Patent Description:
In the related art, chargers for a battery are known. For example, <CIT> discloses a charger in which a battery is horizontally placed. The charger includes a wall portion which covers a terminal of the battery. Documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose further examples of battery chargers.

However, there is room for improvement in smoothly placing a battery in a charger.

Hence, an object of the present invention is to allow a battery to be smoothly placed in a charger in a charger for a portable battery.

Regarding means for resolving the foregoing problems, an aspect of the present invention has the following constitutions.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charger (<NUM>) for a portable battery used in an electric vehicle. The charger (<NUM>) for a portable battery includes a tray (<NUM>) in which a battery (<NUM>) is placed. The tray (<NUM>) has a bottom surface portion (<NUM>) which is formed in a length direction (V1) of the battery (<NUM>) in a state of being placed in the charger (<NUM>), and side surface portions (<NUM>) which rise from the bottom surface portion (<NUM>) in a height direction (V2) of the battery (<NUM>) in a state of being placed in the charger (<NUM>) and face side surfaces of the battery (<NUM>) in a width direction (V3). The charger (<NUM>) further includes an upper cover (<NUM>) which covers a portion of the bottom surface portion (<NUM>) and the side surface portions (<NUM>) from above.

The charger (<NUM>) further includes a charger terminal (<NUM>) which may be disposed below the upper cover (<NUM>), and a frame (<NUM>) which is disposed between the charger terminal (<NUM>) and the upper cover (<NUM>) in a vertical direction.

The charger (<NUM>) further includes an operation portion (<NUM>) which allows the charger terminal (<NUM>) to move between a connection position for connection to the battery (<NUM>) and a retreat position for retreat from the battery (<NUM>). The operation portion (<NUM>) is able to turn around a shaft (<NUM>) in the width direction (V3) of the charger (<NUM>) and is constituted to turn downward around the shaft (<NUM>) due to a load from above, and the operation portion (<NUM>) at the connection position is in a state of having turned further upward around the shaft (<NUM>) than the operation portion (<NUM>) at the retreat position.

In the charger (<NUM>), a position of an end portion of the upper cover (<NUM>) may be set such that the charger terminal (<NUM>) does not interfere with a bottom surface (<NUM>) of the battery (<NUM>) when the battery (<NUM>) is inserted between the operation portion (<NUM>) at the connection position and the upper cover (<NUM>).

In the charger (<NUM>), one surface (<NUM>) of the battery (<NUM>) in the height direction (V2) may have a curved surface shape. An opening edge portion (3a) of the upper cover (<NUM>) may have a curved surface shape along the one surface (<NUM>) of the battery (<NUM>).

According to the charger for a portable battery of the present invention, the tray has the bottom surface portion which is formed in the length direction of the battery in a state of being placed in the charger, and the side surface portions which rise from the bottom surface portion in the height direction of the battery in a state of being placed in the charger and face the side surfaces of the battery in the width direction. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited.

When the battery is placed in the tray, the battery can be guided along the bottom surface portion and the side surface portions of the tray. Therefore, the battery can be smoothly placed in the charger. Furthermore, the charger further includes the upper cover which covers a portion of the bottom surface portion and the side surface portions from above. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited. Since other portions of the bottom surface portion and the side surface portions are open upward, the battery is easily placed therein from above.

Furthermore, the side surface portions of the tray rise from the bottom surface portion in the height direction of the battery in a state of being placed in the charger. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited. When dimensions of the side surface portions of the tray in the height direction are shorter than dimensions of the bottom surface portion in the length direction, a plurality of chargers are easily disposed in the vertical direction. Moreover, when the battery is shortened in the height direction, a plurality of chargers are easily disposed in the vertical direction in a state in which the batteries are mounted in the chargers.

The charger for a portable battery of the present invention further includes the charger terminal which may be disposed below the upper cover, and the frame which may be disposed between the charger terminal and the upper cover in the vertical direction. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited.

Even when the battery falls onto the upper cover from above, the charger terminal is protected by the upper cover and the frame. Therefore, transfer of an impact to the charger terminal can be suitably curbed.

The charger for a portable battery of the present invention further includes the operation portion which allows the charger terminal to move between the connection position for connection to the battery and the retreat position for retreat from the battery. The operation portion is able to turn around the shaft in the width direction of the charger and is constituted to turn downward around the shaft due to a load from above, and the operation portion at the connection position is in a state of having turned further upward around the shaft than the operation portion at the retreat position. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited.

Even when a load of the battery is applied to the operation portion at the connection position from above, the operation portion turns downward around the shaft due to the load from above and moves to the retreat position. Therefore, interference of the battery in the middle of placement with the charger terminal can be curbed.

According to the charger for a portable battery of the present invention, the position of the end portion of the upper cover may be set such that the charger terminal does not interfere with the bottom surface of the battery when the battery is inserted between the operation portion at the connection position and the upper cover. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited. When the battery is inserted between the operation portion at the connection position and the upper cover, interference of the bottom surface of the battery with the charger terminal can be curbed.

According to the charger for a portable battery of the present invention, one surface of the battery in the height direction may have a curved surface shape. The opening edge portion of the upper cover may have a curved surface shape along the one surface of the battery. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited.

When the battery is attempted to be placed therein upside down, the battery interferes with the upper cover. Therefore, interference of the battery with the charger terminal can be curbed.

In each of the diagrams, the same reference signs are applied to the same constitutions. In the embodiment, as an example of a charger for a portable battery, a charger for a portable battery (mobile battery) used in an electrically-driven motorcycle (saddle-type electric vehicle) will be described. In the embodiment, an installation surface on which a charger (which will hereinafter be simply referred to as "a charger") for a portable battery (which will hereinafter be simply referred to as "a battery") is installed is a flat floor surface (horizontal surface).

As illustrated in <FIG>, a battery <NUM> has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the battery <NUM> is a lithium-ion battery.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the battery <NUM> has a pair of first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> above and below extending in a width direction V3, and a pair of third side <NUM> and fourth side <NUM> on the left and the right extending in a height direction V2 (refer to <FIG>). The battery <NUM> has side surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> extending in a length direction V1 (refer to <FIG>). The first side <NUM> has a curved line shape projecting toward a side opposite to the second side <NUM> (upper side in <FIG>). The side surface <NUM> on a side of the first side <NUM> (one surface of the battery <NUM> in the height direction V2) of side surfaces of the battery <NUM> has a curved surface shape projecting toward a side opposite to the side surface <NUM> on a side of the second side <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> has a grip portion <NUM> (handle) gripped by a user. The grip portion <NUM> is provided at an end portion of the battery <NUM> in the length direction V1 (refer to <FIG>). The grip portion <NUM> is provided on a first surface <NUM> facing one side of the battery <NUM> in the length direction V1. A terminal <NUM> of the battery <NUM> (which will hereinafter be simply referred to as "a battery terminal <NUM>") is provided on a second surface <NUM> (bottom surface) on a side opposite to the first surface <NUM> in the length direction V1 of the battery <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). The battery terminal <NUM> is disposed in the vicinity of the side surface <NUM> (which will hereinafter be referred to as "a first side surface <NUM>") on a side of the first side <NUM> of the second surface <NUM> (refer to <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, a charger <NUM> includes a tray <NUM> in which the battery <NUM> is placed, an upper cover <NUM> which covers a portion of the tray <NUM> from above, a control device <NUM> which performs charging control of the battery <NUM> (refer to <FIG>), a main body frame <NUM> which constitutes a skeleton of a main body of the charger <NUM> (refer to <FIG>), a terminal <NUM> of the charger <NUM> (which will hereinafter be simply referred to as "a charger terminal <NUM>", refer to <FIG>), a holding member <NUM> which holds the charger terminal <NUM> (refer to <FIG>), and an operation mechanism <NUM> which moves the charger terminal <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). The bottom surface of the charger <NUM> is formed to be parallel to (horizontally with respect to) the floor surface.

In the following description, a depth direction when the charger <NUM> is installed on the floor surface (a direction orthogonal to the paper illustrated in <FIG>) will be referred to as "a forward-rearward direction", a normal direction (vertical direction) of the floor surface will be referred to as "a vertical direction", and a direction orthogonal to each of the forward-rearward direction and the vertical direction will be referred to as "a lateral direction (width direction)". In the diagrams, an arrow FR indicates the forward side, an arrow UP indicates the upward side, and an arrow LH indicates the left side, respectively.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tray <NUM> opens upward and forward such that the battery <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) can be placed therein and taken out. The tray <NUM> includes a bottom surface portion <NUM> which is formed in the length direction V1 of the battery <NUM> in a state of being placed in the charger <NUM>, a receiving surface portion <NUM> which receives a bottom portion of the battery <NUM>, and a pair of left and right side surface portions <NUM> which face the side surfaces of the battery <NUM> in the width direction V3. The receiving surface portion <NUM> and the pair of left and right side surface portions <NUM> rise from the bottom surface portion <NUM> in the height direction V2 of the battery <NUM> in a state of being placed in the charger <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). In the diagrams, the reference sign <NUM> indicates a long hole for restricting movement of a lever <NUM> (turning of a first link <NUM> around a first pivot shaft <NUM>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the bottom surface portion <NUM> has a first inclined surface 10a which is inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the charger <NUM>. The first inclined surface 10a is a placement surface on which the battery <NUM> is placed. The first inclined surface 10a is inclined with respect to a horizontal surface. The first inclined surface 10a is formed in the length direction V1 of the battery <NUM> in a state of being placed in the charger <NUM>. The first inclined surface 10a is a surface facing the side surface <NUM> (which will hereinafter be referred to as "a second side surface <NUM>") on a side of the second side <NUM> of the battery <NUM>. The first inclined surface 10a is inclined such that the angle formed between the first inclined surface 10a and the bottom surface of the charger <NUM> becomes an acute angle smaller than <NUM>°.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a central portion on the first inclined surface 10a in the width direction V3 has a curved surface shape projecting downward. The first inclined surface 10a is curved such that a center position in the width direction V3 becomes the lowermost position, and outer end positions in the width direction V3 become the uppermost positions. The first inclined surface 10a in its entirety has an arc shape projecting downward.

Ribs 10b projecting upward are formed on the first inclined surface 10a. The ribs 10b extend in the forward-rearward direction. A plurality of ribs 10b are disposed at intervals in the width direction V3. Sizes of the intervals between two ribs 10b adjacent to each other in the width direction V3 are the same as each other. Upper ends of the plurality of ribs 10b in the vertical direction are positioned at the same positions. In a state in which the battery <NUM> is placed in the tray <NUM> (which will hereinafter be referred to as "a placed state"), the upper end of each of the ribs 10b comes into contact with the second side surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a drain hole <NUM> is formed at a lowest end 14b on the first inclined surface 10a. The drain hole <NUM> is disposed at the center of a rear end portion on the first inclined surface 10a in the width direction V3 (refer to <FIG>). The drain hole <NUM> opens at a rear end portion on the first inclined surface 10a in the vertical direction.

A bottom portion of the charger <NUM> has an enclosure portion <NUM> at a part positioned below the drain hole <NUM>. The enclosure portion <NUM> has a bottomed tubular shape with an opening larger than the drain hole <NUM>. Specifically, the enclosure portion <NUM> has an opening larger than a tubular portion having the drain hole <NUM>. The enclosure portion <NUM> has a ring shape extending in the width direction V3 (refer to <FIG>). As illustrated in <FIG>, discharge holes <NUM> are formed in a bottom portion of the enclosure portion <NUM>. A pair of left and right discharge holes <NUM> are disposed with an interval therebetween in the width direction V3. The pair of left and right discharge holes <NUM> are disposed at both ends of the enclosure portion <NUM> in the width direction V3.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the receiving surface portion <NUM> has a second inclined surface <NUM>1a which is inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the charger <NUM>. The second inclined surface 11a rises from the end portion (rear lower end portion) on the first inclined surface 10a in the height direction V2 of the battery <NUM> in a placed state. The second inclined surface 11a is a part receiving the second surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM>. The second inclined surface 11a is inclined such that it is orthogonal to the first inclined surface 10a. The second inclined surface 11a is inclined such that the angle formed between the second inclined surface 11a and the bottom surface of the charger <NUM> becomes an acute angle larger than <NUM>°.

As illustrated in <FIG>, upper end positions of the side surface portions <NUM> are positioned below an upper end position of the battery <NUM> in a placed state. In a side view of <FIG>, upper end edges of the side surface portions <NUM> are inclined such that they are positioned downward toward the front side from the upper end positions. In a side view, front end edges of the side surface portions <NUM> are inclined such that they are positioned forward toward a lower side from front ends at the upper end edges.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the grip portion <NUM> of the battery <NUM> in a placed state is disposed on an upper end side on the first inclined surface 10a. In a side view, the upper ends at the front end edges of the side surface portions <NUM> (front ends at the upper end edges) are positioned behind a front end position of the grip portion <NUM> of the battery <NUM> in a placed state. In a side view, a portion of the grip portion <NUM> of the battery <NUM> in a placed state is exposed from the side surface portions <NUM>. In a side view, the front end portion of the battery <NUM> in a placed state does not protrude outward beyond the tray <NUM>. In the diagrams, the reference sign KL indicates a perpendicular line (imaginary vertical line) passing through the front end portion of the tray <NUM>. The front end portion of the battery <NUM> in a placed state is positioned on a side inward from the perpendicular line KL (charger <NUM> side).

The tray <NUM> has a recess portion <NUM> (which will hereinafter be referred to as "a placement surface recess portion <NUM>") which is recessed downward beyond the first inclined surface 10a (placement surface) at the end portion on a side of the grip portion <NUM> of the battery <NUM> in a placed state. For example, the placement surface recess portion <NUM> has a size to an extent that a portion of a hand (finger) of a user enters. The placement surface recess portion <NUM> is disposed at the center of the tray <NUM> in the width direction V3 (refer to <FIG>). In a top view, the placement surface recess portion <NUM> has a trapezoidal external shape having an upper base on the rear side and a lower base longer than the upper base in the width direction V3 on the front side (refer to <FIG>).

In a cross-sectional view of <FIG>, a bottom surface 14a of the placement surface recess portion <NUM> is inclined such that it is positioned downward toward the front side. The lowest end 14b of the placement surface recess portion <NUM> is positioned above the upper end of the control device <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). In the diagrams, the reference sign 14c indicates a rising portion which rises upward toward the first inclined surface 10a from a rear end on the bottom surface 14a of the placement surface recess portion <NUM>.

A wall portion <NUM> projecting upward beyond the first inclined surface 10a is provided at a boundary portion between the placement surface recess portion <NUM> and the first inclined surface 10a. The wall portion <NUM> is a part protruding upward beyond the first inclined surface 10a from an upper end of the rising portion 14c. The upper end edge of the wall portion <NUM> linearly extends in the width direction V3 (refer to <FIG>).

The wall portion <NUM> is connected to a front end of the rib 10b of the plurality of ribs 10b positioned in the vicinity of the center in the width direction V3 (refer to <FIG>). The position of the upper end of the wall portion <NUM> in the vertical direction is the same position as the positions of the upper ends of the ribs 10b in the vertical direction. The upper end of the wall portion <NUM> comes into contact with the second side surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM> in a placed state together with each of the ribs 10b.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the upper cover <NUM> is provided at an upper rear portion of the charger <NUM>. The upper cover <NUM> covers a portion of the bottom surface portion <NUM> and the pair of left and right side surface portions <NUM> of the tray <NUM> from above (refer to <FIG>). As illustrated in <FIG>, the upper cover <NUM> covers the charger terminal <NUM> and the holding member <NUM> from above. In a side view, an upper edge of the upper cover <NUM> is inclined such that it is positioned downward toward the rear side. In a front view of <FIG>, an opening edge portion 3a of the upper cover <NUM> has a curved surface shape along the first side surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM> (refer to <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the control device <NUM> is disposed below the first inclined surface 10a of the tray <NUM>. In a top view of <FIG>, the control device <NUM> has a rectangular shape extending in the width direction V3. The control device <NUM> includes a plurality of control substrates for performing charging control of the battery <NUM>. For example, the control substrates may be disposed such that control circuits for performing charging control of the battery <NUM> are directed toward the inward side. For example, fins or heat sinks may be provided on outer surfaces of the control substrates.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the bottom portion of the charger <NUM> has a recess portion <NUM> which is recessed downward (which will hereinafter be referred to as "a bottom surface recess portion <NUM>") at a part positioned below the control device <NUM>. When viewed in the vertical direction, the bottom surface recess portion <NUM> is disposed at a position overlapping the control device <NUM>. When viewed in the vertical direction, the bottom surface recess portion <NUM> has a rectangular external shape larger than the external shape of the control device <NUM>. A heat conduction member <NUM> is disposed in the bottom surface recess portion <NUM> having a higher heat conductivity than the bottom portion of the charger <NUM>. For example, the bottom portion of the charger <NUM> is made of a resin. For example, the heat conduction member <NUM> is an aluminum sheet.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the main body frame <NUM> includes a front frame <NUM> which is positioned at a front portion of the charger <NUM>, and a rear frame <NUM> which is positioned at a rear portion of the charger <NUM>.

When viewed in the vertical direction, the front frame <NUM> includes a frame body <NUM> having a rectangular frame shape (refer to <FIG>), a pair of left and right columnar bodies <NUM> extending in the vertical direction, and a cross pipe <NUM> (frame) extending in the width direction V3.

In a top view of <FIG>, the frame body <NUM> has a rectangular frame shape larger than the external shape of the control device <NUM>. The control device <NUM> is accommodated on the inward side of the frame body <NUM>. In the diagrams, the reference sign <NUM> indicates a pair of left and right front flange portions which protrude forward from an upper front edge of the frame body <NUM>, the reference sign <NUM> indicates a pair of left and right rear flange portions which protrude rearward from an upper rear edge of the frame body <NUM>, and the reference sign <NUM> indicates boss portions of the bottom portion of the charger <NUM> which are disposed at positions respectively overlapping the flanges <NUM> and <NUM> in a top view. For example, each of the flange portions <NUM> and <NUM> is coupled to each of boss portions <NUM> using a fastening member such as a bolt.

The columnar bodies <NUM> are disposed on the outward sides of the frame body <NUM> in the width direction V3. Lower portions of the columnar bodies <NUM> are coupled to side portions of the frame body <NUM> in the width direction V3.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cross pipe <NUM> is disposed on the upper side of the control device <NUM>. The cross pipe <NUM> extends throughout the entirety of the battery <NUM> in a placed state in the width direction V3 (refer to <FIG>). In the width direction V3, the length of the cross pipe <NUM> is longer than that of the control device <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). Left and right end portions of the cross pipe <NUM> are coupled to upper and lower central portions of the columnar bodies <NUM> (refer to <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cross pipe <NUM> is disposed between the control device <NUM> and the first inclined surface 10a in the vertical direction. The cross pipe <NUM> is disposed on a side closer to the grip portion <NUM> of the battery <NUM> in a placed state than the central portion on the first inclined surface 10a in the length direction V1. The cross pipe <NUM> is disposed behind and in the vicinity of the rising portion 14c of the placement surface recess portion <NUM>.

In a top view of <FIG>, the cross pipe <NUM> is disposed at a position overlapping a central portion of the control device <NUM> in the forward-rearward direction. In the diagrams, the reference sign <NUM> indicates a pair of left and right brackets which protrude forward from a front portion of the cross pipe <NUM>, and the reference sign <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) indicates boss portions of lower portion on the first inclined surface 10a which are disposed at positions respectively overlapping the brackets <NUM> in a top view. For example, each of the brackets <NUM> is coupled to each of the boss portions <NUM> using a fastening member <NUM> such as a bolt.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the rear frame <NUM> is disposed behind the front frame <NUM>. The rear frame <NUM> is disposed below the upper cover <NUM>. The rear frame <NUM> includes a pair of left and right side wall portions <NUM> which extend in the vertical direction, and a width-direction-extending portion <NUM> which extends in the width direction V3 (refer to <FIG>). The pair of left and right side wall portions <NUM> and the width-direction-extending portion <NUM> are integrally formed using the same members. The pair of left and right side wall portions <NUM> and the width-direction-extending portion <NUM> may be integrally formed using different members.

The side wall portions <NUM> are disposed on the outward sides of the rear portion of the tray <NUM> (rear portion of the battery <NUM> in a placed state) in the width direction V3 (refer to <FIG>). In a side view of <FIG>, the side wall portions <NUM> have external shapes of which lengths in the forward-rearward direction become longer toward the lower side. The side wall portions <NUM> have a pair of upper and lower circular opening portions <NUM>. Lower end portions of the side wall portions <NUM> are coupled to the bottom portion of the charger <NUM> using a fastening member such as a bolt.

The width-direction-extending portion <NUM> is disposed on the upper side of the rear portion of the tray <NUM> (rear portion of the battery <NUM> in a placed state) (refer to <FIG>). The width-direction-extending portion <NUM> is disposed between the charger terminal <NUM> and the upper cover <NUM> in the vertical direction (refer to <FIG>). Left and right end portions of the width-direction-extending portion <NUM> are coupled to upper ends of the side wall portions <NUM>. In a front view of <FIG>, the width-direction-extending portion <NUM> has a curved shape along the opening edge portion 3a of the upper cover <NUM>. In a cross-sectional view of <FIG>, the width-direction-extending portion <NUM> is inclined downward to the rear along the upper cover <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the holding member <NUM> holds the charger terminal <NUM> in a connection direction with respect to the battery <NUM> (arrow J1 direction in the diagram). In a top view of <FIG>, the holding member <NUM> has a U-shape opening forward. The holding member <NUM> includes a pair of left and right side arm portions <NUM> which extend in the forward-rearward direction, and a support arm portion <NUM> which supports the charger terminal <NUM>. The pair of left and right side arm portions <NUM> and support arm portion <NUM> are integrally formed using the same members. The pair of left and right side arm portions <NUM> and support arm portion <NUM> may be integrally formed using different members.

The side arm portions <NUM> are disposed on the inward sides of the side wall portions <NUM> of the rear frame <NUM> in the width direction V3. In a side view of <FIG>, the side arm portions <NUM> extend such that they are positioned downward toward the rear side along the inclination of the battery <NUM> in a placed state. The side arm portions <NUM> have long holes <NUM> (guide holes). The long holes <NUM> extend in a direction in which the side arm portions <NUM> extend. The side arm portions <NUM> are supported by a shaft (not illustrated) in the width direction V3 of the charger <NUM> via the long holes <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the support arm portion <NUM> is disposed on the rear side of the charger terminal <NUM>. The support arm portion <NUM> extends in the width direction V3. Left and right end portions of the support arm portion <NUM> are coupled to rear ends of the side arm portions <NUM>. In the diagrams, the reference sign <NUM> indicates a pair of left and right support pins which protrude forward from the support arm portion <NUM>, and the reference sign <NUM> indicates biasing members (elastic members) such as springs which are respectively provided in the support pins.

At a connection position (refer to the solid line in <FIG>) where the charger terminal <NUM> is connected to the battery <NUM>, the charger terminal <NUM> is biased by the biasing member <NUM> in the arrow J1 direction in the diagram toward the battery terminal <NUM>. That is, the biasing member <NUM> biases the charger terminal <NUM> in the connection direction with respect to the battery <NUM> at the connection position.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the operation mechanism <NUM> includes the lever <NUM> (operation portion) which allows movement between the connection position where the charger terminal <NUM> is connected to the battery terminal <NUM> (which will hereinafter be simply referred to as "a connection position", refer to the solid line in <FIG>) and a retreat position for retreat from the battery terminal <NUM> (which will hereinafter be referred to as "a retreat position", refer to the two-dot dashed line in <FIG>).

Here, the connection position means a position where the charger terminal <NUM> is fitted into the terminal <NUM> of the battery <NUM> in a placed state. The retreat position means a position where the charger terminal <NUM> has separated from the terminal <NUM> of the battery <NUM> in a placed state. The operation mechanism <NUM> moves the charger terminal <NUM> between the connection position and the retreat position using a link mechanism. As illustrated in <FIG>, the operation mechanism <NUM> includes the lever <NUM> (operation portion); and the first link <NUM>, a second link <NUM>, and a third link <NUM> constituting the link mechanism.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the lever <NUM> is disposed on the outward side of the charger <NUM> from the placement surface recess portion <NUM>. The lever <NUM> has a U-shape opening upward at the center of the tray <NUM> in the width direction V3 (refer to <FIG>). In a front view of <FIG>, the lever <NUM> includes a first extending portion 60a which extends in the width direction V3, and a second extending portion 60b which is inclined and extends such that it is positioned upward toward the outward side in the width direction V3 from left and right end portions of the first extending portion 60a.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the lever <NUM> can turn around a shaft in the width direction V3 of the charger <NUM> (around the first pivot shaft <NUM>). The lever <NUM> is constituted such that it turns downward around the shaft due to a load from above. The lever <NUM> is constituted such that it turns upward around the shaft due to a load from below. The lever <NUM> at the connection position (refer to the two-dot dashed line in <FIG>) is in a state in which the lever <NUM> has turned further upward around the shaft than the lever <NUM> at the retreat position (refer to the dotted line in <FIG>). A portion of the lever <NUM> (a portion of the first extending portion 60a) is positioned below the lowest end 14b of the placement surface recess portion <NUM> at the retreat position (refer to <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first link <NUM> extends in a manner of straddling between the end portion of the lever <NUM> (second extending portion 60b) in the width direction V3 and the first pivot shaft <NUM> (a shaft serving as a fulcrum). One end portion of the first link <NUM> is coupled (fixed) to the end portion of the lever <NUM> in the width direction V3. The other end portion of the first link <NUM> (an end portion on a side opposite to the lever <NUM>) can turn around the first pivot shaft <NUM>. The other end portion of the first link <NUM> has a long hole <NUM> which restricts turning around the first pivot shaft <NUM> and has an arc shape in a side view.

The second link <NUM> extends in a manner of straddling between the first pivot shaft <NUM> and a second pivot shaft <NUM> (a shaft serving as an action point). One end portion of the second link <NUM> is coupled (fixed) to the other end portion of the first link <NUM>. One end portion of the second link <NUM> can turn around the first pivot shaft <NUM>.

The third link <NUM> extends in a crank shape in the forward-rearward direction in a manner of straddling between the second pivot shaft <NUM> and the holding member <NUM>. One end portion of the third link <NUM> is connected to the other end portion of the second link <NUM> via the second pivot shaft <NUM>. The other end portion of the third link <NUM> is coupled (fixed) to the front end portions of the side arm portions <NUM> of the holding member <NUM> using a fastening member such as a bolt.

The third link <NUM> moves in a direction along the inclination of the placement surface of the tray <NUM> (inclination of the battery <NUM> in a placed state) (arrow V1 direction in the diagram, a direction in which the long holes of the side arm portions <NUM> extend) when the lever <NUM> is moved between the connection position and the retreat position. Although it is not illustrated, at least one of the other end portion of the second link <NUM> and one end portion of the third link <NUM> has a part for converting turning around the second pivot shaft <NUM> into movement in the arrow V1 direction in the diagram (for example, an escape portion such as a long hole).

<FIG> illustrates an example of a case in which the battery <NUM> is inserted between the lever <NUM> at the connection position and the upper cover <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, a portion on the second side surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM> comes into contact with the upper end of the lever <NUM> at the connection position. In addition, a lower corner portion of the battery <NUM> (a corner portion formed by the second side surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM>) comes into contact with the ribs 10b on the first inclined surface 10a of the tray <NUM>. In addition, a portion on the first side surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM> comes into contact with the opening edge portion 3a of the upper cover <NUM>. The position of the end portion of the upper cover <NUM> is set such that the charger terminal <NUM> does not interfere with the second surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM> when the battery <NUM> is inserted between the lever <NUM> at the connection position and the upper cover <NUM>. In the diagrams, the reference sign G1 indicates a gap between the second surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM> and the charger terminal <NUM>.

As described above, the charger <NUM> for the portable battery <NUM> of the foregoing embodiment is used in an electric vehicle. The charger <NUM> for the portable battery <NUM> includes the tray <NUM> in which the battery <NUM> is placed. The tray <NUM> has the bottom surface portion <NUM> which is formed in the length direction V1 of the battery <NUM> in a placed state, and the side surface portions <NUM> which rise from the bottom surface portion <NUM> in the height direction V2 of the battery <NUM> in a placed state and face the side surfaces of the battery <NUM> in the width direction V3. The charger <NUM> further includes the upper cover <NUM> which covers a portion of the bottom surface portion <NUM> and the side surface portions <NUM> from above.

According to this constitution, when the battery <NUM> is placed in the tray <NUM>, the battery <NUM> can be guided along the bottom surface portion <NUM> and the side surface portions <NUM> of the tray <NUM>. Therefore, the battery <NUM> can be smoothly placed in the charger <NUM>.

Furthermore, the charger <NUM> further includes the upper cover <NUM> which covers a portion of the bottom surface portion <NUM> and the side surface portions <NUM> from above. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited. Since other portions of the bottom surface portion <NUM> and the side surface portions <NUM> are open upward, the battery <NUM> is easily placed therein from above.

Furthermore, the side surface portions <NUM> of the tray <NUM> rise from the bottom surface portion <NUM> in the height direction V2 of the battery <NUM> in a placed state. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited. When dimensions of the side surface portions <NUM> of the tray <NUM> in the height direction are shorter than dimensions of the bottom surface portion <NUM> in the length direction, a plurality of chargers <NUM> are easily disposed in the vertical direction. Moreover, when the battery <NUM> is shortened in the height direction V2, a plurality of chargers <NUM> are easily disposed in the vertical direction in a state in which the batteries <NUM> are mounted in the chargers <NUM>.

The charger <NUM> further includes the charger terminal <NUM> which may be disposed below the upper cover <NUM>, and the width-direction-extending portion <NUM> which may be disposed between the charger terminal <NUM> and the upper cover <NUM> in the vertical direction. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited.

Even when the battery <NUM> falls onto the upper cover <NUM> from above, the charger terminal <NUM> is protected by the upper cover <NUM> and the width-direction-extending portion <NUM>. Therefore, transfer of an impact to the charger terminal <NUM> can be suitably curbed.

The charger <NUM> further includes the lever <NUM> which allows the charger terminal <NUM> to move between the connection position for connection to the battery <NUM> and the retreat position for retreat from the battery <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is able to turn around the first pivot shaft <NUM> in the width direction V3 of the charger <NUM> and is constituted to turn downward around the first pivot shaft <NUM> due to a load from above, and the lever <NUM> at the connection position is in a state of having turned further upward around the first pivot shaft <NUM> than the lever <NUM> at the retreat position. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited.

Even when a load of the battery <NUM> is applied to the lever <NUM> at the connection position from above, the lever <NUM> turns downward around the first pivot shaft <NUM> due to the load from above and moves to the retreat position. Therefore, interference of the battery <NUM> in the middle of placement with the charger terminal <NUM> can be curbed.

In an embodiment, the position of the end portion of the upper cover <NUM> is set such that the charger terminal <NUM> does not interfere with the second surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM> when the battery <NUM> is inserted between the lever <NUM> at the connection position and the upper cover <NUM>. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited.

When the battery <NUM> is inserted between the lever <NUM> at the connection position and the upper cover <NUM>, interference of the second surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM> with the charger terminal <NUM> can be curbed.

In an embodiment, the first side surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM> has a curved surface shape. The opening edge portion 3a of the upper cover <NUM> has a curved surface shape along the first side surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM>. Therefore, the following effect is exhibited.

When the battery <NUM> is attempted to be placed therein upside down, the battery <NUM> interferes with the upper cover <NUM>. Therefore, interference of the battery <NUM> with the charger terminal <NUM> can be curbed.

An example in which the first inclined surface 10a is inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the charger <NUM> has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the first inclined surface 10a may be parallel to the bottom surface of the charger <NUM>. For example, the bottom surface of the charger <NUM> (for example, the bottom surface of a locker or the like for placement of a charger) may be inclined with respect to a horizontal surface, and the bottom surface of the charger <NUM> and the first inclined surface 10a may be parallel to each other. The first inclined surface 10a need only be inclined with respect to a horizontal surface. That is, the battery <NUM> need only be disposed such that it is inclined upward.

An example in which the charger <NUM> includes the charger terminal <NUM> which is disposed below the upper cover <NUM>, and the width-direction-extending portion <NUM> which is disposed between the charger terminal <NUM> and the upper cover <NUM> in the vertical direction has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the width-direction-extending portion <NUM> may not be disposed between the charger terminal <NUM> and the upper cover <NUM> in the vertical direction. That is, when the battery <NUM> falls onto the upper cover <NUM> from above, the charger terminal <NUM> may be protected by only the upper cover <NUM>.

An example in which the first side surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM> has a curved surface shape, and the opening edge portion 3a of the upper cover <NUM> has a curved surface shape along the first side surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM> has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the first side surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may have a flat surface, and the opening edge portion 3a of the upper cover <NUM> may have a flat surface along the first side surface <NUM> of the battery <NUM>.

An example in which the left and right end portions of the width-direction-extending portion <NUM> are coupled to the upper ends of the side wall portions <NUM> has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the left and right end portions of the width-direction-extending portion <NUM> may not be coupled to the upper ends of the side wall portions <NUM>. For example, the width-direction-extending portion <NUM> may extend along a portion between the left and right side wall portions <NUM> in the width direction V3. For example, the width-direction-extending portion <NUM> may extend in a direction intersecting the width direction V3 of the battery <NUM>. For example, the frame disposed between the charger terminal <NUM> and the upper cover <NUM> in the vertical direction may be a cross pipe or the like.

An example in which the biasing member <NUM> biasing the charger terminal <NUM> in the connection direction with respect to the battery <NUM> at the connection position is provided has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the charger terminal <NUM> may not be biased by the biasing member <NUM> toward the battery terminal <NUM>. That is, the charger <NUM> may not have the biasing member <NUM>.

An example in which the operation mechanism <NUM> moves the charger terminal <NUM> between the connection position and the retreat position using the link mechanism has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the operation mechanism <NUM> may move the charger terminal <NUM> between the connection position and the retreat position using a constitution such as a cam mechanism other than the link mechanism.

The present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiment. For example, the foregoing saddle-type vehicle includes all types of vehicles in which a rider rides the vehicle in a manner of straddling a vehicle body and includes not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles and scooter-type vehicles) but also vehicles having three wheels (including vehicles having two front wheels and one rear wheel in addition to vehicles having one front wheel and two rear wheels). In addition, the present invention can be applied to not only motorcycles but also vehicles having four wheels such as automobiles.

Claim 1:
A charger (<NUM>) for a portable battery configured to be used in an electric vehicle comprising:
a tray (<NUM>) configured to get a battery (<NUM>) placed in it,
wherein the tray (<NUM>) has
a bottom surface portion (<NUM>) which is formed in a length direction (V1) of the battery (<NUM>) in a state of being placed in the charger (<NUM>), and
side surface portions (<NUM>) which rise from the bottom surface portion (<NUM>) in a height direction (V2) of the battery (<NUM>) in a state of being placed in the charger (<NUM>) and face side surfaces of the battery (<NUM>) in a width direction (V3),
wherein the charger (<NUM>) further comprises
an upper cover (<NUM>) which covers a portion of the bottom surface portion (<NUM>) and the side surface portions (<NUM>) from above,
characterized in that the charger (<NUM>) further comprises
an operation portion (<NUM>) which is configured to allow a charger terminal (<NUM>) to move between a connection position for connection to the battery (<NUM>) and a retreat position for retreat from the battery (<NUM>),
wherein the operation portion (<NUM>) is configured to turn around a shaft (<NUM>) in the width direction (V3) of the charger (<NUM>) and is constituted to turn downward around the shaft (<NUM>) due to a load from above,
wherein the operation portion (<NUM>) at the connection position is in a state of turning further upward around the shaft (<NUM>) than the operation portion (<NUM>) at the retreat position,
wherein the charger (<NUM>) further comprises a link (<NUM>) which is configured to allow the charger terminal (<NUM>) to move between the connection position and the retreat position, and
wherein the link (<NUM>) extends between a shaft (<NUM>) serving as an action point for turning of the operation portion (<NUM>) and the charger terminal (<NUM>) and is configured to move in the length direction (V1) of the battery (<NUM>) in the state of being placed when the operation portion (<NUM>) is moved between the connection position and the retreat position.