Power strip storage case and power relay adapter

Abstract

To prevent foreign matter and rainwater from coming into contact with a power adapter in a power relay adapter that does not have an inverter unit.SOLUTION: A power tap storage case 5 includes a case body 5a that stores a power tap 4 in an exposed state, the power tap 4 is connected to a discharge plug 2 connectable to a charging port X1 of a vehicle X via a cable 3, and an open / close lid portion 5b that is openably connected to the case body 5a, covers the power tap 4 in a closed position, and exposes the power tap 4 in an open position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power tap housing case and a power relay adapter. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an external power supply device that is connected to a vehicle battery and converts DC power stored in the battery into AC power and outputs the converted power. Such an external power supply device includes an inverter unit that converts DC power into AC power. The inverter unit includes multiple switching elements configured with transistors such as MOSFETs and IGBTs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-70945 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The external power supply disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an inverter unit with multiple switching elements and therefore a large case for housing the inverter. The external power supply has a large, openable case, with a plug insertion port, such as a power outlet, inside the case that is exposed when the case is opened. Recently, vehicles equipped with inverters that convert DC power to AC power and output the converted AC power have also been provided. Relaying power from a vehicle with such an inverter unit to an external electronic device can be performed via a power relay adapter that does not have an inverter unit. However, a power relay adapter that does not have an inverter unit does not have a large case like the external power supply, and is provided with a power strip with an exposed plug insertion port. When using the power strip of such a power relay adapter outdoors, the power strip may come into contact with foreign objects or rainwater.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and is capable of preventing foreign matter and rainwater from coming into contact with a power adapter in a power relay adapter that does not have an inverter unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means for solving the above problems.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a power tap storage case that includes a case body that stores, in an exposed state, a power tap connected via a cable to a discharge plug that can be connected to a vehicle's charging port, and an open / close lid that is openably connected to the case body, covers the power tap in a closed position, and exposes the power tap in an open position.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in the first aspect, the case body is provided with a hinge mechanism that connects the case body and the opening / closing lid portion, and a biasing portion that biases the opening / closing lid portion toward the closed position.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention employs a configuration in which, in the first or second aspect, a magnet is provided on the outer wall surface of the case main body.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a power relay adaptor, which includes the discharge plug, the cable, the power tap, and the power tap housing case of any one of the first to third aspects. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, a power strip connected to a discharge plug via a cable is housed in a case body. An openable / closable lid is connected to the case body in an openable / closable manner. The openable / closable lid covers the power strip when in a closed position. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent foreign objects and rainwater from coming into contact with the power strip. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the general configuration of a power relay adapter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view that schematically shows the general configuration of a power relay adaptor according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which an opening / closing cover is in a closed position. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic enlarged perspective view including a hinge mechanism provided in a power relay adapter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the bottom surface of a case main body included in the power relay adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing the general configuration of a power relay adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a power tap housing case and a power relay adapter according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a power relay adapter 1 of this embodiment. The power relay adapter 1 of this embodiment connects a vehicle X equipped with a high-voltage battery, such as an electric vehicle, to an external electronic device Y (load), and relays AC power output from the vehicle X to the external electronic device Y. As shown in Fig. 1, the power relay adapter 1 of this embodiment includes a discharge plug 2, a cable 3, a power tap 4, and a power tap housing case 5.

[0015] Vehicle X has a charging port X1 for supplying power from an external power source to the high-voltage battery. When charging the high-voltage battery, a charger connector is connected to the charging port X1. The discharge plug 2 is formed in a shape that allows it to be connected to the charging port X1 of vehicle X. One end of a cable 3 is connected to the discharge plug 2.

[0016] The cable 3 transmits AC power output from the vehicle X. One end of the cable 3 is connected to the discharge plug 2, and the other end is connected to the power tap 4. The cable 3 passes through a power tap housing case 5 and is connected to the power tap 4.

[0017] The power strip 4 has two plug insertion portions 4a on its top surface. Each plug insertion portion 4a has two slit-shaped holes that open upward, and is configured to allow attachment of a plug Y1 of an external electronic device Y. The number of plug insertion portions 4a provided on the power strip 4 is not limited. That is, the power strip 4 may have a single plug insertion portion 4a, or may have three or more plug insertion portions 4a.

[0018] The power tap 4 also includes a switch 4b. The switch 4b switches the state of power supply from the power tap 4 to the external electronic device Y. Specifically, the switch 4b switches the state of the power tap 4 between a power supply enabled state in which power can be supplied to the external electronic device Y and a power stop state in which power supply to the external electronic device Y is stopped. For example, the power supply state is switched each time the switch 4b is pressed. Alternatively, the power supply state may be switched by rotating the switch 4b.

[0019] The power strip storage case 5 is a case that stores the power strip 4 and prevents foreign objects, rainwater, etc. from coming into contact with the power strip 4. The power strip storage case 5 includes a case body 5a, an opening / closing lid portion 5b, a hinge mechanism 5c (see FIG. 3), a biasing portion 5d, a locking mechanism 5e, a sealing member 5f, and a magnet 5g.

[0020] The case body 5a is formed in the shape of a container that is open upward, and accommodates the power tap 4 inside. That is, the case body 5a accommodates the power tap 4 in an exposed state facing upward.

[0021] The open-close lid 5b is connected to the case body 5a so as to be able to open and close. In this embodiment, the open-close lid 5b is connected to the outer edge of the case body 5a via a hinge mechanism 5c. The open-close lid 5b is opened and closed relative to the case body 5a by rotating around the hinge mechanism 5c. In this embodiment, the open-close lid 5b is connected to the case body 5a so as to be able to open and close, and covers the power tap 4 in the closed position and exposes the power tap 4 in the open position.

[0022] In this embodiment, the opening / closing cover 5b can be rotated around the hinge mechanism 5c to change its position between an open position and an open position. The position of the opening / closing cover 5b shown in FIG. 1 is the open position. In the open position, the opening / closing cover 5b opens the power strip 4 housed in the case body 5a upward. When the opening / closing cover 5b is in the open position, the plug Y1 can be inserted into and removed from the plug insertion portion 4a of the power strip 4.

[0023] Furthermore, the open-close lid 5b of this embodiment is sized to have an internal space large enough to accommodate the plug Y1 even in the closed position. It is preferable that even a large plug Y1 or a plug Y1 connected to a cord that is difficult to bend can be accommodated inside the open-close lid 5b. For this reason, the open-close lid 5b of this embodiment is formed so that its vertical dimension in the closed position is larger than the vertical dimension of the case main body 5a.

[0024] 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the power relay adapter 1 of this embodiment, showing the state in which the openable / closeable cover 5b is in the closed position. As shown in this figure, the openable / closeable cover 5b in the closed position covers the power tap 4 housed in the case main body 5a from above.

[0025] 3 is a schematic enlarged perspective view including the hinge mechanism 5c. As shown in this figure, the hinge mechanism 5c connects the case body 5a and the opening / closing lid part 5b and supports the opening / closing lid part 5b so that it can rotate. For example, a plurality of such hinge mechanisms 5c may be provided.

[0026] The biasing portion 5d is included in the hinge mechanism 5c and biases the opening / closing cover 5b toward the closed position. For example, a biasing portion 5d is provided for each hinge mechanism 5c, and if multiple hinge mechanisms 5c are provided, multiple biasing portions 5d are provided. For example, a helical spring can be used as such a biasing portion 5d. By providing such a biasing portion 5d, the opening / closing cover 5b in the open position is changed toward the closed position when it is not supported by the locking mechanism 5e, an operator, or the like.

[0027] The locking mechanism 5e is a mechanism that can restrict the movement of the opening / closing lid 5b in the closed position. The configuration of this locking mechanism 5e is not particularly limited. For example, the locking mechanism 5e can be attached to the outer edge of the opening / closing lid 5b located opposite the hinge mechanism 5c, and can be configured to engage with the outer edge of the case body 5a when the opening / closing lid 5b is in the closed position. With a locking mechanism 5e configured in this way, the opening / closing lid 5b is held in the closed position by being engaged with the outer edge of the case body 5a.

[0028] The seal member 5f is disposed to surround the power strip 4 and is interposed between the edge of the case body 5a and the edge of the openable / closed cover 5b in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 1, a portion of the seal member 5f serves as a cord insertion portion 5f1. The cord insertion portion 5f1 has a higher cushioning effect than other portions of the seal member 5f, allowing the cord Y2 connected to the plug Y1 to be pulled out from the inside to the outside of the case body 5a. The cord insertion portion 5f1 is formed so as to be separable into upper and lower portions, and can sandwich the cord Y2 from above and below when the openable / closed cover 5b is in the closed position.

[0029] 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the bottom surface of the case body 5a. As shown in this figure, the magnet 5g is provided on the bottom surface 5a1 (outer wall surface) of the case body 5a. The magnet 5g is fixed to the bottom surface 5a1 of the case body 5a by, for example, an adhesive material (not shown).

[0030] In this embodiment, two magnets 5g are provided on the bottom surface 5a1 of the case body 5a. However, the number of magnets 5g provided can be changed. For example, a configuration in which a single magnet 5g is provided or a configuration in which three or more magnets 5g are provided can also be adopted.

[0031] Such a magnet 5g can be attracted to a metal part of a vehicle panel, etc. Therefore, by attaching the magnet 5g to a vehicle panel, etc., it is possible to stabilize the case main body 5a.

[0032] When power is supplied to the external electronic device Y via the power relay adapter 1 of this embodiment, for example, the discharge plug 2 is first connected to the charging port X1 of the vehicle X. Next, the openable cover 5b is opened, and the plug Y1 of the external electronic device Y is inserted into the plug insertion portion 4a of the power tap 4.

[0033] Next, the cord Y2 of the external electronic device Y is placed so that it passes through the cord insertion portion 5f1 of the seal member 5f, and in conjunction with placing the opening / closing cover portion 5b in the closed position, the switch 4b of the power tap 4 is operated to enable electricity to be supplied to the external electronic device Y. In addition, the opening / closing cover portion 5b, which has been placed in the closed position, is locked in the closed position by the locking mechanism 5e.

[0034] The power tap storage case 5 of this embodiment as described above includes a case body 5a and an openable / closable lid 5b. The case body 5a houses, in an exposed state, the power tap 4 connected via a cable 3 to a discharge plug 2 connectable to a charging port X1 of a vehicle X. The openable / closable lid 5b is openably connected to the case body 5a, and covers the power tap 4 in a closed position and exposes the power tap 4 in an open position.

[0035] In this power tap housing case 5, the power tap 4 connected to the discharge plug 2 via the cable 3 is housed in the case body 5a. An openable / closable lid 5b is connected to the case body 5a in an openable / closable manner. The openable / closable lid 5b covers the power tap 4 when in a closed position. Therefore, the power tap housing case 5 of this embodiment makes it possible to prevent foreign objects and rainwater from coming into contact with the power tap 4.

[0036] The power tap housing 5 of this embodiment also includes a hinge mechanism 5c and a biasing member 5d. The hinge mechanism 5c connects the case body 5a and the opening / closing cover 5b. The biasing member 5d biases the opening / closing cover 5b toward the closed position.

[0037] With the power strip housing 5 of this embodiment, the open / close cover 5b remains in the closed position unless supported, which prevents the power strip housing 5 of this embodiment from being used with the open / close cover 5b in the open position.

[0038] The power tap housing case 5 of this embodiment also includes a magnet 5g provided on the bottom surface 5a1 of the case body 5a. With the power tap housing case 5 of this embodiment, the power relay adapter 1 can be used with the case body 5a fixed to a vehicle panel or the like.

[0039] The power tap storage case 5 of this embodiment also includes a sealing member 5f. The sealing member 5f is arranged to surround the power tap 4. The sealing member 5f is also interposed between the edge of the case body 5a and the edge of the openable / closable cover 5b in the closed position.

[0040] According to the power tap storage case 5 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent foreign matter and rainwater from entering the inside of the case body 5a through the boundary between the case body 5a and the open / close lid portion 5b in the closed state.

[0041] In the power tap housing 5 of this embodiment, at least a part of the sealing member 5f (the cord insertion portion 5f1) has cushioning properties. In the power tap housing 5 of this embodiment, the cord Y2 can be drawn from the inside to the outside of the case body 5a through the cushioning cord insertion portion 5f1.

[0042] According to the power tap storage case 5 of this embodiment, the cord Y2 can be pulled out from inside to outside the case body 5a while maintaining the seal at the boundary between the case body 5a and the opening / closing cover 5b.

[0043] The power strip housing 5 of this embodiment also includes a locking mechanism 5e that can restrict movement of the opening / closing cover 5b when in the closed position. The power strip housing 5 of this embodiment prevents the opening / closing cover 5b in the closed position from being opened by an external force.

[0044] The power relay adapter 1 of this embodiment also includes a discharge plug 2, a cable 3, a power tap 4, and a power tap housing case 5. Because the power relay adapter 1 of this embodiment includes the power tap housing case 5, it is possible to prevent foreign objects and rainwater from coming into contact with the power tap 4.

[0045] Furthermore, in the power relay adapter 1 of this embodiment, the power tap 4 includes a switch 4b that switches the power supply state to the external electronic device Y between a power supply enabled state and a power stop state. According to the power relay adapter 1 of this embodiment, by operating the switch 4b, it is possible to stop the power supply to the external electronic device Y even when the plug Y1 is inserted into the plug insertion portion 4a.

[0046] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0047] 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the power relay adapter 1A of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, the power tap housing 5 is provided with a switch operation unit 5h. The switch operation unit 5h is a rod-shaped member located inside the opening / closing cover 5b and hanging down from the top surface of the opening / closing cover 5b.

[0048] In this embodiment, the switch 4b of the power tap 4 is energized when pressed. The switch operating unit 5h is positioned to press the switch 4b when the opening / closing cover 5b is in the closed position. The switch operating unit 5h is separated from the switch 4b when the opening / closing cover 5b is in the open position.

[0049] In other words, the switch operation unit 5h operates the switch 4b in conjunction with the position of the opening / closing cover 5b. Specifically, the switch operation unit 5h operates the switch 4b so that the current is applied when the opening / closing cover 5b is in the closed position, and the current is cut off when the opening / closing cover 5b is in the open position.

[0050] With the power relay adapter 1A of this embodiment, the operator does not need to operate the switch 4b separately from opening and closing the opening and closing cover 5b. Furthermore, power can be supplied to the external electronic device Y only when the opening and closing cover 5b is in the closed position, preventing the operator from forgetting to close the opening and closing cover 5b.

[0051] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0052] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration including switch 4b has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by providing a mechanism that enables current to flow when opening / closing cover 5b is in the closed position and giving opening / closing cover 5b the function of a switch, it is possible to omit switch 4b separate from opening / closing cover 5b.

[0053] Furthermore, the present invention can employ the configurations described in the following supplementary notes.

[0054] (Appendix 1) a case body that houses, in an exposed state, a power tap connected via a cable to a discharge plug that can be connected to a charging port of a vehicle; an open / close lid portion that is openably connected to the case body, covers the power tap in a closed position, and exposes the power tap in an open position; A power strip storage case comprising:

[0055] (Appendix 2) a hinge mechanism that connects the case body and the opening / closing lid; a biasing portion that biases the open / close cover portion toward the closed position; 2. The power strip storage case according to claim 1, comprising:

[0056] (Appendix 3) 3. The power strip storage case according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a magnet provided on the outer wall surface of the case body.

[0057] (Appendix 4) A power tap storage case described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that it is arranged to surround the power tap and is provided with a sealing member interposed between the edge of the case body and the edge of the opening and closing lid portion in the closed position.

[0058] (Appendix 5) A power tap storage case as described in Appendix 4, characterized in that at least a portion of the sealing member has cushioning properties, and the cord can be pulled out from the inside to the outside of the case body through the cushioning portion of the sealing member.

[0059] (Appendix 6) The power tap storage case according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, further comprising a locking mechanism that can restrict movement of the open / close cover in the closed position.

[0060] (Appendix 7) the discharge plug; the cable; the power strip; A power strip storage case according to any one of appendices 1 to 6. A power relay adapter comprising:

[0061] (Appendix 8) The power relay adapter according to claim 7, wherein the power tap includes a switch for switching the power supply state to the external electronic device between a power supply enabled state and a power stop state.

[0062] (Appendix 9) a switch operation unit that operates the switch in conjunction with the attitude of the opening / closing cover unit, The switch operation unit operates the switch so that the energized state becomes the energizable state when the opening / closing cover unit is in the closed position, and the energized state becomes the de-energized state when the opening / closing cover unit is in the open position. 9. The power relay adapter according to claim 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1...power relay adapter, 1A...power relay adapter, 2...discharge plug, 3...cable, 4...power tap, 4a...plug insertion portion, 4b...switch, 5...power tap storage case, 5a...case body, 5a1...bottom, 5b...opening / closing cover portion, 5c...hinge mechanism, 5d...biasing portion, 5e...locking mechanism, 5f...sealing member, 5f1...cord insertion portion, 5g...magnet, 5h...switch operation portion, X...vehicle, X1...charging port, Y...external electronic device, Y1...plug, Y2...cord

Claims

1. a case body that houses, in an exposed state, a power tap connected via a cable to a discharge plug that can be connected to a charging port of a vehicle; an open / close lid portion that is openably connected to the case body, covers the power tap in a closed position, and exposes the power tap in an open position; A power strip storage case comprising:

2. a hinge mechanism that connects the case body and the opening / closing lid; a biasing portion that biases the open / close cover portion toward the closed position; 2. The power strip storage case according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. 3. The power strip storage case according to claim 1, further comprising a magnet provided on an outer wall surface of the case body.

4. the discharge plug; the cable; the power strip; The power strip storage case according to claim 1 or 2, A power relay adapter comprising:

Images