Power supply device

Abstract

In a power supply device, an output blocking mechanism is configured by a bus bar, a first connection part connected to a power line and to which a first end of the bus bar is connected, a second connection part connected to a second end of the bus bar, and an insulating knob having a female threaded hole, the insulating knob pressing the bus bar toward the first and second connection parts, and the first and second connection parts being connected to the first and second connection parts. First and second connecting parts are formed by a connecting plate and a screw rod connected with the connecting plate in a vertical posture, an insulating knob is rotated to screw the screw rod, a bus bar is pressed on the connecting plate by the insulating knob to be in an on state for supplying power to a load, the insulating knob is unscrewed to separate the bus bar from the connecting plate, and the bus bar is connected with the connecting plate. The bus bar and the connecting plate are separated to be in a disconnected state, and the short-circuit current when the output terminal is short-circuited is blocked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to power supply devices with built-in batteries, and more particularly to power supply devices having an output interruption mechanism capable of interrupting short-circuit current caused by an external short circuit at the output terminal. Background Technology

[0002] Power supplies with built-in batteries can increase output voltage by connecting multiple batteries in series, thereby increasing output. However, to prevent excessive short-circuit current caused by external short circuits at the output terminals, these power supplies have a service plug on the power cord connected to the battery. Under normal operating conditions, the power supply connects the output terminals to the battery to supply power to the load. However, during transportation or other times, the service plug is unplugged to partially disconnect the power cord and prevent short-circuit current from flowing.

[0003] A power supply device has been developed that has a service plug capable of blocking short-circuit current caused by external terminals of the output terminals (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-134090 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Patent Document 1 describes a service plug that connects to a power cord that connects the battery pack in series, thus interrupting short-circuit current. The service plug connects to the power cord via a pair of sockets. The service plug can be easily inserted into the sockets. When the service plug is inserted into the sockets, battery power is output from the output terminals. When the service plug is removed from the sockets, the connection between the battery and the output terminals is interrupted, and the battery output no longer goes to the output terminals. When the service plug is removed from the sockets, no voltage is output to the output terminals, and even if the output terminals are short-circuited in this state, no short-circuit current flows, thus interrupting short-circuit current caused by external short circuits to the output terminals.

[0008] Power supply devices equipped with a service plug can interrupt the output by attaching and detaching the service plug. However, if the service plug shifts in the direction of removal while inserted, the contact resistance between the service plug and the socket increases, making it impossible to supply stable power to the load. Therefore, a protective cover is provided to hold the service plug in a fixed position to prevent it from shifting from the insertion position. Power supply devices that use a service plug to interrupt the output have the following disadvantages: the space required for the service plug is larger, and the structure becomes more complex. Furthermore, additional operations such as removing the protective cover are required when attaching or detaching the service plug, making the process cumbersome. Additionally, the service plug makes electrical contact by pressing against the elastically deformable metal plate of the socket. Therefore, to reduce the contact resistance in the ON state, the elastic pressure of the socket pressing against the service plug needs to be increased, but this becomes a major obstacle to smoothly attaching and detaching the service plug from the socket. Although the elastic pressing force can be reduced to smoothly attach and detach the service plug from the socket, this structure makes it difficult to maintain a stable connection with low resistance over a long period. Furthermore, the structure that uses the metal plate of the socket to elastically press against the surface of the service plug for electrical connection makes it difficult for the elastically deformable socket to make surface contact with the surface of the service plug with a large area, and it is also difficult to make stable contact with a large area to reduce contact resistance.

[0009] This disclosure was developed with the aim of further eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages. One object of this disclosure is to provide a power supply device that can configure the output interruption mechanism in a narrow space and can switch the output interruption mechanism to the OFF state by simple operation to interrupt the short-circuit current of the output terminal. Another object of this disclosure is to provide a power supply device that can reduce the on-resistance while making the switching of the output interruption mechanism easy.

[0010] The power supply device of a certain technical solution disclosed herein has all of the following (A) to (G) configurations.

[0011] (A) The power supply device has:

[0012] case;

[0013] The battery pack is housed within the casing;

[0014] Output terminals, which are connected to the battery pack; and

[0015] An output shutdown mechanism is connected to the power line that connects the output terminal to the battery pack, and switches the output of the battery pack to on / off states.

[0016] (B) The output interruption mechanism has the following features:

[0017] Busbar;

[0018] The first connection part is configured to allow the first end of the busbar to freely contact or not contact, and is connected to the power line;

[0019] The second connecting part is configured to allow the second end of the busbar to freely contact or not contact;

[0020] A first insulating knob with an internally threaded hole presses the first end of the busbar toward the first connection; and

[0021] A second insulating knob with an internal threaded hole presses the second end of the busbar toward the second connection.

[0022] (C) The busbar contacts the first and second connectors and is connected to the power line.

[0023] When the busbar is in contact with the first and second connecting parts, the output interruption mechanism is in the ON state.

[0024] When the busbar is in a non-contact state and does not contact the first and second connecting parts, the output interruption mechanism is in the open state.

[0025] (D) The housing has a knob window that exposes at least a portion of the first and second insulating knobs to the outside.

[0026] (E) The first connecting part includes:

[0027] The first connecting plate, which is electrically connected to the first end of the busbar by contact; and

[0028] The first screw is positioned vertically on the first connecting plate and is screwed into the internal threaded hole of the first insulating knob.

[0029] (F) The second connecting part includes:

[0030] The second connecting plate, which is electrically connected to the second end of the busbar through contact; and

[0031] The second screw is positioned vertically on the second connecting plate and is screwed into the internal threaded hole of the second insulating knob.

[0032] (G) By moving the screw to the tightened position using the first and second insulating knobs, the busbar is pressed against the first and second connecting plates, and the output cut-off mechanism is turned on.

[0033] By moving the first and second insulating knobs to the loosened position, the busbar is separated from the first and second connecting plates, and the output interruption mechanism is in the off state.

[0034] The above power supply device has the following advantages: it allows for a simple structure and compact placement of the output shutdown mechanism within a confined space, and enables easy switching of the output shutdown mechanism to on / off states, interrupting short-circuit current at the output terminals. Furthermore, the above power supply device also achieves the advantage of reducing on-resistance while facilitating easy switching of the output shutdown mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a power supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the opposite end of the power supply device shown.

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic exploded perspective view of the power supply device shown.

[0038] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the end of the output interruption mechanism of the power supply device shown.

[0039] Figure 5 It means Figure 4 An enlarged 3D view of the main parts.

[0040] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the output blocking mechanism.

[0041] Figure 7 It means Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the output blocking mechanism in the off state.

[0042] Figure 8 It means Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the output blocking mechanism in the on state shown.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the disconnected state of the output blocking mechanism in other embodiments.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the disconnected state of the output blocking mechanism in yet another embodiment, indicated by a dashed line.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the disconnected state of the output blocking mechanism in yet another embodiment.

[0046] Figure 12This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the disconnected state of the output blocking mechanism in yet another embodiment.

[0047] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 The circuit diagram of the power supply device is shown.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a circuit diagram of a power supply device according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, terms indicating specific directions and positions (e.g., "upper," "lower," and other terms including these terms) are used as needed, but their use is for ease of understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention by the meaning of these terms. Additionally, portions of the same reference numeral appearing in multiple drawings represent the same or equivalent parts or components.

[0050] Furthermore, the embodiments shown below represent specific examples of the technical concept of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to the following. Additionally, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent components described below, unless specifically stated otherwise, are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative. Furthermore, the content described in one embodiment or example can be applied to other embodiments or examples. Additionally, the size and positional relationships of the components shown in the accompanying drawings are sometimes exaggerated for clarity.

[0051] This disclosure can be determined by the following composition and features.

[0052] The power supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has all of the following (A) to (G) configurations.

[0053] (A) The power supply device has:

[0054] case;

[0055] The battery pack is housed within the casing;

[0056] Output terminals, which are connected to the battery pack; and

[0057] An output shutdown mechanism is connected to the power line that connects the output terminal to the battery pack, and switches the output of the battery pack to on / off states.

[0058] (B) The output interruption mechanism has the following features:

[0059] Busbar;

[0060] The first connection part is configured to allow the first end of the busbar to freely contact or not contact, and is connected to the power line;

[0061] The second connecting part is configured to allow the second end of the busbar to freely contact or not contact;

[0062] A first insulating knob with an internally threaded hole presses the first end of the busbar toward the first connection; and

[0063] A second insulating knob with an internal threaded hole presses the second end of the busbar toward the second connection.

[0064] (C) The busbar contacts the first and second connectors and is connected to the power line.

[0065] When the busbar is in contact with the first and second connecting parts, the output interruption mechanism is in the ON state.

[0066] When the busbar is in a non-contact state and does not contact the first and second connecting parts, the output interruption mechanism is in the open state.

[0067] (D) The housing has a knob window that exposes at least a portion of the first and second insulating knobs to the outside.

[0068] (E) The first connecting part includes:

[0069] The first connecting plate, which is electrically connected to the first end of the busbar by contact; and

[0070] The first screw is positioned vertically on the first connecting plate and is screwed into the internal threaded hole of the first insulating knob.

[0071] (F) The second connecting part includes:

[0072] The second connecting plate, which is electrically connected to the second end of the busbar through contact; and

[0073] The second screw is positioned vertically on the second connecting plate and is screwed into the internal threaded hole of the second insulating knob.

[0074] (G) By moving the screw to the tightened position using the first and second insulating knobs, the busbar is pressed against the first and second connecting plates, and the output cut-off mechanism is turned on.

[0075] By moving the first and second insulating knobs to the loosened position, the busbar is separated from the first and second connecting plates, and the output interruption mechanism is in the off state.

[0076] The above power supply device can screw the insulating knob into the screw, so that the two ends of the busbar contact the first and second connecting plates, so that the output interruption mechanism is in the on state, and the battery is connected to the output terminal to supply power to the load. Rotating the insulating knob in the opposite direction moves it in the pull-out direction, so that the two ends of the busbar are separated from the first and second connecting plates, so that the output interruption mechanism is in the off state, and the battery is not connected to the output terminal, thus interrupting the short-circuit current caused by the short circuit of the output terminal.

[0077] The above-described output interruption mechanism has the following advantages: compared to conventional output interruption mechanisms that switch on / off by plugging and unplugging a service plug, it can be configured in confined spaces, and can easily switch to the off state to interrupt short-circuit current at the output terminals. Furthermore, switching on / off can be performed simply by screwing the insulating knob into the screw or rotating it in the opposite direction. Moreover, the above-described power supply device also has the advantage of reducing the on-resistance of the output interruption mechanism, thus efficiently supplying power from the battery pack to the load.

[0078] Other embodiments of the power supply device disclosed herein can connect an output interruption mechanism between the output terminal and the battery pack. This power supply device can disconnect (disconnect) the output terminal from the power line to interrupt short-circuit current.

[0079] Other embodiments of the power supply device disclosed herein may include multiple battery packs connected in series, which are connected in series via an output shutdown mechanism. This power supply device can disconnect the output shutdown mechanism, thus preventing the battery packs from being connected and interrupting short-circuit current caused by a short circuit at the output terminals.

[0080] Other embodiments of the power supply device disclosed herein can connect at least one of the first and second connecting plates and the screw in an insulated state via an insulating member. The output interruption mechanism of this power supply device can disconnect the busbar from the first and second connecting portions and switch it to an off state. The above power supply device can connect the first connecting plate and the first screw via an insulating member, and electrically connect the second connecting plate and the second screw without using an insulating member. The above power supply device can connect the first connecting plate and the screw using an insulating member, and make the second connecting plate and the screw a single metal component. This structure has the advantage that it can securely connect the connecting plate and the screw of the second connecting portion while further reducing component costs by using a single component.

[0081] Other embodiments of the power supply device disclosed herein can utilize a plastic knob portion and a nut fixed to the knob portion to form an insulating knob, with the internal thread hole of the nut serving as the internal thread hole of the insulating knob. The output shutdown mechanism of this power supply device has the following advantages: since the insulating knob allows the nut to move towards the screw, pressing the busbar against the connecting plate, the busbar can be forcefully pressed against the surface of the connecting plate, achieving a stable on-state with low contact resistance in a surface contact state.

[0082] The power supply device of other embodiments of this disclosure has the following advantages: the top of the insulating knob protrudes from the surface of the housing, allowing the user to easily and reliably rotate the insulating knob to switch the output interruption mechanism to on / off.

[0083] In other embodiments of this disclosure, the power supply device can connect an insulating knob to the housing via a stop mechanism that is rotatable and can stop at the rotatable position. This power supply device has the advantage of being able to hold the insulating knob in the rotatable position, stably maintaining it in an on / off state. The stop mechanism of this power supply device can be a ratchet mechanism.

[0084] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the power supply device can connect the first connection portion to the battery pack and the second connection portion to the output terminal. Additionally, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the power supply device can connect the battery pack in series via an output shutdown mechanism that connects the first and second connection portions of the output shutdown mechanism to the battery pack connected in series.

[0085] (Implementation Method 1)

[0086] Figures 1 to 8 The power supply device 1 shown includes: a housing 2; a battery pack 3 housed in the housing 2; an output terminal 4 connected to the battery pack 3; and an output shut-off mechanism S connected to a power line 5 that connects the output terminal 4 to the battery pack 3, and switches the output of the battery pack 3 to on / off states.

[0087] (Battery pack 3)

[0088] In battery pack 3, multiple battery cells are connected in series and / or in parallel. The battery cells are secondary batteries, preferably non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries such as lithium-ion secondary batteries. Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries have a larger charge / discharge capacity relative to weight and volume, thus enabling increased charge / discharge capacity while maintaining a compact and lightweight design. However, other currently used batteries and future-developed batteries can be used as battery cells; therefore, this disclosure does not specifically designate the battery cells constituting battery pack 3 as lithium-ion secondary batteries. Furthermore, the shape and size of the battery cells are not specific; for example, prismatic batteries can be used in addition to cylindrical batteries. The power supply unit 1 can increase the output voltage by connecting multiple battery packs 3 in series and can increase the maximum output current by connecting multiple battery packs 3 in parallel. Therefore, the power supply unit 1 connects the battery packs 3 in series and / or in parallel in a manner that best suits the application's output voltage and maximum output current.

[0089] (Shell 2)

[0090] Figure 3 Exploded stereoscopic view and Figure 4 The partial perspective view shows that the housing 2 of the power supply device 1 has a battery housing 2A that houses the battery pack 3 and a surface cover 2B fixed to the surface of the battery housing 2A. The battery housing 2A houses the battery pack 3.

[0091] The housing 2 is provided with a knob window 7 that allows at least a portion of the insulating knob 6 to protrude outward, so that the user can rotate the insulating knob 6. Figure 3 The housing 2 has a surface cover 2B with a knob window 7 that allows the first and second insulating knobs 6A and 6B to protrude from the surface. The inner shape (inner shape) of the knob window 7 is larger than the outer shape of the insulating knob 6, and is configured such that the top part of the insulating knob 6 (described later) protrudes from the knob window 7 from the surface, allowing the user to rotate the insulating knob 6. The insulating knob 6 can be connected to the housing 2 via a stop mechanism that is rotatable and can stop at the rotated position.

[0092] Figure 3 The surface cover 2B has an electrode window 8 that allows the output terminal 4 to protrude from the surface. The surface cover 2B can be made of metal or plastic. The metal surface cover 2B is configured to not contact the output interruption mechanism S except for the insulating knob 6, and is configured so that the output terminal 4 is inserted through the electrode window 8 without contacting the surface cover 2B. For the plastic surface cover 2B, the insulating properties of the plastic constituting the surface cover 2B can be used to reduce the size of the electrode window 8, allowing the output terminal 4 to contact the surface cover 2B. In addition, the insulating surface cover 2B can cover the output interruption mechanism S except for the insulating knob 6, which is advantageous for preventing external short circuits of the output interruption mechanism S.

[0093] The battery casing 2A can be made of plastic or metal. A plastic battery casing 2A can house the battery pack 3 without insulation. A metal battery casing 2A preferably houses the battery pack 3 insulated.

[0094] (Output interruption mechanism S)

[0095] The output interruption mechanism S includes: a busbar 9; a first connecting portion 10A, which is disposed in contact with or separate from the first end 9A of the busbar 9, i.e., in contact with the power line 5; a second connecting portion 10B, which is disposed in contact with or separate from the second end 9B of the busbar 9, i.e., in contact with the power line 5; a first insulating knob 6A, which presses the first end 9A of the busbar 9 toward the first connecting portion 10A connected to the power line 5; and a second insulating knob 6B, which presses the second end 9B of the busbar 9 toward the second connecting portion 10B connected to the output terminal 4.

[0096] (Channel 9)

[0097] The output interruption mechanism S replaces the conventional service plug with a busbar 9 that has a metal plate that switches the power line 5 between on and off states. The busbar 9 is switched to an on state when connected to the first and second connection portions 10A and 10B of the power line 5, and switched to an off state when disconnected from them. The first and second connection portions 10A and 10B are connected to the power line 5, and are thus connected by the busbar 9, and are in an off state when not connected to the busbar 9. The busbar 9 is pressed by the insulating knob 6 to contact the first connection portion 10A and the second connection portion 10B, thereby connecting to the power line 5. In this position, with the busbar 9 in contact with the first and second connection portions 10A and 10B, the output interruption mechanism S is in an on state, enabling power to be supplied from the power supply unit 1 to the load. When the busbar 9 is in a non-contact state with the first and second connecting parts 10A and 10B, the output interruption mechanism S is in an open state, interrupting the short-circuit current when the output terminal 4 is short-circuited.

[0098] Busbar 9 can use conductive metal plates such as aluminum, copper, and nickel. Busbar 9 has resistance, thus generating a voltage drop as load current flows through it. The product of the voltage drop and the current results in wasted power consumption. Therefore, to reduce this power consumption, the thickness and width of the metal plate are adjusted according to the load current, thereby adjusting the resistance. The output shutdown mechanism S connects the first and second ends 9A and 9B of the two ends of busbar 9 to the power line 5, making it in an on state, and disconnects one or both ends from the power line 5, making it in an off state. When the output shutdown mechanism S is on, the power supply unit 1 supplies power to the load. When the output shutdown mechanism S is off, the output terminal 4 is disconnected from the battery pack 3 to prevent short circuit current from flowing through the output terminal 4.

[0099] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the busbar 9 connects its first and second ends 9A and 9B to the first and second connecting portions 10A and 10B of the power line 5, thus achieving an on state, and disconnects its first and second ends 9A and 9B from the first and second connecting portions 10A and 10B, thus achieving an off state. The busbar 9 has through holes 9C at its first end 9A and second end 9B for inserting screws 12 provided in the first and second connecting portions 10A and 10B. The busbar 9 is pressed against the first and second connecting portions 10A and 10B by an insulating knob 6 screwed into the screw 12 inserted into the through hole 9C. In this state, the first end 9A is in contact with the first connecting portion 10A and connected, and the second end 9B is in contact with the second connecting portion 10B and connected.

[0100] (Connecting part 10, first connecting part 10A, second connecting part 10B)

[0101] The output interruption mechanism S connects the busbar 9 to the connection part 10 connected to the power line 5, thus turning it into an on state. Figure 5 , Figure 6The connecting portion 10 includes a connecting plate 16 for connecting the end of the busbar 9 and a screw 12 connected to the connecting plate 16 in a vertical position. The connecting portion 10 includes a first connecting portion 10A connected to the first end 9A of the busbar 9 and a second connecting portion 10B connected to the second end 9B of the busbar 9. The first connecting portion 10A includes a first connecting plate 16A for contact and electrical connection with the first end 9A of the busbar 9, and a first screw 12A disposed in a vertical position on the first connecting plate 16A and screwed into the internal threaded hole 11 of the first insulating knob 6A. The second connecting portion 10B includes a second connecting plate 16B for contact and electrical connection with the second end 9B of the busbar 9, and a second screw 12B disposed in a vertical position on the second connecting plate 16B and screwed into the internal threaded hole 11 of the second insulating knob 6B. The first and second connecting portions 10A and 10B connected to the power line 5 are provided with first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B for electrical connection of the first and second ends 9A and 9B of the busbar 9 in a surface contact state, and first and second screws 12A and 12B arranged vertically on the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B and screwed into the internal threaded holes 11 of the first and second insulating knobs 6A and 6B. The first end 9A of the busbar 9 has a portion that makes surface contact with the first connecting plate 16A at one end of the busbar 9, and the second end 9B has a portion that makes surface contact with the second connecting plate 16B at the other end of the busbar 9.

[0102] The output interruption mechanism S connects the first connection part 10A and the second connection part 10B to the power line 5. Figure 13 The power supply device 1 shown in the circuit diagram has an output interruption mechanism S connected between the output terminal 4 and the battery pack 3. When the power supply device 1 switches the output interruption mechanism S to the off state, it disconnects the output terminal 4 from the power line 5, thus interrupting the short-circuit current. For example, the power supply device 1 in this figure connects the first connection part 10A to the battery pack 3 via the power line 5, and connects the output terminal 4 to the second connection plate 16B of the second connection part 10B via a connection lead 15. Figure 14 The power supply unit 1 connects adjacent battery packs 3 in series via an output shutdown mechanism S. The output shutdown mechanism S connects the first connection part 10A and the second connection part 10B to the battery pack 3 via a power line 5.

[0103] The first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B are fixed to the surface of the battery casing 2A. Figure 5 The first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B are respectively fixed to the surface of the battery housing 2A by fixing screws. The fixing screws pass through the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B and are screwed into the battery housing 2A, fixing the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B to the outer surface of the battery housing 2A.

[0104] The first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B are configured to be non-contact or insulated. Figure 5 In this configuration, the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B are arranged separately at different upper and lower positions. The first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B can be arranged in a posture that extends in a direction intersecting with the busbar 9. Figure 5 The connection is established as follows: the busbar 9, extending vertically, is pressed against the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B, which extend horizontally and are orthogonal to the busbar 9, thus electrically connecting the busbar 9 to the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B. The width (length) of the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B extending horizontally is wider than the width of the busbar 9, ensuring sufficient contact surfaces for the busbar 9 to make surface contact.

[0105] Figure 7 The first connecting plate 16A is provided with a connecting hole 19 for the first screw 12A to be inserted. The first screw 12A is inserted into the connecting hole 19 of the first connecting plate 16A, with its head positioned on the back of the first connecting plate 16A, and is connected to the first connecting plate 16A in a vertical position. Figure 7 The first connecting portion 10A sandwiches an insulating member 20 between the first screw 12A and the first connecting plate 16A, connecting the first screw 12A and the first connecting plate 16A in an insulated state. The insulating member 20 is formed by integrating a cylindrical portion inserted into a through hole in the first connecting plate 16A and a flange portion sandwiched between the first connecting plate 16A and the head. The insulating member 20 is manufactured by molding plastic or ceramic. The first connecting portion 10A, which makes the first connecting plate 16A and the first screw 12A independent components, can thread the first connecting plate 16A onto the surface of the battery housing 2A and embed the head of the first screw 12A into the battery housing 2A to fix the first screw 12A to the battery housing 2A. In addition, the screw 12A can also be fixed by engaging with a fitting recess provided in the battery housing 2A, and further, it can also be fixed by bonding to the first connecting plate 16A via the insulating member 20.

[0106] For the first connecting part 10A that connects the first connecting plate 16A and the first screw 12A in an insulated state, such as Figure 8 As shown, the busbar 9 can be pressed against the first connecting plate 16A to connect the busbar 9 and the first connecting plate 16A in a contact state, as shown. Figure 7 As shown, the busbar 9 can be separated from the first connecting plate 16A, making the first connecting plate 16A and the busbar 9 difficult to connect, i.e., non-contact.

[0107] The output interruption mechanism S can connect both ends of the busbar 9 to the first and second connecting portions 10A and 10B to achieve an on state, while the off state can be achieved without connecting one end of the busbar 9 to either the first or second connecting portion 10A or 10B. Therefore, the output interruption mechanism S can use the insulating member 20 to insulate at least one of the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B from the screw 12, thereby achieving an off state. However, it is also possible to insulate both the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B from the insulating member 20 and connect them to the screw 12 to achieve an off state. This output interruption mechanism S makes the second connecting portion 10B have the same structure as the first connecting portion 10A. Figure 7 The power supply unit 1 insulates the first connecting plate 16A and the first screw 12A with an insulating member 20. Therefore, even if the busbar 9 is electrically connected to the second connecting plate 16B via the second screw 12B when the first end 9A of the busbar is separated from the first connecting plate 16A, the output interruption mechanism S can be switched to the off state.

[0108] Figure 6 The second connecting portion 10B integrates the second connecting plate 16B and the second screw 12B into a single structure, fixing the second screw 12B to the second connecting plate 16B in a vertical position. This second connecting portion 10B can be manufactured by machining or forming the metal. The second connecting portion 10B, which integrates the second connecting plate 16B and the second screw 12B into a single structure, has the advantage that the second connecting plate 16B can be threaded onto the surface of the battery casing 2A, thereby positioning the screw 12B in a fixed position without any positional offset.

[0109] Figure 6 The second connecting portion 10B shown in the perspective view is connected to an output terminal 4 on a second connecting plate 16B. To connect the output terminal 4, a connecting lead 15 extends laterally from the area of ​​the connecting busbar 9, and the output terminal 4 is fixed to the connecting lead 15. For example, a flange can be provided at the rear end of a metal rod, and this flange is fused to the connecting lead 15 for electrical connection and fixation.

[0110] (First insulating knob 6A, second insulating knob 6B)

[0111] The insulating knob 6 is provided with an internal threaded hole 11 for screwing in the screw 12. Figure 7 The insulating knob 6 has a plastic knob part 17 and a nut 18 fixed to the knob part 17. The internal thread hole 11 of the nut 18 serves as the internal thread hole 11 of the insulating knob 6. For this insulating knob 6, rotating the nut 18 with the knob part 17 screws in the screw 12 to press the busbar 9 against the connecting plate 16. Alternatively, rotating the knob part 17 in the opposite direction loosens the nut 18, causing the busbar 9 to separate from the connecting plate 16.

[0112] Busbar 9 is pressed against connecting plate 16 by insulating knob 6. Busbar 9, pressed against connecting plate 16 by insulating knob 6, is electrically connected to connecting plate 16 through surface contact. By pressing busbar 9 against connecting plate 16 using insulating knob 6, surface contact is ensured, reliable electrical connection is achieved, and stable connection with low resistance can be maintained over a long period. Furthermore, the pressing action by insulating knob 6 can absorb component tolerances and ensure reliable electrical connection through surface contact. Insulating knob 6 has a first insulating knob 6A and a second insulating knob 6B. First insulating knob 6A presses the first end 9A of busbar 9 against the surface of first connecting plate 16A, electrically connecting busbar 9 and first connecting portion 10A. Second insulating knob 6B presses the second end 9B of busbar 9 against second connecting plate 16B, electrically connecting busbar 9 and second connecting portion 10B.

[0113] The output interruption mechanism S can be switched between an on and off state by the user rotating the insulating knob 6 protruding from the housing 2. The output interruption mechanism S can be switched to the on state by rotating the insulating knob 6 in the tightening direction (clockwise) and to the off state by rotating the insulating knob 6 in the opposite loosening direction (clockwise). When the insulating knob 6 is rotated clockwise (tightening direction), it presses the busbar 9 and moves it closer to the connecting plate 16. Since the connecting plate 16 is connected to the power line 5, rotating the insulating knob 6 clockwise presses the busbar 9 against the connecting plate 16, making it electrically connected and in the on state. When the insulating knob 6 is rotated counterclockwise (loosening direction), it moves away from the connecting plate 16 in the opposite direction to pressing the busbar 9 against the connecting plate 16, moving to a position where the busbar 9 is not pressed. The busbar 9, not pressed by the connecting plate 16, is not in contact with the connecting plate 16 and is switched to the off state. The output interruption mechanism S described above can almost invariably be switched to the on state by turning the right-hand insulating knob 6 and to the off state by turning the left-hand insulating knob 6. This is because the screw 12 almost invariably uses a right-hand thread. The screw 12 can also use a left-hand thread, in which case the output interruption mechanism S can be switched to the on state by turning the left-hand insulating knob 6 and to the off state by turning the right-hand insulating knob 6. At least a portion of the first and second insulating knobs 6A and 6B protrudes outward from the knob window 7 opening in the surface cover 2B of the housing 2, allowing the user to rotate them.

[0114] The insulating knob 6 can have a stop mechanism (not shown) that allows it to rotate and stop at the rotated position. The insulating knob 6 can be connected to the housing 2 via the stop mechanism. The stop mechanism can hold the insulating knob 6 at the position rotated by the user, thus having the advantage of being able to hold the output interruption mechanism S in both the on and off states. The stop mechanism can be implemented, for example, by using a ratchet mechanism provided between the outer peripheral surface of the insulating knob 6 and the inner peripheral surface of the knob window 7. This ratchet mechanism is configured such that when the user forcibly rotates the insulating knob 6, it can rotate in both the tightening and loosening directions, but when the user does not forcibly rotate the insulating knob 6, the insulating knob 6 is locked to the knob window 7 and will not rotate freely. Moreover, the insulating knob 6 and the housing 2 can also be stopped from free rotation by using a stop mechanism constructed of a key. As a key structure, keyways can be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insulating knob 6 and the inner peripheral edge of the knob window 7. Rotating the insulating knob 6 positions the keyways of the insulating knob 6 and the knob window 7 in opposite positions, and inserting the key into the two keyways stops the rotation. For this stopping mechanism, the key is pulled out from the keyway when the insulating knob 6 is rotated, and the key is inserted into the keyways of the insulating knob 6 and the knob window 7 to stop the rotation when the insulating knob 6 is stopped in the rotating position.

[0115] The insulating knob 6 has a first insulating knob 6A and a second insulating knob 6B. The first and second insulating knobs 6A and 6B are arranged separately. Rotating the first and second insulating knobs 6A and 6B reliably puts the output interruption mechanism S into an on state and an off state. By separating the first and second insulating knobs 6A and 6B near the two ends of the busbar 9 in coordination with the arrangement of the first and second screws 12A and 12B and the first and second ends 9A and 9B of the busbar 9, it is easy to make the two ends of the busbar 9 contact the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B in a parallel state. When the first and second insulating knobs 6A and 6B are rotated in the tightening direction, they move toward the tightening position of the screw 12, so that the busbar 9 makes surface contact with the connecting plate 16 in a parallel state, thus putting it into an on state. Since the nuts 18 of the first and second insulating knobs 6A and 6B can be screwed into the screw 12 to press the busbar 9 against the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B, the busbar 9 can be forcefully pressed against the surfaces of the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B, achieving a stable connected state with low contact resistance in a surface contact state. Furthermore, when the first and second insulating knobs 6A and 6B are rotated in the loosening direction and moved to the loosened position, the busbar 9 is no longer pressed by the first and second insulating knobs 6A and 6B, allowing the busbar 9 to reliably separate from the connecting plate 16 and achieve a disconnected state without electrical connection.

[0116] The output interruption mechanism S tightens the two insulating knobs 6 to connect the two ends of the busbar 9 to the first and second connecting portions 10A and 10B. Using the first insulating knob 6A, the first end 9A of the busbar 9 is pressed against the first connecting plate 16A, and using the second insulating knob 6B, the second end 9B of the busbar 9 is pressed against the second connecting plate 16B, so that the first and second ends 9A and 9B of the busbar 9 make surface contact with the first and second connecting plates 16A and 16B, thus achieving a connected state and supplying power from the power supply unit 1 to the load. During transport, etc., both the first and second ends 9A and 9B are loosened, separating the two ends of the busbar 9 from the first and second connecting portions 10A and 10B, thus achieving a disconnected state and interrupting the short-circuit current flowing when the output terminal 4 is short-circuited.

[0117] (Separation section 13)

[0118] When the busbar 9 is not pressed by the insulating knob 6, it is disconnected from the first and second connection portions 10A and 10B, becoming an electrically disconnected state. This disclosure does not limit the structure in which the busbar 9 is separated from the connection portions 10A and 10B when not pressed by the insulating knob 6, but for example, a separation portion 13 can be provided to separate the busbar 9 from the connection portions 10A and 10B. The separation portion 13 can reliably maintain the disconnected state and block the short-circuit current caused by a short circuit at the output terminal 4. For example, Figure 7 The output interruption mechanism S is provided with a separation part 13 that elastically presses the busbar 9 in the separation direction from the back. This separation part 13 can be implemented, for example, by using an elastic body 13a configured in a compressed state between the busbar 9 and the connecting plate 16, or between the busbar 9 and the battery housing 2A. Figure 7 The output interruption mechanism S has a separation part 13 of an elastic body 13a composed of a pressing spring 13b disposed between the busbar 9 and the battery housing 2A. The pressing spring 13b is, for example, a coil spring, which uses its own elastic restoring force to press the busbar 9 in the direction of separation from the connecting plate 16. Figure 7 The output interruption mechanism S shown in the cross-sectional view has a recess 21 in the battery housing 2A, and the coil spring of the pressing spring 13b is inserted into the recess 21 so that no positional shift occurs.

[0119] Figures 9-11 Other embodiments of the separation section 13 are shown. Figure 9 The output interruption mechanism S has a separation portion 13, made of a rubber-like elastomer 13c, positioned between the busbar 9 and the battery housing 2A. The rubber-like elastomer 13c is positioned in a compressed state between the busbar 9 and the battery housing 2A, allowing the busbar 9 to separate from the connecting plate 16 when not pressed by the insulating knob 6. With this configuration, the separation portion 13 of the rubber-like elastomer 13c can be bonded to the back of the busbar 9 and the surface of the battery housing 2A, thus securing it in a fixed position without any displacement.

[0120] Furthermore, the output shutdown mechanism S can also use a flexible metal plate 13d on the busbar 9, utilizing the elasticity of the busbar 9 to achieve the separation section 13. For this busbar 9, the busbar 9, which is not pressed by the insulating knob 6, can deform using its own elastic restoring force to separate from the connecting plate 16. For this output shutdown mechanism S, as... Figure 10 As shown by the dotted line, the first insulating knob 6A can be loosened, and the elastic restoring force of the busbar 9 can be used to deform it, so that the first end 9A of the busbar 9 is separated from the first connecting plate 16A and becomes disconnected.

[0121] Moreover, such as Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the separation section 13 can also be implemented by a separation connector 14 that moves the busbar 9 in the separation direction using an insulating knob 6. The separation connector 14 connects the insulating knob 6 to the busbar 9 while allowing the insulating knob 6 to rotate. For example, Figure 11 The separating connector 14a has a through hole through which the insulating knob 6 can be rotatably inserted. The insulating knob 6 is rotatably inserted into the through hole. The inner shape of the through hole is smaller than the outer shape of the flange 6a of the insulating knob 6, and the flange 6a is engaged by the inner circumference of the through hole. The separating connector 14a is secured to the back of the busbar 9 in a manner that allows the busbar 9 to be pulled away from the connecting plate 16. Figure 11 The separating connector 14a can engage both ends of the busbar 9, thus separating the busbar 9 from the connecting plate 16. The separating connector 14a does not rotate with the insulating knob 6, but is pulled by the flange 6a of the insulating knob 6. The insulating knob 6 is rotated in the loosening direction, moving in the direction that separates the busbar 9 from the connecting plate 16. When the insulating knob 6 is rotated in the loosening direction, causing it to move along the screw 12 in the loosening direction, the separating connector 14a pulls the busbar 9, which is held in place by the locking part, in the separation direction, thus separating the busbar 9 from the connecting plate 16. Furthermore, Figure 12 The detachable connector 14b has a connecting cover for the flange 6a covering the busbar 9 side of the insulating knob 6 disposed around the flange 6a, serving as a connecting part for connection and fixation with the busbar 9. This detachable connector 14b also... Figure 11 Similarly, with an opening that allows the insulating knob 6 to be inserted, the inner circumference of the opening is engaged with the flange 6a and connected to the busbar 9 while the insulating knob 6 is rotated in the loosening direction, so that the busbar 9 can be moved in the separation direction by rotating the insulating knob 6 in the loosening direction.

[0122] Industrial availability

[0123] This disclosure enables the effective use of an output interruption mechanism that interrupts short-circuit current to replace conventional service plugs and power supply devices.

[0124] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0125] 1…Power supply device

[0126] 2…shell

[0127] 2A…battery casing

[0128] 2B… Surface Cover

[0129] 3… Battery pack

[0130] 4… Output terminals

[0131] 5…Power cord

[0132] 6…Insulated knob

[0133] 6A…First Insulation Knob

[0134] 6B…Second Insulating Knob

[0135] 6a…Flange

[0136] 7… Knob Window

[0137] 8…Electrode window

[0138] 9…conductor strip

[0139] 9A…First end

[0140] 9B…Second end

[0141] 9C…through hole

[0142] 10…Connecting part

[0143] 10A…First Connecting Part

[0144] 10B…Second connecting part

[0145] 11… Internal threaded hole

[0146] 12… Screw

[0147] 12A…First Screw

[0148] 12B…Second Screw

[0149] 13…Separation section

[0150] 13a…elastic body

[0151] 13b…Compression Spring

[0152] 13c…rubber-like elastomer

[0153] 13d…elastic metal plate

[0154] 14, 14a, 14b… Separate connecting parts

[0155] 15…Connecting leads

[0156] 16…Connecting plate

[0157] 16A…First connecting plate

[0158] 16B…Second connecting plate

[0159] 17… Knob section

[0160] 18…nuts

[0161] 19…Connecting Hole

[0162] 20… Insulating parts

[0163] 21…concave

[0164] S… Output interruption mechanism

Claims

1. A power supply device comprising: case; The battery pack is housed within the casing; Output terminals, which are connected to the battery pack; and An output shutdown mechanism, connected to the power line that connects the output terminal to the battery pack, switches the output of the battery pack between on and off states. The output blocking mechanism includes: Busbar; The first connection portion is configured to allow the first end of the busbar to freely contact or not contact the power line; The second connection portion is configured to allow the second end of the busbar to freely contact or not contact; A first insulating knob having an internally threaded hole presses the first end of the busbar toward the first connection portion; and A second insulating knob with an internally threaded hole presses the second end of the busbar toward the second connection portion. The busbar contacts the first connecting part and the second connecting part to be connected to the power line. When the busbar is in contact with the first connecting part and the second connecting part, the output blocking mechanism is in the on state. When the busbar is in a non-contact state, meaning it is not in contact with the first connecting part or the second connecting part, the output blocking mechanism is in an open state. The housing includes a knob window that exposes at least a portion of the first insulating knob and the second insulating knob to the outside. The first connecting portion includes: A first connecting plate, which is electrically connected to the first end of the busbar by contact; and The first screw, which is vertically disposed on the first connecting plate, is screwed into the internal threaded hole of the first insulating knob. The second connecting portion includes: A second connecting plate, which is electrically connected to the second end of the busbar by contact; and The second screw, which is vertically disposed on the second connecting plate, is screwed into the internal threaded hole of the second insulating knob. By moving the first insulating knob to the tightening position of the first screw and the second insulating knob to the tightening position of the second screw, the busbar is pressed against the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate, and the output interruption mechanism is put into the on state. By moving the first insulating knob to the loosened position of the first screw and the second insulating knob to the loosened position of the second screw, the busbar is separated from the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate, and the output interruption mechanism is in the off state.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, The output interruption mechanism is connected between the output terminal and the battery pack.

3. The power supply device according to claim 1, The power supply device has multiple battery packs connected in series with each other. The output interruption mechanism connects the battery pack in series.

4. The power supply device according to claim 1, The first connecting plate and the first screw are connected in an insulated state via an insulating member, and / or the second connecting plate and the second screw are connected in an insulated state via an insulating member.

5. The power supply device according to claim 4, The first connecting plate and the first screw are connected via the insulating member. The second connecting plate and the second screw are electrically connected without passing through the insulating element.

6. The power supply device according to claim 1, The first insulating knob and the second insulating knob each have: The knob is made of plastic; and The nut is fixed to the knob. The nut forms the internal threaded hole of each of the first insulating knob and the second insulating knob.

7. The power supply device according to claim 1, The top ends of the first insulating knob and the second insulating knob each protrude from the surface of the housing.

8. The power supply device according to claim 1, The first insulating knob and the second insulating knob are each connected to the housing via a stop mechanism that is rotatable and can stop at a rotatable position.

9. The power supply device according to claim 8, The stopping mechanism is a ratchet mechanism.

10. The power supply device according to claim 2, The first connecting part is connected to the battery pack. The second connection part is connected to the output terminal.

11. The power supply device according to claim 3, The first connecting part and the second connecting part are connected to the battery pack that are connected in series.

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