Furniture and furniture system

Abstract

To provide furniture and a furniture system in which a portable power storage device can be placed and charged, and confirmation of charging state is easy.SOLUTION: A piece of furniture comprises: a furniture body part provided with a pair of support members disposed spaced apart from each other in one direction, and a shelf plate part detachably provided between the pair of support members; an installation part provided on the shelf plate part and on which a portable power storage device can be installed; a terminal provided on the installation part and electrically connected to the portable power storage device installed on the installation part; and a charging part for supplying power to the portable power storage device via the terminal. The furniture body part has a first opening which is provided on each side in a front and rear direction, which allows the portable power storage device installed on the installation part to be exposed, and through which the portable power storage device can be put in and taken out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to fixtures and fixture systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of portable electronic devices such as laptops, tablet computers, and smartphones (hereinafter referred to as portable devices), as well as electronic devices that use electricity, such as lighting and speakers, has become common in offices, research facilities, hospitals, schools, and commercial facilities. In order to efficiently carry out work using such electronic devices, it is necessary to supply power to the electronic devices. To achieve this, a method has often been adopted in which power outlets or the like are provided on fixtures placed in the office space, enabling power to be supplied to the electrical devices (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6506145 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5662199 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Fixtures with power outlets need to be connected to an external power source, but because power outlets in indoor spaces are usually installed in inconspicuous locations such as on walls, it may not be possible to place fixtures with power outlets near the locations in an office where users want to use electronic devices.When fixtures with power outlets are not located near the locations where users want to use electronic devices, the cables connecting the power outlets installed on the fixtures to the electronic devices end up being placed on the floor or on the top surfaces of the fixtures, and the cables connected to the electronic devices can get in the way of office work.

[0005] In view of these problems, a method has been devised to solve the problem of cables by connecting electronic devices to a portable power storage device (a rechargeable portable battery). However, this method requires a place (port) for charging the portable power storage device, and as mentioned above, power outlets are often located in inconspicuous locations such as on walls or in cabinets dedicated to charging, which makes it difficult to grasp the charging status of the portable power storage device.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide fixtures and fixture systems that allow a portable power storage device to be placed and charged, and that make it easy to check the charging status. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means for solving the above problems.

[0008] A fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a fixture main body having a pair of support members spaced apart in one direction from each other and a shelf portion detachably provided between the pair of support members; an installation portion provided on the shelf portion and capable of installing a portable power storage device; a terminal provided on the installation portion and electrically connected to the portable power storage device installed on the installation portion; and a charging portion that supplies power to the portable power storage device via the terminal, wherein the fixture main body is provided on both sides in the front-to-rear direction and has a first opening that exposes the portable power storage device installed on the installation portion and allows the portable power storage device to be inserted and removed.

[0009] According to this configuration, the portable power storage device can be placed on the shelf (installation section), and the placed portable power storage device can be charged. In addition, the charging status of the portable power storage device can be easily checked through the first opening that penetrates the fixture main body in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, users can use the portable power storage device that has completed charging to ensure sufficient working time. Since the installation section and charging section are installed in the fixture main body, multiple cables etc. are prevented from being placed on the floor or work desk, preventing them from getting in the way of office work.

[0010] In one aspect of the fixture of the present invention, the fixture main body may have a base portion that supports the lower ends of the pair of support members, and at least a portion of the charging portion may be accommodated in a storage space formed inside the base portion.

[0011] According to this configuration, by storing at least a portion of the charging unit connected to the installation unit within the storage space of the base, the charging unit's impact on the appearance of the fixture can be minimized, improving the appearance of the fixture. Furthermore, a base located at the lower end of the fixture body can form a large storage space. Therefore, even if the number of charging units increases with the number of installation units, it is possible to store these multiple charging units together within the storage space. Furthermore, by providing the storage space in the base located at the lower end of the fixture body, the center of gravity can be lowered, allowing the fixture to maintain a stable installation posture.

[0012] In one aspect of the fixture of the present invention, the fixture main body may be configured to include a support member that supports from below the installation section installed in a second opening that opens into the upper surface of the shelf section.

[0013] According to this configuration, by storing the installation part in the second opening of the shelf part, it is possible to prevent the installation part from protruding above the shelf part, and the space above the shelf part formed by the first opening can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, by supporting the installation part stored in the second opening from below with a support member, it is possible to reinforce the installation structure of the installation part relative to the shelf part. As a result, even if portable power storage devices are repeatedly placed on the installation part, the installation part will not sink downward, and good usability can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0014] In one aspect of the fixture of the present invention, the fixture main body may be configured to have a storage section capable of storing at least a portion of the charging section, and the storage section may be detachably attached to the support member.

[0015] According to this configuration, the portion of the charging unit that is not accommodated in the storage space of the base, i.e., the portion connected to the installation part installed on the shelf, can be accommodated in the storage part. Therefore, the portion that is not accommodated in the storage space of the base can be held without being exposed, improving the appearance of the fixture. Furthermore, because the storage part is structured to be detachably attached to the support member, when storing part of the charging unit in the storage part, work efficiency can be improved by removing the storage part from the support member.

[0016] In one aspect of the fixture of the present invention, the fixture may be configured to include a plurality of shelf portions, and the installation portion may be provided on each of the plurality of shelf portions.

[0017] According to this configuration, by providing installation sections on a plurality of shelf sections, it is possible to place and charge a greater number of storage-type charging devices.

[0018] The fixture system of the present invention comprises the fixture described above and the portable power storage device, and is characterized in that the portable power storage device can be installed on the fixture through the first openings provided on both sides of the fixture in the front-to-rear direction.

[0019] According to this configuration, the portable power storage device can be charged in a fixture on which the portable power storage device can be placed. A user can easily recognize the charged state of the portable power storage device through the first opening. Furthermore, the user can carry the charged portable power storage device to a desired location and connect an external electronic device to the portable power storage device, thereby performing office work while supplying power to the external electronic device. Therefore, the user can perform office work without worrying about the charging wiring connected to the electronic device.

[0020] In the furniture system of the present invention, the portable power storage device may have a display unit that indicates a charging state on each of the front and rear surfaces that face each other.

[0021] According to this configuration, the state of charge can be more accurately grasped by the display units provided on the front and rear of the portable power storage device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to place and charge a portable electricity storage device, and it is also easy to check the charging status. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a fixture system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a shelf with a charging function according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a shelf main body in the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a frame portion in the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a tray support member and a distribution cable housing portion in the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustrating the mounting structure of the frame portion and the distribution cable housing portion in the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the battery tray according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper tray of the battery tray in the first embodiment as viewed from the bottom (-Z) side. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lower tray of the battery tray in the first embodiment as viewed from above (+Z side). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the state inside the housing space of the base. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure around the base. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the furniture system of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a fixture and a fixture system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] First Embodiment (1. Furniture system) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a furniture system S1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the furniture system S1 of this embodiment includes a mobile battery (portable power storage device) B and a shelf (furniture) 1 with a charging function that can charge the mobile battery B.

[0026] (1-1. Mobile battery) The mobile battery B is a portable power storage device that can be charged and discharged. In this embodiment, the mobile battery B has a shape in which a handle B2 is provided on the top of a prismatic main body B1. The handle B2 is curved upward, and both lower ends are connected to the main body B1. A user can lift the mobile battery B by grasping the upper part of the handle B2. The shape of the handle B2 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure, but is preferably a shape that allows it to be lifted with one hand.

[0027] Mobile battery B has a rechargeable lithium battery built into the main body B1. Mobile battery B also has multiple types of USB ports P connected to the lithium battery on its outer surface. These USB ports can be used to supply power to external devices and to charge the built-in lithium battery.

[0028] Furthermore, a battery-side connection terminal (not shown) connected to a lithium battery is provided on the bottom surface of the main body B1 of the mobile battery B. Through the battery-side connection terminal, it is possible to charge the built-in lithium battery as well as supply power to external devices.

[0029] The battery-side connection terminal has, for example, an annular or circular planar shape and is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the prismatic main body B1. The center of the battery-side connection terminal coincides with the central axis of the main body B1. Specifically, the battery-side connection terminal is provided in a recess formed in the center of the bottom of the main body B1. The recess is recessed upward from the bottom surface of the main body B1. The battery-side connection terminal is provided on the bottom surface (top surface) of such a recess.

[0030] This makes it possible to connect the battery side connection terminal to the tray side connection terminal 16e (Figure 7) of the destination (in this embodiment, the installation section 6c3 described later) regardless of the rotational position around the axis of the mobile battery B.

[0031] Of the four side surfaces that make up the outer periphery of the mobile battery B, at least one pair of opposing side surfaces is provided with a display unit. Specifically, these are the two side surfaces to which the ends on both sides of the handle B2 of the mobile battery B are not connected. When one of these side surfaces is designated as the front surface Ba and the other as the back surface Bb, the display units C are provided on the front and rear of the mobile battery B, respectively.

[0032] Each display unit C displays, for example, "Charging" to indicate that charging is in progress. Furthermore, a display such as "0%" is displayed to indicate the amount of charge (charge amount) in the lithium battery. Furthermore, a display such as "Charging complete", "100%", or "FL (=FULL)" is displayed to indicate that charging is complete. Note that the above-mentioned display contents are examples and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the same content may be displayed on each display unit C provided on the front and rear of the mobile battery B, or different content may be displayed. The size of the display unit C is not limited to the size shown in the figure and can be changed as appropriate.

[0033] (1-2. Shelf with charging function) Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the shelf with charging function 1 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the shelf with charging function 1 includes a shelf main body (furniture main body) 10A, a plurality of battery trays (charging units) 6c, and a plurality of charging units 13 (Fig. 10). The plurality of battery trays 6c and the plurality of charging units 13 (Fig. 10) connected to each battery tray 6c are housed and held in the shelf main body 10A.

[0034] (1-2-1. Shelf body) Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the shelf main body 10A in this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the frame 9 in this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the tray support member 21 and the distribution cable housing 22 in this embodiment. Fig. 6 is an exploded view for explaining the attachment structure of the frame 9 and the distribution cable housing 22 in this embodiment.

[0035] The shelf main body 10A comprises a frame portion 9 shown in Figures 4 and 5, a plurality of shelf portions 11 (Figure 4) attached to the frame portion 9, a tray support member 21 (Figure 5), and a wiring cable accommodating portion (accommodating portion) 22 (Figures 5 and 6).

[0036] (frame part) As shown in FIG. 4, the frame portion 9 includes a pair of side frames (support members) 12 and a base portion 15. 3, the pair of side frames 12 are arranged on both sides of the frame section 9 (shelf main body section 10A) in the longitudinal direction (width direction: X direction) in a plan view. Each side frame 12 includes a pair of vertical frame members 12a, an upper frame member 12b, and a shelf board support section 12c.

[0037] The pair of vertical frame members 12a both extend in the vertical direction (Z direction) and are arranged parallel to each other with a gap between them in the depth direction (Y direction) of the frame section 9 (shelf main body section 10A). The upper frame member 12b horizontally connects the upper ends of the pair of vertical frame members 12a.

[0038] The shelf board support portions 12c are attached at a predetermined height in the vertical direction of the side frames 12. For example, the shelf board support portions 12c are attached in a horizontal position so as to connect any height positions of the pair of vertical frame members 12a.

[0039] The shelf support portions 12c are attached to the inner surfaces 12a1 of the pair of vertical frame members 12a, and support the middle shelf portion 11B on the inner side of the pair of vertical frame members 12a in the width direction (X direction). The lower ends of the pair of side frames 12 are supported by the base portions 15, respectively.

[0040] The base 15 is located at the bottom of the frame 9. The base 15 is formed into a rectangular frame shape in a plan view by a first frame member 15a extending in the width direction (X direction) of the frame 9 (shelf main body 10A) and a second frame member 15b extending in the depth direction (Y direction) of the frame 9 (shelf main body 10A). Each of the first frame members 15a and each of the second frame members 15b are assembled with their plate surfaces aligned in the vertical direction and perpendicular to the floor surface. Four vertical frame members 12a, two of which are provided on each side frame 12, are fixed to the four corners of the base 15 in a plan view via fasteners or the like (not shown).

[0041] An accommodation space K is formed inside the base portion 15, which has a frame shape in a plan view, for accommodating a charging portion 13 (FIG. 10) and a part of a power tap 25 (FIG. 10), which will be described later. The accommodation space K is a space defined by the first frame members 15a and the second frame members 15b that constitute the base portion 15.

[0042] (Multiple shelf sections) As shown in Fig. 3, multiple shelf sections 11 are attached to the frame section 9. In this embodiment, there are three shelf sections 11, specifically, an upper shelf section 11A, a middle shelf section 11B, and a lower shelf section 11C. The upper shelf section 11A, the middle shelf section 11B, the lower shelf section 11C, and the base section 15 are arranged to overlap when viewed from the top-bottom direction, and each has a rectangular planar shape.

[0043] The upper shelf portion 11A, the middle shelf portion 11B, and the lower shelf portion 11C are plate-like members on the upper surface of which a plurality of mobile batteries B shown in FIG. 1 can be placed. As shown in Fig. 3, the upper shelf portion 11A, the middle shelf portion 11B, and the lower shelf portion 11C are attached at approximately equal intervals in the up-down direction to a pair of side frames 12 of the frame portion 9. The upper shelf portion 11A, the middle shelf portion 11B, and the lower shelf portion 11C are shelf portions that are rectangular in plan view, with the depth direction (Y direction) of the shelf main body portion 10A as the short side direction and the width direction (X direction) as the long side direction.

[0044] The upper shelf portion 11A is placed on a pair of side frames 12, and the bottom side of each end on both sides in the width direction (X direction) is fixed to the upper frame member 12b of each side frame 12 by fasteners or the like (not shown). Each side frame 12 is positioned inside the outer peripheral edge of the upper shelf portion 11A in a plan view, and when the upper shelf portion 11A is viewed from above, the pair of side frames 12 are hidden by the upper shelf portion 11A.

[0045] The middle shelf portion 11B is placed below the upper shelf portion 11A on each shelf support portion 12c of a pair of side frames 12, and the bottom side of each end portion on both sides in the width direction (X direction) is fixed to each shelf support portion 12c by fasteners or the like not shown.

[0046] The lower shelf portion 11C is placed on the base portion 15 below the middle shelf portion 11B, and its bottom side is fixed to the base portion 15 or the pair of side frames 12 with fasteners (not shown) or the like. The lower shelf portion 11C can close the upper opening side of the base portion 15, and also functions as a lid for the storage space K.

[0047] The middle shelf portion 11B and the lower shelf portion 11C are rectangular and approximately the same size in a plan view. The upper shelf portion 11A is rectangular and slightly larger than the middle shelf portion 11B and the lower shelf portion 11C, so that the middle shelf portion 11B and the lower shelf portion 11C are hidden by the upper shelf portion 11A when viewed from above.

[0048] In this embodiment, for example, of the upper shelf portion 11A, the middle shelf portion 11B, and the lower shelf portion 11C, the lower shelf portion 11C, which also functions as a lid for the storage space K, is detachably attached to the base portion 15 or the pair of side frames 12. In addition to the lower shelf portion 11C, the middle shelf portion 11B can also be detachably attached to the side frames 12. Furthermore, by changing the position of the shelf support portion 12c attached to the pair of side frames 12, the vertical height position of the middle shelf portion 11B can be adjusted to a desired height. Furthermore, the upper shelf portion 11A may also be detachably attached to the pair of side frames 12.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 3, each of the upper shelf portion 11A, middle shelf portion 11B, and lower shelf portion 11C has a central opening (second opening) 6b1 that penetrates the plate thickness direction in the center of the longitudinal and lateral directions in a plan view. The central openings 6b1 in the upper shelf portion 11A, middle shelf portion 11B, and lower shelf portion 11C are equal in size and shape in a plan view and correspond to the size and shape of the battery tray 6c. A battery tray 6c, described below, is attached to each of the central openings 6b1 in the upper shelf portion 11A, middle shelf portion 11B, and lower shelf portion 11C.

[0050] In this embodiment, the central opening 6b1 is formed far inside from the outer periphery of the shelf portion 11, and space is secured around the central opening 6b1. This prevents the mobile battery B placed on the battery tray 6c from falling off the shelf portion 11 even if it falls over sideways.

[0051] (Tray support member) Tray support members 21 (FIG. 5) are attached to the undersides of the upper shelf portion 11A, the middle shelf portion 11B, and the lower shelf portion 11C to support from below the battery trays 6c accommodated in the respective central openings 6b1. As shown in FIG. 5, the tray support member 21 includes at least a bottom plate portion 21a, a pair of side plate portions 21b, and a pair of flange portions 21c.

[0052] The bottom plate 21a is a rectangular plate member whose size in a plan view is larger than the central opening 6b1. Each side plate 21b is provided at a pair of longitudinal ends of the bottom plate 21a, and each side plate 21b is a plate member that is perpendicular to the bottom plate 21a. The flange 21c is a portion that extends outward from the upper end of each side plate 21b (the end opposite the bottom plate) in parallel with the bottom plate 21a, and is formed along the entire length of each side plate 21b.

[0053] The tray support member 21 is fixed to the bottom surface of each of the upper shelf portion 11A and the middle shelf portion 11B using fasteners (not shown). The tray support member 21 is attached so that the bottom plate portion 21a completely overlaps the central opening 6b1 formed in each shelf portion 11 in a plan view. The battery tray 6c accommodated in the central opening 6b1 of each shelf portion 11 is accommodated in the storage space K2 surrounded by the bottom plate portion 21a and a pair of side plate portions 21b of the tray support member 21, and is supported by the shelf portion 11 (the upper shelf portion 11A and the middle shelf portion 11B) with its outer peripheral edge portion 16c engaged. The upper surface of the bottom plate portion 21a of the tray support member 21 faces the lower surface of the lower tray 6c2 of the battery tray 6c. The tray support member 21 supports the battery tray 6c in the central opening 6b1 from below, reinforcing the support of the battery tray 6c. The tray support member 21 is made of, for example, a metal material.

[0054] A cable insertion hole 21d for passing the wiring cable 13a connected to the battery tray 6c is formed in the bottom plate portion 21a of the tray support member 21. The cable insertion hole 21d is formed with a size that allows the wiring cable 13a and attachment plug 13d of the battery tray 6c to pass through and prevents the battery tray 6c from falling, and is provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate portion 21a.

[0055] The bottom plate 21a of the tray support member 21 is formed with a plurality of screw insertion holes aligned with the boss portions 19 of the battery tray 6c shown in FIG. 9 . In this embodiment, four screw insertion holes are formed, corresponding to the number of boss portions 19. Each screw insertion hole can be inserted into the screw holes 19c of the boss portions 19. Four screws are inserted into each screw insertion hole from below the tray support member 21 and screwed into the screw holes 19c of the boss portions 19 of the battery tray 6c, thereby fixing the battery tray 6c to the tray support member 21.

[0056] (Wiring cable storage section) As shown in Fig. 5, the wiring cable housing 22 is a member that houses the wiring cables 13a connected to the battery tray 6c installed on the shelf board portion 11. As shown in Fig. 6, the wiring cable housing 22 is detachably attached to one of the four vertical frame members 12a of the frame portion 9, and guides the multiple wiring cables 13a to the base portion 15 of the frame portion 9. The wiring cable housing 22 has a width that is approximately equal to or narrower than the width of the vertical frame member 12a, and is attached to one surface of the vertical frame member 12a. In this embodiment, the wiring cable housing 22 is attached to an inner surface 12a1 that faces the other vertical frame member 12a in the depth direction.

[0057] The wiring cable housing portion 22 is a rod-shaped member having a cover portion 22a and an attachment portion 22b. The cover portion 22a extends along the longitudinal direction of the vertical frame member 12a. The cross section of the cover portion 22a intersecting the longitudinal direction is generally U-shaped, and an opening 22a3 is formed in a portion of the circumferential direction over the entire longitudinal direction. As shown in Fig. 6, an accommodation space K3 capable of accommodating multiple distribution cables 13a is formed inside the cover portion 22a and communicates with the opening 22a3.

[0058] In this embodiment, at least two wiring cables 13a can be accommodated in the accommodation space K3 through the opening 22a3. Specifically, two wiring cables 13a for each battery tray 6c installed on the upper shelf portion 11A and the middle shelf portion 11B are accommodated.

[0059] 5, the cover portion 22a has insertion grooves 22a2 formed at at least two locations in the longitudinal direction, into which the two wiring cables 13a are respectively inserted. These two insertion grooves 22a2 are formed at positions that are lower than the attachment positions of the upper shelf plate portion 11A and the middle shelf plate portion 11B when the wiring cable housing portion 22 is attached to the vertical frame member 12a.

[0060] The mounting portion 22b is provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion 22a. The mounting portion 22b is for mounting the wiring cable housing 22 to the inner surface 12a1 of the vertical frame member 12a. In this embodiment, a plurality of mounting portions 22b are provided on the side surface 22a1 (FIG. 6) of the cover portion 22a that faces the inner surface 12a1 of the vertical frame member 12a. In this embodiment, for example, three mounting portions 22b are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the cover portion 22a. In this embodiment, a magnet is used as the mounting portion 22b, which can detachably fasten the wiring cable housing 22 to the metal vertical frame member 12a.

[0061] Note that the mounting portion 22b may be something other than a magnet (for example, a hook, etc.). In addition, although the present embodiment has three mounting portions 22b, the number of mounting portions 22b is not limited to this. For example, only one mounting portion 22b extending along the longitudinal direction of the distribution cable housing portion 22 may be provided.

[0062] Such a wiring cable storage section 22 has a length that is approximately the same as or slightly shorter than the longitudinal length of the vertical frame member 12a, and can hide the wiring cable 13a of the battery tray 6c pulled out from the upper shelf plate section 11A and the wiring cable 13a of the battery tray 6c pulled out from the middle shelf plate section 11B all the way to the base section 15 side.

[0063] Furthermore, the wiring cable accommodation section 22 is detachably attached to the inner surface 12a1 (FIG. 5) of one of the four vertical frame members 12a, but the attachment position of the wiring cable accommodation section 22 is not limited to the inner surface 12a1. As described above, the multiple locking sections 22b1 are made of magnets, and therefore the wiring cable accommodation section 22 can be attached to a surface other than the inner surface 12a1 of the metal vertical frame member 12a. However, by providing the wiring cable accommodation section 22 on the inner surface 12a1 that faces the other vertical frame members 12a in the depth direction, the wiring cable accommodation section 22 becomes less visible from the outside, improving its appearance, and also making it possible to avoid contact with objects or people and preventing it from falling from the vertical frame member 12a.

[0064] The shelf body 10A of this embodiment is a shelf that is open on all sides, without doors or drawers. That is, the shelf body 10A has a plurality of access openings (first openings) 8 on both sides in the front-rear direction, through which the mobile battery B placed on the battery tray 6c of each shelf board portion 11 can be accessed.

[0065] Specifically, the access opening 8 is defined by a pair of side frames 12 spaced apart in the width direction (X direction) and a plurality of shelf sections 11 spanning between them. This embodiment has a structure with three shelf sections 11, and therefore has access openings 8 formed at the front and rear between the upper shelf section 11A and the middle shelf section 11B, and access openings 8 formed at the front and rear between the middle shelf section 11B and the lower shelf section 11C. These access openings 8 facing each other in the front-to-rear direction are all spaces that communicate in the depth direction of the shelf main body 10A (front-to-rear direction: Y direction), exposing the entire mobile battery B placed on each shelf section 11.

[0066] The user can access the battery tray 6c through the access opening 8 and can place and remove the mobile battery B from the battery tray 6c. Furthermore, the display units C on the front and rear surfaces of the mobile battery B are exposed through the access opening 8, so the user can check the display units C of the mobile battery B through the access opening 8. The display units C display information indicating the charging status, so the user can check the display units C to know the exact charging status of the mobile battery B.

[0067] (1-2-2. Battery tray) Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the battery tray 6c in the first embodiment as seen from above. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the upper tray 6c1 of the battery tray 6c in the first embodiment as seen from below (-Z). Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the lower tray 6c2 of the battery tray 6c in the first embodiment as seen from above (+Z).

[0068] As shown in Fig. 7, the battery tray 6c is a tray member provided with a plurality of installation sections 6c3 on which mobile batteries B are attached. In this embodiment, the plurality of installation sections 6c3 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the battery tray 6c, which has a rectangular shape in a plan view. In this embodiment, the battery tray 6c has four installation sections 6c3, and four mobile batteries B can be placed on it.

[0069] The battery tray 6c has an upper tray 6c1 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and a lower tray 6c2 shown in FIGS. The upper tray 6c1 is a plate-shaped portion slightly larger than the central openings 6b1 formed in the upper shelf portion 11A, the middle shelf portion 11B, and the lower shelf portion 11C. This allows the outer peripheral edge portion 16c of the upper tray 6c1 to engage with the upper surfaces of the upper shelf portion 11A, the middle shelf portion 11B, and the lower shelf portion 11C around the central openings 6b1, allowing the battery tray 6c to be placed from above each shelf portion 11. A plurality of installation portions 6c3 are formed on the upper surface of the upper tray 6c1. In this embodiment, four installation portions 6c3 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the upper tray 6c1.

[0070] The installation portion 6c3 has a mounting recess 16a and a tray-side connection terminal (terminal) 16e. The mounting recess 16a is a recess into which the mobile battery B can be mounted, and is recessed from the upper surface of the battery tray 6c toward the lower surface. The mounting recess 16a has a substantially square planar shape that substantially matches the planar shape of the bottom of the mobile battery B, which has a prismatic shape. The mounting recess 16a is slightly larger than the planar shape of the bottom of the mobile battery B, and can accommodate the lower part of the mobile battery B. Each side of the mounting recess 16a is parallel to either the long side or the short side of the upper tray 6c1, which is rectangular in plan view.

[0071] The tray-side connection terminal 16e is a terminal that can be electrically connected to a battery-side connection terminal provided on the bottom of the mobile battery B. That is, when the mobile battery B is placed in the mounting recess 16a, the battery-side connection terminal provided in the center of its bottom contacts the tray-side connection terminal 16e provided on the installation portion 6c3.

[0072] The tray-side connection terminal 16e has a planar shape, for example, an annular or circular shape, similar to the battery-side connection terminal. The tray-side connection terminal 16e is provided on the upper surface of a protrusion 16f formed in the center of the installation portion 6c3 (mounting recess 16a). The protrusion 16f protrudes upward from the bottom of the mounting recess 16a and has a convex shape that is opposite to the shape of the recess formed in the bottom of the mobile battery B. The tray-side connection terminal 16e provided on the upper surface of the protrusion 16f is at approximately the same height as the upper surface of the upper tray 6c1.

[0073] The upper tray 6c1 has a protrusion 6c4 on its underside that can be inserted into the lower tray 6c2. The protrusion 6c4 is annularly formed around the entire circumferential direction, located inside the outer periphery of the upper tray 6c1. The protrusion 6c4 engages with the side wall 16d of the lower tray 6c2. The upper tray 6c1 is positioned relative to the lower tray 6c2 by the protrusion 6c4.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 9, the lower tray 6c2 is formed in a container shape whose size in a plan view is slightly smaller than the central openings 6b1 formed in the upper shelf portion 11A, the middle shelf portion 11B, and the lower shelf portion 11C. The lower tray 6c2 is formed of, for example, a resin material. A pair of ribs 18 and a plurality of bosses 19 are provided on the bottom of the lower tray 6c2.

[0075] A pair of rib portions 18 are formed on both longitudinal sides of the lower tray 6c2 with a gap between them. Each rib portion 18 includes a first rib 18a extending in the longitudinal direction of the lower tray 6c2 and a second rib 18b extending in the lateral direction perpendicular to the first rib 18a. The rib portions 18 are formed at a height lower than the height of the side wall portion 16d of the lower tray 6c2. Each rib portion 18 is integrally formed with two boss portions 19a, 19b. One boss portion 19a is located on the first rib 18a, and the other boss portion 19b is located at the boundary between the first rib 18a and the second rib 18b. The four boss portions 19a, 19b, 19b, 19a provided on the lower tray 6c2 are arranged in this order along the longitudinal direction of the lower tray 6c2. Each boss portion 19 is formed with a screw hole 19c for threading a screw.

[0076] Such a battery tray 6c is installed inside a central opening 6b1 that penetrates the shelf portion 11 in the thickness direction. The upper surface of the battery tray 6c installed inside the central opening 6b1 is positioned so that the outer peripheral edge 16c is on the upper surface of the shelf portion 11, but is generally flush with the upper surface of the shelf portion 11. This prevents a large step from occurring between the upper surface of the shelf portion 11 and the battery tray 6c, leaving the top of the shelf portion 11 generally flat, making it easy to install the mobile battery B in each installation section 6c3. Furthermore, since there is no large step between the shelf portion 11 and the battery tray 6c, it looks good and is easy to clean.

[0077] Each installation portion 6c3 of the battery tray 6c is electrically connected to the charging portion 13. That is, the charging portion 13 is electrically connected to the mobile battery B attached to the installation portion 6c3. The charging portion 13 supplies power to the mobile battery B via the tray-side connection terminal 16e.

[0078] (1-2-3. Live parts) 10 is a perspective view showing the state inside the accommodation space K of the base 15. FIG. The charging unit 13 can be connected indirectly or directly to an external power source (e.g., a commercial power source) and supplies power from the external power source to the mobile battery B via the battery tray 6c. In this embodiment, the charging unit 13 is connected to the external power source via a power tap 25 shown in FIG. 10, but the charging unit 13 may also be connected directly to the external power source. When multiple charging units 13 are provided, the use of the power tap 25 can minimize the number of power cords drawn out from the shelf main body 10A, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0079] The charging unit 13 includes a wiring cable 13a connected to the battery tray 6c, a control unit 13b that houses a converter and a control unit, connection wiring 13c that connects the control unit 13b to an attachment plug 13d, and the attachment plug 13d that can be inserted into an outlet 25a of the power tap 25. The converter converts AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power, thereby supplying DC power to the mobile battery B, and the mobile battery B can be charged.

[0080] The wiring cable 13a is connected to the mounting portion via a conductive path (not shown) provided in the battery tray 6c. The wiring cable 13a is drawn out from the battery tray 6c, supported by the wiring cable housing 22, and connected to the control unit 13b.

[0081] The control unit 13b is housed, for example, in the housing space K2 in the base part 15 of the frame part 9. The control unit 13b is equipped with a converter that converts AC power output from a commercial power source or the like into DC power, thereby enabling charging of the mobile battery B.

[0082] When mobile batteries B are attached to multiple installation portions 6c3 of the battery tray 6c, the control unit 13b can, for example, use the control unit to control how much power is supplied to each mobile battery B. Specifically, when multiple mobile batteries B are attached, the control unit of the control unit 13b may detect the voltage of each mobile battery B and supply power according to the remaining amount of power stored. For example, power may be supplied preferentially to the mobile battery B with the least amount of power stored. Alternatively, by supplying power preferentially to the mobile battery B with the most amount of power stored, the number of fully charged mobile batteries B can be quickly increased.

[0083] The control unit 13b may control the amount of power supplied to the mobile battery B based on the location where the mobile battery B is installed, regardless of the remaining charge of the mobile battery B. For example, at least one installation section 6c3 among the multiple installation sections 6c3 may be for quick charging.

[0084] The power strip 25 includes a table tap 25A having multiple outlets 25a, a power cord 25b connecting the table tap 25A to an attachment plug 25c, and an attachment plug 25c that can be plugged into an external outlet. The attachment plug 25c is designed to be pluggable into an outlet provided on an external power source and has a shape that conforms to a general standard. A portion of the power cord 25b on the attachment plug 25c side extends from the base 15 of the frame 9. Specifically, the power cord 25b extends from within the base 15 to the outside through a cord insertion groove 15c (FIGS. 10 and 11) formed in the second frame member 15b of the base 15.

[0085] By placing the mobile battery B on the installation section 6c3 of the battery tray 6c, which is connected to an external power source via such a charging section 13, the terminals on the mobile battery B side and the terminals on the installation section 6c3 side come into contact and are electrically connected, and DC power is supplied from the charging section 13 to the mobile battery B, thereby charging the mobile battery B.

[0086] In the furniture system S1 of this embodiment, the mobile battery B can be attached and detached to a plurality of installation sections 6c3 of the battery tray 6c provided on each shelf section 11 of the shelf with charging function 1, and the mobile battery B attached to at least one installation section 6c3 is charged on the shelf section 11. In this way, the mobile battery B can be charged on a shelf on which the mobile battery B can be placed.

[0087] A user can access the battery tray 6c from the front or rear of the shelf with charging function 1 through the access opening 8, and can easily place the mobile battery B on the installation section 6c3 or remove the mobile battery B placed on the installation section 6c3. The mobile battery B attached to the installation section 6c3 is simply placed in the installation recess 16a, and can be removed from the installation section 6c3 by the user simply lifting it up without any resistance.

[0088] The user can check the contents of the front and rear display units C of the mobile battery B through the access opening 8 that penetrates the shelf 1 with charging function (shelf main body 10A) in the front-to-rear direction. The charge level can be ascertained from the contents displayed on the pair of display units C of the mobile battery B, so it is possible to select and use the mobile battery B that has completed charging. The user can move the charged mobile battery B to a desired location and connect an external electronic device to the mobile battery B, allowing them to work for long periods of time while powering the external electronic device.

[0089] In this way, the user can use the fully charged portable power storage device to ensure sufficient working time. Furthermore, since the installation section 6c3 and the charging section 13 are installed on the shelf main body 10A, cables for charging the mobile battery B are prevented from being placed on the floor or a work desk. Furthermore, since the user can move and use the mobile battery B near the electronic devices used for office work, the user can perform office work without worrying about the charging wiring connected to the electronic devices.

[0090] Furthermore, in the shelf main body 10A of this embodiment, the shelf board section 11 is installed between four vertical frame members 12a, and therefore an access opening 8 is also formed that penetrates in the width direction (X direction). That is, since the shelf main body 10A is open not only in the front-rear direction but also in the left-right direction, the mobile battery B placed on the battery tray 6c can be seen from the left and right directions. Therefore, when charging the mobile battery B, even if the mobile battery B is placed on the installation section 6c3 with the display section C facing left and right of the shelf main body 10A, the user can check the contents of the display section C.

[0091] Furthermore, by accommodating at least a part of the charging unit 13 connected to the installation portion 6c3 (such as the control unit 13b and the connection wiring 13c) within the storage space K of the base portion 15, it is possible to prevent the charging unit 13 from affecting the appearance of the shelf with charging function 1, improving the appearance of the shelf. Furthermore, if the base portion 15 is located at the lower end of the shelf main body portion 10A, a large storage space K can be formed. Therefore, it is possible to accommodate multiple charging units 13 together within the storage space K. Furthermore, by providing the storage space K in the base portion 15 located at the lower end of the shelf main body portion 10A, the center of gravity can be lowered, and the shelf with charging function 1 can be maintained in a stable installation position.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by storing the battery tray 6c in the central opening 6b1 of the shelf portion 11, it is possible to prevent the battery tray 6c from protruding above the shelf portion 11, and the space above the shelf portion 11 formed by the central opening 6b1 can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, by supporting the battery tray 6c stored in the central opening 6b1 from below with the tray support member 21, it is possible to reinforce the installation structure of the battery tray 6c on the shelf portion 11. As a result, even if the mobile battery B is repeatedly placed on the installation portion 6c3, the battery tray 6c will not sink downward, and good usage conditions can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the portion of the charging unit 13 that is not accommodated in the accommodation space K of the base 15, i.e., the wiring cable 13a connected to the battery tray 6c installed on the shelf 11, can be accommodated in the wiring cable accommodation section 22. This allows the portion that is not accommodated in the accommodation space K of the base 15 to be held without being exposed, thereby improving the appearance of the shelf with charging function 1. Furthermore, because the wiring cable accommodation section 22 has a structure that is detachably attached to the vertical frame member 12a, when accommodating a portion of the charging unit 13 in the wiring cable accommodation section 22, the efficiency of the accommodation operation can be improved by removing the wiring cable accommodation section 22 from the vertical frame member 12a.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, battery trays 6c are installed on all three shelf sections 11, making it possible to place and charge many mobile batteries B. The number of shelf sections 11 in the shelf 1 with charging function is not limited to three and can be increased or decreased as appropriate. When multiple shelf sections 11 are provided, battery trays 6c may be installed on all shelf sections 11 to allow more mobile batteries B to be placed and charged, or battery trays 6c may be installed on only some of the shelf sections 11, and items other than mobile batteries B may be placed on the other shelf sections 11. The height position of each shelf section 11 can be changed as appropriate.

[0095] The shelf main body 10A is not limited to a rack structure with openings on the front, back, left and right sides. For example, the shelf main body 10A may have a structure in which the left and right directions are closed as long as the front and rear directions are open. In this case, a structure in which a side plate is provided between a pair of vertical frame members 12a of each side frame 12 may be used, or a structure in which plate-shaped side support parts are provided on both the left and right sides instead of each side frame 12 may be used.

[0096] In this case, for example, the planar shape of the recess (battery-side connection terminal) formed on the bottom of the mobile battery B and the planar shape of the protrusion 16f of the installation part 6c3 of the battery tray 6c may be asymmetrical so that they can engage with each other. In other words, it is preferable that the planar shapes of the parts that engage with each other are such that when the mobile battery B is placed on the installation part 6c3, the pair of display parts C of the mobile battery B can be placed in a position that naturally faces the front-to-rear direction of the shelf main body 10A.

[0097] In this way, the placement direction of the mobile battery B on the battery tray 6c (installation section 6c3) is limited, so the mobile battery B can be placed on the installation section 6c3 with each display section C facing the front-to-back direction of the shelf main body 10A. This allows the user to check the front and back display sections C of the mobile battery B through the access opening 8 from the front-to-back direction of the shelf main body 10A, and to understand the charging status from the content displayed on the display sections C.

[0098] Although the shelf with charging function 1B of the fixture system S1 in the above embodiment has a shelf structure without drawers or doors, this is not limiting. As long as the access opening 8 that is open to the front and back is formed on the shelf portion 11 on which the battery tray 6c is installed, the structure of other parts is not particularly important.

[0099] Second Embodiment 12 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a fixture system S2 of the second embodiment. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0100] The furniture system S2 of this embodiment includes a shelf 1B with a charging function, a monitor 92, and a mobile battery B, as shown in FIG. The shelf with charging function 1B is a fixture capable of supporting a monitor 92, and includes a shelf main body (fixture main body) 10B, a plurality of battery trays 6c, a plurality of charging units 13, and a power supply unit 94.

[0101] The shelf main body 10B includes a frame 9B, a plurality of shelf portions 91 and 93 attached to the frame 9B, and a base 95 that supports the lower portion of the frame 9B. The frame 9B is a frame-shaped member that supports the plurality of shelf portions 91, 93. The plurality of shelf portions 91 and the plurality of shelf portions 93 are detachably attached to the frame 9B, and the positions of the shelf portions 91, 93 can be swapped as needed.

[0102] The shelf board portion 93 is a plate-like member whose upper surface serves as a surface for placing articles and the like. The shelf portion 91 is a plate-shaped member on whose upper surface a mobile battery B can be placed. In this embodiment, the mobile battery B can be placed on the lowest shelf portion 91 (hereinafter referred to as the lower shelf portion 91C) and the middle shelf portion 91 (hereinafter referred to as the middle shelf portion 91B) provided on the hollow base portion 95. The lower shelf portion 91C and the middle shelf portion 91B of this embodiment have the same configuration as the lower shelf portion 11C and the middle shelf portion 11B of the first embodiment described above, and a battery tray 6c is attached to each of the central openings (not shown) that penetrate the plate thickness direction. At least a portion of the charging units 13 connected to these battery trays 6c are accommodated in the storage space K of the base portion 95. In addition, a power strip 25 to which multiple charging units 13 are connected is accommodated in the storage space K of the base portion 95.

[0103] The power supply unit 94 is electrically connected to the monitor 92 and supplies the power stored in the mobile battery B to the monitor 92. The power supply unit 94 includes, for example, a converter that converts the DC power supplied from the mobile battery B into a voltage suitable for the monitor 92. The converter and the like, which are at least a part of the power supply unit 94, are housed in the housing space of the base 95.

[0104] The monitor 92 is an electronic device that displays information using power supplied from the power supply unit 91c.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the mobile battery B can be charged in a fixture capable of storing items, etc. It is also possible to supply the power stored in the mobile battery B to the monitor 92. Therefore, there is no need to connect the monitor 92 to an external power source via a power cable to supply power to the monitor 92. Therefore, the only power cable drawn out from the shelf main body 10B is the power cord 25b of the power tap 25 to which multiple charging units 13 are connected. As a result, even if the shelf main body 10B stores a large number of electronic devices other than the monitor 92, there is no need for power cords to directly connect each electronic device to an external power source, and the number of power cords drawn out from the shelf main body 10B can be minimized. This allows for greater freedom in the arrangement and design of the shelf main body 10B with charging function.

[0106] In this embodiment, the number and positions of the shelf board portions 91 on which the mobile battery B can be placed and the shelf board portions 93 on which items etc. can be placed are not limited to the above and can be changed as appropriate. Note that the electronic device is not limited to the monitor 92.

[0107] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0108] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the attachment portion is electrically connected by contacting the mobile battery B. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the attachment portion and the mobile battery B are electrically connected without contact.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the mobile battery B is described as having a rectangular prism shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a cylindrical or plate-shaped mobile battery may also be used.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the battery tray 6c installed in the central opening 6b1 penetrating the shelf portion 11 in the thickness direction is supported by the tray support member 21, and the tray support member 21 is detachably attached to the shelf portion 11, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, the shelf portion 11 may have a recess that opens at least on the top surface, and the battery tray 6c can be accommodated in this recess.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the tray support member 21 may not be detachably attached to the shelf board portion 11, but the shelf board portion 11 and the tray support member 21 may be integrally configured.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the charging unit 13 is connected to an external power source via the power tap 25, and the mobile battery B is charged via the battery tray 6c, but a power supply unit such as a battery may be provided instead of the power tap 25 and the charging unit 13, and the power supply unit and the battery tray 6c may be connected via a power cable. This eliminates the need for a power cord to connect to an external power source, and therefore eliminates the power cord drawn out from the base 15. This increases the flexibility in the installation location of the shelf with charging function 1 and improves the overall appearance of the shelf.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the shelf 1 with charging function has multiple access openings 8 on both sides in the front-to-rear direction, and is configured as a shelf with a space that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction without a door or back wall. The access openings 8 are at least large enough to allow the mobile batteries B to be inserted and removed from the battery tray 6c, and large enough to expose the display C provided on each mobile battery B. Therefore, for example, a fence or the like may be provided around the periphery of the shelf board portion 11 to prevent the mobile batteries B from falling. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1, 1B...Shelf (furniture) with charging function, 6c...Battery tray (charging section), 6c3...Installation section, 8...Access opening (first opening), 10A...Shelf main body (furniture main body) of first embodiment, 10B...Shelf main body (furniture main body) of second embodiment, 11...Shelf board section of first embodiment, 11A...Upper shelf board section (shelf board section), 11B...Middle shelf board section (shelf board section), 11C...Lower shelf board section (shelf board section) 91, 93...Shelf board section of second embodiment, 12...Side frame (support member), 13...Charging section, 15...base portion of first embodiment, 95...base portion of second embodiment, 16e...tray side connection terminal (terminal), 22...wiring cable accommodating portion (accommodating portion), 6b1...central opening (second opening), B...mobile battery (portable power storage device), B1...main body, Ba...front surface, Bb...rear surface, C...display unit, K...accommodating space within base portion 15, K2...accommodating space within tray support member 21, K3...accommodating space within wiring cable accommodating portion 22, S1...furniture system of first embodiment, S2...furniture system of second embodiment

Claims

1. A fixture body portion including a pair of support members spaced apart in the left-right direction, an upper shelf portion provided between the upper ends of the pair of support members, and a lower shelf portion provided between the pair of support members and below the upper shelf portion; a battery tray having an installation section on which a portable power storage device can be installed, the battery tray being provided on the upper shelf plate section and supplying power to the portable power storage device; The support member includes a pair of vertical frame members that are spaced apart in the front-rear direction and extend in the up-down direction, A fixture in which a wiring cable pulled out from the battery tray is guided downward between the pair of vertical frame members in the front-to-back direction and between the upper shelf portion and the lower shelf portion in the up-down direction.

2. One of the pair of vertical frame members is provided with a wiring cable accommodating section for accommodating the wiring cable, The distribution cable accommodation portion is attached to an inner surface of the one vertical frame member that faces the other vertical frame member that faces the one vertical frame member in the front-rear direction, The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the width of the wiring cable housing portion is formed to be approximately equal to or narrower than the width of the inner surface.

3. A fixture as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the portion of the fixture main body that spans between the pair of support members has a cable insertion hole formed therein for passing the wiring cable in the vertical direction.

4. A fixture described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the upper shelf portion has an opening formed therein to accommodate the battery tray.

5. The fixture main body has a base portion that supports the lower ends of the pair of support members, 5. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the distribution cable is accommodated in a storage space formed inside the base.

6. The fixture main body includes a middle shelf portion provided between the pair of support members and between the upper shelf portion and the lower shelf portion in the vertical direction, The middle shelf portion is formed smaller than the upper shelf portion in a plan view, A fixture described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pair of support members are positioned inward from the outer peripheral edge of the upper shelf portion when viewed in a plane, while being positioned outward from the outer peripheral edge of the middle shelf portion when viewed in a plane.

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