Power supply device and disconnect switch for power supply device

Abstract

The present invention provides a power supply device and a disconnect switch for a power supply device having a reduced outward shape. A power supply device 100 comprises: a case output terminal 8 which is electrically connected to a block output terminal 7 of a battery block 20 and which is exposed from an exterior case 10; and a disconnect switch 30 which is provided on a path of electrical connection between the block output terminal 7 and the case output terminal 8, and which is capable of switching between a connected state in which output from the block output terminal 7 to the case output terminal 8 is electrically connected, and a disconnected state in which said output is electrically disconnected. The disconnect switch 30 comprises: a movable terminal 32 which is located on the path of electrical connection between the block output terminal 7 and the case output terminal 8 and which is movable between a connect position for achieving the connected state in which the block output terminal 7 and the case output terminal 8 are electrically connected, and a disconnect position for achieving the disconnected state in which the block output terminal 7 and the case output terminal 8 are electrically disconnected; and a movement mechanism 40 that moves the movable terminal 32 between the connect position and the disconnect position along a horizontal direction of the exterior case 10.

Description

Power supply device and disconnect switch for power supply device 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to a power supply device and a disconnect switch for a power supply device. 【0002】 A power supply device incorporating a battery can increase the output voltage and output by connecting a plurality of batteries in series. In such a power supply device, in order to cut off an excessive short-circuit current due to an external short circuit of the output terminal, a disconnect switch called a service plug or the like for cutting off the short-circuit current is provided in the power line connected to the battery. The service plug connects the output terminal to the battery to supply power to the load in the normal use state of the power supply device. However, during transportation, etc., in order to cut off the short-circuit current due to an external short circuit, the service plug is pulled out to cut off a part of the power line and prevent the short-circuit current from flowing. 【0003】 A power supply device provided with a service plug for cutting off a short-circuit current caused by an external terminal of an output terminal has been developed (see Patent Document 1). 【0004】 However, since conventional service plugs are relatively large, there is a problem that the outer shape of the power supply device becomes large by adding a service plug. Especially in recent years, battery packs in which a large number of rechargeable secondary battery cells such as lithium-ion secondary batteries are connected in series or parallel are used as power supply devices for mobile bodies and portable devices. In such power supply devices, miniaturization and weight reduction are required. 【0005】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-134090 【0006】 One of the objects of one form of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply device and a disconnect switch for a power supply device with a reduced outer shape. Another object of another form is to provide a power supply device and a disconnect switch for a power supply device that can be made thinner. Note that the description of these objects and problems of the present disclosure does not prevent the existence of other objects and problems. Also, one aspect of the present disclosure does not need to solve all of these problems. Furthermore, other problems can be extracted from the description of the specification, drawings, and claims of the present disclosure. 【0007】A power supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a battery block having a plurality of secondary battery cells connected in series or parallel and a block output terminal for taking the output of the plurality of connected secondary battery cells; an outer case housing the battery block; a case output terminal electrically connected to the block output terminal of the battery block and exposed from the outer case; and a disconnection switch provided on the path of the electrical connection between the block output terminal and the case output terminal, which can switch between a connected state in which the output from the block output terminal to the case output terminal is electrically connected and a disconnected state in which it is electrically disconnected, wherein the disconnection switch comprises: a movable terminal that can move between a connected position in which the block output terminal and the case output terminal are electrically connected and a disconnected position in which they are electrically disconnected on the path of the electrical connection between the block output terminal and the case output terminal; and a moving mechanism that moves the movable terminal between the connected position and the disconnected position along the horizontal direction of the outer case. 【0008】 Furthermore, a power supply disconnection switch according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a battery block having a plurality of secondary battery cells connected in series or parallel and a block output terminal for taking the output of the plurality of connected secondary battery cells; an outer case housing the battery block; and a case output terminal electrically connected to the block output terminal of the battery block and exposed from the outer case; a disconnection switch provided on the path of the electrical connection between the block output terminal and the case output terminal, which is capable of switching between a connected state in which the output from the block output terminal to the case output terminal is electrically connected and a disconnected state in which it is electrically disconnected, on the path of the electrical connection between the block output terminal and the case output terminal, comprising: a movable terminal that is movable between a connected position in which the block output terminal and the case output terminal are electrically connected and a disconnected position in which they are electrically disconnected, and a moving mechanism that moves the movable terminal along the horizontal direction of the outer case between the connected position and the disconnected position. 【0009】According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply unit and the power supply unit disconnection switch are designed so that the disconnection switch is not pulled out vertically from the outer casing like a service plug, but is moved horizontally within the outer casing to switch between the connection position and the disconnection position. This allows for a lower profile disconnection switch and, consequently, a lower profile power supply unit. 【0010】 Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the power supply device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply device. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the battery block. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery block. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery block seen from diagonally below. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the disconnect switch. Figure 3 is a front view of the battery block. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the disconnect switch in the connected position. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the disconnect switch in the disconnected position. Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing the disconnect switch of the power supply device according to Embodiment 2 in the connected position. Figure 10 is an enlarged view showing the disconnect switch in the disconnected position. Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing the disconnect switch of the power supply device according to Embodiment 3 in the connected position. Figure 4 is an enlarged view showing the disconnect switch of the power supply device according to Embodiment 4 in the connected position. Figure 13 is an enlarged view showing the disconnect switch of the power supply device according to Embodiment 5 in the connected position. Figure 15 is an enlarged view showing the disconnect switch of the power supply device according to Embodiment 6. 【0011】 The form of this disclosure may be specified by the following configurations and features. 【0012】 In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the power supply device is configured such that the disconnection switch has a movable terminal that slides along the surface of the outer casing by means of the moving mechanism. With this configuration, by making the disconnection switch slide along the surface of the outer casing, it is possible to reduce the protrusion from the outer casing and thus miniaturize the power supply device. 【0013】Furthermore, in other embodiments of the power supply device described herein, in any of the above embodiments, the disconnection switch enables electrical connection by moving the movable terminal to the connection position using the moving mechanism, and then bringing a portion of the movable terminal into contact with a connection terminal on the block output terminal side or the case output terminal side in the path of the electrical connection between the block output terminal and the case output terminal. With the above configuration, the movable terminal can be moved horizontally by the moving mechanism and brought into contact with a connection terminal to achieve a connected state. 【0014】 Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the power supply device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure further includes an operating section for operating the moving mechanism of the disconnection switch, the operating section being exposed from the outer casing. With this configuration, the user can switch between the connection position and the disconnection position by operating the operating section exposed from the outer casing. 【0015】 Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the power supply device is configured such that the movable terminal is formed in a plate shape and is movable between the connection position and the disconnection position in a position along the surface of the outer casing. 【0016】 Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, a power supply device further comprises a guide wall maintained in a position intersecting the plate-shaped movable terminal along a path through which the movable terminal moves between the connection position and the disconnection position, wherein the movable terminal is configured to move along the guide wall. 【0017】 Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the power supply device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a movable mechanism comprising a rotatably mounted pinion portion, the pinion portion being connected to the operating portion, and the movable terminal having a rack portion that meshes with the pinion portion along the plate shape, and is configured such that rotating the operating portion rotates the pinion portion and moves the rack portion that meshes with the pinion portion. 【0018】Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the power supply device further comprises a locking mechanism for holding the movable terminal in the connection position or the disconnection position. 【0019】 Furthermore, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the power supply device, in any of the above embodiments, has a locking mechanism that is pin-shaped, a connection terminal that has a fixed hole into which the pin can be inserted, and a movable terminal that has a movable hole into which the pin can be inserted at a position that aligns with the fixed hole of the connection terminal at the connection position, and with the movable terminal in the connection position, the pin can be inserted into the movable hole and the fixed hole, and the locking mechanism can hold the movable terminal in the connection position. With the above configuration, the disconnection switch can be held in the connection position, preventing the disconnection switch from unintentionally being in the disconnect position and the power supply device from outputting power, thereby improving reliability. 【0020】 The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are examples for concretizing the technical concept of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the following. Furthermore, this specification does not limit the members shown in the claims to the members of the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure to those, unless otherwise specifically stated, but are merely illustrative examples. Note that the size and positional relationships of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and reference numeral indicate the same or similar members, and detailed explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting this disclosure may be configured such that multiple elements are made of the same member, with one member serving multiple elements, or conversely, the function of one member may be shared among multiple members. 【0021】The power supply device disclosed herein can be used as a power source for mobile devices such as agricultural machinery, construction machinery, forklifts, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, electric carts, electric scooters, and electric assist bicycles; as a power source for portable electrical equipment such as electric construction machinery, power tools, and electric cleaners; or as a stationary power storage device for server backup power supplies, and for home, business, and factory use. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described as a power supply device used as a power source for electric mobile devices. [Embodiment 1] 【0022】 Figures 1 to 9 show a power supply device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. In these figures, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the power supply device 100 according to Embodiment 1, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply device 100 in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the battery block 20 in Figure 2, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery block 20 in Figure 3, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery block 20 in Figure 4 viewed from diagonally below, Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the disconnection switch 30, Figure 7 is a front view of the battery block 20 in Figure 3, Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the disconnection switch 30 in Figure 7 with the disconnection switch 30 in the disconnection position, and Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the disconnection switch 30 in Figure 7 with the disconnection position. The power supply device 100 shown in these figures comprises an outer case 10, a battery block 20, a case output terminal 8, an operating unit 31, and a locking mechanism 50. The case output terminal 8 is a terminal for taking the output of the power supply device 100 to the outside. The operating unit 31 is a component for operating the disconnection switch 30, which is built into the outer casing 10 and cuts off the output of the power supply unit 100. The locking mechanism 50 is a component for holding the disconnection switch 30 in the connected or disconnected position. (Outer casing 10) 【0023】The outer casing 10 houses the battery block 20. The outer casing 10 can have any shape that has internal storage space. In the example shown in Figure 1, the outer casing 10 is formed in a box shape with its exterior extended in one direction. The box-shaped outer casing 10 is composed of an upper case 11 and a lower case 12, and a front panel 13 and a rear panel 14. The upper case 11 is formed in a U-shape with a downward opening in cross-section, the opening on the bottom of the U-shape is closed by the lower case 12, the front opening end is closed by the front panel 13, and the rear opening end is closed by the rear panel 14. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the number of divisions of the outer casing may be three or less, or five or more. For example, the outer casing may be divided left and right or front and back. The divided outer casings are waterproofed by a waterproof structure as needed. 【0024】 The outer casing 10 can be made of a metal material such as aluminum or its alloy. Alternatively, it may be made of a resin with excellent insulating properties, such as polycarbonate or PC-ABS alloy. The outer casing 10 also has an internal space for housing the battery block 20 and the circuit board. In the example shown in Figure 1, the internal space is formed in the upper case 11 and the battery block 20 is housed there. 【0025】 Furthermore, the outer casing 10 has a terminal window 15 opened in a part of it. The case output terminals 8 are exposed through the terminal window 15. In the examples in Figures 1 and 2, a pair of terminal windows 15 are opened in the front panel 13, exposing the positive and negative case output terminals 8, respectively. 【0026】 In addition, the outer casing 10 is provided with an operating section 31 for operating the disconnection switch 30. In the example shown in Figure 1, the operating section 31 is provided on the front panel 13. For this reason, an operating window 16 for connecting the operating section 31 is provided in the front panel 13. 【0027】 Furthermore, the outer casing 10 is provided with a locking mechanism 50 for holding the disconnection switch 30 in the connected or disconnected position. In the example shown in Figure 1, a locking window 17 for inserting the locking mechanism 50 is provided in the front panel 13. (Battery block 20) 【0028】Inside the outer casing 10, as shown in Figure 2, a battery block 20 is housed. The battery block 20, also called a core pack, houses multiple secondary battery cells 1. Alternatively, the battery block 20 may be composed of multiple sub-blocks, each containing multiple secondary battery cells 1. The battery block 20 may also include a circuit board. The circuit board implements a charge / discharge circuit for charging and discharging the secondary battery cells 1, and a protection circuit that monitors the voltage and temperature of the secondary battery cells 1 and cuts off the current in case of abnormalities. (Battery holder 21) 【0029】 In the example shown in Figure 3, the battery block 20 has a rectangular shape. The battery block 20 is formed to have an outer shape that is approximately equal to the internal space of the outer case 10, so that it occupies almost the entire internal space of the outer case 10. The battery block 20 comprises a battery holder 21, secondary battery cells 1, lead plates 5, and an insulating sheet 4. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the battery holder 21 is divided into an upper holder 21a and a lower holder 21b. The upper holder 21a and the lower holder 21b each have multiple cylindrical holder sections 22, into which the secondary battery cells 1 are inserted and held. The battery holder 21 can house all the secondary battery cells 1 as a single unit, or it may be divided into multiple sub-holders, and some of the secondary battery cells may be housed in the sub-holders. In the examples in Figures 4 and 5, the secondary battery cells 1 are held in a vertical position, but they may also be held in a horizontal position. The battery holder 21 is made of a material with excellent insulating properties. Preferably, it is made of a resin such as polycarbonate or PC-ABS alloy. (Lead plate 5) 【0030】 The battery block 20 also includes lead plates 5 for electrically connecting the secondary battery cells 1 to each other. Preferably, the lead plates 5 are positioned on the outer side of the battery holder 21. The lead plates 5 are electrically connected to the terminals of the secondary battery cells 1 that are exposed through electrode windows 23 opened in the battery holder 21. 【0031】Each lead plate 5 connects the electrodes on the end faces of the secondary battery cells 1, thereby connecting multiple secondary battery cells 1 together. The lead plates 5 are made of highly conductive metal plates such as aluminum, nickel, or copper. Multiple secondary battery cells 1 are connected in series or parallel via the lead plates 5. The number of series and parallel connections can be arbitrarily set according to the required specifications. In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, each lead plate 5 connects the end faces of the secondary battery cells 1, and 180 secondary battery cells 1 are used in a 9 series x 20 parallel configuration. However, the number of secondary battery cells and the connection configuration, i.e., the number of series and parallel connections, are not limited to this configuration. (Insulating sheet 4) 【0032】 Furthermore, an insulating sheet 4 is placed between the lead plate 5 and the outer casing 10 as needed. By interposing an insulating sheet 4, even when using a metal outer casing 10, it is possible to avoid situations where the lead plate 5 unintentionally conducts electricity through the outer casing 10. Such an insulating sheet 4 is made of a material with excellent insulating and fire-resistant properties, such as mica. In the example shown in Figure 2, the side surface of the battery block 20 is covered with a side plate 18. That is, a side plate 18 is interposed between the inner surface of the upper case 11 of the outer casing 10 and the battery block 20. The side plate 18 is made of an insulating material and insulates the lead plate 6. 【0033】 The battery block 20 is connected to the circuit board via lead plates 5. The circuit board implements a charge / discharge circuit for charging and discharging the secondary battery cell 1, and a protection circuit that monitors the voltage and temperature of the secondary battery cell 1 and cuts off the current in case of abnormality. The circuit board is made of a glass epoxy substrate or the like. The circuit board may be divided into multiple sub-boards, and a substrate holder may be provided as a component to hold the circuit board. (Secondary battery cell 1) 【0034】Each battery block 20 houses a secondary battery cell 1 within a battery holder 21, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The secondary battery cell 1 can be a cylindrical or rectangular cell. In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, cylindrical secondary battery cells 1 are arranged vertically in a staggered pattern within the outer casing. The number and arrangement of the secondary battery cells 1 are not limited to this example; any number and arrangement can be used as appropriate. For example, cylindrical secondary battery cells may be arranged in a matrix. The secondary battery cell 1 can be any known secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, or nickel-cadmium battery. 【0035】 Each secondary battery cell 1 has a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The terminals of the positive or negative electrode are preferably located on one end face of the secondary battery cell 1. In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, the positive electrode terminal is located on one end face of the secondary battery cell 1, and the other side of the outer casing serves as the negative electrode. (Block output terminal 7) 【0036】 The battery block 20 is equipped with block output terminals 7 for extracting the output from multiple secondary battery cells 1. The block output terminals 7 of the battery block 20 are electrically connected to case output terminals 8 exposed from the outer casing 10. This allows the output of the secondary battery cells 1 to be output externally from the power supply 100 via the case output terminals 8. In examples such as Figure 3, a busbar 6 is provided on the side of the battery block 20, and its tip serves as the block output terminal 7. (Disconnection switch 30) 【0037】 Furthermore, a disconnection switch 30 is provided on the surface of the outer casing 10, as shown in Figure 1. The disconnection switch 30 is connected to a connection terminal 9 between the block output terminal 7 and the case output terminal 8, and can switch between a connected state in which the output from the case output terminal 8 is electrically connected and a disconnected state in which it is electrically disconnected. As shown in the exploded perspective view of Figure 6, the disconnection switch 30 includes a movable terminal 32 and a moving mechanism 40. 【0038】One end of the movable terminal 32 is permanently connected to either the block output terminal 7 or the case output terminal 8. The other end of the movable terminal 32 can be switched between connecting and disconnecting to the other of the block output terminal 7 or the case output terminal 8. In the example shown in the front view of Figure 7, the left end of the movable terminal 32 is permanently connected to the positive case output terminal 8, and the right end of the movable terminal 32 can be switched between connecting and disconnecting to the block output terminal 7. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration; for example, the movable terminal may be permanently connected to the block output terminal side and can be switched between connecting and disconnecting to the case output terminal side. Furthermore, while the movable terminal 32 is slidable, both ends or the middle can be electrically connected to the block output terminal 7 or the case output terminal 8, respectively. That is, in Figures 8 and 9, the back side of the plate-shaped movable terminal 32 is in contact with the surface of the block output terminal 7 or the case output terminal 8, and is slidable while electrically connected. For this reason, the surface heights of the opposing ends of the block output terminal 7 and the case output terminal 8 are aligned so that they are on the same plane. (Moving mechanism 40) 【0039】 The movable terminal 32 is movable between a connection position and a disconnection position by a movement mechanism 40. When the movable terminal 32 is in the connection position relative to the connection terminal 9 by the movement mechanism 40, the movable terminal 32 and the connection terminal 9 are electrically connected, the power supply unit 100 is connected, and power is output from the case output terminal 8. On the other hand, when it is in the disconnection position, the movable terminal 32 and the connection terminal 9 are electrically disconnected, the power supply unit 100 is disconnected, and power from the case output terminal 8 is stopped. (Guide wall 46) 【0040】The disconnection switch 30 is provided with a moving mechanism 40 for sliding the movable terminal 32. In the example shown in Figures 8 and 9, the movable terminal 32 is formed in a plate shape and is movable between a connection position and a disconnection position in a position along the surface of the outer casing 10. A guide wall 46 is also provided along the path in which the movable terminal 32 moves between the connection position and the disconnection position, and is maintained in a position intersecting the plate-shaped movable terminal 32. The movable terminal 32 slides horizontally along the guide wall 46. The guide wall 46 may be formed, for example, on the battery holder 21 that constitutes the battery block 20. Alternatively, it may be formed on the inner surface of the front panel of the outer casing. Alternatively, a pair of guide walls may be provided in parallel, and the movable terminal may be moved between the guide walls. Alternatively, a sliding mechanism may be provided between the guide wall and the upper part of the movable terminal. For example, the guide wall may be C-channel shaped or H-beam shaped, and the plate-shaped movable terminal may be slidably suspended or clamped. With this configuration, the upper part of the movable terminal is held by a guide wall, and the movable terminal can be slidably guided by a single guide wall. (Rack section 41; pinion section 42) 【0041】 In the example shown in Figures 8 and 9, the moving mechanism 40 includes a rack section 41 and a pinion section 42. The movable terminal 32 has a rack section 41 along its plate-shaped lower end. The pinion section 42 is rotatable and meshes with the rack section 41 formed on the movable terminal 32. Here, the pinion section 42 is rotatably supported on a part of the case output terminal 8 on the positive side. The pinion section 42 is coaxially connected to the operating section 31, as shown in Figure 1, etc. By rotating the operating section 31, the pinion section 42 is rotated, moving the rack section 41 meshed with the pinion section 42, thereby allowing the movable terminal 32 to slide. 【0042】 In the example shown in Figure 8, the pinion section 42 is directly provided on the case output terminal 8, but the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the disconnection switch may be composed of a movable terminal and a fixed terminal, and the pinion section may be rotatably supported on the fixed terminal. In this case, the fixed terminal is electrically connected to the case output terminal. 【0043】In the example of FIG. 1, the operation unit 31 connected to the disconnect switch 30 is of a dial type, and by rotating it, the movable terminal 32 can be moved from the connection position to the disconnection position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Also, in order to make it easier to rotate the operation unit 31, the disconnect switch 30 may be circular and provided with a slip prevention groove on the circumferential portion, or a knob or the like may be provided along the diameter on the circular end face. 【0044】 Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the disconnection position where the movable terminal 32 is slid and moved is set to a position where the operation unit 31 is operated to sufficiently separate the movable terminal 32 from the connection terminal 9. Preferably, the disconnection position is set in consideration of the creepage distance for avoiding surface discharge. Also, in order to make it easier for the user to recognize the switching between the connection position and the disconnection position, the rotation range of the dial-type operation unit 31 may be restricted, and it may be designed such that when it is rotated clockwise to the maximum, it is in the connection position, and when it is rotated counterclockwise to the maximum, it is in the disconnection position. (Lock mechanism 50) 【0045】 The disconnect switch 30 can further include a lock mechanism 50 for holding the movable terminal 32 in the connection position. In the example of FIG. 1, the lock mechanism 50 is configured in a pin shape. Also, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the connection terminal 9 is provided with a fixing hole 9b into which a pin can be inserted. Further, the movable terminal 32 is provided with a movable hole 33 into which a pin can be inserted at a position that aligns with the fixing hole 9b of the connection terminal 9 in the connection position. Further, the exterior case 10 has a lock window 17 opened at a position that aligns with these fixing hole 9b and movable hole 33 in a state where the movable terminal 32 is in the connection position. 【0046】 In a state where the movable terminal 32 is in the connection position as shown in FIG. 8, a pin is inserted into the movable hole 33 and the fixing hole 9b through the lock window 17 of the exterior case 10, so that the lock mechanism 50 can hold the movable terminal 32 in the connection position. Thereby, the disconnect switch 30 can be held in the connection position, and a situation where the disconnect switch 30 accidentally becomes in the disconnection position and the power supply device 100 stops outputting can be avoided, improving reliability. 【0047】Also, to switch the disconnect switch 30 to the disconnect position, remove the pin-shaped member from the lock window 17, the movable hole 33, and the fixed hole 9b, make the movable terminal 32 slidable, and operate the disconnect switch 30 as shown in FIG. 9 to separate the movable terminal 32 from the connection terminal 9. 【0048】 The pin-shaped member may be provided with a thread around its cylindrical periphery and screwed into the lock window 17, the movable hole 33, and the fixed hole 9b. In particular, by forming the pin-shaped member with a metal screw, the movable hole 33 and the fixed hole 9b are screwed together to mechanically connect the movable terminal 32 and the connection terminal 9, and the effect of enhancing the stability of the electrical connection can be obtained. In this case, it is preferable to insulate the pin-shaped member from the exterior case 10. For example, an insulating film is coated on the portion where the pin-shaped member contacts the exterior case 10. Alternatively, a hook-shaped portion protruding from the cylinder is provided at the tip of the pin-shaped member, and notch portions for passing the hook-shaped portion are provided in the lock window 17, the movable hole 33, and the fixed hole 9b, respectively. The pin-shaped member is inserted at an angle where the notch coincides with the hook-shaped portion and rotated, so that the hook-shaped portion is locked in the fixed hole 9b and cannot be removed. Further, a hole into which the pin-shaped member can be inserted may be provided on the battery block 20 side, for example, in the battery holder 21. Thereby, the pin-shaped member can be held more stably. [Embodiment 2] 【0049】 Also, in the above examples, an example in which the locking mechanism 50 holds the disconnect switch 30 in the connected position has been described. In addition to or instead of this, the present disclosure may be provided with a locking mechanism that holds the disconnect switch in the disconnected position. Such an example is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 as the power supply device according to Embodiment 2. In these figures, members similar to those in the above-described Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. 【0050】The cut-off switch 30B of the power supply unit 200 shown in Figures 10 and 11 has a second locking mechanism 52 in addition to the locking mechanism 50, which holds the cut-off switch 30 in the cut-off position. Specifically, the movable terminal 32 and the connection terminal 9 have movable holes 33 and fixed holes 9b, respectively, as in Embodiment 1. The outer casing 10 also has a lock window 17 at a position that aligns with the fixed holes 9b and movable holes 33 when the movable terminal 32 is in the connection position. On the other hand, in addition to this lock window 17, the outer casing 10 also has a case cut-off hole 53 at a position that aligns with the fixed holes 9b and movable holes 33 when the movable terminal 32 is in the cut-off position. 【0051】 The cutting position of the movable terminal 32 is set to a position where the movable terminal 32 is sufficiently separated from the connection terminal 9 by operating the operating unit 31, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. Also, similar to Embodiment 1, by restricting the range of movement of the operating unit 31 to between the connection position and the cutting position, it is possible to make it easier for the user to recognize when switching between the connection position and the cutting position, especially when moving to the cutting position. 【0052】 As shown in Figure 10, with the movable terminal 32 in the connected position, the pin is inserted through the lock window 17 of the outer case 10 into the movable hole 33 and the fixed hole 9b, and the lock mechanism 50 holds the movable terminal 32 in the connected position, as in Embodiment 1. Similarly, to switch the cut-off switch 30 to the cut-off position, the pin is removed from the lock window 17, the movable hole 33 and the fixed hole 9b, and the cut-off switch 30 is operated to separate the movable terminal 32 from the connected terminal 9. 【0053】On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11, when the movable terminal 32 is in the cut position, a pin-shaped object is inserted through the case cut hole 53 of the outer case 10 and connected only to the movable hole 33, and the second locking mechanism 52 holds the movable terminal 32 in the cut position. In this way, the movable terminal 32 can be locked in the cut position using the movable hole 33 instead of the fixed hole 9b. This holds the cut switch 30 in the cut position, preventing situations where the cut switch 30 unintentionally moves to the connection position and energizes, for example during maintenance, thereby increasing safety. When moving the movable terminal 32 to the connection position again, the lock state of the movable terminal 32 can be released and it can be slid by removing the pin-shaped object from the movable hole 33 and the case cut hole 53. 【0054】 In the above example, an example was described in which a second locking mechanism 52 is added to hold the disconnect switch 30 in the disconnect position, in addition to the locking mechanism 50 that holds the disconnect switch 30 in the connected position. However, the disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the locking mechanism that holds the disconnect switch in the connected position may be omitted, and only the second locking mechanism that holds the disconnect switch in the disconnect position may be provided. [Embodiment 3] 【0055】 Furthermore, in the above example, the locking mechanism 50 is shown in which a movable hole 33 and a fixed hole 9b are opened in the movable terminal 32 and the connecting terminal 9, respectively, so that the movable terminal 32 is in a position connected to the connecting terminal 9. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the locking mechanism only needs to be a mechanism that can hold the movable terminal in a position connected to the connecting terminal. Such an example is shown in Figure 12 as a power supply device 300 according to Embodiment 3. In this figure as well, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Embodiment 1 described above, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate. 【0056】The locking mechanism 50C of the disconnection switch 30C shown in Figure 12 has a movable hole 33C opened in the movable terminal 32C, while no hole is opened in the connecting terminal 9C. The movable hole 33C is opened in a position that does not overlap with the connecting terminal 9C when the movable terminal 32C is in the connected position. In addition, a lock window 17C is opened in the case opening at a position corresponding to the fixing hole 9b. With this configuration, the locking mechanism 50C holds the movable terminal 32C in the connected position with the connecting terminal 9C, and by not providing an opening in the contact area between the movable terminal 32C and the connecting terminal 9C, the contact area is increased, the electrical resistance at these interfaces is reduced, and the reliability of the electrical connection is improved. [Embodiment 4] 【0057】 In the above example, a configuration was described in which a rack and pinion is used as the moving mechanism 40, and the pinion part 42 is directly rotated by the operating part 31 to move the rack part 41. However, this disclosure does not limit the moving mechanism to this configuration, and existing structures that allow movable terminals to move horizontally can be used as appropriate. As an example, an example using a double-stroke mechanism is shown in Figures 13 to 14 as a power supply device 400 according to Embodiment 4. In these figures, the same reference numerals are used for components as in Embodiment 1 and above, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate. 【0058】 The moving mechanism 40D of the cut-off switch 30D shown in Figures 13 and 14 uses a pinion section 42D to which a crank section 43 called a double-stroke mechanism is added. Figure 13 shows the movable terminal 32D moved to the connection position, and Figure 14 shows it moved to the cut-off position. The operating section 31 is connected to the pinion section 42D via the crank section 43. The pinion section 42D is slidable along a slit 44 formed in the case output terminal 8D. When the operating section 31D is rotated, the crank section 43 rotates and the pinion section 42D itself moves from side to side. Accordingly, the pinion section 42D rotates, the rack section 41D which is meshed with the pinion section 42D moves, and the movable terminal 32D to which the rack section 41D is provided moves. Compared to the rack and pinion described above, this moving mechanism 40D has the advantage that even a small rotation angle of the operating section 31D can be converted into a large horizontal movement. [Embodiment 5] 【0059】Furthermore, the moving mechanism 40 may be a method that directly grips and moves the movable terminal 32. An example of this is shown in Figures 15 to 16 as a power supply device 500 according to Embodiment 5. In these figures, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in Embodiment 1 and above, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate. 【0060】 The moving mechanism 40E shown in Figures 15 and 16 has a handle 34 attached to a part of the movable terminal 32E, and the handle 34 is connected to the operating part 31. Figure 15 shows the movable terminal 32E in the connected position, and Figure 16 shows it in the disconnected position. The movable terminal 32E has a slit portion 35 along its length. The case output terminal 8E has a pin portion 8e that is inserted into this slit portion 35. Furthermore, a pair of guide walls 46E are arranged above and below the movable terminal 32E, allowing the movable terminal 32E to slide left and right between these guide walls 46E. The outer case 10 also has a case slit that exposes the pin portion 8e, similar to the slit portion 35. With this moving mechanism 40E, the user grasps the operating part 31, which is connected to the handle 34, and directly moves the movable terminal 32E, which is fixed to the operating part 31 via the pin portion 8e, left and right. This configuration allows for a simple and inexpensive design, and the operation is intuitive and easy to use. Furthermore, a locking mechanism or a second locking mechanism can be added to this disconnection switch 30E. [Embodiment 6] 【0061】 Furthermore, in the above examples, a configuration was described in which the right side of the movable terminal 32 is connected to the connection terminal 9, and the left side of the movable terminal 32 is slid while in physical contact with the case output terminal 8. In other words, the movable terminal 32 is in contact at two points. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and contact may be made at only one point, with the other being electrically connected by another means. For example, the movable terminal and the case output terminal may be connected with a wire harness. Such an example is shown in Figure 17 as the disconnection switch 30F of the power supply device 600 according to Embodiment 6. In this figure, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in Embodiment 1 and above, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate. 【0062】The movable terminal 32F shown in Figure 17 is connected to the case output terminal 8F via a lead wire 48 at its left end. The lead wire 48 is flexible and has sufficient length to maintain connection with the case output terminal 8F at any position within the movable range of the movable terminal 32F. In the example in Figure 17, the lead wire 48 is connected to the left end of the movable terminal 32F, but the fixed position of the lead wire 48 is not limited to this and can be any position on the movable terminal 32. 【0063】 With this configuration, there is no need to keep the left side of the movable terminal 32 in constant contact and sliding position, thus reducing the risk of fluctuations in contact resistance. Furthermore, wear due to sliding does not occur. 【0064】 Although Figure 17 uses the disconnection switch 30 of Embodiment 1 as an example, it goes without saying that the same can be applied to the disconnection switches 30B and 30C of Embodiments 2 and 3. 【0065】 In the above example, the power supply unit is attached to the electrical equipment to be driven and supplies power to the electrical equipment. If the remaining capacity of the power supply unit becomes low or if the power supply unit deteriorates over time, the power supply unit can be replaced and the electrical equipment can be used continuously. However, the present invention is not limited to replaceable power supply units that mainly house secondary battery cells, but can also be applied to configurations in which secondary battery cells are housed within the casing of the electrical equipment. In this disclosure, a power supply unit is defined as a unit that houses secondary battery cells in a case, and also includes units in which the secondary battery cells for driving are built into the casing of the electrical equipment itself. In other words, the present invention is not limited to replaceable power supply units, but can also be applied to electrical equipment that has built-in secondary battery cells. 【0066】 The power supply unit and power supply unit cut-off switch relating to this disclosure can be suitably used as a power source for mobile devices such as agricultural machinery, construction machinery, forklifts, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, electric carts, electric scooters, and electric assist bicycles; as a power source for portable electrical equipment such as electric construction machinery, power tools, and electric cleaners; or as a stationary power storage device for server backup power supplies, and for power supply units in homes, offices, and factories. 【0067】100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600... Power supply unit 1... Secondary battery cell 4... Insulating sheet 5... Lead plate 6... Bus bar 7... Block output terminal 8, 8D... Case output terminal; 8e... Pin section 9, 9C... Connection terminal; 9b... Fixing hole 10... Outer case 11... Upper case 12... Lower case 13... Front panel 14... Rear panel 15... Terminal window 16... Operation window 17... Lock window 18... Side plate 20... Battery block 21... Battery holder; 21a... Upper holder; 21b... Lower holder 22... Holder cylinder section 23... Electrode window 30, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F... Disconnect switch 31... Operation section 32, 32C... Movable terminal 33, 33C... Movable hole 34... Handle 35... Slit section 40...Moving mechanism 41...Rack section 42...Pinion section 43...Crank section 44...Slit 46...Guide wall 48...Lead wire 50, 50C...Locking mechanism 52...Second locking mechanism 53...Case cutting hole

Claims

1. A power supply device comprising: a battery block having a plurality of secondary battery cells connected in series or parallel and a block output terminal for taking the output of the plurality of connected secondary battery cells; an outer case housing the battery block; a case output terminal electrically connected to the block output terminal of the battery block and exposed from the outer case; and a disconnection switch provided on the path of the electrical connection between the block output terminal and the case output terminal, which can switch between a connected state in which the output from the block output terminal to the case output terminal is electrically connected and a disconnected state in which it is electrically disconnected, wherein the disconnection switch comprises: a movable terminal that can move on the path of the electrical connection between the block output terminal and the case output terminal between a connected state in which the block output terminal and the case output terminal are electrically connected and a disconnected state in which it is electrically disconnected; and a moving mechanism that moves the movable terminal along the horizontal direction of the outer case between the connected position and the disconnected position.

2. A power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the disconnection switch is configured such that the movable terminal can be slidably moved along the surface of the outer casing by the moving mechanism.

3. A power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the disconnection switch is electrically connected by moving the movable terminal to the connection position using the moving mechanism, and then bringing a part of the movable terminal into contact with a connection terminal on the block output terminal side or the case output terminal side on the electrical connection path between the block output terminal and the case output terminal.

4. A power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the disconnection switch further comprises an operating section for operating the moving mechanism, and the operating section is exposed from the outer casing.

5. A power supply device according to claim 4, wherein the movable terminal is formed in a plate shape and is movable between the connection position and the cutting position in a position along the surface of the outer case.

6. A power supply device according to claim 5, further comprising a guide wall maintained in a position intersecting the plate-shaped movable terminal along a path through which the movable terminal moves between the connection position and the disconnection position, wherein the movable terminal is configured to move along the guide wall.

7. A power supply device according to claim 6, wherein the moving mechanism comprises a rotatably mounted pinion portion, the pinion portion is connected to the operating portion, the movable terminal has a rack portion that meshes with the pinion portion along the plate shape, and the power supply device is configured such that rotating the operating portion rotates the pinion portion and moves the rack portion that meshes with the pinion portion.

8. A power supply device according to claim 3, wherein the disconnection switch further comprises a locking mechanism for holding the movable terminal in the connection position or the disconnection position.

9. A power supply device according to claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism is pin-shaped, the connection terminal is provided with a fixing hole into which the pin-shaped can be inserted, the movable terminal is provided with a movable hole into which the pin-shaped can be inserted at a position that aligns with the fixing hole of the connection terminal at the connection position, and the locking mechanism is able to hold the movable terminal in the connection position by inserting the pin-shaped into the movable hole and the fixing hole when the movable terminal is in the connection position.

10. A power supply device comprising: a battery block having a plurality of secondary battery cells connected in series or parallel and a block output terminal for taking the output of the plurality of connected secondary battery cells; an outer case housing the battery block; and a case output terminal electrically connected to the block output terminal of the battery block and exposed from the outer case; a disconnection switch provided on the path of the electrical connection between the block output terminal and the case output terminal, and capable of switching between a connected state in which the output from the block output terminal to the case output terminal is electrically connected and a disconnected state in which it is electrically disconnected; and a movable terminal that is movable on the path of the electrical connection between the block output terminal and the case output terminal between a connected state in which the block output terminal and the case output terminal are electrically connected and a disconnected state in which it is electrically disconnected; and a moving mechanism for moving the movable terminal along the horizontal direction of the outer case between the connected position and the disconnected position.

Images