Energy storage element unit, building, and method for installing the energy storage element unit

Abstract

This reduces the time required to secure the energy storage element unit to its installation location. [Solution] The energy storage element unit 10 includes a housing 20 having a first surface 20a and a second surface 20b that are separated from each other in a first direction D1, an energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20, and a fixing member 40 for fixing the housing 20 to the installation location P. The energy storage element module 30 is located between the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b. The housing 20 is provided with a through hole 50. The through hole 50 includes a portion opening into the first surface 20a of the housing 20 and a portion opening into the second surface 20b. When the fixing member 40 is inserted into the through hole 50, it includes a portion that protrudes from at least one of the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, an energy storage element unit including a housing and an energy storage element module housed in the housing is known. The housing includes a housing body that opens in one direction and a cover that covers the opening of the housing body. The energy storage element module is housed in the housing body. The opening of the housing body in a state where the energy storage element module is housed is covered by the cover.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When installing the energy storage element unit of Patent Document 1, the steps of fixing the housing body to the installation location and fixing the cover to the housing body are performed separately. By performing these steps separately, the time required to install the energy storage element unit increases. The present invention aims to shorten the time required to fix the energy storage element unit to the installation location.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An energy storage element unit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface separated from each other in a first direction, an energy storage element module housed in the housing, and a fixing member for fixing the housing to an installation location. The energy storage element module is located between the first surface and the second surface, The housing is provided with through holes, The through hole includes a portion opening to the first surface and a portion opening to the second surface. The fixing member, when inserted into the through hole, includes a portion that protrudes from at least one of the first surface and the second surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the time required to fix the energy storage element unit in place can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment, and is a perspective view of an energy storage element unit. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage element unit in plane II of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the energy storage element unit from Figure 1, observed from a first direction with the fixing member removed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the energy storage element unit from Figure 1, viewed from the first direction with the cover removed. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the main casing of the enclosure, without the energy storage element module installed, as observed from the first direction. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage element module included in the energy storage element unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of one modified example of the energy storage element unit. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another modified example of the energy storage element unit. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of yet another modification of the energy storage element unit. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the portion of the housing of the energy storage element unit shown in Figure 9, including the first surface.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention relates to the following [1] to [8].

[0009] [1] A housing having a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from each other in a first direction, A power storage element module housed in the housing, A fixing member for fixing the housing to an installation location, and comprising: The power storage element module is located between the first surface and the second surface, A through hole is provided in the housing, The through hole includes a portion opening to the first surface and a portion opening to the second surface, The fixing member includes a portion protruding from at least one of the first surface and the second surface in a state of being inserted into the through hole, a power storage element unit.

[0010] [2] The housing includes a cover including a portion constituting the first surface and a housing body including a plate-like portion including a portion constituting the second surface, The power storage element module is housed in the housing body, The cover and the housing body are separable from each other in a state where the housing is not fixed to the installation location by the fixing member, the power storage element unit of [1].

[0011] [3] One of the first surface and the second surface includes a recess recessed in the first direction toward the other of the first surface and the second surface, The through hole is provided in the recess, the power storage element unit of [1] or [2].

[0012] <​​​[5] A building equipped with any one of the energy storage element units of [1] to [4] at the installation location.

[0014] [6] The building includes a floor portion, The energy storage element unit is fixed to the floor portion at the installation location in the building of [5].

[0015] [7] The building includes a wall portion, The energy storage element unit is fixed to the wall portion at the installation location in the building of [5] or [6].

[0016] [8] A method for installing any one of the energy storage element units of [1] to [4], The method for installing the energy storage element unit includes a fixing step of fixing the energy storage element unit to the installation location by the fixing member.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. From the viewpoints of facilitating illustration and understanding, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may be changed from the dimensional ratios of the actual objects. Components shown in one drawing may be omitted in other drawings.

[0018] Terms for specifying geometric conditions such as shape, "parallel" and "orthogonal", lengths, and angle values are not to be interpreted strictly and are to be interpreted to include ranges that can be expected to have similar functions.

[0019] The directions common among the drawings are indicated by arrows with the same reference numerals in each drawing. In each of the illustrated directions, the tip side of the arrow is the first side, and the side opposite to the first side, that is, the base end side of the arrow is the second side. The first side in the direction orthogonal to the drawing is indicated by a symbol with a dot in a circle. The second side in the direction orthogonal to the drawing is indicated by a symbol with an X in a circle.

[0020] Figures 1 to 6 are diagrams illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the energy storage element unit 10. The energy storage element unit 10 is installed in building 1. That is, building 1 includes the installation location P of the energy storage element unit 10. The energy storage element unit 10 is fixed to the installation location P.

[0021] When the energy storage element unit 10 is "fixed" to a certain object, the energy storage element unit 10 is restricted from moving in the first direction D1 and in directions non-parallel to the first direction D1, as described later, relative to that object.

[0022] The building 1 in Figure 1 includes a floor 2 and multiple wall sections 3 rising from the floor 2. The energy storage element unit 10 is fixed to the floor 2. By being fixed to the floor 2, the energy storage element unit 10 is fixed to the installation location P. The installation location P may be inside the building 1. That is, the energy storage element unit 10 may be installed indoors. In Figure 1, the installation location P is away from the wall sections 3.

[0023] The energy storage element unit 10 is used as a secondary battery unit capable of storing and discharging energy. Building 1 may include power supply equipment (not shown) that supplies power to the energy storage element unit 10. For example, the power supply equipment may include solar panels. The energy storage element unit 10 may be electrically connected to the power supply equipment. The energy storage element unit 10 may be charged by the power supplied from the power supply equipment. Building 1 may include equipment (not shown) that consumes the power stored in the energy storage element unit 10. For example, the equipment may be home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions. Examples of buildings 1 include single-family homes, apartment buildings, condominiums, and other residential buildings, as well as public facilities such as offices and office buildings.

[0024] The energy storage element unit 10 in Figure 1 includes a housing 20, an energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20, and a fixing member 40 for fixing the housing 20 to the installation location P. The housing 20 restricts the movement of the energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20. The housing 20, the energy storage element module 30, and the fixing member 40 are components of the energy storage element unit 10. The housing 20, with the energy storage element module 30 housed inside, is fixed to the installation location P by the fixing member 40. By fixing the housing 20 in this manner, the energy storage element unit 10 is fixed to the installation location P.

[0025] When the components of the energy storage element unit 10 are "fixed" to a certain object, the components are restricted from moving in the first direction D1 and in directions non-parallel to the first direction D1 with respect to that object, as will be described later.

[0026] The fixing member 40 shown in Figure 1 is a screw. The fixing member 40 includes a head 41 and a shaft portion 42 extending axially from the head 41. As shown in Figure 1, a male thread is formed on the shaft portion 42. In the illustrated fixing member 40, the axial direction is the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion 42. In Figure 1, the axial direction in the fixing member 40 is parallel to the first direction D1. The head 41 and the shaft portion 42 have a circular shape when viewed from the axial direction. In the axial direction, the dimensions of the shaft portion 42 are larger than the dimensions of the head 41. In the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the dimensions of the shaft portion 42 are smaller than the dimensions of the head 41. In the illustrated fixing member 40, the outer diameter of the shaft portion 42 is smaller than the outer diameter of the head 41.

[0027] The shaft portion 42 shown in Figure 1 includes a tip portion 42a that is axially separated from the head portion 41, and a base portion 42b that is located axially between the head portion 41 and the tip portion 42a. In the fixing member 40, the male screw may be provided on the tip portion 42a. In the shaft portion 42, the tip portion 42a and the base portion 42b are connected to each other. The base portion 42b of the shaft portion 42 is connected to the head portion 41.

[0028] The details of each component of the energy storage element unit 10 are described below.

[0029] <<Enclosure 20>> The housing 20 in Figure 1 has a first surface 20a and a second surface 20b that are separated from each other in a first direction D1. In the housing 20 of Figure 1, an internal space 20S is provided between the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b. The internal space 20S can accommodate an energy storage element module 30, as shown in Figure 1. The first surface 20a and the second surface 20b each constitute the outer surface of the housing 20. The outer surface of the housing 20 is the surface that can be observed from outside the internal space 20S when the housing 20 is closed. An example of observation from outside the internal space 20S is observation from the viewpoint shown in Figure 1. However, when observing the housing 20 from outside the internal space 20S, observation from viewpoints other than those shown in Figure 1 is also possible. In the housing 20 of Figure 1, the second surface 20b is in contact with the floor 2.

[0030] The first direction D1 shown in Figures 1 to 5 is parallel to the normal direction of the floor 2. The normal direction of the floor 2 is parallel to the direction in which the wall 3 rises from the floor 2. The normal direction of the floor 2 may also be called the up-down direction. That is, the first direction D1 in the figures is parallel to the up-down direction. In Figure 1, the upward direction, i.e., the upper side in the up-down direction, is the direction in which the height from the floor 2 increases. In Figures 1 to 5, the upward direction, i.e., the upper side in the up-down direction, is the direction in which the height from the floor 2 decreases. In Figures 1 to 5, the first side in the first direction D1 is upward, and the second side in the first direction D1 is downward.

[0031] The fixing member 40 in Figure 1 can pass through the internal space 20S of the housing 20. The internal space 20S shown in Figure 1 is closed. The closed internal space 20S is partitioned by the housing 20 in the first direction D1 and in a direction nonparallel to the first direction D1.

[0032] The first surface 20a shown in Figure 2 includes a recess 20r that is recessed in a first direction D1 toward the second surface 20b. The first surface 20a in Figure 2 includes a first portion 20aa, a second portion 20ab, and a third portion 20ac. The recess 20r is composed of the second portion 20ab and the third portion 20ac. The first portion 20aa and the third portion 20ac extend in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The third portion 20ac is closer to the second surface 20b than the first portion 20aa. In the first surface 20a, the first portion 20aa and the second portion 20ab are connected to each other. In the first surface 20a, the second portion 20ab and the third portion 20ac are connected to each other.

[0033] The width of the recess 20r shown in Figures 2 and 3, i.e., the dimension of the recess 20r in a direction non-parallel to the first direction D1, is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 42 and the outer diameter of the head portion 41. As a result, the fixing member 40 can pass through the recess 20r in the head portion 41 and the shaft portion 42, as shown in Figure 1.

[0034] The recess 20r in Figure 3 is circular when the housing 20 is observed from the first direction D1. The shape of the recess 20r in the first direction D1 is not limited to a circle. When observed from the first direction D1, the recess 20r may be polygonal or semicircular.

[0035] The housing 20 in Figure 1 is provided with a through hole 50. The through hole 50 extends in a first direction D1. The through hole 50 includes a portion that opens into the first surface 20a of the housing 20 and a portion that opens into the second surface 20b of the housing 20. In the through hole 50, the portion that opens into the first surface 20a and the portion that opens into the second surface 20b may be separated from each other in the first direction D1, as shown in Figure 2.

[0036] The housing 20 shown in Figures 3 to 5 includes a first through-hole 51 opening on the first surface 20a and a second through-hole 52 opening on the second surface 20b. The first through-hole 51 is the portion of the through-hole 50 that opens on the first surface 20a. The second through-hole 52 is the portion of the through-hole 50 that opens on the second surface 20b. In Figure 2, the first through-hole 51 opens on the third portion 20ac of the first surface 20a. The first through-hole 51 and the second through-hole 52 shown in Figure 2 are separated from each other in the first direction D1 via an internal space 20S.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the housing 20 may include side surfaces 20d. Side surfaces 20d constitute the outer surface of the housing 20 and extend at least in a first direction D1. The illustrated housing 20 includes a plurality of side surfaces 20d. Each of the plurality of side surfaces 20d extends in a first direction D1 and in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0038] Each of the multiple sides 20d shown in Figure 1 is connected to the first side 20a and the second side 20b. The connection of the sides 20d to each other causes the housing 20 in Figure 1 to appear as having a box-like shape.

[0039] The housing 20 in Figure 1 includes a housing body 21 that opens in a first direction D1 and a cover 25 that covers the opening of the housing body 21. The housing body 21 in Figure 1 opens upward. The cover 25 covers the opening of the housing body 21 from above. The housing body 21 and the cover 25 are separable from each other when the housing 20 is not fixed to the installation location P by the fixing member 40. The cover 25 constitutes the first surface 20a of the housing 20. The housing body 21 constitutes the second surface 20b of the housing 20 at one of the plurality of plate-shaped parts 22.

[0040] <Main unit 21> The housing body 21 in Figures 1, 4, and 5 is composed of a plurality of plate-like parts 22. The housing body 21 includes a bottom plate 23 and a plurality of side plate parts 24 rising from the bottom plate 23 as the plurality of plate-like parts 22. Each of the plurality of side plate parts 24 extends from the bottom plate 23 in the first direction D1 along a direction nonparallel to the first direction D1.

[0041] The bottom plate portion 23 shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5 supports the energy storage element module 30 from below. The bottom plate portion 23 has a first surface 23a and a second surface 23b that are separated from each other in a first direction D1. The bottom plate portion 23 is in contact with the floor portion 2 at the second surface 23b. The second surface 23b of the bottom plate portion 23 constitutes the second surface 20b of the housing 20.

[0042] The bottom plate portion 23 in Figures 1, 4, and 5 is provided with a plurality of second through holes 52. The second through holes 52 penetrate the bottom plate portion 23 in a first direction D1. The second through holes 52 open on both the first surface 23a and the second surface 23b of the bottom plate portion 23. The plurality of second through holes 52 shown in Figure 5 are arranged at intervals along the side plate portion 24 of the housing body 21. The plurality of second through holes 52 are arranged along either the first side plate portion 241, the second side plate portion 242, the third side plate portion 243, or the fourth side plate portion 244.

[0043] The outer diameter of the second through-hole 52 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 42 described above. In other words, in the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1, the dimensions of the second through-hole 52 are larger than the dimensions of the shaft portion 42. As a result, the fixing member 40 can pass through the second through-hole 52 in the shaft portion 42.

[0044] The housing body 21 in Figures 4 and 5 includes four side plate sections 24. The four side plate sections 24 are the first side plate section 241, the second side plate section 242, the third side plate section 243, and the fourth side plate section 244. Each of the first side plate section 241, the second side plate section 242, the third side plate section 243, and the fourth side plate section 244 is a plate-shaped section 22 that constitutes the housing body 21.

[0045] The first side plate portion 241 and the second side plate portion 242 shown in Figure 4 extend from the bottom plate portion 23 to the first direction D1 along the second direction D2 which is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first side plate portion 241 and the second side plate portion 242 restrict the movement of the energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20 in the third direction D3. The third side plate portion 243 and the fourth side plate portion 244 extend from the bottom plate portion 23 to the first direction D1 along the third direction D3 which is perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The third side plate portion 243 and the fourth side plate portion 244 restrict the movement of the energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing body 21 in the second direction D2.

[0046] In the housing body 21 of Figure 4, the first side plate portion 241 and the second side plate portion 242 are connected to the third side plate portion 243 or the fourth side plate portion 244 at both ends in the second direction D2. The third side plate portion 243 and the fourth side plate portion 244 are connected to the first side plate portion 241 or the second side plate portion 242 at both ends in the third direction D3.

[0047] In the enclosure body 21 shown in Figure 1, the bottom plate 23 and the side plate 24 are connected without seams. That is, the bottom plate 23 and the side plate 24 are integrated into the enclosure body 21. Unlike Figure 1, the enclosure body 21 may also be constructed by assembling the bottom plate 23 and the side plate 24 as separate parts.

[0048] The illustrated side plates 24 protect the energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing body 21 from impacts from directions non-parallel to the first direction D1. The illustrated bottom plate 23 also protects the energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing body 21 from impacts from below.

[0049] <Cover 25> The cover 25 in Figure 2 includes a plate-like portion 26 and a projection 27 that protrudes from the plate-like portion 26 in a first direction D1. The plate-like portion 26 includes a portion that constitutes the first part 20aa of the first surface 20a. The projection 27 includes portions that constitute the second part 20ab and the third part 20ac of the first surface 20a.

[0050] The plate-like portion 26 in Figure 2 is a plate-like member having a first surface 26a and a second surface 26b that are separated from each other in a first direction D1. The illustrated first surface 26a constitutes the first portion 20aa of the first surface 20a.

[0051] The projection 27 in Figure 2 includes a side portion 28 extending from the plate-like portion 26 in a first direction D1, and a bottom portion 29 connected to the side portion 28. The side portion 28 is located between the plate-like portion 26 and the bottom portion 29 in the first direction D1. The side portion 28 constitutes the second portion 20ab of the first surface 20a. The bottom portion 29 has a first surface 29a and a second surface 29b that are separated from each other in the first direction D1. The first surface 29a of the bottom portion 29 constitutes the third portion 20ac of the first surface 20a.

[0052] The cover 25 in Figure 2 is provided with a plurality of first through holes 51. The first through holes 51 open into the first surface 20a of the housing 20. The first through holes 51 are provided in the recess 20r, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The first through holes 51 penetrate the bottom 29 in the first direction D1. The third through holes 53 open into both the first surface 29a and the second surface 29b of the bottom 29.

[0053] The outer diameter of the first through-hole 51 shown in Figure 3 is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 42. In other words, in the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1, the dimensions of the first through-hole 51 are larger than the dimensions of the shaft portion 42. As a result, the fixing member 40 can pass through the first through-hole 51 in the shaft portion 42.

[0054] The outer diameter of the first through-hole 51 shown in Figure 3 is smaller than the outer diameter of the head 41. In other words, in the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1, the dimensions of the first through-hole 51 are smaller than the dimensions of the head 41. As a result, the fixing member 40 cannot pass through the first through-hole 51 in the head 41. Consequently, as shown in Figure 1, the head 41 contacts the bottom 29 of the projection 27 from above. The contact of the head 41 with the bottom 29 from above restricts the downward movement of the fixing member 40 relative to the cover 25.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, when observed from the first direction D1, the position of the first through-hole 51 is the same as the position of the second through-hole 52 described above. More specifically, when the cover 25 covers the opening of the housing body 21, the position of one of the multiple first through-holes 51 and one of the multiple second through-holes 52 is the same in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In Figure 3, the first through-hole 51 is positioned to overlap in the first direction D1 with one of the multiple second through-holes 52 arranged along the side plate portion 24 of the housing body 21.

[0056] The fixing member 40 is designed so that it can pass through both the through hole 50, i.e., the first through hole 51 and the second through hole 52, in the shaft portion 42.

[0057] <<Energy Storage Element Module 30>> In the energy storage element unit 10 shown in Figure 1, the energy storage element module 30 is housed in the housing body 21 by passing through an opening in the housing body 21 from above. The energy storage element unit 10 may include multiple energy storage element modules 30, as shown in Figure 1. The energy storage element unit 10 in Figure 1 includes two energy storage element modules 30. Multiple energy storage element modules 30 may have the same configuration as each other. The configurations of multiple energy storage element modules 30 may be different from each other. The two energy storage element modules 30 shown in Figure 1 have the same configuration as each other. The common configuration of the two energy storage element modules 30 is shown in Figure 6.

[0058] The energy storage element unit 10 shown in Figure 1 includes a first energy storage element module 30X and a second energy storage element module 30Y, which are two energy storage element modules 30 that overlap each other in a first direction D1. The first energy storage element module 30X is positioned below the second energy storage element module 30Y. The first energy storage element module 30X and the second energy storage element module 30Y may include portions that are in contact with each other. Of the illustrated first energy storage element module 30X and second energy storage element module 30Y, the first energy storage element module 30X is in contact with the bottom plate portion 23 of the housing body 21 from above. The second energy storage element module 30Y and the cover 25 are separated from each other in the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 4, when the first energy storage element module 30X and the second energy storage element module 30Y are housed in the housing body 21, they are separated from the side plate portion 24 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6, the energy storage element module 30 includes a case 31 and a plurality of cells 32 housed in the case 31. A cell 32 is the smallest unit treated as a secondary battery. Various types of cells 32 can be used. For example, a cell 32 may be a lithium-ion secondary battery. The plurality of cells 32 shown in Figure 6 overlap in the first direction D1 when the energy storage element module 30 is housed in the housing 20.

[0060] The case 31 in Figure 6 includes a case body 33 that opens in one direction and a case cover 34 that covers the opening of the case body 33. As shown in Figure 6, the case body 33 forms a space for housing multiple cells 32. The case body 33 in Figure 6 opens in a first direction D1 when the energy storage element module 30 is housed in the housing 20. The case cover 34 covers the opening of the case body 33 from above when the energy storage element module 30 is housed in the housing 20.

[0061] The energy storage element module 30 in Figure 6 includes a first module surface 30a and a second module surface 30b that are separated from each other in a first direction D1 when housed in the housing 20. The first module surface 30a and the second module surface 30b constitute a part of the outer surface of the energy storage element module 30. In the energy storage element module 30 of Figure 6, the first module surface 30a is formed by the case cover 34. The second module surface 30b is formed by the case body 33.

[0062] <<Fixing member 40>> The fixing member 40 in Figure 1 includes a protruding portion 40X that protrudes in a first direction D1 from the first surface 20a or the second surface 20b when attached to the housing 20, and a housing portion 40Y housed in the housing 20. The illustrated protruding portion 40X includes a first protruding portion 40XA that protrudes from the first surface 20a and a second protruding portion 40XB that protrudes from the second surface 20b. In the illustrated fixing member 40, the first protruding portion 40XA is formed by a head portion 41. The second protruding portion 40XB is formed by the tip portion 42a of the shaft portion 42. The tip portion 42a protrudes downward from the second surface 20b of the housing 20 when the head portion 41 is in contact with the cover 25. The housing portion 40Y is formed by the base portion 42b of the shaft portion 42. However, depending on the type of fixing member 40, the head portion 41 does not have to protrude from the first surface 20a of the housing 20, as shown in the illustration. The fixing member 40 does not necessarily have to include the protruding portion 40X (first protruding portion 40XA in Figure 1) formed by the head portion 41.

[0063] The fixing member 40 in Figure 1 fixes the housing 20 to the installation location P at the protruding portion 40X, particularly the second protruding portion 40XB. The fixing member 40 is in contact with the floor portion 2 at the second protruding portion 40XB. The movement of the fixing member 40 relative to the floor portion 2 is restricted at the second protruding portion 40XB that is in contact with the floor portion 2. By restricting the movement of the fixing member 40 relative to the floor portion 2 at the second protruding portion 40XB, the fixing member 40 fixes the housing 20 to the installation location P.

[0064] In Figure 1, the tip 42a passes through the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b of the housing 20 in the first direction D1. The tip 42a passes through the first through hole 51, the internal space 20S, and the second through hole 52 in this order in the first direction D1. The tip 42a is in contact with the floor 2. The base end 42b passes through the first surface 20a of the housing 20 in the first direction D1, but does not pass through the second surface 20b in the first direction D1. The base end 42b is located in either the internal space 20S or the first through hole 51. The head 41 of the housing 20 does not pass through either the first surface 20a or the second surface 20b in the first direction D1.

[0065] In the fixing member 40 shown in Figure 1, the axial dimension of the shaft portion 42 is larger than the dimension of the housing 20 in the first direction D1. The axial dimension of the shaft portion 42 is larger than the distance in the first direction D1 between the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b of the housing 20. Because the shaft portion 42 has such dimensions in the axial direction, when attached to the housing 20, the tip portion 42a of the shaft portion 42 passes through the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b of the housing 20 in the first direction D1 and protrudes from the second surface 20b.

[0066] The operation of the energy storage element unit 10 shown in Figure 1 will be explained. Specifically, the installation method of the energy storage element unit 10 shown in Figure 1 will be explained.

[0067] The housing 20, the energy storage element module 30, and the fixing member 40 are brought into building 1. The housing 20 may be assembled in building 1. As described above, if the housing body 21 includes a plurality of plate-shaped parts 22, the housing body 21 may be assembled in building 1. The housing body 21 may be assembled by attaching a plurality of side plate parts 24 to the bottom plate part 23. The energy storage element module 30 may be brought into building 1 with the cells 32 housed in the case 31. Alternatively, the cells 32 may be housed in the case 31 in building 1.

[0068] When installing the energy storage element unit 10 in building 1, first the housing body 21 is placed at the installation location P. In the energy storage element unit 10 shown in Figure 1, the housing body 21 is placed at the installation location P such that the second surface 23b of the bottom plate portion 23 contacts the floor portion 2. The housing body 21 placed at the installation location P opens in the first direction D1. When the housing body 21 is placed at the installation location P, the second through hole 52 in the bottom plate portion 23 opens in the first direction D1.

[0069] Next, the energy storage element module 30 is housed in the housing body 21. The energy storage element module 30 is housed in the housing body 21 such that the first module surface 30a and the second module surface 30b are separated from each other in the first direction D1. When installing the energy storage element unit 10 in Figure 1, the first energy storage element module 30X and the second energy storage element module 30Y are housed in the housing body 21 in this order. The first energy storage element module 30X housed in the housing body 21 contacts the first surface 23a of the bottom plate portion 23 from above. The second energy storage element module 30Y housed in the housing body 21 contacts the first energy storage element module 30X from above.

[0070] Next, the cover 25 is placed on top of the housing body 21. The cover 25 is placed on top of the housing body 21 such that the multiple first through holes 51 provided in the cover 25 align with one of the multiple second through holes 52 provided in the bottom plate portion 23 of the housing body 21 in the first direction D1.

[0071] Next, as a fixing step, the housing 20 is fixed to the installation location P by the fixing member 40. The fixing member 40 in Figure 1 is inserted from above into the through hole 50 provided in the housing 20. The fixing member 40 is inserted into the first through hole 51 and the second through hole 52 in that order. When the fixing member 40 is inserted into the through hole 50, the shaft portion 42 passes through the first through hole 51 and the second through hole 52 in that order before coming into contact with the floor portion 2.

[0072] The fixing member 40 rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the axial direction with its shaft portion 42 in contact with the floor portion 2. In the fixing member 40, the shaft portion 42 may have a screw thread (male thread) extending in the circumferential direction centered on the axial direction. The shaft portion 42 may form a female thread in the floor portion 2 by the rotation of the fixing member 40 as described above. In other words, the fixing member 40 may be a tapping screw. This rotation of the fixing member 40 fixes the housing 20 to the installation location P of the energy storage element unit 10. When the housing 20 is fixed to the installation location P, the fixing member 40 includes a portion that protrudes from the second surface 20b. In Figure 1, the fixing member 40 has a tip portion 42a of the shaft portion 42 that protrudes from the second surface 20b of the housing 20 in the first direction D1. Fastening means such as a screwdriver or impact driver may be used to rotate the fixing member 40. In the fixing member 40 in Figure 1, the head portion 41 has a groove that can accommodate the tip of a Phillips screwdriver.

[0073] As described above, the energy storage element unit 10 is fixed to the installation location P and installed inside the building 1. In the energy storage element unit 10 installed inside the building 1, the energy storage element module 30 is located between the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b of the housing 20.

[0074] As disclosed in JP2022-145131A, a method for installing an energy storage element unit, which includes a housing including a housing body with an opening in one direction and a cover covering the opening of the housing body, and an energy storage element module housed in the housing, includes the following steps. That is, a conventional method for installing an energy storage element unit includes the steps of fixing the housing body to the installation location and fixing the cover covering the opening of the housing body to the housing body. Performing these steps separately may increase the time required to install the energy storage element unit.

[0075] The energy storage element unit 10 shown in Figures 1 to 6 includes a housing 20 having a first surface 20a and a second surface 20b that are separated from each other in a first direction D1, an energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20, and a fixing member 40 for fixing the housing 20 to the installation location P. The energy storage element module 30 is located between the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b. The housing 20 is provided with a through hole 50. The through hole 50 includes a portion opening into the first surface 20a of the housing 20 and a portion opening into the second surface 20b. When the fixing member 40 is inserted into the through hole 50, it includes a portion that protrudes from at least one of the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b.

[0076] According to the illustrated energy storage element unit 10, the fixing member 40 can fix the member constituting the first surface 20a of the housing 20 and the member constituting the second surface 20b of the housing 20 to the installation location P by the fixing process described above. In the illustrated energy storage element unit 10, the first surface 20a of the housing 20 is made up of a cover 25. The second surface 20b of the housing 20 is made up of a plate-shaped portion 22 (bottom plate portion 23) of the housing body 21. The cover 25 is provided with a first through hole 51. The bottom plate portion 23 is provided with a second through hole 52. In the installation method of the energy storage element unit 10 described above, the fixing member 40 is attached so that the tip portion 42a of the shaft portion 42 passes through the first through hole 51 and the second through hole 52 in that order. By attaching the fixing member 40 in this manner, the process of fixing the housing body 21 to the installation location P and the process of fixing the cover 25 to the housing body 21 can be performed simultaneously. This reduces the time required to fix the housing 20 and the energy storage element unit 10 including the housing 20 to the installation location P, compared to conventional energy storage element units.

[0077] In the housing 20 shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first surface 20a includes a recess 20r that is recessed in a first direction D1 toward the second surface 20b. The first through hole 51 opening in the first surface 20a is provided in the recess 20r. According to the energy storage element unit 10 including the illustrated housing 20, the fixing member 40 fixes the housing 20 to the installation location P with the recess 20r in contact with the first surface 20a from above. More specifically, the fixing member 40, at its head portion 41, is in contact with a third portion 20ac that is located closer to the second surface than the first portion 20aa. By contacting the first surface 20a at the third portion 20ac, the fixing member 40 can reduce its dimensions in the first direction D1.

[0078] In the embodiment described above, the energy storage element unit 10 includes a housing 20 having a first surface 20a and a second surface 20b that are separated from each other in a first direction D1, an energy storage element module 30 housed in the housing 20, and a fixing member 40 for fixing the housing 20 to the installation location P. The energy storage element module 30 is located between the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b. The housing 20 is provided with a through hole 50. The through hole 50 includes a portion that opens into the first surface 20a of the housing 20 and a portion that opens into the second surface 20b. When the fixing member 40 is inserted into the through hole 50, it includes a portion that protrudes from at least one of the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b. According to this embodiment, the housing 20 with the energy storage element module 30 housed in it can be fixed to the installation location P by the fixing member 40 that penetrates in the first direction D1. This reduces the time required to fix the housing 20 and the energy storage element unit 10 including the housing 20 to the installation location P.

[0079] While one embodiment has been described with reference to specific examples, the above-mentioned example does not limit this embodiment. The above-described embodiment can be implemented in various other examples, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and additions can be made without departing from its essence.

[0080] <<Variation>> In the energy storage element unit 10 shown in Figure 1, the housing 20 included a first surface 20a and a second surface 20b. The first surface 20a included a recess 20r that was recessed toward the second surface 20b. The portion of the through hole 50 that opened into the first surface 20a was provided in the recess 20r as the first through hole 51. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, neither the second surface 20a nor the second surface 20b necessarily included a recess 20r.

[0081] The energy storage element unit 10 shown in Figure 1 was fixed to the floor 2 at the installation location P. The housing 20 was fixed to the floor 2. The fixing member 40 included a portion that contacted the floor 2. However, the energy storage element unit 10 may also be fixed to the wall 3 at the installation location P, as shown in Figure 8. The housing 20 may also be fixed to the wall 3. In Figure 8, the first direction D1 is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0082] The housing 20 shown in Figures 1 to 5 included a housing body 21 opening in a first direction D1 and a cover 25 covering the opening of the housing body 21. In the housing 20 shown in Figures 1 to 5, the members constituting the first surface 20a and the members constituting the second surface 20b were separable. However, it is not limited to this, and as shown in Figure 9, the members constituting the first surface 20a and the members constituting the second surface 20b may be integrally formed in the housing 20. The housing 20 shown in Figure 9 is brought into building 1 with the energy storage element module 30 housed inside. By bringing the housing 20 with the energy storage element module 30 housed inside into building 1, the step of housing the energy storage element module 30 inside the housing 20 can be omitted when installing the energy storage element unit 10 shown in Figure 9. This reduces the time required to fix the energy storage element unit 10 at the installation location P.

[0083] As shown in Figure 10, the through hole 50 may include an enlarged diameter portion 50r in at least one of the portions that open to the first surface 20a and the portion that opens to the second surface 20b. The enlarged diameter portion 50r shown in Figure 10 is provided in the portion of the first through hole 51 that opens to the first surface 20a. The head portion 41 may be housed in the recess 50r shown in Figure 10. By housing the head portion 41 in the enlarged diameter portion 50r, the fixing member 40 does not have to include one of the protrusions 40X of the first protrusion 40XA and the second protrusion 40XB described above. In the energy storage element unit 10 shown in Figure 9, the fixing member 40 does not include the first protrusion 40XA described above because the head portion 41 is housed in the enlarged diameter portion 50r.

[0084] As the head portion 41 is housed in the enlarged diameter portion 50r, the ratio of the axial dimension of the other protrusion 40X of the first protrusion 40XA and the second protrusion 40XB to the total axial length of the fixing member 40 increases. As a result, the housing 20 can be stably fixed to the installation location P by the other protrusion 40X of the first protrusion 40XA and the second protrusion 40XB.

[0085] In Figures 7 to 10, for parts that can be constructed in the same way as the specific examples described above, referring to Figure 1, etc., the same symbols used for the corresponding parts in the specific examples described above are used, and redundant explanations are omitted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1: Building, 2: Floor, 3: Wall, 10: Energy storage element unit, 20: Housing, 20a: First surface, 20b: Second surface, 20r: Recess, 21: Housing body, 25: Cover, 30: Energy storage element module, 30a: First module surface, 30b: Second module surface, 40: Fixing member, P: Installation location

Claims

1. A housing having a first surface and a second surface that are separated from each other in a first direction, The energy storage element module housed in the aforementioned enclosure, The housing comprises a fixing member for fixing it to the installation location, The energy storage element module is located between the first surface and the second surface, The housing is provided with through holes, The through hole includes a portion opening to the first surface and a portion opening to the second surface. The fixing member includes a portion that protrudes from at least one of the first and second surfaces when inserted into the through hole, comprising an energy storage element unit.

2. The housing includes a cover including a portion that constitutes the first surface, and a housing body including a plate-shaped portion that constitutes the second surface, The energy storage element module is housed in the main body of the housing, The energy storage element unit according to claim 1, wherein the cover and the housing body are separable from each other when the housing is not fixed to the installation location by the fixing member.

3. One of the first and second surfaces includes a recess that is recessed in the first direction toward the other surface of the first and second surfaces, The energy storage element unit according to claim 1, wherein the through hole is provided in the recess.

4. The energy storage element unit according to claim 1, wherein the portion constituting the first surface and the portion constituting the second surface are integrally formed in the housing.

5. A building having an energy storage element unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4 installed at the installation location.

6. The aforementioned building includes the floor, The building according to claim 5, wherein the energy storage element unit is fixed to the floor at the installation location.

7. The aforementioned building includes the walls, The building according to claim 5, wherein the energy storage element unit is fixed to the wall at the installation location.

8. A method for installing an energy storage element unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A method for installing an energy storage element unit, comprising a fixing step of fixing the energy storage element unit to the installation location using the fixing member.

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