Power device, mechano-electrical transduction device, power storage device, power system, method for controlling power system, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a power device, a mechano-electrical transduction device, a power storage device, a power system, a method for controlling a power system, a program, and a storage medium for avoiding size increase of the power device and preventing the cost of the power device from rising.SOLUTION: A power system 210 first connects a connector 238 of a power device 200 and a power storage device 208. Then, a start command is output from an activation instruction unit 300 to an activation processing unit 312 of the power storage device 208 through the connector 238. The activation processing unit 312 switches the power storage device 208 to an activation state upon receipt of the start command.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric power device, an electromechanical conversion device, an electricity storage device, an electric power system, a control method for an electric power system, a program, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery management system including two power storage devices and a power device in which the two power storage devices are detachably mounted. Each of the two power storage devices has a power storage unit.

[0003] The power device has a sub-battery which is another power storage unit. The power device generates a startup signal (activation signal) based on the power supplied from the sub-battery. The power device starts outputting the startup signal generated based on the power supplied from the sub-battery to the two power storage devices as a startup command for starting up the two power storage devices. As a result, each of the two power storage devices switches from an inactive state to an active state based on the startup signal from the power device. Note that the inactive state is a state in which the power storage unit inside the power storage device cannot be electrically connected to the outside of the power storage device. The active state is a state in which the power storage unit inside the power storage device can be electrically connected to the outside of the power storage device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 147046 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in a power device, it is necessary to secure space for mounting another power storage unit. This increases the size of the power device. Furthermore, mounting another power storage unit increases the cost of the power device. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the size of the other power storage unit.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is an electric power device comprising a connection portion to which an electric storage device is connected and an electrical operating portion electrically connected to the connection portion, wherein the electric storage device has an electric storage unit and an activation processing portion that switches the state of the electric storage device to an active state in which the electric storage unit can be electrically connected to the outside of the electric storage device, or an inactive state in which the electric storage unit cannot be electrically connected to the outside of the electric storage device, and the electric power device or a mounting device attached to the electric power device has an activation command portion that outputs a command to the activation processing portion, and another electric storage unit that is electrically connected to the activation command portion and supplies electric power, and the activation processing portion is configured to switch to the active state or the inactive state by the command output from the activation command portion.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a mechanical-electrical conversion device comprising an input section and a conversion section that converts kinetic energy input to the input section into electrical energy, wherein the input section is positioned in a holding device having a holding section to removably hold an article so as to receive the kinetic energy associated with movement of the article when the article is attached to or detached from the holding section.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a power storage device having a power storage unit, the power storage device having an activation processing unit that switches the state of the power storage unit to an active state in which the power storage unit can be electrically connected to the outside of the power storage device, or an inactive state in which the power storage unit cannot be electrically connected to the outside of the power storage device, and another connection unit, the other connection unit being electrically connected to a mechanical-electrical conversion unit having an input unit for inputting human force and a conversion unit for converting kinetic energy input to the input unit into electrical energy, or being electrically connected to the activation processing unit, or being electrically connected to an activation command unit that outputs commands to the activation processing unit.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a power system including the power device of the first aspect and the power storage device.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a control method for a power system including a power storage device and a power device to which the power storage device is connected, wherein the power storage device has a power storage unit and an activation processing unit that switches the state of the power storage device to an active state in which the power storage unit can be electrically connected to the outside of the power storage device, or an inactive state in which the power storage unit cannot be electrically connected to the outside of the power storage device, the power device has a connection unit to which the power storage device is connected and an electrical operation unit that is electrically connected to the connection unit, the power device or a mounting device attached to the power device has an activation command unit that outputs a command to the activation processing unit and another power storage unit that is electrically connected to the activation command unit and supplies power, and the control method has a first step of connecting the connection unit and the power storage device, a second step of outputting the command from the activation command unit to the activation processing unit via the connection unit, and a third step of the activation processing unit receiving the command and switching the power storage device to the active state.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the power system control method according to the fifth aspect.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a storage medium that stores the program according to the sixth aspect. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the other power storage unit mounted in the power device. In other words, the capacity of the other power storage unit can be reduced. This makes it possible to avoid an increase in the size of the power device and suppresses a rise in the cost of the power device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric power device. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing attachment and detachment of the power storage device to the power device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing attachment and detachment of the power storage device to the power device. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the mating operation of the connectors. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the power system. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a first modified example. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing a second modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a third modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fifth modified example. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are diagrams showing a sixth modified example. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a seventh modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing the eighth modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] 1 is a perspective view of the electric power device 200 (holding device) according to this embodiment. In the following description, the width direction of the electric power device 200 is referred to as the X direction or the left-right direction. The depth direction of the electric power device 200 is referred to as the Y direction or the front-rear direction. The height direction of the electric power device 200 is referred to as the Z direction or the up-down direction.

[0017] The power device 200 has, for example, substantially the same external shape as the power device disclosed in International Publication No. 2020 / 235618. That is, the power device 200 includes a housing 202. The housing 202 is substantially rectangular in shape. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the housing 202 has an internal space 204. A holding section 206 is provided in the internal space 204 of the housing 202. The holding section 206 is a slot for accommodating (holding) a power storage device 208 (item). The power storage device 208 is detachable from the holding section 206. The power device 200 and the power storage device 208 constitute a power system 210. Note that FIG. 3 shows the inside of the housing 202 in a schematic manner.

[0018] At least one power storage device 208 may be attached to the power device 200. When the power device 200 includes a plurality of power storage devices 208, at least one of the plurality of power storage devices 208 may be detachable from the power device 200. In this case, it is more preferable that the power storage device 208 is detachable from the power device 200 without using a separate work tool or the like. That is, the power storage device 208 is configured so that it can be freely attached and detached from the power device 200 without using a work tool or the like. In addition, "attaching and detaching from the power device 200" includes a case where the power storage device 208 is attached to the power device 200 and a case where the power storage device 208 is detached from the power device 200. In the following description, a case where one power storage device 208 is detachable from the power device 200 will be described.

[0019] The power storage device 208 is a mobile battery that is detachable from the power device 200. The power storage device 208 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The power storage device 208 is a mobile battery that is chargeable and dischargeable. For example, a detachable lithium-ion battery pack is suitable for the power storage device 208. A handle 212 is provided on the top of the power storage device 208. A user can carry the power storage device 208 by gripping the handle 212. A power storage unit 214 is housed inside the power storage device 208. A female connector 216 (another connection unit) is provided on the bottom of the power storage device 208. The connector 216 is also called a receptacle.

[0020] An opening 218 communicating with the internal space 204 is formed in the upper part of the housing 202. A cover 220 covering the opening 218 is provided in the upper part of the housing 202. An open button 222 is provided on the cover 220. When a user presses the open button 222, the cover 220 opens, and the outside of the housing 202 communicates with the internal space 204 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). With the cover 220 open, the user can attach or detach the power storage device 208 to or from the holder 206. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the cover 220 is closed. FIGS. 2 and 3 show a state in which the cover 220 is open.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, the cover 220 is provided with an indicator 224 for indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device 208. The indicator 224 may have the function of a switch that can be operated by a user. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, of the four corners of the housing 202, three corners other than the corner where the cover 220 is provided have recessed spaces recessed into the inside of the housing 202. The three corners are provided with handles 226. The three handles 226 extend in the X direction.

[0022] At the upper part of the housing 202, a plurality of DC output terminals 228 and a plurality of AC output terminals 230 are provided between the cover 220 and one of the handle parts 226. The plurality of DC output terminals 228 are terminals for outputting DC power from the power device 200 to the outside of the power device 200. The plurality of DC output terminals 228 are, for example, USB terminals. A USB cable can be connected to the USB terminal. The plurality of AC output terminals 230 are terminals for outputting AC power from the power device 200 to the outside of the power device 200. The plurality of AC output terminals 230 are, for example, sockets for commercial power plugs. Each of the plurality of DC output terminals 228 and the plurality of AC output terminals 230 is covered with a cap 232. The plurality of caps 232 protect the plurality of DC output terminals 228 and the plurality of AC output terminals 230.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing attachment and detachment of the power storage device 208 to the holding section 206. FIG. 3 shows the inside of the housing 202 in a schematic manner. The shape of the holding section 206 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that matches the power storage device 208. The shape of the holding section 206 is a bottomed cylindrical shape. The holding section 206 is disposed along the Z direction in the internal space 204 of the housing 202. An opening at the upper end of the holding section 206 faces the opening 218 of the housing 202. When the cover 220 (see FIG. 2) is open, if a user inserts the power storage device 208 into the holding section 206 with the bottom of the power storage device 208 facing the holding section 206, the power storage device 208 moves downward in the holding section 206. The bottom of the power storage device 208 comes into contact with the bottom plate 234, which is the lower end of the holding section 206, so that the power storage device 208 is accommodated in the holding section 206.

[0024] An insertion hole 236 is formed in the bottom plate 234 of the holding portion 206. When the power storage device 208 is accommodated in the holding portion 206, the connector 216 of the power storage device 208 and the insertion hole 236 face each other.

[0025] In the internal space 204 of the housing 202, a connector 238 (connection portion) is provided below the holding portion 206. The connector 238 is a male connector. The connector 238 is also referred to as a plug. The connector 238 is located below the holding portion 206 so as to be insertable through the insertion hole 236 of the holding portion 206. The connector 238 is capable of fitting (connecting) with the connector 216 of the power storage device 208.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 4B, a connector displacement mechanism 240 is provided in the internal space 204 of the housing 202. When the power storage device 208 is accommodated in the holding portion 206, the connector displacement mechanism 240 displaces the connector 238 relative to the connector 216 of the power storage device 208, thereby connecting the connector 238 and the connector 216. The connector displacement mechanism 240 is a mechanism that utilizes a terminal displacement mechanism disclosed in, for example, International Publication No. 2019 / 064556. The connector displacement mechanism 240 has an operating lever 242, two link plates 244, two connecting walls 245, and a connector holding member 246.

[0027] The operating lever 242 extends in the X direction above the holding portion 206. Both ends of the operating lever 242 are bent and extend in the Z direction and the Y direction. Therefore, the operating lever 242 is a U-shaped lever. Note that one end of the operating lever 242 is not shown in FIG. 3.

[0028] Each of the bent portions on both sides of the operating lever 242 is supported by a rotating shaft 248 extending in the X direction. Each of the two rotating shafts 248 is connected to a support stay (not shown) fixed to the holding portion 206. Both ends of the operating lever 242 are connected to one ends of two link plates 244 via a connecting pin 250 extending in the X direction. The two link plates 244 extend in the Z direction. The other ends of the two link plates 244 are connected to one ends of a connecting wall 245 via a connecting pin 247 extending in the X direction. The other ends of the two connecting walls 245 are connected to both ends of a connector holding member 246 extending in the X direction. The connector holding member 246 is a plate-shaped member extending in the X direction below the holding portion 206. The connector 238 is attached to the center of the upper surface of the connector holding member 246.

[0029] When the cover 220 is open and the operating lever 242 is in the angular position shown in FIG. 4A, the user can insert the power storage device 208 into the holding portion 206. After inserting the power storage device 208 into the holding portion 206 and storing the power storage device 208 in the holding portion 206, the user operates the operating lever 242 in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 4A. As a result, the operating lever 242 rotates in the direction of the arrow A around the rotating shaft portion 248. The two link plates 244, the two connecting pins 247, and the two connecting walls 245 convert the rotation force of the operating lever 242 transmitted via the connecting pin 250 into a force along the Z direction. As a result, the two link plates 244, the two connecting pins 247, and the two connecting walls 245 are pulled upward. As the two connecting walls 245 move, the connector holding member 246 rises. The connector 238 attached to the connector holding member 246 passes through the insertion hole 236 and moves up.

[0030] When the user rotates the operating lever 242 to the angle position shown in Fig. 4B, the two link plates 244, the two connecting pins 247, and the two connecting walls 245 move further upward. As a result, the connector 238 moves upward and is fitted (connected) to the connector 216. Note that a restricting member (not shown) may be operated in conjunction with the rotation of the operating lever 242. When the operating lever 242 rotates to the angle position shown in Fig. 4B, the restricting member comes into contact with the upper part of the power storage device 208 from above. As a result, the displacement of the power storage device 208 in the Z direction is restricted.

[0031] When the user removes the power storage device 208 from the power device 200, the user presses the open button 222 to open the cover 220. The user rotates the operation lever 242 from the angle position shown in FIG. 4B to the angle position shown in FIG. 4A. When the operation lever 242 rotates in the opposite direction to the direction of the arrow A, the two link plates 244, the two connecting pins 247, and the two connecting walls 245 are lowered. This causes the connector holding member 246 and the connector 238 to also lower. As a result, the fitted state (connected state) between the connector 238 and the connector 216 is released. Note that the restricting member is separated from the power storage device 208 in conjunction with the rotation of the operation lever 242, thereby releasing the restriction on the displacement of the power storage device 208 in the Z direction. Thereafter, the user grasps the handle portion 212 of the power storage device 208 and pulls up the power storage device 208 along the Z direction to remove the power storage device 208 from the power device 200.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram of the power system 210. The power device 200 further includes a detection unit 251, an electromechanical conversion unit 252, an AC / DC conversion unit 254, a control device 256 (mounting device), a power conversion unit 258 (electrical operation unit), a notification unit 260, and an operation input unit 262, in addition to the housing 202 (see Fig. 1), the holding unit 206, and the connector 238. The power storage device 208 further includes an interrupter 264 and a BMU (battery management unit) 266, in addition to the power storage unit 214 and the connector 216. Note that the DC output terminal 228 (see Fig. 1) is not shown in Fig. 5.

[0033] The detector 251 sequentially detects the connection state between the connector 238 and the connector 216. The detector 251 sequentially outputs the detection results to the control device 256.

[0034] The electromechanical converter 252 converts kinetic energy accompanying the movement of the power storage device 208 into electrical energy (power) when the power storage device 208 is attached to or detached from the holder 206. Note that the electromechanical converter 252 can also function as an electromechanical converter 268 independent of the power device 200 and the power storage device 208, as described below. That is, the electromechanical converter 252 (electromechanical converter 268) may be configured to be detachable from the power device 200 or the power storage device 208.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the electromechanical conversion unit 252 has an input unit 270 and a conversion unit 272.

[0036] The input unit 270 receives kinetic energy accompanying the movement of the power storage device 208 when the power storage device 208 is attached to or detached from the holding unit 206. For this reason, it is desirable that the input unit 270 is disposed at a position where it can come into contact with the power storage device 208 when the power storage device 208 is attached to or detached from the holding unit 206. In other words, it is desirable that the input unit 270 is positioned on the movement trajectory of the power storage device 208 when the power storage device 208 is attached to or detached from the holding unit 206.

[0037] The conversion unit 272 converts the kinetic energy input to the input unit 270 into electrical energy.

[0038] 3 illustrates, as a specific example of the electromechanical conversion unit 252, a case in which the input unit 270 is a roller 274 and the conversion unit 272 is a generator 276 connected to the roller 274. As shown in FIG. 3, a hole 278 is formed in the side wall of the holding unit 206. A part of the roller 274 passes through the hole 278 and enters the inside of the holding unit 206. A rotating shaft unit 280 of the generator 276 extends in the Y direction. The roller 274 is connected coaxially with the rotating shaft unit 280. The roller 274 is rotatable around the rotating shaft unit 280.

[0039] When the user inserts the power storage device 208 into the holding section 206, the rollers 274 come into contact with the side surfaces of the power storage device 208. When the power storage device 208 moves toward the bottom plate 234 of the holding section 206, the rollers 274 come into contact with the side surfaces of the power storage device 208 and rotate. The generator 276 generates power based on the rotation of the rollers 274 and the rotating shaft section 280 and outputs AC power (electrical energy). When the bottom of the power storage device 208 comes into contact with the bottom plate 234 of the holding section 206, the movement of the power storage device 208 stops. As a result, the rollers 274 and the rotating shaft section 280 stop rotating. As a result, the generator 276 stops generating power.

[0040] Furthermore, when the user pulls out the power storage device 208 from the holding section 206, the roller 274 rotates in contact with a side surface of the power storage device 208 as the power storage device 208 moves upward. The generator 276 generates power based on the rotation of the roller 274 and the rotating shaft section 280 and outputs AC power. When the power storage device 208 is pulled out of the holding section 206, the roller 274 comes out of contact with the power storage device 208 and stops rotating. When the roller 274 and the rotating shaft section 280 stop rotating, the generator 276 stops generating power.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the AC / DC converter 254 converts the AC power converted by the generator 276 into DC power.

[0042] When the power storage device 208 is attached to the holding unit 206 and the connector 238 and the connector 216 are electrically connected, the power storage device 208 and the power conversion unit 258 can exchange power through the power transmission path 282. That is, the positive electrode of the power storage device 208 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the input side (primary side) of the power conversion unit 258 through one power line 284. The negative electrode of the power storage device 208 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the input side of the power conversion unit 258 through the other power line 286. The AC output terminal 230 is electrically connected to the output side (secondary side) of the power conversion unit 258. An external load 288 is detachably connected to the AC output terminal 230. Therefore, the power device 200 functions as a power supply device that supplies power to the load 288. A typical example of the load 288 is an AC power consuming device such as a home appliance.

[0043] The power conversion unit 258 includes an inverter. The power conversion unit 258 converts DC power supplied from the power storage device 208 into AC power. The load 288 is driven by the AC power supplied from the power conversion unit 258. When the load 288 generates power, the power conversion unit 258 converts the AC power supplied from the load 288 into DC power. The power storage device 208 is charged with the DC power supplied from the power conversion unit 258.

[0044] The control device 256 is a power supply device for starting up the power storage device 208. The control device 256 is also a control device for controlling each part of the power device 200 and the power storage device 208. The control device 256 may be detachable from the power device 200. Alternatively, the control device 256 may be fixed to the power device 200.

[0045] The control device 256 has a DC power conversion unit 290 (electrical operation unit), an ECU (electronic control unit) 292, and a sub-battery 294 (another power storage unit, battery). The ECU 292, which is a computer, realizes the functions of a control unit 298, an activation command unit 300, and a communication unit 302 by reading and executing a program stored in a storage unit 296 (storage medium).

[0046] The two power lines 284, 286 are electrically connected to the input side of a DC power conversion unit 290. The DC power conversion unit 290 is a DC / DC converter. The DC power conversion unit 290 converts the DC voltage of the DC power supplied from the power storage device 208 into a low DC voltage. The DC power conversion unit 290 supplies the converted DC voltage to an ECU 292.

[0047] The sub-battery 294 supplies DC power to the ECU 292. The sub-battery 294 is also charged with the DC power converted by the AC / DC conversion unit 254. The sub-battery 294 can be charged with the DC power converted by the DC power conversion unit 290.

[0048] The activation command unit 300 generates an activation signal (command) for putting the power storage device 208 into a usable state. Specifically, the activation command unit 300 generates, based on a DC voltage supplied from the sub-battery 294 to the ECU 292, a voltage equivalent to the DC voltage as an activation signal. The activation command unit 300 supplies the generated activation signal to the power storage device 208. Note that the activation signal, which is a start command, is low-voltage power (low voltage) for operating the activation control unit 304 inside the power storage device 208. In addition, the activation signal is not limited to a voltage signal (power signal) based on the voltage of the sub-battery 294. The activation signal may be any command signal for switching the power storage device 208 to an active state.

[0049] The control unit 298 controls each unit of the power device 200 including the inside of the control device 256. For example, the control unit 298 controls the operation of the power conversion unit 258. The communication unit 302 transmits and receives signals or information to and from the power storage device 208.

[0050] The notification unit 260 notifies various types of information to the outside based on instructions from the ECU 292. The notification unit 260 is, for example, the indicator 224 (see FIG. 1).

[0051] The operation input unit 262 receives an operation input from a user, and outputs the content of the received operation input to the ECU 292 .

[0052] The power storage unit 214 of the power storage device 208 is composed of a plurality of cells connected in series. The power storage unit 214 is a secondary battery. The interrupter 264 is a switching element such as a contactor or a semiconductor switch. The power storage unit 214 and the interrupter 264 are provided in series with respect to the power conversion unit 258. The conduction state of the interrupter 264 is determined by control from the BMU 266. The BMU 266 detects the state of the power storage unit 214 and notifies the ECU 292 of the detected state. The operating state of the BMU 266 is determined by control from the ECU 292. The BMU 266 controls the conduction state of the interrupter 264 in accordance with the determined operating state.

[0053] The BMU 266 monitors the charging / discharging state of the power storage device 208, the amount of stored power in the power storage unit 214, the temperature, and the like. The BMU 266 shares the monitoring results with the ECU 292. Furthermore, the BMU 266 controls the interrupter 264 and the like based on a control command from the ECU 292 or the above-mentioned monitoring results, thereby controlling charging / discharging between the power storage unit 214 and the outside of the power storage device 208.

[0054] The BMU 266 is a computer such as a processor, etc. The BMU 266 reads out and executes a program stored in the storage unit 306, thereby implementing the functions of the activation control unit 304, the communication processing unit 308, and the battery control unit 310.

[0055] Based on the activation signal supplied from the activation command unit 300, the activation control unit 304 performs control to switch the state of the power storage device 208 from an inactive state in which the power storage unit 214 cannot be electrically connected to the outside of the power storage device 208 to an active state in which the power storage unit 214 can be electrically connected to the outside of the power storage device 208. Specifically, the activation control unit 304 receives the supply of the activation signal and turns on the interrupter 264. Furthermore, when the supply of the activation signal is stopped, the activation control unit 304 turns off the interrupter 264. Therefore, in the inactive state, it is not possible to output power from the power storage unit 214 to the outside of the power storage device 208. Furthermore, in the active state, it is possible to output power from the power storage unit 214 to the outside of the power storage device 208.

[0056] In detail, when the activation control unit 304 detects that the activation signal is in a significant state, it switches the power storage device 208 to an active state by turning on the interrupter 264. For example, when the signal level of the activation signal is equivalent to the signal level of the voltage output from the sub-battery 294, the activation control unit 304 determines that the activation signal is in a significant state (a state in which the activation signal is being supplied), and turns on the interrupter 264.

[0057] Moreover, the activation control unit 304 detects that the activation signal has become inactive, and switches the power storage device 208 to an inactive state. For example, when the signal level of the activation signal becomes a level below a threshold (approximately 0 level), the activation control unit 304 determines that the activation signal is inactive (a state in which the activation signal is not being supplied), and turns off the interrupter 264.

[0058] In this manner, the on / off unit 264 and the activation control unit 304 function as an activation processing unit 312 that switches the power storage device 208 between an activated state and a deactivated state.

[0059] The battery control unit 310 detects, for example, changes in the state (voltage, SOC, etc.) of each cell of the power storage unit 214 and adjusts the charge state of each cell to be uniform. The communication processing unit 308 transmits and receives signals or information to and from the ECU 292.

[0060] Next, modified examples (first modified example to eighth modified example) of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6A to Fig. 14. These modified examples are modified examples of the power device 200, the power storage device 208, or the power system 210. In the description of each modified example, the same components as those in Figs. 1 to 5 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a first modified example. The first modified example differs from the configurations shown in FIGS. 3 to 4B in that the configuration of the connector displacement mechanism 240 has been changed. The connector displacement mechanism 240 in the first modified example is, for example, a mechanism that utilizes a power transmission device disclosed in International Publication No. WO2020 / 235618.

[0062] The connector displacement mechanism 240 is disposed below the holding part 206 so as to face the insertion hole 236 of the holding part 206. In the first modified example, the insertion hole 236 is formed larger than in the configurations of FIGS. 3 to 4B. The connector displacement mechanism 240 has a roller 320, an arm 322, a power transmission part 324, and a connector displacement part 326.

[0063] The power transmission unit 324 is disposed below the holding unit 206 so as to face the insertion hole 236 of the holding unit 206. The power transmission unit 324 extends in the Y direction. The arm 322 extends obliquely upward from the power transmission unit 324. The arm 322 passes through the insertion hole 236 and enters the inside of the holding unit 206. The arm 322 is rotatable about a rotation shaft (not shown) extending in the Y direction. The roller 320 is connected to the tip of the arm 322. Therefore, when the power storage unit 214 is not attached to the holding unit 206, the roller 320 is located inside the holding unit 206. The connector displacement unit 326 is connected to the power transmission unit 324 with a gap in the Y direction from the arm 322. The connector displacement unit 326 extends in the Z direction. The connector displacement unit 326 is displaceable in the Z direction. The connector 238 is connected to the upper end of the connector displacement portion 326 .

[0064] In the first modified example, when the power storage device 208 is accommodated in the holding portion 206, the connector displacement mechanism 240 transmits a force acting on the connector displacement mechanism 240 from the power storage device 208 to the connector 238, thereby lifting the connector 238. This causes the connector 238 and the connector 216 to be connected to each other.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the bottom of the power storage device 208 is not in contact with the roller 320 of the connector displacement mechanism 240, the arm 322 is inserted inside the holding portion 206, and the roller 320 is positioned inside the holding portion 206.

[0066] When the user inserts the power storage device 208 into the holding portion 206 and the bottom of the power storage device 208 abuts against the roller 320, the roller 320 receives a pressing force from the bottom of the power storage device 208. The pressing force from the power storage device 208 is input to the arm 322 via the roller 320. As a result, the arm 322 rotates in the direction of the arrow B in FIG. 6B around the rotation axis. A spring (not shown) is provided in the power transmission portion 324. The spring stores a part of the kinetic energy (energy) transmitted from the power storage device 208 to the arm 322. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6B, the power transmission portion 324 outputs (releases) the energy stored in the spring to the connector displacement portion 326, thereby moving the connector displacement portion 326 upward. As the connector displacement portion 326 moves upward, the connector 238 passes through the insertion hole 236 and rises. This results in a connection between the connector 238 and the connector 216 .

[0067] Furthermore, when the user pulls out the power storage device 208 from the holding portion 206, the connection between the connector 238 and the connector 216 is released. By pulling out the power storage device 208 from the holding portion 206, the roller 320 is released from the pressing force of the power storage device 208. As a result, the roller 320 and the arm 322 return to the initial position shown in Fig. 6A due to the restoring force of the spring. Furthermore, the connector displacement portion 326 (see Fig. 6B) and the connector 238 move downward.

[0068] 7A to 8 are diagrams showing a second modified example. The second modified example differs from the configurations of FIGS. 3 to 4B in that the configuration of the connector displacement mechanism 240 has been changed. The connector displacement mechanism 240 in the second modified example is, for example, a mechanism that utilizes the connector unit disclosed in International Publication No. WO 2022 / 075427.

[0069] The connector displacement mechanism 240 is provided below the holding unit 206. The connector displacement mechanism 240 has a base plate 330, a first rack 332, a first pinion 334, a second pinion 336, and a motor 338. The base plate 330 is attached to the bottom plate 234 of the holding unit 206. The base plate 330 extends downward from the bottom plate 234. The motor 338 is disposed on the base plate 330. The first pinion 334 is coaxially attached to a rotating shaft portion 340 of the motor 338. The first rack 332 extends in the Z direction. The connector 238 is connected to the tip of the first rack 332. The first rack 332 is supported by a support portion (not shown) provided on the base plate 330 so as to be slidable in the Z direction. The second pinion 336 meshes with the first rack 332 and the first pinion 334. In the second modified example, the second pinion 336 may be omitted, and the first rack 332 and the first pinion 334 may be configured to mesh with each other.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 7A, when the user inserts the power storage device 208 into the holding portion 206 and the power storage device 208 is accommodated in the holding portion 206, the connector 216 and the connector 238 face each other as shown in FIG. 7B. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, when DC power is supplied from the sub-battery 294 to the motor 338, the motor 338 is driven. When the rotating shaft portion 280 is rotated by the driving of the motor 338, the rotational force of the rotating shaft portion 280 is transmitted to the first rack 332 via the first pinion 334 and the second pinion 336. The first rack 332 converts the rotational force transmitted from the second pinion 336 into a force in the Z direction. As a result, the first rack 332 and the connector 238 rise toward the power storage device 208. As a result, the connector 238 is connected to the connector 216 through the insertion hole 236 (see FIG. 3).

[0071] A fan 342 is attached to the base plate 330. The fan 342 is driven by DC power supplied from the sub-battery 294. The fan 342 cools the power storage device 208 accommodated in the holding portion 206 by blowing cooling air to the inside of the holding portion 206.

[0072] When the user pulls out the power storage device 208 from the holder 206, the connection between the connector 238 and the connector 216 is released. Next, when DC power is supplied from the sub-battery 294 to the motor 338, the motor 338 is driven. In this case, the motor 338 rotates the rotating shaft 280 so that the connector 238 and the first rack 332 move down. The rotational force of the rotating shaft 280 is transmitted to the first rack 332 via the first pinion 334 and the second pinion 336. The first rack 332 converts the rotational force transmitted from the second pinion 336 into a force in the Z direction. As a result, the first rack 332 and the connector 238 return from the position shown in FIG. 8 to the initial position in FIG. 7A.

[0073] In this way, in the second modified example, the electric power stored in the sub-battery 294 may be supplied to the motor 338 and the fan 342. This allows the electric power generated by the electromechanical converter 252 to be used for purposes other than starting the power storage device 208.

[0074] 9 is a diagram showing a third modified example. In the third modified example, a lever 350 serving as another input unit is connected to a rotating shaft unit 280 of a generator 276. When a user rotates the lever 350 by hand, the generator 276 generates electricity. In other words, the generator 276 functions as a hand-cranked generator.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example. The fourth modified example shows a case where the electromechanical conversion device 268, which is the electromechanical conversion unit 252, is provided outside the power device 200 and the power storage device 208. The electromechanical conversion device 268 has a generator 276 and a lever 352 as another input unit. The generator 276 is a DC generator. Alternatively, the generator 276 may be an AC generator. The lever 352 is connected to a rotating shaft portion 280 of the generator 276. When a user rotates the lever 352 by hand, the generator 276 generates power. That is, the generator 276 functions as a hand-cranked generator. The generator 276 supplies the generated power (DC power) to a sub-battery 294 to charge the sub-battery 294. Alternatively, the generator 276 may supply the generated power to the power storage unit 214 of the power storage device 208 to charge the power storage unit 214, as shown by a two-dot chain line. In this case, the power storage device 208 may have a connector 354 (another connection part) such as an input terminal to receive power from the generator 276. The connector 354 may be, for example, a female connector such as a receptacle. The generator 276 may also be provided with a power storage unit 355 for storing the generated power.

[0076] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fifth modified example. The fifth modified example shows a case where the electromechanical conversion unit 252 is provided in the power storage device 208. As in the third modified example, the electromechanical conversion unit 252 has a generator 276 and a lever 356 as another input unit. The generator 276 is a DC generator. Alternatively, the generator 276 may be an AC generator. The lever 356 is connected to a rotating shaft portion 280 of the generator 276. When a user rotates the lever 356 by hand, the generator 276 generates power. That is, the generator 276 functions as a hand-cranked generator. The generator 276 supplies the generated power (DC power) to the power storage unit 214, and charges the power storage unit 214.

[0077] 12A and 12B are diagrams showing a sixth modified example. In the sixth modified example, the holding portion 206 is configured to be movable in the Z direction. Therefore, in the sixth modified example, the connector displacement mechanism 240 is not provided in the housing 202. Note that in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the holding portion 206 is illustrated as having a constant thickness.

[0078] In the sixth modified example, a support plate 360 ​​is disposed below the holding portion 206. The support plate 360 ​​extends in the X and Y directions. A connector 238 is disposed below the insertion hole 236 on the upper surface of the support plate 360. A plurality of spring members 362 are interposed between the bottom plate 234 of the holding portion 206 and the support plate 360. The plurality of spring members 362 extend upward. The holding portion 206 receives an upward elastic force from the spring members 362.

[0079] The electromechanical transducer 252 is disposed so as to come into contact with the holding unit 206. That is, the roller 274, which is the input unit 270, is disposed so as to come into contact with the side plate of the holding unit 206. That is, the input unit 270 receives kinetic energy accompanying the movement of the holding unit 206 when the holding unit 206 moves. Therefore, in the sixth modified example, it is desirable that the input unit 270 is disposed at a position where it can come into contact with the holding unit 206 when the holding unit 206 moves. That is, it is desirable that the input unit 270 is located on the movement trajectory of the holding unit 206 when the holding unit 206 moves.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 12A, the user inserts the power storage device 208 into the holding portion 206 and pushes the power storage device 208 into the holding portion 206. As a result, the power storage device 208 is housed in the holding portion 206. The holding portion 206 descends against the elastic force of the plurality of spring members 362 due to the weight of the power storage device 208. At this time, the holding portion 206 descends while decelerating the moving speed of the power storage device 208 due to the elastic force from the spring members 362. As a result, the plurality of spring members 362 are compressed downward. When the user further pushes the power storage device 208 downward, the connector 238 is inserted through the insertion hole 236 and connected to the connector 216, as shown in FIG. 12B. In this case, the roller 274 rotates when the holding portion 206 descends. Therefore, the generator 276 generates electricity as the roller 274 and the rotating shaft portion 280 rotate.

[0081] When the user removes the power storage device 208 from the holding portion 206, the connection between the connector 238 and the connector 216 is released. In addition, the holding portion 206 is released from the state in which it is pressed by the power storage device 208. As a result, the multiple spring members 362 extend upward, and the holding portion 206 rises so as to move away from the support plate 360. The roller 274 rotates when the holding portion 206 rises. Therefore, the generator 276 generates electricity as the roller 274 and the rotating shaft portion 280 rotate.

[0082] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a seventh modified example. The seventh modified example differs from the sixth modified example in that a mechanical-electrical transducer 252 is disposed below the holding part 206. That is, the seventh modified example differs from the sixth modified example in that one spring member 362 out of a plurality of spring members 362 is replaced with the mechanical-electrical transducer 252. The mechanical-electrical transducer 252 is not connected to the support plate 360.

[0083] Specifically, the electromechanical conversion unit 252 has a second rack 370, a third pinion 372, a fourth pinion 374, and a generator 276. The second rack 370, the third pinion 372, and the fourth pinion 374 configure the input unit 270. The second rack 370 is connected to the bottom plate 234 of the holding unit 206. The second rack 370 extends downward from the bottom plate 234 of the holding unit 206. The third pinion 372 is coaxially connected to the rotating shaft unit 280 of the generator 276. The fourth pinion 374 meshes with the third pinion 372 and the second rack 370. Note that in the seventh modified example, the fourth pinion 374 may be omitted, and the second rack 370 and the third pinion 372 may be configured to mesh with each other.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 13A, the user inserts the power storage device 208 into the holding portion 206 and pushes the power storage device 208 into the holding portion 206. As a result, the power storage device 208 is housed in the holding portion 206. The holding portion 206 descends against the elastic force of the spring member 362 due to the weight of the power storage device 208. At this time, the holding portion 206 descends while decelerating the power storage device 208 due to the elastic force from the spring member 362. As a result, the spring member 362 is compressed downward. In addition, the second rack 370 descends together with the holding portion 206. Since the fourth pinion 374 is engaged with the second rack 370 and the third pinion 372, the downward moving force of the second rack 370 is converted into a rotational force. The generator 276 generates electricity when a rotational force is transmitted from the fourth pinion 374 to the third pinion 372 and the rotating shaft portion 280 rotates.

[0085] When the user pushes power storage device 208 further downward, as shown in Fig. 13B, connector 238 passes through insertion hole 236 and is connected to connector 216. At this time, holding portion 206 and second rack 370 stop descending, so that third pinion 372 and fourth pinion 374 also stop rotating. As a result, generator 276 stops generating power.

[0086] When the user removes the power storage device 208 from the holding portion 206, the connection between the connector 238 and the connector 216 is released. In addition, the holding portion 206 is released from the state in which it is pressed by the power storage device 208. As a result, the spring member 362 extends upward, and the holding portion 206 rises so as to move away from the support plate 360. At this time, the second rack 370 rises together with the holding portion 206. The fourth pinion 374 converts the upward moving force of the second rack 370 into a rotational force. The generator 276 generates electricity by the rotational force transmitted from the fourth pinion 374 to the third pinion 372.

[0087] Thereafter, the holder 206 is supported above the support plate 360 ​​with the spring member 362 fully extended upward. That is, the holder 206 and the second rack 370 stop rising. As a result, the holder 206 and the second rack 370 return to the initial positions shown in FIG. 13A. As a result, the third pinion 372 and the fourth pinion 374 stop rotating, and the generator 276 stops generating power.

[0088] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an eighth modified example. The eighth modified example differs from the configuration of FIG. 5 in that a capacitor 380 (another power storage unit) is provided instead of the sub-battery. In the eighth modified example, a switch 382 and a capacitor 380 are connected in series to an AC / DC converter 254. The switch 382 is a switch that is turned on and off in response to an operation input by a user to an operation input unit 262. The switch 382 may be a switching element such as a contactor or a semiconductor switch. Various types of capacitors can be used for the capacitor 380, such as a relatively large-capacity capacitor such as an electric double-layer capacitor, a relatively small-capacity capacitor such as a multilayer ceramic capacitor, or an electrolytic capacitor.

[0089] When switch 382 is on, DC power can be supplied from AC / DC conversion unit 254 or DC power conversion unit 290 to capacitor 380 to charge capacitor 380. DC power can also be supplied from capacitor 380 to ECU 292. Furthermore, discharging of capacitor 380 can be suppressed by turning switch 382 off.

[0090] Next, the operation of the power system 210 including the power device 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Note that this operation description is common to each configuration of the power system 210 described with reference to Figs.

[0091] First, in step S1 , a user inserts the power storage device 208 into the holding portion 206 of the power device 200 .

[0092] In step S2, when the power storage device 208 is inserted into the holding portion 206, or when the holding portion 206 to which the power storage device 208 is attached is lowered, the electromechanical conversion unit 252 generates power. Specifically, when the input unit 270 comes into contact with the power storage device 208 or the holding portion 206 during movement, the input unit 270 receives kinetic energy of the power storage device 208 or the holding portion 206. The conversion unit 272 converts the kinetic energy received by the input unit 270 into electrical energy. Specifically, the conversion unit 272 generates power based on the kinetic energy to generate AC power.

[0093] In step S3, the AC / DC converter 254 converts the AC power generated by the converter 272 into DC power. The AC / DC converter 254 supplies the converted DC power to the sub-battery 294 or the capacitor 380. As a result, the sub-battery 294 or the capacitor 380 is charged.

[0094] In step S4, the user operates operation input unit 262. Sub-battery 294 or capacitor 380 starts supplying DC power to each unit of power device 200 including ECU 292, based on the operation input at operation input unit 262. As a result, power device 200 including ECU 292 is started up.

[0095] Detection unit 251 sequentially detects the connection state between connector 216 of power storage device 208 and connector 238, and sequentially outputs the detection results to ECU 292. In step S5, control unit 298 of ECU 292 determines whether or not connector 238 and connector 216 are in a connected state (whether or not the connection has been completed) based on the detection result from detection unit 251.

[0096] If the detection result indicates that connector 238 and connector 216 are in a connected state, control unit 298 determines that power storage device 208 is accommodated in holding unit 206 and that connector 238 and connector 216 are connected (step S5: YES (first step)). After that, ECU 292 proceeds to the process of step S6.

[0097] In step S6, the control unit 298 instructs the activation command unit 300 to generate an activation signal. The activation command unit 300 receives the instruction from the control unit 298 and starts generating an activation signal based on the DC power (DC voltage) supplied from the sub-battery 294.

[0098] As a result, in step S7 (second step), the activation command section 300 starts supplying an activation signal to the activation control section 304.

[0099] In step S8 (third step), the activation control unit 304 switches the interrupter 264 from off to on based on the activation signal supplied from the activation command unit 300. This switches the power storage device 208 from a non-activated state to an activated state. Furthermore, the BMU 266 executes a startup process for the power storage device 208, including an initialization process for the power storage device 208. As a result, the power storage device 208 starts up. Note that the execution of the startup process enables transmission and reception of various signals or information between the communication processing unit 308 and the communication unit 302.

[0100] In step S9, power storage device 208 starts supplying DC power from power storage unit 214 to the outside (power device 200).

[0101] In step S10, power conversion unit 258 converts DC power into AC power under the control of ECU 292. Power conversion unit 258 supplies external load 288 with the converted AC power.

[0102] Thereafter, when the user decides to stop driving the power device 200 (step S11: YES), in step S12, the user pulls out the power storage device 208 from the holding unit 206. This causes the connector 216 and the connector 238 to be in a disconnected state. As a result, the supply of DC power from the power storage device 208 to the power device 200 is cut off. Therefore, the power device 200 switches from an activated state to a deactivated state. Also, since the supply of an activation signal from the activation command unit 300 to the activation control unit 304 is cut off, the power storage device 208 switches from an activated state to a deactivated state.

[0103] In step S13, when the power storage device 208 is being removed from the holding unit 206, the input unit 270 in contact with the holding unit 206 or the power storage device 208 receives kinetic energy of the holding unit 206 or the power storage device 208. The conversion unit 272 converts the kinetic energy received by the input unit 270 into electric energy. That is, the conversion unit 272 generates AC power.

[0104] In step S14, the AC / DC converter 254 converts the AC power generated by the converter 272 into DC power, and charges the sub-battery 294 or the capacitor 380 with the DC power.

[0105] In this embodiment, the connector 238 is configured to allow the power storage device 208 to be attached and detached without requiring special tools, etc. This embodiment is also applicable to cases where the power storage device 208 is not frequently attached and detached to and from the connector 238.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the case has been described where the power storage device 208 or the holding unit 206 moves up and down in the Z direction within the housing 202. The holding unit 206 that holds the power storage device 208 can also move translationally or rotationally. Even in this case, the electromechanical conversion unit 252 (electromechanical conversion device 268) can receive the kinetic energy of the power storage device 208 or the holding unit 206 and convert it into electrical energy.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it has been described that the generator 276 can function as a hand-cranked generator. In this embodiment, the generator 276 may generate electricity by receiving leg force (pedal force) of the user.

[0108] In this embodiment, the power system 210 is applicable to various power supply systems that supply power from at least one power storage device 208 to a load 288 or the like, or charge at least one power storage device 208. The power system 210 can be installed in a home, an office, a public facility, or the like.

[0109] The power system 210 can be applied to a power supply system of various types of moving bodies. The various types of moving bodies include moving bodies that people can ride on and moving bodies that people cannot ride on. Examples of such moving bodies include vehicles, aircraft, flying bodies, and ships. Examples of the power supply system of a vehicle include a power supply system of an electric vehicle such as an electric car, and a power supply system of a vehicle equipped with a drive motor such as a hybrid vehicle. That is, the power system 210 can be applied to a power supply system of various types of vehicles such as a unicycle, a two-wheeled vehicle, or a four-wheeled vehicle. When the power system 210 is applied to a moving body, the control device 256 may be configured to be detachable from the moving body as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 14.

[0110] The power system 210 can also be applied to a power supply system for various general-purpose devices. Specifically, the various general-purpose devices include (1) various chargers, (2) various dischargers, and (3) various working machines such as general-purpose working machines, lawnmowers, tillers, and blowers. The various general-purpose devices also include (4) electric devices without motors such as floodlights and lighting equipment, and (5) various devices installed in houses and buildings. Even in this case, the control device 256 may be configured to be detachable from the general-purpose devices, as shown in Figs. 5 and 14.

[0111] (1) to (5) may be general-purpose equipment that does not require a person to ride on. (3) may be a working machine that does not require a person to ride on. Alternatively, (3) may be a working machine that requires a person to ride on. Furthermore, examples of the above (5) include (A) equipment that operates on DC power, such as audio equipment such as a clock and a radio cassette recorder, and (B) equipment that operates on AC power, such as an electric fan, a juicer, a mixer, or an incandescent light. Further, another example of the above (5) includes (C) equipment that operates on DC power converted from AC power, such as a television, a radio, a stereo, or a personal computer. Further, another example of the above (5) includes (D) inverter-type equipment including a washing machine, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a microwave oven, and a fluorescent light. The above (D) equipment is equipment that operates on AC power that is converted from AC power to DC power and then further converted from the DC power.

[0112] The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below.

[0113] A first aspect of the present invention is an electric power device (200) comprising a connection portion (238) to which an electric storage device (208) is connected, and an electrical operation portion (258, 290) electrically connected to the connection portion, wherein the electric storage device has an electric storage unit (214) and an activation processing portion (312) for switching the state of the electric storage device to an active state in which the electric storage unit can be electrically connected to the outside of the electric storage device, or an inactive state in which the electric storage unit cannot be electrically connected to the outside of the electric storage device, and the electric power device or a mounting device (256) mounted on the electric power device has an activation command portion (300) for outputting a command to the activation processing portion, and another electric storage unit (294, 380) electrically connected to the activation command portion and supplying electric power, and the activation processing portion is configured to switch to the active state or the inactive state by the command output from the activation command portion.

[0114] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the other power storage unit mounted in the power device. In other words, the capacity of the other power storage unit can be reduced. This makes it possible to avoid an increase in the size of the power device and suppresses a rise in the cost of the power device.

[0115] In the first aspect of the present invention, the power device may further include a holding section (206) for detachably holding the power storage device.

[0116] This makes it possible to hold the power storage device within the power device.

[0117] In a first aspect of the present invention, the power device may further include a mechanical-electrical conversion unit (252) having an input unit (270) arranged to receive kinetic energy accompanying movement of the power storage device when the power storage device is attached to or detached from the holding unit, and a conversion unit (272) that converts the kinetic energy input to the input unit into electrical energy.

[0118] This allows the electric energy converted by the conversion unit to be stored in the other power storage unit when the power storage device is attached to or detached from the holding unit, thereby making it possible to reduce the capacity of the other power storage unit.

[0119] In the first aspect of the present invention, the electromechanical transducer may be electrically connected to the other power storage unit.

[0120] This makes it possible to easily store the electric energy converted by the conversion unit in another power storage unit.

[0121] In the first aspect of the present invention, the input section may be disposed at a position where it can come into contact with the power storage device on a movement trajectory of the power storage device when the power storage device is attached to or detached from the holding section.

[0122] This allows the input unit to easily receive the kinetic energy of the power storage device when the power storage device moves.

[0123] In a first aspect of the present invention, the holding section may be movable while holding the power storage device, and the input section may be positioned on a movement trajectory of the holding section at a position where it can come into contact with the holding section.

[0124] This allows the input portion to easily receive the kinetic energy of the holding portion when the holding portion that holds the power storage device moves.

[0125] In the first aspect of the present invention, the electromechanical conversion unit may be provided so as to input to the conversion unit power from another input unit (350, 352, 356) to which human power is input.

[0126] As a result, even if the user inputs power to the conversion unit using another input unit, the conversion unit can convert the energy of the input power into electrical energy.

[0127] In the first aspect of the present invention, the other input unit may be provided detachably with respect to the electromechanical conversion unit.

[0128] This improves the ease of use of the power device.

[0129] In the first aspect of the present invention, the other power storage unit may be a battery (294) or a capacitor (380).

[0130] This makes it possible to easily store the electric energy converted by the conversion unit.

[0131] A second aspect of the present invention is a mechanical-electrical conversion device (268) comprising an input section and a conversion section for converting kinetic energy input to the input section into electrical energy, the input section being positioned in a holding device (200) having a holding section in which an item (208) is removably held so as to receive the kinetic energy accompanying movement of the item when the item is attached to or detached from the holding section.

[0132] The present invention also provides the same effects as the first aspect.

[0133] In the second aspect of the present invention, the input unit may be disposed at a position on a movement trajectory of the article when the article is attached to or detached from the holder so as to be able to come into contact with the article.

[0134] This allows the input portion to easily receive the kinetic energy of the article when the article moves.

[0135] In a second aspect of the present invention, the holding portion may be configured to be movable while holding the item, and the input portion may be positioned on a movement trajectory of the holding portion so as to be able to come into contact with the holding portion.

[0136] This allows the input section to easily receive the kinetic energy of the holding section when the holding section holding an article moves.

[0137] A third aspect of the present invention is a power storage device having a power storage unit, the power storage device having an activation processing unit which switches the state of the power storage unit to an active state in which the power storage unit can be electrically connected to the outside of the power storage device, or an inactive state in which the power storage unit cannot be electrically connected to the outside of the power storage device, and other connection units (216, 354), the other connection units being electrically connected to a mechanical-electrical conversion unit having an input unit for inputting human force and a conversion unit for converting kinetic energy input to the input unit into electrical energy, or being electrically connected to the activation processing unit, or being electrically connected to an activation command unit (300) which outputs a command to the activation processing unit.

[0138] The present invention also provides the same effects as the first aspect.

[0139] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a power system (210) including the power device and the power storage device of the first aspect.

[0140] The present invention also provides the same effects as the first aspect.

[0141] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a control method for a power system including a power storage device and a power device to which the power storage device is connected, wherein the power storage device has a power storage unit and an activation processing unit that switches the state of the power storage device to an active state in which the power storage unit can be electrically connected to the outside of the power storage device, or an inactive state in which the power storage unit cannot be electrically connected to the outside of the power storage device, the power device has a connection unit to which the power storage device is connected and an electrically operating unit that is electrically connected to the connection unit, the power device or a mounting device attached to the power device has an activation command unit that outputs a command to the activation processing unit, and another power storage unit that is electrically connected to the activation command unit and supplies power, and the control method has a first step (S5) of connecting the connection unit and the power storage device, a second step (S7) of outputting the command from the activation command unit to the activation processing unit via the connection unit, and a third step (S8) of the activation processing unit receiving the command and switching the power storage device to the active state.

[0142] The present invention also provides the same effects as the first aspect.

[0143] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer (292) to execute the power system control method according to the fifth aspect.

[0144] The present invention also provides the same effects as the first aspect.

[0145] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a storage medium (296) that stores the program of the sixth aspect.

[0146] The present invention also provides the same effects as the first aspect.

[0147] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 200…Power device (holding device) 206...Holding part 208…Electricity storage device (article) 210…Power Systems 214…Electricity storage unit 216, 354...Connectors (other connections) 238…Connector (connection part) 256...Control device (mounting device) 258...Power conversion unit (electrical operating unit) 268…Mechanical-electrical conversion device 270...Input section 272…Conversion section 290...DC power conversion unit (electrical operating unit) 292…ECU (computer) 294…Sub-battery (other storage unit) 296...Storage unit (storage medium) 300…Activation command unit 312...Active processing section 380...Capacitor (other storage unit)

Claims

1. An electric power device including a connection part to which a power storage device is connected and an electric operating part electrically connected to the connection part, the power storage device includes a power storage unit and an activation processing unit that switches a state of the power storage device between an active state in which the power storage unit can be electrically connected to an external device of the power storage device and an inactive state in which the power storage unit cannot be electrically connected to an external device of the power storage device, The power device or a mounting device mounted on the power device has an activation command unit that outputs a command to the activation processing unit, and another power storage unit that is electrically connected to the activation command unit and supplies power, The activation processing unit is configured to switch between the activated state and the inactivated state in response to the command output from the activation command unit.

2. 2. The power device according to claim 1, The electric power device further comprises a holding section for detachably holding the power storage device.

3. 3. The power device according to claim 2, The electric power device further includes an electromechanical conversion unit having an input unit arranged to receive kinetic energy accompanying movement of the electric storage device when the electric storage device is attached to or detached from the holding unit, and a conversion unit that converts the kinetic energy input to the input unit into electrical energy.

4. 4. The power device according to claim 3, The electromechanical transducer is electrically connected to the other power storage unit.

5. 5. The power device according to claim 3 or 4, The input unit is disposed at a position where it can come into contact with the power storage device on a movement trajectory of the power storage device when the power storage device is attached to or detached from the holding unit.

6. 5. The power device according to claim 3 or 4, the holding section is provided to be movable while holding the power storage device, The power device, wherein the input unit is arranged at a position on a movement trajectory of the holding unit where the input unit can come into contact with the holding unit.

7. 5. The power device according to claim 3 or 4, The electromechanical conversion unit is an electric power device that is configured to input power from another input unit to which human power is input.

8. 8. The power device according to claim 7, The other input unit is detachably provided with respect to the electromechanical conversion unit.

9. The power device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The power device, wherein the other power storage unit is a battery or a capacitor.

10. 1. An electromechanical conversion device including an input unit and a conversion unit that converts kinetic energy input to the input unit into electrical energy, The input section is a mechanical-electrical conversion device that is arranged in a holding device having a holding section in which an item is removably held so as to receive the kinetic energy associated with the movement of the item when the item is attached to or detached from the holding section.

11. 11. The electromechanical transducer according to claim 10, The input unit is disposed at a position where it can come into contact with the item on a movement trajectory of the item when the item is attached to or detached from the holder.

12. 12. The electromechanical transducer according to claim 10, the holding portion is provided so as to be movable while holding the article, The input unit is disposed at a position on a movement trajectory of the holding unit where the input unit can come into contact with the holding unit.

13. A power storage device having a power storage unit, an activation processing unit that switches the state of the power storage device between an active state in which the power storage unit can be electrically connected to an external device of the power storage device and an inactive state in which the power storage unit cannot be electrically connected to an external device of the power storage device; Other connections and and The other connection portion is or electrically connected to a mechanical-electrical conversion unit having an input unit to which human power is input and a conversion unit that converts the kinetic energy input to the input unit into electrical energy; electrically connected to the active processing section; Alternatively, the power storage device is electrically connected to an activation command unit that outputs a command to the activation processing unit.

14. A power system comprising the power device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and the power storage device.

15. A control method for a power system including a power storage device and a power device to which the power storage device is connected, comprising: the power storage device includes a power storage unit and an activation processing unit that switches a state of the power storage device between an active state in which the power storage unit can be electrically connected to an external device of the power storage device and an inactive state in which the power storage unit cannot be electrically connected to an external device of the power storage device, the power device has a connection portion to which the power storage device is connected and an electric operating portion electrically connected to the connection portion, The power device or a mounting device mounted on the power device has an activation command unit that outputs a command to the activation processing unit, and another power storage unit that is electrically connected to the activation command unit and supplies power, The control method includes: a first step of connecting the connection portion and the power storage device; a second step of outputting the command from the activation command unit to the activation processing unit via the connection unit; a third step in which the activation processing unit receives the command and switches the power storage device to the active state; A method for controlling a power system, comprising:

16. A program that causes a computer to execute the power system control method according to claim 15.

17. A storage medium storing the program according to claim 16.

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