Power 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

Power storage device

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

[0002] In buildings such as homes and offices that receive commercial power, there is a known power storage system that uses a power storage device to level out power consumption. 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 late-night power, solar power, gas-generated power, and the like (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The battery modules of an energy storage device are housed inside a housing to prevent water damage and contact. This housing is closed with an openable door to allow easy access to the battery modules during maintenance. However, performing maintenance with the door open carries the risk of electric shock. To address this risk, a structure has been proposed that cuts off the electrical continuity of the battery modules when the door is open (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 connectors are fixed to the lid of the housing. In Patent Document 2, when the lid is closed, the connectors are inserted between the pair of output terminal blocks, ensuring electrical continuity. Furthermore, when the lid is opened, the connectors are removed from between the pair of output terminal blocks, releasing the electrical continuity.

[0005] JP 2014-027848 A JP 2005-286070 A

[0006] However, energy storage devices housing multiple battery modules are physically large in size, and their doors are often large and heavy. Therefore, when the structure described in Patent Document 2 is applied, terminals serving as electrical connections may collide with each other when the door is opened or closed, potentially resulting in deformation or damage and resulting in malfunction. Furthermore, the door must be opened and closed slowly and carefully to prevent the terminals from colliding forcefully, which presents a challenge in terms of improving workability. In particular, in energy storage devices with a structure in which the door is completely separated from the housing (i.e., the door is not hinged to the housing), it is difficult to achieve good workability in opening and closing the door.

[0007] One of the objectives of the present invention, which was devised in light of the above-mentioned problems, is to provide an energy storage device that has a simple configuration that suppresses malfunctions of the battery module while improving the operability of opening and closing the lid. In addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the configurations shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" below, which are not obtainable with conventional technologies.

[0008] The disclosed energy storage device can be realized as the following disclosed aspects (application examples), which solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems. Each of the aspects from aspect 2 onwards is an aspect that can be selected as an additional aspect, and each of the aspects from aspect 2 onwards is an aspect that can be omitted. None of the aspects from aspect 2 onwards discloses an aspect or configuration that is essential to the present invention.

[0009] Aspect 1. The disclosed energy storage device includes a case formed in the shape of a container for accommodating a plurality of battery modules and having a rectangular opening, a rectangular lid having conductors connecting the plurality of battery modules and releasably 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 movement range of the plug portion with respect to the jack portion when the lid is rotated to close the opening while a first edge of the lid is placed against a first edge of the opening. Also, the jack portion is formed in a shape that does not interfere with the relative movement range of the plug portion with respect to the jack portion when the lid is rotated to close the opening while a second edge of the lid, different from the first edge, is placed against a second edge of the opening, different from the first edge.

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

[0012] Aspect 4. With respect to aspects including Aspect 2 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 toward the back side in the insertion direction of the plug portion. Aspect 5. With respect to aspects including Aspect 4 above, it is preferable that the two plate members have inclined surface portions formed by chamfering corners formed by the opposing surfaces of the two plate members and the end surface on the side where the plug portion is inserted. It is also preferable that the size of the inclined surface portions is set in accordance with the distance from the plug portion to the first edge and the distance from the plug portion to the second edge.

[0013] Aspect 6. In relation to the aspects including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the jack portion has a positive electrode jack portion connected to the positive electrode terminal of the battery module and a negative electrode jack portion connected to the negative electrode terminal of the battery module. It is also preferable that the plug portion has a positive electrode plug portion corresponding to the positive electrode jack portion and a negative electrode plug portion corresponding to the negative electrode jack portion. It is also preferable that the positive electrode plug portion and the negative electrode plug portion have different lengths.

[0014] Aspect 7. In the aspects including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the plug portion has a positive electrode plug portion connected to the positive electrode terminal of the battery module and a negative electrode plug portion connected to the negative electrode terminal of the battery module. It is also preferable that the jack portion has a positive electrode jack portion corresponding to the positive electrode plug portion and a negative electrode jack portion corresponding to the negative electrode plug portion. It is also preferable that the positive electrode plug portion and the negative electrode plug portion have different lengths.

[0015] Aspect 8. With regard to aspects including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the power storage device includes a timer relay interposed on an external connection line extending from the battery module to the outside of the case. It is also preferable that the timer relay is connected a predetermined time after detecting connection of the terminal portion. Aspect 9. With regard to aspects including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the power storage device includes a safety plug interposed on the conductor of the lid, which is detachable while the lid is closed so as to connect or disconnect the conductor midway.

[0016] Aspect 10. In relation to the aspects including Aspect 9 above, it is preferable that the power storage device includes a locking device that maintains a locked state of the lid relative to the case. It is also preferable that the locked state is maintained while the safety plug is attached, and that the locked state is released when the safety plug is removed.

[0017] The disclosed power storage device facilitates the insertion and removal of the plug into the jack, reducing deformation and failure of the terminals. It also reduces collisions between the terminals, making it easier to open and close the lid. Therefore, a simple configuration can be used to reduce malfunctions of the battery module while improving the ease of opening and closing the lid.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power storage device (with the lid open) according to an embodiment; (A) and (B) are exploded perspective views of a terminal portion; (A) to (B) are three-view views of the main portion of a jack portion; (A) to (D) are views for explaining the range of movement of a plug portion; (A) is a front view of a case of the power storage device with the lid removed; (B) is a perspective view of a power storage device (with the lid open) according to a first modified example; and (C) is a circuit diagram of a power storage device according to a second modified example.

[0019] The disclosed power storage device is a power storage device including multiple battery modules, and is installed in a building such as a home or business that receives commercial power. The battery modules are, for example, a group battery consisting of multiple battery cells (single cells). The number of battery cells included in one battery module is one or more and can be set to any number. The type of battery cells 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] In addition to the battery module, the power storage device may house an inverter (DC / AC conversion circuit), a converter (DC / AC conversion circuit), a rapid charger, and the like. The battery module of the power storage device is connected to an AC power supply circuit within the building via the inverter or converter. The battery module can store electricity using, for example, late-night electricity, solar power, or gas-generated electricity. Furthermore, the electricity stored in the battery module can be supplied to outlets and various load devices (air conditioners, electric water heaters, lighting devices, and the like) within the building.

[0021] [1. Configuration] An energy storage device 10 according to the embodiment includes a case 1, a lid 2, and a terminal portion 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the energy storage device 10 showing the interior of the case 1 with the lid 2 removed and the inside of the lid 2 (inner surface 25). The case 1 is formed in the shape of a container that houses a plurality of battery modules 14. Each battery module 14 is provided with a positive electrode terminal 4 and a negative electrode terminal 5. The case 1 also has a rectangular opening 15. The case 1 shown in FIG. 1 is box-shaped, and is a rectangular parallelepiped with one open side (one of the six sides missing).

[0022] With regard to the four sides surrounding the outer periphery of opening 15, in this embodiment, the side located on the left side of the periphery of opening 15 (when viewed from the front of opening 15) is defined as the "left side 16," and the side located on the right side of opening 15 is defined as the "right side 17." Similarly, the upper side when viewed from the front is defined as the "upper side 18," and the lower side is defined as the "lower side 19." Note that opening 15 shown in FIG. 1 is formed in a size that spans the entire surface of rectangular parallelepiped case 1, but it may also be an opening formed in a smaller rectangular shape.

[0023] The lid 2 is a rectangular member that releasably closes the opening 15. The lid 2 is designed to be completely removable from the case 1. An inner surface 25 of the lid 2 that faces the battery modules 14 is provided with conductors 24 that connect the plurality of battery modules 14. The conductors 24 are routed so as to connect, for example, one of the positive terminal 4 or the negative terminal 5 of one battery module 14 to the other of the positive terminal 4 or the negative terminal 5 of another battery module 14. This forms a circuit in which the plurality of battery modules 14 are connected in series as a whole. Note that the connection structure of the plurality of battery modules 14 is not limited to this, and for example, the plurality of battery modules 14 may be connected in parallel, or a combination 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. Furthermore, with regard 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 comes into contact with 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] Note that the left edge 26, right edge 27, top edge 28, and bottom edge 29 of the lid 2 may each be formed with a guide structure (hook structure, not shown) that engages with the left edge 16, right edge 17, top edge 18, and bottom edge 19 of the opening 15. The guide structure functions to reduce the difficulty of rotating the lid 2 while the outer periphery of the lid 2 is in contact with the outer periphery of the opening 15. For example, by engaging the guide structures of the left edges 16 and 26 with each other, it becomes easier to rotate the lid 2 while the left edge 26 of the lid 2 is in contact with the left edge 16 of the opening 15. Furthermore, by engaging the guide structures of the bottom edges 19 and 29 with each other, it becomes easier to rotate the lid 2 while the bottom edge 29 of the lid 2 is in contact with the bottom edge 19 of the opening 15.

[0026] The guide structure may be composed of a shaft-shaped supporting portion and a supported portion that detachably engages with a portion of the outer periphery of the supporting portion. For example, the supporting portion may be cylindrical, and the supported portion may be semi-cylindrical, formed by cutting the cylinder that contacts the outer periphery of the supporting portion longitudinally along the cylindrical axis. The supporting 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] The terminal section 3 electrically connects the battery module 14 and the conductors 24 when the lid 2 is closed, and electrically disconnects the battery module 14 and the conductors 24 when the lid 2 is open. The terminal section 3 has a convex plug section 21 (male terminal, convex terminal) provided on one of the case 1 and the lid 2, and a concave jack section 11 (female terminal, concave terminal) provided on the other of the case 1 and the lid 2. Inserting the plug section 21 into the jack section 11 electrically connects them.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 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 electrode jack portion 12 and a negative electrode jack portion 13. The positive electrode jack portion 12 is a portion connected to the positive electrode terminal 4 of the battery module 14. The negative electrode jack portion 13 is a portion connected to the negative electrode terminal 5 of the battery module 14. The plug portion 21 has a positive electrode plug portion 22 and a negative electrode plug portion 23. The positive electrode plug portion 22 is a portion corresponding to the positive electrode jack portion 12, and is inserted into and connected to the positive electrode jack portion 12. The negative electrode plug portion 23 is a portion corresponding to the negative electrode jack portion 13, and is inserted into and connected to the negative electrode jack portion 13.

[0029] 2(A) is an exploded perspective view showing the positive electrode jack portion 12 (jack portion 11) and the positive electrode plug portion 22 (plug portion 21) of the terminal portion 3. The positive electrode jack portion 12 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 FIG. 2(A) is attached to the terminal (positive electrode terminal 4) of the battery module 14. The cap conductor 32 is a plate-shaped conductor that penetrates the cap member 31 and is disposed 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 at least a predetermined dimension is formed between them. In this embodiment, the two plate members are spaced apart in the vertical direction, but may also be spaced apart in the horizontal direction. 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 to sandwich the plug portion 21 (positive electrode plug portion 22) when the lid 2 is in the closed state. The separation distance between the pair of elastic members 37 (the 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 comes into contact with the cap conductor 32, the battery module 14 and the conductor 24 are electrically connected. The positive electrode plug portion 22 has a length L1 and a width W1. The width W1 is set to be smaller than at least the separation distance A1.

[0032] 2(B) is an exploded perspective view showing the negative electrode jack portion 13 (jack portion 11) and the negative electrode plug portion 23 (plug portion 21) of the terminal portion 3. The negative electrode jack portion 13 has the same components as the positive electrode 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 FIG. 2(B) is attached to the terminal (negative electrode terminal 5) of the battery module 14.

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

[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 negative electrode plug portion 23 has a length L2 and a width W2. The width W2 is set to be smaller than at least the separation distance A2. The length L2 is preferably a dimension different from the length L1, and is preferably set to be smaller than the length L1, for example.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a three-view diagram of the main parts (upper member 33, lower member 35, elastic member 37) of the jack portion 11 (positive electrode jack portion 12, negative electrode jack portion 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. The upper member 33 and the lower member 35 are formed in a shape that narrows the gap between these members 33, 35 from the entrance side toward the back side in the insertion direction of the plug portion 21. The upper member 33 shown in FIG. 3 is formed with an upper inclined surface portion 34 (one of the inclined surface portions), and the lower member 35 is formed with a lower inclined surface portion 36 (one of the inclined surface portions).

[0036] The upper inclined surface portion 34 is a portion formed in a shape where a corner formed by the surface of the upper member 33 facing the lower member 35 and the end face on the side where the plug portion 21 is inserted is chamfered. Similarly, the lower inclined surface portion 36 is a portion formed in a shape where a corner formed by the surface of the lower member 35 facing the upper member 33 and the end face on the side where the plug portion 21 is inserted is chamfered. The provision of the upper inclined surface portion 34 and the lower inclined surface portion 36 makes it easier to smoothly insert the plug portion 21 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 rotated while being fitted to the opening 15 of the case 1. 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." Furthermore, 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 range of movement of the plug portion 21 relative to the jack portion 11 when the lid 2 is rotated while the first side of the lid 2 is fitted to the first side of the opening 15 to close the opening 15.

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

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

[0040] 4(A) to 4(D) are diagrams illustrating the relative movement range of the plug portion 21 (e.g., the positive plug portion 22) with respect to the jack portion 11 (e.g., the positive jack portion 12). The upper member 33 is not shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B). The dashed line in FIG. 4(A) indicates the movement range F1 of the plug portion 21 during a right-closing (right-opening) operation. The dashed line in FIG. 4(B) indicates the movement range F2 of the plug portion 21 during a left-closing (left-opening) operation. The dashed line in FIG. 4(C) indicates the movement range F3 of the plug portion 21 during a downward-closing (downward-opening) operation. The dashed line in FIG. 4(D) indicates the movement range F4 of the plug portion 21 during an upward-closing (upward-opening) operation.

[0041] 5 is a front view of the case 1 for explaining the position of the jack portion 11 (e.g., the positive jack portion 12) shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D. 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 lid 2 is rotated, for example, left or right. The movement range F1 of the plug portion 21 shown in Fig. 4(A) is shaped according to not only the length L1 and width W1 of the plug portion 21 but also the distance D1 from the jack portion 11 into which the plug portion 21 is inserted to the left side 16. Similarly, the movement range F2 of the plug portion 21 shown in Fig. 4(B) is shaped according to not only the length L1 and width W1 of the plug portion 21 but also the distance D2 from the jack portion 11 into which the plug portion 21 is inserted to the right side 17.

[0043] For example, as the distance D1 decreases, the movement trajectory of the plug portion 21 becomes more like an arc bulging to the right in FIG. 4A , and the area of ​​the movement range F1 increases. Conversely, as the distance D1 increases, the movement trajectory of the plug portion 21 becomes more like a straight line, and the area of ​​the movement range F1 decreases. Therefore, it is preferable to set the shape of the jack portion 11 taking into account the change in shape of the movement range F1 depending on 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, it is preferable to set the distance from the reference position to the right-side elastic member 37 in FIGS. 4A and 4B longer as the distance D1 decreases.

[0044] Furthermore, as the distance D2 becomes smaller, the movement locus of the plug portion 21 becomes more like an arc bulging to the left in FIG. 4B , and the area of ​​the movement range F2 becomes larger. Conversely, as the distance D2 becomes larger, the movement locus of the plug portion 21 becomes more like a straight line, and the area of ​​the movement range F2 becomes smaller. Therefore, it is preferable to set the shape of the jack portion 11 taking into consideration the change in shape of the movement range F2 depending on the distance D2. For example, it is preferable to set the distance from the reference position to the left elastic member 37 in FIGS. 4A and 4B larger as the distance D2 becomes smaller.

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

[0046] For example, as the distance D3 decreases, the movement locus of the plug portion 21 becomes closer to a downwardly bulging arc in FIG. 4C , and the area of ​​the movement range F3 increases. Conversely, as the distance D3 increases, the movement locus of the plug portion 21 becomes closer to a straight line, and the area of ​​the movement range F3 decreases. Therefore, it is preferable to set the shape of the jack portion 11 taking into consideration the change in shape of the movement range F3 depending on the distance D3. For example, it is preferable that the size (area and gradient relative to the opposing surface) of the lower inclined surface portion 36 be set larger as the distance D3 decreases, i.e., the lower inclined surface portion 36 is chamfered more.

[0047] Furthermore, as the distance D4 decreases, the movement locus of the plug portion 21 becomes closer to an arc bulging upward in FIG. 4(D), and the area of ​​the movement range F4 increases. Conversely, as the distance D4 increases, the movement locus of the plug portion 21 becomes closer to a straight line, and the area of ​​the movement range F4 decreases. Therefore, it is preferable to set the shape of the jack portion 11 taking into consideration the change in shape of the movement range F4 depending on the distance D4. For example, it is preferable that the size (area and gradient relative to the opposing surface) of the upper inclined surface portion 34 be set larger as the distance D4 decreases, i.e., the upper inclined surface portion 34 is chamfered more.

[0048] [2. Actions and Effects] (1) The above-described energy storage device 10 includes a case 1 formed in the shape of a container for accommodating a plurality of battery modules 14 and having a rectangular opening 15, a rectangular lid 2 having conductors 24 connecting the plurality of battery modules 14 and releasably closing the opening 15, and a terminal unit 3 that electrically connects the battery modules 14 and the conductors 24 when the lid 2 is closed and electrically disconnects the battery modules 14 and the conductors 24 when the lid 2 is open. The terminal unit 3 includes a convex plug unit 21 provided on one of the case 1 and the lid 2, and a concave jack unit 11 provided on the other of the case 1 and the lid 2.

[0049] The jack portion 11 is formed in a shape that does not interfere with the relative movement range of the plug portion 21 with respect to the jack portion 11 when the lid 2 is rotated to close the opening 15 while a first edge of the lid 2 is placed against a first edge of the opening 15. Furthermore, the jack portion 11 is formed in a shape that does not interfere with the relative movement range of the plug portion 21 with respect to the jack portion 11 when the lid 2 is rotated to close the opening 15 while a second edge of the lid 2, different from the first edge, is placed against a second edge of the opening 15, different from the first edge.

[0050] In other words, the jack portion 11 is formed in a shape that does not interfere with the relative movement range of the plug portion 21 with respect to the jack portion 11 in at least two rotation patterns of the lid 2. This configuration facilitates the insertion and removal of the plug portion 21 from the jack portion 11, and reduces deformation and malfunction of the terminal portion 3. It also reduces collisions between the terminal portions 3, making it easier to open and close the lid 2. Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to reduce malfunctions of the battery module 14 while improving the operability of opening and closing the lid 2.

[0051] Furthermore, the jack portion 11 of this embodiment is formed in a shape that does not interfere with the movement ranges F1, F2, F3, and F4 of the plug portion 21 in four rotation patterns (right-opening, left-opening, bottom-opening, and top-opening). As a result, no matter how the lid 2 is rotated to open or close, the plug portion 21 does not interfere with the jack portion 11, allowing for smooth insertion and removal. This reliably prevents deformation or malfunction of the terminal portion 3, and improves the convenience and operability of opening and closing the lid 2.

[0052] (2) The jack portion 11 includes, for example, two plate members (upper member 33 and lower member 35) and an elastic member 37 that biases them toward each other. This configuration allows for a structure that is more tolerant of misalignment of the plug portion 21 sandwiched between the two plate members, particularly misalignment along the plate surfaces of the plate members. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress interference between the jack portion 11 and the plug portion 21.

[0053] 4A and 4B, when the direction of separation between the two plate members is parallel to the direction of extension of the rotation axis when the lid 2 is rotated, it is easy to realize a shape of the jack portion 11 that does not interfere with the movement ranges F1 and F2 of the plug portion 21. This reliably prevents deformation or malfunction of the terminal portion 3 and improves the operability of opening and closing the lid 2.

[0054] (3) As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, a pair of the elastic members 37 are provided to sandwich the plug portion 21 when the lid 2 is closed, for example. The separation distances A1 and A2 between the pair of elastic members 37 are set, for example, based on 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 between the pair of elastic members 37 in consideration of the distances D1 and D2, it is possible to accurately determine the minimum separation distances A1 and A2 that do not interfere with the movement ranges F1 and F2 of the plug portion 21. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent deformation and failure of the terminal portion 3 while reducing the size and weight of the terminal portion 3 and thereby reducing production costs.

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

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

[0057] In this way, by setting the shapes of the inclined surface portions (upper inclined surface portion 34, lower inclined surface portion 36) in consideration of the distances D3 and D4, it is possible to accurately determine the shapes of the inclined surface portions (upper inclined surface portion 34, lower inclined surface portion 36) that do not interfere with the movement ranges F3 and F4 of the plug portion 21. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent deformation and failure of the terminal portion 3 while reducing the size and weight of the terminal portion 3, thereby reducing the production cost.

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

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

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

[0061] 6 is a perspective view of a power storage device 10 (with the lid 2 open) according to a first modified example. In the above embodiment, the jack portion 11 is provided on the case 1 side, and the plug portion 21 is provided on the lid 2 side. In contrast, in this modified example, the plug portion 41 is provided on the case 1 side, and the 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 connected to the positive electrode terminal 4 of the battery module 14. The negative electrode plug portion 43 is connected to the negative electrode terminal 5 of the battery module 14.

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

[0063] 6, the positive electrode plug portion 42 and the negative electrode plug portion 43 may be different in length. With this configuration, the timing of connecting and disconnecting the positive electrode plug portion 42 and the timing of connecting and disconnecting the negative electrode plug portion 43 when the lid 2 is opened and closed can be made different, thereby reducing the risk of unintended short circuits and electric shock.

[0064] 7 is a circuit diagram of a power storage device 10 according to a second modification. In this power storage device 10, a timer relay 62 is provided 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 is connected a predetermined time after detecting the connection of a previously disconnected terminal 3. By providing the timer relay 62 in the power storage device 10, it is possible to temporarily stop the supply of power to the external connection line 61 after the lid 2 is closed. This reduces the risk of an unintended short circuit or electric shock occurring via the external connection line 61.

[0065] Furthermore, in the energy storage device 10 according to this modification, a safety plug 63 is interposed on the conductor 24 of the lid 2. The safety plug 63 is a plug that is provided so as to be detachable while the lid 2 is closed so as to connect or disconnect the conductor 24 midway at least at one location. By providing the safety plug 63 in the energy storage device 10, the safety plug 63 can be removed while the lid 2 is closed to disconnect the conductor 24. In other words, the power supply to the external connection line 61 can be cut off before the lid 2 is opened, thereby reducing the risk of an unintended short circuit or electric shock occurring via the external connection line 61.

[0066] Furthermore, in the energy storage device 10 according to this modification, the case 1 and the lid 2 are provided with a locking device 64 that maintains a 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. Furthermore, the locked state of the lid 2 by the locking device 64 is maintained while the safety plug 63 is attached, and is released when the safety plug 63 is removed.

[0067] This configuration improves work safety by preventing the lid 2 from being removed without removing the safety plug 63. Furthermore, because the safety plug 63 is reliably removed when the lid 2 is removed, the power supply to the external connection line 61 can be cut off, reducing the risk of unintentional short circuits or electric shocks occurring via the external connection line 61.

[0068] [4. Other] The above-described embodiments (including the first and second modified examples) are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described in the present embodiments. Each configuration of the present embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present embodiments. Furthermore, each configuration of the present embodiments can be selected or combined as needed.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the structure of the terminal unit 3 in which the upper member 33 and the lower member 35 are arranged substantially parallel and spaced apart in the vertical direction has been exemplified, but they may also be arranged substantially parallel and spaced apart in the horizontal direction, or may be arranged diagonally. The jack portions 11, 51 and plug portions 21, 41 of the terminal unit 3 may be formed in shapes that do not interfere with at least two or more patterns of rotation of the lid 2.

[0070] This technology can be used in the manufacturing, sales, and maintenance management of power storage devices equipped with multiple battery modules, as well as in the manufacturing, sales, and maintenance management of industrial power storage systems, residential power storage systems, and power management systems to which power storage devices are applied.

[0071] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Case 2 Lid 3 Terminal portion 4 Positive electrode terminal 5 Negative electrode terminal 10 Energy storage device 11 Jack portion 12 Positive electrode jack portion (jack portion) 13 Negative electrode jack portion (jack portion) 14 Battery module 15 Opening 16 Left side 17 Right side 18 Top side 19 Bottom side 21 Plug portion 22 Positive electrode plug portion (plug portion) 23 Negative electrode plug portion (plug portion) 24 Conductor 25 Inner surface 26 Left side 27 Right side 28 Top side 29 Bottom side 31 Cap member 32 Cap conductor 33 Top member 34 Upper inclined surface portion (inclined surface portion) 35 Bottom member 36 Lower inclined surface portion (inclined surface portion) 37 Elastic member 41 Plug portion 42 Positive electrode plug portion (plug portion) 43 Negative electrode plug portion (plug portion) 51 Jack portion 52 Positive electrode jack portion (jack portion) 53 Negative electrode jack portion (jack portion) 61 External connection line 62 Timer relay 63 Safety plug 64 Locking device

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: a case formed in the shape of a container for accommodating a plurality of battery modules and having a rectangular opening; a rectangular lid having conductors connecting the plurality of battery modules and releasably closing the opening; and a terminal portion that electrically connects the battery module and the conductors when the lid is closed and electrically disconnects the battery module and the conductors when the lid is open, the terminal portion having 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 jack portion being shaped so as not to interfere with the range of movement of the plug portion relative to the jack portion when the lid is rotated with a first side of the opening abutted against a first side of the opening to close the opening, and also so as not to interfere with the range of movement of the plug portion relative to the jack portion when the lid is rotated with a second side of the lid abutted against a second side of the opening that is different from the first side. A power storage device comprising:

2. The electricity storage device according to claim 1, wherein the jack portion has two plate members and an elastic member that biases the two plate members in the direction of approaching each other.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein a pair of the elastic members are provided to sandwich the plug portion when the lid is in the closed state, and the spacing 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.

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

5. The energy storage device according to claim 4, wherein the two plate members have inclined surface portions formed by chamfering corners formed by the opposing surfaces of the two plate members and the end surface on the side where the plug portion is inserted, and the size of the inclined surface portions 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.

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

7. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein 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 electrode jack portion corresponding to the positive electrode plug portion and a negative electrode jack portion corresponding to the negative electrode plug portion, and the positive electrode plug portion and the negative electrode plug portion are different in length.

8. The energy storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a timer relay interposed on an external connection line extending from the battery module to the outside of the case, the timer relay being connected after a predetermined time has elapsed since the connection of the terminal section was detected.

9. The electricity storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a safety plug that is interposed on the conductor of the lid and is detachable while the lid is closed so as to connect or disconnect the conductor midway.

10. The energy storage device according to claim 9, further comprising a locking device that maintains a locked state of the lid relative to the case, wherein the locked state is maintained while the safety plug is attached, and the locked state is released when the safety plug is removed.

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