Containment device

Abstract

An accommodation device (10) includes an accommodation unit (14) in which a power storage device (12) is accommodated in an insertable manner. The accommodation unit is formed in a bottomed cylinder shape having inner surfaces. Ridges (90) are provided on the inner surface of the accommodation unit, between an opening (86a) and a bottom section (60). The ridges extend in a direction from the opening of the accommodation unit (14) towards the bottom section.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing device that houses an electricity storage device in a housing section. [Background technology]

[0002] International Publication No. 2020 / 262630 discloses a holding device for accommodating a mobile battery. The mobile battery is a power storage device that stores power. The holding device charges the mobile battery. Alternatively, the holding device supplies power supplied from the mobile battery to an external load.

[0003] This holding device has multiple slots (accommodating sections). Mobile batteries can be inserted into and removed from each of the multiple slots. For example, a user inserts a mobile battery with a low state of charge (SOC) into one slot. The user then removes another mobile battery with a sufficiently high SOC from another slot. Summary of the Invention

[0004] As shown in Figures 7 and 9 of WO 2020 / 262630, the slot has a member with an opening formed therein for inserting and removing the mobile battery. When inserting the mobile battery into the slot, the user abuts one edge of the bottom of the mobile battery against the member. This causes the member to bear part of the weight of the mobile battery. In this state, the user pushes the mobile battery into the slot while sliding one side of the mobile battery (the surface facing vertically downward) against the member. Conversely, when the user pulls the mobile battery out of the slot, the one side of the mobile battery (the surface facing vertically downward) slides against the member.

[0005] When the mobile battery is inserted or removed, the sliding contact between the mobile battery and the component may cause wear on the component, resulting in the formation of contact marks. In addition, if wear powder is generated, the interior of the housing may become dirty with the wear powder.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an accommodating device having an accommodating section that accommodates an energy storage device having an energy storage section in an insertable and removable manner, wherein the accommodating section has an opening, a tubular section in which the opening is formed, and a bottom section that is connected to the tubular section, and is formed into a bottomed tubular shape by the opening, the tubular section, and the bottom section, and one or more protrusions that protrude from the inner surface are provided on the inner surface of the accommodating section between the opening and the bottom section, and the protrusions are provided so as to extend in a direction from the opening toward the bottom section.

[0008] If no protrusions are provided, the electric storage device will slide against the inner surface of the housing when inserted into or removed from the housing. In contrast, in the present invention, the electric storage device slides against the protrusions when inserted into or removed from the housing. The contact area between the electric storage device and the protrusions is smaller than the contact area between the electric storage device and the inner surface of the housing. This reduces the amount of wear debris generated.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the electric storage device from making sliding contact marks on the inner surface of the housing part, because, as described above, the electric storage device makes sliding contact with the protrusions preferentially, and therefore the electric storage device is prevented from sliding contact with the inner surface of the housing part. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the exterior of the storage device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile battery. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the mobile battery. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the mobile battery. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the back surface of the front panel. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the entire slot. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the slot. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the slot. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the first in-tube rail that constitutes the second protrusion portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the first cylindrical rail. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of the slot. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the bezel. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the slot showing the movement trajectory of the door. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a main part showing the structure of the attachment portion of the door in the slot when the door is located at the second position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a rear view of the door when looking at the surface facing the inside of the slot. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the main part when the door has moved from the state of FIG. 15 to the first position. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an overall perspective view of a torsion spring that pushes the door. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the gasket. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a crushed gasket. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a bottom cover that forms the bottom of the slot. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic rear perspective view of the slot. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic rear perspective view of the slot at a different angle from that of FIG. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating the action of gravity acting on a mobile battery (electrical device) inserted into a slot. [Figure 25]FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the relationship between the inclination angle of the slot relative to the horizontal direction and the dynamic friction force of the first cylindrical rail. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a storage device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following will exemplify the storage device 10 (or holding device) shown in Figure 1 and will be described based on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis defined as follows: The direction in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the slot 14 is defined as the Z-axis direction. In the Z-axis direction, the direction from the innermost part of the slot 14 toward the opening is defined as the +Z-axis direction. The +Z-axis direction is the removal direction in which the mobile battery 12 is removed from the slot 14. The -Z-axis direction is the opposite direction to the +Z-axis direction. The -Z-axis direction is the insertion direction of the mobile battery 12 into the slot 14. In other words, the Z-axis direction is the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12.

[0012] The direction parallel to the width direction of the storage device 10 is the X-axis direction. When the user stands facing the front of the storage device 10, the right-hand side in the X-axis direction is the +X-axis direction. The -X-axis direction is the opposite direction to the +X-axis direction and is the left-hand side in the X-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and X-axis is the Y-axis direction. The upper side in the Y-axis direction is the +Y-axis direction. The lower side in the Y-axis direction is the -Y-axis direction.

[0013] The term "removable" is essentially synonymous with the term "detachable." That is, the mobile battery 12 can be attached (inserted) to the slot 14, and can also be removed (pulled out) from the slot 14. Here, the term "detachable" means that the user can freely insert and remove the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14 without using tools or the like. Also, the term "removable" is synonymous with the term "inserting and removing." Therefore, "inserted and removed" or "detached" are synonymous with "inserted and removed."

[0014] [Outline of the storage device] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the exterior of a storage device 10. A mobile battery 12 (power storage device) is stored inside the storage device 10 so that it can be inserted and removed. This storage device 10 is a device that charges the mobile battery 12 stored inside the storage device 10. A user pushes a mobile battery 12 with a low charging rate (SOC: State of Charge) into the storage device 10. The user then pulls out another mobile battery 12 from the storage device 10 that has completed charging.

[0015] The storage device 10 has 12 slots 14 (storage sections or holding sections) and one operation panel 16. A mobile battery 12 is stored in each of the 12 slots 14. When a user stores a mobile battery 12 in one of the slots 14, the storage device 10 starts charging the mobile battery 12 stored in that slot 14.

[0016] The operation panel 16 is a device that is operated by a user. The user operates the operation panel 16 to, for example, pay a fee.

[0017] [Mobile battery configuration] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the mobile battery 12 shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 4 is used as a power storage device. The mobile battery 12 is also an electrical device. The configuration of this mobile battery 12 will be described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile battery 12. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the mobile battery 12. Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the mobile battery 12.

[0018] 2, the mobile battery 12 has a bottom case 20, a main case 22, and a top case 24. The bottom case 20, the main case 22, and the top case 24 form the housing of the mobile battery 12. The bottom case 20 forms the bottom surface of the mobile battery 12.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the top case 24 forms the top surface of the mobile battery 12. A handle 30 is provided on the top surface. The handle 30 has a first grip portion 28 and a second grip portion 32. A user holds the handle 30 to insert or remove the mobile battery 12 into or from the slot 14.

[0020] The main case 22 is a hollow rectangular cylindrical body with both ends open (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the mobile battery 12 has four side surfaces. The four side surfaces are side surface 34a, side surface 34b, side surface 34c, and side surface 34d. Of these, side surface 34a is a curved surface that convexly faces outward. Side surface 34a is the surface that corresponds to the second gripping portion 32. Side surface 34b, side surface 34c, and side surface 34d are substantially flat. In the illustrated example, side surface 34a is entirely curved, but a portion of side surface 34a may also be locally curved.

[0021] A cell pack is housed within the main case 22. The cell pack is composed of a plurality of electrically connected single cells. This configuration is publicly known, as described in, for example, JP 2020-198229 A, and therefore will not be illustrated or described here. The cell pack corresponds to the power storage unit of the present invention.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, a female connector 26 (first electrical terminal) is exposed on the bottom surface. Connector 26 has a female electrical terminal for receiving and transmitting power, and a female communication terminal for receiving and transmitting communication signals. In other words, connector 26 serves as both an electrical terminal and a communication terminal. Connector 26 is provided in a recessed space 27 on the bottom surface. In other words, connector 26 is provided at a position slightly closer to top case 24 than the bottom surface. Connector 26 is closer to the end where second grip portion 32 is provided than the center of the bottom surface. Female connector 26 is sometimes called a receptacle.

[0023] The four corners 36b of the bottom case 20 and the four corners 36t of the top case 24 protrude slightly further than the four corners 36m of the main case 22. Therefore, as can be seen from FIG. 2, the outer edge of the main case 22 is located more inward than the outer edges of the four corners 36b of the bottom case 20 and the four corners 36t of the top case 24. As a result, the main case 22 is recessed relative to the four corners 36b of the bottom case 20 and the four corners 36t of the top case 24. In other words, recesses 38 are formed in the mobile battery 12 based on the dimensional differences between the main case 22 and the bottom case 20 and top case 24.

[0024] For example, a light metal is selected as the material for the bottom case 20, the main case 22, and the top case 24. Suitable examples of light metals include aluminum and aluminum alloys, as aluminum and aluminum alloys are lightweight and chemically stable.

[0025] [Summary of the storage device] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage device 10 has a housing 200. The housing 200 has a device main body 202 as a main part and a front panel 204 as a separate part. Exposure windows 206 are formed in the front panel 204 as openings. The number of exposure windows 206 is the same as the number of slots 14. A bezel 70, which is part of the slot 14, is exposed from the exposure windows 206. FIG. 1 shows a design surface 208 of the front panel 204. The design surface 208 is a surface of the outer surface of the front panel 204 that faces the user (in the +Z-axis direction). Therefore, the user views the design surface 208. The +Z-axis direction that faces the user is a first direction.

[0026] 5 and 6 show the back surface 210 of the front panel 204. The back surface 210 of the front panel 204 is the surface opposite the design surface 208 and facing the device body 202. Four U-shaped ribs 212 (reinforcement portions) are provided on the back surface 210 of the front panel 204. The U-shaped ribs 212 extend along the Y direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the front panel 204. The openings of the U-shaped ribs 212 face the device body 202. Two of the four U-shaped ribs 212 are provided at both ends in the X direction, which is the width direction. The remaining two of the four U-shaped ribs 212 are provided between two rows of exposure windows 206 adjacent in the width direction.

[0027] 5, a plurality of strikers 214 (for example, four strikers) are provided on the rear surface 210 of the front panel 204 at a location separate from the location where the U-shaped ribs 212 are provided. In response to these strikers, a latch (not shown) is provided on the device body 202. The front panel 204 is assembled to the device body 202 as the strikers 214 are held by the latches.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 6 , the inner peripheral edge of the exposure window 206 is burred all around. Specifically, the inner peripheral edge of the exposure window 206 is folded back at an acute angle from the design surface 208 toward the back surface 210 facing the device body 202. This forms a folded portion 216 (so-called burring) on ​​the inner peripheral edge of the exposure window 206. The U-shaped rib 212 and the folded portion 216 provide the front panel 204 with high rigidity. The folded portion 216 goes all the way around the inner peripheral edge of the exposure window 206. In other words, the folded portion 216 is provided along the entire inner peripheral edge of the exposure window 206. The folding angle of the folded portion 216 may be a right angle.

[0029] The tip of the folded portion 216 is located on the outer periphery of the exposure window 206. Therefore, the circumferential length of the tip of the folded portion 216 is greater than the circumferential length of the inner periphery of the exposure window 206. The circumferential length of the inner periphery of the exposure window 206 is greater than the circumferential length of the inner periphery of the entrance / exit of the mobile battery 12 in the slot 14. Here, the entrance / exit of the slot 14 is the first insertion opening 86a shown in Figures 9 and 13, etc. The first insertion opening 86a will be described later.

[0030] The front panel 204 is preferably made of a material that can be easily burred. A suitable example of such a material is a hard metal. A typical example of a hard metal is stainless steel.

[0031] 9 is interposed between the outer surface of the slot 14 and the rear surface 210 of the front panel 204. The gasket 220 will be described later.

[0032] [Overall slot configuration] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the slot 14 is provided in the storage device 10 in an inclined position such that the opening for inserting and removing the mobile battery 12 is higher than the bottom. The configuration of this slot 14 will be described. Figure 7 is a schematic overall perspective view of the slot 14. Figure 7 shows a state in which the mobile battery 12 is not inserted into the slot 14. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the slot 14. Figure 8 shows a state in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 14.

[0033] The slot 14 has a slot sleeve 50 and a battery lock mechanism 52. The slot sleeve 50 holds the mobile battery 12. The slot sleeve 50 has a slot body 54, a slot flange 56, a slot guide 58, and a bottom cover 60.

[0034] The slot body 54 is a cylindrical member (cylinder portion) having a lower plate 54a, a left plate 54b, a right plate 54c, and an upper plate 54d. The slot body 54 extends along the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12. The slot body 54 is a hollow body having a substantially quadrangular prism shape. Therefore, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the slot body 54 has a substantially rectangular outer shape. The slot body 54 may also be a hollow body having a substantially cylindrical shape. In this case, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the slot body 54 has a substantially circular outer shape.

[0035] In the slot body 54, outer ribs 61 extending along the Z-axis direction are provided on the outer surfaces of the lower plate 54a, left plate 54b, right plate 54c, and upper plate 54d. The outer ribs 61 improve the rigidity of the slot body 54.

[0036] 8, the slot body 54 has a holding space 54e therein. When the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot 14, most of the mobile battery 12 is held in this holding space 54e.

[0037] The slot body 54 corresponds to the cylindrical portion of the second member of the present invention. The member corresponding to the bottom portion of the second member is the bottom cover 60. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion and the bottom portion of the second member are separate members. However, it is also possible to configure the second member as a single member. In this case, the second member, which is a single member, has the cylindrical portion and the bottom portion integrally.

[0038] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the slot body 54 has a substantially rectangular outer shape. The slot body 54 has an opening 54f at the end in the +Z-axis direction and an opening 54g at the end in the -Z-axis direction.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 9, an in-slot protrusion 62 is provided on the inner surface of the lower plate 54a. The in-slot protrusion 62 has two first in-tube rails 64. The first in-tube rails 64 protrude vertically upward (in the +Y-axis direction) from the inner surface of the lower plate 54a. The two first in-tube rails 64 extend along the Z-axis direction to the vicinity of the bottom cover 60 while being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is constant. Therefore, the two first in-tube rails 64 are parallel to each other.

[0040] The in-slot protrusion 62 (first in-cylindrical rail 64) corresponds to the second protrusion of the present invention. Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates an example in which there are two first in-cylindrical rails 64, the number of first in-cylindrical rails 64 may be one. Alternatively, the number of first in-cylindrical rails 64 may be three or more.

[0041] The Z-axis direction is the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12. The Y-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. In this way, the two first cylindrical rails 64 protrude in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12, and extend along the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12. The first cylindrical rails 64 extend toward the bottom cover 60.

[0042] An internal space (not shown) is formed in the first cylindrical rail 64. That is, the first cylindrical rail 64 is hollow. Therefore, an increase in the weight of the slot body 54 due to the provision of the first cylindrical rail 64 is avoided.

[0043] 10, the first in-cylindrical rail 64 has a rail main body 230 that is positioned in the slot main body 54. In the rail main body 230, a guide rail portion 232 extends in the +Y-axis direction from the upper surface facing the +Y-axis direction. The rail main body 230 and the guide rail portion 232 extend along the Z-axis direction.

[0044] A gently sloping inclined portion 234 is formed at the end (front end) of the guide rail portion 232 in the +Z-axis direction. The top surface of the inclined portion 234 faces the -Y-axis direction as it moves from the -Z-axis direction to the +Z-axis direction. When the door 72, which is a door portion, opens or closes, one end of the door 72 passes near the inclined portion 234 (see FIG. 14 ). In this way, the inclined portion 234 prevents the door 72 from interfering with the guide rail portion 232 during rotation. In other words, the inclined portion 234 is a relief portion that prevents the door 72 from interfering with the guide rail portion 232. The length of the inclined portion 234 along the Z-axis direction is set so that the inclined portion 234 is outside the movement trajectory of the door 72.

[0045] The rail main body 230 has a rear end 236 that protrudes in the -Z axis direction at its end (rear end) in the -Z axis direction. The rear end 236 is narrower than the rail main body 230. When the rear end 236 abuts against the inner surface of the bottom cover 60, movement of the first intra-tubular rail 64 in the -Z axis direction is stopped. A relief hole 238 is formed in the rear end 236. The relief hole 238 has the shape of a square pillar carved out of the rear end 236.

[0046] 11 , the openings of the relief hole 238 are formed in three locations: on the lower and upper surfaces of the rear end 236 facing the Y-axis direction, and on the rear end surface of the rear end 236 facing the −Z-axis direction. However, the opening on the lower surface of the rear end 236 (the opening in the −Y-axis direction) is closed by the inner surface of the lower plate 54a of the slot body 54. The opening (communication hole 240) of the relief hole 238 on the rear end surface facing the −Z-axis direction faces the recessed groove 310.

[0047] In the rail main body 230, the end portion (front end portion) in the +Z-axis direction is supported by a rail support member 242 shown in FIG.

[0048] A suitable material for the first internal rail 64 configured as described above is a resin such as polyoxymethylene. Polyoxymethylene is also known as polyacetal or POM. Another example of a resin that can be used for the first internal rail 64 is polyamide 66.

[0049] 9, a second cylindrical rail 66 and a third cylindrical rail 67 are provided on the inner surfaces of the left and right plates 54b, 54c of the slot body 54. The second cylindrical rail 66 and the third cylindrical rail 67 protrude horizontally (in the X-axis direction) from the inner surfaces of the left and right plates 54b, 54c. The second cylindrical rail 66 and the third cylindrical rail 67 are aligned vertically along the Y-axis direction on the inner surfaces of the left and right plates 54b, 54c.

[0050] The second cylindrical rail 66 and the third cylindrical rail 67 extend along the Z-axis direction to the vicinity of the bottom cover 60. The Z-axis direction is the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12. The X-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. In this way, the second cylindrical rail 66 and the third cylindrical rail 67 protrude in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12, and extend along the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, the side surface 34c of the mobile battery 12 abuts against the guide rail portions 232 of the two first cylindrical rails 64. The side surface 34b of the mobile battery 12 abuts against the second cylindrical rail 66 and the third cylindrical rail 67 provided on the left side plate 54b. The side surface 34d of the mobile battery 12 abuts against the second cylindrical rail 66 and the third cylindrical rail 67 provided on the right side plate 54c. Due to these abutments, the mobile battery 12 is positioned within the slot body 54. When there are two or more first cylindrical rails 64, the posture of the mobile battery 12 becomes even more stable.

[0052] 7, 8, and 9, a bezel 70 is attached to the opening 54f of the slot body 54 in the +Z-axis direction. The bezel 70 corresponds to the first member of the present invention. The bezel 70 is a separate member from the slot body 54, and is adjacent to and connected to the slot body 54. The dividing point between the bezel 70 and the slot body 54 is not particularly limited to the position shown in FIG. 14. For example, the dividing point between the bezel 70 and the slot body 54 may be located further in the -Z-axis direction than the door 72.

[0053] The bezel 70, which is the first member, is positioned on the outer side of the slot 14. The slot body 54, which is the second member, is positioned on the inner side of the slot 14. Here, the outer side refers to the outer side in the direction in which the electrical device or the mobile battery 12, which is a power storage device, is inserted and removed from the first insertion opening 86a, which is the entrance and exit. The inner side is the opposite side to the outer side. In the illustrated example, the outer side is the +Z-axis direction, and the inner side is the -Z-axis direction.

[0054] The bezel 70 has a slot flange 56 and a slot guide 58. The slot flange 56 corresponds to the second secondary member of the present invention. The slot guide 58 corresponds to the first secondary member of the present invention. The slot flange 56 and the slot guide 58 are separate members. A packing 250 is interposed between the slot flange 56 and the slot guide 58. The packing 250 has a frame shape.

[0055] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the bezel 70. The slot guide 58 includes an outer member 76 and an inner member 78. The outer member 76 includes a frame portion 80, a flange portion 82, and a plurality of protruding engagement portions 84. The frame portion 80 is annular (rectangular) in shape. The frame portion 80 is hollow, having an annular internal space (not shown). In other words, the outer member 76 constituting the bezel 70 is a hollow body having an annular internal space along the frame portion 80. By making the frame portion 80 hollow in this way, the weight of the outer member 76 can be reduced. Furthermore, the amount of material used for the outer member 76 is reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the outer member 76. The annular internal space accommodates the inner member 78.

[0056] A first insertion opening 86a (entrance / exit) in the +Z-axis direction and a second insertion opening 86b in the -Z-axis direction are formed in the frame 80. The first insertion opening 86a and the second insertion opening 86b are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the frame 80 in the Z-axis direction. The mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the first insertion opening 86a.

[0057] The frame 80 has a lower inner surface 88a, a left inner surface 88b, a right inner surface 88c, and an upper inner surface 88d. The lower inner surface 88a, the left inner surface 88b, the right inner surface 88c, and the upper inner surface 88d correspond to the inner surfaces of the first member. When the slot 14 is oriented such that the longitudinal direction of the slot 14 is aligned with the horizontal direction, the lower inner surface 88a and the upper inner surface 88d extend substantially horizontally. On the other hand, the left inner surface 88b and the right inner surface 88c extend in a direction intersecting the horizontal and vertical directions at a predetermined angle.

[0058] An inner-bezel protrusion 90 is provided on the lower inner surface 88a. The inner-bezel protrusion 90 has two inner-bezel rails 92. The inner-bezel rails 92 protrude vertically upward (in the +Y-axis direction) from the lower inner surface 88a. The two inner-bezel rails 92 extend toward the bottom cover 60 along the Z-axis direction while being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is constant. Therefore, the two inner-bezel rails 92 are parallel to each other.

[0059] The bezel inner ridge portion 90 (bezel inner rail 92) corresponds to the first ridge portion of the present invention. Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates an example in which there are two bezel inner rails 92, the number of bezel inner rails 92 may be one. Alternatively, the number of bezel inner rails 92 may be three or more. In a typical example, the number of bezel inner rails 92 is the same as the number of first-cylinder inner rails 64, and the bezel inner rail 92 is continuous with the first-cylinder inner rail 64 in the +Z-axis direction. However, it is not essential that the number of bezel inner rails 92 and the number of first-cylinder inner rails 64 are the same.

[0060] The protrusion of the present invention includes a bezel inner rail 92, which is a first protrusion, and a first-cylinder inner rail 64, which is a second protrusion. Here, the bezel inner rail 92 and the guide rail portion 232 of the first-cylinder inner rail 64 do not necessarily need to be connected to each other along the Z-axis direction. For example, the bezel inner rail 92 may be offset in the −X-axis direction or the +X-axis direction with respect to the first-cylinder inner rail 64.

[0061] The Z-axis direction is the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12. The Y-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. In this way, the two bezel inner rails 92, like the first cylinder inner rail 64, protrude in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12 and extend along the insertion / removal direction of the mobile battery 12. The bezel inner rails 92 are rounded, and their width along the X-direction decreases as they move toward the +Z-axis direction.

[0062] An internal space (not shown) is formed in the bezel inner rail 92. In other words, the bezel inner rail 92 is hollow. Therefore, the provision of the bezel inner rail 92 does not increase the weight of the slot body 54.

[0063] While the mobile battery 12 is being inserted into the holding space 54e, the side surface 34c of the mobile battery 12 comes into sliding contact with the bezel inner rails 92. When there are two or more bezel inner rails 92, the posture of the mobile battery 12 is stable.

[0064] Protrusions 94 are formed on the left inner surface 88b and the right inner surface 88c of the frame 80, respectively. The protrusion 94 formed on the left inner surface 88b has a convex shape that protrudes toward the right inner surface 88c. The protrusion 94 formed on the right inner surface 88c has a convex shape that protrudes toward the left inner surface 88b. The protrusion 94 extends from the lower inner surface 88a to the upper inner surface 88d. However, the length of the protrusion 94 in the extending direction (the length along the Y-axis direction) is shorter than the distance from the lower inner surface 88a to the upper inner surface 88d. The four corners 36b of the bottom case 20 and the four corners 36t of the top case 24 pass through a clearance 96a between the protrusion 94 and the lower inner surface 88a and a clearance 96b between the protrusion 94 and the upper inner surface 88d. In this way, the clearances 96a and 96b are relief portions.

[0065] The protruding length (length along the X-axis direction) of the protruding portion 94 is a length that allows it to abut against the side surfaces 34b and 34d of the main case 22. Alternatively, the protruding length (length along the X-axis direction) of the protruding portion 94 is a length that allows it to be slightly spaced apart from the side surfaces 34b and 34d of the main case 22. As can be seen from this, the shape of the protruding portion 94 corresponds to the shape of the recess 38 of the mobile battery 12.

[0066] The flange portion 82 is an extending portion that extends outward in a ring shape (rectangular shape) from the outer edge of the frame portion 80. The flange portion 82 is formed to have a thin wall. The convex engagement portion 84 is provided mainly on the flange portion 82. The convex engagement portion 84 protrudes toward the slot flange 56 (in the -Z axis direction).

[0067] The material of the outer member 76 is preferably a material that is lower in hardness than the materials of the bottom case 20, main case 22, and top case 24 of the mobile battery 12. When the bottom case 20, main case 22, and top case 24 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy as described above, a suitable example of the material of the outer member 76 is a resin such as polycarbonate. In this case, the material of the bezel inner rail 92 and the protrusion 94 is also a resin such as polycarbonate.

[0068] As described above, the material of the first cylindrical rail 64 is, for example, a resin such as POM or polyamide 66. In this case, when the bottom case 20, the main case 22, and the top case 24 of the mobile battery 12 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the material of the first cylindrical rail 64 has a lower hardness than the materials of the bottom case 20, the main case 22, and the top case 24.

[0069] Resin may be selected as the material for the bottom case 20 and the top case 24 of the mobile battery 12. In this case, a resin having a lower hardness than the resin material for the bottom case 20 and the top case 24 may be selected as the material for the outer member 76, the bezel inner rail 92, the protrusion 94, the slot flange 56, and the first cylindrical inner rail 64. Conversely, if avoiding wear of the storage device 10 is a priority, a resin having a higher hardness than the resin material for the bottom case 20 and the top case 24 may be selected as the material for the outer member 76, the bezel inner rail 92, the protrusion 94, the slot flange 56, and the first cylindrical inner rail 64.

[0070] In this embodiment, the outer member 76 is translucent. Here, "translucent" means the property of transmitting visible light. In other words, the outer member 76 has the property of transmitting visible light. The outer member 76 may be transparent. The outer member 76 may be opaque. Because the outer member 76 is translucent, the user can see the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 98 from outside the outer member 76. The light-emitting unit 98 will be described later.

[0071] The entire outer member 76 may be light-transmitting, or only the portion of the outer member 76 corresponding to the light-emitting portion 98 may be light-transmitting.

[0072] The inner member 78 has an annular shape (rectangular shape). A light-emitting unit 98 is provided on a side of the inner member 78 in the +X-axis direction. Another light-emitting unit 98 is provided on a side of the inner member 78 in the -X-axis direction. The two light-emitting units 98 are arranged facing each other on the inner member 78 and extend along the vertical direction. The light-emitting units 98 indicate the availability of the slots 14, the charging state of the mobile battery 12 accommodated in the slots 14, etc. by indicating whether the light is on, flashing, or off, the color of the light, etc.

[0073] The inner member 78 has a connecting structure 99. Specifically, the wide lower portion of the inner member 78 located in the -Y-axis direction is a connecting portion 100 that connects two light-emitting portions 98. The narrow upper portion of the inner member 78 located in the +Y-axis direction is another connecting portion 100 that connects two light-emitting portions 98. As such, in this embodiment, the connecting structure 99 has two connecting portions 100. The two connecting portions 100 and the two light-emitting portions 98 form an annular shape (rectangular shape) having an opening 102.

[0074] Connecting the two light emitting units 98 with the connecting structure 99 improves the strength of the light emitting units 98. Furthermore, the light emitting units 98 and the inner member 78 can be handled as a single unit, making it easy to assemble the bezel 70. When the two connecting units 100 and the two light emitting units 98 form a ring shape (rectangular shape), the strength is further improved.

[0075] The slot flange 56 is a ring-shaped body having a substantially rectangular shape. The slot flange 56 has a third insertion opening 104. The third insertion opening 104 is connected to the second insertion opening 86b. The mobile battery 12 inserted through the first insertion opening 86a passes through the second insertion opening 86b and then the third insertion opening 104.

[0076] The slot flange 56 is provided with a recessed engagement portion 106 at a position corresponding to the position of the protruding engagement portion 84 of the slot guide 58. By engaging the protruding engagement portion 84 with the recessed engagement portion 106, the outer member 76 of the slot guide 58 and the slot flange 56 are connected to each other. At this time, the inner member 78 of the slot guide 58 is housed in the annular internal space of the outer member 76.

[0077] The remainder of the bezel inner rail 92 is provided on the lower inner surface of the slot flange 56. As can be seen from this, the bezel inner protrusion 90 (first protrusion) is provided from the slot guide 58, which is the first secondary member, to the slot flange 56, which is the second secondary member. The bezel inner rail 92 provided on the slot guide 58 and the bezel inner rail 92 provided on the slot flange 56 are continuous along the Z-axis direction. The bezel inner rail 92 provided on the slot guide 58 is located in the +Z-axis direction, and the bezel inner rail 92 provided on the slot flange 56 is located in the -Z-axis direction.

[0078] Like the outer member 76, the material of the slot flange 56 is preferably a material that is lower in hardness than the materials of the bottom case 20, main case 22, and top case 24 of the mobile battery 12. A specific example of a suitable material for the slot flange 56 is polycarbonate. In this case, the material of the bezel inner rail 92 is also polycarbonate. Like the bezel inner rail 92 provided on the outer member 76, the bezel inner rail 92 provided on the slot flange 56 is also a hollow portion having an internal space.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 14, a door 72 is attached to the slot flange 56. The door 72 is located closer to the slot 14 than the first insertion opening 86a, which is the entrance and exit for the mobile battery 12. When the mobile battery 12 is not housed in the slot sleeve 50, the door 72 is located in the second position, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 14. In this embodiment, the second position is the fully closed position. In the second position, the door 72 blocks the first insertion opening 86a to the greatest extent. When the mobile battery 12 is housed in the slot sleeve 50, the door 72 opens toward the inside of the slot body 54, as shown in FIG. 8. In this case, the door 72 is located in the first position. In this embodiment, the first position is the fully open position. In the first position, the door 72 blocks the first insertion opening 86a to the least extent. FIG. 14 shows the movement trajectory of the door 72 at one end, which is the center of rotation, and the other end, which is opposite the other end. The door 72 opens and closes by rotating around a shaft 74 which is a rotation axis.

[0080] Specifically, two flange-side support portions 260 extending along the −Z-axis direction are provided at the +Y-axis direction end of the slot flange 56. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, each flange-side support portion 260 has four support piece portions 262 spaced apart at a predetermined interval. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 16, two first door-side support portions 264 and two second door-side support portions 266 are provided at the +Y-axis direction end of the door 72. Each first door-side support portion 264 has two insertion piece portions 268 spaced apart at a predetermined interval. Similarly, each second door-side support portion 266 has two insertion piece portions 270 spaced apart at a predetermined interval. The second door-side support portions 266 are positioned outward of the first door-side support portions 264.

[0081] As shown in Figures 15 and 17, the first door side support part 264 (two insertion piece parts 268) is inserted into a first space 271 between two adjacent support piece parts 262. Similarly, the second door side support part 266 (two insertion piece parts 270) is inserted into a second space 272 between two adjacent support piece parts 262. Here, the second space 272 is a space separate from the first space 271.

[0082] A support hole 274 is formed in all of the support pieces 262 and all of the insertion pieces 268, 270, penetrating in the X direction. A shaft 74 is rotatably inserted into the support hole 274. With this insertion, the door 72 is supported by the slot flange 56 via the shaft 74. A torsion spring 278, which is a resilient member, is provided on the shaft 74.

[0083] 18, the torsion spring 278 has a spiral portion 280 wound in a spiral shape, a first leg portion 282 extending from one end of the spiral portion 280, and a second leg portion 284 extending from the other end of the spiral portion 280. The shaft 74 is passed through the spiral portion 280 (see FIG. 15). The spiral portion 280 is inserted into a third space 286 between two adjacent support piece portions 262 in the flange side support portion 260. Here, the third space 286 is a space separate from the first space 271 and the second space 272.

[0084] Second leg portion 284 is longer than first leg portion 282. A straight portion 288 extending linearly is interposed between spiral portion 280 and second leg portion 284. Second leg portion 284 extends in a direction bent relative to straight portion 288. By setting straight portion 288 to a predetermined length, torsion spring 278 exhibits sufficient rigidity.

[0085] The hook portion 282a of the first leg portion 282 is hooked onto a predetermined position of the slot flange 56. This hooking prevents the first leg portion 282 from rotating. Meanwhile, the hook portion 284a of the second leg portion 284 is hooked onto a predetermined position of the first door-side support portion 264 of the door 72. Therefore, the second leg portion 284 rotates integrally with the door 72.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 16, the door 72 is a generally quadrangular body having four sides. Therefore, corners 72a to 72d are formed on all four sides of the door 72. In other words, the door 72 has four corners 72a to 72d. V-shaped ribs 290 protruding in the -Z axis direction are provided as reinforcement parts at the two corners 72a and 72b located at the bottom end in the -Y axis direction. The V-shaped ribs 290 extend inward from the corners 72a and 72b of the door 72. The extending direction of the V-shaped ribs 290 is inclined with respect to the X axis direction and the Y axis direction.

[0087] The door 72 has plate-shaped ribs 292 protruding in the -Z-axis direction provided as reinforcing parts at two corners 72c, 72d located at the upper end in the -Y-axis direction. When the door 72 is located in the second position (closed position), the plate-shaped ribs 292 extend along the Y-axis direction. The plate-shaped ribs 292 are connected to the insertion piece portion 268 that constitutes the first door-side support portion 264.

[0088] The two V-shaped ribs 290 and the two plate-shaped ribs 292 increase the rigidity of the corners 72a to 72d of the door 72. Therefore, the corners 72a to 72d of the door 72 are less likely to be damaged.

[0089] A plurality of flange-side magnets 296 shown in FIG. 8 are provided on the end face of the slot flange 56 on the -Z-axis direction side facing the door 72. A plurality of door-side magnets 298 shown in FIG. 8 are provided on the end face of the door 72 on the +Z-axis direction side facing the slot flange 56. The flange-side magnets 296 correspond to the first magnetic force retaining portion or first magnet of the present invention. The door-side magnets 298 correspond to the second magnetic force retaining portion or second magnet of the present invention. In this way, the slot 14, which is the storage portion, has a first magnet and a second magnet.

[0090] When the door 72 is in the second position (fully closed position in this embodiment), the flange-side magnets 296 and the door-side magnets 298 are close to each other and attract each other by magnetic force. As a result, the flange-side magnets 296 and the door-side magnets 298 are attracted to each other, for example, based on magnetic force. In this embodiment, the number of flange-side magnets 296 and the door-side magnets 298 is four. Note that either the flange-side magnets 296 or the door-side magnets 298 may be replaced with a magnetic material that can be attracted to a magnet. An example of such a magnetic material is a metal that exhibits ferromagnetism. A specific example of the metal is iron, etc.

[0091] A substantially rectangular gasket 220 is attached to the frame portion 80 constituting the outer member 76 of the slot guide 58. The gasket 220 corresponds to the interposition portion of the present invention. As shown in detail in FIG. 19 , the gasket 220 has a frame-shaped main body portion 300, an annular hook portion 302, and a bridge portion 304 connecting the frame-shaped main body portion 300 and the annular hook portion 302. The frame-shaped main body portion 300 is an endless loop portion that continues into a frame shape at the base end of the annular hook portion 302. The end of the frame-shaped main body portion 300 in the -Z axis direction is a flat portion 306 having a flat surface.

[0092] The flat portion 306 abuts against the end face of the flange portion 82 (extension portion) on the +Z-axis direction side. The inner circumferential length of the flat portion 306 is greater than the inner circumferential length of the first insertion opening 86a. Here, the first insertion opening 86a is the entrance and exit for the mobile battery 12 in the slot 14, as described above. The bridge portion 304 extends in the +Z-axis direction. The annular hook portion 302 is bent from the tip of the bridge portion 304 on the +Z-axis direction side toward the outside of the bridge portion 304 or the gasket 220.

[0093] The worker assembling the storage device 10 assembles the slot 14 to the device body 202 and then assembles the front panel 204 to the device body 202. At this time, the worker presses the front panel 204 toward the device body 202. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20 , the annular hook portion 302 and the bridge portion 304 easily bend outward from the gasket 220. In other words, a portion of the gasket 220 is easily crushed with a small force. Therefore, the worker can press the front panel 204 against the device body 202 with a small force. In other words, the assembly work of the front panel 204 to the device body 202 is easy. When the front panel 204 is connected to the device body 202 via the striker 214 (see FIG. 5 ) and the latch, the gasket 220 is interposed between the outer member 76 and the front panel 204 as shown in FIG. 20 .

[0094] A substantially rectangular rail support member 242 is disposed in the −Z axis direction of the slot flange 56. The end face of the rail support member 242 facing the −Z axis direction supports the tip (front end) of the first internal rail 64 on the +Z axis direction side.

[0095] 7 and 8, a bottom cover 60 (bottom) is attached to an opening 54g in the -Z axis direction of the slot body 54. A connector unit 120, a fan 122, an electronic circuit board 124, and a detection switch 126 are attached to the bottom cover 60. This configuration forms a bottom cover assembly 130. The bottom cover assembly 130 will be described later.

[0096] 21 , a recessed groove 310 extending along the X-axis direction is provided at the -Y-axis direction end (lower end) of the bottom cover 60. The recessed groove 310 is recessed from the end face of the bottom cover 60 on the +Z-axis direction side toward the -Z-axis direction. A first discharge hole 312 is formed in the recessed groove 310, at the end face of the bottom cover 60 on the -Z-axis direction side. The recessed groove 310 communicates with the internal space of the device main body 202 via the first discharge hole 312.

[0097] 11, most of the rear end 236 of the first internal rail 64 faces the recessed groove 310. Therefore, the position of the communication hole 240, which is the opening in the −Z axis direction of the relief hole 238, and the position of the recessed groove 310 are aligned.

[0098] The filtering member 314 may be removably housed in the recessed groove 310. In this case, two ribs 316 provided on the end face of the bottom cover 60 on the +Z-axis direction side may press down from above on a part of the filtering member 314 exposed from the recessed groove 310. A specific example of the material for the filtering member 314 is a spongy porous material such as a sponge filter.

[0099] A second discharge hole 318 is formed in the bottom cover 60, penetrating along the Z-axis direction. The second discharge hole 318 is generally fan-shaped and is located on the side of the recessed groove 310 in the -X-axis direction. The second discharge hole 318 communicates between the holding space 54e of the slot 14 and the internal space of the device body 202.

[0100] The bottom cover 60 is formed with an insertion hole 320 and an air vent 322. A detection portion of the detection switch 126 is inserted into the insertion hole 320. The air vent 322 is a hole for sending cooling air generated by the fan 122 into the slot 14.

[0101] A through hole 132 is formed in the bottom cover 60. A connector 134, which will be described later, passes through the through hole 132. When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot body 54, the connector 134 passes through the through hole 132 from the -Z axis direction to the +Z axis direction. On the other hand, when the mobile battery 12 is removed from the slot body 54, the connector 134 passes through the through hole 132 from the +Z axis direction to the -Z axis direction.

[0102] A battery lock mechanism 52 is attached to the +Y-axis direction side of the slot flange 56. When the battery lock mechanism 52 is in a locked state, the battery lock mechanism 52 restricts movement of the mobile battery 12 in the +Z-axis direction. This prevents the user from removing the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14. When the battery lock mechanism 52 is in an unlocked state, the battery lock mechanism 52 allows movement of the mobile battery 12 in the +Z-axis direction. This allows the user to remove the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14.

[0103] [Bottom cover assembly configuration] The bottom cover assembly 130 will now be described. As shown in Fig. 22, the bottom cover 60 is provided with a fan 122 and a connector unit 120. The fan 122 promotes the flow of air inside the slot sleeve 50.

[0104] The connector unit 120 has a connector 134 (second electrical terminal) shown in Fig. 23 and a motor 136. The male connector 134 has a male electrical terminal for transmitting and receiving power and a male communication terminal for transmitting and receiving communication signals. In other words, the connector 134 serves as both an electrical terminal and a communication terminal. The male connector 134 is sometimes called a plug.

[0105] The connector 134 fits into the connector 26 of the mobile battery 12. At this time, power is supplied from the connector 134 to the mobile battery 12, and the mobile battery 12 is charged. Alternatively, power is extracted from the mobile battery 12 via the connector 134, and the mobile battery 12 is discharged. Furthermore, the mobile battery 12 and a control unit (not shown) of the storage device 10 are communicably connected via the connector 26 and the connector 134. That is, communication signals are exchanged between the mobile battery 12 and the control unit of the storage device 10.

[0106] The connector 134 is moved forward or backward along the Z-axis direction by a motor 136. Specifically, the motor 136 has a rotating shaft (not shown). The rotating shaft extends from the motor 136 in the +Y-axis direction. A pinion 138 shown in FIG. 23 is attached to the tip of the rotating shaft. The pinion 138 meshes with a rack 140. The motor 136 is mechanically connected to the connector 134 via the pinion 138, the rack 140, and a base 142. The connector 134 and the motor 136 are attached to the bottom cover 60 via the base 142. In this way, the motor 136 is supported by the bottom cover 60.

[0107] The electronic circuit board 124 (see FIG. 22) controls, for example, charging of the mobile battery 12 housed in the slot sleeve 50. A detection switch 126 (see FIG. 8) is mounted on the electronic circuit of the electronic circuit board 124. When the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot sleeve 50, the detection switch 126 is pressed down by the mobile battery 12 and switches from off to on.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 1 , the end of the bezel 70 of the slot 14 in the +Z-axis direction is exposed from the exposure window 206 of the front panel 204. The slot 14 assembled to the device body 202 is inclined relative to the vertical direction (the direction of gravity). When a user stands upright facing the front panel 204, the upper part of the slot 14 is located farther from the user than the lower part of the slot 14. This causes the user to assume a forward-leaning posture when inserting or removing the mobile battery 12 into or from the slot 14. This makes it easy for the user to insert or remove the mobile battery 12 into or from the slot 14.

[0109] FIG. 24 is an action diagram in which gravity G acting on the mobile battery 12 inserted into the slot 14 is decomposed into a first component YG in the -Y-axis direction and a second component ZG in the -Z-axis direction. If the second component ZG is smaller than the kinetic friction force F of the first intra-cylindrical rail 64, the user must apply a pushing force to the mobile battery 12 to move the mobile battery 12 with the bottom case 20 inserted into the slot 14 in the -Z-axis direction. In contrast, if the second component ZG is larger than the kinetic friction force F of the first intra-cylindrical rail 64, the mobile battery 12 with the bottom case 20 inserted into the slot 14 moves in the -Z-axis direction due to its own weight. In this case, it is easy to insert the entire mobile battery 12 into the slot 14.

[0110] FIG. 25 is a graph showing the relationship between the second component force ZG and the dynamic friction force F of the first cylindrical rail 64 when the inclination angle θ of the slot 14 relative to the horizontal direction is changed. When the inclination angle θ is 0°, this means that the slot 14 extends along the horizontal direction. When the inclination angle θ is 90°, this means that the slot 14 extends along the vertical direction. Note that FIG. 25 shows the results of calculations assuming that the weight of the mobile battery 12 is 10 kgf and the dynamic friction coefficient of the first cylindrical rail 64 is 0.18.

[0111] As can be seen with reference to FIG. 25, under the above conditions, when the inclination angle θ is 15° or more, the second component force ZG acting on the mobile battery 12 becomes larger than the kinetic friction force F of the first cylindrical rail 64. In this case, the mobile battery 12 moves in the −Z-axis direction within the slot due to its own weight. Therefore, the user does not particularly need to apply a pushing force to the mobile battery 12. This makes it easy to insert the entire mobile battery 12 into the slot 14.

[0112] The larger the tilt angle θ, the larger the second component force ZG. However, in this case, the speed at which the mobile battery 12 moves within the slot 14 increases. Therefore, there is a concern that the bottom surface of the mobile battery 12 may abut forcefully against the bottom cover 60. To prevent this, the tilt angle θ is set within an appropriate angle range.

[0113] The storage device 10 according to this embodiment is basically configured as described above. Next, the effects of the storage device 10 will be described.

[0114] When the SOC of the mobile battery 12 drops, the user inserts the mobile battery 12 into an empty slot 14 in the storage device 10. At this time, the user grasps the handle 30 and lifts the mobile battery 12. The user points the bottom case 20 toward the slot 14 and tilts the mobile battery 12. The user also points the convex curved side surface 34a vertically upward. As a result, with the side surface 34a facing vertically upward, the bottom case 20 is in a low position and the top case 24 is in a high position.

[0115] Next, the user inserts the bottom case 20 into the first insertion opening 86a of the slot guide 58 (see Figures 7, 8, and 9). At this time, the side surface 34c of the mobile battery 12 faces vertically downward, and the side surface 34a faces vertically upward. The bottom case 20 moves through the second insertion opening 86b to the third insertion opening 104 (see Figure 13). Here, two inner-bezel rails 92 are provided on the lower inner surface 88a of the slot guide 58 and the lower inner surface of the slot flange 56. Therefore, the side surface 34c of the bottom case 20 abuts on the upper surfaces of the two inner-bezel rails 92. The load of the mobile battery 12 acts vertically downward. Therefore, the two inner-bezel rails 92 bear the load of the mobile battery 12.

[0116] In this state, the user pushes the mobile battery 12 toward the holding space 54e. This push causes the mobile battery 12 to move toward the holding space 54e. Therefore, the side surface 34c of the mobile battery 12 comes into sliding contact with the bezel inner rail 92. As described above, the material of the bezel inner rail 92 is softer in hardness than the materials of the bottom case 20, main case 22, and top case 24. This prevents the mobile battery 12 from being left with sliding marks (scratches).

[0117] If the bezel inner rail 92 were not provided, the side surface 34c of the mobile battery 12 would be in sliding contact with almost the entire lower inner surface 88a of the slot guide 58. Therefore, in this case, almost the entire lower inner surface 88a would be worn. As a result, wear powder would be easily generated. Furthermore, the lower inner surface 88a would be easily scratched.

[0118] In contrast, in this embodiment, the side surface 34c of the mobile battery 12 slides against the upper surface of the bezel inner rail 92. Therefore, in this embodiment, wear on the lower inner surface 88a is avoided. In other words, the bezel inner rail 92 wears preferentially. The contact area between the two components when the side surface 34c slides against the upper surface of the bezel inner rail 92 is smaller than the contact area between the two components when the side surface 34c slides against the entire lower inner surface 88a. This reduces the amount of wear debris generated.

[0119] Furthermore, scratches on the lower inner surface 88a are also avoided. Because the bezel inner rail 92 bears the load of the mobile battery 12, wear on the left inner surface 88b, the right inner surface 88c, and the upper inner surface 88d is also avoided. Furthermore, scratches on the left inner surface 88b, the right inner surface 88c, and the upper inner surface 88d are also avoided. Therefore, the aesthetic appearance of the slot guide 58 and the slot flange 56 is maintained.

[0120] As described above, the bezel inner rail 92 is provided from the slot guide 58 to the slot flange 56. Therefore, the bezel inner rail 92 extends from the first insertion opening 86a to the opening 54f of the slot body 54. This makes it easy to move the mobile battery 12 to the holding space 54e.

[0121] The bottom case 20 reaches the opening 54f of the slot body 54. A first intra-cylindrical rail 64 is provided on the inner surface of the lower plate 54a of the slot body 54. Therefore, the bottom case 20 transfers from the intra-cylindrical rail 92 to the first intra-cylindrical rail 64. When the user further pushes the mobile battery 12 toward the holding space 54e, the bottom case 20 comes into sliding contact with the upper surface of the guide rail portion 232 of the first intra-cylindrical rail 64. At the same time, the main case 22 comes into sliding contact with the upper surface of the intra-bezel rail 92. When the user further pushes the mobile battery 12 toward the holding space 54e, the main case 22 comes into sliding contact with the upper surface of the first intra-cylindrical rail 64. At the same time, the top case 24 comes into sliding contact with the upper surface of the intra-bezel rail 92.

[0122] In the above process, the amount of wear debris generated is reduced for the same reasons as above. In addition, since scratches can be prevented from occurring on areas other than the bezel inner rail 92, the aesthetic appearance of the slot guide 58 and slot flange 56 is maintained.

[0123] When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the holding space 54e, the four corners 36b of the bottom case 20 and the four corners 36t of the top case 24 pass through the clearance 96a between the protrusion 94 and the lower inner surface 88a and the clearance 96b between the protrusion 94 and the upper inner surface 88d (see FIG. 9). In other words, the four corners 36b of the bottom case 20 and the four corners 36t of the top case 24 do not interfere with the protrusion 94.

[0124] The second and third cylindrical rails 66 and 67 abut against the side surfaces 34b and 34d of the mobile battery 12 accommodated in the holding space 54e, respectively. The protruding tips of the protrusions 94 also abut against or are close to the side surfaces 34b and 34d. Therefore, the mobile battery 12 is positioned by the two second and two third cylindrical rails 66, 67, and two protrusions 94. This positioning also aligns the connector 26 with the connector 134. In this way, by providing the second and third cylindrical rails 66, 67, and protrusions 94 in the slot 14, it is easy to align the position of the connector 26 with the position of the connector 134.

[0125] When the mobile battery 12 is accommodated in the holding space 54e, the battery lock mechanism 52 operates. The battery lock mechanism 52 positions and fixes the mobile battery 12. The detection switch 126 also switches from off to on. As a result, the motor 136 starts. This moves the connector 134 toward the connector 26. The connector 134 passes through the through-hole 132 and engages with the connector 26.

[0126] As a result, power is supplied to the mobile battery 12 via the connector 134 and the connector 26. The supplied power is stored in the cell pack inside the main case 22.

[0127] When the mobile battery 12 is accommodated in the slot 14 in this manner, for example, a light-emitting structure lights up in another slot 14. The other slot 14 is a slot 14 that accommodates a mobile battery 12 whose SOC has become sufficiently high. The user pulls out the mobile battery 12 from the slot 14 where the light-emitting structure lights up.

[0128] In this embodiment, the light emitting unit 98 is disposed near the first insertion opening 86a. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the first insertion opening 86a, which is the starting position for removing the mobile battery 12, based on the lit position of the light emitting unit 98.

[0129] When the user pulls out the mobile battery 12, the top case 24, main case 22, and bottom case 20 slide against the bezel inner rail 92 in that order. In this case, too, the amount of wear debris generated is reduced for the same reasons as above. In addition, since scratches can be prevented from occurring anywhere other than the bezel inner rail 92, the aesthetic appearance of the slot guide 58 and slot flange 56 is maintained.

[0130] Repeated insertion and removal of the mobile battery 12 may cause the wear on the bezel inner rail 92 to exceed the allowable range. In this case, a maintenance worker replaces the slot guide 58 and slot flange 56 with new ones. In this way, by making the bezel 70 and the slot body 54 separate components, it becomes possible to replace only the bezel 70. Therefore, maintenance costs are reduced when the wear on the bezel inner rail 92 exceeds the allowable range.

[0131] Incidentally, before the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the holding space 54e of the slot 14, the door 72 is located in the second position (fully closed position). When the door 72 is located in the second position, at least a portion of the door 72 is located on a path along which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into or removed from the holding space 54e. By arranging the door 72 in this manner, when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the holding space 54e, the door 72 is pushed open by the mobile battery 12.

[0132] Specifically, when the mobile battery 12 begins to be inserted into the holding space 54e, the bottom case 20 of the mobile battery 12 pushes the end surface of the door 72 on the +Z-axis direction side. As a result, the door 72 rotates around the shaft 74, as shown in FIGS. 8, 14, and 17. Because the shaft 74 is provided at the end of the slot 14 in the +Y-axis direction, the end of the door 72 on the -Y-axis direction side moves toward the -Z-axis direction (see FIG. 14). Because the inclined portion 234 is formed on the guide rail portion 232 of the first cylindrical rail 64, the door 72 does not interfere with the guide rail portion 232.

[0133] When the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the holding space 54e, the door 72 is positioned in the first position (fully open position) as shown in Figures 8, 14, and 17. At this time, the torsion spring 278 (see Figure 15) pushes the door 72 in the direction returning to the second position.

[0134] When the mobile battery 12 is removed from the holding space 54e, the torsion spring 278 pushes the door 72 toward the second position. Therefore, as the mobile battery 12 moves toward the +Z axis direction, the door 72 returns from the first position to the second position. When the entire mobile battery 12 is removed from the holding space 54e, the door 72 is released from the pressure of the mobile battery 12. Therefore, the door 72 returns to the second position and closes the first insertion opening 86a. Even during this process, the door 72 does not interfere with the guide rail portion 232.

[0135] The door 72 is not limited to a door that opens and closes based on rotation around the shaft 74. The door 72 may be a door that opens and closes based on translation in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0136] During the above-described process of inserting and removing the mobile battery 12, it is expected that rainwater or the like will enter the holding space 54e. Because the slot 14 is inclined, the rainwater or the like will flow, for example, on the rail main body portion 230 of the first in-tube rail 64 toward the bottom cover 60 located in the -Z-axis direction.

[0137] As shown in Figure 10, a relief hole 238 is formed in the rear end 236 of the first cylindrical rail 64. Rainwater and other water that flows down the rail main body 230 flows into the recessed groove 310 through the communication hole 240 of the relief hole 238. The rainwater and other water passes through the filter member 314 and is discharged to the outside of the slot main body 54 through the first discharge hole 312.

[0138] It is possible that foreign matter such as sand, dust, fallen leaves, or paper may enter the holding space 54e. In this case, the foreign matter will be discharged from the second discharge hole 318 to the outside of the slot body 54.

[0139] The following are some examples of modifications that can be made to the above-described embodiment.

[0140] For example, the bezel inner rail 92 may be provided on the left inner surface 88b, the right inner surface 88c, or the upper inner surface 88d.

[0141] In this embodiment, the storage device 10 is exemplified, in which the connector 134 is provided so as to be movable forward and backward. Alternatively, the connector 134 may be positioned and fixed to the bottom portion 150, as shown in FIG.

[0142] The storage device or holding device is not particularly limited to the storage device 10 (battery exchanger) shown in FIG. 1. Another embodiment of the storage device or holding device is a device that inputs power to the mobile battery 12. Specifically, it is a charging device or a charging / discharging device. The charging device or the charging / discharging device may be a portable type that can be moved, or may be a stationary type. FIG. 26 shows a slot-type charging device 152, which is another embodiment of the storage device or holding device. The slot-type charging device 152 has a cylindrical portion 154 and a bottom portion 150 that are integrally formed.

[0143] The storage device or holding device may be a device that outputs power from the mobile battery 12. Examples of such storage devices or holding devices include moving bodies such as electric vehicles, outboard motors, and aircraft. Electric vehicles include passenger vehicles such as two-wheeled, three-wheeled, and four-wheeled vehicles. Electric vehicles also include work vehicles such as lawn mowers, transport carts, and snow blowers. Aircraft include drones and aircraft. An outboard motor is a propulsion unit used in ships.

[0144] Another example of a storage device or holding device that outputs power is a power supply device that uses a mobile battery 12 as its power source. The power supply device may be a portable type that can be moved. The power supply device may also be a stationary type.

[0145] In the above embodiment, the slot 14 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is exemplified as the holding portion, but the holding portion may also have a cylindrical shape with curved sides.

[0146] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 10...Storage device (holding device) 12...Mobile battery (power storage device or electrical equipment) 14...Slot (accommodation section) 16...Operation panel 26...Connector 30...Handle 38...recess 50...slot sleeve 52...Battery lock mechanism 54...Slot body (second member) 54e…holding space 56...Slot flange (second secondary member) 58...Slot guide (first secondary part) 60...Bottom cover 61...Outer rib 62...Slot inner protrusion (second protrusion) 64...First cylindrical rail 66...Second cylindrical rail 67...Third cylindrical inner rail 70...Bezel (first member) 72...Door (door part) 72a~72d...Corner part 74... Shaft (rotating shaft) 76... Outer member 78...inner member 80...frame portion 82... flange portion 84... convex engaging portion 86a...First insertion opening (entrance / exit) 86b...Second insertion opening 90...Bezel inner ridge (first ridge) 92...Bezel inner rail 94...Protrusion 98...Light-emitting part 99…Connection structure 100…Connection part 102...Opening 104...Third insertion opening 106... Concave engagement portion 120... Connector unit 130...Bottom cover assembly 132...Through hole 134...Connector 136...Motor 138...Pinion 140...Rack 150...Bottom 152...Slot-type charging device 154...Cylindrical portion 200...Housing 202...Device body (main part) 204...Front panel (separate part) 206... Exposure window (opening) 212... U-shaped rib 216...Folding section 220...Gasket (intervening part) 230... Rail main body portion 232... Guide rail portion 234...Inclined portion 236...Rear tip 238...Relief hole 260...Flange side support part 264...First door side support portion 266...Second door side support portion 278...Torsion spring 280...Spiral part 282...First leg 284...Second leg 288...Straight section 290...V-shaped rib 292...Plate-shaped rib 296...Flange side magnet (first magnetic force holding part) 298... Door side magnet (second magnetic force holding portion) 300... Frame-shaped main body portion 302...Ring hook part 304...Bridge part 306...Flat part 310...Concave groove 312 ... 1st discharge hole 318 ... 2nd discharge hole

Claims

1. A storage device (10) including a storage section (14) that accommodates an electricity storage device (12) having an electricity storage section in a removable manner, The storage section has an opening (54f), a cylindrical section (54) in which the opening is formed, and a bottom section (60) connected to the cylindrical section, and is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape by the opening, the cylindrical section, and the bottom section, One or more protrusions (90) protruding from the inner surface of the storage portion are provided between the opening and the bottom portion, The protrusion protrudes vertically upward from a lower inner surface of the inner surface of the storage section that faces vertically upward, and is arranged to extend along a direction from the opening toward the bottom, and is positioned so as to abut against a surface (34c) of the storage device that faces vertically downward when inserted into the storage section.

2. 2. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage section comprises: a first member (70) that forms the opening side of the storage section; a second member (54) that is connectable to the first member and that constitutes the bottom side of the storage section; and The first member is provided with a first protrusion portion (92) that is a part of the protrusion portion, The second member is provided with a second protrusion portion (64) that is another part of the protrusion portion.

3. 3. The container device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of the protrusions, the protrusions being spaced apart from one another at predetermined intervals and positioned parallel to one another.

4. 3. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions are formed of a material having a lower hardness than a material of a housing of the power storage device that contacts the protrusions.

5. 3. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein a recess (38) is formed on an outer surface of a housing of the power storage device, and a protrusion (94) is formed on the inner surface of the storage portion, on a surface facing the recess of the power storage device stored in the storage portion, A container device in which the shape of the protrusion corresponds to the shape of the recess.

6. 6. The container device according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion is provided on a surface of the inner surface of the container that is different from a surface on which the protruding stripe is provided.

7. 6. The container device according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion is provided on a surface of the inner surface of the container that extends in a direction intersecting with the horizontal direction.

8. 3. The storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage section is provided with a second electrical terminal (134) to which a first electrical terminal (26) of the power storage device is detachably connected, or the storage section is formed with a through hole (132) through which the second electrical terminal passes so as to be movable forward and backward.

9. 3. The storage device according to claim 2, wherein the storage section has a door portion (72) that moves within the storage section to open and close the opening as the storage device is inserted or removed, and the second protrusion portion has a relief portion (234) that prevents the moving door portion from interfering with the second protrusion portion.

10. 3. The storage device of claim 2, wherein the first member comprises a first sub-member (58) and a second sub-member (56) that are connectable to each other and are separate from each other.

11. The container device according to claim 10 , wherein the first protrusion is provided across the first sub-member and the second sub-member.

12. 3. The container device according to claim 2, wherein the first member is a hollow body having an internal space.

13. 13. A storage device according to claim 12, wherein the first member has one or more light-emitting units (98) arranged in the internal space, and at least a portion of the first member is formed of a translucent material so that light emitted by the one or more light-emitting units can be seen from outside the first member.

14. 14. The storage device according to claim 13, wherein the first member is formed in an annular shape to form the opening in an annular shape, and the one or more light-emitting units include two light-emitting units arranged in positions facing each other across the opening.

15. 15. The container device according to claim 14, wherein the first member comprises one or more connecting portions (100) that connect two of the light emitting portions.

16. 16. The container device according to claim 15, wherein the one or more connecting portions include two connecting portions arranged at positions opposite each other across the opening, A storage device in which two of the light-emitting units and two of the connecting units are connected in a ring shape.

17. 14. The container device according to claim 13, wherein the one or more light emitting portions are provided so as to extend in a vertical direction.

18. A storage device (10) having a storage section (14) that accommodates a storage device (12) having a storage section in a removable manner, The storage section has an opening (54f), a cylindrical section (54) in which the opening is formed, and a bottom section (60) connected to the cylindrical section, and is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape by the opening, the cylindrical section, and the bottom section, One or more protrusions (90) protruding from the inner surface of the storage portion are provided between the opening and the bottom portion, The protrusion is provided to extend in a direction from the opening toward the bottom, The storage section has a first member (70) that constitutes the opening side of the storage section, and a second member (54) that is connectable to the first member and that constitutes the bottom side of the storage section, The first member is provided with a first protrusion portion (92) that is a part of the protrusion portion, The second member is provided with a second protrusion portion (64) which is another part of the protrusion portion, The first member is a hollow body having an internal space, and the container device has one or more light-emitting units (98) arranged in the internal space.

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