WO2017130410A1 - Electric-vehicle battery charging system - Google Patents

Electric-vehicle battery charging system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017130410A1
WO2017130410A1 PCT/JP2016/052801 JP2016052801W WO2017130410A1 WO 2017130410 A1 WO2017130410 A1 WO 2017130410A1 JP 2016052801 W JP2016052801 W JP 2016052801W WO 2017130410 A1 WO2017130410 A1 WO 2017130410A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
state
receptacle
battery
plug
charging
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2016/052801
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
一郎 木場
ユ ウエー チェン
チェン ジ ポン
チェン ハン リ
村上　淳
ヤン リン ポン
Original Assignee
ヤマハ発動機株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ヤマハ発動機株式会社 filed Critical ヤマハ発動機株式会社
Priority to PCT/JP2016/052801 priority Critical patent/WO2017130410A1/en
Priority to TW105125496A priority patent/TW201726453A/en
Publication of WO2017130410A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017130410A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for charging a battery used in an electric vehicle.
  • the electric motor is supplied with electric power from, for example, a battery built in the electric two-wheeler and rotates, and the electric two-wheeled vehicle travels.
  • the battery is chargeable, and by charging the battery, the electric motorcycle can travel repeatedly. Charging of the battery built in the electric motorcycle can be performed by connecting a charging plug to a receptacle provided in the vehicle. In addition, when the battery is removable from the vehicle, charging can also be performed by removing the battery from the vehicle and connecting a charging plug to a receptacle provided in the battery.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for charging a battery built in an electric vehicle.
  • charging is performed by connecting a charging plug to a receptacle provided in a vehicle. After the charging plug is completely attached to the receptacle of the vehicle, when the user turns on the charging switch and charging current flows in the charging line, the lock mechanism operates to prevent the charging plug from coming out of the receptacle.
  • the connection between the charging plug and the receptacle is kept in a locked state so that the user operates the charging plug during charging so as not to remove the charging plug from the vehicle.
  • Patent Document 2 discloses an electric two-wheeled vehicle that performs charging using a small connector having no space for providing a lock mechanism.
  • a sensor for detecting an operation of a vehicle body frame is provided in a vehicle, and charging is stopped when the operation of the vehicle body frame is detected. If the user tries to move the vehicle while charging, or the vehicle is about to fall, the sensor detects that movement.
  • the sensor that has detected the movement of the vehicle body frame outputs a detection signal to the microcomputer, and the microcomputer performs control to stop the charging in anticipation of the possibility of disconnection of the connector.
  • Patent Document 1 while the charging switch is turned on and charging current flows in the charging line, the state in which the connection between the charging plug and the receptacle of the vehicle is locked is maintained. Therefore, when it is desired to stop charging halfway and remove the charging plug, the user needs to turn off the charging switch to stop charging or wait until charging is completed. Moreover, while the structure of a locking mechanism is complicated, the subject that the charging plug which mounts such a locking mechanism enlarges occurs.
  • the present invention provides a battery charging system for an electric vehicle, which has a simple structure and stops the current supplied to the cells of the battery as the user performs an operation to remove the charging plug from the receptacle to the charging plug.
  • the plug base provided with the terminal moves relative to the plug base according to the operation of the user, and the connection between the plug base and the receptacle is performed.
  • a movable part that changes from the locked state to the locked state to the released state where the locked state is released, and a detection mechanism in which the movable part constitutes at least a part, and detects a change from the locked state to the released state And a mechanism for stopping the supply of current to the cells of the battery in response to the change from the locked state to the released state.
  • the movable portion that moves according to the user's operation constitutes at least a part of the detection mechanism that detects a change from the locked state to the released state. Therefore, with a simple structure, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation and to stop the current supply to the battery cell before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle. This can suppress the occurrence of arcing between the terminals and protect the terminals.
  • the mechanism for stopping the supply of current to the cells of the battery may be a switch.
  • the apparatus may further include a lock mechanism that locks a state in which the plug base is connected to the receptacle, and the movable portion may change to the release state upon release of the lock by the lock mechanism.
  • the plug base is insertable into and removable from the receptacle in the axial direction of the terminal, and the movable portion moves in a direction different from the axial direction to move the lock state from the locked state. It may change to the release state.
  • the operating direction in which the user releases the lock is different from the insertion and removal direction of the plug base, which can prevent the plug base from being detached from the receptacle by the force applied by the user for unlocking.
  • the plug base is insertable into and removable from the receptacle in the axial direction of the terminal, and the movable portion rotates along a circumferential direction of a rotation axis parallel to the axial direction. It may change from the locked state to the released state.
  • the operating direction in which the user releases the lock is different from the insertion and removal direction of the plug base, which can prevent the plug base from being detached from the receptacle by the force applied by the user for unlocking.
  • the movable part may have a gripping part that is held by the hand and applies a force when the user moves the movable part.
  • the movable part has a grip that allows the user to apply a force when releasing the lock, so that the user's operation to release the lock can be detected immediately, and the cell of the battery can be released before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle. It is possible to shut off the current supply to
  • the movable portion may have a grip portion which a user holds by hand and applies a force when the plug base is extracted from the receptacle.
  • the movable portion has a grip portion to which the user applies a force when extracting the plug base from the receptacle, the user of the extraction operation immediately detects an operation of releasing the lock, and the terminal of the plug base is separated from the terminal of the receptacle Before the current supply to the cells of the battery can be stopped.
  • At least a part of the detection mechanism may be provided in an electric vehicle.
  • the user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the battery cell can be stopped before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle.
  • the plug base and the movable portion may be provided to a charging plug, and the mechanism and the receptacle for stopping the supply of current to cells of the battery may be provided to an electric vehicle.
  • the charging plug is connected to the electric vehicle, the user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the battery cell can be stopped before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle.
  • At least a part of the detection mechanism may be provided in the battery.
  • the user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the battery cell can be stopped before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle.
  • the plug base and the movable portion may be provided on a charging plug, and the mechanism and the receptacle for stopping the supply of current to cells of the battery may be provided on the battery.
  • the charging plug is connected to the battery, the user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the battery cell can be stopped before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle.
  • the detection mechanism includes a micro switch that switches on and off according to the movement of the movable portion, and the detection mechanism switches the micro switch between on and off. A change from the locked state of the movable part to the released state may be detected. Thereby, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation with a simple structure and to stop the current supply to the cells of the battery before the terminals of the plug base are separated from the terminals of the receptacle.
  • the detection mechanism includes a magnetic sensor that switches on and off in response to an applied magnetic field, and the magnetic field applied to the magnetic sensor changes in response to movement of the movable portion.
  • the detection mechanism may detect a change from the locked state of the movable portion to the released state by a change in a magnetic field applied to the magnetic sensor.
  • the charging plug according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the battery charging system for an electric vehicle. According to the charging plug according to the embodiment of the present invention, the user's unlocking operation is immediately detected with a simple structure, and the current supply to the battery cell is stopped before the charging plug terminal leaves the receptacle terminal. can do.
  • a battery charging system for an electric vehicle includes a plug provided with a terminal, and a receptacle provided with a terminal connected to the plug, and at least one of the plugs according to a user's operation. From a locked state in which the portion moves relative to the receptacle and the plug and the receptacle lock the connection between the plug and the receptacle in response to movement of at least a portion of the plug relative to the receptacle A detection mechanism which changes to a release state in which the lock state is released, and in which each of the plug and the receptacle constitutes at least a part, and detects a change from the lock state to the release state; In response to the change from the locked state to the released state, the supply of current to the cells of the battery is And a mechanism to stop.
  • Each of the plug and the receptacle constitutes at least a part of a detection mechanism that detects a change from the locked state to the released state. Therefore, with a simple structure, the user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the battery cell can be stopped before the plug terminal leaves the receptacle terminal. This prevents the occurrence of arcing between the terminals and can protect the terminals.
  • the movable portion that moves in accordance with the user's operation constitutes at least a part of the detection mechanism that detects a change from the locked state to the released state. Therefore, with a simple structure, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation and to stop the current supply to the battery cell before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle. This can suppress the occurrence of arcing between the terminals and protect the terminals.
  • FIG. 1 It is a figure showing the electric motorcycle concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the mode of charge of the electric two-wheeled vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention.
  • A) is a front view which shows the receptacle of the electric two-wheeled vehicle concerning embodiment of this invention,
  • (b) is a perspective view which shows the charge plug of the charge cable which concerns on embodiment of this invention.
  • (A) is a side view showing a receptacle concerning an embodiment of the present invention
  • (b) is a side view showing a charge plug concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view showing the state where the charge plug was inserted in the receptacle concerning the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state by detection mechanism concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. It is a figure showing the charge system which charges the battery of the electric two-wheeled vehicle concerning the embodiment of the present invention.
  • (A) is a front view which shows the receptacle in which the magnetic sensor which concerns on embodiment of this invention is arrange
  • (b) is a perspective view which shows the charge plug by which the magnet is arrange
  • (A) to (c) illustrate the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state by the detection mechanism including the magnetic sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining.
  • (A) is a front view which shows the receptacle in which the magnetic sensor which concerns on embodiment of this invention is arrange
  • (b) is a perspective view which shows the charge plug by which the magnet is arrange
  • (A) to (c) illustrate the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state by the detection mechanism including the magnetic sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • (A) is a front view which shows the charging plug which concerns on embodiment of this invention
  • (b) is a side view which shows the charging plug which concerns on embodiment of this invention.
  • (A) is a front view which shows the receptacle which concerns on embodiment of this invention
  • (b) is sectional drawing which shows the receptacle which concerns on embodiment of this invention.
  • detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view showing a straddle-type electric vehicle which is an example of the electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the straddle-type electric vehicle is a scooter-type electric two-wheeled vehicle 1.
  • the straddle-type electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the scooter-type electric two-wheeled vehicle exemplified here.
  • the straddle-type electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention may be another type of electric motorcycle such as a so-called on-road type, an off-road type, or a moped type.
  • the straddle-type electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention means any vehicle on which a passenger straddles and is not limited to a two-wheeled vehicle.
  • the straddle-type electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a three-wheeled vehicle (LMW) of a type that changes the traveling direction by tilting the vehicle body, or another straddle-type electric vehicle such as ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). It may be a vehicle.
  • LMW three-wheeled vehicle
  • ATV All Terrain Vehicle
  • the electric motorcycle 1 includes a vehicle body 8, a steering handle 18, front wheels 12, rear wheels 13, and an electric motor 11.
  • a part of the inside of the electric motorcycle 1 is shown in FIG.
  • the vehicle body 8 has a structure including a vehicle body frame and a vehicle body cover.
  • the vehicle body 8 supports a front fork 14.
  • a steering handle 18 is attached to the top of the front fork 14.
  • a front wheel 12 is supported at the lower end of the front fork 14.
  • a display unit 19 for displaying various information such as the traveling speed, the remaining amount of battery, the operation mode and the like is provided.
  • the rear wheel 13 and the electric motor 11 are swingably supported by the swing arm 16 on the vehicle body 8.
  • the driving wheel is the rear wheel 13 and the driven wheel is the front wheel 12.
  • the rotation of the electric motor 11 is transmitted to the rear wheel 13, whereby the electric motorcycle 1 travels.
  • the electric motorcycle 1 further includes a battery 4 for supplying electric power to the electric motor 11 and an MCU (Motor Control Unit) 7 for controlling the operation of the electric motor 11.
  • a battery 4 for supplying electric power to the electric motor 11
  • an MCU (Motor Control Unit) 7 for controlling the operation of the electric motor 11.
  • a seat 17 is provided at the top of the vehicle body 8 and the user sits on the seat 17 to drive the electric motorcycle 1.
  • a storage box 15 for storing a user's helmet and luggage.
  • the storage box 15 is in the form of a box whose upper surface is open, and the sheet 17 is provided so as to cover the upper surface of the storage box 15.
  • the sheet 17 is an openable and closable sheet as indicated by an alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1. By opening the sheet 17, the user can carry out loading and unloading of the storage box 15.
  • the battery 4 is disposed adjacent to the storage box 15.
  • the disposition position of the battery 4 is arbitrary, and may be disposed, for example, in the lower part of the area where the user's foot of the vehicle body 8 is placed.
  • a receptacle 2 to which a charging cable is connected is provided near the center of the vehicle.
  • the electric motorcycle 1 charges the battery 4 using a charging system that supplies electric power from the charger 5 (FIG. 2) to the battery 4 in the electric motorcycle 1.
  • the MCU 7 controls the operation of the electric motorcycle 1.
  • the MCU 7 performs, for example, control of the operation of the electric motor 11, control of charging of the battery 4, and the like.
  • the battery 4 has, for example, a configuration in which a positive electrode line, a negative electrode line, and a signal communication line extend from a battery pack housing a plurality of cells.
  • the positive electrode line, the negative electrode line, and the signal communication line are connected to the receptacle 2 via the MCU 7.
  • the charging cable 51 is connected to the receptacle 2 to electrically connect the charging cable 51 and the battery 4.
  • the battery 4 of the present embodiment is attachable to and detachable from the vehicle body 8, and the user opens the seat 17 and holds the battery 4 by hand to lift the battery 4 upward, thereby removing the battery 4 to the outside of the vehicle body 8 be able to.
  • the battery 4 may not be removable, and may be fixed to the vehicle body 8 and can not be removed.
  • the form in which the battery 4 can not be removed refers to, for example, a form that requires some tool for removing the battery, such as fixing using a bolt and a nut.
  • the number of the batteries 4 mounted on the electric motorcycle 1 is not limited to one, and two or more batteries 4 may be mounted.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how the electric motorcycle 1 is charged.
  • the charger 5 is, for example, a charger for performing charging at home, and power is supplied to the charger 5 by connecting the plug 53 of the charger 5 to an outlet (home AC power supply) 55.
  • the charger 5 converts the input AC voltage into an appropriate DC voltage according to the charging mode, and supplies the DC voltage to the electric two-wheeled vehicle 1 via the charging cable 51.
  • a charging plug 3 is provided at one end of the charging cable 51.
  • power is supplied from the charger 5 to the battery 4 of the electric motorcycle 1 through the charging cable 51, and charging is performed.
  • the control of charging may be performed by transmitting and receiving data relating to charging between the charger 5 and the MCU 7 of the electric motorcycle 1.
  • FIG. 3 (a) is a front view showing the receptacle 2 of the electric motorcycle 1
  • FIG. 3 (b) is a perspective view showing the charging plug 3 of the charging cable 51. As shown in FIG.
  • the receptacle 2 has an electrode terminal 23a and 23b to which a current for charging is supplied, and a receptacle base 21 provided with signal terminals 24a and 24b for transmitting and receiving data related to charging.
  • the charging plug 3 has a plug base 31 provided with electrode terminals 33a and 33b to which a charging current is supplied, and signal terminals 34a and 34b for transmitting and receiving data related to charging.
  • the number and type of electrode terminals and signal terminals are arbitrary.
  • the signal terminals may be set to various numbers depending on the form of data to be transmitted and received.
  • the receptacle 2 and the charging plug 3 may be provided with electrode terminals for discharging.
  • transmission and reception of data may be performed by wireless communication (for example, near field communication).
  • the electrode terminals 33a and 33b and the signal terminals 34a and 34b of the charging plug 3 are male terminals
  • the electrode terminals 23a and 23b and the signal terminals 24a and 24b of the receptacle 2 are female terminals.
  • the relationship between the male and female terminals may be reversed.
  • the electrode terminals 33 a and 33 b of the plug base 31 are inserted into the electrode terminals 23 a and 23 b of the receptacle base 21 for electrical connection.
  • the signal terminals 34 a and 34 b of the plug base 31 are inserted into the signal terminals 24 a and 24 b of the receptacle base 21 for electrical connection.
  • the receptacle 2 may have a cover that covers the terminal portion. By covering the terminals with a cover except during charging, it is possible to prevent rain and dust from entering and leakage. Further, a cover may be provided on the charging plug 3 of the charging cable 51 as well.
  • the receptacle 2 and the charging plug 3 are bayonet lock connectors.
  • 4 (a) is a side view showing the receptacle 2
  • FIG. 4 (b) is a side view showing the charging plug 3.
  • FIG. 4A a portion of the receptacle base 21 shows its cross section.
  • the receptacle 2 has a cylindrical connection holding portion 27.
  • the charging plug 3 has a cylindrical connection holding portion 37.
  • the connection holding portions 27 and 37 are lock mechanisms 30 in the bayonet lock method, and lock the state in which the charging plug 3 is connected to the receptacle 2.
  • the charging plug 3 has a movable portion 32 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the plug base 31.
  • the movable portion 32 moves relative to the plug base 31 to change its position.
  • the movable portion 32 is attached to the plug base 31 rotatably in the circumferential direction.
  • the movable portion 32 rotates along the circumferential direction of the rotation axis parallel to the axial direction 39a in which the electrode terminals 33a and 33b extend.
  • the insertion / extraction direction 39b of the charging plug 3 with respect to the receptacle 2 is parallel to the axial direction 39a.
  • the movable portion 32 has an annular grip portion 36 and a cylindrical connection holding portion 37.
  • the gripping portion 36 and the connection holding portion 37 are fixed to each other.
  • the grip portion 36 and the connection holding portion 37 may be integrally formed.
  • the grip portion 36 is a member that is held by the hand and applies a force when the user rotates the movable portion 32. Further, even when the user pulls out the charging plug 3 from the receptacle 2, the user holds the grip portion 36 by hand to apply a force, and pulls out.
  • the connection holding portion 37 also rotates along with the grip portion 36.
  • a plurality of protrusions 38 protruding outward in the radial direction are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the connection holding portion 37 as a bayonet lock type engagement portion.
  • connection holding portion 27 of the receptacle 2 is provided with a plurality of penetrating grooves 28 as a bayonet lock type engaging portion.
  • the groove 28 has a shape that is bent in the circumferential direction and extends after extending along the direction in which the charging plug 3 is inserted into the receptacle 2.
  • the protrusion 38 of the charging plug 3 is disposed at a position corresponding to the opening position of the groove 28 of the receptacle 2.
  • FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are side views showing a state in which the charging plug 3 is inserted into the receptacle 2, and a portion of the receptacle base 21 shows a cross section thereof for the purpose of clearly explaining the connection state.
  • the user When connecting the charging plug 3 to the receptacle 2, the user positions the projection 38 of the charging plug 3 at the opening position of the groove 28 of the receptacle 2. Then, the projection 38 is inserted into the groove 28 as shown in FIG. 5 along the insertion / removal direction 39b. At this time, at the same time, the electrode terminals 33a and 33b of the plug base 31 are inserted into the electrode terminals 23a and 23b of the receptacle base 21 for electrical connection. Also, the signal terminals 34 a and 34 b of the plug base 31 are inserted into the signal terminals 24 a and 24 b of the receptacle base 21 for electrical connection.
  • the user rotates the grip 36 clockwise looking at the receptacle 2 from the charging plug 3.
  • protrusion 38 moves clockwise along the circumferentially extending portion of groove 28, and protrusion 38 engages with groove 28, and charging plug 3 is inserted into receptacle 2.
  • Lock the connected state Since the movable portion 32 rotates relative to the plug base 31, the movable portion 32 having the projection 38 rotates while the plug base 31 and the receptacle base 21 connected to the plug base 31 are stationary. That is, the locking is performed while maintaining the state in which the terminal of the plug base 31 and the terminal of the receptacle base 21 are connected.
  • Charging of the battery 4 is performed in this locked state. In the locked state, even if the user applies a force to the charging plug 3 in the insertion / removal direction 39 b, the charging plug 3 is not detached from the receptacle 2.
  • the user rotates the grip 36 in a counterclockwise direction looking at the receptacle 2 from the charging plug 3. Then, the projection 38 moves counterclockwise along the circumferentially extending portion of the groove 28 as shown in FIG. 7, and the lock is released. As described above, the movable portion 32 rotates in accordance with the user's operation, and changes from the locked state in which the plug base 31 is connected to the receptacle 2 to the locked state to the released state in which the locked state is released.
  • the movable portion 32 rotates relative to the plug base 31, the movable portion 32 having the projection 38 rotates while the plug base 31 and the receptacle base 21 connected to the plug base 31 are stationary. That is, the lock is released while maintaining the state in which the terminal of the plug base 31 and the terminal of the receptacle base 21 are connected.
  • the connection between the terminal of the plug base 31 and the terminal of the receptacle base 21 is maintained. Therefore, when the user's unlocking operation is immediately detected and the charging is stopped, the charging can be stopped before the terminal of the plug base 31 is separated from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
  • the mechanism for immediately detecting the user's unlocking operation and stopping the charging and the details of the operation will be described later.
  • the movable portion 32 rotates along the rotation axis parallel to the insertion and removal direction 39b, and changes from the locked state to the released state. That is, the movable portion 32 moves in a direction different from the insertion and removal direction 39b, and changes from the locked state to the released state. Since the operation direction for releasing the lock by the user is different from the insertion and removal direction 39 b of the plug base 31, the force applied by the user for releasing the lock acts in the direction for removing the plug base 31 from the receptacle 2 Can be prevented.
  • FIGS. 8 to 10 are diagrams for explaining the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state by the detection mechanism and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state.
  • FIGS. 8 to 10 show the positional relationship between the receptacle 2 and the movable portion 32 when the receptacle 2 is viewed from the charging plug 3.
  • pins 22 are disposed in an area in receptacle 2 where projection 38 is located in the locked state.
  • the pin 22 is movable along the radial direction of the receptacle 2 and biased radially inward by a spring 63.
  • a micro switch 61 is disposed at a position on the outer peripheral side of the pin 22 in the receptacle 2.
  • the detection mechanism 60 includes a micro switch 61 and a movable portion 32. That is, a part of the movable portion 32 constitutes the detection mechanism 60.
  • the micro switch 61 is switched on and off according to the movement of the movable portion 32.
  • the micro switch 61 is a switch having a snap action mechanism, and is also referred to as a snap action switch.
  • the micro switch 61 is used as a switch included in the detection mechanism 60, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any switch that mechanically switches between conduction and non-conduction in response to an external force can be used.
  • the micro switch 61 and the projection 38 of the movable portion 32 have a positional relationship as shown in FIG. There is. At this time, the micro switch 61 is in the off state.
  • the protrusion 38 when the protrusion 38 is moved clockwise along the circumferentially extending portion of the groove 28 as shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 38 contacts the pin 22 as shown in FIG. 9.
  • the projection 38 pushes the pin 22 to move it radially outward.
  • the pin 22 moved outward pushes the hinge lever 62 of the microswitch 61, and the microswitch 61 switches from the off state to the on state.
  • the micro switch 61 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
  • the projection 38 pushes the hinge lever 62 of the microswitch 61 via the pin 22, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the projection 38 may push the hinge lever 62 directly.
  • FIG. 11 is a view showing a charging system 10 for charging the battery 4 of the electric motorcycle 1.
  • the MCU 7 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 71, an AND circuit 72, switches 73 and 74, and registers 75 and 76.
  • the battery 4 includes a plurality of cells 41.
  • the CPU 71 is an example of a control unit. The control of charging is performed by transmitting and receiving data relating to charging between the charger 5 and the MCU 7 of the electric motorcycle 1.
  • switch 73 is a PNP transistor and switch 74 is an NPN transistor.
  • the emitter of the PNP transistor 73 is connected to the electrode terminal 23 a, and the collector is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the battery 4.
  • the emitter of NPN transistor 74 is connected to electrode terminal 23 a and the negative terminal of battery 4, and the collector is connected to the base of PNP transistor 73 via resistor 75.
  • the output signal of the AND circuit 72 is supplied to the base of the NPN transistor 74.
  • the resistor 76 connects the base and the emitter of the PNP transistor 73.
  • a voltage is supplied from the power supply 77 to the terminal of the microswitch 61 of the receptacle 2, and the other terminal is connected to the input terminal of the AND circuit 72.
  • a signal from the CPU 71 is input to another input terminal of the AND circuit 72.
  • the MCU 7 has such a switch circuit.
  • the micro switch 61 When the charging plug 3 is inserted into the receptacle 2 and the movable portion 32 is rotated and locked, the micro switch 61 is switched from off to on as shown in FIG. Thus, a voltage corresponding to "1" is input from the microswitch 61 to the AND circuit 72.
  • the CPU 71 When charging of the battery 4 is started, the CPU 71 inputs a signal corresponding to “1” to the AND circuit 72. When “1" is input from both the micro switch 61 and the CPU 71, the AND circuit 72 outputs a signal to the base of the NPN transistor 74. As a result, current flows between the collector and emitter of NPN transistor 74, and current flows between the emitter and base of PNP transistor 73, whereby charging current flows between the emitter and collector of PNP transistor 73. Charge current is supplied to the cell 41.
  • the micro switch 61 switches from on to off. As a result, the voltage corresponding to "1" is not input from the micro switch 61 to the AND circuit 72. At this time, even if "1" is continuously input to the AND circuit 72 for the CPU 71 to be charged, "1" is not input from the micro switch 61 to the AND circuit 72. Stop outputting the signal to the 74 base. Since no current flows between the collector and the emitter of the NPN transistor 74 and no current flows between the emitter and the base of the PNP transistor 73, no charging current flows between the emitter and the collector of the PNP transistor 73. As a result, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 is stopped.
  • the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 is immediately stopped.
  • the user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the cell 41 can be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 leaves the terminal of the receptacle 2.
  • the movable portion 32 which the user applies a force by hand to move constitutes a part of the detection mechanism 60 which detects a change from the locked state to the released state. Therefore, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation and to stop the current supply to the cell 41 before the terminal of the charging plug 3 is separated from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
  • the switch 73 After the switch 73 is turned off and the supply of the charging current to the cells 41 of the battery 4 is stopped, the user pulls out the charging plug 3 from the receptacle 2 along the insertion / removal direction 39b. At this time, the terminal of the charging plug 3 is separated from the terminal of the receptacle 2, and the CPU 71 of the charger 5 and the MCU 7 detects that the terminals are separated. Then, the CPU 71 stops the output of "1" and the charger 5 stops the output of the current. Alternatively, when the switch 73 is turned off to detect that the charging current has changed, the CPU 71 may stop the output of "1" and the charger 5 may stop the output of the current. In any case, the switch 73 is turned off prior to the charge stopping operation of the CPU 71 and the charger 5, and the current supply to the cell 41 may be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 separates from the terminal of the receptacle 2. it can.
  • PNP and NPN transistors are used as the switches 73 and 74, but other switch elements may be used.
  • a mechanical switch such as a mechanical relay may be used instead of a semiconductor switch such as a transistor.
  • the switch circuit that operates by detecting the unlocked state is provided to stop the supply of current, but instead of operating such a switch circuit, the current supply operation of the charger 5 (for example, The supply of current may be stopped by stopping the switching operation). Also in this case, the current supply operation is stopped before it is detected that the terminals of the charging plug 3 and the terminals of the receptacle 2 are separated as described above. The user's unlocking operation can be detected immediately, and the current supply operation can be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 leaves the terminal of the receptacle 2.
  • the shape of the groove 28 of the receptacle 2 is an example, and may be another shape.
  • the shape may be curved and extended in the circumferential direction.
  • another bayonet lock method can be adopted.
  • a mechanism may be employed in which locking is automatically performed without the user performing a rotation operation of applying a force in the direction of rotating the movable portion 32.
  • a mechanism may be employed in which the movable portion 32 is automatically rotated in response to a part of the force in the insertion direction applied by the user and locking is performed.
  • the unlocking operation is performed by the user rotating the movable portion 32 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction at the time of automatic locking. Also in this case, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation and to stop the current supply to the cell 41 before the terminal of the charging plug 3 leaves the terminal of the receptacle 2.
  • the detection mechanism 60 is provided with the micro switch 61, but instead of the micro switch 61, a magnetic sensor can be used.
  • FIG. 12 (a) is a front view showing the receptacle 2 in which the magnetic sensor 81 is disposed
  • FIG. 12 (b) is a perspective view showing the charging plug 3 in which the magnets 82 and 83 are disposed on the movable portion 32. is there.
  • the magnetic sensor 81 is a Hall sensor, and turns on when the north pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied, and turns off when the south pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied. . Further, the magnetic sensor 81 is turned off when the magnetic field is not applied.
  • the magnet 82 is disposed in the movable portion 32 such that the S pole faces the magnetic sensor 81 when the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are connected.
  • the magnet 83 is disposed in the movable portion 32 so that the N pole faces the magnetic sensor 81 when the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are connected.
  • the magnets 82 and 83 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the movable portion 32.
  • 13 (a) to 13 (c) illustrate the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state by the detection mechanism 60 including the magnetic sensor 81 and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state. It is a figure to do. 13 (a) to 13 (c) show the positional relationship between the receptacle 2 and the movable portion 32 when the receptacle 2 is viewed from the charging plug 3. FIG.
  • the micro switch 61 and the projection 38 of the movable portion 32 have a positional relationship as shown in FIG. It has become.
  • the south pole of the magnet 82 is close to the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is in the off state.
  • the south pole of the magnet 82 is a magnetic sensor Away from 81
  • the north pole of the magnet 83 approaches the magnetic sensor 81
  • the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state.
  • a voltage is supplied from the power supply 77 to the terminal of the magnetic sensor 81 of the receptacle 2, and the other terminal is connected to the input terminal of the AND circuit 72.
  • a reed switch can be used as the magnetic sensor 81.
  • FIG. 14 (a) is a front view showing the receptacle 2 in which the magnetic sensor 81 which is a reed switch is disposed
  • FIG. 14 (b) is a perspective view showing the charging plug 3 in which the magnet 83 is disposed on the movable portion 32.
  • the reed switch is turned on when the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied, and turned off when the magnet is separated and the applied magnetic field is weakened.
  • the magnet 83 is disposed in the movable portion 32 so as to be close to the magnetic sensor 81 when the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are locked.
  • the magnet 83 is disposed so that the N pole faces the magnetic sensor 81, but the magnet 83 may be disposed so as to face the S pole.
  • FIGS. 15A to 15C show the positional relationship between the receptacle 2 and the movable portion 32 when the receptacle 2 is viewed from the charging plug 3.
  • the micro switch 61 and the projection 38 of the movable portion 32 have a positional relationship as shown in FIG. It has become.
  • the magnet 83 is separated from the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is in the off state.
  • the magnet 83 approaches the magnetic sensor 81 as shown in FIG. 15 (b).
  • the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state.
  • the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 change from the unlocked state to the locked state
  • the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
  • a voltage is supplied from the power supply 77 to the terminal of the magnetic sensor 81 of the receptacle 2, and the other terminal is connected to the input terminal of the AND circuit 72.
  • FIG. 16 (a) is a front view showing the charging plug 3
  • FIG. 16 (b) is a side view showing the charging plug 3.
  • FIG. 17A is a front view showing the receptacle 2
  • FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view showing the receptacle 2.
  • the receptacle 2 has a receptacle base 21 provided with electrode terminals 23a and 23b and signal terminals 24a and 24b.
  • the charging plug 3 has a plug base 31 provided with electrode terminals 33a and 33b and signal terminals 34a and 34b.
  • the movable portion 32 of the charging plug 3 is a lock arm, and the claw arm 101 is provided at one end of the lock arm, and the other end is provided with a push button 102 pressed by the user with a finger.
  • the claw portion 101 moves upward in conjunction with the push button 102 moving downward in the drawing.
  • the claw portion 101 and the push button 102 may be integrally formed.
  • the movable portion 32 can swing along the rotating shaft 105.
  • the spring 64 biases the push button 102 upward, and the claw portion 101 biases downward.
  • the receptacle 2 is provided with a projection 111.
  • the claws 101 of the movable part 32 engage with the projections 111 of the receptacle 2 and are locked.
  • the micro switch 61 is disposed in the vicinity of the protrusion 111 of the receptacle 2.
  • FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20 are side views for explaining the connection between the receptacle 2 and the charging plug 3, and the receptacle 2 shows a cross section thereof for easy understanding of the connection state.
  • FIG. 18 shows a state before connecting the charging plug 3 to the receptacle 2. At this time, no force is applied to the hinge lever 62 of the micro switch 61, and the micro switch 61 is in the off state.
  • the user inserts the charging plug 3 into the receptacle 2 along the insertion / removal direction 39b.
  • the electrode terminals 33 a and 33 b of the plug base 31 are inserted into the electrode terminals 23 a and 23 b of the receptacle base 21 and electrically connected.
  • the signal terminals 34 a and 34 b of the plug base 31 are inserted into the signal terminals 24 a and 24 b of the receptacle base 21 for electrical connection.
  • the claws 101 of the movable portion 32 slide and move on the upper surface of the projection 111 of the receptacle 2, and when the charging plug 3 is completely inserted into the receptacle 2, As shown at 19, the claws 101 and the projections 111 are engaged and locked. At this time, the claw portion 101 pushes the hinge lever 62 of the micro switch 61, and the micro switch 61 is switched from the off state to the on state.
  • the micro switch 61 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
  • Charging of the battery 4 is performed in this locked state. In the locked state, even if the user applies a force to the charging plug 3 in the insertion / removal direction 39 b, the charging plug 3 is not detached from the receptacle 2.
  • the user presses the push button 102 of the movable portion 32 with a finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the claw portion 101 moves upward, and the lock is released. Further, at this time, the claw portion 101 is separated from the hinge lever 62 of the micro switch 61, and the micro switch 61 is switched from the on state to the off state.
  • the micro switch 61 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected.
  • the claw portion 101 moves upward while the plug base 31 and the receptacle base 21 connected to the plug base 31 remain stationary. That is, the lock is released while maintaining the state in which the terminal of the plug base 31 and the terminal of the receptacle base 21 are connected.
  • the connection between the terminal of the plug base 31 and the terminal of the receptacle base 21 is maintained. Therefore, when the user's unlocking operation is immediately detected and the charging is stopped, the charging can be stopped before the terminal of the plug base 31 is separated from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
  • the movable portion 32 swings in a direction different from the insertion and removal direction 39 b and changes from the locked state to the released state. Since the operation direction for releasing the lock by the user is different from the insertion and removal direction 39 b of the plug base 31, the force applied by the user for releasing the lock acts in the direction for removing the plug base 31 from the receptacle 2 Can be prevented.
  • the detection mechanism 60 is provided with the micro switch 61, but instead of the micro switch 61, a magnetic sensor can be used.
  • FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the receptacle 2 in which the magnetic sensor 81 is disposed.
  • the magnetic sensor 81 is a Hall sensor, and turns on when the north pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied, and turns off when the south pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied. . Further, the magnetic sensor 81 is turned off when the magnetic field is not applied.
  • the magnet 82 is disposed in the movable portion 32 such that the S pole faces the magnetic sensor 81 when the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are connected.
  • the magnet 83 is disposed in the movable portion 32 so that the N pole faces the magnetic sensor 81 when the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are connected.
  • 21 to 23 are diagrams for explaining the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state.
  • FIG. 21 shows a state before connecting the charging plug 3 to the receptacle 2. At this time, the magnet is not close to the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is in the off state.
  • the claws 101 and the projections 111 are engaged and locked.
  • the N pole of the magnet 83 approaches the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state.
  • the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
  • the user presses the push button 102 of the movable portion 32 with a finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the claw portion 101 moves upward. At this time, the south pole of the magnet 82 approaches the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state.
  • the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
  • a reed switch can be used as the magnetic sensor 81.
  • the magnet 82 is disposed in the movable portion 32.
  • FIGS. 24 to 26 are diagrams for explaining the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state.
  • FIG. 24 shows a state before connecting the charging plug 3 to the receptacle 2. At this time, the magnet 82 is not close to the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is in the off state.
  • the claws 101 and the projections 111 are engaged and locked.
  • the magnet 82 approaches the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state.
  • the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
  • the user presses the push button 102 of the movable portion 32 with a finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 26, the claw portion 101 moves upward. At this time, the magnet 82 is separated from the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. When the locked state changes to the released state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
  • the micro switch 61 is disposed in the receptacle 2, but may be disposed in the charging plug 3.
  • FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are side views showing the charging plug 3 in which the micro switch 61 is disposed, and for the sake of easy understanding, the inside of the charging plug 3 is partially shown through.
  • the micro switch 61 is disposed in the vicinity of the push button 102 of the movable portion 32.
  • the micro switch 61 exemplified here is in the on state when the hinge lever 62 is not pressed, and is turned off when the hinge lever 62 is pressed.
  • FIG. 27 shows a state in which the charging plug 3 is completely inserted into the receptacle 2 and engaged with and locked to the claws 101 and the projections 111. At this time, the movable portion 32 does not push the hinge lever 62 of the micro switch 61, and the micro switch 61 is in the on state. Charging of the battery 4 is performed in this locked state.
  • the user presses the push button 102 of the movable portion 32 with a finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 28, the claw portion 101 moves upward, and the lock is released. At this time, the movable portion 32 pushes the hinge lever 62 of the micro switch 61, and the micro switch 61 switches from the on state to the off state.
  • the micro switch 61 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected.
  • FIG. 29 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment in which the charging plug 3 has a micro switch 61.
  • the charger 5 includes a CPU 71, an AND circuit 72, switches 73 and 74, and registers 75 and 76.
  • the CPU 71 controls the operation of the charger 5.
  • the power supply unit 128 converts the input AC voltage into an appropriate DC voltage and outputs the voltage according to the charging mode.
  • the microswitch 61 is switched from off to on when it is in the locked state. Thus, a voltage corresponding to "1" is input from the microswitch 61 to the AND circuit 72.
  • the CPU 71 When charging of the battery 4 is started, the CPU 71 inputs a signal corresponding to “1” to the AND circuit 72. When “1" is input from both the micro switch 61 and the CPU 71, the AND circuit 72 outputs a signal to the base of the NPN transistor 74. As a result, current flows between the collector and emitter of NPN transistor 74, and current flows between the emitter and base of PNP transistor 73, whereby charging current flows between the emitter and collector of PNP transistor 73. Charge current is supplied to the cell 41.
  • the micro switch 61 is switched from on to off. As a result, the voltage corresponding to "1" is not input from the micro switch 61 to the AND circuit 72. At this time, even if "1" is continuously input to the AND circuit 72 for the CPU 71 to be charged, "1" is not input from the micro switch 61 to the AND circuit 72. Stop outputting the signal to the 74 base. Since no current flows between the collector and the emitter of the NPN transistor 74 and no current flows between the emitter and the base of the PNP transistor 73, no charging current flows between the emitter and the collector of the PNP transistor 73. As a result, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 is stopped.
  • the charging plug 3 may include switches 73 and 74 and resistors 75 and 76. Also in this case, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 can be stopped in conjunction with the operation of the user releasing the lock, as in the operation described with reference to FIG.
  • FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the charging plug 3 in which the magnetic sensor 81 is disposed.
  • the magnetic sensor 81 is a Hall sensor, and turns on when the north pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied, and turns off when the south pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied. . Further, the magnetic sensor 81 is turned off when the magnetic field is not applied.
  • the magnet 82 is disposed on the movable portion 32 such that the magnetic pole 81 faces the magnetic sensor 81.
  • the magnet 83 is disposed in the movable portion 32 so that the N pole faces the magnetic sensor 81.
  • FIG. 31 shows a state in which the charging plug 3 is connected to the receptacle 2 and locked. At this time, the N pole of the magnet 83 is close to the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is in the on state.
  • the user presses the push button 102 of the movable portion 32 with a finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 32, the south pole of the magnet 82 approaches the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state.
  • the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
  • a reed switch can be used as the magnetic sensor 81.
  • the magnet 82 is disposed in the movable portion 32.
  • the plug base 31 is connected to the receptacle 2 and locked.
  • the magnet 82 is close to the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is in the on state.
  • the user presses the push button 102 of the movable portion 32 with a finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 34, the magnet 82 is separated from the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is switched from the on state to the off state.
  • the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
  • charging of the battery 4 may be performed using a charging station (also referred to as a charging station).
  • FIG. 35 shows a form of charging using charging station 150.
  • the charging station 150 is installed, for example, at a bicycle parking lot.
  • the charging station 150 includes the electric circuit of the charger 5 according to the above-described embodiment.
  • the charging plug 3 according to the above-described embodiment is provided.
  • the control of charging may be performed by transmitting and receiving data relating to charging between charging station 150 and MCU 7 of electric motorcycle 1. Also in this case, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation and to stop the supply of current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 before the terminal of the charging plug 3 is separated from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
  • the battery 4 is a battery that can be attached to and detached from the electric motorcycle 1, the battery 4 may be removed from the electric motorcycle 1 and charging may be performed.
  • FIGS. 36 and 37 are diagrams showing an embodiment in which charging plug 3 is directly connected to battery 4 for charging.
  • the battery 4 includes the receptacle 2 according to the embodiment described above.
  • FIG. 36 shows a state in which the charging plug 3 is not connected to the receptacle 2 of the battery 4.
  • FIG. 37 shows a state in which the charging plug 3 is connected to the receptacle 2 of the battery 4.
  • the battery 4 includes an electric circuit of the MCU 7 shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 38 is a circuit diagram showing a system for charging by directly connecting the charging plug 3 to the battery 4.
  • the battery 4 includes a CPU 71, an AND circuit 72, switches 73 and 74, and registers 75 and 76.
  • the battery 4 has a BMU (Battery Management Unit), and these circuits can be mounted on the BMU.
  • the CPU 71 controls the operation of the battery 4.
  • the micro switch 61 is switched from off to on.
  • a voltage corresponding to "1" is input from the microswitch 61 to the AND circuit 72.
  • the CPU 71 When charging of the cell 41 of the battery 4 is started, the CPU 71 inputs a signal corresponding to “1” to the AND circuit 72. When "1" is input from both the micro switch 61 and the CPU 71, the AND circuit 72 outputs a signal to the base of the NPN transistor 74. As a result, current flows between the collector and emitter of NPN transistor 74, and current flows between the emitter and base of PNP transistor 73, whereby charging current flows between the emitter and collector of PNP transistor 73. Charge current is supplied to the cell 41.
  • the micro switch 61 switches from on to off. As a result, the voltage corresponding to "1" is not input from the micro switch 61 to the AND circuit 72. At this time, even if "1" is continuously input to the AND circuit 72 for the CPU 71 to be charged, "1" is not input from the micro switch 61 to the AND circuit 72. Stop outputting the signal to the 74 base. Since no current flows between the collector and the emitter of the NPN transistor 74 and no current flows between the emitter and the base of the PNP transistor 73, no charging current flows between the emitter and the collector of the PNP transistor 73. As a result, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 is stopped.
  • the receptacle 2 of the battery 4 may be provided with a magnetic sensor 81 instead of the micro switch 61. Also in this case, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 is stopped in conjunction with the operation of the user moving the movable portion 32 to release the lock.
  • FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the battery 4 is connected to the stationary charger 5 for charging.
  • FIG. 40 is a side view showing an embodiment in which the battery 4 is connected to the stationary charger 5 for charging.
  • the battery 4 comprises the charging plug 3 and the charger 5 comprises the receptacle 2.
  • FIG. 41 is a circuit diagram showing a charging system for charging the battery 4.
  • the charger 5 includes a CPU 71, an AND circuit 72, switches 73 and 74, and registers 75 and 76.
  • the battery 4 includes a CPU 171.
  • the CPU 171 may be included in a battery management unit (BMU) of the battery 4.
  • BMU battery management unit
  • the CPU 171 controls the operation of the battery 4. Data relating to charging is transmitted and received between the CPU 71 and the CPU 171 to control the charging.
  • the user when battery 4 is connected to charger 5, the user inserts battery 4 obliquely into charger 5 such that claws 121 of battery 4 follow guides 122 of charger 5. Then, the battery 4 is connected to the charger 5 by rotating the battery 4 with the contact portion between the claw portion 121 and the bottom of the guide 122 as a fulcrum. At this time, the projection 38 of the charging plug 3 engages with the groove 28 of the receptacle 2, and the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are locked.
  • the groove 28 is a non-penetrating groove and engages with the projection 38 of the charging plug 3.
  • the user rotates the battery 4 in the opposite direction to that at the time of connection, with the contact portion between the claw portion 121 and the bottom of the guide 122 as a fulcrum.
  • the projection 38 of the charging plug 3 is separated from the groove 28 of the receptacle 2 and unlocked.
  • the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 maintain electrical contact. That is, when the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 remain connected. From this state, by pulling out the battery 4 obliquely upward, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 are separated, and the battery 4 is removed from the charger 5.
  • a magnetic sensor 81 is disposed in receptacle 2 of charger 5.
  • the magnetic sensor 81 is a Hall sensor, and turns on when the north pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied, and turns off when the south pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied. . Further, the magnetic sensor 81 is turned off when the magnetic field is not applied.
  • FIG. 42 is a perspective view showing charging plug 3 of battery 4 in which magnets 82 and 83 are arranged.
  • the magnet 82 is disposed in the charging plug 3 such that the magnetic pole faces the magnetic sensor 81.
  • the magnet 83 is disposed in the charging plug 3 so that the N pole faces the magnetic sensor 81. Magnets 82 and 83 are spaced apart in charge plug 3.
  • 43 (a) to 43 (c) are side views for explaining the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state.
  • 43 (a) to 43 (c) show a part of the inside of the charger 5 in a transparent manner for easy understanding.
  • the user rotates the battery 4 in the opposite direction to that at the time of connection.
  • the N pole of the magnet 83 separates from the magnetic sensor 81
  • the S pole of the magnet 82 approaches the magnetic sensor 81
  • the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state.
  • the locked state changes to the released state
  • the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state.
  • the switch 73 is turned off, and the supply of the charging current is stopped.
  • the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 maintain electrical contact. That is, when the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 remain connected. Thereby, the supply of the charging current can be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 separates from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
  • FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing the charging plug 3 of the battery 4 in which the magnet 83 is disposed. The reed switch is turned on when the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied, and turned off when the magnet is separated and the applied magnetic field is weakened.
  • the magnet 83 is disposed on the charging plug 3 so as to be close to the magnetic sensor 81 when the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are locked.
  • the magnet 83 is disposed so that the N pole faces the magnetic sensor 81, but the magnet 83 may be disposed so as to face the S pole.
  • 45 (a) to 45 (c) are side views for explaining the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state.
  • 45 (a) to 45 (c) show a part of the inside of the charger 5 in a transparent manner for easy understanding.
  • the battery 4 When the battery 4 is removed from the charger 5, the battery 4 is rotated in the opposite direction to that at the time of connection. At this time, as shown in FIG. 45C, the magnet 83 is separated from the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is switched from the on state to the off state. When the locked state changes to the released state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
  • the switch 73 is turned off, and the supply of the charging current is stopped.
  • the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 maintain electrical contact. That is, when the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 remain connected. Thereby, the supply of the charging current can be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 separates from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
  • a micro switch 61 can be used instead of the magnetic sensor 81.
  • 46 (a) to 46 (c) are side views for explaining the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state using the micro switch 61 and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state. It is. 46 (a) to 46 (c), parts of the inside of the charger 5 are shown in a transparent manner for easy understanding.
  • the micro switch 61 is disposed in the receptacle 2 of the charger 5.
  • the charging plug 3 of the battery 4 is separated from the micro switch 61 at a stage where the battery 4 is inserted obliquely to the charger 5 in an attempt to connect the battery 4 to the charger 5.
  • the micro switch 61 is in the off state.
  • the battery 4 When the battery 4 is removed from the charger 5, the battery 4 is rotated in the opposite direction to that at the time of connection. At this time, as shown in FIG. 46C, the charging plug 3 of the battery 4 is separated from the micro switch 61, and the micro switch 61 is switched from the on state to the off state.
  • the micro switch 61 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
  • the switch 73 is turned off to stop the supply of the charging current.
  • the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 maintain electrical contact. That is, when the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 remain connected. Thereby, the supply of the charging current can be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 separates from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
  • the charging plug 3 of the battery 4 is in direct contact with the micro switch 61.
  • the charging plug 3 may be in indirect contact with the micro switch 61.
  • the charging plug 3 may push the micro switch 61 via the pins 22 as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10.
  • the present invention is particularly useful in the technical field of charging a battery used in an electric vehicle.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

An electric-vehicle battery charging system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plug base part 31 that is provided with a terminal; a movable part 32 that moves relative to the plug base part 31 according to a user operation, and changes from a locked state that locks the connection between the plug base part 31 and a receptacle 2 to a released state that releases the locked state; a detection mechanism 60 that detects the change from the locked state to the released state, and is constituted at least in part by the movable part 32; and a mechanism 73 that stops the supply of current to a cell 41 of a battery 4 in response to the change from the locked state to the released state.

Description

電動車両用バッテリ充電システムBattery charging system for electric vehicles
　本発明は、電動車両に用いられるバッテリを充電するシステムに関する。 The present invention relates to a system for charging a battery used in an electric vehicle.
　電動モータを駆動源とする電動車両の１つとして電動二輪車がある。電動モータは、例えば電動二輪車に内蔵されたバッテリから電力を供給されて回転し、電動二輪車は走行する。バッテリは充電可能であり、バッテリを充電することで電動二輪車は繰り返し走行することができる。電動二輪車に内蔵されたバッテリの充電は、車両に設けられたレセプタクルに充電プラグを接続することで行うことができる。また、バッテリが車両に対して着脱可能である場合は、車両からバッテリを取り外し、バッテリに設けられたレセプタクルに充電プラグを接続することでも充電を行うことができる。 There is an electric two-wheeled vehicle as one of the electric vehicles using an electric motor as a drive source. The electric motor is supplied with electric power from, for example, a battery built in the electric two-wheeler and rotates, and the electric two-wheeled vehicle travels. The battery is chargeable, and by charging the battery, the electric motorcycle can travel repeatedly. Charging of the battery built in the electric motorcycle can be performed by connecting a charging plug to a receptacle provided in the vehicle. In addition, when the battery is removable from the vehicle, charging can also be performed by removing the battery from the vehicle and connecting a charging plug to a receptacle provided in the battery.
　バッテリの充電の際、充電電流が流れている状態でレセプタクルから充電プラグを抜くと、端子間にアーク放電が発生する可能性がある。これを防ぐための技術が特許文献１および２に開示されている。 When charging the battery, if the charging plug is removed from the receptacle while charging current is flowing, arc discharge may occur between the terminals. Techniques for preventing this are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.
　特許文献１は、電気自動車に内蔵されたバッテリを充電する装置を開示している。特許文献１では、充電プラグを車両に設けられたレセプタクルに接続して充電を行う。充電プラグが車両のレセプタクルに完全に装着された後、ユーザが充電スイッチをオンにして充電ラインに充電電流が流れると、ロック機構が作動して、充電プラグがレセプタクルから外れないようになる。充電中は、充電プラグとレセプタクルの接続をロックした状態を維持し続けることで、充電中にユーザが充電プラグを操作して、車両から充電プラグを外そうとしても外れないようになっている。 Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for charging a battery built in an electric vehicle. In Patent Document 1, charging is performed by connecting a charging plug to a receptacle provided in a vehicle. After the charging plug is completely attached to the receptacle of the vehicle, when the user turns on the charging switch and charging current flows in the charging line, the lock mechanism operates to prevent the charging plug from coming out of the receptacle. During charging, the connection between the charging plug and the receptacle is kept in a locked state so that the user operates the charging plug during charging so as not to remove the charging plug from the vehicle.
　特許文献２は、ロック機構を設けるスペースが無い小型のコネクタを用いて充電を行う電動二輪車を開示している。特許文献２では、車体フレームの動作を検出するセンサを車両に設け、車体フレームの動作を検出した場合には充電を停止する。充電中にユーザが車両を移動させようとしたり、車両が転倒しそうになったりすると、その動きをセンサが検出する。車体フレームの動作を検出したセンサは、マイクロコンピュータに検出信号を出力し、マイクロコンピュータはコネクタが抜ける可能性を予見して充電を停止する制御を行う。 Patent Document 2 discloses an electric two-wheeled vehicle that performs charging using a small connector having no space for providing a lock mechanism. In Patent Document 2, a sensor for detecting an operation of a vehicle body frame is provided in a vehicle, and charging is stopped when the operation of the vehicle body frame is detected. If the user tries to move the vehicle while charging, or the vehicle is about to fall, the sensor detects that movement. The sensor that has detected the movement of the vehicle body frame outputs a detection signal to the microcomputer, and the microcomputer performs control to stop the charging in anticipation of the possibility of disconnection of the connector.
特開平７－３７６４４号公報JP-A-7-37644 特開２０１３－１２９３６８号公報JP, 2013-129368, A
　特許文献１では、充電スイッチをオンにして充電ラインに充電電流が流れている間は、充電プラグと車両のレセプタクルの接続をロックした状態が維持される。そのため、充電を途中でやめて充電プラグを取り外したい場合などには、ユーザが充電スイッチをオフにする操作を行って充電を停止させるか、あるいは充電完了まで待つ必要がある。また、ロック機構の構造が複雑であるとともに、そのようなロック機構を搭載する充電プラグが大型化するという課題がある。 In Patent Document 1, while the charging switch is turned on and charging current flows in the charging line, the state in which the connection between the charging plug and the receptacle of the vehicle is locked is maintained. Therefore, when it is desired to stop charging halfway and remove the charging plug, the user needs to turn off the charging switch to stop charging or wait until charging is completed. Moreover, while the structure of a locking mechanism is complicated, the subject that the charging plug which mounts such a locking mechanism enlarges occurs.
　特許文献２では、静止状態の車両で充電が行われているときに、ユーザが充電を途中でやめたい場合には、車両本体に所定の予備動作を行うことを必要としている。（特許文献２の段落「００９３」等参照）。また、コネクタが抜ける可能性をマイクロコンピュータが予見して充電を停止するシステムが複雑になるという課題がある。 In patent document 2, when charging is performed with the vehicle of a stationary state, when a user wants to stop charge on the way, it is required to perform a predetermined | prescribed preparatory operation | movement to a vehicle main body. (Refer to the paragraph "0093" etc. of patent document 2). In addition, there is a problem that the system in which the microcomputer predicts the possibility of disconnection of the connector and stops charging becomes complicated.
　本発明は、シンプルな構造で、ユーザがレセプタクルから充電プラグを取り外そうとして充電プラグに行う操作に伴い、バッテリのセルへ供給する電流を停止する電動車両用バッテリ充電システムを提供する。 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a battery charging system for an electric vehicle, which has a simple structure and stops the current supplied to the cells of the battery as the user performs an operation to remove the charging plug from the receptacle to the charging plug.
　本発明の実施形態に係る電動車両用バッテリ充電システムは、端子が設けられたプラグ基部と、ユーザの操作に応じて前記プラグ基部に対して相対的に移動し、前記プラグ基部とレセプタクルとの接続をロックするロック状態から、前記ロック状態を解除した解除状態に変化する可動部と、前記可動部が少なくとも一部を構成する検出機構であって、前記ロック状態から前記解除状態への変化を検出する検出機構と、前記ロック状態から前記解除状態への変化に応じて、バッテリのセルへの電流の供給を停止する機構とを備える。 In the battery charging system for an electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plug base provided with the terminal moves relative to the plug base according to the operation of the user, and the connection between the plug base and the receptacle is performed. A movable part that changes from the locked state to the locked state to the released state where the locked state is released, and a detection mechanism in which the movable part constitutes at least a part, and detects a change from the locked state to the released state And a mechanism for stopping the supply of current to the cells of the battery in response to the change from the locked state to the released state.
　本発明の実施形態に係る電動車両用バッテリ充電システムによれば、ユーザの操作に応じて移動する可動部が、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を検出する検出機構の少なくとも一部を構成する。このため、シンプルな構造で、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、プラグ基部の端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。これにより、端子間にアーク放電が発生することを抑制し、端子を保護することができる。 According to the battery charging system for an electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, the movable portion that moves according to the user's operation constitutes at least a part of the detection mechanism that detects a change from the locked state to the released state. Therefore, with a simple structure, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation and to stop the current supply to the battery cell before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle. This can suppress the occurrence of arcing between the terminals and protect the terminals.
　ある実施形態によれば、前記バッテリのセルへの電流の供給を停止する前記機構はスイッチであってもよい。これにより、シンプルな構造で、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、プラグ基部の端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。 According to an embodiment, the mechanism for stopping the supply of current to the cells of the battery may be a switch. As a result, with a simple structure, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation and to stop the current supply to the cells of the battery before the terminals of the plug base are separated from the terminals of the receptacle.
　ある実施形態によれば、前記プラグ基部が前記レセプタクルに接続された状態をロックするロック機構をさらに備え、前記可動部は、前記ロック機構によるロックの解除とともに前記解除状態に変化してもよい。ロック機構によるロックの解除を即座に検出して通電をオフにすることで、プラグ基部の端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。 According to an embodiment, the apparatus may further include a lock mechanism that locks a state in which the plug base is connected to the receptacle, and the movable portion may change to the release state upon release of the lock by the lock mechanism. By immediately detecting the release of the lock by the lock mechanism and deenergizing the current, it is possible to stop the current supply to the battery cell before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle.
　ある実施形態によれば、前記プラグ基部は、前記レセプタクルに対して、前記端子の軸方向に挿抜可能であり、前記可動部は、前記軸方向とは異なる方向へ移動して前記ロック状態から前記解除状態へ変化してもよい。ユーザによりロックを解除する操作方向が、プラグ基部の挿抜方向とは異なる方向であることで、ロック解除のためにユーザが加えた力によってレセプタクルからプラグ基部が外れることを防止することができる。 According to one embodiment, the plug base is insertable into and removable from the receptacle in the axial direction of the terminal, and the movable portion moves in a direction different from the axial direction to move the lock state from the locked state. It may change to the release state. The operating direction in which the user releases the lock is different from the insertion and removal direction of the plug base, which can prevent the plug base from being detached from the receptacle by the force applied by the user for unlocking.
　ある実施形態によれば、前記プラグ基部は、前記レセプタクルに対して、前記端子の軸方向に挿抜可能であり、前記可動部は、前記軸方向と平行な回転軸の周方向に沿って回転して前記ロック状態から前記解除状態へ変化してもよい。ユーザによりロックを解除する操作方向が、プラグ基部の挿抜方向とは異なる方向であることで、ロック解除のためにユーザが加えた力によってレセプタクルからプラグ基部が外れることを防止することができる。 According to one embodiment, the plug base is insertable into and removable from the receptacle in the axial direction of the terminal, and the movable portion rotates along a circumferential direction of a rotation axis parallel to the axial direction. It may change from the locked state to the released state. The operating direction in which the user releases the lock is different from the insertion and removal direction of the plug base, which can prevent the plug base from being detached from the receptacle by the force applied by the user for unlocking.
　ある実施形態によれば、前記可動部は、ユーザが可動部を移動させるときに手で持って力を加える把持部を有してもよい。ロックを解除するときにユーザが力を加える把持部を可動部が有することにより、ユーザがロックを解除する操作を即座に検出して、プラグ基部の端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。 According to one embodiment, the movable part may have a gripping part that is held by the hand and applies a force when the user moves the movable part. The movable part has a grip that allows the user to apply a force when releasing the lock, so that the user's operation to release the lock can be detected immediately, and the cell of the battery can be released before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle. It is possible to shut off the current supply to
　ある実施形態によれば、前記可動部は、前記プラグ基部を前記レセプタクルから抜き出すときに、ユーザが手で持って力を加える把持部を有してもよい。プラグ基部をレセプタクルから抜き出すときにユーザが力を加える把持部を可動部が有することにより、抜き出し動作におけるユーザがロックを解除する操作を即座に検出して、プラグ基部の端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。 According to an embodiment, the movable portion may have a grip portion which a user holds by hand and applies a force when the plug base is extracted from the receptacle. When the movable portion has a grip portion to which the user applies a force when extracting the plug base from the receptacle, the user of the extraction operation immediately detects an operation of releasing the lock, and the terminal of the plug base is separated from the terminal of the receptacle Before the current supply to the cells of the battery can be stopped.
　ある実施形態によれば、前記検出機構の少なくとも一部は、電動車両に設けられていてもよい。電動車両に充電プラグを接続する形態において、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、プラグ基部の端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。 According to an embodiment, at least a part of the detection mechanism may be provided in an electric vehicle. In the configuration in which the charging plug is connected to the electric vehicle, the user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the battery cell can be stopped before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle.
　ある実施形態によれば、前記プラグ基部および前記可動部は充電プラグに設けられており、前記バッテリのセルへの電流の供給を停止する前記機構および前記レセプタクルは電動車両に設けられていてもよい。電動車両に充電プラグを接続する形態において、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、プラグ基部の端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。 According to an embodiment, the plug base and the movable portion may be provided to a charging plug, and the mechanism and the receptacle for stopping the supply of current to cells of the battery may be provided to an electric vehicle. . In the configuration in which the charging plug is connected to the electric vehicle, the user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the battery cell can be stopped before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle.
　ある実施形態によれば、前記検出機構の少なくとも一部は、前記バッテリに設けられていてもよい。バッテリに充電プラグを接続する形態において、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、プラグ基部の端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。 According to an embodiment, at least a part of the detection mechanism may be provided in the battery. In the configuration in which the charging plug is connected to the battery, the user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the battery cell can be stopped before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle.
　ある実施形態によれば、前記プラグ基部および前記可動部は充電プラグに設けられており、前記バッテリのセルへの電流の供給を停止する前記機構および前記レセプタクルは前記バッテリに設けられていてもよい。バッテリに充電プラグを接続する形態において、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、プラグ基部の端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。 According to one embodiment, the plug base and the movable portion may be provided on a charging plug, and the mechanism and the receptacle for stopping the supply of current to cells of the battery may be provided on the battery. . In the configuration in which the charging plug is connected to the battery, the user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the battery cell can be stopped before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle.
　ある実施形態によれば、前記検出機構は、前記可動部の移動に応じてオンとオフが切り替わるマイクロスイッチを備え、前記検出機構は、前記マイクロスイッチがオンとオフとの間で切り替わることにより、前記可動部の前記ロック状態から前記解除状態への変化を検出してもよい。これにより、シンプルな構造でユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、プラグ基部の端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。 According to one embodiment, the detection mechanism includes a micro switch that switches on and off according to the movement of the movable portion, and the detection mechanism switches the micro switch between on and off. A change from the locked state of the movable part to the released state may be detected. Thereby, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation with a simple structure and to stop the current supply to the cells of the battery before the terminals of the plug base are separated from the terminals of the receptacle.
　ある実施形態によれば、前記検出機構は、印加される磁場に応じてオンとオフが切り替わる磁気センサを備え、前記可動部の移動に応じて、前記磁気センサに印加される磁場が変化し、前記検出機構は、前記磁気センサに印加される磁場の変化により、前記可動部の前記ロック状態から前記解除状態への変化を検出してもよい。これにより、シンプルな構造でユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、プラグ基部の端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。 According to one embodiment, the detection mechanism includes a magnetic sensor that switches on and off in response to an applied magnetic field, and the magnetic field applied to the magnetic sensor changes in response to movement of the movable portion. The detection mechanism may detect a change from the locked state of the movable portion to the released state by a change in a magnetic field applied to the magnetic sensor. Thereby, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation with a simple structure and to stop the current supply to the cells of the battery before the terminals of the plug base are separated from the terminals of the receptacle.
　本発明の実施形態に係る充電プラグは、前記電動車両用バッテリ充電システムを備える。本発明の実施形態に係る充電プラグによれば、シンプルな構造でユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、充電プラグの端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。 The charging plug according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the battery charging system for an electric vehicle. According to the charging plug according to the embodiment of the present invention, the user's unlocking operation is immediately detected with a simple structure, and the current supply to the battery cell is stopped before the charging plug terminal leaves the receptacle terminal. can do.
　本発明の実施形態に係る電動車両用バッテリ充電システムは、端子が設けられたプラグと、前記プラグと接続される端子が設けられたレセプタクルとを備え、ユーザの操作に応じて前記プラグの少なくとも一部は、前記レセプタクルに対して相対的に移動し、前記プラグおよび前記レセプタクルは、前記レセプタクルに対する前記プラグの少なくとも一部の移動に応じて、前記プラグと前記レセプタクルとの接続をロックするロック状態から、前記ロック状態を解除した解除状態に変化し、前記プラグおよび前記レセプタクルのそれぞれが少なくとも一部を構成する検出機構であって、前記ロック状態から前記解除状態への変化を検出する検出機構と、前記ロック状態から前記解除状態への変化に応じて、バッテリのセルへの電流の供給を停止する機構とを備える。プラグおよびレセプタクルのそれぞれがロック状態から解除状態への変化を検出する検出機構の少なくとも一部を構成する。このため、シンプルな構造で、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、プラグの端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。これにより、端子間にアーク放電が発生することを防止し、端子を保護することができる。 A battery charging system for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plug provided with a terminal, and a receptacle provided with a terminal connected to the plug, and at least one of the plugs according to a user's operation. From a locked state in which the portion moves relative to the receptacle and the plug and the receptacle lock the connection between the plug and the receptacle in response to movement of at least a portion of the plug relative to the receptacle A detection mechanism which changes to a release state in which the lock state is released, and in which each of the plug and the receptacle constitutes at least a part, and detects a change from the lock state to the release state; In response to the change from the locked state to the released state, the supply of current to the cells of the battery is And a mechanism to stop. Each of the plug and the receptacle constitutes at least a part of a detection mechanism that detects a change from the locked state to the released state. Therefore, with a simple structure, the user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the battery cell can be stopped before the plug terminal leaves the receptacle terminal. This prevents the occurrence of arcing between the terminals and can protect the terminals.
　本発明の実施形態に係る電動車両用バッテリ充電システムによれば、ユーザの操作に応じて移動する可動部が、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を検出する検出機構の少なくとも一部を構成する。このため、シンプルな構造で、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、プラグ基部の端子がレセプタクルの端子から離れる前にバッテリのセルへの電流供給を停止することができる。これにより、端子間にアーク放電が発生することを抑制し、端子を保護することができる。 According to the battery charging system for an electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, the movable portion that moves in accordance with the user's operation constitutes at least a part of the detection mechanism that detects a change from the locked state to the released state. Therefore, with a simple structure, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation and to stop the current supply to the battery cell before the terminal of the plug base leaves the terminal of the receptacle. This can suppress the occurrence of arcing between the terminals and protect the terminals.
本発明の実施形態に係る電動二輪車を示す図である。It is a figure showing the electric motorcycle concerning the embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態に係る電動二輪車の充電の様子を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the mode of charge of the electric two-wheeled vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. （ａ）は本発明の実施形態に係る電動二輪車のレセプタクルを示す正面図であり、（ｂ）は本発明の実施形態に係る充電ケーブルの充電プラグを示す斜視図である。(A) is a front view which shows the receptacle of the electric two-wheeled vehicle concerning embodiment of this invention, (b) is a perspective view which shows the charge plug of the charge cable which concerns on embodiment of this invention. （ａ）は本発明の実施形態に係るレセプタクルを示す側面図であり、（ｂ）は本発明の実施形態に係る充電プラグを示す側面図である。(A) is a side view showing a receptacle concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a side view showing a charge plug concerning an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態に係るレセプタクルに充電プラグを差し込んだ状態を示す側面図である。It is a side view showing the state where the charge plug was inserted in the receptacle concerning the embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態に係るレセプタクルに充電プラグを差し込んだ状態を示す側面図である。It is a side view showing the state where the charge plug was inserted in the receptacle concerning the embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態に係るレセプタクルに充電プラグを差し込んだ状態を示す側面図である。It is a side view showing the state where the charge plug was inserted in the receptacle concerning the embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態に係る検出機構によるロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state by detection mechanism concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係る検出機構によるロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state by detection mechanism concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係る検出機構によるロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state by detection mechanism concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係る電動二輪車のバッテリの充電を行う充電システムを示す図である。It is a figure showing the charge system which charges the battery of the electric two-wheeled vehicle concerning the embodiment of the present invention. （ａ）は本発明の実施形態に係る磁気センサが配置されたレセプタクルを示す正面図であり、（ｂ）は本発明の実施形態に係る可動部に磁石が配置された充電プラグを示す斜視図である。(A) is a front view which shows the receptacle in which the magnetic sensor which concerns on embodiment of this invention is arrange | positioned, (b) is a perspective view which shows the charge plug by which the magnet is arrange | positioned at the movable part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is. （ａ）から（ｃ）は、本発明の実施形態に係る磁気センサを備える検出機構によるロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。(A) to (c) illustrate the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state by the detection mechanism including the magnetic sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining. （ａ）は本発明の実施形態に係る磁気センサが配置されたレセプタクルを示す正面図であり、（ｂ）は本発明の実施形態に係る可動部に磁石が配置された充電プラグを示す斜視図である。(A) is a front view which shows the receptacle in which the magnetic sensor which concerns on embodiment of this invention is arrange | positioned, (b) is a perspective view which shows the charge plug by which the magnet is arrange | positioned at the movable part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is. （ａ）から（ｃ）は、本発明の実施形態に係る磁気センサを備える検出機構によるロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。(A) to (c) illustrate the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state by the detection mechanism including the magnetic sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining. （ａ）は本発明の実施形態に係る充電プラグを示す正面図であり、（ｂ）は本発明の実施形態に係る充電プラグを示す側面図である。(A) is a front view which shows the charging plug which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (b) is a side view which shows the charging plug which concerns on embodiment of this invention. （ａ）は本発明の実施形態に係るレセプタクルを示す正面図であり、（ｂ）は、本発明の実施形態に係るレセプタクルを示す断面図である。(A) is a front view which shows the receptacle which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (b) is sectional drawing which shows the receptacle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態に係るロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係るロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係るロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係るロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係るロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係るロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係るロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係るロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係るロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係るマイクロスイッチが配置された充電プラグを示す側面図である。It is a side view showing the charge plug in which the micro switch concerning the embodiment of the present invention is arranged. 本発明の実施形態に係るマイクロスイッチが配置された充電プラグを示す側面図である。It is a side view showing the charge plug in which the micro switch concerning the embodiment of the present invention is arranged. 本発明の実施形態に係るバッテリの充電を行う充電システムを示す図である。It is a figure showing a charge system which charges a battery concerning an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態に係るバッテリの充電を行う充電システムを示す図である。It is a figure showing a charge system which charges a battery concerning an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態に係る磁気センサが配置された充電プラグを示す側面図である。It is a side view showing a charge plug in which a magnetic sensor concerning an embodiment of the present invention is arranged. 本発明の実施形態に係る磁気センサが配置された充電プラグを示す側面図である。It is a side view showing a charge plug in which a magnetic sensor concerning an embodiment of the present invention is arranged. 本発明の実施形態に係る磁気センサが配置された充電プラグを示す側面図である。It is a side view showing a charge plug in which a magnetic sensor concerning an embodiment of the present invention is arranged. 本発明の実施形態に係る磁気センサが配置された充電プラグを示す側面図である。It is a side view showing a charge plug in which a magnetic sensor concerning an embodiment of the present invention is arranged. 本発明の実施形態に係る充電ステーションを用いた電動二輪車の充電の様子を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the mode of charge of the electric two-wheeled vehicle using the charging station which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態に係るバッテリに充電プラグを直接接続して充電を行う様子を示す図である。It is a figure which shows a mode that a charge plug is directly connected to the battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and it charges. 本発明の実施形態に係るバッテリに充電プラグを直接接続して充電を行う様子を示す図である。It is a figure which shows a mode that a charge plug is directly connected to the battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and it charges. 本発明の実施形態に係るバッテリの充電を行う充電システムを示す図である。It is a figure showing a charge system which charges a battery concerning an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態に係る据え置き型の充電器にバッテリを接続して充電を行う様子を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows a mode that a battery is connected to the stationary type charger which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and it charges. 本発明の実施形態に係る据え置き型の充電器にバッテリを接続して充電を行う様子を示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows a mode that a battery is connected to the stationary charger which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and it charges. 本発明の実施形態に係るバッテリの充電を行う充電システムを示す図である。It is a figure showing a charge system which charges a battery concerning an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態に係る磁石が配置されたバッテリの充電プラグを示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the charge plug of the battery by which the magnet which concerns on embodiment of this invention is arrange | positioned. 本発明の実施形態に係るロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係る磁石が配置されたバッテリの充電プラグを示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the charge plug of the battery by which the magnet which concerns on embodiment of this invention is arrange | positioned. 本発明の実施形態に係るロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state. 本発明の実施形態に係るロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining detection operation of change to a lock state from a lock release state concerning an embodiment of the present invention, and detection operation of a change to a lock release state from a lock state.
　以下、図面を参照しながら本発明の実施形態を説明する。同様の構成要素には同様の参照符号を付し、重複する場合にはその説明を省略する。なお、本発明は以下の実施形態に限定されるものではない。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same components, and in the case of duplication, the description thereof will be omitted. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.
　図１は、本発明の実施形態に係る電動車両の一例である鞍乗型電動車両を示す側面図である。図１に示す例では、鞍乗型電動車両はスクーター型の電動二輪車１である。なお、本発明の実施形態に係る鞍乗型電動車両は、ここで例示するスクーター型の電動二輪車に限定されない。本発明の実施形態に係る鞍乗型電動車両は、いわゆるオンロード型、オフロード型、モペット型等の他の型式の電動二輪車であってもよい。また、本発明の実施形態に係る鞍乗型電動車両は、乗員が跨って乗車する任意の車両を意味し、二輪車に限定されない。本発明の実施形態に係る鞍乗型電動車両は、車体を傾けることによって進行方向を変える型式の三輪車（ＬＭＷ）等であってもよく、ＡＴＶ（Ａｌｌ　Ｔｅｒｒａｉｎ　Ｖｅｈｉｃｌｅ）等の他の鞍乗型電動車両であってもよい。 FIG. 1 is a side view showing a straddle-type electric vehicle which is an example of the electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the straddle-type electric vehicle is a scooter-type electric two-wheeled vehicle 1. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the scooter-type electric two-wheeled vehicle exemplified here. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention may be another type of electric motorcycle such as a so-called on-road type, an off-road type, or a moped type. Further, the straddle-type electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention means any vehicle on which a passenger straddles and is not limited to a two-wheeled vehicle. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a three-wheeled vehicle (LMW) of a type that changes the traveling direction by tilting the vehicle body, or another straddle-type electric vehicle such as ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). It may be a vehicle.
　図１に示すように、電動二輪車１は、車両本体８と、ステアリングハンドル１８と、前輪１２と、後輪１３と、電動モータ１１とを備えている。分かり易く説明するために、図１では電動二輪車１内部の一部を透かして示している。 As shown in FIG. 1, the electric motorcycle 1 includes a vehicle body 8, a steering handle 18, front wheels 12, rear wheels 13, and an electric motor 11. In order to explain in an easy-to-understand manner, a part of the inside of the electric motorcycle 1 is shown in FIG.
　車両本体８は、車体フレームと車体カバーを含む構造を有する。車両本体８は、フロントフォーク１４を支持している。フロントフォーク１４の上部には、ステアリングハンドル１８が取り付けられている。フロントフォーク１４の下端部には前輪１２が支持されている。ステアリングハンドル１８の近傍には、走行速度、バッテリ残量、運転モード等の各種情報を表示する表示部１９が設けられている。 The vehicle body 8 has a structure including a vehicle body frame and a vehicle body cover. The vehicle body 8 supports a front fork 14. A steering handle 18 is attached to the top of the front fork 14. A front wheel 12 is supported at the lower end of the front fork 14. In the vicinity of the steering wheel 18, a display unit 19 for displaying various information such as the traveling speed, the remaining amount of battery, the operation mode and the like is provided.
　後輪１３および電動モータ１１は、スイングアーム１６により車両本体８に揺動可能に支持されている。この例では、駆動輪は後輪１３であり、従動輪は前輪１２である。電動モータ１１の回転が後輪１３に伝達されることにより、電動二輪車１は走行する。 The rear wheel 13 and the electric motor 11 are swingably supported by the swing arm 16 on the vehicle body 8. In this example, the driving wheel is the rear wheel 13 and the driven wheel is the front wheel 12. The rotation of the electric motor 11 is transmitted to the rear wheel 13, whereby the electric motorcycle 1 travels.
　電動二輪車１は、さらに、電動モータ１１に電力を供給するバッテリ４と、電動モータ１１の動作を制御するＭＣＵ（Ｍｏｔｏｒ　Ｃｏｎｔｒｏｌ　Ｕｎｉｔ）７を備えている。 The electric motorcycle 1 further includes a battery 4 for supplying electric power to the electric motor 11 and an MCU (Motor Control Unit) 7 for controlling the operation of the electric motor 11.
　車両本体８の上部にはシート１７が設けられ、ユーザはシート１７に座って電動二輪車１を運転する。 A seat 17 is provided at the top of the vehicle body 8 and the user sits on the seat 17 to drive the electric motorcycle 1.
　シート１７の下方には、ユーザのヘルメットや荷物を収納するための収納ボックス１５が設けられる。収納ボックス１５は、上面が開口した箱状であり、収納ボックス１５の上面を覆うようにシート１７が設けられている。シート１７は、図１に一点鎖線で示すように開閉式のシートであり、シート１７を開くことにより、ユーザは収納ボックス１５に対して荷物の出し入れを行うことができる。本実施形態では、バッテリ４は収納ボックス１５に隣接して配置される。バッテリ４の配置位置は任意であり、例えば、車両本体８のユーザの足を置く領域の下部に配置されてもよい。 Below the seat 17, a storage box 15 is provided for storing a user's helmet and luggage. The storage box 15 is in the form of a box whose upper surface is open, and the sheet 17 is provided so as to cover the upper surface of the storage box 15. The sheet 17 is an openable and closable sheet as indicated by an alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1. By opening the sheet 17, the user can carry out loading and unloading of the storage box 15. In the present embodiment, the battery 4 is disposed adjacent to the storage box 15. The disposition position of the battery 4 is arbitrary, and may be disposed, for example, in the lower part of the area where the user's foot of the vehicle body 8 is placed.
　車両中央部付近には充電ケーブルが接続されるレセプタクル２が設けられる。本実施形態の電動二輪車１は、充電器５（図２）から電動二輪車１内のバッテリ４に電力を供給する充電システムを用いて、バッテリ４の充電を行う。ＭＣＵ７は、電動二輪車１の動作を制御する。ＭＣＵ７は、例えば、電動モータ１１の動作の制御、バッテリ４の充電の制御等を行う。バッテリ４は、例えば、複数のセルを収納したバッテリパックから正極線、負極線、信号通信線が延びた構成を有する。この例では、これら正極線、負極線、信号通信線は、ＭＣＵ７を介してレセプタクル２に接続される。バッテリ４の充電時、レセプタクル２には充電ケーブル５１が接続され、充電ケーブル５１とバッテリ４とを電気的に接続する。 A receptacle 2 to which a charging cable is connected is provided near the center of the vehicle. The electric motorcycle 1 according to the present embodiment charges the battery 4 using a charging system that supplies electric power from the charger 5 (FIG. 2) to the battery 4 in the electric motorcycle 1. The MCU 7 controls the operation of the electric motorcycle 1. The MCU 7 performs, for example, control of the operation of the electric motor 11, control of charging of the battery 4, and the like. The battery 4 has, for example, a configuration in which a positive electrode line, a negative electrode line, and a signal communication line extend from a battery pack housing a plurality of cells. In this example, the positive electrode line, the negative electrode line, and the signal communication line are connected to the receptacle 2 via the MCU 7. When the battery 4 is charged, the charging cable 51 is connected to the receptacle 2 to electrically connect the charging cable 51 and the battery 4.
　本実施形態のバッテリ４は、車両本体８に対して着脱可能であり、ユーザは、シート１７を開き、バッテリ４を手で握って上方へ持ち上げることで、バッテリ４を車両本体８の外部へ取り外すことができる。なお、バッテリ４は着脱可能でなくてもよく、車両本体８に固定されて取り外しができない形態であってもよい。バッテリ４の取り外しができない形態とは、例えば、ボルトとナットを用いて固定されている等、バッテリの取り外しには何らかの工具が必要な形態を指す。電動二輪車１に搭載されるバッテリ４の個数は１個に限定されず、２個以上のバッテリ４が搭載されてもよい。 The battery 4 of the present embodiment is attachable to and detachable from the vehicle body 8, and the user opens the seat 17 and holds the battery 4 by hand to lift the battery 4 upward, thereby removing the battery 4 to the outside of the vehicle body 8 be able to. The battery 4 may not be removable, and may be fixed to the vehicle body 8 and can not be removed. The form in which the battery 4 can not be removed refers to, for example, a form that requires some tool for removing the battery, such as fixing using a bolt and a nut. The number of the batteries 4 mounted on the electric motorcycle 1 is not limited to one, and two or more batteries 4 may be mounted.
　図２は、電動二輪車１の充電の様子を示す図である。充電器５は、例えば、家庭で充電を行うための充電器であり、充電器５のプラグ５３をコンセント（家庭用交流電源）５５に接続することで、充電器５に電力が供給される。充電器５は、充電モードに応じて、入力された交流電圧を適切な直流電圧に変換し、充電ケーブル５１を介して電動二輪車１に供給する。 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how the electric motorcycle 1 is charged. The charger 5 is, for example, a charger for performing charging at home, and power is supplied to the charger 5 by connecting the plug 53 of the charger 5 to an outlet (home AC power supply) 55. The charger 5 converts the input AC voltage into an appropriate DC voltage according to the charging mode, and supplies the DC voltage to the electric two-wheeled vehicle 1 via the charging cable 51.
　充電ケーブル５１の一端には充電プラグ３が設けられている。充電プラグ３を電動二輪車１のレセプタクル２に挿入することで、充電ケーブル５１を介して充電器５から電動二輪車１のバッテリ４に電力が供給されて充電が行われる。充電の制御は、充電器５と電動二輪車１のＭＣＵ７との間で充電に関するデータの送受信を行うことで行われ得る。 A charging plug 3 is provided at one end of the charging cable 51. By inserting the charging plug 3 into the receptacle 2 of the electric motorcycle 1, power is supplied from the charger 5 to the battery 4 of the electric motorcycle 1 through the charging cable 51, and charging is performed. The control of charging may be performed by transmitting and receiving data relating to charging between the charger 5 and the MCU 7 of the electric motorcycle 1.
　図３（ａ）は、電動二輪車１のレセプタクル２を示す正面図であり、図３（ｂ）は、充電ケーブル５１の充電プラグ３を示す斜視図である。 3 (a) is a front view showing the receptacle 2 of the electric motorcycle 1, and FIG. 3 (b) is a perspective view showing the charging plug 3 of the charging cable 51. As shown in FIG.
　レセプタクル２は、充電用の電流が供給される電極端子２３ａおよび２３ｂと、充電に関するデータの送受信を行うための信号端子２４ａおよび２４ｂが設けられたレセプタクル基部２１を有する。充電プラグ３は、充電用の電流が供給される電極端子３３ａおよび３３ｂと、充電に関するデータの送受信を行うための信号端子３４ａおよび３４ｂが設けられたプラグ基部３１を有する。 The receptacle 2 has an electrode terminal 23a and 23b to which a current for charging is supplied, and a receptacle base 21 provided with signal terminals 24a and 24b for transmitting and receiving data related to charging. The charging plug 3 has a plug base 31 provided with electrode terminals 33a and 33b to which a charging current is supplied, and signal terminals 34a and 34b for transmitting and receiving data related to charging.
　電極端子および信号端子の数および種類は任意である。例えば、送受信するデータの形態に応じて信号端子は様々な数に設定され得る。また、レセプタクル２および充電プラグ３に放電用の電極端子が設けられていてもよい。また、データの送受信は、無線通信（例えば、近距離無線通信等）により行ってもよい。 The number and type of electrode terminals and signal terminals are arbitrary. For example, the signal terminals may be set to various numbers depending on the form of data to be transmitted and received. In addition, the receptacle 2 and the charging plug 3 may be provided with electrode terminals for discharging. In addition, transmission and reception of data may be performed by wireless communication (for example, near field communication).
　この例では、充電プラグ３が有する電極端子３３ａおよび３３ｂと信号端子３４ａおよび３４ｂはオス端子であり、レセプタクル２が有する電極端子２３ａおよび２３ｂと信号端子２４ａおよび２４ｂはメス端子である。オス端子とメス端子との関係は逆であってもよい。 In this example, the electrode terminals 33a and 33b and the signal terminals 34a and 34b of the charging plug 3 are male terminals, and the electrode terminals 23a and 23b and the signal terminals 24a and 24b of the receptacle 2 are female terminals. The relationship between the male and female terminals may be reversed.
　充電プラグ３をレセプタクル２に差し込むと、プラグ基部３１の電極端子３３ａおよび３３ｂがレセプタクル基部２１の電極端子２３ａおよび２３ｂに差し込まれて電気的に接続される。また、プラグ基部３１の信号端子３４ａおよび３４ｂがレセプタクル基部２１の信号端子２４ａおよび２４ｂに差し込まれて電気的に接続される。 When the charging plug 3 is inserted into the receptacle 2, the electrode terminals 33 a and 33 b of the plug base 31 are inserted into the electrode terminals 23 a and 23 b of the receptacle base 21 for electrical connection. Also, the signal terminals 34 a and 34 b of the plug base 31 are inserted into the signal terminals 24 a and 24 b of the receptacle base 21 for electrical connection.
　レセプタクル２はその端子部分を覆うカバーを有していてもよい。充電時以外は各端子をカバーで覆うことにより、雨や埃の侵入および漏電を防止することができる。また、充電ケーブル５１の充電プラグ３にもカバーが設けられていてもよい。 The receptacle 2 may have a cover that covers the terminal portion. By covering the terminals with a cover except during charging, it is possible to prevent rain and dust from entering and leakage. Further, a cover may be provided on the charging plug 3 of the charging cable 51 as well.
　この例では、レセプタクル２および充電プラグ３は、バヨネットロック方式のコネクタである。図４（ａ）は、レセプタクル２を示す側面図であり、図４（ｂ）は、充電プラグ３を示す側面図である。レセプタクル２の構造を分かり易く説明するために、図４（ａ）ではレセプタクル基部２１の部分はその断面を示している。 In this example, the receptacle 2 and the charging plug 3 are bayonet lock connectors. 4 (a) is a side view showing the receptacle 2, and FIG. 4 (b) is a side view showing the charging plug 3. As shown in FIG. In order to explain the structure of the receptacle 2 intelligibly, in FIG. 4A, a portion of the receptacle base 21 shows its cross section.
　図３（ａ）から図４（ｂ）を参照して、レセプタクル２は、円筒形状の接続保持部２７を有する。充電プラグ３は、円筒形状の接続保持部３７を有する。接続保持部２７および３７は、バヨネットロック方式におけるロック機構３０であり、充電プラグ３がレセプタクル２に接続された状態をロックする。 Referring to FIGS. 3A to 4B, the receptacle 2 has a cylindrical connection holding portion 27. As shown in FIG. The charging plug 3 has a cylindrical connection holding portion 37. The connection holding portions 27 and 37 are lock mechanisms 30 in the bayonet lock method, and lock the state in which the charging plug 3 is connected to the receptacle 2.
　充電プラグ３は、プラグ基部３１の外周側に配置された可動部３２を有する。可動部３２は、プラグ基部３１に対して相対的に移動して位置が変化する。この例では、可動部３２は、周方向に回転可能にプラグ基部３１に取り付けられている。可動部３２は、電極端子３３ａおよび３３ｂが延びる軸方向３９ａに平行な回転軸の周方向に沿って回転する。また、レセプタクル２に対する充電プラグ３の挿抜方向３９ｂは、軸方向３９ａに平行である。 The charging plug 3 has a movable portion 32 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the plug base 31. The movable portion 32 moves relative to the plug base 31 to change its position. In this example, the movable portion 32 is attached to the plug base 31 rotatably in the circumferential direction. The movable portion 32 rotates along the circumferential direction of the rotation axis parallel to the axial direction 39a in which the electrode terminals 33a and 33b extend. Moreover, the insertion / extraction direction 39b of the charging plug 3 with respect to the receptacle 2 is parallel to the axial direction 39a.
　可動部３２は、環状の把持部３６と円筒形状の接続保持部３７を有する。把持部３６と接続保持部３７とは互いに固定されている。把持部３６と接続保持部３７とは一体に形成されていてもよい。把持部３６は、ユーザが可動部３２を回転させるときに手で持って力を加える部材である。また、ユーザがレセプタクル２から充電プラグ３を抜き出す場合も、この把持部３６を手で持って力を加え、抜き出しを行う。ユーザが把持部３６を回転させると、把持部３６とともに接続保持部３７も回転する。接続保持部３７の外周部には、バヨネットロック方式の係合部として、径方向において外側方向へ突出する複数の突起部３８が設けられている。 The movable portion 32 has an annular grip portion 36 and a cylindrical connection holding portion 37. The gripping portion 36 and the connection holding portion 37 are fixed to each other. The grip portion 36 and the connection holding portion 37 may be integrally formed. The grip portion 36 is a member that is held by the hand and applies a force when the user rotates the movable portion 32. Further, even when the user pulls out the charging plug 3 from the receptacle 2, the user holds the grip portion 36 by hand to apply a force, and pulls out. When the user rotates the grip portion 36, the connection holding portion 37 also rotates along with the grip portion 36. A plurality of protrusions 38 protruding outward in the radial direction are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the connection holding portion 37 as a bayonet lock type engagement portion.
　レセプタクル２の接続保持部２７には、バヨネットロック方式の係合部として、複数の貫通した溝２８が設けられている。溝２８は、レセプタクル２に充電プラグ３が差し込まれる方向に沿って延びた後、周方向に曲がって延びる形状を有している。充電プラグ３の突起部３８は、レセプタクル２の溝２８の開口位置に対応する位置に配置されている。 The connection holding portion 27 of the receptacle 2 is provided with a plurality of penetrating grooves 28 as a bayonet lock type engaging portion. The groove 28 has a shape that is bent in the circumferential direction and extends after extending along the direction in which the charging plug 3 is inserted into the receptacle 2. The protrusion 38 of the charging plug 3 is disposed at a position corresponding to the opening position of the groove 28 of the receptacle 2.
　図５、図６および図７は、レセプタクル２に充電プラグ３を差し込んだ状態を示す側面図であり、接続状態を分かり易く説明するために、レセプタクル基部２１の部分はその断面を示している。 FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are side views showing a state in which the charging plug 3 is inserted into the receptacle 2, and a portion of the receptacle base 21 shows a cross section thereof for the purpose of clearly explaining the connection state.
　レセプタクル２に充電プラグ３を接続するとき、ユーザは充電プラグ３の突起部３８を、レセプタクル２の溝２８の開口位置に位置決めする。そして、挿抜方向３９ｂに沿って、図５に示すように溝２８の内部に突起部３８を差し込む。このとき、同時に、プラグ基部３１の電極端子３３ａおよび３３ｂがレセプタクル基部２１の電極端子２３ａおよび２３ｂに差し込まれて電気的に接続される。また、プラグ基部３１の信号端子３４ａおよび３４ｂがレセプタクル基部２１の信号端子２４ａおよび２４ｂに差し込まれて電気的に接続される。 When connecting the charging plug 3 to the receptacle 2, the user positions the projection 38 of the charging plug 3 at the opening position of the groove 28 of the receptacle 2. Then, the projection 38 is inserted into the groove 28 as shown in FIG. 5 along the insertion / removal direction 39b. At this time, at the same time, the electrode terminals 33a and 33b of the plug base 31 are inserted into the electrode terminals 23a and 23b of the receptacle base 21 for electrical connection. Also, the signal terminals 34 a and 34 b of the plug base 31 are inserted into the signal terminals 24 a and 24 b of the receptacle base 21 for electrical connection.
　次に、ユーザは、充電プラグ３からレセプタクル２を見て時計回りに、把持部３６を回転させる。そうすると、突起部３８は、図６に示すように溝２８の周方向に延びる部分に沿って時計回りに移動し、突起部３８と溝２８とが係合して、充電プラグ３がレセプタクル２に接続された状態をロックする。可動部３２は、プラグ基部３１に対して相対的に回転するため、プラグ基部３１とプラグ基部３１に接続されたレセプタクル基部２１は静止したまま、突起部３８を有する可動部３２が回転する。すなわち、プラグ基部３１の端子とレセプタクル基部２１の端子とが接続された状態を維持したまま、ロックが行われる。 Next, the user rotates the grip 36 clockwise looking at the receptacle 2 from the charging plug 3. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, protrusion 38 moves clockwise along the circumferentially extending portion of groove 28, and protrusion 38 engages with groove 28, and charging plug 3 is inserted into receptacle 2. Lock the connected state. Since the movable portion 32 rotates relative to the plug base 31, the movable portion 32 having the projection 38 rotates while the plug base 31 and the receptacle base 21 connected to the plug base 31 are stationary. That is, the locking is performed while maintaining the state in which the terminal of the plug base 31 and the terminal of the receptacle base 21 are connected.
　このロック状態においてバッテリ４の充電が行われる。ロック状態では、充電プラグ３に対してユーザが挿抜方向３９ｂに力を加えても、充電プラグ３はレセプタクル２からは外れない。 Charging of the battery 4 is performed in this locked state. In the locked state, even if the user applies a force to the charging plug 3 in the insertion / removal direction 39 b, the charging plug 3 is not detached from the receptacle 2.
　プラグ基部３１とレセプタクル２とがロックされた状態を解除する場合は、ユーザは、充電プラグ３からレセプタクル２を見て反時計回りに、把持部３６を回転させる。そうすると、突起部３８は、図７に示すように溝２８の周方向に延びる部分に沿って反時計回りに移動し、ロックが解除される。このように、可動部３２は、ユーザの操作に応じて回転し、プラグ基部３１がレセプタクル２に接続された状態をロックするロック状態から、ロック状態を解除した解除状態に変化する。 When releasing the locked state of the plug base 31 and the receptacle 2, the user rotates the grip 36 in a counterclockwise direction looking at the receptacle 2 from the charging plug 3. Then, the projection 38 moves counterclockwise along the circumferentially extending portion of the groove 28 as shown in FIG. 7, and the lock is released. As described above, the movable portion 32 rotates in accordance with the user's operation, and changes from the locked state in which the plug base 31 is connected to the receptacle 2 to the locked state to the released state in which the locked state is released.
　可動部３２は、プラグ基部３１に対して相対的に回転するため、プラグ基部３１とプラグ基部３１に接続されたレセプタクル基部２１は静止したまま、突起部３８を有する可動部３２が回転する。すなわち、プラグ基部３１の端子とレセプタクル基部２１の端子とが接続された状態を維持したまま、ロックが解除される。 Since the movable portion 32 rotates relative to the plug base 31, the movable portion 32 having the projection 38 rotates while the plug base 31 and the receptacle base 21 connected to the plug base 31 are stationary. That is, the lock is released while maintaining the state in which the terminal of the plug base 31 and the terminal of the receptacle base 21 are connected.
　ロックが解除されたタイミングでは、プラグ基部３１の端子とレセプタクル基部２１の端子との接続は維持されている。このため、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して充電を停止すると、プラグ基部３１の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前に充電を停止することができる。このユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して充電を停止する機構とその動作の詳細は後述する。 At the timing when the lock is released, the connection between the terminal of the plug base 31 and the terminal of the receptacle base 21 is maintained. Therefore, when the user's unlocking operation is immediately detected and the charging is stopped, the charging can be stopped before the terminal of the plug base 31 is separated from the terminal of the receptacle 2. The mechanism for immediately detecting the user's unlocking operation and stopping the charging and the details of the operation will be described later.
　また、可動部３２は、挿抜方向３９ｂと平行な回転軸に沿って回転してロック状態から解除状態へ変化する。すなわち、可動部３２は、挿抜方向３９ｂとは異なる方向へ移動してロック状態から解除状態へ変化する。ユーザによりロックを解除する操作方向が、プラグ基部３１の挿抜方向３９ｂとは異なる方向であることで、ロック解除のためにユーザが加えた力が、レセプタクル２からプラグ基部３１を外す方向に作用することを防止することができる。 In addition, the movable portion 32 rotates along the rotation axis parallel to the insertion and removal direction 39b, and changes from the locked state to the released state. That is, the movable portion 32 moves in a direction different from the insertion and removal direction 39b, and changes from the locked state to the released state. Since the operation direction for releasing the lock by the user is different from the insertion and removal direction 39 b of the plug base 31, the force applied by the user for releasing the lock acts in the direction for removing the plug base 31 from the receptacle 2 Can be prevented.
　次に、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化を検出する検出機構を説明する。 Next, a detection mechanism for detecting a change from the locked state to the unlocked state will be described.
　図８から図１０は、検出機構によるロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。図８から図１０は、充電プラグ３からレセプタクル２を見たときの、レセプタクル２と可動部３２の位置関係を示している。 8 to 10 are diagrams for explaining the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state by the detection mechanism and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state. FIGS. 8 to 10 show the positional relationship between the receptacle 2 and the movable portion 32 when the receptacle 2 is viewed from the charging plug 3.
　図３（ａ）および図８から図１０を参照して、ロック状態のときに突起部３８が位置するレセプタクル２内の領域には、ピン２２が配置されている。ピン２２は、レセプタクル２の径方向に沿って移動可能であり、スプリング６３によって径方向の内側方向へ付勢されている。レセプタクル２におけるピン２２の外周側の位置には、マイクロスイッチ６１が配置されている。 Referring to FIG. 3A and FIGS. 8 to 10, pins 22 are disposed in an area in receptacle 2 where projection 38 is located in the locked state. The pin 22 is movable along the radial direction of the receptacle 2 and biased radially inward by a spring 63. A micro switch 61 is disposed at a position on the outer peripheral side of the pin 22 in the receptacle 2.
　検出機構６０は、マイクロスイッチ６１と可動部３２を含む。すなわち、可動部３２の一部が検出機構６０を構成している。 The detection mechanism 60 includes a micro switch 61 and a movable portion 32. That is, a part of the movable portion 32 constitutes the detection mechanism 60.
　マイクロスイッチ６１は、可動部３２の移動に応じてオンとオフが切り替わる。マイクロスイッチ６１は、スナップアクション機構を有するスイッチであり、スナップアクションスイッチとも称される。この例では、検出機構６０が有するスイッチとしてマイクロスイッチ６１を用いるが、本発明はそれに限定されない。外部からの力を受けて機械的に導通と非導通の切り替えを行う任意のスイッチを用いることができる。 The micro switch 61 is switched on and off according to the movement of the movable portion 32. The micro switch 61 is a switch having a snap action mechanism, and is also referred to as a snap action switch. In this example, the micro switch 61 is used as a switch included in the detection mechanism 60, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any switch that mechanically switches between conduction and non-conduction in response to an external force can be used.
　図５に示したように挿抜方向３９ｂに沿って溝２８に突起部３８を差し込んだ段階では、マイクロスイッチ６１と可動部３２の突起部３８とは、図８に示すような位置関係になっている。このとき、マイクロスイッチ６１はオフ状態である。 At the stage where the projection 38 is inserted into the groove 28 along the insertion / removal direction 39b as shown in FIG. 5, the micro switch 61 and the projection 38 of the movable portion 32 have a positional relationship as shown in FIG. There is. At this time, the micro switch 61 is in the off state.
　次に、図６に示したように溝２８の周方向に延びる部分に沿って突起部３８を時計回りに移動させると、図９に示すように、突起部３８はピン２２に接触する。突起部３８はピン２２を押して径方向の外側方向へ移動させる。外側方向へ移動したピン２２は、マイクロスイッチ６１のヒンジレバー６２を押して、マイクロスイッチ６１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２とをロックしていない状態からロックする状態に変化すると、マイクロスイッチ６１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロックしていない状態からロックした状態への変化を検出することができる。 Next, when the protrusion 38 is moved clockwise along the circumferentially extending portion of the groove 28 as shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 38 contacts the pin 22 as shown in FIG. 9. The projection 38 pushes the pin 22 to move it radially outward. The pin 22 moved outward pushes the hinge lever 62 of the microswitch 61, and the microswitch 61 switches from the off state to the on state. When the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 change from the unlocked state to the locked state, the micro switch 61 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
　次に、図７に示したように溝２８の周方向に延びる部分に沿って突起部３８を反時計回りに移動させると、図１０に示すように、突起部３８はピン２２から離れて接触しなくなり、スプリング６３によってピン２２は径方向の内側方向へ移動する。ピン２２が内側方向へ移動すると、ピン２２はマイクロスイッチ６１のヒンジレバー６２から離れ、マイクロスイッチ６１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。ロック状態から解除状態に変化すると、マイクロスイッチ６１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を即座に検出することができる。 Next, when the protrusion 38 is moved counterclockwise along the circumferentially extending portion of the groove 28 as shown in FIG. 7, the protrusion 38 contacts the pin 22 as shown in FIG. 10. Then, the spring 63 moves the pin 22 radially inward. When the pin 22 moves inward, the pin 22 separates from the hinge lever 62 of the microswitch 61, and the microswitch 61 switches from the on state to the off state. When the lock state changes to the release state, the micro switch 61 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
　この例では、突起部３８は、ピン２２を介してマイクロスイッチ６１のヒンジレバー６２を押していたが、本発明はこれに限定されない。例えば、突起部３８がヒンジレバー６２を直接押してもよい。 In this example, the projection 38 pushes the hinge lever 62 of the microswitch 61 via the pin 22, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the projection 38 may push the hinge lever 62 directly.
　図１１は、電動二輪車１のバッテリ４の充電を行う充電システム１０を示す図である。図１１に示す例では、ＭＣＵ７は、ＣＰＵ（Ｃｅｎｔｒａｌ　Ｐｒｏｃｅｓｓｉｎｇ　Ｕｎｉｔ）７１と、ＡＮＤ回路７２と、スイッチ７３および７４と、レジスタ７５および７６とを備える。バッテリ４は複数のセル４１を含んでいる。ＣＰＵ７１は制御部の一例である。充電の制御は、充電器５と電動二輪車１のＭＣＵ７との間で充電に関するデータの送受信を行うことで行われる。 FIG. 11 is a view showing a charging system 10 for charging the battery 4 of the electric motorcycle 1. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the MCU 7 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 71, an AND circuit 72, switches 73 and 74, and registers 75 and 76. The battery 4 includes a plurality of cells 41. The CPU 71 is an example of a control unit. The control of charging is performed by transmitting and receiving data relating to charging between the charger 5 and the MCU 7 of the electric motorcycle 1.
　この例では、スイッチ７３はＰＮＰトランジスタであり、スイッチ７４はＮＰＮトランジスタである。ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタは電極端子２３ａに接続され、コレクタはバッテリ４の正極端子に接続される。ＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のエミッタは、電極端子２３ａおよびバッテリ４の負極端子に接続され、コレクタはレジスタ７５を介してＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のベースに接続される。ＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のベースには、ＡＮＤ回路７２の出力信号が供給される。レジスタ７６は、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のベースとエミッタとを接続する。レセプタクル２のマイクロスイッチ６１の端子には電源７７から電圧が供給され、別の端子はＡＮＤ回路７２の入力端子に接続されている。ＡＮＤ回路７２の別の入力端子には、ＣＰＵ７１からの信号が入力される。ＭＣＵ７は、このようなスイッチ回路を有する。 In this example, switch 73 is a PNP transistor and switch 74 is an NPN transistor. The emitter of the PNP transistor 73 is connected to the electrode terminal 23 a, and the collector is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the battery 4. The emitter of NPN transistor 74 is connected to electrode terminal 23 a and the negative terminal of battery 4, and the collector is connected to the base of PNP transistor 73 via resistor 75. The output signal of the AND circuit 72 is supplied to the base of the NPN transistor 74. The resistor 76 connects the base and the emitter of the PNP transistor 73. A voltage is supplied from the power supply 77 to the terminal of the microswitch 61 of the receptacle 2, and the other terminal is connected to the input terminal of the AND circuit 72. A signal from the CPU 71 is input to another input terminal of the AND circuit 72. The MCU 7 has such a switch circuit.
　レセプタクル２に充電プラグ３が差し込まれて可動部３２が回転し、ロック状態になると、図９に示したようにマイクロスイッチ６１はオフからオンへ切り替わる。これにより、マイクロスイッチ６１からＡＮＤ回路７２に“１”に相当する電圧が入力される。 When the charging plug 3 is inserted into the receptacle 2 and the movable portion 32 is rotated and locked, the micro switch 61 is switched from off to on as shown in FIG. Thus, a voltage corresponding to "1" is input from the microswitch 61 to the AND circuit 72.
　バッテリ４の充電を開始するとき、ＣＰＵ７１は、ＡＮＤ回路７２に“１”に相当する信号を入力する。マイクロスイッチ６１とＣＰＵ７１の両方から“１”が入力されると、ＡＮＤ回路７２は、ＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のベースに信号を出力する。これによりＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のコレクタとエミッタの間で電流が流れ、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタとベースの間で電流が流れることにより、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタとコレクタの間で充電電流が流れ、バッテリ４のセル４１に充電電流が供給される。 When charging of the battery 4 is started, the CPU 71 inputs a signal corresponding to “1” to the AND circuit 72. When "1" is input from both the micro switch 61 and the CPU 71, the AND circuit 72 outputs a signal to the base of the NPN transistor 74. As a result, current flows between the collector and emitter of NPN transistor 74, and current flows between the emitter and base of PNP transistor 73, whereby charging current flows between the emitter and collector of PNP transistor 73. Charge current is supplied to the cell 41.
　図１０に示したように、ユーザが可動部３２を回転させてロックを解除すると、マイクロスイッチ６１はオンからオフへ切り替わる。これにより、マイクロスイッチ６１からＡＮＤ回路７２に“１”に相当する電圧が入力されなくなる。このとき、ＣＰＵ７１が充電を行うための“１”をＡＮＤ回路７２に入力し続けていたとしても、マイクロスイッチ６１からは“１”がＡＮＤ回路７２に入力されなくなるので、ＡＮＤ回路７２はＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のベースへ信号を出力しなくなる。ＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のコレクタとエミッタの間で電流が流れなくなり、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタとベースの間で電流が流れなくなることにより、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタとコレクタの間で充電電流が流れなくなる。これにより、バッテリ４のセル４１への充電電流の供給が停止される。 As shown in FIG. 10, when the user rotates the movable portion 32 to release the lock, the micro switch 61 switches from on to off. As a result, the voltage corresponding to "1" is not input from the micro switch 61 to the AND circuit 72. At this time, even if "1" is continuously input to the AND circuit 72 for the CPU 71 to be charged, "1" is not input from the micro switch 61 to the AND circuit 72. Stop outputting the signal to the 74 base. Since no current flows between the collector and the emitter of the NPN transistor 74 and no current flows between the emitter and the base of the PNP transistor 73, no charging current flows between the emitter and the collector of the PNP transistor 73. As a result, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 is stopped.
　このように、ユーザが可動部３２を回転させてロックを解除する操作を行うと、バッテリ４のセル４１への充電電流の供給が即座に停止される。ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、充電プラグ３の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前にセル４１への電流供給を停止することができる。 Thus, when the user rotates the movable portion 32 to release the lock, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 is immediately stopped. The user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the cell 41 can be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 leaves the terminal of the receptacle 2.
　本実施形態では、ユーザが手で力を加えて移動させる可動部３２が、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を検出する検出機構６０の一部を構成する。このため、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、充電プラグ３の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前にセル４１への電流供給を停止することができる。 In the present embodiment, the movable portion 32 which the user applies a force by hand to move constitutes a part of the detection mechanism 60 which detects a change from the locked state to the released state. Therefore, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation and to stop the current supply to the cell 41 before the terminal of the charging plug 3 is separated from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
　スイッチ７３がオフになってバッテリ４のセル４１への充電電流の供給が停止された後、ユーザは、挿抜方向３９ｂに沿ってレセプタクル２から充電プラグ３を引き抜く。このとき、充電プラグ３の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れ、充電器５およびＭＣＵ７のＣＰＵ７１は、端子同士が離れたことを検知する。そうすると、ＣＰＵ７１は“１”の出力を停止するとともに、充電器５は電流の出力を停止する。あるいは、スイッチ７３がオフになって充電電流が変化したことを検知して、ＣＰＵ７１は“１”の出力を停止するとともに、充電器５は電流の出力を停止してもよい。何れの場合も、ＣＰＵ７１および充電器５の充電停止動作よりも先にスイッチ７３がオフになり、充電プラグ３の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前にセル４１への電流供給を停止することができる。 After the switch 73 is turned off and the supply of the charging current to the cells 41 of the battery 4 is stopped, the user pulls out the charging plug 3 from the receptacle 2 along the insertion / removal direction 39b. At this time, the terminal of the charging plug 3 is separated from the terminal of the receptacle 2, and the CPU 71 of the charger 5 and the MCU 7 detects that the terminals are separated. Then, the CPU 71 stops the output of "1" and the charger 5 stops the output of the current. Alternatively, when the switch 73 is turned off to detect that the charging current has changed, the CPU 71 may stop the output of "1" and the charger 5 may stop the output of the current. In any case, the switch 73 is turned off prior to the charge stopping operation of the CPU 71 and the charger 5, and the current supply to the cell 41 may be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 separates from the terminal of the receptacle 2. it can.
　なお、この例では、スイッチ７３および７４として、ＰＮＰトランジスタおよびＮＰＮトランジスタを用いたが、別のスイッチ素子を用いてもよい。 In this example, PNP and NPN transistors are used as the switches 73 and 74, but other switch elements may be used.
　また、スイッチ７３として、トランジスタなどの半導体スイッチの代わりにメカニカルリレーなどの機械的スイッチを用いてもよい。 Further, as the switch 73, a mechanical switch such as a mechanical relay may be used instead of a semiconductor switch such as a transistor.
　また、この例では、ロック解除状態の検出により動作するスイッチ回路を設けて電流の供給を停止したが、そのようなスイッチ回路を動作させる代わりに、充電器５の電流供給動作（例えば電源回路のスイッチング動作）を停止することで電流の供給を停止してもよい。この場合も、上記のように充電プラグ３の端子とレセプタクル２の端子とが離れたことを検知する前に、電流供給動作を停止する。ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、充電プラグ３の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前に電流供給動作を停止することができる。 Further, in this example, the switch circuit that operates by detecting the unlocked state is provided to stop the supply of current, but instead of operating such a switch circuit, the current supply operation of the charger 5 (for example, The supply of current may be stopped by stopping the switching operation). Also in this case, the current supply operation is stopped before it is detected that the terminals of the charging plug 3 and the terminals of the receptacle 2 are separated as described above. The user's unlocking operation can be detected immediately, and the current supply operation can be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 leaves the terminal of the receptacle 2.
　また、レセプタクル２の溝２８の形状は一例であり、別の形状であってもよい。例えば、レセプタクル２に充電プラグ３を差し込む方向に延びつつ、周方向に湾曲して延びる形状であってもよい。また、別のバヨネットロック方式を採用することもできる。例えば、ユーザが可動部３２を回転させる方向に力を加える回転操作を行わなくても、自動的にロックが行われる機構を採用してもよい。例えば、ユーザが加える差し込み方向への力の一部を受けて可動部３２が自動的に回転して、ロックが行われる機構を採用してもよい。ロック解除の操作は、ユーザが可動部３２を自動ロック時の回転方向とは反対方向に回転させることで行う。この場合も、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、充電プラグ３の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前にセル４１への電流供給を停止することができる。 Further, the shape of the groove 28 of the receptacle 2 is an example, and may be another shape. For example, while extending in the direction in which the charging plug 3 is inserted into the receptacle 2, the shape may be curved and extended in the circumferential direction. Also, another bayonet lock method can be adopted. For example, a mechanism may be employed in which locking is automatically performed without the user performing a rotation operation of applying a force in the direction of rotating the movable portion 32. For example, a mechanism may be employed in which the movable portion 32 is automatically rotated in response to a part of the force in the insertion direction applied by the user and locking is performed. The unlocking operation is performed by the user rotating the movable portion 32 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction at the time of automatic locking. Also in this case, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation and to stop the current supply to the cell 41 before the terminal of the charging plug 3 leaves the terminal of the receptacle 2.
　上記の例では、検出機構６０はマイクロスイッチ６１を備えていたが、マイクロスイッチ６１の代わりに磁気センサを用いることもできる。 In the above example, the detection mechanism 60 is provided with the micro switch 61, but instead of the micro switch 61, a magnetic sensor can be used.
　図１２（ａ）は、磁気センサ８１が配置されたレセプタクル２を示す正面図であり、図１２（ｂ）は、可動部３２に磁石８２および８３が配置された充電プラグ３を示す斜視図である。この例では、磁気センサ８１はホールセンサであり、磁石のＮ極が近接して磁場が印加されるとオン状態になり、磁石のＳ極が近接して磁場が印加されるとオフ状態になる。また、磁気センサ８１は磁場が印加されていないときはオフ状態になる。 12 (a) is a front view showing the receptacle 2 in which the magnetic sensor 81 is disposed, and FIG. 12 (b) is a perspective view showing the charging plug 3 in which the magnets 82 and 83 are disposed on the movable portion 32. is there. In this example, the magnetic sensor 81 is a Hall sensor, and turns on when the north pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied, and turns off when the south pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied. . Further, the magnetic sensor 81 is turned off when the magnetic field is not applied.
　磁石８２は、充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２の接続時において磁気センサ８１にＳ極が対面するように、可動部３２に配置されている。磁石８３は、充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２の接続時において磁気センサ８１にＮ極が対面するように、可動部３２に配置されている。磁石８２および８３は、可動部３２の周方向において間隔をあけて配置されている。 The magnet 82 is disposed in the movable portion 32 such that the S pole faces the magnetic sensor 81 when the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are connected. The magnet 83 is disposed in the movable portion 32 so that the N pole faces the magnetic sensor 81 when the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are connected. The magnets 82 and 83 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the movable portion 32.
　次に、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化を検出する動作を説明する。 Next, an operation of detecting a change from the locked state to the unlocked state will be described.
　図１３（ａ）から図１３（ｃ）は、磁気センサ８１を備える検出機構６０によるロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。図１３（ａ）から図１３（ｃ）は、充電プラグ３からレセプタクル２を見たときの、レセプタクル２と可動部３２の位置関係を示している。 13 (a) to 13 (c) illustrate the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state by the detection mechanism 60 including the magnetic sensor 81 and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state. It is a figure to do. 13 (a) to 13 (c) show the positional relationship between the receptacle 2 and the movable portion 32 when the receptacle 2 is viewed from the charging plug 3. FIG.
　図５に示したように挿抜方向３９ｂに沿って溝２８に突起部３８を差し込んだ段階では、マイクロスイッチ６１と可動部３２の突起部３８とは、図１３（ａ）に示すような位置関係になっている。このとき、磁石８２のＳ極が磁気センサ８１に近接しており、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態である。 At the stage where the projection 38 is inserted into the groove 28 along the insertion / removal direction 39b as shown in FIG. 5, the micro switch 61 and the projection 38 of the movable portion 32 have a positional relationship as shown in FIG. It has become. At this time, the south pole of the magnet 82 is close to the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is in the off state.
　次に、図６に示したように溝２８の周方向に延びる部分に沿って突起部３８を時計回りに移動させると、図１３（ｂ）に示すように、磁石８２のＳ極は磁気センサ８１から離れ、磁石８３のＮ極が磁気センサ８１に近接し、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２とをロックしていない状態からロックする状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロックしていない状態からロックした状態への変化を検出することができる。 Next, when the protrusion 38 is moved clockwise along the circumferentially extending portion of the groove 28 as shown in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the south pole of the magnet 82 is a magnetic sensor Away from 81, the north pole of the magnet 83 approaches the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. When the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 change from the unlocked state to the locked state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
　次に、図７に示したように溝２８の周方向に延びる部分に沿って突起部３８を反時計回りに移動させると、図１３（ｃ）に示すように、磁石８３のＮ極が磁気センサ８１から離れ、磁石８２のＳ極が磁気センサ８１に近接し、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。ロック状態から解除状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を即座に検出することができる。 Next, as shown in FIG. 7, when the protrusion 38 is moved counterclockwise along a portion extending in the circumferential direction of the groove 28, as shown in FIG. 13 (c), the N pole of the magnet 83 becomes magnetic. Away from the sensor 81, the south pole of the magnet 82 approaches the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. When the locked state changes to the released state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
　この例では、図１１の回路図において、レセプタクル２の磁気センサ８１の端子には電源７７から電圧が供給され、別の端子はＡＮＤ回路７２の入力端子に接続される。これにより、上述と同様に、ユーザが可動部３２を回転させてロックを解除する操作を行うと、バッテリ４のセル４１への充電電流の供給が即座に停止される。ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、充電プラグ３の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前にセル４１への電流供給を停止することができる。 In this example, in the circuit diagram of FIG. 11, a voltage is supplied from the power supply 77 to the terminal of the magnetic sensor 81 of the receptacle 2, and the other terminal is connected to the input terminal of the AND circuit 72. As a result, as described above, when the user rotates the movable portion 32 to release the lock, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 is immediately stopped. The user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the cell 41 can be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 leaves the terminal of the receptacle 2.
　また、磁気センサ８１として、リードスイッチを用いることもできる。 Alternatively, a reed switch can be used as the magnetic sensor 81.
　図１４（ａ）は、リードスイッチである磁気センサ８１が配置されたレセプタクル２を示す正面図であり、図１４（ｂ）は、可動部３２に磁石８３が配置された充電プラグ３を示す斜視図である。リードスイッチは、磁石が近接して磁場が印加されるとオン状態になり、磁石が離れて印加される磁場が弱まるとオフ状態になる。 FIG. 14 (a) is a front view showing the receptacle 2 in which the magnetic sensor 81 which is a reed switch is disposed, and FIG. 14 (b) is a perspective view showing the charging plug 3 in which the magnet 83 is disposed on the movable portion 32. FIG. The reed switch is turned on when the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied, and turned off when the magnet is separated and the applied magnetic field is weakened.
　磁石８３は、充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２のロック時において磁気センサ８１に近接するように、可動部３２に配置されている。この例では、磁石８３は磁気センサ８１にＮ極が対面するように配置されているが、Ｓ極が対面するように配置されていてもよい。 The magnet 83 is disposed in the movable portion 32 so as to be close to the magnetic sensor 81 when the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are locked. In this example, the magnet 83 is disposed so that the N pole faces the magnetic sensor 81, but the magnet 83 may be disposed so as to face the S pole.
　次に、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化を検出する動作を説明する。 Next, an operation of detecting a change from the locked state to the unlocked state will be described.
　図１５（ａ）から図１５（ｃ）は、磁気センサ８１を備える検出機構６０によるロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。図１５（ａ）から図１５（ｃ）は、充電プラグ３からレセプタクル２を見たときの、レセプタクル２と可動部３２の位置関係を示している。 15 (a) to 15 (c) illustrate the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state by the detection mechanism 60 provided with the magnetic sensor 81 and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state. It is a figure to do. FIGS. 15A to 15C show the positional relationship between the receptacle 2 and the movable portion 32 when the receptacle 2 is viewed from the charging plug 3.
　図５に示したように挿抜方向３９ｂに沿って溝２８に突起部３８を差し込んだ段階では、マイクロスイッチ６１と可動部３２の突起部３８とは、図１５（ａ）に示すような位置関係になっている。このとき、磁石８３は磁気センサ８１から離れており、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態である。 At the stage where the projection 38 is inserted into the groove 28 along the insertion / removal direction 39b as shown in FIG. 5, the micro switch 61 and the projection 38 of the movable portion 32 have a positional relationship as shown in FIG. It has become. At this time, the magnet 83 is separated from the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is in the off state.
　次に、図６に示したように溝２８の周方向に延びる部分に沿って突起部３８を時計回りに移動させると、図１５（ｂ）に示すように、磁石８３は磁気センサ８１に近接し、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２とをロックしていない状態からロックする状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロックしていない状態からロックした状態への変化を検出することができる。 Next, when the protrusion 38 is moved clockwise along the circumferentially extending portion of the groove 28 as shown in FIG. 6, the magnet 83 approaches the magnetic sensor 81 as shown in FIG. 15 (b). The magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. When the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 change from the unlocked state to the locked state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
　次に、図７に示したように溝２８の周方向に延びる部分に沿って突起部３８を反時計回りに移動させると、図１５（ｃ）に示すように、磁石８３が磁気センサ８１から離れ、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。ロック状態から解除状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を即座に検出することができる。 Next, as shown in FIG. 7, when the protrusion 38 is moved counterclockwise along the portion extending in the circumferential direction of the groove 28, as shown in FIG. Away, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. When the locked state changes to the released state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
　この例では、図１１の回路図において、レセプタクル２の磁気センサ８１の端子には電源７７から電圧が供給され、別の端子はＡＮＤ回路７２の入力端子に接続される。これにより、上述と同様に、ユーザが可動部３２を回転させてロックを解除する操作を行うと、バッテリ４のセル４１への充電電流の供給が即座に停止される。ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、充電プラグ３の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前にセル４１への電流供給を停止することができる。 In this example, in the circuit diagram of FIG. 11, a voltage is supplied from the power supply 77 to the terminal of the magnetic sensor 81 of the receptacle 2, and the other terminal is connected to the input terminal of the AND circuit 72. As a result, as described above, when the user rotates the movable portion 32 to release the lock, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 is immediately stopped. The user's unlocking operation can be immediately detected, and the current supply to the cell 41 can be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 leaves the terminal of the receptacle 2.
　次に、充電プラグ３が有する爪部をレセプタクル２に設けられた突起部に係止して、ロックを行う例を説明する。 Next, an example will be described in which the claw portion of the charging plug 3 is engaged with the projection provided on the receptacle 2 to perform locking.
　図１６（ａ）は、充電プラグ３を示す正面図であり、図１６（ｂ）は、充電プラグ３を示す側面図である。図１７（ａ）は、レセプタクル２を示す正面図であり、図１７（ｂ）は、レセプタクル２を示す断面図である。 FIG. 16 (a) is a front view showing the charging plug 3, and FIG. 16 (b) is a side view showing the charging plug 3. FIG. 17A is a front view showing the receptacle 2, and FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view showing the receptacle 2.
　上記と同様に、レセプタクル２は、電極端子２３ａおよび２３ｂと信号端子２４ａおよび２４ｂが設けられたレセプタクル基部２１を有する。充電プラグ３は、電極端子３３ａおよび３３ｂと信号端子３４ａおよび３４ｂが設けられたプラグ基部３１を有する。 Similar to the above, the receptacle 2 has a receptacle base 21 provided with electrode terminals 23a and 23b and signal terminals 24a and 24b. The charging plug 3 has a plug base 31 provided with electrode terminals 33a and 33b and signal terminals 34a and 34b.
　この例では、充電プラグ３の可動部３２はロックアームであり、ロックアームの一端には爪部１０１が設けられており、他端にはユーザが指で押す押しボタン１０２が設けられている。ユーザが充電プラグ３を握り、押しボタン１０２を指で押すと、押しボタン１０２が図中の下方へ移動するのに連動して爪部１０１は上方へ移動する。例えば、図２７に示すように、爪部１０１と押しボタン１０２とは一体に形成されていてもよい。可動部３２は、回転軸１０５に沿って揺動可能である。スプリング６４によって押しボタン１０２は上方向へ付勢されるとともに、爪部１０１は下方向へ付勢されている。 In this example, the movable portion 32 of the charging plug 3 is a lock arm, and the claw arm 101 is provided at one end of the lock arm, and the other end is provided with a push button 102 pressed by the user with a finger. When the user grips the charging plug 3 and presses the push button 102, the claw portion 101 moves upward in conjunction with the push button 102 moving downward in the drawing. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, the claw portion 101 and the push button 102 may be integrally formed. The movable portion 32 can swing along the rotating shaft 105. The spring 64 biases the push button 102 upward, and the claw portion 101 biases downward.
　図１７（ａ）および図１７（ｂ）を参照して、レセプタクル２には突起部１１１が設けられている。充電プラグ３がレセプタクル２に接続されると、可動部３２の爪部１０１はレセプタクル２の突起部１１１と係合してロックされる。また、この例では、レセプタクル２の突起部１１１の近傍にマイクロスイッチ６１が配置されている。 With reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the receptacle 2 is provided with a projection 111. When the charging plug 3 is connected to the receptacle 2, the claws 101 of the movable part 32 engage with the projections 111 of the receptacle 2 and are locked. Further, in this example, the micro switch 61 is disposed in the vicinity of the protrusion 111 of the receptacle 2.
　図１８、図１９、図２０は、レセプタクル２と充電プラグ３の接続を説明する側面図であり、接続状態を分かり易く説明するために、レセプタクル２はその断面を示している。 FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20 are side views for explaining the connection between the receptacle 2 and the charging plug 3, and the receptacle 2 shows a cross section thereof for easy understanding of the connection state.
　図１８は、レセプタクル２に充電プラグ３を接続する前の状態である。このとき、マイクロスイッチ６１のヒンジレバー６２には力が加わっておらず、マイクロスイッチ６１はオフ状態である。 FIG. 18 shows a state before connecting the charging plug 3 to the receptacle 2. At this time, no force is applied to the hinge lever 62 of the micro switch 61, and the micro switch 61 is in the off state.
　ユーザは、挿抜方向３９ｂに沿って、レセプタクル２に充電プラグ３を差し込む。これにより、プラグ基部３１の電極端子３３ａおよび３３ｂがレセプタクル基部２１の電極端子２３ａおよび２３ｂに差し込まれて電気的に接続される。また、プラグ基部３１の信号端子３４ａおよび３４ｂがレセプタクル基部２１の信号端子２４ａおよび２４ｂに差し込まれて電気的に接続される。 The user inserts the charging plug 3 into the receptacle 2 along the insertion / removal direction 39b. Thereby, the electrode terminals 33 a and 33 b of the plug base 31 are inserted into the electrode terminals 23 a and 23 b of the receptacle base 21 and electrically connected. Also, the signal terminals 34 a and 34 b of the plug base 31 are inserted into the signal terminals 24 a and 24 b of the receptacle base 21 for electrical connection.
　また、レセプタクル２に充電プラグ３を差し込むとき、可動部３２の爪部１０１はレセプタクル２の突起部１１１の上面部をスライドして移動し、充電プラグ３がレセプタクル２に完全に差し込まれると、図１９に示すように爪部１０１と突起部１１１は係合してロックされる。また、このとき、爪部１０１は、マイクロスイッチ６１のヒンジレバー６２を押し、マイクロスイッチ６１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２とをロックしていない状態からロックする状態に変化すると、マイクロスイッチ６１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロックしていない状態からロックした状態への変化を検出することができる。 When the charging plug 3 is inserted into the receptacle 2, the claws 101 of the movable portion 32 slide and move on the upper surface of the projection 111 of the receptacle 2, and when the charging plug 3 is completely inserted into the receptacle 2, As shown at 19, the claws 101 and the projections 111 are engaged and locked. At this time, the claw portion 101 pushes the hinge lever 62 of the micro switch 61, and the micro switch 61 is switched from the off state to the on state. When the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 change from the unlocked state to the locked state, the micro switch 61 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
　このロック状態においてバッテリ４の充電が行われる。ロック状態では、充電プラグ３に対してユーザが挿抜方向３９ｂに力を加えても、充電プラグ３はレセプタクル２からは外れない。 Charging of the battery 4 is performed in this locked state. In the locked state, even if the user applies a force to the charging plug 3 in the insertion / removal direction 39 b, the charging plug 3 is not detached from the receptacle 2.
　プラグ基部３１とレセプタクル２とがロックされた状態を解除する場合は、ユーザは、可動部３２の押しボタン１０２を指で押す。そうすると、図２０に示すように、爪部１０１は上方へ移動し、ロックが解除される。また、このとき、爪部１０１は、マイクロスイッチ６１のヒンジレバー６２から離れ、マイクロスイッチ６１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２とをロックする状態からロックしていない状態に変化すると、マイクロスイッチ６１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を検出することができる。 When releasing the locked state of the plug base 31 and the receptacle 2, the user presses the push button 102 of the movable portion 32 with a finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the claw portion 101 moves upward, and the lock is released. Further, at this time, the claw portion 101 is separated from the hinge lever 62 of the micro switch 61, and the micro switch 61 is switched from the on state to the off state. When the state in which the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are locked changes to the unlocked state, the micro switch 61 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected.
　可動部３２は、プラグ基部３１に対して相対的に揺動するため、プラグ基部３１とプラグ基部３１に接続されたレセプタクル基部２１は静止したまま、爪部１０１は上方へ移動する。すなわち、プラグ基部３１の端子とレセプタクル基部２１の端子とが接続された状態を維持したまま、ロックが解除される。 Since the movable portion 32 swings relative to the plug base 31, the claw portion 101 moves upward while the plug base 31 and the receptacle base 21 connected to the plug base 31 remain stationary. That is, the lock is released while maintaining the state in which the terminal of the plug base 31 and the terminal of the receptacle base 21 are connected.
　ロックが解除されたタイミングでは、プラグ基部３１の端子とレセプタクル基部２１の端子との接続は維持されている。このため、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して充電を停止すると、プラグ基部３１の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前に充電を停止することができる。 At the timing when the lock is released, the connection between the terminal of the plug base 31 and the terminal of the receptacle base 21 is maintained. Therefore, when the user's unlocking operation is immediately detected and the charging is stopped, the charging can be stopped before the terminal of the plug base 31 is separated from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
　また、可動部３２は、挿抜方向３９ｂとは異なる方向へ揺動してロック状態から解除状態へ変化する。ユーザによりロックを解除する操作方向が、プラグ基部３１の挿抜方向３９ｂとは異なる方向であることで、ロック解除のためにユーザが加えた力が、レセプタクル２からプラグ基部３１を外す方向に作用することを防止することができる。 In addition, the movable portion 32 swings in a direction different from the insertion and removal direction 39 b and changes from the locked state to the released state. Since the operation direction for releasing the lock by the user is different from the insertion and removal direction 39 b of the plug base 31, the force applied by the user for releasing the lock acts in the direction for removing the plug base 31 from the receptacle 2 Can be prevented.
　上記の例では、検出機構６０はマイクロスイッチ６１を備えていたが、マイクロスイッチ６１の代わりに磁気センサを用いることもできる。 In the above example, the detection mechanism 60 is provided with the micro switch 61, but instead of the micro switch 61, a magnetic sensor can be used.
　図２１は、磁気センサ８１が配置されたレセプタクル２を示す断面図である。この例では、磁気センサ８１はホールセンサであり、磁石のＮ極が近接して磁場が印加されるとオン状態になり、磁石のＳ極が近接して磁場が印加されるとオフ状態になる。また、磁気センサ８１は磁場が印加されていないときはオフ状態になる。 FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the receptacle 2 in which the magnetic sensor 81 is disposed. In this example, the magnetic sensor 81 is a Hall sensor, and turns on when the north pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied, and turns off when the south pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied. . Further, the magnetic sensor 81 is turned off when the magnetic field is not applied.
　磁石８２は、充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２の接続時において磁気センサ８１にＳ極が対面するように、可動部３２に配置されている。磁石８３は、充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２の接続時において磁気センサ８１にＮ極が対面するように、可動部３２に配置されている。 The magnet 82 is disposed in the movable portion 32 such that the S pole faces the magnetic sensor 81 when the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are connected. The magnet 83 is disposed in the movable portion 32 so that the N pole faces the magnetic sensor 81 when the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are connected.
　次に、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化を検出する動作を説明する。 Next, an operation of detecting a change from the locked state to the unlocked state will be described.
　図２１から図２３は、ロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。 21 to 23 are diagrams for explaining the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state.
　図２１は、レセプタクル２に充電プラグ３を接続する前の状態である。このとき、磁気センサ８１に磁石は近接しておらず、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態である。 FIG. 21 shows a state before connecting the charging plug 3 to the receptacle 2. At this time, the magnet is not close to the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is in the off state.
　充電プラグ３がレセプタクル２に完全に差し込まれると、図２２に示すように爪部１０１と突起部１１１は係合してロックされる。また、このとき、磁石８３のＮ極が磁気センサ８１に近接し、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２とをロックしていない状態からロックする状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロックしていない状態からロックした状態への変化を検出することができる。 When the charging plug 3 is completely inserted into the receptacle 2, as shown in FIG. 22, the claws 101 and the projections 111 are engaged and locked. At this time, the N pole of the magnet 83 approaches the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. When the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 change from the unlocked state to the locked state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
　プラグ基部３１とレセプタクル２とがロックされた状態を解除する場合は、ユーザは、可動部３２の押しボタン１０２を指で押す。そうすると、図２３に示すように、爪部１０１は上方へ移動する。このとき、磁石８２のＳ極が磁気センサ８１に近接し、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。ロック状態から解除状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を即座に検出することができる。 When releasing the locked state of the plug base 31 and the receptacle 2, the user presses the push button 102 of the movable portion 32 with a finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the claw portion 101 moves upward. At this time, the south pole of the magnet 82 approaches the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. When the locked state changes to the released state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
　また、磁気センサ８１として、リードスイッチを用いることもできる。磁気センサ８１としてリードスイッチを用いる場合、可動部３２には磁石８２が配置される。 Alternatively, a reed switch can be used as the magnetic sensor 81. When a reed switch is used as the magnetic sensor 81, the magnet 82 is disposed in the movable portion 32.
　図２４から図２６は、ロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する図である。 FIGS. 24 to 26 are diagrams for explaining the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state.
　図２４は、レセプタクル２に充電プラグ３を接続する前の状態である。このとき、磁気センサ８１に磁石８２は近接しておらず、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態である。 FIG. 24 shows a state before connecting the charging plug 3 to the receptacle 2. At this time, the magnet 82 is not close to the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is in the off state.
　充電プラグ３がレセプタクル２に完全に差し込まれると、図２５に示すように爪部１０１と突起部１１１は係合してロックされる。また、このとき、磁石８２が磁気センサ８１に近接し、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２とをロックしていない状態からロックする状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロックしていない状態からロックした状態への変化を検出することができる。 When the charging plug 3 is completely inserted into the receptacle 2, as shown in FIG. 25, the claws 101 and the projections 111 are engaged and locked. At this time, the magnet 82 approaches the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. When the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 change from the unlocked state to the locked state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
　プラグ基部３１とレセプタクル２とがロックされた状態を解除する場合は、ユーザは、可動部３２の押しボタン１０２を指で押す。そうすると、図２６に示すように、爪部１０１は上方へ移動する。このとき、磁石８２は磁気センサ８１から離れ、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。ロック状態から解除状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を即座に検出することができる。 When releasing the locked state of the plug base 31 and the receptacle 2, the user presses the push button 102 of the movable portion 32 with a finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 26, the claw portion 101 moves upward. At this time, the magnet 82 is separated from the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. When the locked state changes to the released state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
　上記の例では、マイクロスイッチ６１はレセプタクル２に配置されていたが、充電プラグ３に配置されていてもよい。 In the above example, the micro switch 61 is disposed in the receptacle 2, but may be disposed in the charging plug 3.
　図２７および図２８は、マイクロスイッチ６１が配置された充電プラグ３を示す側面図であり、分かり易く説明するために、充電プラグ３の内部の一部を透かして示している。この例では、可動部３２の押しボタン１０２の近傍にマイクロスイッチ６１が配置されている。ここで例示するマイクロスイッチ６１は、ヒンジレバー６２が押されていないときはオン状態であり、押されたときにオフ状態になる。 FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are side views showing the charging plug 3 in which the micro switch 61 is disposed, and for the sake of easy understanding, the inside of the charging plug 3 is partially shown through. In this example, the micro switch 61 is disposed in the vicinity of the push button 102 of the movable portion 32. The micro switch 61 exemplified here is in the on state when the hinge lever 62 is not pressed, and is turned off when the hinge lever 62 is pressed.
　図２７は、充電プラグ３がレセプタクル２に完全に差し込まれて、爪部１０１と突起部１１１と係合してロックされている状態を示している。このとき、可動部３２は、マイクロスイッチ６１のヒンジレバー６２を押しておらず、マイクロスイッチ６１はオン状態である。このロック状態においてバッテリ４の充電が行われる。 FIG. 27 shows a state in which the charging plug 3 is completely inserted into the receptacle 2 and engaged with and locked to the claws 101 and the projections 111. At this time, the movable portion 32 does not push the hinge lever 62 of the micro switch 61, and the micro switch 61 is in the on state. Charging of the battery 4 is performed in this locked state.
　プラグ基部３１とレセプタクル２とがロックされた状態を解除する場合は、ユーザは、可動部３２の押しボタン１０２を指で押す。そうすると、図２８に示すように、爪部１０１は上方へ移動し、ロックが解除される。また、このとき、可動部３２は、マイクロスイッチ６１のヒンジレバー６２を押し、マイクロスイッチ６１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２とをロックする状態からロックしていない状態に変化すると、マイクロスイッチ６１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を検出することができる。 When releasing the locked state of the plug base 31 and the receptacle 2, the user presses the push button 102 of the movable portion 32 with a finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 28, the claw portion 101 moves upward, and the lock is released. At this time, the movable portion 32 pushes the hinge lever 62 of the micro switch 61, and the micro switch 61 switches from the on state to the off state. When the state in which the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are locked changes to the unlocked state, the micro switch 61 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected.
　図２９は、充電プラグ３がマイクロスイッチ６１を有する実施形態における回路図である。図２９に示す例では、充電器５は、ＣＰＵ７１と、ＡＮＤ回路７２と、スイッチ７３および７４と、レジスタ７５および７６とを備える。この例では、ＣＰＵ７１は充電器５の動作を制御する。電源部１２８は、充電モードに応じて、入力された交流電圧を適切な直流電圧に変換して出力する。 FIG. 29 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment in which the charging plug 3 has a micro switch 61. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the charger 5 includes a CPU 71, an AND circuit 72, switches 73 and 74, and registers 75 and 76. In this example, the CPU 71 controls the operation of the charger 5. The power supply unit 128 converts the input AC voltage into an appropriate DC voltage and outputs the voltage according to the charging mode.
　図１１を用いて説明した動作と同様に、ロック状態になるとマイクロスイッチ６１はオフからオンへ切り替わる。これにより、マイクロスイッチ６１からＡＮＤ回路７２に“１”に相当する電圧が入力される。 Similar to the operation described with reference to FIG. 11, the microswitch 61 is switched from off to on when it is in the locked state. Thus, a voltage corresponding to "1" is input from the microswitch 61 to the AND circuit 72.
　バッテリ４の充電を開始するとき、ＣＰＵ７１は、ＡＮＤ回路７２に“１”に相当する信号を入力する。マイクロスイッチ６１とＣＰＵ７１の両方から“１”が入力されると、ＡＮＤ回路７２は、ＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のベースに信号を出力する。これによりＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のコレクタとエミッタの間で電流が流れ、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタとベースの間で電流が流れることにより、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタとコレクタの間で充電電流が流れ、バッテリ４のセル４１に充電電流が供給される。 When charging of the battery 4 is started, the CPU 71 inputs a signal corresponding to “1” to the AND circuit 72. When "1" is input from both the micro switch 61 and the CPU 71, the AND circuit 72 outputs a signal to the base of the NPN transistor 74. As a result, current flows between the collector and emitter of NPN transistor 74, and current flows between the emitter and base of PNP transistor 73, whereby charging current flows between the emitter and collector of PNP transistor 73. Charge current is supplied to the cell 41.
　図２８に示すように、ユーザが可動部３２を揺動させてロックを解除すると、マイクロスイッチ６１はオンからオフへ切り替わる。これにより、マイクロスイッチ６１からＡＮＤ回路７２に“１”に相当する電圧が入力されなくなる。このとき、ＣＰＵ７１が充電を行うための“１”をＡＮＤ回路７２に入力し続けていたとしても、マイクロスイッチ６１からは“１”がＡＮＤ回路７２に入力されなくなるので、ＡＮＤ回路７２はＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のベースへ信号を出力しなくなる。ＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のコレクタとエミッタの間で電流が流れなくなり、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタとベースの間で電流が流れなくなることにより、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタとコレクタの間で充電電流が流れなくなる。これにより、バッテリ４のセル４１への充電電流の供給が停止される。 As shown in FIG. 28, when the user swings the movable portion 32 to release the lock, the micro switch 61 is switched from on to off. As a result, the voltage corresponding to "1" is not input from the micro switch 61 to the AND circuit 72. At this time, even if "1" is continuously input to the AND circuit 72 for the CPU 71 to be charged, "1" is not input from the micro switch 61 to the AND circuit 72. Stop outputting the signal to the 74 base. Since no current flows between the collector and the emitter of the NPN transistor 74 and no current flows between the emitter and the base of the PNP transistor 73, no charging current flows between the emitter and the collector of the PNP transistor 73. As a result, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 is stopped.
　また、図３０に示す回路図のように、充電プラグ３が、スイッチ７３および７４と、レジスタ７５および７６とを備えていてもよい。この場合も、図２９を用いて説明した動作と同様に、ユーザがロックを解除する操作に連動してバッテリ４のセル４１への充電電流の供給を停止することができる。 Also, as shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 30, the charging plug 3 may include switches 73 and 74 and resistors 75 and 76. Also in this case, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 can be stopped in conjunction with the operation of the user releasing the lock, as in the operation described with reference to FIG.
　また、マイクロスイッチ６１の代わりに磁気センサを用いてもよい。図３１は、磁気センサ８１が配置された充電プラグ３を示す断面図である。この例では、磁気センサ８１はホールセンサであり、磁石のＮ極が近接して磁場が印加されるとオン状態になり、磁石のＳ極が近接して磁場が印加されるとオフ状態になる。また、磁気センサ８１は磁場が印加されていないときはオフ状態になる。 Also, instead of the micro switch 61, a magnetic sensor may be used. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the charging plug 3 in which the magnetic sensor 81 is disposed. In this example, the magnetic sensor 81 is a Hall sensor, and turns on when the north pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied, and turns off when the south pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied. . Further, the magnetic sensor 81 is turned off when the magnetic field is not applied.
　磁石８２は、磁気センサ８１にＳ極が対面するように、可動部３２に配置されている。磁石８３は、磁気センサ８１にＮ極が対面するように、可動部３２に配置されている。 The magnet 82 is disposed on the movable portion 32 such that the magnetic pole 81 faces the magnetic sensor 81. The magnet 83 is disposed in the movable portion 32 so that the N pole faces the magnetic sensor 81.
　図３１は、レセプタクル２に充電プラグ３が接続されてロックされた状態である。このとき、磁石８３のＮ極が磁気センサ８１に近接し、磁気センサ８１はオン状態にある。 FIG. 31 shows a state in which the charging plug 3 is connected to the receptacle 2 and locked. At this time, the N pole of the magnet 83 is close to the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is in the on state.
　プラグ基部３１とレセプタクル２とがロックされた状態を解除する場合は、ユーザは、可動部３２の押しボタン１０２を指で押す。そうすると、図３２に示すように、磁石８２のＳ極が磁気センサ８１に近接し、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。ロック状態から解除状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を即座に検出することができる。 When releasing the locked state of the plug base 31 and the receptacle 2, the user presses the push button 102 of the movable portion 32 with a finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 32, the south pole of the magnet 82 approaches the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. When the locked state changes to the released state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
　また、磁気センサ８１として、リードスイッチを用いることもできる。磁気センサ８１としてリードスイッチを用いる場合、可動部３２には磁石８２が配置される。 Alternatively, a reed switch can be used as the magnetic sensor 81. When a reed switch is used as the magnetic sensor 81, the magnet 82 is disposed in the movable portion 32.
　図３３は、レセプタクル２にプラグ基部３１が接続されてロックされた状態である。このとき、磁石８２は磁気センサ８１に近接し、磁気センサ８１はオン状態である。 In FIG. 33, the plug base 31 is connected to the receptacle 2 and locked. At this time, the magnet 82 is close to the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is in the on state.
　プラグ基部３１とレセプタクル２とがロックされた状態を解除する場合は、ユーザは、可動部３２の押しボタン１０２を指で押す。そうすると、図３４に示すように、磁石８２は磁気センサ８１から離れ、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。ロック状態から解除状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を即座に検出することができる。 When releasing the locked state of the plug base 31 and the receptacle 2, the user presses the push button 102 of the movable portion 32 with a finger. Then, as shown in FIG. 34, the magnet 82 is separated from the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is switched from the on state to the off state. When the locked state changes to the released state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
　また、バッテリ４の充電は、充電ステーション（充電スタンドとも称される）を用いて行ってもよい。図３５は、充電ステーション１５０を用いた充電の形態を示す図である。充電ステーション１５０は、例えば駐輪場に設置される。 In addition, charging of the battery 4 may be performed using a charging station (also referred to as a charging station). FIG. 35 shows a form of charging using charging station 150. Referring to FIG. The charging station 150 is installed, for example, at a bicycle parking lot.
　充電ステーション１５０は、上述した実施形態に係る充電器５の電気回路を備えている。充電ステーション１５０から延びる充電ケーブル５１の端部には、上述した実施形態に係る充電プラグ３が設けられている。充電プラグ３を電動二輪車１のレセプタクル２に挿入することで、充電ケーブル５１を介して充電ステーション１５０から電動二輪車１のバッテリ４に電力が供給されて充電が行われる。充電の制御は、充電ステーション１５０と電動二輪車１のＭＣＵ７との間で充電に関するデータの送受信を行うことで行われ得る。この場合も、ユーザのロック解除操作を即座に検出して、充電プラグ３の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前にバッテリ４のセル４１への電流の供給を停止することができる。 The charging station 150 includes the electric circuit of the charger 5 according to the above-described embodiment. At the end of the charging cable 51 extending from the charging station 150, the charging plug 3 according to the above-described embodiment is provided. By inserting the charging plug 3 into the receptacle 2 of the electric motorcycle 1, power is supplied from the charging station 150 to the battery 4 of the electric motorcycle 1 through the charging cable 51, and charging is performed. The control of charging may be performed by transmitting and receiving data relating to charging between charging station 150 and MCU 7 of electric motorcycle 1. Also in this case, it is possible to immediately detect the user's unlocking operation and to stop the supply of current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 before the terminal of the charging plug 3 is separated from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
　また、バッテリ４が電動二輪車１に対して着脱可能なバッテリである場合は、電動二輪車１からバッテリ４を取り外して、充電を行ってもよい。 When the battery 4 is a battery that can be attached to and detached from the electric motorcycle 1, the battery 4 may be removed from the electric motorcycle 1 and charging may be performed.
　図３６および図３７は、バッテリ４に充電プラグ３を直接接続して充電を行う形態を示す図である。バッテリ４は、上述した実施形態に係るレセプタクル２を備える。図３６は、充電プラグ３がバッテリ４のレセプタクル２に接続されていない状態を示している。図３７は、充電プラグ３がバッテリ４のレセプタクル２に接続された状態を示している。 FIGS. 36 and 37 are diagrams showing an embodiment in which charging plug 3 is directly connected to battery 4 for charging. The battery 4 includes the receptacle 2 according to the embodiment described above. FIG. 36 shows a state in which the charging plug 3 is not connected to the receptacle 2 of the battery 4. FIG. 37 shows a state in which the charging plug 3 is connected to the receptacle 2 of the battery 4.
　この例では、バッテリ４は、図１１に示すＭＣＵ７が有する電気回路を備える。図３８は、バッテリ４に充電プラグ３を直接接続して充電を行うシステムを示す回路図である。 In this example, the battery 4 includes an electric circuit of the MCU 7 shown in FIG. FIG. 38 is a circuit diagram showing a system for charging by directly connecting the charging plug 3 to the battery 4.
　図３８に示す例では、バッテリ４は、ＣＰＵ７１と、ＡＮＤ回路７２と、スイッチ７３および７４と、レジスタ７５および７６とを備える。バッテリ４は、ＢＭＵ（バッテリーマネージメントユニット）を有し、これらの回路は、ＢＭＵに搭載され得る。ＣＰＵ７１はバッテリ４の動作を制御する。 In the example shown in FIG. 38, the battery 4 includes a CPU 71, an AND circuit 72, switches 73 and 74, and registers 75 and 76. The battery 4 has a BMU (Battery Management Unit), and these circuits can be mounted on the BMU. The CPU 71 controls the operation of the battery 4.
　図１１を用いて説明した動作と同様に、充電プラグ３がバッテリ４のレセプタクル２に接続されてロック状態になると、マイクロスイッチ６１はオフからオンへ切り替わる。これにより、マイクロスイッチ６１からＡＮＤ回路７２に“１”に相当する電圧が入力される。 Similar to the operation described with reference to FIG. 11, when the charging plug 3 is connected to the receptacle 2 of the battery 4 to be in the locked state, the micro switch 61 is switched from off to on. Thus, a voltage corresponding to "1" is input from the microswitch 61 to the AND circuit 72.
　バッテリ４のセル４１の充電を開始するとき、ＣＰＵ７１は、ＡＮＤ回路７２に“１”に相当する信号を入力する。マイクロスイッチ６１とＣＰＵ７１の両方から“１”が入力されると、ＡＮＤ回路７２は、ＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のベースに信号を出力する。これによりＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のコレクタとエミッタの間で電流が流れ、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタとベースの間で電流が流れることにより、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタとコレクタの間で充電電流が流れ、バッテリ４のセル４１に充電電流が供給される。 When charging of the cell 41 of the battery 4 is started, the CPU 71 inputs a signal corresponding to “1” to the AND circuit 72. When "1" is input from both the micro switch 61 and the CPU 71, the AND circuit 72 outputs a signal to the base of the NPN transistor 74. As a result, current flows between the collector and emitter of NPN transistor 74, and current flows between the emitter and base of PNP transistor 73, whereby charging current flows between the emitter and collector of PNP transistor 73. Charge current is supplied to the cell 41.
　ユーザが可動部３２を移動させてロックを解除すると、マイクロスイッチ６１はオンからオフへ切り替わる。これにより、マイクロスイッチ６１からＡＮＤ回路７２に“１”に相当する電圧が入力されなくなる。このとき、ＣＰＵ７１が充電を行うための“１”をＡＮＤ回路７２に入力し続けていたとしても、マイクロスイッチ６１からは“１”がＡＮＤ回路７２に入力されなくなるので、ＡＮＤ回路７２はＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のベースへ信号を出力しなくなる。ＮＰＮトランジスタ７４のコレクタとエミッタの間で電流が流れなくなり、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタとベースの間で電流が流れなくなることにより、ＰＮＰトランジスタ７３のエミッタとコレクタの間で充電電流が流れなくなる。これにより、バッテリ４のセル４１への充電電流の供給が停止される。 When the user moves the movable portion 32 to release the lock, the micro switch 61 switches from on to off. As a result, the voltage corresponding to "1" is not input from the micro switch 61 to the AND circuit 72. At this time, even if "1" is continuously input to the AND circuit 72 for the CPU 71 to be charged, "1" is not input from the micro switch 61 to the AND circuit 72. Stop outputting the signal to the 74 base. Since no current flows between the collector and the emitter of the NPN transistor 74 and no current flows between the emitter and the base of the PNP transistor 73, no charging current flows between the emitter and the collector of the PNP transistor 73. As a result, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 is stopped.
　また、上記と同様に、バッテリ４のレセプタクル２には、マイクロスイッチ６１の代わりに磁気センサ８１が設けられてもよい。この場合も同様に、ユーザが可動部３２を移動させてロックを解除する操作に連動して、バッテリ４のセル４１への充電電流の供給が停止される。 Also, in the same manner as described above, the receptacle 2 of the battery 4 may be provided with a magnetic sensor 81 instead of the micro switch 61. Also in this case, the supply of the charging current to the cell 41 of the battery 4 is stopped in conjunction with the operation of the user moving the movable portion 32 to release the lock.
　次に、電動二輪車１から取り外したバッテリ４を据え置き型の充電器５に接続して充電を行う実施形態を説明する。 Next, an embodiment will be described in which the battery 4 removed from the electric motorcycle 1 is connected to the stationary charger 5 for charging.
　図３９は、据え置き型の充電器５にバッテリ４を接続して充電を行う実施形態を示す斜視図である。図４０は、据え置き型の充電器５にバッテリ４を接続して充電を行う実施形態を示す側面図である。この例では、バッテリ４が充電プラグ３を備え、充電器５がレセプタクル２を備える。 FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the battery 4 is connected to the stationary charger 5 for charging. FIG. 40 is a side view showing an embodiment in which the battery 4 is connected to the stationary charger 5 for charging. In this example, the battery 4 comprises the charging plug 3 and the charger 5 comprises the receptacle 2.
　図４１は、バッテリ４の充電を行う充電システムを示す回路図である。この例では、図２９に示す回路と同様に、充電器５は、ＣＰＵ７１と、ＡＮＤ回路７２と、スイッチ７３および７４と、レジスタ７５および７６とを備える。バッテリ４は、ＣＰＵ１７１を備える。ＣＰＵ１７１は、バッテリ４のＢＭＵ（バッテリーマネージメントユニット）に含まれ得る。ＣＰＵ１７１はバッテリ４の動作を制御する。ＣＰＵ７１とＣＰＵ１７１との間で充電に関するデータの送受信を行い、充電の制御が行われる。 FIG. 41 is a circuit diagram showing a charging system for charging the battery 4. In this example, as in the circuit shown in FIG. 29, the charger 5 includes a CPU 71, an AND circuit 72, switches 73 and 74, and registers 75 and 76. The battery 4 includes a CPU 171. The CPU 171 may be included in a battery management unit (BMU) of the battery 4. The CPU 171 controls the operation of the battery 4. Data relating to charging is transmitted and received between the CPU 71 and the CPU 171 to control the charging.
　図３９を参照して、バッテリ４を充電器５に接続するとき、ユーザは、バッテリ４の爪部１２１が充電器５のガイド１２２に沿うように、バッテリ４を充電器５に斜めに差し込む。そして、爪部１２１とガイド１２２の底部との接触部分を支点として、バッテリ４を回転させることで充電器５に接続される。このとき、充電プラグ３の突起部３８がレセプタクル２の溝２８と係合して、充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２とはロックされる。この例では溝２８は貫通していない溝であり、充電プラグ３の突起部３８と係合する。 Referring to FIG. 39, when battery 4 is connected to charger 5, the user inserts battery 4 obliquely into charger 5 such that claws 121 of battery 4 follow guides 122 of charger 5. Then, the battery 4 is connected to the charger 5 by rotating the battery 4 with the contact portion between the claw portion 121 and the bottom of the guide 122 as a fulcrum. At this time, the projection 38 of the charging plug 3 engages with the groove 28 of the receptacle 2, and the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are locked. In this example, the groove 28 is a non-penetrating groove and engages with the projection 38 of the charging plug 3.
　充電器５からバッテリ４を取り外すとき、ユーザは、爪部１２１とガイド１２２の底部との接触部分を支点として、接続時とは反対方向にバッテリ４を回転させる。バッテリ４を回転させると、充電プラグ３の突起部３８はレセプタクル２の溝２８から離れてロックが解除される。このロックが解除された時点では、充電プラグ３の端子とレセプタクル２の端子とは電気的な接触を保っている。すなわち、ロックが解除された時点では、充電プラグ３の端子とレセプタクル２の端子とは接続されたままである。この状態から、斜め上方向にバッテリ４を引き抜くことで、充電プラグ３の端子とレセプタクル２の端子とは離れ、充電器５からバッテリ４が取り外される。 When removing the battery 4 from the charger 5, the user rotates the battery 4 in the opposite direction to that at the time of connection, with the contact portion between the claw portion 121 and the bottom of the guide 122 as a fulcrum. When the battery 4 is rotated, the projection 38 of the charging plug 3 is separated from the groove 28 of the receptacle 2 and unlocked. When the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 maintain electrical contact. That is, when the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 remain connected. From this state, by pulling out the battery 4 obliquely upward, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 are separated, and the battery 4 is removed from the charger 5.
　図３９を参照して、充電器５のレセプタクル２には磁気センサ８１が配置されている。この例では、磁気センサ８１はホールセンサであり、磁石のＮ極が近接して磁場が印加されるとオン状態になり、磁石のＳ極が近接して磁場が印加されるとオフ状態になる。また、磁気センサ８１は磁場が印加されていないときはオフ状態になる。 Referring to FIG. 39, a magnetic sensor 81 is disposed in receptacle 2 of charger 5. In this example, the magnetic sensor 81 is a Hall sensor, and turns on when the north pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied, and turns off when the south pole of the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied. . Further, the magnetic sensor 81 is turned off when the magnetic field is not applied.
　図４２は、磁石８２および８３が配置されたバッテリ４の充電プラグ３を示す斜視図である。磁石８２は、磁気センサ８１にＳ極が対面するように充電プラグ３に配置されている。磁石８３は、磁気センサ８１にＮ極が対面するように充電プラグ３に配置されている。磁石８２および８３は、充電プラグ３において間隔をあけて配置されている。 FIG. 42 is a perspective view showing charging plug 3 of battery 4 in which magnets 82 and 83 are arranged. The magnet 82 is disposed in the charging plug 3 such that the magnetic pole faces the magnetic sensor 81. The magnet 83 is disposed in the charging plug 3 so that the N pole faces the magnetic sensor 81. Magnets 82 and 83 are spaced apart in charge plug 3.
　次に、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化を検出する動作を説明する。図４３（ａ）から図４３（ｃ）は、ロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する側面図である。分かり易く説明するために、図４３（ａ）から図４３（ｃ）では、充電器５の内部の一部を透かして示している。 Next, an operation of detecting a change from the locked state to the unlocked state will be described. 43 (a) to 43 (c) are side views for explaining the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state. 43 (a) to 43 (c) show a part of the inside of the charger 5 in a transparent manner for easy understanding.
　図４３（ａ）に示すように、ユーザがバッテリ４を充電器５に接続しようとして、バッテリ４を充電器５に斜めに差し込んだ段階では、磁石８２のＳ極が磁気センサ８１に近接しており、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態である。 As shown in FIG. 43 (a), when the user tries to connect the battery 4 to the charger 5 and inserts the battery 4 obliquely to the charger 5, the south pole of the magnet 82 approaches the magnetic sensor 81. The magnetic sensor 81 is off.
　次に、図４３（ｂ）に示すように、ユーザがバッテリ４を回転させて充電器５に接続したとき、磁石８２のＳ極は磁気センサ８１から離れ、磁石８３のＮ極が磁気センサ８１に近接し、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２とをロックしていない状態からロックする状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロックしていない状態からロックした状態への変化を検出することができる。 Next, as shown in FIG. 43 (b), when the user rotates the battery 4 and connects it to the charger 5, the S pole of the magnet 82 is separated from the magnetic sensor 81, and the N pole of the magnet 83 is the magnetic sensor 81. And the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. When the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 change from the unlocked state to the locked state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
　充電器５からバッテリ４を取り外すときは、ユーザは、接続時とは反対方向にバッテリ４を回転させる。このとき、図４３（ｃ）に示すように、磁石８３のＮ極が磁気センサ８１から離れ、磁石８２のＳ極が磁気センサ８１に近接し、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。ロック状態から解除状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を即座に検出することができる。 When removing the battery 4 from the charger 5, the user rotates the battery 4 in the opposite direction to that at the time of connection. At this time, as shown in FIG. 43C, the N pole of the magnet 83 separates from the magnetic sensor 81, the S pole of the magnet 82 approaches the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. When the locked state changes to the released state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
　上述したように、磁気センサ８１によりロック状態から解除状態への変化が検出されると、スイッチ７３がオフになり、充電電流の供給が停止される。このロックが解除された時点では、充電プラグ３の端子とレセプタクル２の端子とは電気的な接触を保っている。すなわち、ロックが解除された時点では、充電プラグ３の端子とレセプタクル２の端子とは接続されたままである。これにより、充電プラグ３の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前に充電電流の供給を停止することができる。 As described above, when the change from the locked state to the released state is detected by the magnetic sensor 81, the switch 73 is turned off, and the supply of the charging current is stopped. When the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 maintain electrical contact. That is, when the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 remain connected. Thereby, the supply of the charging current can be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 separates from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
　また、磁気センサ８１として、リードスイッチを用いることもできる。図４４は、磁石８３が配置されたバッテリ４の充電プラグ３を示す斜視図である。リードスイッチは、磁石が近接して磁場が印加されるとオン状態になり、磁石が離れて印加される磁場が弱まるとオフ状態になる。 Alternatively, a reed switch can be used as the magnetic sensor 81. FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing the charging plug 3 of the battery 4 in which the magnet 83 is disposed. The reed switch is turned on when the magnet approaches and the magnetic field is applied, and turned off when the magnet is separated and the applied magnetic field is weakened.
　磁石８３は、充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２のロック時において磁気センサ８１に近接するように、充電プラグ３に配置されている。この例では、磁石８３は磁気センサ８１にＮ極が対面するように配置されているが、Ｓ極が対面するように配置されていてもよい。 The magnet 83 is disposed on the charging plug 3 so as to be close to the magnetic sensor 81 when the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 are locked. In this example, the magnet 83 is disposed so that the N pole faces the magnetic sensor 81, but the magnet 83 may be disposed so as to face the S pole.
　次に、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化を検出する動作を説明する。図４５（ａ）から図４５（ｃ）は、ロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する側面図である。分かり易く説明するために、図４５（ａ）から図４５（ｃ）では、充電器５の内部の一部を透かして示している。 Next, an operation of detecting a change from the locked state to the unlocked state will be described. 45 (a) to 45 (c) are side views for explaining the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state. 45 (a) to 45 (c) show a part of the inside of the charger 5 in a transparent manner for easy understanding.
　図４５（ａ）に示すように、バッテリ４を充電器５に接続しようとして、バッテリ４を充電器５に斜めに差し込んだ段階では、磁石８３は磁気センサ８１から離れており、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態である。 As shown in FIG. 45 (a), when the battery 4 is inserted obliquely to the charger 5 in an attempt to connect the battery 4 to the charger 5, the magnet 83 is separated from the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is It is off.
　次に、図４５（ｂ）に示すように、バッテリ４を回転させて充電器５に接続したとき、磁石８３は磁気センサ８１に近接し、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２とをロックしていない状態からロックする状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロックしていない状態からロックした状態への変化を検出することができる。 Next, as shown in FIG. 45B, when the battery 4 is rotated and connected to the charger 5, the magnet 83 approaches the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. When the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 change from the unlocked state to the locked state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
　充電器５からバッテリ４を取り外すときは、接続時とは反対方向にバッテリ４を回転させる。このとき、図４５（ｃ）に示すように、磁石８３は磁気センサ８１から離れ、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。ロック状態から解除状態に変化すると、磁気センサ８１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を即座に検出することができる。 When the battery 4 is removed from the charger 5, the battery 4 is rotated in the opposite direction to that at the time of connection. At this time, as shown in FIG. 45C, the magnet 83 is separated from the magnetic sensor 81, and the magnetic sensor 81 is switched from the on state to the off state. When the locked state changes to the released state, the magnetic sensor 81 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
　上述したように、磁気センサ８１によりロック状態から解除状態への変化が検出されると、スイッチ７３がオフになり、充電電流の供給が停止される。このロックが解除された時点では、充電プラグ３の端子とレセプタクル２の端子とは電気的な接触を保っている。すなわち、ロックが解除された時点では、充電プラグ３の端子とレセプタクル２の端子とは接続されたままである。これにより、充電プラグ３の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前に充電電流の供給を停止することができる。 As described above, when the change from the locked state to the released state is detected by the magnetic sensor 81, the switch 73 is turned off, and the supply of the charging current is stopped. When the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 maintain electrical contact. That is, when the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 remain connected. Thereby, the supply of the charging current can be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 separates from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
　また、磁気センサ８１の代わりにマイクロスイッチ６１を用いることもできる。図４６（ａ）から図４６（ｃ）は、マイクロスイッチ６１を用いたロック解除状態からロック状態への変化の検出動作と、ロック状態からロック解除状態への変化の検出動作を説明する側面図である。分かり易く説明するために、図４６（ａ）から図４６（ｃ）では、充電器５の内部の一部を透かして示している。この例では、充電器５のレセプタクル２にマイクロスイッチ６１が配置されている。 Also, instead of the magnetic sensor 81, a micro switch 61 can be used. 46 (a) to 46 (c) are side views for explaining the detection operation of the change from the unlocked state to the locked state using the micro switch 61 and the detection operation of the change from the locked state to the unlocked state. It is. 46 (a) to 46 (c), parts of the inside of the charger 5 are shown in a transparent manner for easy understanding. In this example, the micro switch 61 is disposed in the receptacle 2 of the charger 5.
　図４６（ａ）に示すように、バッテリ４を充電器５に接続しようとして、バッテリ４を充電器５に斜めに差し込んだ段階では、バッテリ４の充電プラグ３はマイクロスイッチ６１から離れており、マイクロスイッチ６１はオフ状態である。 As shown in FIG. 46 (a), the charging plug 3 of the battery 4 is separated from the micro switch 61 at a stage where the battery 4 is inserted obliquely to the charger 5 in an attempt to connect the battery 4 to the charger 5. The micro switch 61 is in the off state.
　次に、図４６（ｂ）に示すように、バッテリ４を回転させて充電器５に接続したとき、バッテリ４の充電プラグ３の一部がマイクロスイッチ６１に接触してヒンジレバー６２を押し、マイクロスイッチ６１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。充電プラグ３とレセプタクル２とをロックしていない状態からロックする状態に変化すると、マイクロスイッチ６１はオフ状態からオン状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロックしていない状態からロックした状態への変化を検出することができる。 Next, as shown in FIG. 46 (b), when the battery 4 is rotated and connected to the charger 5, a part of the charging plug 3 of the battery 4 contacts the micro switch 61 and pushes the hinge lever 62, The micro switch 61 switches from the off state to the on state. When the charging plug 3 and the receptacle 2 change from the unlocked state to the locked state, the micro switch 61 switches from the off state to the on state. This makes it possible to detect a change from the unlocked state to the locked state.
　充電器５からバッテリ４を取り外すときは、接続時とは反対方向にバッテリ４を回転させる。このとき、図４６（ｃ）に示すように、バッテリ４の充電プラグ３はマイクロスイッチ６１から離れ、マイクロスイッチ６１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。ロック状態から解除状態に変化すると、マイクロスイッチ６１はオン状態からオフ状態へ切り替わる。これにより、ロック状態から解除状態への変化を即座に検出することができる。 When the battery 4 is removed from the charger 5, the battery 4 is rotated in the opposite direction to that at the time of connection. At this time, as shown in FIG. 46C, the charging plug 3 of the battery 4 is separated from the micro switch 61, and the micro switch 61 is switched from the on state to the off state. When the lock state changes to the release state, the micro switch 61 switches from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the change from the lock state to the release state can be detected immediately.
　上述したように、マイクロスイッチ６１によりロック状態から解除状態への変化が検出されると、スイッチ７３がオフになり、充電電流の供給が停止される。このロックが解除された時点では、充電プラグ３の端子とレセプタクル２の端子とは電気的な接触を保っている。すなわち、ロックが解除された時点では、充電プラグ３の端子とレセプタクル２の端子とは接続されたままである。これにより、充電プラグ３の端子がレセプタクル２の端子から離れる前に充電電流の供給を停止することができる。 As described above, when the micro switch 61 detects a change from the locked state to the released state, the switch 73 is turned off to stop the supply of the charging current. When the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 maintain electrical contact. That is, when the lock is released, the terminal of the charging plug 3 and the terminal of the receptacle 2 remain connected. Thereby, the supply of the charging current can be stopped before the terminal of the charging plug 3 separates from the terminal of the receptacle 2.
　なお、上記の例では、バッテリ４の充電プラグ３がマイクロスイッチ６１と直接接触していたが、充電プラグ３はマイクロスイッチ６１と間接的に接触してもよい。例えば、図８から図１０に示したようなピン２２を介して、充電プラグ３はマイクロスイッチ６１を押してもよい。 In the above example, the charging plug 3 of the battery 4 is in direct contact with the micro switch 61. However, the charging plug 3 may be in indirect contact with the micro switch 61. For example, the charging plug 3 may push the micro switch 61 via the pins 22 as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10.
　以上、本発明の実施形態を説明した。上述の実施形態の説明は、本発明の例示であり、本発明を限定するものではない。また、上述の実施形態で説明した各構成要素を適宜組み合わせた実施形態も可能である。本発明は、特許請求の範囲またはその均等の範囲において、改変、置き換え、付加および省略などが可能である。 The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The above description of the embodiments is an illustration of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, an embodiment in which each component described in the above-described embodiment is appropriately combined is possible. The present invention can be modified, replaced, added, and omitted within the scope of the claims or the equivalents thereof.
　本発明は、電動車両に用いられるバッテリを充電する技術分野において特に有用である。 The present invention is particularly useful in the technical field of charging a battery used in an electric vehicle.
　１　電動二輪車
　２　レセプタクル
　３　充電プラグ
　４　バッテリ
　５　充電器
　７　モータコントロールユニット（ＭＣＵ）
　８　車両本体
　１０　バッテリ充電システム
　１１　電動モータ
　１２　前輪
　１３　後輪
　１４　フロントフォーク
　１５　収納ボックス
　１６　スイングアーム
　１７　シート
　１８　ステアリングハンドル
　１９　表示部
　２１　レセプタクル基部
　２２　ピン
　２３ａ、２３ｂ、３３ａ、３３ｂ　電極端子
　２４ａ、２４ｂ、３４ａ、３４ｂ　信号端子
　２７　接続保持部
　２８　溝
　３０　ロック機構
　３１　プラグ基部
　３２　可動部
　３６　把持部
　３７　接続保持部
　３８　突起部
　３９ａ　軸方向
　３９ｂ　挿抜方向
　４１　セル
　５１　充電ケーブル
　５３　プラグ
　５５　コンセント
　６０　検出機構
　６１　マイクロスイッチ
　６２　ヒンジレバー
　６３、６４　スプリング
　７１　ＣＰＵ
　７２　ＡＮＤ回路
　７３、７４　スイッチ
　７５、７６　レジスタ
　７７　電源
　８１　磁気センサ
　８２、８３　磁石
　１０１　爪部
　１０２　押しボタン
　１０５　回転軸
　１２１　爪部
　１２２　ガイド
　１５０　充電ステーション 1 electric motorcycle 2 receptacle 3 charging plug 4 battery 5 charger 7 motor control unit (MCU)
8 Vehicle Body 10 Battery Charging System 11 Electric Motor 12 Front Wheel 13 Rear Wheel 14 Front Fork 15 Storage Box 16 Swing Arm 17 Seat 18 Steering Handle 19 Display 21 Receptacle Base 22 Pin 23a, 23b, 33a, 33b Electrode Terminal 24a, 24b, 34a, 34b Signal terminal 27 Connection holding portion 28 Groove 30 Lock mechanism 31 Plug base 32 Movable portion 36 Gripping portion 37 Connection holding portion 38 Protrusive portion 39a Axial direction 39b Insertion direction 41 cell 51 Charge cable 53 Plug 55 Outlet 60 Detection mechanism 61 Micro Switch 62 hinge lever 63, 64 spring 71 CPU
72 AND circuit 73, 74 switch 75, 76 register 77 power supply 81 magnetic sensor 82, 83 magnet 101 claw portion 102 push button 105 rotation shaft 121 claw portion 122 guide 150 charge station

Claims (15)

  1. 　端子が設けられたプラグ基部と、
    　ユーザの操作に応じて前記プラグ基部に対して相対的に移動し、前記プラグ基部とレセプタクルとの接続をロックするロック状態から、前記ロック状態を解除した解除状態に変化する可動部と、
    　前記可動部が少なくとも一部を構成する検出機構であって、前記ロック状態から前記解除状態への変化を検出する検出機構と、
    　前記ロック状態から前記解除状態への変化に応じて、バッテリのセルへの電流の供給を停止する機構と、
    　を備える、電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。     A plug base provided with a terminal,
    A movable portion that moves relative to the plug base in response to a user operation and changes from a locked state in which the connection between the plug base and the receptacle is locked to a released state in which the locked state is released;
    A detection mechanism in which the movable portion constitutes at least a part, wherein the detection mechanism detects a change from the locked state to the released state;
    A mechanism for stopping the supply of current to the cells of the battery according to the change from the locked state to the released state;
    A battery charging system for an electric vehicle, comprising:
  2. 　前記バッテリのセルへの電流の供給を停止する前記機構はスイッチである、請求項１に記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。 The battery charging system for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism for stopping supply of current to cells of the battery is a switch.
  3. 　前記プラグ基部が前記レセプタクルに接続された状態をロックするロック機構をさらに備え、
    　前記可動部は、前記ロック機構によるロックの解除とともに前記解除状態に変化する、請求項１または２に記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。     And a lock mechanism for locking the plug base connected to the receptacle.
    The battery charging system for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the movable portion changes to the release state with release of the lock by the lock mechanism.
  4. 　前記プラグ基部は、前記レセプタクルに対して、前記端子の軸方向に挿抜可能であり、
    　前記可動部は、前記軸方向とは異なる方向へ移動して前記ロック状態から前記解除状態へ変化する、請求項１から３のいずれかに記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。     The plug base is insertable into and removable from the receptacle in the axial direction of the terminal,
    The battery charging system for an electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movable portion moves in a direction different from the axial direction and changes from the locked state to the released state.
  5. 　前記プラグ基部は、前記レセプタクルに対して、前記端子の軸方向に挿抜可能であり、
    　前記可動部は、前記軸方向と平行な回転軸の周方向に沿って回転して前記ロック状態から前記解除状態へ変化する、請求項１から４のいずれかに記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。     The plug base is insertable into and removable from the receptacle in the axial direction of the terminal,
    The battery charging system for an electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the movable portion rotates along a circumferential direction of a rotation axis parallel to the axial direction to change from the locked state to the released state. .
  6. 　前記可動部は、ユーザが可動部を移動させるときに手で持って力を加える把持部を有する、請求項１から５のいずれかに記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。 The battery charging system for an electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the movable portion includes a grip portion which is held by a hand to apply a force when the user moves the movable portion.
  7. 　前記可動部は、前記プラグ基部を前記レセプタクルから抜き出すときに、ユーザが手で持って力を加える把持部を有する、請求項１から６のいずれかに記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。 The battery charging system for an electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the movable portion has a grip portion which a user holds by hand to apply a force when the plug base is extracted from the receptacle.
  8. 　前記検出機構の少なくとも一部は、電動車両に設けられている、請求項１から７のいずれかに記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。 The battery charging system for electrically powered vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least a part of the detection mechanism is provided to the electrically powered vehicles.
  9. 　前記プラグ基部および前記可動部は充電プラグに設けられており、前記バッテリのセルへの電流の供給を停止する前記機構および前記レセプタクルは電動車両に設けられている、請求項１から８のいずれかに記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。 The electric power vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plug base and the movable portion are provided to a charging plug, and the mechanism for stopping the supply of current to the cell of the battery and the receptacle are provided to an electric vehicle. The battery charge system for electric vehicles as described in ,.
  10. 　前記検出機構の少なくとも一部は、前記バッテリに設けられている、請求項１から７のいずれかに記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。 The battery charging system for an electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least a part of the detection mechanism is provided in the battery.
  11. 　前記プラグ基部および前記可動部は充電プラグに設けられており、前記バッテリのセルへの電流の供給を停止する前記機構および前記レセプタクルは前記バッテリに設けられている、請求項１から７および１０のいずれかに記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。 11. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the plug base and the movable portion are provided to a charging plug, and the mechanism for stopping the supply of current to the cell of the battery and the receptacle are provided to the battery. The battery charge system for electric vehicles as described in any one.
  12. 　前記検出機構は、前記可動部の移動に応じてオンとオフが切り替わるマイクロスイッチを備え、
    　前記検出機構は、前記マイクロスイッチがオンとオフとの間で切り替わることにより、前記可動部の前記ロック状態から前記解除状態への変化を検出する、請求項１から１１のいずれかに記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。     The detection mechanism includes a micro switch that is switched on and off according to the movement of the movable portion,
    The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the detection mechanism detects a change from the locked state to the released state of the movable portion by switching the micro switch between on and off. Battery charging system for vehicles.
  13. 　前記検出機構は、印加される磁場に応じてオンとオフが切り替わる磁気センサを備え、
    　前記可動部の移動に応じて、前記磁気センサに印加される磁場が変化し、
    　前記検出機構は、前記磁気センサに印加される磁場の変化により、前記可動部の前記ロック状態から前記解除状態への変化を検出する、請求項１から１１のいずれかに記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。     The detection mechanism comprises a magnetic sensor that switches on and off in response to an applied magnetic field;
    The magnetic field applied to the magnetic sensor changes in accordance with the movement of the movable portion,
    The battery for an electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the detection mechanism detects a change from the locked state to the released state of the movable portion by a change in a magnetic field applied to the magnetic sensor. Charging system.
  14. 　請求項１から１３のいずれかに記載の電動車両用バッテリ充電システムを備えた充電プラグ。 A charging plug comprising the battery charging system for an electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
  15. 　端子が設けられたプラグと、
    　前記プラグと接続される端子が設けられたレセプタクルと、
    　を備え、
    　ユーザの操作に応じて前記プラグの少なくとも一部は、前記レセプタクルに対して相対的に移動し、
    　前記プラグおよび前記レセプタクルは、前記レセプタクルに対する前記プラグの少なくとも一部の移動に応じて、前記プラグと前記レセプタクルとの接続をロックするロック状態から、前記ロック状態を解除した解除状態に変化し、
    　前記プラグおよび前記レセプタクルのそれぞれが少なくとも一部を構成する検出機構であって、前記ロック状態から前記解除状態への変化を検出する検出機構と、
    　前記ロック状態から前記解除状態への変化に応じて、バッテリのセルへの電流の供給を停止する機構と、
    　をさらに備える、電動車両用バッテリ充電システム。     A plug provided with a terminal,
    A receptacle provided with a terminal connected to the plug;
    Equipped with
    At least a portion of the plug moves relative to the receptacle in response to a user operation;
    The plug and the receptacle change from a locked state in which the connection between the plug and the receptacle is locked in response to movement of at least a portion of the plug with respect to the receptacle, to a released state in which the locked state is released.
    A detection mechanism in which each of the plug and the receptacle constitutes at least a part, wherein the detection mechanism detects a change from the locked state to the released state;
    A mechanism for stopping the supply of current to the cells of the battery according to the change from the locked state to the released state;
    The battery charge system for electrically powered vehicles, further comprising:
PCT/JP2016/052801 2016-01-29 2016-01-29 Electric-vehicle battery charging system WO2017130410A1 (en)

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