Holding device

Abstract

To discharge liquid such as rainwater that has entered the inside of a holding portion to the outside.SOLUTION: A power device 10 as a holding device holds a battery 12 which is an article. The power device 10 includes a housing 14 having a slot 20 as a holding portion that holds the battery 12 in an insertable / removable manner. In this case, the slot 20 is formed in a bottomed shape with a bottom 34. In addition, the slot 20 includes a communicating passage 90 that communicates the inside and outside of the slot 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding device for holding an item. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a storage device for storing a storage battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6286084 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when an item such as a storage battery is inserted and removed from a holding device such as a storage device, liquid such as rainwater is likely to seep into the holding part that holds the item from the outside. Patent Document 1 does not consider a mechanism for discharging liquid that has entered the inside of the holding part to the outside, so there is room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a holding device that can drain liquids such as rainwater that have penetrated inside the holding portion to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a holding device for holding an item, comprising a housing having a holding portion that holds the item in a removable manner, the holding portion being formed with a bottom and having a communicating passage connecting the inside and outside of the holding portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, liquid such as rainwater that has seeped into the inside of the retaining portion can be discharged to the outside through the communication passage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a power device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the power device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the slot and frame of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the slot of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a front view of the slot of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the slot of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bottom plate of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a comparative example, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a slot of a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bottom plate of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A holding device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [1. Overall configuration of this embodiment] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a power device 10 (holding device) according to this embodiment.

[0011] The power device 10 is a charging device that accommodates and holds a plurality of batteries 12 (items) therein and charges the plurality of batteries 12. At least one of the plurality of batteries 12 is a mobile battery that can be attached to and detached from the power device 10. That is, the power device 10 can be used as a battery exchange machine that deposits a mobile battery with a low remaining capacity (SOC) and receives another mobile battery that has been fully charged. The power device 10 can also be used as a discharging device that outputs the power stored in the plurality of batteries 12 to the outside.

[0012] A handle 12b is provided on an upper surface 12a of the battery 12. A user holds the handle 12b to insert or remove the battery 12 into or from a slot 20 (holding portion). The side surface of the battery 12 is formed in a substantially flat shape.

[0013] The power device 10 has a housing 14 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Eight openings 18 are formed in a front surface 16 of the housing 14. Each opening 18 communicates with a slot 20 in the housing 14. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the power device 10 is provided with a total of eight slots 20 (four rows and two columns), four in the vertical direction and two in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the battery 12 is set (held) in the slot 20 by inserting or removing the battery 12 into or from the slot 20 through the opening 18. Note that in this embodiment, at least one slot 20 is sufficient.

[0014] Indicators 22 are provided near the multiple openings 18 on the front surface 16 of the housing 14. The indicators 22 indicate the charging state of the batteries 12 housed in the slots 20, the availability of the slots 20, etc., by lighting up in a certain color, blinking, etc. Furthermore, an operation panel 24 is provided above the multiple openings 18 on the front surface 16 of the housing 14. The operation panel 24 is a device that is operated by a user. The user operates the operation panel 24 to, for example, pay a fee for charging the battery 12, etc.

[0015] In the following explanation, the configuration of the power device 10 will be explained based on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis defined as follows. When the power device 10 is viewed from the front, i.e., when viewing the front surface 16 of the housing 14, the depth direction of the power device 10 is the X-axis direction (horizontal direction), and the front surface 16 side is the positive side. The width direction of the power device 10 is the Y-axis direction (horizontal direction), and the right side when viewed from a position facing the front surface 16 of the housing 14 is the positive side. Furthermore, the up-down direction of the power device 10 is the Z-axis direction (vertical direction), and the upper side is the positive side.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing 14 as viewed from the negative side in the Y-axis direction. Fig. 3 is a rear view of the slot 20 and the frame 26 (skeleton) disposed inside the housing 14.

[0017] A frame 26 for fixing the slots 20 is disposed inside the housing 14. The frame 26 is composed of a plurality of support columns 28 (vertical framework) standing in the Z-axis direction from the bottom of the housing 14, and a plurality of beams 30 (horizontal framework) that are provided to connect the plurality of support columns 28 to one another and extend in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. The plurality of support columns 28 stand at predetermined intervals in the Y-axis direction. A plurality of slots 20 are attached between the plurality of support columns 28 at predetermined intervals in the Z-axis direction.

[0018] The multiple slots 20 are fixed to the frame 26 so as to incline downward from the opening 18 toward the negative side (rear side) in the X-axis direction. That is, the slots 20 are arranged inside the housing 14 so that the opening 18 side (opening 32 shown in Figs. 2 and 4 to 6) on the positive side in the X-axis direction is at the top and the bottom 34 on the negative side (rear side) in the X-axis direction is at the bottom. In this case, the lower end of the slot 20 on the opening 32 side is supported by the housing 14. In addition, the lower end of the bottom 34 of the slot 20 is supported by the beam 30.

[0019] Further, a plate-shaped tray 36 (receiving portion) is disposed at an incline below each of the slots 20. That is, the trays 36 are supported by the support columns 28 and the beams 30 below each of the slots 20 in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction in accordance with the inclined slots 20. A top plate 38 extending in the horizontal direction is attached to the upper ends of the support columns 28.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the slot 20. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 20. FIG. 6 is a front view of the slot 20. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bottom 34 side of the slot 20. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a bottom plate 58 (first member) constituting the bottom 34. FIGS. 4 and 6 show a state in which a battery 12 is not inserted into the slot 20. FIG. 5 shows a case in which a battery 12 is inserted into the slot 20 with an inner door 40, which will be described later, open. Here, the overall configuration of the slot 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.

[0021] The slot 20 has a slot body 42 (side portion, second member), a slot flange 44, an inner door 40, a reverse insertion prevention flange 46, an inner door locking mechanism 48, a battery locking mechanism 50, an insertion completion detection switch 52 (detection portion), and a bottom cover assembly 54 that constitutes the bottom 34 of the slot 20.

[0022] The slot body 42 is formed by fastening four aluminum plates forming four side surfaces with bolts 56. The slot body 42 has openings on both the positive and negative sides in the X-axis direction, and is configured to surround the battery 12 inserted into the slot 20. In this case, the opening on the positive side in the X-axis direction functions as the opening 32 that allows the battery 12 to be inserted and removed and communicates with the opening 18. The opening on the negative side in the X-axis direction is closed by a bottom plate 58. The slot body 42 may be made of resin. The four side surfaces of the slot body 42 may be integrally formed by extrusion molding or injection molding.

[0023] A slot flange 44 is attached to the opening 32 on the X-axis direction positive side of the slot body 42. The slot flange 44 has a guide portion 62 into which a rectangular insertion hole 60 that communicates in the X-axis direction opens. The guide portion 62 is formed in a rectangular shape and has the insertion hole 60 therein. The insertion hole 60 is formed so that the opening area gradually increases from the negative side to the positive side in the X-axis direction. This makes it easier for the user to insert the battery 12 into the insertion hole 60 when inserting the battery 12 into the insertion hole 60 from the X-axis direction positive side.

[0024] A brush seal 64 is attached to the X-axis direction negative side of the slot flange 44. The brush seal 64 has a resin frame 64a and a resin brush 64b with bristles implanted in the frame 64a. The frame 64a and the brush 64b are flexible. The brush seal 64 has a tip of the brush 64b located on the inner periphery side of the guide portion 62, and further has a tip of the brush 64b located on the inner periphery side of the reverse insertion prevention flange 46. The tip of the brush 64b of the brush seal 64 abuts against the side surface of the battery 12 inserted in the slot 20. As a result, the opening between the side plate of the guide portion 62 and the battery 12 is blocked by the brush 64b.

[0025] An inner door 40 is provided at the opening 32 on the X-axis direction positive side of the slot body 42. When the battery 12 is not inserted into the slot 20, the inner door 40 closes to block the opening 32 on the X-axis direction positive side of the slot body 42. When the battery 12 is inserted into the slot 20, the inner door 40 opens inwardly of the slot body 42, and the battery 12 is accommodated in the slot body 42.

[0026] Specifically, the inner door 40 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 66 that is attached to the slot body 42 and extends in the Y-axis direction. The rotation shaft 66 is disposed on the positive side in the Z-axis direction relative to the battery 12 accommodated in the slot 20. The inner door 40 is biased by a torsion spring 68 provided on the rotation shaft 66 so as to rotate clockwise about the rotation shaft 66 in FIG.

[0027] As a result, when the battery 12 is not inserted in the slot 20, the inner door 40 closes due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 68, blocking the opening 32 on the X-axis direction positive side of the slot body 42. When the battery 12 is inserted into the slot 20, the inner door 40 is pushed toward the inside of the slot body 42 by the battery 12 and rotates in the opening direction against the biasing force of the torsion spring 68. The inner door 40 is not limited to being opened and closed by rotating about the rotation shaft 66, and may be opened and closed by moving parallel to the Y-axis or Z-axis directions.

[0028] A roller 70 is provided on the opposite side (the tip side of the inner door 40) to the side (the base end side of the inner door 40) supported by the rotation shaft 66 of the inner door 40. The roller 70 is provided rotatably around a rotation shaft 70a.

[0029] When the inner door 40 is closed, the end face position of the roller 70 on the X-axis direction positive side is located on the X-axis direction positive side of the end face position of the inner door 40 on the X-axis direction positive side. In other words, the end face position of the roller 70 on the opening side of the slot body 42 is located closer to the opening side of the slot body 42 than the end face position of the opening side of the slot body 42 of the inner door 40.

[0030] A reverse insertion prevention flange 46 is provided between the slot body 42 and the slot flange 44. The reverse insertion prevention flange 46 interferes with the battery 12 when the battery 12 is not inserted in the correct orientation into the slot 20, thereby preventing the battery 12 from being inserted into the slot body 42.

[0031] An inner door locking mechanism 48 is provided in the insertion hole 60 of the slot flange 44. One inner door locking mechanism 48 is provided on each of the positive and negative sides of the Y-axis direction of the slot flange 44. The inner door locking mechanism 48 is in a locked state when the battery 12 is not inserted into the slot 20, and restricts the rotation of the inner door 40 so that the closed inner door 40 does not open. In addition, the inner door locking mechanism 48 is in an unlocked state when the battery 12 is inserted into the slot 20, and releases the restriction on the rotation of the inner door 40. As a result, when the battery 12 is inserted into the slot 20, the inner door 40 is pushed by the battery 12 and rotates inwardly of the slot body 42.

[0032] When the battery 12 is not inserted into the slot 20, no members other than the inner door lock mechanism 48 and the brush seal 64 protrude from the inside of the insertion hole 60. When the battery 12 is inserted into the slot 20, no members other than the battery lock mechanism 50 protrude from the inside of the insertion hole 60. This makes it possible to prevent the user from being injured even if the user inserts his or her hand into the insertion hole 60.

[0033] A battery lock mechanism 50 is provided on the Z axis positive side of the opening 32 on the X axis positive side of the slot body 42. The battery lock mechanism 50 restricts movement of the battery 12 inserted in the slot 20 toward the Z axis positive side.

[0034] A plurality of sliders 42b extending in the X-axis direction are formed on the inner surface of the lower plate 42a on the negative side in the Z-axis direction that constitutes the slot body 42. The sliders 42b are formed to protrude from the surface of the lower plate 42a to the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The end of the slider 42b on the positive side in the X-axis direction has a chamfered portion 42c with a chamfered corner. The chamfered portion 42c can prevent the battery 12 from getting caught on the end of the slider 42b on the positive side in the X-axis direction when the battery 12 is inserted into the slot body 42. In addition, a roller escape groove (not shown) is formed near the end on the positive side in the X-axis direction on the inner surface of the lower plate 42a on the positive side in the X-axis direction, which is an inclined tapered surface through which the roller 70 passes when the inner door 40 is opened or closed.

[0035] An inner door retreat portion 42e is formed on the inner surface of an upper plate 42d on the Z axis direction positive side that constitutes the slot body 42. The inner door retreat portion 42e is formed as a recess on the Z axis direction positive side. When the battery 12 is inserted into the slot 20, the inner door 40 is inserted into the inner door retreat portion 42e. Wait The rollers 70 of the inner door 40 retracted in the inner door retraction portion 42e come into contact with the side surfaces of the battery 12. This makes it possible to reduce friction between the inner door 40 and the battery 12 being inserted into or removed from the slot 20.

[0036] An insertion completion detection switch 52 is provided at a location near the negative side in the Z axis direction of a bottom plate 58 of the slot 20. When a battery 12 is inserted into the slot 20, a bottom surface 12c of the battery 12 presses the insertion completion detection switch 52, and the insertion completion detection switch 52 switches from off to on.

[0037] A bottom cover assembly 54 is attached to an opening on the negative side in the X-axis direction of the slot body 42. The bottom cover assembly 54 has a fan 72 (air blower) that sends air into the slot body 42, a connector unit 76 having a connector 76e that fits into the connector 74 of the battery 12, and the like.

[0038] The bottom cover assembly 54 has a fan 72, a connector unit 76, and an electronic board 78. The fan 72, the connector unit 76, and the electronic board 78 are attached to the bottom plate 58. The bottom plate 58 is fixed to an opening on the negative side of the X-axis direction of the slot body 42 by a bolt 80. The fan 72, the connector unit 76, and the electronic board 78 are arranged so as to be accommodated inside the outer edge of the bottom plate 58. This makes it easy to assemble the bottom cover assembly 54. In addition, after the bottom cover assembly 54 is attached to the slot body 42, interference between each component of the bottom cover assembly 54 and other components can be suppressed.

[0039] As described above, the electric and electronic devices such as the fan 72, the connector unit 76, and the electronic board 78 are assembled to the bottom plate 58 to form the bottom cover assembly 54. Therefore, when the electric and electronic devices such as the fan 72, the connector unit 76, and the electronic board 78 break down, the entire bottom cover assembly 54 can be replaced together with the bottom plate 58, thereby shortening the time required to replace the broken device. In addition, the slot body 42, which is more durable than the bottom cover assembly 54, can be reused, thereby reducing the maintenance costs of the battery exchange machine.

[0040] An air inlet hole 58a (another communication passage) is formed on the bottom plate 58 on the Y axis direction positive side of the installation position of the insertion completion detection switch 52. The fan 72 is attached to the outer surface of the bottom plate 58 at a position corresponding to the air inlet hole 58a. When the fan 72 is driven, air is sent into the slot body 42 through the air inlet hole 58a. An electronic board 78 is disposed on the Y axis direction negative side of the fan 72. A cable 81 is wired between the electronic board 78 and the fan 72, and a motor 76f of the connector unit 76 is connected between the electronic board 78 and the fan 72. Between A cable 82 is wired to supply electricity from the electronic board 78 to the fan 72 and the motor 76f.

[0041] Two exhaust slits 42f that communicate the inside and outside of the slot body 42 are formed in the upper plate 42d of the slot body 42. The exhaust slits 42f are formed to extend in the X-axis direction. Air introduced into the slot body 42 from the negative side in the X-axis direction by the fan 72 passes between the side surface of the battery 12 and the slot body 42, and is exhausted from the exhaust slits 42f. This can improve the cooling efficiency of the battery 12. Also, the intrusion of dust from the exhaust slits 42f can be suppressed.

[0042] In this case, the total opening area of ​​the two exhaust slits 42f provided in the upper plate 42d of the slot body 42 is larger than the total opening area between the outer periphery of the battery 12 and the inner periphery of the guide portion 62 of the slot flange 44. As a result, most of the air introduced into the slot body 42 from the negative side in the Z axis direction by the fan 72 passes between the side surface of the battery 12 and the slot body 42, and is exhausted from the exhaust slits 42f.

[0043] The connector unit 76 includes a base 76a, a mating detection switch 76b, a retraction detection switch 76c, a connector holder 76d, a connector 76e, and a motor 76f.

[0044] The base 76a has a main body portion 76g, a flange portion 76h extending on both sides in the Y axis direction from the end of the main body portion 76g on the positive side in the X axis direction, and a switch mounting surface 76i extending from the end of the main body portion 76g on the negative side in the Y axis direction to the negative side in the Z axis direction.

[0045] The base 76a has a flange portion 76h fixed to the bottom plate 58 by bolts 84. An engagement detection switch 76b and an evacuation detection switch 76c are attached to the switch mounting surface 76i. The engagement detection switch 76b and the evacuation detection switch 76c are arranged spaced apart in the X-axis direction, with the engagement detection switch 76b arranged on the positive side of the X-axis direction and the evacuation detection switch 76c arranged on the negative side of the X-axis direction.

[0046] A connector holder 76d is attached to the surface of the main body 76g of the base 76a on the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The connector holder 76d has a connector mounting portion 76j, a rack 76k, and a switch actuator 76l. The connector holder 76d moves in the X-axis direction relative to the base 76a.

[0047] A connector 76e is supported on the connector attachment portion 76j. When the connector 76e is fitted into the connector 74 of the battery 12, power is supplied from the connector 76e to the battery 12, and the battery 12 is charged.

[0048] The rack 76k is disposed on the negative side in the Z axis direction of the connector attachment portion 76j.

[0049] The switch actuator 76l is formed to extend in the Z-axis direction along the switch mounting surface 76i of the base 76a.

[0050] A motor 76f is attached to the surface of the main body 76g of the base 76a on the negative side in the Z axis direction. The motor 76f is arranged so that its drive shaft faces the positive side in the Z axis direction, and a part of the drive shaft is arranged inside the connector holder 76d. When the motor 76f is driven, the connector 76e moves in the X axis direction together with the connector holder 76d. When the insertion completion detection switch 52 is turned on, the motor 76f is controlled so that the connector 76e moves to the positive side in the X axis direction. When the insertion completion detection switch 52 is turned off, the motor 76f is controlled so that the connector 76e moves to the negative side in the X axis direction.

[0051] When the connector holder 76d is positioned at the most positive side in the X-axis direction, the switch actuator 76l abuts against the mating detection switch 76b, and the mating detection switch 76b switches from OFF to ON. When the connector holder 76d is positioned at the most negative side in the X-axis direction, the switch actuator 76l abuts against the evacuation detection switch 76c, and the evacuation detection switch 76c switches from OFF to ON.

[0052] [2. Characteristic Configuration of the Present Embodiment] A characteristic function of the power device 10 configured as above will be described. The characteristic function relates to a mechanism for draining liquid such as rainwater from the inside of the slot 20 to the outside.

[0053] The slot 20 is formed into a bottomed shape having a bottom 34 by connecting a bottom plate 58 to the slot body 42. In this case, a communication passage 90 is provided on the bottom plate 58 side of the slot 20, which connects the inside and outside of the slot 20 and allows liquids such as rainwater to be discharged outside the slot 20 (inside the housing 14).

[0054] Specifically, the slot 20 has an opening 32 for inserting and removing the battery 12 on the opposite side to the bottom 34 (bottom plate 58). As described above, the slot 20 is provided in the housing 14 so as to slope downward from the slot body 42 toward the bottom plate 58. Therefore, the lower end of the slot 20 on the bottom 34 side (the lower end of the bottom plate 58) is located at a lower position than the lower end of the slot 20 on the opening 32 side.

[0055] The communication passage 90 has a first communication passage 90a and a second communication passage 90b provided at the lower end of the bottom plate 58. That is, on the inner surface (inner side) of the bottom plate 58 on the X-axis direction positive side, a portion below the installation location of the insertion completion detection switch 52 and the formation location of the air introduction hole 58a is recessed on the X-axis direction negative side. This recessed portion extends linearly in the Y-axis direction. This recessed portion constitutes the first communication passage 90a recessed on the inner side of the slot 20. Also, on the inner side of the bottom plate 58, at the locations (corners) on the Z-axis direction negative side and the Y-axis direction negative side, openings are formed that communicate with the first communication passage 90a and open to the outside of the slot 20. These openings open to the Z-axis direction negative side and the X-axis direction negative side, and constitute the second communication passage 90b.

[0056] A filter member 92 is disposed in the communication passage 90, more specifically, in the first communication passage 90a. The filter member 92 fits into a recess in the first communication passage 90a and is disposed so as to be detachable from the first communication passage 90a. In this case, a part of the filter member 92 protruding from the recess may be held down from above by two ribs 93 provided on the inner side of the bottom plate 58. The filter member 92 may be a sponge-like porous member such as a sponge filter.

[0057] In this way, the upper end of the communication passage 90 (filter member 92) is disposed at a position lower than the lower end of the air introduction hole 58a and the insertion completion detection switch 52. As a result, as shown by the dashed line with an arrow in Fig. 5 and Fig. 9B, when liquid such as rainwater enters from the opening 32 of the slot 20 and flows through the inside of the slot body 42 (the inner surface of the lower plate 42a) toward the bottom plate 58, the liquid passes through the filter member 92 and is discharged from the second communication passage 90b to the outside of the slot 20. In this case, by providing the filter member 92, the flow of the liquid is dispersed or decelerated on the way to the second communication passage 90b, which is the discharge port. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid from being discharged forcefully from the slot 20.

[0058] Furthermore, solid debris such as sand, fallen leaves, and paper enter the slot 20 through the opening 32. In this case, debris with a high specific gravity such as sand remains inside the filter member 92 in front of the second communication passage 90b. Debris with a low specific gravity such as fallen leaves or paper remains at the upper part of the filter member 92. This prevents the second communication passage 90b from being blocked by debris, and also inhibits the debris from being discharged from the inside of the slot 20 into the housing 14. Furthermore, the sponge filter has a complex internal flow path, which makes it possible to effectively prevent clogging of the filter member 92 itself.

[0059] 9A is a comparative example, and illustrates a case in which the first communication passage 90a, the second communication passage 90b, and the filter member 92 are not provided. In this case, when the exhaust port (not shown) of the slot 20 becomes clogged with dust and the dust accumulates to the height indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 9A, the liquid is exhausted to the outside of the slot 20 through the air introduction hole 58a (see FIGS. 6 and 8) as indicated by the dashed arrow. As a result, the fan 72 becomes wet, and the rotating fan 72 splashes the liquid inside and outside the slot 20.

[0060] 9B, the first communication passage 90a, the second communication passage 90b, and the filter member 92 are provided at a position lower than the air inlet hole 58a and the insertion completion detection switch 52. As a result, as indicated by the dashed arrow, the liquid passes through the first communication passage 90a (filter member 92) and the second communication passage 90b and is discharged into the housing 14 without passing through the air inlet hole 58a. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent clogging of the second communication passage 90b, to prevent liquid from entering the fan 72, and to prevent dust from entering the fan 72.

[0061] Moreover, since the filter member 92 is detachably fitted into the first communication passage 90a that communicates with the second communication passage 90b, it is easy to attach and remove the filter member 92. Furthermore, during maintenance, it is only necessary to remove the filter member 92 and remove debris, which makes cleaning easy.

[0062] Further, inside the housing 14, a tray 36 is disposed below each of the multiple slots 20. The tray 36 functions as a receiving section that receives liquid (discharge) such as rainwater discharged from the inside of the slot 20 to the outside of the slot 20 via the second communication passage 90b.

[0063] The tray 36 is inclined downward toward the negative side in the X-axis direction, and the end of the tray 36 on the negative side in the X-axis direction is connected to the beam 30, which is a horizontal framework. The beam 30 is formed like an eaves gutter extending along the Y-axis direction, and functions as a drainage path for receiving and discharging liquid flowing from the tray 36. In this case, it is desirable that each beam 30 is inclined downward toward the support column 28, which is a vertical framework.

[0064] Each support pillar 28 is formed like a vertical gutter extending along the Z-axis direction, and functions as a drain path that allows liquid flowing in from each beam 30 to flow downward. A drain hole 94 (see FIG. 2) is formed in the bottom of the housing 14. The liquid that has flowed downward through each support pillar 28 is discharged from the drain hole 94 to the bottom of the housing 14.

[0065] This allows liquid such as rainwater discharged from the slots 20 to be efficiently discharged outside the housing 14. In this case, if the beams 30 are arranged so as to incline downward toward the support columns 28, the liquid discharged from the slots 20 can easily flow from the beams 30 to the support columns 28.

[0066] [3. Modifications of this embodiment] 10 and 11 show a modification of FIGS. 1 to 8 and 9B. In this modification, a second communication passage 90b is formed between the installation position of the insertion completion detection switch 52 on the inner side of the bottom plate 58 and the first communication passage 90a. Therefore, the second communication passage 90b opens in the X-axis direction at a position above the first communication passage 90a on the inner side of the bottom plate 58. In this modification, the filter member 92 (see FIGS. 5, 8 and 9B) is not provided in the first communication passage 90a. In this modification, the second communication passage 90b is also provided at a position lower than the air introduction hole 58a and the insertion completion detection switch 52.

[0067] child As a result, the area inside the slot 20 that is lower than the second communication passage 90b, i.e., the shaded area including the first communication passage 90a in FIG. 10, functions as a garbage trap for collecting solid garbage such as sand, fallen leaves, and paper. This can suitably prevent garbage from being discharged to the outside of the slot 20. In addition, the bottom plate 58 of the slot 20 is easily visible from the outside through the opening 32. Therefore, the user can easily check whether garbage has accumulated in the first communication passage 90a. This makes it easy to perform maintenance such as regular cleaning work to maintain the function of the power device 10. In addition, in the modified example, when liquid such as rainwater accumulates inside the slot 20 up to the height of the second communication passage 90b, it is discharged to the outside of the slot 20 through the second communication passage 90b.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the case has been described where air is sent from the fan 72 to the inside of the slot 20 through the air inlet hole 58a. In the present embodiment, it is also possible for the fan 72 to exhaust the wind sent from the inside of the slot 20 through the air inlet hole 58a to the outside of the slot 20.

[0069] Also, in this embodiment, a case has been described in which the first member constituting the slot 20 is the bottom plate 58, and the second member is the slot body 42. In this embodiment, it is also possible to configure the portion of the slot 20 on the bottom 34 side, including the bottom plate 58, with one member (first member), and to configure the side portion of the slot 20, including the slot body 42, with one member (second member).

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the tray 36 is disposed on the frame 26 has been described. In this embodiment, it is also possible to dispose the tray 36 so as to bridge the communication passage 90 and the frame 26. In short, it is sufficient that the configuration is such that liquid such as rainwater discharged from the communication passage 90 can be discharged to the outside of the housing 14. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to omit the tray 36 and configure the frame 26 to directly receive the liquid discharged from the communication passage 90.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the battery 12 is held in the slot 20 has been described. In this embodiment, instead of the slot 20, the tray 36 may be configured to hold the battery 12.

[0072] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the insertion completion detection switch 52 is a contact-type physical switch has been described. In this embodiment, the insertion completion detection switch 52 can be configured with a non-contact detection means, and the insertion of the battery 12 into the slot 20 can be detected in a non-contact manner.

[0073] The power device 10 can be applied to various power supply systems that supply power from multiple mobile batteries to a load or charge multiple mobile batteries. Therefore, the power device 10 can be installed in a home, an office, a public facility, etc.

[0074] The power device 10 can also be applied to power supply systems of various types of moving bodies such as vehicles, aircraft, flying objects, and ships that can or cannot be boarded by humans. In this case, the power supply system of the vehicle can be applied to a power supply system of an electric vehicle or a power supply system of a vehicle equipped with a drive motor such as a hybrid vehicle. In other words, the power device 10 can be applied to power supply systems of various types of vehicles such as one-wheeled vehicles, two-wheeled vehicles, and four-wheeled vehicles.

[0075] Furthermore, the power device 10 can also be applied to the power supply systems of various general-purpose devices, specifically, (1) various chargers, (2) various dischargers, (3) various working machines such as general-purpose working machines, lawnmowers, tillers, and blowers, (4) electric devices without electric motors such as floodlights and lighting equipment, and (5) various devices installed in houses and buildings. In this case, (1) to (5) may be general-purpose devices on which no person rides. Also, (3) may be a working machine on which no person rides, or a working machine on which a person rides. Furthermore, examples of the above (5) include (A) clocks and radio cassette players. Reco (B) appliances that run on DC power, such as audio equipment including players; (C) appliances that run on AC power, such as electric fans, juicers, mixers, incandescent lights; (D) appliances that run on DC power converted from AC power, such as televisions, radios, stereos, and personal computers; and (E) appliances that run on AC power that has been converted from AC to DC power and then further converted from the DC power, such as inverter-type appliances including washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, microwave ovens, and fluorescent lights.

[0076] [4. Effects of this embodiment] As described above, the power device 10 according to this embodiment is a holding device that holds the battery 12 (item), and includes a housing 14 having a slot 20 (holding portion) that holds the battery 12 in a removable manner. In this case, the slot 20 is formed in a bottomed shape having a bottom portion 34, and has a communication passage 90 that connects the inside and outside of the slot 20.

[0077] According to this configuration, liquid such as rainwater that has entered the inside of the slot 20 can be discharged to the outside via the communication passage 90.

[0078] Here, an opening 32 for inserting and removing the battery 12 is provided on the opposite side of the bottom 34 of the slot 20. In this case, the lower end of the slot 20 on the bottom 34 side is located at a lower position than the end of the slot 20 on the opening 32 side.

[0079] As a result, liquid that has seeped into the inside of the slot 20 flows from the opening 32 side of the slot 20 to the bottom 34 side, and is discharged to the outside of the slot 20 through the communication passage 90. As a result, liquid that has seeped into the inside of the slot 20 can be easily and efficiently discharged to the outside of the slot 20.

[0080] The slot 20 has an air introduction hole 58a (another communication passage) that communicates between the inside and outside of the slot 20. In this case, the upper end of the communication passage 90 is located at a position lower than the lower end of the air introduction hole 58a.

[0081] This makes it possible to prevent liquid from being discharged through the air introduction hole 58a.

[0082] The power device 10 further includes a fan 72 (blower) disposed outside the slot 20 relative to the air inlet hole 58a. In this case, the air inlet hole 58a is provided so that wind sent from the fan 72 to the inside of the slot 20 or wind sent from the inside of the slot 20 to the fan 72 passes through the air inlet hole 58a.

[0083] This makes it possible to prevent the fan 72 from becoming wet due to liquid being discharged through the air inlet hole 58a, and to prevent the liquid from being scattered by the rotating fan 72.

[0084] In this case, the air inlet hole 58 a is provided in the bottom 34 of the slot 20 , and the fan 72 is disposed outside the bottom 34 of the slot 20 .

[0085] This allows the air inlet hole 58a and the fan 72 to be provided at appropriate positions in the slot 20 while preventing liquid from being discharged through the air inlet hole 58a.

[0086] Furthermore, the slot 20 has an insertion completion detection switch 52 (detection unit) that detects the battery 12. In this case, the communication path 90 is disposed at a lower position than the insertion completion detection switch 52.

[0087] This makes it possible to prevent the insertion completion detection switch 52 from becoming wet.

[0088] In this case, the slot 20 has a slot body 42 (side portion) that extends from a bottom portion 34 of the slot 20 in the direction in which the battery 12 is inserted and removed, and surrounds the battery 12 inserted into the slot 20 .

[0089] This allows liquid to flow through the inside of the slot body 42 to the bottom 34 of the slot 20 while retaining the inserted battery 12 .

[0090] Further, the slot 20 has a first member that constitutes the bottom 34 side of the slot 20, and a second member that constitutes the slot body 42 side.

[0091] This allows the slot 20 to be easily configured.

[0092] The communication passage 90 has a first communication passage 90a recessed inside the bottom 34 of the slot 20 in the first member, and a second communication passage 90b communicating with the first communication passage 90a and opening to the outside of the slot 20.

[0093] This allows only liquids such as rainwater to be discharged to the outside of the slot 20 through the second communication passage 90b, while solid debris such as sand, fallen leaves, and paper accumulate on the first communication passage 90a side.

[0094] The slot 20 is provided in the housing 14 so as to slope downward from the slot body 42 toward the bottom 34. In this case, the second communication passage 90b is provided at the lower end of the bottom 34 of the slot 20, or at a position above the first communication passage 90a of the bottom 34 of the slot 20.

[0095] This allows liquids such as rainwater to flow from the slot body 42 toward the bottom 34, while solid debris such as sand, fallen leaves, and paper are reliably collected on the first communication passage 90a side, and only the liquid can be discharged to the outside of the slot 20 through the second communication passage 90b.

[0096] The housing 14 has a tray 36 (receiving portion) that receives liquid (discharged matter) discharged from the inside of the slot 20 to the outside via the communication passage 90.

[0097] This makes it possible to prevent the liquid discharged from the communication passage 90 from scattering inside the housing 14.

[0098] The power device 10 is provided inside the housing 14 and includes a frame 26 (skeleton) that fixes the slot 20. In this case, the frame 26 has a drainage path through which the liquid moves. The tray 36 is disposed on the frame 26 or disposed so as to span between the frame 26 and the communication path 90.

[0099] This allows the liquid discharged from the communication passage 90 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 14 via the discharge passage of the frame 26.

[0100] In this case, the frame 26 has a plurality of support columns 28 (vertical framework) arranged to extend in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction), and a plurality of beams 30 (horizontal framework) arranged to connect the plurality of support columns 28 to each other and arranged to extend in the Y-axis direction (horizontal direction). The discharge passage is provided in the support columns 28 and the beams 30.

[0101] This makes it possible to reliably discharge liquid discharged from the communication passage 90 to the outside of the housing 14 via the discharge path, while supporting the slot 20 with the frame 26.

[0102] The slot 20 has a filter member 92 disposed in the passage 90 .

[0103] Solid debris such as sand, dust, fallen leaves, and paper enter the slot 20 through the opening 32. By providing the filter member 92, debris with a high specific gravity such as sand and dust remains inside the filter member 92. Meanwhile, debris with a low specific gravity such as fallen leaves and paper remains on the upper part of the filter member 92. This prevents the communication passage 90 from being blocked by debris, and also makes it possible to suppress the debris from being discharged from the inside of the slot 20 to the outside.

[0104] Each of the above effects is described in more detail below.

[0105] The power device 10 is configured such that the battery 12 can be inserted and removed from the slot 20. Therefore, liquids such as rainwater and solids such as dust, fallen leaves, and paper can easily enter the slot 20 through the opening 32. In this case, if solids block the exhaust port or exhaust groove formed in the slot 20, liquid may accumulate in the slot 20, accelerating electrolytic corrosion of metal members. In addition, if liquid flowing into the slot 20 flows into the fan 72 through the air introduction hole 58a, the liquid is scattered by the rotation of the fan 72. This may cause the inside of the housing 14 to become wet, and the electric circuit in the housing 14 to short out. As a result, the fan 72 may break down or various moving mechanisms in the slot 20 may break down.

[0106] Furthermore, since the discharge outlet is often located at the bottom 34 of the slot 20, it is not easy to visually check the discharge outlet and is difficult to clean. Furthermore, when cleaning the discharge outlet, care must be taken not to discharge accumulated solid matter into the housing 14. In this case, if solid matter is discharged from the slot 20 into the housing 14 and accumulates inside the housing 14, the drainage path inside the housing 14 may become blocked, and the liquid discharged from the slot 20 into the housing 14 may leak from the drainage path, causing a short circuit in the electrical circuit inside the housing 14.

[0107] Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a wire mesh at the discharge port of the slot 20 to minimize the intrusion of solid matter into the inside of the housing 14 from the slot 20. However, when the wire mesh is first installed, there is a possibility that solid matter will slip through the wire mesh and be discharged into the inside of the housing 14.

[0108] On the other hand, if solids get caught in the wire mesh, clogging can easily occur. In order to prevent such clogging, it is conceivable to provide multiple drainage grooves at different heights inside the slot 20, and gradually clog each drainage groove before the liquid level in the slot 20 reaches the height of the fan 72. However, cleaning the wire mesh that is clogged with solids and removing the solids (deposits) that have accumulated around the wire mesh are time-consuming.

[0109] In order to prevent such clogging of the outlet, conventionally, measures have been taken to increase the number of outlets or to increase the opening area of ​​the outlets. However, increasing the number of outlets only extends the period until the outlets are clogged with solid matter, and does not provide a fundamental solution. In addition, when the opening area of ​​the outlet is increased, the solid matter is easily discharged through the outlet into the downstream housing 14, and the discharged solid matter accumulates as garbage inside the housing 14. As a result, the performance of discharging liquids such as rainwater from the inside of the housing 14 to the outside is deteriorated.

[0110] Therefore, in this embodiment, a filter member 92 having a three-dimensional mesh structure such as a sponge filter having drainage properties is disposed in the communication passage 90 in the slot 20, specifically, in the first communication passage 90a immediately before the second communication passage 90b. In this case, if the filter member 92 is made of a flexible material such as a sponge filter, it can be easily fitted into the unevenness of the gap (first communication passage 90a) in the slot 20 and can be easily attached and detached.

[0111] Furthermore, liquid such as rainwater passes through the filter member 92 on the way to the second communication passage 90b as a drain outlet. This disperses or slows down the flow of the liquid. As a result, among the solid objects that move toward the second communication passage 90b with the flow of the liquid, dust and other objects with a high specific gravity remain in the filter member 92 in front of the second communication passage 90b. Furthermore, fallen leaves, paper and other objects with a low specific gravity remain at the top of the filter member 92. As a result, clogging of the second communication passage 90b can be prevented, and discharge of solid objects from the slot 20 into the housing 14 can be suppressed.

[0112] In this way, a sponge filter with good drainage properties is used as the filter member 92, and is disposed in the first communication passage 90a in front of the second communication passage 90b as a drain outlet, so that a three-dimensional filter can be easily configured. As a result, it is possible to prevent the drain outlet from being clogged for a long period of time. In addition, since the filter member 92 is easily attached and detached, maintenance work is easy. That is, when the filter member 92 is attached to the first communication passage 90a, it is only necessary to fit the filter member 92 into the first communication passage 90a, which is a recess in the slot 20, so that no special tools are required and the installation work is simple. In addition, during maintenance work, the filter member 92 can be slowly removed from the first communication passage 90a to easily remove solid matter, which is a deposit. Therefore, by using the filter member 92 (sponge filter), a three-dimensional filter can be realized at low cost and maintenance work is easy.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first communication passage 90a is provided inside the slot 20 at a position that can be visually observed by the user through the opening 32, for example, between the positions of the insertion completion detection switch 52 and the air introduction hole 58a in the bottom plate 58 and the second communication passage 90b, and a filter member 92 is fitted in the first communication passage 90a. As a result, the filter member 92 is disposed in the liquid discharge path to the second communication passage 90b.

[0114] As a result, solid garbage is captured just before the second communication passage 90b, which is the discharge port, and clogging of the second communication passage 90b can be prevented. Also, by visually checking the filter member 92, the possibility of clogging of the second communication passage 90b can be easily predicted. In other words, it is possible to predict the timing to remove the filter member 92 from the first communication passage 90a for cleaning. N Moreover, as described above, the filter member 92 is removable, making cleaning easy. Also, the problem of large particles being discharged into the housing 14 during cleaning can be reduced.

[0115] Furthermore, if the filtering member 92 is a filter with a mesh structure such as a sponge filter, it is possible to significantly prevent the flow of liquids such as rainwater from being blocked by the filtering member 92. Furthermore, compared to cases in which an additional exhaust port is provided, the opening area of ​​the exhaust port is increased, or the shape of the exhaust path is made more complex, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the mechanical strength of the slot 20 and to reduce costs.

[0116] 10 and 11, when the second communication passage 90b is provided in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the slot 20, the portion (shaded portion) lower than the second communication passage 90b in the slot 20 functions as a collecting place for solid matter such as dust. This makes it possible to easily and reliably suppress the discharge of solid matter into the housing 14.

[0117] That is, when solid matter such as sand and dust is taken in, it blocks the discharge path of liquid such as rainwater. This raises the concern that liquid overflowing from the discharge path may cause unexpected internal flooding. Therefore, by utilizing the specific gravity difference between the liquid and the solid matter, only the liquid is discharged from the slot 20 into the housing 14, while the solid matter is accumulated in a location (shaded portion) below the second communication passage 90b of the slot 20, it becomes possible to easily prevent the solid matter from entering the housing 14.

[0118] In addition, the lower portion of the slot 20 where solid matter accumulates can be visually confirmed from the outside through the opening 32. This facilitates maintenance work such as periodic cleaning to maintain the functionality of the slot 20.

[0119] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10... Power device (holding device) 12... Battery (item) 14... Housing 20... Slot (retaining portion) 34...Bottom 90...Communication path

Claims

1. A holding device for holding an article, comprising: a housing having a holding portion that holds the article in a removable manner; the holding portion is formed in a bottomed shape having a bottom, and has a communication passage that communicates between the inside and the outside of the holding portion, An opening for inserting and removing the article is provided on the opposite side of the bottom of the holding portion, the holding portion is provided on the housing so as to be inclined downward from the opening toward the bottom portion, the communication passage is provided in the bottom portion and is located below the opening portion, The communication passage is a first communication passage that is recessed toward the outside of the holding portion on the inside of the holding portion at the bottom portion and that is capable of storing solid matter that has entered the holding portion; a second communication passage provided in the bottom portion so as to open to the outside of the holding portion, the second communication passage communicating with the first communication passage and discharging liquid present inside the holding portion to the outside; A holding device having a

2. A holding device for holding an article, comprising: a housing having a holding portion that holds the article in a removable manner; the holding portion is formed in a bottomed shape having a bottom, and has a communication passage that communicates between the inside and outside of the holding portion, and a side portion that extends from the bottom in a direction in which the article is inserted and removed and surrounds the article inserted into the holding portion, The holding portion further includes a first member constituting the bottom portion side and a second member constituting the side portion side, the communication passage includes a first communication passage recessed on the inner side of the bottom portion of the first member, and a second communication passage communicating with the first communication passage and opening to the outer side, the holding portion is provided on the housing so as to be inclined downward from the side portion toward the bottom portion, A holding device, wherein the second communication passage is provided at a lower end of the bottom portion, or at a position above the first communication passage of the bottom portion.

3. 3. The holding device according to claim 2, An opening for inserting and removing the article is provided on the opposite side of the bottom of the holding portion, A holding device, wherein an end portion of the holding portion on the bottom side is positioned lower than an end portion of the holding portion on the opening side.

4. The holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the holding portion has another communication passage that communicates the inside and the outside, A holding device, wherein an upper end of the communication passage is positioned lower than a lower end of the other communication passage.

5. 5. The holding device according to claim 4, a blower disposed outside the other communication passage, The other communication passage is provided so that air sent from the blower to the inside or air sent from the inside to the blower passes through the other communication passage.

6. 6. The holding device according to claim 5, The other communication passage is provided in the bottom portion, The blower is disposed on the exterior of the base.

7. The holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The holding unit has a detection unit that detects the item, The communication passage is disposed at a lower position than the detection portion.

8. 2. The holding device according to claim 1, A holding device, wherein the holding portion extends from the bottom portion in a direction in which the item is inserted and removed, and has a side portion that surrounds the item inserted into the holding portion.

9. 9. The holding device according to claim 8, A holding device, wherein the holding portion has a first member constituting the bottom side and a second member constituting the side side.

10. 2. The holding device according to claim 1, A holding device, wherein the second communication passage is provided at a lower end of the bottom portion, or at a position above the first communication passage of the bottom portion.

11. The holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The housing has a receiving portion that receives waste discharged from the inside to the outside through the communication passage.

12. 12. The holding device according to claim 11, a framework provided inside the housing and configured to fix the holding portion; The skeleton has an excretory passage through which the waste moves, A holding device, wherein the receiving portion is disposed on the skeleton or disposed so as to span between the skeleton and the communication passage.

13. 13. The holding device according to claim 12, The skeleton is A plurality of vertical frameworks arranged to extend in a vertical direction; a plurality of horizontal frameworks arranged to connect the plurality of vertical frameworks to each other and to extend in a horizontal direction; having A holding device, wherein the discharge passage is provided in the vertical framework and the horizontal framework.

14. The holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The holding portion has a filter member disposed in the communication passage.

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