Power transmission device and holding device

Abstract

This motive power transmission device (30) transmits motive power for moving a male terminal (32), which is a detachable terminal, to a female terminal (28), which is a terminal of a battery (12), wherein the motive power transmission device (30) comprises an arm (36) provided on a motive power transmission path and a rod (38) provided so as to be capable of coming into contact with and separating from the arm (36) on the motive power transmission path, and when the male terminal (32) side is the output side and the side opposite from the male terminal (32) is the input side on the motive power transmission path, the arm (36) is provided closer to the input side than the rod (38).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power transmission device that transmits power for moving a second terminal that is a detachable terminal relative to a first terminal that is a terminal of an electricity storage device, and to a holding device that includes the power transmission device. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 6286084, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-068552, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-193326 disclose a device for connecting terminals of a power storage device and terminals of a storage device within the storage device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, there is a need for a better power transmission device that transmits power for moving a second terminal, which is a detachable terminal, relative to a first terminal, which is a terminal of an electric storage device, and there is also a need for a holding device that includes a better power transmission device.

[0004] In particular, in the technology described in JP 2019-193326 A, the charger terminal that fits into the battery terminal and the lever are mechanically connected at all times. As a result, when the lever is operated for purposes other than removing the battery, the charger terminal becomes detached from the battery terminal, which leaves room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a better power transmission device and a holding device equipped with the better power transmission device.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a power transmission device that transmits power to move a second terminal, which is a detachable terminal, relative to a first terminal, which is a terminal of an electric storage device. The power transmission device includes a first member provided on a power transmission path, and a second member provided on the transmission path so as to be able to abut against and separate from the first member. When the second terminal side on the transmission path is the output side and the side opposite the second terminal is the input side, the first member is provided on the input side of the second member.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a holding device, which includes the power transmission device of the first aspect and a holding section that houses or places and holds the power storage device.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a holding device comprising: a holding portion that accommodates or places and holds an electric storage device; a second terminal that is a terminal that is detachable from a first terminal that is a terminal of the electric storage device; and a power transmission device that transmits power for moving the second terminal, wherein the power transmission device has a first member that is provided on a transmission path of the power, and a second member that is provided on the transmission path so as to be able to abut against and separate from the first member, and when the second terminal side is the output side on the transmission path and the side opposite the second terminal is the input side, the first member is provided on the input side of the second member.

[0009] The present invention provides a better power transmission device and a holding device that includes the better power transmission device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a charging and power supply device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the charging and power supply device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the battery. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view showing the top surface of the battery. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the underside of the battery. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the lid, the power transmission device, the male terminal, and the retainer. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the lid and the power transmission device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the power transmission device and the male terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the lid, the power transmission device, the male terminal, and the retainer. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover, the power transmission device, the male terminal, and the holding portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the power transmission device, the male terminal, and the holding portion. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cover, the power transmission device, the male terminal, and the holding portion. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the power transmission device, the male terminal, and the holding portion. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of the lid, the power transmission device, the male terminals, and the retainer. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of the lid, the power transmission device, the male terminals, and the retainer. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the state of displacement of the rod and the male terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a graph showing the displacement of the rod relative to the rotation angle of the lid. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a graph showing the displacement of the male terminal relative to the rotation angle of the lid. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the state of displacement of the male terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a graph showing the change in the displacement of the rod over time. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a graph showing the change over time in the amount of displacement of the male terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [First embodiment] [Configuration of charging and power supply device] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a charging power supply device 10. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the charging power supply device 10. FIG. 2 shows how a battery 12 is accommodated in the charging power supply device 10. The charging power supply device 10 corresponds to the holding device of the present invention. The battery 12 corresponds to the power storage device of the present invention. Note that instead of the battery 12, another power storage device such as a capacitor may be used.

[0012] The charging power supply device 10 is a device that supplies power to a load external to the charging power supply device 10. The charging power supply device 10 is also a device that charges a battery 12 inside the charging power supply device 10. The charging power supply device 10 is configured to be portable by the user. Therefore, the user can use the charging power supply device 10 indoors or outdoors. The battery 12 is connected to an inverter (not shown) of the charging power supply device 10. The inverter corresponds to the electrical operating unit of the present invention. The inverter corresponds to the power conversion unit of the present invention.

[0013] 1, the charging and power supply device 10 has a housing 14. The housing 14 is shaped like a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The charging and power supply device 10 has an upper surface 14a, a lower surface 14b, a front surface 14c, a rear surface 14d, a left side surface 14e, and a right side surface 14f.

[0014] The following description will be made using the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in Fig. 1. The direction connecting the right side surface 14f and the left side surface 14e is the X-axis direction, and the direction from the right side surface 14f toward the left side surface 14e is the positive direction. The direction connecting the front surface 14c and the rear surface 14d is the Y-axis direction, and the direction from the front surface 14c toward the rear surface 14d is the positive direction. The direction connecting the bottom surface 14b and the top surface 14a is the Z-axis direction, and the direction from the bottom surface 14b toward the top surface 14a is the positive direction.

[0015] The charging and power supply device 10 can be used when it is installed on the ground with any one of the following surfaces facing vertically downward. The aforementioned surfaces are the top surface 14a, bottom surface 14b, front surface 14c, rear surface 14d, left side surface 14e, and right side surface 14f. The charging and power supply device 10 is usually used when it is installed on the ground with the bottom surface 14b facing vertically downward. The following describes the configuration of the charging and power supply device 10 when it is installed on the ground with the bottom surface 14b facing vertically downward. When the charging and power supply device 10 is installed on a horizontal surface with the bottom surface 14b facing vertically downward, the Z-axis direction is approximately aligned with the vertical direction. In this case, the positive Z-axis direction is the vertically upward side, and the negative Z-axis direction is the vertically downward side.

[0016] 2, charging and power supply device 10 has inside thereof a housing chamber 16. Housing chamber 16 has an opening 16a on the positive side in the Z-axis direction. Battery 12 is inserted into and removed from housing chamber 16 through this opening 16a.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the charging and power supply device 10 has a lid 18 that covers the opening 16a. The lid 18 has an opening button 18a. When a user using the battery 12 presses the opening button 18a, the lid 18 opens. The user can also rotate the open lid 18 in the closing direction. In other words, the lid 18 is provided so that it can be moved by the user. When the lid 18 is open, the user can insert or remove the battery 12 into the storage chamber 16. The lid 18 corresponds to the covering lid portion of the present invention.

[0018] The cover 18 has an indicator 18b that indicates the remaining capacity of the battery 12, the charging and power supply states, etc., by the color of the lamp, lighting, blinking, extinguishing, etc.

[0019] An inclined portion 20 is formed on the negative side of the Y-axis direction relative to the lid 18. The inclined portion 20 is formed by partially cutting out the top surface 14a and the front surface 14c of the housing 14. A USB power output terminal 22 and an AC power output terminal 24 are provided on the inclined portion 20. A load is connected to the USB power output terminal 22 via a USB cable. DC power is supplied to the load from the USB power output terminal 22. A load is connected to the AC power output terminal 24 via a power cable. AC power is supplied to the load from the AC power output terminal 24.

[0020] [Battery Configuration] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the battery 12. Fig. 4 is a view showing an upper surface 12a of the battery 12. Fig. 5 is a view showing a lower surface 12b of the battery 12.

[0021] In describing the configuration of the battery 12, the U-axis, V-axis, and W-axis defined as follows are used. The longitudinal direction of the battery 12 is the W-axis direction, and the direction from the bottom surface 12b toward the top surface 12a is the positive direction. The direction connecting the side surface 12c and the side surface 12d of the battery 12 is the V-axis direction, and the direction from the side surface 12c toward the side surface 12d is the positive direction. The direction connecting the side surface 12e and the side surface 12f is the U-axis direction, and the direction from the side surface 12e toward the side surface 12f is the positive direction.

[0022] 3 and 4, a handle 26 is provided on the top surface 12a of the battery 12. The handle 26 has a first grip portion 26a and a second grip portion 26b. The first grip portion 26a is formed to extend in the U-axis direction. The second grip portion 26b is formed to extend in the V-axis direction. A user holds the handle 26 to insert or remove the battery 12 into or from the storage chamber 16 of the charging and power supply device 10.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5, a female terminal 28 is provided on the lower surface 12b of the battery 12. The female terminal 28 is located on the V-axis direction positive side of the lower surface 12b. The female terminal 28 has a power line and a control line. When charging the battery 12, power is supplied to the battery 12 from a power source external to the battery 12 through the power line. When discharging the battery 12, power is supplied from the battery 12 to a load external to the battery 12 through the power line. When charging the battery 12, a control signal for controlling the charging of the battery 12 flows through the control line. When discharging the battery 12, a control signal for controlling the discharging of the battery 12 flows through the control line. The female terminal 28 is required to have at least a power line. In other words, the female terminal 28 does not need to have a control line. The female terminal 28 corresponds to the first terminal of the present invention.

[0024] [Power transmission device configuration] Fig. 6 is a side view of the lid 18, the power transmission device 30, the male terminal 32, and the retaining portion 34. Fig. 7 is a partial perspective view of the lid 18 and the power transmission device 30. Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view of the power transmission device 30 and the male terminal 32. Figs. 6 and 8 show the state of the power transmission device 30 and the male terminal 32 when the lid 18 is in a fully closed state. Fig. 7 shows the state of the power transmission device 30 when the lid 18 is in a half-open state.

[0025] The power transmission device 30 and the holder 34 are mounted on the charging and power supply device 10. The power transmission device 30 and the holder 34 are provided inside the accommodation chamber 16. The power transmission device 30 has an arm 36, a rod 38, and a seesaw 40. The power transmission device 30 transmits a force input to the lid 18 when the lid 18 is closed to the male terminal 32 via the arm 36, the rod 38, and the seesaw 40. As a result, the male terminal 32 is lifted toward the square Z-axis direction.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 6, one end of the arm 36 is attached to the lid 18. The other end of the arm 36 is attached to the inside of the storage chamber 16 via a hinge 42. The hinge 42 is rotatable about a rotation axis O extending in the X-axis direction. This allows the arm 36 to rotate together with the lid 18 about the rotation axis O. The arm 36 has a cam surface 36a that is curved. The arm 36 corresponds to the first member of the present invention.

[0027] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the rod 38 is disposed on the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the cam surface 36a of the arm 36. The rod 38 is a bar-shaped member extending in the Z-axis direction. A pin 44 is inserted into the elongated hole 38a of the rod 38. This pin 44 is attached to the inside of the accommodation chamber 16. As a result, the rod 38 is attached to the side surface of the accommodation chamber 16 so as to be able to move in translation in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the rod 38 is attached to the accommodation chamber 16 so as to be able to move in translation in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis O. The rod 38 corresponds to the second member of the present invention.

[0028] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a roller 46 is provided at the end of the rod 38 on the positive side in the Z axis direction. The roller 46 is provided rotatably around a rotation axis P. When the lid 18 is opened or closed, the cam surface 36a of the arm 36 slides against the rod 38. This changes the contact position between the cam surface 36a and the rod 38. Because the roller 46 rotates, the sliding resistance between the arm 36 and the rod 38 can be reduced. The roller 46 corresponds to a rotating body in the present invention. It is not necessary to provide the roller 46 at the end of the rod 38 on the positive side in the Z axis direction. In this case, the end of the rod 38 on the positive side in the Z axis direction contacts the cam surface 36a of the arm 36. The portion of the rod 38 that contacts the cam surface 36a of the arm 36 may be formed into a curved surface or an acute angle.

[0029] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the seesaw 40 is disposed in the negative direction of the Z axis relative to the rod 38. The seesaw 40 is attached to a bracket 48 that is fixed to the bottom surface of the accommodation chamber 16. The seesaw 40 is attached to the bracket 48 via a fulcrum 40a so that it can swing. The seesaw 40 is formed to extend on both sides from the fulcrum 40a. The seesaw 40 has a force point 40b on one side of the fulcrum 40a. The seesaw 40 has an action point 40c on the other side of the fulcrum 40a.

[0030] 8, the seesaw 40 abuts against the end of the rod 38 on the negative side in the Z-axis direction at a force point 40b. The seesaw 40 also abuts against the holder 47 that holds the male terminal 32 at a load point 40c. The seesaw 40 corresponds to the third member of the present invention.

[0031] The male terminal 32 moves together with the holder 47. The male terminal 32 and the holder 47 are provided so as to be capable of translational movement in the Z-axis direction along a guide 48a provided on the bracket 48. A coil spring 50 is attached to the guide 48a. The coil spring 50 is disposed between the male terminal 32 and the holder 47. The male terminal 32 and the holder 47 correspond to the second terminal of the present invention.

[0032] The force input to the lid 18 is transmitted to the male terminal 32 through a transmission path. The transmission path consists of an arm 36, a rod 38, a seesaw 40, and a holder 47. On the transmission path, the rod 38 is provided so as to be able to abut against and separate from the arm 36. On the transmission path, the seesaw 40 is provided so as to be able to abut against and separate from the rod 38. On the transmission path, the holder 47 is provided so as to be able to abut against and separate from the seesaw 40. Here, on the transmission path, the side of the male terminal 32 is defined as the output side, and the side opposite the male terminal 32 is defined as the input side. The output side can also be referred to as the side closer to the male terminal 32. The input side can also be referred to as the side closer to the lid 18. The arm 36 is provided closer to the input side than the rod 38. In other words, the arm 36 is provided between the rod 38 and the lid 18.

[0033] When the lid 18 is closed, the cam surface 36a of the rotating arm 36 presses the rod 38 in the negative Z-axis direction. In other words, the force that rotates the arm 36 is converted into a force that moves the rod 38 in translation, and is transmitted from the arm 36 to the rod 38.

[0034] The trajectory of the translational motion of the rod 38 is determined by the shape of the cam surface 36a of the arm 36. It is preferable to reduce the diameter of the roller 46 that abuts against the cam surface 36a so that the contact between the cam surface 36a and the roller 46 approaches line contact or point contact. This allows the rod 38 to follow the translational motion in response to changes in the shape of the cam surface 36a that the roller 46 contacts. The shape of the cam surface 36a that the roller 46 contacts changes in accordance with the rotational motion of the arm 36.

[0035] As described above, roller 46 does not necessarily have to be provided at the end of rod 38 on the positive side in the Z axis direction. In this case, if the portion of rod 38 that abuts against cam surface 36a of arm 36 is curved, it is preferable to reduce the diameter of curved rod 38. Furthermore, if the portion of rod 38 that abuts against cam surface 36a of arm 36 is acute-angled, it is preferable to reduce the angle of the acute-angled rod 38.

[0036] When the rod 38 is pressed in the negative direction of the Z axis by the arm 36, the rod 38 presses the force point 40b of the seesaw 40 in the negative direction of the Z axis. As a result, the action point 40c of the seesaw 40 lifts the male terminal 32 together with the holder 47 in the positive direction of the Z axis. In other words, the force that moves the rod 38 in the translational direction in the negative direction of the Z axis is converted into a force that moves the male terminal 32 in the translational direction in the positive direction of the Z axis, and is transmitted from the rod 38 to the male terminal 32.

[0037] Figure 9 is a side view of the lid 18, the power transmission device 30, the male terminals 32, and the retaining portion 34. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the lid 18, the power transmission device 30, the male terminals 32, and the retaining portion 34. Figure 11 is a partial perspective view of the power transmission device 30, the male terminals 32, and the retaining portion 34. Figures 9, 10, and 11 show the state of the power transmission device 30 and the male terminals 32 when the lid 18 is fully open.

[0038] 9 and 10, when the lid 18 is fully open, the rod 38 is separated from the arm 36. The male terminals 32 and the holder 47 move in the negative Z-axis direction due to their own weight. As a result, the male terminals 32 and the holder 47 lift the rod 38 in the positive Z-axis direction via the seesaw 40. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the male terminals 32 are positioned in the negative Z-axis direction with respect to the through-holes 34a of the holding portion 34.

[0039] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the lid 18, the power transmission device 30, the male terminals 32, and the holding portion 34. Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of the power transmission device 30, the male terminals 32, and the holding portion 34. Figures 12 and 13 show the state of the power transmission device 30, the male terminals 32, and the holding portion 34 when the lid 18 is in a fully closed state.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 12 and the aforementioned FIG. 6, when the lid 18 is in the fully closed state, the rod 38 abuts against the arm 36. When the lid 18 is closed, the cam surface 36a of the arm 36 presses the rod 38 toward the negative Z-axis direction. This causes the rod 38 to move toward the negative Z-axis direction. The rod 38 lifts the male terminals 32 together with the holder 47 toward the positive Z-axis direction via the seesaw 40. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a portion of the male terminals 32 passes through the through-hole 34a of the holding portion 34. This positions a portion of the male terminals 32 in the positive Z-axis direction relative to the holding portion 34.

[0041] Figure 14 is a side view of the lid 18, the power transmission device 30, the male terminals 32, and the holder 34. Figure 14 shows the state of the power transmission device 30 and the male terminals 32 when the battery 12 is placed on the holder 34 and the lid 18 is in a fully closed state.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 14, the holding portion 34 places and holds the battery 12. The battery 12 is placed and held in the holding portion 34 by being inserted into the holding portion 34 from the positive Z-axis direction toward the negative Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the battery 12 is inserted into the holding portion 34, corresponds to the holding direction of the present invention. The holding portion 34 of this embodiment covers a portion of the held battery 12. However, the holding portion 34 may be configured to cover the entire held battery 12.

[0043] With the battery 12 held in the holding portion 34, the male terminal 32 is disposed on a first side, which is one side in the holding direction, relative to the battery 12. In other words, the male terminal 32 is disposed on the negative side in the Z axis direction relative to the battery 12. With the battery 12 held in the holding portion 34, the arm 36 is disposed on a second side, which is the other side in the holding direction, relative to the battery 12. In other words, the arm 36 is disposed on the positive side in the Z axis direction relative to the battery 12.

[0044] When the battery 12 is held in the holding portion 34, the rod 38 is arranged alongside the battery 12. The rod 38 is also arranged to extend in a direction connecting a first side, which is one side in the holding direction of the battery 12, and a second side, which is the other side in the holding direction of the battery 12. In other words, the rod 38 is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery 12.

[0045] 14, when the lid 18 is in the fully closed state, the lid 18 covers the entire end face of the second side, which is the other side in the holding direction of the battery 12. In other words, when the lid 18 is in the fully closed state, the lid 18 covers the entire top surface 12a of the battery 12. The position of the lid 18 when the lid 18 is in the fully closed state corresponds to the first position of the present invention.

[0046] 14, when the lid 18 is closed while the battery 12 is placed on the holder 34, the male terminal 32 moves toward the Z-axis direction. Part of the male terminal 32 passes through the through-hole 34a of the holder 34. As a result, the male terminal 32 is attached to the female terminal 28 of the battery 12.

[0047] When the charging / power supply device 10 is installed with its lower surface 14b facing vertically downward, the male terminals 32 approach the female terminals 28 of the battery 12 in an upward vertical direction. When the charging / power supply device 10 is installed with its lower surface 14b facing vertically downward, the male terminals 32 move away from the female terminals 28 of the battery 12 in a downward vertical direction.

[0048] Therefore, the energy required when the male terminal 32 moves in a direction away from the female terminal 28 of the battery 12 is smaller than the energy required when the male terminal 32 moves in a direction toward the female terminal 28 of the battery 12. This prevents the male terminal 32 and the female terminal 28 from coming into contact when the lid 18 is not fully closed.

[0049] With the charging / power supply device 10 installed with the lower surface 14b facing vertically downward, the rod 38 moves vertically downward when the male terminal 32 approaches the female terminal 28 of the battery 12. Therefore, the load of the rod 38 can be used as a force for inserting the male terminal 32 into the female terminal 28.

[0050] A coil spring 50 is provided between the holder 47 and the male terminal 32. This prevents excessive force from being applied from the male terminal 32 to the female terminal 28 when the male terminal 32 is inserted into the female terminal 28. Furthermore, even if the battery 12 moves to some extent within the charging and power supply device 10, the male terminal 32 can move following the battery 12. This prevents the male terminal 32 from coming off the female terminal 28 of the battery 12.

[0051] A retaining member 52 is provided on the lid 18. As shown in Fig. 14, when the lid 18 is in a fully closed state, the retaining member 52 abuts against the upper surface 12a of the battery 12. This restricts movement of the battery 12 in the positive Z-axis direction within the charging and power supply device 10. This prevents the male terminal 32 from coming off the female terminal 28 of the battery 12.

[0052] Figure 15 is a side view of the lid 18, the power transmission device 30, the male terminals 32, and the holder 34. Figure 15 shows the state of the power transmission device 30 and the male terminals 32 when the battery 12 is placed on the holder 34 and the lid 18 is once fully closed and then fully opened.

[0053] When the lid 18 is fully closed, the male terminal 32 is completely attached to the female terminal 28 of the battery 12. When the male terminal 32 is completely attached to the female terminal 28, the frictional force acting between the female terminal 28 and the male terminal 32 is set to be greater than the force of gravity pulling the male terminal 32 and the holder 47. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15 , even when the lid 18 is fully open, the male terminal 32 does not move in the negative Z-axis direction. This maintains the male terminal 32 attached to the female terminal 28. When the user removes the battery 12 from the charging / power supply device 10, the male terminal 32 is detached from the female terminal 28.

[0054] 14 and 15, when the lid 18 is in the fully closed state, the amount of cover that the lid 18 gives to the upper surface 12a of the battery 12 is greater than the amount of cover that the lid 18 gives to the upper surface 12a when the lid 18 is in the fully open state. The position of the lid 18 when the lid 18 is in the fully open state corresponds to the second position of the present invention.

[0055] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, the shape of the cam surface 36a of the arm 36 and the shape of the rod 38 are set so that the speed of the translational movement of the rod 38 and the male terminal 32 is variable relative to the speed of the rotational movement of the lid 18 when the lid 18 is opened or closed.

[0056] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the displacement of the rod 38 and the male terminal 32. Fig. 17 is a graph showing the amount of displacement of the rod 38 relative to the rotation angle of the lid 18. Fig. 18 is a graph showing the amount of displacement of the male terminal 32 relative to the rotation angle of the lid 18.

[0057] When the lid 18 rotates from the fully open state to the fully closed state, the lid 18 rotates 90°. In this embodiment, the rotation angle of the lid 18 when the lid 18 is in the fully open state will be described as 0°. Also, the rotation angle of the lid 18 when the lid 18 is in the fully closed state will be described as 90°.

[0058] Fig. 17 shows the displacement of rod 38 in the Z-axis direction, based on the position of rod 38 when the rotation angle of lid 18 is 0°. Fig. 18 shows the displacement of male terminal 32 in the Z-axis direction, based on the position of male terminal 32 when the rotation angle of lid 18 is 0°.

[0059] 16, unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment, when the lid 18 is in a fully open state (rotation angle is 0°), the rod 38 abuts against the arm 36. When the rotation angle of the lid 18 is 0°, the male terminal 32 is located at a position separated from the female terminal 28. When the rotation angle of the lid 18 is 30°, the male terminal 32 begins to be attached to the female terminal 28. When the rotation angle of the lid 18 is 90°, the attachment of the male terminal 32 to the female terminal 28 is completed.

[0060] The shape of the cam surface 36a of the arm 36 and the shape of the rod 38 are set so that the relationship between the rotation angle of the lid 18 and the displacement of the rod 38 is as described below. As shown in FIG. 17 , the speed of displacement of the rod 38 when the rotation angle of the lid 18 is in the range of 0° to 30° is greater than the speed of displacement of the rod 38 when the rotation angle of the lid 18 is in the range of 30° to 90°. The speed of displacement of the rod 38 refers to the amount of displacement of the rod 38 per unit rotation angle of the lid 18. Thus, as shown in FIG. 18 , the speed of displacement of the male terminal 32 when the rotation angle of the lid 18 is in the range of 0° to 30° is greater than the speed of displacement of the male terminal 32 when the rotation angle of the lid 18 is in the range of 30° to 90°. The speed of displacement of the male terminal 32 refers to the amount of displacement of the rod 38 per unit rotation angle of the lid 18.

[0061] Therefore, when the lid 18 rotates at a constant speed from a rotation angle of 0° to 90°, the speed of the translational movement of the rod 38 when the rotation angle of the lid 18 is in the range of 0° to 30° is faster than the speed of the translational movement when the rotation angle of the lid 18 is in the range of 30° to 90°. Similarly, when the lid 18 rotates at a constant speed from a rotation angle of 0° to 90°, the speed of the translational movement of the male terminals 32 when the rotation angle of the lid 18 is in the range of 0° to 30° is faster than the speed of the translational movement of the male terminals 32 when the rotation angle of the lid 18 is in the range of 30° to 90°. In other words, the speed of the translational movement of the rod 38 and the male terminals 32 is nonlinear with respect to the speed of the rotational movement of the lid 18 when the lid 18 is opened or closed.

[0062] This makes it possible to suppress the impact when the male terminal 32 comes into contact with the female terminal 28, thereby suppressing damage to the male terminal 32 and the female terminal 28. Furthermore, when the male terminal 32 moves in a translational manner while in contact with the female terminal 28, it is possible to reduce the force acting between the male terminal 32 and the female terminal 28, thereby suppressing damage to the male terminal 32 and the female terminal 28.

[0063] The range of displacement of rod 38 when lid 18 rotates within the rotation angle range of 0° to 30° corresponds to the first region of the present invention. The range of displacement of rod 38 when lid 18 rotates within the rotation angle range of 30° to 90° corresponds to the second region of the present invention.

[0064] The timing when the position of the rod 38 changes from the first region to the second region and the timing when the male terminal 32 spaced apart from the female terminal 28 begins to be attached to the female terminal 28 are approximately the same.

[0065] Third Embodiment In this embodiment, the shape of the cam surface 36a of the arm 36 is formed so that the speed of the translational movement of the rod 38 and male terminal 32 relative to the speed of the rotational movement of the lid 18 when the lid 18 is opened or closed can be varied in multiple stages.

[0066] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the state of displacement of male terminal 32. Fig. 20 is a graph showing the change over time in the amount of displacement of rod 38. Fig. 21 is a graph showing the change over time in the amount of displacement of male terminal 32.

[0067] Figure 20 shows the change in displacement of rod 38 over time when lid 18 is rotated at a constant speed from the fully open state to the fully closed state. Figure 21 shows the change in displacement of male terminal 32 over time when lid 18 is rotated at a constant speed from the fully open state to the fully closed state. Figure 20 shows the displacement of rod 38 in the Z-axis direction, based on the position of rod 38 when lid 18 is in the fully open state. Figure 21 shows the displacement of male terminal 32 in the Z-axis direction, based on the position of male terminal 32 when lid 18 is in the fully open state.

[0068] Here, time points t0, t1, t2, and t3 are defined as follows. Time point t0 is the time point when the lid 18 starts to rotate from the fully open state in the closing direction. At this time, the male terminal 32 is separated from the female terminal 28, as shown in FIG. 19. Time point t1 is the time point when the male terminal 32 starts to be attached to the female terminal 28, as shown in FIG. 19. Time point t2 is the time point when the tip of the male terminal 32 is inserted into the female terminal 28, as shown in FIG. 19. Time point t3 is the time point when the lid 18 reaches the fully closed state. At this time, the attachment of the male terminal 32 to the female terminal 28 is completed, as shown in FIG. 19.

[0069] The shape of the cam surface 36a of the arm 36 and the shape of the rod 38 are set so that the speed of the translational motion of the rod 38 will be as described below. As shown in Fig. 20, the speed of the translational motion of the rod 38 from time t1 to time t3 is slower than the speed of the translational motion of the rod 38 from time t0 to time t1. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 20, the speed of the translational motion of the rod 38 from time t1 to time t2 is slower than the speed of the translational motion of the rod 38 from time t2 to time t3.

[0070] 21, the speed of the translational movement of the male terminal 32 from time t1 to time t3 is slower than the speed of the translational movement of the male terminal 32 from time t0 to time t1. Also, as shown in FIG. 21, the speed of the translational movement of the male terminal 32 from time t1 to time t2 is slower than the speed of the translational movement of the male terminal 32 from time t2 to time t3.

[0071] When the male terminal 32 begins to be attached to the female terminal 28, the contact area between the male terminal 32 and the female terminal 28 is small. Therefore, a force acts locally on the male terminal 32 and the female terminal 28. Therefore, in this embodiment, the shape of the cam surface 36a of the arm 36 and the shape of the rod 38 are set so that the speed of the translational motion of the male terminal 32 slows down during the period from time t1 to time t2. The period from time t1 to time t2 is the period from when the male terminal 32 begins to be attached to the female terminal 28 until the tip of the male terminal 32 is inserted into the female terminal 28. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive force from acting on the male terminal 32 and the female terminal 28. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the male terminal 32 and the female terminal 28.

[0072] The range of displacement of the rod 38 from time t0 to time t1 corresponds to the first region of the present invention, and the range of displacement of the rod 38 from time t1 to time t3 corresponds to the second region of the present invention.

[0073] The timing when the position of the rod 38 changes from the first region to the second region and the timing when the male terminal 32 spaced apart from the female terminal 28 begins to be attached to the female terminal 28 are approximately the same.

[0074] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0075] The power transmission device 30 and the holder 34 do not have to be devices that can be carried by a user like the charging and power supply device 10 of the above embodiment. For example, they may be mounted on a large charging and power supply device installed in a building or the like.

[0076] The power transmission device 30 and the holding unit 34 may also be mounted on an electric vehicle powered by the power of the battery 12. Examples of electric vehicles include automobiles, motorcycles, riding lawn mowers, and riding snow blowers. In this case, the battery 12 is connected to a motor, which is an electrical operating unit of the electric vehicle. The motor of the electric vehicle is mechanically connected to the wheels of the electric vehicle. The motor of the electric vehicle is driven by the power of the battery 12.

[0077] The power transmission device 30 and the holder 34 may also be mounted on an electrically powered device that is driven by the power of the battery 12. The electrically powered device may be, for example, a blower, a lawn mower, or a snow blower. In this case, the battery 12 is connected to a motor, which is an electrically operated part of the electrically powered device. The motor of the electrically powered device is driven by the power of the battery 12.

[0078] 14, when the lid 18 is in a fully closed state, the lid 18 covers the entire upper surface 12a of the battery 12. However, the lid 18 may cover only a portion of the upper surface 12a of the battery 12.

[0079] The above embodiment can be summarized as follows.

[0080] A power transmission device (30) transmits power for moving a second terminal (32, 47), which is a detachable terminal, relative to a first terminal (28), which is a terminal of an electric storage device (12), and includes a first member (36) provided on a power transmission path, and a second member (38) provided on the power transmission path so as to be able to contact and separate from the first member, where, when the second terminal side of the power transmission path is defined as an output side and the side opposite the second terminal is defined as an input side, the first member is provided closer to the input side than the second member. With this configuration, when the second member is in contact with the first member, force is transmitted between the first member and the second member, and when the second member is separated from the first member, force is not transmitted between the first member and the second member.

[0081] In the power transmission device described above, the first member and the second member may be provided so that, when the first member and the second member move while the second member is in contact with the first member, the motion of the first member differs from the motion of the second member, and the contact position of the first member that contacts the second member changes. With this configuration, it is possible to transmit force from the first member to the second member by changing the motion of the first member.

[0082] In the power transmission device described above, the first member and the second member may be arranged such that, when the first member and the second member each move while the second member is in contact with the first member, the speed of the second member changes when the first member moves at a constant speed. With this configuration, the speed of the second member can be made nonlinear with respect to the speed of the first member.

[0083] In the above power transmission device, the second member may be provided to be capable of translational movement, and the first member and the second member may be provided such that, in a state in which the second member is in contact with the first member, the second member translates from the input side to the output side in accordance with the movement of the first member at a constant speed, within a range of displacement of the second member, the second member has a first region in which the second member moves at a first speed and a second region after the first region in which the second member moves at a second speed different from the first speed. With this configuration, the speed of movement of the second member can be made nonlinear with respect to the speed of movement of the first member.

[0084] In the power transmission device, the first member and the second member may be provided so that the second region further includes a plurality of regions in which the speed of the second member is different. With this configuration, the speed of the second member can be made nonlinear with respect to the speed of the first member.

[0085] In the power transmission device, the first member and the second member may be provided so that a timing when the position of the second member changes from the first region to the second region substantially coincides with a timing when the second terminal, which is spaced apart from the first terminal, begins to be attached to the first terminal. With this configuration, it is possible to change the movement speed of the second terminal when the second terminal begins to be attached to the first terminal.

[0086] In the power transmission device, the first member and the second member may be provided so that the second speed is slower than the first speed. With this configuration, the movement speed of the second terminal can be slowed down when the second terminal begins to be attached to the first terminal.

[0087] In the power transmission device, the first member may be provided so as to be capable of pivotal movement. With this configuration, the first member can perform pivotal movement.

[0088] The power transmission device may further include a third member (40) disposed on the transmission path between the second member and the second terminal and capable of coming into contact with and being separated from the second member. With this configuration, when the third member is in contact with the second member, force is transmitted between the second member and the third member, and when the third member is separated from the second member, force is not transmitted between the second member and the third member.

[0089] In the power transmission device, the third member may be tiltable about a fulcrum (40a) and extend from the fulcrum to both sides, the third member contacting the second member on one side relative to the fulcrum and the third member contacting the second terminal on the other side relative to the fulcrum. With this configuration, the third member can transmit force between the second member and the second terminal by tilting.

[0090] In the power transmission device, the third member may be provided so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from the second terminal. With this configuration, when the third member is in contact with the second terminal, force is transmitted between the third member and the second terminal, and when the third member is separated from the second terminal, force is not transmitted between the third member and the second terminal.

[0091] In the power transmission device, the second terminal may be provided so that the direction in which the second terminal approaches the first terminal is vertically upward. With this configuration, the energy required for moving the second terminal away from the first terminal can be reduced compared to when the second terminal approaches the first terminal.

[0092] In the power transmission device, the second member may be capable of translational movement and may be disposed so that the direction of translational movement from the input side to the output side is downward in the vertical direction. With this configuration, the load of the second member can be used as a force for inserting the second terminal into the first terminal.

[0093] In the above power transmission device, when the power storage device is held in a holding section (34) that houses or places and holds the power storage device, the second terminal may be arranged on one side of the power storage device in a holding direction of the power storage device, and the first member may be arranged on the other side of the power storage device in the holding direction. With this configuration, a force input to the power storage device on the side opposite to the holding section can be transmitted to the second terminal on the holding section side of the power storage device.

[0094] In the above power transmission device, when the power storage device is held in the holding portion, the first member may have a covering lid portion (18) that covers the other end face of the power storage device in the holding direction, the covering lid portion being movable between a first position and a second position, and the amount of the power storage device covered by the covering lid portion when located at the first position may be greater than the amount of the power storage device covered by the covering lid portion when located at the second position. With this configuration, when the covering lid portion is located at the second position, it is possible for a user to easily remove the power storage device from the holding portion.

[0095] In the power transmission device, the cover part may be provided so as to be movable by a user of the power storage device. With this configuration, there is no need to provide a separate power source for moving the cover part.

[0096] In the power transmission device, when the power storage device is held by the holding portion, the second member may extend in a direction connecting the one side and the other side in a holding direction of the power storage device, and may be disposed side by side with the power storage device. With this configuration, the power transmission device can be disposed in a space around the outer periphery of the power storage device.

[0097] In the power transmission device, the first member may be provided to be capable of rotational movement about a rotation axis (O), and the second member may be provided to be capable of translational movement in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. With this configuration, rotational movement can be converted into translational movement between the first member and the second member.

[0098] In the power transmission device, the second member may have a rotating body (46) at an end thereof on the first member side that rotates about a rotation axis (P), and the rotating body may be provided so as to be able to abut against the first member. With this configuration, sliding resistance between the first member and the second member can be reduced.

[0099] In the power transmission device, the second member may have an end portion on the first member side that is curved or acutely angled. With this configuration, the second member can closely trace the shape of the first member.

[0100] The power transmission device may be mounted on an electric power device having an electric operating unit electrically connected to the power storage device. With this configuration, the second terminal can be moved in a direction approaching the first terminal of the power storage device mounted in the power device.

[0101] In the power transmission device, the power device may be a power supply device that supplies power from the power storage device to a load external to the power device, and the electrically operated unit may be a power conversion unit. With this configuration, the second terminal can be moved in a direction approaching the first terminal of the power storage device mounted in the power device.

[0102] In the power transmission device, the electric power device may be a vehicle having wheels, and the electrically operated unit may be an electric unit mechanically connected to the wheels. With this configuration, the second terminal can be moved in a direction approaching the first terminal of the power storage device mounted in the vehicle.

[0103] The holding device includes the power transmission device and a holding portion that houses or places and holds the power storage device. With this configuration, when the second member is in contact with the first member, force is transmitted between the first member and the second member, and when the second member is separated from the first member, force is not transmitted between the first member and the second member.

[0104] The power transmission device includes a holding section that houses or places and holds an electric storage device, a second terminal that is detachable from a first terminal that is a terminal of the electric storage device, and a power transmission device that transmits power for moving the second terminal, the power transmission device having a first member provided on a power transmission path and a second member provided on the transmission path that is capable of contacting and separating from the first member, where, when the second terminal side is an output side on the transmission path and the opposite side to the second terminal is an input side on the transmission path, the first member is provided closer to the input side than the second member. With this configuration, when the second member is in contact with the first member, force is transmitted between the first member and the second member, and when the second member is separated from the first member, force is not transmitted between the first member and the second member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10... Charging power supply device (holding device) 12... Battery (power storage device) 18...Lid (cover part) 28...Female terminal (first terminal) 30... Power transmission device 32... Male terminal (second terminal) 34...Holding portion 36...Arm (first member) 38... Rod (second member) 40... Seesaw (third member) 40a... Fulcrum 46... Roller (rotating body) 47...Holder (second terminal) O...Rotation axis P...Rotation axis

Claims

1. A power transmission device (30) that transmits power to move a second terminal (32, 47), which is a detachable terminal, relative to a first terminal (28), which is a terminal of an electric storage device (12), a first member (36) provided on the power transmission path; a second member (38) provided on the transmission path so as to be able to come into contact with and move away from the first member; Equipped with When the second terminal side is an output side and the side opposite to the second terminal is an input side on the transmission path, the first member is provided closer to the input side than the second member, a power transmission device in which the first member and the second member are arranged such that, when the first member and the second member each move while the second member is in contact with the first member, the movement mode of the first member and the movement mode of the second member differ, and the contact position of the first member in contact with the second member changes.

2. 2. The power transmission device according to claim 1, A power transmission device in which, when the first member and the second member each move with the second member in contact with the first member, the first member and the second member are arranged such that when the first member moves at a constant speed, the speed of movement of the second member changes.

3. 3. The power transmission device according to claim 2, the second member is provided so as to be capable of translational movement, a power transmission device in which the first member and the second member are provided such that, in a state in which the second member is in contact with the first member, a range of displacement of the second member when the second member moves translationally from the input side toward the output side in conjunction with movement of the first member at a constant speed includes a first region in which the second member moves at a first speed and a second region after the first region in which the second member moves at a second speed different from the first speed.

4. 4. The power transmission device according to claim 3, A power transmission device, wherein the first member and the second member are provided so as to further have a plurality of regions within the second region where the speed of movement of the second member differs.

5. 5. The power transmission device according to claim 3 or 4, a power transmission device in which the first member and the second member are provided so that the timing at which the position of the second member changes from the first region to the second region and the timing at which the second terminal, which is spaced apart from the first terminal, begins to be attached to the first terminal are approximately the same.

6. 6. The power transmission device according to claim 5, A power transmission device, wherein the first member and the second member are provided such that the second speed is slower than the first speed.

7. The power transmission device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, The power transmission device, wherein the first member is provided to be capable of pivoting.

8. A power transmission device (30) that transmits power to move a second terminal (32, 47), which is a detachable terminal, relative to a first terminal (28), which is a terminal of an electric storage device (12), comprising: a first member (36) provided on the power transmission path; a second member (38) provided on the transmission path so as to be able to come into contact with and move away from the first member; Equipped with When the second terminal side is an output side and the side opposite to the second terminal is an input side on the transmission path, the first member is provided closer to the input side than the second member, The power transmission device further comprises a third member (40) disposed between the second member and the second terminal on the transmission path and capable of coming into contact with and being separated from the second member.

9. 9. The power transmission device according to claim 8, The third member is provided so as to be tiltable about a fulcrum (40a) and is formed so as to extend on both sides from the fulcrum, the third member abuts against the second member on one side of the fulcrum, The third member abuts against the second terminal on the other side of the fulcrum.

10. 10. The power transmission device according to claim 9, The third member is provided so as to be able to come into contact with and be separated from the second terminal.

11. The power transmission device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, The second terminal is disposed so that a direction approaching the first terminal is an upward direction in the vertical direction.

12. The power transmission device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, The power transmission device, wherein the second member is capable of translational movement and is provided so that the direction of translational movement from the input side to the output side is downward in the vertical direction.

13. A power transmission device (30) that transmits power to move a second terminal (32, 47), which is a detachable terminal, relative to a first terminal (28), which is a terminal of an electric storage device (12), comprising: a first member (36) provided on the power transmission path; a second member (38) provided on the transmission path so as to be able to come into contact with and move away from the first member; Equipped with When the second terminal side is an output side and the side opposite to the second terminal is an input side on the transmission path, the first member is provided closer to the input side than the second member, a power transmission device in which, when the storage device is held in a holding portion (34) that houses or places and holds the storage device, the second terminal is arranged on one side of the storage device in a holding direction of the storage device, and the first member is arranged on the other side of the storage device in the holding direction.

14. 14. The power transmission device according to claim 13, With the power storage device held by the holding unit, the first member has a cover portion (18) that covers the other end surface of the electricity storage device in the holding direction, the cover portion is movable between a first position and a second position, A power transmission device, wherein the amount of the power storage device covered by the covering lid portion when located at the first position is greater than the amount of the power storage device covered by the covering lid portion when located at the second position.

15. 15. The power transmission device of claim 14, The cover portion is provided so as to be movable by a user who uses the power storage device.

16. The power transmission device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, With the power storage device held by the holding unit, The power transmission device, wherein the second member extends in a direction connecting the one side and the other side in a holding direction of the power storage device, and is disposed alongside the power storage device.

17. A power transmission device (30) that transmits power to move a second terminal (32, 47), which is a detachable terminal, relative to a first terminal (28), which is a terminal of an electric storage device (12), comprising: a first member (36) provided on the power transmission path; a second member (38) provided on the transmission path so as to be able to come into contact with and move away from the first member; Equipped with When the second terminal side is an output side and the side opposite to the second terminal is an input side on the transmission path, the first member is provided closer to the input side than the second member, The first member is provided so as to be capable of rotating about a rotation axis (O), The second member is provided so as to be capable of translational movement in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

18. A power transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, The second member has a rotating body (46) at an end on the first member side that rotates around a rotation axis (P), The rotating body is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the first member.

19. A power transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, A power transmission device, wherein the second member has an end portion on the first member side that is formed into a curved surface or an acute angle.

20. A power transmission device (30) that transmits power to move a second terminal (32, 47), which is a detachable terminal, relative to a first terminal (28), which is a terminal of an electric storage device (12), comprising: a first member (36) provided on the power transmission path; a second member (38) provided on the transmission path so as to be able to come into contact with and move away from the first member; Equipped with When the second terminal side is an output side and the side opposite to the second terminal is an input side on the transmission path, the first member is provided closer to the input side than the second member, A power transmission device mounted on an electric power device having an electric operating unit electrically connected to the power storage device.

21. 21. The power transmission device of claim 20, the power device is a power supply device that supplies power from the power storage device to a load external to the power device, The power transmission device, wherein the electrically operated unit is a power conversion unit.

22. 21. The power transmission device of claim 20, The power device is a vehicle having wheels, The power transmission device, wherein the electrically operated unit is an electric unit mechanically connected to the wheels.

23. A power transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 18; a holding section that houses or places and holds the power storage device; A holding device (10) comprising:

24. a holding section (34) that houses or places and holds the electricity storage device (12); a second terminal (32) that is detachable from a first terminal (28) that is a terminal of the electricity storage device; a power transmission device (30) for transmitting power for moving the second terminal; Equipped with The power transmission device is a first member (36) provided on the power transmission path; a second member (38) provided on the transmission path so as to be able to come into contact with and move away from the first member; and When the second terminal side is an output side on the transmission path and the side opposite to the second terminal is an input side, the first member is provided closer to the input side than the second member, A holding device (10) in which the first member and the second member are arranged so that when the first member and the second member move while the second member is in contact with the first member, the movement mode of the first member and the movement mode of the second member differ, and the contact position of the first member in contact with the second member changes.

Images