Fixed power supply device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a fixed power supply device capable of suppressing the possibility of a short-circuit failure of parts housed in a housing due to the entry of rainwater into the interior of the housing when a worker replaces the parts housed in the housing outdoors. A stationary power supply device includes a battery module, a seal cover, a raindrop sensor, and a lock portion. The seal cover has a main body part as a case member for accommodating the battery module, the bottom surface of the main body part being in contact with the ground, and the side surface of the main body part being provided with an opening, and a cover part capable of opening and closing the opening of the main body part. The raindrop sensor is arranged on the outer side of the sealing cover and detects rainwater. When rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor, the lock portion locks the cover portion to the main body portion in a state where the opening portion of the main body portion is closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fixed power supply device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an outdoor energy storage device that can be installed in a residence or the like. The energy storage device includes a battery module and a housing that houses the battery module.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-132006 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that when a worker replaces a component (e.g., a battery module) housed in a housing outdoors, the component may short-circuit due to rainwater intrusion into the housing.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a stationary power supply device that can suppress the possibility of short-circuit failure of the parts housed in the housing due to rainwater intrusion when the parts are replaced outdoors by operators.

[0006] The fixed power supply device of the present invention includes:

[0007] A battery module; a sealing cover having a main body that serves as a housing component for accommodating the battery module, with its bottom surface abutting against the ground and an opening on its side, and a cover capable of opening and closing the opening of the main body; a rain sensor disposed on the outside of the sealing cover and detecting rainwater; and a locking part that, when rainwater is detected by the rain sensor, locks the cover to the main body while the opening of the main body is closed.

[0008] According to the above structure, the fixed power supply device of the present invention can suppress the possibility of short circuit failure of the battery module housed in the sealed cover due to rainwater intrusion when the part, namely the battery module, is housed in the sealed cover as a housing, is replaced by the operator outdoors.

[0009] Furthermore, the fixed power supply device of the present invention further includes: an opening / closing sensor that detects whether the opening of the main body is closed by the cover; and

[0010] The warning unit emits a warning sound when the opening of the main body is not closed by the cover and when rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor.

[0011] According to the above structure, even after the replacement of the battery module housed in the sealing cover is carried out outdoors by the operator, the fixed power supply device of the present invention can suppress the possibility of short circuit failure of the battery module housed in the sealing cover due to rainwater intrusion into the sealing cover.

[0012] Furthermore, in the fixed power supply device of the present invention, the battery module is disposed within the outer shape of the upper surface of the main body when viewed from above. Also, in the fixed power supply device of the present invention, the rain sensor is disposed on the outer side and upper surface of the main body.

[0013] According to the above structure, the fixed power supply device of the present invention can suppress the possibility of short circuit failure of the battery module housed in the sealed cover due to rainwater intrusion into the sealed cover when the battery module is replaced by an operator outdoors.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] The present invention provides a fixed power supply device that can suppress the possibility of short-circuit failure of the parts housed in the housing due to rainwater intrusion when the parts are replaced outdoors by operators. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the fixed power supply device according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a top view showing an example of the structure of the fixed power supply device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a side view showing a specific example of the structure of the locking part of the fixed power supply device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the software structure of the fixed power supply device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the fixed power supply device according to the first embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted as needed to make the explanation clear.

[0022] (First Embodiment)

[0023] First, use Figure 1 The structure of the fixed power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the fixed power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the fixed power supply unit 100 is an outdoor power supply unit that can be installed in residences, etc. The fixed power supply unit 100 includes a battery module 1, a sealing cover 2, a rain sensor 3, a locking part 4 (not shown), an opening / closing sensor 5 (not shown), a warning part 6 (not shown), a control part 7 (not shown), and decorative covers 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d.

[0026] The sealing cover 2 is a component that houses the battery module 1. Furthermore, the sealing cover 2 is not limited to housing the battery module 1; it can also house other devices. Moreover, the sealing cover 2 is a waterproof component used to prevent the battery module 1 from getting wet due to rainwater.

[0027] Specifically, the sealing cover 2 has a main body 21 and a cover 22. The main body 21 is a housing component that accommodates the battery module 1. The main body 21 is disposed with its bottom surface abutting against the ground (i.e., disposed on the ground), and has an opening on its side (the negative y-direction side). The cover 22 is a component that can open and close the opening of the main body 21. In this figure, the opening of the main body 21 is in a closed state by the cover 22.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a top view showing an example of the structure of the sealing cap 2 according to the first embodiment. Here, Figure 2 A is a top view showing an example of the structure of the sealing cover 2 in the closed state (closed state) where the opening of the main body 21 is closed by the cover 22. On the other hand, Figure 2 B is a top view showing an example of the structure of the sealing cover 2 in the open state (open state) of the opening of the main body 21. For example... Figure 2 A and Figure 2 As shown in Figure B, the cover 22 is separated along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (y-direction). Furthermore, when viewed from above, the battery module 1 is positioned within the outer contour of the upper surface of the main body 21. Therefore, even when the cover 22 is removed from the main body 21, rainwater is less likely to fall onto the battery module 1.

[0029] Return to Figure 1The raindrop sensor 3 is a sensor capable of detecting rainwater. For example, if the raindrop sensor 3 detects a amount of rainwater exceeding a predetermined threshold within a specified time, it is considered to have detected rainwater. On the other hand, if the raindrop sensor 3 fails to detect a amount of rainwater exceeding the predetermined threshold within a specified time, it is considered to have failed to detect rainwater.

[0030] The rain sensor 3 is disposed on the outside of the sealing cover 2. Here, the rain sensor 3 is preferably disposed on the outside and upper surface of the main body 21. Thus, even when the cover 22 is removed from the main body 21, the rain sensor 3 can still detect rainwater.

[0031] The locking part 4 (not shown) is a mechanism that locks the cover part 22 to the main body 21 when the opening of the main body 21 is closed. The locking part 4 is a component provided in at least one of the main body 21 and the cover part 22.

[0032] When rainwater is detected by the rain sensor 3, the locking part 4 locks the cover 22 to the main body 21 while the opening of the main body 21 is closed. That is, in this case, the locking part 4 prevents the operator from removing the cover 22 from the opening of the main body 21.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a side view showing a specific example of the locking part 4 in the fixed power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 3 As shown, the locking part 4 includes bolts 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d, and sealing rubber parts 42a and 42b. In this example, the cover 22 is fastened to the main body 21 via the sealing rubber parts 42a and 42b and the bolts 41a to 41d, thereby keeping the opening of the main body 21 closed by the cover 22. In the locking part 4, the bolts 41a to 41d are pulled out of the main body 21 or pressed into the main body 21 by an actuator (not shown), thereby locking or unlocking the cover 22. Furthermore, the structure of the locking part 4 is not limited to the example shown in this figure.

[0034] Return to Figure 1 The opening / closing sensor 5 (not shown) is a sensor that detects whether the opening of the main body 21 is in a closed state by the cover 22. The opening / closing sensor 5 is, for example, disposed between the opening of the main body 21 and the cover 22. However, the opening / closing sensor 5 is not limited to being between the opening of the main body 21 and the cover 22; it can be disposed at any position capable of detecting whether the opening of the main body 21 is in a closed state by the cover 22.

[0035] Warning unit 6 (not shown) is a speaker. Warning unit 6 is located on the outside of the main body 21 of the sealing cover 2, similar to rain sensor 3. However, warning unit 6 is not limited to the outside of the main body 21 of the sealing cover 2; it can be located in a position where the operator can hear the sound.

[0036] If the opening of the main body 21 is detected by the opening / closing sensor 5 to be open by the cover 22 and if rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor 3, the warning unit 6 will emit a warning sound.

[0037] Control unit 7 (not shown) is a computer. The computer includes memory and a processor. The processor may be, for example, a microprocessor, a microprocessor unit (MPU), or a central processing unit (CPU). Multiple processors may be included. The memory consists of a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. The memory may include storage devices configured separately from the processor. In this case, the processor can access the memory through an I / O interface (not shown). The processor executes a set of commands or one or more programs to cause the computer to perform the algorithms described in the accompanying drawings. When the program is loaded into the computer, it includes a set of commands (or software code) to cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of non-limiting examples, computer-readable media or physical storage media include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (registered trademark) or other optical disc storage devices, magnetic tape, magnetic tape, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices. Programs may be transmitted on temporary computer-readable media or communication media. By way of example, and not limitation, temporary computer-readable media or communication media include electrical, optical, acoustic or other forms of propagated signals.

[0038] The control unit 7 is provided, for example, inside the main body 21 of the sealing cover 2. However, the control unit 7 is not limited to being located inside the main body 21 of the sealing cover 2; it may also be located outside the main body 21 of the sealing cover 2. In this case, the control unit 7 is implemented as a computer capable of remotely controlling the locking unit 4, etc.

[0039] Figure 4This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the software structure of the fixed power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 7 communicates with the raindrop sensor 3, the locking unit 4, the opening / closing sensor 5, and the warning unit 6. The communication method is either wireless or wired communication. Furthermore, the control unit 7 controls the raindrop sensor 3, the locking unit 4, the opening / closing sensor 5, and the warning unit 6.

[0040] Return to Figure 1 Explanation: Decorative covers 8a to 8d are covers that cover the sealing cover 2. Decorative covers 8a to 8d are waterproof components used to prevent the sealing cover 2 from getting wet due to rainwater.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the fixed power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, before step S101, the operator opens the decorative cover 8a to 8d of the fixed power supply device 100 and begins the replacement of parts such as the battery module 1 housed in the sealing cover 2.

[0043] Next, in step S101, the raindrop sensor 3 of the fixed power supply device 100 detects rainwater.

[0044] If no rainwater is detected by the rain sensor 3 (Yes in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the locking part 4 locks the cover 22 to the main body 21 with the opening closed. Then, the process ends. As a result, since the cover 22 cannot be removed from the main body 21, the operator interrupts the part replacement operation. As a result, the fixed power supply device 100 can prevent rainwater from entering the interior of the sealing cover 2 and suppress short-circuit faults of the battery module 1 housed in the main body 21.

[0045] On the other hand, if rainwater is detected by the rain sensor 3 (No in step S101), the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the locking part 4 releases the cover 22 from the main body 21. As a result, the operator can remove the cover 22 from the main body 21 and perform the replacement operation of the battery module 1 housed in the main body 21.

[0046] Then, in step S104, the rain sensor 3 detects rainwater. If no rainwater is detected by the rain sensor 3 (step S104 "No"), it is determined that rainwater did not penetrate the inside of the sealing cover 2 during the replacement of the battery module 1 by the operator, and the process ends. Thus, the operator can finish the parts replacement operation. On the other hand, if rainwater is detected by the rain sensor 3 (step S104 "Yes"), it is determined that rainwater penetrated the inside of the sealing cover 2 during the replacement of the battery module 1 by the operator, and the process proceeds to step S105.

[0047] In step S105, the warning unit 6 issues a warning sound to the operator. The warning sound prompts the operator to install the cover 22 onto the main body 21. As a result, the fixed power supply unit 100 can prevent rainwater from entering the sealed cover 2 and suppress short-circuit faults in the battery module 1 housed in the main body 21.

[0048] Next, in step S106, the opening / closing sensor 5 detects whether the opening of the main body 21 is in a closed state by the cover 22. If it is detected that the opening of the main body 21 is not in a closed state by the cover 22 ("No" in step S106), the process returns to step S106. On the other hand, if it is detected that the opening of the main body 21 is in a closed state by the cover 22 ("Yes" in step S106), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0049] In step S107, the warning unit 6 stops issuing warning sounds to the operator. As a result, the operator interrupts the replacement work of parts such as battery module 1.

[0050] As described above, when a worker replaces components such as the battery module 1 housed in the sealing cover 2 outdoors, the fixed power supply device 100 of this embodiment locks the cover 22 to the main body 21 while the opening of the main body 21 is closed if rainwater is detected by the rain sensor 3. Therefore, the fixed power supply device 100 can suppress the possibility of short-circuit failure of the components housed in the sealing cover 2 due to rainwater intrusion into the sealing cover 2.

[0051] Furthermore, the fixed power supply unit 100 issues a warning sound when the opening of the main body 21 is not closed by the cover 22, detected by the opening / closing sensor 5, and when rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor 3. Therefore, even after the operator begins to replace parts such as the battery module 1, the possibility of short-circuit failure of the parts housed in the sealing cover 2 due to rainwater intrusion into the sealing cover 2 can be suppressed.

[0052] The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the structure or details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments.

[0053] The accompanying drawings are simplified illustrations of one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated not only with a specific embodiment but also with one or more other embodiments. To enable those skilled in the art to understand, various features or steps described with reference to any of the drawings can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create embodiments, for example, not explicitly illustrated or described. For the purpose of illustrating illustrative embodiments, not all features or steps shown in any of the drawings are necessarily required; some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any of the drawings may be appropriately modified.

[0054] Symbol Explanation

[0055] 1-Battery module, 2-Sealing cover, 3-Rain sensor, 4-Locking part, 5-Opening / closing sensor, 6-Warning part, 7-Control part, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d-Decorative cover, 21-Main body, 22-Cover part, 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d-Bolts, 42a, 42b-Sealing rubber parts, 100-Fixed power supply unit.

Claims

1. A fixed power supply device, characterized in that, have: Battery module; A sealing cover having a main body that serves as a housing component for accommodating the battery module, with its bottom surface abutting against the ground and an opening on its side, and a cover that can open and close the opening of the main body; A rain sensor is disposed on the outside of the sealing cover and detects rainwater; and The locking part locks the cover to the main body when rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor and the opening of the main body is closed.

2. The fixed power supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further features include: An opening / closing sensor detects whether the opening of the main body is closed by the cover; and The warning unit emits a warning sound when the opening of the main body is not closed by the cover and when rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor.

3. The fixed power supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery module is positioned within the outline of the upper surface of the main body when viewed from above.

4. The fixed power supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raindrop sensor is disposed on the outer side and upper surface of the main body.

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