Electric vehicles

Abstract

To provide an electric vehicle which enables communication with an external device while battery replacement in the electric vehicle is being performed by a battery replacement apparatus.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle includes: an accessory device capable of communicating with an external device; a power conversion device for operating a motor; first and second relays; a control device for controlling operation of the first and second relays; a first battery for supplying power to the accessory device in a case where the first relay is in an on-state; and a second battery for supplying power to the power conversion device in a case where the second relay is in an on-state. In the case where the second relay is in the on-state, when the electric vehicle receives a battery replacement instruction to replace the second battery with a charged battery, the control device controls the first relay into the on-state and puts only the second relay into an off-state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure pertains to electric vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-192783 (Patent Document 1) discloses a battery replacement device for replacing the battery of an electric vehicle. The battery replacement device removes the battery attached to the electric vehicle and attaches a charged battery to the electric vehicle. Each of the battery removed from the electric vehicle and the charged battery is transported by a battery placement unit driven below the electric vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is desirable for an electric vehicle to be in a state where it can communicate with external devices even when battery replacement by a battery replacement device is being performed.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electric vehicle capable of communicating with external devices when the battery of the electric vehicle is being replaced by a battery replacement device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In accordance with a certain aspect of this disclosure, an electric vehicle includes an accessory device capable of communicating with external equipment, a power converter for operating a motor, first and second relays, a control device for controlling the operation of the first and second relays, a first battery that supplies power to the accessory device when the first relay is ON, and a second battery that supplies power to the power converter when the second relay is ON. When the electric vehicle receives a battery replacement instruction to replace the second battery with a fully charged battery while the second relay is ON, the control device controls the first relay to ON and turns off only the second relay.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when the electric vehicle receives a battery replacement instruction to replace the second battery with a fully charged battery, the first relay is controlled to the ON state. Therefore, even when the second battery is being replaced, the electric vehicle can communicate with external devices via the accessory device.

[0008] Preferably, the electric vehicle further includes an operating device. The control device turns on a second relay when the operating device is pressed after the second battery has been replaced with a fully charged battery.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the driver of the electric vehicle can restart the power supply from the charged battery to the power converter and the first battery by operating the control device.

[0010] Preferably, the control device turns on the second relay after the second battery has been replaced with a fully charged battery, based on the fact that the accessory device has received a predetermined notification from an external device.

[0011] With the above configuration, the second relay can be automatically switched on without the driver having to operate the control device. Therefore, convenience can be improved compared to when the control device needs to be operated.

[0012] Preferably, when the electric vehicle receives a battery replacement instruction, the control device turns off only the second relay among the first and second relays, provided that the charge level of the first battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0013] With the above configuration, the second relay will not turn off when the charge level of the first battery is below a predetermined value. Therefore, a situation in which communication with external devices cannot be performed due to insufficient charge of the first battery can be avoided.

[0014] Preferably, when the electric vehicle receives a battery replacement instruction and the charge level of the first battery is below a predetermined value, the control device causes the second battery to charge the first battery. When the charge level of the first battery becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value due to the charging of the first battery, the control device turns off only the second relay among the first and second relays.

[0015] With the above configuration, the second relay can be turned off while the charge level of the first battery is above a predetermined value. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where communication with external devices is not possible due to insufficient charge of the first battery after the second relay is turned off. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] With the above configuration, the electric vehicle can communicate with external devices via the accessory device even when the second battery is being replaced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This figure shows a battery replacement device and an electric vehicle. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the vehicle stopping area for the battery replacement device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the battery mounting platform of a battery replacement device. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the equipment configuration of an electric vehicle. [Figure 5]It is a flowchart showing the flow of some processes executed in an electric vehicle.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0018] 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 denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery replacement device 100 and an electric vehicle 200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the battery replacement device 100 is a device for replacing a charged battery 101 with a battery 201 attached to the vehicle body 200a of the electric vehicle 200.

[0020] The electric vehicle 200 is a hybrid vehicle capable of traveling using at least one of the power of a motor and an engine, or travels using a driving force obtained from electric energy. The battery 201 and the battery 101 are storage batteries (secondary batteries) such as ternary lithium ion batteries and lithium iron phosphate-based lithium ion batteries.

[0021] The battery replacement device 100 includes a battery replacement station 100a where battery replacement is performed, and a storage 100b in which the charged battery 101 is stored. The storage 100b is provided adjacent to the battery replacement station 100a. The battery replacement station 100a is provided with an entrance / exit 102 for the electric vehicle 200 to enter and exit.

[0022] The battery 101 stored in the storage 100b is moved to a temporary storage place 40 provided in the underfloor area S and then transported to the electric vehicle 200. In the underfloor area S, a battery mounting table 34, a lifting / lowering unit 35, and a conveying unit 36 are provided.

[0023] The battery replacement device 100 comprises a control device 10, a detection device 20, and a drive device 30. 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 by the programs (for example, maps, formulas, and various parameters). The processor 11 controls the drive device 30.

[0024] The communication unit 13 includes various communication interfaces (I / F). The processor 11 controls the communication unit 13. The communication unit 13 communicates with the DCM (Data Communication Module) 241 (see Figure 4) 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 an information processing device owned by the user of the electric vehicle 200. Typical examples of information processing devices include terminal devices such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and computers.

[0025] The electric vehicle 200 transmits vehicle information about itself to the communication unit 13 of the battery exchange device 100. For example, the vehicle information is transmitted to the communication unit 13 when an operation to transmit vehicle information is performed in the navigation system (not shown) of the electric vehicle 200. The electric vehicle 200 transmits the vehicle information before entering the battery exchange device 100. However, the above vehicle information may also be transmitted after the electric vehicle 200 has entered the battery exchange device 100.

[0026] The detection device 20 includes a camera 21 and an image processing unit 22. The detection device 20 detects the position, orientation, and size of the batteries 201 and 101 placed on the mounting base 34. Specifically, the camera 21 images the battery 101 placed on the mounting base 34. The image data obtained from the imaging is sent to the image processing unit 22. Based on the image data, the image processing unit 22 determines the position, orientation, and size of the batteries 201 and 101. The image processing unit 22 notifies the control device 10 of the determination result.

[0027] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the vehicle stopping area of ​​the battery replacement device 100. As shown in Figure 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 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 stops in the vehicle stopping area 103 such that the front-to-back direction is the X direction and the left-to-right direction is the Y direction.

[0028] The drive unit 30 (see Figure 1) includes a wheel stopper 31, a shutter 32, a cleaning unit 33, a battery mounting base 34 (see Figure 1), a lifting unit 35 (see Figure 1), a transport unit 36 ​​(see Figure 1), an adjustment unit 37 (see Figure 3), and a guide unit (not shown) for guiding the battery 101.

[0029] The vehicle stopping area 103 is provided with four wheel chocks 31. Each wheel chock 31 is positioned to correspond to one of the four wheels 202 of the electric vehicle 200. The processor 11 adjusts the position of the wheel chocks 31 based on vehicle information acquired through the communication unit 13.

[0030] The wheel chock portion 31 includes a pressing member 31a, a pair of lateral roller portions 31b, and a slider portion 31c. The pressing member 31a is positioned to straddle the pair of lateral roller portions 31b and the slider portion 31c. The pressing member 31a moves the wheel 202 by pressing it from the outside (side). As a result, the wheel 202 is positioned by the wheel chock portion 31.

[0031] The lateral roller section 31b is provided on both the X1 and X2 sides of the slider section 31c. Each of the pair of lateral roller sections 31b is composed of multiple rollers whose axis of rotation extends 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.

[0032] The slider section 31c moves the pressing member 31a, which is placed on the wheel chock section 31, along the X direction. The slider section 31c may be, for example, a belt conveyor type. Note that the configuration of the wheel chock section 31 is not limited to the above example. For example, it may not have to have either the horizontal roller section 31b or the slider section 31c.

[0033] The processor 11 controls the cleaning unit 33 to clean the battery 201. The cleaning unit 33 includes, for example, two nozzles 33a. The two nozzles 33a are positioned to sandwich an opening 32a in the Y direction for retracting the battery 201 removed from the electric vehicle 200. The nozzles 33a spray water from below the battery 201 toward the battery 201. This cleans the battery 201.

[0034] When the shutter 32 opens, the opening 32a is exposed. Figure 2 shows an example where the shutter 32 is double-opening, but the shutter 32 may also be single-opening.

[0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the battery mounting base 34 of the battery replacement device 100. As shown in Figure 3, the battery mounting base 34 is provided with two positioning pins 34a, four locking / unlocking tools 34b, and a roller section 34c. The camera 21 is mounted (fixed) on the battery mounting base 34.

[0036] The camera 21 is mounted, for example, on the Y2 side edge of the battery mounting base 34. The camera 21 may also be installed in a location other than the battery mounting base 34 (for example, the lifting bar 35a, which will be described later). The camera 21 may be configured to be movable relative to the battery mounting base 34. The tip of the positioning pin 34a is provided with a tapered surface. That is, the positioning pin 34a has a shape that tapers toward the Z1 side.

[0037] The battery mounting platform 34 moves relative to the vehicle body 200a with the battery 101 mounted on it, in order to attach the battery 101 to the vehicle body 200a. The battery mounting platform 34 is configured to be movable horizontally below the electric vehicle 200. Specifically, the battery mounting platform 34 is movable in the X direction (X1 direction, X2 direction) and the Y direction (Y1 direction, Y2 direction).

[0038] Referring again to Figure 1, the transport unit 36 ​​is configured to transport batteries (201, 101). Specifically, the transport unit 36 ​​transports the battery 201, which has been removed from the electric vehicle 200 and placed on the battery mounting base 34, to the temporary storage area 40. The battery 201, which is placed on the battery mounting base 34, is moved to the Y1 side and placed on the transport unit 36 ​​when the roller portion 34c (see Figure 3) of the battery mounting base 34 rotates while the battery mounting base 34 is lowered to the same height position (position in the Z direction) as the transport unit 36 ​​transport unit 34. The transport unit 36 ​​moves the battery 201 to the temporary storage area 40. The transport unit 36 ​​may be, for example, a belt conveyor type.

[0039] The transport unit 36 ​​moves the charged battery 101, which has been transported from the storage area 100b to the temporary storage area 40, toward the Y2 side and places it on the battery mounting platform 34. At this time, the roller portion 34c of the battery mounting platform 34 rotates in the opposite direction to the above, causing the battery 101 to move toward the Y2 side on the battery mounting platform 34.

[0040] The lifting unit 35 raises and lowers the electric vehicle 200 by holding it from below. The lifting unit 35 is movable vertically (in the Z direction) through the opening 32a (see Figure 2). The lifting unit 35 includes a pair of lifting bars 35a. Each of the pair of lifting bars 35a is provided with two protrusions 35b projecting toward the Z1 direction. The electric vehicle 200 is supported from below by the two protrusions 35b of each of the pair of lifting bars 35a (i.e., four protrusions 35b (see Figure 3)). Note that each of the pair of lifting bars 35a may also be movable in the same way as the battery mounting base 34.

[0041] Referring again to Figure 3, the adjustment unit 37 includes a stopper unit 37a and a movable unit 37b. The stopper unit 37a is positioned (fixed) to the movable unit 37b.

[0042] The stopper portion 37a restricts the movement of the battery 101, which is placed on the battery mounting base 34, to the X2 side and the Y2 side. The stopper portion 37a defines the horizontal position of the corners of the battery 101 placed on the battery mounting base 34.

[0043] The stopper portion 37a has an L-shape when viewed from above. The battery 101 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. Therefore, the stopper portion 37a contacts a part of the X2 side and a part of the Y2 side of the battery 101.

[0044] The adjustment unit 37 is driven independently of the battery mounting base 34. Specifically, the movable unit 37b on which the stopper unit 37a is located can move independently of the battery mounting base 34 in the X direction (X1 direction, X2 direction) and the Y direction (Y1 direction, Y2 direction).

[0045] After the movement of the battery 101 is restricted by the stopper portion 37a, the battery mounting platform 34 raises the battery 101. The battery 101 is then attached to the body 200a of the electric vehicle 200.

[0046] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the equipment configuration of the electric vehicle 200. As shown in Figure 4, the electric vehicle 200 includes a battery 201, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 203, a System Main Relay (SMR) 204, an MG (Motor Generator) 205, an auxiliary battery 206, a DC / DC converter 207, a vehicle-side connector 210, a battery 201 connector 211, a locking mechanism 212, an auxiliary relay 213, an accessory device 214, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 215, a power button 216, a sensor 217, and a control device 220.

[0047] The accessory device 214 includes a DCM 241 and a monitor device 242 with touch panel functionality. The control device 220 includes a processor 221 and a memory 222. The memory 222 stores programs executed by the processor 221, as well as information used by those programs. The processor 221 controls the operation of various parts of the electric vehicle 200.

[0048] Note that the auxiliary battery 206 is an example of the "first battery" in this disclosure. Battery 201 (battery 101) is an example of the "second battery" in this disclosure. The auxiliary relay 213 is an example of the "first relay" in this disclosure. The system main relay 204 is an example of the "second relay" in this disclosure. The PCU 203 is an example of the "power converter" in this disclosure. The power button 216 is an example of the "operating device" in this disclosure.

[0049] The connector 210 is provided on the vehicle body 200a. That is, the vehicle body 200a has the connector 210. The connector 210 is fixed in a predetermined position on the vehicle body 200a. The connector 210 is for connecting to the battery 201 (or battery 101).

[0050] Connector 211 is provided on the battery 201. That is, the battery 201 has connector 211. Connector 211 is provided in a predetermined position on the housing of the battery 201. Connector 211 is for connecting to connector 210.

[0051] The replacement, fully charged battery 101 is also equipped with a connector 211. Connectors 210 and 211 together are sometimes referred to as a "PN (Positive Negative) connector." The PN connector is a two-pole connector that connects the positive and negative terminals of the battery 201 to the PCU 203.

[0052] Battery 201 is connected to PCU 203 and DC / DC converter 207 via connectors 210, 211 and system main relay 204. PCU 203 is connected to MG 205 and ECU 215. Based on instructions from ECU 215, PCU 203 operates the motor (specifically MG 205) with power from battery 201. DC / DC converter 207 is connected to auxiliary battery 206.

[0053] The DC / DC converter 207 is provided for charging the auxiliary battery 206. The control device 220 drives the DC / DC converter 207, so that the auxiliary battery 206 is charged by the power of the battery 201.

[0054] The auxiliary battery 206 is connected to the locking mechanism 212, accessory device 214, ECU 215, and control device 220 via an auxiliary relay 213. The locking mechanism 212, accessory device 214, ECU 215, and control device 220 are powered by the auxiliary battery 206.

[0055] The power button 216 is a push button. The power button is also called the "start button," "power switch," or "ignition switch."

[0056] In this example, when the brake pedal (not shown) is pressed by the driver of the electric vehicle 200, the power button 216 is pressed by the driver, and the system main relay 204 and the auxiliary relay 213 are turned on. More specifically, when the power button 216 is pressed, current is supplied from the auxiliary battery 206 to the system main relay 204 and the auxiliary relay 213, resulting in the system main relay 204 and the auxiliary relay 213 being turned on. After the power button 216 is pressed, the system main relay 204 and the auxiliary relay 213 self-hold (maintain the on state).

[0057] When the system main relay 204 is turned on, in the state shown in Figure 4, power is supplied from the battery 201 to the PCU 203 and the DC / DC converter 207. Furthermore, when the auxiliary relay 213 is turned on, power is supplied from the auxiliary battery 206 to the locking mechanism 212, the accessory device 214, the ECU 215, and the control device 220. In this example, when the power button 216 is pressed while the brake pedal is not pressed, only the auxiliary relay 213 of the system main relay 204 and auxiliary relay 213 is turned on.

[0058] The locking mechanism 212 locks the connection between connector 210 and connector 211 after the connection between connector 210 and connector 211 is complete. The locking mechanism 212 operates in accordance with commands from the control device 220. The locking mechanism 212 performs the above locking and unlocking in accordance with commands from the control device 220. Note that "completion of connection between connector 210 and connector 211" typically refers to the state in which connector 211 on the battery 201 side is inserted into (connected to) connector 210 on the vehicle body 200a side.

[0059] Typically, the locking mechanism 212 restricts the movement of connectors 210 and 211 so that they do not separate from each other. For example, the locking mechanism 212 prevents connectors 210 and 211 from separating by contacting them when locked. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 212 may prevent connectors 210 and 211 from separating by applying a force to them in a direction that causes them to engage with each other.

[0060] The locking mechanism 212 prevents misalignment of the relative positions of connectors 210 and 211 relative to one of them. The mechanism for locking connectors 210 and 211 together is not particularly limited.

[0061] Sensor 217 detects the locked state by the locking mechanism 212. Sensor 217 detects whether the connection between connector 210 and connector 211 is locked or unlocked (unlocked). When the connection between connector 210 and connector 211 is locked by the locking mechanism 212, sensor 217 transmits a first signal (for example, an ON signal) to the control device 220. When the lock by the locking mechanism 212 is released, sensor 217 transmits a second signal (for example, an OFF signal) to the control device 220.

[0062] The control device 220 can determine, based on the output of the sensor 217, whether or not the connectors 210 and 211 have been locked by the locking mechanism 212. If the control device 220 attempts to lock the connection between connectors 210 and 211 but the lock is not completed, it will cause the monitoring device 242 to output a predetermined warning. This warning is not limited to a display; it may be an audio (speaker output) only, or an audio and a display.

[0063] The system main relay 204 operates based on commands from the control device 220. The system main relay 204 is turned on and off by commands from the control device 220. When the system main relay 204 is turned on, power is supplied from the battery 201 to the PCU 203 and the DC / DC converter 207, as described above. In this way, when the system main relay 204 is in the ON state, the battery 201 supplies power to the PCU 203 and charges the auxiliary battery 206 based on the fact that the DC / DC converter 207 has been operated by the control device 220.

[0064] The auxiliary relay 213, like the system main relay 204, also operates based on commands from the control unit 220. The auxiliary relay 213 is turned on and off by commands from the control unit 220. When the auxiliary relay 213 is turned on, as described above, power is supplied from the auxiliary battery 206 to the locking mechanism 212, accessory device 214, ECU 215, and control unit 220. Thus, the auxiliary battery 206 supplies power to the locking mechanism 212, accessory device 214, ECU 215, and control unit 220 when the auxiliary relay 213 is in the ON state.

[0065] The accessory device 214 includes multiple devices. The accessory device 214 can communicate with external devices such as the power exchange device 100. For details, the DCM 241 communicates with the external devices.

[0066] The following describes the process when the control device 220 receives a battery replacement instruction from the driver or other operator of the electric vehicle 200 via the monitoring device 242, instructing it to replace battery 201 with a fully charged battery 101. Furthermore, in the following description, it is assumed that when the control device 220 receives the battery replacement instruction from the driver or other operator, the system main relay 204 and the auxiliary relay 213 are in the ON state.

[0067] When the control device 220 receives a battery replacement instruction, it determines whether the remaining charge of the auxiliary battery 206 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (hereinafter also referred to as the "threshold"). If the remaining charge is less than the threshold, the control device 220 operates the DC / DC converter 207 to charge the auxiliary battery 206 with the battery 201. The control device 220 continues to charge the auxiliary battery 206 with the battery 201 until the remaining charge of the auxiliary battery 206 is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0068] If the battery level of the auxiliary battery 206 exceeds a threshold, or if the battery level of the auxiliary battery 206 exceeds a threshold due to charging by battery 201, the control device 220 switches the system main relay 204 from the ON state to the OFF state. The control device 220 maintains the auxiliary relay 213 in the ON state.

[0069] The control device 220 turns off the system main relay 204, then controls the lock mechanism 212 to release the lock on the connection between connector 210 and connector 211. After this, the battery replacement device 100 performs the battery replacement.

[0070] More specifically, battery 201 is removed from the vehicle body 200a. Even after battery 201 is removed from the vehicle body 200a, the auxiliary relay 213 remains in the ON state, allowing the electric vehicle 200 to communicate with external devices such as the battery replacement device 100 using power from the auxiliary battery 206.

[0071] Next, the fully charged battery 101 is installed in the vehicle body 200a. Once the battery 101 is installed, connectors 210 and 211 are connected. At this point, the lock mechanism 212 remains unlocked.

[0072] When the battery replacement device 100 has finished installing the battery 101, it sends a replacement completion notification to the electric vehicle 200 indicating that the battery replacement is complete. The electric vehicle 200 receives the replacement completion notification. Specifically, the control device 220 obtains the replacement completion notification via the DCM 241.

[0073] When the control device 220 receives notification of replacement completion via the accessory device 214, it controls the locking mechanism 212 to lock the connection between connector 210 and connector 211. Furthermore, based on the driver pressing the power button 216, the control device 220 switches the system main relay 204 from the off state to the on state.

[0074] The electric vehicle 200 may also be equipped with an engine key instead of a power button 216. The engine key can have four key positions: LOCK, ACC, ON, and START. When the engine key is moved to the ACC key position, only the auxiliary relay 213 of the system main relay 204 and auxiliary relay 213 is turned ON. When the engine key is moved to the START key position, both the system main relay 204 and the auxiliary relay 213 are turned ON. The engine key, like the power button 216, is also an example of an "operating device" as disclosed herein.

[0075] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing some of the processes performed in the electric vehicle 200. As shown in Figure 5, when the power button 216 is pressed in step S1, the system main relay 204 and the auxiliary relay 213 are turned on in step S2.

[0076] In step S3, when the control device 220 receives a battery replacement instruction from the driver, in step S4, the control device 220 determines whether the remaining charge of the auxiliary battery 206 is above a threshold. If it is determined that the remaining charge is below the threshold (NO in step S4), in step S10, the control device 220 operates the DC / DC converter 207 to charge the auxiliary battery 206 with battery 201 until the remaining charge is above the threshold.

[0077] If the battery level is determined to be above a threshold (YES in step S4), the control device 220 switches the system main relay 204 from the ON state to the OFF state in step S5. In step S6, the electric vehicle 200 undergoes battery replacement processing (work) by the battery replacement device 100. In step S7, the electric vehicle 200 receives a replacement completion notification from the battery replacement device 100.

[0078] In step S8, the control device 220 determines whether or not the power button 216 has been pressed. If the control device 220 determines that the power button 216 has not been pressed (NO in step S8), it waits until the power button 216 is pressed. If the control device 220 determines that the power button 216 has been pressed (YES in step S8), in step S9, the control device 220 switches the system main relay 204 from the off state to the on state. This completes the series of processes.

[0079] <Summary> A partial summary of the configuration of the electric vehicle 200 is as follows:

[0080] (1) The electric vehicle 200 includes (i) an accessory device 214 capable of communicating with external devices such as a battery replacement device 100, (ii) a PCU 203 for operating a motor (MG205 in this example), (iii) an auxiliary relay 213 and a system main relay 204, (iv) a control device 220 for controlling the operation of the auxiliary relay 213 and the system main relay 204, (v) an auxiliary battery 206 that supplies power to the accessory device 214 when the auxiliary relay 213 is ON, and (vi) a battery 201 that supplies power to the PCU 203 when the system main relay 204 is ON.

[0081] When the auxiliary relay 213 and the system main relay 204 are in the ON state, and the electric vehicle 200 receives a battery replacement instruction to replace the battery 201 with a fully charged battery 101, the control device 220 turns off only the system main relay 204 among the auxiliary relay 213 and the system main relay 204.

[0082] With this configuration, when the electric vehicle 200 receives a battery replacement instruction to replace battery 201 with a fully charged battery 101, the auxiliary relay 213 remains in the ON state. Therefore, even when the battery of the electric vehicle 200 is being replaced by the battery replacement device 100, the electric vehicle 200 can communicate with external devices such as the battery replacement device 100 via the accessory device 214.

[0083] (2) The electric vehicle 200 is further equipped with a power button 216. The control device 220 turns on the system main relay 204 when the power button 216 is pressed after the battery 201 has been replaced with a fully charged battery 101.

[0084] With this configuration, the driver of the electric vehicle 200 can restart the power supply from the battery 201 to the PCU 203 and the auxiliary battery 206 by pressing the power button 216.

[0085] (3) When the electric vehicle 200 receives a battery replacement instruction, the control device 220 turns off only the system main relay 204 of the auxiliary relay 213 and system main relay 204, provided that the charge level of the auxiliary battery 206 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0086] With this configuration, the system main relay 204 will not turn off when the charge level of the auxiliary battery 206 is below a predetermined value. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where communication with external devices is not possible due to insufficient charge of the auxiliary battery 206.

[0087] (4) When the electric vehicle 200 receives a battery replacement instruction, if the charge level of the auxiliary battery 206 is less than a predetermined value, the control device 220 causes the battery 201 to charge the auxiliary battery 206. When the charge level of the auxiliary battery 206 becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value due to the charging of the auxiliary battery 206, the control device 220 turns off only the system main relay 204 among the auxiliary relay 213 and the system main relay 204.

[0088] With this configuration, the system main relay 204 can be turned off while the charge level of the auxiliary battery 206 is maintained at or above a predetermined value. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where communication with external devices is not possible due to insufficient charge of the auxiliary battery 206 after the system main relay 204 has been turned off.

[0089] <Variation> (1) In the above, after the battery 201 was replaced with a fully charged battery 101, when the power button 216 was pressed, the control device 220 turned on the system main relay 204. In other words, the system main relay 204 was turned on by the driver's manual operation. However, the electric vehicle 200 may be configured so that the system main relay 204 is turned on automatically instead of manually.

[0090] Specifically, the electric vehicle 200 may be configured such that, after the battery 201 has been replaced with a fully charged battery 101, the control device 220 turns on the system main relay 204 based on the accessory device 214 receiving a predetermined notification (in this example, the replacement completion notification mentioned above) from the battery replacement device 100.

[0091] With this configuration, the system main relay 204 can be automatically turned on without the driver having to press the power button 216. Therefore, convenience can be improved compared to when the power button 216 needs to be pressed.

[0092] (2) In the above description, an example configuration was given in which, when the electric vehicle 200 receives a battery replacement instruction to replace the battery 201 with a fully charged battery 101 while the auxiliary relay 213 and the system main relay 204 are in the ON state, the control device 220 turns off only the system main relay 204 of the auxiliary relay 213 and the system main relay 204. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the electric vehicle 200 may be configured such that, under normal circumstances, the auxiliary relay 213 is OFF because power is supplied from the battery 201 to the auxiliary equipment (in this example, the accessory device 214), and when a battery replacement is performed, the auxiliary relay 213 is turned ON to supply power from the auxiliary battery 206. In other words, the auxiliary relay 213 does not have to be always ON.

[0093] As described above, the electric vehicle 200 is configured such that, when the electric vehicle 200 receives a battery replacement instruction to replace battery 201 with a fully charged battery 101 while the system main relay 204 is ON, the control device 220 controls the auxiliary relay 213 to the ON state and the system main relay 204 to the OFF state. With such a configuration, when the electric vehicle 200 receives a battery replacement instruction to replace battery 201 with a fully charged battery 101, the auxiliary relay 213 is controlled to the ON state. Therefore, even when the battery of the electric vehicle 200 is being replaced by the battery replacement device 100, the electric vehicle 200 can communicate with external devices such as the battery replacement device 100 via the accessory device 214.

[0094] <Note> (1) A method for controlling an electric vehicle, The electric vehicle has a first battery that supplies power to an accessory device capable of communicating with external equipment when the first relay is ON, and a second battery that supplies power to a power converter that operates a motor when the second relay is ON. The electric vehicle's control device, when the second relay is in the ON state, receives a battery replacement instruction from the electric vehicle to replace the second battery with a fully charged battery; A control method comprising the steps of: the control device receiving a battery replacement instruction, controlling the first relay to an ON state and the second relay to an OFF state.

[0095] (2) A program that causes one or more processors to execute each step of the control method. (3) A non-temporary, computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

[0096] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 10,220 Control device, 11,221 Processor, 12,222 Memory, 13 Communication unit, 20 Detection device, 21 Camera, 22 Image processing unit, 30 Drive unit, 31 Wheel chock, 31a Pressing member, 31b Horizontal roller unit, 31c Slider unit, 32 Shutter, 32a Opening, 33 Cleaning unit, 33a Nozzle, 34 Mounting platform, 34a Positioning pin, 34b Locking / unlocking tool, 34c Roller unit, 35 Lifting unit, 35a Lifting bar, 35b Protruding part, 36 Conveying unit, 37 Adjustment unit, 37a Stopper unit, 37b Movable part, 40 Temporary storage area, 100 Battery replacement device, 100a Battery replacement station, 100b Storage unit, 101,201 Battery, 102 Entrance / exit, 103 Vehicle stopping area, 200 Electric vehicle, 200a Body, 202 Wheels, 204 System main relay, 206 Auxiliary battery, 207 Converter, 210,211 Connectors, 212 Locking mechanism, 213 Auxiliary relay, 214 Accessory device, 216 Power button, 217 Sensor, 241 DCM, 242 Monitoring device, S Underfloor area.

Claims

1. It is an electric vehicle, An accessory device capable of communicating with external devices, A power conversion device that operates the motor, The first and second relays, A control device for controlling the operation of the first and second relays, When the first relay is in the ON state, a first battery supplies power to the accessory device, The device comprises a second battery that supplies power to the power converter when the second relay is in the ON state, The control device, when the electric vehicle receives a battery replacement instruction to replace the second battery with a fully charged battery while the first relay and the second relay are in the ON state, turns off only the second relay among the first and second relays, provided that the charge level of the first battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

2. Further equipped with an operating device, The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control device turns on the second relay when the operating device is operated after the second battery has been replaced with the charged battery.

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control device turns on the second relay based on the fact that the accessory device has received a predetermined notification from the external device after the second battery has been replaced with the charged battery.

4. The control device is When the electric vehicle receives the battery replacement instruction, if the charge level of the first battery is less than the predetermined value, the second battery will charge the first battery. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when the charge level of the first battery exceeds the predetermined value due to charging of the first battery, only the second relay among the first and second relays is turned off.

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