Device

Abstract

To provide a device which can suppress a voltage between terminals of a battery from largely decreasing in the case of being unused over a long period of time or such a case, and which can be supplied with an electric power from a battery and can operate normally when used.SOLUTION: A power supply device 10 comprises: a battery 1; a circuit unit 2 through which a current from the battery flows; and a housing 3 in which the battery and the circuit unit are encased. The power supply device further comprises: a first connector 7 which is linked to the battery through power source codes 6, and on which a terminal voltage of the battery arises; and a second connector 8 which can be removably engaged with the first connector. The circuit unit has electrical continuity with the second connector. In a state in which the first connector is connected with the second connector are connected, a current from the battery flows. The second connector can be engaged with the first connector or disengaged therefrom through an opening 3a the housing has in a cover member 17 of a front case 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a device incorporating a battery.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle power supply control device that installs a keep relay between a battery and an electronic control device that requires interruption of dark current, and prevents battery overcharge by interrupting the keep relay when the ignition switch is not turned on for a long time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The vehicle power supply control device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is installed as a device separate from a vehicle battery and an electronic control device installed in the vehicle, and the voltage of the battery drops due to dark current flowing through an electronic control device separate from the battery, resulting in battery overcharge.

[0005] For example, in a device incorporating a battery other than a vehicle battery and having a circuit in which dark current flows within the device, when interrupting the dark current when not in use for a long time, the above-described conventional technology cannot be used as it is. That is, since the battery and the circuit in which dark current flows exist in the same device, the overall configuration is different from that of the control device of Patent Document 1, and the technology of monitoring the state of the ignition switch and interrupting the dark current cannot be directly applied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) An apparatus comprising a battery, a circuit section through which current from the battery flows, and a housing that houses the battery and the circuit section, having a first connector that outputs a voltage based on the terminal voltage of the battery and a second connector that is detachable from the first connector, wherein the circuit section is in conduction with the second connector, and when the first connector and the second connector are connected, the current from the battery flows, and the attachment and detachment of the first connector and the second connector can be performed through an opening provided in the housing.

[0007] The battery may be, for example, a primary battery, but it is preferably a secondary battery. The circuit section preferably includes, for example, a circuit that stabilizes the voltage output from the battery to the outside, a circuit that monitors the voltage of the battery, and a circuit that charges the secondary battery when the battery is a secondary battery. The housing is for housing the battery and the circuit section and is also referred to as a container or a case. For example, it is preferably configured by combining a plurality of parts. In particular, the part that houses the battery is preferably, for example, in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the periphery of the battery. Conduction is, for example, a state in which when the first connector and the second connector are connected and power is supplied from the battery, current can flow through at least a part of the circuit section. The power cord is preferably, for example, a lead wire. By using a lead wire, for example, even when the battery has a large capacity, it can be easily accommodated by using a lead wire of an appropriate thickness corresponding thereto. In particular, it is preferably not to provide a switch for cutting off the power supply from the battery between the battery and the circuit section. By doing so, the space required for installing the switch becomes unnecessary, and the apparatus can be downsized.

[0008] In the present invention, by removing the first connector and the second connector, the energization of the current from the battery to the circuit section is interrupted. Therefore, for example, when the apparatus is not in use, by removing the first connector and the second connector, the amount by which the current from the battery flows through the circuit section during the non-use period and the capacity of the battery decreases is reduced, and when the user attempts to actually use the apparatus, the apparatus operates normally.

[0009] For example, the first connector is integrated with the battery, and the second connector is connected so as to conduct to the circuit section. Even when the first connector and the second connector are disconnected, for example, the first connector and the second connector will not be lost, and the user will not lose sight of the connectors. The user can easily connect them without searching for the first connector and the second connector when using them next. In addition, the user can easily visually confirm whether the first connector and the second connector are connected or disconnected. If it is not in the desired state, by performing connection / disconnection processing, an appropriate battery protection / usage state can be achieved.

[0010] The circuit section may be one or a plurality. When there are a plurality, for example, when the battery is a secondary battery, there are a charging circuit for charging the secondary battery, a voltage monitoring circuit for monitoring the voltage of the battery, a power output circuit for supplying power to an external device, and the like. When there are a plurality, the object for which the current from the battery stops flowing when the first connector and the second connector are disconnected may be a part of the plurality of circuit sections, but it is preferable to make it all the circuit sections because the reduction of the remaining capacity of the battery can be more effectively suppressed.

[0011] For example, the first connector and the second connector housed in the housing may be made exposable through an opening. By doing so, it becomes easier to perform the attachment / detachment operation of the first connector and the second connector. In particular, the first connector and the second connector housed in the housing may be exposed through the opening. Since the user can see the opening and the first connector and the second connector are exposed, the user can easily recognize that they can be connected or disconnected. Moreover, since the first connector and the second connector are exposed, the user can easily perform insertion work and the like.

[0012] (2) It is provided with a cover member that covers at least a part of the opening, and in a state where at least a part of the opening is covered by the cover member, it is preferable that the first connector and the second connector do not protrude outside the housing. The configuration of not protruding outside the housing may be, for example, such that the region that is not covered by the cover member of the opening and is in an open state has a width and dimension through which the first connector and the second connector in the connected state cannot pass. By covering with the cover member, for example, it is possible to prevent the first connector and the second connector in the connected state from protruding outside the housing during the use of the device, and to prevent the user from accidentally touching and detaching the first connector and the second connector. Also, even when the cover member does not cover the opening, it is preferable to enable at least one of the first connector and the second connector to be positioned outside the housing in the uncovered state. By doing so, the cover member can be removed from the opening, and at least one connector can be positioned outside the housing in the state where the opening is not covered. For example, the attachment and detachment work can be facilitated. As a configuration that enables positioning outside the housing, for example, the length of a line other than the wiring pattern connected to a connector such as a power cord may be increased to position the first connector or the second connector outside the housing. In this way, for example, the user can easily perform the attachment and detachment work with the first connector or the second connector positioned outside the housing, and after the attachment and detachment work, the first connector and the second connector can be stored inside the housing.

[0013] The cover member covers at least a part of the opening, but it is even better if it covers the entire opening. By covering the entire opening in this way, for example, it is possible to prevent dust, dirt, and other foreign substances from entering the housing, or the appearance can be improved because the opening is neatly closed.

[0014] In addition, in the embodiment, the cover member is formed integrally with the housing, but it may be formed as a separate member and attachable to and detachable from the housing. It is preferable that the cover member is integral with the housing as in the embodiment because the cover member will not be lost. For example, if the cover member is a separate member, the user detaches and attaches the connector with the cover member removed from the housing in order to perform the attachment and detachment operation of the connector, and then attaches the removed cover member to the opening. However, there is a possibility that it may be lost or misplaced when it is removed and placed around. In particular, the cover member is preferably sized according to the dimensions and shape of the opening. In this way, it tends to be small and easy to be lost. Also, as in the embodiment, the device is preferably for in-vehicle use. For example, as the installation position of the in-vehicle device, it is preferably arranged below, such as the floor in the vehicle interior. When the installation location of the device is below and the attachment and detachment operation of the connector is difficult, the user may not be able to find the cover member temporarily placed in other locations around due to concentrating on the attachment and detachment of the connector. Also, for example, as the size of the opening decreases, the size of the cover member also decreases, and the attachment and detachment operation of the cover member as a separate member to and from the housing becomes complicated. In view of this point as well, it is preferable to configure the cover member integrally with the housing.

[0015] (3) The opening may be configured to be sized such that a person's finger can enter and the first connector and the second connector can be detached and attached. By doing so, the user can detach and attach the first connector and the second connector with their finger, for example, without using a special jig, tool, or the like. Therefore, for example, when it is planned not to use the device for a certain period of time or for a long period of time, the first connector and the second connector can be easily and casually removed, and the battery consumption when the device is not in use can be suppressed as much as possible. On the other hand, if it cannot be easily and casually detached and attached, for example, when the period during which it is not expected to be used is not very long, it is troublesome for the user to remove the first connector and the second connector, and there is a possibility that they will hesitate to remove them and leave them connected. And for example, due to the repetition of such a situation, there is a risk that the remaining battery capacity will drop more than necessary by the time the user notices. Since the first connector and the second connector can be easily and casually detached and attached, for example, it becomes easier for the user to get used to casually removing the first connector and the second connector, and the occurrence of such a situation can be suppressed as much as possible.

[0016] The housing may be composed of a single surface, but it is better to have a plurality of surfaces. In order for the opening to allow a person's finger to enter, for example, one surface of a housing having a plurality of surfaces may be largely opened or three-dimensionally opened. The three-dimensionally opened configuration may be, for example, a configuration that allows the insertion of a finger from different directions. In particular, by three-dimensionally opening as in the embodiment, even if the opening area of a certain surface is small, a finger can be inserted from different directions, so that the detachment and attachment work of the first connector and the second connector can be efficiently performed.

[0017] (4) The circuit portion may be provided on a substrate, and the second connector may be directly connected to a portion exposed to the outside through the opening of the substrate having a wiring pattern that conducts with the circuit portion. In the embodiment, the substrate on which the circuit portion is mounted and the substrate to which the second connector is connected are the same single substrate, but they may be different substrates. Using the same substrate is better because the configuration is simple and the installation into the housing can be easily performed.

[0018] In this way, since the second connector is fixed to the substrate, it becomes easier for the user to insert and remove the first connector. For example, the user can easily remove the first connector and the second connector, which is good for protecting the battery. Also, since the second connector is fixed to the substrate, the orientation of the second connector is specified. Therefore, for example, if the second connector is oriented so that it can be inserted from the open direction, the attachment and detachment operations of the connectors can be easily performed, and the user can, for example, get used to easily removing the first connector and the second connector when the device is not in use, which is good. In particular, when the direction of insertion and removal of the first connector is along the plane of the substrate, it is preferable because the operability is improved as the first connector can be moved along the substrate when attaching and detaching the connectors. Furthermore, if the first connector is configured to move while in contact with the substrate and engage and disengage with the second connector, the user can, for example, perform the attachment and detachment operation of the connectors by moving the first connector on the substrate while pressing it against the substrate. In this case, if the opening described in (3) above is provided three-dimensionally so that the opening surface includes at least the surface facing the substrate, it is preferable because workability when pressing the first connector against the substrate, such as ensuring a moving space for the finger, can be achieved.

[0019] In particular, it is good if the substrate is fixed so as not to move when the first connector and the second connector are attached and detached, and it is particularly good if it is fixed to the housing.

[0020] (5) It is preferable that the circuit portion other than the wiring pattern is not exposed from the opening. By doing so, when performing the attachment and detachment operations of the first connector and the second connector, it is good because it is possible to suppress as much as possible the user accidentally touching components and elements of the circuit portion or foreign objects getting mixed in.

[0021] (6) The power cord may be routed along the side surface of the battery and arranged within the space between the side surface of the battery and the inner surface of the housing along the side surface of the battery. The side surface of the battery is, for example, the circumferential surface in the case of a cylindrical battery, or the side surface of the single battery located on the outside or the surface where the electrodes do not appear in the case of a battery pack formed by combining a plurality of single batteries. By doing so, since the power cord is along the side surface of the battery, the routing space of the power cord does not bulge much outside the battery. The space between the side surface of the battery along which the power cord is routed and the inner surface of the housing along that side surface only needs to have a gap for arranging the power cord, and it can be narrow. Therefore, it is good because the space inside the housing can be made small. For example, it is also possible to make the shape of the space for housing the battery in the housing close to the outer shape of the battery to make the entire device compact.

[0022] (7) The opening may be provided at the end side of the housing on the side of the space where the circuit portion of the housing is housed. By providing it at the end of the housing, it is good because a working space can be secured including the external space of the housing when the user attaches and detaches the first connector and the second connector. Also, since the first connector and the second connector are arranged on the side of the space where the circuit portion is housed rather than on the side where the battery is housed, it is easy to secure a storage space. In particular, when making an opening such that a person's finger can enter as in the invention described in (3), by providing an opening at the end of the housing, for example, making it three-dimensionally open as in the embodiment, the space inside and outside the housing is connected and a large working space can be secured, which is preferable. Further, when combined with the invention described in (6), the end of the end housing may be provided on the same side connected to the inner surface of the housing for arranging the power cord.

[0023] (8) The housing includes a case body having a storage portion for storing the battery, and a first case that covers one surface of the case body. The circuit portion is mounted in a space surrounded by the case body and the first case. On the one surface of the case body, a partition wall for partitioning the storage portion and the space in which the circuit portion is mounted may be provided. In the embodiment, one surface of the case body corresponds to the front surface 11a. The case body may be configured to sandwich the battery with a plurality of parts such as upper and lower division, but it is better to be configured as a cylindrical integral body. For example, if it is a cylindrical integral body, it is preferable because the battery can be firmly stored and held. As the cylindrical integral body, for example, a portion surrounding the entire circumference of the battery may be integral. For example, as in the embodiment, it is preferable to have a shape that allows the battery to be replaceable and has an outlet for taking out the battery from the case body.

[0024] The storage portion of the battery and the space in which the circuit portion is mounted are separated by a partition wall. For example, some batteries have a reduced output as the ambient temperature rises, and some circuit portions are configured to include elements and components that generate heat when energized. Therefore, for example, when the device is in use, the current from the battery flows to the circuit portion and generates heat, and even if the temperature of the space around the circuit portion rises, the space and the storage portion of the battery are separated by the partition wall, so the temperature rise is not immediately transmitted to the storage portion side, and the temperature rise can be suppressed, and the deterioration of the battery's performance can be suppressed. Also, for example, it is more preferable to arrange a cooling member such as a heat sink on the partition wall to dissipate heat or suppress partial overheating by heat diffusion.

[0025] (9) An opening for an interface with the outside may be provided on the surface of the first case facing the storage portion. In the embodiment, the surface facing the storage portion corresponds to the front wall portion 12a of the front case 12. The interface with the outside includes, for example, an interface for connecting to external devices, apparatuses, etc., and a man-machine interface for users, etc. In the embodiment, the interface for connecting to various devices, apparatuses, etc. corresponds to power output terminals, input terminals, etc. Also, in the embodiment, the man-machine interface corresponds to a light-emitting portion such as an LED and a setting switch. Since the interface with the outside and the opening are arranged on the same surface, the usability for the user is improved.

[0026] (10) The partition wall is formed at a position recessed from the tip on one side of the case body, and a substrate of the circuit portion is mounted in the tip-side space surrounded by the partition wall and the peripheral wall portion protruding on the one side of the case body, and the surface of the substrate of the circuit portion is preferably positioned near the tip of the peripheral wall portion. In the embodiment, one side corresponds to the front surface 11a side. By doing so, the substrate can be stored in the tip-side space, and in the state where the first case is removed and one surface of the case body is opened, the substrate may be accommodated in the tip-side space. Also, since the surface of the substrate is positioned near the tip of the peripheral wall portion, it does not become a position recessed from the tip, so for example, the distance between the surface of the substrate and the surface of the storage portion of the first case can be reduced. Then, for example, when various interfaces with the outside are mounted on the surface of the substrate, even when a member with a low interface height is used, the interface can be positioned near the surface facing the storage portion of the first case. Also, particularly when combined with (4), when the surface of the substrate is positioned near the tip of the peripheral wall portion, when a second connector is attached to the substrate, even if the insertion / removal direction to the second connector is along the surface of the substrate, the insertion / removal of the first connector can be easily performed.

[0027] (11) A light emitting part is provided on the surface of the first case facing the storage part, and the area where the light emitting part is provided on the surface of the first case facing the storage part is preferably located closer to the partition wall side than the reference position of the surface of the first case facing the storage part. For example, the light emitting part may be configured to guide the light emitted from a light source such as an LED attached to a substrate to the light emitting part and emit it to the outside. By bringing the area where the light emitting part is provided closer to the partition wall side, the light guiding path from the light source to the light emitting part can be shortened.

[0028] (12) The operation of the setting switch is enabled through the opening provided on the surface of the first case facing the storage part. The area where the opening is provided on the surface of the first case facing the storage part is located closer to the partition wall side than the reference position of the surface of the first case facing the storage part, and the area where the opening is provided is preferably configured to reach the surface intersecting the surface facing the storage part. In this way, the operation surface of the setting switch is located deeper on the partition wall side than the reference position, so it is possible to suppress as much as possible the accidental touching of the setting switch and the change of the setting. On the other hand, if only the part of the setting switch is formed deeper on the partition wall side than the reference position, it will be cumbersome to position the finger or the like near the setting switch when performing a normal setting operation. Since the area where the setting switch is provided is configured to reach the surface intersecting the surface facing the storage part while being located on the partition wall side, the user can, for example, position the fingertip near the operation surface of the setting switch and position the finger to escape from the first case from the side of the intersecting surface, and the setting operation can be easily performed. For example, if the reaching surface is the upper side when the housing is placed as in the embodiment, the user can perform the setting operation while keeping the housing placed.

[0029] (13) The substrate of the circuit section has a plurality of sheets, and the plurality of sheets are stacked via spacer members. It is preferable that the spacer members are made of a member with good thermal conductivity. By doing so, the plurality of substrates can be stacked while maintaining a desired interval with the spacer members interposed therebetween. Furthermore, the spacer members may have a function of suppressing heat dissipation or heat diffusion and partially becoming high temperature.

[0030] (14) The substrate of the circuit section has a plurality of sheets, and the plurality of sheets are stacked via spacer members. A magnetic field generation source is arranged on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the plurality of substrates, and the spacer members are arranged so as to surround the periphery of the magnetic field generation source. It is preferable that the spacer members are made of a magnetic material. By doing so, it is possible to perform magnetic shielding while exhibiting the spacer function. The periphery may be the entire periphery on all four sides, or may surround the side surface.

[0031] (15) It is preferable not to arrange a circuit board other than the power cord and the members for outputting the power of the battery in the storage section for storing the battery in the housing. By not arranging a circuit board in the storage section, a heat generation source in the storage section can be eliminated, and a decrease in the performance of the battery due to heat can be suppressed. In addition, by minimizing the arrangement of members other than the battery in the storage section, the space of the storage section can be made tidy. For example, when vibration or acceleration is applied to the housing from the outside, even if the vibration or the like is large and the battery may shift relative to the housing, it will not come into contact with the circuit board and be damaged.

[0032] (16) The inner shape of the storage portion for storing the battery in the housing shall be a dimensional shape corresponding to the outer shape of the battery, and at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the storage portion shall be in contact with the battery to hold it down. As a configuration for holding it down by contact, for example, it is good to adopt a configuration in which the inner peripheral surface of the storage portion directly contacts the battery, or, for example, a configuration in which it indirectly contacts via another member. As a configuration for indirect contact, for example, a cushion may be interposed as in the embodiment. By doing so, for example, the battery can be held down more firmly. Since at least a part is in contact, for example, it is not essential to make the inner shape of the storage portion substantially equal to the outer shape of the battery. For example, as in the embodiment, the battery is held down by the upper and lower surfaces of the housing in the usage state, the length of the storage portion in the left-right width direction is longer than the length of the battery, and a space may be secured between both left and right ends of the battery and the inner peripheral surface of the storage portion. When indirectly contacting via a cushion made of an elastic material as in the embodiment, contact is made at the portion of the cushion and not at other portions, but since a part is in contact, such a configuration is also included.

[0033] According to this invention, the battery can be held down by the storage portion, that is, the housing, eliminating the need for special fasteners or the like for fixing the battery, and the battery can be held with a simple configuration. In particular, when combined with the invention of (9), since there is no circuit board in the storage portion and the arrangement of members other than the battery is suppressed as much as possible, for example, it is good to make the inner shape of the storage portion substantially equal to the outer shape of the battery, and the battery can be held as a whole, which is preferable.

[0034] (17) It is advisable to attach an elastic material to the inner surface on the upper side of the housing in the state of use, and the inner surface should be in contact with the battery via the elastic material. In the embodiment, the elastic material corresponds to the cushion 22. The elastic material has elasticity and can firmly hold the battery. For example, even if vibrations or the like are applied to the battery from the outside, it is good because it can more reliably suppress relative movement within the battery storage portion. By arranging the elastic material on the upper side, the weight of the battery does not act on the elastic material, and it is possible to prevent the elastic material from sagging over long-term use and to hold it over a long period. Also, for example, the housing may be made of a material that bends or has elasticity. In this way, for example, even if the outer dimensions of the battery are slightly larger, the housing can bend and allow the battery to be accommodated. The housing may be manufactured, for example, from plastic, resin, or the like.

[0035] (18) The battery should be removable from the housing, and it is advisable not to provide a switch for turning the power supply from the battery on / off. In the case of a battery that can be removed from the housing, when removing it, it is necessary to disconnect the connection with the circuit portion inside the housing. To easily disconnect this connection, it is advisable to use a battery in a form where a connector is connected to the power cord. By using the connector that is originally required for such a purpose as a first connector for blocking the current flowing from the battery to the circuit portion when the device is not in use, it is possible not to provide a switch and to achieve miniaturization with a simple configuration.

[0036] (19) It is preferable to leave the first connector and the second connector removed at the time of shipment. By removing both connectors at the time of shipment in this way, it is good because it is possible to suppress power consumption of the battery until it reaches the user's hands. Also, for example, if the first connector is integrated with the battery and the second connector is configured to be electrically connected to the circuit portion, even in the state where the first connector and the second connector are removed, the first connector and the second connector will not be lost until the user acquires this device, and the user who has acquired this device can connect the first connector and the second connector and use the device.

[0037] (20) It is preferable to have a power output function for supplying the power of the battery to an external device.

[0038] (21) The battery is a secondary battery and includes a charging circuit that receives power supply from an external power source and charges the secondary battery. Even when the first connector and the second connector are not connected, it is preferable to be able to supply power to the external device based on the power supply from the external power source. In particular, even when the first connector and the second connector are not connected, it is preferable to supply power to the external device based on the power supply from the external power source. By doing so, even if one forgets to connect while removing the first connector and the second connector when using, power can be supplied to the external device. Also, for example, the charging circuit for the secondary battery has a protection circuit, and there are some that cannot be charged when the voltage of the secondary battery drops below the reference value. However, when not in use, by removing the first connector and the second connector to suppress the voltage drop of the secondary battery as much as possible, it is possible to suppress the situation of becoming unable to charge.

[0039] The inventions described in (1) to (21) above can be arbitrarily combined. For example, it may be configured to include any configuration of (2) to (22) without including all or part of (1). However, in particular, it is preferable to include the configuration of (1) and a combination with any configuration described in (2) to (21). Any component of the inventions from (1) to (21) can be extracted and combined with other components.

Effect of the Invention

[0040] According to the present invention, for example, when not used for a long time, etc., it suppresses a large drop in the voltage between the terminals of the battery, and when attempting to use the device, power can be supplied from the battery and normal operation can be performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configuration, shape, etc. of the described device are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto, and various changes, modifications, and improvements can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0043] As a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, an example applied to a power supply device will be described. The power supply device 10 of the present embodiment includes a battery 1, a circuit unit 2, and a housing 3 that houses them. This power supply device 10 is connected to a device outside the power supply device 10 such as an electric device or an electronic device, and can supply power to the device from the battery 1 built in the housing 3. Being able to supply power means that, for example, when the power of the device is ON, the power supply device 10 supplies power to the device from the battery 1 or the like.

[0044] The battery 1 is, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery. In this embodiment, the secondary battery uses a nickel-metal hydride battery. As shown from FIG. 34 onward, for example, a plurality of cylindrical single cells 4 are used, and an assembly in an S arrangement in which these single cells 4 are arranged side by side in a single row in the radial direction is packed with a heat shrink tube 5 to form a battery pack. Since it is in an S arrangement, it has a flat shape. Further, as will be described later, the device to be supplied with power by the power supply device 10 of this embodiment is, for example, an in-vehicle device. In accordance with the output voltage of 12V of the vehicle battery, 12 single cells 4 of 1.2V are used, and the voltage between the terminals of the battery 1 is 12V when fully charged. Also, the battery 1 has a power cord 6, and a first connector 7 is provided at the tip of the power cord 6. The terminal voltage of the battery 1 appears at the first connector 7. Also, the first connector 7 is a male connector.

[0045] The circuit section 2 includes, for example, a charging circuit for charging the battery 1 which is a secondary battery, a voltage monitoring circuit for monitoring the voltage of the battery 1, a power output circuit for supplying power to an external device, and the like. The charging circuit may be configured using, for example, a management IC. The management IC has a function of monitoring the voltage of the battery 1 and charging it when the voltage drops. Also, when the voltage of the battery 1 becomes equal to or lower than the reference value, the management IC cannot recognize the presence of the battery 1 and does not execute the charging process even if a chargeable voltage is applied from the outside. The voltage monitoring circuit includes, for example, a microcomputer, biases the voltage between the terminals of the battery 1 with a resistor, and detects it after reducing it to 5V or less that can be detected by the microcomputer. Also, since such a microcomputer is used, a circuit for creating and supplying a power supply voltage (for example, 5V) for driving the microcomputer is provided. The circuit for the power supply voltage of such a microcomputer includes, for example, a 5V regulator and outputs 5V stably. Even when the power of the device is OFF and power is not supplied to the device, leakage currents in the management IC and the 5V regulator and currents flowing through the bias resistors for voltage monitoring are generated, and power is consumed by these currents, gradually reducing the remaining capacity of the battery 1.

[0046] The housing 3 has a flat shape corresponding to the outer shape of the battery 1. The housing 3 includes a case body 11, a front case 12, and a rear case 13. The case body 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the front surface 11a and the rear surface 11b in the state where the power supply device 10 is installed are each open (see FIGS. 20, 31, etc.). The front case 12 is attached to the front surface 11a side of the case body 11 and closes the opening of the front surface 11a. The rear case 13 is attached to the rear surface 11b side of the case body 11 and closes the opening of the rear surface 11b.

[0047] The front side inside the case body 11 and the space surrounded by the front case 12 constitute a circuit mounting portion 15 for mounting the circuit portion 2. Also, the rear side of the case body 11 and the space surrounded by the rear case 13 constitute a storage portion 16 for storing the battery (see FIGS. 32, 33, etc.).

[0048] A cover member 17 is provided at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the front case 12. In this embodiment, the one end side where the cover member 17 is provided is the left side. The cover member 17 is integrally formed with the front case 12 and opens and closes by rotating forward and backward about the hinge portion 18.

[0049] The cover member 17 covers the opening 3a provided in the housing 3. The opening 3a is a portion that is opened and released when the cover member 17 is opened. In this embodiment, the opening 3a is formed on a plurality of surfaces such as the front surface, the upper surface, the lower surface, and the left side surface in the installation state of the power supply device, and becomes a three-dimensional opening 3a.

[0050] The first connector 7 exists in the internal space surrounded by the cover member 17 when the cover member 17 is closed. As shown in FIG. 1(b) etc., in the state where the cover member 17 is opened, the first connector 7 exists in the opened space and is configured to be exposed to the outside. A second connector 8 that is detachable from the first connector 7 is disposed in the internal space surrounded by the cover member 17 in the closed state.

[0051] With the cover member 17 open, the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 are located within the three-dimensional opening 3a surrounded by the cover member 17. The opening 3a is open, and a user or the like can insert a finger into the opening 3a, and the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 can be detached and attached.

[0052] The circuit section 2 is electrically connected to the second connector 8. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 1(d), when the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 are connected, even when the power of the device is OFF, current flows from the battery 1 to the circuit section 2, and power is consumed in the circuit section 2. Thus, if such a state continues under conditions where the battery 1 is not being charged, the remaining capacity of the battery 1 will decrease, and the voltage between the terminals of the battery 1 will drop. As a result, if the time until the next use of the device becomes long, there is a risk that the remaining capacity of the battery 1 will be insufficient when the device is used, and normal operation will not be possible. Here, "normal operation not being possible" means, for example, that the voltage drop is so large that the voltage required to operate the device cannot be obtained, and the device cannot be driven. Also, in this embodiment, since the battery 1 is a secondary battery, "normal operation not being possible" means, for example, that the voltage between the terminals of the battery 1 becomes less than or equal to the reference value, and the management IC cannot recognize the presence of the battery 1 and cannot charge it.

[0053] On the one hand, as shown in Fig. 1(c), when the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 are disconnected, the current conduction from the battery 1 to the circuit section 2 is interrupted. Therefore, for example, when not using the device connected to the power supply device, if the cover member 17 is opened and the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 are disconnected, the amount of current flowing through the circuit section 2 while the device is not in use and reducing the capacity of the battery 1 can be reduced. Therefore, the possibility that the remaining capacity of the battery 1 is insufficient and normal operation cannot be performed when attempting to use the device next time is suppressed as much as possible. Therefore, when the user can predict that the state of not using the device, for example, will continue, it is advisable to open the cover member 17 and disconnect the first connector 7 and the second connector 8. By doing so, the consumption of the battery 1 can be suppressed as much as possible, and when using the device next time, it is possible to suppress the voltage of the battery 1 from dropping and making normal operation impossible.

[0054] In the present embodiment, in the state where the opening 3a is covered with the cover member 17, the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 are configured not to protrude outside the housing. By covering with the cover member, for example, the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 in the connected state are prevented from protruding outside the housing 3 when the power supply device 10 is in use, and the user is prevented from accidentally touching and disconnecting the first connector 7 or the second connector 8.

[0055] In the present embodiment, since the cover member 17 covers the entire opening 3a, for example, it is possible to prevent dust, dirt, and other foreign matters from entering the housing 3, or the appearance can be improved by neatly closing the opening 3a.

[0056] In this embodiment, the opening 3a is formed on a plurality of adjacent surfaces. When the cover member 17 is open, a person's finger can enter the space of the opening 3a, and the attachment and detachment operation of the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 can be performed without using, for example, a special jig or tool. Thus, for example, when the device is not planned to be used for a certain long period of time, the user can easily and casually remove the first connector 7 and the second connector 8, and can suppress the consumption of the battery 1 when the power supply device 10 is not in use as much as possible.

[0057] The power supply device 10 includes an input terminal portion 20 and an output terminal portion 21 on the front surface of the front case 12. The input terminal portion 20 receives power supply in association with the vehicle battery. The output terminal portion 21 is associated with the device and supplies power to the device. The charging circuit of the circuit portion 2 receives power supply from the vehicle battery and charges the battery 1. The power output circuit of the circuit portion 2, for example, when receiving power supply from the vehicle battery, directly supplies the power of the battery to the device, and when not receiving power supply from the battery, supplies the power of the battery 1 to the device.

[0058] [Specific Configuration] As described above, the power supply device 10 of this embodiment has a function of blocking the path through which current flows from the battery 1 to the circuit portion 2 by removing the first connector 7 and the second connector 8, and suppressing the decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery 1. The more specific configuration of the power supply device 10 having such a function is as follows.

[0059] [Specific Configuration of Battery 1] As described above, the battery 1 is composed of assembled batteries in an S arrangement, and the overall shape is flat. Since the periphery of the assembled batteries is packed with a heat-shrinkable tube 5, the outer shape of the battery 1 is generally flat-plate-shaped, and both left and right side surfaces 1a are arc-shaped. Also, one end side of the power cord 6 associated with the battery 1 is covered with the heat-shrinkable tube 5 and is drawn out to the outside from the gap 5a of the heat-shrinkable tube 5. When the heat-shrinkable tube 5 located on the outer surface is arranged to go around, for example, the front-rear direction where the electrodes of the battery 1 are arranged, both open ends of the shrunk heat-shrinkable tube 5 become the arc-shaped left and right side surfaces 1a of the battery 1. By appropriately setting the length of the heat-shrinkable tube 5, both end edges of the heat-shrinkable tube 5 are applied to the peripheral edges of both side surfaces 1a of the battery 1, and the central portion of both side surfaces 1a of the battery 1 is in a state where the heat-shrinkable tube 5 does not exist. For example, when a heat-shrinkable tube 5 with a different winding direction is arranged inside the heat-shrinkable tube 5 located on the outer surface, the inner heat-shrinkable tube 5 also exists in the portions of both left and right side surfaces 1a of the battery 1 where the heat-shrinkable tube 5 located on the outer surface does not exist, and it is preferable because the single battery is not exposed.

[0060] Both end edges of the heat-shrinkable tube 5 located on the outer surface become the gap 5a, and the power cord 6 is drawn out to the outside from the gap 5a. In this embodiment, the power cord 6 is arranged along one end surface 1b in the front-rear direction of the battery 1 inside the heat-shrinkable tube 5, and when it reaches one (for example, the left) side surface 1a, it is drawn out to the outside from the gap 5a at the edge of the heat-shrinkable tube 5. The heat-shrinkable tube 5 shrinks along the surface shape of the battery 1 during heat shrinkage, and shrinks into a shape that wraps both surfaces at the boundary portion between one end surface 1b of the battery 1 and the adjacent side surface 1a. Therefore, the portion of the power cord 6 located at the boundary portion is bent toward the side surface 1a side as the heat-shrinkable tube 5 shrinks.

[0061] The power cord 6 drawn out outside the heat-shrinkable tube 5 is arranged along one side surface 1a of the battery 1, and the first connector 7 protrudes beyond the other end surface 1c in the front-rear direction of the battery 1. When the battery 1 is mounted in the housing portion 16, the other end surface 1c in the front-rear direction of the battery 1 is positioned on the front case 12 side, and the power cord 6 is arranged in the space between the side surface 1a of the battery 1 and the inner side surface of the housing 3 facing the side surface 1a (see Fig. 32, etc.).

[0062] In this embodiment, the battery 1 has a rated output of, for example, 12V and a large capacity of 4000 mAh. Therefore, the power cord 6 is also configured using, for example, a lead wire, and the lead wire is also, for example, relatively thick and stiff and difficult to bend. The power cord 6 is, as described above, guided while being slightly drawn out toward the other end surface 1c side in the front-rear direction by the heat-shrinkable tube 5. Even when the power cord 6 is arranged along the side surface 1a of the battery 1, an excessive load is not applied to the bent portion, and the portion is not damaged, etc. Also, since the power cord 6 is slightly bent toward the other end surface 1c side in the front-rear direction of the battery 1 by the heat-shrinkable tube 5, it can be arranged along the side surface 1a while being close to it as it is.

[0063] On the other hand, for example, if the front - rear direction of the battery 1 in the storage part 16 is reversed and one end - face 1b side in the front - rear direction of the battery 1 is positioned on the front - case side, the part of the power - cord 6 drawn out from the heat - shrinkable tube 5 to the outside is also on the front - case 12 side, so the distance between the two becomes shorter, and there is a possibility that the cord length of the power - cord 6 can be shortened. However, as described above, since the power - cord 6 is drawn out toward the other end - face 1c side, the power - cord 6 is folded back 180 degrees in the opposite direction of its drawing - out direction. And in this embodiment, since the power - cord 6 is relatively stiff, it is necessary to route it in a loop that bulges outward for folding, and it is necessary to widen the interval between the side - face 1a of the battery 1 and the inner - face of the housing 3 / case body 11 facing it, which will increase the dimensional shape. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange it as in this embodiment. Also, when folding back 180 degrees, there is a risk of applying an excessive load to the power - cord 6 and accelerating its aging deterioration. In view of such a point as well, it is preferable to arrange it as in this embodiment.

[0064] Also, when attaching the first connector 7 to the second connector 8, it is easier to work if the power - cord 6 is somewhat longer. However, in the state where the cover member 17 is closed, the power - cord 6 needs to be stored in the housing 3. If the power - cord 6 is long, it will not fit in the space when the cover member 17 is closed. Therefore, as in the embodiment, it is good to have the power - cord 6 protrude a little on the opening 3a side and have a length such that the first connector 7 can reach the second connector 8.

[0065] [Specific Configuration of the Housing 3] * Battery Storage Structure, etc. The outer shape of the housing 3 corresponds to the outer shape of the battery 1, and it is a flat - shaped rectangular body with the left and right side - faces being arc - shaped. And in the storage part 16 for storing the battery 1 in the housing 3, circuit boards and the like other than the members for outputting the power of the power - cord 6 and the battery 1 are not arranged. By not arranging a circuit board in the storage part, the heat - generating source in the storage part 16 can be eliminated, and the performance degradation of the battery 1 due to heat can be suppressed.

[0066] Also, by minimizing the arrangement of members other than the battery in the storage section 16, the space in the storage section 16 can be made neater. For example, when vibration or acceleration is applied to the housing 3 from the outside, even if the vibration or the like is large and the battery 1 may shift relative to the housing 3, it will not contact the circuit board and be damaged.

[0067] To separate the storage section 16 for the battery 1 in the housing 3 from the space for storing the circuit section 2, as shown in FIGS. 32, 33, etc., a partition wall 14 is provided inside the case body 11. The partition wall 14 is provided on the front surface 11a side in the case body 11, and a larger space is formed on the rear surface 11b side than the partition wall 14. The space surrounded by the front side of the partition wall 14 of the case body 11 and the front case 12 constitutes a circuit mounting section 15 for mounting the circuit section 2. Also, the space surrounded by the rear side of the partition wall 14 of the case body 11 and the rear case 13 constitutes a storage section 16 for storing the battery.

[0068] A communication hole 14a is formed at the left end of the partition wall 14. The front and rear spaces formed with the partition wall 14 in between are connected, and the power cord 6 is arranged so as to penetrate through the communication hole 14a, and the first connector 7 is located on the front side of the partition wall 14.

[0069] In this embodiment, the storage section 16 for the battery 1 and the space where the circuit section 2 is mounted are separated by the partition wall 14. As described above, for example, there are batteries 1 whose output decreases as the ambient temperature rises, and there are also circuit sections 2 configured with elements and components that generate heat when energized. For example, when current flows from the battery 1 to the circuit section 2 during use of the power supply device 10 and heat is generated, even if the temperature of the space around the circuit section 2 rises, since the space and the storage section 16 for the battery 1 are separated by the partition wall 14, the temperature rise is not immediately transmitted to the storage section 16 side, and the decrease in the battery's capacity can be suppressed. The partition wall 14 has a communication hole 14a for passing the power cord 6 to the minimum necessary extent, and the rest is closed. There is also a protection circuit on the battery 1 side, and charging stops when the temperature becomes high, so providing the partition wall 14 suppresses the occurrence of such a situation.

[0070] The inner shape of the storage portion 16 for storing the battery 1 in the housing 3 is a dimensional shape corresponding to the outer shape of the battery 1. And at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the storage portion 16 is in contact with the battery 1 to hold it. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29 and the like, the battery 1 is in contact with the upper surface 16a and the lower surface 16b of the storage portion 16. The upper surface 16a is in contact with the battery 1 via the cushion 22 which is an elastic material, and the lower surface 16b is in direct contact with the battery 1. As shown in FIG. 30 and the like, the cushion 22 is attached to the upper surface 16a of the storage portion 16 with an adhesive, double-sided adhesive tape or the like. As shown in FIG. 30, in a state where the battery 1 is not stored, the cushion 22 has a predetermined thickness. As shown in FIG. 29 and the like, in a state where the battery 1 is stored in the storage portion 16, the cushion 22 is elastically deformed and crushed, and a force to return to its original shape acts due to the elastic restoring force, so that the battery 1 can be held more firmly. For example, even if vibration or the like is applied to the battery 1 from the outside, relative movement of the battery 1 in the storage portion 16 can be more reliably suppressed. Further, by arranging the cushion 22 on the upper side, the self-weight of the battery 1 does not act on the cushion 22 in a state where the power supply device 10 is installed, and it is possible to prevent the cushion 22 from sagging during long-term use, and it can be held over a long period of time.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the battery 1 can be held by the storage portion 16, that is, the case main body 11, and special fasteners or the like for fixing the battery 1 are not required, and the battery 1 can be held with a simple configuration. Further, at least the case main body 11 constituting the housing 3 is preferably made of a material that can be bent or has elasticity. By doing so, for example, even if the outer dimensions of the battery 1 are slightly larger, the case main body 11 can be bent to allow the storage of the battery 1, and the battery 1 can be held more reliably. Such a material is, for example, plastic or resin, and for example, PP (polypropylene) may be used.

[0072] Furthermore, in the storage section 16, there is no circuit board, and by eliminating as many members other than the battery 1 as possible, for example, the inner shape of the storage section 16 is made substantially equal to the outer shape of the battery 1. In particular, since the battery 1 is held between the upper and lower surfaces of the case main body 11, the height of the case main body 11 is made substantially equal to the height of the battery 1 to reduce the height. As will be described later, the heights of the front case 12 and the rear case 13 are also adjusted to match the height of the case main body 11. Therefore, the height in the vertical direction in the installed state of the power supply device 10 is the sum of the height of the battery 1 and the thickness of the case main body 11, and the outer shape of the power supply device 10 is flat and thin. As described above, the power supply device 10 of the present embodiment is a device that supplies power to, for example, in-vehicle equipment, and the installation location is preferably a place that does not interfere with the driver or passengers. A place that does not interfere is, for example, a space under the driver's seat or the like. Such a space under the driver's seat or the like has limited height, but since the power supply device 10 of the present embodiment is flat and thin, it has a shape suitable for installation in a narrow space in the vertical direction.

[0073] Also, the length in the left-right width direction of the storage section 16 is made longer than the length of the battery 1, and a space 26 is secured between the left and right side surfaces 1a of the battery 1 and the inner surface of the storage section 16 (see FIGS. 29, 32, etc.). One of the left and right spaces 26 is connected to a communication hole 14a provided in the partition wall 14. Then, using this space 26, the power cord 6 is arranged, and the first connector 7 attached to the power cord 6 is positioned in the space in front of the partition wall 14. In the present embodiment, since the space 26 is for arranging the power cord 6, for example, if the battery 1 can be attached and detached including the arrangement of the power cord 6, it can be made narrower. When the space 26 is made narrower in this way, the left and right widths of the case main body 11 and thus the housing 3 can be made approximately equal to the lateral width of the battery 1, making it more compact. This is preferable because it becomes easier to install in a narrow place such as a space under the driver's seat or the like. Also, in addition to the vertical height, by reducing the lateral width according to the outer dimensions of the battery 1, it can be inserted and installed in a narrow space, expanding the possible installation locations, which is good.

[0074] As described above, there is only limited space under the seat. If we try to install the power supply device 10 in this space, we cannot increase the thickness and height much. And in this embodiment, since the battery 1 is a nickel-metal hydride battery instead of a thin lithium battery, there is also a limit to reducing the thickness of the battery 1 itself. Therefore, it is not preferable to arrange the circuit unit 2 on top of the battery 1. So, in this embodiment, we adopted a layout where the storage part of the circuit unit 2 is arranged on the front side of the storage part 16 of the battery 1. Further, for example, in a configuration where a circuit board is arranged above the battery 1 or the like, the larger the circuit board is arranged over the entire upper surface of the battery 1, the larger the wasted space without the substrate and circuit components becomes. On the contrary, by arranging the battery 1 and the circuit unit 2 front and back as in this embodiment, the overall dimensional shape can also be reduced, making it more compact, and it can give the impression of being slightly longer than the dimensional shape of the battery.

[0075] Also, since the installation location of the power supply device 10 is under the seat in this way, it does not get as hot as, for example, on the dashboard. Therefore, temperature countermeasures are not required when installing it on the dashboard. In this embodiment, since the housing 3 is made of PP, it can be handled with the heat resistance of the PP.

[0076] * Structure of the front surface 11a side of the case body 11 etc. As described above, a partition wall 14 is provided inside the case body 11. The partition wall 14 is formed at a position deep from the tip on the front surface 11a side of the case body 11. The cylindrical peripheral wall part 11i on the front surface 11a side of the case body 11 and the tip side space surrounded by the partition wall 14 form the circuit mounting part 15 of the space where the substrate constituting the circuit unit 2 is mounted. A thin tip peripheral wall part 11j is formed at the front end of the peripheral wall part 11i. The inner peripheral surface of the tip peripheral wall part 11j is flush and continuous with the peripheral wall part 11i. The outer peripheral surface of the tip peripheral wall part 11j is one step lower than the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall part 11i. The tip peripheral wall part 11j coincides with the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall part 12b of the front case 12 so that no misalignment or the like occurs when the front case 12 is attached to the case body 11.

[0077] The tip peripheral wall portion 11j is formed along the peripheral wall portion 11i over substantially the entire circumference. A notch 11k is provided on the side where the cover member 17 is to be mounted, and the tip peripheral wall portion 11j is not provided in this portion. Thereby, when the cover member 17 is opened to expose the opening 3a and the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 are detached and attached, a finger or the like can be inserted into the notch 11k, making it easier for the user to perform the detachment and attachment work.

[0078] Also, a locking recess 11h for stopping the cover member 17 is provided at a predetermined position on the outer surface within the arrangement region of the cover member 17 of the tip peripheral wall portion 11j. A locking projection 11m for temporarily fixing the front case 12 is provided on the outer surface near the center in the longitudinal direction of the tip peripheral wall portion 11j.

[0079] A plate member 36 that protrudes further forward from the tip of the tip peripheral wall portion 11j is provided on the front surface 11a side of the case body 11. The position where the plate member 36 is provided is a flat portion on the upper and lower surfaces and is near the arc-shaped portion on the side where the cover member 17 is provided.

[0080] A boss 34 is provided on the front surface side of the partition wall 14. This boss 34 is arranged to stand upright forward on both the left and right sides in the longitudinal direction. A female screw portion 34a is provided at the tip of the boss 34. A sheet-like first heat sink 42 is arranged in the region between the bosses 34 on the left and right on the front surface of the partition wall 14. This first heat sink 42 is fixed to the partition wall 14 with, for example, an adhesive or a double-sided adhesive tape. This first heat sink 42 is made of, for example, an aluminum sheet. Also, the first heat sink 42 is provided with concave cutouts 42a at two locations to form regions where the aluminum sheet does not exist. A thermal sheet 43 is arranged in the portion of the concave cutout 42a. A part of this thermal sheet 43 is in contact with the first heat sink 42 and is thermally connected. This thermal sheet 43 is fixed to the partition wall 14 and the first heat sink 42 with an adhesive or a double-sided adhesive tape or the like.

[0081] Align with the position of the first heat sink 42 and insert and fix the protruding piece provided on the periphery of the first heat sink 42 into the hole portion 23 of the groove 24 provided in the case body 11. The hole portion 23 serves both functions of heat dissipation and fixing. Since the hole portion 23 provided in the groove 24 is aligned with the position of the heat sink, even in the portion without the fixing protruding piece, it functions as a heat dissipation hole portion.

[0082] * Structure, etc. of the front case 12 As described above, the opening on the front surface of the case body 11 is closed by the front case 12. Such a closing front case 12 is a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the rear surface in the front-rear direction is open. The front case 12 includes a front wall portion 12a and a peripheral wall portion 12b formed to extend rearward from the periphery of the front wall portion 12a. The front wall portion 12a has an elongated rectangular region and arc-shaped regions continuous with both left and right sides of the rectangular region. One of the arc-shaped regions serves as the top plate 17a of the cover member 17. The peripheral wall portion 12b is an inclined surface / tapered surface that gradually widens from the front wall portion 12a side toward the rear, and the dimensional shape is gradually increased.

[0083] Openings for interfaces with the outside are provided at appropriate positions on the front wall portion 12a of the front case 12. In the present embodiment, it includes a first opening 12c for the input terminal portion 20, a second opening 12d for the output terminal portion 21, and a third opening 12e for the setting switch 27 in order from the cover member 17 side. Above the third opening 12e, it includes a fourth opening 12f for the light emitting portion. The fourth opening 12f has an arrangement in which six small circles are arranged in a row. The first opening 12c, the second opening 12d, and the third opening 12e are left open, and the fourth opening 12f is closed by attaching a translucent seal 37. By leaving the first opening 12c, the second opening 12d, and the third opening 12e open, the operations of the input terminal portion 20, the output terminal portion 21, and the setting switch 27 arranged in each opening can be operated from the front side of the front case 12. Since the interfaces with the outside are arranged on the same surface, the usability for the user is improved.

[0084] In the formation region of the first opening 12c of the front wall portion 12a, a shallow-bottomed recess 12g is formed, and the first opening 12c is provided within the recess 12g. The first opening 12c is formed at a position that is one step deeper from the reference position, which is the outer surface of the front wall portion 12a, and closer to the case body 11 side. This is based on the difference in height between the input terminal portion 20 and the output terminal portion 21. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the input terminal portion 20 and the output terminal portion 21 are mounted on the same substrate and opposed to the front wall portion 12a. As a result, the tip height positions of the input terminal portion 20 and the output terminal portion 21 are different from the substrate surface. In accordance with such a difference in position, by shifting the formation positions of the first opening 12c and the second opening 12d, the tips of both the input terminal portion 20 and the output terminal portion 21 are positioned at the first opening 12c and the second opening 12d.

[0085] In the formation region of the third opening 12e of the front wall portion 12a, a recess 12h is formed, and the third opening 12e is provided within the recess 12h. The recess 12h is made deeper than the recess 12g. Since the operation surface of the setting switch 27 is located deeper on the case body 11 side than the surface of the front wall portion 12a, which is the reference position, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the user or the like accidentally touching the setting switch 27 and changing the setting.

[0086] The recess 12h has an opening portion 12h' that opens the upper surface side of the peripheral wall portion 12b. For the operation of the setting switch 27, the user can, for example, position the fingertip near the operation surface of the setting switch 27 and position the finger so as to escape from the opening portion 12h' to the outside of the front case 12, and the setting operation can be easily performed. Further, since the opening portion 12h' is formed on the upper surface side of the peripheral wall portion 12b that becomes the upper side when the housing 3 is placed, the user can perform the setting operation while the housing 3 is placed.

[0087] In addition, a fourth opening 12f is provided within the recess 12h. As a result, the position of the light-emitting portion also becomes a position deeper from the reference position of the front wall portion 12a, approaching a light-emitting source such as an LED disposed inside the front case 12. The light-emitting portion of the present embodiment is configured to guide the light radiated from the light-emitting source to the light-emitting portion and radiate it to the outside, enabling the user to visually recognize it from the outside. It is preferable because the optical path for guiding the light from the light-emitting source to the light-emitting portion can be shortened. The optical path is constituted by ribs 38 formed in accordance with the arrangement pitch of the fourth openings 12f. The ribs 38 are flat plates, and two adjacent sides thereof are connected to the inner surfaces of the front wall portion 12a and the peripheral wall portion 12b on the side where the opening portion 12h' is provided, respectively. In a state where the front case 12 is attached to the case body 11, if the side of the rib 38 on the side opposite to the front wall portion 12a is configured to contact or be close to the surface of the substrate on which a light-emitting source such as an LED is mounted, the intrusion of light from adjacent LEDs can be suppressed, which is preferable. Further, by providing the recess 12h and bringing the fourth opening 12f closer to the light-emitting source, the dimensions of the rib 38 can be shortened, and more accurate dimensional control can be achieved, which is preferable. The visible configuration of the present embodiment is such that a translucent seal 37 is attached to the fourth opening 12f, the light emitted from the light-emitting source reaches the fourth opening 12f via the optical path, and the light reaching the fourth opening 12f passes through the seal 37 and is radiated to the front outer side of the housing 3 and the front case 12.

[0088] Furthermore, a recess 38a is provided on the connection side between the side of the rib 38 on the side opposite to the front wall portion 12a and the peripheral wall portion 12b. In a state where the front case 12 is attached to the case body 11, the tip of the tip peripheral wall portion 11j of the case body 11 enters the recess 38a, strengthening the connection between the case body 11 and the front case 12.

[0089] On the side of the cover member 17 inside the front case 12, a first inner wall 31 and a second inner wall 32 are provided. The first inner wall 31 is connected to the inner surfaces of the front wall portion 12a and the peripheral wall portion 12b of the front case 12, and a space surrounded by the front wall portion 12a, the peripheral wall portion 12b, and the first inner wall 31 of the front case is formed. This space constitutes a space for housing the circuit portion 2. Thereby, regardless of the open / closed state of the cover member 17, it is possible to prevent dust, foreign matter, etc. from entering the space for housing the substrate. The first inner wall 31 is formed at a position slightly inside from the hinge portion 18. Further, a concave portion 31a is provided on the connection side between the peripheral wall portion 12b and the side of the first inner wall 31 opposite to the front wall portion 12a. In a state where the front case 12 is attached to the case body 11, the tip of the tip peripheral wall portion 11j of the case body 11 enters the concave portion 31a, making the connection between the case body 11 and the front case 12 stronger.

[0090] The second inner wall 32 is disposed outside the first inner wall 31 and is formed at substantially the same position as the end on the cover member 17 side closest to the hinge portion 18. For example, in a state where the cover member 17 is opened as shown in FIG. 9 etc., the inside of the front case 12 is hidden by the second inner wall 32. It looks nice and fingers etc. will not touch the circuit portion 2. The second inner wall 32 is connected to the front wall portion 12a of the front case 12, and a gap 35 is formed between it and the peripheral wall portion 12b. A plate member 36 standing on the front surface 11a side of the case body 11 enters and closes this gap 35.

[0091] On both longitudinal sides of the inner surface of the front wall portion 12a of the front case 12, bosses 33 extending rearward are provided. The boss 33 has a cylindrical shape with both ends open, and at the tip opposite to the front wall portion 12a, it has a bottom portion 33a with a central opening. When a fixing screw 39 is inserted from the portion opening to the front wall portion 12a side, the head of the fixing screw 39 contacts the bottom portion 33a and stops. In a state where the front case 12 is attached to the case body 11, the position of this boss 33 is set so as to face the boss 34 provided on the case body 11. When the fixing screw 39 is tightened in that state, the male screw portion of the fixing screw fastens with the female screw portion 34a of the boss 34 and is fixed.

[0092] The boss 33 on the cover member 17 side is made to contact the first inner wall 31 and is fixed near the boundary with the cover member 17. Even if the opening and closing of the cover member 17 are repeated, the state in which the front case 12 is firmly fixed to the case body 11 can be maintained, and by fixing near the hinge portion 18, the opening and closing of the cover member 17 can be stably performed. Also, the boss 33 on the side opposite to the cover member 17 is formed near the center of the semi-circle of the arc-shaped region. In the present embodiment, since the left and right sides of the housing 3 are made arc-shaped according to the outer shape of the battery 1, it becomes difficult to arrange elements and components in that portion. Thus, the difficult-to-arrange dead space is effectively utilized.

[0093] The inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 12b is provided with an elongated strip-shaped rib 40 extending in the front-rear direction. The rib 40 has two adjacent sides connected to the front wall portion 12a and the peripheral wall portion 12b, and in the state where the front case 12 is attached to the case body 11, the side of the rib 40 on the side opposite to the front wall portion 12a is configured to contact the surface of the substrate. The rib 40 is a reinforcing rib, and it prevents the peripheral wall portion 12b from bulging or denting. Further, a recess 40a is provided on the connection side of the side of the rib 40 on the side opposite to the front wall portion 12a with the peripheral wall portion 12b. In the state where the front case 12 is attached to the case body 11, the tip of the tip peripheral wall portion 11j of the case body 11 enters the recess 40a, making the connection between the case body 11 and the front case 12 stronger.

[0094] Furthermore, the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 12b is provided with locking recesses 12i. In the present embodiment, one locking recess 12i is provided on each of the upper surface side and the lower surface side. These locking recesses 12i are preferably used to conform to the locking protrusions 11m and temporarily fix them when the front case 12 is attached to the case body 11.

[0095] * Structure etc. of the cover member 17 As described above, an opening 3a of the housing 3 is provided on one of the left and right side surfaces (for example, the left side) of the front case 12, and a cover member 17 that covers the opening is integrally formed with the front case 12. In the present embodiment, one side surface of the front case 12 constitutes the cover member 17. The cover member 17 includes a semi-circular top plate 17a and an arc-shaped peripheral wall 17b that extends rearward continuously from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate 17a. The peripheral wall 17b is the same as the peripheral wall portion 12b of the front case 12. As described above, the top plate 17a and the front wall portion 12a of the front case 12 are connected via a hinge portion 18. When the cover member 17 is closed, a gap S is formed between both end edges 17b' of the peripheral wall 17b and the peripheral wall portion 12b of the front case 12. A plate member 36 is located on the back side of this gap S. When the cover member 17 is closed, the plate member 36 functions as a blind, preventing the inside from being visible through the gap S, improving the appearance, and also preventing foreign matters such as dust from entering.

[0096] Also, a handle portion 17f that protrudes outward is provided at the central portion of the free end side (the side away from the top plate 17a, the rear surface side) of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 17b. Further, locking protrusions 17g are provided at appropriate positions on the free end side of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 17b. In the present embodiment, two handle portions 17f are provided at positions shifted by a predetermined distance to the left and right from the center of the peripheral wall 17b.

[0097] When the cover member 17 is closed, the locking protrusion 17g and the locking recess 11h provided on the tip peripheral wall portion 11j of the case body 11 are fitted together so as to hold the state where the cover member 17 is closed.

[0098] Accordingly, when the cover member 17 is in the closed state as shown in Fig. 1(a) etc., when the user hangs a finger on the handle portion 17f and biases it toward the top plate 17a, the locking projection 17g disengages from the locking recess 11h and the opening 3a is opened (see Fig. 1(b) etc.). On the other hand, when the opening 3a is in the opened state as such, the user presses an appropriate position of the cover member 17 to close the cover member 17 and close the opening 3a. Then, the locking projection 17g fits into the locking recess 11h and the closed state is maintained. When it fits, for example, a sound such as "click" may be emitted so that the user can confirm that it has been fitted.

[0099] [Specific configuration of circuit unit 2 etc.] *Circuit unit In this embodiment, the circuit unit 2 is constituted by a printed wiring board. As shown in Figs. 22 to 25 etc., it is formed using two substrates. The circuit unit 2 has a spacer member 53 interposed between the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52, and they are fixed by screwing them in a stacked state. The first substrate 51 and the spacer member 53 are fastened with a screw 54, and the second substrate 52 and the spacer member 53 are fastened with a screw 55.

[0100] On the surface side of the first substrate 51, an input terminal portion 20, an output terminal portion 21, a setting switch 27, an LED 56, a microcomputer 57, a second connector 8 etc. are arranged. On the back surface side of the first substrate 51, a first connection connector 58, electronic components constituting various circuits etc. are arranged. On the surface side of the second substrate 52 (the side facing the partition wall 14), a coil element 59, an IC 60, electronic components constituting various circuits etc. are arranged. On the back surface side of the second substrate 52 (the surface side facing the first substrate 51), a second connection connector 61, electronic components constituting various circuits etc. are arranged. The first connection connector 58 and the second connection connector 61 have a power supply line and a communication line, and perform power supply and data transmission and reception etc. between the circuit of the first substrate 51 and the circuit of the second substrate 52.

[0101] The spacer member is configured using a member with good thermal conductivity. In this embodiment, an aluminum plate is used. The first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 can be stacked and arranged while maintaining a desired interval with the spacer member 53 interposed therebetween. Furthermore, since the spacer member 53 has a function of dissipating heat and suppressing partial overheating due to heat diffusion, it releases the heat generated in the circuit section 2 and suppresses the transmission of high heat to the storage section 16 side of the battery 1.

[0102] A second heat sink 63 is disposed on the surface side of the second substrate 52. The second heat sink 63 is configured using an aluminum plate and covers the second substrate 52 while being placed at a predetermined distance from the surface of the second substrate 52. The second heat sink 63 is fixed to the second substrate 52 and the spacer member 53 with screws 55.

[0103] A thermal sheet 65 is adhered to the upper surface of the IC 60, and in a state where the second heat sink 63 is mounted, the surface of the thermal sheet 65 is configured to contact the second heat sink 63. Thereby, the heat generated in the IC 60 is transmitted to the second heat sink 63 via the thermal sheet 65 and dissipated.

[0104] The second heat sink 63 was not provided on the coil element 59. Also, in the state where the second substrate 52 is mounted in the front case 12, the coil element 59 faces the concave notch 42a of the first heat sink 42. As a result, the first heat sink 42 and the second heat sink 63 are not positioned on the head of the coil element 59 (the surface opposite to the mounting surface on the substrate). Since the head of the coil element 59 used in this embodiment is the surface through which the magnetic field enters and exits, if a metal such as aluminum is arranged on such a head, the coil characteristics will deteriorate. In this embodiment, since the head is not covered with a metal such as aluminum, the coil element 59 can obtain the intended characteristics and effects. And the head of the coil element 59 contacts the thermal sheet 43 provided on the partition wall 14, and heat is diffused and dissipated to the first heat sink 42 side via the thermal sheet 43. Further, a cushion 66 is installed at a position adjacent to the coil element 59. This cushion 66 is provided at a position corresponding to the connection portion between the thermal sheet 43 and the first heat sink 42, and the elastic restoring force of the cushion 66 is used to bring the thermal sheet 43 into contact with the first heat sink 42 at a predetermined pressure. Thereby, the thermal sheet 43 and the first heat sink 42 are in firm surface contact, improving the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heat generated from the coil element 59 is dissipated using the first heat sink 42, and the heat generated from the IC 60 and other components other than the coil element 59 is dissipated using the second heat sink 63. Since the heat generation levels of the coil element 59 and other components are different, for example, if the heat generated from the coil element 59 also flows to the second heat sink 63, there will be a problem that the high heat will be transmitted to the IC 60 and other components and cannot be dissipated properly. Therefore, in this embodiment, heat is dissipated separately so that the heat generated from each can be dissipated efficiently.

[0106] An insulating film 67 is applied to the surface of the substrate that the spacer member 53 contacts. This prevents the wiring pattern from short-circuiting through the spacer member 53. The insulating film 67 becomes a thermal resistance. Therefore, preferably, the spacer member 53 is opposed to the ground pattern, and the ground pattern is directly contacted at the exposed part to increase the heat dissipation and heat conduction efficiency. Also, the part that faces the normal wiring pattern rather than the ground pattern is preferably processed on the surface of the spacer member 53 so as not to be in contact. However, since the processing is complicated, it is preferable to contact the ground pattern described above.

[0107] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a structure is adopted in which two substrates such as the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 are stacked. Thereby, for example, by dispersedly arranging elements that generate heat on a plurality of substrates, heat can be dissipated efficiently.

[0108] As described above, the partition wall 14 is formed at a position recessed from the tip on the front surface 11a side of the case body 11, and the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 with the spacer member 53 that constitutes the circuit section 2 interposed therebetween are mounted in the tip-side space surrounded by the partition wall 14 and the peripheral wall section 11i of the case body 11. And in such a mounted state, the surface of the first substrate 51 is positioned near the tip of the peripheral wall section 11i. By doing so, the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 can be housed in the case body 11, and the substrates may be housed in the tip-side space of the case body 11.

[0109] Also, since the surface of the first substrate 51 is positioned near the tip of the peripheral wall section 11i and does not extend from the tip to the recessed position, for example, the distance between the surface of the first substrate 51 and the front wall section 12a of the front case 12 can be reduced. Then, when various interfaces with the outside are mounted on the surface of the substrate, even when a member with a low interface height is used, the interface can be positioned near the surface facing the storage section of the first case.

[0110] *Arrangement structure of the second connector, etc. As described above, in this embodiment, the second connector 8 is directly attached to one end side in the longitudinal direction of the first substrate 51. The insertion / removal direction of the first connector 7 with respect to the second connector 8 is along the first substrate 51, and the insertion / removal is performed from top to bottom when the power supply device 10 is installed. The terminal pins 8a of the second connector 8 are bent in an L shape, and the tips of the terminal pins 8a are connected to the wiring pattern that conducts with the circuit portion 2 of the first substrate 51.

[0111] In this way, since the second connector 8 is fixed to the first substrate 51, it is not necessary to hold down the second connector 8, and it becomes easier for the user to insert and remove the first connector 7. Then, for example, the user can easily remove the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 to protect the battery 1. Also, since the second connector 8 is fixed to the substrate, the orientation of the second connector is specified. In this embodiment, when the cover member 17 is opened, the insertion direction of the second connector 8 is also opened, so that the connector attachment / detachment operation can be easily performed, and the user can, for example, easily remove the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 when the device is not in use as a habit.

[0112] Furthermore, since the insertion / removal direction of the first connector 7 is along the surface of the first substrate 51, it is preferable because the operability is improved since the first connector 7 only needs to be moved along the first substrate 51 when attaching / detaching the connector.

[0113] Also, in this embodiment, the tip of the tip peripheral wall portion 11j of the case body 11 and the surface of the first substrate 51 are substantially the same, and the first substrate 51 is positioned slightly lower. The first connector 7 is configured to move in contact with the first substrate 51 and be attached / detached from the second connector 8. The user can, for example, perform the connector attachment / detachment operation by moving the first connector 7 on the substrate while pressing it against the first substrate 51. In this embodiment, since the opening 3a of the housing 3 is provided three-dimensionally, fingers or the like can be inserted from different directions, improving the workability. Also, when the cover member 17 is opened, the top plate 17a rotates around the hinge portion 18, and the surface facing the first substrate 51 opens, so that the workability when pressing the first connector 7 against the substrate, for example, securing the movement space of the fingers, can be achieved, which is preferable.

[0114] Also, in the present embodiment, since the second connector 8 is directly attached to the first substrate 51, the space for storage becomes smaller, and the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 fit within the space of the cover member 17. For example, if the second connector 8 is connected to the first substrate 51 via a wiring cord, first, the connector size available for the second connector 8 becomes larger than that of the on-board type in the present embodiment. Also, the wiring cord is adapted to the battery capacity and becomes thick and difficult to bend like the power cord, and a large space is required for caulking the wiring cord to the connector and routing the wiring cord. Therefore, there is a possibility that it may not fit within the space of the cover member 17 in the present embodiment. On the other hand, in the case of on-board as in the present embodiment, the terminal pins can be directly soldered and connected to the first substrate 51 in a bent state, the space for routing the wiring cord is not required, and the connector size can be small, so the space for storage becomes small, which is good.

[0115] Circuit portions other than the wiring pattern are not arranged on the cover member 17 side and are configured not to be exposed from the opening 3a even when the cover member 17 is opened. Circuit portions other than the wiring pattern are positioned within the space surrounded by the front wall portion 12a, the peripheral wall portion 12b of the front case 12, and the first inner wall 31. By doing so, when the attachment and detachment operations of the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 are performed, it is good because it is possible to suppress as much as possible the user from accidentally touching the components and elements of the circuit portion 2 or foreign matter from entering.

[0116] [Detachable structure between the case body 11 and the rear case 13, etc.] As shown in FIGS. 28 to 31 and the like, the rear surface 11b of the case body 11 has a rectangular shape at the lower part of the left and right side surfaces. As described above, both left and right sides of the case body 11 are formed in an arc shape corresponding to the side surface shape of the battery 1, and such an arc shape is formed over substantially the entire length in the front-rear direction. Then, the lower part of the side surface near the rear surface 11b is formed to be substantially straight without rounding. As a result, the outer shape of the case body 11 near the rear surface 11b has a rectangular shape in the lower half and arc-shaped both side surfaces in the upper half like the other parts.

[0117] The flat portion 11c formed straight is thicker than the other side surfaces. A through hole 11d penetrating the inside and outside of the case body 11 is formed in the flat portion 11c. Further, on the outer surface side of the flat portion 11c, a recess 11e having a large inner diameter and concentric with the through hole 11d is formed. The threaded portion of a bolt (not shown) penetrates through the through hole 11d, and the head of the bolt is positioned within the recess 11e.

[0118] Also, on the upper side and the lower side of the rear surface 11b of the case body 11, projecting pieces 11f projecting rearward are formed respectively. The thickness of the projecting piece 11f is thinner than the thickness of the upper side and the lower side of the case body 11, for example, about half, and is positioned on the inner peripheral surface side. The inner peripheral surface of the case body 11 and the inner surface side of the projecting piece 11f are formed flush. Accordingly, the outer surface side of the projecting piece 11f is positioned at a position one step lower than the outer surface of the case body 11.

[0119] On the other hand, the rear case 13 has a bottomed cylindrical main body portion 13a, with the front surface 13b in the front-rear direction being open and the rear surface 13c being closed. The main body portion 13a is a portion that is exposed outside when mounted on the case body 11. Further, on the front surface 13b of the main body portion 13a, at both left and right ends below, substantially triangular projecting portions 13d projecting in a direction parallel to the front surface 13b are provided. The projecting portions 13d face the flat portion 11c of the case body 11. By providing these projecting portions 13d, the outer peripheral edge of the front surface 13b of the main body portion 13a including the outer peripheral edge of the projecting portions 13d has the same shape as the rear surface 11b including the flat portion 11c of the case body 11. When the front surface 13b of the main body portion 13a of the rear case 13 and the rear surface 11b of the case body 11 are abutted and contacted, the outer peripheral surfaces are smoothly connected without a step.

[0120] Further, on the front surface 13b of the main body portion 13a, a peripheral wall portion 13e having an outer shape slightly smaller than that of the main body portion 13a is formed to protrude forward. The inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 13e is flush with the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 13a, and the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 13e has a dimensional shape that conforms to the inner peripheral surface of the case main body 11. When the rear case 13 is attached to the rear surface 11b of the case main body 11, the peripheral wall portion 13e is inserted into the case main body 11. As a result, the peripheral wall portion 13e fits into the case main body 11, and the movement of the rear case 13 within a plane parallel to the rear surface 11b of the case main body 11 is restricted.

[0121] Furthermore, on the end surface of the front surface 13b of the main body portion 13a, a concave groove 13h is provided at the boundary portion with the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 13e. The concave groove 13h is formed at a position facing the protruding piece 11f, and in a state where the rear case 13 is attached to the case main body 11, the protruding piece 11f is set to be inserted into the concave groove 13h. By the protruding piece 11f entering the concave groove 13h, the bending of the rear surface 11b side of the case main body 11 in the vertical direction is suppressed. The vertical width of the case main body 11 is restricted, and the battery 1 can be firmly sandwiched from above and below.

[0122] Below the lower side of the side surface of the peripheral wall portion 13e, a nut storage portion 13f is provided. The nut storage portion 13f is installed at a position facing the flat portion 11c provided on the rear surface 11b side of the case main body 11. The nut storage portion 13f stores the nut 25. A through hole 13g is formed in the side surface of the nut storage portion 13f. The female thread of the nut 25 stored in the nut storage portion 13f is concentrically located with the through hole 13g, and the through hole 13g faces and is concentric with the through hole 11d formed in the flat portion 11c when the rear case 13 is attached to the case main body 11. In this state, a bolt is inserted into the through holes 11d and 13g from the outside of the housing 3, and the bolt and the nut 25 stored in the nut storage portion 13f are tightened. Thereby, the case main body 11 and the rear case 13 are connected. Thus, in this embodiment, since it is fixed from the side of the housing 3, the connection and fixing structure can be configured in a small space, which is good. The left and right side surfaces of the housing 3 are arc-shaped over their entire lengths, and only the region fixed by the bolt and nut protrudes outward from the arc-shaped side surface, but is housed within a rectangular shape circumscribing the arc-shaped side surface so as not to protrude significantly. Also, since the region fixed by the bolt and nut is configured not to protrude outward beyond the outermost position of the arc-shaped side surface, the region is not conspicuous, and the arc-shaped side surface along the outer shape of the battery is conspicuous in terms of design, which is preferable.

[0123] In this embodiment, the rear case 13 is fixed by fastening bolts and nuts from the side of the housing 3. Therefore, even if there is a large vibration, the rear case 13 is prevented from coming off and the battery 1 from popping out. The reason for adopting the fastening structure from the side is as follows. For example, when trying to screw the rear case 13 from the rear surface side, since the partition wall 14 is located on the front surface 11a side, a long boss extending rearward from the rear surface side of the partition wall 14 must be arranged. Also, since the battery 1 is almost entirely present in the storage portion 16, it is difficult to form such a long boss. Further, for example, by forming flanges protruding outward on the joining end surfaces of the case body 11 and the rear case 13 respectively, and fixing them with bolts and nuts by sandwiching the flanges in the state where the flanges are joined together, it may be possible to fix them in the front-rear direction. However, if such a configuration is adopted, since the strength of the flange must also be ensured, the flange portion will protrude greatly, which is not preferable in terms of design. On the contrary, in this embodiment, by utilizing the dead space that has become unusable by making the side surface arc-shaped, leaving the corner of the portion where the bolts and nuts are arranged, and adopting the configuration of mounting the bolts from the side, it can be fixed without providing a flange or the like, which is preferable in terms of design, can be formed compactly, and is also suitable for installation in a narrow space.

[0124] As described above, the connection between the front case 12 and the case body 11 is made by mounting screws from the front wall portion 12a side of the front case 12. The fixing of this front case 12 may also be done by fixing it from the side in the same manner as the rear case 13. However, since there is a cover member 17 on one side, it is difficult to adopt the structure of fixing it from the side on both the left and right sides in the same manner as the rear case 13. Also, since it is preferable in terms of design to form the same arc-shaped side surface as the case body 11 over the entire length up to the front case 12 side, the fixing is done from the front side as in this embodiment. Further, by adopting the fixing from the front side, the fixing to the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 can be simultaneously performed, which is more preferable. Furthermore, since the partition wall 14 is formed on the front surface 11a side of the case body 11, the bosses 33, 34 for screwing can also be short, so there are no manufacturing problems.

[0125] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the nut storage portion 13f has an opening on the front surface 13i side for setting the nut 25, and a concave portion 13j is also formed on the lower surface. On the inner peripheral surface of the case body 11 facing the nut storage portion 13f, a rib 11g protruding upward from the lower surface side is formed. When the rear case 13 is attached to the case body 11, this rib 11g enters the nut storage portion 13f from the front surface 13i side of the nut storage portion 13f and coincides with the concave portion 13j. Thereby, the case body 11 and the rear case 13 are firmly connected also by the fitting of the rib 11g and the concave portion 13j.

[0126] On the upper and lower surfaces of the case body 11, a large number of grooves 24 extending in the left - right direction are formed on the outer surface thereof. At a predetermined position in some of the large number of grooves 24, a hole 23 penetrating inside and outside is provided. In the region corresponding to the storage portion 16, two holes 23, one at each of the left and right ends, are provided in one groove 24. This hole 23 constitutes a heat dissipation port and suppresses the temperature in the storage portion 16 from rising due to natural convection and natural heat dissipation. Also, holes 23 are formed in the grooves 24 located in the region corresponding to the space for storing the circuit portion 2 on the front side of the partition wall 14. The holes 23 provided in the region corresponding to the space for storing the circuit portion 2 are formed at a higher density than on the storage portion 16 side. The configuration of forming at a higher density includes, for example, increasing the number of holes 23 formed in one groove 24, reducing the arrangement pitch of the grooves 24 in which the holes 23 are formed, and increasing the number of grooves 24 with holes 23 per unit length in the front - rear direction. In the present embodiment, both are adopted, six holes 23 are formed in one groove 24, and holes 23 are formed in all the grooves 24. Since the circuit portion 2 generates more heat, the holes 23 are arranged at a higher density to enhance the heat dissipation effect and suppress as much as possible the heat generated on the circuit portion 2 side from being transmitted to the battery 1.

[0127] Also, since the holes 23 are formed in the grooves 24, it becomes difficult to notice that the holes 23 are formed. It is good that the user does not notice the existence of the holes 23, or even if the user notices, since they are at the bottom of the grooves 24, the user does not care much.

[0128] [Fixing Structure of Power Supply Device 10] It is advisable to attach the hook-and-loop fastener 74 to the lower surface side of the case body 11 and detachably fix it via the hook-and-loop fastener 74. In this embodiment, it is used as an external power supply for in-vehicle equipment, and its installation location is set in the space below the driver's seat or the like. In many vehicles with a carpet, such a space exists below the driver's seat. The hook-and-loop fastener 74 of this embodiment is a special one having a property and structure that can be attached to a carpet. The hook-and-loop fastener 74 is a hook-side hook-and-loop fastener 74 for attaching to such a carpet. The hook-and-loop fastener 74 is attached using a double-sided tape that adheres to the PP, which is the material of the case body 11. It is advisable to directly connect and fix it to the carpet of the vehicle using this hook-and-loop fastener 74. In a place where there is no carpet, it is also advisable to attach a loop-side hook-and-loop fastener that adheres to the hook-and-loop fastener 74 to the vehicle side and detachably fix it to the hook-and-loop fastener on the vehicle side.

[0129] Furthermore, in this embodiment, on the lower sides of the left and right side surfaces of the case body 11, projection pieces 70 that protrude laterally are respectively formed at two locations in the front and rear, and through holes 71 that penetrate vertically are provided in the projection pieces 70. It also has a function of fixing to the installation location by using the projection pieces 70 and the through holes 71. For example, it is advisable to insert a bolt into the through hole 71 and fix it using the bolt and nut. By doing so, the power supply device 10 can be fixed more firmly, so it is acceptable to hold the power supply device 10 at the installation location even when used in a place with large vibrations. Also, it may be fixed using a tie wrap or the like by utilizing the through hole 71. By using a tie wrap, it can be easily fixed and installed, so it is acceptable.

[0130] A recessed portion 72 that extends in the vertical direction is provided on the side surface adjacent to the projection piece 70 of the case body 11. This recessed portion 72 secures a space for the escape of a wrench used when tightening a bolt.

[0131] In this embodiment, power is supplied to in-vehicle devices. For such usage targets, since the vibration applied to the power supply device 10 is at most about 3G, fixing with the hook-and-loop fastener 74 is sufficient. Therefore, if it is dedicated for in-vehicle use, it is acceptable to not provide protrusions 70 or the like and to adopt a sleek and unified design that is arc-shaped over the entire length in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, by providing protrusions 70 as in this embodiment and having a plurality of different fixing structures, it becomes possible to install in places where larger vibrations occur.

[0132] Use in places where larger vibrations occur, for example, is for some devices used in surveillance cameras and factories (for example, for operation confirmation of newly installed machine tools (for example, when defective products are created, the operations are photographed and recorded with a surveillance camera)). To verify the cause of NG, a camera is installed beside the machine tool and recorded. Since those installation sites also have large vibrations (for example, about 10G), they are firmly fixed with bolts and nuts. Also, when installing in a vehicle, for example, when applying to devices that generate large vibrations such as forklifts, a fixing structure using the through-hole 71 of the protrusion 70 is adopted. Use in a forklift is suitable for powering a drive recorder that photographs the entire 360-degree circumference and the surrounding situation during operations such as rotating on the spot, or photographs the surroundings during driving similar to a normal vehicle.

[0133] [Battery replacement] As described above, the space formed by the case body 11 and the rear case 13 serves as the storage portion 16 for the battery 1. The rear surface of the case body 11 is open, and this opening portion serves as the battery removal port. When the rear case 13 is removed, the rear surface 11b of the case body 11 opens, and one end side of the battery 1 protrudes to the outside (see FIGS. 28, 29, etc.). Then, by removing the first connector 7 and the second connector 8, the battery 1 can be detachably inserted into and removed from the storage portion 16 from the rear surface 11b side of the case body 11. In this way, in this embodiment, the battery 1 is made replaceable.

[0134] Also, in this embodiment, since the battery 1 is replaced from the rear surface 11b side of the case body 11 where the rear case 13 is removed and opened, it is not necessary to remove the circuit unit 2 during the replacement, and the user can perform the replacement work by himself / herself.

[0135] In this embodiment, the left and right sides of the case body 11 are arc-shaped. By utilizing this arc-shaped side surface, a function is exhibited that makes it easier to guide the power cord 6 to the front case 12 side. That is, since the storage portion 16 for storing the battery 1 in the case body 11 is close to the dimensions of the battery 1 and has little margin, the space 26 is also narrow. The user inserts the power cord 6 into the storage portion 16 with the first connector 7 at the front and further pushes the power cord 6 together with the battery 1 while being unable to confirm the position of the first connector 7. When pushing it in, if the first connector 7 is pressed against the inner arc-shaped surface, it will be naturally guided to the left end in the left-right direction, that is, the tip of the arc shape, and can be led out through the communication hole 14a provided in the partition wall 14. Since the communication hole 14a is continuously opened on the inner peripheral surface of the arc shape, the first connector 7 can be smoothly led out.

[0136] In this embodiment, the side surface of the housing 3 is arc-shaped in accordance with the outer shape of the battery 1. When it is arc-shaped, there are no corners, and it is difficult for the wiring patterns and elements of the circuit board to be damaged, and dead space appears. This dead space is utilized for the wiring area of the power cord 6 or for the storage space of the first connector 7 and the second connector 8.

[0137] In this embodiment, as described above, the connection and disconnection of the current from the battery 1 to the circuit unit 2 are switched by attaching and detaching the connector, and a mechanical power ON / OFF switch for cutting off the power supply from the battery 1 to the circuit unit 2 is not provided. In the case of the battery 1 that can be removed from the housing 3, it is necessary to release the connection with the circuit unit 2 inside the housing 3 when removing it. In order to easily release the connection, it is preferable to use a battery in a form in which a connector is connected to the power cord. In this embodiment, such a battery is adopted, and the battery 1 provided with the first connector 7 on the power cord 6 is adopted. In this way, by using the originally required connector for the purpose of cutting off the current flowing from the battery 1 to the circuit unit 2 when the device is not supplied with power as the first connector 7, the above mechanical power ON / OFF switch is not provided, and the configuration is simplified and miniaturized. In particular, in this embodiment, since the vehicle-mounted device may be supplied with power, when the terminal voltage of the battery 1 is set to 12V and the charging current is, for example, about 2A in accordance with the vehicle battery voltage, a large mechanical switch is also required. Therefore, the effect of reducing the space by not providing the switch is significant.

[0138] Furthermore, if the power supply device 10 of this embodiment is placed in a hidden place such as under the seat, it is originally in a place where it is difficult to operate. Even if a switch is provided, the operability is not improved much. Therefore, the operation of opening the cover member 17 and removing the connector is not much different from the switch operation, and the effect of reducing the space is more remarkable, which is preferable.

[0139] [Example of Usage State of Power Supply Device and Device Supplied with Power] The device to be powered by the power supply device of this embodiment may be, for example, an in-vehicle device. Some in-vehicle devices operate by receiving power supply from the vehicle battery. For the protection of the vehicle battery, the power supply from the vehicle battery to the in-vehicle device is performed when the engine or the like is ON, such as during vehicle running or idling, and when the engine or the like is turned OFF, the power supply to the in-vehicle device is turned OFF. The power supply device 10 of this embodiment may be used, for example, to supply power to the in-vehicle device when the engine or the like is OFF and the vehicle is parked, so that the in-vehicle device can operate. The in-vehicle device that operates when the vehicle is parked may be, for example, a drive recorder. The drive recorder has functions such as recording the surroundings during running or recording for a certain period before and after the occurrence of an impact, such as at the time of an accident. Therefore, during the parking of the vehicle, the power supply device 10 continuously supplies power to the drive recorder, records the surroundings of the vehicle, and also records for a certain period before and after, for example, when an impact occurs. Thereby, it can be used as a surveillance camera during parking.

[0140] FIG. 38 shows an example of the connection form with the outside when power is supplied to the in-vehicle device. The connector 76 attached to one end of the power cable 75 is attached to the input terminal portion 20, and the other end of the power cable 75 is connected to the vehicle battery. The connector 78 attached to one end of the connection cable 77 of the in-vehicle device is connected to the output terminal portion 21, and the other end of the connection cable 77 is connected to the in-vehicle device. Also, as described above, the in-vehicle device may be, for example, a drive recorder, and in addition to power supply, it may have a function of performing data communication with the drive recorder using the connection cable 77.

[0141] The setting switch 27 is, for example, a switch for setting the recording time after the engine or the like is turned OFF. The recording time is, for example, up to 12 hours, and several preset times are specified by the setting switch 27. The power supply device 10 supplies power for the time set by this setting switch 27 and then turns off the output.

[0142] The above ON / OFF control of power supply and communication control are performed by the microcomputer 57. The microcomputer 57 also has a function of monitoring the voltage of the built-in battery 1 and turning off the output when the voltage drops even before the set recording time is reached. As described above, for example, when the voltage of the battery 1 becomes equal to or lower than the reference value, the charging circuit stops charging. Therefore, in order to prevent such a situation from occurring, the operation is stopped when the voltage reaches a certain voltage (for example, 10V) with a margin based on the reference value.

[0143] Also, the communication with the drive recorder can be used, for example, to set the recording time from the drive recorder side. Although the operation of the setting switch 27 is complicated, if the recording time can be changed from the drive recorder side, the recording time can be changed according to the parking location and other situations, and it is good because it can prevent unnecessary long-time recording and suppress the consumption of the battery 1. The setting switch 27 also sets whether the connected drive recorder has a communication function. For those without a communication function, the recording time is set with the setting switch.

[0144] Also, for the communication of the drive recorder, for example, when a cancellation area where recording is not performed even during parking such as in a home garage can be set, the power supply device 10 is notified that power supply is not required when in the cancellation area. As a result, the power supply device 10 stops the output even when the engine or the like is turned off and within the set recording time.

[0145] The drive recorder may recognize whether it is operating with power supplied from the battery 1 or with power supplied from the vehicle battery, and change the frame rate of recording accordingly. By doing so, when the engine or the like is turned off and it is driven by the battery 1, for example, by reducing the frame rate or recording in a frame-by-frame state, it is good because the consumption and voltage drop of the battery 1 can be reduced.

[0146] The power supply device of this embodiment is particularly suitable for those who rarely drive. "Rarely drive" means, for example, not driving for a week or a month. And since the drive recorder is operated after getting off the vehicle with the engine etc. turned off, the connector is removed at least after the operation of the drive recorder stops. For example, when the user parks the vehicle in the home garage at night and takes pictures of the surroundings with the night drive recorder, the user performs a process such as removing the connector the next morning when not driving.

[0147] Also, the charging of the battery 1 is, for example, fully charged when driving for 3 hours. For example, in summer, since the temperature is high, it may not be fully charged even in 3 hours, so it is advisable to remove the connector to suppress the voltage drop of the battery 1.

[0148] [Modification example of the second connector attached to the substrate] In the above-described embodiment, the second connector 8 is configured to be inserted and removed in a direction along the first substrate 51 from above. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be arranged to be inserted and removed from the left side opposite to the second inner wall 32. Since the left end of the cover member 17 is three-dimensionally opened in the front case 12, it is more workable to insert and remove from the left side. However, since the power cord 6 is hard to bend, if it is inserted and removed from the left side, the power cord 6 will protrude greatly to the left side, and a large storage space will be required. Therefore, it is advisable to adopt a configuration of inserting and removing from above along the substrate as in the embodiment.

[0149] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the second connector 8 is attached to the first substrate 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a substrate different from the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 may be provided and attached to that substrate. By doing so, it can be arranged at a position different from the height of the first substrate 51. For example, the substrate to which the second connector is attached may be at the same position as in the embodiment, and the first substrate 51 may be at a slightly deeper position, so that the length of the front case 12 in the front-rear direction can be shortened and it can be arranged compactly. As in the embodiment, it is better to attach the second connector 8 on the first substrate 51 because the conduction between the second connector 8 and the circuit on the first substrate 51 side can be performed by a wiring pattern, and the substrate to which the second connector 8 is attached can be fixed by fixing the substrate in the internal space surrounded by the second inner wall 32 and the peripheral wall portion 12b.

[0150] Also, for example, the first substrate 51 may not be provided outside the second inner wall 32, and the second connector 8 may be attached on the second substrate 52. In that case, the insertion / removal direction of the connector is preferably perpendicular to the substrate surface of the second substrate 52.

[0151] [Modification Example of Cover Member] In addition, in the embodiment, the cover member 17 is formed integrally with the housing, but it may be formed as a separate member and be detachable from the housing. It is preferable that the cover member 17 is integrally formed with the housing as in the embodiment because the cover member 17 will not be lost. For example, if the cover member is a separate member, the user detaches and attaches the connector with the cover member removed from the housing in order to perform the attachment and detachment operation of the connector, and then attaches the removed cover member to the opening. However, there is a possibility that it will be lost or misplaced when it is removed and placed around. In particular, the cover member should preferably be sized according to the dimensions and shape of the opening, and in this way, it tends to be small and easy to lose. Also, as in the embodiment, the device is preferably for in-vehicle use, and as an installation position of the in-vehicle device, for example, it is preferably arranged below the floor in the vehicle interior. When the installation location of the device is such that the attachment and detachment operation of the connector is difficult, such as below, the user may not be able to find the cover member temporarily placed in other surrounding locations because they are concentrating on the attachment and detachment of the connector. Also, for example, as the size of the opening increases, the size of the cover member decreases, and the attachment and detachment operation of the cover member of the separate member to and from the housing becomes complicated. In view of this point as well, it is preferable to configure the cover member integrally with the housing.

[0152] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the cover member 17 covers the entire opening 3a, but it may cover only a part of it. The same applies to those configured as separate members that cover only a part.

[0153] Also, when the cover member 17 is configured to cover only a part of the opening 3a, in the state of covering only a part, the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 should preferably not protrude outside the housing 3. The configuration of not protruding outside the housing 3 may be, for example, such that the width and dimensions of the region of the opening 3a that is not covered by the cover member 17 and is open are such that the connected first connector 7 and second connector 8 cannot pass through. By covering with the cover member 17, for example, it is possible to prevent the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 in the connected state from protruding outside the housing 3 during use of the power supply device 10, and to prevent the user from accidentally touching and disconnecting the first connector 7 and the second connector 8.

[0154] Also, with the cover member 17 not covering the opening 3a, the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 may be prevented from protruding outside the housing 3. However, in such a non-covered state, it is preferable to enable at least one of the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 to be positioned outside the housing 3. By doing so, when the cover member 17 is removed from the opening 3a and in the state of not covering the opening 3a, at least one of the connectors can be positioned outside the housing 3. For example, the detaching and attaching operations can be facilitated. As a configuration that enables positioning outside the housing 3, for example, the length of a line other than the wiring pattern connected to a connector such as a power cord is increased, and the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 are positioned outside the housing 3. In this way, for example, the user can easily perform the detaching and attaching operations with the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 positioned outside the housing 3, and after the detaching and attaching operations, the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 can be stored inside the housing 3.

[0155] [Without cover member] In the above-described embodiment, the cover member 17 is provided, but the cover member is not necessarily provided. The state where the connector is exposed without the cover member is not aesthetically pleasing and dust etc. may enter the housing 3, so it is preferable to provide the cover member 17 as in this embodiment. Also, with the cover member 17 provided, regardless of the connection state of the connectors, the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 are preferably stored inside the cover member 17 in a closed state.

[0156] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the second connector 8 is directly attached to the substrate, but in the present invention, it is not necessarily directly attached to the substrate, and it may be connected via a cord. In such a case, the cord is lengthened, and after detaching and attaching with the first connector and the second connector taken out of the housing, they are pushed into the housing for storage. In this way, the detaching and attaching operations can be performed in a wide space outside the housing. However, in such a configuration, the length of the cord becomes long, and a storage space for the long cord is required when storing it inside the housing, so it is preferable to directly connect to the substrate as in the embodiment.

[0157] [Magnetic shielding function] In the above-described embodiment, the spacer member 53 also serves as a heat dissipation function. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the heat dissipation function, or in addition to the heat dissipation function, it is preferable to provide a magnetic shielding function.

[0158] For example, a magnetic field generation source such as a coil element is disposed on at least one of the opposing surfaces of a plurality of substrates, and the spacer member 53 is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the magnetic field generation source. For example, as shown in FIG. 23 and the like, when the hole portion 53a is formed in the spacer member 53, it is disposed on the opposing back surface of the first substrate 51 or the second substrate 52 so that the magnetic field generation source is located in the hole portion 53a. If the spacer member is configured using a magnetic material, a closed magnetic circuit is formed by the spacer member 53 surrounding the periphery of the magnetic field generation source, and it is sufficient that no magnetic field leaks to the outside from the side surface of the spacer member 53. The periphery is preferably the entire periphery on all four sides, but particularly when surrounding the side surface, it may be configured by the spacer member 53 composed of a single member having the hole portion 53a as in the embodiment.

[0159] [USB terminal] In the above-described embodiment, the output terminal portion 21 outputs a voltage of 12V to supply power to in-vehicle devices. However, it is preferable to provide a USB terminal portion and also have a function of outputting 5V. When a USB terminal is provided, a large amount of heat is generated during output, which may cause a decrease in the performance of the battery. Therefore, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which no USB terminal is provided as in the embodiment.

[0160] [Connector not connected at the time of shipment] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the connector is removed when the user does not use it for a long time has been described. However, it is preferable that the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 are removed at the time of shipment. By removing both connectors at the time of shipment in this way, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the battery until it reaches the user's hands. For example, when it becomes a long-term inventory, the influence of the leakage current cannot be ignored. For example, the voltage of the battery may drop to a state where it cannot be charged, resulting in an initial defect. By removing it at the time of shipment, the occurrence of such a situation can be suppressed. When sold in a state where the connector is removed at the time of shipment in this way, the user first connects the connector when using it to make the device such as a drive recorder in a state where power can be supplied.

[0161] [Other configurations] The cover member 17 should be configured so that it can be closed even when the connector is removed. The space closed by the cover member 17 has a space for housing the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 in the removed state. If the cover member is left open, dust may enter the housing 3, and there is also a risk that something may catch on the open cover member, and when it catches, a load may be applied and the hinge may be damaged. Therefore, if it is configured so that the cover member can be closed even when the connector is removed, such a problem will not occur by closing the cover member except during the attachment / detachment operation of the connector.

[0162] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the cushion 22 provided in the storage portion 16 of the battery 1 is provided on the upper surface side, but the installation location and the number of installations are arbitrary and various countermeasures can be taken. For example, if it is for an in-vehicle device and the maximum vibration is about 3G, it can be sufficiently dealt with, so a configuration of an embodiment with a simple structure and less likely to sag with long-term use is preferable. On the other hand, for example, when used in a place where the vibration is large, such as about 7G or more, the holding force is not sufficient with only one piece positioned on the upper surface side, and the battery 1 may move inside the housing 3, and the heat shrinkable tube 5 of the battery 1 may break. Therefore, in order to suppress the movement, it is advisable to increase the size of the cushion or provide it on the lower side or the like.

[0163] Since the connection between the main case 11 and the rear case 12 is firmly joined by fastening a nut 14 and a bolt from the lateral direction, for example, it will not become detached even when installed in a place where vibrations as large as 7G or more occur. On the other hand, in the case of installation in a place where vibrations of about 3G such as in-vehicle use occur, instead of using such bolts and nuts, a connection by fitting a protrusion such as a claw piece and a recess may be used. With such a configuration, the structure is simple and attachment and detachment become easy. However, as in this embodiment, if it is fixed with bolts and nuts from the side, it is preferable because it can also be used and adapted for installation in a place where large vibrations occur without increasing the size of the device.

[0164] In the above-described embodiment, the light-emitting unit 21 is configured such that light from the LED 56 provided on the first substrate 51 reaches the fourth opening 12f provided in the front case 12 via the light guide path and emits light there. However, for example, a light-emitting source such as the LED 56 may be arranged near the fourth opening 12f and emit light at the portion of the fourth opening 12f.

[0165] In the above-described embodiment, the circuit unit 2 includes a plurality of circuits such as a charging circuit and a voltage monitoring circuit, but one may be sufficient. When there are a plurality, the object for which the current from the battery 1 stops flowing by removing the first connector 7 and the second connector 8 may be a part of the plurality of circuit units, but as in the embodiment, it is preferable to make it all the circuit units because it can more effectively suppress the decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery 1.

[0166] In the above-described embodiment, the case body 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the portion surrounding the entire circumference of the battery 1 is integrated. Thereby, it is preferable because the battery 1 can be firmly stored and held. Although it is preferable to form it in such a cylindrical shape, the configuration of the case body is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured to sandwich the battery with a plurality of parts such as upper and lower division. When the power supply device 10 is configured to be used in a place where vibrations are large, for example, the embodiment in which the battery 1 is firmly stored and held is preferable.

[0167] In the above-described embodiment, a secondary battery is used as the battery 1, but a primary battery may also be used. If a secondary battery is used, it can be charged, and it is particularly preferable to configure it to be charged from the vehicle battery as in the embodiment. If it is configured as in the embodiment, for example, the battery 1 can be charged while the vehicle is running.

[0168] In addition, although the device of the present invention is a power supply device, it is not limited to a power supply device, and includes devices such as electrical devices and electronic devices that operate using the power of a battery built therein. Even in this type of device such as an electrical device or an electronic device, when the power supply of the device is OFF, a current flows from the built-in battery, and it can be preferably applied to a configuration including a circuit section that consumes power.

[0169] As described above, the power supply device 10 of the present embodiment includes a charging circuit that receives power supply from the vehicle battery and charges the internal battery 1, and a power output circuit that supplies power to an external device based on the power supply from the vehicle battery. The power output circuit may be configured to supply power to an external device based on the power supply from the vehicle battery regardless of the connection status of the first connector 7 and the second connector 8. If it is configured in this way, even if one forgets to disconnect the first connector and the second connector, during normal driving with the engine or the like turned on, power can be supplied to and drive in-vehicle devices.

[0170] As described above, various aspects of the present invention have been described using embodiments and modification examples. It should be noted that these embodiments and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are provided to assist in the understanding of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations and limitations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed in this specification within its scope. Among the present invention, the configuration for which a patent is sought is specified in the appended claims, but even a configuration that is not currently specified in the claims may potentially be claimed in the future with the configurations disclosed in this specification. This is stated for the sake of caution.

[0171] The invention of the present application is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The constituent elements of the above-described embodiments and modification examples may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Further, any constituent element of each embodiment or modification example may be arbitrarily combined with any constituent element described in the means for solving the invention or a constituent element obtained by embodying any constituent element described in the means for solving the invention.

[0172] Also, although the drawings depict the entire device in solid lines, the drawings include not only the overall design but also a partial design claimed for a part of the device. For example, not only can a part of the members of the device be a partial design, but the drawings also include a partial design for a part of the device regardless of the members, as a part of the device. As a part of the device, it may be a part of the members of the device or a part of the member.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0173] 1 Battery 2 Circuit section 3 Housing 3a Opening 6 Power cord 7 First connector 8 Second connector 10 Power supply device 11 Case body 11a Front surface 11b Rear surface 12 Front case 12a Front wall portion 12b Peripheral wall portion 12c First opening 12d Second opening 12e Third opening 12f Fourth opening 13 Rear case 14 Partition wall 14a Communication hole 16 Storage portion 17 Cover member 18 Hinge portion 20 Input terminal portion 21 Output terminal portion 22 Cushion 27 Setting Switch 31 First Inner Wall 32 Second Inner Wall 36 Plate Member 37 Seal 42 First Heat Sink 43 Thermal Sheet 51 First Substrate 52 Second Substrate 53 Spacer Member 56 LED 57 Microcontroller 59 Coil Element 63 Second Heat Sink 65 Thermal Sheet 66 Cushion

Claims

1. A device comprising a battery, a circuit board, and a housing for housing them, wherein a groove extending in a predetermined direction is formed on an outer surface of the housing, and a hole penetrating the inside and outside of the housing is provided in the groove. The device is characterized by the above.

2. A plurality of the grooves are formed on the outer surface of the housing, and among the outer surface of the housing, on the side where the circuit board is housed, the number of the holes provided in one groove is larger than that on the side where the battery is housed. The device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. A plurality of the grooves are formed on the outer surface of the housing, and among the outer surface of the housing, on the side where the circuit board is housed, the interval between the grooves provided with the holes is narrower than that on the side where the battery is housed. The device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. A plurality of the grooves are formed on the outer surface of the housing, and among the outer surface of the housing, on the side where the circuit board is housed, the ratio of the number of the grooves provided with the holes to the number of the grooves not provided with the holes is larger than that on the side where the battery is housed. The device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

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