Power supply device

Abstract

The invention relates to a power supply device. The battery unit is provided with: a connection unit that can be electrically connected to an electrical device at a mounting destination; a single battery capable of supplying power to the electrical device; a relay that switches to either an on state in which the power line between the connection part and the battery cells is electrically connected, or a cut-off state in which the power line is electrically cut off; a first notification device that operates such that an operation state can be recognized from the outside when power supply is received; and a first supply source that is connected to the first notification device and supplies power to the first notification device when the relay is in the ON state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device that is detachable from an electrical device. Background Art

[0002] Electric vehicles equipped with a power supply device composed of a replaceable battery or the like are well known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-034842 discloses a replaceable power supply device in which a relay is provided on each of the positive and negative power supply lines between the vehicle connection portion and the battery. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In power supply devices like the one described above, multiple relays must be disconnected to determine whether welding is present. However, when welding is determined on the equipment (e.g., an electric vehicle) where the power supply device is installed, the determination result is not reflected in the removed power supply device if it is removed from the equipment. Therefore, welding determination may need to be repeated at the destination. This results in an increase in the number of relay actuations.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply device capable of determining whether or not a relay is welded even when the relay is removed from mounted equipment.

[0005] A power supply device involved in a certain aspect of the present disclosure includes: a connecting portion capable of being electrically connected to an electrical device at a destination where the power supply device is mounted; a power storage device capable of supplying power to the electrical device; a relay switched to either an on-state in which a power line between the connecting portion and the power storage device is electrically connected or a disconnected state in which the power line is electrically disconnected; a reporting device that, when receiving power supply, operates in a manner that can be identified from the outside as being in the on-state; and a supply source that is connected to the reporting device and supplies power to the reporting device when the relay is in the on-state.

[0006] Thus, even when the power supply unit is removed from the destination electrical equipment and the relay is controlled to be in the disconnected state, the reporting device can determine that the relay is welded when it operates using power from the supply source in a manner that allows the operating state to be recognized from the outside. Therefore, even when the power supply unit is removed from the mounted equipment, the presence of relay welding can be determined with high accuracy.

[0007] In one embodiment, the reporting device and the supply source are connected in parallel to the relay on the power line. When the relay is in an on state, a closed circuit is formed by the reporting device, the supply source, and the relay, and power is supplied from the supply source to the reporting device.

[0008] Thus, even when the power supply device is removed from the electrical equipment at the destination and the relay is controlled to be in the disconnected state, the relay can be determined to be welded when the reporting device operates using the power of the supply source in a manner that allows the operating state to be recognized from the outside.

[0009] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the reporting device includes a light emitting device that emits light when in an on state.

[0010] Thus, when the light emitting device emits light while the power supply device is detached from the mounted equipment, it is possible to accurately determine whether the relay is welded.

[0011] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the reporting device includes a sound generating device that generates a sound when in the on state.

[0012] Thus, when the power supply device is detached from the mounted equipment and a sound is generated by the sound generating device, it is possible to accurately determine whether the relay is welded.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery replacement system.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a battery cell.

[0016] Figure 3 A diagram for explaining the connection relationship between a vehicle and a battery unit.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a power supply system for a vehicle.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a timing chart showing an example of a method for determining whether each relay is welded.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a timing chart showing another example of a method for determining whether each relay is welded.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery unit as a power supply device according to the present embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery unit as a power supply device according to a modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by identical reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0023] An example of a battery replacement system including the power supply device according to this embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 FIG is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a battery replacement system. Figure 1 As shown, the battery replacement system 1 includes a vehicle 100 , a charging rack 120 , and a charging station 130 .

[0024] The vehicle 100 is configured such that a plurality of rectangular battery units including the battery unit 200 can be attached and detached in the storage space 101. Figure 1 In the figure, vehicle 100 is configured to be equipped with three battery units, and a case where one battery unit 200 is equipped is shown as an example, but the upper limit of the number of battery units is not limited to 3. Vehicle 100 includes, for example, electric vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.

[0025] The charging rack 120 is configured to carry a plurality of battery units. Figure 1 In FIG. 4 , the charging rack is configured to be able to mount nine battery units, and a case where seven battery units including the battery unit 200 are mounted is shown as an example.

[0026] The charging rack 120 charges at least one of the stored battery cells using power supplied from the charging station 130. The charging rack 120 can charge the stored battery cells one by one in a predetermined order, charge each or a portion of the stored battery cells in parallel, or charge a battery cell designated by the charging station 130. The charging rack 120 can charge the stored battery cell as it is being stored, or it can charge the stored battery cell in response to a charge start request from the charging station 130.

[0027] The charging station 130 is configured to supply electric power to the charging rack 120. The charging station 130 may transmit information specifying a battery unit to be charged among the plurality of battery units stored in the charging rack 120 to the charging rack 120, for example.

[0028] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the battery unit 200. Figure 2 As shown, the battery unit 200 includes a relay circuit 202 , a positive electrode connector 204 , a negative electrode connector 206 , a plurality of battery cells 208 , a first reporting device 212 , and a second reporting device 222 .

[0029] The relay circuit 202 includes a relay CR1 - 1 connected to the positive-side power supply line and a relay CR1 - 2 connected to the negative-side power supply line.

[0030] The plurality of single cells 208 are a predetermined number of cells (in Figure 2 The battery 208 is composed of 22 (of which 22) cells 208 connected in series. Cells 208 may be, for example, rechargeable storage devices, such as nickel-metal hydride batteries or secondary batteries including lithium-ion batteries with liquid or solid electrolytes. Alternatively, capacitors may be used in place of cells 208.

[0031] Positive connector 204 and negative connector 206 are configured to be connectable to a connector provided in storage space 101 of battery unit 200 of vehicle 100. Positive connector 204 and negative connector 206 serve as connection portions for electrically connecting vehicle 100 to an electrical device that is a destination for battery unit 200. The detailed structures of first reporting device 212 and second reporting device 222 will be described later.

[0032] Figure 2 The housing of the battery unit 200 shown is configured to be housed in a housing space 101 for the battery unit 200 provided in the vehicle 100 .

[0033] Figure 3 1 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the vehicle 100 and the battery unit 200. Figure 3 As shown, storage sections 106, 108, and 110 are provided within storage space 101 of vehicle 100. Three battery units 200, 300, and 400 are stored in storage sections 106, 108, and 110, respectively. Each storage section 106, 108, and 110 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction aligns with the left-right direction of vehicle 100. Storage sections 106, 108, and 110 are arranged along the front-to-back direction of vehicle 100. Two connection connectors (not shown) are provided at one longitudinal end of storage section 106, each of which can connect to the positive and negative connectors 204 and 206 of battery unit 200, respectively. An opening is provided at the other longitudinal end of storage section 106, configured to allow insertion of battery unit 200. When the battery cell 200 is inserted into the opening of the storage portion 106 with the surface provided with the positive connector 204 and the negative connector 206 as the front end, and the position is fixed by placing a cover on the opening, the positive connector 204 and the negative connector 206 are connected to the two connection connectors provided in the storage portion 106. When the positive connector 204 and the negative connector are connected to the two connection connectors, the contacts inside the connectors come into contact, thereby achieving electrical conduction.

[0034] Storage sections 108 and 110 have the same structure as storage section 106, and a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. When battery units 300 and 400 are inserted into storage sections 108 and 110, respectively, and positioned as described above, the connector on the vehicle 100 side and the connector on the battery unit side are connected, achieving electrical conduction.

[0035] When the three battery cells 200, 300, and 400 are stored in storage sections 106, 108, and 110, respectively, the positive connector of battery cell 200 is electrically connected to the positive power line of the vehicle 100 power system, and the negative connector of battery cell 200 is electrically connected to the positive connector of battery cell 300. Furthermore, the negative connector of battery cell 300 is electrically connected to the positive connector of battery cell 400, and the negative connector of battery cell 400 is electrically connected to the negative power line of the vehicle 100 power system. As a result, the three battery cells are connected in series to the vehicle 100 power system.

[0036] The power supply system of vehicle 100 includes a capacitor 102 , an SMR (System Main Relay) 104 , and voltage sensors 150 , 152 , 154 , and 156 , which are included in a PCU (Power Control Unit) (not shown).

[0037] The SMR 104 is composed of relays provided on each of the positive and negative power supply lines. A pre-charge relay is connected in parallel to the negative power supply line, and a resistance element (not shown) is connected in series with the relay.

[0038] Voltage sensor 150 detects voltage V0 across capacitor 102. Voltage sensor 152 detects voltage V1 across the terminals of battery cell 200. Voltage sensor 154 detects voltage V2 across the terminals of battery cell 300. Voltage sensor 156 detects voltage V3 across the terminals of battery cell 400.

[0039] Figure 4 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a power supply system of vehicle 100. Figure 4 As shown, the power supply system also includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 140. Using the PCU, ECU 140 converts the DC power generated by the three battery cells into AC power and supplies it to AC-powered loads (e.g., motor generators). ECU 140 also outputs control signals to SMR 104 to control its operation.

[0040] Furthermore, when the battery units 200 , 300 , 400 are stored in the storage portions 106 , 108 , 110 , the various relays included in the battery units 200 , 300 , 400 and the ECU 140 are connected via the communication lines.

[0041] Therefore, ECU 140 outputs control signals to relays CR1-1 and CR1-2, respectively, of battery cell 200 housed in storage section 106, thereby controlling the operation of relays CR1-1 and CR1-2. Furthermore, ECU 140 outputs control signals to relays CR2-1 and CR2-2, respectively, connected to the positive power supply line of battery cell 300 housed in storage section 108, thereby controlling the operation of relays CR2-1 and CR2-2. Furthermore, ECU 140 outputs control signals to relays CR3-1 and CR3-2, respectively, connected to the positive power supply line of battery cell 400 housed in storage section 110, thereby controlling relays CR3-1 and CR3-2.

[0042] Furthermore, voltage sensors 150 , 152 , 154 , and 156 are connected to ECU 140 . ECU 140 therefore obtains voltage V0 detected by voltage sensor 150 , voltage V1 detected by voltage sensor 152 , voltage V2 detected by voltage sensor 154 , and voltage V3 detected by voltage sensor 156 .

[0043] When receiving a system startup request such as by operating a start switch while vehicle 100 is stopped, ECU 140 controls the operation of each relay so that SMR 104 and each relay of battery cells 200 , 300 , 400 are in an on state, thereby starting the system.

[0044] Furthermore, when receiving a system stop request by, for example, operating a start switch during system startup of vehicle 100 , ECU 140 controls the operation of each relay so that SMR 104 and each relay of battery units 200 , 300 , 400 are disconnected, thereby stopping the system.

[0045] Furthermore, ECU 140 controls each relay to be in an ON state when, for example, the three mounted battery units 200, 300, and 400 are being charged using an external power source (for example, when a connector is connected to an inlet (not shown) of vehicle 100). Furthermore, ECU 140 controls each relay to be in an OFF state when, for example, charging of the three mounted battery units 200, 300, and 400 is complete.

[0046] In the vehicle 100 configured as described above, if the contacts of any of the multiple relays included in the three battery units 200, 300, and 400 are welded, switching from the on state to the off state may become impossible. Therefore, for example, when the system is shifted to a stopped state or when external charging is completed, the ECU 140 can perform a determination process to determine whether each relay in the three battery units 200, 300, and 400 is welded before switching the relays to the off state.

[0047] Specifically, ECU 140 can change the combination of the on-state and off-state of each relay of the battery cells 200, 300, and 400, and determine whether welding is present in each relay based on whether the detection results of the voltage sensors 152, 154, and 156 are detection results corresponding to the changed combination, or determine whether welding is present in each relay based on whether the detection result of the voltage sensor 150 is detection results corresponding to the changed combination.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a timing chart showing an example of a method for determining whether each relay is welded. Figure 5 LN1 , LN3 , and LN5 indicate changes in the states (control histories) of the relays CR1 - 1 , CR2 - 1 , and CR3 - 1 provided in the power supply lines on the positive electrode sides of the battery units 200 , 300 , and 400 , respectively. Figure 5 LN2 , LN4 , and LN6 indicate changes in the states (control history) of the relays CR1 - 2 , CR2 - 2 , and CR3 - 2 provided in the power supply lines on the negative electrode sides of the battery units 200 , 300 , and 400 , respectively.

[0049] For example, assume that battery units 200 , 300 , 400 are stored in storage portions 106 , 108 , 110 , the relays of battery units 200 , 300 , 400 are in a conductive state (ON state), and the system of vehicle 100 is in an activated state (a state in which vehicle 100 is drivable or battery units 200 , 300 , 400 are externally chargeable).

[0050] At time T(0), when external charging is completed or a request to shift the system to a stopped state is received, and thus a request to disconnect each relay is received, ECU 140 executes welding determination processing.

[0051] When the ECU 140 starts the welding determination process, Figure 5 As shown by LN1, LN3, LN5, the relays CR1-1, CR2-1, and CR3-1 of the battery units 200, 300, and 400 are all cut off, and as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown by LN2, LN4, and LN6, the relays CR1-2, CR2-2, and CR3-2 of the battery units 200, 300, and 400 are all maintained in the on state.

[0052] Next, ECU 140 obtains voltages V1, V2, and V3 detected by voltage sensors 152, 154, and 156. For example, if any of the voltages detected by voltage sensors 152, 154, and 156 exceeds a threshold value (e.g., a value lower than the lower limit value of the battery cell voltage), ECU 140 determines that welding has occurred in the relay on the positive electrode side of the battery cell being detected by the voltage sensor that detected a voltage exceeding the threshold value.

[0053] On the other hand, when the voltages detected by voltage sensors 152 , 154 , and 156 are all lower than the threshold value, ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in the relays on the positive electrode side of battery cells 200 , 300 , and 400 .

[0054] At time T(1), when ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in any of the relays CR1-1, CR2-1, and CR3-1 on the positive electrode side, ECU 140 controls the relays CR1-1, CR2-1, and CR3-1 of battery cells 200, 300, and 400 so that they are all in the on state, and controls the relays CR1-2, CR2-2, and CR3-2 so that they are all in the off state.

[0055] Next, ECU 140 obtains voltages V1, V2, and V3 detected by voltage sensors 152, 154, and 156. For example, if any of the voltages detected by voltage sensors 152, 154, and 156 exceeds a threshold value, ECU 140 determines that welding has occurred in the relay on the negative electrode side of the battery cell being detected by the voltage sensor that detected the voltage exceeding the threshold value.

[0056] On the other hand, when the voltages detected by voltage sensors 152 , 154 , and 156 are all lower than the threshold value, ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in the relays on the negative electrode side of battery cells 200 , 300 , and 400 .

[0057] At time T(2), ECU 140 determines that none of the negative-side relays CR1-2, CR2-2, and CR3-2 are welded. It controls relays CR1-1, CR2-1, and CR3-1 to be disconnected, maintaining the disconnected state of relays CR1-2, CR2-2, and CR3-2. As a result, the vehicle 100 system is stopped.

[0058] In addition, the method of determining the welding is not limited to using Figure 5 In the method described above, ECU 140 can also determine whether each relay is welded using the detection result of voltage sensor 150 , for example.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a timing chart showing another example of a method for determining welding. Figure 6 LN7 , LN9 , and LN11 indicate changes in the states of the relays CR1 - 1 , CR2 - 1 , and CR3 - 1 of the battery units 200 , 300 , and 400 , respectively. Figure 6 LN8 , LN10 , and LN12 indicate changes in the states of the relays CR1 - 2 , CR2 - 2 , and CR3 - 2 of the battery units 200 , 300 , and 400 , respectively.

[0060] For example, it is assumed that battery units 200 , 300 , 400 are stored in storage portions 106 , 108 , 110 , the relays of battery units 200 , 300 , 400 are in a conductive state (ON state), and the system of vehicle 100 is in an activated state.

[0061] At time T( 3 ), for example, when receiving a request to switch each relay to the disconnected state, ECU 140 executes a welding determination process.

[0062] When the ECU 140 performs the welding determination process, Figure 6 As shown in LN7, only the relay CR1-1 is turned off, and as Figure 6 As shown in LN8~LN12, other relays are maintained in the on state.

[0063] Next, ECU 140 obtains voltage V0 detected by voltage sensor 150. If voltage V0 detected by voltage sensor 150 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, ECU 140 determines that welding has occurred in relay CR1 - 1. On the other hand, if voltage V0 is less than the threshold value, ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in relay CR1 - 1.

[0064] At time T( 4 ), when ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in relay CR1 - 1 , ECU 140 turns relay CR1 - 1 into the on state, turns relay CR1 - 2 into the off state, and maintains the other relays in the on state.

[0065] ECU 140 determines that welding has occurred in relay CR1 - 2 when acquired voltage V0 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in relay CR1 - 2 when acquired voltage V0 is less than a threshold value.

[0066] At time T( 5 ), when ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in relay CR1 - 2 , ECU 140 turns on relay CR1 - 2 , turns off relay CR2 - 1 , and maintains the other relays in the on state.

[0067] ECU 140 determines that welding has occurred in relay CR2 - 1 when acquired voltage V0 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. On the other hand, ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in relay CR2 - 1 when acquired voltage V0 is less than a threshold value.

[0068] At time T( 6 ), when ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in relay CR2 - 1 , ECU 140 turns relay CR2 - 1 into the on state, turns relay CR2 - 2 into the off state, and maintains the other relays in the on state.

[0069] ECU 140 determines that welding has occurred in relay CR2 - 2 when acquired voltage V0 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. On the other hand, ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in relay CR2 - 2 when acquired voltage V0 is less than a threshold value.

[0070] At time T( 7 ), when ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in relay CR2 - 2 , ECU 140 turns relay CR2 - 2 into the on state, turns relay CR3 - 1 into the off state, and maintains the other relays in the on state.

[0071] ECU 140 determines that welding has occurred in relay CR3 - 1 when acquired voltage V0 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in relay CR3 - 1 when acquired voltage V0 is less than a threshold value.

[0072] At time T( 8 ), when ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in relay CR3 - 1 , ECU 140 turns relay CR3 - 1 into the on state, turns relay CR3 - 2 into the off state, and maintains the other relays in the on state.

[0073] ECU 140 determines that welding has occurred in relay CR3 - 2 when acquired voltage V0 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in relay CR3 - 2 when acquired voltage V0 is less than a threshold value.

[0074] At time T(9), when ECU 140 determines that welding has not occurred in relay CR3 - 2 , ECU 140 maintains the cutoff state of relay CR3 - 2 and sets the other relays to the cutoff state.

[0075] In addition, regarding the use Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The welding determination process described is described using the example of a case where it is executed in the ECU 140 when the battery cells 200, 300, and 400 are mounted on the vehicle 100. However, it can also be executed using any CPU (Central Processing Unit) that can control the relays of the battery cells in the charging rack 120 and the charging station 130 when stored in the charging rack 120 and can obtain the voltage of each battery cell.

[0076] However, in these welding determination processes, the relays subject to welding determination are controlled to be disconnected once to determine whether welding has occurred, and then switched back on. This sometimes prevents the most recent welding determination from being obtained. Furthermore, when a battery unit is removed from vehicle 100, the welding determination result is not reflected in the removed battery unit, necessitating a reassessment of welding at the destination. Consequently, the number of relay actuations may increase.

[0077] Therefore, in this embodiment, the battery unit 200 is further provided with: a first reporting device 212, which operates in a manner such that the operating state can be identified from the outside when receiving power supply; and a first supply source 214, which is connected to the first reporting device 212 and supplies power to the first reporting device 212 when the relay CR1-1 is in the on state.

[0078] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a battery unit 200 as a power supply device according to this embodiment. Figure 7 As shown, a first reporting device 212 is connected in parallel with relay CR1-1 to power line PL1 connecting positive electrode connector 204 and cell 208. A first supply source 214 is connected in series with first reporting device 212.

[0079] More specifically, first reporting device 212 includes a light-emitting device using a light-emitting diode (LED) as a light-emitting element. The positive terminal of first supply source 214 is connected to node 218 between positive connector 204 and relay CR1-1 on power line PL1. The first supply source is, for example, a DC power supply such as a battery or capacitor. The negative terminal of first supply source 214 is connected to one end of first reporting device 212. The other end of first reporting device 212 is connected to node 219 between relay CR1-1 and battery cell 208 on power line PL1.

[0080] Therefore, when relay CR1-1 is in the on state, a closed circuit is formed by relay CR1-1, first reporting device 212, and first supply source 214, and power is supplied from first supply source 214 to first reporting device 212. When power is supplied to first reporting device 212, the light-emitting element is illuminated, allowing external recognition of its operating status. On the other hand, when relay CR1-1 is in the off state, the closed circuit is not formed, and power is not supplied to first reporting device 212, resulting in the light-emitting element being inactive.

[0081] Furthermore, although the first reporting device 212 has been described by taking a light-emitting device including a light-emitting diode as a light-emitting element as an example, the first reporting device 212 is not particularly limited to the use of a light-emitting diode.

[0082] Battery unit 200 also includes a second reporting device 222 and a second supply source 224. Second reporting device 222 and second supply source 224 have the same configuration as first reporting device and first supply source 214, except that they are connected in parallel with relay CR1-2 via nodes 228 and 229 to power line PL2, which connects negative electrode connector 206 and battery cell 208. Therefore, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0083] For example, if battery unit 200 having such a structure is removed from vehicle 100 while relays CR1-1 and CR1-2 are controlled to be disconnected, and relay CR1-1 is welded, a closed circuit is formed between first reporting device 212, first supply source 214, and relay CR1-1. Consequently, power is supplied from first supply source 214 to first reporting device 212, and the light-emitting element included in first reporting device 212 is illuminated. This allows identification of the welded relay CR1-1 from outside battery unit 200.

[0084] On the other hand, if relay CR1-2 is welded, a closed circuit is formed by second reporting device 222, second supply source 224, and relay CR1-2. Therefore, power is supplied from second supply source 224 to second reporting device 222, and the light-emitting element included in second reporting device 222 is illuminated. This allows the welding of relay CR1-2 to be recognized from outside battery unit 200.

[0085] As described above, according to the battery unit 200 as the power supply device involved in this embodiment, when the battery unit 200 is removed from the vehicle 100 as the destination of the electric equipment, and when the relays CR1-1 and CR1-2 are controlled in a disconnected state, when the first reporting device 212 is operated in a manner that can be identified from the outside by using the power of the first supply source 214 to be in a lighting state, it can be determined that the relay CR1-1 is welded. Alternatively, when the second reporting device 222 is operated in a manner that can be identified from the outside by using the power of the second supply source 224 to be in a lighting state, it can be determined that the relay CR1-2 is welded. Therefore, even when the battery unit 200 is removed from the mounted equipment, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the relay is welded. Furthermore, even if the above-mentioned control is not performed, Figure 5 or Figure 6 The welding determination process can also determine whether welding has occurred in any of the relays CR1-1, CR1-2, CR2-1, CR2-2, CR3-1, and CR3-2 of the battery units 200, 300, and 400, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of relay operations. Therefore, a power supply device can be provided that can determine whether relay welding has occurred even when the device is removed from the mounted equipment.

[0086] Modifications are described below.

[0087] In the above embodiment, first reporting device 212 is illuminated when welding occurs in relay CR1-1. However, the device is not limited to the illuminated state as long as it can be operated in a manner that allows external recognition of the conductive state of relay CR1-1. For example, when welding occurs in relay CR1-1, the light emitting element of first reporting device 212 may be flashed, or the light emitting element may be illuminated in a manner that changes color over time.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first reporting device 212 and the second reporting device 222 are described as having the same structure. However, for example, the first reporting device 212 and the second reporting device 222 may use different methods to report the occurrence of welding. For example, the first reporting device 212 may be configured to illuminate in a different color than the second reporting device 222, or the first reporting device 212 may include a light-emitting device and the second reporting device 222 may include a sound-generating device. This allows reliable identification of welded relays.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the first reporting device 212 and the second reporting device 222 are described as an example in which both the first reporting device 212 and the second reporting device 222 include light-emitting devices using light-emitting diodes as light-emitting elements. However, the present invention is not limited to including light-emitting devices. For example, the reporting device may include a sound-generating device such as a buzzer.

[0090] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a battery unit 200 as a power supply device according to a modified example. Figure 7 Compared to the battery cell 200 shown, Figure 8 The battery unit 200 shown in the figure is different in that it includes a third reporting device 312 instead of the first reporting device 212 and a fourth reporting device 322 instead of the second reporting device 222. Figure 7 The battery cells 200 shown have an identical structure.

[0091] Third reporting device 312 includes a sound generator such as a buzzer. A sound generator is any device that generates sound when supplied with DC power and is not limited to generating a buzzer sound. For example, the sound generator may also be a device that generates speech. One end of third reporting device 312 is connected to the negative terminal of first power source 214. The other end of third reporting device 312 is connected to node 219 between relay CR1-1 and battery cell 208 on power line PL1.

[0092] Therefore, when relay CR1-1 is in the on state, a closed circuit is formed by relay CR1-1, third reporting device 312, and first supply source 214, and power is supplied to third reporting device 312 from first supply source 214. When power is supplied to third reporting device 312, a sound is generated by the buzzer device, allowing the operating status to be recognized externally. On the other hand, when relay CR1-1 is in the off state, the closed circuit is not formed, and power is not supplied to third reporting device 312, so the buzzer device does not generate a sound.

[0093] Fourth reporting device 322 in this modification has the same configuration as third reporting device 312 except that it is connected in parallel with relay CR1-2 to power line PL2 via nodes 228 and 229, along with second supply source 224. Therefore, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0094] For example, if battery unit 200 having such a structure is removed from vehicle 100 while relays CR1-1 and CR1-2 are controlled to be disconnected, and relay CR1-1 is welded, a closed circuit is formed between third reporting device 312, first supply source 214, and relay CR1-1. Consequently, power is supplied from first supply source 214 to third reporting device 312, and a sound is generated by the sound generator included in third reporting device 312. This allows identification of the welding of relay CR1-1 from outside battery unit 200.

[0095] On the other hand, if relay CR1-2 is welded, a closed circuit is formed by fourth reporting device 322, second supply source 224, and relay CR1-2. Therefore, power is supplied from second supply source 224 to fourth reporting device 322, and a sound is generated by the sound generator included in fourth reporting device 322. This allows the welding of relay CR1-2 to be recognized from outside battery unit 200.

[0096] Furthermore, in this modified example, a sound is generated from third reporting device 312 when welding occurs in relay CR1-1. However, any method for generating the sound is not particularly limited, as long as it allows external recognition that relay CR1-1 is in the conductive state. For example, third reporting device 312 may generate a sound intermittently when welding occurs in relay CR1-1, or the sound may be generated in a manner that changes in tone and volume over time.

[0097] Furthermore, in this modified example, third reporting device 312 and fourth reporting device 322 are described as having the same structure. However, third reporting device 312 and fourth reporting device 322 may use different methods to report the occurrence of welding. For example, third reporting device 312 may differ from fourth reporting device 322 in terms of volume, timbre, interval between sounds, and voice content. This allows reliable identification of welded relays.

[0098] Furthermore, all or part of the above-mentioned modifications may be appropriately combined and implemented.

[0099] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be encompassed.

Claims

1. A power supply device comprising: a connection portion capable of being electrically connected to an electrical device at a destination where the power supply device is installed; a power storage device capable of supplying electric power to the electrical device; a relay switched to one of a conducting state for electrically connecting a power line between the connecting portion and the power storage device and a disconnecting state for electrically disconnecting the power line; a reporting device that, when receiving power supply, operates in a manner that allows external recognition of the conductive state; as well as A supply source is connected to the reporting device and supplies power to the reporting device when the relay is in the on state.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein The reporting device and the supply source are connected in parallel with the relay to the power line. When the relay is in the on state, a closed circuit is formed by the reporting device, the supply source, and the relay, and power is supplied from the supply source to the reporting device.

3. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein The reporting device includes a light emitting device that emits light when in the on state.

4. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein The reporting means includes a sound generating means for generating a sound in the case of the on-state.

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