Energy storage device

Abstract

A power storage device (10) according to the present disclosure comprises: a case (1) that is formed in the shape of a container which accommodates a plurality of battery modules (14) and that has an opening (15); a cover (2) that has conductive wires (24) which connect the battery modules (14) and that closes opening (15) in an openable manner; and a terminal part (3) that connects the conductive wire (24) when the cover (2) is closed and that disconnects the conductive wires (24) when the cover (2) is opened. The terminal part (3) has a protruding plug part (21) and a recessed jack part (11). The jack part (11) is formed in a shape that does not interfere with the range of movement of the plug part (21) upon rotation with a first side of the cover (2) being in contact with a first side of the opening (15), and that does not interfere with the range of movement of the plug part (21) upon rotation with a second side of the cover (2) being in contact with a second side of the opening (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a power storage device incorporating a plurality of battery modules.

Background Art

[0002] In buildings such as houses and offices that receive commercial power supply, a power storage system that levels the power consumption by using a power storage device in combination is known. In this type of power storage system, the power storage device is connected to an AC power supply circuit via an inverter (DC / AC conversion circuit) or a converter (AC / DC conversion circuit). The power storage device can store power such as late-night power, solar power generation power, and gas power generation power (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The battery modules of the power storage device are housed inside a housing for water and contact prevention. This housing is closed by a door that can be opened and closed so that the battery modules can be easily accessed during maintenance. On the other hand, there is a risk of electric shock during maintenance work with the door open. To address such a risk, a structure has been proposed in which the electrical conduction state of the battery module is disconnected when the door is opened (see Patent Document 2).

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a solar cell module in which a pair of output terminal blocks are provided inside a housing (junction box) and a connector is fixed to the lid of the housing. In Patent Document 2, when the lid is closed, the connector is inserted between the pair of output terminal blocks to ensure a conduction state. Also, when the lid is opened, the connector is removed from between the pair of output terminal blocks to release the conduction state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, energy storage devices that house multiple battery modules are physically large, and their doors are often large and heavy. Therefore, if the structure described in Patent Document 2 is applied, the terminal parts that serve as electrical connections may collide with each other when the door is opened and closed, potentially causing malfunctions due to deformation or damage. Furthermore, it is necessary to open and close the door slowly and carefully to avoid strong collisions between the terminal parts, which presents a challenge in improving workability. In particular, in energy storage devices with a structure in which the door is completely separated from the housing (a structure in which the door is not fixed to the housing with hinges), it is difficult to obtain good workability when opening and closing the door.

[0007] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide an energy storage device that addresses the above-mentioned problems, suppresses malfunctions of the battery module with a simple configuration, and improves the ease of opening and closing the lid. However, other objectives of this invention include achieving effects and benefits that cannot be obtained with conventional technology, derived from the various configurations shown in the "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" section below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The disclosed energy storage device can be realized in the following embodiments (examples of application) and solves at least some of the above-mentioned problems. Each of the embodiments from Embodiment 2 onward is an additional embodiment that can be appropriately selected and each of them is an embodiment that can be omitted. None of the embodiments from Embodiment 2 onward disclose any embodiments or configurations that are indispensable to this case.

[0009] Embodiment 1. The disclosed energy storage device comprises a case formed in the shape of a container for housing a plurality of battery modules and having a rectangular opening; a rectangular lid having conductors connecting the plurality of battery modules and openingly closing the opening; and a terminal portion that electrically connects the battery modules and the conductors when the lid is closed and electrically disconnects the battery modules and the conductors when the lid is open. The terminal portion has a convex plug portion provided on one of the case and the lid and a concave jack portion provided on the other of the case and the lid.

[0010] The jack portion is formed in a shape that does not interfere with the relative range of movement of the plug portion relative to the jack portion when the lid is rotated to close the opening while the first edge of the lid is placed against the first edge of the opening. Furthermore, the jack portion is formed in a shape that does not interfere with the relative range of movement of the plug portion relative to the jack portion when the lid is rotated to close the opening while the second edge of the lid, which is different from the first edge of the opening, is placed against the second edge of the opening, which is different from the first edge of the opening.

[0011] Embodiment 2. With respect to embodiments including Embodiment 1 described above, it is preferable that the jack portion has two plate members and an elastic member that biases the two plate members toward each other. Embodiment 3. With respect to embodiments including Embodiment 2 described above, it is preferable that a pair of elastic members are provided so as to sandwich the plug portion when the lid is closed. It is also preferable that the distance between the pair of elastic members is set according to the distance from the plug portion to the first side and the distance from the plug portion to the second side.

[0012] Embodiment 4. With respect to embodiments including Embodiment 2 described above, it is preferable that the two plate members are formed in a shape that narrows the gap between the two plate members from the entrance side to the back side in the insertion direction of the plug portion. Embodiment 5. With respect to embodiments including Embodiment 4 described above, it is preferable that the two plate members have inclined surfaces formed by chamfering the corners formed by the opposing surfaces of the two plate members and the end face on the side into which the plug portion is inserted. Furthermore, it is preferable that the size of the inclined surfaces is set according to the distance from the plug portion to the first side and the distance from the plug portion to the second side.

[0013] Embodiment 6. With respect to embodiments including Embodiment 1 described above, it is preferable that the jack portion has a positive jack portion connected to the positive terminal of the battery module and a negative jack portion connected to the negative terminal of the battery module. It is also preferable that the plug portion has a positive plug portion corresponding to the positive jack portion and a negative plug portion corresponding to the negative jack portion. Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the positive plug portion and the length of the negative plug portion are different.

[0014] Embodiment 7. With respect to embodiments including Embodiment 1 described above, it is preferable that the plug portion has a positive plug portion connected to the positive terminal of the battery module and a negative plug portion connected to the negative terminal of the battery module. It is also preferable that the jack portion has a positive jack portion corresponding to the positive plug portion and a negative jack portion corresponding to the negative plug portion. Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the positive plug portion and the length of the negative plug portion are different.

[0015] Embodiment 8. With respect to embodiments including Embodiment 1 described above, it is preferable that the energy storage device includes a timer relay interposed on an external connection line extending from the battery module to the outside of the case. Furthermore, it is preferable that the timer relay is connected after a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting the connection of the terminal portion. Embodiment 9. With respect to embodiments including Embodiment 1 described above, it is preferable that the energy storage device is provided with a safety plug interposed on the conductor of the lid and detachably attached while the lid is closed in order to disconnect the conductor midway.

[0016] Aspect 10. Regarding the aspect including the above Aspect 9, it is preferable that the power storage device includes a locking device that maintains the locked state of the lid with respect to the case. Further, it is preferable that the locked state is maintained while the safety plug is attached, and the locked state is released when the safety plug is removed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the disclosed power storage device, the insertion and removal operation of the plug portion with respect to the jack portion becomes easy, and the deformation and occurrence of failures of the terminal portion can be suppressed. Further, the occurrence of collision between the terminal portions can be suppressed, and the lid can be easily opened and closed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the malfunction of the battery module with a simple configuration and improve the workability related to the opening and closing of the lid.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the power storage device (open state of the lid) according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] (A) and (B) are exploded perspective views of the terminal portion. [Figure 3] It is a three-sided view of the main part of the jack portion. [Figure 4] (A) to (D) are diagrams for explaining the movement range of the plug portion. [Figure 5] It is a front view of the case of the power storage device from which the lid has been removed. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the power storage device (open state of the lid) according to the first modification. [Figure 7] It is a circuit diagram of the power storage device according to the second modification.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The disclosed energy storage device is an energy storage device that includes multiple battery modules and is installed in buildings such as houses and businesses that receive commercial power. A battery module is, for example, a group battery consisting of multiple battery cells (single cells). The number of battery cells included in a single battery module is one or more and can be set to any number. The type of battery cell is not limited to a specific type and includes, for example, lithium-ion secondary batteries, lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, sodium-sulfur batteries, etc.

[0020] The energy storage device may house not only a battery module but also an inverter (DC / AC conversion circuit), a converter (DC / AC conversion circuit), a rapid charger, and other components. The battery module of the energy storage device is connected to the building's AC power supply circuit via the inverter and converter. The battery module can store energy using, for example, off-peak electricity, solar power, or gas power. Furthermore, the power stored in the battery module can be supplied to outlets and various load devices (air conditioning systems, electric water heaters, lighting systems, etc.) within the building. [Examples]

[0021] [1. Structure] The energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment comprises a case 1, a lid 2, and a terminal section 3. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the energy storage device 10 showing the inside of the case 1 with the lid 2 removed and the inside of the lid 2 (internal surface 25). Case 1 is formed in the shape of a container that houses multiple battery modules 14. Each battery module 14 is provided with a positive terminal 4 and a negative terminal 5. Case 1 also has a rectangular opening 15. The case 1 shown in Figure 1 is box-shaped, with one side of the rectangular parallelepiped being open (one of the six sides is missing).

[0022] Regarding the four sides surrounding the outer perimeter of the opening 15, in this embodiment, the side located on the left side of the outer perimeter of the opening 15 (when viewed from the front) is defined as the "left side 16," and the side located on the right side of the opening 15 is defined as the "right side 17." Similarly, the upper side in the front view is defined as the "top side 18," and the lower side is defined as the "bottom side 19." Although the opening 15 shown in Figure 1 is formed to span the entire surface of one side of the rectangular case 1, it may also be formed as a smaller rectangular shape.

[0023] The lid 2 is a rectangular member that retractably closes the opening 15. The lid 2 can be completely removed from the case 1. On the inner surface 25 of the lid 2 that faces the battery module 14, a conductor 24 is provided to connect the multiple battery modules 14. The conductor 24 is routed, for example, to connect one of the positive terminal 4 or negative terminal 5 of one battery module 14 to the other of the positive terminal 4 or negative terminal 5 of another battery module 14. This forms a circuit in which multiple battery modules 14 are connected in series. The connection structure of the multiple battery modules 14 is not limited to this; for example, they may be connected in parallel, or a mixture of series and parallel connections may be used.

[0024] The size of the lid 2 is set to correspond to the size of the opening 15. In addition, with respect to the four sides of the lid 2, in this embodiment, the side corresponding to the left side 16 of the opening 15 (the side that contacts or is close to the lid 2 when it is closed) is defined as the "left side 26", and the side corresponding to the right side 17 of the opening 15 is defined as the "right side 27". Similarly, the side corresponding to the top side 18 of the opening 15 is defined as the "top side 28", and the side corresponding to the bottom side 19 of the opening 15 is defined as the "bottom side 29".

[0025] Furthermore, guide structures (hook structures, not shown) that engage with the left edge 16, right edge 17, top edge 18, and bottom edge 19 of the opening 15 may be formed on each of the left edge 26, right edge 27, top edge 28, and bottom edge 29 of the lid 2. The guide structures function to reduce the difficulty of rotating the lid 2 while keeping the outer edge of the lid 2 against the outer edge of the opening 15. For example, by engaging the guide structures on the left edges 16 and 26 with each other, it becomes easier to rotate the lid 2 while keeping the left edge 26 of the lid 2 against the left edge 16 of the opening 15. Also, by engaging the guide structures on the bottom edges 19 and 29 with each other, it becomes easier to rotate the lid 2 while keeping the bottom edge 29 of the lid 2 against the bottom edge 19 of the opening 15.

[0026] The guide structure may consist of an axial support portion and a supported portion that is detachably engaged with a portion of its outer circumferential surface. For example, the support portion may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the supported portion may be formed in a semi-cylindrical shape by cutting a cylinder that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the support portion lengthwise along the cylindrical axis. The support portion is formed on either the outer periphery of the lid 2 or the outer periphery of the opening 15. The corresponding supported portion is formed on the other of the outer periphery of the lid 2 or the outer periphery of the opening 15.

[0027] Terminal section 3 electrically connects the battery module 14 and the conductor 24 when the lid 2 is closed, and electrically disconnects the battery module 14 and the conductor 24 when the lid 2 is open. This terminal section 3 has a convex plug section 21 (male terminal, convex terminal) provided on one of the case 1 and lid 2, and a concave jack section 11 (female terminal, concave terminal) provided on the other of the case 1 and lid 2. By inserting the plug section 21 into the jack section 11, these are electrically connected.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 1, the jack portion 11 is provided on the case 1 side, and the plug portion 21 is provided on the lid 2 side. The jack portion 11 has a positive jack portion 12 and a negative jack portion 13. The positive jack portion 12 is the part that connects to the positive terminal 4 of the battery module 14. The negative jack portion 13 is the part that connects to the negative terminal 5 of the battery module 14. The plug portion 21 also has a positive plug portion 22 and a negative plug portion 23. The positive plug portion 22 is the part that corresponds to the positive jack portion 12 and is inserted into and connected to the positive jack portion 12. The negative plug portion 23 is the part that corresponds to the negative jack portion 13 and is inserted into and connected to the negative jack portion 13.

[0029] Figure 2(A) is a perspective view showing the positive jack portion 12 (jack portion 11) and the positive plug portion 22 (plug portion 21) of the terminal portion 3 in an exploded view. The positive jack portion 12 comprises a cap member 31, a cap conductor 32, an upper member 33, a lower member 35, and an elastic member 37. The cap member 31 in Figure 2(A) is fitted around the terminal (positive terminal 4) of the battery module 14. The cap conductor 32 is a plate-shaped conductor provided so as to penetrate the cap member 31, and is arranged to lie along the surface of either the upper member 33 or the lower member 35 in the gap between the upper member 33 and the lower member 35.

[0030] The upper member 33 and the lower member 35 are two plate members. These plate members are arranged substantially parallel to each other so that a gap of a predetermined dimension or greater is formed between them. In this embodiment, the separation direction of the two plate members is vertical, but it may also be horizontal. The elastic member 37 is a member that biases these two plate members toward each other, and is, for example, a coil spring or a leaf spring. A pair of elastic members 37 are provided so as to sandwich the plug portion 21 (positive electrode plug portion 22) when the lid 2 is closed. The separation distance of the pair of elastic members 37 (distance along the plate surfaces of the upper member 33 and the lower member 35) is A1.

[0031] The positive electrode plug portion 22 is a plate-shaped conductor fixed to the lid 2 with one end in contact with the conductor 24. When the other end of the positive electrode plug portion 22 is inserted between the upper member 33 and the lower member 35 and contacts the cap conductor 32, the battery module 14 and the conductor 24 are electrically connected. The length of the positive electrode plug portion 22 is L1 and its width is W1. The width W1 is set to be at least smaller than the separation distance A1.

[0032] Figure 2(B) is a perspective view showing the negative jack portion 13 (jack portion 11) and the negative plug portion 23 (plug portion 21) of the terminal portion 3 in an exploded view. The negative jack portion 13 has the same components as the positive jack portion 12 and includes a cap member 31, a cap conductor 32, an upper member 33, a lower member 35, and an elastic member 37. The cap member 31 in Figure 2(B) is fitted around the terminal (negative terminal 5) of the battery module 14.

[0033] A pair of elastic members 37 are provided so as to sandwich the plug portion 21 (negative electrode plug portion 23) when the lid 2 is closed. The distance between the pair of elastic members 37 is A2. The cap conductor 32, upper member 33, lower member 35, and elastic members 37 in Figure 2(B) may be the same as the cap conductor 32, upper member 33, lower member 35, and elastic members 37 in Figure 2(A), or they may be slightly different in shape and size.

[0034] The negative electrode plug portion 23 is a plate-shaped conductor fixed to the lid 2 with one end in contact with the conductor 24. When the other end of the negative electrode plug portion 23 is inserted between the upper member 33 and the lower member 35 and contacts the cap conductor 32, the battery module 14 and the conductor 24 are electrically connected. The length of the negative electrode plug portion 23 is L2 and its width is W2. The width W2 is set to be at least smaller than the separation distance A2. The length L2 is preferably a different dimension from the length L1, for example, it is preferably set to be smaller than the length L1.

[0035] Figure 3 is a three-view drawing of the main parts (upper member 33, lower member 35, elastic member 37) of the jack section 11 (positive jack section 12, negative jack section 13). The upper member 33 and the lower member 35 are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The upper member 33 and the lower member 35 are arranged to face each other with a predetermined gap formed between them via a pair of elastic members 37. Furthermore, the upper member 33 and the lower member 35 are formed in a shape that narrows the gap between them from the entrance side to the back side in the insertion direction of the plug section 21. The upper member 33 shown in Figure 3 has an upper inclined surface portion 34 (one of the inclined surfaces), and the lower member 35 has a lower inclined surface portion 36 (one of the inclined surfaces).

[0036] The upper inclined surface portion 34 is a part formed by chamfering the corner formed between the surface of the upper member 33 facing the lower member 35 and the end face on the side into which the plug portion 21 is inserted. Similarly, the lower inclined surface portion 36 is a part formed by chamfering the corner formed between the surface of the lower member 35 facing the upper member 33 and the end face on the side into which the plug portion 21 is inserted. By providing the upper inclined surface portion 34 and the lower inclined surface portion 36, the plug portion 21 can be easily inserted smoothly between the upper member 33 and the lower member 35.

[0037] The shape of the jack portion 11 in this embodiment is formed so as not to interfere with the range of movement of the plug portion 21 when the lid 2 is placed against the opening 15 of the case 1 and rotated. For example, one of the left side 16, right side 17, top side 18, and bottom side 19 of the opening 15 is defined as the "first side of the opening 15". Also, one of the corresponding left side 26, right side 27, top side 28, and bottom side 29 is defined as the "first side of the lid 2". The jack portion 11 is formed so as not to interfere with the relative range of movement of the plug portion 21 with respect to the jack portion 11 when the opening 15 is closed by rotating the lid 2 while the first side of the lid 2 is placed against the first side of the opening 15.

[0038] In addition, one of the left edge 16, right edge 17, top edge 18, and bottom edge 19 of the opening 15, different from the first edge, is defined as the "second edge of the opening 15." Furthermore, one of the corresponding left edge 26, right edge 27, top edge 28, and bottom edge 29 is defined as the "second edge of the lid 2." The jack portion 11 is formed in a shape that does not interfere with the relative range of movement of the plug portion 21 relative to the jack portion 11 when the opening 15 is closed by rotating the lid 2 while the second edge of the lid 2 is aligned with the second edge of the opening 15. In other words, the jack portion 11 is formed in a shape that corresponds to at least two rotation patterns of the lid 2.

[0039] A rotation pattern in which the lid 2 is rotated around the left sides 16 and 26 results in a right-closing (right-opening) operation, and a rotation pattern in which the lid 2 is rotated around the right sides 17 and 27 results in a left-closing (left-opening) operation. Furthermore, a rotation pattern in which the lid 2 is rotated around the top sides 18 and 28 results in a downward-closing (downward-opening) operation, and a rotation pattern in which the lid 2 is rotated around the bottom sides 19 and 29 results in an upward-closing (upward-opening) operation. In this embodiment, the shape of the jack portion 11 is formed so that the plug portion 21 can be smoothly inserted and removed without interfering with the jack portion 11 in any operation.

[0040] Figures 4(A) to 4(D) illustrate the relative range of movement of the plug portion 21 (e.g., positive terminal plug portion 22) with respect to the jack portion 11 (e.g., positive terminal jack portion 12). In Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the upper member 33 is not shown. The dashed line in Figure 4(A) represents the range of movement F1 of the plug portion 21 during right closing (right opening) operation. The dashed line in Figure 4(B) represents the range of movement F2 of the plug portion 21 during left closing (left opening) operation. The dashed line in Figure 4(C) represents the range of movement F3 of the plug portion 21 during downward closing (downward opening) operation. The dashed line in Figure 4(D) represents the range of movement F4 of the plug portion 21 during upward closing (upward opening) operation.

[0041] Figure 5 is a front view of Case 1 illustrating the position of the jack portion 11 (for example, the positive jack portion 12) shown in Figures 4(A) to (D). The distance from the jack portion 11 to the left side 16 of the opening 15 is D1, and the distance from the jack portion 11 to the right side 17 of the opening 15 is D2. The distance from the jack portion 11 to the top side 18 of the opening 15 is D3, and the distance from the jack portion 11 to the bottom side 19 of the opening 15 is D4.

[0042] The shape of the jack portion 11 is preferably formed so as not to interfere with the plug portion 21 when the cover 2 is rotated in the left-right direction, for example. The range of movement F1 of the plug portion 21 shown in Figure 4(A) is shaped according to the length L1 and width W1 of the plug portion 21, as well as the distance D1 from the jack portion 11 into which the plug portion 21 is inserted to the left side 16. Similarly, the range of movement F2 of the plug portion 21 shown in Figure 4(B) is shaped according to the length L1 and width W1 of the plug portion 21, as well as the distance D2 from the jack portion 11 into which the plug portion 21 is inserted to the right side 17.

[0043] For example, the smaller the distance D1, the closer the movement trajectory of the plug portion 21 becomes to a curve that bulges to the right in Figure 4(A), and the larger the area of ​​the movement range F1. Conversely, the larger the distance D1, the closer the movement trajectory of the plug portion 21 becomes to a straight line, and the smaller the area of ​​the movement range F1. Therefore, it is preferable to set the shape of the jack portion 11 considering the change in the shape of the movement range F1 according to the distance D1. Here, the position of the plug portion 21 relative to the jack portion 11 when the lid 2 is closed is defined as the "reference position". For example, the smaller the distance D1, the larger the distance from the reference position to the elastic member 37 on the right side in Figures 4(A) and (B) is preferable.

[0044] Furthermore, the smaller the distance D2, the closer the movement trajectory of the plug portion 21 becomes to a curve that bulges to the left in Figure 4(B), and the larger the area of ​​the movement range F2. Conversely, the larger the distance D2, the closer the movement trajectory of the plug portion 21 becomes to a straight line, and the smaller the area of ​​the movement range F2. Therefore, it is preferable to set the shape of the jack portion 11 taking into account the change in the shape of the movement range F2 according to the distance D2. For example, it is preferable to set the distance from the reference position to the left elastic member 37 in Figures 4(A) and (B) to be larger the smaller the distance D2.

[0045] The shape of the jack portion 11 is preferably formed so as not to interfere with the plug portion 21 even when the cover 2 is rotated vertically. The range of movement F3 of the plug portion 21 shown in Figure 4(C) is shaped according to the length L1 and width W1 of the plug portion 21, as well as the distance D3 from the jack portion 11 into which the plug portion 21 is inserted to the top edge 18. Similarly, the range of movement F4 of the plug portion 21 shown in Figure 4(D) is shaped according to the length L1 and width W1 of the plug portion 21, as well as the distance D4 from the jack portion 11 into which the plug portion 21 is inserted to the bottom edge 19.

[0046] For example, the smaller the distance D3, the closer the movement trajectory of the plug portion 21 becomes to a shape that bulges downward in Figure 4(C), and the larger the area of ​​the movement range F3. Conversely, the larger the distance D3, the closer the movement trajectory of the plug portion 21 becomes to a shape that bulges downward, and the smaller the area of ​​the movement range F3 becomes. Therefore, it is preferable to set the shape of the jack portion 11 taking into account the change in the shape of the movement range F3 according to the distance D3. For example, the smaller the distance D3, the larger the size (area and gradient relative to the opposing surface) of the downward inclined surface portion 36 is set, that is, the larger the chamfer is.

[0047] Furthermore, the smaller the distance D4, the closer the movement trajectory of the plug portion 21 becomes to an upward-curving arc in Figure 4(D), and the larger the area of ​​the movement range F4. Conversely, the larger the distance D4, the closer the movement trajectory of the plug portion 21 becomes to a straight line, and the smaller the area of ​​the movement range F4. Therefore, it is preferable to set the shape of the jack portion 11 considering the change in the shape of the movement range F4 according to the distance D4. For example, it is preferable to set the size (area and gradient relative to the opposing surface) of the upper inclined surface portion 34 to be larger, i.e., to be more chamfered, as the distance D4 becomes smaller.

[0048] [2. Action, Effects] (1) The above-described energy storage device 10 is formed in the shape of a container that houses a plurality of battery modules 14 and comprises a case 1 having a rectangular opening 15, a rectangular lid 2 having a conductor 24 that connects the plurality of battery modules 14 and which can openly close the opening 15, and a terminal portion 3 that electrically connects the battery modules 14 and the conductor 24 when the lid 2 is closed and electrically disconnects the battery modules 14 and the conductor 24 when the lid 2 is open. The terminal portion 3 has a convex plug portion 21 provided on one of the case 1 and the lid 2 and a concave jack portion 11 provided on the other of the case 1 and the lid 2.

[0049] The jack portion 11 is shaped so as not to interfere with the relative range of movement of the plug portion 21 relative to the jack portion 11 when the lid 2 is rotated to close the opening 15 while the first edge of the lid 2 is placed against the first edge of the opening 15. Furthermore, the jack portion 11 is shaped so as not to interfere with the relative range of movement of the plug portion 21 relative to the jack portion 11 when the lid 2 is rotated to close the opening 15 while the second edge of the lid 2, which is different from the first edge of the opening 15, is placed against the second edge of the opening 15, which is different from the first edge of the opening 15.

[0050] In other words, the jack portion 11 is formed in a shape that does not interfere with the relative range of movement of the plug portion 21 relative to the jack portion 11 in at least two rotation patterns of the lid 2. This configuration makes it easy to insert and remove the plug portion 21 from the jack portion 11 and suppresses deformation and failure of the terminal portion 3. It also suppresses collisions between the terminal portions 3 and makes it easy to open and close the lid 2. Therefore, it is possible to improve the workability related to opening and closing the lid 2 while suppressing malfunctions of the battery module 14 with a simple configuration.

[0051] Furthermore, the jack portion 11 in this embodiment is formed in a shape that does not interfere with the movement range F1, F2, F3, and F4 of the plug portion 21 in four different rotation patterns (four patterns: right opening, left opening, downward opening, and upward opening). As a result, no matter how the lid 2 is opened or closed, the plug portion 21 does not interfere with the jack portion 11, allowing for smooth insertion and removal. Therefore, deformation and failure of the terminal portion 3 can be reliably prevented, and the convenience and workability related to opening and closing the lid 2 can be improved.

[0052] (2) The jack portion 11 described above includes, for example, two plate members (upper member 33, lower member 35) and an elastic member 37 that biases them toward each other. With this configuration, a structure can be realized in which misalignment of the plug portion 21 sandwiched between the two plate members is more easily tolerated, specifically in the direction along the plate surface of the plate members. Therefore, interference between the jack portion 11 and the plug portion 21 can be suppressed more reliably.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), when the separation direction of the two plate members is parallel to the extending direction of the rotation axis when the lid 2 is rotated, it becomes easier to achieve a shape for the jack portion 11 that does not interfere with the movement range F1 and F2 of the plug portion 21. Therefore, deformation and failure of the terminal portion 3 can be reliably prevented, and the workability related to opening and closing the lid 2 can be improved.

[0054] (3) As shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), the elastic members 37 described above are provided in pairs so as to sandwich the plug portion 21 when the lid 2 is closed. The separation distances A1 and A2 of the pair of elastic members 37 are set according to, for example, the distance D1 from the plug portion 21 to the left side 16 (first side) and the distance D2 from the plug portion 21 to the right side 17 (second side). By setting the separation distances A1 and A2 of the pair of elastic members 37 in this way, taking into account the distances D1 and D2, the minimum separation distances A1 and A2 that do not interfere with the movement ranges F1 and F2 of the plug portion 21 can be determined with high accuracy. Therefore, deformation and failure of the terminal portion 3 can be reliably prevented, and the terminal portion 3 can be made smaller and lighter, thereby reducing product costs.

[0055] (4) The two plate members (upper member 33, lower member 35) are formed in a shape that narrows the gap from the entrance side to the back side in the insertion direction of the plug portion 21, as shown in Figures 3, 4(C), and (D). In other words, the gap is wider at the entrance side in the insertion direction of the plug portion 21. This makes it possible to create a structure in which the misalignment of the plug portion 21 sandwiched between the two plate members is more easily tolerated, specifically the misalignment in the separation direction of the two plate members. Therefore, interference between the jack portion 11 and the plug portion 21 can be suppressed more reliably.

[0056] (5) The two plate members (upper member 33, lower member 35) have inclined surfaces (upper inclined surface 34, lower inclined surface 36) formed by chamfering the corners formed by, for example, the opposing surfaces of the two plate members and the end face on which the plug portion 21 is inserted. The size of the inclined surfaces (area and gradient relative to the opposing surfaces) is set according to, for example, the distance D3 from the plug portion 21 to the upper edge 18 (first edge, one edge in the separation direction of the two plate members) and the distance D4 from the plug portion 21 to the lower edge 19 (second edge, the other edge in the separation direction of the two plate members).

[0057] In this way, by setting the shape of the inclined surface portion (upper inclined surface portion 34, lower inclined surface portion 36) while considering distances D3 and D4, it is possible to accurately determine the shape of the inclined surface portion (upper inclined surface portion 34, lower inclined surface portion 36) that does not interfere with the movement range F3 and F4 of the plug portion 21. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the terminal portion 3 while reliably preventing deformation and failure of the terminal portion 3, thereby lowering product costs.

[0058] (6) The jack portion 11 includes, for example, a positive jack portion 12 connected to the positive terminal 4 of the battery module 14 and a negative jack portion 13 connected to the negative terminal 5 of the battery module 14. The plug portion 21 includes, for example, a positive plug portion 22 corresponding to the positive jack portion 12 and a negative plug portion 23 corresponding to the negative jack portion 13. In addition, the length L1 of the positive plug portion 22 and the length L2 of the negative plug portion 23 are different. With this configuration, the disconnection timing of the positive plug portion 22 and the disconnection timing of the negative plug portion 23 can be made different when opening and closing the lid 2.

[0059] Furthermore, in cases where an earthing member connected to the negative terminal 5 of the battery module 14 is provided inside the case 1, as in the body earthing structure of an automobile (or where the case 1 itself is connected to the negative terminal 5 of the battery module 14), it is preferable to make the negative plug portion 23 shorter than the positive plug portion 22. This allows the negative plug portion 23 to be removed before the positive plug portion 22 when the lid 2 is opened, thereby reducing the risk of unintended short circuits or electric shocks.

[0060] Conversely, if the component connected to the positive terminal 4 of the battery module 14 is located inside the case 1 (or if the case 1 itself is connected to the positive terminal 4 of the battery module 14), it is preferable to make the positive plug portion 22 shorter than the negative plug portion 23. This allows the positive plug portion 22 to be removed before the negative plug portion 23 when the lid 2 is opened, thereby reducing the risk of unintended short circuits or electric shocks.

[0061] [3. Variant] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the energy storage device 10 (with the lid 2 open) according to the first modified example. In the above embodiment, a jack portion 11 was provided on the case 1 side and a plug portion 21 was provided on the lid 2 side. On the other hand, in this modified example, a plug portion 41 is provided on the case 1 side and a jack portion 51 is provided on the lid 2 side. The plug portion 41 has a positive electrode plug portion 42 and a negative electrode plug portion 43. The positive electrode plug portion 42 is the part that is connected to the positive electrode terminal 4 of the battery module 14. The negative electrode plug portion 43 is the part that is connected to the negative electrode terminal 5 of the battery module 14.

[0062] The jack portion 51 has a positive jack portion 52 and a negative jack portion 53. The positive jack portion 52 is the part corresponding to the positive plug portion 42, into which the positive plug portion 42 is inserted and connected. The negative jack portion 53 is the part corresponding to the negative plug portion 43, into which the negative plug portion 43 is inserted and connected. Thus, the plug portion 41 and the jack portion 51 may be provided on either the case 1 or the lid 2.

[0063] Furthermore, in the energy storage device 10 shown in Figure 6, the lengths of the positive electrode plug portion 42 and the negative electrode plug portion 43 may be made different. With this configuration, the disconnection timing of the positive electrode plug portion 42 and the disconnection timing of the negative electrode plug portion 43 when opening and closing the lid 2 can be made different, thereby reducing the risk of unintended short circuits and electric shocks.

[0064] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram of a second modified energy storage device 10. In this energy storage device 10, a timer relay 62 is interposed on an external connection line 61 extending from the battery module 14 to the outside of the case 1. The timer relay 62 is a relay device that connects after a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting the disconnection of the terminal 3. By providing the timer relay 62 in the energy storage device 10, the power supply to the external connection line 61 can be temporarily stopped after the lid 2 is closed. Therefore, the risk of unintended short circuits or electric shocks via the external connection line 61 can be reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, in the modified energy storage device 10, a safety plug 63 is interposed on the conductor 24 of the lid 2. The safety plug 63 is a plug that can be attached and detached while the lid 2 is closed, in order to disconnect the conductor 24 midway at least one location. By providing the safety plug 63 in the energy storage device 10, the conductor 24 can be cut by removing the safety plug 63 while the lid 2 is closed. In other words, the power supply to the external connection line 61 can be cut off before opening the lid 2, thereby reducing the risk of unintended short circuits or electric shocks via the external connection line 61.

[0066] Furthermore, in this modified version of the energy storage device 10, the case 1 and the lid 2 are provided with a locking device 64 that maintains the locked state (restrained state) of the lid 2 relative to the case 1. While the locking device 64 locks the movement of the lid 2, the lid 2 cannot be removed. In addition, the locked state of the lid 2 by the locking device 64 is maintained while the safety plug 63 is installed, and is released when the safety plug 63 is removed.

[0067] This configuration prevents operations such as removing the cover 2 without removing the safety plug 63, thereby improving safety during work. Furthermore, since the safety plug 63 is reliably removed when the cover 2 is removed, the power supply to the external connection line 61 is cut off, reducing the risk of unintended short circuits or electric shocks via the external connection line 61.

[0068] [4. Others] The above embodiments (including the first and second modifications) are merely illustrative examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated in these embodiments. Each configuration of these embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from their intended purpose. Furthermore, each configuration of these embodiments can be selected or combined as needed.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the structure of the terminal section 3 is illustrated in which the upper member 33 and the lower member 35 are arranged substantially parallel and spaced apart in the vertical direction. However, they may also be arranged substantially parallel and spaced apart in the horizontal direction, or they may be arranged diagonally in the direction of separation. The jack portions 11, 51 and plug portions 21, 41 of the terminal section 3 should be formed in a shape that does not interfere with at least two or more ways of rotating the cover 2. [Industrial applicability]

[0070] This technology is applicable to the manufacturing, sales, and maintenance of energy storage devices equipped with multiple battery modules. It is also applicable to the manufacturing, sales, and maintenance of industrial energy storage systems, residential energy storage systems, and power management systems to which these devices are applied. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1 case 2 lid 3 Terminal section 4 Positive terminal 5 Negative terminal 10 Energy storage device 11 Jack section 12. Positive jack section (jack section) 13. Negative jack section (jack section) 14 Battery Modules 15 Opening 16 Left side 17 Right side 18 Top 19 Bottom edge 21 Plug section 22 Positive electrode plug section (plug section) 23 Negative electrode plug section (plug section) 24 Conductor 25 Internal surface 26 Left side 27 Right side 28 Top 29 Bottom edge 31 Cap member 32 Cap conductors 33 Upper member 34 Upper inclined surface section (slanted surface section) 35 Lower member 36 Downward slope section (slope section) 37 Elastic members 41 Plug section 42 Positive electrode plug section (plug section) 43. Negative electrode plug section (plug section) 51 Jack section 52 Positive jack section (jack section) 53 Negative jack section (jack section) 61 External connection lines 62 Timer relay 63 Safety Plug 64 Locking device

Claims

1. A case formed in the shape of a container for housing multiple battery modules, having a square-shaped opening, A rectangular lid having a wire connecting the plurality of battery modules and which can open and close the opening, The battery module and the conductor are electrically connected when the lid is closed, and the battery module and the conductor are electrically disconnected when the lid is open, The terminal portion has a convex plug portion provided on one of the case and the lid, and a concave jack portion provided on the other of the case and the lid. The aforementioned jack section The shape is formed such that it does not interfere with the relative range of movement of the plug portion relative to the jack portion when the lid is rotated to close the opening while the first edge of the lid is placed against the first edge of the opening, and The shape is formed such that it does not interfere with the relative range of movement of the plug portion relative to the jack portion when the lid is rotated to close the opening while the second side of the lid (different from the first side) is aligned with the second side of the lid (different from the first side) of the opening (different from the first side) of the opening. A power storage device characterized by the following features.

2. The jack portion comprises two plate members and an elastic member that biases the two plate members toward each other. The energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. The elastic members are provided in pairs so as to sandwich the plug portion when the lid is closed. The distance between the pair of elastic members is set according to the distance from the plug portion to the first side and the distance from the plug portion to the second side. The energy storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that

4. The two plate members are formed in such a shape that the gap between them narrows from the entrance side to the back side in the insertion direction of the plug portion. The energy storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that

5. The two plate members have inclined surfaces formed by chamfering the corners formed between the opposing surfaces of the two plate members and the end face on the side into which the plug is inserted. The size of the inclined surface is set according to the distance from the plug portion to the first side and the distance from the plug portion to the second side. The energy storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that

6. The jack portion has a positive jack portion connected to the positive terminal of the battery module and a negative jack portion connected to the negative terminal of the battery module. The plug portion has a positive plug portion corresponding to the positive jack portion and a negative plug portion corresponding to the negative jack portion. The length of the positive electrode plug portion and the length of the negative electrode plug portion are different. The energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that

7. The plug portion has a positive electrode plug portion connected to the positive electrode of the battery module and a negative electrode plug portion connected to the negative electrode of the battery module. The jack portion has a positive jack portion corresponding to the positive plug portion and a negative jack portion corresponding to the negative plug portion. The length of the positive electrode plug portion and the length of the negative electrode plug portion are different. The energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that

8. The battery module is equipped with a timer relay interposed on an external connection line extending from the battery module to the outside of the case, The timer relay is connected after a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting the connection of the terminals. The energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that

9. The lid is equipped with a safety plug interposed on the conductor, which is detachably provided to disconnect the conductor midway while the lid is closed. The energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that

10. The case is equipped with a locking device that maintains the locked state of the lid, The locked state is maintained while the safety plug is installed, and the locked state is released when the safety plug is removed. The energy storage device according to claim 9, characterized in that

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