029] [Acquisition of vehicle information, etc.: Battery replacement device] Next, 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 via communication. The acquired information is stored in the memory 12 (see Figure 1).

[0030] 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.

[0031] [Sending a signal to instruct battery replacement work: Electric vehicle] Next, the electric vehicle 200, which is stopped in the vehicle stopping area, transmits an instruction signal to the communication unit 13 to begin the battery replacement work.

[0032] [Received instruction signal for battery replacement: Battery replacement device] Next, the communication unit 13 receives the instruction signal transmitted from the electric vehicle 200. After receiving the instruction signal, the processor 11 may send an instruction message, such as one to turn off the ignition power, to the user of the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13.

[0033] [Vehicle position control: Battery replacement device] Next, the processor 11 adjusts the position of the electric vehicle 200 based on the information (vehicle information and battery information) obtained through the communication unit 13.

[0034] 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 of the shutter 32.

[0035] [Removing batteries after use: Battery replacement device] Next, the used battery 201 is removed from the body 200a of the electric vehicle 200. First, the processor 11 opens the shutter 32 and raises the battery mounting platform 34. As a result, the battery mounting platform 34 is positioned relative to the electric vehicle 200 (battery 201).

[0036] Next, the processor 11 drives (rotates) a locking / unlocking tool (not shown) for rotating a fastening member that connects the battery to the mounting section 200c. This unlocks the fastening member. As a result, the battery 201 is removed from the vehicle body 200a and placed on the battery mounting base 34.

[0037] [Transporting used batteries to the storage area: Battery replacement device] Next, the battery 201 removed from the vehicle body 200a is transported to the storage bay 100b. 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. Subsequently, the processor 11 drives the roller section (not shown) of the battery mounting platform 34 so that the battery 201 moves on the battery mounting platform 34 in the storage direction (Y1 direction). As a result, the battery 201 placed on the battery mounting platform 34 is moved from the battery mounting platform 34 to the transport unit 36. The battery 201 is then transported to the temporary storage area 40 by the transport unit 36 ​​and then stored in the storage bay 100b. The used battery 201 stored in the storage bay 100b is charged by the charging equipment 51.

[0038] [Transporting charged batteries to the battery tray: Battery replacement device] Next, 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 moves the battery 101 from the temporary storage area 40 to the battery mounting platform 34 by driving the transport unit 36 ​​in the transport direction (Y2 direction). Once the battery 101 has moved from the transport unit 36 ​​to the battery mounting platform 34, the processor 11 drives the roller unit so that the battery 101 moves along the transport direction on the battery mounting platform 34. As a result, the battery 101 stops at a predetermined position on the battery mounting platform 34.

[0039] [Inserting a charged battery: Battery replacement device] Next, the processor 11 controls the installation of the charged battery 101 onto the vehicle body 200a. Specifically, the processor 11 raises the battery mounting base 34. At this time, even if the position of the battery 101 is misaligned from the correct connection position relative to the position of the mounting section 200c, as shown in Figure 2, the tapered section 102 slides upward relative to the lower end of the mounting section 200c, guiding the battery 101 to the correct connection position. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the battery 101 is effectively connected to the mounting section 200c. In this state, the processor 11 drives (rotates) the locking / unlocking tool. This locks the fastening members. When it is detected that all fastening members are locked, the mounting section 200c and the battery 101 are locked together. As a result, the installation of the charged battery 101 onto the vehicle body 200a is completed.

[0040] [Battery mounting platform and lifting mechanism retraction: Battery replacement device] Next, the processor 11 lowers the battery mounting platform 34 and moves it away from the electric vehicle 200. After that, the processor 11 closes the shutter 32.

[0041] [Notification of completion of battery replacement work: Battery replacement device] Next, the processor 11 notifies the electric vehicle 200 via the communication unit 13 that the battery replacement operation has been completed.

[0042] [Battery replacement completion notification received: Electric vehicle] The electric vehicle 200 then receives the notification transmitted from the communication unit 13 of the battery replacement device 100. This puts the electric vehicle 200 in a state where it can turn on the ignition power. After that, the process is completed.

[0043] 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.

[0044] As described above, in the electric vehicle 200 of this embodiment, since the battery 101 has a tapered portion 102, even if the position of the battery 101 is shifted from the correct connection position relative to the position of the mounting portion 200c when connecting the battery 101 to the mounting portion 200c, the tapered portion 102 guides the battery 101 to the correct connection position relative to the mounting portion 200c. Therefore, the occurrence of connection failures of the battery 101 to the vehicle body 200a is suppressed.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the mounting portion 200c may have a tapered portion 200d, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In this example, the mounting portion 200c has a tapered portion 200d and a receiving portion 200e. The receiving portion 200e has a shape that extends upward from the upper end of the tapered portion 200d. The receiving portion 200e is the part that receives the battery 101.

[0046] In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, the buffer portion 210 is provided on the tapered portion 200d. However, the buffer portion 210 may also be provided on the part of the battery 101 that faces the tapered portion 200d when the battery 101 is connected to the mounting portion 200c.

[0047] The technical concept of providing the tapered portion described above can also be applied to the battery-side connector 104 (see Figure 6) and the vehicle-side connector 204 (see Figure 7). Specifically, the battery configuration will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 8. In the following explanation, a fully charged battery 101 will be used as an example. As shown in Figure 6, the battery 101 has a battery body 103 and a battery-side connector 104. The battery body 103 may also be provided with a tapered portion 102.

[0048] The battery-side connector 104 protrudes upward from the battery body 103. The battery-side connector 104 can be connected to the vehicle-side connector 204 (see Figures 7 and 8). The battery-side connector 104 has terminals 105 and a housing 106.

[0049] In this embodiment, terminal 105 is configured as a female terminal.

[0050] The housing 106 holds the terminal 105. The housing 106 is made of synthetic resin or the like. The housing 106 has a tapered portion 106a that gradually widens as it extends downward. The tapered portion 106a is connected to the upper surface of the housing 106. The tapered portion 106a may be formed in an annular shape. The length of the tapered portion 106a in the vehicle width direction (Y direction) may be longer than the length of the tapered portion 106a in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0051] The mounting section 200c is provided with a vehicle-side connector 204 that can be electrically connected to the battery-side connector 104. The vehicle-side connector 204 has terminals 205 and a housing 206.

[0052] In this embodiment, terminal 205 is configured as a male terminal.

[0053] The housing 206 holds the terminal 205. The housing 206 is made of synthetic resin or the like.

[0054] The vehicle-side connector 204 has a buffer portion 210. The buffer portion 210 is provided in the part of the housing 206 that faces the tapered portion 106a when the battery-side connector 104 is connected to the vehicle-side connector 204. The buffer portion 210 is made of a ball bearing, sponge, or the like. The buffer portion 210 may also be provided in the tapered portion 106a.

[0055] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the housing 206 may have a tapered portion 206a. In this example, the housing 206 of the vehicle-side connector 204 has a tapered portion 206a and a receiving portion 206b. The receiving portion 206b has a shape that extends upward from the upper end of the tapered portion 206a. The receiving portion 206b is the part that receives the battery-side connector 104.

[0056] In the examples shown in Figures 9 and 10, the buffer portion 210 is provided on the tapered portion 206a. However, the buffer portion 210 may also be provided on the portion of the housing 106 of the battery-side connector 104 that faces the tapered portion 206a.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the embodiments described below.

[0058] [Aspect 1] The vehicle body includes a mounting section that has a downward-facing opening and is capable of housing batteries, The battery is detachable from the mounting section from below, A vehicle in which at least one of the battery and the mounting portion has a tapered portion that gradually widens as it extends downward.

[0059] In this vehicle, at least one of the battery and the mounting section has a tapered section. Therefore, even if the battery's position is misaligned with the mounting section's position when connecting the battery to the mounting section, the tapered section guides the battery to the correct connection position relative to the mounting section. Thus, the occurrence of battery connection failures to the vehicle body is suppressed.

[0060] [Aspect 2] The vehicle according to embodiment 1, further comprising the tapered portion, or a buffer portion provided in the part of the battery and the vehicle body that faces the tapered portion when the battery is connected to the mounting portion.

[0061] In this embodiment, wear on both the tapered portion and the portion facing the tapered portion is suppressed when they rub against each other.

[0062] [Aspect 3] The aforementioned mounting section is The tapered portion and, A vehicle according to embodiment 1 or 2, having a shape extending upward from the upper end of the tapered portion and comprising a receiving portion for receiving the battery.

[0063] In this embodiment, when connecting the battery to the mounting section, the battery is guided horizontally by the tapered section before being connected to the receiving section, thereby suppressing connection failures caused by the battery being connected in an inclined position relative to the mounting section.

[0064] [Aspect 4] The vehicle body includes a mounting section that has a downward-facing opening and is capable of housing batteries, The battery is detachable from the mounting section from below, The aforementioned battery has a battery-side connector, The vehicle body has a vehicle body-side connector that can be electrically connected to the battery-side connector, A vehicle in which at least one of the battery-side connector and the vehicle-side connector has a tapered portion that gradually widens as it extends downward.

[0065] In this vehicle, at least one of the battery-side connector and the vehicle-side connector has a tapered section. Therefore, even if the position of the battery-side connector is misaligned with the vehicle-side connector when connecting it to the vehicle-side connector, the tapered section guides the battery-side connector to the correct connection position relative to the vehicle-side connector. Thus, the occurrence of connection failures between the battery-side connector and the vehicle-side connector is suppressed.

[0066] [Aspect 5] The vehicle according to embodiment 4, further comprising the tapered portion, or a buffer portion provided in the portion of the battery-side connector and the vehicle-side connector that faces the tapered portion when the battery-side connector is connected to the vehicle-side connector.

[0067] In this embodiment, wear on both the tapered portion and the portion facing the tapered portion is suppressed when they rub against each other.

[0068] [Aspect 6] The aforementioned battery-side connector is The tapered portion and, The vehicle according to embodiment 4 or 5, having a shape extending upward from the upper end of the tapered portion and a receiving portion for receiving the battery-side connector.

[0069] In this embodiment, when connecting the battery-side connector to the vehicle-side connector, the battery-side connector is guided horizontally by the tapered portion before being connected to the receiving portion. This suppresses the occurrence of connection failures caused by the battery-side connector being connected to the vehicle-side connector in an inclined position.

[0070] 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]

[0071] 1 Battery replacement device, 10 Control device, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Communication unit, 30 Drive unit, 32 Shutter, 34 Battery mounting platform, 36 Transport unit, 40 Temporary storage area, 100 Battery replacement device, 100a Battery replacement station, 100b Storage area, 100c Underfloor area, 101 Battery (second battery), 102 Tapered section, 103 Battery body, 104 Battery side connector, 105 Terminal, 106 Housing, 106a Tapered section, 200 Electric vehicle, 200a Body, 200b Underside, 200c Mounting section, 200d Tapered section, 200e Receiving section, 201 Battery (first battery), 204 Body side connector, 205 Terminal, 206 Housing, 206a Tapered section, 206b Receiving section, 210 Buffer section.

Claims

1. The vehicle body includes a mounting section that has a downward-facing opening and is capable of housing batteries, The battery is detachable from the mounting section from below, At least one of the battery and the mounting portion has a tapered portion that gradually widens as it extends downwards. The aforementioned battery is The battery itself, It has a battery-side connector that protrudes upward from the battery body, The mounting section is provided with a vehicle-side connector that can be electrically connected to the battery-side connector. Each of the aforementioned battery-side connector and vehicle-side connector is, Terminals and The housing has a terminal that is held by the terminal, The housing of the battery-side connector has a housing tapered portion that gradually widens downwards and is formed in an annular shape. A vehicle in which the length of the tapered portion in the width direction of the vehicle body is longer than the length of the housing tapered portion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer portion provided in the housing tapered portion.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the tapered portion in the width direction is longer than the length of the tapered portion in the front-rear direction.

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