Battery charging device

Abstract

A battery charging device according to various embodiments may comprise: a case including an accommodation space into which a battery pack can be inserted; a door rotatably connected to one side of an open end of the accommodation space and configured to open or close the accommodation space; and a locking member disposed adjacent to the open end of the accommodation space and configured to maintain the door in a closed state or limit ejection of the battery pack inserted into the accommodation space on the basis of the degree of rotation. Other embodiments are possible.

Description

battery charger

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0104160, filed August 5, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery charging device.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be recharged and discharged, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, hybrid and electric vehicles, and aircraft. Nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-hydrogen batteries are among the most commonly used secondary batteries, with lithium-ion batteries gaining particular attention recently.

[0004] As various environmental issues become more pressing and secondary battery technology rapidly develops, demand for hybrid vehicles and four-wheeled electric vehicles powered by secondary batteries is gradually increasing, replacing internal combustion engines. In line with this trend, demand for two-wheeled electric vehicles, such as electric motorcycles and electric scooters, powered primarily by electric motors for short-distance travel, is also increasing, and the market for these vehicles is steadily expanding.

[0005] Meanwhile, conventionally, to charge the batteries (secondary batteries) of four-wheeled or two-wheeled electric vehicles, users would travel to a separate charging facility and directly connect a plug-in charger to the vehicle. However, this approach required users to wait until the battery was fully charged, making the vehicle unusable and thus unusable, reducing usability.

[0006] Accordingly, a system is being proposed that separates the battery pack from a four-wheel electric vehicle or a two-wheel electric vehicle, inserts the used battery pack into a battery charging device to charge it, and at the same time, receives another fully charged battery pack and installs it in the vehicle for use.

[0007] In this method of removing the battery pack from the electric vehicle and inserting it into a battery charger for charging, a locking device is required to prevent the battery pack from being accidentally ejected from the charger. Furthermore, after the battery pack is removed from the charger, the slot must be properly sealed with a door to minimize the ingress of moisture or foreign substances into the empty slot where the battery pack is inserted.

[0008] Various embodiments of the present disclosure have been devised in consideration of the above-described problems, and provide a battery charging device capable of keeping a door closed or restricting discharge of a battery pack based on the degree of rotation of a locking member provided inside the battery charging device.

[0009] A battery charging device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a case including a receiving space into which a battery pack can be inserted; a door rotatably connected to one side of an open end of the receiving space and configured to open or close the receiving space; and a locking member disposed adjacent to the open end of the receiving space and configured to keep the door in a closed state or to restrict discharge of a battery pack inserted into the receiving space based on a degree of rotation.

[0010] For example, the battery charging device may further include a processor; at least one sensor electrically connected to the processor and configured to detect information regarding at least one of the locking member or the door; and an actuator that rotates the locking member.

[0011] For example, the processor may obtain sensing information regarding whether the door is open or closed and whether the battery pack is inserted or ejected from the receiving space using at least one sensor, and control rotation of the locking member using the actuator based on at least some of the sensing information and user input information.

[0012] For example, at least one sensor may include a light sensor, and the processor may determine whether the battery pack inserted into the receiving space is charged based on the sensing information.

[0013] For example, the locking member may include a disc that is rotatably arranged outside the receiving space; and at least one wing portion that protrudes from the disc, wherein the at least one wing portion may be partially arranged inside the receiving space when rotated.

[0014] For example, at least one wing member may be configured to push the door outward from the inside of the receiving space based on the degree of rotation of the disc.

[0015] For example, at least one wing member may limit the rotation of the door so that the door remains closed, based on the degree of rotation of the disc.

[0016] For example, at least one wing member may block the discharge path of the battery pack to limit discharge of the battery pack contained in the receiving space.

[0017] For example, at least one wing portion may include a curved surface corresponding to the shape of the battery pack.

[0018] For example, the door may be positioned on the upper side of the case by being rotated by the battery pack when the battery pack is inserted.

[0019] For example, the case further includes a guide groove for guiding the direction of movement of the door, the door further includes a protrusion formed to be inserted into the guide groove, and a sensor capable of detecting position information of the battery pack or the door may be placed in the guide groove.

[0020] For example, the plate may include a plurality of mutually spaced grooves, and the battery charging device may include at least one sensor configured to detect sensing information regarding at least one of the lock member or the door, and the at least one sensor may be configured to detect sensing information based on a positional relationship with the plurality of grooves.

[0021] For example, the processor may be configured to identify whether a lock member is malfunctioning based on sensing information and to provide notification information if it is determined that a lock member malfunction has occurred.

[0022] According to various embodiments, a battery charging device can be provided that can keep a door closed or restrict discharge of a battery pack based on the degree of rotation of a locking member provided inside the battery charging device using a minimum number of components.

[0023] This allows for a battery charging device with reduced manufacturing costs and a simplified structure.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a battery charging device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic drawings illustrating a process of inserting a battery pack (10) into a battery charging device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of a locking member (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a battery pack (10) is inserted into a battery charging device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing a state in which a battery pack (10) is fully inserted into a battery charging device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6a is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which a battery pack (10) is withdrawn from a battery charging device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 6b is a schematic perspective view partially illustrating the battery charging device (1) of Fig. 6a.

[0031] FIG. 7a is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which the opening of the door is restricted after the battery pack (10) is withdrawn from the battery charging device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 7b is a schematic perspective view partially illustrating the battery charging device (1) of Fig. 7a.

[0033] Before going into the detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term in order to explain his or her own invention in the best way. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0034] The same reference numbers or symbols used in each drawing attached to this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used in different embodiments. In other words, even if components with the same reference numbers are depicted in multiple drawings, they do not necessarily represent a single embodiment.

[0035] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprises" or "comprises" should be understood to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] In addition, in the description below, expressions such as top, upper, lower, lower, side, front, and rear are expressed based on the direction shown in the drawing, and it is noted in advance that they may be expressed differently if the direction of the object in question changes.

[0037] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used in this specification and claims to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from each other, and the use of these ordinal numbers should not be interpreted in a limited manner. For example, components associated with these ordinals should not be interpreted in a restricted manner, such as in the order of use or arrangement, based on their numbers. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments. For example, those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may propose other embodiments within the spirit of the present invention by adding, modifying, or deleting components, etc., but such embodiments will also be considered within the spirit of the present invention. The shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a battery charging device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] According to various embodiments, the battery charging device (1) may include one or more receiving spaces (e.g., slots (S) of FIG. 2a) into which a battery pack (10) may be inserted, and may charge a battery pack (10) inserted into a specific receiving space.

[0041] For example, a user may receive a fully charged battery pack (10) from a battery charging device (1) and, separately, may return another previously used battery pack (10) by inserting it into a receiving space of the battery charging device (1). In some embodiments, the battery charging device (1) may provide another fully charged battery pack (10) only when the user's battery pack (10) is returned normally.

[0042] The battery charging device (1) can be operated to allow discharge of a charged battery pack (10) or insertion of a discharged battery pack (10) depending on whether a specified condition is satisfied (e.g., whether the specified condition is confirmed to be satisfied through a predetermined user authentication procedure).

[0043] For example, the battery charging device (1) can restrict the opening of a door so that one open end of the receiving space is closed by a door (e.g., door (120) of FIG. 2A) when the receiving space is empty, and can release the restriction on the opening of the door based on whether a specified condition is satisfied.

[0044] For example, the battery charging device (1) can detect whether a battery pack (10) is normally inserted into the receiving space and initiate charging of the inserted battery pack (10) based on whether a specified condition is satisfied.

[0045] For example, when a battery pack (10) is inserted into a receiving space, the battery charging device (1) can restrict discharge of the battery pack (10) or release the restriction on discharge of the battery pack (10) based on whether a specified condition is satisfied.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery charging device (1) according to various embodiments may include a case (100) and a locking member (200).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the case (100) may include a receiving space into which a battery pack (10) can be inserted.

[0048] For example, the battery charging device (1) may include a plurality of accommodation spaces as illustrated in FIG. 1. In embodiments, the battery charging device (1) may be configured in a form in which a plurality of cases (100) corresponding to each of the plurality of accommodation spaces are assembled, or in a form in which a plurality of accommodation spaces are included on a single case (100). For example, the battery charging device (1) may include four or eight accommodation spaces, and each accommodation space may function independently of one another.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the locking member (200) can restrict the battery pack (10) inserted into the receiving space of the case (100) from being arbitrarily ejected.

[0050] In one embodiment, the locking member (200) may guide the position of a door (e.g., door (120) of FIG. 2A) that is arranged to at least partially close an empty receiving space from which the battery pack (10) has been discharged, or may restrict the opening of the door.

[0051] In an embodiment, the locking member (200) may be individually provided for each of the receiving spaces, and each locking member (200) may be operated independently of each other.

[0052] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic drawings illustrating a process of inserting a battery pack (10) into a battery charging device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] For example, FIG. 2a is a side view illustrating a state before a battery pack (10) is inserted into a receiving space (e.g., slot (S)) of a battery charging device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 2b is a side view illustrating a state in which a battery pack (10) is partially inserted into a receiving space of the battery charging device (1) of FIG. 2a.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a battery charging device (1) according to various embodiments may include a case (100) and a locking member (200).

[0055] According to various embodiments, the battery charging device (1) (or the case (100) of the battery charging device (1)) may include at least one of a frame (110) forming an outer surface, a slot (S) which is a receiving space into which a battery pack (10) can be inserted, and a door (120) configured to open or close the slot (S) at one side of an open end of the slot (S).

[0056] In an embodiment, the frame (110) may be configured to include an open end on one side of the slot (S). For example, the open end may correspond to an entrance (I) through which the battery pack (10) may be inserted into or removed from the slot (S).

[0057] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the battery charging device (1) (or the case (100) of the battery charging device (1)) according to one embodiment may further include an auxiliary frame (130) extending from the open end of the slot (S) to form an opening (O) on the inside.

[0058] For example, the auxiliary frame (130) may be provided in a form separately mounted on the outside of the frame (110) to physically protect the slot (S). As another example, the auxiliary frame (130) may be formed integrally with the frame (110).

[0059] For example, the opening (O) formed by the auxiliary frame (130) can serve as a passage when the battery pack (10) is inserted into the slot (S).

[0060] For example, the inner side of the auxiliary frame (130) may include a sensing unit (e.g., a sensing button unit (not shown)) for detecting whether the battery pack (10) is inserted.

[0061] Meanwhile, in the battery charging device (1) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, even if the auxiliary frame (130) is not provided or a sensing unit (not shown) is not provided on the auxiliary frame (130), it may be possible to effectively detect whether the battery pack (10) is inserted by using the sensing method of the locking member (200) described below.

[0062] In one embodiment, the frame (110) may have a structure corresponding to the shape of the battery pack (10). For example, the frame (110) may have a substantially rectangular box shape as illustrated in FIGS. 6B and 7B . However, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this rectangular box shape, and the shape of the frame (110) may have various structures (e.g., cylindrical, sheet-like, etc.) corresponding to various appearances and shapes of the battery pack (10).

[0063] In an embodiment, the door (120) may be rotatably connected on one side of the open end of the slot (S).

[0064] For example, the door (120) may have a shape and size corresponding to the entrance (I), which is the open end of the slot (S).

[0065] For example, the door (120) may be connected to the frame (110) at one side of the open end of the slot (S). For example, the door (120) may be connected to one side of the frame (110) in a rotatable manner through a hinge means such as a hinge.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the door (120) can rotate with one end connected to the upper part of the frame (110) corresponding to the entrance (I), as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. For example, before the battery pack (10) is inserted (e.g., see FIG. 2A), the other end of the door (120) that is not connected to the frame (110) can be positioned at the lower part of the frame (110) corresponding to the entrance (I). For example, when the battery pack (10) is inserted into the slot (S) (e.g., see FIG. 2B), as the door (120) is pushed up by the battery pack (10), the other end of the door (120) can be positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the frame (110).

[0067] In one embodiment, the door (120) may have a structure that automatically opens and closes based on an electrical signal from a processor (not shown) provided in the battery charging device (1).

[0068] On the other hand, in another embodiment, the door (120) may be configured to be opened or closed only by an external force without separate driving control by a processor (not shown), thereby simplifying the components of the battery charging device (1) and reducing the manufacturing cost. Meanwhile, even in this case, the battery charging device (1) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a function of restricting the opening of the door (120) or releasing the restriction on the opening of the door by using a locking member (200).

[0069] For example, the locking member (200) according to various embodiments may be rotated to a position that can restrict the door (120) from being opened arbitrarily when the slot (S) is empty, as illustrated in FIG. 2a. In addition, the locking member (200) may be rotated to not restrict the opening of the door (120) when a battery pack (10) is inserted into the slot (S) or a battery pack (10) is withdrawn from the slot (S), as illustrated in FIG. 2b.

[0070] In an embodiment, the locking member (200) may be positioned adjacent to an open end of the slot (S) (e.g., an entrance (I)). For example, the locking member (200) may include a disc (e.g., a disc (300) of FIG. 3) that is rotatably positioned outside the slot (S) and at least one wing (e.g., a wing (350) of FIG. 3) that protrudes from the disc in a radial direction of the disc, and based on the degree of rotation of the disc, the wing may be partially positioned inside the slot (S) to overlap at least a portion of the slot (S). In this way, when a portion of the locking member (200) is positioned inside the slot (S), it may overlap with a movement path of the door (120) or the battery pack (10), so that movement of the door (120) or the battery pack (10) (i.e., opening of the door (120) or insertion or discharge of the battery pack (10)) may be restricted. In addition, when all components of the locking member (200) are positioned outside the slot (S) so as not to overlap with at least a portion of the slot (S), the locking member (200) does not overlap with the movement path of the door (120) or the battery pack (10), and thus the movement of the door (120) or the battery pack (10) may not be restricted by the locking member (200).

[0071] In addition, although not shown, in order to allow the wing portion to be positioned inside or outside the slot (S) depending on the degree of rotation of the disc of the locking member (200), an opening (not shown) may be formed in a portion of the frame (110) of the case (100) corresponding to the rotation radius of the wing portion of the locking member (200).

[0072] Meanwhile, the battery charging device (1) may further include a charging terminal (C) provided corresponding to each slot (S). For example, the charging terminal (C) may be electrically connected to a battery pack (10) inserted into a slot (S), and may supply power so that the battery pack (10) may be charged, or may transmit and receive electrical signals with the battery pack (10).

[0073] For example, the charging terminal (C) may have a structure that partially protrudes toward the inside of the slot (S) so that it can come into contact with the battery pack (10) inserted into the slot (S).

[0074] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of a locking member (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 3, a locking member (200) according to various embodiments may include a disc (300) and at least one wing portion (350).

[0076] In an embodiment, the disc (300) may include one or more grooves (320). For example, each groove (320) of the disc (300) may be positioned at a constant interval from each other. For example, when the disc (300) is provided with four grooves (320) as illustrated in FIG. 3, each groove (320) may be positioned at an interval of approximately 90 degrees relative to the center of the disc.

[0077] In an embodiment, at least one wing portion (350) may be formed by protruding from the plate (300). For example, a plurality of wing portions (350) may be provided.

[0078] According to one embodiment, each wing portion (350) may include a curved first surface (352) having an inwardly recessed (or sunken) shape and a substantially straight second surface (354).

[0079] For example, the first surface (352) may include a curved surface corresponding to the outer shape of the battery pack (10) (e.g., a corner of the battery pack (10)). In this case, when the first surface (352) includes a curved surface corresponding to the outer shape of the battery pack (10), it can make stable contact with a portion of the outer surface of the battery pack (10) inserted into the slot (S) (e.g., see FIG. 5), so that even when an attempt is made to forcibly withdraw the battery pack (10) from the outside, damage to the battery pack (10) or the locking member (200) can be minimized.

[0080] For example, the second side (354) may have a length and shape suitable for guiding the position of the door (120) so that the door (120) can close the slot (S) at a position corresponding to the entrance (I) (e.g., see FIG. 6a).

[0081] In one embodiment, the wing portion (350) may further include a third face (353) connecting the first face (352) and the second face (354). The third face (353) may have a length and shape that can overlap with the rotation radius of the door (120) so as to prevent arbitrary opening of the door (120) when the door (120) is positioned to close the slot (S) (e.g., the entrance (I) of the slot (S)) (e.g., see FIG. 7a).

[0082] Meanwhile, the locking member (200) according to various embodiments may further include at least one sensor (400) (e.g., first sensor (410), second sensor (420)) positioned to at least partially overlap with the plate (300) on one axis (e.g., Z-axis of FIG. 6b).

[0083] For example, at least some of the at least one sensor (400) may or may not overlap with the groove (320) of the disc (300) depending on the degree of rotation of the disc (300).

[0084] For example, at least one sensor (400) may include an optical sensor that detects optical information projected or reflected from a point.

[0085] For example, in the locking member (200) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one sensor (400) can detect whether each sensor (400) overlaps with a specific groove (320) of the plate (300) on one axis (e.g., the Z-axis of FIG. 6B) based on the degree of rotation of the plate (300). Through this, at least one sensor (400) can obtain information on whether a battery pack (10) is accommodated in the slot (S) or whether the opening of the door (120) is restricted.

[0086] Meanwhile, although not shown, the battery charging device (1) according to various embodiments may further include an actuator (not shown) that rotates the locking member (200) (e.g., the disc (300) and wing portion (350) of the locking member (300).

[0087] Additionally, in the embodiment, the battery charging device (1) may further include a processor (not shown) that controls the operation of at least a part of an actuator (not shown) or at least one sensor (400).

[0088] For example, a processor (not shown) may be electrically connected to an actuator (not shown) and at least one sensor (400) to transmit and receive electrical signals (e.g., control signals).

[0089] For example, a processor (not shown) can obtain information on the position (or status) of a locking member (200), information on the position of a door (120), or information on whether a battery pack (10) is inserted, using at least one sensor (400).

[0090] For example, a processor (not shown) may obtain information on whether a door (120) is open or closed using at least one sensor (400) and / or obtain information on whether a battery pack (10) is inserted or ejected from a slot (S). In addition, the processor (not shown) may control the rotational position of a locking member (200) using an actuator based on sensing information (or user input information).

[0091] Hereinafter, the operating state of the battery charging device (1) according to the rotational position of the locking member (200) will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7b.

[0092] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing a state in which a battery pack (10) is inserted into a battery charging device (1) (e.g., a receiving space of the battery charging device (1)) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 4, in a battery charging device (1) according to various embodiments, the locking member (200) can be operated so that all components of the locking member (200) (e.g., a plate (300) and at least one wing portion (350)) are positioned outside of the receiving space so that the battery pack (10) can be inserted into (or removed from) the receiving space (e.g., a slot) formed inside the case (100) by the frame (110).

[0094] In this case, the opening restriction of the door (120) can be released, and the door (120) can be opened by being pushed up by the battery pack (10) when the battery pack (10) is inserted.

[0095] Meanwhile, in this case, among the sensors provided in the locking member (200), the first sensor (410) can detect information (e.g., dark state) indicating that the grooves (320) of the plate (300) do not overlap on one axis (e.g., Z-axis), and the second sensor (420) can detect information (e.g., light state) indicating that the grooves (320) of the plate (300) overlap on the one axis.

[0096] For example, when the processor (not shown) of the battery charging device (1) obtains sensing information about a dark state from the first sensor (410) and sensing information about a light state from the second sensor (420), it can determine that the battery pack (10) is in a state in which it can be inserted or withdrawn.

[0097] For example, a processor (not shown) can drive a locking member (200) to a state as in FIG. 4 using an actuator (not shown) based on whether a specified condition is satisfied (e.g., whether user authentication is satisfied), and then, according to an operation command, it can identify whether the locking member (200) is normally placed in a required position through sensing information from the first and second sensors (410, 420). For example, when the processor (not shown) receives sensing information that does not match a control command, it can output related notification information through a separate output device (e.g., a display (not shown) included in a user terminal or a battery charging device (1), etc.).

[0098] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing a state in which a battery pack (10) is inserted into a battery charging device (1) (e.g., a receiving space of the battery charging device (1)) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 5, a battery charging device (1) according to various embodiments can operate a locking member (200) to restrict withdrawal of the inserted battery pack (10) when it is determined that the battery pack (10) is normally and completely inserted into a receiving space (e.g., slot (S)).

[0100] For example, the battery charging device (1) may include a separate additional sensor (e.g., the third sensor (430) of FIG. 6b) in addition to the first sensor (410) and the second sensor (420), and the additional sensor may be used to confirm that the battery pack (10) has been inserted into the receiving space.

[0101] As another example, in addition to the first sensor (410) and the second sensor (420), the battery charging device (1) may also use the charging terminal (C) to recognize that the battery pack (10) is in contact with the charging terminal (C), and based on the recognition information, it may confirm that the battery pack (10) is fully inserted into the receiving space.

[0102] Meanwhile, the battery charging device (1) (e.g., the processor (not shown) of the battery charging device (1)) can position the locking member (200) to restrict withdrawal of the battery pack (10) and then check whether it is operating normally based on sensing information.

[0103] For example, when the locking member (200) is placed in a position that restricts withdrawal of the battery pack (10), the first sensor (410) can detect information (e.g., light state) indicating that it overlaps with a specific groove (320) of the plate (300) on one axis (e.g., Z-axis), and the second sensor (420) can detect information (e.g., dark state) indicating that it does not overlap with the groove (320) on the one axis.

[0104] In addition, for example, if the battery charging device (1) is additionally provided with a third sensor (430) as illustrated in FIG. 6b, the third sensor (430) can detect information (e.g., dark state) indicating that the battery pack (10) inserted into the receiving space or overlaps with the door (120) in one area of ​​the receiving space on one axis (e.g., Z-axis).

[0105] For example, when a processor (not shown) obtains sensing information about a light state from a first sensor (410), sensing information about a dark state from a second sensor (420), and sensing information about a dark state from a third sensor (430) (or, when it obtains connection recognition information with a battery pack (10) from a charging terminal (C), it can determine that a battery pack (10) is inserted and discharge (or withdrawal) of the battery pack (10) is restricted.

[0106] Meanwhile, in the embodiment, the processor (not shown) may control to start charging the battery pack (10) only when it is confirmed that the battery pack (10) is normally inserted into the receiving space and that the withdrawal of the battery pack (10) is also restricted based on the sensing information as described above.

[0107] FIG. 6a is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which a battery pack (10) is withdrawn from a battery charging device (1) (e.g., a receiving space of the battery charging device (1)) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6b is a schematic perspective view partially illustrating the battery charging device (1) of FIG. 6a.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a battery charging device (1) according to various embodiments can move a door (120) to a designated position using a locking member (200) after a battery pack (10) is withdrawn from a receiving space (e.g., a slot).

[0109] For example, when a battery pack (10) is to be withdrawn, the battery charging device (1) can operate the locking member (200) so that the state of the locking member (200) described with reference to FIG. 5 (i.e., a state in which withdrawal of the battery pack (10) is restricted) becomes the state of the locking member (200) described with reference to FIG. 4 (i.e., a state in which withdrawal of the battery pack (10) is released by releasing the wing portion (350) located outside the receiving space).

[0110] For example, the battery charging device (1) can be operated so that the disc (300) of the locking member (200) (and the wing portion (350) connected to the disc (300)) rotates in a certain direction (e.g., counterclockwise with reference to FIG. 5).

[0111] Meanwhile, after the battery pack (10) is withdrawn from the receiving space, the door (120) is not subject to the force pushed up by the battery pack (10), and thus can be moved to the position shown in FIG. 6a.

[0112] For example, in an embodiment, the battery charging device (1) may be configured such that the case (100) has a predetermined incline from the bottom surface (e.g., the ground) for the convenience of the user when inserting and ejecting the battery pack (10) (see FIG. 1). Accordingly, the door (120) receives a force in the direction of gravity (e.g., the -Y-axis direction) rather than in the direction perpendicular to the frame (110), and is positioned so as to face the direction of gravity, thereby not completely closing the receiving space.

[0113] At this time, in the embodiment, the battery charging device (1) can move the door (120) to a designated position using the locking member (200) after the battery pack (10) is withdrawn from the receiving space (e.g., slot). For example, the locking member (200) can be rotated in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 6A) in an embodiment such as that illustrated in FIG. 6A, thereby moving the door (120) to one end of the receiving space (e.g., entrance (I) in FIG. 2) as illustrated in FIG. 7A.

[0114] In the embodiment, in the state shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the battery charging device (1) (e.g., a processor (not shown) of the battery charging device (1)) can obtain information (e.g., dark state information) from the first sensor (410) and the second sensor (420) indicating that each sensor (the first sensor (410) and the second sensor (420)) does not overlap with the groove (320) of the plate (300) on one axis (e.g., the Z axis).

[0115] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a guide groove (122) may be provided on one side of the frame (110) of the case (100) to guide the movement path (or movement direction) of the door (120) during the opening and closing operation. In addition, in the embodiment, a protrusion formed to be able to engage with the guide groove (122) may be further provided on one side of the door (120). In addition, in the embodiment, when the third sensor (430) is provided, the third sensor (430) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the guide groove (122), as illustrated in FIG. 6B, to identify whether the battery pack (10) (or the door (120)) overlaps within the receiving space. For example, the third sensor (430) may be positioned to correspond to a point where the door (120) is positioned by receiving a force in the direction of gravity in the inner receiving space of the case (100) having a predetermined incline with the bottom surface, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, among positions corresponding to the guide groove (122). In this case, the third sensor (430) may provide information on whether the door (120) is positioned in the position shown in FIG. 6A when the battery pack (10) is withdrawn from the receiving space.

[0116] FIG. 7a is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which the opening of a door is restricted after a battery pack (10) is withdrawn from a battery charging device (1) (e.g., a receiving space of the battery charging device (1)) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7b is a schematic perspective view partially illustrating the battery charging device (1) of FIG. 7a.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a battery charging device (1) according to various embodiments can control the position of a locking member (200) so that the door (120) can be maintained in the closed position at one end of the receiving space after the door (120) is moved to the closed position.

[0118] In addition, in the embodiment, after the locking member (200) is operated to be in the state shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the battery charging device (1) (e.g., a processor (not shown) of the battery charging device (1)) can obtain information (e.g., light state information) from the first sensor (410) indicating that the first sensor (410) overlaps with a specific groove (320) of the plate (300) on one axis (e.g., Z-axis), and can obtain information (e.g., dark state information) from the second sensor (420) indicating that the second sensor (420) does not overlap with any groove (320) of the plate (300) on the one axis, thereby confirming that the locking member (200) has been operated normally.

[0119] While the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, focusing on preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous obvious modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be construed as encompassing the many examples of such modifications within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A case including a receiving space into which a battery pack can be inserted; A door rotatably connected to one side of the open end of the above-mentioned accommodation space and configured to open or close the above-mentioned accommodation space; and A battery charging device comprising a locking member arranged adjacent to the open end of the receiving space and configured to keep the door closed or to restrict discharge of a battery pack inserted into the receiving space based on the degree of rotation.

2. In paragraph 1, processor; At least one sensor electrically connected to said processor and configured to detect information regarding at least one of said locking member or said door; and A battery charging device further comprising an actuator that rotates the locking member.

3. In paragraph 2, The above processor, Obtain sensing information on whether the door is opened or closed and whether the battery pack is inserted or ejected from the receiving space using at least one sensor; A battery charging device configured to control rotation of the locking member using the actuator based on at least some of the sensing information and user input information.

4. In paragraph 3, wherein at least one sensor comprises a light sensor, The above processor, A battery charging device configured to determine whether the battery pack inserted into the receiving space is charged based on the sensing information.

5. In paragraph 1, The above locking member, A disc positioned so as to be rotatable outside the above-mentioned receiving space; and At least one wing portion protruding from the above plate in the radial direction of the above plate, A battery charging device, wherein at least one wing portion can be positioned at least partially inside the receiving space when the plate rotates.

6. In paragraph 5, At least one wing portion is, based on the degree of rotation of the disc, A battery charging device that pushes the door from the inside of the receiving space outward.

7. In paragraph 5, At least one wing portion is, based on the degree of rotation of the disc, A battery charging device that limits the rotation of the door so that the door remains closed.

8. In paragraph 5, At least one wing portion, A battery charging device that blocks the discharge path of the battery pack so as to limit discharge of the battery pack accommodated in the above-mentioned receiving space.

9. In paragraph 5, At least one wing portion, A battery charging device comprising a curved surface corresponding to the shape of the battery pack.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery charging device, wherein the door is rotated by the battery pack when the battery pack is inserted and positioned on the upper side of the case.

11. In paragraph 1, The above case further includes a guide groove for guiding the direction of movement of the door, The above door further includes a protruding portion formed to be inserted into the guide groove, A battery charging device, wherein a sensor capable of detecting location information of the battery pack or the door is placed in the guide home.

12. In paragraph 5, A battery charging device, wherein the above plate includes a plurality of mutually spaced grooves.

13. In paragraph 12, further comprising at least one sensor configured to detect sensing information regarding at least one of the lock member or the door; A battery charging device, wherein at least one sensor is set to detect the sensing information based on a positional relationship with the plurality of homes.

14. In paragraph 3, The above processor, Identifying whether the locking member is malfunctioning based on the sensing information, A battery charging device configured to provide notification information when a malfunction of the above locking member is determined to have occurred.

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