JP3793908B2 - Rechargeable battery - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a rechargeable battery, and more particularly, to a rechargeable battery suitable for preventing an increase in space for housing a battery, reducing a mounting space on a vehicle or the like, and simplifying management.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A rechargeable battery that is mounted on an electric vehicle and used may be required to have various capacities depending on the travel distance of the vehicle. Such a battery is generally formed by housing a plurality of battery cells in a battery case, and responds to a difference in capacity by changing the size of the battery cell without changing the outer dimensions of the battery case. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-45077 discloses an electric vehicle in which a battery is attached to a main frame of the vehicle, and a battery case that houses the battery is formed in the same external shape.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of the above battery, a battery case matched with a large capacity battery cell has to be used even for a vehicle having a small capacity. Therefore, for example, a vehicle that originally has a small capacity has to be provided with a wide mounting space adapted to a large-capacity battery case, which makes it difficult to save space.
[0004]
On the other hand, when a plurality of types of battery case sizes are set in accordance with vehicle requirements, a problem arises that a power station (battery exchange device) must be installed for each battery having a different capacity.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable battery that solves the above-mentioned problems, adapts the battery size to the requirements of an object to be mounted, and can share equipment such as a power station regardless of the battery capacity. And
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a plurality of columnar battery cells, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped battery case that accommodates the plurality of battery cells so that the longitudinal directions thereof are aligned in parallel, and the battery. Connection means for connecting the cells in series, and electrode terminals connected to both ends of the battery cells connected in series and provided in the battery case, the battery cells depending on the battery capacity The length of the battery case is set, and the corresponding dimension in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell is set according to the length of the battery cell to be accommodated, and the electrode terminal is irrespective of the battery capacity, The first feature is that the sensor is provided at a fixed position with respect to the reference position.
[0007]
According to the first feature, the difference in battery capacity corresponds to the length of the battery cell, and other dimensions are fixed to the predetermined dimensions regardless of the capacity. Therefore, the battery case that accommodates the plurality of battery cells may change at least the dimension in the direction corresponding to the length of the battery cell according to the battery capacity. Therefore, other dimensions are adapted to the mounted vehicle or the like. Furthermore, in the first feature, since the position of the electrode terminal is fixed regardless of the battery capacity, the contact structure of the battery-equipped vehicle, power station, or the like can be shared.
[0008]
Further, the present invention is a rechargeable battery having the first feature which is detachably attached to an electric assist type motorcycle and is mounted with the longitudinal direction of the battery case being substantially aligned with the vertical direction. The second feature is that one side dimension of the bottom surface of the battery case in a state where the battery case is fixed is set regardless of the battery capacity. In particular, the rechargeable battery can be disposed between the seat post and the rear wheel. The third feature is that the one side dimension is set so that
[0009]
According to the 2nd characteristic, battery mounting space, such as a to-be-mounted vehicle, can be made small as battery capacity becomes small. Further, according to the third feature, the change in battery capacity can be dealt with in the width direction of the two-wheeled vehicle, and even when the battery capacity is large, it is not necessary to widen the space between the seat post and the rear wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle, and the wheel base is affected. Absent.
[0010]
In the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the battery case is set to a constant size regardless of the capacity of the battery so that one side is fitted to one side of the substantially rectangular opening for storing the battery of the power station, and the other side is The length of the other side of the opening for battery storage should be set according to the battery capacity, and the electrode terminal fits the connector provided at the bottom of the power station opening regardless of the battery capacity. A fourth feature is that the position is set.
[0011]
Furthermore, the present invention includes a temperature sensor for sensing a battery temperature, and an output terminal of the temperature sensor is provided on the outer surface of the battery case, and the installation position thereof is constant regardless of the battery capacity. There is. Further, the present invention has a sixth feature in that the longitudinal dimension of the battery case is set to be constant regardless of the battery capacity. According to the 4th characteristic-the 6th characteristic, the battery acceptance structure of a power station can be made common regardless of battery capacity, for example.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view showing an external appearance of an electrically assisted bicycle equipped with a rechargeable battery of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the electrically assisted bicycle 7 includes a body frame 30 that is substantially U-shaped in a side view, and a head pipe 31 is integrally provided at the front end of the body frame 30. A front fork 33 is integrally provided at a lower portion of the handle post 32 that is rotatably supported by the head pipe 31, and a front wheel 34 is pivotally supported at the lower end of the front fork 33. A handle 35 is provided at the upper end of the handle post 32.
[0013]
A power unit 37 having a motor 36 for electric assist is provided below the body frame 30. A rear wheel 39 is pivotally supported between a pair of left and right rear forks 38 extending rearward from the vehicle body frame 30 through the rear upper portion of the power unit 37, and between the rear fork 38 and the rear portion of the vehicle body frame 30, A pair of right stays 40 are provided.
[0014]
Furthermore, a rear portion of the vehicle body frame 30 forms a seat post 42 having a saddle seat 41 at the upper end, and the saddle seat 41 is mounted on the seat post 42 so that the vertical position can be adjusted. A battery 55 is mounted between the seat post 42 and the rear wheel cover 43. The battery 55 includes a plurality of battery cells accommodated in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped battery case, and the battery case is installed on the power unit 37 along the seat post 42 such that the longitudinal direction is substantially vertical. The structure of the battery 55 and the connection between the battery 55 and the power unit 37 will be described in detail later.
[0015]
A crankshaft 46 having pedals 45 at both ends is rotatably supported on the casing 44 of the power unit 37, and a drive sprocket 47 capable of acting an assist force from the motor 36 is fixed to the crankshaft 46. A chain 49 is wound around the sprocket 47 and a driven sprocket 48 provided on the axle of the rear wheel 39.
[0016]
An L-shaped carrier frame 52 is attached to the tip of a bracket 51 provided on the head pipe 31, and a front basket 53 is attached to the carrier frame 52. The parking lock 56 attached to the front fork 33 on the side surface of the front wheel 34 abuts against the spokes 57 of the front wheel 34 when locked, thereby preventing the front wheel 34 from rotating.
[0017]
Next, the structure of the battery 55 will be described. 2 is a side view of the battery 55, FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway front view, FIG. 4 is a top view, FIG. 5 is a bottom view, and FIG. 6 is a cross-section showing the shape of the battery case in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. FIG. The battery 55 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped battery case 54 in which a large number of battery cells (unit rechargeable batteries) 84 are accommodated. The battery cells 84 are connected in series using the connection fitting 400 and are covered with the heat shrinkable tube 401 to constitute one assembled battery. One end of the battery cells 84 connected in series is connected to the cable 402, extended along one inner surface of the battery case 54 to one longitudinal end (lower end in FIG. 3) of the battery 55, and one electrode portion (discharge terminal) 83a. It is connected to the. The other end of the battery cells 84 connected in series is connected to the other electrode part (discharge terminal) 83b via the cable 403.
[0018]
When the electrode portions 83a and 83b are mounted at predetermined positions on the electric vehicle 7, they contact a connector (described later) provided on the vehicle side and are brought into conduction. A fuse 404 is provided in the middle of the cable 403. A thermistor 405 for detecting the temperature of the battery is disposed in the gap between the battery cells 84, and the lead wire 406 is connected to a temperature detection contact (output terminal) 407.
[0019]
At the other end in the longitudinal direction of the battery 55 (upper end in FIG. 3), a handle 80 is provided close to one side of the corner portion. The handle 80 is attached to be rotatable about a shaft 87 and is normally biased by a coil spring (not shown) so as to be pressed against the battery 55. A remaining amount meter 81 is provided on the end surface of the battery 55 in the longitudinal direction, and when the push button 82 is pressed, the remaining amount is displayed.
[0020]
A concave portion 408 that is engaged with a hook fitting (described later) provided on the seat post 42 is formed on the upper side surface of the battery 55, and a locking concave portion 86 is formed on the lower side surface of the battery 55. Further, an information chip 85 that stores unique information such as identification ID information of the battery 55 is provided at the center of the side surface of the battery 55.
[0021]
Also in the batteries 55 having different capacities, the diameter of the battery cell 84 is unified to the diameter of the C cell (corresponding to single battery), and the number of the battery cells 84 accommodated in the battery case 54 is also constant. That is, the dimension of the surface of the battery case 54 shown in FIG. 3 is constant without being affected by the difference in battery capacity. The difference in battery capacity is handled by the length of the battery cell 84.
[0022]
FIG. 6 shows a battery with a relatively small capacity, and FIGS. 7 and 8 show the shape of a battery with a larger capacity. As understood from FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the battery capacity corresponds to the length of the battery cell 84, and therefore corresponds to the height of each battery case 54, that is, the length of the battery cell 84. Although the dimension (H) is different, the width (B) of the battery case 54 is the same regardless of the capacity. A buffer member 410 is disposed between the battery cell 84 and the battery case 54.
[0023]
The electrode parts 83a and 83b are provided at a predetermined (constant) position from the reference surface 409 at the center of the height (H) of the battery case 54, and the distance between the electrode parts 83a and 83b is also constant. Is set to Thus, by making the width (B) of the battery case 54 and the shape and arrangement of the electrode portions 83a and 83b constant, the shape of the electric vehicle 7 and the slot of the power station, that is, the battery 55 receiving port, which will be described later, are common. Can be
[0024]
Next, a structure for mounting the battery 55 on the vehicle 7 will be described. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a coupling part between the battery 55 and the power unit 37, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing engagement between the upper part of the battery 55 and the vehicle 7. First, in FIG. 9, the casing 44 of the power unit 37 is fixed to the body frame 30 via brackets 411 and 412. In addition, the power unit 37 shows the state which removed the cover.
[0025]
A receiving tray 413 for holding the lower end of the battery 55 is fixed to the upper portion of the casing 44, and a connector portion 414 is provided at the lower portion thereof, and is fixed to the casing 44 together with the receiving tray 413. The connector portion 414 includes connector main bodies 415a and 415b and an insulating cover 416 for housing them. The casing 44 includes an opening for guiding the connector portion 414 into the casing. When the battery 55 is received in the tray 413, the inner shape of the tray 413 is set so that the electrode portions 83a and 83b are in contact with and electrically coupled to the tips (upper ends) of the connector bodies 415a and 415b, respectively. Yes.
[0026]
A battery lock 417 for engaging the locking recess 86 when the battery 55 is mounted at a predetermined position on the front edge of the tray 413 so that the battery 55 cannot be attached to and detached from the box 413 is provided. Is provided. The battery lock 417 includes an arm 418 that is swingable and biased counterclockwise in the figure by a spring (not shown), and a lock release device 419 that rotates the arm 418 in the clockwise direction in the figure. Have. The lock release device 419 has a key hole 420 for inserting a key to rotate the arm 417.
[0027]
With this structure, when the battery 55 is inserted into the tray 413, the arm 418 once rotates clockwise following the lower end corner of the battery case 54, and the tip of the arm 418 gets over the edge of the locking recess 86. The front end of this is fitted into the locking recess 86 and is urged and locked by the spring. When the battery 55 is removed from the tray 413 for charging or the like, the arm 418 is rotated using a predetermined key to release the lock. Once the battery 55 is mounted in the tray 413, the tip of the arm 418 is caught on the inner wall surface of the locking recess 86, so that it does not come off while the vehicle 7 is traveling. Further, since the arm 418 cannot be rotated unless a key is used, it is also effective in preventing theft. One end of a cable 421 is connected to the connector main bodies 415a and 415b, and the other end of the cable 421 is connected to the relay terminal 422. The electric power of the battery 55 is relayed by the relay terminal 422 and supplied to the motor 36 and the board 50A of the control unit for controlling the motor 36.
[0028]
A first idle shaft 423, a second idle shaft (not shown), and a crankshaft 46 are rotatably supported by the housing 44. The large gear 424 of the first idle shaft 423 is engaged with the pinion 425 of the motor 36, and the small gear 426 of the first idle shaft 423 is engaged with the gear 427 supported by the second idle shaft. Further, the gear 427 meshes with a gear (not shown) coupled to the crankshaft 46.
[0029]
Thus, the pedaling force of the pedal 45 is transmitted to the crankshaft 46, and the power of the motor 36 can be transmitted through the gears 425, 424, 426, 427 and the like. The pedaling force of the pedal 45 and the power of the motor 36 are transmitted to the sprocket 47 through the crankshaft 46.
[0030]
In the casing 44, a substrate 50A on which an FET 501 and a CPU 502 constituting a control unit (assist controller) of the motor 36 are mounted is accommodated. Electric power is supplied from the battery 55 to the board 50A through the cable 421, and the board 50A controls the rotation of the motor 36 based on the pedaling force applied to the crankshaft 46.
[0031]
In FIG. 10, a hook metal fitting 428 is fixed to the seat post 42. When the battery 55 is mounted on the tray 413, the tip of the hook metal fitting 428 engages with the concave portion 408 on the battery 55 side, and the upper part of the battery 55 is fixed to the seat post 42 to fix the battery 55. Keep stable. The battery 55 can be detached from the tray 413 of the electric vehicle 7 in the direction of arrow A. Reference numeral 55a indicates a mode of a battery removed from the vehicle 7 or a battery immediately before mounting.
[0032]
The distance between the seat post 42 and the rear wheel 39 should be as narrow as possible in order not to increase the wheel base. Therefore, when the battery 55 is installed between the seat post 42 and the rear wheel 39, if the dimensions of the battery case 54 differ depending on the battery capacity, the wheelbase is increased to match the expected maximum capacity of the battery. I have to keep it. However, in this embodiment, since the width dimension (B) of the battery case 54 is constant even if there is a difference in capacity, the distance between the seat post 42 and the rear wheel 39 may be set according to the minimum capacity. That's fine. The difference in capacity appears as a dimension in the width direction of the vehicle 7, that is, a height (H) of the battery case 54. Since the dimension in the width direction of the vehicle 7 can be made larger than the distance between the seat post 42 and the rear wheel 39, the dimension difference due to the capacity difference can be sufficiently absorbed.
[0033]
Next, an example in which the present invention is applied to an electric vehicle of a rental system will be described. FIG. 11 is an overall conceptual diagram of the rental system, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a basic flow of the system. In this rental system, the parking lock of the rental vehicle can be unlocked using the ID card, and the battery can be replaced with the ID card.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 11, the rental system has a central management device 1 that manages the entire system, and the central management device 1 stores personal information including user identification information (ID information) and the like. An ID card 2 composed of an IC card or the like is issued. The central management device 1 is connected via a communication line 9 to a reception station 5 that performs rental vehicle rental processing and subsequent return processing. The electric vehicle 7 arranged in the system can release the parking lock with the ID card 2 and can release the battery lock with the ID card 2 as necessary. The battery exchange 8 accepts a used battery by the ID card 2 and replaces it with a fully charged one.
[0035]
The reception station 5 and the battery exchange 8 are arranged at a plurality of locations for convenience of the user, and are connected to the central management device 1 through the communication line 9 respectively. The central management device 1 includes a management computer 3 and issues an ID card 2 by a card issuing machine. The reception station 5 and the battery exchange 8 are provided in the parking lot 6, the parking lot 6 is surrounded by a fence, an entrance 6 a and an exit 6 c are provided, an entrance sensor 6 b is provided at the entrance 6 a, and an exit sensor 6 d is provided at the exit 6 c. Is provided.
[0036]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram focusing on the flow of processing centering on the ID card. As shown in this figure, when the ID card 2 is issued by the central management apparatus 1 (B1), the user uses the ID card 2 and at the reception station 5 includes a predetermined vehicle type designation and the like. Lending processing is performed (B2). The reception station 5 writes the vehicle type, permission flag, etc. in the ID card 2 (B3).
[0037]
Subsequently, the user unlocks the electric vehicle 7 in the parking lot 6 by using the ID card 2 that has been rented (B3). Unlocking can be performed via an electrical actuator. Moreover, although locking can be similarly performed by an electric actuator, it may be performed manually. When unlocking, the vehicle number is written to the ID card 2 by a card reader provided on the vehicle side, and the permission flag is reset. Then, it goes out of the parking lot 6 and starts running. In this example, a closed system such as a circuit field whose periphery is partitioned from the outside is assumed, but it is naturally possible to use this system in an open system.
[0038]
The user removes the used battery from the electric vehicle 7 during use or at the end of use, and replaces the battery with a fully charged battery using the ID card 2 in the battery exchange 8 (B4). At this time, the battery exchange 8 checks the information of the ID card 2 (user information and vehicle number, etc.) and the battery ID information directly read from the battery, and responds to the battery replacement when an authorized user is recognized. . After completing the battery replacement procedure, a fully charged battery is mounted on the vehicle, the electric vehicle 7 is returned to the parking lot 6, and then the return procedure is performed at the reception station 5 (B5).
[0039]
According to this system, by attaching the ID card 2 to the electric vehicle 7, the vehicle 7 and the ID card 2 are associated with each other 1: 1, and thereafter, the parking lock provided to the electric vehicle 7 by the ID card 2 only. Can be unlocked, the battery lock can be unlocked, and the battery can be replaced. Unlike unlocking with a mechanical key, the ID card is convenient for users to carry and eliminates the need for special management for lending and returning keys, simplifying the rental system it can.
[0040]
Moreover, since the next user can start using the vehicle 7 immediately after the battery is fully charged and returned, it is extremely convenient to use the rental vehicle. A plurality of reception stations 5 and battery exchanges 8 are arranged in a distributed manner so that one ID card 2 can be used in common, so that it is convenient for the user to rent a vehicle, replace the battery, return the vehicle, etc. Because it can be done at the place, convenience is further increased.
[0041]
Next, the rental system will be described in more detail. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a memory map of the ID card 2. As shown in the figure, user information 10, rental information 11, vehicle information 12, usage record information 13 and the like are stored. The user information 10 includes an ID number of a user of the vehicle rental system, an expiration date for using the vehicle rental system, and a password. In addition to these, attribute data indicating whether the user uses Japanese or English, data indicating user's preference, and the like may be included. The lending information 11 includes a flag indicating whether or not the vehicle is being rented, a vehicle number being lent, a permission flag indicating the type of vehicle that can be rented, and the like.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 14, the permission flag is set, for example, as a flag indicating which vehicle the user can borrow from an electric two-wheeled vehicle, an electric three-wheeled vehicle, or the like. As the vehicle information 12, the user's current travel distance or use time, the battery consumption associated therewith, and the like are combined. The usage record information 13 includes history data related to vehicles used in the past.
[0043]
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the reception station 5. The reception station 5 includes a touch panel display 15 for performing each operation of vehicle lending / returning processing, an ID card reading / writing unit 16, and a processing body unit 17.
[0044]
FIG. 16 is a configuration block diagram of a control system of the reception station 5 configured as described above. The reception station 5 includes a central processing unit 20 that performs overall control. The central processing unit 20 is connected to a management computer 3 that constitutes the central management device 1 via a communication unit 21. The central processing unit 20 is connected to an ID card read / write (R / W) unit 16, a storage unit 23, a gate control unit 24, and a touch panel display 15. Here, the storage unit 23 stores various data processed by the reception station 5. The gate control unit 24 manages and controls the entry and exit of the vehicle and the user with respect to the parking lot 6 according to signals from the entrance sensor 6b and the exit sensor 6d.
[0045]
Next, processing contents of the central management device 1 and the reception station 5 will be described based on a flowchart shown in FIG. In order to use this vehicle rental system, the user performs registration of personal information, setting of a use contract, and the like with respect to the management computer 3 of the central management device 1. By performing these registrations and settings, the management computer 3 controls the ID card issuing machine 4 and issues an ID card 2 composed of an IC card or the like to the user (S1A). At this time, the ID card 2 has the user information 10 (FIG. 13) and rental information 11 (FIG. 13) including a permission flag (FIG. 14) indicating the type of vehicle that can be rented by the user. To be recorded.
[0046]
As the data indicating the user's preference, for example, data such as the color and shape of the vehicle, as well as the height of the saddle and the size of the wheel can be recorded in the case of an electric two-wheeled vehicle. As the permission flag, for example, when the user does not have a driver's license, the flag can be set so that a vehicle that requires a driver's license cannot be used. Such information may be input by the operator after hearing from the user through an oral answer or by the user filling in a predetermined form. In order to avoid an input mistake, information such as a user's credit card may be copied.
[0047]
A user who has the ID card 2 performs a vehicle borrowing operation using the reception station 5 provided in the parking lot 6. When the user places or inserts the ID card 2 in the ID card reading / writing unit 16 of the reception station 5, the ID card reading / writing unit 16 reads the user information 10 and the lending information written in the ID card 2. 11, the vehicle information 12 and the usage record information 13 are read and transferred to the central processing unit 20.
[0048]
The central processing unit 20 determines whether this user is a person who can use the rental system from the read information (S2A). When it is determined that the user can use the vehicle, the vehicle that can be used by the user is selected based on the vehicle possession information in the parking lot 6 and displayed on the touch panel display 15 (S3A). The touch panel display 15 may be configured to display in English or Japanese according to the attribute data of the user information 10.
[0049]
For example, if the data indicating the user's preference obtained from the ID card 2 is as shown in FIG. 18, the screen shown in FIG. 19 is preferentially displayed on the touch panel display 15 based on this data. At this time, if the user selects “No”, the screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, and another vehicle can be selected.
[0050]
When the user does not have a driver's license, a screen for selecting a vehicle type that requires a driver's license such as an electric four-wheeled vehicle is not displayed according to the permission flag shown in FIG. Thus, by selecting only the information necessary for the user and displaying it on the touch panel display 15, the user can efficiently perform the vehicle selection work.
[0051]
When the user selects a desired vehicle, the central processing unit 20 writes vehicle type information as data relating to the vehicle type of the selected vehicle in the ID card 2 (S4A). When predetermined information is written in the ID card 2, the central processing unit 20 displays the position of the vehicle in the parking lot 6 corresponding to the touch panel display 15 (S5A). This completes the lending process.
[0052]
The user who has the ID card 2 enters the parking lot 6 from the entrance 6a and moves to the corresponding vehicle. At this time, the entrance sensor 6b provided in the entrance 6a detects entry of the user having the ID card 2 into the parking lot 6 and transfers the information to the central processing unit 20 via the gate control unit 24. be able to.
[0053]
Next, an electrically assisted bicycle used in the rental system will be described. FIG. 21 is a side view showing the external appearance of the electrically assisted bicycle. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or equivalent parts. The electrically assisted bicycle 7 has an assist controller 50 fixed outside the power unit 37, that is, below the vehicle body frame 30, and the motor 36 is controlled by the assist controller 50 based on the pedaling force input from the pedal 45. .
[0054]
A battery storage box 54A is attached to the back of the front basket 53, and a battery 55 is detachably stored in the battery storage box 54A. A main switch 58 for supplying electric power from the battery 55 to the assist controller 50 and the motor 36 and an electric battery lock and parking lock 56, which will be described later, is disposed above the cover 59 that covers most of the vehicle body frame 30. A loading platform 43 is provided behind the seat 41 and above the rear wheel 39.
[0055]
22 is a front view of the front basket 53 with the battery storage box 54A attached thereto, FIG. 23 is a plan view of the same, and FIG. 24 is an assembled perspective view of each part thereof. As shown in these drawings, a card reader 60 that allows the ID card 2 to be inserted is attached to one side of the battery storage box 54A.
[0056]
Further, an electric battery lock, which will be described later, is provided integrally with the card reader 60, so that the battery 55 cannot be removed from the battery storage box 54A when certain conditions are not satisfied. The unlocking operation of the electric battery lock and parking lock 56 and the power supply to the assist controller 50 are controlled based on the detection result of the card reader 60.
[0057]
25 is a plan view of the card reader 60, and FIG. 26 is a side view thereof. As is apparent from these drawings, the card reader 60 is provided with a card slot 62 provided with a notch 61 for easily holding the ID card 2 in and out of the card reader 60 at one end. Inside, there is provided a magnet 64 provided at the tip of a leaf spring 63 that is deformed by insertion of the ID card 2 and a card insertion switch 65 comprising a Hall element that is turned on when approached. An antenna unit 66 is provided in parallel with the vicinity of the card slot 62 so that information stored in the ID card 2 is received and input to the central processing unit 67.
[0058]
FIG. 27 is a block diagram of the card key system. This system includes a battery 55, an ID card 2, a card reader 60, and a control unit (assist controller) 50 for the motor 36. The break contact of the card insertion switch 65 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery 55 via fuses Fu1 and Fu2.
[0059]
The make contact of the card insertion switch 65 is connected to the central processing unit 67 to supply power, and is commonly connected to the relays RY1, RY2, and RY3. The relay RY1 is controlled by the central processing unit 67, and controls the power supply to the central processing unit 72 on the assist controller 50 side.
[0060]
Relays RY2 and RY3 are controlled by central processing unit 67 to constitute a battery lock. The battery lock solenoid 70 and the parking lock solenoid 71 are controlled in conjunction with each other. The input sides of the solenoids 70 and 71 are connected to the earth line of the central processing unit 67 via diodes D1 and D2, respectively.
[0061]
An antenna unit 66 is connected to the central processing unit 67. When the card insertion switch 65 is turned on, power is supplied to the central processing unit 67 and the ID information of the ID card 2 is read by the antenna unit 66. When it is determined that the ID information is appropriate, the relays RY2 and RY3 are turned on in conjunction with each other, and the battery lock solenoid 70 and the parking lock solenoid 71 are energized for a predetermined time, respectively, and the battery 55 is attached / detached and parked. The lock 56 can be unlocked.
[0062]
The assist controller 50 is provided with a relay RY4 that is controlled by the central processing unit 72 between the positive electrodes of the battery 55 and the motor 36. Each signal of the speed sensor and the torque sensor is input to the central processing unit 72, and when the assist driving start is permitted based on these signals, the relay RY4 is turned on to supply power to the motor 36.
[0063]
A commutation diode D5 is provided in parallel with the motor 36, and its anode is made common (common) with the negative electrode of the motor 36. A TFT transistor is connected to one end of which is grounded. By controlling, duty control of the motor 36 is performed. Diodes D3 and D4, a current limiting resistor R1, and a smoothing capacitor C are connected in series to the make contact of the relay RY1.
[0064]
FIG. 28 is a control system block diagram of the central processing unit 67 provided in the card reader 60 of the electric vehicle 7. The central processing unit 67 includes a communication unit 24 that transmits / receives information to / from the reception station 5, a central processing unit 25, a storage unit 26 that stores various processing data, and information written in the ID card 2. And an ID card reading / writing unit 27 for writing information to the ID card 2 from the vehicle side, and an input / output control unit 28. A battery lock solenoid 70 and a parking lock solenoid 71 are connected to the input / output control unit 28.
[0065]
Next, a flowchart of this card key system will be described with reference to FIG. When the user inserts the ID card 2 into the card reader 60 (S1), the card insertion switch 65 is mechanically turned on and supply of power to the central processing unit 67 is started (S2). Thereafter, the central processing unit 67 determines whether or not the inserted ID card 2 is a staff card, that is, whether or not the ID card 2 is for an employee on the system operation side via the antenna unit 66 (S3). If so, the process jumps to step S8. If it is not a staff card, the information stored in the ID card 2 is further read out, and the vehicle type and permission flag are compared with data stored in advance to determine boarding permission (S4).
[0066]
Note that the boarding permission condition is satisfied when the permission flag is set (= 1) and the vehicle type flag or the vehicle number matches the data. Therefore, it is determined whether or not a permission flag is set (S5), and if it is the first boarding that matches the vehicle type, step S5 is affirmative and the process proceeds to step S7, and the vehicle number data is overwritten from the vehicle side and permitted. Reset the flag.
[0067]
In cases where the permission flag is not set, for example, when removing the ID card once at a break, etc., and re-boarding, the vehicle number is verified (S6), and if it is compatible, the user is a valid user. The process proceeds to S11 without writing data. If it is not compatible, there is a possibility of unauthorized use. Therefore, the power of the antenna unit 66 is turned off, the subsequent procedures such as unlocking are stopped (S9), the ID card is manually ejected (S10), and the process returns to the beginning. .
[0068]
In step S11, the power to the antenna unit 66 is turned off, the assist output is turned on (S12), and then the battery lock solenoid 70 and the parking lock solenoid until a predetermined time (for example, set within 10 seconds) elapses. 71 is turned on (S13).
[0069]
While these solenoids are on, the user can remove and replace the battery 55, or unlock the parking lock 56 and start running. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the replacement of the battery 55 and the parking lock 56 cannot be unlocked. Therefore, if an operation such as replacement is not performed within the predetermined time, it is necessary to perform the operation again from the beginning. Thus, since the lock is unlocked only for a predetermined time, the power supply to the solenoid can be limited, and the power consumption of the battery can be suppressed.
[0070]
If it can be unlocked by the above operation, then the electric vehicle 7 and the ID card 2 correspond 1: 1, and the vehicle travels with the ID card 2 inserted. When the battery is consumed during traveling, the battery can be replaced with a fully charged battery as described below.
[0071]
When the use is finished, the ID card 2 is manually ejected (S14), whereby the power supply to the central processing unit 72 of the assist controller 50 is cut off. Accordingly, the assist output is turned off (S15), and at the same time, the power to the card reader 60 is turned off (S16) to return to the initial state. Thereafter, battery replacement and return processing described later are performed.
[0072]
Next, a detailed structure of the electric vehicle 7 will be described. 22 to 24 again, the battery storage box 54A is a unit integrated with the card reader 60, and is integrated by the upper band 90 and the lower band 91. At the bottom of the battery storage box 54A, a terminal unit 93 is fixed with a screw 94, and a solenoid cover 95 protruding from a part of the terminal unit 93 covers the solenoid part of the battery lock integrated with the card reader 60. Yes.
[0073]
A lid 96 is placed on the upper part of the battery storage box 54A. One end of the lid 96 is fixed to the battery storage box 54A by a hinge 97, and can be opened and closed by operating a knob 98 on the other end side. A battery unit in which the battery storage box 54A and the card reader 60 are integrated is covered with a unit cover 100 from the front, and is directly attached to the side surface of the battery storage box 54A with a screw 101. As is apparent from FIG. 23, an inspection window 99 is opened at the center of the lid 96, through which the fuel gauge 81 can be seen and the push button 82 can be operated.
[0074]
The bottom plate 102 of the basket 53 is overlaid on a cross plate 103 provided on the carrier frame 52, and is fixed onto the carrier frame 52 with bolts from below. A mounting plate 105 is provided on the upper frame 106 which is a vertical portion of the carrier frame 52 bent in a substantially L shape in side view.
[0075]
One end of the engagement piece 107 is bolted to the left and right of the upper frame 106, and the other end forms a hook portion 108. This portion engages with the vertical line 109 of the basket 53 to fix the upper portion of the basket 53. Yes. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the entire battery unit is attached vertically up and down along the back of the basket 53, so that the capacity of the basket 53 is not so limited.
[0076]
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a mounting structure of the card reader 60 and the battery storage box 54A. The battery storage box 54A is divided into two parts so as to be combined in advance from the front-rear direction. On the other hand, the mounting surface of the card reader 60 is formed with a recess 110 that fits one side of the battery storage box 54A that is aligned in the front and rear direction, and front and rear edges 111 that surround the recess 110 are the front and rear of the battery storage box 54A. And are integrated by a screw 112 here. In this way, the parts divided before and after the battery storage box 54 </ b> A can be integrated at the same time as the card reader 60 is attached.
[0077]
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing in detail the mounting structure of the battery storage box 54A by the upper band 90. A bent end 113 on the card reader 60 side of the upper band 90 is provided with a through hole 114 and a weld nut 115. Separately from the upper band 90, it is overlapped with the bent end portion 117 of the upper back band 116 that is in contact with the rear surface side of the battery storage box 54 </ b> A, and is formed in the through hole 118 formed in the end portion 117 and the mounting plate 105. The through holes 119 that are formed are made to coincide with each other, and the bolts 120 are passed from the back side to be integrated with the weld nut 115. The opposite end of the upper band 90 is the same as the lower band 91 and will be described later.
[0078]
FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining the mounting structure on the lower band 91 side in detail. The rear lower band 121 is in contact with the rear side of the battery storage box 54A, and one side portion of the lower band 91 has a crank shape in cross section. A mounting leg 122 that is bent in the opposite direction and protrudes to the mounting plate 105 side and is bent at a right angle is formed in a part thereof, and a through hole 123 and a weld nut 124 are provided therein. The through hole 123 corresponds to the through hole 119 of the mounting plate 105 and is fixed onto the mounting plate 105 from the back side by a bolt 120 here.
[0079]
Further, the other part bent in the crank shape is provided with a mounting end 125 bent in the direction opposite to the mounting leg 122, and a through hole 126 is provided therein, and this part is a part of the side surface of the battery storage box 54A in advance. It has entered into the recess 127 formed in the. On the other hand, the one end portion 130 of the lower band 91 is bent in the same manner and provided with a through hole 131, and enters the recess 132 of the battery storage box 54 </ b> A, and each of the through holes 133 provided at the edge of the battery storage box 54. The through holes 126 and 131 are made to coincide with each other, the bolt 92 is passed from the front, and fastened by the nut 134 from the rear. This mounting structure is the same as the mounting structure on the same side end of the upper band 90.
[0080]
The other end portion 136 of the lower band 91 overlaps with one side surface of the lock portion 135 formed integrally with the lower portion of the card reader 60 and is attached with a screw 137. The same side end portion of the back lower band 121 is formed in a substantially U shape, and is attached by a screw 139 with an attachment portion 138 partially overlapping the other side surface of the lock portion 135. The other part has a bent portion 140 that protrudes toward the mounting plate 105, and is provided with a through hole 141 and a weld nut 142. The through hole 141 is aligned with the through hole 119 of the mounting plate 105 and fastened with a bolt 120. Is done.
[0081]
FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining in detail the structure of the lock portion 135 that forms a battery lock. A battery lock solenoid 70 is provided on the upper portion of the lock portion 135, and the shaft 143 is normally lifted by lifting the actuator rod 142. The lock claw 144 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in the figure in the center, and the lock recess 86 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 2) provided on the side of the battery case 54 through a hole (not shown) formed in the side of the battery storage box 54A. 3), the battery 55 cannot be removed.
[0082]
Reference numerals 145 and 146 are through-holes provided in the end 136 of the lower band 91 and the mounting portion 138 of the lower back band 121, respectively. Thus, by directly attaching the lock part 135 to the lower band 91 and the lower back band 121, the lock part 135 can be firmly attached to the carrier frame 52.
[0083]
FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the parking lock 56. This parking lock 56 is provided with a locker 151 so that it can be moved in and out of the case 150 and urged by a spring 152 in the backward direction (solid line state in the figure with the front wheel 34 as a reference, imaginary line is in a protruding state).
[0084]
On the other hand, the lock plate 154 is provided so as to be rotatable about the shaft 153, and a notch-like engagement portion 155 is provided at one end thereof. The other end of the lock plate 154 has a stop protrusion 156 that is pushed by a push button 157 that is removably attached to the case 150.
[0085]
In a state where the actuator rod 160 of the parking lock solenoid 71 provided in the case 150 protrudes (solid line state in the figure), the stop protrusion 156 abuts against the stop end portion 161 of the actuator rod 160 so that it cannot be rotated greatly. It has become. The parking lock solenoid 71 is connected to the card reader 60 via an electric cord 162.
[0086]
A lock pin 158 that moves integrally with the push-in of the rod-shaped rocker 151 is provided. When the rocker 151 is pushed in and protrudes to a position where the tip engages with the spoke 57 of the front wheel 37, the lock pin 151 is engaged like a virtual line. Engage with the joint portion 155 to restrict the return of the rocker 151.
[0087]
Therefore, when the locker 151 is pushed in and the lock pin 158 is engaged with the engaging portion 155, the locker 151 moves forward and comes into contact with the spokes 57 of the front wheel 34 to disable the rotation of the front wheel 37. The manual operation side end 151a of the locker 151 is a folding type, and is bent when unlocked.
[0088]
By inserting the ID card 2 into the card reader 60 and operating the parking lock solenoid 71 to retract the actuator rod 160, the stop protrusion 156 can be moved greatly by pushing the push button 157. Accordingly, the lock plate 154 rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 153, and the engaging portion 155 is released from the lock pin 158 and becomes free. Therefore, the locker 151 is pushed back by the spring 152 and is unlocked. .
[0089]
Next, the assist drive mechanism of the electrically assisted bicycle used in the rental system will be described. FIG. 35 is a longitudinal side view of the power unit, FIG. 36 is a sectional view showing the gear train, FIG. 37 is a sectional view of the main part of the flank shaft, and FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an engaged state of the slider inner and the clutch inner ring 200.
[0090]
The casing 44 of the power unit 37 includes a left casing half 205, a right casing half 206 that is coupled to the left casing half 205 and forms a first contraction chamber 207 therebetween, and a left casing half 205. A cover 209 is formed which forms a second storage chamber 208 and is coupled to the left casing half 205. A rubber gasket 210 is attached to the coupling surface of the cover 209 to the left casing half 205.
[0091]
The crankshaft 46 is rotatably supported by the casing 44 so that most of the crankshaft 46 is disposed in the first storage chamber 207. That is, the right end portion of the crankshaft 46 is supported by the roller bearing 213 on the inner periphery of the rotating cylinder 212 as a power transmission member supported by the right casing half 206 through the ball bearing 211, and the left end of the crankshaft 46 is The part is supported on the left casing half 205 by a ball bearing 214. The drive sprocket 47 coupled to the rotating cylinder 212 is disposed on the right side of the right casing half 206.
[0092]
The pedaling force applied by the pedals 45 at the left and right ends of the crankshaft 46 is transmitted from the crankshaft 46 to the drive sprocket 47 via the power transmission means 215. A motor 36 is attached to the casing 44, and the output of the motor 36 is transmitted to the drive sprocket 47 through the reduction gear train 216 to assist the pedaling force by the pedal 45.
[0093]
The power transmission means 215 for transmitting the power of the crankshaft 46 to the drive sprocket 47 is disposed in the first storage chamber 207, a torsion bar 217 connected to the crankshaft 46, and the rotating cylinder 212. And a first one-way clutch 218 provided between the torsion bars 217.
[0094]
As shown in FIG. 37, the crankshaft 46 is provided with a slit 219 extending along the axis thereof, and the torsion bar 217 has a cylindrical shaft portion 220 that is rotatably fitted in the slit 219. The arm portion 221a protruding from the left end of the vehicle body of the shaft portion 220 to both sides and the arm portion 221b protruding from the right end portion of the vehicle body of the shaft portion 220 to both sides are provided in the slit 219. Installed.
[0095]
One arm portion 221 a of the torsion bar 217 is tightly fitted to the left and right inner wall surfaces 219 a and 219 b of the slit 219 and is integrally coupled to the crankshaft 46. The other arm portion 221b of the torsion bar 217 is loosely fitted into the slit 219 with gaps α and α formed between the left and right inner wall surfaces 219a and 219b. The shaft portion 220 of the torsion bar 217 The portion 221b can be torsionally deformed within a range in which the portion 221b moves by the gaps α and α.
[0096]
The first one-way clutch 218 includes a ring-shaped clutch inner ring 200 that coaxially surrounds the crankshaft 46 so as to be relatively rotatable, a rotary cylinder 212 as a clutch outer ring that coaxially surrounds the clutch inner ring 200, and a clutch inner ring A plurality of, for example, four ratchet claws 201 that are pivotally supported on the outer periphery of the ring 200 and are urged in the expanding direction by an annular spring 202, and a pair of recesses 200 a provided on the inner periphery of the clutch inner ring 200, Both ends of the arm portion 221b of the torsion bar 217 are fitted to 200a, and ratchet teeth 203 for engaging the ratchet claws 201 are formed on the inner periphery of the rotating cylinder 212.
[0097]
According to such a first one-way clutch 218, when the pedal 45 is depressed to cause the crankshaft 46 to rotate forward, the torque of the crankshaft 46 is changed to the torsion bar 217, the first one-way clutch 218, and the rotating cylinder 212. However, when the pedal 45 is depressed to reverse the crankshaft 46, the first one-way clutch 218 slips and the reverse rotation of the crankshaft 46 is allowed.
[0098]
By the way, when torque is input from the pedal 45 to the crankshaft 46 in the direction of arrow a in FIG. 37, the clutch inner ring 200 to which the load of the rear wheel 39 is transmitted via the rotating cylinder 212 and the ratchet pawl 201 is generated. In order to resist the torque in the direction of the arrow a, the arm portion 221b of the torsion bar 217 is twisted in the reverse (arrow b) direction relative to the crankshaft 46 and rotates relative thereto. As a result, relative rotation corresponding to the torque input to the crankshaft 46 occurs between the crankshaft 46 and the clutch inner ring 200.
[0099]
A slider inner 222 is supported on the outer periphery of the crankshaft 46 so as not to be relatively rotatable and relatively movable in the axial direction. A slider outer 224 is relatively rotatable on the outer periphery of the slider inner 222 via a plurality of balls 223. Supported by
[0100]
As shown in FIG. 38, a concave cam surface 200b is provided on the end surface on the slider inner 222 side of the clutch inner ring 200 in the first one-way clutch 218, and the slider inner 222 is engaged with the cam surface 200b. A convex cam surface 222a is provided.
[0101]
A middle portion of the detection lever 225 supported by the left casing half 205 via a fulcrum pin 240 so as to be swingable is brought into contact with the slider outer 224 from the side opposite to the clutch inner ring 200. . On the other hand, a stroke sensor 226 that constitutes the torque detection means ST together with the detection lever 225 is attached to the left casing half 205, and the tip of the detection lever 225 is brought into contact with the detector of the stroke sensor 226.
[0102]
Further, a spring 227 is contracted between the detection lever 225 and the left casing half 205, and the detection lever 225 is elastically contacted with the slider outer 224 by the spring force of the spring 227, and the slider outer 217 and the slider inner 222 is biased toward the clutch inner ring 200 side.
[0103]
When the torsion bar 217 is twisted in response to torque input from the pedal 45 to the crankshaft 46, the slider inner 222 rotates relative to the clutch inner ring 200, and the cam surface 222 a of the slider inner 222 becomes the cam of the clutch inner ring 200. Pressed against the surface 200a. As a result, the slider inner 222 slides along the axis of the crankshaft 46 against the spring force of the spring 227.
[0104]
The detection lever 225 pressed by the slider outer 224 that moves together with the slider inner 222 swings around the fulcrum pin 240, whereby the detector 226a of the stroke sensor 226 is pressed. The stroke of the detector 226a is proportional to the torsion amount of the torsion bar 217, that is, the input torque input from the pedal 45, and the input torque is detected by the torque detection means ST.
[0105]
The reduction gear train 216 for transmitting the power of the motor 36 to the drive sprocket 47 includes a drive gear 231 fixed to the shaft 230 of the motor 36 in the second storage chamber 208 and a first idle in the second storage chamber 208. A first intermediate gear 233 as a specific gear fixed to one end of the shaft 232 and meshed with the drive gear 231, and a second intermediate gear 234 provided integrally with the first idle shaft 232 in the first storage chamber 207 A third intermediate gear 235 meshed with the second intermediate gear 234, a second idle shaft 236 arranged coaxially with the third intermediate gear 235, and provided between the third intermediate gear 235 and the second idle shaft 236. The second one-way clutch 237, the fourth intermediate gear 238 provided integrally with the second idle shaft 236 in the first storage chamber 207, and the drive sprocket 47 are coupled. The rolling cylinder 212 and a driven gear 239 which is meshed with the fourth intermediate gear 238 with integrally provided.
[0106]
The first idle shaft 232 has an axis parallel to the shaft 230 of the motor 36, and a ball bearing 241 is provided between the right casing half 206 and the first idle shaft 232, and the left casing half 205 and the first idle shaft 232. A ball bearing 242 is interposed between the shafts 232. The second idle shaft 236 has an axis parallel to the first idle shaft 232, a ball bearing 243 between the right casing half 206 and the second idle shaft 236, and the left casing half 205 and the second idle shaft. A ball bearing 244 is interposed between the 236.
[0107]
Torque associated with the operation of the motor 36 is decelerated by the reduction gear train 216 and transmitted to the drive sprocket 47. When the operation of the motor 36 is stopped, the second one-way clutch 237 functions to cause the second idle shaft. The idling of 236 is allowed, and the driving force of the pedal 45 does not prevent the drive sprocket 47 from rotating.
[0108]
When the user steps on the petal 45 to run the electric assist type bicycle, the power of the crankshaft 46 is transmitted to the drive sprocket 47 via the power transmission means 215 and the rear wheel 39 via the chain 49 and the driven sprocket 48. Power will be transmitted to. At the same time, the assist controller 50 controls the duty of the motor 36 based on the input torque and speed information from a vehicle speed sensor (not shown) to control the assist force.
[0109]
Next, the battery exchanger 8 will be described. FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the battery exchanger 8, which includes a control part 301, a mechanical part 302, an operation part 303, a charging part 304, and a communication means 335. A control unit 305 provided in the control part 301 has a central processing unit 330 formed of an ECU. The human interface provided in the central processing unit 330 is connected to the human detection sensor 310 of the operation part 303, the card reader 313, the antenna unit 318 in the battery slot 315, the display 314, and the speaker 312.
[0110]
The mechanical part 302 is provided with 20 battery boxes 306. A connector 317 provided for each battery box 306, a solenoid of the lock device 331, an indicator 307, a door switch 332 of the door 308, and a door lock 333 are connected to the battery interface of the central processing unit 330. Further, a charger 340 is connected to the charger interface of the central processing unit 330.
[0111]
Ten chargers 340, which are half the number of battery boxes 306, are provided, and are selectively connected to 10 of the 20 connectors 317 by the switching unit 341. In this way, the number of heavy chargers 340 can be halved by adapting to the actual operating rate, and the entire apparatus can be reduced in size and weight. The information collected in the central processing unit 330 is stored in the storage unit 334 and communicated to the central management device 1 (FIG. 1) by the communication unit 335.
[0112]
FIG. 40 is a block diagram of a control system in the battery exchanger 8. The battery switch 8 is connected to the central management device 1 and the reception station 5 via the communication unit 335. The central processing unit 330 includes a card reader, that is, an ID card reading / writing unit 313, a storage unit 334, a battery charging control unit 336, a battery box control unit 337, and an antenna unit (ID detection unit) 318 of the battery slot 315. Connected.
[0113]
The storage unit 334 stores various data processed by the battery switch 8. Each battery charger 340 is connected to the battery charging control unit 336, and controls such as charging processing of the battery 55 and detection of a charging state are performed. The battery box control unit 337 controls the operation of the battery box 306 that houses the battery 55, and controls the solenoid of the lock device 331, the indicator 307, and the door lock 333. The ID detection unit 318 of the battery slot 315 communicates with the information chip 85 of the battery battery 55 and reads battery-specific information such as ID information that the information chip 85 has.
[0114]
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the operation of the battery exchange 8. When the user stands in front of the battery switch 8, the human detection sensor 310 detects this (S100), and the guidance is started by the display 314 and the speaker 312 (S101). For example, “I'm irritated. Insert the battery into the battery slot and insert the ID card into the card reader. "
[0115]
When the ID card 2 is inserted into the card reader 313, the ID information is read (S102). Subsequently, the ID detection unit 318 in the battery slot 315 reads the identification number and unique information of the returned battery 55 (S103). In step S104, the read battery identification number is checked.
[0116]
When abnormality is discriminated from the identification number, the reason why the display 314 and the speaker 312 cannot be used is notified as an acceptance rejection display (S105). In this case, the battery replacement service is not provided and the battery is returned as being unrelated to the system.
[0117]
If it is found from the identification number that the battery has no problem (for example, it is not a stolen battery), the procedure for using the display 314 and the speaker 312 is further transferred to the procedure for informing the user. First, among the replacement batteries 55 arranged in multiple stages, the battery box 306 of the battery 55 that has been fully charged or can be used with a remaining amount of 70% or more is displayed on the display 314, the speaker 312, and the indicator on the battery box 306. Notification is made by lighting 307 (S106). It should be noted that at least one of them may be notified without any notification. For example, the voice guidance “Open the door and take out the battery of the second battery box” is performed.
[0118]
In step S107, the battery identification number of the battery 55 to be replaced is stored. Subsequently, the door lock is released (S108), the lock device 331 is operated, and the lock of the battery 55 is released (S109). Note that step S106 may be immediately after step S109.
[0119]
When the battery 55 is extracted from the battery box 306 by the user, for example, voice guidance “Please insert a used battery” is performed (S110). When the return battery 55 is inserted into the battery box 306 in response to voice guidance or the like, the battery is locked (S111) and an instruction is given by voice or the like to close the door 308 (S112). When the door 308 is closed, the door 308 is locked (S113). For example, “Thank you for using it. Please insert a new battery into the battery storage box” (S114) and start charging (S115).
[0120]
The battery switch 8 then performs a completion process (S116). That is, unique electrical data information for charging such as the return date and time of the returned used battery 55 and the number of times of charging is stored. This electrical data information is written and returned to the ID card 2 together with the new battery ID, and is further transmitted to the central processing unit 1 via the communication line 9. At this time, the usage amount or remaining amount of the battery 55 may be transmitted.
[0121]
Communication means may be provided in the battery itself, and communication may be performed by supplying power from the battery switch 8 to the communication means in the battery. In addition, the information on the electrical processing method corresponding to the data information is received from the central processing unit 1, and the electrical processing is performed according to the information command of the received information, and the data information as a result of the electrical processing is again transmitted to the communication line 9 Is transmitted to the central processing unit 1.
[0122]
When returning the used vehicle, the user returns the electric vehicle 7 to the parking lot 6, turns off the main switch 58, removes the ID card 2, and locks the parking lock 56. Since the parking lock 56 can be manually locked at any time, it may be before the ID card 2 is removed. At this time, the card reader 60 can write data such as the vehicle travel distance and battery consumption to the ID card 2 via the ID card read / write unit 27. Next, the ID card 2 is placed in or inserted into the ID card reading / writing unit 16 of the reception station 5. The reception station 5 confirms the return of the vehicle and the replacement of the battery, and updates the data of the ID card 2.
[0123]
The ID card 2 activates the battery lock solenoid 70 and the parking lock solenoid 71 to electrically unlock the battery 55 and release the parking lock 56. Therefore, unlike the conventional mechanical lock mechanism, the lock part 135 that is a battery lock and the parking lock 56 can be provided independently without mechanical linkage, and the mounting position of the battery 55 and the parking lock can be provided. The degree of freedom in selecting the structure and the like of the lock 56 is increased, and it can be applied to various types of electric vehicles, thereby increasing versatility. Further, unlike the mechanical lock mechanism, it is not necessary to unlock manually, so that it is possible to leave the electric vehicle immediately after stopping and the operability is improved.
[0124]
Furthermore, since rental information can be stored in the ID card 2, the user can use the electric vehicle 7 with only the ID card 2 without requiring a mechanical key. For this reason, not only is convenience improved for the user, but the rental service provider can also omit the key lending / returning procedure. Therefore, management becomes easy and the operation of the rental system can be made efficient and smooth.
[0125]
In addition, since the rental vehicle number, borrowed battery number, usage date, and time data are stored in the ID card 2, the ID card 2 can charge the rental user and maintain the vehicle and the battery. In addition, the charged battery can be replaced using the battery exchanger 8 only by the ID card 2, and the battery can be replaced easily.
[0126]
Next, a specific structural example of the battery exchanger 8 will be described. 42 is a front view of the battery exchanger 8, FIG. 43 is a right side perspective view thereof, and FIG. 44 is a left side perspective view thereof. The case 300 of the battery exchanger 8 is provided vertically and a control unit 305 is provided at the top. Battery boxes 306 are provided in most of the middle part in four horizontal rows and five vertical rows, each open toward the front, and an indicator 307 is provided above each entrance. These battery boxes 306 are entirely opened and closed by a single door 308.
[0127]
The door 308 is provided close to the front side of the battery exchanger 8, and an operation-related portion is provided on the other side where the door 308 on the front surface of the case 300 is not provided. This portion is provided with a human detection sensor 310, a portable radio telephone 311, a speaker 312 (FIG. 43), a card reader 313, a display 314, and a battery slot 315 in order from the top to the bottom. An illumination device 316 such as a fluorescent lamp is provided above the battery box 306 on the front surface of the case 300.
[0128]
The portable wireless telephone 311 is used when contacting the administrator, such as when the battery switch 8 is out of order. The speaker 312 is used for voice guidance and the like of an operation method, and is used for generating an alarm sound when a trouble occurs. The card reader 313 is a part that inserts the ID card 2 and reads / writes stored information and the like. The display 314 is composed of an optical guidance type panel. Therefore, the operation is guided by sound and light.
[0129]
Each battery box 306 has a deep hole according to the shape of the battery 55, and a connector 317 is provided at the bottom thereof. When the battery 55 is inserted, the battery box 306 comes into contact with the connector 317 and can be charged and discharged. The shape of the hole of the battery box 306 will be further described later.
[0130]
As apparent from FIGS. 43 and 44, the insertion angle of the battery 55 is changed up and down in each battery box 306. In this embodiment, the upper three pieces and the lower two pieces form the same set of insertion angles. The insertion angle of the lower pair is larger than the first pair. However, such a grouping method is arbitrary, and the grouping is not performed. The individual battery boxes 306 are gradually reduced from the lower stage to the upper stage to an insertion angle θ (referred to as an angle with respect to the horizontal). It can also be set as follows.
[0131]
In this manner, the battery 55 can be easily taken in and out by providing means for inclining the battery box 306 as the battery insertion port downward. In addition, since the inclination of the battery box 306 is changed up and down, an insertion angle can be set for each battery box 306 so as to make the insertion and removal smoothest for each battery box 306 by adapting to the actual operation of the user. In addition, the space in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction of the battery exchanger 8 can be shortened and made compact compared to the case where all the battery boxes 306 at each stage are provided in parallel.
[0132]
In addition, since the lower battery box 306 is greatly inclined downward from the upper side, when the battery 55 is held with one hand and is inserted into and removed from the battery box 306, the burden on the wrist can be minimized, and ergonomically appropriate Operation can be performed, the battery 55 can be smoothly inserted and removed, and the setting is the easiest to insert and remove with little effort.
[0133]
Further, since the handle 80 of the battery 55 is made movable, even when the battery 55 is inserted into and removed from the battery box 306 having different heights in the vertical direction, the battery with the other hand is kept without changing the angle of the wrist having the handle 80 so much. If the front end of 55 is shaken up and down and left and right, the front end side of the battery 55 can be arbitrarily rotated up and down around the shaft 87 and can be easily adjusted to the insertion angle of the battery box 306.
[0134]
The battery slot 315 is for identifying the ID of the battery 55, and only one battery slot 315 is provided on the side of the control part 301. The battery slot 315 is installed at substantially the same height as the lowermost stage of the battery box 306 and is configured to have a larger insertion angle than that of the lowermost stage of the battery box 306. Inside the battery slot 315, a battery slot antenna unit 318 for obtaining identification information from the information chip 85 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the battery 55, that is, an ID detector as information recognition means is provided.
[0135]
The charging part 304 (see FIG. 39) is composed of a charging AC / DC converter 320 and a DC boosting DC / DC converter 321. Since the charging part 304 becomes high temperature due to heat generation, it is separated from the upper part by the partition plate 322, the intake port 324 having the filter 323 is provided on one side, and the exhaust fan 325 is provided on the other side. Ventilate through.
[0136]
In addition, an air inlet 327 having a similar filter 326 is provided on the side of the battery slot 315, and exhaust fans 328 and 328 are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper control unit 305. Further, on one side of the battery box 306 (right side in this embodiment), blower fans 329 for each stage are provided in one row in the upper and lower sides.
[0137]
As a result, outside air that has entered the interior from the air inlet 326 near the lower portion of the battery slot 315 flows through the battery box 306 of each stage from one side to the other side by the blower fan 329, while the room is generating heat by charging. Cooling. The cooling air is then drawn upward by the exhaust fan 328 and flows upward, cools the control unit 305 and is discharged to the outside. Therefore, the inside of the case 300 that tends to become high temperature due to charging can be cooled, and the temperature rise of the electronic components such as the control unit 305 that is particularly sensitive to heat can be prevented.
[0138]
Since the battery slot 315 as the battery ID reading unit is single so that it can be shared by the ten chargers 340, the battery exchanger 8 can be reduced in size and cost. Also. By separating the battery slot 315 from the mechanical part 302 and the charging part 304, the battery slot 315 is not easily affected by heat due to these charging-related parts. Similarly, since the battery box 306 and the battery slot 315 which are return parts are provided separately and the single battery slot 315 is shared by the 20 battery boxes 306, the battery switch 8 can be reduced in size and cost.
[0139]
Next, the hole shape of the battery box 306 will be described. 45A is a cross-sectional view of a battery box in which a large capacity (for example, 8 Ah) battery is inserted, FIG. 45B is a cross section of the battery box in which a medium capacity (for example, 6 Ah) battery is inserted, and FIG. ) Is a cross-sectional view of a battery box in which a battery with a small capacity (for example, 4 Ah) is inserted. As shown in these drawings, the shape of the hole of the battery box 306, that is, the opening 306A is determined in accordance with the size of the battery 55 having the maximum capacity to be able to receive batteries of different capacities. As described above, since the capacity of the battery 55 corresponds to the length of the battery cell 84, the shape of the hole 306A of the battery box 306 is constant even if the batteries 55 have different capacities. Compatible with any battery. That is, when the large-capacity battery 55 is inserted, the entire hole 306A is closed (FIG. 45A), but when the medium-capacity and small-capacity battery 55 is inserted, the hole 306A and the battery 55 are inserted. A gap remains in the height direction of the battery cell 84 (FIGS. 45B and 45C).
[0140]
Since the positions of the electrode parts 83a and 83b of the battery 55 are provided in the center part in the height direction of the battery 55 (the length direction of the battery cell 84), if the connector in the battery box 306 is set in accordance with this, it is planned. The battery box 306 can be shared for the batteries 55 of all capacities.
[0141]
Next, another embodiment relating to processing of unique information such as ID information of the battery will be described. This embodiment can also be applied to a battery-only rental system. However, since the same structure is used on the battery exchanger 8 side, the same reference numerals are used for common parts.
[0142]
FIG. 46 is a block diagram relating to the inherent information processing of the battery in the battery switch 8. The battery switch 8 includes a control unit 340 and a communication unit 335. The control unit 340 includes an information recognition unit 350 and an information transmission unit 360. The information recognizing means 350 is a non-contact type data communication device, specifically a battery slot 315, which can access information stored in the battery 55. The information recognition unit 350 transmits information to and from the communication unit in the battery 55, and checks the battery identification number to check whether the battery 55 is in a normal rental state. When the information recognizing unit 350 recognizes that the battery 55 is in a normal rental state, the read signal Sr such as the user's rental ID stored in the battery 55, the latest rental date / time, the update date, the current remaining amount, etc. And the information and data recognition signal Sd are supplied to the information transmission means 360.
[0143]
Further, the information recognizing means 350 writes the latest rental date / time, the remaining battery level, etc. to the rental battery 55 by the write signal Sw to the rental battery 55 for rental, and the recognition signal Sd of these information and data. Is supplied to the information transmission means 360. Before lending, the battery identification number, the remaining battery level, and other battery usage histories are read from the read signals Sr and Ib, and the recognition signals Sd and Is are supplied to the information transmission unit 360.
[0144]
The information transmission unit 360 supplies signals Ds, Ss, and Fs to a display 314 such as an LCD, CRT, LED, and EL, a speaker 312, and an indicator 307 that displays an LED, a lamp, and the like above the battery box 306. . The display signal Ds is supplied to the display 314, the audio signal Ss is supplied to the speaker 312, and the blinking signal Fs is supplied to the indicator 307.
[0145]
The information recognition unit 350 also reads the usage history data of the battery stored in the storage unit in the battery 55. Further, a terminal connector (not shown) is provided, and the electrical characteristics of the battery 55 are measured and charged. The information recognizing means 350 obtains a battery signal Ib representing the remaining battery level from the terminal connector corresponding to the terminals 83a, 371, 83b (see FIG. 47) of the battery 55 and the like. In response to the battery signal Ib, a charge signal Cb is sent from a terminal connector corresponding to the terminals 83a and 83b of the battery 55, and processing necessary for charging is performed. The information recognizing means 350 obtains the battery 55 specific information such as the battery temperature and the storage information of the storage means 55A from the battery signal Ib, and supplies the unique information read from the battery 55 to the information transmission means 360 as the information signal Is. To do.
[0146]
The communication means 335 of the battery switch 8 is composed of a bidirectional transmitter such as a modem composed of a modulation circuit, a clock circuit, a transmission circuit, a photocoupler, etc., and a read signal Sr from the information recognition means 4 or a battery. The information signal Mt composed of the signal Ib is modulated, and for example, a transmission signal Cs as a pulse signal or the like is supplied to the central processing unit 1 via the communication line 9.
[0147]
Further, the received signal Bs such as a pulse signal supplied from the central management device 1 via the communication line 9 is demodulated and the processed signal Mr is supplied to the control means 3407. Based on the processing signal Mr, the information recognition unit 350 in the control unit 3407 supplies a charge signal Cb to the battery 55. On the other hand, when the number of times of charging / discharging within a predetermined period is too large, the battery 55 may not be charged, or the battery 55 may not be rented to the user.
[0148]
The central management device 1 receives a transmission signal Cs for data in the battery exchange 8 via the communication line 9 and supplies a reception signal Bs for necessary data to the battery exchange 8 via the communication line 9. The central management device 1 is provided with a computer and performs centralized management, and manages the user, rental battery, battery switch 8, measurement and execution instructions for charging the battery 55, battery life, collection of usage charges, and the like. The central management device 1 includes a user ID, a battery identification number, a remaining amount at the time of lending, a remaining amount at the time of return, a used amount, an address, an age, a telephone number, a gender, a contract account, the number of rentals, a usage fee, etc. Management of the database as information on the renter. The central management device 1 performs database management of the battery such as battery sales, number of uses, number of times of charging / discharging, date and time of charging, amount of charge / discharge, life from these data, necessity of replacement, and the like. In addition, data such as actual usage and future business development are managed based on the operating rate and rotation rate of each battery switch 8 and the user's action range and pattern.
[0149]
Terminals 83b, 407, and 83a of the battery 55 are a power supply positive terminal, an electric measurement terminal, and a power supply negative terminal, respectively. The electrical measurement terminal 407 may be composed of a plurality of terminals. The storage means 55A stores the identification number and unique information of the battery 55. The unique information includes return date / time, number of times of charging / discharging, rental date / time (lending date / time), battery temperature, remaining battery data, and the like. The battery identification number includes a production number and a production date.
[0150]
The unique information may include a battery identification number and a rental ID. The unique information of the battery 55 is supplied to the battery switch 8 by communication between the information transmission unit 360 and the communication unit 335 via the electricity measurement terminal 407. The remaining battery level is measured and charged using the power supply plus terminal 83b and the power supply minus terminal 83a. A bar code may be attached to the side surface of the battery 55, and a bar code reader may be provided in the unmanned power station (battery exchange device) 8 to further add information for identifying the battery 55.
[0151]
FIG. 47 is a simplified configuration diagram of the battery 55. The battery 55 includes a control circuit 55C, a battery main body 55B, a temperature sensor 55D (thermistor 405), a storage means 55A, a transmission / reception unit 55E, and a fuse 55F (fuse 404). Further, a power supply positive terminal 83b, an electric measurement terminal 407, and a power supply negative terminal (grounding terminal) 83a are provided.
[0152]
The power supply plus terminal 83b is connected to the control circuit 55C and the battery main body 55B via the fuse 55F. The battery body 55B is made of a nickel-cadmium battery or the like that can be repeatedly charged. The control circuit 55C includes a plurality of LEDs or bar graph meters, detects the battery remaining amount of the battery main body 55B, displays the remaining amount on the LED or bar graph meter, and transmits / receives a remaining amount detection signal indicating the battery remaining amount. To 55E. The control circuit 55C detects an abnormality in the battery main body 55B and supplies an abnormality detection signal to the transmission / reception unit 55E. The minus terminal 83a of the battery body 55B is connected to the control circuit 55C, and is connected to the power supply minus terminal 83a via a shorting resistor (shunt resistor) in the control circuit 55C.
[0153]
The storage means 55A includes a memory 55AJ that stores a usage history of the battery 55, and a memory 55AI that stores a battery identification number. The memory 55AJ stores the return date and time, the number of times of charging / discharging within a certain period, and the rental date and time (lending date and time) as a use history, either alone or in combination. The storage unit 55A may also store unique information (remaining amount (remaining amount at the time of lending, current remaining amount), number of times of charge / discharge, number of uses, etc.) in the memory 55AJ or the memory 55AI.
[0154]
When the control circuit 55C monitors the voltage between the terminals of the battery main body 55B and detects that the battery main body 55B is charged, the control circuit 55C supplies a charge detection signal indicating full charge to the memory 55AJ. The memory 55AJ stores that the charge detection signal has been received. The temperature sensor 55D detects the temperature of the battery body 55B and supplies the temperature detection signal to the transmission / reception unit 55E. The usage history data and the battery identification number data of the storage means 55A can be accessed from the transmission / reception unit 55E.
[0155]
The transmission / reception unit 55E converts the use history data from the memory 55AJ, the battery identification number data from the memory 55AI, the data based on the failure detection signal and the remaining amount detection signal from the control circuit 55C, and the temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 55D. Based on the data, the storage information of the storage means 55A, and the like are transmitted to the outside of the battery 55 via the electrical measurement terminal 407. However, the control circuit 55C may be configured not to supply the remaining amount detection signal to the transmission / reception unit 55E, and may be configured to detect the remaining battery amount via the terminal connector by the battery exchanger 8.
[0156]
FIG. 48 is a simplified configuration diagram of the transmission / reception unit 55E. The transceiver unit 55E includes a relay RY, a diode D, a Zener diode ZD, a resistor R, an electric field capacitor Ce, a capacitor C, a transistor Tr, and a communication means 55T. The common contact of the relay RY is connected to the electric measurement terminal 407, the break contact of the relay RY is connected to the temperature sensor 55D, and the make contact of the relay RY is connected to the Q terminal of the communication means 55T.
[0157]
The electrical measurement terminal 407 is supplied with an output signal of the temperature sensor 55D. On the other hand, when a positive potential exceeding the breakdown voltage is applied to the electrical measurement terminal 407 from the outside (for example, the battery exchanger 8) for a short time, the electric field capacitor Ce is charged and a voltage is applied to the power supply terminal V of the communication means 55T. When applied, the communication means 55T is activated.
[0158]
By using the electric field capacitor Ce as a power source and charging / discharging thereof, the transistor Tr is turned on for a predetermined time determined by the resistor R and the capacitor C, thereby turning on the relay RY for the predetermined time. As a result, the movable part of the relay RY moves, the temperature sensor 55D and the electrical measurement terminal 407 are disconnected, and the L electrical measurement terminal 407 and the communication terminal Q of the communication means 55T are connected for the predetermined time. From the electrical measurement terminal 407, the data of the storage means 55A (or storage information) and the data from the control circuit 55C (or the main body of the control circuit 55C) can access the question of the predetermined time via the communication means 55T. Become.
[0159]
FIG. 49 is a configuration diagram of another example of a battery for an electric vehicle, and the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 47 indicate the same or equivalent parts. The battery 55 includes communication means 55T, and the electric measurement terminal 407 has a plurality of terminals, that is, a terminal 55V for supplying power to the communication means 55T, a terminal 55Q connected to the communication terminal Q of the communication means 55T, and a temperature. A terminal 55S for outputting a temperature detection signal from the sensor 55D is provided.
[0160]
The control circuit 55C supplies a remaining amount detection signal indicating the remaining battery level to the terminal D3 of the communication means 55T.
[0161]
The control circuit 55C detects an abnormality in the battery body 55B and supplies an abnormality detection signal to the terminal D3 of the communication means 55T. The control circuit 55C may be configured not to supply the remaining amount detection signal to the communication unit 55T. In this case, the remaining battery level can be detected by the battery exchanger 8 via the terminal connector.
[0162]
The temperature sensor 55D detects the temperature of the battery main body 55B and outputs a temperature detection signal indicating the temperature to the terminal 55S. The use history data and the battery identification number data of the storage means 55A can be accessed from the communication means 55T.
[0163]
The communication means 55T converts the usage history data from the memory 55AJ, the battery identification number data from the memory 55AI, the data based on the failure detection signal and the remaining amount detection signal from the control circuit 55C, and the temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 55D. Based on the data or the stored information of the storage means 55A, the data is transmitted to the outside of the battery 55 via the electrical measurement terminal 407 (particularly, the terminal 55Q and the terminal 55S). For example, it is good also as a structure transmitted to the battery switch 8, or a structure transmitted directly to the central management apparatus 1.
[0164]
As described above, in the present embodiment, an example in which the battery of the present invention is mounted on an electrically assisted bicycle as an electrically powered vehicle has been shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a vehicle or a general industrial device that uses a rechargeable battery, It can be widely applied to household equipment and contribute to space saving.
[0165]
【The invention's effect】
As apparent from the above description, in the inventions according to claims 1 to 7, the battery capacity corresponds to the length of the battery cell. Therefore, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped battery case, only the dimension in the direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell to be stored may be set according to the battery capacity. In other words, the dimensions of the remaining part can be freely set so as to be compatible with the vehicle to be mounted. For example, when a battery is mounted as a power source for a two-wheeled vehicle, the battery can be installed without effectively increasing a wheel base by effectively using a narrow space such as between a seat post and a rear wheel.
In particular, the shape and contact structure of the battery receiving port of the power station for charging and exchanging the battery can be made common without changing according to the battery capacity.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of an electrically assisted bicycle equipped with a battery between a seat post and a rear wheel.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a battery.
FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway front view of a battery.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the battery.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the battery.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a large-capacity battery.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a medium capacity battery.
FIG. 9 is a side view of a power unit showing a battery mounting structure.
FIG. 10 is a view showing an attachment structure between a battery and a seat post.
FIG. 11 is an overall conceptual diagram of a rental system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a basic flow of the system.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a memory map of an ID card.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing permission flags written to the ID card.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a reception station.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the configuration in the control system of the reception station.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart up to a lending process.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of user hobbies and preference data;
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel display.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another display example of the touch panel display.
FIG. 21 is a side view of an electrically assisted bicycle used in a rental system.
FIG. 22 is a front view of the front basket.
FIG. 23 is a plan view of the front basket.
FIG. 24 is an assembled perspective view of each part of the front basket.
FIG. 25 is a plan view of the card reader.
FIG. 26 is a side view of the card reader.
FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a card key system.
FIG. 28 is a control system block diagram of a central processing unit provided in the electric vehicle.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the card key system.
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a mounting structure between a card reader and a battery storage box.
FIG. 31 is a diagram (No. 1) illustrating a vehicle body side mounting structure of a battery storage box;
FIG. 32 is a diagram (No. 2) illustrating the mounting structure on the vehicle body side of the battery storage box.
FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of a battery lock portion.
FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a parking lock.
FIG. 35 is a longitudinal side view of a power unit in an electrically assisted bicycle.
FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional side view of a power unit in an electrically assisted bicycle.
FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the power unit.
FIG. 38 is an enlarged view showing an engaged state of the slider inner and the clutch inner ring.
FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery exchanger.
FIG. 40 is a block diagram of a control system in the battery exchanger.
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the operation of the battery exchanger.
FIG. 42 is a front view of a battery exchanger.
FIG. 43 is a right side perspective view of the battery exchanger.
FIG. 44 is a left side perspective view of the battery exchanger.
FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an opening shape of the battery box.
FIG. 46 is a block diagram related to processing of battery specific information.
47 is a configuration diagram of a battery-side information storage unit. FIG.
FIG. 48 is a structural diagram of a personal information storage unit of a battery.
FIG. 49 is a structural diagram of another example of the personal information storage unit of the battery.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Central management apparatus, 2 ... ID card, 5 ... Reception station, 6 ... Parking lot, 7 ... Electric vehicle, 8 ... Battery switch, 30 ... Body frame, 36 ... Motor, 42 ... Seat post, 46 ... Crankshaft, 54 ... Battery case, 54A ... Battery storage box, 55 ... Battery, 56 ... Parking lock, 60 ... Card reader, 70 ... Solenoid for battery lock, 71 ... Solenoid for parking lock, 80 ... Handle, 83a, 83b ... Electrode part, 84 ... Battery cell, 85 ... Information chip, 135 ... Lock part, 306 ... Battery box, 315 ... Battery slot, 318 ... Information recognition means, 413 ... Battery tray, 414 ... Connector part, 415a, 415b ... Connector body, 417 ... Battery lock, 418 ... Arm for battery lock, 419 Lock release device, 420 ... key hole,

Claims (8)

A plurality of columnar battery cells;
A substantially rectangular parallelepiped battery case that accommodates the plurality of battery cells adjacently arranged so that the longitudinal directions thereof are aligned in parallel;
Connection means for connecting the battery cells in series;
It is connected to both ends of the battery cells connected in series, and comprises electrode part terminals provided to be exposed from the battery case to the outside ,
The length of the battery cell is set according to the battery capacity,
The battery case, along with the corresponding dimension in the longitudinal direction of the battery cells according to the length of the battery cell to be housed is set,
The rechargeable battery characterized in that the electrode terminal is provided at a fixed position with respect to a reference position regardless of the battery capacity. 2. The rechargeable battery according to claim 1, wherein the battery case is detachably attached to the electrically assisted two-wheeled vehicle and is mounted with the longitudinal direction of the battery case substantially aligned vertically along the seat post of the electrically assisted two-wheeled vehicle. There,
One side dimension of the bottom surface of the battery case in the mounted state is set to be constant regardless of the battery capacity so that the rechargeable battery can be disposed between the seat post and the rear wheel. Rechargeable battery. 2. The rechargeable battery according to claim 1, wherein the battery case is detachably provided at a rear portion of a front basket of the electric assist type motorcycle, and is mounted with the longitudinal direction of the battery case being substantially coincided with the vertical direction.
A rechargeable battery characterized in that one side dimension of the bottom surface of the battery case in a mounted state is set to be constant regardless of the battery capacity.   The rechargeable battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the battery case is set to be constant regardless of the battery capacity. A rechargeable battery charged at a power station,
The cross-sectional shape of the battery case is
One side is set to a constant size regardless of the capacity of the battery so that it fits to one side of the substantially rectangular opening for battery storage of the power station,
The other side is equal to or less than the length of the other side of the battery storage opening and is set according to the battery capacity.
5. The charging according to claim 1, wherein the electrode portion terminal is set at a position suitable for a connector provided at the bottom of the opening of the power station regardless of the battery capacity. Battery.   The rechargeable battery according to claim 5, wherein a longitudinal dimension of the battery case is set to be constant regardless of a battery capacity so as to match a depth of the opening. A temperature sensor for sensing the battery temperature;
6. The rechargeable battery according to claim 5, wherein an output terminal of the temperature sensor is provided on an outer surface of the battery case, and an installation position thereof is constant regardless of a battery capacity. The rechargeable battery according to claim 4, wherein the diameter and the number of the battery cells accommodated in the battery case are uniformly unified regardless of the battery capacity.

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