Battery storage enclosure

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery enclosure that can suppress the occurrence of ground faults even when a conductive liquid adheres to the support portion on which the battery is mounted. [Solution] The battery housing panel 100 comprises a grounded conductive main frame 22 and a support plate 24 fixed to the main frame 22 and supporting the battery module 30. The support plate 24 is insulating and includes an inclined mounting surface 24a that guides conductive liquid adhering to the surface of the support plate 24 to a position where it does not come into contact with at least one of the battery module 30 and the main frame 22.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage battery accommodation panel, and particularly to a storage battery accommodation panel that is fixed to a frame and includes a support portion for supporting a storage battery.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a battery accommodation panel that includes a battery shelf (support portion) fixed to a rack body (frame) and supporting a secondary battery module (storage battery) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above Patent Document 1 discloses a plurality of secondary battery modules each connected in series, and a rack body including battery shelves. The plurality of secondary battery modules in Patent Document 1 are arranged in an accommodation space formed by a cabinet-shaped rack body having an opening on a front surface and battery shelves arranged along a horizontal direction.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Although not explicitly stated in Patent Document 1, secondary battery modules are often relatively heavy. Therefore, when arranging multiple secondary battery modules on a battery rack as described in Patent Document 1, the battery rack and rack body are generally made of metal, a material with relatively high mechanical strength. In this case, if the electrolyte inside the battery module leaks out and a conductive liquid adheres to the conductive parts of the rack body (frame) connected to the battery rack (support part), and to the conductive parts of the secondary battery module, a ground fault may occur due to electrical conductivity between the secondary battery module (storage battery), the conductive liquid, and the frame. Therefore, there is a need for a battery housing that can suppress the occurrence of ground faults even when a conductive liquid adheres to the support part on which the storage battery is placed.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a battery housing that can suppress the occurrence of ground faults even when a conductive liquid adheres to the support portion on which the battery is mounted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a battery enclosure according to one aspect of this invention comprises a grounded conductive frame and a support portion fixed to the frame and supporting a storage battery, wherein the support portion is insulating and includes a guide portion that guides a conductive liquid adhering to the surface of the support portion to a position where it does not come into contact with at least one of the storage battery and the frame.

[0008] As described above, the battery enclosure according to the first aspect includes a guide portion that guides conductive liquid adhering to the surface of the support portion to a position where it does not come into contact with the battery. As a result, because the support portion is insulating, even if, for example, a large amount of electrolyte leaks from the battery and the battery and the electrolyte temporarily come into contact, it is possible to suppress electrical conductivity between the battery and the frame that fixes the support portion via the electrolyte. Furthermore, since the conductive liquid is guided to a position where it does not come into contact with at least one of the battery and the frame, it is possible to suppress electrical connection between the conductive liquid and the battery. Therefore, even if the frame to which the fixing portion supporting the battery is fixed is made of a conductive material such as metal, it is possible to suppress electrical conductivity between the battery, the conductive liquid, and the frame. As a result, even if conductive liquid adheres to the support portion on which the battery is placed, the occurrence of a ground fault can be suppressed.

[0009] In the battery enclosure according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the liquid contains an acidic electrolyte used in a storage battery, and the support portion is acid-resistant. With this configuration, since the support portion is acid-resistant, even if an acidic electrolyte commonly used in storage batteries adheres to the support portion, corrosion of the support portion can be suppressed.

[0010] In the battery housing panel according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the guide portion includes an inclined surface that is tilted with respect to the horizontal plane so as to guide the liquid adhering to the surface of the support portion to a position where it does not come into contact with at least one of the battery and the frame. With this configuration, the liquid adhering to the inclined surface can be easily guided to a position where it does not come into contact with at least one of the battery and the frame by utilizing the fact that the liquid adhering to the inclined surface moves downward due to gravity.

[0011] In this case, preferably, the inclined surface is tilted to guide liquid adhering to the surface of the support to the front side accessible by the user. With this configuration, since the liquid is guided to the front side accessible by the user, the user can easily discover that liquid has adhered to the surface of the support during inspection work, etc. As a result, the user can more easily notice abnormalities in the battery enclosure, such as when electrolyte leaks from the battery.

[0012] In the battery housing panel according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the support portion includes a storage portion for storing the liquid guided to the guide portion. With this configuration, the user can easily determine whether or not the electrolyte of the storage battery is leaking by visually checking whether or not liquid is stored in the storage portion during inspection work.

[0013] In this case, preferably, the storage section is positioned so as not to overlap with the surface of the support section that supports the battery when viewed from the vertical direction. With this configuration, the conductive liquid is not stored vertically below the battery, thus suppressing contact between the liquid and at least one of the battery and the frame, and also making it easier for the user to see the storage section.

[0014] In a battery housing panel where the support portion includes a storage portion, preferably, the storage portion has a discharge portion for discharging the stored liquid. With this configuration, for example, even if a large amount of electrolyte leaks from the battery, the liquid is discharged from the storage portion, thus preventing contact between the liquid and at least one of the battery and the frame due to the liquid overflowing from the storage portion.

[0015] In the battery enclosure according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the support portion protrudes upward from the guide portion and includes a fixing portion that is fixed to the frame, and the storage battery is placed on the guide portion. With this configuration, since the storage battery is placed on the guide portion located below the fixing portion fixed to the frame, even if electrolyte leaks from the storage battery, it is possible to suppress the electrolyte from flowing towards the frame. As a result, it is possible to suppress contact between the electrolyte and the frame.

[0016] In the battery enclosure according to the first aspect described above, preferably, a wiring section is further provided that is fixed to a frame and connected to a storage battery, and at least the portion of the wiring section fixed to the frame is covered with a fire-resistant covering material. With this configuration, even if a fire occurs, the covering material of the wiring section can be prevented from melting due to the fire (heat), thereby preventing the conductive portion of the wiring from being exposed. As a result, the occurrence of a short circuit, where the conductive portion of the wiring section and the frame are electrically connected, can be prevented. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a battery housing that can suppress the occurrence of ground faults even when a conductive liquid adheres to the support portion on which the battery is mounted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the enclosure of a battery storage panel according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the circuit configuration of a battery storage enclosure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a battery storage rack located inside the enclosure of a battery storage panel according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a support plate in a battery enclosure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a side view of a support plate in a battery enclosure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged perspective view for explaining the storage portion of the support plate in the storage battery accommodation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a top view of the support plate in the storage battery accommodation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the storage battery module of the storage battery accommodation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of the connection cable of the storage battery accommodation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of the storage battery accommodation rack shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] It is an enlarged perspective view for explaining the attached state of the support plate in the storage battery accommodation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of the support plate in the storage battery accommodation panel according to a first modification of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of the support plate in the storage battery accommodation panel according to a second modification of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a view for explaining the liquid receiver disposed in the storage battery accommodation panel according to a third modification of an embodiment of the present invention. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] (Overall Configuration of Storage Battery Accommodation Panel) With reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, the configuration of the storage battery accommodation panel 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the battery enclosure 100 comprises a battery enclosure body 10 and a battery enclosure rack 20. The battery enclosure body 10 includes a door portion 10a, a wall portion 10b, and a base portion 10c. The door portion 10a, wall portion 10b, and base portion 10c that constitute the battery enclosure body 10 are each made of conductive metal. Power cables 200a and 200b, which are connected to an uninterruptible power supply (not shown), are routed into the battery enclosure 100. An earth cable 200c (not shown in Figure 1), which is connected to an earth terminal G, is also routed into the battery enclosure 100.

[0022] Herein, in this specification, the vertical direction is defined as the Z direction. One side (upward) and the other side (downward) in the Z direction are defined as the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction, respectively. One direction perpendicular to the Z direction is defined as the X direction. One side and the other in the X direction are defined as the X1 direction and the X2 direction, respectively. The direction perpendicular to both the X and Z directions is defined as the Y direction. One side and the other in the Y direction are defined as the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction, respectively. Note that the Y1 direction is an example of the "front side accessed by the user" in the claims.

[0023] The door section 10a consists of two doors and is normally closed. However, during inspection work by workers, the door section 10a is pulled in the Y2 direction to open it. The wall section 10b is a plate-shaped member that is positioned on the X1, X2, and Y1 directions relative to the battery storage rack 20 and fastened to the battery storage rack 20. The base section 10c is electrically connected to the battery storage rack 20 by the placement of the battery storage rack 20 in the Z1 direction. The base section 10c is also fixed to the floor surface by conductive anchor bolts (not shown) embedded in the Z2 direction.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the battery enclosure body 10 houses a battery storage rack 20, multiple battery modules 30, and a circuit breaker 40. The positive-side power cable 200a is connected to the positive side of the battery module 30 via the circuit breaker 40. Each of the multiple battery modules 30 is electrically connected in series by a connecting cable 50 or a connecting busbar 60. The negative-side power cable 200b is connected to the negative side of the battery module 30 via the circuit breaker 40. This configuration allows the multiple battery modules 30 to perform charging operations, receiving power from an uninterruptible power supply (not shown) connected to power cables 200a and 200b, and discharging operations, sending out power. The battery enclosure body 10 and the battery storage rack 20 are connected to (grounded) the earth terminal G, which is connected to the earth cable 200c, and are not normally electrically connected to the battery modules 30.

[0025] Next, the structure of the battery storage rack 20 will be described in detail using Figure 3. The battery storage rack 20 is composed of a top plate 21, a main frame 22, a subframe 23, a support plate 24, and a bottom 25. The top plate 21, main frame 22, subframe 23, support plate 24, and bottom 25 that constitute the battery storage rack 20 are each made of a conductive metal such as iron. The main frame 22 and subframe 23 are examples of "frames" in the claims. The support plate 24 is an example of "support part" in the claims.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the top plate portion 21 is a plate-shaped member positioned on the Z1 side of the battery storage rack 20 and is fastened to the main frame 22. The top plate portion 21 also includes ventilation holes 21a and an opening 21b. The ventilation holes 21a are configured to discharge heat generated from the multiple battery modules 30 arranged in the battery storage rack 20 in the Z1 direction. The opening 21b is provided for connecting power cables 200a and 200b, which are connected to an uninterruptible power supply (not shown), to the circuit breaker 40.

[0027] The main frame 22 includes support columns 22a extending in the Z direction at the four corners when the battery storage rack 20 is viewed from the Z direction, and support plate fixing columns 22b that serve as columns for fixing the support plates 24. The support columns 22a are, for example, columnar members extending in the Z direction with an L-shaped cross-section when viewed from the Z direction, and are fastened and fixed to the top plate portion 21 and the bottom portion 25. The support plate fixing columns 22b are, for example, columnar members extending in the Y direction with a rectangular cross-section when viewed from the Y direction, and fix each of the support columns 22a arranged in the Y direction. In addition, a pair of support plate fixing columns 22b are provided at both ends in the X direction of the battery storage rack 20, and a pair of support plate fixing columns 22b are arranged at four different positions in the Z direction.

[0028] The subframe 23 includes a pair of first retaining columns 23a provided in the X direction to hold down the battery module 30 and prevent it from flying out in the X direction, and a pair of second retaining columns 23b provided in the Y direction to hold down the battery module 30 and prevent it from flying out in the Y direction. The first retaining columns 23a are columnar members extending in the Y direction with a U-shaped cross-section when viewed from the Y direction, and are fastened and fixed to the support columns 22a. The first retaining columns 23a are also arranged at four different positions in the Z direction. The second retaining columns 23b are columnar members extending in the X direction with a U-shaped cross-section when viewed from the X direction, and are fastened and fixed to the support columns 22a. The second retaining columns 23b are also arranged at four different positions in the Z direction.

[0029] The support plate 24 is a plate-shaped member on which multiple battery modules 30 are placed. The support plate 24 is fastened and fixed at both ends in the X direction to each of the four support plate fixing columns 22b, which are arranged at different positions in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the uppermost support plate 24 located in the Z1 direction of the battery storage rack 20 is formed with a smaller width in the X direction compared to the other support plates 24.

[0030] Here, as shown in Figure 4, the support plate 24 includes an inclined mounting surface 24a, a fixing portion 24b, a fixing hole 24c, a side wall portion 24d, a back wall portion 24e, and a storage portion 24f. The support plate 24 is formed, for example, by bending a conductive sheet metal such as iron. Furthermore, the support plate 24 has insulating and acid-resistant properties because its entire surface is coated with an insulating and acid-resistant paint. The inclined mounting surface 24a is an example of the "guiding portion" and "inclined surface" in the claims.

[0031] The inclined mounting surface 24a, which acts as a guide to move liquid adhering to the support plate 24 to a position where it does not come into contact with the battery module 30 and the main frame 22, is the surface on which multiple battery modules 30 (see Figure 3) are mounted. The inclined mounting surface 24a is a surface that has an inclined structure such that it moves in the Z2 direction as it moves in the Y1 direction when the fixing part 24b is attached to and fixed to the support plate fixing column 22b (see Figure 3). That is, as shown in Figure 5, when the fixing part 24b is arranged along the horizontal plane (XY plane), the inclined mounting surface 24a is configured to tilt downward towards the Y1 side, which is accessible by the user. The inclination angle θ of the inclined mounting surface 24a is, for example, 1°. Note that in Figure 5, the inclination angle of the inclined mounting surface 24a is shown to be greater than 1° in order to make it easier to see that it is inclined. In other words, the inclined mounting surface 24a of the support plate 24 guides any liquid adhering to its surface to a position in the Y1 direction that does not come into contact with the battery module 30 and the main frame 22. Furthermore, the inclined mounting surface 24a is located on the Z2 direction side, which is vertically downward from the fixing part 24b. The detailed state of the inclined mounting surface 24a after attachment to the support plate fixing column 22b will be described later.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the fixing portion 24b is provided at the X-direction end of the support plate 24, protruding in the Z1 direction relative to the inclined mounting surface 24a, and is a plate-shaped portion that extends horizontally (XY plane) along the support plate fixing column 22b (see Figure 3), and is placed on the support plate fixing column 22b. The length of the fixing portion 24b in the Y direction is shorter than the length of the support plate fixing column 22b in the Y direction. In addition, the fixing portion 24b is provided with a plurality of fixing holes 24c at predetermined intervals in the Y direction. The fixing holes 24c are drilled holes for passing fastening members B (see Figure 11). That is, the support plate 24 is fastened and fixed to the support plate fixing column 22b by fastening members B (see Figure 11) through these fixing holes 24c. The fixing portion 24b is provided on the Z1 direction side, which is vertically above the inclined mounting surface 24a, and forms a step with respect to the inclined mounting surface 24a.

[0033] The side wall portion 24d connects the inclined mounting surface 24a and the fixing portion 24b, and is a planar portion that extends in the YZ plane along the support plate fixing column 22b (see Figure 3). The side wall portion 24d prevents liquid from spreading in the X direction and coming into contact with the support plate fixing column 22b when liquid adheres to the inclined mounting surface 24a. The width (height) of the side wall portion 24d in the Z direction increases towards the Y1 direction as the inclination of the inclined mounting surface 24a increases.

[0034] The rear wall portion 24e is a plate-like portion formed by bending the Y2-direction end of the inclined mounting surface 24a (support plate 24) in the Z1 direction. The rear wall portion 24e prevents liquid from spreading in the Y2 direction and coming into contact with the main frame 22 (see Figure 3) when liquid adheres to the inclined mounting surface 24a.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the storage section 24f is formed in a groove shape that is recessed in the Z2 direction by bending the Y1 direction end of the inclined mounting surface 24a (support plate 24). The storage section 24f is formed over the entire width in the X direction of the inclined mounting surface 24a (support plate 24) (see Figure 4). As a result, the liquid guided from the inclined mounting surface 24a is stored in the storage section 24f. Furthermore, the storage section 24f is positioned so as not to overlap with the inclined mounting surface 24a when viewed from the Z direction.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a discharge section 24h is provided on the bottom surface 24g of the storage section 24f where the liquid is stored. This allows the stored liquid to be discharged from the storage section 24f by the discharge section 24h if too much liquid has accumulated in the storage section 24f. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the two discharge sections 24h are arranged, for example, symmetrically from the center of the storage section 24f in the X direction. The two discharge sections 24h provided in the storage section 24f are, for example, drill holes.

[0037] The battery module 30 shown in Figure 3 is a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) capable of repeated charging and discharging, and in this embodiment, for example, a lead-acid battery is used. The battery module 30 is a battery case in which multiple batteries are connected in series, and an electrolyte (not shown) and multiple electrode plates are arranged inside. For example, an acidic liquid such as dilute sulfuric acid is used as the electrolyte. For example, lead dioxide is used on the positive electrode side and lead is used on the negative electrode side.

[0038] As shown in Figure 8, the battery module 30 includes a battery housing 30a and a terminal portion 30b. The battery housing 30a is made of, for example, resin. The terminal portion 30b is connected to a positive electrode plate or a negative electrode plate (not shown). Multiple adjacent battery modules 30 are electrically connected in series by connecting busbars 60, with the terminal portions 30b corresponding to the positive electrode plate and the terminal portions 30b corresponding to the negative electrode plate being connected. Multiple battery modules 30 located at different positions in the Z direction are electrically connected by connecting cables 50, as shown in Figure 3. The connecting cables 50 are an example of the "wiring portion" in the claims.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the circuit breaker unit 40 includes a circuit breaker box 41 and a circuit breaker 42. The circuit breaker box 41 houses the circuit breaker 42 and wiring (not shown) inside, and is positioned to prevent users, such as workers, from touching the wiring. The circuit breaker 42 is, for example, a two-pole MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker) for DC circuits, and is configured to interrupt the current if a current exceeding the allowable limit flows through the connected wiring.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the connecting cable 50 is provided to connect multiple battery modules 30 that are located at different positions in the Z direction. As shown in Figure 9, the connecting cable 50 includes a conductor 50a, a connecting terminal 50b, a fire-resistant cover 50c, and an insulating cap 50d. The connecting cable 50 is fixed to a conductive bracket 23c attached to a second retaining column 23b, which serves as a subframe 23. Specifically, the connecting cable 50 is fastened to a tie mount 23d fixed to the bracket 23c using cable ties (not shown). In this embodiment, due to current capacity considerations, two connecting cables 50 are used to connect a pair of battery modules 30, but one cable may be used as long as the current capacity is met. The fire-resistant cover 50c is an example of a "fire-resistant covering member" in the claims.

[0041] The conductor 50a of the connecting cable 50 is made of a metal with relatively low electrical resistance, such as copper. The connecting terminal 50b is a conductive crimp terminal that is crimped onto the conductor 50a and has a hole for passing fastening members such as screws. The fireproof cover 50c is a tubular cover made of, for example, glass fiber coated with self-extinguishing silicone, and is fitted to cover the entire outside of the conductor 50a. The insulating cap 50d is a cover that covers the crimped portion between the conductor 50a and the connecting terminal 50b.

[0042] The connecting cable 50 is fixed to the L-shaped busbar 61 attached to the terminal portion 30b of the battery module 30 using fastening members (not shown). The connecting busbar 60 (see Figure 3) and the L-shaped busbar 61 are made of a metal with relatively low electrical resistance, such as copper.

[0043] (Guidance of liquid by the support part) Next, the behavior of the liquid adhering to the support plate 24 will be explained using Figures 10 and 11. As shown in Figure 10 (a cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 3), the support plate 24 is fixed to the support plate fixing column 22b and is also supported from below by four support plate reinforcing columns 22c extending in the X direction. As a result, even when multiple relatively heavy battery modules 30 are arranged on the support plate 24, deflection in the Z2 direction is suppressed.

[0044] Furthermore, since the inclined mounting surface 24a of the support plate 24 is inclined toward the Y1 direction, the height position of the inclined mounting surface 24a toward the Y1 direction is lower than the horizontal line L drawn horizontally at the height of the inclined mounting surface 24a toward the Y2 direction (position toward the Z2 direction). In addition, each of the four support plate reinforcing columns 22c is also inclined toward the Y1 direction in accordance with the inclined mounting surface 24a being inclined toward the Y1 direction, and is mounted so that its position toward the Z direction changes as it moves toward the Y1 direction, toward the Z2 direction.

[0045] Here, we will explain, for example, the case where there is a product defect in one of the second-highest battery modules 30, and the electrolyte inside the battery module 30 leaks out of the battery housing 30a (see Figure 8). In this case, as shown in Figure 11, where the battery module 30 is not shown, the inclined mounting surface 24a on which the battery module 30 is placed is positioned on the Z2 side relative to the fixing portion 24b of the support plate 24, so the leaked electrolyte (leakage) cannot move toward the Z1 side. Also, the leakage cannot spread toward the X side due to the side wall portion 24d. Therefore, the leakage does not adhere to the vicinity of the fastening member B that connects the support plate fixing column 22b and the fixing portion 24b of the support plate 24, nor to the side surface of the support plate fixing column 22b.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the height position of the inclined mounting surface 24a on the Y1 direction side is lower (on the Z2 direction side) than the horizontal line L drawn horizontally at the height of the inclined mounting surface 24a on the Y2 direction side. Therefore, as shown by the arrows in Figures 10 and 11, the leaked liquid flows downwards due to gravity along the surface of the inclined mounting surface 24a, towards the Y1 direction (front side) where it is accessed by the user. When the leaked liquid reaches the Y1 direction end of the inclined mounting surface 24a, it is stored in the storage section 24f.

[0047] Leaked liquid that flows near the discharge section 24h (see Figures 6 and 7) of the storage section 24f falls vertically in the Z2 direction. Also, even if the leaked liquid does not flow near the discharge section 24h, if the amount of leaked liquid stored in the storage section 24f increases, liquid will accumulate on the entire surface of the storage section 24f in the X direction, and the leaked liquid will fall vertically in the Z2 direction due to the discharge section 24h. The fallen leaked liquid enters the storage section 24f of the third support plate 24 from the top, as shown by the arrow in Figure 10, falls again, and enters the storage section 24f of the fourth support plate 24 from the top.

[0048] Subsequently, the leaked fluid discharged from the discharge section 24h of the storage section 24f in the fourth support plate 24 from the top spreads onto the bottom surface 25a of the bottom section 25. Therefore, the user performs an inspection to confirm whether or not leaked fluid was adhering to the support plate 24 (whether or not there was leaked fluid from the battery module 30) by visually checking whether or not leaked fluid was adhering to (accumulating) each storage section 24f or the bottom surface 25a.

[0049] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0050] In this embodiment, the battery housing panel 100 comprises a grounded conductive main frame 22 and a support plate 24 fixed to the main frame 22 and supporting the battery module 30. The support plate 24 is insulating and includes an inclined mounting surface 24a that guides conductive liquid (electrolyte) adhering to the surface of the support plate 24 to a position where it does not come into contact with at least one of the battery module 30 and the main frame 22. As a result, because the support plate 24 is insulating, even if a large amount of electrolyte leaks from the battery module 30, it is possible to suppress electrical contact between the battery module 30 and the main frame 22 that fixes the support plate 24 via the electrolyte. Furthermore, because the conductive leaked liquid is guided to a position where it does not come into contact with at least one of the battery module 30 and the main frame 22, it is possible to suppress electrical connection between the electrolyte and the battery module 30. Therefore, even when the main frame 22 to which the support plate 24 supporting the battery module 30 is fixed is made of a conductive material such as metal, it is possible to suppress electrical contact between the battery module 30, the conductive electrolyte, and the main frame 22. As a result, even if a conductive liquid (electrolyte) adheres to the support plate 24 on which the battery module 30 is placed, the occurrence of a ground fault can be suppressed.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the liquid (leakage) includes the acidic electrolyte in the battery module 30, and the support plate 24 is acid-resistant. As a result, because the support plate 24 is acid-resistant, even if the acidic electrolyte commonly used in battery modules 30 adheres to the support plate 24, corrosion of the support plate 24 can be suppressed.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the inclined mounting surface 24a includes an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (XY plane) so as to guide the electrolyte adhering to the surface of the support plate 24 to a position where it does not come into contact with at least one of the battery module 30 and the main frame 22. This makes it possible to easily guide the electrolyte adhering to the surface of the support plate 24 to a position where it does not come into contact with at least one of the battery module 30 and the main frame 22 by utilizing the fact that the electrolyte adhering to the inclined mounting surface 24a moves in the Z2 direction (vertically downward) due to gravity.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the inclined mounting surface 24a is inclined to guide the electrolyte adhering to the surface of the support plate 24 toward the Y1 direction (front side) accessible by the user. As a result, the electrolyte is guided toward the Y1 direction accessible by the user, making it easy for the user to discover that electrolyte has adhered to the surface of the support plate 24 during inspection work, etc. Consequently, the user is more likely to notice abnormalities in the battery housing panel 100, such as when electrolyte leaks from the battery module 30.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the support plate 24 includes a storage section 24f for storing liquid guided onto the inclined mounting surface 24a. This allows the user to easily determine whether or not the electrolyte of the battery module 30 is leaking by visually checking whether or not liquid such as electrolyte is accumulating in the storage section 24f during inspection work.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the storage section 24f is positioned so as not to overlap with the surface of the support plate 24 that supports the battery module 30 when viewed from the Z direction (vertical direction). As a result, conductive electrolyte is not stored in the Z2 direction (vertically downward) of the battery module 30, thereby suppressing contact between at least one of the battery module 30 and the main frame 22 and leakage fluid, and also making it easier for the user to see the storage section 24f.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the storage section 24f has a discharge section 24h for discharging the stored electrolyte. This prevents, for example, when a large amount of electrolyte leaks from the battery module 30, from coming into contact with at least one of the battery module 30 and the main frame 22 due to the electrolyte overflowing from the storage section 24f, as the electrolyte is discharged from the storage section 24f.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the support plate 24 protrudes from the inclined mounting surface 24a in the Z1 direction (vertically upward) and includes a fixing portion 24b that is fixed to the support plate fixing column 22b which serves as the main frame 22, and the battery module 30 is mounted on the inclined mounting surface 24a. As a result, since the battery module 30 is mounted on the inclined mounting surface 24a which is located in the Z2 direction (vertically downward) from the fixing portion 24b fixed to the support plate fixing column 22b, even if electrolyte leaks from the battery module 30, it is possible to suppress the electrolyte from flowing towards the main frame 22. Consequently, it is possible to suppress contact between the electrolyte and the main frame 22.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, a connecting cable 50 is provided which is fixed to the main frame 22 and connected to the battery module 30, and at least the portion of the connecting cable 50 that is fixed to the subframe 23 is covered with a fire-resistant cover 50c. This prevents the fire-resistant cable of the connecting cable 50 from melting due to fire (heat) in the event of a fire, thereby preventing the conductor 50a inside the connecting cable 50 from being exposed. As a result, the occurrence of a short circuit where the conductor 50a of the connecting cable 50 and the subframe 23 are electrically connected can be suppressed.

[0059] [Differentiation] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0060] For example, in the above embodiment, the liquid was shown to include the acidic electrolyte (leaked liquid) in the battery module 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the liquid adhering to the support plate 24 is not limited to the electrolyte from the battery module 30. Furthermore, the electrolyte in the battery module 30 is not limited to an acidic electrolyte; for example, if the battery module 30 is a nickel-cadmium battery, it may be an alkaline electrolyte.

[0061] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the support plate 24 is coated with a paint having insulating and acid-resistant properties, the present invention is not limited to this. The support plate 24 may be formed from a material having insulating and acid-resistant properties. In addition, depending on the type of storage battery to be mounted, it may be coated with a paint having alkali-resistant properties.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the guide portion was shown to include an inclined mounting surface 24a that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (XY plane) in order to guide the leaked liquid (electrolyte) adhering to the surface of the support plate 24 to a position where it does not come into contact with the battery module 30, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the guide portion can be used to guide the electrolyte in any way that allows the electrolyte to be moved to a position where it does not come into contact with the battery module 30. For example, the support plate 24 may be configured such that a recess (groove) is formed in it so that the electrolyte is separated from the battery module 30.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the inclined mounting surface 24a is inclined to guide the electrolyte adhering to the surface of the support plate 24 toward the Y1 direction side (front side) accessible by the user, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the inclined mounting surface 24a may be inclined in the X direction to guide the electrolyte adhering to the surface of the support plate 24 toward the X-direction end of the battery storage unit 100. Even in this case, the user can see the X-direction end of the battery storage unit 100 from the front side and recognize the occurrence of electrolyte leakage.

[0064] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the support plate 24 includes a storage section 24f for storing liquid guided onto the inclined mounting surface 24a, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the support plate 24 may be configured without including a storage section 24f, to flow the electrolyte generated from the battery module 30 to a position that does not come into contact with at least one of the battery module 30 and the main frame 22.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the storage section 24f is positioned so as not to overlap with the surface of the support plate 24 that supports the battery module 30 when viewed from the Z direction (vertical direction), but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, if the support plate 24 is formed of a transparent resin or the like as an insulating material, the storage section 24f may be positioned so as to overlap with the surface of the support plate 24 that supports the battery module 30 when viewed from the Z direction (vertical direction). Even in this case, the user can recognize whether or not leakage from the battery module 30 is occurring in the storage section 24f.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the storage section 24f was shown to have two holes as discharge sections 24h for discharging the stored leaked liquid, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the position, number, and shape of the holes in the discharge section 24h may be any. For example, as shown in the first modified example in Figure 12, the discharge section 24j of the storage section 24i in the support plate 240 may be a single rectangular opening located on a surface in the Y1 direction rather than on the bottom surface 24g. Also, in the present invention, the storage section 24f of the support plate 24 may not be provided with a discharge section 24h.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the support plate 24 protrudes from the inclined mounting surface 24a in the Z1 direction (vertically upward) and includes a fixing portion 24b that is fixed to the support plate fixing column 22b which serves as the main frame 22, and the battery module 30 is mounted on the inclined mounting surface 24a, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, for example, as shown in the second modified example in Figure 13, the support plate 241 may be provided with a fixing portion 24k for fixing to the support plate fixing column 22b on the same surface as the spreading surface of the inclined mounting surface 24a. In this case, for example, a side wall portion 24l may be provided on the inclined mounting surface 24a inward from the position where it is fixed to the support plate fixing column 22b, which suppresses the spread of the electrolyte. If a side wall portion 24l is not provided, the support plate fixing column 22b and the fastening member that fixes the inclined mounting surface 24a to the support plate fixing column 22b may be made of a non-conductive material such as resin.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the battery housing panel 100 is fixed to the main frame 22 and further includes a connecting cable 50 connected to the battery module 30, and the entire connecting cable 50 is covered by a fire-resistant cover 50c. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, it is sufficient that at least the portion of the connecting cable 50 that is fixed to the subframe 23 is covered by the fire-resistant cover 50c. Also, the connecting cable 50 is not limited to a structure in which the conductor 50a is covered by the fire-resistant cover 50c, and the conductor 50a may be coated with a fire-resistant material.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example shown was that the leaked liquid discharged from the discharge portion 24h of the storage portion 24f in the fourth support plate 24 from the top spreads onto the bottom surface 25a of the bottom portion 25, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, as shown in the third modified example in Figure 14, a liquid receiving tray 26 may be placed on the bottom surface 25a to receive the electrolyte discharged from the storage portion 24f.

[0070] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where the inclination angle of the inclined mounting surface 24a is 1° with respect to the horizontal plane, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the inclination angle of the inclined mounting surface 24a may be set appropriately according to the viscosity of the electrolyte of the battery module 30, for example, it may be 2° with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0071] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the battery housing rack 20 is formed of a conductive metal, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, for example, when the battery modules are lightweight and few in number, and the mechanical strength required for the battery housing rack is small, the battery housing rack may be formed of an insulating material with relatively low mechanical strength, such as resin. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10 Battery storage enclosure unit 20 Battery storage racks 22 Mainframe (frame) 22a Support posts (frames) 22b Support plate fixing column (frame) 24, 240, 241 Support plate (support part) 24a Inclined mounting surface (guide section, inclined surface) 24b, 24k fixed part 24f, 24i storage section 24g, 24j discharge section 30 Battery Modules (Batteries) 40 Interruption section 50 Connection cable (wiring section) 50c fire-resistant cover (fire-resistant covering material) 100 Battery Storage Unit

Claims

1. A grounded conductive frame, It comprises a support part that is fixed to the frame and supports the storage battery, The battery housing panel includes a support portion which is insulating and includes a guide portion which guides a conductive liquid adhering to the surface of the support portion to a position where it does not come into contact with at least one of the battery and the frame.

2. The liquid includes the acidic electrolyte in the battery. The battery housing panel according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is acid-resistant.

3. The battery housing according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion includes an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so as to guide the liquid adhering to the surface of the support portion to a position where it does not come into contact with at least one of the battery and the frame.

4. The battery housing panel according to claim 3, wherein the inclined surface is inclined to guide the liquid adhering to the surface of the support portion toward the front side accessible by the user.

5. The battery enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the support portion includes a storage portion for storing the liquid guided to the guide portion.

6. The battery housing panel according to claim 5, wherein the storage section is positioned so as not to overlap with the surface of the support section that supports the battery, when viewed from the vertical direction.

7. The battery housing according to claim 5, wherein the storage section has a discharge section for discharging the stored liquid.

8. The support portion includes a fixing portion that protrudes upward from the guide portion and is fixed to the frame. The battery housing panel according to claim 1, wherein the battery is mounted on the induction section.

9. The frame is fixed to the aforementioned frame and further comprises a wiring section connected to the storage battery, The battery enclosure according to claim 1, wherein at least the portion of the wiring section that is fixed to the frame is covered with a fire-resistant covering material.

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