Power source device

Abstract

In a power source device including a battery pack, a safety switch is provided between a given pair of battery modules connected to each other. The safety switch connects and disconnects those battery modules by insertion and removal of a safety plug to / form a switch body. The power source device also includes an insertion prevention unit, such as a lock, for preventing the insertion of the safety plug to the switch body in such a manner that prevention of the insertion of the safety plug is releasable. A release operation unit is kept by a worker who removes the safety plug, so that safety of the worker against electric shock is ensured.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained in priority Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-114035, filed on Apr. 12, 2005, the contents of which is herein expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a power source device including a battery pack. More particularly, the present invention relates to a power source device for ensuring worker's safety against electric shock. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] There are various apparatuses using a power source device including a battery pack. The battery pack has a plurality of battery modules each of which includes a single cell or a plurality of cells connected in series, and which are connected in series. Examples of the apparatuses include an electric vehicle using the battery pack as a driving power source, a hybrid vehicle using the battery pack together with an internal-combustion engin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a power source device including a battery pack, which allows a power distribution path of the battery pack to be opened and closed by insertion and removal of a safety plug, prevents a person other than a worker or a mandator of the worker from inserting the safety plug and closing the power distribution path, and ensures work safety.

[0011] With this structure, when a worker removes the safety plug from the switch body and activates the insertion prevention unit for the safety plug, a person other than the worker and a mandator of the worker cannot release the insertion prevention unit for the safety plug. Therefore, a risk that the other person mistakenly inserts the safety plug while the worker is working is completely eliminated, thus surely preventing the worker from getting shocked while working.

[0012] It is preferable that the insertion prevention unit be composed by a key that is attachable to the switch body and prevents the insertion of the safety plug when being attached to the switch body. The key described here means a concept encompassing various sets of a lock and a key or code such as a security code for opening and closing the lock. The worker or the mandator of the worker keep the key or code for opening and closing the lock. With this structure, there is no need to provide a complicated insertion prevention mechanism in the switch body, but simply by attaching a generally used lock to the switch body the insertion of the safety plug is surely prevented. Moreover, since the worker or the mandator of the worker keeps a key or code such as a security code for opening and closing the lock, safety of the worker is ensured.

[0013] When an attachment hole is provided in the switch body, the insertion of the safety plug is prevented only by attaching the key to the attachment hole, so that the worker's safety is ensured by means of the key.

[0014] In addition, a projecting pin having an undercut portion provided on an outer surface of the switch body and an attachment plate including an elongate hole formed by a small-width portion capable of engaging with the undercut portion of the projecting pin and a large-width portion that connects with the small-width portion and serves as the key attachment hole may be provided. According to this structure, even if it is difficult or impossible to process the key attachment hole in the switch body, the attachment plate is engaged with the projecting pin so as to attach the key to the attachment plate. This structure prevents the insertion of the safety plug and ensure the worker's safety.

Problems solved by technology

With this structure, when a worker removes the safety plug from the switch body and activates the insertion prevention unit for the safety plug, a person other than the worker and a mandator of the worker cannot release the insertion prevention unit for the safety plug.

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