Patent Description:
In recent years, there has been growing demand for mobile energy harvesting devices that generate electric power in response to the external environment in order that a user can supply electric power to a load such as a smartphone, notebook PC (Personal Computer), tablet PC, or other mobile electronic device even when the user is out at a location where they do not have access to a commercial power supply. Examples of such energy harvesting devices include energy harvesting devices including solar cells that generate electricity using light energy such as sunlight and devices including thermoelectric elements that generate electricity using heat energy such as geothermal energy.

One example of an energy harvesting device such as described above is a solar cell module described in Patent Literature (PTL) <NUM> that can be formed by linking a plurality of modules to one another. Prior art <CIT> describes a converter module for converting electrical power by means of a converter circuit having at least one power electronic semiconductor switch driven in a clocked manner is disclosed. The converter module includes a housing, a first DC link circuit terminal, and a capacitance arranged in the housing and connected to the first DC link circuit terminal and to the converter circuit and serving for stabilizing a DC voltage present at the first DC link circuit terminal. The converter module includes a second DC link circuit terminal, which is connected to the capacitance and to the first DC link circuit terminal, wherein the first and second DC link circuit terminals are designed for connection to DC link circuit terminals of further converter modules for converting electrical power. An inverter can be formed by at least two converter modules which are connected to one another via a respective one of their DC link circuit terminals. In <CIT> an electrical connector is described. The electrical connector includes a rigid body, cable mating bodies disposed within the body, and contacts joined to the cable mating bodies. The body has an upper side and an opposite mounting side that is configured to be mounted to a first solar module. The body frames a window that extends through the body from the upper side to the mounting side. The cable mating bodies are configured to electrically couple the first solar module with cables to communicate electric current generated in the first solar module with one or more of an electrical load and an additional solar module. The contacts extend into the window of the body and are arranged in the window to mate with the module contacts to electrically couple the first solar module with the cable mating bodies. <CIT> describes a wiring apparatus comprises a trunk cable, branch junctions, and branch cables diverging individually from the branch junctions. A plurality of photovoltaic modules, which are arranged side by side on a roof of a building or the like, or module units, composed of the modules, serve as generating sections. The respective outputs of the generating sections are lead into the building by means of a trunk conductor of the trunk cable. Each branch cable includes a branch conductor that is connected to the trunk conductor of the trunk cable. Each branch cable of the wiring apparatus is connected to a connector for use as an output terminal of the module units by means of a connector attached to the distal end portion thereof. The module units are connected in parallel with one another by means of the wiring apparatuses, and their respective outputs are supplied to loads in the building by means of a pair of lead-in wires.

In a situation in which electric power is to be supplied to a load using an energy harvesting device, one option is to construct a power wiring device in which an energy harvesting device (energy harvesting module) is connected to a load (load module) by a specific wiring member. When such a power wiring device is set up, it is desirable for the energy harvesting module to be arranged at a position where electricity generation efficiency is good. However, a position where electricity generation efficiency of the energy harvesting module is good can change over time due to external factors. For example, in a case in which a solar cell is used as the energy harvesting module, positions where light exposure is good and thus electricity generation efficiency is good and positions where light exposure is poor and thus electricity generation efficiency is poor change over time due to the time of day, the weather, and so forth of the external environment. Consequently, electricity generation efficiency of a power wiring device may decrease due to the external environment.

Accordingly, an objective of the present disclosure is to solve the problem set forth above and provide a power wiring device that can suppress reduction of electricity generation efficiency due to the external environment.

The present disclosure aims to advantageously solve the problem set forth above by disclosing a power wiring device having the features of claim <NUM>. By adopting such a configuration, a plurality of circuit modules including an energy harvesting module can be attached and detached in any arrangement. Therefore, reduction of electricity generation efficiency due to the external environment can be suppressed by attaching and detaching the energy harvesting module as appropriate in order to arrange the energy harvesting module at a position where electricity generation efficiency is good. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to switch between electrical connection and electrical disconnection while maintaining a state in which a wiring member is mechanically connected to another wiring member via the switching part.

In the presently disclosed power wiring device, the energy harvesting module preferably includes or is connectable to an energy harvesting part that can generate electric power through energy harvesting. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to incorporate an energy harvesting part into the energy harvesting module in advance or to connect a desired energy harvesting part to the energy harvesting module as necessary in the power wiring device.

In the presently disclosed power wiring device, the energy harvesting module preferably includes a reverse current preventing part that restricts current from flowing into the energy harvesting part from either or both of the first connector and the second connector. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to restrict current from flowing into the energy harvesting part from another circuit module, for example, leading to malfunction or the like, even in a situation in which electric power supply from the energy harvesting part decreases.

In the presently disclosed power wiring device, the load module preferably includes or is connectable to a load that can consume electric power. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to incorporate a load into the load module in advance or to connect a desired load to the load module as necessary in the power wiring device.

In the presently disclosed power wiring device, the load module preferably includes a voltage controlling part that controls, to a specific voltage, a voltage that is input from either or both of the first connector and the second connector and outputs the specific voltage to the load. By adopting such a configuration, the load module can control a voltage to a specific voltage that is suitable for the load and can then output the specific voltage to the load even when the input voltage is a voltage that is not suitable for the load.

It is preferable that the presently disclosed power wiring device comprises a plurality of the wiring member, wherein the plurality of circuit modules includes a plurality of the energy harvesting module. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to increase the electric power that can be output to a circuit module such as the load module.

Moreover, it is preferable that the presently disclosed power wiring device comprises a plurality of the wiring member, wherein the plurality of circuit modules includes a plurality of the load module. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to supply electric power simultaneously to a plurality of loads.

In the presently disclosed power wiring device, the switching part is preferably a switch element.

In the presently disclosed power wiring device, the plurality of circuit modules preferably includes a secondary battery module as a circuit module that includes a secondary battery and that can switch between a charging state in which electric power input from either or both of the first connector and the second connector charges the secondary battery and a power supplying state in which electric power from the secondary battery is output from the first connector and the second connector. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to stably supply electric power to the load module by switching the secondary battery module between the charging state and the power supplying state depending on the circumstances, such as by switching the secondary battery module to the power supplying state in a situation in which electric power supply to the load module is insufficient and switching the secondary battery module to the charging state in a situation in which electric power supply to the load module is sufficient, for example.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power wiring device that can suppress reduction of electricity generation efficiency due to the external environment.

The following describes an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. Note that parts of configuration that are common to each drawing are marked by the same reference sign.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a power wiring device <NUM> not forming part of the present invention but used for understanding the invention. As illustrated in <FIG>, the power wiring device <NUM> includes a wiring member <NUM> and a plurality of circuit modules. The plurality of circuit modules includes at least an energy harvesting module <NUM> and a load module <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Each of the plurality of circuit modules includes a first connector (for example, a first connector <NUM> included in the energy harvesting module <NUM> or a first connector <NUM> included in the load module <NUM>) and a second connector (for example, a second connector <NUM> included in the energy harvesting module <NUM> or a second connector <NUM> included in the load module <NUM>) as described in detail further below. The circuit modules are electrically connected in parallel to one another through the wiring member <NUM>. Note that in <FIG>, the shapes of configurations of the power wiring device <NUM> are defined such as to facilitate description, and the shapes of configurations are not limited to these shapes. The same also applies for each of the drawings described below.

The wiring member <NUM> includes a conductive part <NUM>, a third connector <NUM>, and a fourth connector <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The wiring member <NUM> electrically connects the third connector <NUM> and the fourth connector <NUM> to one another. The wiring member <NUM> may include a covering part that covers the periphery of the conductive part <NUM>.

The conductive part <NUM> is connected to the third connector <NUM> and the fourth connector <NUM>. The conductive part <NUM> has an elongated shape and allows electricity to pass along its entire length in an extension direction thereof. The conductive part <NUM> includes an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor included in the conductive part <NUM> is not specifically limited and may, for example, be an electrical conductor formed from a metal material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, nickel, and iron, or an alloy material containing any of these metal materials. The conductive part <NUM> may be flexible such that it can be repeatedly folded at any position in the extension direction or may be rigid. From a viewpoint of making the shape of the wiring member <NUM> changeable and increasing the degree of freedom of set-up of the overall power wiring device <NUM>, it is preferable that the conductive part <NUM> is flexible.

The third connector <NUM> is mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the first connector. In other words, the third connector <NUM> is mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the first connector included in any of the circuit modules among the plurality of circuit modules. When two connectors are referred to as "mechanically and electrically attachable and detachable" in the present specification, this means that one of the connectors can be attached to the other connector and can also be detached from an attached state. In a state in which one of the connectors is attached to the other connector, the two connectors are mechanically and electrically connected to one another. Moreover, in a state in which one of the connectors is detached from the other connector, the two connectors are mechanically and electrically disconnected from one another.

The fourth connector <NUM> is mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the second connector. In other words, the fourth connector <NUM> is mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the second connector included in any of the circuit modules among the plurality of circuit modules.

The third connector <NUM> and the fourth connector <NUM> are connected to the conductive part <NUM>. Consequently, the third connector <NUM> and the fourth connector <NUM> are in continuity (i.e., are electrically connected to one another) through the conductive part <NUM>. The third connector <NUM> is connected to one end of the conductive part <NUM> and the fourth connector <NUM> is connected to the other end of the conductive part <NUM>.

Although no specific limitations are placed on the total length of the conductive part <NUM> of the wiring member <NUM> in the extension direction, it is preferable that the total length of the conductive part <NUM> in the extension direction is shorter than the total length along a straight line passing through the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> of the energy harvesting module <NUM> and the total length of a straight line passing through the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> of the load module <NUM> in terms that this can suppress an increase in the total length of the power wiring device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example in which the power wiring device <NUM> includes one wiring member <NUM>, but the power wiring device <NUM> may include a plurality of wiring members <NUM>.

The energy harvesting module <NUM> includes a first connector <NUM> and a second connector <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The energy harvesting module <NUM> can output, from the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM>, electric power obtained through energy harvesting. The first connector <NUM> is located at one end (left end in <FIG>) of the energy harvesting module <NUM> and is attachable to and detachable from the third connector <NUM> of the wiring member <NUM> at a side of the first connector <NUM> corresponding to the one end (left side in <FIG>). Moreover, the second connector <NUM> is located at the other end (right end in <FIG>) of the energy harvesting module <NUM> and is attachable to and detachable from the fourth connector <NUM> of the wiring member <NUM> at a side of the second connector <NUM> corresponding to the other end (right side in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates an example in which the power wiring device <NUM> includes one energy harvesting module <NUM>, but the power wiring device <NUM> may include a plurality of energy harvesting modules <NUM>. In a case in which the power wiring device <NUM> includes a plurality of energy harvesting modules <NUM>, the electricity generating ability of each of the energy harvesting modules <NUM> may be the same or different.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an energy harvesting module 20a as a first example of configuration of the energy harvesting module <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic view of an energy harvesting module 20b as a second example of configuration of the energy harvesting module <NUM>.

The energy harvesting module 20a that is a first example of configuration of the energy harvesting module <NUM> includes an energy harvesting part <NUM> and a reverse current preventing part <NUM> in addition to the previously described first connector <NUM> and second connector <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The first connector <NUM>, the second connector <NUM>, and the reverse current preventing part <NUM> are electrically connected to one another via electrical wiring. The reverse current preventing part <NUM> and the energy harvesting part <NUM> are electrically connected to one another via electrical wiring. In other words, the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> are electrically connected to the energy harvesting part <NUM> via the reverse current preventing part <NUM>. Note that parts of configuration that are electrically connected to one another in the energy harvesting module <NUM> may be directly connected to one another rather than being connected to one another via electrical wiring.

The energy harvesting part <NUM> can generate electric power through energy harvesting. In other words, the energy harvesting part <NUM> generates electric power in response to the external environment. Therefore, electric power generated by the energy harvesting part <NUM> changes depending on the external environment. The energy harvesting part <NUM> may, for example, include a solar cell that utilizes light energy such as sunlight or room light to generate electricity. Alternatively, the energy harvesting part <NUM> may include a thermoelectric element that utilizes heat energy such as geothermal energy to generate electricity. The energy harvesting part <NUM> outputs the generated electric power to the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> via the reverse current preventing part <NUM>.

The energy harvesting part <NUM> includes a solar cell panel including a solar cell. The solar cell panel is a member including a solar cell that performs photoelectric conversion of incident light such as sunlight or room light and outputs electric power. The type of solar cell included in the solar cell panel may be roughly classified as an inorganic solar cell in which an inorganic material is used or an organic solar cell in which an organic material is used. Examples of inorganic solar cells include silicon (Si) solar cells in which Si is used and compound solar cells in which a compound is used. Examples of organic solar cells include thin-film solar cells such as small molecule vapor deposition-type solar cells in which an organic pigment is used, polymer coating-type solar cells in which a conductive polymer is used, and coating-conversion-type solar cells in which a conversion-type semiconductor is used; and dye-sensitized solar cells formed from titania, an organic dye, and an electrolyte. Examples of solar cells that can be included in the solar cell panel also include organic/inorganic hybrid solar cells and solar cells in which a perovskite compound is used. The solar cell panel may have a thin panel shape and, in such a case, a dye-sensitized solar cell formed on a plastic film or the like is suitable in terms of ease of thin molding. Note that in a case in which the solar cell panel has a thin panel shape, the solar cell panel is not limited to being produced on a plastic film or the like as described above, and may of course be of any type so long as it is thin. In a case in which the solar cell panel has a thin panel shape, the thickness thereof may suitably be not less than <NUM> and not more than <NUM>, for example, from a viewpoint of production technology.

The reverse current preventing part <NUM> restricts current from following into the energy harvesting part <NUM> from the first connector <NUM> and/or the second connector <NUM>. The reverse current preventing part <NUM> in this example restricts current from flowing into the energy harvesting part <NUM> from the first connector <NUM> and restricts current from flowing into the energy harvesting part <NUM> from the second connector <NUM>. The reverse current preventing part <NUM> can include a circuit element such as a diode. In a case in which a diode is used as the reverse current preventing part <NUM>, the diode is connected such that the anode thereof is at a side connected to the energy harvesting part <NUM> and the cathode thereof is at a side connected to the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM>. The reverse current preventing part <NUM> may be configured by connecting the collector and the base of a transistor, and using between them and the emitter as a diode.

The energy harvesting module 20b that is a second example of configuration of the energy harvesting module <NUM> includes a reverse current preventing part <NUM> and a connector for energy harvesting part connection <NUM> in addition to the previously described first connector <NUM> and second connector <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The energy harvesting module 20b differs from the energy harvesting module 20a in terms that the energy harvesting module 20a includes an energy harvesting part <NUM> but the energy harvesting module 20b does not include an energy harvesting part <NUM>.

The reverse current preventing part <NUM> included in the energy harvesting module 20b restricts current from flowing into the connector for energy harvesting part connection <NUM> from the first connector <NUM> and/or the second connector <NUM>. Other aspects of configuration of the reverse current preventing part <NUM> included in the energy harvesting module 20b are the same as for the reverse current preventing part <NUM> included in the previously described energy harvesting module 20a.

The connector for energy harvesting part connection <NUM> is a connector that is mechanically and electrically connectable to an external energy harvesting part <NUM>. The connector for energy harvesting part connection <NUM> may be mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the external energy harvesting part <NUM>. The connector for energy harvesting part connection <NUM> is not specifically limited and can be a connector in accordance with a specific standard such as a connector in which a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface is used.

The external energy harvesting part <NUM> has the same configuration as the energy harvesting part <NUM> included in the previously described energy harvesting module 20a with the exception that the external energy harvesting part <NUM> includes a connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is a connector that is mechanically and electrically connectable to the connector for energy harvesting part connection <NUM>. In the same way as the connector for energy harvesting part connection <NUM>, the connector <NUM> is not specifically limited and can be a connector in accordance with a specific standard such as a connector in which a USB interface is used.

The load module <NUM> includes a first connector <NUM> and a second connector <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The load module <NUM> can consume electric power input from the first connector <NUM> and electric power input from the second connector <NUM>. The first connector <NUM> is located at one end (left end in <FIG>) of the load module <NUM> and is attachable to and detachable from the third connector <NUM> of the wiring member <NUM> at a side of the first connector <NUM> corresponding to the one end (left side in <FIG>). Moreover, the second connector <NUM> is located at the other end (right end in <FIG>) of the load module <NUM> and is attachable to and detachable from the fourth connector <NUM> of the wiring member <NUM> at a side of the second connector <NUM> corresponding to the other end (right side in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates an example in which the power wiring device <NUM> includes one load module <NUM>, but the power wiring device <NUM> may include a plurality of load modules <NUM>. In a case in which the power wiring device <NUM> includes a plurality of load modules <NUM>, the power consumption of each of the load modules <NUM> may be the same or different.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a load module 30a as a first example of configuration of the load module <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic view of a load module 30b as a second example of configuration of the load module <NUM>.

The load module 30a that is a first example of configuration of the load module <NUM> includes a load <NUM> and a voltage controlling part <NUM> in addition to the previously described first connector <NUM> and second connector <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The first connector <NUM>, the second connector <NUM>, and the voltage controlling part <NUM> are electrically connected to one another via electrical wiring. The voltage controlling part <NUM> and the load <NUM> are electrically connected to one another via electrical wiring. In other words, the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> are electrically connected to the load <NUM> via the voltage controlling part <NUM>. Note that parts of configuration that are electrically connected to one another in the load module <NUM> may be directly connected to one another rather than being connected to one another via electrical wiring.

The load <NUM> may be any load that can consume electric power. The load <NUM> may, for example, be LED lighting, an electronic device such as a radio, or the like. Electric power consumed by the load <NUM> can change depending on the state of actuation of the load <NUM>, for example.

The voltage controlling part <NUM> controls a voltage input from the first connector <NUM> and/or the second connector <NUM> to a specific voltage and outputs the specific voltage to the load <NUM>. More specifically, the voltage controlling part <NUM> raises or lowers a voltage input from the first connector <NUM> and/or the second connector <NUM> to a specific voltage suitable for actuation of the load <NUM>, such as a rated voltage of the load <NUM>, and outputs the specific voltage to the load <NUM>. The voltage controlling part <NUM> in this example controls a voltage input from the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> to a specific voltage and outputs the specific voltage to the load <NUM>.

The load module 30b that is a second example of configuration of the load module <NUM> includes a voltage controlling part <NUM> and a connector for load connection <NUM> in addition to the previously described first connector <NUM> and second connector <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The voltage controlling part <NUM> included in the load module 30b controls a voltage input from the first connector <NUM> and/or the second connector <NUM> to a specific voltage and outputs the specific voltage to the connector for load connection <NUM>. More specifically, the voltage controlling part <NUM> raises or lowers a voltage input from the first connector <NUM> and/or the second connector <NUM> to a specific voltage, such as a rated voltage in accordance with a standard for the connector for load connection <NUM>, and outputs the specific voltage to the connector for load connection <NUM>. The voltage controlling part <NUM> in this example controls a voltage input from the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> to a specific voltage and outputs the specific voltage to the connector for load connection <NUM>.

The connector for load connection <NUM> is a connector that is mechanically and electrically connectable to an external load <NUM>. The connector for load connection <NUM> may be mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the external load <NUM>. The connector <NUM> for load connection is not specifically limited and can be a connector in accordance with a specific standard such as a connector in which a USB interface is used.

The external load <NUM> has the same configuration as the load <NUM> included in the previously described load module 30a with the exception that the external load <NUM> includes a connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is a connector that is mechanically and electrically connectable to the connector for load connection <NUM>. In the same way as the connector for load connection <NUM>, the connector <NUM> is not specifically limited and can be a connector in accordance with a specific standard such as a connector in which a USB interface is used. The external load <NUM> is a load that is connectable to the connector for load connection <NUM> via the connector <NUM> and may, for example, be a typical electronic device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a personal computer.

The power wiring device <NUM> may further include a secondary battery module as a circuit module. <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a secondary battery module <NUM> as an example of configuration of a secondary battery module included as a circuit module in the power wiring device <NUM>.

The secondary battery module <NUM> includes a first connector <NUM> and a second connector <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The first connector <NUM> is mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the third connector <NUM> included in the wiring member <NUM> in the same way as the first connector <NUM> included in the energy harvesting module <NUM> and the first connector <NUM> included in the load module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, etc. The second connector <NUM> is mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the fourth connector <NUM> included in the wiring member <NUM> in the same way as the second connector <NUM> included in the energy harvesting module <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> included in the load module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, etc. The power wiring device <NUM> may include a plurality of secondary battery modules <NUM>. In a case in which the power wiring device <NUM> includes a plurality of secondary battery modules <NUM>, the input electric power during charging and the output electric power during power supplying may be the same or different for each of the secondary battery modules <NUM>.

The secondary battery module <NUM> includes a secondary battery <NUM>, a switching part <NUM>, a voltage controlling part <NUM>, and a reverse current preventing part <NUM> in addition to the previously described first connector <NUM> and second connector <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The secondary battery <NUM> is a secondary battery that is chargeable and dischargeable. The secondary battery <NUM> may, for example, be a lithium ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or the like.

The switching part <NUM> can switch between a charging state in which electric power input from the first connector <NUM> and/or the second connector <NUM> charges the secondary battery <NUM> and a power supplying state in which electric power from the secondary battery <NUM> is output from the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM>. The switching part <NUM> includes, for example, a switch element that is electrically connected to the secondary battery <NUM> and electrical wiring connected to the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM>, in-between the secondary battery <NUM> and the electrical wiring.

The voltage controlling part <NUM> controls a voltage input from the first connector <NUM> and/or the second connector <NUM> to a specific voltage and outputs the specific voltage to the secondary battery <NUM>. More specifically, the voltage controlling part <NUM> raises or lowers a voltage input from the first connector <NUM> and/or the second connector <NUM> to a specific voltage suitable for charging the secondary battery <NUM>, such as a rated voltage of the secondary battery <NUM>, and outputs the specific voltage to the secondary battery <NUM>. Moreover, the voltage controlling part <NUM> controls a voltage input from the secondary battery <NUM> to a specific voltage and outputs the specific voltage to the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM>. More specifically, the voltage controlling part <NUM> raises or lowers the voltage of electric power input from the secondary battery <NUM> to a specific voltage suitable for another circuit module such as the load module <NUM>, and outputs the specific voltage to the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM>. The voltage controlling part <NUM> is electrically connected to the switching part <NUM> and the secondary battery <NUM>, in-between the switching part <NUM> and the secondary battery <NUM>.

In a situation in which the switching part <NUM> is in the power supplying state, the reverse current preventing part <NUM> restricts current from flowing into the secondary battery <NUM> from the first connector <NUM> and/or the second connector <NUM>. The reverse current preventing part <NUM> in this example restricts current from flowing into the secondary battery <NUM> from the first connector <NUM> and restricts current from flowing into the secondary battery <NUM> from the second connector <NUM>. The reverse current preventing part <NUM> can include a circuit element such as a diode. In a case in which a diode is used as the reverse current preventing part <NUM>, the diode is connected such that the anode thereof is at a side connected to the secondary battery <NUM> and the cathode thereof is at a side connected to the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM>. The reverse current preventing part <NUM> is positioned on wiring along which current flows when the switching part <NUM> is in the power supplying state and along which current does not flow when the switching part <NUM> is in the charging state.

When the power wiring device <NUM> includes the secondary battery module <NUM> as described above, this enables stable supply of electric power to the load module <NUM> by switching the secondary battery module <NUM> between the charging state and the power supplying state depending on the circumstances, such as by switching the secondary battery module <NUM> to the power supplying state in a situation in which electric power supply to the load module <NUM> is insufficient and switching the secondary battery module <NUM> to the charging state in a situation in which electric power supply to the load module <NUM> is sufficient, for example.

<FIG> illustrates a first state of use of the power wiring device <NUM> not forming part of the present invention but used for understanding the invention. In this state of use, the power wiring device <NUM> includes two wiring members <NUM>, two energy harvesting modules <NUM>, and one load module <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, in the power wiring device <NUM> in this state of use, the two energy harvesting modules <NUM> are connected to the one load module <NUM> via the two wiring members <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the one load module <NUM> has one of the two energy harvesting modules <NUM> (energy harvesting module <NUM> at the left side in <FIG>) electrically connected to the first connector <NUM> thereof and the other of the energy harvesting modules <NUM> (energy harvesting module <NUM> at the right side in <FIG>) electrically connected to the second connector <NUM> thereof.

By providing a plurality of energy harvesting modules <NUM> for a single load module <NUM> as in this state of use, the load module <NUM> can be supplied with the electric power required thereby even if the required electric power cannot be supplied to the load module <NUM> by a single energy harvesting module <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a second state of use of the power wiring device <NUM> not forming part of the present invention but used for understanding the invention. In this state of use, the power wiring device <NUM> includes two wiring members <NUM>, one energy harvesting module <NUM>, and two load modules <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, in the power wiring device <NUM> in this state of use, the two load modules are connected to the one energy harvesting module <NUM> via the two wiring members <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the one energy harvesting module <NUM> has the two load modules <NUM> electrically connected to the second connector <NUM> thereof.

By providing a plurality of load modules <NUM> for a single energy harvesting module <NUM> as in this state of use, electric power can be simultaneously supplied to the plurality of load modules <NUM> when sufficient electric power is generated by the energy harvesting module <NUM>. Note that even in a case in which the respective loads <NUM> of the load modules <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) or the external loads <NUM> to which the load modules <NUM> respectively connect (refer to <FIG>) require different voltages for operation, voltage control is performed as appropriate by the voltage controlling part <NUM> included in each of the load modules <NUM>, which enables operation of the plurality of load modules <NUM> through the shared energy harvesting module <NUM>.

Moreover, a user can freely arrange circuit modules in accordance with any state of use, inclusive of the first state of use and the second state of use described above, and thus can freely construct an arrangement that is suitable for the state of use. Therefore, reduction of electricity generation efficiency due to the external environment can be suppressed by attaching and detaching an energy harvesting module <NUM> as appropriate in order to arrange the energy harvesting module <NUM> at a position where electricity generation efficiency is good. Moreover, a load module <NUM> can be attached and detached as appropriate in order to arrange the load module <NUM> at a position that is suitable for use thereof.

<FIG> illustrates a power wiring device <NUM> according to the present invention. As illustrated in <FIG>, the power wiring device <NUM> further includes a switching member <NUM>.

The switching member <NUM> includes a fifth connector <NUM>, a sixth connector <NUM>, and a switching part <NUM>. The fifth connector <NUM> is a connector that is mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the third connector <NUM> included in the wiring member <NUM>. The sixth connector <NUM> is a connector that is mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the fourth connector <NUM> included in the wiring member <NUM>. The switching part <NUM> can switch between electrical connection and electrical disconnection between the fifth connector <NUM> and the sixth connector <NUM>. The switching part <NUM> includes, for example, a switch element that is electrically connected to the fifth connector <NUM> and the sixth connector <NUM>, in-between the fifth connector <NUM> and the sixth connector <NUM>. Note that the switching part <NUM> may, for example, switch between electrical connection and electrical disconnection between the fifth connector <NUM> and the sixth connector <NUM> for electric power supply by direct current electric power and may maintain electrical connection between the fifth connector <NUM> and the sixth connector <NUM> for signal transmission by alternating current electric power.

The plurality of circuit modules included in the power wiring device <NUM> in this state of use includes a plurality of circuit module groups that each include a plurality of circuit modules connected via one or more wiring members <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, the power wiring device <NUM> in this state of use includes a first circuit module group <NUM> including two energy harvesting modules <NUM> and one load module <NUM> that are connected via two wiring members <NUM> and a second circuit module group <NUM> including one energy harvesting module <NUM> and two load modules <NUM> that are connected via two wiring members <NUM>. The first circuit module group <NUM> and the second circuit module group <NUM> are connected to one another via the switching member <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, one of the two energy harvesting modules <NUM> of the first circuit module group <NUM> (energy harvesting module <NUM> at the right side in <FIG>) is connected to the fifth connector <NUM> of the switching member <NUM> via a wiring member <NUM>. Moreover, the energy harvesting module <NUM> of the second circuit module group <NUM> is connected to the sixth connector <NUM> of the switching member <NUM> via a wiring member <NUM>.

When at least two circuit module groups among a plurality of circuit module groups each including a plurality of circuit modules are mechanically connected via a switching member <NUM> as in this state of use, it is possible to switch between electrical connection and electrical disconnection between the circuit module groups through switching of the switching part <NUM> of the switching member <NUM>. Therefore, in a case in which it is desirable to preferentially supply electric power to the load module <NUM> included in the first circuit module group <NUM>, for example, the switching part <NUM> can switch to disconnection when electric power supply of the energy harvesting modules <NUM> included in the first circuit module group <NUM> is sufficient, and thus electric power can be supplied to the load module <NUM> included in the first circuit module group <NUM>, and the switching part <NUM> can switch to connection when electric power supply of the energy harvesting modules <NUM> included in the first circuit module group <NUM> is insufficient, and thus electric power can be supplied to the load module <NUM> included in the first circuit module group <NUM> from the energy harvesting module <NUM> included in the second circuit module group <NUM>. In this manner, electric power can be supplied preferentially to a load module <NUM> having high priority for electric power supply depending on the electric power generated by energy harvesting modules <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a fourth state of use of the power wiring device <NUM> not forming part of the present invention but used for understanding the invention. As illustrated in <FIG>, the power wiring device <NUM> further includes a branching member <NUM>.

The branching member <NUM> includes one fifth connector <NUM> and two sixth connectors <NUM>. The fifth connector <NUM> is a connector that is mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the third connector <NUM> of the wiring member <NUM>. The sixth connectors <NUM> are connectors that are each mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the fourth connector <NUM> of the wiring member <NUM>. All of the connectors included in the branching member <NUM> (i.e., the one fifth connector <NUM> and the two sixth connectors) are electrically connected to one another.

The plurality of circuit modules included in the power wiring device <NUM> in this state of use includes three circuit module groups as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, the power wiring device <NUM> in this state of use includes a first circuit module group <NUM>, a second circuit module group <NUM>, and a third circuit module group <NUM>. The first circuit module group <NUM> and the second circuit module group <NUM> in this state of use are the same as the first circuit module group <NUM> and the second circuit module group <NUM> in the third state of use that was previously described with reference to <FIG>, and thus description thereof is omitted. The third circuit module group <NUM> includes three energy harvesting modules <NUM> that are connected via two wiring members <NUM>. The first circuit module group <NUM>, the second circuit module group <NUM>, and the third circuit module group <NUM> are connected to one another via the branching member <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, one of the two energy harvesting modules <NUM> of the first circuit module group <NUM> (energy harvesting module <NUM> at the right side in <FIG>) is connected to the fifth connector <NUM> of the branching member <NUM> via a wiring member <NUM>. Moreover, the energy harvesting module <NUM> of the second circuit module group <NUM> is connected to one of the two sixth connectors <NUM> of the branching member <NUM> (sixth connector <NUM> at the right side in <FIG>) via a wiring member <NUM>. Furthermore, one of the three energy harvesting modules <NUM> of the third circuit module group <NUM> (energy harvesting module <NUM> at the upper side in <FIG>) is connected to the other of the two sixth connectors <NUM> of the branching member <NUM> (sixth connector <NUM> at the lower side in <FIG>) via a wiring member <NUM>.

As a result of three circuit module groups being mechanically and electrically connectable via one branching member <NUM> as in this state of use, the degree of freedom of arrangement can be increased.

The preceding description merely illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure and it goes without saying that various alterations can be made within the scope of the claims.

For example, although no specific limitations are placed on the shapes of two connectors (among the connectors described above) that are attachable and detachable with respect to one another, one of the two connectors may be a male connector and the other of the two connectors may be a female connector, for example. In a case in which the third connector <NUM> is a male connector, the first connector (for example, the first connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) and the fifth connector (for example, the fifth connectors <NUM> and <NUM>) that are attachable to and detachable from the third connector <NUM> may each be a female connector. On the other hand, in a case in which the third connector <NUM> is a female connector, the first connector and the fifth connector that are attachable to and detachable from the third connector <NUM> may each be a male connector. In a case in which the fourth connector <NUM> is a male connector, the second connector (for example, the second connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) and the sixth connector (for example, the sixth connectors <NUM> and <NUM>) that are attachable to and detachable from the fourth connector <NUM> may each be a female connector. On the other hand, in a case in which the fourth connector <NUM> is a female connector, the second connector and the sixth connector that are attachable to and detachable from the fourth connector <NUM> may each be a male connector.

Moreover, it is not essential that an energy harvesting module <NUM> includes a reverse current preventing part <NUM>. However, when an energy harvesting module <NUM> includes a reverse current preventing part <NUM>, this is preferable in terms of making it possible to restrict current from flowing into an energy harvesting part <NUM> or an external energy harvesting part <NUM> from another circuit module such as an energy harvesting module <NUM>. Moreover, an energy harvesting module <NUM> may include a voltage controlling part that controls output voltage to a constant level.

It is also not essential that a load module <NUM> includes a voltage controlling part <NUM>. However, when a load module <NUM> includes a voltage controlling part <NUM>, this is preferable in terms of making it possible to inhibit electric power from a circuit module such as an energy harvesting module <NUM> being input to a load <NUM> or external load <NUM> in excess of the rated voltage, for example.

Moreover, it is not essential that a secondary battery module <NUM> includes a voltage controlling part <NUM>. However, when a secondary battery module <NUM> includes a voltage controlling part <NUM>, this is preferable in terms of enabling control of the voltage of electric power input to and output from the secondary battery <NUM>.

Furthermore, it is not essential that a secondary battery module <NUM> includes a reverse current preventing part <NUM>. However, when a secondary battery module <NUM> includes a reverse current preventing part <NUM>, this is preferable in terms of making it possible to restrict current from flowing into a secondary battery <NUM> from another circuit module such as an energy harvesting module <NUM> in a situation in which a switching part <NUM> is in a power supplying state.

Although the branching member <NUM> was described as including one fifth connector <NUM> and two sixth connectors <NUM>, the branching member <NUM> is not limited to such a configuration and should include at least one of the fifth connector <NUM> and the sixth connector <NUM> in plurality.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a power wiring device <NUM> as a modified example of the power wiring device <NUM> not forming part of the present invention but used for understanding the invention. As illustrated in <FIG>, the power wiring device <NUM> includes a plurality of circuit modules. The plurality of circuit modules includes at least an energy harvesting module <NUM> and a load module <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Each of the circuit modules includes a first connector (for example, a first connector <NUM> included in the energy harvesting module <NUM> or a first connector <NUM> included in the load module <NUM>) and a second connector (for example, a second connector <NUM> included in the energy harvesting module <NUM> or a second connector <NUM> included in the load module <NUM>). The second connector is mechanically and electrically attachable to and detachable from the first connector. The power wiring device <NUM> is the same as the previously described power wiring device <NUM> with the exception that the first connector and the second connector are mechanically and electrically attachable and detachable and that it is not essential that the power wiring device <NUM> includes a wiring member.

As described above, the power wiring device <NUM> enables attachment and detachment of the plurality of circuit modules including the energy harvesting module <NUM> in any arrangement in the same way as the power wiring device <NUM>. Therefore, reduction of electricity generation efficiency due to the external environment can be suppressed by attaching and detaching the energy harvesting module <NUM> as appropriate in order to arrange the energy harvesting module <NUM> at a position where electricity generation efficiency is good. Moreover, since circuit modules can be directly attached to and detached from one another without a wiring member in the power wiring device <NUM>, the power wiring device <NUM> enables simpler arrangement and rearrangement of circuit modules.

Claim 1:
A power wiring device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of circuit modules each including a first connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a second connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the plurality of circuit modules including a first circuit module group (<NUM>) and a second circuit module group (<NUM>); and
a first wiring member (<NUM>) and a second wiring member (<NUM>) that respectively include a third connector (<NUM>) and a fourth connector (<NUM>), and in which the third connector (<NUM>) and the fourth connector (<NUM>) are electrically connected to one another, wherein
the plurality of circuit modules includes:
an energy harvesting module (<NUM>, 20a, 20b, <NUM>) as a circuit module that can output, from the first connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the second connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), electric power obtained through energy harvesting; and
a load module (<NUM>, 30a, 30b, <NUM>) as a circuit module that can consume electric power input from the first connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and electric power input from the second connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the fourth connector (<NUM>) of the first wiring member (<NUM>) is mechanically and electrically attached to the second connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the circuit module of the first circuit module group (<NUM>),
wherein the third connector (<NUM>) of the second wiring member (<NUM>) is mechanically and electrically attached to the first connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the circuit module of the second circuit module group (<NUM>),
wherein the power wiring device (<NUM>, <NUM>) further comprises a switching member (<NUM>) including: a fifth connector (<NUM>) that is mechanically and electrically attached to the third connector (<NUM>) of the first wiring member (<NUM>); a sixth connector (<NUM>) that is mechanically and electrically attached to the fourth connector (<NUM>) of the second wiring member (<NUM>); and a switching part (<NUM>) that can switch between electrical connection and electrical disconnection between the fifth connector (<NUM>) and the sixth connector (<NUM>).