Cone-weight-type power supply device

Abstract

To provide a novel cone-weight-type power supply device.SOLUTION: A cone-weight-type power supply device (10), which is configured to be attachable to a road cone (100) having a conical main body (101), comprises a rechargeable power supply unit (12) and an output unit (13) that outputs electric power to an external device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cone bed type power supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, road cones (pylons) have been used in various places throughout the city, such as construction sites, roads, event venues, etc. In addition, road cones are sometimes fitted with cone beds (cone weights) as weights to prevent them from shifting sideways or tipping over due to the effects of strong winds, etc. (See Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-62677 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To provide a new corn bed type power supply device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A corn bed type power supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a corn bed type power supply device configured to be attachable to a road cone having a conical main body, and is equipped with a chargeable and dischargeable power supply unit and an output unit that outputs power to the outside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, a new cone-bed type power supply device can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cone bed type power supply device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a six-view diagram of the cone bed type power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the cone bed type power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of installing the cone bed type power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the use state of the cone bed type power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a cone bed type power supply device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a solar panel according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the use state of the cone bed type power supply device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the solar panel according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the solar panel according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] First Embodiment Cone beds are known as weights used to prevent road cones (also known as color cones: registered trademark) used as traffic control materials from falling over or moving due to strong winds, and are also called cone bases or cone weights. The cone bed type power supply device 10 according to the present invention has an external shape that imitates a conventional cone bed, and functions as a weight for the road cone in the same way as a cone bed. The cone bed type power supply device 10 according to the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as power supply device 10) will be described below.

[0010] 1 to 3 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a cone bed type power supply device 10 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1 shows an external perspective view of the power supply device 10 as seen obliquely from above. Fig. 2 shows six views of the power supply device 10, with the surface indicated by the black arrow in Fig. 1 as the front, where (A) is a front view, (B) is a rear view, (C) is a left side view, (D) is a right side view, (E) is a plan view, and (F) is a bottom view.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power supply device 10 has a quadrilateral (approximately square) shape in plan view, with a hole 15 penetrating vertically at the center of the surface. The hole 15 is configured so that a main body 101 of a road cone 100 (see FIG. 4) can be inserted from the bottom when installing the power supply device 10. The power supply device 10 of this embodiment has a flat plate shape with a vertical height smaller than its width in a side view, and is configured so that at least a portion of the bottom surface of the power supply device 10 rests on a base 102 of the road cone 100 when installed. As shown in FIG. 2(F), a recess 16, which is a substantially square depression, is formed in the bottom surface of the power supply device 10 of this embodiment. The recess 16 is configured to accommodate the base 102 of the road cone 100 when the power supply device 10 is attached to the road cone 100. Details of the external shapes of the power supply device 10 and the road cone 100 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. In this specification, the vertical direction refers to the direction that coincides with the vertical direction in the direction of gravity, and the planar direction refers to the left-right direction relative to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction that coincides with the horizontal direction. Also, the corners of the quadrangle (approximately square) that represents the shape of power supply device 10 may be slightly rounded as shown in the figure.

[0012] Next, a description will be given of the block configuration of the power supply device 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the power supply device 10 of this embodiment includes an input unit 11, a power supply unit 12, an output unit 13, and an illumination unit 14.

[0013] The input unit 11 is configured to function as a power input unit for inputting power from outside the power supply device 10, and also as a power supply unit for supplying power to the power supply unit 12. For example, the input unit 11 of this embodiment may be configured to include a power cable electrically connectable to an external power source and an AC (alternating current) / DC (direct current) converter. This allows the input unit 11 to convert AC voltage input from an external power source (e.g., a commercial power source or a generator) into DC voltage of an appropriate voltage value and supply it to the power supply unit 12. However, the configuration of the input unit 11 may be appropriately changed depending on the specifications of the power supply device 10 and / or the external power source. For example, the input unit 11 may be configured to include a connector electrically connectable to an external power source instead of a power cable as shown in the figure. Furthermore, when DC voltage is input from outside, the input unit 11 may be configured to include a DC / DC converter instead of an AC / DC converter.

[0014] The power supply unit 12 is configured with a rechargeable secondary battery. In this embodiment, for example, a lithium ion battery is used as the power supply unit 12. The power supply unit 12 is configured to charge the power supplied from the input unit 11 and supply the power to at least the output unit 13.

[0015] The output unit 13 is configured to supply power to an external device. Therefore, the output unit 13 includes a power output terminal disposed on the outer surface of the power supply device 10. In this embodiment, the output unit 13 may include, for example, at least one USB port as the power output terminal. This allows the power supply device 10 to supply power to electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops via a connector connectable to the USB port. However, the configuration of the output unit 13 may be modified as appropriate depending on the specifications of the power supply device 10. The output unit 13 may include one or more electrical outlets instead of or in addition to the USB port. The output unit 13 may also include a power supply circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the DC voltage supplied from the power supply unit 12 to an arbitrary voltage value according to a set value of the voltage that can be output from the output unit 13. The location of the output unit 13 is not limited to the top surface of the power supply device 10 as shown in the figure, and may be modified as appropriate.

[0016] The power supply device 10 may include an illumination unit 14. The illumination unit 14 functions as an LED illumination unit equipped with at least one LED. When the power supply device 10 is attached to a road cone, the illumination unit 14 emits light, thereby improving the visibility of the traffic control device consisting of the road cone and the power supply device 10, especially at night. The illumination unit 14 may be configured to be provided on one or more of the side surfaces of the power supply device 10. For example, when the illumination unit 14 of this embodiment is installed on a road, it may be arranged on the front (see FIG. 2(A)) and right side (see FIG. 2(D)) of the power supply device 10, so that it is easily visible to drivers approaching from upstream on the road.

[0017] The configuration of the cone bed type power supply device 10 of this embodiment has been described above. Although not shown in Fig. 3, other components required to control the operation of the power supply device 10 may also be provided, such as a microcomputer for managing the charge amount of the power supply unit 12, an indicator for displaying the charge amount, etc. Next, modes in which the power supply device 10 can actually be used will be described.

[0018] 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for installing the power supply device 10. The traffic cone 100 shown in the figure is also called a triangular cone, a pylon, or a color cone (registered trademark), and is a widely used traffic control material (safety equipment). As shown in the figure, the traffic cone 100 includes a hollow truncated cone-shaped main body 101 and a base 102 that extends at the bottom end of the main body 101 and supports the main body 101.

[0019] In contrast to a road cone 100 having such a shape, the hole 15 of the power supply device 10 of this embodiment is set to a diameter large enough to allow the main body 101 to be inserted all the way to the bottom end (near the boundary with the base 102). Specifically, the hole 15 of this embodiment may be set to a circular shape with a diameter of approximately 30 cm, matching the general size of a typical road cone 100. However, the hole 15 does not necessarily have to be formed to a size large enough to allow insertion all the way to the bottom end of the main body 101, and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the inner diameter of the hole 15 may be set to be equal to the outer diameter of the main body 101 near the center, so that the power supply device 10 is held near the center of the main body 101 when the main body 101 is inserted into the hole 15.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the power supply device 10 in use, i.e., attached to a road cone 100. As shown in the figure, the power supply device 10 is placed on the base 102 with the main body 101 of the road cone 100 inserted into the hole 15. As described above, the power supply device 10 according to this embodiment has a recess 16 on its bottom surface, and is configured so that the base 102 is accommodated in the recess 16 when the power supply device 10 is attached to the road cone 100. This allows the power supply device 10 to be stably placed on the road cone 100 without unintentionally rotating. In this way, the power supply device 10 can be installed on the road cone 100 without significantly expanding the space where the road cone 100 was originally installed.

[0021] Furthermore, power supply device 10 includes output unit 13. Therefore, power supply device 10 can function as a power supply device that can supply power to electronic devices such as smartphones via output unit 13. That is, power supply device 10 normally functions as at least a weight for road cone 100, and can also be used as a power source for radios, televisions, etc., or for charging electronic devices such as mobile phones (smartphones) when commercial power becomes unavailable, for example, during a disaster. Note that output unit 13 may include a cover as shown in the figure to protect it from rain, dust, etc.

[0022] As described above, the cone bed type power supply device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is configured to be attachable to a road cone 100 having a conical main body 101, and is equipped with a chargeable and dischargeable power supply unit 12 and an output unit 13 that outputs power to the outside. As a result, the cone bed type power supply device 10 functions at least as a weight for the road cone 100 under normal circumstances, and can also function as a power supply device capable of charging electronic devices such as smartphones in the event of a disaster, for example.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of the corn bed type power supply device 10, the output unit 13 includes at least one of a USB port and a power outlet. This allows the corn bed type power supply device 10 to supply power to electronic devices that are compatible with at least one of the output terminals of the USB port and the power outlet.

[0024] The corn bed type power supply device 10 of the first embodiment may further include a lighting unit (LED lighting unit) 14. This allows the corn bed type power supply device 10 to be more visible as a traffic control device, especially at night, and also function as a so-called guide light.

[0025] Second Embodiment Next, a cone bed type power supply device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0026] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of a cone bed type power supply device 10 of the second embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] As shown in the figure, the power supply device 10 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that power is input to an input unit 11 from a solar panel 20.

[0028] The solar panel (solar cell) 20 is an electric power device that can convert solar energy (light energy) into electric power. In the power supply device 10 of this embodiment, the solar panel 20 is electrically connected to an input unit 11 via a connection member 21, and electricity (electric power) generated by the solar panel 20 is supplied to a power supply unit 12 via the input unit 11.

[0029] The connection member 21 is a member for electrically connecting the solar panel 20 and the input unit 11 of the power supply device 10. The connection member 21 may be configured to include a power cable and / or a connector, etc., and may be selected appropriately on the premise that it can be electrically connected to the input unit 11.

[0030] 6, other components necessary for controlling the operation of the power supply device 10 may be further provided, such as a microcomputer for managing the amount of power generated by the solar panel 20, and a measuring means for measuring the amount of power generated by the solar panel 20. Details regarding the shape of the solar panel 20 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the solar panel 20 used in this embodiment. The solar panel 20 of this embodiment is a so-called flexible solar cell that uses a polymer or metal sheet as a substrate and is configured to be able to form a curved surface. The solar panel 20 of this embodiment is configured to cover at least a portion of the side of the main body 101 of the road cone 100. More specifically, as shown in the figure, the solar panel 20 is formed in a hollow truncated cone shape with the light-receiving surface as the outer surface. Furthermore, since the solar panel 20 has a hollow truncated cone shape with an open top as shown in the figure, it can easily fit on the side of the main body 101 to which it is attached, even if there are slight differences in shape, such as differences in height. In other words, the solar panel 20 is configured as a solar panel for a road cone that has a shape that fits the side of the main body 101 of the road cone 100.

[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates the second embodiment of the power supply device 10 in use, i.e., the state in which the power supply device 10 and solar panel 20 are attached to the load cone 100. As illustrated, the solar panel 20 is attached to the load cone 100 so as to cover the side of the main body 101. It can also be seen from the figure that the top end of the solar panel 20 of this embodiment is open, with a portion of the main body 101 of the load cone 100 protruding. This ensures that when the solar panel 20 is attached to the load cone 100, the solar panel 20 is held in a position where the outer diameter of the main body 101 of the load cone 100 coincides with the inner diameter of the top end of the solar panel 20. Although not shown in the figure, the connection between the solar panel 20 and the input section 11 of the power supply device 10 via the connecting member 21 may be selected appropriately depending on the specifications of the cone bed 20 and is not particularly limited. The use of the power supply device 10 is similar to that of the first embodiment except for the electrical connection to the solar panel 20, and therefore will not be described here.

[0033] However, the configuration of the solar panel 20 according to this embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 7 and 8, and may be modified as appropriate. Modified examples of the solar panel 20 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0034] 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating other configuration examples of the solar panel 20. FIG. 9(a) shows a solar panel 20 having a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 7. In contrast, FIG. 9(b) shows a solar panel 20 whose vertical height is set to less than half the height of the main body 101 of the road cone 100. As described above, the solar panel 20 is required to be configured to cover at least a portion of the main body 101 of the road cone 100, and its vertical height may be appropriately changed taking into account the power generation capacity of the solar panel 20 and the visibility of the road cone 100 as a safety device. Furthermore, the solar panel 20 does not necessarily need to be fixed to the underside of the main body 101 as shown in the drawings. As described above, the truncated cone-shaped hollow solar panel 20 may be configured to be held at any vertical height position of the main body 101 by adjusting the inner diameter of the upper end of the solar panel 20 according to the outer diameter of the main body 101.

[0035] FIG. 9(c) shows an example in which the solar panel 20 is configured to include an opaque portion, solar panel 20(a), and a transparent portion, solar panel 20(b). The figure shows an example in which the left-right half (the left half shown in the figure) is transparent. By configuring at least a portion of the solar panel 20 as the transparent solar panel 20(b), the solar panel 20 can be attached to the road cone 100 without impairing its visibility as a traffic control element in the portion that overlaps with the solar panel 20(b). The extent of the transparent portion of the solar panel 20 is not limited to the illustrated range, and may be changed as appropriate, taking into consideration the amount of power generated by the solar panel 20, the visibility of the road cone 100, and the like.

[0036] Furthermore, the solar panel 20(b) may be made of simple transparent plastic, or may be made of a transparent solar cell that transmits visible light. Examples of transparent solar cells that have recently become known include transparent solar cells that transmit light with wavelengths in the visible light range and generate electricity using ultraviolet or near-infrared light (see, for example, JP 2018-32872 A and JP 2018-29048 A). At least a portion of the light-receiving surface of the solar panel 20, or the entire light-receiving surface, may be made of a transparent solar cell. In this case, the solar panel 20 can be attached to the main body 101 without impairing the visibility of the road cone 100 as a traffic control material.

[0037] FIG. 10 shows an example of a solar panel 20 including a solar panel 20(a) composed of a planar (plate-shaped) solar cell and a mounting member 22. The mounting member 22 may have any shape as long as it is configured to allow the solar panel 20 to be mounted to the main body 101. For example, the mounting member 22 of this embodiment has at least one hole 23 into which the main body 101 can be inserted. The inner diameter of the hole 23 is adjusted according to the outer diameter of the main body 101, so that the solar panel 20(a) can be held at any desired position in the vertical height of the main body 101 when the main body 101 is inserted. However, the size, arrangement, mounting angle, etc. of the solar panel 20(a) may be changed as appropriate, taking into consideration the amount of power generated by the solar panel 20, the visibility of the road cone 100, etc.

[0038] As described above, the corn bed type power supply device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention further includes a solar panel 20 and an input unit 11 that inputs electricity generated by the solar panel 20, and the power supply unit 12 is configured to charge with electricity generated by the solar panel 20. This makes it possible to provide a corn bed type power supply device that can be charged by sunlight without relying on external power such as a commercial power source.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the cone bed type power supply device 10 of the second embodiment, the solar panel 20 is configured to be attachable to the main body. This makes it possible to build a cone bed type power supply system equipped with the solar panel 20 without significantly expanding the space where the road cone 100 was originally installed.

[0040] Furthermore, in the cone bed type power supply device 10 according to the second embodiment, the solar panel 20 is configured to cover at least a portion of the side surface of the main body 101. This allows the solar panel 20 capable of supplying power to the power supply unit 12 of the power supply device 10 to be installed without expanding the space where the road cone 100 was originally installed.

[0041] Furthermore, in the cone bed type power supply device 10 according to the second embodiment, the solar panel 20 has a hollow truncated cone shape, which makes it possible to realize a solar panel for a road cone that can be installed on the road cone 100 without expanding the space where the road cone was originally installed.

[0042] Furthermore, in the cone bed type power supply device 10 according to the second embodiment, at least a portion of the solar panel 20 is configured to be transparent. This allows the solar panel 20 to generate power while attached to the road cone 100, while ensuring a predetermined level of visibility for the road cone 100 as a traffic control material through the transparent portion.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the cone bed type power supply device 10 of the second embodiment, the solar panel 20 is made up of a transparent solar cell that transmits visible light. This makes it possible to provide a solar panel for a road cone that can generate electricity without impairing the visibility of the road cone 100 as a traffic control material.

[0044] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction.

[0045] For example, the shapes of the power supply device 10 and solar panel 20 shown in the figures are illustrative and are not necessarily limited to the shapes shown. The external shape of the power supply device 10 may be modified as appropriate depending on the shape of the road cone to which it is to be attached. For example, the power supply device 10 may be configured to have a circular shape in plan view to match a road cone with a circular base. Furthermore, the shape of the solar panel 20 does not necessarily have to be a truncated cone with an open top. It may also be a truncated cone with a closed top, or a cone with a rounded apex, for example. Furthermore, even if the solar panel 20 has a truncated cone with an open top as shown in FIG. 7, it may be configured to further include a mounting member 22 necessary for more suitable attachment to the road cone 100. In other words, the solar panel 20 may be modified as appropriate depending on the shape of the road cone to which it is to be attached, provided that it is configured to be attachable to the road cone 100.

[0046] 3 and 6 are merely examples, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the configurations shown. Each component does not necessarily have to be contained in a single housing; for example, the input unit 11 and power supply unit 12 shown in FIG. 3 may be integrally configured and configured to be detachable from the power supply device 10. Similarly, for example, the solar panel 20 shown in FIG. 6 may include the input unit 11 and power supply unit 12 and be configured to be detachable from the power supply device 10. In other words, the specific configuration of the cone-bed type power supply device 10 can be modified and applied in various ways as long as it can achieve the same technical effects as those described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10...Corn bed type power supply unit 11...Input section 12…Power supply section 13...Output section 14...Lighting unit (LED lighting unit) 20...Solar panel 100...Road cone 101...Main body

Claims

1. A cone bed type power supply device configured to be attachable to a road cone having a conical main body, a chargeable and dischargeable power supply unit; an output unit that outputs power to the outside, Corn bed type power supply unit.

2. The output unit includes at least one of a USB port and a power outlet. The cone bed type power supply device according to claim 1.

3. Further provided with an LED lighting unit, The cone bed type power supply device according to claim 1.

4. Solar panels and an input unit for inputting electricity generated by the solar panel, The power supply unit is configured to be charged with electricity generated by the solar panel. The cone bed type power supply device according to claim 1.

5. The solar panel is configured to be attachable to the main body. The cone bed type power supply device according to claim 4.

6. The solar panel is configured to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the main body. The cone bed type power supply device according to claim 4.

7. The solar panel has a hollow truncated cone shape. The cone bed type power supply device according to claim 6.

8. At least a portion of the solar panel is configured to be transparent. The cone bed type power supply device according to claim 7.

9. The solar panel is composed of a transparent solar cell that transmits visible light. The cone bed type power supply device according to claim 8.

Images