Storage Structure of Battery Cells

Abstract

A storage structure for battery cells is provided, which can function even when an electrical component controlling the operation of the battery cells fails and when abnormal external force is applied. The structure includes: a storage rack for battery cells; casters; a first power line having one end electrically connected to a control unit and the other end electrically connected to a first connector; a second connector electrically connected to a second power line; a mounting table for the casters having an elastic mechanism; a link mechanism. The elastic mechanism is arranged as follows: when the storage rack is shaken and the casters move a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction starting from a state where the mounting surface position has dropped due to the mounting of the casters, the mounting surface is inclined so that the casters move in the same direction. The link mechanism mechanically connects the mounting table to the first connector, maintains the connection between the connectors in a state without the above-mentioned movement, and moves the casters in a direction to separate the connectors when the casters move a distance greater than the predetermined distance in the predetermined direction due to the inclination of the mounting surface.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This invention claims the priority and benefits of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021 - 145298, filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 7, 2021, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical field

[0003] This invention relates to a storage structure for battery cells. Background art

[0004] In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013 - 206880, there is described an interlock device for a battery cell tray that can remove multi - layer stacked battery cells when a switch is turned off. The interlock device described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013 - 206880 includes: a box body; battery cells that are multi - layer stacked on the box body; a switch that is connected to a DC circuit in which the battery cells are connected in series; and an interlock mechanism that enables the battery cells to move when the switch is turned off and prohibits the battery cells from moving when the switch is turned on. Summary of the invention

[0005] The interlock mechanism described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013 - 206880 is a mechanism that controls the conduction / disconnection (ON / OFF) of a circuit including battery cells by using a switch, so that the battery cells cannot move when the switch is turned on (the circuit is conductive) and the battery cells can move when the switch is turned off (the circuit is disconnected). Therefore, in the interlock mechanism described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013 - 206880, when the switch fails, the interlock does not work.

[0006] In addition, in the technology described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013 - 206880, although it is possible to cope with replacing (maintaining) battery cells when the switch is normal, regardless of whether the switch is faulty or not, in the case of an abnormal external force such as an earthquake, the circuit cannot be disconnected. In such a case, for safety reasons, another structure is required to automatically disconnect the circuit.

[0007] This invention is completed to solve such problems, and its object is to provide a storage structure for battery cells with an interlock that can function even when an electrical component controlling the operation of the battery cells fails and can also function when an abnormal external force is applied.

[0008] The storage structure of a battery cell according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a storage rack that stores rechargeable battery cells; a control unit that controls the operation of the battery cells while being connected to the battery cells stored in the storage rack; a first power line, one end of which is electrically connected to the control unit; a first connector that is electrically connected to the other end of the first power line; a second connector that is electrically connected to one end of a second power line for receiving power from the outside and supplying power to the outside; casters that are mounted on the bottom surface side of the storage rack and support the storage rack; a mounting table that mounts the casters; and a link mechanism that mechanically connects the mounting table to the first connector; the mounting table is provided with an elastic mechanism that lowers the position of the mounting surface due to mounting the casters as the mounting objects, and when the storage rack is shaken and the casters move a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction from the lowered state, the mounting surface is inclined to further move the casters in the predetermined direction; the link mechanism is arranged as follows: in the lowered state and when the casters do not move the predetermined distance in the predetermined direction, the electrical connection state between the first connector and the second connector is maintained, and when the casters move at least a distance greater than the predetermined distance in the predetermined direction due to the inclination of the mounting surface of the mounting table, the link mechanism can move in such a way that the first connector moves away from the second connector, thereby electrically disconnecting the first power line from the second power line.

[0009] According to the storage structure of the battery cell according to this aspect, since it has a structure that can make the interlock function under the application of abnormal external force and can make the interlock function mechanically without relying on electrical components, the interlock can function even when the electrical components that control the operation of the battery cells fail or during a power outage.

[0010] In addition, a plurality of mounting tables can be provided, and the link mechanism is connected to at least one of the plurality of provided mounting tables. Thus, in the storage structure of the battery cell, based on the mounting tables equipped with a plurality of mounting casters, the interlock can function through the link mechanism.

[0011] In addition, among the multiple placement tables provided, the placement table connected to the link mechanism can be set as the first placement table, and the placement table not connected to the link mechanism can be set as the second placement table. The position of the second placement table is set as follows: when the caster wheel, i.e., the first caster wheel, which is the object to be placed, falls from the first placement table due to the inclination of the placement surface of the first placement table, the movement of the first caster wheel in the direction of the second placement table is stopped by the end of the second placement table. Thus, in the storage structure of the battery unit, even when the interlock functions due to abnormal external force, the excessive movement of the storage rack can be restricted.

[0012] Here, it is preferable that the first power line has at least a slack length, and this slack length is the amount of movement of the first caster wheel from the state of being placed on the first placement table to the position where it falls from the first placement table and is stopped by the end of the second placement table. Thus, in the storage structure of the battery unit, the load or damage to the first power line caused by the functioning of the interlock can be prevented.

[0013] In addition, preferably, the storage rack is a rack capable of storing a plurality of the battery units, and the link mechanism is set as follows: taking the state that a specified number or more of the battery units among the plurality of battery units that can be stored in the storage rack are stored in the storage rack as a prerequisite, the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector. Thus, for the storage structure of the battery unit, at the stage where the battery units are being stored in the storage rack and the specified number of battery units have not been stored yet, the control unit can be kept in a non-operating state.

[0014] In addition, preferably, on the placement surface of the placement table for placing the caster wheel, a convex portion or a concave portion is formed, and this convex portion or concave portion restricts the movement of the caster wheel until the shaking exceeds a specified value. Thus, in the storage structure of the battery unit, it is possible to easily adjust for what degree of abnormal external force the interlock functions.

[0015] According to the present invention, a storage structure for a battery unit with an interlock can be provided, and this interlock can function even in a state where an electrical component for controlling the operation of the battery unit fails, and can also function when an abnormal external force is applied.

[0016] Through the detailed description given below and the drawings given by way of example only, the above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood, and thus it should not be regarded as limiting the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0017] Figure 1 It is a schematic side view showing an example of the storage structure of the battery unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing an example of different states of the storage structure of the battery cell Figure 1 .

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing an example of the storage structure of the battery cell according to Embodiment 2.

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of the storage structure of the battery cell according to Embodiment 3, and is Figure 1 or Figure 3 a schematic diagram of an example of a horizontal cross-section at the caster position in the storage structure of the battery cell.

[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another example of the storage structure of the battery cell according to Embodiment 3, and is Figure 1 or Figure 3 a schematic diagram of another example of a horizontal cross-section at the caster position in the storage structure of the battery cell.

[0022] Figure 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view at the caster position showing another example of the storage structure of the battery cell according to Embodiment 3. Detailed Embodiments

[0023] Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, for clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings are appropriately simplified. Further, in the embodiments, sometimes the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are appropriately omitted.

[0024] (Embodiment 1)

[0025] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 and Figure 2 are schematic side views showing an example of the storage structure of the battery cell according to Embodiment 1, Figure 1 which Figure 2 show different states.

[0026] The storage structure of the battery cell according to the present embodiment can be used as a stationary power supply device in a state where the battery cell is stored. The stationary power supply device is not limited in its use, for example, for industrial use, for household use, etc. Figure 1 shows the state when the stationary power supply device is operating, Figure 2 shows the state when an abnormal external force is applied to the stationary power supply device or when maintenance is performed.

[0027] As Figure 1 shown, the storage structure 1 of the battery unit involved in this embodiment (hereinafter, this structure 1) may include: a storage rack 11 for storing the battery unit 12; casters 13 and 14; a control unit 15; a first power line 16; a first connector 17; a second connector 21; placing tables 30 and 40; and a link mechanism 50. In addition, a cooling mechanism such as a water tank (not shown) may also be provided in this structure 1.

[0028] In Figure 1 , a three-layer rack is illustrated as the storage rack 11. For convenience, the case where each layer is in a row will be described. The storage rack 11 may be composed only of a frame skeleton and may include: an outer frame including a pair of horizontal frames 11a constituting each layer and four vertical frames constituting the row; and two rod-shaped frames 11b that are provided between the pair of horizontal frames 11a for each pair. The battery unit 12 can be stored in the storage rack 11 by being placed on the two rod-shaped frames 11b.

[0029] Of course, regardless of the shape and size of the storage rack 11, even if the placement surface of the battery unit 12 is also a plate-like member, as long as it can place the target battery unit 12. In addition, the storage rack 11 is not limited to Figure 1 the three-layer one-row rack illustrated in, and there is no limit to the number of layers or rows, and there is no limit to the number of battery units 12 that can be stored in one layer or the number of battery units 12 that can be stored in one row. In addition, the storage rack 11 may also be referred to as a storage bracket (rack).

[0030] The battery unit 12 may be any battery unit that can be charged and discharged, and its type is not limited. For example, a lithium-ion storage battery, a lead storage battery, etc. placed in a metal box can be cited. In Figure 1 , an example in which a total of 3 battery units 12 are stored in the storage rack 11 is shown.

[0031] The control unit 15 controls the operation of the battery unit 12 in a state of being connected to the battery unit 12 stored in the storage rack 11. The control of this operation includes on / off control of the charge / discharge function. The control unit 15 may be a switch substrate that performs such on / off control. For example, it includes an operation switch that accepts a manual on / off operation, or is configured to be able to control on / off according to an instruction from an external device. In Figure 1 the example of, the control unit 15 is provided for each stored battery unit 12.

[0032] In Figure 1In [the example], an example in which the control unit 15 connected to the battery unit 12 is connected in parallel is cited. However, even in the case of series connection, the interlock described below functions in the same manner. In addition, for example, a structure in which all the battery units 12 are connected in series and are uniformly controlled by one control unit 15 can also be adopted. In this way, one control unit 15 can be provided for all the accommodated battery units 12, or, for example, a control unit 15 can be provided for each of a plurality of the accommodated battery units 12.

[0033] The first power line 16 is a power line whose one end is electrically connected to the control unit 15 and is a power line for receiving power from the outside or supplying power to the outside via the control unit 15. The first connector 17 is a connector electrically connected to the other end of the first power line 16.

[0034] The second power line 2 is a power line for receiving power from the outside and supplying power to the outside (external power line). The second connector 21 is a connector electrically connected to one end of the second power line 2 and has a shape capable of being electrically connected to the first connector 17. The other end of the second power line 2 can be connected to an inverter, for example.

[0035] The casters 13 and 14 are mounted on the bottom surface side of the storage rack 11 and support the storage rack 11. Herein, an example in which the casters 13 and 14 are mounted on caster mounting portions 11c and 11d respectively provided on the bottom surface of the storage rack 11 is cited.

[0036] In Figure 1 a case where two casters identical to the casters 13 and 14 are also mounted on the back side of the paper surface and a total of four casters are mounted is described. However, the number of casters mounted on the bottom surface side of the storage rack 11 may be three or more. In addition, the type of the mounted casters is not limited to the wheel type, and spherical casters (ball casters) may also be used. And the wheel-type casters can be fixed casters that cannot change the rotation direction (travel direction) of the wheels, or swivel casters that can rotate about a vertical axis to change the rotation direction of the wheels. In addition, different types or sizes of casters may be mounted according to the installation position.

[0037] The placement tables 30 and 40 are tables for placing the casters 13 and 14 respectively. In Figure 1 the example, four placement tables are provided corresponding to the four casters respectively, but this is not limiting. There may be casters that are not placed on the placement tables during operation, or multiple casters may be placed on one placement table. In addition, the deformation of the configuration of the casters and the placement tables will be described later as Embodiment 3.

[0038] The mounting table 30 includes a first mounting plate 31 for mounting the casters 13, and an elastic mechanism that causes the position of the mounting surface to drop when the casters 13 to be mounted are placed thereon. The drop in the position of the mounting surface means that the mounting surface sinks due to the weight of the storage rack 11 or the like. As will be apparent from the description of the spring members 32 and 33 below, during normal operation of the device, the height of the mounting surface uniformly drops, and the mounting surface is substantially flat, presenting a state in which the casters 13 do not roll without external force ( Figure 1 the state shown). Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as the normal operating state. In addition, as a simple example, the first mounting plate 31, which is a plate-like member, is cited, but even a mounting member other than plate-like can form a mounting surface for the casters as long as it can do so.

[0039] The above elastic mechanism is also arranged as follows: when the storage rack 11 is shaken and the casters 13 move a specified distance in a specified direction from the Figure 1 such normal operating state, the mounting surface tilts to cause the casters 13 to move further in the above specified direction. Through such a mechanism, when the casters 13 move the above specified distance in the above specified direction due to shaking, the first mounting plate 31 tilts to guide the casters 13 to move further in the above specified direction. As a result, the casters 13 roll off the first mounting plate 31, and as Figure 2 shown, the mounting table 30 can be made into a state where the casters are not mounted, that is, the storage rack 11 can be made into a state of being removed from the mounting table 30. The above specified direction can refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 the right direction ( Figure 2 the direction of the hollow arrow in).

[0040] In other words, the above elastic mechanism can be configured such that the elastic modulus varies according to the above specified direction to enable such tilting. In the Figure 1 and Figure 2 example, as the above elastic mechanism, spring members 32 and 33 are provided on the lower surface of the first mounting plate 31. Here, the spring member 32 is a member provided closer to the first connector 17 side than the spring member 33.

[0041] The spring members 32 and 33 are set such that at least in the unloaded state, the height of the spring member 32 is higher than that of the spring member 33, and when the casters 13 are mounted at a fixed position, the first mounting plate 31 is flat, and specifications such as the wire diameter, coil center diameter (average coil diameter), number of active coils, and transverse elastic coefficient of the spring material of the two springs, or the spring constant determined by them, are set. In addition, the above specified distance varies according to the elastic mechanism. In other words, it is only necessary to prepare an elastic mechanism that makes the above specified distance the desired distance.

[0042] The caster to be placed on the mounting table 40 is the caster 14, and it also has the same elastic mechanism as the mounting table 30. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example of, the mounting table 40 has a second mounting plate 41. As the above elastic mechanism, spring members 42 and 43 are provided on the lower surface of the second mounting plate 41. The spring members 42 and 43 can be the same spring members as the spring members 32 and 33, respectively, or the specifications such as dimensions can be set in consideration of the load brought by the link mechanism 50 described later.

[0043] The link mechanism 50 is a mechanism that mechanically connects the mounting table 30 and the first connector 17. Moreover, the link mechanism 50 maintains the state where the first connector 17 and the second connector 21 are electrically connected in the normal operating state and when the caster 13 does not move the specified distance in the above specified direction. That is, in this structure 1, in the normal operating state, the mounting tables 30 and 40 sink due to the weight of the storage rack 11 that houses the battery unit 12, etc., and the first connector 17 connected to the mounting table 30 by the link mechanism 50 descends, thereby maintaining the state where the first power line 16 and the second power line 2 are electrically connected, that is, the state where the power line circuit is connected.

[0044] In addition, the link mechanism 50 is arranged as follows: in the case where the caster 13 moves at least a distance greater than the above specified distance in the above specified direction due to the inclination of the mounting surface of the mounting table 30, it can move in such a way that the first connector 17 moves in a direction away from the second connector 21 (see Figure 2 the upward arrow), so that the first power line 16 and the second power line 2 are electrically disconnected. The link mechanism 50 can physically move the connectors along the direction of separating the connectors in this way. As a result, the position of the first connector 17 rises relative to the position of the second connector 21, and the first power line 16 and the second power line 2 become in a non-electrically connected state, that is, the power line circuit becomes physically disconnected. In addition, in Figure 1 In the example of, the position of the second connector 21 is fixed.

[0045] As a supplement, in the case where it moves at least a distance greater than the above specified distance in the above specified direction, as Figure 2 the rotation arrow shows, the first mounting plate 31 rotates, and as Figure 2 in the state, the caster 13 changes to a state of being removed from the mounting table 30. The above specified distance can also be the distance close to the state where the caster 13 is completely removed from the mounting table 30 ( Figure 2 the state), that is, the distance to a part of the first mounting plate 31.

[0046] As an example of the link mechanism 50, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a mechanism including a first member 51, a second member 52, a first joint portion 53, and a second joint portion 54 can be provided. One end of the first member 51 is rotatably mounted on the end portion of the first mounting plate 31 on the side of the first connector 17 through the first joint portion 53, and the other end of the first member 51 is rotatably mounted on one end of the second member 52 through the second joint portion 54. The cross section of the second member 52 is formed in an L shape, and the other end thereof constitutes a mounting portion 52a. This mounting portion 52a is fixed to the first connector 17 at the second member 52.

[0047] Of course, the number, shape, size, etc. of the link members or joint portions in the link mechanism 50 are not limited, as long as the connection between the connectors as described above can be maintained and the connectors can be separated. In addition, as the link mechanism 50, Figure 1 a mechanism having an open-loop structure is exemplified, but a mechanism having a closed-loop structure can also be applied. In addition, the link mechanism 50 can also be arranged such that Figure 1 when the storage rack 11 is viewed from the left side, its position does not overlap with the position of the caster 13.

[0048] In addition, as an alternative to the link mechanism 50, a structure in which the mounting portion 52a is fixed to the second connector 21 side can also be adopted (wherein, a link mechanism is adopted in which the mounting portion 52a is lowered by the rise of the end portion of the first mounting plate 31 on the side of the first connector 17). In this case, the position of the first connector 17 is fixed, and when a movement of the above-specified distance in the above-specified direction occurs, the second connector 21 descends relative to the fixed first connector 17.

[0049] In addition, preferably, the contact portions of the first connector 17 and the second connector 21 are configured in such a manner that it is easy for them to change from the contact state to the non-contact state. For example, in the contact portion between the first connector 17 and the second connector 21, magnets can be used on at least one side of the first connector 17 and the second connector 21.

[0050] As described above, the present structure 1 includes such a link mechanism 50 that a combination of two spring members 32 and 33 with different specifications is used, so that when an abnormal external force sufficient to remove the caster 13 from the first mounting plate 31 is applied, the power line circuit can be cut off, and the connectors are switched from the contact state to the non-contact state triggered by the application of the above abnormal external force.

[0051] Among them, the elastic mechanism of the mounting table 30 can be composed of three or more spring members or other elastic members. Of course, the elastic mechanism of the mounting table 40 can also be composed of three or more spring members or other elastic members. In addition, a mechanism different from the elastic mechanism of the mounting table 30 can also be adopted. Furthermore, since the mounting tables 30 and 40 have elastic mechanisms, it can be said that the present structure 1 has a certain seismic isolation function. Therefore, the mounting tables 30 and 40 can also be referred to as seismic isolation tables.

[0052] In addition, although the case where the movement of the specified distance in the specified direction occurs is described as a case of shaking (when an abnormal external force is applied), the same effect can also be provided by an operator performing maintenance operations (such as replacing the battery).

[0053] That is, by providing the link mechanism 50 and the elastic mechanism as described above, the transition from the Figure 1 normal operating state to the maintenance state can also be achieved by the operator pulling the specified distance in the specified direction. During maintenance, for example, after the operator disconnects it through the control unit 15, by pulling the storage rack 11 towards the Figure 1 right side, the casters 13 and 14 can be removed from the mounting tables 30 and 40 respectively. At this time, even when the control unit 15 fails, the power line circuit can be cut off, so the safety of the operator can be ensured.

[0054] As described above, the present structure 1 has an interlock, which is set as follows: when the caster-equipped storage rack 11 for storing the battery unit 12 is placed on the mounting tables 30 and 40, the first connector 17 is connected to the second connector 21, and the power line circuit is conductive. When it is removed from the mounting tables 30 and 40, these connectors are separated and the power line circuit is disconnected.

[0055] Therefore, according to the present structure 1, the interlock can function in the case of an abnormal external force applied due to an earthquake or the like. And since it has a structure that enables the interlock to function mechanically without relying on electrical components, even in a state where the control unit 15, which is an electrical component for controlling the operation of the battery unit 12, fails, the interlock can still function. Thus, in the present structure 1, even when the control unit 15 fails, by pulling out the storage rack 11 during maintenance to electrically cut off the first connector 17 from the second connector 21, or by pushing out the storage rack 11 when the installation direction is reversed, the power line circuit is disconnected, and the operator can approach safely. In addition, such an interlock is composed only of mechanical components, so it also has the effects of not requiring relatively expensive electrical components such as relays or sensors, and being able to function (without loss of function) even during a power outage.

[0056] In addition, as Figure 1 illustrated, the link mechanism 50 can be connected to at least one of the plurality of mounting tables provided. Thus, in this structure 1, based on the plurality of mounting tables equipped with mounting casters, the interlock can be made to function by the link mechanism 50, and only the required part can be connected to the link mechanism 50 according to cost, the number of battery units 20 accommodated, or responsiveness to external force, etc.

[0057] In addition, although the description has been made on the premise that the link mechanism 50 is connected to one mounting table 30, the Figure 1 inner mounting table can also be connected together, that is, connected to two mounting tables 30, or connected to two or more of the total four mounting tables 30, 40. That is, the link mechanism 50 can also be connected to a plurality of mounting tables. Thus, the force that makes the first connector 17 and the second connector 21 become non-connected can be dispersed to a plurality of mounting tables. Of course, the link mechanism 50 can also be connected to all the mounting tables provided in this structure 1.

[0058] In addition, the following structural example can also be adopted. Here, among the mounting tables provided in this structure 1, the mounting table connected to the link mechanism 50 (the mounting table 30 in the Figure 1 example) is called the first mounting table, and the unconnected mounting table (the mounting table 40 in the Figure 1 example) is called the second mounting table, and the description will be given.

[0059] The position of the second mounting table 40 can be set as follows: when the mounting surface of the first mounting table 30 is inclined and the caster serving as the object to be mounted, that is, the caster 13 falls from the first mounting table 30, the movement of the caster 13 in the direction toward the second mounting table 40 is stopped by the end of the second mounting table 40. Thus, in this structure 1, even when the interlock functions due to abnormal external force, the excessive movement of the storage rack 11 can be restricted.

[0060] Here, preferably, the first power line 16 has at least a surplus length, which is the amount of the caster 13 moving from the state of being mounted on the first mounting table 30 to the position where it falls from the first mounting table 30 and is stopped by the end of the second mounting table 40 ( Figure 2 the length L). By having such a surplus length, it is possible to prevent a load from being applied to the first power line 16 due to the interlock functioning, or to prevent the first power line 16 from being damaged or disconnected. In addition, in this structure 1, the control unit 15 may not be fixed to the storage rack 11, but in the case of having such a surplus length, even if it is fixed, the force from the first power line 16 is difficult to be applied to the control unit 15, so the effect of preventing the control unit 15 from falling can be expected.

[0061] However, it is not necessary to be set at such a position. On the contrary, by not being configured at such a restricted position, the loading and unloading of the storage rack 11 will become easier.

[0062] In addition, the storage rack 11 can be supported on the ground at three or more positions, but it is not necessary to provide casters at all of these positions. As long as there is at least a caster 13 corresponding to the mounting table 30 to which the link mechanism 50 is connected. The other support points can also be configured such that the part shown by the caster mounting portion 11d is replaced with a pillar having good sliding property that directly contacts the ground to contact the ground.

[0063] In addition, the storage rack 11 can include an opening through which one or more battery units 12 can be individually inserted and removed in the direction connecting the position of the mounting table 30 and the position of the mounting table 40. A door can also be provided in this opening.

[0064] In addition, although not shown, this structure 1 can also include a housing Figure 1 and Figure 2 that houses all the structures such as the storage rack 11 shown. In this case, the first mounting table 30 and the second mounting table 40 are fixed to the inner side of the bottom surface of the above-mentioned housing, and the second connector 21 is also fixed to the above-mentioned housing. However, when the second connector 21 is arranged on the inner side in the direction of pulling out the storage rack 11, it is easier to pull out the storage rack 11. The storage rack 11 is stored in the above-mentioned housing in a state where the casters 13 and 14 are respectively placed on the first mounting table 30 and the second mounting table 40. In addition, since the above-mentioned housing is to house the battery unit 12, a housing with high fire resistance and insulation performance is preferred.

[0065] For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , as the above-mentioned housing, it is also possible to prepare a small room or a locker that surrounds the storage rack 11 etc. with the right side of the drawing being an opening or an openable and closable door. In this case, during maintenance such as replacing the battery unit 12, the operator can pull out the storage rack 11 in the direction of the right side of the drawing in the same way as when an abnormal external force as exemplified by Figure 2 is applied. After pulling out like this, the operator can perform maintenance such as removing the battery unit 12 from the storage rack 11 in a wide space.

[0066] (Embodiment 2)

[0067] Refer to Figure 3 , and the description of Embodiment 2 will be centered on the differences from Embodiment 1, but various examples described in Embodiment 1 can be applied. Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing an example of the storage structure of the battery unit according to Embodiment 2.

[0068] AsFigure 3 As illustrated, the storage structure 1a of the battery unit according to the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the present structure 1a) is a structure having convex portions 31a and 41a on the first mounting plate 31 and the second mounting plate 41, respectively.

[0069] In the present structure 1a, convex portions 31a and 41a are respectively formed on the first mounting plate 31 and the second mounting plate 41. However, instead of the convex portions 31a and 41a, concave portions may be formed on the first mounting plate 31 and the second mounting plate 41, or in addition to the convex portions 31a and 41a, concave portions may also be formed on the first mounting plate 31 and the second mounting plate 41. In the case of forming concave portions, for example, a semi-cylindrical groove matching the radius of the caster can be formed.

[0070] Thus, the mounting table (one or both of the first mounting table 30 and the second mounting table 40) can form convex or concave portions on the mounting surface for mounting the caster as an object to suppress the movement of the caster until the above-mentioned shaking exceeds a specified value. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to easily adjust for what degree of abnormal external force the interlock functions.

[0071] (Embodiment 3)

[0072] As Embodiment 3, refer to Figures 4 - 6 and, centering on the differences from Embodiment 1, the deformation of the relationship between the caster and the mounting table will be described. In Embodiment 3, it can be applied to various examples described in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0073] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of the storage structure of the battery unit according to Embodiment 3, and is Figure 1 or Figure 3 a schematic diagram of an example of the horizontal cross-section at the caster position in the storage structure of the battery unit. In addition, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another example of the storage structure of the battery unit according to Embodiment 3, and is Figure 1 or Figure 3 a schematic diagram of another example of the horizontal cross-section at the caster position in the storage structure of the battery unit. Figure 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the caster position of another example of the storage structure of the battery unit according to Embodiment 3.

[0074] In the normal operating state of Embodiment 1, for example, as Figure 4As shown, as the casters 13 on the side of the first connector 17, the left and right casters 13L and 13R can be placed on the common first placement plate 311 which is an example of the first placement plate 31. Similarly, as the casters 14 away from the first connector 17 side, the left and right casters 14L and 14R can be placed on the common second placement plate 411 which is an example of the second placement plate 41.

[0075] In addition, in the normal operating state of Embodiment 1, for example, as Figure 5 shown, as the casters 13 on the side of the first connector 17, the left and right casters 13L and 13R can be respectively placed on the left and right first placement plates 312L and 312R. Similarly, as the casters 14 away from the first connector 17 side, the left and right casters 14L and 14R can be placed on the left and right second placement plates 412L and 412R.

[0076] In addition, as another example of the storage structure of the battery unit, in its normal operating state, for example, as Figure 6 shown, as the casters 13 on the side of the first connector 17, the left and right casters 13L and 13R can be placed on the common first placement plate 313, and as the caster 14 away from the first connector 17 side, the single caster 14C arranged in the center can be placed on the second placement plate 413 which is an example of the second placement plate 41. In this case, in order to stop the casters 13L and 13R when an abnormal external force is applied, the stop tables 420L and 420R can also be provided on the left and right of the placement table having the second placement plate 41 on the ground.

[0077] In addition, although not shown, there may also be casters that are not placed on the placement table during normal operation. That is, for the parts not placed on the placement table, casters can also be installed on the storage rack 11. However, in order to maintain the level of the storage rack 11 in the normal operating state, the diameter of the non - placed casters can be set to be larger than the diameter of the casters placed on the placement table. Or, similarly for maintaining the level, the installation position of the non - placed casters on the storage rack 11 can be set to be closer to the lower side than the casters placed on the placement table, so that the position of the rotation axis is on the lower side. This means, for example, setting the caster mounting part 11d in a manner that is lower than the position of the caster mounting part 11c with a height ratio Figure 1 and the state where the caster 14 is not placed on the placement table.

[0078] In the case of these examples, not only when an abnormal external force is applied, but also during maintenance, when the storage rack 11 is moved to a wide space by pulling it out or the like, the storage rack 11 is in an inclined state. Therefore, a mechanism for maintaining the storage rack 11 in a horizontal state even during maintenance may be additionally provided. For example, by adopting a mechanism in which the rotation axis of the caster mounted on either one side of the mounting table or the side not mounted on the mounting table is movable in the vertical direction, the storage rack 11 can be maintained in a horizontal state even during maintenance.

[0079] (Embodiment 4)

[0080] Regarding Embodiment 4, the description will be centered on the differences from Embodiment 1, but it can be applied to various examples described in Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0081] The storage structure of the battery unit according to the present embodiment is premised on the storage rack 11 being a rack capable of storing a plurality of battery units 12, and a link mechanism 50 is configured as follows. That is, the link mechanism 50 in the present embodiment is a mechanism that electrically connects the first connector 17 and the second connector 21 on the condition that a specified number or more of the battery units 12 among the plurality of battery units 12 that can be stored in the storage rack 11 are in a state of being stored in the storage rack 11.

[0082] In this way, in the present embodiment, the link mechanism 50 electrically connects the first connector 17 and the second connector 21 only when the caster 13 that supports the storage rack 11 storing a specified number or more of the battery units 12 is placed on the first mounting table 30 connected to the link mechanism 50, making the power line circuit conductive, so that power can be transmitted and received. Since such a prerequisite is established by the balance of the weights of the storage rack 11 and the control unit 15, the weights of the specified number of battery units 12, and the elastic mechanism, as long as a mechanism that satisfies such conditions is designed and used as the elastic mechanism.

[0083] According to the present embodiment, in the stage where the specified number of battery units 12 has not been stored yet during the storage of the battery units 12 in the storage rack 11, the control unit 15 can be kept in a non-operating state, which is beneficial in terms of safety. In particular, for example, by providing an operation unit for setting the specified number in at least one of the link mechanism 50 and the first mounting table 30, it is also possible to perform the storage operation after setting a predetermined number as the specified number. This operation unit can be connected to a mechanical mechanism for changing the elastic constant of the elastic mechanism, for example.

[0084] (Other Embodiments, etc.)

[0085] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described Embodiments 1 to 4, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, the shapes, materials, etc. of the respective components described in Embodiments 1 to 4, or the storage method of the battery unit, the actions during shaking or maintenance are not limited to the illustrated contents, as long as the functions of the present structure can be achieved. In addition, the present invention can also be implemented by appropriately combining the respective embodiments.

[0086] Those skilled in the art can combine Embodiments 1 to 4 as needed.

[0087] From the content of the present disclosure, it is obvious that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be deformed in various ways. Such deformations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims, which is obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A storage structure for battery units, the storage structure of the battery units comprising: A storage rack that stores battery units capable of charging and discharging; A control unit that controls the operation of the battery units in a state of being connected to the battery units stored in the storage rack; A first power line, one end of which is electrically connected to the control unit; A first connector that is electrically connected to the other end of the first power line; A second connector that is electrically connected to one end of a second power line for receiving power from the outside and supplying power to the outside; Caster wheels that are mounted on the bottom surface side of the storage rack and support the storage rack; A mounting table on which the caster wheels are mounted; And A link mechanism that mechanically connects the mounting table and the first connector; The mounting table is provided with an elastic mechanism. The elastic mechanism causes the position of the mounting surface to drop due to the mounting of the caster wheels as the mounting objects. When the storage rack is shaken and the caster wheels move a specified distance in a specified direction from the lowered state, the mounting surface tilts to cause the caster wheels to move further in the specified direction; The link mechanism is arranged as follows: in the lowered state and the state where the caster wheels have not moved the specified distance in the specified direction, the state of electrical connection between the first connector and the second connector is maintained, and when the caster wheels move at least a distance greater than the specified distance in the specified direction due to the tilting of the mounting surface of the mounting table, it can move in such a way that the first connector moves away from the second connector, thereby electrically disconnecting the first power line and the second power line.

2. The housing structure of the battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, There are multiple such mounting tables, The link mechanism is connected to at least one of the multiple mounting tables provided.

3. The storage structure for battery units according to claim 2, wherein Among the multiple mounting tables provided, the mounting table connected to the link mechanism is designated as the first mounting table, and the mounting table not connected to the link mechanism is designated as the second mounting table; The position of the second mounting table is arranged as follows: when the caster wheels as the mounting objects, i.e., the first caster wheels, fall from the first mounting table due to the tilting of the mounting surface of the first mounting table, the movement of the first caster wheels in the direction of the second mounting table is stopped by the end of the second mounting table.

4. The housing structure of the battery cell according to claim 3, wherein, The first power line has at least a slack length, and the slack length is the amount of movement of the first caster wheels from the state of being mounted on the first mounting table to the position where they fall from the first mounting table and are stopped by the end of the second mounting table.

5. The storage structure for battery units according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The storage rack is a rack capable of storing multiple of the battery units, The link mechanism is arranged as follows: taking the state that a specified number or more of the battery units that can be stored in the storage rack are stored in the storage rack as a necessary condition, the first connector and the second connector are electrically connected.

6. The storage structure of the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, On the mounting surface of the mounting table for mounting the casters, a convex portion or a concave portion is formed, and the convex portion or the concave portion inhibits the movement of the casters until the shaking exceeds a specified value.

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