KR102428249B1 - System for changing battery of electric bus and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery replacement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a battery replacement system for an electric bus and a station to which the electric bus enters and exits, wherein the station includes: a gripping means for picking up or dropping a battery and transferring the gripping means wherein the electric bus comprises a mount for accommodating the battery loaded from the station and a controller for controlling the mount, the mount comprising: a position of the electric bus facing the station; a sensor unit for detecting a position of the battery in the mounting unit; mounting means for supporting the battery; and a moving unit for correcting the position of the battery by moving the mounting unit within the mounting unit, wherein the control unit determines a correction value for correcting the position, posture, or direction of the battery, based on moving the mounting means along the moving means to move the battery to a predetermined position.

Description

SYSTEM FOR CHANGING BATTERY OF ELECTRIC BUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME

Various embodiments relate to a system for battery replacement of an electric bus and a method of operation thereof.

In general, an electric vehicle (electric vehicle) is the most promising alternative to solve problems such as environmental pollution and energy depletion, research is being actively conducted. Such an electric vehicle is driven by using electric power charged in an internal battery. For example, electric vehicles may include hybrid vehicles, electric buses, electric bicycles, golf carts, and the like. The electric bus runs along a predetermined route and stops at a plurality of stations arranged on the route. The batteries of the electric bus can then be replaced at the stations. That is, stations can pick up and drop batteries from inside the electric vehicle.

However, it is difficult for such stations to replace the battery of the electric bus. This is because the stations must accurately locate the battery on the electric bus. Accordingly, it takes a long time to replace the batteries of the electric bus at the stations.

(Patent Document) Korean Patent Publication No. 1373598

A battery replacement system for an electric bus according to various embodiments can easily replace a battery of an electric bus at stations. Accordingly, the battery replacement system of the electric bus according to various embodiments may reduce the time required to replace the battery of the electric bus at stations.

A battery replacement system according to an aspect of the present invention is a battery replacement system for an electric bus and a station to which the electric bus enters and exits, wherein the station includes a gripping means for picking up or dropping a battery and a gripping means for transferring the gripping means transport means, wherein the electric bus has a mount for accommodating the battery to be loaded from the station and a controller for controlling the mount, the mount comprising: a position of the electric bus opposite the station and the a sensor unit for detecting the position of the battery in the mounting unit; mounting means for supporting the battery; and a moving unit for correcting the position of the battery by moving the mounting unit within the mounting unit, wherein the control unit determines a correction value for correcting the position, posture, or direction of the battery, based on moving the mounting means along the moving means to move the battery to a predetermined position.

Here, the moving means may include: a first moving means for moving the battery along a first axis on a plane on which the battery is mounted; and second moving means for moving the battery along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis on the plane.

In addition, the moving means further includes a third moving means for rotating the battery about a third axis perpendicular to the plane.

Further, the station mounts the battery on top of the electric bus if the position of the electric bus is within a predetermined range.

In addition, the station transmits to the electric bus a first signal indicating the start of replacement of the battery and a second signal indicating completion of replacement of the battery.

In addition, the gripping means includes a first gripping means in an empty state and a second gripping means for gripping the new battery.

And, the control unit, the system for calculating the distance between the center position preset from the center position of the battery as the correction value.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a battery replacement system for an electric bus includes: a sensor unit installed in at least one of a station or an electric bus to face the station, and to identify a location of the electric bus; if the position of the electric bus is within a predetermined range, the station loading a battery in the mounting portion of the electric bus; detecting the position of the battery in the mounting unit by the sensor unit; determining, by a control unit installed in the electric bus, a correction value for moving the battery to a predetermined position within the mounting unit; and moving, by the control unit, the battery based on the correction value.

Here, the operation of mounting the battery includes transmitting a first signal indicating the start of replacement of the battery and a second signal indicating completion of replacement of the battery to the electric bus.

In addition, the operation of moving the battery may include: moving the battery along a first axis on a plane on which the battery is mounted; moving the battery along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis on the plane; or rotating the battery around a third axis perpendicular to the plane.

And, the operation of moving the battery may include, on the electric bus, mounting means for supporting the battery; and moving means for correcting the position of the battery by moving the mounting means within the mounting unit, and moving the battery by moving the mounting means along the moving means.

According to various embodiments, the electric bus may correct the position of the battery therein. That is, once the battery is loaded by the station, the electric bus can move the battery to the desired location inside. This allows the station to pick up the battery from the electric bus or drop the battery on the electric bus without having to pinpoint the location of the battery on the electric bus. Accordingly, the battery of the electric bus can be easily replaced at the station. In addition, the time required for replacing the battery of the electric bus at the station can be reduced.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a system in accordance with various embodiments;
2 is a side view illustrating a system in accordance with various embodiments;
3A is a perspective view illustrating a system according to various embodiments.
3B is a front view illustrating a system according to various embodiments.
Fig. 4 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a mounting portion of the electric bus in Fig. 3b;
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of a system according to various embodiments.
6 is a block diagram illustrating an electric bus in accordance with various embodiments.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a mounting part in FIG. 6 .
8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an electric bus according to various embodiments.
9A, 9B, and 9C are plan views illustrating a method of operating an electric bus according to various embodiments.
10 is a block diagram illustrating a station in accordance with various embodiments.
11 is a block diagram illustrating a replacement unit in FIG. 10 .
12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a station according to various embodiments.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present document will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is not intended to limit the technology described in this document to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like components.

In this document, expressions such as “have”, “may have”, “include” or “may include” indicate the presence of a corresponding feature, such as a numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part), The presence of additional features is not excluded.

Expressions such as “first” or “second” used in this document can modify various components, regardless of order and/or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another. components are not limited.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a system 100 according to various embodiments, and FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the system 100 according to various embodiments. And FIG. 3A is a perspective view for explaining the system 100 according to various embodiments, and FIG. 3B is a front view for explaining the system 100 according to various embodiments. Also, FIG. 4 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the mounting portion 113 of the electric bus 110 in FIG. 3B .

1 , 2 , 3A , 3B and 4 , a system 100 according to various embodiments may include a plurality of electric buses 110 and a plurality of stations 120 . .

The electric buses 110 may operate along predetermined operating routes. Here, the electric buses 110 may operate along different operation routes, and at least any two of the electric buses 110 may operate along the same operation route. And the electric buses 110 may operate for predetermined operating hours. Here, the electric buses 110 may operate according to different operating times, and at least any two of the electric buses 110 may operate according to the same operating time. There may also be multiple bus companies (not shown) for electric buses 110 . For example, the electric buses 110 may belong to different bus companies, and at least any two of the electric buses 110 may belong to the same bus company. For example, each electric bus 110 may have unique identification information and identification information of a bus company to which the electric bus 110 belongs.

According to various embodiments, the electric buses 110 may be driven by using an internal battery 111 . At this time, the battery 111 may be mounted on the electric buses 110 in one direction. To this end, the electric buses 110 may include a mounting portion 113 . The mounting unit 113 may face any one of the stations 120 to determine the stop position of each electric bus 110 . And the mounting unit 113 may accommodate the battery 111 and mount the battery 111 in the electric buses 110 . In addition, the mounting unit 113 may correct the position of the battery 111 inside. Through this, the electric buses 110 are electrically connected to the battery 111 so that the battery 111 can be used to drive the electric bus 110 .

Stations 120 may be arranged on the operating routes of electric buses 110 . In this case, the stations 120 may be spaced apart from each other. Through this, each electric bus 110 may sequentially stop at stations 120 on each operating route. Here, each electric bus 110 may enter each station 120 along a predetermined entry direction, as shown in FIG. 3A , and may leave each station 120 along the corresponding entry direction. . And there may be multiple station companies (not shown) for stations 120 . For example, the stations 120 may be operated by different station companies, and at least any two of the stations 120 may be operated by the same station company. Here, each station 120 may have unique identification information.

According to various embodiments, the stations 120 may replace the batteries 111 of the electric buses 110 . That is, when the electric buses 110 are stopped, the stations 120 may replace the batteries 111 of the electric buses 110 . At this time, the stations 120 may move the battery 111 along the entry direction of the electric buses 110 as shown in FIG. 3A . And the stations 120 may mount the batteries 111 on the electric buses 110 in one direction. Here, opposite to each station 120 , if the stopping position of any one of the electric buses 110 is within a predetermined range, each station 120 is placed on top of any one of the electric buses 110 . A battery 111 may be mounted.

According to various embodiments, the stations 120 may include at least one holding means 121 and a transfer means 123 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B . Here, the stations 120 may replace the batteries 111 on top of the electric buses 110 . In addition, the stations 120 may charge the battery 111 in the loading unit 125 .

The gripping means 121 may pick up the battery 111 or drop the battery 111 . At this time, the gripping means 121 may pick up the battery 111 from the electric bus 110 or the loading unit 125 , and drop the battery 111 to the electric bus 110 or the loading unit 125 . have. Here, the gripping means 121 may pick up the battery 111 in the mounting unit 113 of the electric bus 110 or drop the battery 111 in the mounting unit 113 .

The transfer means 123 may transfer the gripping means 121 to a desired position. At this time, the transfer means 123 may transfer the gripping means 121 between the electric bus 110 and the loading unit 125 . Here, the transfer means 123 corresponds to the mounting portion 113 of the electric bus 110 , and may transfer the gripping means 121 .

According to one embodiment, the gripping means 121 may include a first gripping means and a second gripping means. The first gripping means may move along the conveying means 123 in an empty state to pick up the current battery 111 from the electric bus 110 . The second holding means may drop the new battery 111 on the electric bus 110 by moving along the transfer means 123 while holding the new battery 111 .

According to various embodiments, the mounting unit 113 of the electric buses 110 may include a sensor unit 410 , a mounting unit 420 and a moving unit 430 as shown in FIG. 4 . In this case, the size of the mounting part 113 may be larger than the size of the battery 111 . Through this, the holding means 121 of the stations 120 may pick up the battery 111 in the mounting unit 113 or drop the battery 111 in the mounting unit 113 . And the electric buses 110 may move the battery 111 in the mounting unit 113 .

The sensor unit 410 may determine the positions of the electric buses 110 facing the stations 120 . At this time, the sensor unit 410 may be installed in at least one of the electric buses 110 and the stations 120 . According to an embodiment, the sensor unit 410 may be disposed in an edge region of the mounting unit 113 in the electric buses 110 . For example, the sensor unit 410 may be installed on the inner surface of the mounting unit 113 , or may be installed on a bottom surface adjacent to the inner surface. Through this, the sensor unit 410 may determine the location of the battery 111 in the electric buses 110 . According to another embodiment, the sensor unit 410 may be further disposed in the upper region of the mounting unit 113 in the stations 120 . Here, the sensor unit 410 may include at least one sensor. For example, when the sensor unit 410 includes a plurality of sensors, the sensors may be distributed and disposed in at least one of the electric buses 110 and the stations 120 .

The mounting means 420 may support the battery 111 in the mounting part 113 . At this time, the mounting means 420 may be implemented as a structure for supporting at least one of a lower surface or a side surface of the battery 111 . For example, the mounting means 420 may be implemented in the form of a flat plate. Alternatively, the mounting means 420 may be implemented in a structure that is fastened to at least one of a lower surface or a side surface of the battery 111 . For example, the mounting means 420 may include at least one holder (not shown) for fixing the battery 111 . Meanwhile, the area of the mounting means 420 and the area of the battery 111 may be determined to correspond to a plane perpendicular to one direction. Here, the area of the mounting means 420 may be the same as the area of the battery 111 or may be smaller than the area of the battery 111 .

The moving means 430 may move the battery 111 in the mounting unit 113 . At this time, the moving means 430 may move the battery 111 in the other direction perpendicular to one direction. Here, the other direction may include at least one of a horizontal direction, that is, a left-right direction or a front-rear direction. Here, the moving means 430 may move the battery 111 together with the mounting means 420 . That is, the moving means 430 may move the battery 111 by moving the mounting means 420 . For example, the moving means 430 may include at least one of a rail and a conveyor.

According to an embodiment, the moving means 430 may include a first moving means 431 and a second moving means 433 as shown in FIG. 4B . The first moving means 431 may move the mounting means 420 along the first axis. The second moving means 431 may move the mounting means 420 along the second axis. In this case, the first axis and the second axis may be perpendicular to one direction and perpendicular to each other. For example, the first axis may correspond to the left-right direction, and the second axis may correspond to the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the first axis may correspond to the front-rear direction and the second axis may correspond to the left-right direction. In addition, the first moving means 431 and the second moving means 433 may operate with a time difference or may operate simultaneously. For example, the first moving means 431 and the second moving means 433 may include at least one of a rail or a conveyor.

According to another embodiment, the moving means 430 is a first moving means 431, a second moving means 433 and a third moving means 435 as shown in (c) and (d) of Figure 4, ) may be included. Here, since the first moving means 431 and the second moving means 433 are the same as those described above with reference to FIG. 4B , a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The third moving means 435 may rotate the mounting means 420 about the third axis. In this case, the third axis may be parallel to one direction and may be perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. For example, the third moving means 435 may rotate the mounting means 420 in at least one of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. In addition, the third moving means 430 may operate with a time difference from the first moving means 431 and the second moving means 433 , and may operate simultaneously. For example, when at least one of the first moving means 431 and the second moving means 433 is operated, the third moving means 430 is mounted on the mounting means 420 as shown in (c) of FIG. 4 . ) or may be stationary. On the other hand, when the first moving means 431 and the second moving means 433 do not operate, the third moving means 430 contacts or lifts the mounting means 420 as shown in FIG. 4(d). It can be raised and rotated.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of the system 100 in accordance with various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the operating method of the system 100 according to various embodiments may start with the electric bus 110 and the station 120 forming a connection with each other in operation 511 . At this time, as the electric bus 110 approaches the station 120 , the electric bus 110 and the station 120 may form a connection with each other. For example, when the electric bus 110 moves and approaches the preset radius wife around the station 120 , the electric bus 110 and the station 120 may detect each other and form a connection. Here, the electric bus 110 and the station 120 may form a connection wirelessly based on a short-distance communication method.

Next, the electrical bus 110 may transmit status information to the station 120 in operation 513 . At this time, the state information may indicate the state of the electric bus 110 . For example, the state information may include at least one of identification information of the electric bus 110 , identification information of a bus company to which the electric bus 110 belongs, or a charge amount of the battery 111 .

Next, upon receiving the status information from the electric bus 110 , the station 120 may determine whether to replace the battery 111 of the electric bus 110 in operation 515 . At this time, the station 120 may determine whether to replace the battery 111 based on the state information of the electric bus 110 . According to one embodiment, the station 120 may itself determine whether to replace the battery 111 of the electric bus 110 . According to another embodiment, the station 120 may determine whether to replace the battery 111 of the electric bus 110 via a server (not shown). For example, the server is for controlling the electric bus 110 and the station 120 , and may be connected to the station 120 wirelessly.

Next, the station 120 may transmit a first signal to the electrical bus 110 in operation 517 . At this time, if the station 120 determines that the battery 111 of the electric bus 110 needs to be replaced, the station 120 may transmit a first signal to the electric bus 110 . Here, the first signal may indicate the start of replacing the battery 111 of the electric bus 110 .

Next, after transmitting the first signal to the electric bus 110 , the station 120 may replace the battery 111 of the electric bus 110 in operation 519 . At this time, opposite to the station 120 , if the position of the electric bus 110 is within a predetermined range, the station 120 may replace the battery 111 of the electric bus 110 . To this end, when a first signal is received from the station 120 , the electric bus 110 may face the station 120 , locate the electric bus 110 , and provide it to the station 120 . . Alternatively, the station 120 may transmit a first signal, and then face the station 120 to determine the location of the electric bus 110 . Here, the station 120 may pick up the battery 111 from the mount 113 of the electric bus 110 . And the station 120 may drop another battery 111 on the mount 113 of the electric bus 110 . For example, the station 120 may move the empty first gripping means and the second gripping means for gripping the new battery 111 along the transfer means 123 . Thereby, the first gripping means can pick up the battery 111 of the electric bus 110 , and then the second gripping means can drop the other battery 111 on the electric bus 110 .

Next, after replacing the battery 111 of the electric bus 110 , the station 120 may transmit a second signal to the electric bus 110 in operation 521 . At this time, the second signal may indicate completion of replacement of the battery 111 of the electric bus 110 .

Next, when the second signal is received from the station 120 , the electric bus 110 may correct the position of the battery 111 in the mounting unit 113 in operation 523 . At this time, the electric bus 110 may move the battery 111 to a predetermined position in the electric bus 110 by moving the mounting means 420 using the moving means 430 . Here, the predetermined position may be a position in which the battery 111 is electrically connected to the electric bus 110 in the mounting unit 113 . Accordingly, by electrically connecting the electric bus 110 to the battery 111 , it can be driven using the battery 111 . Through this, the method of operating the system 100 according to various embodiments may be terminated.

Meanwhile, although not shown, as the electric bus 110 is spaced apart from the station 120 , the connection between the electric bus 110 and the station 120 may be released. For example, when the electric bus 110 moves and deviates from a preset radius around the station 120 , the connection between the electric bus 110 and the station 120 may be released.

6 is a block diagram illustrating an electric bus 110 , 600 in accordance with various embodiments. And FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the mounting parts 113 and 660 in FIG. 6 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , the electric bus ( 110 and 600 in FIG. 4 ) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a communication unit 610 , a memory 620 , a battery ( 111 and 630 in FIG. 4 ), a driving unit 640 , and sensing. It may include a unit 650 , mounting units ( 113 and 660 in FIG. 4 ), and a control unit 670 .

The communication unit 610 may perform wireless communication in the electric buses 110 and 600 . At this time, the communication unit 610 may communicate with an external device in various communication methods. Here, the external device may include at least one of an electronic device, a base station, a server, and a satellite. On the other hand, the communication method is a cellular communication method, long term evolution (LTE), LTE-A (LTE-advance), CDMA (code division multiple access), WCDMA (wideband CDMA), UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system), WiBro ( wireless broadband) or GSM (global system for mobile communications). Alternatively, the communication method is a short-range communication method, and may include at least one of wireless fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), and global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The GNSS may include at least one of a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (Glonass), a beidou navigation satellite system (Beidou), and a Galileo according to a region or bandwidth used. For example, the communication unit 610 may communicate with the stations 120 in a short-range communication method.

The memory 620 may store programs for the operation of the electric buses 110 and 600 . According to various embodiments, the memory 620 may store programs for supporting replacement of the batteries 111 and 630 . In addition, the memory 620 may store data generated while executing programs. In addition, the memory 620 may store at least one of identification information of the electric buses 110 and 600 or identification information of the bus company to which the electric buses 110 and 600 belong.

The batteries 111 and 630 may store power. In this case, the batteries 111 and 630 may be mounted on the electric buses 110 and 600 . Here, the batteries 111 and 630 may be accommodated in the electric buses 110 and 600 . And the batteries 111 and 630 may be replaced in the electric buses 110 and 600 . That is, the batteries 111 and 630 may be mounted on the electric buses 110 and 600 , and may be detached from the electric buses 110 and 600 .

The driving unit 640 may drive the electric buses 110 and 600 . In this case, the driving unit 640 may generate the movement of the electric buses 110 and 600 by using the power of the batteries 111 and 630 . For example, the driving unit 640 may include a motor. According to an embodiment, the driving unit 640 may be directly connected to the batteries 111 and 630 . According to another embodiment, the driving unit 640 may be connected to the batteries 111 and 630 through the mounting unit 660 .

The sensing unit 650 may detect the state of the batteries 111 and 630 in the electric buses 110 and 600 . At this time, the sensing unit 650 may detect the amount of charge of the batteries 111 and 630 . To this end, the sensing unit 650 may monitor the batteries 111 and 630 in real time. According to an embodiment, the sensing unit 650 may be directly connected to the batteries 111 and 630 . According to another embodiment, the sensing unit 650 may be connected to the batteries 111 and 630 through the mounting unit 660 .

The mounting parts 113 and 660 may be provided for mounting the batteries 111 and 630 . To this end, the mounting parts 113 and 660 may accommodate the batteries 111 and 630 in one direction. Here, one direction may include a vertical direction, that is, an up-down direction. According to an embodiment, the mounting parts 113 and 660 may be mechanically coupled to the batteries 111 and 630 without electrical connection. According to another embodiment, the mounting units 113 and 660 may be electrically connected to the batteries 111 and 630 as well as mechanically coupled thereto. In this case, the sizes of the mounting parts 113 and 660 may be larger than the sizes of the batteries 111 and 630 .

According to various embodiments, the mounting units 113 and 660 are, as shown in FIG. 7 , the sensor units ( 410 and 710 in FIG. 4 ), the mounting means ( 420 and 720 in FIG. 4 ) and the moving means (in FIG. 4 ). 430, 730) may be included. Here, since the sensor units 410 and 710, the mounting means 420 and 720, and the moving means 430 and 730 are the same as those described above with reference to FIG. 4, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The controller 670 may control the overall operation of the electric buses 110 and 600 . To this end, the controller 670 may control at least one of the communication unit 610 , the memory 620 , the batteries 111 and 630 , the driving unit 640 , the sensing unit 650 , and the mounting units 113 and 660 . have. According to various embodiments, the controller 670 may drive the mounting units 113 and 660 to support replacement of the batteries 111 and 630 . In this case, the control unit 670 may use the sensor units 410 and 710 to determine the stop position of the electric buses 110 and 600 while facing the station 120 . In addition, the control unit 670 may move the batteries 111 and 630 within the mounting units 113 and 660 . Also, the controller 670 may correct the positions of the batteries 111 and 630 in the mounting units 113 and 660 . Here, the control unit 670 may detect the batteries 111 and 630 using the sensor units 410 and 710 . Through this, the controller 670 may determine the positions of the batteries 111 and 630 on the mounting means 420 and 720 . For example, the positions of the batteries 111 and 630 may include at least one of the central positions, postures, and directions of the batteries 111 and 630 in the mounting parts 113 and 660 . Also, the controller 670 may determine a correction value for the batteries 111 and 630 . In addition, the controller 670 may move the mounting means 420 and 720 along the moving means 430 and 730 based on the correction value. Through this, the controller 670 may move the batteries 111 and 630 to a predetermined position.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the electric bus 110 , 600 according to various embodiments. And FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are plan views for explaining a method of operating the electric buses 110 and 600 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the operating method of the electric buses 110 and 600 according to various embodiments may start with the control unit 670 determining the amount of charge of the batteries 111 and 630 in operation 811 . At this time, while the batteries 111 and 630 are mounted on the electric buses 110 and 600 , the control unit 670 may detect the amount of charge of the batteries 111 and 630 through the sensing unit 650 . For example, in response to the movement of the electric buses 110 and 600 , the driving unit 640 may consume power of the batteries 111 and 630 . Alternatively, power of the batteries 111 and 630 may be consumed over time. Accordingly, the amount of charge of the batteries 111 and 630 may be gradually reduced.

Next, when connected to the station 120 , the controller 670 may detect it in operation 813 . At this time, as the electric bus 110 , 600 approaches the station 120 , the electric bus 110 , 600 may be wirelessly connected to the station 120 . Here, when the electric buses 110 and 600 move and approach within a preset radius around the station 120 , the electric buses 110 and 600 may be wirelessly connected to the station 120 . For example, the station 120 may periodically transmit a signal. And when a signal is received through the communication unit 610 , the control unit 670 may measure the reception strength of the signal. Also, when the signal reception strength exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 670 may respond to the station 120 using the communication unit 610 . This allows the electric bus 110 , 600 to be wirelessly connected to the station 120 .

Next, the controller 670 may transmit status information to the station 120 in operation 815 . At this time, the state information may indicate the state of the electric bus (110, 600). For example, the state information may include at least one of the identification information of the electric buses 110 and 600, the identification information of the bus company to which the electric buses 110 and 600 belong, or the charge amount of the batteries 111 and 630. have.

Subsequently, when the first signal is received from the station 120 , the controller 670 may detect it in operation 817 . Here, the first signal may indicate the start of the battery 111 and 630 replacement operation. Thereafter, the control unit 670 faces the station 120 in operation 819 , and may determine the stop position of the electric bus 110 . In this case, the control unit 670 may use the sensor units 410 and 710 to determine the stop position of the electric bus 110 facing the station 120 , and provide it to the station 120 . Here, the sensor units 410 and 710 may be continuously driven. That is, while the electric buses 110 and 600 are operating, the sensor units 410 and 710 may be continuously driven. Alternatively, the sensor units 410 and 710 may be driven based on the first signal. That is, if the sensor units 410 and 710 are not driven, the controller 670 may drive the sensor units 410 and 710 based on the first signal.

According to an embodiment, the controller 670 may move the batteries 111 and 630 in the mounting units 113 and 660 based on the first signal. To this end, the controller 670 may drive the moving means 430 and 730 to move the mounting means 420 and 720 . In this case, the controller 670 may move the batteries 111 and 630 from the mounting parts 113 and 660 to a predetermined position. For example, the controller 670 may arrange the batteries 111 and 630 in the central region of the mounting parts 113 and 660 .

According to another embodiment, even when the first signal is received, the controller 670 may maintain the positions of the batteries 111 and 630 in the mounting units 113 and 660 . That is, the controller 670 may maintain the batteries 111 and 630 at their current positions without moving the batteries 111 and 630 in the mounting units 113 and 660 .

According to another embodiment, when the batteries 111 and 630 disappear from the mounting units 113 and 670 after the first signal is received, the controller 670 may detect it. At this time, if the batteries 113 and 670 are not detected through the sensor units 410 and 710 , the controller 670 may detect that the batteries 111 and 630 have disappeared from the mounting units 113 and 670 . In addition, the controller 670 may drive the moving means 430 and 730 to move the mounting means 420 and 720 . In this case, the controller 670 may move the mounting means 420 and 720 from the mounting parts 113 and 660 to a predetermined position. For example, the controller 670 may arrange the mounting means 420 and 720 in the central region of the mounting parts 113 and 660 as shown in FIG. 9A .

Subsequently, when the second signal is received from the station 120 , the controller 670 may detect it in operation 821 . Here, the second signal may indicate completion of the battery 111 and 630 replacement operation. Thereafter, the controller 670 may determine a correction value based on the positions of the batteries 111 and 630 in operation 823 . In this case, the controller 670 may determine the positions of the batteries 111 and 630 in the mounting units 113 and 660 . The controller 670 may detect the batteries 111 and 630 using the sensor units 410 and 710 . Here, the positions of the batteries 111 and 630 may include at least one of the central positions, postures, and directions of the batteries 111 and 630 in the mounting parts 113 and 660 . For example, the controller 670 may control at least one of the distance between the sensor units 410 and 710 and the batteries 111 and 630 and the shape or area of a region in the batteries 111 and 630 facing the sensor units 410 and 710 . Any one may be detected and, based on this, the positions of the batteries 111 and 630 may be determined. In addition, the controller 670 may calculate a correction value by comparing the current positions of the batteries 111 and 630 with a predetermined position in the mounting units 113 and 660 . Here, the predetermined position may be a position in which the batteries 111 and 630 are electrically connected to the electric buses 110 and 600 in the mounting parts 113 and 660 .

Finally, the controller 670 may move the batteries 111 and 630 based on the correction value in operation 825 . At this time, the controller 670 may drive the moving means 430 and 630 to move the mounting means 420 and 720 . Here, the control unit 670 may drive at least one of the first moving means (431 in FIG. 4) or the second moving means (433 in FIG. 4) to move the center positions of the batteries (111, 630). . Meanwhile, the controller 670 may drive the third moving means ( 435 of FIG. 4 ) to change at least one of the postures and directions of the batteries 111 and 630 . Accordingly, the controller 670 may correct the positions of the batteries 111 and 630 in the mounting units 113 and 660 . That is, the batteries 111 and 630 may be moved to predetermined positions within the mounting units 113 and 660 . Thereafter, the control unit 670 may stop the driving of the sensor units 410 and 710 . Alternatively, the control unit 670 may continuously drive the sensor units 410 and 710 . Accordingly, by electrically connecting the electric buses 110 and 600 to the batteries 111 and 630 , it is possible to drive using the battery 111 . Through this, the method of operating the electric buses 110 and 600 according to various embodiments may be terminated.

For example, when the batteries 111 and 630 are seated in the mounting units 113 and 660 as shown in FIG. 9B , the control unit 670 controls the central position preset from the central position CP of the batteries 111 and 630 . With (SP), the distance can be calculated as a correction value. Here, the central position CP and the set central position SP of the batteries 111 and 630 are coordinate values on the first and second axes defined by the moving means 430 and 730, for example, (Xc, Yc) and (Xs, Ys). Accordingly, the correction value may be determined, for example, as (ΔX, ΔY) corresponding to the first axis and the second axis, respectively. Accordingly, the controller 670 may move the batteries 111 and 630 based on the correction value as shown in FIG. 9C . Through this, the central positions CP of the batteries 111 and 630 may coincide with the set central positions SP.

Meanwhile, if the first signal is not received in operation 817 , the controller 670 may maintain a state in which the batteries 111 and 630 are mounted inside the electric buses 110 and 600 . That is, the control unit 670 may continue to accommodate the batteries 111 and 630 without driving the mounting units 113 and 660 . Through this, the method of operating the electric buses 110 and 600 according to various embodiments may be terminated.

10 is a block diagram illustrating stations 120 and 1000 in accordance with various embodiments. And FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the replacement unit 1060 in FIG. 10 .

Referring to FIG. 10 , stations ( 120 and 1000 in FIGS. 3A and 3B ) according to various embodiments include a communication unit 1010 , a memory 1020 , a power source 1030 , at least one charging unit 1040 , and a detection unit. It may include a 1050 , a replacement unit 1060 , and a control unit 1070 .

The communication unit 1010 may perform wireless communication in the stations 120 and 1000 . In this case, the communication unit 1010 may communicate with an external device in various communication methods. Here, the external device may include at least one of an electronic device, a base station, a server, and a satellite. Meanwhile, the communication method may be the same as the communication method of the electric buses 110 and 600 . For example, the communication unit 1010 may communicate with the electric buses 110 and 600 in a short-distance communication method.

The memory 1020 may store programs for the operation of the stations 120 and 1000 . According to various embodiments, the memory 1020 may store programs for replacing the batteries 111 and 630 of the electric buses 110 and 600 . In addition, the memory 1020 may store data generated while executing programs. In addition, the memory 1020 may store at least one of identification information of the stations 120 and 1000 and identification information of a station company operating the stations 120 and 1000 .

The power source 1030 may store power for charging the batteries 111 and 630 in the stations 120 and 1000 .

The charging unit 1040 may be electrically connected to the batteries 111 and 630 in the stations 120 and 1000 to charge the batteries 111 and 630 . In this case, the charging unit 1040 may supply power from the power source 1030 to the batteries 111 and 630 .

The detector 1050 may detect the states of the batteries 111 and 630 in the stations 120 and 1000 . At this time, the detector 1050 may detect the amount of charge of the batteries 111 and 630 . Here, the detector 1050 may detect the amount of charge directly from the batteries 111 and 630 . Alternatively, the detection unit 1050 may measure the amount of power supplied from the power source 1030 to the batteries 111 and 630 and detect it as the charge amount.

The replacement unit 1060 may replace the batteries 111 and 630 corresponding to the electric buses 110 and 600 at the stations 120 and 1000 . That is, the replacement unit 1060 may mount the batteries 111 and 630 on the electric buses 110 and 600 . Here, the replacement unit 1060 may transfer the batteries 111 and 630 from the charging unit 1040 and mount them on the electric buses 110 and 600 . In addition, the replacement unit 1060 may detach the batteries 111 and 630 from the electric buses 110 and 600 . Here, the replacement unit 1060 may transfer the batteries 111 and 630 to correspond to the charging unit 1040 .

According to various embodiments, the replacement unit 1060 may include at least one holding means ( 121 and 1120 in FIGS. 3A and 3B ) and a transfer means ( 123 and 1130 in FIGS. 3A and 3B ). Here, since the gripping means 121 and 1120 and the transfer means 123 and 1130 are the same as those described above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B , a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the replacement unit 1060 may further include a sensor unit 1110 as shown in FIG. 11 . The sensor unit 1110 faces the stations 120 and 1000 , and may detect the stopping positions of the electric buses 110 and 600 . At this time, the sensor unit 1110 may be installed on at least one of the holding means 121 and 1120 and the transfer means 123 and 1130 . Here, the sensor unit 1110 may include at least one sensor. For example, when the sensor unit 1110 includes a plurality of sensors, the sensors may be dispersedly disposed in at least one of the gripping means 121 and 1120 and the transfer means 123 and 1130 .

The controller 1070 may control overall operations of the stations 120 and 1000 . To this end, the controller 1070 may control at least one of the communication unit 1010 , the memory 1020 , the power supply 1030 , the charging unit 1040 , the detection unit 1050 , and the replacement unit 1060 . According to various embodiments, the controller 1070 may drive the replacement unit 1060 to replace the batteries 111 and 630 of the electric buses 110 and 600 . At this time, opposite to the stations 120 and 1000, if the stopping positions of the electric buses 110 and 600 are within a predetermined range, the control unit 1070 replaces the batteries 111 and 630 of the electric buses 110 and 600 can do. Here, the controller 1070 may transfer the holding means 121 and 1120 along the transfer means 123 and 1130 . The control unit 1070 corresponds to the mounting units 113 and 660 of the electric buses 110 and 600 , and may transfer the gripping means 121 and 1120 . In addition, the controller 1070 may pick up the batteries 111 and 630 using the gripping means 121 and 1120 or drop the batteries 111 and 630 . Here, the gripping means 121 may pick up the battery 111 in the mounting unit 113 of the electric bus 110 or drop the battery 111 in the mounting unit 113 . According to an embodiment, the control unit 1070 may detect the batteries 111 and 630 of the electric buses 110 and 600 using the sensor unit 1110 . In addition, the control unit 111 , 630 corresponds to the battery 111 , 630 of the electric bus 110 , 600 , that is, above the battery 111 , 630 of the electric bus 110 , 600 , the gripping means 121 , 1120 ) can be placed.

12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the stations 120 and 1000 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12 , in the method of operating the stations 120 and 1000 according to various embodiments, the controller 1070 may connect to the electric buses 110 and 600 in operation 1211 . At this time, as the electric bus 110 , 600 approaches the station 120 , 1000 , the station 120 , 1000 may be connected to the electric bus 110 , 600 wirelessly. Here, when the electric buses 110 and 600 move and approach within a preset radius around the stations 120 and 1000 , the stations 120 and 1000 may be wirelessly connected to the electric buses 110 and 600 . For example, the control unit 1070 may periodically transmit a signal through the communication unit 1010 . And when a response to the signal is received through the communication unit 1010 , the control unit 1070 may be wirelessly connected to the electric buses 110 and 600 .

Next, when the state information of the electric buses 110 and 600 is received, the control unit 1070 may detect it in operation 1213 . At this time, the state information may indicate the state of the electric bus (110, 600). For example, the state information may include at least one of the identification information of the electric buses 110 and 600, the identification information of the bus company to which the electric buses 110 and 600 belong, or the charge amount of the batteries 111 and 630. have.

Next, the controller 1070 may determine whether to replace the batteries 111 and 630 of the electric buses 110 and 600 in operation 1215 . At this time, the controller 1070 may determine whether or not to replace the batteries 111 and 630 based on the state information of the electric buses 110 and 600 . According to one embodiment, the control unit 1070 may determine whether or not to replace the batteries (111, 630) of the electric bus (110, 600) by itself. According to another embodiment, the control unit 1070 may determine whether or not to replace the batteries (111, 630) of the electric bus (110, 600) through a server (not shown). For example, the controller 1070 may transmit status information of the electric buses 110 and 600 to the server. Here, the server may determine whether to replace the batteries 111 and 630 in the corresponding stations 120 and 1000 based on the state information of the electric buses 110 and 600 . In addition, the server may transmit result information indicating a result of determining whether the batteries 111 and 630 need to be replaced in the corresponding stations 120 and 1000 to the corresponding stations 120 and 1000 . After that, when result information is received from the server, the controller 1070 may determine whether the batteries 111 and 630 need to be replaced, based on the result information.

For example, the controller 1070 or the server may determine whether it is possible to charge the batteries 111 and 630 in the corresponding stations 120 and 1000 based on the amount of charge of the batteries 111 and 630 . And the control unit 1070 or the server, based on the charge amount of the batteries (111, 630), the electric bus (110, 600) arrives to other stations (120, 1000) adjacent to the corresponding stations (120, 1000) on the operating route It is possible to predict whether or not it will be possible. In addition, the control unit 1070 or the server based on at least any one of the amount of power that can be supplied to the other stations 120 and 1000 or the number of other electric buses 110 and 600 scheduled to be replaced, the battery in the other stations 120 and 1000 is It can be predicted whether the replacement of (111, 630) is possible.

Subsequently, if it is determined in operation 1215 that the batteries 111 and 630 of the electric buses 110 and 600 need to be replaced, the control unit 1070 may transmit a first signal to the electric buses 110 and 600 in operation 1217 . . Here, the first signal may indicate the start of the battery 111 and 630 replacement operation. Thereafter, the control unit 1070 may face the stations 120 and 1000 in operation 1219 to determine the stopping positions of the electric buses 110 and 600 . At this time, the control unit 1070 may determine the stopping positions of the electric buses 110 and 600 through the electric buses 110 and 600 . Alternatively, the control unit 1070 may use the sensor unit 1110 to determine the stopping positions of the electric buses 110 and 600 in the opposite direction to the stations 120 and 1000 .

According to an embodiment, when the sensor unit 1110 is installed in the holding means 121 and 1120 , the control unit 1070 drives the transfer means 123 and 1130 to move the holding means 121 and 1120 to a predetermined position. ) can be transported. Here, the predetermined position may be defined as an area corresponding to the mounting parts 113 and 660 as the electric buses 110 and 600 stop at the stations 120 and 1000 . In addition, the controller 1070 may detect the batteries 111 and 630 using the sensor 1110 . Here, the control unit 1070 may detect the batteries 111 and 630 while driving the conveying means 123 and 1130 to minutely convey the gripping means 121 and 1120 .

According to another embodiment, when the sensor unit 1110 is installed in the transfer means 123 and 1130 , the controller 1070 does not transfer the gripping means 121 and 1120 , but uses the sensor unit 1110 to use the battery. (111, 630) can be detected. Here, the sensor unit 1110 may be installed in an area corresponding to the mounting units 113 and 660 as the electric buses 110 and 600 stop at the stations 120 and 1000 in the transport means 123 and 1130 . .

Subsequently, the controller 1070 may replace the batteries 111 and 630 of the electric buses 110 and 600 in operation 1221 . That is, opposite to the stations 120 and 1000, if the stopping positions of the electric buses 110 and 600 are within a predetermined range, the controller 1070 replaces the batteries 111 and 630 of the electric buses 110 and 600. can At this time, the control unit 1070 may drive the replacement unit 1060 to replace the batteries 111 and 630 of the electric buses 110 and 600 . Here, the controller 1070 may pick up the batteries 111 and 630 from the mounting parts 113 and 660 of the electric buses 110 and 600 using the gripping means 121 and 1120 .

According to one embodiment, the control unit 1070 corresponds to the mounting units 113 and 660, transporting the holding means 121 and 1120, and then picking up the batteries 111 and 630 from the mounting units 113 and 660. have. And when the holding means (121, 1120) pick up the battery (111, 630) of the electric bus (110, 600), the control unit 1070, along the transfer means (123, 1130), the loading unit (Figs. 3a and 3b) 125) of the holding means (121, 1120) can be transferred. In addition, the control unit 1070 uses the holding means 121 and 1120 to drop the batteries 111 and 630 to the loading unit 125 , and then to pick up the other batteries 111 and 630 from the loading unit 125 . can After that, the control unit 1070 transfers the gripping means 121 and 1120 corresponding to the mounting parts 113 and 660 along the transporting means 123 and 1130 , and transfers the other batteries 111 and 630 to the mounting parts 113 and 660 . ) can be dropped. For example, the control unit 1070 may move the empty first gripping means and the second gripping means for gripping the new batteries 111 and 630 along the transfer means 123 . Through this, the first holding means may pick up the batteries 111 and 630 from the mounting units 113 and 660, and then the second holding unit may drop the other batteries 111 and 630 on the mounting units 113 and 660. .

Finally, the controller 1070 may transmit the second signal to the electric buses 110 and 600 in operation 1223 . Here, the second signal may indicate completion of the battery 111 and 630 replacement operation. According to one embodiment, after dropping the batteries 111 and 630 on the mounting portions 113 and 660 of the electric buses 110 and 600 using the gripping means 121 and 1120 , the controller 1070 controls the second signal can be transmitted. According to another embodiment, after dropping the batteries 111 and 630 on the electric buses 110 and 600 using the gripping means 121 and 1120, the gripping means 121 and 1120 are returned, and then the control unit 1070. may transmit the second signal. Through this, the method of operating the stations 120 and 1000 according to various embodiments may be completed.

Meanwhile, if it is determined in operation 1215 that the batteries 111 and 630 of the electric buses 110 and 600 do not need to be replaced, the controller 1070 may not start the battery 111 and 630 replacement operation. That is, the control unit 1070 may maintain the replacement unit 1060 without driving it. Through this, the method of operating the stations 120 and 1000 according to various embodiments may be completed.

According to various embodiments, the electric bus 110 , 600 may correct the position of the battery 111 , 630 therein. That is, when the batteries 111 and 630 are mounted by the stations 120 and 1000 , the electric buses 110 and 600 may move the batteries 111 and 630 to a desired position inside. Due to this, the station 120, 1000 picks up the battery 111, 630 in the electric bus 110, 600 without accurately locating the battery 111, 630 in the electric bus 110, 600, or Batteries 111 , 630 may be dropped on electric buses 110 , 600 . Accordingly, the batteries 111 , 630 of the electric buses 110 , 600 at the stations 120 , 1000 can be easily replaced. In addition, the time required to replace the batteries 111 and 630 of the electric buses 110 and 600 in the stations 120 and 1000 can be reduced.

Terms used in this document are only used to describe specific embodiments, and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. The singular expression may include the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art described in this document. Among the terms used in this document, terms defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted with the same or similar meaning as the meaning in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in this document, ideal or excessively formal meanings is not interpreted as In some cases, even terms defined in this document cannot be construed to exclude embodiments of this document.

100 systems
110, 600 electric bus 111, 630 battery
113, 660 Mounting part 410, 710 Sensor part
420, 720 Mounting means 430, 730 Moving means
120, 1000 station 1060 replacement part
121, 1120 Gripping means 123, 1130 Transport means

Claims (11)

A battery replacement system for an electric bus and a station to which the electric bus enters and exits, the system comprising:
The station is
gripping means for picking up or dropping the battery; and
and a conveying means for conveying the gripping means,
The electric bus is
a mounting portion for receiving the battery mounted from the station; and
and a control unit for controlling the mounting unit,
The mounting part,
a sensor unit for determining a position of the electric bus facing the station and a position of the battery in the mounting unit;
mounting means for supporting the battery; and
and a moving means for correcting the position of the battery by moving the mounting means within the mounting unit,
The control unit is
determining a correction value for correcting the position, posture, or direction of the battery;
and moving the mounting means along the moving means based on the correction value to move the battery to a predetermined position. According to claim 1, wherein the moving means,
first moving means for moving the battery along a first axis on a plane on which the battery is mounted; and
second moving means for moving the battery along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis on the plane. According to claim 2, wherein the moving means,
and a third movement means for rotating the battery about a third axis perpendicular to the plane. According to claim 1, wherein the station,
a system for mounting the battery on top of the electric bus if the position of the electric bus is within a predetermined range. According to claim 4, wherein the station,
A system for transmitting to the electric bus a first signal indicating the start of replacement of the battery and a second signal indicating that replacement of the battery is complete. According to claim 1, wherein the holding means,
an empty first gripping means and
A system comprising a second gripping means for gripping the fresh battery. According to claim 1, wherein the control unit,
A system for calculating a distance between the central position of the battery and a preset central position as the correction value. A method of operating a battery replacement system for an electric bus, the method comprising:
a sensor unit installed in at least one of a station and an electric bus to face the station, and to detect a position of the electric bus;
if the position of the electric bus is within a predetermined range, the station loading a battery in the mounting portion of the electric bus;
detecting the position of the battery in the mounting unit by the sensor unit;
determining, by a control unit installed in the electric bus, a correction value for moving the battery to a predetermined position within the mounting unit; and
and moving, by the controller, the battery based on the correction value. The method of claim 8, wherein the operation of mounting the battery comprises:
and transmitting to the electric bus a first signal indicating the start of replacement of the battery and a second signal indicating completion of replacement of the battery. The method of claim 9, wherein the operation of moving the battery comprises:
moving the battery along a first axis on a plane on which the battery is mounted;
moving the battery along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis on the plane; or
and rotating the battery about a third axis perpendicular to the plane. The method of claim 10, wherein the operation of moving the battery comprises:
on the electric bus,
mounting means for supporting the battery; and
and a moving means for correcting the position of the battery by moving the mounting means within the mounting unit,
and moving the battery by moving the mounting means along the moving means.

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