DC power distribution system

Abstract

A DC power distribution system (100) includes a panel (1), a power source (3), and a connector (2). The panel (1) has a pair of planar conductors (11, 12) arranged at intervals in one direction, and a plurality of attachment parts (14) penetrating the pair of conductors (11, 12) in one direction. The power source (3) supplies DC power to the pair of conductors (11, 12). The connector (2) is provided to the load (4), has a pair of electrodes (23, 24), and can be attached to any one of the plurality of attachment sections (14). The connector (2) supplies DC power output by the power source (3) to the load (4) via the pair of electrodes (23, 24) and the pair of conductors (11, 12) in a state in which the connector (2) is attached to the attachment section (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a DC power distribution system for supplying DC power. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a lighting system. In the lighting system, a first power supply line and a second power supply line made of conductive wires are arranged at a distance from each other and cross each other at the top. A lighting fixture is installed between the first power supply line and the second power supply line, and the power terminals of the lighting fixture are connected to the power supply lines respectively, and the lighting fixture is lit by the voltage applied between the power supply lines.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-008430 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The present invention provides a direct current power distribution system which is easy to improve the degree of freedom of the installation position of the load.

[0008] Solutions for solving problems

[0009] A DC power distribution system of a technical solution of the present invention includes a panel, a power supply, and a connector. The panel has a pair of planar conductors arranged at intervals in one direction and a plurality of mounting portions penetrating the pair of conductors in the one direction. The power supply supplies DC power to the pair of conductors. The connector is provided on a load and has a pair of electrodes that can be mounted on any of the plurality of mounting portions. When the connector is mounted on the mounting portion, the DC power output by the power supply is supplied to the load by means of the pair of electrodes and the pair of conductors.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] The DC power distribution system of the present invention has an advantage that the degree of freedom of the installation position of the load can be easily increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a DC power distribution system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram of a method of mounting the connector of the first embodiment on a panel.

[0014] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a DC power distribution system according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the connection relationship between a power supply and a plurality of panels located around the power supply in the DC power distribution system according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing output characteristics of a power supply of a DC power distribution system according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a connector according to a first modification.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a connector according to a second modified example.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a DC power distribution system according to a third modified example.

[0020] Fig. 9 It is a block diagram showing the structure of a power supply of a DC power distribution system according to a fourth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the embodiments are specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below all represent inclusive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, configuration positions and connection forms of constituent elements, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the constituent elements of the following embodiments that are not recorded in the independent claims are described as arbitrary constituent elements.

[0022] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and does not necessarily illustrate strictly. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are attached to substantially the same structure, and the repeated description may be omitted or simplified.

[0023] (Implementation Method 1)

[0024] Below, use Figure 1 The DC power distribution system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the DC power distribution system 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 As shown, the DC power distribution system 100 includes a panel 1 , a power source 3 and a connector 2 .

[0025] In addition, Figure 1In the example shown, the DC power distribution system 100 includes one panel 1, one power source 3, and one connector 2, but is not limited thereto. For example, the DC power distribution system 100 may include multiple panels 1, multiple power sources 3, and multiple connectors 2. The following description focuses on one panel 1, one power source 3, and one connector 2.

[0026] The panel 1 is in the shape of a plate as a whole and is arranged on the top surface of the facility. For example, the panel 1 is arranged as a part of the top surface by interchanging with a part of the constituent material constituting the top surface of the facility. In addition, for example, the panel 1 is arranged on the top surface in the form of being suspended from the top surface of the facility. In addition, the panel 1 is not limited to the top surface of the facility, and can also be arranged as a part of the ground, wall or daily utensils. The panel 1 has a pair of conductors 11, 12, an insulator 13 and a plurality of mounting portions 14.

[0027] A pair of conductors 11, 12 are formed of a conductive material. The pair of conductors 11, 12 are planar (specifically, planar when viewed from a direction), and are arranged in a manner spaced apart in one direction. In Embodiment 1, "one direction" corresponds to the thickness direction of the panel 1, which is a vertical direction. Hereinafter, one of the pair of conductors 11, 12 is also referred to as the first conductor 11, and the other conductor is referred to as the second conductor 12. The first conductor 11 is electrically connected to one of a pair of electrodes on the output side of the power supply 3 (here, the positive electrode). The second conductor 12 is electrically connected to the other of the pair of electrodes on the output side of the power supply 3 (here, the negative electrode).

[0028] The insulator 13 is formed of a material having insulating properties. The insulator 13 is planar (specifically, planar when viewed from one direction) and is arranged so as to be located between the pair of conductors 11 and 12 in one direction. Furthermore, the insulator 13 electrically insulates the pair of conductors 11 and 12. In the first embodiment, the first surface ( Figure 1 The first conductor 11 is arranged on the upper surface of the Figure 1 The second conductor 12 is arranged on the lower surface of the insulator 13. Alternatively, the second conductor 12 may be arranged on the first surface of the insulator 13 and the first conductor 11 may be arranged on the second surface.

[0029] The mounting portion 14 is formed by a hole that penetrates the pair of conductors 11 and 12 in one direction. In the first embodiment, the mounting portion 14 is formed by a hole that is rectangular in a plan view from one direction. In addition, the shape of the hole constituting the mounting portion 14 in a plan view is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be other shapes such as a circular shape. In addition, in the first embodiment, since the insulator 13 is arranged between the pair of conductors 11 and 12, the mounting portion 14 is formed by a hole that penetrates the pair of conductors 11 and 12 and the insulator 13 in one direction.

[0030] In Embodiment 1, the plurality of mounting portions 14 are arranged in a grid-like arrangement when viewed from one direction. Thus, the panel 1 is configured in a mesh-like shape when viewed from one direction. In addition, the panel 1 only needs to have a plurality of mounting portions 14. Therefore, the configuration of the plurality of mounting portions 14 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be other configurations.

[0031] The power supply 3 supplies DC power to the pair of conductors 11 and 12. In the first embodiment, the power supply 3 has a power converter having an AC / DC conversion circuit. The power supply 3 converts the AC power output from the power system into DC power, and outputs the converted DC power to the pair of conductors 11 and 12. In the first embodiment, the power supply 3 may be in a form of outputting DC power, but may also be a distributed power supply such as a solar cell or a power supply such as a battery, or a combination of these power supplies and a power converter (for example, a power converter having a DC / DC conversion circuit).

[0032] The power source 3 has a pair of electrodes on the output side, and can be arranged in any manner relative to the panel 1 as long as the pair of electrodes are electrically connected to the pair of conductors 11 and 12. For example, the power source 3 may be arranged at any of the four corners of the panel 1 when viewed from one direction.

[0033] In addition, the power supply 3 has a control unit 31. The control unit 31 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The function of the control unit 31 is implemented by causing hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor constituting the control unit 31 to execute a computer program (software) stored in a memory. The control unit 31 controls the power converter, for example, based on a command value from an external controller or a command value pre-stored in the memory, so that the output power (or output voltage) of the power supply 3 is consistent with the command value.

[0034] The connector 2 is provided on the load 4 and has a pair of electrodes 23 and 24 (see Figure 2 ). In addition, the connector 2 is configured to be mountable on any of the plurality of mounting portions 14. When the connector 2 is mounted on the mounting portion 14, the DC power output by the power source 3 is supplied to the load 4 via the pair of electrodes 23, 24 and the pair of conductors 11, 12.

[0035] The connector 2 is integrally formed with the load 4, and may be in a form that cannot be removed from the load 4 or in a form that can be attached to and detached from the load 4. In the latter case, the connector 2 may be attached to any load 4 as long as the load 4 has a structure that allows the connector 2 to be attached. In the latter case, the connector 2 and the load 4 are electrically connected to each other, for example, using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector 2 has a main body 21 and a fixing portion 22 . Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram of a method of mounting the connector 2 on the panel 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 (a) shows a state where the main body 21 of the connector 2 is inserted into the mounting portion 14 . Figure 2 (b) shows a state where the main body 21 of the connector 2 is inserted into the mounting portion 14 and is rotated 90 degrees clockwise about one direction. Figure 2 (c) shows a state where the connector 2 is mounted on the mounting portion 14 .

[0037] The main body 21 is configured to be insertable into the mounting portion 14. In the first embodiment, the main body 21 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and its width and depth dimensions are both smaller than the width and depth dimensions of the hole constituting the mounting portion 14. In addition, the shape of the main body 21 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped, and other shapes may be used as long as the size is large enough to be inserted into the mounting portion 14.

[0038] The fixing portion 22 is a portion for fixing the pair of electrodes 23 and 24 to the pair of conductors 11 and 12 by sandwiching the pair of conductors 11 and 12 in one direction when the main body 21 is inserted into the mounting portion 14 .

[0039] Specifically, the fixing portion 22 has a pair of protrusions 221 and 222. Hereinafter, the protrusion 221 located above in one direction of the pair of protrusions 221 and 222 is also referred to as the first protrusion 221, and the protrusion 222 located below in one direction is also referred to as the second protrusion 222. Both the first protrusion 221 and the second protrusion 222 protrude from the side of the main body 21. When viewed from above from one direction, the first protrusion 221 (or the second protrusion 222) and the main body 21 are of a size that can pass through the mounting portion 14 in a state where the length direction thereof is along the length direction of the mounting portion 14 (see Figure 2 On the other hand, when viewed from one direction, the first protrusion 221 (or the second protrusion 222) and the main body 21 are of a size that cannot pass through the mounting portion 14 when the length direction thereof intersects the length direction of the mounting portion 14 (see Figure 2 (b)).

[0040] At least one of the first protrusion 221 and the second protrusion 222 is configured to be slidable in one direction. In the first embodiment, the first protrusion 221 is slidable by sliding an operating lever (not shown) provided on the main body 21 in one direction. In addition, the first protrusion 221 is urged by a spring (not shown) in a direction in which the space between the first protrusion 221 and the second protrusion 222 is narrowed.

[0041] The first protrusion 221 is provided with one electrode 23 (hereinafter also referred to as "the first electrode 23") of the pair of electrodes 23 and 24. Specifically, the surface ( Figure 2 The first electrode 23 is mounted on the lower surface of the main body 21 (a). In addition, the other electrode 24 (hereinafter also referred to as "the second electrode 24") of the pair of electrodes 23 and 24 is provided on the second protrusion 222. Specifically, the surface ( Figure 2 A second electrode 24 is installed on the upper surface of (a).

[0042] The pair of electrodes 23 and 24 are electrically connected to the load 4 via wiring passing through the inner side of the fixing portion 22 and the inner side of the main body 21. Therefore, by electrically connecting the pair of electrodes 23 and 24 to the pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the panel 1, respectively, power is supplied from the power source 3 to the load 4 via the pair of conductors 11 and 12 and the pair of electrodes 23 and 24.

[0043] Here, use Figure 2 The method of mounting the connector 2 on the mounting portion 14 is described below. First, Figure 2 As shown in (a), the user inserts the connector 2 into the mounting portion 14 with the length direction of the first protrusion 221 (or the second protrusion 222) and the main body 21 along the length direction of the mounting portion 14. At this time, the user inserts the connector 2 into the mounting portion 14 while maintaining the state where the first protrusion 221 is moved upward by operating the operating lever equipped on the connector 2. Then, the user inserts the connector 2 into the mounting portion 14 to a position where the pair of conductors 11 and 12 enter between the first protrusion 221 and the second protrusion 222.

[0044] Then, if Figure 2 As shown in (b), the user rotates the connector 2 about one direction by a predetermined angle (here 90 degrees). Figure 2 In the example shown in (b), the connector 2 is rotated clockwise, but the connector 2 may also be rotated counterclockwise. In addition, the predetermined angle is not limited to 90 degrees, and the first protrusion 221 (or the second protrusion 222) and the main body 21 of the rotated connector 2 can not pass through the mounting portion 14.

[0045] After that, the user releases his hand from the operating lever provided on the connector 2. Figure 2As shown in (c), the first protrusion 221 that has moved upwards against the elastic force of the spring moves toward the second protrusion 222 in an attempt to return to its original position under the elastic force of the spring. Thus, the connector 2 is fixed to the mounting portion 14 by sandwiching the pair of conductors 11, 12 and the insulator 13 with the first protrusion 221 and the second protrusion 222. In this way, the fixing portion 22 can move between the first position and the second position by rotating about one direction as an axis. The first position is a position where the fixing portion 22 can move in one direction inside the mounting portion 14 (see Figure 2 (a)), the second position is a position where the fixing portion 22 is fixed to the pair of conductors 11 and 12 by clamping the pair of conductors 11 and 12 (refer to Figure 2 (c)).

[0046] The load 4 is electrically connected to the pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the panel 1 by means of the connector 2, and is driven by the power supplied from the power supply 3. In Embodiment 1, the load 4 is a lighting fixture, but it may also be, for example, a speaker, a camera, a sensor, or a USB PD (Power Delivery). In other words, the load 4 may be a device other than a lighting fixture as long as it is in a form of receiving power for driving. In addition, in Embodiment 1, the load 4 electrically connected to the pair of conductors 11 and 12 is a lighting fixture and is of one type, but the type of the load 4 electrically connected to the pair of conductors 11 and 12 may be multiple. For example, a lighting fixture, a speaker, a camera, a sensor, or a USB PD may be connected to the pair of conductors 11 and 12.

[0047] [advantage]

[0048] The advantages of the DC power distribution system 100 of the first embodiment are described below by comparing it with a DC power distribution system of a comparative example. The DC power distribution system of the comparative example is a system that uses a linear pipe rail as a power supply circuit. In the DC power distribution system of the comparative example, a load is installed on the pipe rail to supply DC power to the load.

[0049] However, in the DC power distribution system of the comparative example, since the pipe rail as the power supply circuit is linear, the installation position of the load is limited to the straight line, and there is a problem of lack of freedom. In addition, in the DC power distribution system of the comparative example, even if the load is located at a relatively close distance relative to the power supply, depending on the wiring conditions of the pipe rail as the power supply circuit, the DC power is supplied from the power supply to the load through a distance longer than the distance between the power supply and the load. In addition, in the DC power distribution system of the comparative example, when multiple pipe rails are connected, if the contact between the conductor of any pipe rail and the load is poor or the conductor is disconnected, all pipe rails cannot be used.

[0050] In contrast, in the DC power distribution system 100 of the first embodiment, since the panel 1 as the power supply circuit is planar, the connector 2 and the load 4 can be freely mounted at any position of the panel 1 where the mounting portion 14 is provided. That is, the DC power distribution system 100 of the first embodiment has an advantage that the degree of freedom of the mounting position of the load 4 can be easily increased compared to the DC power distribution system of the comparative example.

[0051] In the DC power distribution system 100 of the first embodiment, the pair of planar conductors 11 and 12 constitute a power supply circuit. Therefore, there is an advantage that the DC power distribution system of the comparative example does not supply DC power from the power source 3 to the load 4 over a distance longer than the distance between the power source 3 and the load 4.

[0052] In addition, in the DC power distribution system 100 of the first embodiment, since the pair of planar conductors 11 and 12 constitute the power supply circuit, there is an advantage that poor contact between the pair of conductors 11 and 12 and the pair of electrodes 23 and 24 of the connector 2 is less likely to occur. In addition, in the DC power distribution system 100 of the first embodiment, there is an advantage that even if any part of the pair of conductors 11 and 12 is broken or the like, the panel 1 can be used except for the part.

[0053] (Implementation Method 2)

[0054] Below, use Figure 3 A DC power distribution system 100A according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the structure of a DC power distribution system 100A according to Embodiment 2. Figure 3 As shown, the DC power distribution system 100A of the second embodiment is different from the DC power distribution system 100 of the first embodiment in that it includes a plurality of panels 1 and a power source 3 is disposed at each of the four corners of the plurality of panels 1. That is, when one of the plurality of panels 1 is the focus, the plurality of power sources 3 are electrically connected to a pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the panel 1.

[0055] Specifically, for each of the plurality of power sources 3, a pair of electrodes 23, 24 of the power source 3 is electrically connected to a pair of conductors 11, 12 of each of the plurality of panels 1 located around the power source 3. That is, each of the plurality of power sources 3 is electrically connected to a pair of conductors 11, 12 of the panel 1 that is the main power source 3A, i.e., the main panel 1A, and a pair of conductors 11, 12 of the panel 1 that is not the main power source 3A, i.e., the sub-panel 1B.

[0056] Here, when one panel 1 is the focus, the main power source 3A is a power source 3 that supplies power to the panel 1 among the plurality of power sources 3 that are electrically connected to the pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the panel 1. Figure 3In the example shown, the power source 3 surrounded by a circular frame is the main power source 3A relative to the panel 1 surrounded by a rectangular frame. Figure 3 In the example shown, when viewed from the power source 3 surrounded by a circular frame, the panel 1 surrounded by a rectangular frame among the four panels 1 around the power source 3 is the main panel 1A, and the remaining three panels 1 are sub-panels 1B.

[0057] A diode D1 is provided between each of the plurality of power sources 3 and the pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the sub-panel 1B. The anode of the diode D1 is electrically connected to the power source 3 , and the cathode of the diode D1 is electrically connected to the pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the sub-panel 1B. Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between a power source 3 and a plurality of panels 1 located around the power distribution system 100A according to Embodiment 2. Figure 4 As shown, between the power supply 3 and the main panel 1A (refer to Figure 3 ) is not provided with a diode D1. On the other hand, the power supply circuit between the power supply 3 and the auxiliary panel 1B (refer to Figure 3 ) is provided with a diode D1, an anode of the diode D1 is electrically connected to the power supply 3, and a cathode is electrically connected to a pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the sub-panel 1B.

[0058] In the DC power distribution system 100A according to the second embodiment, each of the plurality of power sources 3 is controlled by the control unit 31, so that Figure 5 Output characteristics shown. Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing the output characteristics of the power supply 3 of the DC power distribution system 100A according to the second embodiment. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the vertical axis represents the output voltage of the power source 3, and the horizontal axis represents the power supplied by the power source 3. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the solid line represents the output characteristic of the main power supply 3A when one panel 1 is the focus, and the single-dot chain line represents the output characteristic of the sub-power supply 3B other than the main power supply 3A. In addition, the difference between the output voltage represented by the solid line and the output voltage represented by the single-dot chain line is the amount of voltage drop at the diode D1.

[0059] like Figure 5As shown, the output voltage of the power source 3 is controlled by the control unit 31 to be a constant voltage until the power supplied by the power source 3 reaches a predetermined value (here, 50% when the rated output is set to 100%). On the other hand, the output voltage of the power source 3 is controlled by the control unit 31 so that when the power supplied by the power source 3 is greater than the predetermined value, the output voltage gradually decreases as the power supplied increases. That is, in the DC power distribution system 100A of the second embodiment, it can be said that each of the plurality of power sources 3 has a control unit 31, and the control unit 31 controls in such a manner that the output voltage decreases when the power supplied is greater than the predetermined value. The control unit 31 monitors the power supplied by the power source 3 based on, for example, the measurement result of the current flowing in the pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the main panel 1A obtained by a current sensor (not shown).

[0060] The operation of the DC power distribution system 100A according to Embodiment 2 is described below. The following description focuses on one panel 1, and one of the four power supplies 3 at the four corners of the panel 1 is set as the main power supply 3A, and the remaining three power supplies 3 are set as the slave power supplies 3B. In addition, the following description is set as a case where the power supplied by the other power supplies 3 does not reach the predetermined value.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the output voltage of the main power supply 3A is greater than the output voltage of the other power supplies 3 until the power supplied by the main power supply 3A reaches the threshold value P1. In this state, the main power supply 3A alone supplies power to the corresponding panel 1. On the other hand, the number of loads 4 installed on the panel 1 increases, thereby increasing the power supplied by the main power supply 3A. When the power supplied by the main power supply 3A reaches the threshold value P1, the output voltage of the main power supply 3A is less than the output voltage of the sub-power supply 3B. As a result, the potential of the sub-power supply 3B is higher than the potential of the panel 1, so that power is supplied from the sub-power supply 3B to the panel 1 through the diode D1.

[0062] As described above, in the DC power distribution system 100A of the second embodiment, each of the plurality of power sources 3 functions as an auxiliary power source that supplies power to the panel 1 when the power supplied by the main power source 3A that supplies power to the panel 1 is greater than the threshold value P1. Therefore, in the DC power distribution system 100A of the second embodiment, since the plurality of power sources 3 supply power to the panel 1 in a complementary manner, there is an advantage that power can be stably supplied to the load 4 electrically connected to the panel 1.

[0063] (Variation Example)

[0064] Although Embodiments 1 and 2 have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2. Modifications of Embodiments 1 and 2 will be listed below.

[0065] (First Modification)

[0066] In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the panel 1 includes the insulator 13 sandwiched between the pair of conductors 11 and 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the panel 1 may not include the insulator 13. In this case, the pair of conductors 11 and 12 may be provided at a distance to ensure electrical insulation.

[0067] In this case, the connector may have a structure replacing the insulator 13 . Figure 6 2A is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a connector 2A according to a first variant. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the connector 2A of the first modified example further includes an insulating portion 25. The insulating portion 25 is formed of an insulating material and protrudes from the side surface of the main body 21 so as to be located between the pair of protrusions 221 and 222 in one direction. Figure 6 As shown, the insulating portion 25 is inserted between the pair of conductors 11 and 12 when the body 21 is inserted into the mounting portion 14 , in other words, when the pair of electrodes 23 and 24 are in contact with the pair of conductors 11 and 12 , thereby electrically insulating the pair of conductors 11 and 12 .

[0068] Thus, when the connector 2A is mounted on the mounting portion 14, the insulating portion 25 can prevent the pair of conductors 11 and 12 from short-circuiting. In other words, even if the panel 1 does not include the insulator 13, the electrical insulation between the pair of conductors 11 and 12 can be easily ensured by the connector 2A.

[0069] (Second Modification)

[0070] In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the connector may further include a ground portion. Figure 7 2B is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the connector 2B of the second modified example. Figure 7 As shown, the connector 2B of the second variant has an insulating portion 25 in the same manner as the connector 2A of the first variant. Moreover, in the connector 2B of the second variant, the lower surface of the first protrusion 221 and the upper surface of the insulating portion 25, which are opposite to each other, are inclined in such a manner that the distance between them becomes shorter as they approach the main body 21. Similarly, the lower surface of the insulating portion 25 and the upper surface of the second protrusion 222, which are opposite to each other, are inclined in such a manner that the distance between them becomes shorter as they approach the main body 21. In addition, the pair of protrusions 221 and 222 are both formed of a material having a higher hardness than the pair of conductors 11 and 12. The lower surface of the first protrusion 221 and the upper surface of the second protrusion 222 constitute a grinding portion 26. In other words, the fixing portion 22 has a grinding portion 26.

[0071] When the connector 2B of the second modified example is inserted into the mounting portion 14 and rotated by a predetermined angle, the lower surface of the first protrusion 221 moves while contacting the first conductor 11, and the upper surface of the second protrusion 222 moves while contacting the second conductor 12. Thus, the surface of the first conductor 11 is ground by friction with the lower surface of the first protrusion 221. In addition, the surface of the second conductor 12 is ground by friction with the upper surface of the second protrusion 222.

[0072] As described above, in the connector 2B of the second modification, the fixing portion 22 has the grinding portion 26 that grinds the pair of conductors 11 and 12 by friction as the fixing portion 22 moves from the first position to the second position. Therefore, in the second modification, there is an advantage that by grinding the surfaces of the pair of conductors 11 and 12 by the grinding portion 26, it is easy to prevent the surfaces of the pair of conductors 11 and 12 from being oxidized, and poor contact between the pair of conductors 11 and 12 and the pair of electrodes 23 and 24 is unlikely to occur.

[0073] (Third Modification)

[0074] In the first and second embodiments, the connector 2 is mounted on the panel 1 by rotating about one direction with the fixing portion 22 inserted into the mounting portion 14, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the connector may be mounted on the panel without rotating.

[0075] Figure 8 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a DC power distribution system 100B according to a third modification. Figure 8 FIG. 2 shows a top view of the mounting portion 14A and the connector 2C when viewed from one direction. Figure 8 As shown, the mounting portion 14A is formed by a hole in the shape of an inverted letter L when viewed from one direction. Specifically, the mounting portion 14A is formed by connecting a first hole 141 in a rectangular shape when viewed from one direction and a second hole 142 in a rectangular shape whose length in the length direction is shorter than that of the first hole 141.

[0076] In the connector 2C, when viewed from above from one direction, the first protrusion 221 (or the second protrusion 222) and the main body 21 are sized to pass through the first hole 141 of the mounting portion 14A (see FIG. Figure 8 On the other hand, in the connector 2C, when viewed from one direction, only the first protrusion 221 (or the second protrusion 222) has a size that can pass through the second hole 142 of the mounting portion 14A (see Figure 8 (b)).

[0077] Here, use Figure 8The method of mounting the connector 2C on the mounting portion 14A will be described. The operation of the operating lever provided on the connector 2C is the same as that in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted here. Figure 8 As shown in (a), the user inserts the connector 2C into the first mounting hole 141 of the mounting portion 14A in such a direction that the length direction of the first protrusion 221 (or the second protrusion 222) and the main body 21 is along the length direction of the first mounting hole 141 of the mounting portion 14A. Then, the user inserts the connector 2C into the first mounting hole 141 of the mounting portion 14A until the pair of conductors 11 and 12 enter the position between the first protrusion 221 and the second protrusion 222.

[0078] Then, if Figure 8 As shown in (b), the user slides the connector 2C in the direction from the first mounting hole 141 to the second mounting hole 142. As a result, the main body 21 of the connector 2C is inserted into the second mounting hole 142. In this state, as in the first embodiment, the first protrusion 221 and the second protrusion 222 sandwich the pair of conductors 11, 12 and the insulator 13, thereby fixing the connector 2C to the mounting portion 14A.

[0079] (Fourth Modification)

[0080] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the diode D1 is used to realize the power supply from the other power sources 3 other than the main power source 3A to the panel 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when each of the plurality of power sources 3 communicates with other power sources 3 different from itself and obtains information indicating that the power supplied by other power sources 3 is greater than a threshold value, power is supplied to the panel 1 (main panel 1A) to which the other power sources 3 are supplied with power as the main power source 3A.

[0081] Fig. 9 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the power supply 3 of the DC distribution system 100C of the fourth modified example. The DC distribution system 100C of the fourth modified example is different from the DC distribution system 100A of the second embodiment in that each of the plurality of power supplies 3 has a communication unit 32 for communicating with another power supply 3 different from itself instead of having a plurality of diodes D1. In addition, in the DC distribution system 100C of the fourth modified example, each of the plurality of power supplies 3 does not have the output characteristics of the second embodiment (see Figure 5 ). Hereinafter, the description will be focused on one power supply 3 among the plurality of power supplies 3. When the other power supplies 3 function as the main power supply 3A, the power supply 3 functions as the sub power supply 3B.

[0082] The communication unit 32 communicates with the communication units 32 of other power sources 3, for example, through power line communication (PLC). In addition, the communication unit 32 may communicate with the communication units 32 of other power sources 3 through wired communication other than PLC, or may communicate with the communication units 32 of other power sources 3 through wireless communication.

[0083] The communication unit 32 obtains information related to the power supplied by the other power sources 3, in other words, information related to the power supplied by the other power sources 3 as the main power source 3A. The communication unit 32 obtains the information related to the power supplied by the other power sources 3 by, for example, obtaining the measurement result of the current flowing in the pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the panel 1 (main panel 1A) to which the other power sources 3 as the main power source 3A supply power.

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit 31 controls the output voltage of the power source 3 (sub power source 3B) to be greater than the output voltage of the other power source 3 (main power source 3A) when the power supplied by the other power source 3 (main power source 3A) acquired by the communication unit 32 reaches the threshold value P1. Thus, power is supplied from the power source 3 (sub power source 3B) to the panel 1 (main panel 1A).

[0085] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to the embodiments, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0086] (Summarize)

[0087] As described above, the first form of the DC power distribution system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C includes a panel 1, a power source 3, and connectors 2, 2A, 2B, 2C. The panel 1 has a pair of planar conductors 11, 12 arranged at intervals in one direction and a plurality of mounting portions 14, 14A penetrating the pair of conductors 11, 12 in one direction. The power source 3 supplies DC power to the pair of conductors 11, 12. The connector 2, 2A, 2B, 2C is provided on the load 4, has a pair of electrodes 23, 24, and can be mounted on any of the plurality of mounting portions 14, 14A. The connector 2, 2A, 2B, 2C supplies the DC power output by the power source 3 to the load 4 via the pair of electrodes 23, 24 and the pair of conductors 11, 12 when mounted on the mounting portion 14, 14A.

[0088] This has the advantage that the degree of freedom of the installation position of the load 4 can be easily increased.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the first aspect, in the DC power distribution system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C of the second aspect, the connector 2, 2A, 2B, 2C has a fixing portion 22 and a main body 21 that can be inserted into the mounting portion 14, 14A. When the main body 21 is inserted into the mounting portion 14, 14A, the fixing portion 22 clamps the pair of conductors 11, 12 in one direction so that the pair of electrodes 23, 24 are respectively in contact with the pair of conductors 11, 12 and fixed.

[0090] This has an advantage that the connectors 2 , 2A, 2B, 2C can be fixed to the mounting portions 14 , 14A and the pair of conductors 11 , 12 and the pair of electrodes 23 , 24 can be electrically connected at the same time.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the first or second aspect, the DC power distribution system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C of the third aspect further includes a planar insulator 13. The insulator 13 is located between the pair of conductors 11 and 12 in one direction to electrically insulate the pair of conductors 11 and 12.

[0092] This provides an advantage in that the insulator 13 can prevent a short circuit between the pair of conductors 11 and 12 when the connectors 2 , 2B, and 2C are mounted on the mounting portions 14 and 14A.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the second aspect, in the DC power distribution system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C of the fourth aspect, the connector 2A further includes an insulating portion 25. When the pair of electrodes 23, 24 are in contact with the pair of conductors 11, 12, the insulating portion 25 is inserted between the pair of conductors 11, 12 to electrically insulate the pair of conductors 11, 12.

[0094] This provides an advantage in that, in a state where the connector 2A is mounted on the mounting portion 14 , 14A, the insulating portion 25 can prevent a short circuit between the pair of conductors 11 , 12 .

[0095] Furthermore, according to the second aspect, in the DC power distribution system 100, 100A, 100C of the fifth aspect, the fixing portion 22 can be moved between the first position and the second position by rotating about one direction as an axis. The first position is a position that can be moved in one direction inside the mounting portion 14. The second position is a position that is fixed to the pair of conductors 11, 12 by clamping the pair of conductors 11, 12.

[0096] Therefore, there is an advantage that the state in which the connector 2, 2A, 2B can be inserted into the mounting portion 14 and the state in which the connector 2, 2A, 2B can be fixed to the mounting portion 14 can be switched simply by rotating the connector 2, 2A, 2B, so it is easy to install the connector 2, 2A, 2B to the mounting portion 14.

[0097] Furthermore, in the DC power distribution system 100 , 100A, 100B, 100C of the sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect, the fixing portion 22 has a grinding portion 26 that grinds the pair of conductors 11 , 12 by friction as the fixing portion 22 moves from the first position to the second position.

[0098] This has the advantage that by grinding the surfaces of the pair of conductors 11 and 12 by the grinding portion 26 , oxidation of the surfaces of the pair of conductors 11 and 12 can be easily prevented, and poor contact between the pair of conductors 11 and 12 and the pair of electrodes 23 and 24 is unlikely to occur.

[0099] Furthermore, according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in the DC power distribution system 100A, 100C of the seventh aspect, the plurality of power sources 3 are electrically connected to the pair of conductors 11, 12 of the panel 1. When the power supplied by the main power source 3A supplying power to the panel 1 is greater than the threshold value P1, the plurality of power sources 3 each supply power to the panel 1.

[0100] This has an advantage that since the plurality of power sources 3 supply power to the panel 1 in a complementary manner, power can be stably supplied to the load 4 electrically connected to the panel 1 .

[0101] Furthermore, according to the seventh aspect, in the DC power distribution system 100A of the eighth aspect, each of the plurality of power sources 3 has a control unit 31, and the control unit 31 performs control in a manner that the output voltage is reduced when the supplied power is greater than a predetermined value. Each of the plurality of power sources 3 is electrically connected to a pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the panel 1 that is the main power source 3A, that is, the main panel 1A, and a pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the panel 1 that is not the main power source 3A, that is, the sub-panel 1B. A diode D1 is provided between each of the plurality of power sources 3 and the pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the sub-panel 1B, and the anode of the diode D1 is electrically connected to the power source 3, and the cathode is electrically connected to the pair of conductors 11 and 12 of the sub-panel 1B.

[0102] This has an advantage that a structure in which a plurality of power sources 3 supply power to the panel 1 in a manner that complements each other can be realized with a simple structure in which the diode D1 is provided in the power supply circuit.

[0103] Furthermore, in the DC power distribution system 100C of the ninth aspect according to the seventh aspect, each of the plurality of power supplies 3 includes a communication unit 32 for communicating with another power supply 3 different from itself. The communication unit 32 acquires information on the power supplied by the main power supply 3A.

[0104] This has an advantage that each of the plurality of power sources 3 can grasp the power supplied by the main power source 3A by using the communication unit 32 , thereby realizing a structure in which the plurality of power sources 3 can complement each other and supply power to the panel 1 .

[0105] Description of Reference Numerals

[0106] 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, DC power distribution system; 1, panel; 11, first conductor (conductor); 12, second conductor (conductor); 13, insulator; 14, 14A, mounting portion; 1A, main panel; 1B, sub-panel; 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, connector; 21, main body; 22, fixing portion; 221, first protrusion; 222, second protrusion; 23, first electrode (electrode); 24, second electrode (electrode); 25, insulating portion; 26, grinding portion; 3, power supply; 31, control portion; 32, communication portion; 3A, main power supply; 4, load; D1, diode; P1, threshold value.

Claims

1. A DC power distribution system, wherein: The DC power distribution system includes: A panel having a pair of planar conductors arranged at intervals in one direction and a plurality of mounting portions penetrating the pair of conductors in the one direction; a power source that supplies DC power to the pair of conductors; and A connector is provided on the load, has a pair of electrodes, and can be mounted on any one of the plurality of mounting portions. The connector supplies the DC power output from the power source to the load via the pair of electrodes and the pair of conductors when mounted on the mounting portion.

2. The DC power distribution system according to claim 1, wherein: The connector has: a main body capable of being inserted into the mounting portion; and The fixing portion, in a state where the main body is inserted into the mounting portion, sandwiches the pair of conductors in the one direction so that the pair of electrodes are respectively brought into contact with and fixed to the pair of conductors.

3. The DC power distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The DC power distribution system further includes a planar insulator, which is located between the pair of conductors in the one direction to electrically insulate the pair of conductors.

4. The DC power distribution system according to claim 2, wherein: The connector further includes an insulating portion that is inserted between the pair of conductors to electrically insulate the pair of conductors when the pair of electrodes are in contact with the pair of conductors.

5. The DC power distribution system according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing portion can be moved between a first position and a second position by rotating about the one direction as an axis, wherein the first position is a position movable in the one direction inside the mounting portion, and the second position is a position fixed to the pair of conductors by clamping the pair of conductors.

6. The DC power distribution system according to claim 5, wherein: The fixing portion includes a grinding portion that grinds the pair of conductors by friction as the fixing portion moves from the first position to the second position.

7. The DC power distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A plurality of said power sources are electrically connected to said pair of conductors of said panel, When the power supplied by the main power source supplying power to the panel is greater than a threshold value, each of the plurality of power sources supplies power to the panel.

8. The DC power distribution system according to claim 7, wherein: Each of the plurality of power supplies includes a control unit configured to control the output voltage to decrease when the supplied power exceeds a predetermined value. Each of the plurality of power sources is electrically connected to the pair of conductors of the panel that serves as the main power source, i.e., the main panel, and the pair of conductors of the panel that does not serve as the main power source, i.e., the sub-panel. A diode is provided between each of the plurality of power sources and the pair of conductors of the sub-panel. The anode of the diode is electrically connected to the power source, and the cathode of the diode is electrically connected to the pair of conductors of the sub-panel.

9. The DC power distribution system according to claim 7, wherein: Each of the plurality of power sources includes a communication unit for communicating with another power source different from the power source itself. The communication unit acquires information related to the supplied power of the main power source.

Images