Electrical panels and electrical equipment

Abstract

To provide an electric counter capable of suppressing short-circuiting of a positive electrode conductive member and a negative electrode conductive member electrically connected with a power storage device.SOLUTION: An electric counter comprises: a housing that is aligned with an external device in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction that is a vertical direction; a current path in which a current to a power storage device arranged inside the housing or inside the external device flows, the current path being located inside the housing; and a conductive member arranged inside the housing and on the current path, and electrically connected with the external device. The conductive member has a positive electrode conductive member electrically connected with a positive electrode external terminal of the power storage device, and a negative electrode conductive member electrically connected with a negative electrode external terminal of the power storage device. The positive electrode conductive member has a positive electrode connection part electrically connected with the external device. The negative electrode conductive member has a negative electrode connection part electrically connected with the external device. The positive and negative electrode connection parts are arranged at different positions in the first direction. The housing has a surface, which is opposed to the positive and negative electrode connection parts, opening in a third direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical panel including a conductive member disposed on a current path of a power storage device, and an electrical facility including the electrical panel.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an electrical panel that is arranged side by side with an external device in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, includes a conductive member that is disposed on a current path of a power storage device and is electrically connected to the external device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a battery panel (power storage device) accommodating a battery module and a branch panel (electrical panel and external device) are arranged horizontally and connected by a plurality of connection wirings.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above conventional electrical panel, the conductive member disposed on the current path of the power storage device has a positive electrode conductive member electrically connected to the positive electrode of the power storage device and a negative electrode conductive member electrically connected to the negative electrode of the power storage device. In this case, due to a work mistake or the like during connection work, there is a risk that the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member may come into miscontact and cause a short circuit. Therefore, in the electrical panel, it is desired that the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member electrically connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the power storage device do not short-circuit due to a work mistake or the like.

[0005] The present invention has been made by newly focusing on the above problems by the inventor of the present application, and an object thereof is to provide an electrical panel and an electrical facility that can suppress a short circuit between a positive electrode conductive member and a negative electrode conductive member electrically connected to a power storage device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electrical panel according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a housing aligned with an external device in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction which is vertical; a current path through which current flows to a power storage device disposed inside the housing or the external device, the current path located inside the housing; and a conductive member disposed inside the housing and on the current path, and electrically connected to the external device, wherein the conductive member has a positive electrode conductive member electrically connected to the positive electrode external terminal of the power storage device and a negative electrode conductive member electrically connected to the negative electrode external terminal of the power storage device, the positive electrode conductive member has a positive electrode connection portion electrically connected to the external device, the negative electrode conductive member has a negative electrode connection portion electrically connected to the external device, the positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion are arranged in different positions in the first direction, and the housing has an opening on a surface facing the positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0007] The present invention can be realized not only as such an electrical panel, but also as an electrical installation comprising an electrical panel and an external device electrically connected to a conductive member of the electrical panel, or as an electrical installation comprising an electrical panel, the external device, and a connecting member connecting the electrical panel and the external device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the electrical panel of the present invention, short circuits between the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member that are electrically connected to the energy storage device can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the electrical equipment according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage device provided in the first electrical panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]This is a perspective view showing the connection configuration between the conductive member and the connecting member of the first electrical panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the connection configuration between the conductive member and the connecting member of the second electrical panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a side view showing the connection configuration between the conductive member of the first electrical panel and the conductive member and connecting member of the second electrical panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a top view showing the connection configuration between the conductive member of the first electrical panel and the conductive member and connecting member of the second electrical panel according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] An electrical panel according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a housing aligned with an external device in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction which is vertical; a current path through which current flows to a power storage device disposed inside the housing or the external device, the current path located inside the housing; and a conductive member disposed inside the housing and on the current path, and electrically connected to the external device, wherein the conductive member has a positive electrode conductive member electrically connected to the positive electrode external terminal of the power storage device and a negative electrode conductive member electrically connected to the negative electrode external terminal of the power storage device, the positive electrode conductive member has a positive electrode connection portion electrically connected to the external device, the negative electrode conductive member has a negative electrode connection portion electrically connected to the external device, the positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion are arranged in different positions in the first direction, and the housing has an opening on a surface facing the positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0011] In an electrical panel, the positive and negative electrode conductive members that are electrically connected to the external terminals of the positive and negative electrodes of the energy storage device can be insulated except for the connection parts such as the positive and negative electrode connection parts. In contrast, the positive and negative electrode connection parts are parts that are electrically connected to external devices and therefore cannot be insulated. As a result, there is a risk of the positive and negative electrode connection parts making incorrect contact and short-circuiting due to errors during connection work. In particular, since the surface of the housing facing the positive and negative electrode connection parts in the third direction is open, connection work is performed from the third direction (front or back) through this opening. In this case, if the positive and negative electrode connection parts are in the same position in the first direction (up and down direction), errors are likely to occur. Therefore, in an electrical panel, the positive and negative electrode conductive members that are electrically connected to the external terminals of the positive and negative electrodes of the energy storage device are arranged in different positions in the first direction (up and down direction) where they are electrically connected to external devices. In this way, by arranging the positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member at different positions in the first direction, it is possible to suppress the possibility of the positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion accidentally coming into contact and causing a short circuit due to errors during connection work. As a result, it is possible to suppress short circuits between the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member that are electrically connected to the energy storage device in the electrical panel.

[0012] The positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion may be positioned at different locations in the third direction.

[0013] According to this, in the electrical panel, the positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member are positioned at different locations in a third direction. This further suppresses the possibility of the positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion accidentally coming into contact and causing a short circuit due to errors during connection work. Therefore, in the electrical panel, short circuits between the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member that are electrically connected to the energy storage device can be suppressed.

[0014] The positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion may be positioned at different locations in the second direction.

[0015] According to this, in the switchboard, the positive electrode connection parts and the negative electrode connection parts of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member are arranged at different positions also in the second direction. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part from being accidentally contacted and short-circuited due to work mistakes or the like during the connection work. Therefore, in the switchboard, it is possible to suppress a short circuit of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member that are electrically connected to the power storage device.

[0016] The switchboard is adjacent to the external device in the second direction, and the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part and the external device may be electrically connected through the boundary surface between the switchboard and the external device.

[0017] Since the switchboard is adjacent to the external device in the second direction, and the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part of the switchboard and the external device are connected through the boundary surface between the switchboard and the external device, the connection direction between the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part and the external device is the second direction. If the connection direction between the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part of the switchboard and the external device is the second direction, it may be easy to access the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part from the third direction. In this case, by arranging the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part at different positions in the first direction, the connection work becomes easier. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part from being accidentally contacted and short-circuited due to work mistakes or the like during the connection work. Therefore, in the switchboard, it is possible to suppress a short circuit of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member that are electrically connected to the power storage device.

[0018] The housing has side walls, and the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part may be electrically connected to the external device through an opening provided in the side wall.

[0019] According to this, the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part of the switchboard are electrically connected to an external device through the openings in the side walls of the housing, so that the locations where the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member for connecting the switchboard and the external device are arranged are clarified. Thereby, the connection work between the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part and the external device becomes easier, so that it is possible to prevent the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part from being accidentally contacted and short-circuited due to work mistakes or the like during the connection work. Therefore, in the switchboard, it is possible to suppress the short circuit of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member that are electrically connected to the power storage device.

[0020] At least one of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member may have a flat surface facing in the first direction.

[0021] According to this, since at least one of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member of the switchboard has a flat surface, at least one of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member can be temporarily placed using the flat surface during the connection work between the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part and the external device. Thereby, the connection work between the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part and the external device becomes easier, so that it is possible to prevent the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part from being accidentally contacted and short-circuited due to work mistakes or the like during the connection work. Therefore, in the switchboard, it is possible to suppress the short circuit of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member that are electrically connected to the power storage device.

[0022] The switchboard may further include an insulating member disposed between the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member.

[0023] According to this, by disposing an insulating member between the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member of the switchboard, the insulation between the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member can be improved. Therefore, in the switchboard, it is possible to further suppress the short circuit of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member that are electrically connected to the power storage device.

[0024] The insulating member may be attached to at least one of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member.

[0025] According to this, in an electrical panel, by attaching an insulating member to at least one of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member, the insulating member can be placed between the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member. As a result, even when it is difficult to directly attach the insulating member to the housing of the electrical panel, etc., it can be easily placed between the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member, thus suppressing short circuits between the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member with a simple configuration.

[0026] Hereinafter, an electrical panel (first electrical panel or second electrical panel) and electrical equipment according to embodiments (including modified versions thereof) of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, manufacturing processes, and the order of manufacturing processes shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In each figure, dimensions, etc., are not strictly illustrated. In each figure, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0027] In the following description and drawings, the X-axis direction is defined as the direction in which the first and second electrical panels (electrical panels and external devices) are aligned, the direction in which the connecting members penetrate the first and second electrical panels, the width direction of the housing of the first or second electrical panel, the direction in which the energy storage devices are aligned on the shelf of the housing of the first electrical panel, or the direction in which the pair of external terminals of the energy storage devices are aligned. The Y-axis direction is defined as the depth direction of the housing of the first or second electrical panel, the longitudinal direction of the energy storage devices, or the direction in which the external terminals of the energy storage devices protrude. The Z-axis direction is defined as the height direction of the housing of the first or second electrical panel, the direction in which the energy storage devices that sandwich the shelf of the housing of the first electrical panel are aligned, the vertical direction, or the up and down direction. These X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions intersect each other (orthogonal in this embodiment).

[0028] In the following explanation, the X-axis positive direction refers to the direction of the X-axis arrow, and the X-axis negative direction refers to the opposite direction. When simply referring to the X-axis direction, it refers to either the X-axis positive direction or the X-axis negative direction, or either direction. The same applies to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. In the following, the Z-axis direction (up and down direction) may also be called the first direction, the X-axis direction may also be called the second direction, and the Y-axis direction may also be called the third direction. The Y-axis negative direction side of the enclosure may also be called the front or front, and the Y-axis positive direction side may also be called the back. Expressions indicating relative directions or orientations, such as parallel and orthogonal, include cases where they are not strictly those directions or orientations. For example, two directions being parallel does not only mean that the two directions are perfectly parallel, but also that they are substantially parallel, i.e., they may include a difference of, for example, a few percent. In the following explanation, when "insulation" is used, it means "electrical insulation".

[0029] (Embodiment) [1. General description of electrical equipment 10] First, a general description of the electrical equipment 10 in this embodiment will be given. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the electrical equipment 10 according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, a portion of the casing 110 of the first electrical panel 100 and the casing 210 of the second electrical panel 200, which are part of the electrical equipment 10, are shown through, and a portion of the interior of the casings 110 and 210 is shown with dashed lines. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage device 120, which is part of the first electrical panel 100, according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, the exterior body 121 of the energy storage device 120 is shown through, and the interior of the exterior body 121 is shown with dashed lines.

[0030] The electrical equipment 10 is equipment that charges and discharges electricity and supplies power to an external power load. The electrical equipment 10 is used for power storage or power supply purposes, etc. Specifically, the electrical equipment 10 is used as a stationary battery, etc., for household or commercial use. The electrical equipment 10 can also be used as a battery, etc., for driving or starting the engine of large mobile vehicles such as ships or railway vehicles for electric railways. Examples of railway vehicles for electric railways include electric trains, monorails, maglev trains, and hybrid trains equipped with both diesel engines and electric motors.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the electrical equipment 10 includes a first electrical panel 100 and a second electrical panel 200 arranged in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200 are arranged adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction (the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the vertical direction). Adjacent in the X-axis direction means being adjacent to each other at close positions in the X-axis direction, and includes cases where they are in contact in the X-axis direction, and cases where they are close to each other but not in contact in the X-axis direction.

[0032] [1.1 Description of the First Electric Panel 100] The first electrical panel 100 is a device that can charge electricity from an external source and discharge electricity to the outside, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this embodiment, the first electrical panel 100 is a stationary battery panel that stores electricity generated by wind power generation, solar power generation, etc., and stably supplies power to external equipment. The electricity stored by the first electrical panel 100 is not limited to electricity derived from these renewable energy sources, but may also be electricity from the power grid or regenerative power from railway systems. The first electrical panel 100 comprises a housing 110 and an energy storage device 120 arranged inside the housing 110. In addition to these components, the first electrical panel 100 also includes wires, etc., that connect the external terminals 122 of the multiple energy storage devices 120, but these are not shown in the illustration and their detailed explanation is omitted. In this embodiment, within the housing 110, three energy storage devices 120 arranged in the X-axis direction are arranged in two rows in the Z-axis direction, and two sets of these arrangements are arranged in the Z-axis direction. However, the number of energy storage devices 120 arranged in the X-axis direction, the number of rows in the Z-axis direction, and the number of sets are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, multiple energy storage devices 120 within one set are connected in series, but they may also be connected in parallel.

[0033] The housing 110 is a rectangular parallelepiped (box-shaped) housing (shelf, rack) that is aligned with the second electrical panel 200 in the X-axis direction and positioned in the X-positive direction of the second electrical panel 200. The housing 110 has an open front surface in the Y-negative direction. In other words, the housing 110 has an open surface facing the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421, which will be described later, in the Y-axis direction (a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions). The housing 110 may also have an open rear surface in the Y-positive direction. Furthermore, the housing 110 has an internal space that is divided into multiple levels, and multiple energy storage devices 120 are housed in the divided spaces. Specifically, the housing 110 has two side walls 111 and 112, a top wall 113, a bottom wall 114, a rear wall 115, and multiple (five in this embodiment) shelves 116. The housing 110 may have a cover member (door) that can open and close (open and close freely) the opening on the surface (front) in the negative Y-axis direction. The housing 110 is made of metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or plated steel sheet. The housing 110 may be made of a material other than metal (such as resin), but it is preferable that it be made of a material with high strength and heat resistance.

[0034] The side wall 111 is the wall portion of the housing 110 in the negative X-axis direction, and the side wall 112 is the wall portion of the housing 110 in the positive X-axis direction. The top wall 113 is the wall portion of the housing 110 in the positive Z-axis direction, and the bottom wall 114 is the wall portion of the housing 110 in the negative Z-axis direction. The rear wall 115 is the wall portion of the housing 110 in the positive Y-axis direction. The shelf plate 116 is a wall portion that partitions the internal space of the housing 110. Each energy storage device 120 is arranged inside the housing 110 by being supported (placed) on the shelf plate 116 within the space partitioned by the shelf plate 116. In Figure 1, the side walls 111 and 112, the top wall 113, the bottom wall 114, and the rear wall 115 are shown as flat, rectangular members that cover almost the entire surface of the five faces of the housing 110, but the shape of these members is not particularly limited. These components do not necessarily cover the entire surface of the housing 110; they may also be narrow, plate-shaped or rod-shaped members (framework, framework, etc.) such as columns and beams. Similarly, the shelf board 116 may also be a narrow, plate-shaped or rod-shaped member such as a beam.

[0035] In this embodiment, the shelf boards 116 form two spaces 117 in which the energy storage device 120 is not placed, at the Z-axis positive end and the Z-axis central part of the housing 110. In other words, the space inside the housing 110 is divided into six spaces arranged vertically by the five shelf boards 116, with the energy storage device 120 placed in the 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th spaces from the top, and spaces 117 in which the energy storage device 120 is not placed in the 1st and 4th spaces from the top. The energy storage device 120 may also be placed in the spaces 117 (such as near the opening 111a described later).

[0036] An opening 111a is formed at a position corresponding to the space 117 in the side wall 111. In other words, two openings 111a are formed at the Z-axis positive end and the Z-axis central part of the side wall 111. The opening 111a is a through hole that penetrates the side wall 111 in its thickness direction (X-axis direction). In this embodiment, the opening 111a has a rectangular shape when viewed from the X-axis direction, but the shape of the opening 111a is not particularly limited. The opening 111a may not be a through hole, but a notch (recess) formed by cutting out (recessing) the edge of the side wall 111 in the Y-axis negative direction toward the Y-axis positive direction.

[0037] A current path 300 is located in the space 117 inside the housing 110. The current path 300 penetrates the opening 111a of the side wall 111 in the X-axis direction. Specifically, two sets of current paths 300 are located in the space 117 at the Z-axis positive end (towards the ceiling, upper part of the housing 110) and in the Z-axis central part of the housing 110. The current path 300 is a current path through which current flows to the energy storage device 120, and is a virtual current path (or a general term for the wiring and metal plates etc. that constitute the path) including the current path located inside the housing 110. In other words, the current path 300 is a path (wiring path, wiring etc.) through which charge / discharge current or discharge current flows when the energy storage device 120 is charged or discharged, and is electrically connected to the external terminal 122 of the energy storage device 120. The current path 300 has a pair of current paths (positive and negative) because it is electrically connected to a pair of external terminals 122 (positive and negative) of the energy storage device 120. The reason for placing the side wall 111 is not only to provide an opening 111a to clearly define the wiring location of the current path 300. For fire prevention, it is generally necessary to separate the electrical panel housing the energy storage device from other electrical panels with steel plates or the like, except for minimal penetrations.

[0038] In this embodiment, the current path 300 in the first space 117 from the top within the housing 110 is connected to the external terminal 122 of either the second or third space from the top within the housing 110. For example, the positive current path 300 is connected to the positive external terminal 122 of the energy storage device 120 located at the positive end of the second space from the top, and the negative current path is connected to the negative external terminal 122 of the energy storage device 120 located at the negative end of the third space from the top. The current path 300 in the fourth space 117 from the top within the housing 110 is connected to the external terminal 122 of either the fifth or sixth space from the top within the housing 110. In the current path 300, for example, the positive current path is connected to the positive external terminal 122 of the energy storage device 120 located at the X-positive end of the fifth space from the top, and the negative current path is connected to the negative external terminal 122 of the energy storage device 120 located at the X-negative end of the sixth space from the top.

[0039] More specifically, the energy storage devices 120 in the second and third spaces from the top are connected in series to form one series group, and the energy storage devices 120 in the fifth and sixth spaces from the top are connected in series to form another series group, thus forming two series groups within the housing 110. Each series group corresponds to one of the two current paths 300. Conductive members 400 (see Figure 3, etc.), which will be described later, and wires connecting the conductive members 400 to the external terminals 122 of the energy storage devices 120 are arranged inside the housing 110 and along the current paths 300. In other words, the current paths 300 inside the housing 110 are composed of the conductive members 400 and the wires.

[0040] Next, the configuration of the energy storage device 120 will be described using Figures 1 and 2. The energy storage device 120 is a battery module (battery pack) that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in Figure 2, the energy storage device 120 has an outer casing 121, a pair of external terminals 122 (positive and negative electrodes), and a plurality of energy storage elements 123. In this embodiment, the plurality of energy storage elements 123 are arranged in a line in the Y-axis direction, but the direction of arrangement and the number of energy storage elements 123 are not particularly limited. In addition to these configurations, the energy storage device 120 also includes busbars and the like that connect the electrode terminals of the plurality of energy storage elements 123, but these are not shown in the illustration and their detailed explanation is also omitted. The energy storage device 120 may also include spacers placed between the energy storage elements 123, restraining members (end plates, side plates, etc.) that constrain the energy storage elements 123, a busbar frame for positioning the busbars, and electrical equipment such as a circuit board or relays for monitoring the charging and discharging states of the energy storage elements 123, but these are not shown or described.

[0041] The outer casing 121 is a box-shaped (rectangular parallelepiped) container (module case) that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and constitutes the outer shell of the energy storage device 120. The outer casing 121 houses a plurality of energy storage elements 123 and fixes the plurality of energy storage elements 123 in predetermined positions, protecting them from impacts and the like. The outer casing 121 is formed from insulating materials such as polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyphenylene ether (PPE (including modified PPE)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethersulfone (PES), polyamide (PA), ABS resin, or composite materials thereof, or from metal with an insulating coating. The outer casing 121 prevents the energy storage element 123, etc., from coming into contact with external metal components, etc. The outer casing 121 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, as long as the insulation properties of the energy storage element 123, etc., are maintained.

[0042] The external terminals 122 are electrically connected to the energy storage element 123 and are external terminals (positive external terminal and negative external terminal) for charging with electricity from the outside and discharging electricity to the outside. A pair of external terminals 122 are arranged in the X-axis direction at the Z-axis positive end of the Y-axis negative plane of the outer casing 121. The external terminals 122 are formed from conductive metal materials such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, nickel, or a combination thereof. The energy storage device 120 may not have external terminals 122, and the electrode terminals of any of the multiple energy storage elements 123 may serve the role of external terminals 122. In this case, the positive electrode terminal of the energy storage element 123 becomes the positive external terminal, and the negative electrode terminal of the energy storage element 123 becomes the negative external terminal.

[0043] The energy storage element 123 is a secondary battery (single cell) that can charge and discharge electricity, and more specifically, a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In this embodiment, the energy storage element 123 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape (square), but the shape of the energy storage element 123 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be a polygonal prism shape, cylindrical shape, oval cylindrical shape, elliptical prism shape, etc. The energy storage element 123 is not limited to a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and may be a secondary battery other than a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, or it may be a capacitor. The energy storage element 123 may not be a secondary battery, but a primary battery that can use the stored electricity without the user having to charge it. The energy storage element 123 may be a battery using a solid electrolyte. The energy storage element 123 may be a pouch-type energy storage element.

[0044] [1.2 Description of the second electrical panel 200] The second electrical panel 200 is electrically connected to the first electrical panel 100 and is a device that can exchange power with the first electrical panel 100, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this embodiment, the second electrical panel 200 is a stationary collection panel (sometimes called a current collector panel) that collects the current flowing through the first electrical panel 100 and serves as an interface with other equipment. The second electrical panel 200 collects the currents from the two series groups described above that are present in the first electrical panel 100. The second electrical panel 200 comprises a housing 210 and electrical equipment 220 arranged inside the housing 210.

[0045] The housing 210 is a rectangular parallelepiped (box-shaped) housing (rack) that is aligned with the housing 110 of the first electrical panel 100 in the X-axis direction and positioned in the negative X-axis direction of the housing 110. The housing 210 has an open front surface in the negative Y-axis direction. In other words, the housing 210 has an open surface in the Y-axis direction (third direction) that faces the positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721, which will be described later. The housing 210 may also have an open rear surface in the positive Y-axis direction. Specifically, the housing 210 has a side wall 211, a side portion 212, a top wall 213, a bottom wall 214, and a rear wall 215. The housing 210 may have a cover member (door) that can open and close (open and close freely) the opening on the front surface in the negative Y-axis direction. The housing 210 is made of metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or plated steel sheet. The housing 210 may be formed from a material other than metal (such as resin), but it is preferable that it be formed from a material with high strength and heat resistance.

[0046] The side wall 211 is the wall portion of the housing 210 in the negative X-axis direction, and the side portion 212 is the frame or open surface of the housing 210 in the positive X-axis direction. The top wall 213 is the wall portion of the housing 210 in the positive Z-axis direction, and the bottom wall 214 is the wall portion of the housing 210 in the negative Z-axis direction. The rear wall 215 is the wall portion of the housing 210 in the positive Y-axis direction. In Figure 1, the side wall 211, top wall 213, bottom wall 214, and rear wall 215 are shown as flat, rectangular members that cover almost the entire surface of the four surfaces of the housing 210, but the shape of these members is not particularly limited. These members do not cover the entire surface of the housing 210, but may be narrow plate-shaped or rod-shaped members (frame, framework, etc.) such as columns and beams. The side portion 212 is composed of narrow plate-shaped or rod-shaped members such as columns and beams (framework, framework, etc.) that do not have wall portions, but may also be composed of flat plate-shaped wall portions (wall portions with openings similar to those formed in the side wall 111).

[0047] At the position corresponding to the opening 111a in the side portion 212, a fixing member 212b extending in the Z-axis direction is arranged, connected to two fixing members 212a extending in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 4). The fixing members 212a and 212b are plate-shaped members (sheet metal) arranged inside the housing 210 for fixing the conductive member 700, described later, inside the housing 210.

[0048] Inside the second electrical panel 200, there is a current path 300 that is electrically connected to the energy storage device 120 in the first electrical panel 100. Specifically, the current path 300 of the second electrical panel 200 and the current path 300 of the first electrical panel 100 are electrically connected. The current path 300 penetrates the opening 111a of the side wall 111 of the housing 110 and the side portion 212 of the housing 210. In other words, two current paths 300 are also located inside the housing 210 at the Z-axis positive end (towards the ceiling, upper part of the housing 110) and in the Z-axis central part. These current paths 300 (positive and negative current paths) are electrically connected to the electrical equipment 220. In this embodiment, a conductive member 700 (see Figure 4, etc.), which will be described later, and wires, etc. (not shown) connecting the conductive member 700 and the electrical equipment 220 are arranged inside the housing 210 and on the current path 300. In other words, the current path 300 inside the housing 210 is composed of the conductive member 700 and the electric wire, etc.

[0049] The electrical equipment 220 is an electrical device (electrical product) that is attached to the rear wall 215 side (closer to the rear wall 215) of the housing 210 using mounting sheet metal or the like (not shown), and is electrically connected to the current path 300 as described above. In other words, the electrical equipment 220 is connected to the energy storage device 120 via the current path 300. In this embodiment, the electrical equipment 220 is a main circuit component such as a breaker that interrupts the flow of current (main circuit current) to the energy storage device 120. In Figure 1, multiple electrical devices 220 are attached to the rear wall 215, arranged in the X-axis and Z-axis directions, but the number and arrangement positions of the electrical equipment 220 are not particularly limited. The current path 300 is electrically connected to the electrical equipment 220 and the energy storage device 120 to form the main circuit.

[0050] One of the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200 is an example of an "electrical panel," and the other is an example of an "external device." Specifically, if the first electrical panel 100 is an example of an "electrical panel," then the second electrical panel 200 is an example of an "external device" for the first electrical panel 100 (electrical panel). If the second electrical panel 200 is an example of an "electrical panel," then the first electrical panel 100 is an example of an "external device" for the second electrical panel 200 (electrical panel). In other words, since the electrical equipment 10 is equipped with the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200, it can be said that the electrical equipment 10 is equipped with an electrical panel and an external device. Since the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200 are arranged adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction (second direction), it can be said that the electrical panel is arranged adjacent to the external device in the second direction. Specifically, since the casing 110 of the first electrical panel 100 and the casing 210 of the second electrical panel 200 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction, it can be said that the electrical panel casings are arranged side by side with external devices in the second direction. Since the energy storage device 120 is located inside the casing 110 of the first electrical panel 100, it can be said that the energy storage device 120 is located inside either the electrical panel casing or an external device.

[0051] Here, the electrical equipment 10 includes, in addition to the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200, a connecting member 500 (see Figures 3 and 4, etc.) that electrically and mechanically connects the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200. The connecting member 500 is positioned on the current path 300 and penetrates the opening 111a in the side wall 111 of the housing 110 of the first electrical panel 100 and the side portion 212 of the housing 210 of the second electrical panel 200. The connection configuration of the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200 by the connecting member 500 will be described in detail below.

[0052] [2. Explanation of the connection configuration of the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the connection configuration between the conductive member 400 and the connecting member 500 of the first electrical panel 100 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the configuration in which the connecting member 500 penetrates an opening 111a formed in the side wall 111 of the housing 110 of the first electrical panel 100 and is connected to the conductive member 400. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the connection configuration between the conductive member 700 and the connecting member 500 of the second electrical panel 200 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the configuration in which the connecting member 500 penetrates a side portion 212 of the housing 210 of the second electrical panel 200 and is connected to the conductive member 700.

[0053] Figure 5 is a side view showing the connection configuration between the conductive member 400 of the first electrical panel 100 and the conductive member 700 of the second electrical panel 200 and the connecting member 500 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 5 is a view of the configuration in which the conductive member 400 and the conductive member 700 are connected by the connecting member 500, as seen from the rear side (from the positive Y-axis direction) of the housing 110 and the enclosure 210. Figure 6 is a top view showing the connection configuration between the conductive member 400 of the first electrical panel 100 and the conductive member 700 of the second electrical panel 200 and the connecting member 500 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 6 is a view of the configuration in which the conductive member 400 and the conductive member 700 are connected by the connecting member 500, as seen from the positive Z-axis direction.

[0054] As described above, the first electrical panel 100 is located inside the housing 110 and on the current path 300, and includes a conductive member 400 that is electrically connected to the second electrical panel 200 (an external device of the first electrical panel 100). The second electrical panel 200 is located inside the housing 210 and on the current path 300, and includes a conductive member 700 that is electrically connected to the first electrical panel 100 (an external device of the second electrical panel 200). The conductive member 400 is connected to one end of the connecting member 500, and the conductive member 700 is connected to the other end of the connecting member 500, thereby electrically connecting the conductive member 400 and the conductive member 700. The configurations of the conductive member 400, the conductive member 700, and the connecting member 500 will be described in detail below. The connection configuration between the conductive member 400 and the conductive member 700 and the connecting member 500 will also be described in detail.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the conductive member 400 has a positive electrode conductive member 410 and a negative electrode conductive member 420. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the conductive member 700 has a positive electrode conductive member 710 and a negative electrode conductive member 720. The connecting member 500 has a positive electrode connecting member 510 and a negative electrode connecting member 520. The positive electrode conductive member 410 is connected to one end of the positive electrode connecting member 510, and the positive electrode conductive member 710 is connected to the other end of the positive electrode connecting member 510, thereby electrically connecting the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the positive electrode conductive member 710. The negative electrode conductive member 420 is connected to one end of the negative electrode connecting member 520, and the negative electrode conductive member 720 is connected to the other end of the negative electrode connecting member 520, thereby electrically connecting the negative electrode conductive member 420 and the negative electrode conductive member 720.

[0056] The positive electrode connecting member 510 is positioned on the positive electrode current path of the current path 300 and penetrates the opening 111a in the side wall 111 of the housing 110 of the first electrical panel 100 and the side portion 212 of the housing 210 of the second electrical panel 200. The negative electrode connecting member 520 is positioned on the negative electrode current path of the current path 300 and penetrates the opening 111a and the side portion 212. The positive electrode connecting member 510 and the negative electrode connecting member 520 are flat plate-shaped members that are parallel to the XY plane and extend in the X-axis direction. In other words, at least one of the positive electrode connecting member 510 and the negative electrode connecting member 520 has a flat surface facing the Z-axis direction (first direction). In this embodiment, the entire surface of both the positive electrode connecting member 510 and the negative electrode connecting member 520 in the Z-axis direction is a flat surface. The positive electrode connecting member 510 and the negative electrode connecting member 520 are busbars formed from conductive metals such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, nickel, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, the positive electrode connecting member 510 and the negative electrode connecting member 520 are copper strips.

[0057] The positive electrode conductive member 410 is a member positioned inside the housing 110 and on the positive electrode current path of the current path 300, and the negative electrode conductive member 420 is a member positioned inside the housing 110 and on the negative electrode current path of the current path 300. Specifically, the positive electrode conductive member 410 is a flat plate-shaped member parallel to the XY plane and extending in the X-axis direction, and is electrically connected to the positive electrode external terminal 122 (positive electrode external terminal) of the energy storage device 120. The negative electrode conductive member 420 is a flat plate-shaped member parallel to the XY plane and extending in the X-axis direction, and is electrically connected to the negative electrode external terminal 122 (negative electrode external terminal) of the energy storage device 120. Thus, at least one of the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 has a flat surface facing the Z-axis direction (first direction). In this embodiment, the entire surface of both the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 in the Z-axis direction is a flat surface. The positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 are busbars formed from metallic conductive members such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, nickel, or combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 are copper strips.

[0058] The positive electrode conductive member 410 has a positive electrode connection portion 411 that is electrically connected to the second electrical panel 200 (an external device of the first electrical panel 100). The positive electrode connection portion 411 is a flat plate-shaped portion located at the negative X-axis end of the positive electrode conductive member 410, and is electrically connected to the second electrical panel 200 by being connected to the positive electrode connection member 510. Specifically, the positive electrode connection portion 411 is connected to the positive electrode connection member end 511 located at the positive X-axis end of the positive electrode connection member 510. The positive electrode connection portion 411 is the portion of the positive electrode conductive member 410 that contacts the positive electrode connection member 510, and the positive electrode connection member end 511 is the portion of the positive electrode connection member 510 that contacts the positive electrode conductive member 410. The positive electrode conductive member 410 and the positive electrode connection member 511 are electrically connected by being connected in a contact state between the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the positive electrode connection member end 511.

[0059] The negative electrode conductive member 420 has a negative electrode connection portion 421 that is electrically connected to the second electrical panel 200 (an external device of the first electrical panel 100). The negative electrode connection portion 421 is a flat plate-shaped portion located at the negative X-axis end of the negative electrode conductive member 420, and is electrically connected to the second electrical panel 200 by being connected to the negative electrode connection member 520. Specifically, the negative electrode connection portion 421 is connected to the negative electrode connection member end 521 located at the positive X-axis end of the negative electrode connection member 520. The negative electrode connection portion 421 is the portion of the negative electrode conductive member 420 that contacts the negative electrode connection member 520, and the negative electrode connection member end 521 is the portion of the negative electrode connection member 520 that contacts the negative electrode conductive member 420. By connecting the negative electrode connection portion 421 and the negative electrode connection member end 521 in a contact state, the negative electrode conductive member 420 and the negative electrode connection member 520 are electrically connected.

[0060] In this embodiment, a circular through-hole 421a is formed in the negative electrode connection portion 421 when viewed from above (viewed from the Z-axis direction, the same applies hereafter), and an elongated oval through-hole 521a, which is elongated in the X-axis direction when viewed from above, is formed in the negative electrode connection member end portion 521. The negative electrode connection portion 421 and the negative electrode connection member end portion 521 are connected (joined) by inserting a bolt (not shown) into these through-holes 421a and 521a and connecting it with a nut (not shown). Since the through-hole 521a has an elongated oval shape that is elongated in the X-axis direction when viewed from above, it can absorb positional misalignment when connecting the negative electrode connection portion 421 and the negative electrode connection member end portion 521. The connection (joining) of the negative electrode connection portion 421 and the negative electrode connection member end portion 521 may also be done by welding or crimping. The same applies to the connection of the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the positive electrode connection member end portion 511. The same applies to the connection between the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the positive electrode connecting member 510, and the connection between the negative electrode conductive member 720 and the negative electrode connecting member 520, which will be described later.

[0061] The positive electrode connector 411 and the negative electrode connector 421 are positioned at different locations in the Z-axis direction (first direction). In this embodiment, the positive electrode connector 411 is positioned lower in the negative Z-axis direction than the negative electrode connector 421. The positive electrode connector 411 and the negative electrode connector 421 are positioned at different locations in the Y-axis direction (third direction). In this embodiment, the positive electrode connector 411 is positioned lower in the negative Y-axis direction than the negative electrode connector 421. The positive electrode connector 411 and the negative electrode connector 421 are positioned at different locations in the X-axis direction (second direction). In this embodiment, the positive electrode connector 411 is positioned higher in the X-axis direction than the negative electrode connector 421. Thus, the positive electrode connector 411 and the negative electrode connector 421 are positioned at different locations in all directions: the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. As a result, the positive electrode connecting member end 511 and the negative electrode connecting member end 521 are positioned at different locations in all directions: the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0062] In this configuration, the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421 are electrically connected to the second electrical panel 200 (an external device of the first electrical panel 100) by passing through the interface between the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200 (an external device of the first electrical panel 100). The interface between the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200 is a virtual plane parallel to the YZ plane, located between the side wall 111 of the housing 110 of the first electrical panel 100 and the side portion 212 of the housing 210 of the second electrical panel 200. Specifically, the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421 are electrically connected to the second electrical panel 200 (an external device of the first electrical panel 100) through an opening 111a provided in the side wall 111. In other words, the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 are electrically connected to the second electrical panel 200 by the positive electrode connection member 510 and the negative electrode connection member 520 passing through the opening 111a and connecting to the second electrical panel 200.

[0063] An insulating member 600 is positioned between the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420. The insulating member 600 is a flat plate-shaped member that is parallel to the XZ plane and extends in the X-axis direction, between the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420. The insulating member 600 is made of any insulating material that can be used for the above-mentioned outer casing 121. In this embodiment, the insulating member 600 is a transparent PVC member made primarily from polyvinyl chloride resin. Specifically, at least a portion of the insulating member 600 is positioned between the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421. That is, at least a portion of the insulating member 600 is positioned at a location that intersects with the straight line connecting the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421. In this embodiment, the insulating member 600 is positioned at a location that intersects with all the straight lines connecting the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421. The positive electrode conductive member 410, the negative electrode conductive member 420, and the insulating member 600 are fixed to the shelf 116 or the like of the housing 110.

[0064] The positive electrode conductive member 710 is a member positioned inside the housing 210 and on the positive electrode current path of the current path 300, and the negative electrode conductive member 720 is a member positioned inside the housing 210 and on the negative electrode current path of the current path 300. Specifically, the positive electrode conductive member 710 is a plate-shaped member that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and is electrically connected to the positive electrode (external terminal 122 of the positive electrode) of the energy storage device 120 via the positive electrode connecting member 510 and the positive electrode conductive member 410. The negative electrode conductive member 720 is a plate-shaped member that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and is electrically connected to the negative electrode (external terminal 122 of the negative electrode) of the energy storage device 120 via the negative electrode connecting member 520 and the negative electrode conductive member 420. The positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720 are busbars formed from conductive members of metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, nickel, or combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720 are copper strips.

[0065] The positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720 are joined by bolts (not shown) to an L-shaped member and a plate-shaped member extending in the Y-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and the L-shaped member changes the plate surface by 90°. This makes it easier to fix the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720 to the fixing member 212b. Since the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720 are in the same position in the X-axis direction, space in the X-axis direction can be saved. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the width of the second electrical panel 200 in the X-axis direction, and also to provide a larger working space inside the second electrical panel 200.

[0066] The positive electrode conductive member 710 has a positive electrode connection portion 711 that is electrically connected to the first electrical panel 100 (an external device of the second electrical panel 200) in the positive X-axis direction. The positive electrode connection portion 711 is a flat plate-shaped portion parallel to the XY plane, located at the negative Y-axis end of the positive electrode conductive member 710, and is electrically connected to the first electrical panel 100 by being connected to the positive electrode connection member 510. Specifically, the positive electrode connection portion 711 is connected to the positive electrode connection member end 512, which is located at the negative X-axis end of the positive electrode connection member 510. The positive electrode connection portion 711 is the portion of the positive electrode conductive member 710 that contacts the positive electrode connection member 510, and the positive electrode connection member end 512 is the portion of the positive electrode connection member 510 that contacts the positive electrode conductive member 710. The positive electrode connection portion 711 and the positive electrode connection member end portion 512 are connected in a contact state, thereby electrically connecting the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the positive electrode connection member 510.

[0067] The negative electrode conductive member 720 has a negative electrode connection portion 721 that is electrically connected to the first electrical panel 100 (an external device of the second electrical panel 200). The negative electrode connection portion 721 is a flat plate-shaped portion parallel to the XY plane, located at the negative Y-axis end of the negative electrode conductive member 720, and is electrically connected to the first electrical panel 100 by being connected to the negative electrode connection member 520. Specifically, the negative electrode connection portion 721 is connected to the negative electrode connection member end 522, which is located at the negative X-axis end of the negative electrode connection member 520. The negative electrode connection portion 721 is the portion of the negative electrode conductive member 720 that contacts the negative electrode connection member 520, and the negative electrode connection member end 522 is the portion of the negative electrode connection member 520 that contacts the negative electrode conductive member 720. The negative electrode connection portion 721 and the negative electrode connection member end portion 522 are connected in a contact state, thereby electrically connecting the negative electrode conductive member 720 and the negative electrode connection member 520.

[0068] Thus, at least one of the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720 has a flat surface facing the Z-axis direction (first direction). In this embodiment, the entire surface of both the positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721 in the Z-axis direction is a flat surface.

[0069] The positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721 are positioned at different locations in the Z-axis direction (first direction). In this embodiment, the positive electrode connection portion 711 is positioned lower in the negative Z-axis direction than the negative electrode connection portion 721. The positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721 are positioned at different locations in the Y-axis direction (third direction). In this embodiment, the positive electrode connection portion 711 is positioned lower in the negative Y-axis direction than the negative electrode connection portion 721. The positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721 are positioned at the same location in the X-axis direction (second direction). Thus, the positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721 are positioned at different locations in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. As a result, the positive electrode connection member end portion 512 and the negative electrode connection member end portion 522 are also positioned at different locations in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0070] In this configuration, the positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721 are electrically connected to the first electrical panel 100 (an external device of the second electrical panel 200) by passing through the interface between the first electrical panel 100 (an external device of the second electrical panel 200) and the second electrical panel 200. Specifically, the positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721 are electrically connected to the first electrical panel 100 (an external device of the second electrical panel 200) by passing through the side portion 212. In other words, the positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721 are electrically connected to the first electrical panel 100 by the positive electrode connecting member 510 and the negative electrode connecting member 520 passing through the side portion 212 and connecting to the first electrical panel 100.

[0071] The positive electrode conductive member 710 further has a flat plate-shaped positive electrode conductive portion 712 that extends in the negative X-axis direction from the positive electrode connection portion 711, parallel to the YZ plane and in the Y-axis direction. The negative electrode conductive member 720 further has a flat plate-shaped negative electrode conductive portion 722 that extends in the negative X-axis direction from the negative electrode connection portion 721, parallel to the YZ plane and in the Y-axis direction. The positive electrode conductive portion 712 and the negative electrode conductive portion 722 are electrically connected to the electrical equipment 220 by extending in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the positive electrode conductive portion 712 is positioned in the negative Z-axis direction (lower position) than the negative electrode conductive portion 722. The positive electrode conductive portion 712 is attached to the housing 210. Specifically, the positive electrode conductive portion 712 and the negative electrode conductive portion 722 are attached and fixed to a flat plate-shaped fixing member 212b, whose upper and lower ends are fixed to two fixing members 212a, via an insulating mounting member 900 such as an insulator. As a result, the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720 are attached to the housing 210.

[0072] An insulating member 800 is positioned between the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720. The insulating member 800 is made of any insulating material that can be used for the above-mentioned outer casing 121. In this embodiment, the insulating member 800 is a transparent PVC member made primarily from polyvinyl chloride resin. The insulating member 800 has an insulating portion 810 positioned between the positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721, and an insulating mounting portion 820 attached to the positive electrode conductive portion 712 and the negative electrode conductive portion 722.

[0073] The insulating portion 810 is a flat plate-shaped portion parallel to the XZ plane and extending in the X-axis direction, and at least a part of it is positioned between the positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721. In this embodiment, the insulating portion 810 is positioned at a location that intersects with all the straight lines connecting the positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721. The insulating mounting portion 820 is a flat plate-shaped portion parallel to the YZ plane and extending in the Y-axis direction, and is attached and fixed to the positive electrode conductive portion 712 and the negative electrode conductive portion 722 via an insulating mounting member 900 such as an insulator. In this way, the insulating member 800 is attached to at least one (both in this embodiment) of the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720. The insulating member 600 may also be configured to be attached to at least one of the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420, similar to the insulating member 800.

[0074] In the positive electrode connecting member 510, insulating treatment may be applied to parts other than the positive electrode connecting member ends 511 and 512, such as by placing an insulating member such as a heat-shrinkable tube. This insulating member can be made of any insulating material that can be used for the outer casing 121. Similarly, in the negative electrode connecting member 520, insulating treatment may be applied to parts other than the negative electrode connecting member ends 521 and 522. In the positive electrode conductive member 410, insulating treatment may be applied to parts other than the connection part with other members such as the positive electrode connecting part 411. In the negative electrode conductive member 420, insulating treatment may be applied to parts other than the connection part with other members such as the negative electrode connecting part 421. The same applies to the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720.

[0075] [3. Explanation of the effect] In the first electrical panel 100, the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420, which are electrically connected to the positive and negative external terminals 122 of the energy storage device 120, can be insulated with heat shrink tubing or the like, except for the connection parts such as the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421. In contrast, the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421 are parts that are electrically connected to the second electrical panel 200 (external device), and therefore cannot be insulated. As a result, there is a risk that the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421 may come into contact incorrectly and short-circuit due to errors during connection work. In particular, since the surface of the housing 110 facing the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 in the Y-axis direction (third direction) is open, connection work is performed from the Y-axis direction (front) through this opening. In this case, if the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 are in the same position in the Z-axis direction (first direction, up and down direction), work errors are likely to occur.

[0076] For example, the connecting member 500 may be accidentally brought into contact with the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421, or a metal tool (such as a wrench) may be brought into contact with the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421. In particular, the risk of short circuit is high when the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421 are at the same height (position in the Z-axis direction) but separated only in the depth direction (Y-axis direction). Also, the connection by the connecting member 500 is configured to connect the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200 in the X-axis direction, and the work is done facing the front of the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200, so there was a possibility of work errors. In this work from the front, even if the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421 are at the same position in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, if their positions in the Z-axis direction are different, the risk of accidental contact when horizontally positioning the connecting member 500 is low.

[0077] Therefore, the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 of the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420, which are electrically connected to the second electrical panel 200, are positioned at different locations in the Z-axis direction (first direction, up and down direction). In other words, the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 are positioned so that the heights of the mounting planes of the positive electrode connection portion 510 and the negative electrode connection portion 520 to the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 are different. By positioning the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 at different locations in the Z-axis direction (first direction) in this way, it is possible to suppress the possibility of the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 making erroneous contact and causing a short circuit due to errors during connection work. Even if the connecting member 500 or a metal tool is accidentally positioned parallel to the Y-axis, the positive electrode connecting portion 411 and the negative electrode connecting portion 421 are in different positions in the Z-axis direction, making it difficult for them to make contact and reducing the risk of short circuits. As a result, short circuits between the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420, which are electrically connected to the energy storage device 120 in the first electrical panel 100, can be suppressed.

[0078] Normally, the circuit breaker to which the current path 300 is connected is switched off to open the circuit, and the wires connected to the external terminal 122 of the energy storage device 120 are disconnected before performing the connection work on the connecting component 500. Even if the work is performed in a closed circuit state for any reason, the risk of short circuits due to work errors can be reduced.

[0079] In the first electrical panel 100, the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 of the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 are positioned at different locations in the Y-axis direction (third direction, depth direction of the first electrical panel 100). This further suppresses the possibility of the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 making incorrect contact and causing a short circuit due to errors during connection work. Therefore, in the first electrical panel 100, short circuits of the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420, which are electrically connected to the energy storage device 120, can be suppressed.

[0080] In the first electrical panel 100, the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 of the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 are positioned at different locations in the X-axis direction (second direction, the direction in which the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200 are aligned). In this embodiment, the positive electrode connection portion 411, which is on the front side, is positioned in the positive X-axis direction more than the negative electrode connection portion 421. As a result, when connecting the negative electrode connection member 520 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 first in the order of work, there is working space on the front side, making the work easier and reducing the likelihood of short circuits. The fact that the negative electrode conductive member 420 is positioned higher in the Z-axis direction than the positive electrode conductive member 410 also makes the connection work of the negative electrode connection member 520 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 easier. This further suppresses the possibility of the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 making erroneous contact and causing a short circuit due to work errors during the connection work. Therefore, in the first electrical panel 100, short circuits between the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420, which are electrically connected to the energy storage device 120, can be suppressed.

[0081] The first electrical panel 100 is adjacent to the second electrical panel 200 (external device) in the X-axis direction (second direction), and the positive electrode connection portion 411 and negative electrode connection portion 421 of the first electrical panel 100 are connected to the second electrical panel 200 by penetrating the interface between the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200. Therefore, the connection direction between the positive electrode connection portion 411 and negative electrode connection portion 421 and the second electrical panel 200 is in the X-axis direction. If the connection direction between the positive electrode connection portion 411 and negative electrode connection portion 421 of the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200 is in the X-axis direction, it may be easier to access the positive electrode connection portion 411 and negative electrode connection portion 421 from the Y-axis direction (from the front). In this case, arranging the positive electrode connection portion 411 and negative electrode connection portion 421 at different positions in the Z-axis direction (first direction) makes the connection work easier. This prevents the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421 from making incorrect contact and short-circuiting due to errors during connection work. Therefore, in the first electrical panel 100, short circuits between the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 that are electrically connected to the energy storage device 120 can be suppressed.

[0082] The positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 of the first electrical panel 100 are electrically connected to the second electrical panel 200 (external device) via the opening 111a in the side wall 111 of the housing 110, which clarifies the placement locations of the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420. This makes it easier to connect the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 to the second electrical panel 200, thus preventing accidental contact and short circuits caused by errors during connection work. Therefore, short circuits of the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420, which are electrically connected to the energy storage device 120 in the first electrical panel 100, can be suppressed.

[0083] At least one (in this embodiment, both) of the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 of the first electrical panel 100 has a flat surface. Therefore, when connecting the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421 to the second electrical panel 200 (external device), at least one (in this embodiment, both) of the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 can be temporarily placed using the flat surface. In other words, by placing the positive electrode conductive member 410 or the negative electrode conductive member 420 on a flat surface with the flat surface facing downwards, the positive electrode conductive member 410 or the negative electrode conductive member 420 can be stably temporarily placed on the surface. This makes it easier to connect the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421 to the second electrical panel 200, and thus prevents the positive electrode connection part 411 and the negative electrode connection part 421 from accidentally coming into contact and short-circuiting due to errors during the connection work. Therefore, in the first electrical panel 100, short circuits between the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420, which are electrically connected to the energy storage device 120, can be suppressed. The same applies to the positive electrode connecting member 510 and the negative electrode connecting member 520.

[0084] By placing an insulating member 600 between the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 of the first electrical panel 100, the insulation between the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 can be improved. Therefore, in the first electrical panel 100, short circuits between the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420, which are electrically connected to the energy storage device 120, can be further suppressed.

[0085] In the second electrical panel 200, by attaching the insulating member 800 to at least one (both in this embodiment) of the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720, the insulating member 800 can be positioned between the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720. This makes it possible to easily position the insulating member 800 between the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720 even when it is difficult to directly attach the insulating member 800 to the housing 210 of the second electrical panel 200, thus suppressing short circuits between the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720 with a simple configuration.

[0086] In the above-mentioned effects, the effects in the first electrical panel 100 can be similarly applied to the second electrical panel 200, and the effects in the second electrical panel 200 can be similarly applied to the first electrical panel 100.

[0087] [4. Explanation of variations] Although the electrical equipment 10, the first electrical panel 100, and the second electrical panel 200 according to embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the scope of the present invention includes all modifications in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200 are arranged adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction, but they may be arranged slightly apart in the X-axis direction.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the second electrical panel 200 is positioned in the negative X-axis direction of the first electrical panel 100, but the second electrical panel 200 may be positioned in the positive X-axis direction of the first electrical panel 100. In this case, openings are formed in the side wall 112 of the housing 110 of the first electrical panel 100 and the side wall 211 of the housing 210 of the second electrical panel 200, through which the current path 300 (connecting member 500) passes.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the first electrical panel 100 may be arranged on both sides of the second electrical panel 200 in the X-axis direction. In this case, openings are formed in both the side wall 211 and the side portion 212 of the housing 210 of the second electrical panel 200, and in the first electrical panel 100, which is arranged in the negative X-axis direction of the second electrical panel 200, an opening is formed in the side wall 112 of the housing 110.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the second electrical panel 200 is assumed to be a collection panel equipped with a circuit breaker and a circuit board as electrical equipment 220, but it is not limited to this. The second electrical panel 200 may be a charger panel equipped with a charger / discharger as electrical equipment 220, or a power converter (power conditioner) equipped with a power converter as electrical equipment 220. The second electrical panel 200 may be a battery storage panel equipped with an energy storage device as electrical equipment 220. The second electrical panel 200 may be an electrical panel equipped only with wiring (electric wires, busbars, etc.) as electrical equipment 220, or an electrical panel equipped with other electrical equipment 220.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the positive electrode connection portion 411 in the first electrical panel 100 is positioned in the negative Z-axis direction (lower position) than the negative electrode connection portion 421, but it may also be positioned in the positive Z-axis direction (higher position) than the negative electrode connection portion 421. The positive electrode connection portion 411 is positioned in the negative Y-axis direction than the negative electrode connection portion 421, but it may also be positioned in the positive Y-axis direction than the negative electrode connection portion 421, or at the same position as the negative electrode connection portion 421 in the Y-axis direction. The positive electrode connection portion 411 is positioned in the positive X-axis direction than the negative electrode connection portion 421, but it may also be positioned in the negative X-axis direction than the negative electrode connection portion 421, or at the same position as the negative electrode connection portion 421 in the X-axis direction.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the positive electrode connection portion 711 in the second electrical panel 200 is positioned in the negative Z-axis direction (lower position) than the negative electrode connection portion 721, but it may also be positioned in the positive Z-axis direction (higher position) than the negative electrode connection portion 721. The positive electrode connection portion 711 is positioned in the negative Y-axis direction than the negative electrode connection portion 721, but it may also be positioned in the positive Y-axis direction than the negative electrode connection portion 721, or at the same position as the negative electrode connection portion 721 in the Y-axis direction. The positive electrode connection portion 711 is positioned at the same position as the negative electrode connection portion 721 in the X-axis direction, but it may also be positioned at a different position in the X-axis direction (positive X-axis direction or negative X-axis direction than the negative electrode connection portion 721).

[0094] In the above embodiment, the opening 111a may be formed at any position on the side wall 111 of the housing 110 of the first electrical panel 100, and any position on the side portion 212 of the housing 210 of the second electrical panel 200 may be open. In other words, the current path 300 may pass through any position on the side wall 111 and the side portion 212.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the positive electrode connection portion 411 and negative electrode connection portion 421 of the first electrical panel 100 and the positive electrode connection portion 711 and negative electrode connection portion 721 of the second electrical panel 200 are electrically connected via the opening 111a and side portion 212 of the side wall 111, but this is not limited to this. At least one of the housings 110 and 210 may not have the side wall and side portion, and the opening may not be provided, so the positive electrode connection portion 411 and negative electrode connection portion 421 and the positive electrode connection portion 711 and negative electrode connection portion 721 may be electrically connected by passing through a location different from the side wall 111 and side portion 212, such as penetrating the front surface of the first electrical panel 100 and the front surface of the second electrical panel 200. In other words, the positive electrode connection portion 411 and the negative electrode connection portion 421 and the positive electrode connection portion 711 and the negative electrode connection portion 721 may be electrically connected by passing through a location other than the interface between the first electrical panel 100 and the second electrical panel 200, without penetrating the interface.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the positive electrode conductive member 410 and the negative electrode conductive member 420 of the first electrical panel 100, and the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720 of the second electrical panel 200 do not necessarily have flat surfaces facing each other in the Z-axis direction.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the insulating member 800 is not attached to both the positive electrode conductive member 710 and the negative electrode conductive member 720, but may be attached to the housing 210 or the like.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the first electrical panel 100 does not need to be equipped with an insulating member 600, and the second electrical panel 200 does not need to be equipped with an insulating member 800.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the conductive members 400 and 700, etc., on the two current paths 300 aligned in the Z-axis direction both have the above configuration. However, it is also possible for the conductive members 400 and 700, etc., on either of the current paths 300 not to have the above configuration.

[0100] Embodiments constructed by arbitrarily combining the above embodiments and modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0101] The present invention can be realized not only as such an electrical panel (first electrical panel 100 or second electrical panel 200), but also as an electrical facility 10 comprising an electrical panel and external devices (first electrical panel 100 and second electrical panel 200), or as an electrical facility 10 comprising an electrical panel and external devices (first electrical panel 100 and second electrical panel 200) and a connecting member 500. [Industrial applicability]

[0102] This invention can be applied to electrical panels and the like that, which include conductive members arranged on the current path of an energy storage device equipped with an energy storage element such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10 Electrical equipment 100 First Electric Panel 110, 210 cabinets 111, 112, 211 side wall 111a opening 116 shelves 117 Space 120 Energy storage devices 122 External terminals 123 Energy Storage Element 200 Second Electric Panel 212 Side 212a, 212b Fixing members 220 Electrical equipment 300 Current Path 400, 700 conductive material 410, 710 Positive electrode conductive material 411, 711 Positive electrode connection 420, 720 Negative electrode conductive material 421, 721 Negative electrode connection 500 Connecting Member 510 Positive electrode connecting component 511, 512 Positive electrode connecting member end 520 Negative electrode connecting member 521, 522 End of negative electrode connecting member 600, 800 insulating material 712 Positive electrode conductive part 722 Negative electrode conductive part 810 Insulation 820 Insulation mounting section 900 Mounting components

Claims

1. In the first direction, which is vertical, and in the second direction, which is perpendicular to it, the housing is aligned with the external equipment, A current path through which current flows to an energy storage device located inside the housing or the external device, comprising a current path located inside the housing, The enclosure comprises a conductive member disposed inside the enclosure and on the current path, and electrically connected to the external device, The conductive member is A positive electrode conductive member electrically connected to the positive electrode external terminal of the aforementioned energy storage device, The energy storage device has a negative electrode conductive member that is electrically connected to the negative electrode external terminal, The positive electrode conductive member has a positive electrode connection portion that is electrically connected to the external device, The negative electrode conductive member has a negative electrode connection portion that is electrically connected to the external device, The positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion are arranged at different positions in the first direction. The housing has openings on the surfaces facing the positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. Electrical panel.

2. The positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion are arranged at different positions in the third direction. The electrical panel according to claim 1.

3. The positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion are arranged at different positions in the second direction. The electrical panel according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The electrical panel is adjacent to the external device in the second direction, The positive electrode connection portion and the negative electrode connection portion are electrically connected to the external device by passing through the interface between the electrical panel and the external device. The electrical panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The housing has side walls, The positive electrode connection and the negative electrode connection are electrically connected to the external device through an opening provided in the side wall. The electrical panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. At least one of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member has a flat surface facing the first direction. The electrical panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The system further comprises an insulating member disposed between the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member. The electrical panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The insulating member is attached to at least one of the positive electrode conductive member and the negative electrode conductive member. The electrical panel according to claim 7.

9. An electrical panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, An external device electrically connected to a conductive member of the aforementioned electrical panel, Electrical equipment equipped with the following features.

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