Stationary power supply

Abstract

To provide a stationary power supply device that can suppress the possibility of components housed in an enclosure experiencing short-circuit failure due to rainwater intrusion into the enclosure when workers perform replacement of the components outdoors. [Solution] The stationary power supply device 100 of this disclosure comprises a battery module 1, a sealed cover 2, a raindrop sensor 3, and a locking mechanism 4. The sealed cover 2 is a housing member that houses the battery module 1 and has a main body 21 with a bottom surface that abuts the ground and an opening on its side, and a lid 22 that can open and close the opening of the main body. The raindrop sensor 3 is installed on the outside of the sealed cover 2 and detects rainwater. When rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor 3, the locking mechanism 4 locks the lid 22 to the main body 21 while closing the opening of the main body 21.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a stationary power supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power storage device that can be installed outdoors, such as in a house. The power storage device includes a battery module and a housing that houses the battery module.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology according to Patent Document 1, when an operator exchanges parts (for example, a battery module) housed in the housing outdoors, there is a problem that the parts housed in the housing may cause a short-circuit failure due to rainwater entering the inside of the housing.

[0005] In view of such problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a stationary power supply device that can suppress the possibility that parts housed in a housing cause a short-circuit failure due to rainwater entering the inside of the housing when an operator exchanges the parts outdoors.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The stationary power supply device of the present disclosure is The device comprises a battery module, a sealed cover having a main body that houses the battery module and whose bottom surface abuts the ground and which has an opening on its side, and a lid that can open and close the opening of the main body, a raindrop sensor installed on the outside of the sealed cover for detecting rainwater, and a locking mechanism that, when rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor, locks the lid to the main body while closing the opening of the main body.

[0007] With the configuration described above, the stationary power supply device of this disclosure can suppress the possibility of a short-circuit failure of the battery module, which is a component housed in a sealed cover, when a worker replaces the battery module outdoors due to rainwater entering the sealed cover.

[0008] Furthermore, the stationary power supply device of this disclosure is An opening / closing sensor that detects whether the opening of the main body is closed by the lid, The device further includes a warning unit that emits a warning sound when the opening of the main body is detected by the opening / closing sensor as not being closed by the lid, and when rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor.

[0009] With the configuration described above, the stationary power supply device of this disclosure can suppress the possibility of a short-circuit failure of the battery module housed in the sealed cover due to rainwater intrusion into the sealed cover, even after an operator has started replacing the battery module housed in the sealed cover outdoors.

[0010] Furthermore, in the stationary power supply device of this disclosure, the battery module is arranged within the outer shape of the upper surface of the main body when viewed from above. Also, in the stationary power supply device of this disclosure, the raindrop sensor is arranged on the outside and upper surface of the main body.

[0011] With the configuration described above, the stationary power supply device of this disclosure can suppress the possibility of a short-circuit failure of the battery module housed in the sealed cover due to rainwater entering the sealed cover when a worker replaces the battery module housed in the sealed cover outdoors. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] This disclosure provides a stationary power supply device that can suppress the possibility of components housed in the enclosure experiencing short-circuit failures due to rainwater intrusion into the enclosure when workers replace the components outdoors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a stationary power supply according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of a stationary power supply according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing a specific example of the configuration of the locking section of a stationary power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of a stationary power supply according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a stationary power supply according to the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where necessary for clarity.

[0015] (First Embodiment) First, the configuration of the stationary power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described using Figure 1.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a stationary power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the stationary power supply device 100 is a power supply device that can be installed outdoors, such as in a house. The stationary power supply device 100 includes a battery module 1, a sealed cover 2, a raindrop sensor 3, a lock portion 4 (not shown), an open / close sensor 5 (not shown), a warning portion 6 (not shown), a control portion 7 (not shown), and design covers 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d.

[0017] The sealed cover 2 is a member that houses the battery module 1. Note that the sealed cover 2 is not limited to the battery module 1 and may house other devices. Further, the sealed cover 2 is a waterproof member for preventing the battery module 1 from being wetted by rainwater. Specifically, the sealed cover 2 has a main body portion 21 and a lid portion 22. The main body portion 21 is a housing member that houses the battery module 1. The main body portion 21 is installed so that the bottom surface abuts against the ground (that is, installed on the ground), and an opening is provided on the side surface (y negative direction side). The lid portion 22 is a member that can open and close the opening of the main body portion 21. In this figure, the opening of the main body portion 21 is closed by the lid portion 22.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the sealed cover 2 according to the first embodiment. Here, FIG. 2A is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the sealed cover 2 in a state where the opening of the main body portion 21 is closed by the lid portion 22 (closed state). On the other hand, FIG. 2B is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the sealed cover 2 in a state where the opening of the main body portion 21 is opened (open state). As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, it is divided in a direction (y direction) perpendicular to the vertical direction. Further, the battery module 1 is arranged within the range of the outer shape of the upper surface of the main body portion 21 in a top view. By doing so, even when the lid portion 22 is removed from the main body portion 21, it is difficult for rainwater to hit the battery module 1.

[0019] Return to the description of FIG. 1. The raindrop sensor 3 is a sensor capable of detecting rainwater. For example, it is assumed that the raindrop sensor 3 detects rainwater when it detects a quantity of rainwater equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold within a predetermined time. On the other hand, it is assumed that the raindrop sensor 3 fails to detect rainwater when it cannot detect a quantity of rainwater equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold within a predetermined time.

[0020] The raindrop sensor 3 is installed outside the sealed cover 2. Here, the raindrop sensor 3 is preferably disposed outside and on the upper surface of the main body portion 21. By doing so, the raindrop sensor 3 can detect rainwater even when the lid portion 22 is removed from the main body portion 21.

[0021] The locking portion 4 (not shown) is a mechanism that locks the lid portion 22 to the main body portion 21 with the opening of the main body portion 21 closed. The locking portion 4 is a member installed on at least one of the main body portion 21 and the lid portion 22. When rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor 3, the locking portion 4 locks the lid portion 22 to the main body portion 21 with the opening of the main body portion 21 closed. That is, in that case, the locking portion 4 prevents an operator from removing the lid portion 22 from the opening of the main body portion 21.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a specific example of the locking portion 4 in the stationary power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the locking portion 4 includes bolts 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d, and seal rubbers 42a and 42b. In this example, the lid portion 22 is fastened to the main body portion 21 with the bolts 41a to 41d via the seal rubbers 42a and 42b, so that the opening of the main body portion 21 is closed by the lid portion 22. In the locking portion 4, the bolts 41a to 41d are pulled out from the main body portion 21 or pushed into the main body portion 21 by an actuator (not shown), thereby locking or unlocking the lid portion 22. Note that the configuration of the locking portion 4 is not limited to the example shown in this figure.

[0023] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, the opening / closing sensor 5 (not shown) is a sensor that detects whether or not the opening of the main body 21 is closed by the lid 22. The opening / closing sensor 5 is installed, for example, between the opening of the main body 21 and the lid 22. Note that the opening / closing sensor 5 is not limited to being placed between the opening of the main body 21 and the lid 22, but can be placed anywhere that can detect whether or not the opening of the main body 21 is closed by the lid 22.

[0024] The warning unit 6 (not shown) is a speaker. The warning unit 6 is installed on the outside of the main body 21 of the sealed cover 2, for example, similar to the raindrop sensor 3. However, the warning unit 6 is not limited to the outside of the main body 21 of the sealed cover 2; it may be installed in a position where an operator can hear the sound. The warning unit 6 emits a warning sound when the opening of the main body 21 is detected by the opening / closing sensor 5 as being open by the lid 22, and when rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor 3.

[0025] The control unit 7 (not shown) is a computer. The computer includes memory and a processor. The processor may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor may include multiple processors. The memory consists of a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory may include storage located away from the processor. In this case, the processor may access the memory via an I / O interface not shown. The processor executes one or more programs that include a set of instructions for causing the computer to perform the algorithms described with reference to the drawings. The programs, when loaded into the computer, include a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The programs may be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include computer-readable media or physical storage media such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drives (SSDs) or other memory technologies, CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray® discs or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. Programs may be transmitted over temporary computer-readable media or communication media. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable media or communication media such as electrical, optical, acoustic or other forms of propagating signals. The control unit 7 is installed, for example, inside the main body 21 of the sealed cover 2. However, the control unit 7 is not limited to being installed inside the main body 21 of the sealed cover 2, but may also be installed outside the main body 21 of the sealed cover 2. In this case, the control unit 7 is implemented as a computer capable of remotely controlling the locking unit 4, etc.

[0026] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the stationary power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 7 communicates with the raindrop sensor 3, the lock unit 4, the open / close sensor 5, and the warning unit 6. The communication method is wireless or wired communication. The control unit 7 then controls the raindrop sensor 3, the lock unit 4, the open / close sensor 5, and the warning unit 6.

[0027] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, the decorative covers 8a to 8d are covers that cover the sealed cover 2. The decorative covers 8a to 8d are waterproof components that prevent the sealed cover 2 from getting wet with rainwater.

[0028] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the stationary power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, before step S101, the worker opens the decorative covers 8a to 8d of the stationary power supply unit 100 and begins the replacement of components such as the battery module 1 housed in the sealed cover 2.

[0030] Next, in step S101, the raindrop sensor 3 of the stationary power supply unit 100 detects rainwater. If the raindrop sensor 3 does not detect rainwater (NO in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the locking unit 4 locks the lid 22 to the main body 21 with the opening of the main body 21 closed. After that, the process ends. As a result, the lid 22 cannot be removed from the main body 21, and the worker interrupts the part replacement work. In this way, the stationary power supply unit 100 can prevent rainwater from entering the sealed cover 2 and suppress short circuits of the battery module 1 housed in the main body 21.

[0031] On the other hand, if rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor 3 (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the locking unit 4 releases the lock of the lid 22 from the main body 21. This allows the worker to remove the lid 22 from the main body 21 and perform the replacement of the battery module 1 housed in the main body 21.

[0032] Subsequently, in step S104, the raindrop sensor 3 detects rainwater. If the raindrop sensor 3 does not detect rainwater (NO in step S104), it is determined that no rainwater entered the sealed cover 2 during the worker's battery module replacement work, and the process ends. This allows the worker to complete the parts replacement work. On the other hand, if the raindrop sensor 3 detects rainwater (YES in step S104), it is determined that rainwater entered the sealed cover 2 during the worker's battery module replacement work, and the process proceeds to step S105.

[0033] In step S105, the warning unit 6 emits a warning sound to the worker. The warning unit 6 prompts the worker to attach the cover 22 to the main body 21 with this warning sound. By doing so, the stationary power supply unit 100 can prevent rainwater from entering the sealed cover 2 and suppress short-circuit failures of the battery module 1 housed in the main body 21.

[0034] Next, in step S106, the opening / closing sensor 5 detects whether the opening of the main body 21 is closed by the lid 22. If it is detected that the opening of the main body 21 is not closed by the lid 22 (NO in step S106), the process returns to step S106. On the other hand, if it is detected that the opening of the main body 21 is closed by the lid 22 (YES in step S106), the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the warning unit 6 stops emitting a warning sound to the worker. As a result, the worker interrupts the replacement work of components such as the battery module 1.

[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, when a worker is performing an outdoor replacement of components such as the battery module 1 housed in the sealed cover 2, the stationary power supply unit 100 locks the lid 22 to the main body 21 with the opening of the main body 21 closed when rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor 3. Therefore, the stationary power supply unit 100 can suppress the possibility of a short-circuit failure occurring in the components housed in the sealed cover 2 due to rainwater entering the sealed cover 2.

[0036] Furthermore, the stationary power supply unit 100 emits a warning sound if the opening of the main body 21 is detected by the opening / closing sensor 5 as not being closed by the lid 22, and if rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor 3. Therefore, even after an operator has started replacing parts such as the battery module 1, the possibility of a short-circuit failure occurring in the sealed cover 2 due to rainwater entering the sealed cover 2 can be suppressed.

[0037] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure are possible, as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0038] Each drawing is merely illustrative to illustrate one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated with one or more other embodiments rather than with only one specific embodiment. As those skilled in the art will understand, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing to illustrate an exemplary embodiment are necessarily required, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps shown in any of the drawings may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1 Battery module, 2 Sealed cover, 3 Raindrop sensor, 4 Locking mechanism, 5 Open / close sensor, 6 Warning unit, 7 Control unit, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d Decorative cover, 21 Main body, 22 Lid, 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d Bolts, 42a, 42b Seal rubber, 100 Stationary power supply

Claims

1. Battery module and A sealed cover comprising a housing member for the aforementioned battery module, having a main body with a bottom surface that contacts the ground and an opening on its side, and a lid that can open and close the opening of the main body, A raindrop sensor is installed on the outside of the aforementioned sealed cover to detect rainwater, The system includes a locking mechanism that, when rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor, locks the lid to the main body while closing the opening of the main body. Stationary power supply unit.

2. An opening / closing sensor that detects whether the opening of the main body is closed by the lid, The device further includes a warning unit that emits a warning sound when the opening of the main body is detected by the opening / closing sensor as not being closed by the lid, and when rainwater is detected by the raindrop sensor. The stationary power supply device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned battery module is When viewed from above, it is positioned within the outer shape of the upper surface of the main body. The stationary power supply device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned raindrop sensor is Displaced on the outer and upper surfaces of the main body The stationary power supply device according to claim 1.

Images