Installation method for power storage element unit, power storage element unit, and power storage element unit assembly

Abstract

To facilitate the installation of a power storage element unit.SOLUTION: A power storage element unit 10 includes a housing 20 having an opening at the top, and a power storage element module 30 accommodated in the housing 20. The housing 20 includes a bottom wall portion 23 that supports the power storage element module 30 from below. The bottom wall portion 23, in a state where the power storage element module 30 is accommodated in the housing 20, includes an observation area 50 visible in top view. An installation method for the power storage element unit 10 includes a housing step for accommodating the power storage element module 30 in the housing 20, and a fixing step for fixing the housing 20, with the module 30 accommodated, to an installation surface 10X. In the fixing step, the housing 20 is fixed to the installation surface 10X by a fixing member 40 that penetrates the observation area 50 of the bottom wall portion 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for installing an energy storage element unit, an energy storage element unit, and an energy storage element unit combination. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, an energy storage element unit that functions as a secondary battery is known. The energy storage element unit includes a housing and an energy storage element module housed in the housing. When the energy storage element unit is installed, the energy storage element module is housed in the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-171061 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the energy storage element unit of Patent Document 1 is installed, the energy storage element module is housed in the housing from the side. When space for housing the energy storage element module cannot be secured around the housing, it is difficult to install the energy storage element unit of Patent Document 1. An object of the present invention is to facilitate the installation of the energy storage element unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A method for installing an energy storage element unit according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: A method for installing an energy storage element unit including a housing that opens upward and an energy storage element module housed in the housing, comprising: a housing step of housing the energy storage element module in the housing; a fixing step of fixing the housing accommodating the energy storage element module to an installation surface, the housing includes a bottom wall portion that supports the energy storage element module from below, the bottom wall portion includes an observation area that can be observed from above when the energy storage element module is housed in the housing, In the fixing step, the housing is fixed to the installation surface by a fixing member that penetrates the observation area of ​​the bottom wall portion.

[0006] The energy storage element unit according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: A housing that opens upward; an energy storage element module housed in the housing, the housing includes a bottom wall portion that supports the energy storage element module from below, the bottom wall portion includes an observation area that can be observed from above when the energy storage element module is housed in the housing, The observation area is provided with a through-hole through which a fixing member for fixing the housing to an installation surface can pass. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the energy storage element unit can be easily installed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment, and is a side view of an energy storage element unit assembly. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first energy storage element unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the first energy storage element unit of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the first energy storage element unit of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of the second energy storage element unit of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of a modified example of the energy storage element unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention relates to the following [1] to

[15] .

[0010] [1] A method for installing an energy storage element unit including a housing that opens upward and an energy storage element module housed in the housing, comprising: a housing step of housing the energy storage element module in the housing; a fixing step of fixing the housing accommodating the energy storage element module to an installation surface, the housing includes a bottom wall portion that supports the energy storage element module from below, the bottom wall portion includes an observation area that can be observed from above when the energy storage element module is housed in the housing, In the fixing step, the housing is fixed to the installation surface by a fixing member that penetrates the observation area of ​​the bottom wall portion.

[0011] [2] The observation area includes a plurality of area elements; The dimensions of each area element in top view are 10 mm or more and 150 mm or less, the plurality of area elements are spaced apart from one another; The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to [1], wherein the fixing member penetrates the observation area in the plurality of area elements.

[0012] [3] The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to [2], wherein the area element has a through hole through which the fixing member can pass.

[0013] [4] The housing includes a side wall portion extending from the bottom wall portion, The installation method for an energy storage element unit according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the side wall portion surrounds the observation area when viewed from above.

[0014] [5] The observation area includes a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction perpendicular to a normal direction of the installation surface, The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the fixing members include a first portion fixing member that penetrates the first portion and a second portion fixing member that penetrates the second portion.

[0015] [6] The observation region includes a third portion and a fourth portion spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to both the normal direction and the first direction, The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to [5], wherein the fixing members include a third portion fixing member that penetrates the third portion and a fourth portion fixing member that penetrates the fourth portion.

[0016] [7] The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the observation area surrounds the energy storage element module in a top view.

[0017] [8] A housing having an opening at the top; an energy storage element module housed in the housing, the housing includes a bottom wall portion that supports the energy storage element module from below, the bottom wall portion includes an observation area that can be observed from above when the energy storage element module is housed in the housing, The observation area is provided with a through hole through which a fixing member for fixing the housing to an installation surface can pass.

[0018] [9] The observation area includes a plurality of area elements; The dimensions of each area element in top view are 10 mm or more and 150 mm or less, Each area element is provided with the through hole; [8] The storage element unit according to [8], wherein the plurality of area elements are separated from each other.

[0019]

[10] The housing includes a side wall portion extending from the bottom wall portion, The storage element unit of [8] or [9], wherein the side wall portion surrounds the observation area.

[0020]

[11] The observation area includes a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction perpendicular to a normal direction of the installation surface, The energy storage element unit according to any one of [8] to

[10] , wherein the through hole is provided in the first portion and the second portion.

[0021]

[12] The observation region includes a third portion and a fourth portion spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to both the normal direction and the first direction, The energy storage element unit according to

[11] , wherein the through holes are provided in the third portion and the fourth portion.

[0022]

[13] The energy storage element unit according to any one of [8] to

[12] , wherein the observation area surrounds the energy storage element module in a top view.

[0023]

[14] A first energy storage element unit placed on an installation surface; a second energy storage element unit disposed on the first energy storage element unit, the first energy storage element unit is any one of the energy storage element units [8] to

[13] , the second energy storage element unit includes a second housing that is open upward and a second energy storage element module housed in the second housing, the second housing includes a second bottom wall portion that supports the energy storage element module from below, the second bottom wall portion includes a second observation area that is observed from above when the second housing contains the second energy storage element module, the second observation area is provided with a second through hole through which a second fixing member that fixes the second housing to the first energy storage element unit can pass; this energy storage element unit combination.

[0024]

[15] The first energy storage element unit includes a cover that covers the opening of the housing, The second fixing member fixes the second housing to the cover.

[14] The energy storage element unit assembly.

[0025] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the scale and dimensional ratios may be appropriately exaggerated from the actual size for ease of illustration and understanding. Components shown in one drawing may be omitted in another drawing.

[0026] Directions common to the drawings are indicated by arrows with common symbols. In each direction, the tip of the arrow is the first side. In each direction, the side opposite the first side, i.e., the base of the arrow, is the second side. Arrows pointing from the back to the front of the paper in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface are indicated by a symbol consisting of a dot in a circle.

[0027] 1 to 5 are diagrams illustrating one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a side view of an energy storage element unit assembly 15. The energy storage element unit assembly 15 includes a plurality of energy storage element units 10. The energy storage element unit assembly 15 may also be referred to as an energy storage facility. The energy storage element units 10 are installed on an installation surface 10X.

[0028] 1 includes a first energy storage element unit 11 and a second energy storage element unit 12 disposed on first energy storage element unit 11. First energy storage element unit 11 is disposed on a first installation surface 11X. Second energy storage element unit 12 is disposed on a second installation surface 12X.

[0029] The energy storage element unit 10 is used as a secondary battery unit capable of storing and discharging electricity. The energy storage element unit 10 may be installed in a building 1. The energy storage element unit 10 may function as the secondary battery unit of the building 1.

[0030] In the building 1, the energy storage element unit assembly 15 may be accommodated in an underfloor accommodation space 3 as shown in FIG. 1 . The illustrated accommodation space 3 is open upward. The illustrated accommodation space 3 includes a bottom 4 located below the floor 2 of the building 1. The bottom 4 forms a first installation surface 11X of the first energy storage element unit 11.

[0031] The energy storage element unit assembly 15 may be housed in a location in the building 1 other than the housing space 3. The energy storage element unit assembly 15 may be housed in the dirt floor, closet, hallway, or under the stairs in the building 1.

[0032] The energy storage element unit 10 may be installed on another energy storage element unit 10. The installation surface 10X of the energy storage element unit 10 may be formed by another energy storage element unit 10. In the energy storage element unit combination 15 shown in FIG. 1, the second installation surface 12X is formed by a cover 80 (first cover 81) of the first energy storage element unit 11, which will be described later.

[0033] The energy storage element unit 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 includes a housing 20 that is open upward, and an energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20. The housing 20 is open on a first side in the normal direction to the installation surface 10X. Hereinafter, the normal direction to the installation surface 10X will also be referred to as the "normal direction ND." FIG. 2 is a diagram of the housing 20 housing the energy storage element module 30, as viewed from above, i.e., from the first side in the normal direction ND.

[0034] First energy storage element unit 11 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 includes first housing 21 as housing 20. First energy storage element unit 11 includes first energy storage element module 31 housed in first housing 21 as energy storage element module 30. Second energy storage element unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 includes second housing 22 as housing 20. Second energy storage element unit 12 includes second energy storage element module 32 housed in second housing 22 as energy storage element module 30. In energy storage element unit combination 15 shown in FIG. 1, the direction in which first housing 21 is open and the direction in which second housing 22 is open are parallel to each other.

[0035] The first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may have the same configuration. The first housing 21 shown in Figures 2 to 4 may be used as the second housing 22. When the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 have the same configuration, the number of types of members included in the energy storage element unit assembly 15 can be reduced, and the cost of the energy storage element unit assembly 15 can be reduced.

[0036] 1 and 2, the energy storage element unit 10 may include a cover 80 that covers the opening of the housing 20. The illustrated first energy storage element unit 11 includes a first cover 81 that covers the opening of the first housing 21 from above. The second energy storage element unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 includes a second cover 82 that covers the opening of the second housing 22 from above.

[0037] The energy storage element module 30 includes a container 33 that houses a plurality of cells (not shown). A cell is the smallest unit that can be used as an energy storage element. Various types of cells can be used. The cells may be, for example, lithium-ion batteries.

[0038] 2, the housing 20 may house a plurality of energy storage element modules 30. When housed in the housing 20, the plurality of energy storage element modules 30 may be restricted from moving relative to one another.

[0039] The energy storage element module 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is electrically connected to the wiring of the building 1. In the energy storage element module 30 electrically connected to the wiring of the building, the cells may store and discharge electricity. By electrically connecting the energy storage element module 30 to the wiring of the building, the energy storage element unit 10 may function as a secondary battery unit of the building 1.

[0040] The housing 20 may house devices other than the energy storage element module 30. Like the second housing 22 shown in Fig. 1, the housing 20 may house a control module 35. The control module 35 has one or more functions of controlling the storage and discharge of the energy storage element module 30, monitoring the storage state (e.g., the amount of stored energy) of the energy storage element module 30, and monitoring the presence or absence of an abnormality in the energy storage element module 30.

[0041] The control module 35 may transmit information relating to the power storage state of the energy storage element module 30, the presence or absence of an abnormality, etc. to a control device (not shown) provided outside the energy storage element unit 10. The control module 35 may include a switch capable of changing the electrical connection state with the energy storage element module 30 and the electrical connection state with the control device.

[0042] 1 to 5 includes a bottom wall 23 and a side wall 24 extending from the bottom wall 23. The illustrated side wall 24 extends upward from the bottom wall 23, i.e., toward a first side in the normal direction ND. The bottom wall 23 supports the energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20 from below. The side wall 24 restricts movement of the energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20 in a direction non-parallel to the normal direction ND.

[0043] The housing 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 is fixed to the installation surface 10X by a plurality of fixing members 40. Various members capable of fixing the housing 20 to the installation surface 10X can be used as the fixing members 40. The fixing members 40 may be fastening members such as bolts or wood screws. The fastening members are members having threads formed on the side surfaces. The fixing members 40 are not limited to fastening members, but may also be nails or rivets. The rivets may be made of metal or resin.

[0044] The fixing member 40 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first fixing member 41 that fixes the first housing 21 to the first installation surface 11X, and a second fixing member 42 that fixes the second housing 22 to the second installation surface 12X.

[0045] When the fixing member 40 is a fastening member, the installation surface 10X may be provided with a screw hole 10Y that engages with the thread of the fastening member. The installation surface 10X may be provided with a plurality of screw holes 10Y. The second installation surface 12X shown in FIG. 2 is provided with a plurality of screw holes 10Y. The second housing 21 shown in FIG. 1 is fixed to the second installation surface 12X by engaging the second fixing member 42 with the screw hole 10Y provided in the first cover 81. Note that the second cover 82 shown in FIG. 1 does not have a screw hole 10Y.

[0046] 3 to 5, the housing 20 may be fixable to the installation surface 10X at a first position P1 and at a second position P2 rotated 180 degrees from the first position P1 about an axis parallel to the normal direction ND. The threads of the fastening member and the screw hole 10Y formed in the installation surface 10X may be engageable with each other when the housing 20 is in the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0047] 1 includes a first bottom wall portion 25 as the bottom wall portion 23. The first housing 21 includes a first side wall portion 27 as the side wall portion 24. The illustrated second housing 22 includes a second bottom wall portion 26 as the bottom wall portion 23. The second housing 22 includes a second side wall portion 28 as the side wall portion 24.

[0048] 2 to 4, the first side wall 27 extends upward from the second bottom wall 26 along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. In the second housing 22 shown in Fig. 5, the second side wall 28 extends upward from the first bottom wall 25 along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2.

[0049] 1 to 5, the first direction D1 is a direction perpendicular to the normal direction ND. The second direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to both the normal direction ND and the first direction D1. The bottom wall portion 23 shown in the drawings extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 in top view.

[0050] The bottom wall portion 23 includes an observation area 50 that is observed from above when the energy storage element module 30 is housed in the housing 20. In the first housing 21 shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first bottom wall portion 25 includes a first observation area 51 that is observed from above when the first energy storage element module 31 is housed in the first housing 21. In the second housing 22 shown in Figure 5, the second bottom wall portion 26 includes a second observation area 52 that is observed from above when the second energy storage element module 32 is housed in the second housing 22.

[0051] The housing 20, bottom wall 23, fixing member 40, and observation area 50 will be described below, mainly with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. The following description of the housing 20 applies to both the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, unless otherwise specified. The following description of the bottom wall 23 applies to both the first bottom wall 25 and the second bottom wall 26, unless otherwise specified. The following description of the fixing member 40 applies to both the first fixing member 41 and the second fixing member 42, unless otherwise specified. The following description of the observation area 50 applies to both the first observation area 51 and the second observation area 52, unless otherwise specified.

[0052] 3 and 5 is located further outward than the energy storage element module 30 in a direction non-parallel to the normal direction ND when the bottom wall portion 23 is viewed from above. In other words, the observation area 50 is farther away from the center of gravity of the bottom wall portion 23 in a direction non-parallel to the normal direction ND than the energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20.

[0053] 3 and 5, the side wall 24 surrounds the observation area 50 in top view. The side wall 24 is located outside the observation area 50 in a direction non-parallel to the normal direction ND. Because the observation area 50 is surrounded by the side wall 24 in top view, the observation area 50 and the fixing member 40 located in the observation area 50 are concealed when the housing 20 is viewed from the side, as shown in FIG.

[0054] 3 and 5 includes a first portion 56 and a second portion 57 that are spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. The first portion 56 and the second portion 57 each extend in the second direction D2. When the bottom wall portion 23 is viewed from above, the first portion 56 and the second portion 57 are located outward in the first direction D1 from the energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20.

[0055] 4, the plurality of fixing members 40 may include a plurality of first portion fixing members 46 that penetrate the first portion 56. The plurality of fixing members 40 may include a plurality of second portion fixing members 47 that penetrate the second portion 57. The bottom wall portion 23 may be fixed to the installation surface 10X at the first portion 56 by the first portion fixing members 46. The bottom wall portion 23 may be fixed to the installation surface 10X at the second portion 57 by the second portion fixing members 47.

[0056] 3 includes a third portion 58 and a fourth portion 59 that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. The third portion 58 and the fourth portion 59 extend in the first direction D1, and are positioned further outward in the second direction D2 than the energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20 when the bottom wall portion 23 is viewed from above.

[0057] 4, the plurality of fixing members 40 may include a plurality of third portion fixing members 48 that penetrate the third portion 58. The plurality of fixing members 40 may include a plurality of fourth portion fixing members 49 that penetrate the fourth portion 59. The bottom wall portion 23 may be fixed to the installation surface 10X at the third portion 58 by the third portion fixing members 48. The bottom wall portion 23 may be fixed to the installation surface 10X at the fourth portion 59 by the fourth portion fixing members 49.

[0058] The first portion fixing member 46, the second portion fixing member 47, the third portion fixing member 48, and the fourth portion fixing member 49 may have the same configuration. The first portion fixing member 46 may be used as any of the second portion fixing member 47, the third portion fixing member 48, and the fourth portion fixing member 49. The second portion fixing member 47 may be used as any of the first portion fixing member 46, the third portion fixing member 48, and the fourth portion fixing member 49. The third portion fixing member 48 may be used as any of the first portion fixing member 46, the second portion fixing member 47, and the fourth portion fixing member 49. The fourth portion fixing member 49 may be used as any of the first portion fixing member 46, the second portion fixing member 47, and the third portion fixing member 48.

[0059] 3 and 5, the first portion 56 and the third portion 58 may overlap each other, and the first portion 56 and the fourth portion 59 may overlap each other. The first portion 56 overlaps with the third portion 58 at an end portion on the first side in the second direction D2. The third portion 58 overlaps with the first portion 56 at an end portion on the first side in the first direction D1. The first portion 56 overlaps with the fourth portion 59 at an end portion on the second side in the second direction D2. The fourth portion 59 overlaps with the first portion 56 at an end portion on the first side in the first direction D1.

[0060] 3 and 5, the second portion 57 and the third portion 58 may overlap each other, and the second portion 57 and the fourth portion 59 may overlap each other. The second portion 57 overlaps with the third portion 58 at an end portion on the first side in the second direction D2. The third portion 58 overlaps with the second portion 57 at an end portion on the second side in the first direction D1. The second portion 57 overlaps with the fourth portion 59 at an end portion on the second side in the second direction D2. The fourth portion 59 overlaps with the second portion 57 at an end portion on the second side in the first direction D1.

[0061] 3 to 5 surrounds the energy storage element module 30 in top view. The illustrated observation area 50 surrounds the energy storage element module 30 as the first portion 56 overlaps with the third portion 58 and the fourth portion 59, and the second portion 57 overlaps with the third portion 58 and the fourth portion 59.

[0062] The observation region 50 shown in Figures 3 and 5 includes a plurality of area elements 55. The plurality of area elements 55 are spaced apart from one another in a direction non-parallel to the normal direction ND. The fixing member 40 shown in Figure 4 penetrates the observation region 50 at the plurality of area elements 55.

[0063] The dimension of the area element 55 in top view may be 10 mm or more, 30 mm or more, or 50 mm or more. The dimension of the area element 55 in top view may be 150 mm or less, 100 mm or less, or 85 mm or less.

[0064] In the observation region 50 shown in Fig. 3, each region element 55 is provided with a through-hole 70 that penetrates the bottom wall portion 23 in the normal direction ND. The bottom wall portion 23 is provided with a plurality of through-holes 70 that are spaced apart from each other in a direction non-parallel to the normal direction ND. The first bottom wall portion 25 shown in Fig. 3 is provided with a first through-hole 71 as the through-hole 70. The second bottom wall portion 26 shown in Fig. 5 is provided with a second through-hole 72 as the through-hole 70.

[0065] The multiple through holes 70 may have the same diameter as one another when viewed from above. The first portion fixing member 46 may be able to pass through one of the multiple through holes 70 having the same diameter as one another. The second portion fixing member 47 may be able to pass through one of the multiple through holes 70 having the same diameter as one another. The third portion fixing member 48 may be able to pass through one of the multiple through holes 70 having the same diameter as one another. The fourth portion fixing member 49 may be able to pass through one of the multiple through holes 70 having the same diameter as one another.

[0066] 3 and 5, the plurality of through holes 70 may be arranged point-symmetrically when the bottom wall portion 23 is viewed from above. In other words, the arrangement of the plurality of through holes 70 may be the same between the housing 20 at the first position P1 and the housing 20 at the second position P2.

[0067] When the fixing member 40 is a fastening member, the screw hole formed in the installation surface 10X may overlap with the through hole 70 in the housing 20 at the first position P1 and the through hole 70 in the housing 20 at the second position P2. By overlapping the through hole 70 and the screw hole, the housing 20 may be fixed to the installation surface 10X by the fixing member 40 at the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0068] When there is no need to distinguish between the multiple energy storage element units 10, the first energy storage element unit 11 may be simply referred to as the "energy storage element unit 10." The first housing 21 may be simply referred to as the "housing 20." The first bottom wall 25 and the first side wall 27 may be simply referred to as the "bottom wall 23" and the "side wall 24," respectively. The first energy storage element module 31 may be simply referred to as the "energy storage element module 30." The first fixing member 41 may be simply referred to as the "fixing member 40." The first observation area 51 may be simply referred to as the "observation area 50." The first through hole 71 may be simply referred to as the "through hole 70."

[0069] The following describes the operation of the energy storage element unit assembly 15 shown in Fig. 1. Specifically, the method of installing the energy storage element unit 10 on the installation surface 10X will be described.

[0070] The housing 20, the cover 80, and the energy storage element module 30 are brought into the building 1. The housing 20, the cover 80, and the energy storage element module 30 may be placed on the floor 2. The first housing 21, the first energy storage element module 31, and the first cover 81 that constitute the first energy storage element unit 11 are brought into the building 1. The second housing 22, the second energy storage element module 32, the control module 35, and the second cover 82 that constitute the second energy storage element unit 12 are brought into the building 1.

[0071] In the energy storage element unit combination 15 shown in FIG. 1, first, the first energy storage element unit 11 is installed on the bottom 4 of the accommodation space 3. To install the first energy storage element unit 11, the first housing 21 is placed on the first installation surface 11X. As shown in FIG. 1, the first housing 21 contacts the bottom 4 from the first bottom wall portion 25. When placed on the first installation surface 11X, the first housing 21 does not house the first energy storage element module 31. When the first energy storage element module 31 is not housed, the first housing 21 is not fixed to the first installation surface 11X. When placed on the first installation surface 11X, the illustrated first housing 21 opens upward.

[0072] Next, in the accommodation step, the first energy storage element modules 31 are accommodated in the first housing 21 arranged on the installation surface 10X. In the first energy storage element unit 11 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two first energy storage element modules 31 are lowered into the first housing 21 from above. Of the two first energy storage element modules 31, the first energy storage element module 31 located lower comes into contact with the first bottom wall portion 25 from above.

[0073] In the accommodation step, the first energy storage element module 31 may be positioned within the first housing 21. The first energy storage element module 31 positioned within the first housing 21 does not need to move relative to the first housing 21 in the fixing step described below.

[0074] When housed in the first housing 21, the first energy storage element module 31 may be connected to wiring (not shown) that is electrically connected to the first energy storage element module 31. The first energy storage element module 31 is connected to the wiring when in a non-energized state, i.e., when no current is generated in the cells in the first energy storage element module 31.

[0075] When the first housing 21 is viewed from above after the accommodation step is completed, that is, when the first housing 21 accommodates the first energy storage element module 31, a first observation area 51 can be observed as shown in FIG.

[0076] Next, in a fixing step, first housing 21 accommodating first energy storage element module 31 is fixed to first installation surface 11X. In first energy storage element unit 11 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, first fixing member 41 is used to fix first housing 21 to first installation surface 11X. First fixing member 41 penetrates first observation area 51 in the fixing step. The illustrated first fixing member 41 passes through through hole 70 formed in first observation area 51 of first bottom wall portion 25 from above. The portion of first fixing member 41 that passes through first observation area 51 reaches accommodation space 3. A fastening tool such as an impact driver may be used to fix first housing 21 using first fixing member 41.

[0077] In first energy storage element unit 11 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, first portion fixing member 46 penetrates first portion 56 of first observation region 51, as shown in FIG. 4. Second portion fixing member 47 penetrates second portion 57 of first observation region 51. Third portion fixing member 48 penetrates third portion 58 of first observation region 51. Fourth portion fixing member 49 penetrates fourth portion 59.

[0078] In the first energy storage element unit 11 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first fixing member 41 penetrates the first observation area 51 at any one of the plurality of area elements 55. The plurality of area elements 55 are spaced apart from one another in a direction non-parallel to the normal direction ND. By penetrating the first observation area 51 at the plurality of area elements 55, the plurality of area elements 55 are arranged spaced apart from one another.

[0079] In this manner, the first housing 21 accommodating the first energy storage element module 31 is fixed to the first installation surface 11X. Next, the first cover 81 is attached to the first housing 21. The first cover 81 attached to the first housing 21 covers the opening of the first housing 21. Movement of the first cover 81 relative to the first housing 21 is restricted. The first cover 81 may be fastened to the first housing 21 with screws.

[0080] In this manner, first energy storage element unit 11 is installed on first installation surface 11X. Next, second energy storage element unit 12 is installed on first energy storage element unit 11. Second energy storage element unit 12 is installed in the same manner as the above-described method for installing first energy storage element unit 11, except that installation surface 10X (second installation surface 12X) is first cover 81 of first energy storage element unit 11. By installing second energy storage element unit 12 on first energy storage element unit 11, energy storage element unit combination 15 is installed in building 1.

[0081] 1 and 2 can be removed from first installation surface 11X by reversing the procedure described above. Second installation surface 12 shown in FIG. 1 can be removed from second installation surface 12X by reversing the procedure described above.

[0082] Due to various factors, such as the spread of solar power generation, energy storage element units as secondary batteries and energy storage element unit assemblies are becoming increasingly popular in buildings. Energy storage element units can be installed in places around a housing on an installation surface where it is difficult to secure space for installing the energy storage element unit, such as the storage space 3 on the floor 2 shown in Fig. 1. As disclosed in JP2016-171061A, when an energy storage element module is housed in a housing from the side, a problem can arise in which a conventional energy storage element unit cannot be installed.

[0083] In contrast, the above-described installation method for the energy storage element unit 10 includes an accommodation step and a fixing step. In the accommodation step, the energy storage element module 30 is accommodated in a housing 20 that is open upward. In the fixing step, the housing 20 is fixed to the installation surface 10X by fixing members 40 that penetrate an observation area 50 of the bottom wall portion 23. The observation area 50 is an area that can be observed from above when the energy storage element module 30 is accommodated in the housing 20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the observation area 50 has through holes 70 that allow the fixing members 40 to pass through.

[0084] 1 to 5, the energy storage element unit 10 can accommodate the energy storage element module 30 in the housing 20 from above. Furthermore, in the illustrated energy storage element unit 10, the housing 20 can be installed on the installation surface 10X by penetrating the fixing member 40 into the bottom wall portion 23 from above. This reduces the space required for installing the illustrated energy storage element unit 10 around the housing 20. Therefore, the illustrated energy storage element unit 10 can be easily installed even in a location where it is difficult to install the energy storage element unit 10 around the housing 20, such as the storage space 3 on the floor portion 2 shown in FIG.

[0085] 1 to 5, not only the installation work of the energy storage element unit 10 but also post-installation work such as maintenance, inspection, and disassembly can be performed from above. In post-installation work, the housing 20 can be removed from the installation surface 10X. In post-installation work, the housing 20 can be easily removed by removing the fixing member 40 located in the observation area 50. Therefore, the illustrated energy storage element unit 10 allows post-installation work to be easily carried out in places where it is difficult to secure space around the housing 20 for work.

[0086] Furthermore, in the housing 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 , no through-holes 70 are provided in areas other than the observation area 50. In particular, in the illustrated energy storage element unit 10, no through-holes 70 are provided in positions that overlap with the energy storage element modules 30 housed in the housing 20. When such a housing 20 is not fixed to the installation surface 10X by the fixing members 40, it can be moved relative to the installation surface 10X. The housing 20 can also be moved relative to the installation surface 10X while housing the energy storage element modules 30. In such an energy storage element unit 10, the housing 20 can be removed from the installation surface 10X by removing the fixing members 40 that penetrate the observation area 50. In such an energy storage element unit 10, the housing 20 can be moved while housing the energy storage element modules 30, for example, when adjusting the position during installation or when removing the energy storage element unit 10 for maintenance, inspection, or disassembly.

[0087] In the energy storage element unit 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the observation region 50 includes a plurality of region elements 55. The dimension of each region element 55 in a top view is 10 mm or more and 150 mm or less. The fixing member 40 penetrates the observation region 50 at the plurality of region elements 55. When the dimension of the region element 55 falls within this numerical range, a space for the fixing member 40 to penetrate can be secured in the observation region 50.

[0088] 1 to 5, the observation area 50 includes a first portion 56 and a second portion 57 that are spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. The fixing member 40 includes a first portion fixing member 46 that penetrates the first portion 56 and a second portion fixing member 47 that penetrates the second portion 57. In the illustrated energy storage element unit 10, the housing 20 is fixed to the installation surface 10X at two portions that are spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. This effectively prevents the housing 20 on the installation surface 10X from moving in the first direction D1, even if the installation surface 10X moves due to an earthquake or the like.

[0089] 1 to 5, the observation area 50 includes a third portion 58 and a fourth portion 59 spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. The fixing member 40 includes a third portion fixing member 48 that penetrates the third portion 58 and a fourth portion fixing member 49 that penetrates the fourth portion 59. In the illustrated energy storage element unit 10, the housing 20 is fixed to the installation surface 10X at two portions that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. The illustrated housing 20 can be prevented from moving in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 relative to the installation surface 10X by the first portion fixing member 46, the second portion fixing member 47, the third portion fixing member 48, and the ninth portion fixing member 49. This allows the housing 20 to be installed more stably on the installation surface 10X.

[0090] In the embodiment described above, the energy storage element unit 10 includes a housing 20 that is open upward, and an energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20. The housing 20 includes a bottom wall portion 23 that supports the energy storage element module 30 from below. The bottom wall portion 23 includes an observation area 50 that is observed from above when the energy storage element module 30 is housed in the housing 20. A method for installing the energy storage element unit 10 includes an accommodating step of accommodating the energy storage element module 30 in the housing 20, and a fixing step of fixing the housing 20 housing the energy storage element module 30 to an installation surface 10X. In the fixing step, the housing 20 is fixed to the installation surface 10X by a fixing member 40 that penetrates the observation area 50 of the bottom wall portion 23.

[0091] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the energy storage element unit 10 includes a housing 20 that is open upward, and an energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20. The housing 20 includes a bottom wall portion 23 that supports the energy storage element module 30 from below. The bottom wall portion 23 includes an observation area 50 that is observed from above when the energy storage element module 30 is housed in the housing 20. The observation area 50 is provided with a through-hole 70 that allows the passage of a fixing member 40 that fixes the housing 20 to an installation surface 10X.

[0092] According to this embodiment, even if it is not possible to ensure a space around the housing 20 for accommodating the energy storage element module 30 in the housing 20, the energy storage element module 30 can be easily accommodated in the housing 20 from above. Furthermore, even if it is not possible to ensure a space around the housing 20 for fixing the housing 20, the housing 20 can be easily fixed to the installation surface 10X by the fixing member 40 that penetrates the bottom wall portion 23 in the observation area 50. Therefore, the energy storage element unit 10 can be easily installed by working from above the housing 20 that is placed on the installation surface 10X.

[0093] Although one embodiment has been described with reference to specific examples, the above-described specific examples do not limit the present invention. The above-described embodiment can be implemented with various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, additions, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0094] When the above-described energy storage element unit 10 is installed, the casing 20 and the energy storage element module 30 are brought separately into the building 1. In the accommodation process, the energy storage element module 30 is accommodated in the casing 20 in the building 1. The method of installing the energy storage element unit 10 is not limited to this. The energy storage element module 30 may be brought into the building 1 while still accommodated in the casing 20. The accommodation process and the fixing process described above may be performed at different locations. The accommodation process may be performed in a factory where the energy storage element unit 10 is manufactured.

[0095] In the energy storage element unit 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the observation area 50 surrounds the energy storage element module 30 in top view. The energy storage element module 30 is positioned at a position spaced apart from the side wall portion 24 in top view. The arrangement of the energy storage element module 30 is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 6, the energy storage element module 30 positioned within the housing 20 may contact the side wall portion 24 from a direction non-parallel to the normal direction ND. The energy storage element module 30 may be fixed to the side wall portion 24. The observation area 50 does not have to include the third portion 58 and the fourth portion 59 spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0096] The second housing 22 shown in FIG. 1 is fixed to the second installation surface 12X by a second fixing member 42. The illustrated second fixing member 42 is a fastening member. The second installation surface 12X formed by the first cover 81 has a screw hole 10Y that engages with the second fixing member 42. This is not limiting, and the second installation surface 12X does not necessarily have to have a screw hole 10Y. When the second fixing member 42 is a fastening member, the second installation surface 12X may have a through hole through which the second fixing member 42 can pass, instead of the screw hole 10Y. When the second fixing member 42 is a fastening member, the second housing 22 may be fixed to the second installation surface 12X by the second fixing member 42 that passes through the second installation surface 12X and a nut that engages with the second fixing member 42. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10: energy storage element unit, 10X: installation surface, 11: first energy storage element unit, 11X: first installation surface, 12: second energy storage element unit, 12X: second installation surface, 15: energy storage element unit combination, 20: housing, 21: first housing, 22: second housing, 23: bottom wall portion, 24: side wall portion, 25: first bottom wall portion, 26: second bottom wall portion, 30: energy storage element module, 31: first energy storage element module, 32: second energy storage element module , 40: Fixing member, 41: First fixing member, 42: Second fixing member, 46: Fixing member for first portion, 47: Fixing member for second portion, 48: Fixing member for third portion, 49: Fixing member for fourth portion, 50: Observation area, 51: First observation area, 52: Second observation area, 55: Area element, 56: First portion, 57: Second portion, 58: Third portion, 59: Fourth portion, 70: Through hole, 71: First through hole, 72: Second through hole, 80: Cover

Claims

1. A method for installing an energy storage element unit including a housing that opens upward and an energy storage element module housed in the housing, comprising: a housing step of housing the energy storage element module in the housing; a fixing step of fixing the housing accommodating the energy storage element module to an installation surface, the housing includes a bottom wall portion that supports the energy storage element module from below, the bottom wall portion includes an observation area that can be observed from above when the energy storage element module is housed in the housing, In the fixing step, the housing is fixed to the installation surface by a fixing member that penetrates the observation area of ​​the bottom wall portion.

2. the observation area includes a plurality of area elements; The dimension of each area element in a top view is 10 mm or more and 150 mm or less, the plurality of area elements are spaced apart from one another; The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing member penetrates the observation area in the plurality of area elements.

3. The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to claim 2 , wherein the area element has a through hole through which the fixing member can pass.

4. The housing includes a side wall portion extending from the bottom wall portion, The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to claim 1 , wherein the side wall portion surrounds the observation area in a top view.

5. the observation area includes a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction perpendicular to a normal direction of the installation surface, The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing members include a first portion fixing member that penetrates the first portion and a second portion fixing member that penetrates the second portion.

6. the observation region includes a third portion and a fourth portion spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to both the normal direction and the first direction, The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to claim 5 , wherein the fixing members include a third portion fixing member that penetrates the third portion and a fourth portion fixing member that penetrates the fourth portion.

7. The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to claim 1 , wherein the observation area surrounds the energy storage element module in a top view.

8. A housing that opens upward; an energy storage element module housed in the housing, the housing includes a bottom wall portion that supports the energy storage element module from below, the bottom wall portion includes an observation area that can be observed from above when the energy storage element module is housed in the housing, The observation area is provided with a through hole through which a fixing member for fixing the housing to an installation surface can pass.

9. the observation area includes a plurality of area elements; The dimension of each area element in a top view is 10 mm or more and 150 mm or less, Each area element is provided with the through hole; The energy storage element unit according to claim 8 , wherein the plurality of area elements are spaced apart from each other.

10. The housing includes a side wall portion extending from the bottom wall portion, The energy storage element unit according to claim 8 , wherein the side wall portion surrounds the observation area.

11. the observation area includes a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction perpendicular to a normal direction of the installation surface, The energy storage element unit according to claim 8 , wherein the through-hole is provided in the first portion and the second portion.

12. the observation region includes a third portion and a fourth portion spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to both the normal direction and the first direction, The energy storage element unit according to claim 11 , wherein the through holes are provided in the third portion and the fourth portion.

13. The energy storage element unit according to claim 8 , wherein the observation area surrounds the energy storage element module in a top view.

14. a first energy storage element unit disposed on an installation surface; a second energy storage element unit disposed on the first energy storage element unit, the first energy storage element unit is the energy storage element unit according to any one of claims 8 to 13, the second energy storage element unit includes a second housing that is open upward and a second energy storage element module housed in the second housing, the second housing includes a second bottom wall portion that supports the second energy storage element module from below, the second bottom wall portion includes a second observation area that is observed from above when the second housing accommodates the second energy storage element module, The energy storage element unit assembly, wherein the second observation area is provided with a second through hole through which a second fixing member that fixes the second housing to the first energy storage element unit can pass.

15. the first power storage element unit includes a cover that covers the opening of the housing, The energy storage element unit combination according to claim 14 , wherein the second fixing member fixes the second housing to the cover.

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