Electrical equipment

Abstract

A power device (10) includes: a housing part (14) for housing a power storage device (12); and an operation part (44) operated by power from the power storage device. The power storage device and the operation part are electrically connected via a first power line (154). The first power line has a third electrical terminal (164) and a fourth electrical terminal (166) that are removably engaged with each other. The first power line is divided into a first line section (162) and a second line section (168) at the third electrical terminal and the fourth electrical terminal. The third electrical terminal and the first line section are attached to the housing part and supported by the housing part.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electric power devices. [Background technology]

[0002] WO 2021 / 107069 discloses a holding device having a monocoque case. The holding device has a storage section (slot) for storing a mobile battery. The slot can be inserted into and removed from the monocoque case. When changing the specifications of this holding device, the installer of the holding device inserts, for example, an operating device into the monocoque case instead of the slot. In this way, according to the configuration shown in WO 2021 / 107069, it is easy to change the specifications of the holding device.

[0003] The holding device further includes a power conversion unit such as an inverter. The mobile battery in the slot and the inverter are electrically connected via a power line. The mobile battery has a first terminal, and the slot has a second terminal. The power line electrically connects the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0004] In JP 2021-87224 A, it is proposed to provide an excess length to the above-mentioned power line. In this case, the power line is arranged so that it reaches the slot beyond the end of the second terminal facing the slot. Summary of the Invention

[0005] When performing maintenance or the like on the holding device, it is assumed that the accommodating part will be removed from the holding device. At this time, the power line will be electrically disconnected. In this case, it is desirable to be able to handle the part of the power line that is electrically disconnected and the accommodating part together.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electric power device comprising: a storage section for removably storing an electric storage device having a first electrical terminal; a housing or skeleton supporting the storage section; a second electrical terminal provided in the storage section and connectable to the first electrical terminal; and an operating section electrically connected to the second electrical terminal via a first power line and operated by electric power from the electric storage device, wherein the storage section is detachably supported by the housing or skeleton, the first power line has a third electrical terminal and a fourth electrical terminal which can be engaged and disengaged with each other, the third electrical terminal is electrically connected to the second electrical terminal via a first line portion which is a part of the first power line, and the third electrical terminal and the first line portion are attached to the storage section and supported by the storage section.

[0008] In the present invention, the third electrical terminal and the first wire portion are attached to the housing portion, so that the third electrical terminal and the first wire portion can be handled integrally with the housing portion when the engagement between the third electrical terminal and the fourth electrical terminal is released.

[0009] In addition, for example, when the storage unit is moved relative to the housing or skeleton, the third electric terminal and the first wire portion are prevented from being pinched between the storage unit and the housing or skeleton, thereby preventing the third electric terminal from being damaged and the first wire portion from being broken. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electric power device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile battery. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the mobile battery. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a monocoque frame serving as the basic framework of the power device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the power device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic front perspective view of the slot. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a slot. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the slot. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic rear perspective view of the slot. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic rear perspective view of the slot from a different angle than FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the battery lock mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of the power device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic overall view of a harness bundle. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of a main portion of the slot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] [Outline of power device configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a power device 10. A mobile battery 12 (power storage device) is housed inside the power device 10 so that it can be inserted and removed. The power device 10 is a device that charges the mobile battery 12 housed inside. A user inserts a mobile battery 12 with a low charging rate (SOC: State of Charge) into the power device 10. The user then pulls out another mobile battery 12 from the power device 10 that has completed charging.

[0012] The power device 10 has eight slots 14 (accommodating sections) and one operation panel 16. A mobile battery 12 is accommodated in each of the eight slots 14. When a user accommodates a mobile battery 12 in one of the slots 14, the power device 10 starts charging the mobile battery 12 accommodated in that slot 14.

[0013] The operation panel 16 is a device that is operated by a user. The user operates the operation panel 16 to, for example, make payments or the like.

[0014] In the following, the power device 10 will be described based on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis defined as follows. The direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into and removed from the slot 14 is defined as the Z-axis direction. In the Z-axis direction, the direction from the innermost part of the slot 14 toward the opening is defined as the +Z-axis direction. The +Z-axis direction is the removal direction in which the mobile battery 12 is removed from the slot 14. The -Z-axis direction is the opposite direction to the +Z-axis direction. The -Z-axis direction is the insertion direction of the mobile battery 12 into the slot 14. In other words, the Z-axis direction is the insertion and removal direction of the mobile battery 12.

[0015] The direction parallel to the width direction of the power device 10 is defined as the X-axis direction. When a user stands facing the front of the power device 10, the right hand side in the X-axis direction is defined as the +X-axis direction. The -X-axis direction is the opposite direction to the +X-axis direction and is the left hand side in the X-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and X-axis is defined as the Y-axis direction. The upper side in the Y-axis direction is defined as the +Y-axis direction. The lower side in the Y-axis direction is defined as the -Y-axis direction.

[0016] [Mobile battery configuration] In this embodiment, a mobile battery 12 shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is used as a power storage device. The configuration of the mobile battery 12 will be described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile battery 12. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the mobile battery 12.

[0017] 2, the mobile battery 12 has a bottom case 301, a main case 302, and a top case 303. The bottom case 301 constitutes the bottom surface of the mobile battery 12.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 2, the top case 303 constitutes the upper surface of the mobile battery 12. A handle 24 is provided on the upper surface. The handle 24 has a first grip portion 241 and a second grip portion 242. A user mainly grips the first grip portion 241 to insert or remove the mobile battery 12 into or from the slot 14.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, a female connector 20 (first electrical terminal) is exposed on the bottom surface. The connector 20 has a female electrical terminal for receiving and transmitting power, and a female communication terminal for receiving and transmitting communication signals. In other words, the connector 20 serves as both an electrical terminal and a communication terminal. The connector 20 is provided in a recess 26 (see FIG. 2) on the bottom surface. In other words, the connector 20 is provided at a position slightly closer to the top case 303 from the bottom surface. The connector 20 is closer to the end where the second gripping portion 242 is provided, from the center of the bottom surface.

[0020] [Configuration of the frame (monocoque frame) and peripheral equipment] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the electric power device 10 has a monocoque frame 30, which is a supporting skeleton, and a housing 32 (casing) that houses the monocoque frame 30. The monocoque frame 30 has nine monocoque cases 34 and a plurality of support columns 36. The support columns 36 support the monocoque case 34. The monocoque case 34 is a hollow body with an open front. The rear surface of the monocoque case 34 may be a closed end. The rear surface of the monocoque case 34 may be an open end. The monocoque frame 30 forms the basic skeleton of the electric power device 10.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 5, an external connection unit 40 is provided at the bottom of the power device 10. An external power source or an external load is connected to the external connection unit 40. The external connection unit 40 receives power from the external power source. Alternatively, the external connection unit 40 outputs (supplies) power from the mobile battery 12 to the external load.

[0022] A support plate 42 is provided on the upper part of the monocoque frame 30. A plurality of inverters 44 (operating units) are arranged on the support plate 42. Each of the plurality of inverters 44 is electrically connected to each of the plurality of slots 14. Therefore, the number of slots 14 is the same as the number of inverters 44. The inverters 44 convert DC power supplied from the mobile battery 12 into AC power. Alternatively, the inverters 44 convert AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power.

[0023] A main control board 46 (control unit) and an inverter 48 are arranged on the support plate 42. The main control board 46 is an integrated control unit for controlling the slots 14. The inverter 48 converts AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power. The obtained DC power is supplied to the main control board 46 and an electronic circuit board 50 shown in FIG. 9. The electronic circuit board 50 will be described later.

[0024] The monocoque frame 30 supports a top plate 51 above the support plate 42. A breaker 52 is positioned and fixed on the top plate 51.

[0025] The hollow interior of the monocoque case 34 (see FIG. 4) is a storage space for storing most of the slot 14. The slot 14 stores the entirety or most of the mobile battery 12.

[0026] The material of the monocoque case 34 is preferably a punched mesh material. In this case, the monocoque frame 30 is lightweight, and the power device 10 can be made lighter. Furthermore, the mobile battery 12 generates heat when charging. If the material of the monocoque case 34 is a punched mesh material, the heated air inside the monocoque case 34 is easily dissipated to the outside of the monocoque case 34. Moreover, the cold air outside the monocoque case 34 is easily able to enter the monocoque case 34. For the above reasons, heat is less likely to accumulate inside the monocoque case 34. As a result, the mobile battery 12 can be efficiently cooled.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 6, a set of guide rails 54 extending along the Z-axis direction is provided on the inner surface of the bottom of the monocoque case 34. A set of regulating walls 56 is provided near the ends of the set of guide rails 54 in the -Z-axis direction. The set of regulating walls 56 protrude in the +X-axis direction or the -X-axis direction. The set of regulating walls 56 is higher than the set of guide rails 54.

[0028] A pair of leaf spring portions 58 are provided at the ends of the pair of guide rails 54 in the -Z axis direction. The pair of leaf spring portions 58 protrude slightly along the +Y axis direction and are bent in the +Z axis direction. Each of the pair of regulating walls 56 is integrally connected to each of the pair of leaf spring portions 58. An engaging protrusion 60 is formed in a portion of each of the pair of leaf spring portions 58 extending in the +Z axis direction. The engaging protrusion 60 protrudes toward the guide rails 54 and the -Y axis direction.

[0029] [Overall slot configuration] Fig. 6 is a schematic front perspective view of the slot 14. Fig. 6 shows a state in which the mobile battery 12 is not inserted into the slot 14. Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the slot 14. Fig. 7 shows a state in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 14.

[0030] The slot 14 has a slot sleeve 70 and a battery lock mechanism 72. The slot sleeve 70 holds the mobile battery 12. The slot sleeve 70 has a slot body 74, a slot flange 76, a slot stay 78, a slot guide 80, and a bottom cover 82.

[0031] The slot body 74 is a cylindrical member (cylinder portion) having a lower plate 751, a left side plate 752, a right side plate 753, and an upper side plate 754. The slot body 74 extends along the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is the direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted and removed. As shown in FIG. 7, the slot body 74 has a holding space 745 therein. When the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot 14, most of the mobile battery 12 is held in this holding space 745.

[0032] When the slot body 74 is viewed from the Z-axis direction, the external shape of the slot body 74 is substantially rectangular. The slot body 74 has an opening 746 at the end in the +Z-axis direction and an opening 747 at the end in the -Z-axis direction.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, a slot flange 76 is attached to an opening 746 in the +Z-axis direction of the slot body 74. A slot stay 78 is attached to the +Z-axis direction side of this slot flange 76. A door 86 is attached to the slot stay 78. When the mobile battery 12 is not housed in the slot sleeve 70, the door 86 is closed as shown in Fig. 6. When the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot sleeve 70, the door 86 opens to the inside of the slot body 74 as shown in Fig. 7. In this state, the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot body 74. The door 86 opens and closes by rotating around a shaft 87.

[0034] A slot guide 80 is attached to the +Z axis direction side of the slot stay 78. The slot guide 80 has an insertion opening 801. The mobile battery 12 is inserted from the insertion opening 801.

[0035] 6 and 7, a bottom cover 82 (bottom) is attached to an opening 747 in the -Z axis direction of the slot body 74. A connector unit 90, a fan 92, an electronic circuit board 50, and a detection switch 94 are attached to the bottom cover 82. This constitutes a bottom cover assembly 100. The bottom cover assembly 100 will be described later.

[0036] A through hole 102 is formed in the bottom cover 82. A connector 104, which will be described later, passes through the through hole 102. When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot body 74, the connector 104 passes through the through hole 102 so as to move from the -Z axis direction to the +Z axis direction. In contrast, when the mobile battery 12 is pulled out of the slot body 74, the connector 104 passes through the through hole 102 so as to move from the +Z axis direction to the -Z axis direction.

[0037] A guide plate 106 is provided on the outer surface of the left side plate 752 of the slot body 74. Similarly, a guide plate 106 is provided on the outer surface of the right side plate 753 of the slot body 74. The two guide plates 106 extend along the Z-axis direction. An engagement hole 108 is formed in each of the two guide plates 106 at the end in the -Z-axis direction.

[0038] A battery lock mechanism 72 is attached to the +Y-axis direction side of the slot stay 78. When the battery lock mechanism 72 is in a locked state, the battery lock mechanism 72 restricts movement of the mobile battery 12 in the +Z-axis direction. This prevents the user from pulling out the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14. When the battery lock mechanism 72 is in an unlocked state, the battery lock mechanism 72 allows movement of the mobile battery 12 in the +Z-axis direction. This allows the user to pull out the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14. The battery lock mechanism 72 will be described later.

[0039] A link bar 110 of the battery lock mechanism 72 is provided on the +Y-axis direction side of the slotted sleeve 70. The link bar 110 extends from the battery lock mechanism 72 toward the connector unit 90. The battery lock mechanism 72 including the link bar 110 extends parallel to the Z-axis direction. The battery lock mechanism 72 including the link bar 110 is longer than the mobile battery 12 held in the slotted sleeve 70.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 8, an indicator 112 is provided on a side plate 761 located in the -Y axis direction of the slot guide 80. The indicator 112 corresponds to a light-emitting portion of the present invention. The indicator 112 is provided on a surface on the +Z axis direction side of the side plate 761. The indicator 112 indicates the availability of the slot 14, the charging state of the mobile battery 12 accommodated in the slot 14, etc., by a light-on state, a light-blinking state, a light-off state, a color of light, etc.

[0041] [Bottom cover assembly configuration] 9, the bottom cover 82 is provided with a fan 92 and a connector unit 90. The fan 92 promotes the flow of air inside the slot sleeve 70.

[0042] The connector unit 90 has a connector 104 shown in Fig. 10 and a motor 116. The male connector 104 has a male electric terminal for transmitting and receiving electric power, and a male communication terminal for transmitting and receiving communication signals. In other words, the connector 104 serves as both an electric terminal and a communication terminal.

[0043] The connector 104 fits into the connector 20 of the mobile battery 12. At this time, power is supplied from the connector 104 to the mobile battery 12, and the mobile battery 12 is charged. Alternatively, power of the mobile battery 12 is taken out via the connector 104, and the mobile battery 12 is discharged. Furthermore, the mobile battery 12 and the main control board 46 are connected to be able to communicate with each other via the connector 20 and the connector 104. That is, communication signals are exchanged between the mobile battery 12 and the main control board 46.

[0044] The connector 104 is moved forward or backward along the Z-axis direction by the motor 116. Specifically, the motor 116 has a rotating shaft (not shown). The rotating shaft extends from the motor 116 in the +Y-axis direction. A pinion 118 shown in FIG. 10 is attached to the tip of the rotating shaft. The pinion 118 meshes with a rack 120. The motor 116 is mechanically connected to the connector 104 via the pinion 118, the rack 120, and a base 122. The connector 104 and the motor 116 are attached to the bottom cover 82 via the base 122. In this way, the motor 116 is supported by the bottom cover 82.

[0045] When the bottom cover 82 is viewed from the -Z-axis direction, the detection switch 94 (see FIG. 7), the fan 92, the base 122, the connector 104, the motor 116, the pinion 118, the rack 120, and the electronic circuit board 50 are arranged so as to be contained inside the outer edge of the bottom cover 82. In other words, the detection switch 94, the fan 92, the base 122, the connector 104, the motor 116, the pinion 118, the rack 120, and the electronic circuit board 50 are arranged so as to be contained within a range of a parallel projection to the outer edge of the bottom cover 82. The parallel projection of the outer edge of the bottom cover 82 is a virtual area in which the outer edge of the bottom cover 82 is projected in the extension direction of the slot sleeve 70 (the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12 or the Z-axis direction).

[0046] This prevents the detection switch 94, fan 92, base 122, connector 104, motor 116, pinion 118, rack 120 and electronic circuit board 50 from interfering with surrounding components when the bottom cover 82 is attached to the slot body 74.

[0047] The electronic circuit board 50 (see FIG. 9 ) controls, for example, charging of the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 70. A detection switch 94 is mounted on the electronic circuit of the electronic circuit board 50. When the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot sleeve 70, the detection switch 94 is pressed down by the mobile battery 12 and switches from off to on.

[0048] The electronic circuit board 50 is equipped with a DC / DC converter 124. When charging the mobile battery 12, the DC / DC converter 124 converts the DC power from the inverter 44 into a desired DC power. When discharging the mobile battery 12, the DC / DC converter 124 converts the DC power from the mobile battery 12 into the desired DC power.

[0049] [Configuration of battery lock mechanism 72] 11 is an exploded perspective view of the battery lock mechanism 72. The battery lock mechanism 72 includes a link bar 110, a cam 130, a stopper 132, a lock cover 134, a cam shaft 136, and a lock top 138.

[0050] 10, the -Z-axis direction side of the link bar 110 is fixed to the connector holder 140. This allows the link bar 110 to move in the Z-axis direction integrally with the connector 104 fixed to the connector holder 140. The link bar 110 corresponds to the connection portion of the present invention.

[0051] 11, the +Z-axis direction side of the link bar 110 is fixed to the cam 130. This allows the cam 130 to move in the Z-axis direction integrally with the link bar 110. The cam 130 has a cam slit 701.

[0052] The stopper 132 corresponds to the advance / retreat portion of the present invention. The stopper 132 has a stopper body 721 and two connecting portions 722. Each of the two connecting portions 722 has a shaft hole 723 penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction. The camshaft 136 is passed through the shaft hole 723 and the cam slit 701.

[0053] The stopper 132 is mechanically connected to the connector 104 via the battery lock mechanism 72 and the connector holder 140. The link bar 110 transmits the movement of the connector holder 140, which moves integrally with the connector 104, in the Z-axis direction to the cam 130. The cam 130 converts the movement of the link bar 110 in the Z-axis direction into the movement of the stopper 132 in the Y-axis direction.

[0054] This allows the drive source for moving the connector 104 in the Z-axis direction and the drive source for moving the stopper 132 in the Y-axis direction to be the common motor 116. This allows the number of drive sources to be reduced, thereby suppressing the manufacturing cost of the slot 14.

[0055] When the cam 130 moves in the -Z axis direction, the stopper 132 moves in the +Y axis direction. At this time, the battery lock mechanism 72 is in an unlocked state. When the cam 130 moves in the +Z axis direction, the stopper 132 moves in the -Y axis direction. As a result, the stopper body 721 protrudes into the insertion opening 321 of the slot stay 78. At this time, the battery lock mechanism 72 is in a locked state.

[0056] As can be understood from the above, the cam 130 can advance and retreat along a movement trajectory when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into and removed from the slot 14. As the cam 130 advances and retreats as described above, the battery lock mechanism 72 enters an unlocked state or a locked state.

[0057] [Electrical connections in power equipment] 5 and 12, the electrical connections of the power device 10 will be described.

[0058] Inside the housing 32, the external connection part 40 and the breaker 52 are electrically connected via a high-voltage power line 150. In this case, the high-voltage power line 150 extends upward from the external connection part 40 and is connected to the breaker 52, as described below. That is, the high-voltage power line 150 extends upward from the external connection part 40 inside the housing 32.

[0059] The high-voltage power line 150 extends from the lower portion to the upper portion of the housing 32 and is fixed at a desired location using a fastener 152. The high-voltage power line 150 is curved toward the inside of the housing 32 before reaching the top plate 51 and is connected to the breaker 52.

[0060] The breaker 52, the inverter 44, and the inverter 48 are electrically connected via a high-voltage power line 150. When an excessive current exceeding a predetermined threshold occurs in the power device 10, the breaker 52 cuts off the electrical continuity between the external connection unit 40 and the inverter 44 and the inverter 48. This protects the power device 10 from an overcurrent.

[0061] The inverter 44 and the inverter 48 convert the high-voltage AC power input from the external connection unit 40 into relatively low-voltage DC power. The DC power obtained by the conversion of the inverter 44 is output to the mobile battery 12. The DC power obtained by the conversion of the inverter 48 is output to the main control board 46 and the electronic circuit board 50.

[0062] When the power device 10 outputs the power of the mobile battery 12, the inverter 44 converts the DC power supplied from the mobile battery 12 into AC power. The AC power obtained by the conversion of the inverter 44 is output to the outside via the breaker 52, the high-voltage power line 150, and the external connection unit 40.

[0063] The inverter 44 and the mobile battery 12 are electrically connected via a first low-voltage power line 154. The first low-voltage power line 154 corresponds to the first power line of the present invention. The inverter 48, the main control board 46, and the electronic circuit board 50 are electrically connected via a second low-voltage power line 156. The second low-voltage power line 156 corresponds to the second power line of the present invention. The main control board 46 and the mobile battery 12 are communicatively connected via a communication line 158. The communication line 158 corresponds to the communication line of the present invention. Each of the first low-voltage power line 154, the second low-voltage power line 156, and the communication line 158 is configured as a harness.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 13, the first low-voltage power line 154, the second low-voltage power line 156, and the communication line 158 are bundled together to form a harness bundle 160. The harness bundle 160 extends downward from the inverter 44, the inverter 48, and the main control board 46, and toward the right (+X-axis direction) in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the harness bundle 160 branches into a first branch bundle 1601, a second branch bundle 1602, and a third branch bundle 1603 in the housing 32. The first branch bundle 1601 extends from above toward the bottom near the left end in the housing 32. The second branch bundle 1602 extends from above toward the bottom approximately in the middle in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the monocoque frame 30. The third branch bundle 1603 extends from above toward the bottom near the right end in the housing 32.

[0065] The first branch bundle 1601 branches into a plurality of wiring bundles 1610. The second branch bundle 1602 and the third branch bundle 1603 similarly branch into a plurality of wiring bundles 1610. Each wiring bundle 1610 is directed toward one slot 14. Each wiring bundle 1610 is passed through an insertion hole (not shown) formed in the monocoque case 34.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 14, in a wiring bundle 1610, the first low-voltage power line 154 has a first line portion 162, a first connection connector 164, a second connection connector 166, and a second line portion 168. The first low-voltage power line 154 further has a cable 170 shown in Fig. 12. The first connection connector 164 corresponds to the third electric terminal of the present invention. The second connection connector 166 corresponds to the fourth electric terminal of the present invention. The first connection connector 164 and the second connection connector 166 are detachably engaged with each other.

[0067] The first line portion 162 is a portion of the first low-voltage power line 154 that is downstream of the first wiring connector 164. The second line portion 168 is a portion of the first low-voltage power line 154 that is upstream of the second wiring connector 166. As will be understood from the above, the first low-voltage power line 154 is divided into the first line portion 162 and the second line portion 168 within the monocoque case 34, with the first wiring connector 164 and the second wiring connector 166 as the boundary. The most downstream end of the first line portion 162 is electrically connected to the DC / DC converter 124. The most upstream end of the second line portion 168 is electrically connected to the inverter 44, which is an operating unit.

[0068] Note that "upstream" and "downstream" respectively refer to upstream and downstream when a current flows from the external connection unit 40 through the inverter 44 to the mobile battery 12. Similarly, below, upstream and downstream are defined based on when the current flows from the external connection unit 40. For communication signals, the main control board 46 is considered to be upstream and the mobile battery 12 is considered to be downstream.

[0069] The cable 170 electrically connects the DC / DC converter 124 and the connector 104, which is the second electric terminal. Here, the cable 170 is a part of the first low-voltage power line 154, as described above. The DC / DC converter 124 is disposed between the cable 170 and the first line portion 162, and is thereby interposed in the first low-voltage power line 154.

[0070] When the first wiring connector 164 and the second wiring connector 166 are engaged with each other, the inverter 44 and the mobile battery 12 are electrically connected by the first low-voltage power line 154. When the first wiring connector 164 and the second wiring connector 166 are disengaged from each other, the first line portion 162 and the second line portion 168 are electrically insulated from each other. Therefore, the mobile battery 12 and the inverter 44 are electrically insulated from each other.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 14, in the wiring bundle 1610, the second low-voltage power line 156 has a third line portion 180, a third connection connector 182, a fourth connection connector 184, and a fourth line portion 186. The second low-voltage power line 156 further has a cable 188 shown in Fig. 12. The third connection connector 182 corresponds to the fifth electrical terminal of the present invention. The fourth connection connector 184 corresponds to the sixth electrical terminal of the present invention. The third connection connector 182 and the fourth connection connector 184 are detachably engaged with each other.

[0072] The third line section 180 is a portion of the second low-voltage power line 156 that is downstream of the third connection connector 182. The fourth line section 186 is a portion of the second low-voltage power line 156 that is upstream of the fourth connection connector 184. That is, the second low-voltage power line 156 is divided into the third line section 180 and the fourth line section 186 within the monocoque case 34, with the third connection connector 182 and the fourth connection connector 184 as the boundary. The most downstream end of the third line section 180 is electrically connected to the electronic circuit board 50. The most upstream end of the fourth line section 186 is electrically connected to the inverter 48, which is an operating section. The main control board 46 is interposed in the fourth line section 186.

[0073] The cable 188 electrically connects the electronic circuit board 50 and the connector 104. As described above, the cable 188 is a part of the second low-voltage power line 156. The electronic circuit board 50 is disposed between the third line portion 180 and the cable 188, and is thereby interposed in the second low-voltage power line 156.

[0074] When the third connection connector 182 and the fourth connection connector 184 are engaged with each other, the second low-voltage power line 156 electrically connects the inverter 48 and the mobile battery 12 via the main control board 46 and the electronic circuit board 50. When the third connection connector 182 and the fourth connection connector 184 are disengaged, the third line section 180 and the fourth line section 186 are electrically insulated. Thus, the inverter 48 and the mobile battery 12 are electrically insulated. At the same time, the inverter 48 and the main control board 46 are electrically insulated, and the inverter 48 and the electronic circuit board 50 are electrically insulated.

[0075] 14, in the wiring bundle 1610, the communication line 158 has a fifth line portion 190 (first communication line portion), a fifth wire connection connector 192, a sixth wire connection connector 194, and a sixth wire portion 196 (second communication line portion). The communication line 158 further has a cable 197 shown in FIG. 12. The fifth wire connection connector 192 corresponds to the first communication terminal of the present invention. The sixth wire connection connector 194 corresponds to the second communication terminal of the present invention. The fifth wire connection connector 192 and the sixth wire connection connector 194 are detachably engaged with each other.

[0076] The fifth line section 190 is a portion of the communication line 158 that is downstream of the fifth wire connection connector 192. The sixth line section 196 is a portion of the communication line 158 that is upstream of the sixth wire connection connector 194. That is, the communication line 158 is divided into the fifth line section 190 and the sixth line section 196 within the monocoque case 34, with the fifth wire connection connector 192 and the sixth wire connection connector 194 as the boundary. The most downstream end of the fifth line section 190 is electrically connected to the electronic circuit board 50. The most upstream end of the sixth line section 196 is electrically connected to the main control board 46, which is the control unit.

[0077] The cable 197 electrically connects the electronic circuit board 50 and the connector 104. As described above, the cable 197 is a part of the communication line 158. The electronic circuit board 50 is disposed between the fifth line portion 190 and the cable 197, and is thereby interposed in the communication line 158.

[0078] When the fifth connection connector 192 and the sixth connection connector 194 are engaged with each other, the communication line 158 connects the main control board 46 and the mobile battery 12 to be able to communicate with each other via the electronic circuit board 50. When the fifth connection connector 192 and the sixth connection connector 194 are disengaged from each other, the fifth line section 190 and the sixth line section 196 are electrically insulated from each other. Therefore, communication between the main control board 46 and the mobile battery 12 is cut off.

[0079] The first wire portion 162, the first connection connector 164, the third wire portion 180, the third connection connector 182, the fifth wire portion 190, and the fifth connection connector 192 are attached to the outer surface of the left side plate 752 of the slot body 74 via a fixture 200. That is, the first wire portion 162, the first connection connector 164, the third wire portion 180, the third connection connector 182, the fifth wire portion 190, and the fifth connection connector 192 are supported by the slot 14 via the slot sleeve 70. The first wire portion 162, the third wire portion 180, and the fifth wire portion 190 are bundled together by the fixture 200. The first connection connector 164, the third connection connector 182, and the fifth connection connector 192 face forward (in the +Z-axis direction) of the power device 10.

[0080] The fixture 200 is located on the left side plate 752 of the slot body 74 from the intermediate position (middle part) in the extension direction of the slot body 74 toward the opening 746. In other words, the first wire connection connector 164, the third wire connection connector 182 and the fifth wire connection connector 192 are provided adjacent to the front end of the slot 14 (the end in the +Z-axis direction).

[0081] The second line portion 168, the fourth line portion 186, and the sixth line portion 196 are bundled together by a cable tie 202. The downstream ends of the bundled second line portion 168, the fourth line portion 186, and the sixth line portion 196 are inserted into the monocoque case 34. Note that the cable tie 202 is not shown in FIG. 6.

[0082] When the first connecting connector 164 and the second connecting connector 166 are engaged with each other, the first wire portion 162 and the second wire portion 168 are connected. When the third connecting connector 182 and the fourth connecting connector 184 are engaged with each other, the third wire portion 180 and the fourth wire portion 186 are connected. When the fifth connecting connector 192 and the sixth connecting connector 194 are engaged with each other, the fifth wire portion 190 and the sixth wire portion 196 are connected. In this connected state, the worker can pull out the end of the slot 14 in the +Z-axis direction from the monocoque case 34.

[0083] In other words, in the above-described wire connection state, the worker can move the slot 14 in a direction to separate from the monocoque frame 30. In this manner, the first low-voltage power line 154, the second low-voltage power line 156, and the communication line 158 have lengths that allow the slot 14 to move in the wire connection state. In the wire connection state, the slot 14 can move at least until the first wire connection connector 164, the third wire connection connector 182, and the fifth wire connection connector 192 are exposed from the monocoque case 34.

[0084] The electronic circuit board 50 is electrically connected to the DC / DC converter 124, the fan 92, and the indicator 112 via a cable 204 (see FIG. 12). The cable 204 corresponds to the third power line of the present invention. Meanwhile, the DC / DC converter 124 and the mobile battery 12 are electrically connected via a cable 170, which is a part of the first low-voltage power line 154 as described above. Therefore, it is possible to supply power from the mobile battery 12 to the fan 92 and the indicator 112 via the DC / DC converter 124 and the cable 204.

[0085] 9, the cable 204, which is the third power line, is provided in the slot 14. Therefore, the cable 204 is supported by the slot 14.

[0086] The electric power device according to this embodiment is basically configured as described above. Next, the operation and effect of the electric power device will be described.

[0087] The power device 10 is used with the first low-voltage power line 154, the second low-voltage power line 156, and the communication line 158 connected. The mobile battery 12 with a low SOC is inserted into an empty slot 14 in the power device 10. When the detection switch 94 is switched from off to on by the mobile battery 12, the motor 116 is started. As a result, the connector 104 moves toward the connector 20. The connector 104 engages with the connector 20 through the through hole 102. This electrically connects the external power connected to the external connection part 40 and the mobile battery 12.

[0088] Power supplied from an external power source is converted into low-voltage DC power by the inverter 48. The obtained DC power is supplied to the main control board 46 and the electronic circuit board 50 via a second low-voltage power line 156. As a result, the main control board 46 and the electronic circuit board 50 are driven. The main control board 46 transmits and receives signals (communicates) with the electronic circuit board 50 via a communication line 158. For example, a control signal for controlling the mobile battery 12 is transmitted from the main control board 46 to the electronic circuit board 50.

[0089] The electronic circuit board 50 controls the DC / DC converter 124 based on the control signal received via the communication line 158. As a result, the DC power from the inverter 44 is converted into the desired DC power by the DC / DC converter 124. The converted DC power is supplied to the mobile battery 12 via the cable 170, the connector 104, and the connector 20. As a result, the mobile battery 12 is charged.

[0090] The electronic circuit board 50 drives the fan 92 based on the control signal to cool the mobile battery 12. Furthermore, the electronic circuit board 50 acquires information such as the voltage, temperature, and SOC of the mobile battery 12 from the mobile battery 12 via the connector 20, the connector 104, and the cable 197. The electronic circuit board 50 transmits the information acquired from the mobile battery 12 to the main control board 46 via the communication line 158.

[0091] When a mobile battery 12 with a low SOC is accommodated in a slot 14, for example, an indicator 112 lights up in another slot 14. At this time, DC power is supplied to the indicator 112 from the DC / DC converter 124 via the electronic circuit board 50. Note that the other slot 14 is a slot 14 that accommodates a mobile battery 12 with a sufficiently high SOC. The user pulls out the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14 with the indicator 112 lit up.

[0092] When outputting power from the mobile battery 12 to the outside, the DC / DC converter 124 converts the DC power from the mobile battery 12 into desired DC power. The converted DC power is supplied to the inverter 44 via the first low-voltage power line 154. The inverter 44 converts the DC power into AC power. The converted AC power is taken out from the external connection unit 40 to the outside of the power device 10.

[0093] It is expected that periodic inspections, troubleshooting, etc. will become necessary as the power device 10 continues to operate. When maintenance is required for the slot 14, a worker pulls the slot 14 out of the monocoque case 34.

[0094] At this time, the guide plate 106 (see FIG. 6) slides along the upper surface of the guide rail 54 provided on the monocoque case 34. This allows the end of the slot 14 in the +Z-axis direction to be easily pulled out in the +Z-axis direction. When the sliding starts, the engaging protrusion 60 of the leaf spring portion 58 disengages from the engaging hole 108.

[0095] As described above, the first line portion 162 of the first low-voltage power line 154, the third line portion 180 of the second low-voltage power line 156, and the fifth line portion 190 of the communication line 158 are attached to the outer surface of the left side plate 752 of the slot 14 via the fixture 200. Moreover, the fixture 200 is located from the middle position (middle part) in the extending direction of the slot body 74 toward the front end. Therefore, by pulling the front end of the slot 14 out of the monocoque case 34, the fixture 200 is exposed from the monocoque case 34 as shown in FIG. 6. At this time, the first connection connector 164 and the second connection connector 166, which are engaged with each other, are also exposed from the monocoque case 34. Similarly, the third connection connector 182 and the fourth connection connector 184, which are engaged with each other, are also exposed from the monocoque case 34. The fifth connection connector 192 and the sixth connection connector 194, which are engaged with each other, are also exposed from the monocoque case 34.

[0096] As described above, the lengths of the second line portion 168 of the first low-voltage power line 154, the fourth line portion 186 of the second low-voltage power line 156, and the sixth line portion 196 of the communication line 158 include a slack. The slack allows the slot 14 to move until the fixture 200 is exposed from the monocoque case 34. This prevents the first low-voltage power line 154, the second low-voltage power line 156, and the communication line 158 from becoming taut before the fixture 200 is exposed from the monocoque case 34. As a result, the slot 14 is also prevented from stopping.

[0097] Furthermore, the fixture 200 is provided on the outer surface of the left side plate 752 of the slot 14. This allows the worker to easily visually recognize the first connection connector 164 and the second connection connector 166 that are engaged with each other. Similarly, the worker can easily visually recognize the third connection connector 182 and the fourth connection connector 184 that are engaged with each other, and the fifth connection connector 192 and the sixth connection connector 194 that are engaged with each other.

[0098] Therefore, the worker can easily release the engagement between the first wire connecting connector 164 and the second wire connecting connector 166. Similarly, the engagement between the third wire connecting connector 182 and the fourth wire connecting connector 184, and the engagement between the fifth wire connecting connector 192 and the sixth wire connecting connector 194 can be easily released.

[0099] When the engagement between the first connecting connector 164 and the second connecting connector 166, the engagement between the third connecting connector 182 and the fourth connecting connector 184, and the engagement between the fifth connecting connector 192 and the sixth connecting connector 194 are released, the slot 14 is released from the constraints of the first low-voltage power line 154, the second low-voltage power line 156, and the communication line 158. Therefore, the worker can pull out the slot 14 further in the +Z axis direction.

[0100] Here, the first wire connection connector 164, the first wire portion 162, the third wire connection connector 182, the third wire portion 180, the fifth wire connection connector 192, and the fifth wire portion 190 are attached to the slot body 74 via a fixture 200. Therefore, even after the wire connection is released, these connectors and wire portions maintain the same positions as they were before the wire connection was released. In other words, the connectors and wire portions are prevented from descending due to their own weight.

[0101] Therefore, when the slot 14 is further pulled out after the wiring is released, the connector and wire portion provided in the slot 14 are prevented from being pinched between the bottom surface of the monocoque case 34 and the lower plate 751 of the slot body 74. This prevents the first wiring connector 164, the third wiring connector 182, and the fifth wiring connector 192 from being damaged. In addition, the first wire portion 162, the third wire portion 180, and the fifth wire portion 190 are also prevented from being broken.

[0102] In this case, the second connection connector 166, the second wire portion 168, the fourth connection connector 184, the fourth wire portion 186, the sixth connection connector 194, and the sixth wire portion 196 can be moved integrally with the slot body 74. In other words, these connectors and wire portions can be handled as a slot assembly incorporated into the slot body 74.

[0103] After the entire slot 14 is removed from the housing 32, maintenance or the like is performed on the slot 14. Since the entire slot 14 is exposed to the outside, it is easy to perform maintenance on the slot 14.

[0104] After performing maintenance on the slot 14, the slot 14 is inserted into the monocoque case 34. At this time, the worker supports the rear end (the end in the -Z axis direction) of the slot 14 on the front end (the end in the +Z axis direction) of the monocoque case 34. The worker also overlaps the guide plate 106 with the guide rail 54. In this state, the worker engages the first wiring connector 164 with the second wiring connector 166. The worker further engages the third wiring connector 182 with the fourth wiring connector 184, and engages the fifth wiring connector 192 with the sixth wiring connector 194. In this manner, the first low-voltage power line 154, the second low-voltage power line 156, and the communication line 158 are each connected.

[0105] Thereafter, the worker slides the guide plate 106 along the guide rail 54 toward the -Z-axis direction. This causes the slot 14, the first connection connector 164, the first wire portion 162, the third connection connector 182, the third wire portion 180, the fifth connection connector 192, and the fifth wire portion 190 to move together. For the reasons described above, the connector and the wire portion provided in the slot 14 are prevented from being pinched between the bottom surface of the monocoque case 34 and the lower plate 751 of the slot body 74. Therefore, damage to the first connection connector 164, the third connection connector 182, and the fifth connection connector 192 is avoided. In addition, breakage of the first wire portion 162, the third wire portion 180, and the fifth wire portion 190 is also avoided.

[0106] As described above, in this embodiment, the first wire connection connector 164, the first wire section 162, the third wire connection connector 182, the third wire section 180, the fifth wire connection connector 192, and the fifth wire section 190 are incorporated into the slot body 74 to configure a slot assembly. This makes it possible to protect the connectors and wire sections.

[0107] Moreover, in this case, there is no need to change the orientation of the housing 32 in order to secure a working space. For the same reason, there is also no need to move the housing 32. This eliminates the need for complicated work. In addition, the time required for maintenance, etc. is reduced.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0109] For example, the power storage device is not particularly limited to the mobile battery 12. Another example of the power storage device is a power supply device that houses the mobile battery 12.

[0110] The operating unit is not particularly limited to the inverter 44. Another example of the operating unit is a motor.

[0111] The electronic circuit board 50 may be provided in the housing 32. Also, the monocoque frame 30 may not be provided, and the slot 14 may be provided in the housing 32 so as to be removable.

[0112] The first wire portion 162, the first wiring connector 164, the third wire portion 180, the third wiring connector 182, the fifth wire portion 190, and the fifth wiring connector 192 may be attached to the outer surface of the right side plate 753 of the slot body 74. Furthermore, when a sufficient clearance is formed between the lower surface of the monocoque case 34 and the lower plate 751, the above-mentioned wire portions and wiring connectors can also be attached to the outer surface of the lower plate 751. Similarly, when a sufficient clearance is formed between the upper plate 754 and the upper surface of the monocoque case 34, the above-mentioned wire portions and wiring connectors can also be attached to the outer surface of the upper plate 754. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 10…Power equipment 12...Mobile battery (energy storage device) 14...Slot (receptacle) 20...Connector (first electrical terminal) 30…Monocoque frame (framework) 32…Housing 34…Monocoque case 40…External connection part 44, 48...Inverter (operating part) 46...Main control board (control unit) 50...Electronic circuit board 70…Slot sleeve 72…Battery lock mechanism 74…Slot body (cylinder) 76...Slotted flange 82…Bottom cover (bottom) 90...Connector unit 92...Fan 94…Detection switch 100…Bottom cover assembly 104...Connector (second electrical terminal) 106...Information plate 108…Engagement hole 110…Link bar (connection part) 112...Indicator (light-emitting part) 116...Motor (drive source) 118…Pinion 120…rack 124...DC / DC converter (power conversion section) 130…Cam 132...Stopper (advance / retraction part) 134…Lock cover 136…Camshaft 138…Rock Top 140...Connector holder 150…High voltage power lines 154…First low-voltage power line (first power line) 156…Second low voltage power line (second power line) 158…Communication line 160…Harness bundle 162...First line section 164...First wiring connector (third electrical terminal) 166...Second wiring connector (fourth electrical terminal) 168...Second line section 170, 188, 197, 204…Cable 180...Third line section 182...Third wiring connector (fifth electrical terminal) 184...4th wiring connector (6th electrical terminal) 186…4th line section 190…5th line section (1st communication line section) 192...5th wiring connector (1st communication terminal) 194...6th wiring connector (2nd communication terminal) 196…6th line section 200…Fixing tool 202…Cable tie 1601…First branch bundle 1602…Second branch bundle 1603…Third branch bundle 1610…Wiring bundle

Claims

1. a storage section (14) for accommodating an electricity storage device (12) having a first electrical terminal (20) in a removable manner; A housing (32) or framework (30) for supporting the housing portion; a second electrical terminal (104) provided in the housing and connectable to the first electrical terminal; an operating section (44) electrically connected to the second electrical terminal via a first power line (154) and operated by power from the power storage device; A power device (10) comprising: The housing is detachably supported by the housing or the skeleton, The first power line has a third electrical terminal (164) and a fourth electrical terminal (166) that are releasably engageable with each other, The third electrical terminal is electrically connected to the second electrical terminal via a first line portion (162) that is a part of the first power line, The third electrical terminal and the first line portion are attached to and supported by the housing.

2. 2. The electric power device according to claim 1, wherein the housing portion has an opening (746), a cylindrical portion (74) in which the opening is formed, and a bottom portion (82) connected to the cylindrical portion, The storage portion is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape by the opening, the cylindrical portion, and the bottom portion, The third electrical terminal and the first line portion are attached to an outer surface of the cylindrical portion and supported by the cylindrical portion.

3. 3. The power device according to claim 2, wherein when a direction in which the power storage device is inserted and removed from the storage unit is defined as an insertion / removal direction, the storage unit is detachably provided along the insertion / removal direction with respect to the housing or the framework, The third electrical terminal and the first line portion are fixed to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion at a position closer to the opening than a midpoint of the cylindrical portion in the extending / retracting direction.

4. 4. The electric power device according to claim 2, wherein the housing portion is oriented such that the opening faces a direction intersecting with a vertical direction, An electric power device in which the third electrical terminal and the first line portion are fixed to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion other than the surface facing vertically downward.

5. 3. The electric power device according to claim 2, wherein the second electric terminal is provided so as to be movable relative to the accommodating portion.

6. 6. The power device according to claim 5, wherein a moving section (132) is provided so as to be movable forward and backward with respect to a moving trajectory of the power storage device when the power storage device is inserted into and removed from the housing section; a connecting portion (110) that mechanically connects the second electrical terminal and the advance / retract portion to each other; Equipped with The connection portion is an electric power device that is arranged on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion at a position that avoids the third electric terminal and the first line portion.

7. 7. The electric power device according to claim 5, further comprising a drive source (116) for moving the second electric terminal relative to the housing portion, The driving source is an electric power device attached to the bottom of the cylindrical portion and supported by the housing portion.

8. 8. The electric power device according to claim 7, wherein the second electric terminal and the driving source are located within a range of a projection parallel to an outer edge of the bottom of the cylindrical portion.

9. 3. The power device according to claim 1, The fourth electrical terminal is electrically connected to the operating portion via a second line portion (168) that is another portion of the first power line, The second line portion is of a length that has an excess portion that allows the accommodating portion to move in a direction away from the housing or the skeleton when connected to the operating portion and when the third electrical terminal and the fourth electrical terminal are engaged with each other.

10. 3. The power device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit (46) communicatively connected to the power storage device housed in the housing unit via a communication line (158), The communication line has a first communication terminal (192) and a second communication terminal (194) that are detachable from each other, The first communication terminal is electrically connected to the first electrical terminal via a first communication line portion (190) that is a part of the communication line, The first communication terminal and the first communication line portion are attached to and supported by the housing portion.

11. The electric power device according to claim 10 , wherein the first line portion and the first communication line portion are bundled and routed.

12. 11. The electric power device according to claim 10, further comprising a second electric power line (156) electrically connecting the control unit and the second electric terminal, The second power line has a fifth electrical terminal (182) and a sixth electrical terminal (184) that are detachable from each other, The fifth electrical terminal is electrically connected to the second electrical terminal via a third line portion (180) that is a part of the second power line, The fifth electrical terminal and the third line portion are attached to and supported by the housing.

13. The power device according to claim 12, further comprising a power conversion unit (124) interposed in the second power line, The power conversion unit is a power device attached to and supported by the housing.

14. 13. The electric power device according to claim 12, wherein the first electric power line and the second electric power line are bundled together and routed.

15. 3. The electric power device according to claim 1, further comprising a light emitting unit (112) connected to the second electric terminal via a third electric power line (204), The power device, wherein the light emitting unit and the third power line are provided in the housing and supported by the housing.

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