Power supply device set, power supply device, and battery cartridge

Abstract

A power supply device set according to the present invention comprises: a battery cartridge that is provided so as to be exposed at a cartridge housing accommodating a battery assembly, and has a first connector electrically connected to the battery assembly, and a first coupling mechanism physically coupled to a device when the first connector is electrically connected to another device; and a power supply device that is provided so as to be exposed at a power supply device housing and has a second connector to which the first connector is electrically connected, a second coupling mechanism to which the first coupling mechanism is physically coupled when the second connector is electrically connected to the first connector, a voltage output terminal part that is exposed from the power supply device housing and to which a terminal of an electronic apparatus can be connected and which can output a voltage output from the battery cartridge via the first connector and the second connector to the electronic apparatus, and a circuit part that is accommodated in the power supply device housing and outputs the voltage output from the battery cartridge when the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector.

Description

Power supply device set, power supply device, and battery cartridge

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device, a battery cartridge connected to the power supply device, and a power supply device set having the power supply device and the battery cartridge.

[0002] When charging an electronic device, it is known to install a charger supplied with power from an external power source to charge the battery of the electronic device (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Utility Model Registration No. 3218109 Gazette

[0004] However, when the external power source cannot be used due to a disaster or the like, power supply from the charger to the electronic device becomes impossible.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device suitable for charging an electronic device particularly during a disaster, a battery cartridge connected to the power supply device, and a power supply device set having the power supply device and the battery cartridge.

[0006] A power supply device set according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a battery cartridge having a battery assembly having a plurality of battery cells; a cartridge housing housing the battery assembly; a first connector exposed on the cartridge housing and electrically connected to the battery assembly; a first coupling mechanism that is physically connected to another device when the first connector is electrically connected to the device; a power supply device housing; a second connector exposed on the power supply device housing and electrically connected to the first connector; a second coupling mechanism that is physically connected to the first coupling mechanism when the second connector is electrically connected to the first connector; a voltage output terminal section exposed from the power supply device housing and capable of connecting terminals of an electronic device, and capable of outputting voltages output from the battery cartridge via the first connector and the second connector to the electronic device; a circuit section housed in the power supply device housing that outputs voltages output from the battery cartridge via the voltage output terminal section to the electronic device when the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector; and a power supply device.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply device particularly suitable for charging electronic devices during disasters, a battery cartridge connected to the power supply device, and a power supply device set having the power supply device and the battery cartridge.

[0008] The effects described herein are not necessarily limited to those described herein and may include any of the effects described herein.

[0009] This document shows a power supply set according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The power supply is shown. The internal structure of the primary battery cartridge is shown. The circuit of the primary battery cartridge is shown. The internal structure of the secondary battery cartridge is shown. The battery cartridge is shown. The sequence setting unit is shown. The mounting structure between the battery cartridge and the power supply is shown. The specifications of the battery cartridge are shown. The power supply circuit section is shown. The mode selector switch is shown. The electrical circuit for the first mode is shown. The electrical circuit for the second mode is shown. The electrical circuit for the third mode is shown. The electrical circuit for the fourth mode (non-power outage) is shown. The electrical circuit for the fourth mode (power outage) is shown. The electrical circuit for the fifth mode is shown.

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1. Power supply unit set

[0012] Figure 1 shows a power supply set according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] The power supply set 1 includes one or more (four in this example) battery cartridges 10 and a power supply unit 20. By connecting one or more (up to four in this example) battery cartridges 10 to the power supply unit 20, the voltage from the battery cartridges 10 can be supplied from the power supply unit 20 to other electronic devices (not shown).

[0014] 2. power supply

[0015] Figure 2 shows the power supply unit.

[0016] The power supply unit 20 is capable of detachably connecting to a battery cartridge 10. The battery cartridge 10 serves as fuel for the power supply unit 20 and can be replaced after depletion. The power supply unit 20 has a power supply unit housing 200 that houses a power supply unit circuit section 300. A mode selector switch 202, a display 203, a main switch 204, and a voltage output terminal section 206 are exposed on the front 211 of the power supply unit housing 200. A second connector 402 (Figure 8) and a second coupling mechanism 412 (Figure 8) are exposed on the rear 212 of the power supply unit housing 200. An AC voltage input terminal section 214 is provided on a side of the power supply unit housing 200 other than the rear 212 (for example, the side).

[0017] The second connector 402 is exposed on the rear surface 212 of the power supply housing 200, and the first connector 401 of the battery cartridge 10 is electrically connected to it.

[0018] When the second connector 402 is electrically connected to the first connector 401 of the battery cartridge 10, the first coupling mechanism 411 of the battery cartridge 10 is physically connected to the second coupling mechanism 412.

[0019] The main switch 204 can reversibly switch the electrical connection between the battery cartridge 10, which is connected via the second connector 402, and the voltage output terminal section 206 on and off. When the main switch 204 is turned on by the user, the battery capacity (remaining charge) of the battery cartridge 10 may be displayed on the display 203.

[0020] The mode selector switch 202 is a switch for switching the voltage output mode among five different modes (described later).

[0021] The voltage output terminal section 206 is exposed from the power supply housing 200 and can be connected to the terminals of external electronic devices (not shown). It can output voltage from the battery cartridge 10 to the electronic devices via the first connector 401 of the battery cartridge 10 and the second connector 402 of the power supply 20. The voltage output terminal section 206 has main voltage output terminals 207, 208, a USB-A terminal 209, two Type-C terminals 210, 210, and an AC tap 205.

[0022] The main voltage output terminals 207 and 208 have specifications similar to a vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, and allow for the connection and disconnection of terminals for external electronic devices (not shown), outputting 14V and 100W DC voltages to the electronic devices, respectively.

[0023] The USB-A port 209 can output a DC voltage of, for example, 5V, and can charge electronic devices (smartphones, personal computers, tablet computers, wearable devices, small LED lamps, flashlights, etc.). The USB-A port 209 is compatible with the QC3.0 standard.

[0024] The Type-C terminal 210 is compatible with the PD3.0 standard.

[0025] The AC tap 205 outputs, for example, 100V AC voltage and can supply voltage to electronic devices via an AC plug.

[0026] 3. Battery cartridge

[0027] The battery cartridge 10 is either a primary battery cartridge 10A or a secondary battery cartridge 10B. One or more (up to four) primary battery cartridges 10A can be connected to the power supply unit 20 for use. Alternatively, one or more (up to four) secondary battery cartridges 10B can be connected to the power supply unit 20 for use. Alternatively, one or more primary battery cartridges 10 and one or more secondary battery cartridges 10B can be mixed together (up to four) and connected to the power supply unit 20 for use.

[0028] Figure 3 shows the internal structure of a primary battery cartridge.

[0029] The primary battery cartridge 10A contains a primary battery assembly 102A. The primary battery assembly 102A has multiple primary battery cells 101A. The primary battery cells 101A are, for example, LiFeS2 (lithium / iron disulfide) batteries with long-term storage performance (10 years). Each primary battery cell 101A has a voltage of 1.5V and a capacity of 2900mAh. The primary battery assembly 102A is arranged in a series of 10 cells and a parallel of 12 cells (120 cells in total). It has a capacity of 624Wh at a discharge current of 1.2A and a capacity of 564Wh at a discharge current of 3.0A. The voltage is DC 15V and the weight is 2.5kg.

[0030] Figure 4 shows the circuit of the primary battery cartridge.

[0031] During storage, the main switch is turned off, which keeps the MOSFETs connected to each row circuit in the off state. Therefore, there is no electrical movement between parallel circuits, improving storage stability. When in use, the main switch is turned on, and power is supplied to J1 (the power pin of the first connector 401). The MCU (Micro Controller Unit) in the central control panel controls the on / off state of the main switch. This operation is performed even when the primary battery cartridge 10A is installed. The primary battery cartridge 10A can prevent self-discharge during storage through the automatic ON / OFF switching of its internal parallel circuit.

[0032] Figure 5 shows the internal structure of a secondary battery cartridge.

[0033] The secondary battery cartridge 10B contains a secondary battery assembly 102B. The secondary battery assembly 102B has a plurality of secondary battery cells 101B. The secondary battery cells 101B are, for example, lithium-ion batteries. Each secondary battery cell 101B has a voltage of 3.7V and a capacity of 5000mAh. The secondary battery assembly 102B is arranged in a series of 4 cells and a parallel of 10 cells (a total of 40 cells). It has a discharge current of 1.2A and a capacity of 740Wh. The voltage is DC 14.8V and the weight is 3.5kg.

[0034] Figure 6 shows the battery cartridge.

[0035] In the primary battery cartridge 10A and the secondary battery cartridge 10B, the external configuration is the same, except for the built-in primary battery assembly 102A and secondary battery assembly 102B. That is, the primary battery cartridge 10A and the secondary battery cartridge 10B are identical in shape. Therefore, the common configuration will be described below as the configuration of battery cartridge 10, without distinguishing between the primary battery cartridge 10A and the secondary battery cartridge 10B.

[0036] The battery cartridge 10 includes a cartridge housing 103, a first connector 401, a first coupling mechanism 411, a second connector 402, a second coupling mechanism 412 (Figure 8), a sequence setting unit 106, and a battery circuit unit 109.

[0037] The cartridge housing 103 houses the battery assembly 102 and the battery circuit section 109.

[0038] The first connector 401 is provided so as to be exposed on the front surface 110 of the cartridge housing 103, and is electrically connected to the built-in battery assembly 102 via the battery circuit section 109. The first connector 401 has a configuration that can be electrically connected to the second connector 402 of the power supply device housing 200, and is disposed at a position where connection is possible.

[0039] The first coupling mechanism 411 is provided so as to be exposed on the front surface 110 of the cartridge housing 103. The first coupling mechanism 411 has a configuration that can be physically coupled to the second coupling mechanism 412 of the power supply device housing 200, and is disposed at a position where coupling is possible.

[0040] The second connector 402 is provided so as to be exposed on the rear surface 111 of the cartridge housing 103, and is electrically connected to the built-in battery assembly 102 via the battery circuit section 109. The second connector 402 is common to the second connector 402 of the power supply device housing 200.

[0041] The second coupling mechanism 412 is provided so as to be exposed on the rear surface 111 of the cartridge housing 103. The second coupling mechanism 412 is common to the second coupling mechanism 412 of the power supply device housing 200.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows the order setting section.

[0043] The order setting section 106 is provided so as to be exposed on the cartridge housing 103 (for example, the front surface 110). It can be manually operated by the user. The order setting section 106 is, for example, a DIP (Dual In-line Package) switch of 2 values × 2 columns = 4 values. The 4 values indicate the order of use (the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) of up to 4 connected battery cartridges 10.

[0044] The battery circuit section 109 is electrically connected to the battery assembly 102 and the order setting section 106. The battery circuit section 109 holds information on the battery cartridge 10. Specifically, the battery circuit section 109 holds at least the unique identification information of the battery cartridge 10 (information indicating whether it is a primary battery or a secondary battery) and the order information (the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) indicated by the set value of the order setting section 106.

[0045] 4. Attachment Structure between Multiple Battery Cartridges and a Power Supply Device

[0046] FIG. 8 shows the attachment structure between the battery cartridge and the power supply device.

[0047] On the back surface 212 of the power supply device 20, a second connector 402 and one or more (two in this example) second connection mechanisms 412 are provided so as to be exposed. At corresponding positions on the front surface 110 of the battery cartridge 10, a first connector 401 and one or more (two in this example) first connection mechanisms 411 are provided so as to be exposed. At corresponding positions on the back surface 111 of the battery cartridge 10, a second connector 402 and one or more (two in this example) second connection mechanisms 412 are provided so as to be exposed.

[0048] The first connection mechanism 411 has a support pin 411A and a biasing pin 411B. The support pin 411A and the biasing pin 411B each have stopper portions 411C and 411D that extend in a direction orthogonal to the front surface 110 of the battery cartridge 10 at their tips and project in a direction parallel to the front surface 110. The biasing pin 411B has elasticity in a direction parallel to the front surface 110.

[0049] The second connection mechanism 412 has a support pin engaging portion 412A and a biasing pin engaging portion 412B. The support pin engaging portion 412A and the biasing pin engaging portion 412B have a groove-like structure for fitting the stopper portions 411C and 411D of the support pin 411A and the biasing pin 411B.

[0050] As shown in (C), the first connector 401 may be a female connector, and the second connector 402 may be a male connector. The second connector 402 (male connector) has a plurality of single pins (1A) and a plurality of power pins (30A). A connector with no pin breakage and with a safety guide can be adopted.

[0051] The operation of attaching the first connecting mechanism 411 to the second connecting mechanism 412 will now be described. As shown in (A), the stopper portion 411C of the support pin 411A is fitted into the support pin engagement portion 412A of the second connecting mechanism 412. Using the support pin engagement portion 412A as a pivot point, the biasing pin 411B is pushed into the biasing pin engagement portion 412B. As the biasing pin 411B penetrates the biasing pin engagement portion 412B, the biasing pin 411B deforms elastically, and the stopper portion 411D at its tip fits into the biasing pin engagement portion 412B. As a result, the first connecting mechanism 411 and the second connecting mechanism 412 are physically connected. At this time, as shown in (B), the first connector 401 and the second connector 402 also fit together and are electrically connected.

[0052] When one battery cartridge 10 is electrically connected and physically connected to the power supply unit 20, the front surface 110 of the cartridge housing 103 of the battery cartridge 10 and the back surface 212 of the power supply unit housing 200 face each other (either in contact or with a small gap between them). When multiple battery cartridges 10 are electrically connected and physically connected, the front surfaces 110 and back surfaces 111 of the cartridge housings 103 of the multiple battery cartridges 10 face each other (either in contact or with a small gap between them).

[0053] This structure allows multiple battery cartridges 10 and power supply units 20 to be attached and detached without screws or frames. The first connector 401 and the second connector 402 can be connected simultaneously with the one-touch attachment of the first connecting mechanism 411 and the second connecting mechanism 412.

[0054] The first connectors 401 and second connectors 402 of multiple battery cartridges 10 are electrically connected to each other, and the first connecting mechanism 411 and second connecting mechanism 412 are physically connected to each other. The first connector 401 and first connecting mechanism 411 of one of the battery cartridges 10 are electrically connected and physically connected to the second connector 402 and second connecting mechanism 412 of the power supply unit 20. As a result, multiple battery cartridges 10 are electrically connected and physically connected to the power supply unit 20. The power supply circuit section 300 of the power supply unit 20 outputs the voltage output from the multiple battery cartridges 10 to electronic devices via the voltage output terminal section 206.

[0055] Figure 9 shows the specifications of the battery cartridge.

[0056] With one 10A primary battery cartridge, the output is 624Wh, 168,000mAh / 3.7V. mAh / 3.7V is the value obtained by converting Wh to the notation method used for lithium-ion batteries. With two cartridges, the output is 1,248Wh, 336,000mAh / 3.7V. With three cartridges, the output is 1,872Wh, 504,000mAh / 3.7V. With four cartridges, the output is 2,496Wh, 672,000mAh / 3.7V.

[0057] With one 10B secondary battery cartridge, the output is 740Wh, 200,000mAh / 3.7V. With two cartridges, the output is 1,480Wh, 400,000mAh / 3.7V. With three cartridges, the output is 2,220Wh, 600,000mAh / 3.7V. With four cartridges, the output is 2,960Wh, 800,000mAh / 3.7V.

[0058] The total length of the power supply unit set 1, that is, the length in the connection direction when the power supply unit 20 and N battery cartridges 10 are connected, is 155 mm when there is one battery cartridge 10, 210 mm when there are two, 265 mm when there are three, and 320 mm when there are four. These values ​​are for when the length of the power supply unit 20 in the connection direction is 100 mm and the length of one battery cartridge 10 in the same direction is 55 mm.

[0059] 5. Control of the power supply unit

[0060] Figure 10 shows the power supply circuit section.

[0061] The power supply circuit section 300 includes a mode selector switch 202, a display 203, an MCU 301, a built-in battery 302, an AC-DC adapter 303, a DC-AC inverter 304, a charging circuit 305, a power failure detection circuit 306, DC-DC converters 307 and 308, and a UPS switch 309.

[0062] The MCU 301 reads information about the battery cartridge 10 (specifically, the unique identification information of the battery cartridge 10 and the sequence information indicated by the setting value of the sequence setting unit 106) input from the first connector 401 of the battery cartridge 10 to the second connector 402 of the power supply unit 20. The MCU 301 determines whether the primary battery cartridge 10A or the secondary battery cartridge 10B is connected based on the electrical signal input via the second connector 402.

[0063] The MCU 301 reads the sequence set in the sequence setting unit 106 of the multiple battery cartridges 10 electrically connected to the power supply unit 20, and outputs the voltage input from the first connector 401 from one battery cartridge 10 according to the sequence. If no sequence is set in the sequence setting unit 106 of the multiple battery cartridges 10, the power supply circuit unit 300 simultaneously outputs the voltage input from the first connector 401 from the multiple battery cartridges 10. If the same sequence is set in the sequence setting unit 106 of at least some of the multiple battery cartridges 10, the power supply circuit unit 300 simultaneously outputs the voltage input from the first connector 401 from these battery cartridges 10. At the time of factory shipment, for example, the sequence setting unit 106 of all battery cartridges 10 is set to (1) as shown in the figure. If the user connects without setting the sequence, the MCU 301 recognizes the sequence setting unit 106 of all battery cartridges 10 as (1) as shown in the figure, and simultaneously starts discharging all connected battery cartridges 10. On the other hand, if the user changes the order setting of the battery cartridge 10's order setting unit 106, all of the battery cartridges 10 with the same number set will discharge simultaneously.

[0064] The MCU 301 determines that discharge is complete when the primary battery cartridge 10A drops to, for example, 8V or below (0.8V per cell). The MCU 301 determines that discharge is complete when the secondary battery cartridge 10B drops to, for example, 11V or below (2.75V per cell). If the MCU 301 determines that both the primary battery cartridge 10A and the secondary battery cartridge 10B are connected together, it controls the output to the electronic device by outputting the voltage from the primary battery cartridge 10A, and by not outputting the voltage from the secondary battery cartridge 10B (PCM cutoff). Note that the discharge termination voltages (8V for the primary battery cartridge 10A and 11V for the secondary battery cartridge 10B) are not fixed values ​​and are not limited to these set values.

[0065] The built-in battery 302 (72Wh) is a lithium-ion battery (secondary battery) consisting of four cells in series and one cell in parallel (a total of four cells). The built-in battery 302 is an auxiliary battery for when the battery cartridge 10 is temporarily not connected to the power supply unit 20, such as when the battery cartridge 10 is being attached or detached. The built-in battery 302 outputs voltage to the main voltage output terminals 207, 208, USB-A terminal 209, and Type-C terminals 210, 210.

[0066] The AC-DC adapter 303 (DC 15V, 220W) converts the AC voltage input from the AC voltage input terminal 214 into a DC voltage. The AC-DC adapter 303 outputs the DC voltage to the DC-DC converters 307, 308, the USB-A terminal 209, the Type-C terminals 210, 210, and the charging circuit 305.

[0067] The DC-AC inverter 304 converts the DC voltage from the battery cartridge 10 to AC voltage. The DC-AC inverter 304 is connected to the UPS switch 309. The DC-AC inverter 304 outputs the AC voltage to the AC tap 205 via the UPS switch 309.

[0068] The DC-DC converters 307 and 308 convert the DC voltage from the battery cartridge 10 (or built-in battery 302) to a voltage value (14V, 100W) suitable for the main voltage output terminals 207 and 208. The DC-DC converters 307 and 308 output the DC voltage to the main voltage output terminals 207 and 208.

[0069] The charging circuit 305 charges the secondary battery cartridge 10B (secondary battery assembly 102B) with the DC voltage output from the AC-DC adapter 303.

[0070] The power outage detection circuit 306 detects a power outage with a switching time of 20 ms. When the power outage detection circuit 306 detects a power outage, it controls the UPS switch 309. Specifically, during normal operation (no power outage), the UPS switch 309 electrically connects the AC tap 205 to the AC voltage input terminal 214, thereby inputting the AC voltage from the AC voltage input terminal 214 to the AC voltage input terminal 214. On the other hand, during a power outage, the UPS switch 309 connects the AC tap 205 to the battery cartridge 10 via the DC-AC inverter 304, thereby inputting the voltage from the battery cartridge 10 to the AC tap 205.

[0071] Figure 11 shows the mode selector switch.

[0072] The mode selector switch 202 is a switch for switching the voltage output mode among five different modes. The power supply circuit 300 determines which mode has been selected and executes control for the selected mode.

[0073] Figure 12 shows the electrical circuit for the first mode.

[0074] In the first mode, the DC voltage from the battery cartridge 10 (or the built-in battery 302 when the battery cartridge 10 is not connected) is output to the main voltage output terminals 207, 208, USB-A terminal 209, and Type-C terminals 210, 210 via DC-DC converters 307, 308. Voltage is then output from the main voltage output terminals 207, 208, USB-A terminal 209, and Type-C terminals 210, 210 to electronic devices (smartphones, personal computers, tablet computers, wearable devices, small LED lamps, flashlights, etc.).

[0075] The power supply circuit section 300 includes a charge controller circuit (not shown). It has charging standards (various standards such as BC1.2) for electronic devices (not shown) connected to the USB-A terminal 209 and Type-C terminals 210, 210. The charge controller circuit has a circuit that enables an interface compatible with various firmware such as iOS® and Android®. The charge controller circuit performs a handshake with various electronic devices (not shown) through the interface and starts charging. For example, the charge controller circuit recognizes electronic devices (not shown) connected to the USB-A terminal 209 and Type-C terminals 210, 210 via various types of connection cables (Lightning, Micro-B, Type-C, etc.) and starts charging. Because the charging controller circuit itself has an interface that supports various firmwares, it is possible to directly connect various electronic devices to the USB-A terminal 209 and Type-C terminals 210, 210 and charge them directly without requiring a separate interface module.

[0076] Figure 13 shows the electrical circuit for the second mode.

[0077] In the second mode, the AC voltage from the AC voltage input terminal 214 is output to the main voltage output terminals 207, 208, USB-A terminal 209, and Type-C terminals 210, 210 via the AC-DC adapter 303 and DC-DC converters 307, 308. Voltage is then output to electronic devices from the main voltage output terminals 207, 208, USB-A terminal 209, and Type-C terminals 210, 210.

[0078] Figure 14 shows the electrical circuit for the third mode.

[0079] In the third mode, the voltage from the battery cartridge 10 is output to the AC tap 205 via the DC-AC inverter 304. The voltage is then output from the AC tap 205 to the electronic device.

[0080] Figure 15 shows the electrical circuit in the fourth mode (when there is no power outage).

[0081] In the fourth mode (when there is no power outage), the UPS switch 309 electrically connects the AC tap 205 to the AC voltage input terminal section 214, thereby inputting the AC voltage from the AC voltage input terminal section 214 to the AC tap 205. The AC tap 205 then outputs voltage to the electronic equipment.

[0082] Figure 16 shows the electrical circuit in the fourth mode (during a power outage).

[0083] In the fourth mode (during a power outage), the UPS switch 309 connects the AC tap 205 to the battery cartridge 10 via the DC-AC inverter 304, thereby inputting voltage from the battery cartridge 10 to the AC tap 205. Voltage is then output from the AC tap 205 to the electronic devices.

[0084] Figure 17 shows the electrical circuit for the fifth mode.

[0085] In the fifth mode, the secondary battery assembly 102 is charged via the AC-DC adapter 303 and the charging circuit 305 using the voltage from the AC voltage input terminal 214.

[0086] 6. Conclusion

[0087] According to the "Disaster Preparedness Manual for Children Requiring Medical Devices - Focusing on Power Supply Securing" (first edition March 31, 2019) authored by the National Center for Child Health and Development, it is stated that multiple external batteries should be prepared in case of a disaster, that power can be secured from the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket during a power outage, and that the electricity supplied from the vehicle should be 12V DC (pages 5-7) (accessed September 20, 2024). (https: / / www.ncchd.go.jp / hospital / about / section / cooperation / shinsai_manual.pdf)

[0088] The power supply unit set 1 according to this embodiment is used by detachably attaching a battery cartridge 10 to a power supply unit 20. Therefore, by stockpiling one power supply unit 20 and several spare battery cartridges 10, it is possible to stockpile a large number of fuel (battery cartridges 10) in a space-saving and cost-effective manner compared to stockpiling multiple power supply units that do not have detachable battery cartridges. For this reason, the power supply unit set 1 is extremely useful as an emergency power supply unit or an uninterruptible power supply unit.

[0089] The power supply unit 20 according to this embodiment has two main voltage output terminals 207 and 208 that output DC (DC 14V) power, and a USB-A terminal 209 and a Type-C terminal 210 and 210. The power supply unit 20 conforms to output specifications that allow it to be used as an auxiliary power supply for an external power battery for medical devices such as ventilators, heated humidifiers, and sputum suction devices for home treatment, which are mainly required as emergency power supplies during disasters.

[0090] The two main voltage output terminals 207 and 208, which output DC 14V power, are designed to support the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket terminal (DC 12V). The vehicle's battery is recognized as a power source that can be used as an external power battery in emergencies for ventilators and especially for heated humidifiers used with ventilators by medically fragile children. The main voltage output terminals 207 and 208 of the power supply unit 20 are designed to support the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. Therefore, the power supply unit 20 can be used as an auxiliary power source when the vehicle's battery is unavailable, such as indoors.

[0091] The power supply unit 20 is provided with two main voltage output terminals 207 and 208 that output power. This allows the user to choose whether to simultaneously supply emergency power to different medical devices (for example, a ventilator and a heated humidifier or a sputum suction device), or to use only one of the main voltage output terminals 207 to supply up to twice the amount of emergency power to a single medical device as a countermeasure against a long-term power outage (3 days = 72 hours). In particular, children receiving medical care often use heated humidifiers together with ventilators, compared to adults.

[0092] Furthermore, the USB-A terminal 209 and Type-C terminals 210, 210 can be used for charging mobile electronic devices (smartphones, personal computers, tablet computers, wearable devices, small LED lamps, flashlights, etc.). The voltage of the battery cartridge 10 may drop to DC 9V or less, making it impossible to supply power to medical devices from the main voltage output terminals 207, 208. Even in this case, it is possible to effectively utilize the remaining battery capacity of the battery cartridge 10 as long as the battery capacity maintains DC 5V.

[0093] In particular, when the power supply unit set 1 is used in medical devices (ventilators, humidifiers, sputum suction devices, etc.), running out of battery cartridge 10 can be life-threatening, so there is a high user need to regularly check the remaining charge of battery cartridge 10.

[0094] Global warming due to climate change is leading to typhoons becoming larger than previously anticipated, and in Japan, where natural disasters such as earthquakes occur continuously, we are in an environment where unexpected vulnerabilities in the electrical infrastructure, such as large-scale power outages, are being pointed out. Therefore, what is needed during disasters is self-help, mutual assistance, and public assistance, and it is said to be important for individuals to take steps to secure emergency power sources themselves.

[0095] The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, and the Cabinet Office's disaster prevention division have established guidelines for the continuity of operations by local governments during large-scale disasters, which clearly state that emergency power sources should have enough fuel and other supplies to operate for 72 hours. However, securing safe, compact power supply equipment with long-term storage capabilities remains a difficult task.

[0096] Especially during long-term power outages following large-scale disasters, many disaster victims who are medically vulnerable, such as those using home ventilators or suction devices, are constantly at risk to their lives. Therefore, it is desirable to secure appropriate power supply equipment (power supply systems) that can withstand long-term storage indoors.

[0097] In recent years, portable rechargeable batteries using lithium batteries have been sold as auxiliary batteries usable for natural disasters, and have gained social recognition for their ability to be used even during normal times. However, from the perspective of whether they can safely supply power to necessary electronic devices as an emergency power source during a disaster, there is a very harsh reality.

[0098] In short, while portable batteries can be charged and discharged, there is no guarantee that the specified electrical capacity will always be available and usable during a disaster, even after a full charge, due to natural discharge and normal electricity usage.

[0099] The power supply unit set 1 of this embodiment utilizes a primary battery cartridge 10A with long-term storage performance (10 years) and a rechargeable secondary battery cartridge 10B, making it robust in times of disaster and useful in normal times. The power supply unit set 1 of this embodiment has a structure consisting of a power supply unit 20, which is the main body of the power supply system, and multiple (up to 4) battery cartridges 10 with expandability in mind, and is an integrated power supply device that can supply power in a phase-free environment.

[0100] Designed to be detachable from the main power supply unit 20, and equipped with a primary battery cartridge 10A and a secondary battery cartridge 10B that can be attached and detached with a single touch, this system can be provided not only for medical equipment such as ventilators during disasters, but also to a wide range of markets including companies and local governments as a BCP (Business Continuity Plan for companies and organizations in emergencies such as disasters), and can be provided as an auxiliary power source for safe and secure electrical infrastructure during disasters.

[0101] Traditionally, portable rechargeable batteries have a structure where the lithium-ion battery and the charging device itself are integrated. Therefore, if the electrical capacity of the charger itself needs to be increased, it is necessary to purchase a rechargeable battery of the required capacity, resulting in a lack of expandability.

[0102] In contrast, the power supply unit set 1 of this embodiment has a structure that separates the power supply unit 20, which is the main power supply unit, from the battery cartridge 10. The required electrical capacity is positioned as fuel (battery cartridge 10), and the battery cartridge 10 can be added to or removed from the power supply unit 20, resulting in a highly expandable design (up to 4 units).

[0103] The battery cartridge 10 consists of a primary battery cartridge 10A and a secondary battery cartridge 10B. When connected to the power supply unit 20, the primary battery cartridge 10A and the secondary battery cartridge 10B can be connected together, and the design offers high expandability as needed. The primary battery cartridge 10A has a capacity of 624Wh on its own and can be expanded up to 2,496Wh with up to four units. The secondary battery cartridge 10B has a capacity of 740Wh on its own and can be expanded up to 2,960Wh with up to four units. The battery cartridge 10 uses a one-touch connector connection system to allow for easy attachment and detachment to the power supply unit 20. The primary battery cartridge 10A can be stored for 10 years and does not require storage space as it is stored separately from the power supply unit 20. The secondary battery cartridge 10B can be charged and discharged, so it can be used as a power supply system for electronic devices on a regular basis.

[0104] The power supply unit set 1 of this embodiment contributes to "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation (SDG 9)" and "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (SDG 11)." Portable storage batteries only have lithium-ion secondary batteries built in, so in the event of a long-term power outage during an unexpected large-scale disaster when the electrical infrastructure is unusable, there is no means of charging, and the storage capacity will discharge and decrease, posing a risk of rendering the battery unusable. In contrast, the power supply unit set 1 of this embodiment can seamlessly connect a primary battery cartridge 10A that can be stored for a long period of time to the power supply unit 20 in addition to the secondary battery cartridge 10B, thus contributing to the development of resilient social infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization based on BCP measures, and creating cities where people can continue to live safely.

[0105] The power supply unit set 1 of this embodiment contributes to "responsible consumption and production (SDG 12)." When disposing of a portable battery, the lithium-ion battery is built into the battery unit, so it is necessary to separate the unit and the lithium-ion battery and dispose of them appropriately according to the policies of local municipalities. Therefore, there are problems with increased disposal costs and resource conservation. In contrast, in the power supply unit set 1 of this embodiment, the power supply unit 20 and the battery cartridge 10 are separated, so it is possible to dispose of only the battery cartridge 10. Therefore, it can be expected that disposal costs will be reduced as a result.

[0106] In this embodiment, the power supply set 1 allows for screwless, one-touch attachment and detachment of the battery cartridge 10. The power supply unit 20 can automatically recognize the primary battery cartridge 10A and the secondary battery cartridge 10B and perform necessary control functions. The primary battery cartridge 10A can prevent self-discharge during storage by automatically turning its internal parallel circuit ON and OFF. When multiple battery cartridges 10 are installed, discharge can be started in a specific order. An auxiliary battery 302 is built in to provide continuous power supply even during battery cartridge 10 replacement, and automatic switching is possible. The built-in uninterruptible power supply (power failure detection circuit 306, UPS switch 309) stabilizes the power supply to electronic devices.

[0107] Although various embodiments and modifications of this technology have been described above, this technology is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of this technology.

[0108] 1: Power supply unit set, 10: Battery cartridge, 10A: Primary battery cartridge, 10B: Primary battery cartridge, 101A: Primary battery cell, 101B: Secondary battery cell, 102A: Primary battery assembly, 102B: Secondary battery assembly, 103: Cartridge housing, 106: Sequence setting unit, 109: Battery circuit unit, 20: Power supply unit, 200: Power supply unit housing, 202: Mode switching switch, 203: Display, 204: Main switch, 205: AC tap, 206: Voltage output terminal unit, 207: Main voltage output terminal, 300: Power supply unit circuit unit, 401: First connector, 402: Second connector, 411: First coupling mechanism, 412: Second coupling mechanism.

Claims

1. A power supply set comprising: a battery cartridge having a battery assembly having a plurality of battery cells; a cartridge housing housing the battery assembly; a first connector exposed on the cartridge housing and electrically connected to the battery assembly; a first coupling mechanism that is physically connected to another device when the first connector is electrically connected to another device; a power supply housing; a second connector exposed on the power supply housing and electrically connected to the first connector; a second coupling mechanism that is physically connected to the first coupling mechanism when the second connector is electrically connected to the first connector; a voltage output terminal section exposed from the power supply housing and capable of connecting terminals of an electronic device, and capable of outputting voltages output from the battery cartridge via the first connector and the second connector to the electronic device; a circuit section housed in the power supply housing, which outputs voltages output from the battery cartridge via the voltage output terminal section to the electronic device when the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector; and a power supply set comprising: a power supply housing housing; a second connector exposed on the power supply housing and electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector.

2. A power supply device set according to claim 1, wherein the battery cartridge further comprises: a second connector provided exposed on the cartridge housing and electrically connected to the battery assembly; and a second coupling mechanism that is physically connected to the first coupling mechanism of another battery cartridge when the second connector is electrically connected to the first connector of another battery cartridge, wherein the first connector and the second connector of a plurality of battery cartridges are electrically connected and the first coupling mechanism and the second coupling mechanism are physically connected, and the first connector and the first coupling mechanism of one of the battery cartridges is electrically connected and physically connected to the second connector and the second coupling mechanism of the power supply device, thereby electrically and physically connecting the plurality of battery cartridges to the power supply device, and the circuit section of the power supply device outputs the voltage output from the plurality of battery cartridges to the electronic device via the voltage output terminal section.

3. A power supply set according to claim 2, wherein when the plurality of battery cartridges are electrically connected and physically connected, at least a portion of the cartridge housings of the plurality of battery cartridges face each other, and when one battery cartridge is electrically connected and physically connected to the power supply, at least a portion of the cartridge housing of the one battery cartridge and the power supply housing face each other.

4. A power supply set according to claim 2, wherein the battery cartridge further has a sequence setting unit exposed on the cartridge housing, the circuit unit of the power supply reads the sequence set in the sequence setting units of the plurality of battery cartridges electrically connected to the power supply, outputs a voltage from one battery cartridge according to the sequence, and if no sequence is set in the sequence setting units of the plurality of battery cartridges, outputs a voltage from the plurality of battery cartridges simultaneously.

5. A power supply device set according to claim 2, comprising: a primary battery cartridge having a primary battery assembly having a plurality of primary battery cells; and a secondary battery cartridge having a secondary battery assembly having a plurality of secondary battery cells, wherein the first connector of either the primary battery cartridge or the secondary battery cartridge is electrically connected to the second connector of the power supply device, and the circuit section of the power supply device determines which of the primary battery cartridge or the secondary battery cartridge is connected via the second connector.

6. A power supply device set according to claim 5, wherein the circuit section of the power supply device, when it determines that the primary battery cartridge and the secondary battery cartridge are mixed and connected to the power supply device, outputs the voltage output from the primary battery cartridge to the electronic device, and does not output the voltage output from the secondary battery cartridge to the electronic device.

7. A power supply set according to claim 5, wherein the primary battery cartridge and the secondary battery cartridge are of the same shape.

8. A power supply set according to claim 1, wherein the battery cartridge is a secondary battery cartridge having a secondary battery assembly having a plurality of secondary battery cells, and the power supply set further comprises: an AC voltage input terminal for inputting an AC voltage to the power supply; an AC-DC adapter connected to the AC voltage input terminal; and a charging circuit for charging the secondary battery cartridge with the DC voltage output from the AC-DC adapter.

9. A power supply set according to claim 8, wherein the power supply further comprises: an AC voltage input terminal section for inputting AC voltage to the power supply; a DC-AC inverter connected to the battery cartridge; and an AC tap included in the voltage output terminal section, wherein the circuit section of the power supply outputs the voltage from the AC voltage input terminal section to the electronic device from the voltage output terminal section when there is no power outage, and outputs the voltage of the battery cartridge to the electronic device from the AC tap via the DC-AC inverter when there is a power outage.

10. A power supply set according to claim 9, wherein the power supply has a mode selector switch provided exposed on the power supply housing, the mode selector switch is capable of switching between: a first mode in which the voltage from the battery cartridge is output to the electronic device via the voltage output terminal; a second mode in which the voltage from the AC voltage input terminal is output to the electronic device via the AC-DC adapter and the voltage output terminal; a third mode in which the voltage from the battery cartridge is output to the electronic device via the DC-AC inverter and the AC tap; a fourth mode in which the operation is performed during non-power outage and during power outage, or a fifth mode in which the secondary battery cartridge is charged via the AC-DC adapter and the charging circuit using the voltage from the AC voltage input terminal, the power supply set wherein the circuit section of the power supply determines which mode is selected and executes control of the selected mode.

11. A power supply device comprising: a power supply housing; a battery assembly having a plurality of battery cells; a cartridge housing housing the battery assembly; a first connector provided exposed on the cartridge housing and electrically connected to the battery assembly; a first coupling mechanism provided to electrically connect the battery cartridge to another device when the first connector is electrically connected to another device; a second connector provided exposed on the power supply housing and electrically connected to the battery assembly; a first coupling mechanism provided to electrically connect the first connector to the first device and physically connect the first coupling mechanism when the second connector is electrically connected to the first connector; a voltage output terminal section provided exposed on the power supply housing and capable of connecting terminals of an electronic device, and capable of outputting the voltage output from the battery cartridge via the first connector and the second connector to the electronic device; and a circuit section provided on the power supply housing and capable of outputting the voltage output from the battery cartridge to the electronic device via the voltage output terminal section when the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector.

12. A battery cartridge comprising: a battery assembly having a plurality of battery cells; a cartridge housing housing the battery assembly; a first connector exposed on the cartridge housing and electrically connected to the battery assembly; and a first coupling mechanism that is physically connected to another device when the first connector is electrically connected to another device, wherein the battery cartridge can be configured to form a power supply set comprising: a power supply housing; a second connector exposed on the power supply housing and electrically connected to the first connector; a second coupling mechanism that is physically connected to the first coupling mechanism when the second connector is electrically connected to the first connector; a voltage output terminal section exposed from the power supply housing and capable of connecting terminals of an electronic device, and capable of outputting voltages output from the battery cartridge via the first connector and the second connector to the electronic device; and a circuit section housed in the power supply housing that outputs voltages output from the battery cartridge via the voltage output terminal section to the electronic device when the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector.

Images