Accommodating device

Abstract

A storage device for storing a replaceable battery for supplying power to a vehicle is provided with: a case having a storage space for storing the battery and an opening part for opening the storage space to the outside of the storage device at the front end part; a cover part which is provided so as to be capable of opening and closing between the accommodation space and the outside of the accommodation device at the opening part; the connector is arranged at the rear end part of the shell and can be connected with the connector of the storage battery in the accommodating space of the shell; a first member linked with the opening and closing of the cover part; and a pressing member that presses a side surface of the battery housed in the housing space in conjunction with the first member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a housing device. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle equipped with a detachable replaceable battery is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-84843 Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is necessary to provide a sufficient gap in the housing space of a housing device for housing a replaceable battery to facilitate the entry and exit of the replaceable battery. However, in this case, the replaceable battery housed in the housing device is not fixed and becomes unstable. Therefore, the replaceable battery swings due to external vibration or the like, and as a result, there is a problem that stress concentrates on the connection portion between the connector of the replaceable battery and the connector of the housing device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above background, and an object thereof is to provide a housing device capable of suppressing stress concentration on a connection portion connected to a replaceable battery.

[0006] The housing device of the present disclosure houses a replaceable battery that supplies power to a vehicle. The housing device includes: a housing having a housing space for housing the replaceable battery and an opening at a front end for opening the housing space to the outside of the housing device; a lid portion provided to be able to open and close between the housing space and the outside of the housing device at the opening; a connector provided at a rear end of the housing and configured to be able to connect to a connector of the replaceable battery in the housing space of the housing; a first member linked to the opening and closing of the lid portion; and a pressing member linked to the first member to press a side surface of the replaceable battery housed in the housing space of the housing. Even if a sufficient gap for facilitating the entry and exit of the replaceable battery is provided in the housing space, this housing device can fix the replaceable battery housed in the housing space using the pressing member linked to the opening and closing of the lid portion, and thus can suppress stress concentration on the connection portion between the housing device and the replaceable battery.

[0007] Alternatively, the first component may be configured to protrude from the accommodation space of the housing to the outside of the housing via the opening when the cover is opened, and to be pressed by the cover into the accommodation space of the housing when the cover is closed. By physically contacting the first component with the cover, the opening and closing of the first component and the cover are linked, so that under the condition of not increasing the size of the replaceable battery and the accommodation device, while maintaining the disassembly and assembly operability of the replaceable battery, stress concentration on the connector caused by external vibration can be suppressed.

[0008] The accommodation device may further include a spring configured to relieve the pressing force of the pressing component on the replaceable battery when the cover is opened. With a simple structure, the pressing force of the pressing component on the replaceable battery can be relieved, making it easier to take out the replaceable battery from the accommodation space.

[0009] Alternatively, the spring may be configured to apply a tension force in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the pressing component on the replaceable battery when the cover is closed. With a simple structure, the pressing force of the pressing component on the replaceable battery can be relieved, making it easier to take out the replaceable battery from the accommodation space.

[0010] Alternatively, a second pressing component may be further provided inside the cover, which presses the front end of the replaceable battery accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing when the cover is closed. With the second pressing component, the replaceable battery accommodated in the accommodation space can be fixed more stably, so that stress concentration on the connection part between the replaceable battery and the accommodation device can be suppressed.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, an accommodation device capable of suppressing stress concentration on the connection part connected to the replaceable battery can be provided.

[0012] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a replaceable battery accommodated in the accommodation device of Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the front end of the replaceable battery shown in

[0015] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the rear end of the replaceable battery shown in

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the housing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the process of housing the replaceable battery in the housing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing device according to Embodiment 1. Detailed Embodiment

[0020] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way of embodiments of the invention. However, the invention related to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, not all of the structures described in the embodiments necessarily need to be used as means for solving the problems. For the sake of clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings are appropriately omitted and simplified. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and repeated explanations are omitted as needed.

[0021] <Embodiment 1>

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the replaceable battery 100 housed in the housing device 1 according to Embodiment 1. The replaceable battery 100 is also referred to as a battery pack, a battery module, etc., and is mounted on the housing device 1 in a detachable manner, for example. The housing device 1 is mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle that travels by a motor using electricity as a power source. The replaceable battery 100 is miniaturized and lightened so that an operator can easily plug and unplug it with respect to the housing device 1 of the electric vehicle. In addition, the operator includes a work robot, etc.

[0023] As Figure 1 shown, the outer shape of the replaceable battery 100 is defined as a rectangular parallelepiped shape by a housing 101 that houses a single battery stack composed of a plurality of battery cells, etc. In addition, a connector 102 that protrudes outward and is formed to be connectable to a connector on the housing device 1 side (vehicle side) is provided at the rear end portion (rear housing) of the replaceable battery 100. In addition, a rail 106 that extends along the length direction (X-axis direction) of the replaceable battery 100 is provided on the bottom surface of the replaceable battery 100.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the periphery of the front end portion (front housing) of the replaceable battery 100 enlarged. As Figure 2As shown, a handle 104 is provided at the front end of the replaceable battery 100. An operator can slide the replaceable battery 100 by holding the handle 104 and pressing or pulling it. In addition, a damper 105 is provided at the front end of the replaceable battery 100 so as to protrude outward.

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the periphery of the rear end portion (rear housing) of the replaceable battery 100 enlarged. As Figure 3 shown, at the rear end of the replaceable battery 100, in addition to the connector 102, a handle 103 and a safety valve 107 are also provided.

[0026] The connector 102 includes a pedestal 1021, a high-voltage terminal 1022, a low-voltage terminal 1023, a positioning pin 1024, and a metal cover 1025. The pedestal 1021 is disposed on the main surface of the rear end portion (rear housing) of the replaceable battery 100. The high-voltage terminal 1022, the low-voltage terminal 1023, and the positioning pin 1024 are all formed to protrude outward from the main surface of the pedestal 1021. The cover 1025 is formed to surround the sides of the high-voltage terminal 1022 and the low-voltage terminal 1023. The high-voltage terminal 1022 is a terminal for transmitting the power output from the battery stack of the single cells housed in the housing 101 of the replaceable battery 100 to the vehicle on which the replaceable battery 100 is installed. The low-voltage terminal 1023 is a terminal for transmitting a control signal from the vehicle to the replaceable battery 100, or for transmitting a signal indicating the monitoring result (such as a voltage measurement result) of the battery stack of the single cells from the replaceable battery 100 to the vehicle.

[0027] The safety valve 107 discharges the gas generated in the battery stack of the single cells housed in the housing 101 of the replaceable battery 100. Here, even when gas is discharged from the safety valve 107, the high-voltage terminal 1022 and the low-voltage terminal 1023 are protected by the metal cover 1025.

[0028] The handle 103 is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis extending along the upper edge of the rear end of the replaceable battery 100, and is placed on the upper surface of the housing 101 when not in use. Therefore, it is possible to carry the replaceable battery 100 by hanging the rear end of the replaceable battery 100 through the handle 103 without interfering with the connection of the connector 102.

[0029] More specifically, when an operator carries the replaceable battery 100, the operator lifts the replaceable battery 100 by holding the rotatable handle 103 with one hand, and supports the replaceable battery 100 by holding the handle 104 with the other hand. Thus, the operator can carry the replaceable battery 100 while keeping the center of gravity stable (maintaining balance).

[0030] Figure 4This is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the housing device 1 of the present embodiment. Figure 4 A replaceable battery 100 is also shown. Additionally, Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing device 1 as viewed from the side (Y-axis direction). The housing device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and houses a replaceable battery 100 that supplies power to the vehicle. Specifically, the housing device 1 includes at least a housing 11, a lid portion 12, and a connector 15.

[0031] The housing 11 has a housing space 11a for housing the replaceable battery 100 and an opening 11b at the front end that opens the housing space 11a to the outside of the housing device 1. The connector 15 is provided at the rear end of the housing 11 so as to be connectable to the connector 102 of the replaceable battery 100 housed in the housing space 11a. Additionally, the connector 15 extends outward from the rear end of the housing 11 and is connected to a vehicle (not shown).

[0032] The lid portion 12 is provided so as to be able to open and close between the housing space 11a and the outside of the housing device 1 at the opening 11b of the housing 11. Specifically, the lid portion 12 is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis extending along the lower edge of the opening 11b of the housing 11.

[0033] In a state where the lid portion 12 is opened, the bottom surface inside the housing space 11a of the housing 11 and the inner surface of the lid portion 12 are on the same plane (XY plane). Additionally, guides 13 and 14 corresponding to the rails 106 of the replaceable battery 100 are provided on the bottom surface inside the housing space 11a of the housing 11 and the inner surface of the lid portion 12, respectively. For example, by an operator pressing the handle 104 of the replaceable battery 100, the replaceable battery 100 slides in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) along the guides 13 and 14 provided on the housing device 1 and is housed in the housing space 11a of the housing device 1. The connector 102 of the replaceable battery 100 housed in the housing space 11a of the housing device 1 is connected to the connector 15 of the housing device 1.

[0034] Furthermore, the replaceable battery 100 can be transported, for example, by being placed on a cart 200. When housing the replaceable battery 100 from the cart 200 into the housing device 1, the height of the cart 200 is made to match that of the housing device 1, and the handle 104 is pressed to house the replaceable battery 100 in the housing device 1. On the other hand, when taking out the replaceable battery 100 from the housing device 1 and placing it on the cart 200, the height of the cart is made to match that of the housing device 1, and the handle 104 is pulled to take out the replaceable battery 100 from the housing device 1.

[0035] The housing device 1 further includes a first member 16, a connecting member 17, a pressing member 18, and a spring 19. The first member 16 is a flat member disposed along the upper surface within the housing space 11a of the housing 11. Further, the first member 16 is disposed such that one end thereof protrudes from the opening 11b. Here, when the lid portion 12 is closed, one end of the first member 16 is pressed by the lid portion 12, and the first member 16 is pressed into the housing space 11a of the housing 11. That is, the first member 16 moves in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) according to the opening and closing of the lid portion 12. The pressing member 18 is a flat member connected to the first member 16 via the connecting member 17. The pressing member 18 moves in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) according to the movement of the first member 16 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). Specifically, when the lid portion 12 is closed and the first member 16 is pressed into the housing space 11a of the housing 11, the pressing member 18 moves in the vertically downward direction (negative direction of the Z-axis). In contrast, when the lid portion 12 is opened, the pressing member 18 is lifted in the vertically upward direction (positive direction of the Z-axis) by the spring 19 provided between the first member 16 and the pressing member 18. Along with this, a part of the first member 16 is pushed out from the housing space 11a of the housing 11 to the outside via the opening 11b. That is, the spring 19 is provided so as to act with a tension in a direction opposite to the pressing direction (negative direction of the Z-axis) of the pressing member 18 on the replaceable battery 100 when the lid portion 12 is closed. By physically contacting the first member 16 with the lid portion 12 so that the first member 16 is linked to the opening and closing of the lid portion 12, the replaceable battery 100 and the housing device 1 are not enlarged, the disassembly and assembly workability of the replaceable battery 100 can be maintained, and stress concentration on the connector caused by external vibration can be suppressed.

[0036] It should be noted that although not shown, in the housing space 11a of the housing device 1, an exhaust port for discharging the gas discharged from the safety valve 107 of the replaceable battery 100 to the outside via the vehicle is provided on the wall surface facing the rear end portion (rear housing) of the replaceable battery 100. And, the gas discharged from the safety valve 107 of the replaceable battery 100 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle, for example, from the lower side of the vehicle via a pipe connected to the exhaust port. Therefore, even if it is assumed that gas is discharged from the safety valve 107 of the replaceable battery 100 housed in the housing device 1, the gas does not reach the operator side, and the safety of the operator can be ensured.

[0037] Next, use Figure 6 and Figure 7 to describe the process of housing the replaceable battery 100 in the housing device 1 mounted on the vehicle. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the process of housing the replaceable battery 100 in the housing device 1. Figure 7It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing device 1 that houses the replaceable battery 100. Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing device 1 observed from the side (Y-axis direction), Figure 7 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing device 1 observed from the front (X-axis direction).

[0038] First, in a state where the lid portion 12 of the housing device 1 is open, the operator presses the front end portion of the replaceable battery 100 disposed near the opening portion 11b of the housing device 1. As a result, the replaceable battery 100 slides within the housing space 11a of the housing device 1 along the guide members 13 and 14 provided on the bottom surface of the housing space 11a of the housing device 1 and the inner surface of the lid portion 12 respectively ( Figure 6 step S101).

[0039] After that, when the replaceable battery 100 is housed in the housing space 11a of the housing device 1, in the housing space 11a, the connector 102 of the replaceable battery 100 is connected to the connector 15 on the housing device 1 side ( Figure 6 step S102). Then, the lid portion 12 is closed.

[0040] When the lid portion 12 is closed, one end portion of the first member 16 is pressed by the lid portion 12, and the first member 16 is pressed into the housing space 11a of the housing 11. The pressing member 18 moves in the vertically downward direction (negative direction of the Z-axis) as the first member 16 is pressed into the housing space 11a of the housing 11. That is, the pressing member 18 presses the side surface of the replaceable battery 100 housed in the housing space 11a of the housing device 1 from above ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 step S103). As a result, the replaceable battery 100 is fixed in the housing space 11a of the housing device 1.

[0041] In addition, when the lid portion 12 is closed, the damper 105 of the replaceable battery 100 is pressed by the guide member 14 formed on the inner surface of the lid portion 12. As a result, the replaceable battery 100 is further stably fixed in the housing space 11a of the housing device 1. In addition, preferably, the damper 105 of the replaceable battery 100 has an inclined surface facing obliquely upward in the housing space 11a of the housing device 1, and the guide member 14 formed on the inner surface of the lid portion 12 has an inclined surface facing obliquely downward on the bottom surface of the housing space 11a when the lid portion 12 is closed. As a result, the damper 105 of the replaceable battery 100 is also pressed downward by the guide member 14, so that the replaceable battery 100 is more stably fixed in the housing space 11a of the housing device 1.

[0042] In this way, even if the storage space 11a of the present disclosure is provided with a sufficient gap for easily inserting and removing the replaceable battery 100, the replacement battery 100 stored in the storage space 11a can be fixed by using the pressing member 18 linked to the opening and closing of the cover 12, thereby suppressing the concentration of stress applied to the connection portion with the replaceable battery 100.

[0043] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified within a scope not departing from the gist of the invention.

[0044] For example, the pressing member 18 is not limited to being a flat plate-shaped member; it may also be a balloon-shaped member that adjusts the amount of gas inside in conjunction with the first member 16. For example, when the lid 12 is closed, the balloon-shaped member expands, thereby pressing the replaceable battery 100 housed in the storage space 11a of the storage device 1. Conversely, when the lid 12 is opened, the balloon-shaped member contracts, thereby releasing the pressure on the replaceable battery 100 housed in the storage space 11a of the storage device 1.

[0045] It is obvious from the disclosure of the above description that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be changed in many ways. These changes should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A storage device for storing a replaceable battery for supplying power to a vehicle, wherein: The receiving device comprises: a housing having a storage space for accommodating the replaceable battery and an opening at a front end portion for opening the storage space to the outside of the storage device; a cover portion configured to be able to open and close the opening portion between the storage space and the outside of the storage device; a connector provided at a rear end portion of the housing and configured to be connectable to a connector of the replaceable battery within the housing space of the housing; A first component, linked to the opening and closing of the cover; and The pressing member presses the side surface of the replaceable battery accommodated in the accommodation space of the case in conjunction with the first member.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The first component is configured to extend from the housing space of the shell through the opening to the outside of the shell when the cover is opened, and is configured to be pressed into the housing space of the shell by the cover when the cover is closed.

3. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The storage device further includes a spring for canceling the pressing of the replacement battery by the pressing member when the lid is opened.

4. The storage device according to claim 3, wherein: The spring is provided so as to exert a tension in a direction opposite to a direction in which the pressing member presses the replaceable battery when the lid is closed.

5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: A second pressing member is further provided inside the lid portion, and when the lid portion is closed, the second pressing member presses the front end portion of the replaceable battery accommodated in the accommodation space of the case.

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