Battery switching device

Abstract

To provide a battery switching device with improved safety.SOLUTION: The battery switching device 1 includes a first contact device 20 including a first movable contact 21 and a first parallel contact 22 to / from which the first movable contact 21 is connected / disconnected, a second contact device 30 including a second movable contact 31, a series contact 32 to / from which the second movable contact 31 is connected / disconnected, and a second parallel contact 33 to / from which the second movable contact 31 is connected / disconnected, and a connection regulating mechanism 40 that prevents the second movable contact 31 from being connected to the series contact 32 while the first movable contact 21 is connected to the first parallel contact 22, and prevents the first movable contact 21 from being connected to the first parallel contact 22 while the second movable contact 31 is connected to the series contact 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery switching device. [Background technology]

[0002] Power supply devices that switch the connection state of a pair of batteries between a series connection and a parallel connection are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4). In the power supply devices described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, a single c-contact switch and a single a-contact switch or a b-contact switch are used to switch between a series connection and a parallel connection of the pair of batteries. In the power supply device described in Patent Document 4, a single relay is used to switch between a series connection and a parallel connection of the pair of batteries. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 58-56550 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-89111 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2022 / 172633 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication No. 2021-191080 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the power supply devices described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, if the switch or relay becomes stuck, there is a possibility that the battery will short-circuit. Furthermore, in the power supply device described in Patent Document 4, when the movable body, which is moved by energizing the coil, retreats to a neutral position and the pair of batteries enters a non-energized state, the relay contacts face each other across a space. Therefore, if the relay is deformed by an external force, the contacts may come into contact with each other, potentially short-circuiting the battery.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery switching device with improved safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The battery switching device of the present invention comprises a first contact device having a first movable contact and a first parallel contact to which the first movable contact is connected or disconnected, and a second contact device having a second movable contact, a series contact to which the second movable contact is connected or disconnected, and a second parallel contact to which the second movable contact is connected or disconnected, and connects a first battery and a second battery in series by disconnecting the first movable contact and the first parallel contact, disconnecting the second movable contact and the second parallel contact, and connecting the second movable contact and the series contact, and connects the first battery and the second battery in parallel by connecting the first movable contact and the first parallel contact, connecting the second movable contact and the second parallel contact, and disconnecting the second movable contact and the series contact, and the first movable contact is provided so as to be linearly movable along the axial direction and is movable in a direction parallel to the first movable contact. The second movable contact comprises a first conducting rod having a first male contact at one end thereof, the first parallel contact being a female contact to which the first male contact is connected or separated by linear movement of the first conducting rod, the second movable contact comprising a second conducting rod that is arranged to be linearly movable along the axial direction and having a second male contact at one axial end thereof and a third male contact at the other axial end thereof, the series contact being a female contact to which the second male contact is connected or separated by linear movement of the second conducting rod, and the second parallel contact being a female contact to which the third male contact is connected or separated by linear movement of the second conducting rod, and when the first male contact is connected to the first parallel contact, the second male contact is prevented from being connected to the series contact, and when the second male contact is connected to the series contact, the first male contact is prevented from being connected to the first parallel contact. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery switching device with improved safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a battery switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention and a battery system including the battery switching device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the battery switching device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery switching device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery switching device shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery switching device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery system shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery system shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery system shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery system shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the battery system according to the comparative example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a process for switching the connection state between the first battery module and the second battery module from a series connection to a parallel connection before the start of charging the first battery module and the second battery module. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a battery switching device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery switching device shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery switching device shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a battery switching device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery switching device shown in FIG. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery switching device shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a battery switching device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery switching device shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery switching device shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a battery switching device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery switching device shown in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram showing a contact drive circuit included in a battery switching device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration for turning on / off the fifth switch shown in FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the operation of the configuration shown in FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a circuit diagram showing a battery switching device according to another embodiment of the present invention and a battery system including the battery switching device. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a circuit diagram showing the operation of the battery system shown in FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a circuit diagram showing a battery switching device according to another embodiment of the present invention and a battery system including the battery switching device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described below in accordance with preferred embodiments. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the embodiments described below can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, in the embodiments described below, some components are omitted from illustration and description, but for the details of the omitted technologies, publicly known or well-known technologies are applied as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradictions with the content described below.

[0010] Figure 1 is a circuit diagram showing a battery switching device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention and a battery system 10 including the battery switching device 1. The battery system 10 shown in this figure is a battery pack mounted on an electric vehicle, supplies power to a load such as the motor of the electric vehicle, and is charged by power generated by a generator such as the motor of the electric vehicle or by power charged by an on-board charger. Note that other uses of the battery system 10 include stationary use.

[0011] The battery system 10 includes a battery switching device 1, a first battery module 2, a second battery module 3, a first main relay 4, and a second main relay 5. The first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 are secondary batteries such as lithium ion batteries, and are capable of inputting and outputting the same voltage.

[0012] The battery switching device 1 is a series-parallel switching device that switches the connection state between the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 between a series connection and a parallel connection, and includes a first contact device 20, a second contact device 30, a connection restriction mechanism 40, and a control device 50. The control device 50 controls the first contact device 20 and the second contact device 30 in response to instructions from a control device (not shown) on the electric vehicle side.

[0013] The battery switching device 1 has a first terminal 11, a second terminal 12, a third terminal 13, and a fourth terminal 14. The first terminal 11 is connected to a first main relay 4. The first main relay 4 is connected to a load / charging device 8 via a positive terminal 6 of the battery system 10. The second terminal 12 is connected to a second main relay 5. The second main relay 5 is connected to the load / charging device 8 via a negative terminal 7 of the battery system 10.

[0014] The third terminal 13 is connected to the negative electrode of the second battery module 3. The positive electrode of the second battery module 3 is connected to the power line connecting the first main relay 4 and the first terminal 11. The fourth terminal 14 is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery module 2. The negative electrode of the first battery module 2 is connected to the power line connecting the second main relay 5 and the second terminal 12.

[0015] The first contact device 20 includes a first movable contact 21, a first parallel contact 22, and a first drive mechanism 23. The first movable contact 21 is a movable contact connected to the first terminal 11 and is capable of moving toward and away from the first parallel contact 22. The first parallel contact 22 is a fixed contact connected to the fourth terminal 14. When the first movable contact 21 comes into contact with the first parallel contact 22, the first terminal 11 and the fourth terminal 14 are connected, and when the first movable contact 21 moves away from the first parallel contact 22, the first terminal 11 and the fourth terminal 14 are disconnected.

[0016] The first drive mechanism 23 moves the first movable contact 21 between a parallel connection position where the first movable contact 21 contacts the first parallel contact 22 and a disconnection position where the first movable contact 21 is separated from the first parallel contact 22. The first drive mechanism 23 will be described in detail later.

[0017] The second contact device 30 includes a second movable contact 31, a series contact 32, a second parallel contact 33, and a second drive mechanism 34. The second movable contact 31 is a movable contact connected to the third terminal 13 and is movable toward and away from the series contact 32 and the second parallel contact 33. The series contact 32 is a fixed contact connected to the fourth terminal 14 and the first parallel contact 22. The second parallel contact 33 is a fixed contact connected to the second terminal 12.

[0018] When the second movable contact 31 comes into contact with the series contact 32, the third terminal 13 and the fourth terminal 14 are connected, and when the second movable contact 31 moves away from the series contact 32, the third terminal 13 and the fourth terminal 14 are disconnected. On the other hand, when the second movable contact 31 comes into contact with the second parallel contact 33, the second terminal 12 and the third terminal 13 are connected, and when the second movable contact 31 moves away from the second parallel contact 33, the second terminal 12 and the third terminal 13 are disconnected.

[0019] The second drive mechanism 34 moves the second movable contact 31 between a series connection position where the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 are in contact with each other and a parallel connection position where the second movable contact 31 and the second parallel contact 33 are in contact with each other. The second drive mechanism 34 will be described in detail later.

[0020] The first parallel contact 22 and the second parallel contact 33 are contacts for connecting the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 in parallel. The first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 are connected in parallel when the first movable contact 21 is in contact with the first parallel contact 22, the second movable contact 31 is in contact with the second parallel contact 33, and the second movable contact 31 is separated from the series contact 32.

[0021] The series contact 32 is a contact for connecting the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 in series. The first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 are connected in series when the first movable contact 21 is separated from the first parallel contact 22, the second movable contact 31 is separated from the second parallel contact 33, and the second movable contact 31 is in contact with the series contact 32.

[0022] The connection restricting mechanism 40 is a mechanism that prevents contact between the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 and contact between the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 from occurring simultaneously. The connection restricting mechanism 40 prevents the second movable contact 31 from moving toward the series contact 32 when the first movable contact 21 is in contact with the first parallel contact 22. The connection restricting mechanism 40 also prevents the first movable contact 21 from moving toward the first parallel contact 22 when the second movable contact 31 is in contact with the series contact 32. Details of the connection restricting mechanism 40 will be described later.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the battery switching device 1 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in this figure, the first parallel contact 22 and the series contact 32 are arranged side by side in a direction (vertical direction in the figure) perpendicular to the movement direction of a first conducting rod 211 and a second conducting rod 311, which will be described later. In addition, the series contact 32 and the second parallel contact 33 are arranged side by side in the movement direction of the first conducting rod 211 and the second conducting rod 311 (horizontal direction in the figure).

[0024] The first movable contact 21 includes a first conducting rod 211 and a first conductor 212. The first conducting rod 211 is a rod-shaped conductor. A first male contact 211A is provided on one axial end of the first conducting rod 211. The first conducting rod 211 is supported by a support part (not shown) so as to be movable along the axial direction of the first conducting rod 211, and is moved in both directions by a first driving mechanism 23.

[0025] The first conductor 212 is a flexible or pliable conductor such as an electric wire or a flexible printed circuit board. One end of the first conductor 212 is connected to the first terminal 11, and the other end of the first conductor 212 is connected to the other axial end side of the first conducting rod 211. The first conductor 212 deforms or displaces in accordance with the axial movement of the first conducting rod 211.

[0026] The first parallel contact 22 is a female contact into which the first male contact 211A of the first conducting rod 211 is fitted. The first parallel contact 22, the series contact 32 and the fourth terminal 14 are integrally formed from a conductive material.

[0027] The first drive mechanism 23 includes a first motor 231, a first ball screw 232, a first slider 233, and a first shielding mechanism 24. The first ball screw 232 is disposed parallel to the first conductor rod 211, and rotates about its axis by the driving force of the first motor 231. The first ball screw 232 may be formed integrally with the output shaft of the first motor 231, or may be connected to the output shaft of the first motor 231 via a worm gear.

[0028] The first slider 233 is fixed to the other axial end of the first conducting rod 211, and is screwed onto the threaded portion of the first ball screw 232. As a result, the rotational force of the first motor 231 is converted into power in the axial direction of the first conducting rod 211 via the first ball screw 232 and the first slider 233.

[0029] When the first ball screw 232 is rotated in one direction by the first motor 231, the first conducting rod 211 moves toward the first parallel contacts 22, and the first male contacts 211A fit into the first parallel contacts 22. On the other hand, when the first ball screw 232 is rotated in the other direction by the first motor 231, the first conducting rod 211 moves away from the first parallel contacts 22, and the fit between the first male contacts 211A and the first parallel contacts 22 is released.

[0030] The first shielding mechanism 24 includes a first shielding member 241, a first biasing member 242, and a first transmission member 243. The first shielding member 241 is an insulator, and is provided so as to be movable between a shielding position where it shields the first parallel contacts 22, and an opening position where it opens the first parallel contacts 22. The movement direction of the first shielding member 241 is a direction (vertical direction in the drawing) perpendicular to the movement direction of the first conducting rod 211.

[0031] The first shielding member 241 includes a first shielding portion 241A, a first mounting portion 241B, and a first tapered portion 241C. The first shielding portion 241A is a plate-shaped portion that opens and closes the opening of the first parallel contact 22, and is disposed perpendicular to the axial direction of the first conducting rod 211. The first mounting portion 241B is a flat surface to which the first biasing member 242 is attached. The first tapered portion 241C is an inclined surface against which the first transmission member 243 abuts. The first mounting portion 241B and the first tapered portion 241C are provided on a trapezoidal block when viewed in the front-to-rear direction in the figure, with the first mounting portion 241B forming the upper surface of the block in the figure and the first tapered portion 241C forming the inclined surface on the right side of the block in the figure. The first shielding portion 241A extends from the lower side and the left corner of the block in the drawing to between the first male contact 211A and the first parallel contact 22.

[0032] The first biasing member 242 is an elastic member such as a spring. One end of the first biasing member 242 is attached to the first mounting portion 241B, and the other end of the first biasing member 242 is attached to a surface that faces the first mounting portion 241B in the vertical direction in the figure. The first biasing member 242 biases the first shielding member 241 toward the first male contact 211A (downward in the figure).

[0033] The first transmission member 243 is a plate- or rod-shaped insulator bent into an L-shape. The first transmission member 243 is divided into a horizontal portion and a vertical portion at the bent portion. The horizontal portion of the first transmission member 243 is parallel to the axial direction of the first conducting rod 211, and the vertical portion of the first transmission member 243 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first conducting rod 211. The tip (lower end in the figure) of the vertical portion of the first transmission member 243 is fixed to the other end side of the first conducting rod 211 in the axial direction. In contrast, the tip (left end in the figure) of the horizontal portion of the first transmission member 243 abuts against the first tapered portion 241C of the first shielding member 241.

[0034] The first tapered portion 241C is provided so as to incline from the first parallel contacts 22 to the first transmission member 243 (from left to right in the figure) from the first shielding portion 241A side to the first mounting portion 241B side (from bottom to top in the figure). The first tapered portion 241C and the first transmission member 243 are pressed together by the first biasing member 242. When the first shielding portion 241A is in a state where it shields the opening of the first parallel contacts 22, the tip of the horizontal portion of the first transmission member 243 abuts against the upper end of the first tapered portion 241C in the figure.

[0035] When the first conducting rod 211 moves toward the first parallel contacts 22 (left side in the figure), the first transmission member 243 advances toward the first parallel contacts 22, and the power of the first conducting rod 211 is transmitted to the first shielding member 241 via the first transmission member 243 and the first tapered portion 241C. As a result, the first shielding member 241 retreats from the shielding position against the biasing force of the first biasing member 242, and the first parallel contacts 22 are opened. On the other hand, when the first conducting rod 211 moves toward the side away from the first parallel contacts 22 (right side in the figure), the first transmission member 243 retreats toward the side away from the first parallel contacts 22, and the first shielding member 241 advances toward the shielding position due to the biasing force of the first biasing member 242, and shields the first parallel contacts 22.

[0036] The second movable contact 31 includes a second conducting rod 311 and a second conductor 312. The second conducting rod 311 is a rod-shaped conductor. A second male contact 311A ​​is provided at one axial end of the second conducting rod 311, and a third male contact 311B is provided at the other axial end of the second conducting rod 311. The second conducting rod 311 is supported by a support part (not shown) so as to be movable along the axial direction of the second conducting rod 311, and is moved in both directions along the axial direction of the second conducting rod 311 by a second driving mechanism 34. The first conducting rod 211 and the second conducting rod 311 are arranged in parallel.

[0037] The second conductor 312 is a flexible or pliable conductor such as an electric wire or a flexible printed circuit board. One end of the second conductor 312 is connected to the third terminal 13, and the other end of the second conductor 312 is connected to the axial center of the second conducting rod 311. The second conductor 312 deforms or displaces in accordance with the axial movement of the second conducting rod 311.

[0038] The series contact 32 is a female contact into which the second male contact 311A ​​of the second conducting rod 311 mates, and is formed integrally with the first parallel contact 22 and the fourth terminal 14 using a conductive material. In contrast, the second parallel contact 33 is a female contact into which the third male contact 311B of the second conducting rod 311 mates. The distance between the series contact 32 and the second parallel contact 33 is longer than the length of the second conducting rod 311. Therefore, when the second male contact 311A ​​is mated with the series contact 32, the third male contact 311B is spaced apart from the second parallel contact 33. Furthermore, when the third male contact 311B is mated with the second parallel contact 33, the second male contact 311A ​​is spaced apart from the series contact 32.

[0039] The second drive mechanism 34 includes a second motor 341, a second ball screw 342, a second slider 343, a second shielding mechanism 35, and a third shielding mechanism 36. The second ball screw 342 is arranged parallel to the second conductor rod 311 and rotates about its axis by the driving force of the second motor 341. The second ball screw 342 may be formed integrally with the output shaft of the second motor 341, or may be connected to the output shaft of the second motor 341 via a worm gear. The first ball screw 232 and the second ball screw 342 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0040] The second slider 343 is fixed to the center of the second conducting rod 311 in the axial direction, and is screwed onto the threaded portion of the second ball screw 342. As a result, the rotational force of the second motor 341 is converted into power in the axial direction of the second conducting rod 311 via the second ball screw 342 and the second slider 343.

[0041] When the second ball screw 342 is rotated in one direction by the second motor 341, the second conductive rod 311 moves toward the series contact 32, and the second male contact 311A ​​fits into the series contact 32. On the other hand, when the second ball screw 342 is rotated in the other direction by the second motor 341, the second conductive rod 311 moves away from the series contact 32, and the second male contact 311A ​​is disengaged from the series contact 32. Furthermore, when the second ball screw 342 is rotated in the other direction, the second conductive rod 311 moves toward the second parallel contact 33, and the third male contact 311B fits into the second parallel contact 33.

[0042] The second shielding mechanism 35 includes a second shielding member 351, a second biasing member 352, and a second transmission member 353. The second shielding member 351 is an insulator, and is provided so as to be movable between a shielding position where it shields the series contact 32 and an opening position where it opens the series contact 32. The movement direction of the second shielding member 351 is a direction (vertical direction in the drawing) perpendicular to the movement direction of the second conducting rod 311.

[0043] The second shielding member 351 includes a second shielding portion 351A, a second mounting portion 351B, and a second tapered portion 351C. The second shielding portion 351A is a plate-shaped portion that opens and closes the opening of the series contact 32 and is disposed perpendicular to the axial direction of the second conducting rod 311. The second mounting portion 351B is a flat surface to which the second biasing member 352 is attached. The second tapered portion 351C is an inclined surface against which the second transmission member 353 abuts. The second mounting portion 351B and the second tapered portion 351C are provided on a trapezoidal block when viewed in the front-to-rear direction in the figure, with the second mounting portion 351B forming the lower surface of the block in the figure and the second tapered portion 351C forming the inclined surface on the right side of the block in the figure. The second shielding portion 351A extends from the upper and left corners of the block in the drawing to between the second male contact 311A ​​and the series contact 32.

[0044] The second biasing member 352 is an elastic member such as a spring. One end of the second biasing member 352 is attached to the second mounting portion 351B, and the other end of the second biasing member 352 is attached to a surface that faces the second mounting portion 351B in the vertical direction in the figure. The second biasing member 352 biases the second shielding member 351 toward the second male contact 311A ​​(upward in the figure).

[0045] The second transmission member 353 is a plate- or rod-shaped insulator formed in a T-shape. The second transmission member 353 is divided into a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The horizontal portion of the second transmission member 353 is parallel to the axial direction of the second conducting rod 311, and the vertical portion of the second transmission member 353 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the second conducting rod 311. The tip (upper end in the figure) of the vertical portion of the second transmission member 353 is fixed to the center of the axial direction of the second conducting rod 311. In contrast, one end (left end in the figure) of the horizontal portion of the second transmission member 353 in the longitudinal direction abuts against the second tapered portion 351C of the second shielding member 351. In addition, the other end (right end in the figure) of the horizontal portion of the second transmission member 353 in the longitudinal direction abuts against the third tapered portion 361C of the third shielding member 361 (described later).

[0046] The second tapered portion 351C is provided so as to incline from the series contact 32 side to the second transmission member 353 side (from left to right in the figure) from the second shielding portion 351A side to the second mounting portion 351B side (from top to bottom in the figure). The second tapered portion 351C and the second transmission member 353 are pressed together by the second biasing member 352. When the second shielding portion 351A is in a state where it shields the opening of the series contact 32, one end in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal portion of the second transmission member 353 abuts against the lower end in the figure of the second tapered portion 351C.

[0047] The third shielding mechanism includes a third shielding member 361, a third biasing member 362, and a second transmission member 353. The second transmission member 353 is shared by the second shielding mechanism 35 and the third shielding mechanism .

[0048] The third shielding member 361 is an insulator and is provided so as to be movable between a shielding position where it shields the second parallel contacts 33 and an opening position where it opens the second parallel contacts 33. The movement direction of the third shielding member 361 is a direction (vertical direction in the figure) perpendicular to the movement direction of the second conducting rod 311.

[0049] The third shielding member 361 includes a third shielding portion 361A, a third mounting portion 361B, and a third tapered portion 361C. The third shielding portion 361A is a plate-shaped portion that opens and closes the opening of the second parallel contact 33 and is disposed perpendicular to the axial direction of the second conducting rod 311. The third mounting portion 361B is a flat surface to which the third biasing member 362 is attached. The third tapered portion 361C is an inclined surface against which the other longitudinal end of the horizontal portion of the second transmission member 353 abuts. The third mounting portion 361B and the third tapered portion 361C are provided on a trapezoidal block when viewed in the front-to-rear direction in the figure. The third mounting portion 361B forms the lower surface of the block in the figure, and the third tapered portion 361C forms the inclined surface on the left side of the block in the figure. The third shielding portion 361A extends from the upper and right corners of the block in the drawing to between the third male contact 311B and the second parallel contact 33.

[0050] The third biasing member 362 is an elastic member such as a spring. One end of the third biasing member 362 is attached to the third mounting portion 361B, and the other end of the third biasing member 362 is attached to a surface that faces the third mounting portion 361B in the vertical direction in the figure. The third biasing member 362 biases the third shielding member 361 toward the third male contact 311B (upward in the figure).

[0051] The third tapered portion 361C is provided so as to incline from the second parallel contact 33 side to the second transmission member 353 side (from right to left in the figure) from the third shielding portion 361A side to the third mounting portion 361B side (from top to bottom in the figure). The third tapered portion 361C and the second transmission member 353 are pressed together by the third biasing member 362. When the third shielding portion 361A is in a state where it shields the opening of the second parallel contact 33, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal portion of the second transmission member 353 abuts against the lower end in the figure of the third tapered portion 361C.

[0052] When the second conducting rod 311 moves toward the series contact 32 (left side in the figure), the second transmission member 353 advances toward the series contact 32, and the power of the second conducting rod 311 is transmitted to the second shielding member 351 via the second transmission member 353 and the second tapered portion 351C. As a result, the second shielding member 351 retreats from the shielding position against the biasing force of the second biasing member 352, and opens the series contact 32. On the other hand, when the second conducting rod 311 moves toward the side away from the series contact 32 (right side in the figure), the second transmission member 353 retreats toward the side away from the series contact 32, and the second shielding member 351 advances toward the shielding position due to the biasing force of the second biasing member 352, and shields the series contact 32.

[0053] On the other hand, when the second conducting rod 311 moves toward the second parallel contacts 33 (to the right in the figure), the second transmission member 353 advances toward the second parallel contacts 33, and the power of the second conducting rod 311 is transmitted to the third shielding member 361 via the second transmission member 353 and the third tapered portion 361C. As a result, the third shielding member 361 retreats from the shielding position against the biasing force of the third biasing member 362, thereby opening the second parallel contacts 33. On the other hand, when the second conducting rod 311 moves away from the second parallel contacts 33 (to the left in the figure), the second transmission member 353 retreats toward the side away from the second parallel contacts 33, and the third shielding member 361 advances toward the shielding position by the biasing force of the third biasing member 362, thereby shielding the second parallel contacts 33.

[0054] The connection restricting mechanism 40 includes a rotating member 41, a first biasing member 42, a second biasing member 43, and a shaft 44. The rotating member 41 is an isosceles trapezoidal plate when viewed in the front-to-rear direction in the figure (a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first parallel contact 22 and the series contact 32 are aligned and the direction in which the series contact 32 and the second parallel contact 33 are aligned).

[0055] The rotating member 41 includes a first tapered surface 41A, a second tapered surface 41B, and a through hole. The through hole is formed at the center of the rotating member 41, and the rotating member 41 is symmetrical with respect to the through hole. A shaft 44 is inserted through the through hole, and the rotating member 41 is rotatably supported by the shaft 44.

[0056] The rotating member 41 is attached to the shaft 44 with the first tapered surface 41A and the second tapered surface 41B aligned in the vertical direction in the figure, and with the first tapered surface 41A and the second tapered surface 41B facing the opposite side (right side in the figure) from the first parallel contact 22 and the series contact 32. The first tapered surface 41A is arranged to face the tip (lower end in the figure) of the first slider 233 in the direction of movement (left-right direction in the figure) of the first slider 233. The second tapered surface 41B is arranged to face the tip (upper end in the figure) of the second slider 343 in the direction of movement (left-right direction in the figure).

[0057] The first biasing member 42 and the second biasing member 43 are torsion coil springs. The first biasing member 42 biases the rotating member 41 in the clockwise direction in the figure, and the second biasing member 43 biases the rotating member 41 in the counterclockwise direction in the figure. Here, when the first tapered surface 41A and the second tapered surface 41B are aligned in the vertical direction in the figure, the first biasing member 42 and the second biasing member 43 are not elastically deformed. That is, the first biasing member 42 and the second biasing member 43 in the non-elastically deformed state hold the rotating member 41 in a position in which the first tapered surface 41A and the second tapered surface 41B are aligned in the vertical direction in the figure.

[0058] Figures 3 to 5 are diagrams showing the operation of the battery switching device 1 shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows a state in which the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are connected, and the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 and the second parallel contact 33 of the second contact device 30 are disconnected.

[0059] 3, when the first ball screw 232 is rotated in one direction by the first motor 231, the first conducting rod 211 moves toward the first parallel contacts 22, and the first male contacts 211A fit into the first parallel contacts 22. At this time, the first transmitting member 243 advances toward the first parallel contacts 22, and the power of the first conducting rod 211 is transmitted to the first shielding member 241 via the first transmitting member 243 and the first tapered portion 241C. As a result, the first shielding member 241 retreats from the shielding position against the biasing force of the first biasing member 242, and opens the first parallel contacts 22.

[0060] Here, when the first conducting rod 211 moves toward the first parallel contact 22, the power of the first conducting rod 211 is transmitted to the rotating member 41 via the tip of the first slider 233 and the first tapered surface 41A. As a result, the rotating member 41 rotates counterclockwise in the figure against the biasing force of the first biasing member 42, and the second tapered surface 41B abuts against the tip of the second slider 343. In this state, the movement of the second slider 343 toward the series contact 32 is prevented by interference between the second slider 343 and the rotating member 41. In other words, when the first conducting rod 211 is fitted into the first parallel contact 22, the movement of the second conducting rod 311 toward the series contact 32 is prevented by the connection restricting mechanism 40. Therefore, the connection between the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 and the connection between the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 are prevented from occurring simultaneously.

[0061] 4 shows a state in which the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 are connected, and the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are disconnected. As shown in this figure, when the second ball screw 342 is rotated in one direction by the second motor 341, the second conducting rod 311 moves toward the series contact 32, and the second male contact 311A ​​fits into the series contact 32. At this time, the second conducting rod 311 advances toward the series contact 32, and the power of the second conducting rod 311 is transmitted to the second shielding member 351 via the second transmitting member 353 and the second tapered portion 351C. As a result, the second shielding member 351 retreats from the shielding position against the biasing force of the second biasing member 352, opening the series contact 32.

[0062] Here, when the second conducting rod 311 moves toward the series contact 32, the power of the second conducting rod 311 is transmitted to the rotating member 41 via the tip of the second slider 343 and the second tapered surface 41B. As a result, the rotating member 41 rotates clockwise in the figure against the biasing force of the second biasing member 43, and the first tapered surface 41A abuts against the tip of the first slider 233. In this state, the movement of the first slider 233 toward the first parallel contact 22 is prevented by interference between the first slider 233 and the rotating member 41. In other words, when the second conducting rod 311 is fitted into the series contact 32, the movement of the first conducting rod 211 toward the first parallel contact 22 is prevented by the connection restricting mechanism 40. Therefore, the connection between the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 and the connection between the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are prevented from occurring simultaneously.

[0063] 5 shows a state in which the first conducting rod 211 of the first contact device 20 and the second conducting rod 311 of the second contact device 30 have simultaneously moved toward the first parallel contact 22 and the series contact 32. In the state shown in this figure, the tip of the first slider 233 abuts against the first tapered surface 41A of the rotating member 41, and the tip of the second slider 343 abuts against the second tapered surface 41B of the rotating member 41. At this time, clockwise rotation of the rotating member 41 in the figure is prevented by interference between the first slider 233 and the first tapered surface 41A, and counterclockwise rotation of the rotating member 41 in the figure is prevented by interference between the second slider 343 and the second tapered surface 41B. In other words, the connection restricting mechanism 40 prevents the first conducting rod 211 and the second conducting rod 311 from simultaneously approaching the first parallel contact 22 and the series contact 32. Therefore, the connection between the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 and the connection between the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 are prevented from occurring simultaneously.

[0064] 6 to 9 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the battery system 10 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 illustrates a state in which the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are disconnected, and the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 are connected. In the state shown in this figure, the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 are connected in series. In this state, the connection between the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 is prevented by the connection restriction mechanism 40 shown in Fig. 2 and other figures.

[0065] 7 shows a state in which the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are connected, and the second movable contact 31 and the second parallel contact 33 of the second contact device 30 are connected. In the state shown in this figure, the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 are connected in parallel. In this state, the connection restriction mechanism 40 prevents the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 from being connected to each other.

[0066] 8 shows a state in which the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are connected, and the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 and the second parallel contact 33 of the second contact device 30 are disconnected. In the state shown in this figure, the first battery module 2 is connected to the load / charging device 8, and the second battery module 3 is disconnected from the load / charging device 8. In this state, the connection restriction mechanism 40 prevents the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 from being connected.

[0067] 9 shows a state in which the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are disconnected, and the second movable contact 31 and the second parallel contact 33 of the second contact device 30 are connected. In the state shown in this figure, the second battery module 3 is connected to the load / charging device 8, and the first battery module 2 is disconnected from the load / charging device 8. In this state, the connection restriction mechanism 40 does not prevent the connection between the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20.

[0068] 10 is a diagram showing the operation of a battery system 10C according to a comparative example. In the battery system 10C shown in this figure, the first conducting rod 211 and the second conducting rod 311 move linearly along the axial direction, so that the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 are connected in series or in parallel, similar to the battery system 10 according to the above-described embodiment.

[0069] Here, the battery switching device 1C of the battery system 10C differs from the battery switching device 1 according to the above embodiment in that it does not include a connection restriction mechanism 40. Therefore, when the first male contact 211A approaches the first parallel contact 22, the second male contact 311A ​​cannot be prevented from approaching the series contact 32. Furthermore, when the second male contact 311A ​​approaches the series contact 32, the first male contact 211A cannot be prevented from approaching the first parallel contact 22. Therefore, the battery switching device 1C cannot prevent the first battery module 2 or the second battery module 3 from being short-circuited when the first movable contact 21 of the first contact device 20 connects to the first parallel contact 22 and the second movable contact 31 of the second contact device 30 connects to the series contact 32 simultaneously.

[0070] In contrast, in the battery switching device 1 according to this embodiment, the connection restricting mechanism 40 prevents the second male contact 311A ​​from being connected to the series contact 32 when the first male contact 211A is connected to the first parallel contact 22. The connection restricting mechanism 40 also prevents the first male contact 211A from being connected to the first parallel contact 22 when the second male contact 311A ​​is connected to the series contact 32. Therefore, with the battery switching device 1 according to this embodiment, the connection between the first movable contact 21 of the first contact device 20 and the first parallel contact 22 and the connection between the second movable contact 31 of the second contact device 30 and the series contact 32 can be prevented simultaneously, preventing a short circuit in the first battery module 2 or the second battery module 3, thereby improving safety.

[0071] The battery switching device 1 according to this embodiment also includes a first drive mechanism 23 that linearly moves the first conducting rod 211 in a first direction along the axial direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first drive mechanism 23 is composed of a first slider 233 fixed to the first conducting rod 211, a first ball screw 232 to which the first slider 233 is threaded, and a first motor 231 that rotates the first ball screw 232, and is not deformed even when subjected to an external force. This allows for the configuration of a first contact device 20 that is not affected by external forces, preventing the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 from coming into contact with each other due to external forces and preventing the first battery module 2 or the second battery module 3 from shorting out due to external forces.

[0072] Furthermore, when the supply of current to the first motor 231 is stopped, the first conducting rod 211 can be locked in the position at the time of stopping the supply of current. This makes it possible to maintain a connected state between the first male contact 211A and the first parallel contact 22, or to maintain a disconnected state between the first male contact 211A and the first parallel contact 22, when the supply of current to the first motor 231 is stopped. Therefore, it is not necessary to supply current to maintain a connected state between the first male contact 211A and the first parallel contact 22, or to maintain a disconnected state between the first male contact 211A and the first parallel contact 22, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0073] Furthermore, the first male contact 211A is disconnected from the first parallel contact 22, which is a female contact, by the first driving mechanism 23 linearly moving the first conducting rod 211 in the second direction. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions in switching of the first contact device 20 caused by sticking of the first movable contact 21, and improves the safety of the battery switching device 1.

[0074] The battery switching device 1 according to this embodiment also includes a second drive mechanism 34 that linearly moves the second conducting rod 311 in a first direction and a second direction along the axial direction. The second drive mechanism 34 is composed of a second slider 343 fixed to the second conducting rod 311, a second ball screw 342 to which the second slider 343 is threaded, and a second motor 341 that rotates the second ball screw 342, and is not deformed even when subjected to an external force. This allows for the configuration of a second contact device 30 that is not affected by external forces, preventing the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 from coming into contact with each other due to external forces and preventing the first battery module 2 or the second battery module 3 from shorting out due to external forces.

[0075] Furthermore, when the second motor 341 is de-energized, the second conducting rod 311 can be locked in the position at the time of de-energization. This makes it possible to maintain the connected or disconnected state between the second male contact 311A ​​and the series contact 32, and the connected or disconnected state between the third male contact 311B and the second parallel contact 33, when the second motor 341 is de-energized. Therefore, it is not necessary to supply current to maintain the connected or disconnected state between the second male contact 311A ​​and the series contact 32, or the connected or disconnected state between the third male contact 311B and the second parallel contact 33, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0076] Furthermore, when the second conductive rod 311 is linearly moved in the second direction by the second drive mechanism 34, the second male contact 311A ​​is disconnected from the series contact 32, which is a female contact. When the second conductive rod 311 is linearly moved in the first direction by the second drive mechanism 34, the third male contact 311B is disconnected from the second parallel contact 33, which is a female contact. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions in switching of the second contact device 30 caused by sticking of the second movable contact 31, and improves the safety of the battery switching device 1.

[0077] Furthermore, in the battery switching device 1 according to this embodiment, the connection restriction mechanism 40 includes a pivotable pivot member 41. This pivot member 41 is pivoted to a position where it prevents movement of the second slider 343 in the first direction by movement of the first slider 233 in the first direction. Furthermore, the pivot member 41 is pivoted to a position where it prevents movement of the first slider 233 in the first direction by movement of the second slider 343 in the first direction. Therefore, the first conducting rod 211 and the second conducting rod 311 can be prevented from moving simultaneously in the first direction, and the connection between the first male contact 211A and the first parallel contact 22 and the connection between the second male contact 311A ​​and the series contact 32 can be prevented from occurring simultaneously.

[0078] Furthermore, in the battery switching device 1 according to this embodiment, the first insulating shielding member 241 is arranged to be movable between a first shielding position where it shields the first parallel contact 22 and a first open position where it opens the first parallel contact 22. The second insulating shielding member 351 is arranged to be movable between a second shielding position where it shields the series contact 32 and a second open position where it opens the series contact 32. Furthermore, the third insulating shielding member 361 is arranged to be movable between a third shielding position where it shields the second parallel contact 33 and a third open position where it opens the second parallel contact 33.

[0079] The first shielding mechanism 24 moves the first shielding member 241 from the first shielding position to the first open position in conjunction with movement of the first conducting rod 211 in a direction approaching the first parallel contact 22, and moves the first shielding member 241 from the first open position to the first shielding position in conjunction with movement of the first conducting rod 211 in a direction away from the first parallel contact 22. Furthermore, the second shielding mechanism 35 moves the second shielding member 351 from the second shielding position to the second open position in conjunction with movement of the second conducting rod 311 in a direction approaching the series contact 32, and moves the second shielding member 351 from the second open position to the second shielding position in conjunction with movement of the second conducting rod 311 in a direction away from the series contact 32. Furthermore, the third shielding mechanism 36 moves the third shielding member 361 from the third shielding position to the third open position in conjunction with the movement of the second conducting rod 311 in a direction toward the second parallel contact 33, and moves the third shielding member 361 from the third open position to the third shielding position in conjunction with the movement of the second conducting rod 311 in a direction away from the second parallel contact 33.

[0080] This prevents the first conducting rod 211 and the first parallel contact 22 from being unintentionally connected due to an external force applied to the first contact device 20 when the connection between the first conducting rod 211 and the first parallel contact 22 is released. Also, when the connection between the second conducting rod 311 and the series contact 32 is released, it prevents the second conducting rod 311 and the series contact 32 from being unintentionally connected due to an external force applied to the second contact device 30. Furthermore, when the connection between the second conducting rod 311 and the second parallel contact 33 is released, it prevents the second conducting rod 311 and the second parallel contact 33 from being unintentionally connected due to an external force applied to the second contact device 30.

[0081] 11 is a flowchart for explaining the process of switching the connection state between the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 from a series connection to a parallel connection before starting charging of the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3. The process shown in this flowchart is executed when the electric vehicle is stopped with the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 connected in series and before starting charging.

[0082] First, the control device 50 determines whether or not a request has been received to switch the connection state between the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 from a series connection to a parallel connection and perform charging (step S1). If a positive determination is made in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2, and if a negative determination is made in step S1, step S1 is repeated.

[0083] Next, the control device 50 drives the second motor 341 of the second contact device 30 to disconnect the second movable contact 31 from the series contact 32, thereby disconnecting the second movable contact 31 from the series contact 32 and the second parallel contact 33 (step S2).

[0084] Next, the control device 50 determines whether the voltage difference between the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 is equal to or greater than a reference value (step S3). If a positive determination is made in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4, and if a negative determination is made in step S3, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0085] If the voltage difference between the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 is equal to or greater than the reference value, the control device 50 determines which of the voltages of the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 is lower (step S4). If it is determined in step S4 that the voltage of the first battery module 2 is lower, the process proceeds to step S5, and if it is determined in step S4 that the voltage of the second battery module 3 is lower, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0086] If the voltage of the first battery module 2 is lower than the voltage of the second battery module 3, the control device 50 drives the first motor 231 of the first contact device 20 to connect the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 (step S5). Next, the control device 50 outputs a signal to the control device on the electric vehicle side to permit slow charging of the first battery module 2 (step S6). The process proceeds from step S6 to step S3.

[0087] If the voltage of the second battery module 3 is lower than the voltage of the first battery module 2, the control device 50 drives the second motor 341 of the second contact device 30 to connect the second movable contact 31 and the second parallel contact 33 (step S7). Next, the control device 50 outputs a signal to the control device on the electric vehicle side to permit slow charging of the second battery module 3 (step S8). The process proceeds from step S8 to step S3.

[0088] If the voltage difference between the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 is less than the reference value, the control device 50 drives the first motor 231 of the first contact device 20 and the second motor 341 of the second contact device 30 to connect the first movable contact 21 to the first parallel contact 22 and to connect the second movable contact 31 to the second parallel contact 33 (step S9). Next, the control device 50 outputs a signal to the control device on the electric vehicle side to permit rapid charging of the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 (step S10).

[0089] As described above, in the process shown in FIG. 11 , when the voltage difference between the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 is less than the reference value, the control device 50 connects the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 in parallel and permits rapid charging. On the other hand, when the voltage difference between the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 is equal to or greater than the reference value, the control device 50 permits slow charging of the battery module with the lower voltage (the first battery module 2 or the second battery module 3). This makes it possible to suppress inrush current due to the voltage difference between the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 when switching the connection state between the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 from a series connection to a parallel connection.

[0090] 12 is a diagram showing a battery switching device 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The battery switching device 100 shown in this figure includes a connection restriction mechanism 140. Note that the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the above-described embodiment is incorporated herein.

[0091] In the battery switching device 100, the first parallel contact 22 and the second parallel contact 33 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the figure, and the second parallel contact 33 and the series contact 32 are arranged opposite each other in the horizontal direction in the figure. The first parallel contact 22, the series contact 32, and the fourth terminal 14 are integrally formed from a conductive material.

[0092] The connection restriction mechanism 140 includes a link 141, a first shaft portion 142, and a second shaft portion 143. The link 141 is a plate member having a first elongated hole 141A and a second elongated hole 141B formed at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

[0093] The first shaft 142 is provided on the tip side (lower side in the figure) of the first slider 233 and is slidably inserted into the first elongated hole 141A. The second shaft 143 is provided on the tip side (upper side in the figure) of the second slider 343 and is slidably inserted into the second elongated hole 141B. The first shaft 142 and the second shaft 143 are parallel to each other and are arranged to extend along the front-to-rear direction in the figure (a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first parallel contact 22 and the second parallel contact 33 are aligned and the direction in which the second parallel contact 33 and the series contact 32 are aligned).

[0094] When the first slider 233, the second slider 343 and the link 141 are aligned in the same straight line, the first shaft portion 142 abuts against the upper arc portion of the first elongated hole 141A, and the second shaft portion 143 abuts against the upper arc portion of the second elongated hole 141B.

[0095] Figures 13 and 14 are diagrams showing the operation of the battery switching device 100 shown in Figure 12. Figure 13 shows a state in which the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are connected, and the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 and the second parallel contact 33 of the second contact device 30 are disconnected.

[0096] 13 , when the first conducting rod 211 moves toward the first parallel contact 22, the power of the first conducting rod 211 is transmitted to the link 141 via the tip of the first slider 233, the first shaft 142, and the first elongated hole 141A. This causes the link 141 to rotate counterclockwise in the figure, and the lower arc portion of the second elongated hole 141B is pressed against the second shaft 143. In this state, movement of the second slider 343 toward the series contact 32 is prevented by interference between the second elongated hole 141B of the link 141 and the second shaft 143. In other words, when the first conducting rod 211 is fitted into the first parallel contact 22, movement of the second conducting rod 311 toward the series contact 32 is prevented by the connection restricting mechanism 140. Therefore, the connection between the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 and the connection between the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 are prevented from occurring simultaneously.

[0097] 14 shows a state in which the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 are connected, and the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are disconnected. As shown in this figure, when the second conducting rod 311 moves toward the series contact 32, the power of the second conducting rod 311 is transmitted to the link 141 via the tip of the second slider 343, the second shaft 143, and the second elongated hole 141B. This causes the link 141 to rotate counterclockwise in the figure, and the upper arc portion of the first elongated hole 141A presses against the first shaft 142. In this state, movement of the first slider 233 toward the first parallel contact 22 is prevented by interference between the first elongated hole 141A of the link 141 and the first shaft 142. That is, when the second conducting rod 311 is fitted into the series contact 32, the movement of the first conducting rod 211 toward the first parallel contact 22 is prevented by the connection restricting mechanism 140. Therefore, the connection between the second movable contact 31 of the second contact device 30 and the series contact 32 and the connection between the first movable contact 21 of the first contact device 20 and the first parallel contact 22 are prevented from occurring simultaneously.

[0098] As described above, in the battery switching device 100 according to this embodiment, movement of the first slider 233 in a first direction connects the first male contact 211A to the first parallel contact 22, and movement of the first slider 233 in a second direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction, separates the first male contact 211A from the first parallel contact 22. Furthermore, movement of the second slider 343 in the first direction connects the third male contact 311B to the second parallel contact 33 and separates the second male contact 311A ​​from the series contact 32. Furthermore, movement of the second slider 343 in the second direction connects the second male contact 311A ​​to the series contact 32 and separates the third male contact 311B from the second parallel contact 33.

[0099] Here, the connection restriction mechanism 140 includes a first shaft portion 142 fixed to the first slider 233, a second shaft portion 143 fixed to the second slider 343, and a link 141. The link 141 is formed with a first elongated hole 141A through which the first shaft portion 142 is slidably inserted, and a second elongated hole 141B through which the second shaft portion 143 is slidably inserted.

[0100] As a result, when the first male contact 211A is connected to the first parallel contact 22, the link 141, the first shaft 142, and the second shaft 143 prevent the second conducting rod 311 from moving in the direction (second direction) in which the second male contact 311A ​​approaches the series contact 32. Furthermore, when the second male contact 311A ​​is connected to the series contact 32, the link 141, the first shaft 142, and the second shaft 143 prevent the first conducting rod 211 from moving in the direction (first direction) in which the first male contact 211A approaches the first parallel contact 22. Therefore, according to the battery switching device 100 of this embodiment, the connection between the first movable contact 21 of the first contact device 20 and the first parallel contact 22 and the connection between the second movable contact 31 of the second contact device 30 and the series contact 32 occur simultaneously, preventing a short circuit in the first battery module 2 or the second battery module 3 and improving safety.

[0101] Figure 15 is a diagram showing a battery switching device 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The battery switching device 200 shown in this figure includes a drive / connection restriction mechanism 250. This drive / connection restriction mechanism 250 has the functions of the first drive mechanism 23, second drive mechanism 34, and connection restriction mechanism 40 of the battery switching device 1 shown in Figure 2 etc. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the above-described embodiment, and the description of the above-described embodiment is incorporated herein by reference.

[0102] In the battery switching device 200, similar to the above-described battery switching device 1, the first parallel contact 22 and the series contact 32 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the figure, and the series contact 32 and the second parallel contact 33 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction in the figure. In addition, the first parallel contact 22, the series contact 32, and the fourth terminal 14 are integrally formed from a conductive material.

[0103] The drive / connection restricting mechanism 250 includes a motor 251, a worm 252, a worm wheel 253, a first transmission member 254, a second transmission member 255, a first shaft portion 256, and a second shaft portion 257. The output shaft of the motor 251 and the worm 252 are integral with each other. The output shaft of the motor 251 and the worm 252 extend in the vertical direction (the up-down direction in the drawing). The rotation axis of the worm wheel 253 is disposed in the front-to-rear direction in the drawing (a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the first conducting rod 211 and the second conducting rod 311 and the output shaft of the motor 251). The worm 252 and the worm wheel 253 are engaged with each other, and when the motor 251 is driven, the worm 252 and the worm wheel 253 rotate.

[0104] The first transmission member 254 is a plate material with a first elongated hole 254A formed along the vertical direction in the figure (a direction parallel to the output of the motor 251), and is fixed to the other axial end side of the first conducting rod 211. The second transmission member 255 is a plate material with a second elongated hole 255A formed along the vertical direction in the figure, and is fixed to the axial center of the second conducting rod 311.

[0105] The first shaft portion 256 and the second shaft portion 257 are fixed to one surface of the worm wheel 253. The first shaft portion 256 and the second shaft portion 257 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of the worm wheel 253. The first shaft portion 256 is slidably inserted into the first elongated hole 254A, and the second shaft portion 257 is slidably inserted into the second elongated hole 255A.

[0106] Figures 16 and 17 are diagrams showing the operation of the battery switching device 200 shown in Figure 15. Figure 16 shows a state in which the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are connected, and the second movable contact 31 and the second parallel contact 33 of the second contact device 30 are connected.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 16 , when the motor 251 rotates the worm 252 in one direction, the worm wheel 253 rotates counterclockwise in the figure. The rotational force of the worm wheel 253 is transmitted to the first transmission member 254 via the first shaft portion 256 and the first elongated hole 254A, and the first conductive rod 211 moves toward the first parallel contact 22. At this time, the rotational force of the worm wheel 253 is transmitted to the second transmission member 255 via the second shaft portion 257 and the second elongated hole 255A, and the second conductive rod 311 moves toward the second parallel contact 33. In other words, when the first conductive rod 211 moves toward the first parallel contact 22, the second conductive rod 311 moves toward the second parallel contact 33. This prevents the first movable contact 21 of the first contact device 20 from being connected to the first parallel contact 22 and the second movable contact 31 of the second contact device 30 from being connected to the series contact 32 simultaneously.

[0108] 17 shows a state in which the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 are connected, and the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are disconnected. As shown in this figure, when the worm 252 is rotated in the other direction by the motor 251, the worm wheel 253 rotates clockwise in the figure, and the rotational force of the worm wheel 253 is transmitted to the second transmission member 255 via the second shaft portion 257 and the second elongated hole 255A, and the second conducting rod 311 moves toward the series contact 32. At this time, the rotational force of the worm wheel 253 is transmitted to the first transmission member 254 via the first shaft portion 256 and the first elongated hole 254A, and the first conducting rod 211 moves away from the first parallel contact 22. In other words, when the second conducting rod 311 moves toward the series contact 32, the first conducting rod 211 moves away from the first parallel contact 22. Therefore, the connection between the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 and the connection between the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 are prevented from occurring simultaneously.

[0109] As described above, in the battery switching device 200 according to this embodiment, the drive / connection restricting mechanism 250 includes the worm wheel 253, the worm 252 meshing with the worm wheel 253, and the motor 251 that rotates the worm 252. The drive / connection restricting mechanism 250 also includes a first shaft 256 and a second shaft 257 that are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of the worm wheel 253 and fixed to the worm wheel 253, a first transmission member 254 that is fixed to the first conducting rod 211, and a second transmission member 255 that is fixed to the second conducting rod 311. The first transmission member 254 has a first elongated hole 254A formed therein through which the first shaft 256 is slidably inserted, and the second transmission member 255 has a second elongated hole 255A formed therein through which the second shaft 257 is slidably inserted.

[0110] In the battery switching device 200 according to this embodiment, rotation of the worm wheel 253 in a first rotational direction moves the first conducting rod 211 in the first direction, connecting the first male contact 211A to the first parallel contact 22. At this time, the second conducting rod 311 moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, connecting the third male contact 311B to the second parallel contact 33, and separating the second male contact 311A ​​from the series contact 32. On the other hand, rotation of the worm wheel 253 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction moves the first conducting rod 211 in the second direction, separating the first male contact 211A from the first parallel contact 22. At this time, the second conducting rod 311 moves in the first direction, connecting the second male contact 311A ​​to the series contact 32, and separating the third male contact 311B from the second parallel contact 33.

[0111] As a result, when the first male contact 211A of the first conducting rod 211 moves in a direction approaching the first parallel contact 22, the second male contact 311A ​​is prevented from moving in a direction approaching the series contact 32. Furthermore, when the second male contact 311A ​​of the second conducting rod 311 moves in a direction approaching the series contact 32, the first male contact 211A is prevented from moving in a direction approaching the first parallel contact 22. Therefore, according to the battery switching device 200 of this embodiment, the connection between the first movable contact 21 of the first contact device 20 and the first parallel contact 22 and the connection between the second movable contact 31 of the second contact device 30 and the series contact 32 occur simultaneously, preventing a short circuit in the first battery module 2 or the second battery module 3 and improving safety.

[0112] Figure 18 is a diagram showing a battery switching device 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The battery switching device 300 shown in this figure includes a drive / connection restriction mechanism 350. This drive / connection restriction mechanism 350 has the functions of the first drive mechanism 23, second drive mechanism 34, and connection restriction mechanism 40 of the battery switching device 1 shown in Figure 2 etc. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the above-described embodiment, and the description of the above-described embodiment is incorporated herein by reference.

[0113] In the battery switching device 300, the first parallel contact 22 and the second parallel contact 33 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the figure, and the series contact 32 and the second parallel contact 33 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction in the figure. The first parallel contact 22, the series contact 32, and the fourth terminal 14 are integrally formed from a conductive material.

[0114] The drive / connection restriction mechanism 350 includes a motor 3501, a ball screw 3502, and a slider 3503. The ball screw 3502 is integral with the output shaft of the motor 3501, and is disposed between the first conducting rod 211 and the second conducting rod 311 and in parallel with the first conducting rod 211 and the second conducting rod 311.

[0115] The slider 3503 is a plate-shaped member extending in the vertical direction in the figure, and is screwed into the threaded portion of the ball screw 3502. One longitudinal end of the slider 3503 is fixed to the other axial end of the first conducting rod 211, and the other longitudinal end of the slider 3503 is fixed to the center of the second conducting rod 311 in the axial direction.

[0116] Figures 19 and 20 are diagrams showing the operation of the battery switching device 300 shown in Figure 18. Figure 19 shows a state in which the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are connected, and the second movable contact 31 and the second parallel contact 33 of the second contact device 30 are connected.

[0117] 19, when the ball screw 3502 is rotated in one direction by the motor 3501, the slider 3503, the first conducting rod 211, and the second conducting rod 311 move toward the first parallel contact 22 and the second parallel contact 33. That is, when the first conducting rod 211 moves toward the first parallel contact 22, the second conducting rod 311 moves toward the second parallel contact 33. Therefore, the connection between the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 and the connection between the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 are prevented from occurring simultaneously.

[0118] 20 shows a state in which the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 are connected, and the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 are disconnected. As shown in this figure, when the ball screw 3502 is rotated in the other direction by the motor 3501, the slider 3503, the first conducting rod 211, and the second conducting rod 311 move toward the series contact 32. That is, when the second conducting rod 311 moves toward the series contact 32, the first conducting rod 211 moves away from the first parallel contact 22. Therefore, the connection between the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 of the first contact device 20 and the connection between the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 of the second contact device 30 are prevented from occurring simultaneously.

[0119] As described above, in the battery switching device 300 according to this embodiment, the drive / connection restricting mechanism 350 includes the slider 3503, the ball screw 3502 that screws into the slider 3503, and the motor 3501 that rotates the ball screw 3502. The slider 3503 is fixed to the first conducting rod 211 and the second conducting rod 311, and the ball screw 3502 is disposed in parallel to the first conducting rod 211 and the second conducting rod 311.

[0120] In the battery switching device 300 according to this embodiment, movement of the slider 3503 in a first direction moves the first conducting rod 211 in the first direction, connecting the first male contact 211A to the first parallel contact 22. At this time, the second conducting rod 311 moves in the first direction, connecting the third male contact 311B to the second parallel contact 33, and separating the second male contact 311A ​​from the series contact 32. On the other hand, movement of the slider 3503 in a second direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction, moves the first conducting rod 211 in the second direction, separating the first male contact 211A from the first parallel contact 22. At this time, the second conducting rod 311 moves in the second direction, connecting the second male contact 311A ​​to the series contact 32, and separating the third male contact 311B from the second parallel contact 33.

[0121] As a result, when the first male contact 211A of the first conducting rod 211 moves in a direction approaching the first parallel contact 22, the second male contact 311A ​​is prevented from moving in a direction approaching the series contact 32. Furthermore, when the second male contact 311A ​​of the second conducting rod 311 moves in a direction approaching the series contact 32, the first male contact 211A is prevented from moving in a direction approaching the first parallel contact 22. Therefore, according to the battery switching device 300 of this embodiment, the connection between the first movable contact 21 of the first contact device 20 and the first parallel contact 22 and the connection between the second movable contact 31 of the second contact device 30 and the series contact 32 occur simultaneously, preventing a short circuit in the first battery module 2 or the second battery module 3 and improving safety.

[0122] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a battery switching device 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The battery switching device 400 shown in this figure includes a pressure mechanism 60 that increases the contact pressure between the first male contact 211A of the first conducting rod 211 and the first parallel contact 22. The battery switching device 400 also includes a mechanism (not shown) that increases the contact pressure between the second male contact 311A ​​of the second conducting rod 311 and the series contact 32, and a mechanism (not shown) that increases the contact pressure between the third male contact 311B of the second conducting rod 311 and the second parallel contact 33. The mechanisms corresponding to the second male contact 311A ​​and the third male contact 311B of the second conducting rod 311 have the same configuration as the pressure mechanism 60, and therefore will not be described here. The same reference numerals are used to designate components similar to those in the above-described embodiment, and the same description of the above-described embodiment is applicable.

[0123] In the battery switching device 400, similarly to the above-described battery switching device 1, the first parallel contact 22 and the series contact 32 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the figure, and the series contact 32 and the second parallel contact 33 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction in the figure. In addition, the first parallel contact 22, the series contact 32, and the fourth terminal 14 are integrally formed from an insulating material.

[0124] The pressure mechanism 60 includes a pressing member 61, a transmission member 62, and a biasing member (not shown). The pressing member 61 is a right-angled triangular block when viewed in the front-to-rear direction in the figure (a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the first conducting rod 211 and the movement direction of the first shielding member 241). A rotation shaft 61A is inserted through the right angle of the pressing member 61. The rotation shaft 61A extends along the front-to-rear direction in the figure. One of the two sides of the pressing member 61 that sandwich the right angle (hereinafter referred to as the first side) is close to the outer peripheral surface of the first parallel contact 22, and the other of the two sides of the pressing member 61 that sandwich the right angle (hereinafter referred to as the second side) faces the first slider 233. The biasing member is a torsion coil spring that biases the pressing member 61 in the counterclockwise direction in the figure.

[0125] The transmission member 62 is a rod attached to the first slider 233. The transmission member 62 is disposed parallel to the first conducting rod 211, and its tip abuts against the second side of the pressing member 61. Here, the rotation axis 61A (fulcrum) is located on one end side (upper side in the figure) of the second side of the pressing member 61, and the force point where the tip of the transmission member 62 abuts against the pressing member 61 is located on the other end side (lower side in the figure) of the second side of the pressing member 61.

[0126] Figure 22 is a diagram showing the operation of the battery switching device 400 shown in Figure 21. As shown in this figure, when the movement of the first slider 233 causes the transmission member 62 to contact the second side of the pressing member 61, the pressing member 61 rotates clockwise in the figure against the biasing force of the biasing member, and one end of the first side (left side in the figure) contacts the outer circumferential surface of the first parallel contacts 22. At this time, due to the principle of leverage, the force applied from the transmission member 62 to the pressing member 61 is amplified, and a pressing force acts from the point of application of the pressing member 61 on the first parallel contacts 22 and the first male contacts 211A. This increases the contact pressure between the first parallel contacts 22 and the first male contacts 211A.

[0127] Figure 23 is a circuit diagram showing a contact drive circuit 500 provided in a battery switching device (not shown) according to another embodiment of the present invention. The contact drive circuit 500 shown in this figure includes a connection restriction unit 540 instead of the connection restriction mechanism 40 of the battery switching device 1 shown in Figure 2 etc. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components similar to those of the battery switching device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, and the description of the battery switching device 1 is incorporated herein.

[0128] 23, the contact drive circuit 500 is a circuit that transmits and blocks signals to the first motor 231 and the second motor 341. The contact drive circuit 500 includes a first path 501 and a second path 502 that are signal transmission paths to the first motor 231, and a third path 503 and a fourth path 504 that are signal transmission paths to the second motor 341.

[0129] The first path 501 is a path through which a signal (hereinafter referred to as a first signal) for moving the first conductive rod 211 toward the first parallel contact 22 is transmitted. The second path 502 is a path through which a signal (hereinafter referred to as a second signal) for moving the first conductive rod 211 away from the first parallel contact 22 is transmitted. The first path 501 is provided with a first transistor Q1, a first switch S1, etc. The second path 502 is provided with a second transistor Q2, a second switch S2, etc.

[0130] The first transistor Q1 is a transistor such as a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) that is turned on when a first signal is input. The first switch S1 is a contact c switch such as a mechanical relay that connects the first motor 231 to a power supply Vcc and connects the first motor 231 to ground.

[0131] The base of the first transistor Q1 is connected to the input terminal of the first path 501 via a resistor or the like, the collector of the first transistor Q1 is connected to the power supply Vcc via the coil of the first switch S1, and the emitter of the first transistor Q1 is connected to ground.

[0132] The common terminal of the first switch S1 is connected to the first motor 231, the normally closed terminal of the first switch S1 is connected to ground, the normally open terminal of the first switch S1 is connected to the power supply Vcc, and the coil of the first switch S1 is connected to the collector of the first transistor Q1 and the power supply Vcc.

[0133] The second transistor Q2 is a transistor such as a MOSFET that is turned ON when a second signal is input. The second switch S2 is a contact c switch such as a mechanical relay that connects the first motor 231 to a power supply Vcc and connects the first motor 231 to ground.

[0134] The base of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the input terminal of the second path 502 via a resistor or the like, the collector of the second transistor Q2 is connected to the power supply Vcc via the coil of the second switch S2, and the emitter of the second transistor Q2 is connected to ground.

[0135] The common terminal of the second switch S2 is connected to the first motor 231, the normally closed terminal of the second switch S2 is connected to ground, the normally open terminal of the second switch S2 is connected to the power supply Vcc, and the coil of the second switch S2 is connected to the collector of the second transistor Q2 and the power supply Vcc.

[0136] The third path 503 is a path through which a signal (hereinafter referred to as a third signal) for moving the second conducting rod 311 toward the series contact 32 side is transmitted. The fourth path 504 is a path through which a signal (hereinafter referred to as a fourth signal) for moving the second conducting rod 311 away from the series contact 32 (toward the second parallel contact 33 side) is transmitted. The third path 503 is provided with a third transistor Q3, a third switch S3, etc. The fourth path 504 is provided with a fourth transistor Q4, a fourth switch S4, etc.

[0137] The third transistor Q3 is a transistor such as a MOSFET that is turned on when a third signal is input. The third switch S3 is a contact c switch such as a mechanical relay that connects the second motor 341 to a power supply Vcc and connects the second motor 341 to ground.

[0138] The base of the third transistor Q3 is connected to the input terminal of the third path 503 via a resistor or the like, the collector of the third transistor Q3 is connected to the power supply Vcc via the coil of the third switch S3, and the emitter of the third transistor Q3 is connected to ground.

[0139] The common terminal of the third switch S3 is connected to the second motor 341, the normally closed terminal of the third switch S3 is connected to ground, the normally open terminal of the third switch S3 is connected to the power supply Vcc, and the coil of the third switch S3 is connected to the collector of the third transistor Q3 and the power supply Vcc.

[0140] The fourth transistor Q4 is a transistor such as a MOSFET that is turned on when a fourth signal is input. The fourth switch S4 is a contact c switch such as a mechanical relay that connects the second motor 341 to a power supply Vcc and connects the second motor 341 to ground.

[0141] The base of the fourth transistor Q4 is connected to the input terminal of the fourth path 504 via a resistor or the like, the collector of the fourth transistor Q4 is connected to the power supply Vcc via the coil of the fourth switch S4, and the emitter of the fourth transistor Q4 is connected to ground.

[0142] The common terminal of the fourth switch S4 is connected to the second motor 341, the normally closed terminal of the fourth switch S4 is connected to ground, the normally open terminal of the fourth switch S4 is connected to the power supply Vcc, and the coil of the fourth switch S4 is connected to the collector of the fourth transistor Q4 and the power supply Vcc.

[0143] The connection restrictor 540 includes a fifth switch S5, a sixth switch S6, a fifth transistor Q5, and a sixth transistor Q6, and prevents the first switch S1 and the third switch S3 from being turned on at the same time.

[0144] The fifth switch S5 is a microswitch, photoelectric switch, magnetic switch, or the like, and is turned ON when the second male contact 311A ​​of the second conducting rod 311 moves to the series contact 32, and is turned OFF when the second male contact 311A ​​moves away from the series contact 32. One end of the fifth switch S5 is connected to the first path 501. The connection point between one end of the fifth switch S5 and the first path 501 is located between the input terminal of the first path 501 and the base of the first transistor Q1. The other end of the fifth switch S5 is connected to ground. The configuration for turning the fifth switch S5 ON / OFF will be described later.

[0145] The sixth switch S6 is a microswitch, a photoelectric switch, a magnetic switch, or the like, and is turned ON when the first male contact 211A of the first conducting rod 211 moves to the first parallel contact 22, and is turned OFF when the first male contact 211A moves away from the first parallel contact 22. One end of the sixth switch S6 is connected to the third path 503. The connection point between one end of the sixth switch S6 and the third path 503 is located between the input terminal of the third path 503 and the base of the third transistor Q3. The other end of the sixth switch S6 is connected to ground. The configuration for turning the sixth switch S6 ON / OFF will be described later.

[0146] The fifth transistor Q5 is a transistor such as a MOSFET that is turned on when the third signal is input. The base of the fifth transistor Q5 is connected to the third path 503 via a resistor, the collector of the fifth transistor Q5 is connected to the first path 501, and the emitter of the fifth transistor Q5 is connected to ground.

[0147] The sixth transistor Q6 is a transistor such as a MOSFET that is turned on when the first signal is input. The base of the sixth transistor Q6 is connected to the first path 501 via a resistor, the collector of the sixth transistor Q6 is connected to the third path 503, and the emitter of the sixth transistor Q6 is connected to ground.

[0148] The connection point between the base of the sixth transistor Q6 and the first path 501 is located between the connection point between the collector of the fifth transistor Q5 and the first path 501 and the input terminal of the first path 501. In addition, the connection point between one end of the fifth switch S5 and the first path 501 is located between the connection point between the base of the first transistor Q1 and the first path 501 and the connection point between the collector of the fifth transistor Q5 and the first path 501.

[0149] The connection point between the base of the fifth transistor Q5 and the third path 503 is located between the connection point between the collector of the sixth transistor Q6 and the third path 503 and the input terminal of the third path 503. The connection point between one end of the sixth switch S6 and the third path 503 is located between the connection point between the base of the third transistor Q3 and the third path 503 and the connection point between the collector of the sixth transistor Q6 and the third path 503.

[0150] The connection point between the emitter of the sixth transistor Q6 and the ground line is located between the connection point between the emitter of the fifth transistor Q5 and the ground line and the ground terminal. The connection point between the other end of the sixth switch S6 and the ground line is located between the connection point between the other end of the fifth switch S5 and the ground line and the connection point between the emitter of the fifth transistor Q5 and the ground line. The connection point between the other end of the fifth switch S5 and the ground line is located between the connection point between the emitter of the first transistor Q1 and the ground line and the connection point between the other end of the sixth switch S6 and the ground line.

[0151] Fig. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration for turning on / off the fifth switch S5 shown in Fig. 23. The fifth switch S5 shown in this figure is a microswitch, which is arranged near the second shielding member 351 and is turned on / off in conjunction with the movement of the second shielding member 351. The configuration for turning on / off the sixth switch S6 is similar to the configuration for turning on / off the fifth switch S5, which is arranged near the first shielding member 241 and is turned on / off in conjunction with the movement of the first shielding member 241.

[0152] The movable contact of the fifth switch S5 is separated from the second shielding member 351 in a state in which it shields the series contact 32. Therefore, in a state in which the second male contact 311A ​​of the second conducting rod 311 is separated from the series contact 32, the second shielding member 351 is separated from the movable contact of the fifth switch S5, and the fifth switch S5 is turned OFF.

[0153] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing the operation of the configuration shown in Fig. 24. As shown in this figure, when the second shielding member 351 retreats from the shielding position due to the movement of the second conducting rod 311 toward the series contact 32, the second shielding member 351 pushes down the movable contact of the fifth switch S5, and the fifth switch S5 turns ON.

[0154] 23 , when the first signal is input to the first path 501, the first transistor Q1 is turned ON, and the first motor 231 is driven to move the first conducting rod 211 toward the first parallel contact 22. At this time, even if the third signal is input to the third path 503, the sixth transistor Q6 is turned ON, and the third signal passes through the sixth transistor Q6 and reaches ground. That is, while the first signal is being input to the first motor 231 through the first path 501, the third signal is prevented from being input to the second motor 341 through the third path 503. Therefore, while the first motor 231 is being driven to move the first conducting rod 211 toward the first parallel contact 22, the second motor 341 is prevented from being driven to move the second conducting rod 311 toward the series contact 32.

[0155] When the first male contact 211A of the first conducting rod 211 moves to the first parallel contact 22, the sixth switch S6 is turned ON by the first shielding member 241, and input of the first signal to the first path 501 is stopped. At this time, if a third signal is input to the third path 503, the third signal passes through the sixth switch S6 and reaches ground. In other words, while the sixth switch S6 is ON, the third signal is prevented from being input to the second motor 341 through the third path 503. Therefore, while the first male contact 211A of the first conducting rod 211 is engaged with the first parallel contact 22, the second motor 341 is prevented from being driven to move the second conducting rod 311 toward the series contact 32.

[0156] When the third signal is input to the third path 503, the third transistor Q3 is turned ON, and the second motor 341 is driven to move the second conducting rod 311 toward the series contact 32. At this time, the fifth transistor Q5 is turned ON, so that even if the first signal is input to the first path 501, the first signal passes through the fifth transistor Q5 and reaches ground. That is, while the third signal is being input to the second motor 341 through the third path 503, the first signal is prevented from being input to the first motor 231 through the first path 501. Therefore, while the second motor 341 is being driven to move the second conducting rod 311 toward the series contact 32, the first motor 231 is prevented from being driven to move the first conducting rod 211 toward the first parallel contact 22.

[0157] When the second male contact 311A ​​of the second conducting rod 311 moves to the series contact 32, the fifth switch S5 is turned ON by the second shielding member 351, and input of the third signal to the third path 503 is stopped. At this time, if the first signal is input to the first path 501, the first signal passes through the fifth switch S5 and reaches ground. In other words, while the fifth switch S5 is ON, the first signal is prevented from being input to the first motor 231 through the first path 501. Therefore, while the second male contact 311A ​​of the second conducting rod 311 is engaged with the series contact 32, the first motor 231 is prevented from being driven to move the first conducting rod 211 toward the first parallel contact 22.

[0158] As described above, in the battery switching device according to this embodiment, the first motor 231 is driven in response to the first and second signals, and the second motor 341 is driven in response to the third and fourth signals. The first signal is a signal for moving the first conducting rod 211 in a direction in which the first male contact 211A approaches the first parallel contact 22. The second signal is a signal for moving the first conducting rod 211 in a direction in which the first male contact 211A moves away from the first parallel contact 22. The third signal is a signal for moving the second conducting rod 311 in a direction in which the second male contact 311A ​​approaches the series contact 32 and the third male contact 311B moves away from the second parallel contact 33. The fourth signal is a signal for moving the second conducting rod 311 in a direction in which the third male contact 311B approaches the second parallel contact 33 and the second male contact 311A ​​moves away from the series contact 32.

[0159] In the battery switching device according to this embodiment, the connection restricting unit 540 includes a fifth transistor Q5, a sixth transistor Q6, a fifth switch S5, and a sixth switch S6. The sixth transistor Q6 blocks the third signal output to the second motor 341 while the first signal is being input to the first motor 231. The fifth transistor Q5 blocks the first signal output to the first motor 231 while the third signal is being input to the second motor 341. This prevents the second conductive rod 311 from moving in a direction in which the second male contact 311A ​​approaches the series contact 32 when the first conductive rod 211 moves in a direction in which the first male contact 211A approaches the first parallel contact 22. In addition, when the second conductive rod 311 moves in the direction in which the second male contact 311A ​​approaches the series contact 32, the first conductive rod 211 can be prevented from moving in the direction in which the first male contact 211A approaches the first parallel contact 22.

[0160] Furthermore, the sixth switch S6 cuts off the third signal output to the second motor 341 while the first male contact 211A is connected to the first parallel contact 22. Furthermore, the fifth switch S5 cuts off the first signal output to the first motor 231 while the second male contact 311A ​​is connected to the series contact 32. This prevents the second conducting rod 311 from moving in a direction in which the second male contact 311A ​​approaches the series contact 32 when the first male contact 211A is connected to the first parallel contact 22 and the output of the first signal is stopped. Furthermore, it prevents the first conducting rod 211 from moving in a direction in which the first male contact 211A approaches the first parallel contact 22 when the second male contact 311A ​​is connected to the series contact 32 and the output of the third signal is stopped.

[0161] 26 is a circuit diagram showing a battery switching device 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and a battery system 610 including the battery switching device 600. The battery switching device 600 shown in this figure includes a first fuse 601 and a second fuse 602 instead of the connection restriction mechanism 40 of the battery switching device 1 according to the above-described embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components similar to those of the battery switching device 1, and the description of the battery switching device 1 is incorporated herein.

[0162] The first fuse 601 is provided between the positive electrode of the first battery module 2 and the fourth terminal 14. The second fuse 602 is provided between the positive electrode of the second battery module 3 and the first terminal 11 and the first main relay 4. The first fuse 601 and the second fuse 602 are melting fuses that open the circuit by melting due to the heat of a short-circuit current, or pyro fuses that detect a short-circuit current and open the circuit by the destructive force of explosives, or the like.

[0163] Fig. 27 is a circuit diagram showing the operation of the battery system 610 shown in Fig. 26. As shown in this figure, when the second movable contact 31 is connected to the series contact 32 while the first movable contact 21 is connected to the first parallel contact 22, a current flows that short-circuits the second battery module 3, as indicated by the solid arrow in the figure. At this time, the second fuse 602 melts or breaks, opening the circuit that short-circuits the second battery module 3. As a result, when the second movable contact 31 is connected to the series contact 32 while the first movable contact 21 is connected to the first parallel contact 22, current can continue to flow through the first battery module 2.

[0164] Although not shown in the drawings, when the first movable contact 21 is connected to the first parallel contact 22 while the second movable contact 31 is connected to the series contact 32, a current flows that short-circuits the first battery module 2. At this time, the first fuse 601 melts or breaks, opening the circuit that short-circuits the first battery module 2. As a result, when the first movable contact 21 is connected to the first parallel contact 22 while the second movable contact 31 is connected to the series contact 32, current can continue to flow through the second battery module 3.

[0165] As described above, in the battery switching device 600 according to this embodiment, the first battery module 2 is connected to the first parallel contact 22, the series contact 32, and the second parallel contact 33, and the second battery module 3 is connected to the first movable contact 21 and the second movable contact 31. In the battery switching device 600, a first fuse 601 is provided in the power line connecting the first parallel contact 22, the series contact 32, and the first battery module 2. In addition, a second fuse 602 is provided in the power line connecting the first movable contact 21 and the second battery module 3.

[0166] As a result, when a current flows that short-circuits the first battery module 2, the first fuse 601 can open the circuit through which that current flows, and when a current flows that short-circuits the second battery module 3, the second fuse 602 can open the circuit through which that current flows. Therefore, electricity can continue to flow through at least one of the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3.

[0167] 28 is a circuit diagram showing a battery switching device 700 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and a battery system 1000 including the battery switching device 700. Note that the same components as those in the battery system 10 according to the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the battery system 10 is incorporated herein.

[0168] 28, the positive electrode of the first battery module 2 is connected between the second terminal 12 and the first main relay 4, and the negative electrode of the first battery module 2 is connected to the fourth terminal 14. In addition, the positive electrode of the second battery module 3 is connected to the first terminal 11, and the negative electrode of the second battery module 3 is connected to the third terminal 13 and the second main relay 5.

[0169] The first movable contact 21 of the first contact device 20 is connected to the third terminal 13. The common terminal of the second movable contact 31 of the second contact device 30 is connected to the first terminal 11. The first parallel contact 22 and the series contact 32 are connected to the fourth terminal 14, and the second parallel contact 33 is connected to the second terminal 12.

[0170] The first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 are connected in parallel when the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 are connected and the second movable contact 31 and the second parallel contact 33 are connected. On the other hand, the first battery module 2 and the second battery module 3 are connected in series when the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 are disconnected and the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 are connected.

[0171] The connection restricting mechanism 40 prevents the second movable contact 31 from being connected to the series contact 32 when the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 are connected. The connection restricting mechanism 40 also prevents the first movable contact 21 and the first parallel contact 22 from being connected when the second movable contact 31 and the series contact 32 are connected.

[0172] The present invention has been described above based on the above embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and modifications may be made to the above embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, or publicly known or well-known technologies may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1: Battery switching device 2: First battery module (first battery) 3: Second battery module (second battery) 20: 1st contact device 21: 1st movable contact 22: 1st parallel contact 24: First shielding mechanism (first driving mechanism) 30:Second contact device 31: 2nd movable contact 32: Series contact 33: 2nd parallel contact 35: Second shielding mechanism (second driving mechanism) 36: Third shielding mechanism (second driving mechanism) 40: Connection restriction mechanism (connection restriction section) 41: Rotating member 100: Battery switching device 140: Connection restriction mechanism (connection restriction unit) 141: Link 141A: 1st long hole 141B: 2nd long hole 142: First shaft 143: Second shaft 200: Battery switching device 211: First conductor rod 211A: 1st male contact 231: First motor 232: First ball screw 233: First slider 241: First shielding member 250: Drive / connection restriction mechanism (connection restriction part) 251: Motor 252: Warm 253: Worm wheel 254: First transmission member (first member) 254A: 1st long hole 255: Second transmission member (second member) 255A: 2nd long hole 256: First shaft (shaft) 257: Second shaft (shaft) 300: Battery switching device 311: Second conductor rod 311A: 2nd male contact 311B: 3rd male contact 341: Second motor 342: Second ball screw 343: Second slider 350: Drive / connection restriction mechanism (connection restriction part) 351: Second shielding member 361: Third shielding member 400: Battery switching device 540: Connection restriction section 600: Battery switching device 601: First fuse (connection restriction part) 602: Second fuse (connection restriction part) 700: Battery switching device 3501: Motor 3502: Ball screw 3503: Slider Q5: Fifth transistor (second switch) Q6: 6th transistor (first switch) S5: 5th switch (4th switch) S6: 6th switch (3rd switch)

Claims

1. a first contact device including a first movable contact and a first parallel contact to which the first movable contact is connected or disconnected; a second contact device including a second movable contact, a series contact to which the second movable contact is connected or disconnected, and a second parallel contact to which the second movable contact is connected or disconnected; Equipped with the first movable contact and the first parallel contact are disconnected, the second movable contact and the second parallel contact are disconnected, and the second movable contact and the series contact are connected, thereby connecting the first battery and the second battery in series; The first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel by connecting the first movable contact and the first parallel contact, connecting the second movable contact and the second parallel contact, and disconnecting the second movable contact and the series contact. A battery switching device, the first movable contact includes a first conductor rod that is linearly movable along the axial direction and has a first male contact at one end of the axial direction; the first parallel contact is a female contact to which the first male contact is connected or separated by linear movement of the first conductor rod; the second movable contact comprises a second conductor rod that is linearly movable along the axial direction and has a second male contact at one end in the axial direction and a third male contact at the other end in the axial direction; The series contact is a female contact that is connected to or separated from the second male contact by linear movement of the second conductor rod, the second parallel contact is a female contact to which the third male contact is connected or separated by linear movement of the second conductor rod; a connection restriction portion that prevents the second male contact from being connected to the series contact when the first male contact is connected to the first parallel contact, and that prevents the first male contact from being connected to the first parallel contact when the second male contact is connected to the series contact; Battery switching device.

2. The first contact device is a first slider fixed to the first conductor rod; a first ball screw with which the first slider is threaded; a first motor that rotates the first ball screw to linearly move the first slider in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; Equipped with The second contact device is a second slider fixed to the second conductor rod; a second ball screw disposed parallel to the first ball screw and threadedly engaged with the second slider; a second motor that rotates the second ball screw to linearly move the second slider in the first direction and the second direction; Equipped with Movement of the first slider in the first direction connects the first male contact to the first parallel contact, and movement of the first slider in the second direction separates the first male contact from the first parallel contact; Movement of the second slider in the first direction connects the second male contact to the series contact and separates the third male contact from the second parallel contact, and movement of the second slider in the second direction connects the third male contact to the second parallel contact and separates the second male contact from the series contact, The connection restriction portion is a rotating member that is rotated to a position where the second slider is prevented from moving in the first direction by the movement of the first slider in the first direction, and that is rotated to a position where the first slider is prevented from moving in the first direction by the movement of the second slider in the first direction; The battery switching device according to claim 1 .

3. The first contact device is a first slider fixed to the first conductor rod; a first ball screw with which the first slider is threaded; a first motor that rotates the first ball screw to linearly move the first slider in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; Equipped with The second contact device is a second slider fixed to the second conductor rod; a second ball screw disposed parallel to the first ball screw and threadedly engaged with the second slider; a second motor that rotates the second ball screw to linearly move the second slider in the first direction and the second direction; Equipped with Movement of the first slider in the first direction connects the first male contact to the first parallel contact, and movement of the first slider in the second direction separates the first male contact from the first parallel contact; Movement of the second slider in the first direction connects the third male contact to the second parallel contact and separates the second male contact from the series contact, and movement of the second slider in the second direction connects the second male contact to the series contact and separates the third male contact from the second parallel contact, The connection restriction portion is a first shaft portion fixed to the first slider; a second shaft portion fixed to the second slider; a link having a first elongated hole through which the first shaft portion is slidably inserted and a second elongated hole through which the second shaft portion is slidably inserted; Equipped with The battery switching device according to claim 1 .

4. The connection restriction portion is A worm wheel, a worm meshed with the worm wheel; a motor that rotates the worm; a pair of shaft portions disposed symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of the worm wheel and fixed to the worm wheel; a first member fixed to the first conductor rod and having a first elongated hole formed therein through which one of the pair of shaft portions is slidably inserted; a second member fixed to the second conductor rod and having a second elongated hole through which the other of the pair of shaft portions is slidably inserted; Equipped with By the rotation of the worm wheel in a first rotational direction, the first conducting rod is moved in a first direction, so that the first male contact is connected to the first parallel contact, and the second conducting rod is moved in a second direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction, so that the third male contact is connected to the second parallel contact and the second male contact is separated from the series contact, By rotation of the worm wheel in a second rotation direction that is the opposite direction to the first rotation direction, the first conducting rod is moved in the second direction, so that the first male contact is separated from the first parallel contact, and the second conducting rod is moved in the first direction, so that the second male contact is connected to the series contact and the third male contact is separated from the second parallel contact. The battery switching device according to claim 1 .

5. The connection restriction portion is a slider fixed to the first conducting rod and the second conducting rod; a ball screw disposed parallel to the first conductive rod and the second conductive rod, and into which the slider is screwed; a motor that rotates the ball screw to linearly move the slider in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; Equipped with When the slider moves in the first direction, the first conducting rod moves in the first direction, connecting the first male contact to the first parallel contact, and the second conducting rod moves in the first direction, connecting the third male contact to the second parallel contact and separating the second male contact from the series contact, Movement of the slider in the second direction moves the first conducting rod in the second direction, separating the first male contact from the first parallel contact, and moves the second conducting rod in the second direction, connecting the second male contact to the series contact and separating the third male contact from the second parallel contact. The battery switching device according to claim 1 .

6. The first contact device is a first slider fixed to the first conductor rod; a first ball screw with which the first slider is threaded; a first motor that rotates the first ball screw in response to a first signal for moving the first conductive rod in a direction in which the first male contact approaches the first parallel contact and a second signal for moving the first conductive rod in a direction in which the first male contact moves away from the first parallel contact; Equipped with The second contact device is a second slider fixed to the second conductor rod; a second ball screw with which the second slider is screwed; a second motor that rotates the second ball screw in response to a third signal for moving the second conducting rod in a direction in which the second male contact approaches the series contact and the third male contact moves away from the second parallel contact, and a fourth signal for moving the second conducting rod in a direction in which the third male contact approaches the second parallel contact and the second male contact moves away from the series contact; Equipped with The connection restriction portion is a first switch that cuts off the third signal output to the second motor while the first signal is input to the first motor; a second switch that cuts off the first signal output to the first motor while the third signal is input to the second motor; a third switch that cuts off the third signal output to the second motor while the first male contact is connected to the first parallel contact; a fourth switch that cuts off the first signal output to the first motor while the second male contact is connected to the series contact; The battery switching device according to claim 1 .

7. the first battery is connected to the first parallel contact, the series contact, and the second parallel contact; the second battery is connected to the first movable contact and the second movable contact; The connection restriction portion is a first fuse provided in a power line connecting the first parallel contact, the series contact, and the first battery; a second fuse provided in a power line connecting the first movable contact and the second battery; The battery switching device according to claim 1 .

8. an insulating first shielding member arranged to be movable between a first shielding position at which the first parallel contacts are shielded and a first open position at which the first parallel contacts are opened; an insulating second shielding member arranged to be movable between a second shielding position that shields the series contact and a second open position that opens the series contact; an insulating third shielding member arranged to be movable between a third shielding position at which the second parallel contacts are shielded and a third open position at which the second parallel contacts are opened; a first drive mechanism that moves the first shielding member from the first shielding position to the first open position in conjunction with movement of the first conducting rod in a direction in which the first male contact approaches the first parallel contact, and moves the first shielding member from the first open position to the first shielding position in conjunction with movement of the first conducting rod in a direction in which the first male contact moves away from the first parallel contact; a second drive mechanism that moves the second shielding member from the second shielding position to the second open position and moves the third shielding member from the third open position to the third shielding position in conjunction with movement of the second conducting rod in the direction in which the second male contact approaches the series contact, and that moves the second shielding member from the second open position to the second shielding position in conjunction with movement of the second conducting rod in the direction in which the third male contact approaches the second parallel contact, and moves the third shielding member from the third shielding position to the third open position; The battery switching device according to claim 1 .

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