Power cable and power storage device

Abstract

The invention provides a power cable and a power storage device which can accommodate a positive power line and a negative power line in a flexible wire tube and can prevent misconnection of the positive power line and the negative power line. The power cable is led out from the battery module and connected with the voltage conversion device. The power cable is provided with: a pair of positive and negative power lines having terminals provided at the tip thereof connected to a voltage conversion device; and a flexible wire tube that houses the pair of power lines. A misconnection prevention cover is attached to only the front end portion of one of the pair of power lines, and the front end portion of the other of the pair of power lines is held by a pair of pin-shaped portions protruding from the root side of the misconnection prevention cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to power cables and energy storage devices. Background Technology

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there are known energy storage devices that can be installed outdoors, such as in a residence, along the walls of a building. In such energy storage devices, a power cable containing a pair of positive and negative power lines is led out from a battery module and connected to a voltage conversion device such as a DC-DC converter.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-086693 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Positive and negative electric field lines need to be connected to the voltage conversion device without confusion, and therefore, for example, they are distinguished by color. However, it is possible for the positive and negative electric field lines to be incorrectly connected during construction.

[0008] To make misconnection structurally impossible, the inventors investigated a method of integrating the terminal-equipped front ends of the positive and negative power lines together using a cover to prevent misconnection. However, if the positive and negative power lines are integrated to match the terminal spacing during connection, there is a problem that they cannot be housed in a flexible conduit that protects the two power lines.

[0009] This disclosure was made in view of the following circumstances, providing a power cable capable of housing positive and negative power lines in a flexible conduit and preventing misconnection of positive and negative power lines.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] One embodiment of this disclosure involves a power cable that extends from a battery module and connects to a voltage conversion device.

[0012] The power cable has the following features:

[0013] A pair of positive and negative power lines connected to the voltage conversion device via terminals located at the front end; and

[0014] Flexible conduit for housing the pair of power lines

[0015] A cover to prevent misconnection is installed only at the front end of one of the pair of power lines.

[0016] The front end of the other of the pair of power lines is held by a pair of pins protruding from the root side of the cover used to prevent misconnection.

[0017] In the power cable disclosed herein, a cover for preventing misconnection is installed only at the front end of one of the pair of power lines, while the front end of the other of the pair of power lines is held by a pair of pin-shaped portions protruding from the root side of the cover for preventing misconnection. With this configuration, a pair of power lines can be housed in a flexible conduit, and during connection, misconnection can be prevented and the terminals of the pair of power lines can be spaced further apart when connected to a voltage conversion device. That is, both positive and negative power lines can be housed in a flexible conduit, and misconnection of the positive and negative power lines can be prevented.

[0018] The cover for preventing misconnection and the pair of pins can be integrally molded resin products.

[0019] It is possible that a cover to prevent misconnection is installed on one of the pair of power lines and the front end of the other of the pair of power lines, held by the pair of pins, is bound together with removable adhesive tape.

[0020] Both terminals of the pair of power lines can be circular crimp terminals.

[0021] One embodiment of the energy storage device disclosed herein includes:

[0022] Battery module;

[0023] A housing for accommodating the battery module; and

[0024] A power cable extends from the battery module through the housing and connects to an external voltage conversion device.

[0025] The power cable has the following features:

[0026] A pair of positive and negative power lines connected to the voltage conversion device via terminals located at the front end; and

[0027] Flexible conduit for housing the pair of power lines

[0028] A cover to prevent misconnection is installed only at the front end of one of the pair of power lines.

[0029] The front end of the other of the pair of power lines is held by a pair of pins protruding from the root side of the cover used to prevent misconnection.

[0030] In the energy storage device disclosed herein, a cover for preventing misconnection is installed only at the front end of one of the pair of power lines, while the front end of the other of the pair of power lines is held by a pair of pin-like portions protruding from the root side of the cover for preventing misconnection. With this configuration, a pair of power lines can be housed in a flexible conduit, and during connection, misconnection can be prevented and the terminals of the pair of power lines can be connected to the voltage conversion device with a wider spacing between them. That is, both positive and negative power lines can be housed in a flexible conduit, and misconnection of the positive and negative power lines can be prevented.

[0031] Invention Effects

[0032] According to this disclosure, a power cable can be provided that can house positive and negative power lines in a flexible conduit and prevent misconnection of positive and negative power lines. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view showing the energy storage device of the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic side view showing the energy storage device of the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the front end of the power cable 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the front end of the power cable 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 10 housing

[0039] 11 Storage Department

[0040] 12 covers

[0041] 13 Sealing components

[0042] 20 power cables

[0043] Power lines 21 and 22

[0044] 23. Cover to prevent misconnection

[0045] 23a Pin Section

[0046] 24 adhesive tape

[0047] 30 Voltage conversion device

[0048] CS1~CS4 battery stacks

[0049] CU control unit

[0050] PF Flexible Conduit

[0051] T1, T2 terminal Detailed Implementation

[0052] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, for clarity, the following description and drawings have been appropriately simplified.

[0053] (First Embodiment)

[0054] <Composition of an energy storage device>

[0055] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configuration of the energy storage device in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic front view showing the energy storage device of the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic side view showing the energy storage device of the first embodiment.

[0056] In addition, of course, Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The right-handed XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown is a convenient coordinate system for illustrating the positional relationships of constituent elements. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this context, the positive Z-axis is typically the vertical direction, and the XY plane is the horizontal plane; these are common to all the attached diagrams.

[0057] The energy storage device in this embodiment is an energy storage device that can be installed outdoors, such as in a residence. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the energy storage device includes a housing 10, cell stacks CS1 to CS4, a control unit CU, and a power cable 20. Figure 1 A voltage conversion device 30 connected to the front end of the power cable 20 is also shown. For example, Figure 1 The energy storage device shown is installed along the wall of the building, and the voltage conversion device 30 is fixed to the wall of the building. The voltage conversion device 30 is, for example, a DC-DC converter.

[0058] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery stacks CS1 to CS4 and the control unit CU shown constitute a battery module. Figure 2 As shown, the housing 10 includes a storage portion 11, a cover portion 12, and a sealing member 13, for storing the battery module. The energy storage device in this embodiment is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery.

[0059] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the figure, the housing 10, the storage part 11, the cover part 12 and the sealing member 13 are shown in cross-section.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the storage section 11 houses the battery modules (battery stacks CS1 to CS4 and control unit CU). From a durability point of view, the storage section 11 is constructed of a metal material such as aluminum alloy. The storage section 11 is a lidless, box-shaped component that houses the battery modules (battery stacks CS1 to CS4 and control unit CU). A flange is provided in the storage section 11, extending outwards from its periphery.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the battery stacks CS1 to CS4 are generally rectangular in shape and arranged side-by-side in the negative Z-axis direction. Each of the battery stacks CS1 to CS4 has a structure consisting of multiple rectangular square batteries stacked together (not shown). Although not specifically limited, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the battery stacks CS1 to CS4 shown, square batteries are stacked in their thickness direction (Y-axis direction).

[0062] In addition, of course, the number of battery stacks housed in the casing 10 is not limited to four, and can be determined appropriately.

[0063] The control unit CU is electrically connected to each of the battery stacks CS1 to CS4, and controls the battery stacks CS1 to CS4. For example, the control unit CU monitors the charging voltage of the battery stacks CS1 to CS4 while controlling the charging and discharging current.

[0064] also, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The control unit CU shown is arranged adjacent to the battery stack CS1 in the positive Z-axis direction within the housing 10, but the arrangement of the control unit CU within the housing 10 is not particularly limited. Additionally, the control unit CU may also include a junction box, other electronic devices, etc.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover 12 covers the storage section 11, which houses the battery stacks CS1 to CS4 and the control unit CU. From a durability point of view, the cover 12 is also made of a metal material such as aluminum alloy. The cover 12 also has a flange that extends outwards along its periphery. The flange of the storage section 11 and the flange of the cover 12 are arranged facing each other across a sealing member 13 and are fastened together by a fastening connection member (not shown).

[0066] like Figure 2As shown, the sealing member 13 is held between the flange of the receiving portion 11 and the flange of the cover portion 12. This configuration ensures the waterproofness of the interior of the housing 10 formed by the receiving portion 11 and the cover portion 12. The sealing member 13 is along... Figure 2 The storage portion 11 and the flange portion of the cover portion 12 shown are integrally formed into an annular member. The sealing member 13 is made of, for example, a resin material such as an elastomer containing synthetic rubber.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the power cable 20 extends from the battery module through the housing 10 and connects to an external voltage conversion device 30. Figure 1 In this case, the power cable 20 is led out from the control unit CU, but there are no special restrictions.

[0068] The energy storage device of this embodiment is characterized by the power cable 20, and therefore the details of the power cable 20 will be described below.

[0069] Furthermore, the energy storage device of this embodiment may also include an outer casing (not shown) that covers and protects the outer side of the housing 10 and is designed accordingly. In this case, the power cable 20 is connected to the voltage conversion device 30 via the housing 10 and the outer casing.

[0070] <Detailed Composition of Power Cable 20>

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The detailed structure of the power cable 20 is explained. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the front end of the power cable 20 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 This is a plan view of the front end of the power cable 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the power cable 20 includes a pair of power lines 21, 22 and a flexible conduit PF.

[0073] Figure 3 and Figure 4 One of the pair of electric field lines 21 and 22 shown is a positive electric field line, and the other is a negative electric field line. Terminal T1, located at the front end of electric field line 21, and terminal T2, located at the front end of electric field line 22, are respectively connected to dedicated terminals provided in the voltage conversion device 30. Terminals T1 and T2 are, for example, terminals of the same shape. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, terminals T1 and T2 are circular crimp terminals. Therefore, Figure 3 and Figure 4Terminals T1 and T2 shown are threadedly fastened to the dedicated terminals of the voltage conversion device 30.

[0074] The power lines 21 and 22 are configured such that the surface of a conductor such as copper wire is covered with an insulator such as resin. As described above, one of the power lines 21 and 22 is a positive power line and the other is a negative power line, therefore it is necessary to connect the power lines 21 and 22 to the voltage conversion device 30 without misconnection. Therefore, in the power lines 21 and 22, for example, the insulator covering the surface of the conductor is color-coded.

[0075] Moreover, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the power cable 20 of this embodiment, a cover 23 for preventing misconnection is installed at the front end of one of the power lines 21. The cover 23 is installed in such a way that the front end of the terminal T1, which is threadedly fastened to the voltage conversion device 30, is exposed. The front end of the other power line 22 is not covered by the cover 23, but is held by a pair of pin-shaped portions 23a protruding from the root side of the cover 23.

[0076] At terminals T1 and T2, along Figure 3 The arrow indicates the direction in which the screw (not shown) is inserted and threadedly fastened to the voltage conversion device 30. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the cover 23 for preventing misconnection is, for example, rectangular. Moreover, in the cover 23 for preventing misconnection, the distance between the surface disposed on the opposite side of the voltage conversion device 30 and the terminal T1 is greater than the distance between the surface disposed on the side of the voltage conversion device 30 and the terminal T1.

[0077] Therefore, along with Figure 3 When the screw is inserted into terminal T1 in the opposite direction of the arrow shown, it cannot be threadedly fastened to the voltage conversion device 30 due to the anti-misconnection cover 23. That is, the power cable 20 of this embodiment can be structurally prevented from being misconnected by means of the anti-misconnection cover 23.

[0078] Here, the front end of the power line 22 is held by a pair of pin-shaped portions 23a protruding from the root side of the cover 23 for preventing misconnection. Therefore, when the terminals T1 and T2 are threadedly fastened to the voltage conversion device 30, the positional relationship between the terminals T1 and T2 can be maintained to prevent misconnection. In addition, the terminals T1 and T2 can be connected to the voltage conversion device 30 in a manner that matches the spacing of the dedicated terminals of the voltage conversion device 30.

[0079] Furthermore, in the power cable 20 of this embodiment, a cover 23 to prevent misconnection is installed only at the front end of the power line 21. Therefore, the power lines 21 and 22 can be arranged close together, and can be housed within the flexible conduit PF. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the power lines 21 and 22 are arranged in such a way that a portion of terminals T1 and T2 overlap.

[0080] Thus, in the power cable 20 of this embodiment, the power lines 21 and 22 can be housed in the flexible conduit PF, and misconnection of the power lines 21 and 22 can be prevented.

[0081] Although there are no specific restrictions, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cover 23 for preventing misconnection and the pair of pin-shaped parts 23a shown are integrally molded resin articles. Furthermore, although not specifically limited, the cover 23 for preventing misconnection is a hollow component. By making it a hollow component, the amount of resin used in manufacturing can be saved, and weight reduction can be achieved.

[0082] Furthermore, the cover 23 for preventing misconnection and the pin-shaped part 23a can also be separate parts. Alternatively, the cover 23 for preventing misconnection can be made of resin and the pin-shaped part 23a can be made of metal, for example, the pin-shaped part 23a can be made of different materials.

[0083] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the flexible conduit PF houses and protects the power lines 21 and 22. The flexible conduit PF is, for example, a PF tube (Plastic Flexible Conduit). Figure 4 As shown, before connecting power lines 21 and 22 to the voltage conversion device 30, terminals T1 and T2 are covered by flexible conduit PF. At this time, as... Figure 4 As shown, the cover 23 for preventing misconnection installed on the power line 21 and the front end of the power line 22 held by a pair of pins 23a (on the front end side of the pins 23a) can be bundled together using a removable adhesive tape 24.

[0084] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 As shown, when connecting power lines 21 and 22 to the voltage conversion device 30, terminals T1 and T2 are exposed from the ends of the flexible conduit PF. Figure 4As shown, by using adhesive tape 24 to bundle the anti-misconnection cover 23 installed on the power line 21 with the power line 22, the terminals T1 and T2 can be easily housed in the flexible conduit PF and easily exposed from the end of the flexible conduit PF. When connecting the power lines 21 and 22 to the voltage conversion device 30, the adhesive tape 24 can be removed.

[0085] also, Figure 3 Flexible conduit PF and Figure 4 The adhesive tape 24 in the diagram is represented by a double-dotted line.

[0086] As explained above, in the power cable 20 of this embodiment, only the front end of one power line 21 is fitted with a cover 23 to prevent misconnection, while the front end of the other power line 22 is held by a pair of pin-shaped portions 23a protruding from the root side of the cover 23.

[0087] With this configuration, a pair of power lines 21 and 22 can be housed in the flexible conduit PF, and during connection, misconnection can be prevented and the terminals T1 and T2 of the pair of power lines 21 and 22 can be connected to the voltage conversion device 30 with the spacing increased. That is, a pair of power lines 21 and 22 can be housed in the flexible conduit PF, and misconnection of the pair of power lines 21 and 22 can be prevented.

[0088] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the subject.

Claims

1. A power cable, which extends from a battery module and connects to a voltage conversion device. The power cable has the following features: A pair of positive and negative power lines connected to the voltage conversion device via terminals located at the front end; and Flexible conduit for housing the pair of power lines A cover to prevent misconnection is installed only at the front end of one of the pair of power lines. The front end of the other of the pair of power lines is held by a pair of pins protruding from the root side of the cover used to prevent misconnection.

2. The power cable according to claim 1, The cover for preventing misconnection and the pair of pins are integrally molded resin articles.

3. The power cable according to claim 1 or 2, A cover to prevent misconnection is installed on one of the pair of power lines, and the front end of the other of the pair of power lines, held by the pair of pins, is bound together with removable adhesive tape.

4. The power cable according to claim 1 or 2, The terminals of the pair of power lines are all circular crimp terminals.

5. An energy storage device, comprising: Battery module; A housing for accommodating the battery module; and A power cable extends from the battery module through the housing and connects to an external voltage conversion device. The power cable has the following features: A pair of positive and negative power lines connected to the voltage conversion device via terminals located at the front end; and Flexible conduit for housing the pair of power lines A cover to prevent misconnection is installed only at the front end of one of the pair of power lines. The front end of the other of the pair of power lines is held by a pair of pins protruding from the root side of the cover used to prevent misconnection.

Images