JPH0998518A - Battery connecting equipment of electric vehicle and controlling equipment of electric vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make an easy replacement of a battery and use the battery safely and properly by providing a case with connectors which are automatically connected to those of an electric vehicle when the case is mounted on the electric vehicle. SOLUTION: When a case 6 is mounted on a vehicle body 14, the first thing to do is to insert a guide pin 15p into a guide hole 15h with the case 6 being held by a mechanical means. With the guide pin 15p being kept set in the guide hole 15h, the case 6 is raised and soon connectors 7Bc-1, 7Bc-2, 8Bc-1, and 8Bc-2 are automatically fit in with connectors 7Sc-1, 7Sc-2, 8Sc-1, and 8Sc-2 respectively and then electrically connected. On the contrary, when the case 6 is demounted, the connection between the connectors of the case and those of the electric vehicle is automatically canceled. Since the connectors of the case and those of the electric vehicle are automatically connected or disconnected according to a replacement work of a battery as described above, the battery can be replaced easily.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a battery connecting device for an electric vehicle and a control device for an electric vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is an electric vehicle in which driving wheels are driven by an electric motor and the electric motor is driven by electric power from a vehicle battery. A large number of batteries are provided on a battery storage tray as indicated by reference numeral 1 in FIG. The battery storage tray 1 is detachably provided in the electric vehicle.

In each of these batteries, several batteries are connected in series to form one group, and a main cable 2 is provided for each group. A battery connector 2BC is provided at an end of each main cable 2, and is connected to a vehicle body side connector 3BC provided at one end side of each vehicle body side main cable 3.

At the other end of each main cable 3, there is provided an intermediate connector # 1 which is connected to an intermediate connector # 2 provided inside the vehicle body. Each intermediate connector # 1 is connected to the intermediate connector # 1. By connecting to group 2, each group can be connected in series.

When the battery needs to be replaced due to deterioration over time, the battery storage tray 1 is removed from the vehicle body, the battery is replaced, or a new battery storage tray 1 with a new battery is mounted. The direction of attachment / detachment at the time of attachment / detachment is indicated by a bidirectional arrow.

A large number of batteries are used,
Since the weight is considerable, the battery storage tray 1 is attached or detached from below by a mechanical means with respect to the attachment portion of the battery storage tray provided in the lower portion of the vehicle body.

On the other hand, the electric vehicle is provided with a control ROM 4 storing the upper portion for performing control according to the characteristics of the battery, and the control ROM 4 is normally assumed to be mounted when the electric vehicle is developed. Information about the battery is stored.

[0008]

Battery storage tray 1
In order to remove the battery from the vehicle body, the floor of the vehicle body is removed, the intermediate connector # 1 and the intermediate connector # 2 are manually removed, and then the bolts for attaching the battery storage tray 1 to the vehicle body are removed and the battery storage tray 1 is lowered. Down to
The connection between the battery connector 2Bc and the vehicle body side connector 3Bc will be manually disconnected. When the battery storage tray 1 is attached to the vehicle body, the reverse operation to the above is performed. Not only is it extremely time-consuming and complicated to replace the floor of the electric vehicle or manually connect the electric vehicle, but the high-voltage intermediate connector # 1 and the intermediate connector # 2 are generated. There is a problem that you have to manually connect.

When a new battery with improved performance is developed after the development of the electric vehicle, the control ROM 4 normally stores information about the battery which is supposed to be installed when the electric vehicle is developed. Therefore, even if the new battery is mounted, a control command that does not match the characteristics of the new battery is input when the electric vehicle is operated, and the performance of the new battery cannot be exhibited. In addition, the new battery may be damaged by a control command that does not match the characteristics of the new battery.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a battery connecting device for an electric vehicle and a control device for an electric vehicle, which facilitates battery replacement work and enables safe and proper use of the battery.

[0011]

The present invention provides (1). In a battery connecting device for an electric vehicle that drives an electric motor to run by an on-vehicle battery, a case in which the plurality of batteries are mounted, a connector provided in the case and connected to a terminal of the battery, and provided in the electric vehicle. A connector which is automatically connected to the connector when the case is mounted on the electric vehicle is provided (claim 1).

(2). In the battery connecting device for an electric vehicle according to (1), the connector is provided on an upper surface of the case (claim 2).

(3). In the battery connecting device for an electric vehicle according to (1) or (2), the connector is provided for each of a plurality of groups of the battery (claim 3).

(4). (3) In the battery connecting device for an electric vehicle according to (3), the connector formed corresponding to the plurality of connectors connects the electric power from the plurality of connectors in series and supplies the electric power to the electric motor ( Claim 4).

(5). (1) In the battery connection device for an electric vehicle according to (1), the case stores the data in a data holder that stores data representing the type of the battery and a controller of the electric vehicle when the case is mounted in the electric vehicle. A sending unit for sending is provided (Claim 5).

(6). In the battery connecting device for an electric vehicle according to (5), the data holder stores information relating to the characteristics of the battery (claim 6).

(7). In a control device for an electric vehicle that drives an electric motor with an on-vehicle battery to drive the vehicle and drives a generator with an on-vehicle prime mover to charge the battery, the plurality of batteries are mounted and the type of the battery is indicated. A case having a data holder for storing data and a communication section for sending the data to a controller of the electric vehicle when the case is mounted on the electric vehicle, a connector provided in the case and connected to a terminal of the battery A connector that is provided in the electric vehicle and is automatically connected to the connector when the case is mounted in the electric vehicle; the battery is discharged from the data holding unit when the battery is running from a substantially fully charged state; The optimum charging start time detecting means for detecting that the optimum charging start time has been reached, Charging control means for charging the battery subjected to power generation by operating the motor in response to the signal until optimum discharge start state obtained from said data holding unit, equipped with (claim 7).

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(1) [Examples corresponding to claims 1 to 4] In this example, when a battery storage tray (hereinafter, referred to as a case) on which a plurality of batteries are mounted is attached to the vehicle body side,
The battery connector and the connector on the vehicle body side are automatically connected in accordance with the mounting operation.

Further, the control ROM storing the information such as the type and characteristics of the battery can be provided on the case side as a set with the battery instead of being provided on the vehicle body side as in the conventional case, while the electric vehicle is provided on the vehicle body side. For all types of batteries to be installed in, there is a controller having a program capable of performing appropriate control corresponding to each battery, and even between these control ROM and controller,
The automatic connection means such as the battery connector and the connector on the vehicle body side allows automatic connection according to attachment / detachment of the case.

In FIGS. 1 and 2A, reference numeral 6 indicates a case in which a battery is mounted. Assuming that one battery is indicated by reference numeral 11 on the case 6, a total of 30 such batteries 11 are mounted.

Each battery has terminals of (+) and (-) poles, and two battery groups each having 15 batteries connected in series in consideration of the burden on the connector and safety. For the first group, its (+) pole is connected to the battery connector 7Bc-1 and (-).
The poles are connected to the battery connector 7Bc-2, respectively. Similarly, the (+) pole of the second group is connected to the battery connector 8Bc-1 and the (−) pole thereof is connected to the battery connector 8Bc-2.

In FIG. 1, the lead wire for connecting the battery and the connector is indicated by a symbol K. Depending on the voltage characteristics of the battery, it may be divided into a number of battery groups other than the above, and the connection method may be connected in parallel instead of in series. These connectors 7Bc
-1, 7Bc-2, 8Bc-1, 8Bc-2 are in the shape of a female cylinder, and are provided on the upper surface of the case 6.

In FIG. 1, the body 14 of the electric vehicle.
At the position where the case 6 is to be attached, and the connectors 7Bc-1, 7Bc-2, 8Bc-1, 8
At a position corresponding to Bc-2, a pin-shaped connector 7Sc- that fits into the female recess or hole of these connectors.
1, 7Sc-2, 8Sc-1, and 8Sc-2 are provided.

When the case 6 is attached to the vehicle body 14, the connectors 7Bc-1, 7Bc-2, 8Bc-
1, 8Bc-2 are connectors 7Sc-1, 7Sc-, respectively.
2, 8Sc-1 and 8Sc-2 are fitted and electrically connected. It is also possible to reverse the relationship of unevenness in these connectors and connectors.

In FIG. 1, four mounting holes 12h are formed at four corners of the case 6, and the case 6 is attached to the electric vehicle at the lower part of the vehicle body 14 by the mounting holes 1h.
It will be tightened and fixed by the bolt 12B through 2h.

A plurality of guide holes 15h are formed in the case 6. Then, guide pins 15p are provided on the vehicle body 14 side corresponding to these guide holes 15h. When attaching the case 6 to the vehicle body 14, when the case 6 is held by mechanical means and lifted, the guide pin 15p is first fitted into the guide hole 15h.

While being held in this fitting relationship, the case 6 is guided and raised, and eventually the connectors 7Bc-1 and 7Bc-.
2, 8Bc-1, 8Bc-2 and connector 7Sc-1, 7S
The c-2, 8Sc-1, and 8Sc-2 are automatically brought into a fitted state, and an electrical connection is achieved. Thus, when the case 6 is mounted on an electric vehicle, the connector 7Sc-1,
7Sc-2, 8Sc-1, 8Sc-2 are connectors 7Bc
-1, 7Bc-2, 8Bc-1, 8Bc-2 are automatically connected. On the contrary, when the case 6 is removed, the connection between the connector and the connector is automatically released.

In this way, the connection and disconnection between the connector and the connector are automatically performed in accordance with the battery replacement work, so that the battery replacement work becomes very simple.

The connectors 7Sc-1 and 7Sc-2 and the connector 8
Sc-1 and 8Sc-2 form a set, and the electric power from the batteries divided into two groups as described above is input to each set. The electric power from the connectors of each set is added by the series connection wired on the vehicle body side, and the total electric power is input to the output control means 16 through the wiring path N1 that follows the thick arrow.

The electric power input to the output control means 16 is supplied to the electric motor 17 through the wiring route N2 that follows the thick arrow. The power generated by the electric motor 17 is transmitted to a drive wheel 19 via a power transmission device 18 including a speed reducer, a transmission, a differential device, and the like.
Rotate R and 19L.

(2) [Examples corresponding to claims 5 and 6] In FIGS. 1 and 2A, the type of the battery is indicated on the upper surface of the case 6 by being attached to the connector 7Bc-1 or the like. A control ROM 20 is provided as a data holder for storing data. The control ROM 20 has a rectangular plate shape, and is attachable / detachable along a mounting groove 40 formed in a mounting tool 21 shown in FIG. 2B.

A female connector 20Bc is formed in a part of the control ROM 20. On the other hand, on the vehicle body side,
A plate-shaped terminal 22Sc that fits into the connector 20Bc is formed. When the case 6 is attached to the vehicle body 14, the connector 20Bc and the terminal 22Sc are fitted to each other to achieve an electrically connected state.

As described above, the terminal 22Sc automatically controls the RO when the case 6 is mounted on the electric vehicle.
A signal is sent to the control means 23 as indicated by an arrow 30 by the wiring connected to the M20 and electrically connected to the terminal 22Sc.

According to the information in the control ROM 23, the control means 23 uses the type of the battery installed, for example, an oxygen battery typified by a nickel battery in terms of material, an alkaline battery typified by an aluminum battery, or a normal type in terms of application. The output control means 16 functions to discriminate between a battery for running and a battery for sports mode and realize control according to the characteristics of the battery.
The electric power to be supplied to the electric motor 17 is set in accordance with the driving condition of the electric vehicle in accordance with the control command shown in FIG.
The controller 24 according to claim 5 is configured.

Since the terminal 22Sc sends the data of the control ROM 20 to the control means 23, it constitutes a transmitting section according to claim 5. The control ROM 20 is case 6
It is a set with the battery 11 installed in the, and stores data such as the type and characteristics of the battery 11,
A data holder according to claim 6 is configured.

As described above, since the control ROM 20 suitable for the installed battery can be installed in advance on the case 6 side without fail, when the battery is replaced together with the case 6, it is always compatible with the battery. This information is sent to the control means 23, and proper battery use and electric vehicle control are ensured.

In the above description, an example in which the connector 20Bc is formed in the control ROM 20 has been described, but it may be formed on the mounting tool 21 side. In that case, control ROM2
It is needless to say that a means for transmitting and receiving a signal is provided between 0 and the fixture 21.

(3) [Example Corresponding to Claim 7] In the case of a so-called hybrid type electric vehicle of the present invention, a generator and a prime mover are provided as charging means for the battery. The above examples (1) and (2) are not limited to the hybrid type electric vehicle and can be implemented. The example described below relates to a hybrid type electric vehicle.

In the following example, a configuration added to the configurations described in (1) and (2) above will be described. In a hybrid type electric vehicle, as shown in FIG. 3, after external charging, the vehicle starts running at the power of the battery up to the power generation start battery charge rate according to the charge rate change straight line during the initial battery running after the external charge, and the power generation start battery When the charging rate is reached, the generator shifts to hybrid driving in which the generator is driven and charging is performed according to the charging rate change straight line during hybrid driving. When the battery is charged and power generation is stopped and the battery charging rate is reached, the driving of the generator is stopped, and the vehicle is again driven by the power of only the battery in accordance with the straight line of the charging rate during battery driving.

Here, the range from the power generation start battery charging rate to the power generation stop battery charging rate indicated by the symbol in FIG. 3 differs depending on the type of battery, and the information stored in the control ROM 20 includes such information. Further, the control means 23 also functions to perform appropriate control in response to such information.

In this embodiment, the controller 24 is provided with an optimum charging start timing detecting means 25 and a charging control means 26. The optimum charging start timing detection means 25 inputs a signal from a measuring instrument for measuring the magnitude of the input power from the connectors 7Sc-1, 7Sc-2, 8Sc-1, 8Sc-2,
When the optimum charging start time is detected, the arrow 3
The control signal indicated by 2 is sent to the charging control means 26.

The charging control means 26 sends control signals to the prime mover 27 and the generator 28 as indicated by arrows 33 and 34, respectively, controls these individually to obtain power from the generator 28, and the power indicated by the thick arrow. Connector 7 via supply path N3
Electric power for charging is supplied to Sc-1, 7Sc-2, 8Sc-1, 8Sc-2. Here, the information contained in the control ROM 20 includes information on the optimum discharge start state of the battery 11, and this information reaches the charging control means 26 via the control means 23 as indicated by an arrow 35, and the arrow Three
Command stop control of the prime mover 27, the generator 28 and the like is performed by the control signals 3 and 34.

In this example, case 6, connectors 7Bc-1, 7Bc-2, 8Bc-1, 8Bc-2, and
Connector 7Sc-1, 7Sc-2, 8Sc-1, 8Sc-
2, optimum charging start time detection means 25, charging control means 2
6, the control device for the electric vehicle is configured with the control ROM 20, the terminal 22Sc and the like as main components.

With such a structure, the charging equipment of the hybrid type vehicle can be properly controlled even when the battery is replaced.

[0045]

According to the present invention, the connector can be automatically connected to facilitate the battery replacement work, and
Further, it is possible to provide a battery connecting device for an electric vehicle and a control device for an electric vehicle that can properly and safely use the battery regardless of the type of the battery.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery connecting device according to the present invention and a configuration of an electric vehicle control device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a case storing a battery and a control ROM.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a charging rate characteristic of a battery.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining how a conventional battery is replaced.

[Explanation of symbols]

 6 Case (Battery Mounted) 7Bc-1 (Provided on the Case Side) Connector 7Bc-2 (Provided on the Case Side) Connector 7Sc-1 (Provided on the Electric Vehicle Side) Connector 7Sc-2 ( Connector 8Bc-1 (provided on the case side) Connector 8Bc-2 (provided on the case side) Connector 8Sc-1 (provided on the electric vehicle side) Connector 8Sc- 2 Connector (provided on the electric vehicle side) 20 Control ROM 22Sc (as a data holding section) Terminal 24 (as a transmission section) 24 Controller 25 Optimal charging start timing detection means 26 Charging control means

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A battery connecting device for an electric vehicle that drives an electric motor to drive a battery mounted on a vehicle, a case in which the plurality of batteries are mounted, a connector provided in the case and connected to a terminal of the battery, A battery connecting device for an electric vehicle, comprising: a connector provided on the vehicle and automatically connected to the connector when the case is mounted on the electric vehicle. 2. The battery connecting device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the connector is provided on an upper surface of the case. 3. The battery connecting device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector is provided for each of a plurality of groups of the batteries. 4. The battery connecting device for an electric vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the connector formed corresponding to the plurality of connectors supplies electric power from the plurality of connectors in series to the electric motor. A battery connecting device for an electric vehicle, characterized in that 5. The battery connecting device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the case is a data holder for storing data representing a type of the battery, and the electric vehicle is controlled when the case is mounted on the electric vehicle. A battery connecting device for an electric vehicle, comprising a transmitter for transmitting the above data to a battery. 6. The battery connecting device for an electric vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the data holder stores information relating to characteristics of the battery. 7. A control device for an electric vehicle in which an on-vehicle battery drives an electric motor to drive the vehicle, and a vehicle-mounted prime mover drives an electric generator to charge the battery. A case having a data holder for storing data representing the type of battery and a communication unit for sending the data to a controller of the electric vehicle when the case is mounted on the electric vehicle, and a terminal of the battery provided in the case A connector connected to the electric vehicle, a connector provided on the electric vehicle and automatically connected to the connector when the case is mounted on the electric vehicle, and the battery is discharged by being driven from a substantially fully charged state or the like. Optimal charging start timing detection means for detecting that the optimal charging start timing obtained from the data holding unit has been reached; Charging control means for operating the prime mover in response to a signal from the timing detection means to generate power to charge the battery to an optimum discharge start state obtained from the data holder, Automotive control unit.