KR102636128B1 - Battery charging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a case having an accommodation space into which a battery pack is inserted; a terminal plate provided with a charging terminal selectively connected to the battery pack inserted into the receiving space; a fixing plate facing the terminal plate and positioned on an opposite side of the entrance of the receiving space with respect to the terminal plate; and a buffer portion that protrudes from the fixing plate to the inside of the terminal plate and cushions and supports the battery pack.

Description

Battery charging device {BATTERY CHARGING APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a battery charging device, and more particularly, to a battery charging device into which a battery pack is inserted.

Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel cadmium batteries, nickel hydrogen batteries, nickel zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are in the spotlight for their advantages of free charging and discharging, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

These lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxide and carbon material as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. In addition, the lithium secondary battery includes a positive and negative electrode plate coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, an electrode assembly in which the positive and negative electrode plates are disposed with a separator in between, and an exterior material that seals and stores the electrode assembly with an electrolyte.

Meanwhile, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the battery case. Also, can-type secondary batteries can be further classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries depending on the shape of the metal can.

Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and portable phones has rapidly increased, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has begun in earnest, repetitive Research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of charging and discharging phosphorus is actively underway.

In particular, the number of transportation vehicles with internal combustion engines is gradually decreasing, and the demand for hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles is increasing accordingly. In line with this trend, the demand for two-wheeled vehicles used for short-distance travel, as well as electric motorcycles and electric scooters powered only by electric motors, is increasing and the market is gradually expanding.

Conventionally, in order to charge the battery of an electric two-wheeled vehicle, the user moved to a separate charging facility to charge it, or connected a plug-in type charging device to the electric two-wheeled vehicle. However, in this case, the user had to wait until the battery was fully charged and had the disadvantage of not being able to drive.

To solve this problem, a battery swapping station (BSS) has been proposed where you can return used batteries and receive fully charged batteries.

In the case of such a battery exchange station, there is a need to provide an optimized battery exchange experience to users and to efficiently manage the battery exchange station.

One problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a battery charging device that is convenient to use and capable of stable management.

However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

A battery charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a case having an accommodation space into which a battery pack is inserted; a terminal plate provided with a charging terminal selectively connected to the battery pack inserted into the receiving space; a fixing plate facing the terminal plate and located on an opposite side of the entrance of the receiving space with respect to the terminal plate; and a buffer portion that protrudes from the fixing plate to the inside of the terminal plate and cushions and supports the battery pack.

The buffer unit includes a shock absorber provided on the fixing plate; And it may include a support bar extending protruding from the shock absorber to the inside of the terminal plate.

A damper configured to alleviate the impact applied by the battery pack when the battery pack is inserted may be provided at an end of the support.

A through hole through which the support passes may be formed in the terminal plate.

The support may protrude inward through the four corners of the terminal plate.

The buffer may apply elastic force to the battery pack toward the entrance of the receiving space.

The battery charging device may further include a pack fixing part provided on the terminal plate and fixing the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected.

The battery charging device may further include a door portion that selectively opens and closes the entrance to the accommodation space.

The door unit includes a door frame provided at one end of the case and defining an entrance to the receiving space; And it may include a door plate that is rotatably hinged and connected to the door frame and selectively opens and closes the entrance to the accommodation space.

The door unit may be provided with a door lock that selectively locks the door plate with respect to the door frame.

The door lock includes a locking groove formed in the door frame; and a locking device provided on the door plate and selectively inserting a locking portion into the locking groove.

The door unit is provided with a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an external device or the battery pack, and the door lock can be selectively locked or unlocked according to a signal input through the communication unit.

The door plate is connected to the door frame through an elastic hinge, and the elastic hinge may apply an elastic force to the door plate so that the door plate closes the entrance to the receiving space.

When the battery pack is inserted into the receiving space, the open door plate may be positioned between the battery pack and the inner surface of the case.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack can be smoothly inserted into and ejected from the housing space of the case, thereby improving user convenience.

Additionally, when the connection between the battery pack and the charging terminal is disconnected, the battery pack can be easily discharged to the outside of the case.

Additionally, since the battery pack being charged is firmly fixed, it is possible to prevent the battery pack from being ejected or separated arbitrarily.

Additionally, the impact applied to internal components when inserting the battery pack is alleviated, thereby improving the safety of the battery charging device.

In addition, since the door of the battery charging device when not in use is locked, it is possible to prevent foreign substances from entering the case or electric shock to the user.

In addition, various other additional effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. These various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention described later, so the present invention includes the matters described in such drawings. It should not be interpreted as limited to only .
1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery exchange station.
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state before the battery pack is inserted into the battery charging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a battery pack inserted into the battery charging device shown in FIG. 2.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing the interior of a battery charging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG. 2.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the door shown in Figure 2 viewed from another direction.
Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of a battery charging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of parts unrelated to the description or related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention have been omitted, and reference signs are added to components in each drawing in this specification. In this regard, identical or similar reference signs are used to designate identical or similar components throughout the specification.

In addition, terms or words used in this specification and patent claims should not be construed as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, and the inventor appropriately defines the concept of terms in order to explain his or her invention in the best way. It must be interpreted with meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that it can be done.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery exchange station.

The battery exchange station 1 may include at least one, preferably a plurality of battery charging devices 100. For example, a plurality of battery charging devices 100 may be accommodated in a single cabinet, and a user may access the plurality of battery charging devices 100 from the front of the cabinet.

A battery pack can be inserted into each battery charging device 100, and the battery charging device 100 can charge the inserted battery pack. The user can receive a fully charged battery pack from each battery charging device 100 and return the existing battery pack to the battery charging device 100.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state before the battery pack is inserted into the battery charging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a state showing the battery pack being inserted into the battery charging device shown in Figure 2. It is a perspective view, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the inside of the battery charging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a line B-B of FIG. 3. ', FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line C-C' of FIG. 2, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the door part shown in FIG. 2 viewed from another direction.

The battery charging device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a case 110 having a receiving space (S) into which the battery pack 10 is inserted, and a moving plate 120 on which the battery pack 10 is mounted. ), a terminal plate 130 provided with a charging terminal 131, and a guide portion 140 that guides the moving plate 120. The battery charging device 100 may further include a door unit 160 that opens and closes the entrance to the accommodation space (S).

Case 110 may have a receiving space (S) into which the battery pack 10 is inserted. That is, the case 110 may be a slot into which the battery pack 10 is inserted.

Case 110 may be formed to be long in one direction (eg, front-to-back direction). An entrance to the accommodation space (S) may be formed at one end of the case 110, and the battery pack 10 may be inserted into the accommodation space (S) or discharged from the accommodation space (S) through the entrance. . Case 110 may have a substantially box shape. One end of the case 110 may be open to form an entrance to the receiving space (S).

As an example, the case 110 may include an inner case having a receiving space S and an outer case accommodating the inner case. In this case, electrical components such as a control board, detection sensor, driving device, etc. may be provided between the inner case and the outer case. However, it is not limited to this, and it is of course possible for the case 110 to be made of a single case having an accommodation space (S).

Case 110 may be provided with a heat dissipation fan 115. The heat dissipation fan 115 may be configured to discharge heat from the receiving space S to the outside of the case 110. Therefore, heat generated by charging the battery pack 10 can be smoothly dissipated.

The battery pack 10 may be seated on the moving plate 120. The moving plate 120 may be placed inside the case 110 . The moving plate 120 may be arranged horizontally. The moving plate 120 may move along the longitudinal direction of the case 110 within the receiving space (S) of the case 110. The moving plate 120 may slide along the longitudinal direction of the case 110 within the receiving space (S).

The terminal plate 130 may be arranged approximately vertically. The terminal plate 130 may be arranged to face the entrance of the receiving space (S). The shape of the terminal plate 130 is not limited.

The terminal plate 130 may be fixed to the case 110. For example, an entrance to the receiving space S may be formed at one end of the case 110, and a terminal plate 130 may be disposed at the other end. The receiving space S may be defined by the inner surface of the case 110 and the inner surface of the terminal plate 130.

The terminal plate 130 may be provided with a charging terminal 131 that is selectively connected to the battery pack 10 inserted into the receiving space (S). The charging terminal 131 may be exposed to the inside of the receiving space (S). A connector configured to be connected to the charging terminal 131 may be provided on one side (eg, back) of the battery pack 10. The battery pack 10 and the moving plate 120 can move to a position where the connector of the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131.

The guide unit 140 may be disposed within the receiving space (S). The guide unit 140 may guide the movement of the moving plate 120. In more detail, the guide unit 140 may guide the moving plate 120 to move along the longitudinal direction of the case 110.

In more detail, the guide unit 140 may include a guide rail 141 and a guide block 142.

The guide rail 141 may be disposed on the inner surface of the case 110. In more detail, the guide rail 141 may be disposed on the inner bottom surface of the case 110. The guide rail 141 may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case 110.

The guide block 142 may be slidably coupled to the guide rail 141. Additionally, a moving plate 120 may be connected to the guide block 142. For example, the guide block 142 may be fastened to the bottom of the moving plate 120. Accordingly, the guide block 142 and the moving plate 120 can move along the guide rail 141.

For example, the guide unit 140 may be a known LM guide.

A plurality of guide rails 141 may be provided in parallel with each other. The plurality of guide rails 141 may be spaced apart in the width direction of the case 110. At least one, preferably a plurality of guide blocks 142 may be coupled to each guide rail 141.

The battery pack 10 inserted into the receiving space S may enter the upper side of the moving plate 120 and be seated on the moving plate 120. The battery pack 10, the moving plate 120, and the guide block 142 can be moved into the receiving space (S) along the guide rail 141 by the force of the user pushing the battery pack 10. .

However, it is not limited to this, and it is of course possible for the battery charging device 100 to include a driving unit (eg, an actuator) that moves the moving plate 120 or the guide block 142. When the battery pack 10 is inserted into the receiving space S, the driving unit may move the moving plate 120 or the guide block 142 toward the terminal plate 130. In this case, there is an advantage that the driving unit can appropriately adjust the moving speed of the moving plate 120 or the guide block 142.

The guide unit 140 may further include an elastic member 143 that applies elastic force to the guide block 142 toward the entrance of the receiving space (S). The elastic member 143 may be configured to pull the guide block 142 toward the entrance of the receiving space (S).

When the battery pack 10 is separated from the charging terminal 131, the guide block 142, the moving plate 120, and the battery pack 10 are moved to the entrance of the receiving space S by the elastic force of the elastic member 143. You can easily move to the side. Accordingly, the battery pack 10 can be easily discharged to the outside of the case 110.

For example, the elastic member 143 may be a spring configured to pull the guide block 142 toward the entrance of the receiving space (S). The spring may extend parallel to the guide rail 141.

One end of the elastic member 143 may be connected to the case 110 or a door frame 161 to be described later, and the other end of the elastic member 143 may be connected to the guide block 142. In more detail, the case 110 or the door frame 161 is provided with a first spring holder 143a (see FIG. 9) to which one end of the elastic member 143 is connected, and the guide block 142 has an elastic A second spring holder (not shown) to which the other end of the member 143 is connected may be provided.

The door unit 160 may be disposed at one end of the case 110. The door unit 160 can selectively open and close the entrance to the receiving space (S).

In more detail, the door unit 160 may include a door frame 161 and a door plate 162.

The door frame 161 is provided at one end of the case 110 and may define the entrance to the receiving space (S). The door frame 161 may be an approximately square frame. The door plate 162 may be hinged and rotatably connected to the door frame 161. The door plate 162 can selectively open and close the entrance to the receiving space (S).

A handle (not shown) may be provided on the outer surface of the door plate 162. The user can manually open and close the door plate 162 by holding the handle.

The door plate 162 may rotate toward the inside of the case 10 to open the entrance to the receiving space (S).

When the battery pack 10 is inserted into the receiving space S, the open door plate 162 may be positioned between the battery pack 10 and the inner surface of the case 10. In more detail, the open door plate 162 may be located between the battery pack 10 and the inner ceiling surface of the case 10. That is, while the battery pack 10 is inserted into the accommodation space (S), the entrance to the accommodation space (S) may be maintained in an open state.

Accordingly, there is a convenient advantage in that the user can immediately push the battery pack 10 in without having to manually open the door plate 162.

However, it is not limited to this, and of course, it is also possible for the door plate 162 to be rotated to the outside of the case 110 to open the entrance to the accommodation space (S). In this case, the door plate 162 may close the entrance to the accommodation space (S) while the battery pack 10 is inserted into the accommodation space (S).

The door plate 162 may be connected to the door frame 161 through an elastic hinge 163. The elastic hinge 163 may apply an elastic force to the door plate 162 so that the door plate 162 closes the entrance to the receiving space (S). For example, the elastic hinge 163 may be equipped with a torsion spring.

Accordingly, when the battery pack 10 is discharged to the outside of the case 110, the door plate 162 can automatically close the entrance to the receiving space S due to the elastic force of the elastic hinge 163. Additionally, the door plate 162 may be maintained in a closed state with the entrance to the receiving space S due to the elastic force of the elastic hinge 163.

Meanwhile, it would also be possible for the door part 160 to not include the door frame 161. In this case, the inner perimeter of one end of the case 110 may define the entrance to the receiving space (S), and the door plate 162 may be rotatably connected to the case 110 through an elastic hinge 163. there is.

The door unit 160 may be provided with a door lock 165 that selectively locks the door unit 160. The door lock 165 can selectively lock the door plate 162 with respect to the door frame 161.

In more detail, the door lock 165 is a locking device provided with a locking groove 167 formed on the door frame 161 and the door plate 162 and selectively inserting a locking portion 166a into the locking groove 167. It may include (166).

When the locking portion 166a is inserted into the locking groove 167, the rotation of the door plate 162 may be restricted. Accordingly, the door plate 162 can be locked with the entrance to the receiving space S closed.

The locking groove 167 may be formed on the inner circumference of the door frame 161. For example, the locking groove 167 may be formed on the lower inner surface of the door frame 161.

The locking device 166 may include a locking part 166a and a driving part that moves the locking part 166a. The locking portion 166a may be a bar or a protrusion extending in one direction. The driving unit may insert the locking portion 166a into the locking groove 167 or separate the locking portion 166a from the locking groove 167.

In a state where the door plate 162 closes the entrance to the receiving space S, the locking portion 166a of the locking device 166 may face the locking groove 167. In this state, the locking device can lock the door plate 162 by inserting the locking portion 166a into the locking groove 167. Conversely, the locking device 166 can unlock the door plate 162 by separating the locking portion 166a from the locking groove 167.

When the battery charging device 100 is not in use, that is, when the accommodation space S of the case 110 is empty, the door lock 165 may be maintained in a locked state.

However, it is not limited to this, and when the door plate 162 is configured to rotate to the outside of the case 110, the door plate 162 closes the entrance to the receiving space (S) while the battery pack 10 is being charged. This can be done, and the door lock 165 can be maintained in a locked state.

The door unit 160 may be provided with a communication unit 164 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) that wirelessly communicates with an external device or the battery pack 10. The door lock 165 can be selectively locked or unlocked according to a signal input through the communication unit 164.

The configuration of the communication unit 164 is not limited. For example, the communication unit 164 may include an NFC antenna. In this case, the battery pack 10 may be equipped with an NFC tag. When the user approaches the battery pack 10 to the door 160, the NFC tag of the battery pack 10 and the communication unit 164 of the door 160 can be wirelessly connected to each other, and the door lock 165 is unlocked. It can be. Accordingly, the user can open the door 160 and insert the battery pack 10 into the receiving space (S).

However, it is not limited to this, and the communication unit 164 may receive a locking signal or an unlocking signal through wireless communication with an external device such as a terminal (e.g., a smartphone or tablet), and the door lock 165 may be configured accordingly. It may be locked or unlocked.

Meanwhile, the battery charging device 100 may further include a pack fixing part 180 that selectively fixes the battery pack 10.

The pack fixing part 180 may be provided on the terminal plate 130. The pack fixing unit 180 can fix the battery pack 10 when the battery pack 10 and the charging terminal 131 are connected. Conversely, when a signal for ejecting the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the pack fixing unit 180 may unfasten the battery pack 10.

The pack fixing unit 180 may fix the battery pack 10 to at least one of the width direction, length direction, or height direction of the case 110.

In more detail, the pack fixing unit 180 may include a hook 181 configured to be connected to the battery pack 10, and a hook driving unit 182 that drives the hook 181.

A groove (not shown) in which the hook 181 is inserted or caught may be formed in the battery pack 10. An opening 130h through which the hook 181 protrudes may be formed in the terminal plate 130. The hook 181 may pass through the opening 130h and be selectively connected to the battery pack 10.

The hook 181 protrudes from the terminal plate 130 to the inside of the receiving space S through the opening, and may be inserted into or fixed to the groove of the battery pack 10. As a result, the battery pack 10 can be firmly fixed. The shape of the hook 181 is not limited.

The hooks 181 may be provided as a pair located on both sides of the charging terminal 131. Accordingly, the battery pack 10 can be more firmly fixed, and the connection between the battery pack 10 and the charging terminal 131 can be maintained reliably.

The hook driver 182 may drive the hook 181 so that the hook 181 fixes or unfixes the battery pack 10. For example, the hook drive unit 182 may include a solenoid.

In more detail, the hook driving unit 182 moves the hook 181 into the receiving space (S) so that when the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131, the hook 181 is connected to the battery pack 10. It can be advanced to the inner side of . Conversely, when the signal for discharging the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the hook driving unit 182 may retract the hook 181 toward the terminal plate 130 so that the hook 181 is separated from the battery pack 10. .

However, it is not limited to this, and it may be possible to fix the battery pack 10 by changing the configuration or operation of the pack fixing part 180.

Meanwhile, the battery charging device 100 may further include a plate fixing part 190 that selectively fixes the moving plate 120.

The plate fixing part 190 may be provided on the terminal plate 130. The plate fixer 190 can fix the movable plate 120 when the battery pack 10 and the charging terminal 131 are connected. Conversely, when a signal for discharging the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the plate fixing unit 190 may unfasten the movable plate 120.

The plate fixing unit 190 may fix the movable plate 120 in at least one of the width direction, length direction, or height direction of the case 110.

In more detail, the plate fixing unit 190 may include a latch 191 configured to be connected to the movable plate 120 and a latch driver 192 that drives the latch 191.

The configuration of the latch 191 is not limited. The latches 191 may be provided as a pair spaced apart in the width direction of the movable plate 120. As a result, the moving plate 120 can be fixed more firmly.

The latch driver 192 may drive the latch 191 so that the latch 191 fixes or unfixes the battery pack 10. For example, the latch driver 192 may include a motor.

In more detail, the latch driver 192 rotates the latch 191 in one direction so that the latch 191 is connected to the moving plate 120 when the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131. Or you can move forward. Conversely, when the ejection signal of the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the latch driver 192 may rotate or retract the latch 191 in the other direction so that the latch 191 is separated from the moving plate 120. .

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be possible to fix the moving plate 120 by changing the configuration or operation of the plate fixing part 190.

The pack fixing unit 180 and/or the plate fixing unit 190 may prevent the battery pack 10 while being charged from being discharged from the receiving space S. Accordingly, the battery pack 10 can be stably charged. Additionally, the elastic member 143 of the guide portion 140 can prevent the battery pack 10 from being separated from the charging terminal 131.

Meanwhile, the battery charging device 100 may further include a door sensor 101 that detects whether the door unit 160 is opened or closed. The door sensor 101 may be provided on one side of the case 110.

For example, the door sensor 101 may be a reed sensor and may be configured to detect the magnet 169 (see FIG. 8) provided in the door unit 160. In more detail, when the door unit 160 closes the entrance to the accommodation space (S), the magnet 169 and the door sensor 101 are adjacent to each other, and the door unit 160 opens the entrance to the accommodation space (S). If so, the magnet 169 and the reed sensor 101 may become distant.

The battery charging device 100 may further include a proximity sensor 102 that detects whether the battery pack 10 has reached a preset position. The proximity sensor 102 may be provided on one side of the case 110. The type of proximity sensor 102 is not limited.

For example, when the battery pack 10 reaches a position where it is connected to the charging terminal 131, the proximity sensor 102 can detect the battery pack 10.

Meanwhile, the battery charging device 100 may further include a control unit 170. The control unit 170 may control the overall operation of the battery charging device 100.

The control unit 170 may include at least one processor. For example, the control unit 170 may include a control board equipped with a plurality of processors and a case in which the control board is accommodated.

The control unit 170 may be placed outside the case 110. For example, the control unit 170 may be placed at the rear of the case 110.

However, it is not limited to this, and as described above, when the case 110 includes an inner case and an outer case, the control unit 170 may be disposed between the inner case and the outer case. Alternatively, the control unit 170 may be provided in the battery exchange station 1 to control a plurality of battery charging devices 100.

The control unit 170 may detect whether the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 130. The control unit 170 may control charging of the battery pack 10 through the charging terminal 130.

The control unit 170 may control at least one of the pack fixing unit 180, the plate fixing unit 190, or the door lock 165. In more detail, the control unit 170 may control the hook driving unit 182 so that the hook 181 of the pack fixing unit 180 fixes or unfixes the battery pack 10. The control unit 170 may control the latch driver 192 so that the latch 191 of the plate fixing unit 190 fixes or releases the movable plate 120. The control unit 170 can lock or unlock the door lock 165.

The control unit 170 can communicate with at least one of the door sensor 101 or the proximity sensor 102 and receive detection results from each sensor 101 and 102. As an example, the control unit 170 may control the door lock 165 when the door unit 160 is closed, based on the detection result of the door sensor 101. As another example, based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102, the control unit 170 operates the pack fixing unit 180 and/or the plate fixing unit 190 when the battery pack 10 reaches a preset position. can be controlled.

The control unit 170 can communicate with the communication unit 164 (see FIG. 8) provided in the door unit 160 and receive signals input through the communication unit 164. For example, when the NFC tag provided in the battery pack 10 is wirelessly connected to the NFC antenna included in the communication unit 164, the control unit can unlock the door lock 165.

As another example, the control unit 170 may receive an discharge signal of the battery pack 10 from an external device through the communication unit 164. In this case, the control unit 170 may control the pack fixing unit 180 to release the battery pack 10, and control the plate fixing unit 190 to release the moving plate 120. .

Apart from the communication unit 164 provided in the door unit 160, it is of course possible for the control unit 170 itself to include a communication unit.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, content that overlaps with the first embodiment described above will be used and explanation will be focused on the differences.

The battery charging device 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include at least one damper 120d, 140d1, and 140d2.

The moving plate 120 may be provided with a damper 120d configured to alleviate the impact applied by the battery pack 10 when the battery pack 10 is inserted.

In more detail, the damper 120d may be located at the inner end of the moving plate 120. When the battery pack 10 is inserted into the entrance of the receiving space S and enters the upper side of the moving plate 120, the inner surface of the battery pack 10 may be caught by the damper 120d. For example, the battery pack 10 can move independently until it is caught by the damper 120d, and after the battery pack 10 is caught by the damper 120d, the battery pack 10 and the moving plate 120 can move together.

By using the damper 120d, even if the user pushes the battery pack 10 strongly, the impact applied by the battery pack 10 to the moving plate 120 can be alleviated. As a result, the risk of failure of the battery charging device 100 can be reduced.

The guide rail 141 may be provided with dampers 140d1 and 140d2 configured to alleviate the impact applied by the guide block 142 when the battery pack 10 is inserted or ejected.

In more detail, the guide rail 141 may be provided with at least one of an inner damper 140d1 or an outer damper 140d2. The inner damper 140d1 may be configured to alleviate the impact applied by the guide block 142 when the battery pack 10 is inserted. The outer damper 140d2 may be configured to alleviate the impact applied by the guide block 142 when the battery pack 10 is discharged.

The inner damper 140d1 may be placed closer to the inner end of both ends of the guide rail 141, and the outer damper 140d2 may be placed closer to the outer end of both ends of the guide rail 141. there is.

When a plurality of guide blocks 142 are coupled to each guide rail 141, the guide block 142 in contact with the inner damper 140d1 and the guide block 142 in contact with the outer damper 140d2 are different from each other. You can.

The battery pack 10 may be connected to the charging terminal 131 with the guide block 142 in contact with the inner damper 140d1. Additionally, the battery pack 10 may be discharged to the outside of the case 110 while the guide block 142 is in contact with the outer damper 140d2.

Even if the user pushes the battery pack 10 strongly, the guide block 140 and the moving plate 120 can be slowly stopped at a preset position by the inner damper 140d1. As a result, it is possible to prevent the battery pack 10 and the charging terminal 131 from colliding strongly.

Even if the battery pack 10 is strongly discharged by the elastic member 143 of the guide portion 140, the guide block 142 and the moving plate 120 may be slowly stopped at a preset position by the outer damper 140d2. You can. As a result, the battery pack 10 can be prevented from unintentionally protruding out of the case 110.

Meanwhile, the guide unit 140 of the battery charging device 100A may further include an electromagnet 145 that selectively applies attractive force to the guide block 143 toward the terminal plate 130.

The electromagnet 145 may be disposed on the inner surface of the terminal plate 130 or the case 110, but is not limited thereto. Like the guide rail 141, a plurality of electromagnets 145 may be provided. The plurality of electromagnets 145 may be spaced apart in the width direction of the case 110.

The guide block 142 may include a magnetic material and may be configured to interact with the magnetic force of the electromagnet 145.

The control unit 170 (see FIG. 3) can control the electromagnet 145. For example, the control unit 170 may control the electromagnet 145 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102.

The control unit 170 may activate the electromagnet 145 when the battery pack 10 is inserted to a preset position within the receiving space (S). The attractive force applied by the activated electromagnet 145 to the guide block 142 may be greater than the elastic force applied by the elastic member 143 to the guide block 142.

When the activated electromagnet 145 applies attractive force to the guide block 142, the guide block 142, the moving plate 120, and the battery pack 10 can easily move toward the terminal plate 130. Additionally, while the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131, the activated electromagnet 145 can fix the guide block 142.

Conversely, when the discharge signal of the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the control unit 170 may deactivate the electromagnet 145. In this case, since the attractive force applied to the guide block 142 disappears, the guide block 142, the moving plate 120, and the battery pack 10 are easily moved toward the entrance of the receiving space (S) by the elastic member 143. can move easily.

10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of a battery charging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The battery charging device 100B according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a case 110 having a receiving space (S) into which the battery pack 10 is inserted, and a battery pack 10 inserted into the receiving space (S). ) and a terminal plate 130 provided with a charging terminal 131 selectively connected to the terminal plate 130, located between the entrance of the receiving space S and the terminal plate 130 and configured to be opened and closed according to the movement of the battery pack 10. It may include an opening and closing plate 150.

The battery charging device 100B may further include a driving unit 153 that selectively opens and closes the opening and closing plate 150 according to the movement of the battery pack 10.

Hereinafter, except for the opening and closing plate 150 and the driving unit 153, the contents described in the first and second embodiments described above will be used. Of course, it is also possible that the configurations described above in the first and second embodiments are further included in the battery charging device 100B.

FIG. 10 shows the opening and closing plate 150 in a closed state, and FIG. 11 shows the opening and closing plate 150 in an open state.

The opening/closing plate 150 may prevent the battery pack 10 from arbitrarily accessing the charging terminal 131. The battery pack 10 may be connected to the charging terminal 131 with the opening and closing plate 150 open. The opening and closing plate 150 may be configured to close when the battery pack 10 is discharged from the receiving space (S).

The opening and closing plate 150 may be a double door type. In more detail, the opening and closing plate may include a first plate 151 and a second plate 152 that are arranged in the width direction of the case 110 and rotate in opposite directions. The first plate 151 and the second plate 152 may be arranged to face each other in the width direction of the case 110.

The first plate 151 and the second plate 152 may rotate about a vertical rotation axis (not shown). The rotation axis of the first plate 151 may be located adjacent to one inner surface of the case 110, and the rotation axis of the second plate 152 may be located adjacent to the other inner surface of the case 110.

In more detail, the first plate 151 may be rotatably hinged to one inner surface of the case 110, and the second plate 152 may be rotatably hinged to the other inner surface of the case 110.

When the opening and closing plate 150 is opened, the battery pack 10 can enter between the first plate 151 and the second plate 152.

When the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 13, the battery pack 10 may be positioned between the first plate 151 and the second plate 152. In more detail, when the battery pack 10 is connected to the charging terminal 131, the first plate 151 and the second plate 152 may be configured to support both sides of the battery pack 10.

As a result, the battery pack 10 while being charged can be safely protected from external shocks, etc. Additionally, the battery pack 10 being charged can be more firmly fixed.

Meanwhile, the driving unit 153 can selectively open and close the opening and closing plate 150 according to the movement of the battery pack 10. For example, the driving unit 153 may include a solenoid switch. The driving unit 153 may be provided on the first plate 151 and the second plate 152, but is not limited thereto.

The control unit 170 (see FIG. 3) can control the driving unit 153. For example, the control unit 170 may control the driver 153 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102. That is, the driving unit 153 may be configured to open and close the opening and closing plate 150 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102.

When the battery pack 10 is inserted into the receiving space S to a preset position, the control unit 170 may control the driving unit 153 to open the opening and closing plate 150. Accordingly, the battery pack 10 may enter between the first plate 151 and the second plate 152 and be connected to the charging terminal 131.

When the battery pack 10 deviates from the preset position within the accommodation space S, the control unit 170 may control the driving unit 153 to close the opening and closing plate 150. The opening and closing plate 150 may remain closed while the battery pack 10 is discharged from the receiving space S.

When the opening and closing plate 150 is closed, foreign substances, etc. can be prevented from flowing into the charging terminal 131. Additionally, the opening and closing plate 150, together with the door unit 160, can prevent the unauthorized battery pack 10 from being connected to the charging terminal 131.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The battery charging device 100C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a case 110 having a receiving space (S) into which the battery pack 10 is inserted, and a battery pack 10 inserted into the receiving space (S). ) is provided with a charging terminal 131 that is selectively connected to a terminal plate 130' that moves along the longitudinal direction of the case 110, and a terminal plate 130' facing the terminal plate 130'. A fixing plate 210 located on the opposite side of the entrance of the receiving space S, and a buffer portion 220 located between the terminal plate 130' and the fixing plate 210 and cushioning and supporting the terminal plate 130'. ) may include.

Hereinafter, descriptions that overlap with those previously described in the first to third embodiments will be used. In addition, it is of course possible to further include the configurations previously described in the first to third embodiments in the battery charging device 100C, even if they are not shown in FIG. 12 .

The fixing plate 210 may be fixed to the case 110. For example, an entrance to the receiving space S may be formed at one end of the case 110, and a fixing plate 210 may be disposed at the other end. The receiving space S may be defined by the inner surface of the case 110 and the inner surface of the fixing plate 210.

The terminal plate 130' may not be fixed to the case 110, but may be configured to move along the longitudinal direction of the case 110. The terminal plate 130' may be located within the receiving space (S). The terminal plate 130' can move along the longitudinal direction of the case 110 within the receiving space (S).

One side of the terminal plate 130' may face the entrance of the receiving space S, and the other side may face the fixing plate 210. The charging terminal 131 may be provided on one side of the terminal plate 130'.

When the user inserts the battery pack 10 into the receiving space (S), the terminal plate 130' may move toward the fixing plate 210 together with the battery pack 10 by the force pushing the battery pack 10. there is.

On one side of both sides of the terminal plate 130' facing the entrance of the receiving space S, there is a damper 130d configured to relieve the impact applied by the battery pack 10 when the battery pack 10 is inserted. ) may be provided.

For example, the battery pack 10 can move independently until it hits the damper 130d, and after the battery pack 10 hits the damper 120d, the battery pack 10 and the terminal plate 130 ') can move together.

By using the damper 130d, even if the user pushes the battery pack 10 strongly, the impact applied by the battery pack 10 to the terminal plate 130' can be alleviated.

The buffer unit 220 may be located between the terminal plate 130 and the fixing plate 210. The buffer portion 220 may cushion and support the terminal plate 130 with respect to the fixing plate 210 .

In more detail, the shock absorber 220 may include a shock absorber 221 provided on the fixing plate 210 and a support 222 provided on the terminal plate. The support 222 may contact or be connected to the shock absorber 221 when the terminal plate 130' approaches the fixing plate 210.

The shock absorber 221 may be compressed and configured to absorb shock when in contact with or connected to the support 222. For example, shock absorber 221 may be a hydraulic or pneumatic compression shock absorber. Since the configuration of the shock absorber 221 is well-known, detailed description will be omitted.

The support 222 may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case 10. The support 222 may be approximately bar-shaped.

The support 222 may support the terminal plate 130' with respect to the case 110. In more detail, the support 222 may be in contact with the inner surface of the case 110 to support the terminal plate 130' so that it remains upright and moves without collapsing.

The support 222 may be provided on the other side of the terminal plate 130' facing the fixing plate 21.

The support 222 may be provided at a corner of the terminal plate 130'. That is, four supports 222 may be provided. Accordingly, the case 110 can be stably supported. Accordingly, the shock absorber 221 may be provided at the four corners of the fixing plate 210. However, it may be possible to have more or fewer supports 222 and shock absorbers 221 than four.

Although not shown in FIG. 12, the terminal plate 130' may be provided with the previously described pack fixing part 180 (see FIG. 9).

Meanwhile, the battery charging device 100C may further include a terminal plate fixing part 230 that selectively fixes the terminal plate 130' in the longitudinal direction of the case 110.

The terminal plate fixing part 230 may be provided on the case 110 or the fixing plate 210.

The terminal plate fixing unit 230 may fix the terminal plate 130' while the shock absorber 221 and the support 222 are connected or in contact with each other.

The configuration of the terminal plate fixing unit 230 is not limited. For example, the terminal plate fixing unit 230, similar to the plate fixing unit 190, includes a latch and a latch driver that drives the latch (e.g. , motor) may be included. In this case, a locking groove into which the latch is held may be formed in the terminal plate 130'. However, it is not limited to this, and those skilled in the art can implement the terminal plate fixing unit 230 in various ways.

The control unit 170 may control the terminal plate fixing unit 230 so that the terminal plate 130' is fixed or released. For example, the control unit 170 may control the plate fixing unit 230 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 102.

When the battery pack 10 or the terminal plate 130' reaches a preset position, the control unit 170 may control the terminal plate fixing unit 230 to fix the terminal plate 130'. When a signal to discharge the battery pack 10 is transmitted, the control unit 170 may control the terminal plate fixing unit 230 to release the terminal plate 130'.

Meanwhile, in order to easily discharge the battery pack 10, the buffer unit 220 may be configured to apply a restoring force to the terminal plate 130' toward the entrance of the receiving space S. For example, the shock absorber 221 may be configured not only to relieve shock, but also to push the support 222 by returning after being compressed.

Accordingly, when the terminal plate fixing unit 230 releases the fixation of the terminal plate 130', the terminal plate 130' and the battery pack 10 may move toward the entrance of the receiving space S due to the restoring force. . As a result, easy discharge of the battery pack 10 is possible.

However, the configuration for easy discharge of the battery pack 10 is not limited to this. For example, between the terminal plate 130' and the fixing plate 210, an elastic part separate from the buffer part 220 may be provided, or a pusher driven to push the terminal plate 130' may be provided. will be.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a battery charging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The battery charging device 100D according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a case 110 having a receiving space (S) into which the battery pack 10 is inserted, and a battery pack 10 inserted into the receiving space (S). ) and a terminal plate 130 provided with a charging terminal 131 selectively connected to the terminal plate 130, and a fixed plate facing the terminal plate 130 and located on the opposite side of the entrance of the receiving space (S) with respect to the terminal plate 130. It may include 310 and a buffer portion 320 that protrudes from the fixing plate 310 to the inside of the terminal plate 130 and cushions and supports the battery pack 10.

Hereinafter, descriptions that overlap with those previously described in the first to third embodiments will be used. It goes without saying that the configurations previously described in the first to third embodiments can be further included in the battery charging device 100D, even if they are not shown in FIG. 13 .

The fixing plate 310 may be disposed outside of the case 110. The fixing plate 310 may be fixed to the case 110 or to another structure outside the case 110. In this case, the fixing plate 310 may face the terminal plate 130 provided at the end of the case 110.

However, it is not limited to this, and it may be possible for the fixing plate 310 to be provided at the end of the case 110. In this case, the terminal plate 130 may be fixed to the inside of the case 110.

The buffer portion 320 may protrude from the fixing plate 310 to the inside of the terminal plate 130 . The buffer portion 320 may protrude from the fixing plate 310 through the terminal plate 130 into the receiving space (S).

In more detail, the shock absorber 320 includes a shock absorber 321 provided on the fixing plate 310, and a support 322 protruding from the shock absorber 321 to the inside of the terminal plate 130. can do.

The shock absorber 321 may be provided on one side of the two sides of the fixing plate 310 facing the terminal plate 130.

The shock absorber 321 may be configured to be compressed and absorb shock when the battery pack 10 hits the support 322. For example, shock absorber 321 may be a hydraulic or pneumatic compression shock absorber. Since the configuration of the shock absorber 321 is well-known, detailed description will be omitted.

The support 322 may support the battery pack 10 in the longitudinal direction of the case 110. The support 322 may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case 10. The support 322 may be approximately bar-shaped.

The support 322 may be connected to the shock absorber 321. In more detail, one end of the support 322 may be connected to the shock absorber 321. A damper 322d, which will be described later, may be provided at the other end of the support 322.

The length of the support 322 protruding from the shock absorber 321 may be variable. For example, when the shock absorber 321 is compressed, the length of the support 322 protruding from the shock absorber 321 may be reduced.

The support 322 may penetrate the terminal plate 130 and protrude into the receiving space (S). In more detail, a through hole 130h through which the support 322 passes may be formed in the terminal plate 130.

At the end of the support 322, a damper 322d configured to alleviate the impact applied by the battery pack 10 when the battery pack 10 is inserted may be provided.

By using the damper 322d, even if the user pushes the battery pack 10 strongly, the impact applied by the battery pack 10 to the support 322 can be alleviated.

The support 322 may pass through the four corners of the terminal plate 130 and protrude inward. That is, four supports 322 may be provided, and through holes 130h through which each support 322 passes may be formed at the four corners of the terminal plate 130. Accordingly, the shock absorber 321 may be provided at the four corners of the fixing plate 310. However, it may be possible for the number of supports 322 and shock absorbers 321 to be more or less than four.

As a result, the battery pack 10 can be stably supported and the support 322 can be prevented from interfering with the charging terminal 131.

Although not shown in FIG. 13, the terminal plate 130 may be provided with the previously described pack fixing part 180 (see FIG. 9).

Meanwhile, in order to easily discharge the battery pack 10, the shock absorber 320 may be configured to apply a restoring force to the battery pack 10 toward the entrance of the receiving space S. For example, the shock absorber 321 may be configured not only to relieve shock, but also to push the support 322 by returning after being compressed.

Accordingly, when the pack fixing unit 180 releases the fixation of the battery pack 10, the battery pack 10 may move toward the entrance of the receiving space (S) due to the elastic force. As a result, easy discharge of the battery pack 10 is possible.

The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations will be possible to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but are for illustrative purposes, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

10: Battery pack 100: Battery charging device
101: door sensor 102; proximity sensor
110: case 120: moving plate
130: terminal plate 131: charging terminal
140: guide part 141: guide rail
142: Guide block 143: Elastic member
145: electromagnet 150: opening and closing plate
160: door part 161: door frame
162: door plate 163: elastic hinge
164: Communication department 165: Door lock
166: locking device 166a: catching portion
167: Locking groove 170: Control unit
180: pack fixing part 181: hook
182: Hook driving part 190: Plate fixing part
191: Latch 192: Latch driving unit
210, 310: fixing plate
220, 320: Buffer part
221, 321: Shock absorber
222, 322: support

Claims (14)

A case having an accommodating space into which a battery pack is inserted;
a terminal plate provided with a charging terminal selectively connected to the battery pack inserted into the receiving space;
a fixing plate facing the terminal plate and located on an opposite side of the entrance of the receiving space with respect to the terminal plate; and
A battery charging device including a shock absorbing portion that protrudes from the fixing plate through the terminal plate into the receiving space and contacts the battery pack to cushion and support the battery pack. According to claim 1,
The buffer part,
A shock absorber provided on the fixing plate; and
A battery charging device including a support that extends protruding from the shock absorber to the inside of the terminal plate. According to claim 2,
A battery charging device, wherein an end of the support is provided with a damper configured to alleviate the impact applied by the battery pack when the battery pack is inserted. According to claim 2,
A battery charging device in which a through hole through which the support passes is formed in the terminal plate. According to claim 2,
A battery charging device wherein the support passes through four corners of the terminal plate and protrudes inward. According to claim 1,
A battery charging device in which the buffer unit applies an elastic force to the battery pack toward the entrance of the receiving space. According to claim 1,
A battery charging device further comprising a pack fixing part provided on the terminal plate and fixing the battery pack when the battery pack and the charging terminal are connected. According to claim 1,
A battery charging device further comprising a door portion that selectively opens and closes the entrance to the receiving space. According to claim 8,
The door part,
a door frame provided at one end of the case and defining an entrance to the receiving space; and
A battery charging device comprising a door plate rotatably hingedly connected to the door frame and selectively opening and closing an entrance to the accommodation space. According to clause 9,
A battery charging device wherein the door portion is provided with a door lock that selectively locks the door plate with respect to the door frame. According to claim 10,
The door lock is,
A locking groove formed in the door frame; and
A battery charging device including a locking device provided on the door plate and selectively inserting a locking portion into the locking groove. According to claim 10,
In the door part,
A communication unit is provided that communicates wirelessly with an external device or the battery pack,
A battery charging device in which the door lock is selectively locked or unlocked according to a signal input through the communication unit. According to clause 9,
The door plate is connected to the door frame through an elastic hinge,
The elastic hinge is,
A battery charging device that applies an elastic force to the door plate so that the door plate closes the entrance to the receiving space. According to clause 9,
When the battery pack is inserted into the receiving space, the opened door plate is positioned between the battery pack and the inner surface of the case.

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