Containment device

Abstract

Provided is a container device that has improved strength.　A container device 1 comprises a housing 10 that has six substantially rectangular surfaces facing mutually different directions, and that is formed in a substantially polyhedron shape, and a container portion that is provided inside the housing 10 and in which an item to be contained is removably contained. The housing 10 includes a first member and a second member that are each attached to the container portion, the second member being attached on the opposite side to the first member across the container portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a battery storage device for a vehicle having a storage section that detachably stores a battery has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There is also a storage device that has a battery storage section like that of Patent Document 1 (see, for example, Patent Document 2). This storage device has a housing that houses the storage section inside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] WO2019 / 064593 issue [Patent Document 2] WO2020 / 235637 issue Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional storage devices, the structure for fixing the storage section to the housing is unclear, and there is room for improvement in the strength of the housing. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage device that can improve strength. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification includes the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-060156 filed on March 31, 2022, Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-136282 filed on August 29, 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-147335 filed on September 15, 2022. The present invention is a storage device comprising a housing having six approximately rectangular faces facing in different directions and formed in an approximately polyhedral shape, and a storage section provided inside the housing for storing and accommodating an object to be stored, the housing having a first member and a second member each attached to the storage section, the second member attached to the opposite side of the first member across the storage section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the strength. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the housing. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the storage device taken along plane III shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the storage device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the battery as viewed from above. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the battery as viewed from below. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the accommodation mechanism as viewed from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the battery case. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bottom of the battery case as viewed from below. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the case frame. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the accommodation mechanism as viewed from the right side of the accommodation device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the accommodation mechanism as viewed from the right side of the accommodation device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the storage device taken along plane XIII shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the storage device taken along plane XIV shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the storage device taken along plane XV shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the assembled structure of the storage device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the assembled structure of the storage device. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the storage device as seen from the left side. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a side view of the storage device as seen from the right side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [1. Embodiment] [1.1.Configuration] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the symbol FR indicates the front when the storage device 1 is installed (placed) with its lower surface in contact with the installation surface, the symbol UP indicates the top of the storage device 1, and the symbol LH indicates the left of the storage device 1. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, each direction is along the direction of the storage device 1. Hereinafter, the so-called upright position in which the storage device 1 is installed with its lower surface in contact with the installation surface will be referred to as the first position.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The storage device 1 stores a battery 100 that can be attached and detached from the storage device 1, converts the electricity stored in the battery 100 according to the operation of the user, and functions as a power supply device that supplies power to electrically-powered devices and the like outside the storage device 1 (Figure 3). 1, the storage device 1 includes a housing 10 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 10 includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and a pair of side surfaces located on the left and right, all of which are flat. In the first position of the storage device 1, the bottom surface of the housing 10 becomes the bottom surface that contacts the installation surface. The housing 10 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but may have any shape, such as a substantially cubic shape, as long as it has six substantially quadrangular faces facing in different directions and is a substantially polyhedron.

[0010] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the housing 10. In Fig. 2, members housed inside the housing 10, such as the housing mechanism 30 and the inverter unit 80, are omitted. 2, in the first posture of the storage device 1, the housing 10 includes an upper panel 12 that forms the upper surface, a lower panel 14 that forms the lower surface that becomes the bottom surface, a front panel 16 that forms the front surface, a rear panel 18 that forms the rear surface, and a pair of side panels 19 that form the left and right side surfaces. In this embodiment, all of the panels are made of a resin material, but this is not limiting, and at least one or a portion of any of the panels may be made of another material such as a metal material.

[0011] The top panel 12 is a member formed by folding each edge of a substantially rectangular plate-shaped material downward along the vertical direction of the storage device 1, thereby giving it a predetermined thickness. The top panel 12 is provided with a top recess 11, which is recessed in a rectangular shape in plan view from the top side toward the bottom side at approximately the center. The top opening 13, which is a through-hole that is substantially rectangular in plan view, is provided at approximately the center of the bottom surface of the top recess 11. The bottom surface of the top recess 11 is provided with screw holes 15, which are through-holes, at positions close to each corner of the top opening 13. Adjacent to each of the screw holes 15, are engagement holes 12c, which are recesses into which claw-shaped members can engage.

[0012] A front plate 12a is provided at the front end of the top panel 12, extending toward the bottom of the housing 10. After extending downward, the front plate 12a gently slopes and extends toward the front of the housing 10. The front plate 12a is formed so as to describe an arc when viewed from the left and right directions of the housing 10. Similarly, a rear plate 12b is provided at the rear end of the upper panel 12, extending toward the bottom of the housing 10 (FIG. 3). After extending downward, the rear plate 12b gently slopes and extends toward the rear of the housing 10. The rear plate 12b is formed in the shape of an arc when viewed from the left and right of the housing 10. The top panel 12 corresponds to the “first member.” The top panel 12 forms the first of the six faces of the housing 10.

[0013] A lid 20 having a rectangular shape in a plan view is provided on the top panel 12. The lid 20 is rotatably fixed to the edge of the top recess 11 located on the rear side of the top panel 12. The lid 20 can be rotated by a user to cover the entire top recess 11 and the top opening 13 and can also be opened. In the top panel 12, the top surface of the lid 20 forms most of the top surface of the housing 10.

[0014] The lid 20 has a bulging portion 21 formed on its lower surface facing the upper opening 13, with the bulging portion 21 being formed by substantially the entire lower surface bulging toward the upper opening 13. This increases the strength of the lid 20, and improves the toughness of the housing 10 and the lid 20 against external pressure. In other words, the bulging portion 21 functions as a reinforcing member for the lid 20. The inside of the bulging portion 21 is hollow, and an internal space 21S is provided in the bulging portion 21. A lid portion 21a that can be opened and closed by rotating the bulging portion 21 relative to the rear surface side of the housing 10 is formed in the bulging portion 21 on the front side of the housing 10. As a result, when the lid portion 21a is opened while the lid body 20 is in an open state, the bulging portion 21 opens upward. This makes it easy for the user to put in and take out predetermined items from inside the bulging portion 21 of the storage device 1. Various cables, such as a power cable for inputting power from the outside to the storage device 1, can be stored inside the bulging portion 21.

[0015] The lid portion 21a is provided with chamfered portions 21b on the front side of the housing 10 and on the lower side of the housing 10 when viewed from the side of the housing 10. The chamfered portions 21b are formed by chamfering the corners of the lid portion 21a (FIGS. 3 and 12). The chamfered portions 21b are provided across the entire width of the lid portion 21a, which extends along the left-right direction of the housing 10.

[0016] A lid recess 20a is provided on the underside of the lid 20 facing the top opening 13, at a location closer to the front of the housing 10 than the bulge 21 (FIG. 12). The lid recess 20a is formed by linearly recessing the underside of the lid 20 toward the top of the housing 10. The lid recess 20a is provided across the entire width of the lid 21a, which is aligned with the left-right direction of the housing 10. On the inner surface of the cover recess 20a, a chamfered portion 20b is provided at a position facing the bulge 21 when viewed from the side of the housing 10 (FIG. 12). The chamfered portion 20b is formed by chamfering the inner surface of the cover recess 20a. The chamfered portion 20b is provided across the entire width of the cover recess 20a, which extends along the left-right direction of the housing 10.

[0017] In top panel 12, an opening slope 13a, which is a gently sloping surface that slopes from the rear to the front of the housing, is provided at the edge of top opening 13 located on the rear side of housing 10. The upper end of opening slope 13a is located behind lid 20 and continues to the upper end of rear plate 12b. Inside top opening 13, opening slope 13a slopes along the thickness direction of top panel 12 to a position that is substantially the same as the lower end of top panel 12.

[0018] The lower panel 14 is a member formed to a predetermined thickness by bending each edge of a substantially rectangular plate-shaped material upward along the vertical direction of the storage device 1. A flat surface 14a is provided in the approximate center of the lower panel 14. A handhold 14b and a handhold 14c are provided at the front and rear ends of the lower panel 14, respectively.

[0019] The handhold portion 14b rises from the front end of the lower panel 14 toward the top of the housing 10, and then extends toward the front side of the housing 10 while bending in an arch shape, which is a convex shape that curves upward when viewed from the left and right of the housing 10. Similarly, the handhold portion 14c rises from the rear end of the lower panel 14 toward the top of the housing 10, and then extends toward the rear side of the housing 10 while bending in an arch shape, which is a convex shape that curves upward when viewed from the left and right of the housing 10. The tips of the grip portions 14b and 14c are located above the flat surface 14a of the lower panel 14. A user can carry the storage device 1 by hooking their fingers or hands on the grip portions 14b and 14c.

[0020] A front air intake port 23, which is a through-hole, is provided in the handhold portion 14b at a location that rises from the front end of the lower panel 14 toward the top of the housing 10. The front air intake port 23 is formed in the shape of an elongated hole that extends in the left-right direction of the housing 10. The upper edge of the front air intake port 23 is located below the tip of the handhold portion 14b.

[0021] A plurality of legs 17 protruding toward the outside of the housing 10 are provided on the flat surface 14a. In the first position, the storage device 1 is supported by these legs 17. In the first position, in the up-down direction of the housing 10, the bottom panel 14 is disposed vertically downward. The leg portion 17 is formed from various resin materials such as rubber. The bottom panel 14 corresponds to the "second member." This bottom panel 14 forms the second of the six faces of the housing 10. The bottom panel 14 is disposed opposite the first face formed by the top panel 12, with the second face extending parallel to it.

[0022] A plurality of louvers 23a are provided in the front air intake 23. Each of the louvers 23a is formed in an S-shape in plan view. Each of the louvers 23a is arranged so that the leading end on the front side of the housing 10 overlaps the rear end of the adjacent louver 23a. This forms a so-called labyrinth structure in the front air intake 23 from the front side to the rear side of the housing 10. This prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the interior of the housing 10 from the outside through the front air intake 23.

[0023] 2, front panel 16 is a member formed to have a predetermined thickness by bending each edge of a substantially rectangular plate-shaped material rearward to form a curved surface along the front-rear direction of storage device 1. Front panel 16 has flat surface 16a provided in the approximate center thereof. The flat surface 16a is provided with unit openings 16b, which are through-holes. In this embodiment, the unit openings 16b are rectangular elongated holes extending along the left-right direction of the housing 10, and three unit openings 16b are provided along the up-down direction of the housing 10.

[0024] Below the unit opening 16b, a front opening 16c, which is a rectangular elongated hole extending along the left-right direction of the housing 10, is formed.

[0025] A rod-shaped handle 28 extending in the left-right direction of the housing 10 is provided on the front panel 16 at a position closer to the upper surface of the housing 10 than the lower surface. The lower edge of the handle 28 is formed by hollowing out an elongated hole at a location on the front side of the housing 10 that is located above the unit opening 16b. The upper edge of the handle 28 is formed by cutting out approximately the center of the upper end of the front panel 16 along the up-down direction of the housing 10. This allows each of the handles 28 to be provided without protruding from each face of the housing 10. This makes it possible to improve the design and operability of the storage device 1.

[0026] The handle 28 is hollow. A side surface of the handle 28 that continues from a position facing rearward to a position facing downward is formed integrally with the front panel 16. A plurality of ribs 28a are provided inside the handle 28, extending upright in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle 28. This allows the handle 28 to have a predetermined strength. The side of the handle 28 located on the outer side of the storage device 1 is formed by a handle cover 27 that is separate from the front panel 16. The handle cover 27 is attached to the front panel 16. This allows the handle 28 to be hollow, making it possible to reduce its weight.

[0027] A user can carry or set up the storage device 1 by holding these handles 28. The handle 28 is not limited to the shape described above that allows the user to grip the entire circumference, but may have other shapes, such as a groove shape, that allow the user to hook their fingers or hands to hold the storage device 1. In other words, the storage device 1 may be provided with a recess or the like that provides a handle for the user to hold it.

[0028] The front panel 16 is provided with screw holes 16d at locations adjacent to each corner of the flat surface 16a. On the flat surface 16a, at each edge extending along the vertical direction of the housing 10, there is provided an engagement hole 16e, which is a recess with which a claw-shaped member can be engaged.

[0029] The rear panel 18 is a member formed to have a predetermined thickness by bending each edge of a substantially rectangular plate-shaped material forward to form a curved surface along the front-to-rear direction of the storage device 1. A flat surface 18a is provided in approximately the center of the rear panel 18. The flat surface 18a is provided with a rear exhaust port 25, which is a through-hole. In the present embodiment, the rear exhaust port 25 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above on the rear panel 18, and is provided at a position closer to the upper surface side of the housing 10 than to the lower surface side. The rear exhaust port 25 is provided with a plurality of louvers. At least one of the front panel 16 and the rear panel 18 is not limited to being made of one member, but may be made of two or more members.

[0030] Below rear exhaust port 25, rear opening 18c (FIG. 3) is formed as a rectangular elongated hole extending along the left-right direction of housing 10.

[0031] 2, a rod-shaped handle 28 extending in the left-right direction of the housing 10 is provided on the rear panel 18 at a position closer to the upper surface of the housing 10 than to the lower surface. The handle 28 on the rear panel 18 is formed in substantially the same shape as the handle 28 on the front panel 16. The lower edge of the handle 28 is formed by hollowing out an elongated hole at a location on the front side of the housing 10 above the rear exhaust port 25. The upper edge of the handle 28 is formed by cutting out substantially the center of the upper end of the rear panel 18 along the up-down direction of the housing 10.

[0032] The handle 28 is hollow. A side surface of the handle 28, which extends continuously from a position facing forward to a position facing downward, is formed integrally with the rear panel 18. A plurality of ribs 28a are provided inside the handle 28, extending upright in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle 28. The side of the handle 28 that faces outward from the storage device 1 is formed by a handle cover 27 that is separate from the rear panel 18. The handle cover 27 is attached to the rear panel 18.

[0033] The rear panel 18 is provided with screw holes 18d at locations adjacent to each corner of the flat surface 18a. On the flat surface 18a, at each edge extending along the vertical direction of the housing 10, there is provided an engagement hole 18e, which is a recess with which a claw-shaped member can be engaged. The front panel 16 and the rear panel 18 correspond to the "third member." The front panel 16 and the rear panel 18 each form two of the six faces of the housing 10, which are the third faces. The front panel 16 and the rear panel 18 are arranged so that the two third faces extend parallel to each other.

[0034] 1 and 2, the upper end of the front panel 16 is connected to the front end of the upper panel 12, and the upper end of the rear panel 18 is connected to the rear end of the upper panel 12. The lower end of the front panel 16 is connected to the front end of the lower panel 14, and the lower end of the rear panel 18 is connected to the rear end of the lower panel 14.

[0035] Specifically, the fastening members 150 inserted into each of the screw holes 16d on the upper end side of the front panel 16 are screwed into the front end of the upper panel 12 (Figure 2), and the fastening members 150 inserted into each of the screw holes 16d on the lower end side of the front panel 16 are screwed into the front end of the lower panel 14 (Figure 16). Similarly, fastening members 150 inserted through each of the screw holes 18d on the upper end side of the rear panel 18 are screwed into the rear end of the upper panel 12 (Figure 2), and fastening members 150 inserted through each of the screw holes 18d on the lower end side of the rear panel 18 are screwed into the rear end of the lower panel 14 (Figure 17).

[0036] When the top panel 12 and the front panel 16 are connected, the periphery of the handle 28 and the front plate 12a are arranged opposite each other. The tip of the front plate 12a extends below the handle 28, and the front plate 12a forms a curved surface that faces the periphery of the handle 28. Similarly, when the top panel 12 and the rear panel 18 are connected, the peripheral surface of the handle 28 and the rear plate 12b are arranged opposite each other. The tip of the rear plate 12b extends below the handle 28, and the rear plate 12b forms a curved surface that faces the peripheral surface of the handle 28.

[0037] When a user grasps each of the handles 28, the user inserts their hand between the respective handle 28 and either the front panel 12a or the rear panel 12b. The front panel 12a and the rear panel 12b are formed from a single member and form seamless curved surfaces. Therefore, in the storage device 1, when the user inserts their hand between the respective handle 28 and either the front panel 12a or the rear panel 12b, the user's hand will not come into contact with a seam or the like.

[0038] When the lower panel 14 and the front panel 16 are connected, the handle portion 14b and the front air intake port 23 are exposed on the front side of the housing 10 through the front opening 16c. The tip of the handle portion 14b is connected to the upper edge of the front opening 16c. Similarly, when the lower panel 14 and the front panel 16 are connected to each other, the grip portion 14c is exposed on the rear side of the housing 10 through the rear opening 18c. The tip of the grip portion 14c is connected to the upper edge of the rear opening 18c. A user can carry the storage device 1 by hooking his / her fingers or hands on the grip portion 14b or the grip portion 14c through the front opening 16c or the rear opening 18c.

[0039] Each of the side panels 19 is a plate-like member that is substantially rectangular in plan view. Each of the corners of the side panels 19 is rounded by so-called R-chamfering. The side panel 19 has gently sloping surfaces 19g formed from each of the outer edges of the side panel 19 toward flat surfaces 19h that form the left and right sides of the housing 10. When each of the side panels 19 is connected to another panel, each of the sloping surfaces 19g becomes a surface that is continuous with the top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces of the housing 10, respectively. In each of the side panels 19, a plane 19h located in the center is a flat portion and functions as a main surface that forms most of the side surface around the periphery of the housing 10. Each of the side panels 19 corresponds to a "fourth member." Each of the side panels 19 forms two fourth surfaces of the six surfaces of the housing 10. Each of the side panels 19 is arranged so that the two fourth surfaces extend parallel to each other.

[0040] Each of the side panels 19 has a plurality of engagement pieces 19a protruding from the surface located on the interior side of the housing 10 on each of the three sides except for the side located on the bottom end side in the up-down direction of the housing 10. Each of the side panels 19 is attached to each of these panels by engaging these engagement pieces 19a from the left and right with the engagement holes 12c of the top panel 12, the engagement holes 16e of the front panel 16, and the engagement holes 18e of the rear panel 18. However, without being limited to this, each of the side panels 19 may be fixed to each other using a fastening member. Also, for example, at least one of the side panels 19 may be formed from two or more members, not limited to one member.

[0041] The storage device 1 can be installed with either the left or right side surface, i.e., the side panel 19, serving as the bottom surface. Hereinafter, the so-called lying position in which the storage device 1 is installed with either the left or right side surface serving as the bottom surface will be referred to as the second position.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when each of the side panels 19 is attached to the top panel 12, the bottom panel 14, the front panel 16, and the rear panel 18, each of the screw holes 16d and each of the screw holes 18d are covered by each of the side panels 19.

[0043] 1, a user interface unit 22 is provided on the front panel 16 at a position located on the front surface of the housing 10 and closer to the upper surface than the lower surface. The user interface unit 22 is provided with a display area where LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and the like are provided and which displays the operating state of the accommodated device 1, the remaining amount of energy of the battery 100, and the like, and a switch area where switches are provided as operators that receive operations such as instructions to switch the operating state of the accommodated device 1 from the user. The user interface unit 22 is not limited to a physical switch, and may be configured to be operable using a touch panel provided in the display area. The display area corresponds to the "display section," and the switch area corresponds to the "operation section."

[0044] A terminal unit 24 is provided on the front panel 16 below the user interface unit 22. The terminal unit 24 includes an AC power output terminal and a DC power output terminal. The AC power output terminal and the DC power output terminal supply AC power and DC power to other electrically powered devices, etc., via external terminals connected to them, respectively. The terminal unit 24 includes an operator for receiving a predetermined operation on the storage device 1, a connection terminal for connecting to another storage device 1, and the like.

[0045] The terminal unit 24 includes an AC power input terminal and a DC power input terminal. The AC power input terminal and the DC power input terminal are supplied with AC power and DC power from an AC output unit (outlet) of a generator or a house, or a power generation device outside the accommodation device 1, such as a solar panel, via external terminals connected to the AC power input terminal and the DC power input terminal, respectively. The storage device 1 can use this input AC power or DC power to charge the battery 100 stored therein. That is, the storage device 1 functions as a charging device.

[0046] The terminal unit 24 is provided with a cover member 26 that covers each of the various terminals and controls described above. The cover member 26 is provided so as to be detachable from the terminal unit 24. The cover member 26 may be provided integrally with the terminal unit 24 and formed so as to be openable and closable. A communication unit 120 is attached to the side of the terminal unit 24 (FIG. 19).

[0047] The user interface unit 22, the terminal unit 24, and the communication unit 120 are connected to each other in advance and attached to the rear flat surface of the housing 10 of the front panel 16. In the user interface unit 22 and the terminal unit 24 attached in this manner, the display area, switch area, various terminals, operators, etc. are inserted into the unit opening 16b and exposed on the front side of the housing 10.

[0048] Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the storage device 1 taken along plane III shown in Fig. 1. Plane III is an imaginary plane passing through approximately the center of the storage device 1 in the left-right direction. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the storage device 1. As shown in FIG. 3 and 4, a storage mechanism 30 that stores the battery 100 is provided inside the housing 10. The storage mechanism 30 is disposed approximately in the center of the housing 10 in the front-to-rear direction, and is located directly below the top opening 13.

[0049] An inverter unit 80 is provided behind the accommodation mechanism 30 in the front-rear direction of the housing 10. The inverter unit 80 includes an inverter 82 and a shroud 90. The inverter 82 functions as a so-called DC-AC inverter, which converts the DC power supplied from the battery 100 in response to a user's operation and outputs AC power.

[0050] The inverter 82 includes a rectangular substrate 84 on both sides of which predetermined electrical components 86 are mounted. The substrate 84 is arranged so that each flat surface faces in the front-to-rear direction of the housing 10. The electrical components 86 form predetermined electrical circuits such as an inverter circuit or a converter circuit. Other electrical operating units, such as an AC-DC converter and a DC-DC converter, are mounted on the substrate 84. Therefore, the inverter 82 can convert DC power supplied from, for example, the battery 100, and output DC power of a different voltage.

[0051] As described above, AC power and DC power are supplied to the accommodation device 1 from a power generation device external to the accommodation device 1 via the terminal unit 24. The AC power input to the accommodation device 1 is converted into DC power by the AC-DC converter provided in the inverter 82 and charged into the battery 100. The DC power input to the accommodation device 1 has its voltage converted by the DC-DC converter provided in the inverter 82 and charged into the battery 100.

[0052] The shroud 90 is a covering member that covers the inverter 82 from the rear in the front-rear direction of the housing 10. The shroud 90 is provided with a plurality of fans 92 that cool the battery 100 and the inverter 82.

[0053] The inverter unit 80 is fixed inside the housing 10 by having the upper edge of the substrate 84 supported by an upper edge support member 87 and the lower edge of the substrate 84 supported by a lower edge support member 88 . The upper edge support member 87 is a linear member that curves in a U-shape toward the rear in the front-rear direction of the housing 10. The upper edge support member 87 has both ends fixed to the accommodation mechanism 30 and supports the board 84 and the inverter unit 80 by abutting against the board 84 at two points located approximately in the center in the longitudinal direction (FIG. 16).

[0054] The lower edge support member 88 is a linear member that is provided on the lower panel 14 and extends in the left-right direction of the housing 10. When viewed from the front side of the housing 10, the lower edge support member 88 is curved in a substantially M shape, and two peaks that protrude upward from the housing 10 abut against the board 84, thereby supporting the board 84 and the inverter unit 80. In this way, the inverter unit 80 is fixed to the housing 10. The upper edge support member 87 and the lower edge support member 88 correspond to the "other support members" in this disclosure. The inverter unit 80 corresponds to the "electrically operated portion" in this disclosure.

[0055] 3 and 4, the inverter unit 80 is covered from the rear by the rear panel 18. The inverter unit 80 is disposed in a position where the rear portion thereof overlaps the edge of the rear panel 18 when viewed from the left-right direction. This allows the accommodation device 1 to accommodate the inverter unit 80 space-efficiently in the front-rear direction of the accommodation device 1. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the length dimension of the accommodation device 1 in the front-rear direction.

[0056] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of battery 100 as viewed from above. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of battery 100 as viewed from below. For ease of explanation, in Figs. 4 and 5, an imaginary line V that passes through the center of battery 100 in a plan view and extends along the longitudinal direction of battery 100 is shown by a two-dot chain line. 5 and 6, battery 100 is a portable, generally rectangular parallelepiped power storage device that houses an energy storage device such as a battery cell inside. A pair of end faces 101 and 103 located in the longitudinal direction of battery 100 are each rectangular in plan view. The battery 100 corresponds to the "contained item."

[0057] The battery 100 is provided with a battery handle 102 that can be gripped by a user on one longitudinal end face 101. The battery handle 102 is formed of a side handle portion 104 that extends along one side of the one end face 101 and a central handle portion 106 that extends from approximately the center of the side handle portion 104 in the longitudinal direction to the side located on the opposite side, and is formed in a substantially T-shape in a plan view.

[0058] 6, a battery terminal 108 is provided on the other end face 103. The battery terminal 108 is a female terminal provided at a position close to one side of the end face 103 and extends along that side. The side of the end face 103 to which the battery terminal 108 is closely arranged overlaps the side of the end face 101 on which the side handle portion 104 is provided, in a plan view in the longitudinal direction of the battery 100. A protruding surface portion 105 is provided at approximately the center of the end surface 103, protruding outward from the periphery of the end surface 103. The protruding surface portion 105 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and the protruding end is formed on a flat surface.

[0059] The battery 100 has four battery side surfaces 107 that extend along the longitudinal direction of the battery 100 and whose both ends in the longitudinal direction are continuous with the end surfaces 101, 103. Of these battery side surfaces 107, one battery side surface 107 is formed as a curved surface that curves along a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the battery 100 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the battery 100. In contrast, the other battery side surfaces 107 are formed as approximately flat surfaces. In other words, the battery 100 is formed rotationally asymmetric with the imaginary line V as the axis of rotation. Hereinafter, the curved battery side surface 107 is referred to as a curved surface 109. The curved surface 109 is continuous with the side of the end surface 103 to which the battery terminal 108 is disposed adjacent, and with the side of the end surface 101 to which the handle portion 104 is provided.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the containing mechanism 30 as viewed from above. 7, the accommodation mechanism 30 accommodates the battery 100 and is electrically connected to the battery terminals 108 of the battery 100. The accommodation mechanism 30 includes a battery case 32. The battery case 32 is a container made of, for example, resin, that accommodates and holds the battery 100. The battery case 32 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with its longitudinal direction extending along the vertical direction of the housing 10.

[0061] The battery case 32 includes a rear portion 40 that forms the bottom surface inside the battery case 32, and side walls 48 that stand up from each side of the rear portion 40. The rear portion 40 is located on the lower side of the housing 10 and corresponds to the lower end of the battery case 32. The rear portion 40 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. Each of the side walls 48 forms a side surface of the battery case 32. Each of the side walls 48 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and its longitudinal direction extends along the vertical direction of the housing 10. In this embodiment, the length dimension of the side wall 48 in the longitudinal direction is formed to be approximately the same as the length dimension of the battery side surface 107 in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] The battery case 32 has a rectangular access opening 31 that opens over the entire top end surface. The access opening 31 is disposed at a position that overlaps with the top opening 13 in a plan view of the housing 10. The battery case 32 corresponds to the "storage section" in this disclosure, and the access opening 31 corresponds to the "first opening" in this disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the battery case 32. As shown in FIG. 8, in the battery case 32, a frame-shaped extension 34 that extends outward with a predetermined width is provided on the periphery of the loading / unloading opening 31. The frame-shaped extension 34 is formed in a rectangular frame shape in a plan view. Screw holes 33 are provided at each of the corners of the frame-shaped extension 34. In the frame-shaped extension 34, a plate insertion hole 35 and a metal fitting insertion hole 37, both of which are through holes, are provided at positions located on the left and right sides of the housing 10 with the access opening 31 in between.

[0064] The battery case 32 has a rear portion 40 that is rectangular in plan view on the opposite side of the loading / unloading opening 31 in the longitudinal direction. The rear portion 40 is provided with a terminal hole 41, which is a through-hole that connects the inside and outside of the battery case 32. The terminal hole 41 is an elongated hole that extends along one side of the housing 10 located on the rear side of the rear portion 40.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 8, inside the battery case 32, cushioning materials 42 are provided at each of the corners of the innermost portion 40. The cushioning materials 42 are formed separately from the battery case 32. The cushioning materials 42 are formed of a material, such as a rubber material, that is more elastic or less hard than the battery case 32. A terminal hole 41 is provided between a pair of cushioning materials 42 provided at each of the corners located on the rear side of the housing 10.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner portion 40 of the battery case 32 as viewed from below the accommodating mechanism 30. FIG. 9, a plurality of case-side bosses 38 are provided in the innermost portion 40 of the battery case 32, protruding outward from the battery case 32 and toward the lower portion of the housing 10. Each of the case-side bosses 38 has a cylindrical shape with a circular tip surface. A screw hole 39, which is a through-hole, is provided in the approximate center of each case-side boss 38 in a plan view, along the direction in which the case-side boss 38 extends.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the case frame 50. As shown in FIG. The battery case 32 is provided with a case frame 50, which is a frame-shaped member that is rectangular in plan view. The case frame 50 is formed from a material, such as a metal material, that has at least one of a strength higher than that of the battery case 32 and a rigidity higher than that of the battery case 32. The case frame 50 may be formed from the same material as the battery case 32. A frame opening 51 is provided in the center of the case frame 50. The frame opening 51 is formed in a shape that is substantially the same as the shape of the peripheral surface of the battery 100 when viewed in the longitudinal direction in a plan view. Therefore, in the frame opening 51, the side located on the rear side of the housing 10 is formed in a curved shape in a plan view, and the other sides are formed in a substantially straight shape.

[0068] The length of each side of the top opening 13 and the loading / unloading opening 31 is set to be equal to or greater than the length of each side of the frame opening 51 .

[0069] Case frame 50 is provided with protrusions 52 that protrude by a predetermined dimension from each side of frame opening 51 toward the center of frame opening 51. In the present embodiment, protrusions 52 are provided on each of the sides of frame opening 51 that are located in the left-right direction of housing 10.

[0070] A screw hole 53 is provided at each corner of the case frame 50. The case frame 50 is attached to the battery case 32 by fastening the screw holes 53 and 33 together with fastening members 150 while the screw holes 53 and 33 are aligned with each other. The case frame 50 corresponds to the "other frame-shaped portion."

[0071] 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams of the storage mechanism 30 as viewed from the right of the storage device 1. For ease of explanation, in Fig. 11 and 12, the battery 100 and the locking mechanism 76 are indicated by dashed lines, and an imaginary line V that passes through the center of the battery 100 in a plan view and extends along the longitudinal direction of the battery 100 is indicated by a dashed two-dot line. A pocket-shaped metal fitting holding portion 49 with an internal space is provided on each of the left and right side walls 48 of the battery case 32. The upper ends of the metal fitting holding portions 49 are connected to the metal fitting insertion holes 37.

[0072] A mounting bracket 60 is placed in each of the bracket holding portions 49 through the bracket insertion hole 37. The mounting bracket 60 is a plate-shaped member extending in the up-down direction of the housing 10. The lower side of each mounting bracket 60 is placed inside the bracket holding portion 49 and fixed to the battery case 32 by a fastening member 150 inserted from the outside of the bracket holding portion 49. The upper end of each of the mounting brackets 60 is positioned above the access opening 31.

[0073] Each of the mounting brackets 60 supports a holding handle 62 rotatably along the front-to-rear direction of the housing 10. The holding handle 62 is a linear member extending along the left-to-right direction of the housing 10. The holding handle 62 is formed in a roughly U-shape when viewed from the front of the housing 10, and both ends in the longitudinal direction are rotatably attached to each of the mounting brackets 60 via metal shaft bodies 64. A lock plate 63 extends linearly approximately in the center of the holding handle 62 and is positioned above the loading / unloading opening 31. The lock plate 63 is formed so that it can be gripped by a user. At both ends of the holding handle 62, link connection ends 61 are provided that extend from the metal shaft body 64 toward the rear side of the housing 10.

[0074] One longitudinal end of a link plate 70 is rotatably connected to the tip of each link connection end 61 via a link shaft 68. The link plate 70 is a plate-like member extending in the up-down direction of the housing 10 outside each of the left and right side walls 48. Each of the link plates 70 is inserted into a plate insertion hole 35.

[0075] The other end of each link plate 70 is rotatably connected to both ends of a terminal holding plate 72 in the longitudinal direction via plate shafts 74 . The terminal holding plate 72 is a plate-like member having a predetermined length. One longitudinal end of the terminal holding plate 72 is disposed along the lower portion of one of the side walls 48 located in the left-right direction. The terminal holding plate 72 extends from the lower portion of one of the side walls 48 to the inner portion 40 and below the terminal hole 41, and the other end is disposed along the lower portion of one of the side walls 48 located in the left-right direction. For this reason, the terminal holding plate 72 is bent into a substantially U-shape when viewed from the front of the housing 10.

[0076] The terminal holding plate 72 has a case-side connection terminal 54 provided at a position facing the terminal hole 41 . The case-side connection terminal 54 is a male terminal formed so as to be connectable to the battery terminal 108. The case-side connection terminal 54 can be inserted into the terminal hole 41. The case-side connection terminal 54 is electrically connected to the inverter 82 via a predetermined wiring. Therefore, when the case-side connection terminal 54 is connected to the battery terminal 108, the power stored in the battery 100 is supplied to the inverter 82.

[0077] 3, the battery case 32 and the case-side connection terminal 54 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the internal space of the accommodating device 1. The case-side connection terminal 54 is arranged at a position overlapping the edge of the lower panel 14 when viewed from the left and right. As a result, in the storage device 1, the battery case 32 and the case-side connection terminal 54 can be stored in a space-efficient manner in the vertical direction of the storage device 1. Therefore, in the storage device 1, it is possible to suppress an increase in the height dimension in the vertical direction. The case-side connection terminal 54 corresponds to the "connection portion."

[0078] 11, when the lock plate 63 of the holding handle 62 is moved rearward relative to the access opening 31, each of the link connection ends 61 moves toward the lower side of the housing 10, and each of the link plates 70 and the terminal holding plate 72 moves downward. As a result, the case-side connection terminals 54 move downward and out of the battery case 32.

[0079] 12, when the lock plate 63 of the holding handle 62 is moved upward relative to the access opening 31, each of the link connection ends 61 moves upward in the housing 10, and each of the link plates 70 and the terminal holding plate 72 move upward. As a result, the case-side connection terminals 54 move into the interior of the battery case 32 through the terminal holes 41.

[0080] Fig. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the storage device 1 taken along plane XII shown in Fig. 1. Plane XII is a plane that passes through the mounting bracket 60. For ease of explanation, Fig. 13 shows the locking mechanism 76 by a dashed line when it is rotated outward from the loading / unloading opening 31. 13, a locking mechanism 76 is provided at the upper end of each mounting bracket 60. Each locking mechanism 76 is attached to the upper end of the mounting bracket 60 so as to be rotatable along the left-right direction of the housing 10.

[0081] The locking mechanisms 76 are located closer to the opening 31 than either end of the holding handle 62. When the locking plate 63 of the holding handle 62 is moved upward relative to the opening 31, the rotation of each of the locking mechanisms 76 is restricted by each end of the holding handle 62 so that it is positioned inside the opening 31. Each of the locking mechanisms 76 includes a pressing portion 77. The pressing portion 77 is formed of a material having high elasticity or low hardness, such as a rubber material.

[0082] In the battery case 32, each of the side walls 48 arranged along the left-right direction of the housing 10 is provided with an abutting body 78. The abutting body 78 is a member formed by bending a wire-shaped metal material into a U-shape. Each of the abutting bodies 78 is provided so that the top of the U-shape extends toward the inner surface of the side panel 19 located on the left and right. A buffer body 79 is provided at the top of the U-shape of each of the abutting bodies 78. The buffer body 79 is formed of a material having high elasticity or low hardness, such as rubber. Each of the buffer bodies 79 abuts against the inner surface of the side panel 19 located on the left and right.

[0083] As a result, the left and right side panels 19 are supported by the battery case 32 via the abutment members 78. Therefore, when the storage device 1 is installed in the second posture in which one of the left and right side panels 19 serves as the bottom surface, deformation of the side panel 19 can be suppressed, allowing for stable installation. In this case, the other side panel 19, which serves as the top surface, is supported by the battery case 32 via the abutment members 78. Therefore, when the storage device 1 is installed in the second posture in which one of the left and right side panels 19 serves as the bottom surface, deformation of both side panels 19 can be suppressed. In this second position, one of the side panels 19 is positioned vertically downward in the up-down direction of the housing 10. The contact body 78 corresponds to the "extension portion."

[0084] Each of the abutment bodies 78 is fixed to each of the side walls 48 of the battery case 32 by fastening both ends together with the fastening members 150 that fix the mounting fittings 60 to the fitting holding portions 49. This allows the accommodation device 1 to provide each of the abutment bodies 78 while suppressing an increase in the number of parts. Furthermore, the abutting body 78 is not limited to being provided on the battery case 32, but may be provided so as to abut on each of the left and right side panels 19 against the battery case 32. Furthermore, for example, instead of the abutting body 78, the accommodation device 1 may be provided with a connecting member that connects each of the left and right side panels 19 to the battery case 32.

[0085] Here, the structure for fixing the housing 10 and the battery case 32 will be described. The lower panel 14 is provided with a plurality of panel-side bosses 29 that protrude upward from the housing 10. Each of the panel-side bosses 29 is formed in the shape of a column with a circular tip surface. Each of the panel-side bosses 29 is disposed at a position corresponding to each of the case-side bosses 38 in a plan view of the housing 10. Each of the panel-side bosses 29 and each of the case-side bosses 38 are connected and fixed to each other by fastening members 150 inserted through screw holes 39, with their tip surfaces abutting each other. As a result, the lower panel 14 and the battery case 32 are connected together, and the battery case 32 is disposed at a predetermined position in the vertical direction of the housing 10.

[0086] Fig. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the storage device 1 taken along plane XIII shown in Fig. 1. Plane XIII is a plane that passes through the screw hole 15 located on the front side of the housing 10. Fig. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the storage device 1 taken along plane XIV shown in Fig. 1. Plane XIV is a plane that passes through the screw hole 15 located on the rear side of the housing 10. 14 and 15, the top panel 12 and the battery case 32 are arranged so that each of the screw holes 15 and each of the screw holes 33 overlap in a plan view of the housing 10. In this state, fastening members 150 are screwed into each of the screw holes 15 and each of the screw holes 33, thereby fixing the top panel 12 and the battery case 32 together.

[0087] As a result, in the storage device 1, the upper panel 12 and the lower panel 14 are connected by the battery case 32. Therefore, the strength of the housing 10 can be improved.

[0088] As described above, the battery case 32 is attached by fastening the screw holes 53 of the case frame 50 to the respective screw holes 33 with the fastening members 150. In addition, the battery case 32 is attached by fastening both ends of the upper edge support member 87 to the respective screw holes 33 located on the rear side of the housing 10 with the fastening members 150. This makes it possible to connect the top panel 12, the battery case 32, the case frame 50, and the upper edge support member 87 while suppressing an increase in the number of parts in the accommodation device 1.

[0089] In this way, the storage device 1 with the improved strength of the housing 10 is not limited to the first posture in which the bottom surface is installed as the bottom surface in contact with the installation surface, but can also be installed with both the top surface and the rear surface as the bottom surface. Furthermore, the storage device 1 can be installed in a second posture in which the left and right side surfaces are the bottom surfaces. This allows the installation posture of the storage device 1 to be changed depending on the user's purpose.

[0090] 16 and 17 are perspective views showing the assembled structure of the storage device 1. FIG. Next, the assembly procedure for the storage device 1 will be described. 16, when assembling the storage device 1, first, the storage mechanism 30 is fixed to the bottom panel 14. Next, the front panel 16 and the inverter unit 80 are attached to the bottom panel 14. In this case, the front panel 16 is attached to the bottom panel 14 with the user interface unit 22, the terminal unit 24, and the communication unit 120 already attached thereto. As a result, the front panel 16, which is provided with many electrical components of the storage device 1, and the inverter unit 80 are fixed to the bottom panel 14. Therefore, in the storage device 1, wiring work can be easily performed, such as connecting the user interface unit 22 or the terminal unit 24 to the inverter unit 80 with the connection cable 145. Additionally, in the storage device 1, various wires such as the connection cable 145 can be routed more efficiently. As shown in FIG. 17, in the accommodation device 1, the front panel 16 and the inverter unit 80 are fixed to the lower panel 14, and then the upper panel 12 and the rear panel 18 are attached.

[0091] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the storage device 1 as seen from the left side. In Figure 18, the side panel 19 that forms the left side is omitted. For ease of explanation, in Figure 18, the upper panel 12, the lower panel 14, the front panel 16, and the rear panel 18 are each hatched. 18, the upper panel 12, lower panel 14, front panel 16, and rear panel 18 attached in this manner are connected to one another to form a rectangular frame when viewed from the left and right of the housing 10, surrounding the components housed in the housing 10, such as the accommodation mechanism 30 and the inverter unit 80. Therefore, the panels reinforce each other, and the strength of the accommodation device 1 can be improved.

[0092] In this way, in storage device 1, the frame-shaped portion is formed by four members: upper panel 12, lower panel 14, front panel 16, and rear panel 18. This makes it easier to form the frame-shaped portion in storage device 1 than if it were formed from a single member. This makes storage device 1 easier to manufacture.

[0093] In addition, the front panel 16 and rear panel 18, on which the handle 28 is provided, are fixed to the top panel 12 and bottom panel 14, respectively, ensuring the strength of the storage device 1 when a user carries the storage device 1 by holding the handle 28. In addition, as described above, in the storage device 1, the upper panel 12 and the lower panel 14 are connected by the battery case 32. Therefore, the strength of the housing 10 can be improved.

[0094] In addition, not limited to the above, when assembling the storage device 1, after the upper panel 12 and the lower panel 14 are attached to the storage mechanism 30, the front panel 16 and the rear panel 18 may be fixed to the upper panel 12 and the lower panel 14.

[0095] Figure 19 is a side view of the storage device 1 as seen from the right side. In Figure 19, the side panel 19 that forms the right side is omitted. For ease of explanation, in Figure 19, the upper panel 12, the lower panel 14, the front panel 16, and the rear panel 18 are each hatched. The communication unit 120 will now be described in more detail. As described above, the communication unit 120 is attached to the terminal unit 24. The communication unit 120 includes communication hardware such as an antenna 122 and a communication circuit that conforms to a short-range wireless communication standard. The communication unit 120 is capable of communicating with a terminal device such as a remote control, a smartphone, or a tablet. Examples of short-range wireless communication standards include Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 120 is attached to the side of the terminal unit 24 and is provided in a position that is not exposed to the outside of the housing 10.

[0096] In this embodiment, the communication unit 120 is attached to the terminal unit 24 by a fastening member 150. The fastening member 150 is attached so that the screw head of the fastening member 150 faces the side panel 19 that forms the right side surface of the housing 10. Furthermore, the communication unit 120 and the fastening member 150 are positioned so that they are exposed to the outside when the side panel 19 is removed.

[0097] The communication unit 120 arranged in this manner is covered at the front by a front panel 16 made of a resin material. In the communication unit 120 arranged in this manner, the antenna 122 is arranged on the front and upper side of the storage device 1.

[0098] When a user uses the storage device 1 via a terminal device, it is assumed that the user operates the user interface unit 22 and the terminal unit 24 together. In this embodiment, the communication unit 120 and the antenna 122 are disposed in positions close to the front panel 16, and no shielding member is disposed on the front side of the antenna 122. This allows the storage device 1 to be easily operated using the terminal device. In addition, the storage device 1 is prevented from interfering with communication with the terminal device.

[0099] The communication unit 120 is provided with a communication unit terminal 120a to which a terminal such as a predetermined wire can be connected. The communication unit terminal 120a is a female terminal that is provided along the front-to-rear direction of the housing 10 and opens toward the rear of the housing 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the communication unit terminal 120a may be a male terminal that is provided along the front-to-rear direction of the housing 10 and protrudes toward the rear of the housing 10.

[0100] In the battery case 32, a start-up battery 98 is provided on one of the side walls 48 arranged along the left-right direction of the housing 10. The start-up battery 98 is a power storage device that supplies power to the processor that controls the storage device 1 and various electrical components. When an operator for starting the storage device 1 is operated, the start-up battery 98 supplies power to the processor, and the processor starts controlling the storage device 1, thereby operating the storage device 1. The start-up battery 98 supplies power at a lower voltage than the battery 100.

[0101] The starting battery 98 is attached to the battery case 32 via a fixing bracket 96. The fixing bracket 96 is fastened together with the fitting holding portion 49 by fastening members 150 that secure the mounting fittings 60 to the fitting holding portion 49, thereby being fixed to each of the side walls 48 of the battery case 32. The starting battery 98 is fixed to the fixing bracket 96 by fastening members 150 such as screws. A bracket cushioning material 96a is provided on a predetermined location on the surface of the starting battery 98 that faces the battery case 32. The bracket cushioning material 96a is made of a flexible material such as rubber or sponge. The fixing bracket 96 abuts against the battery case 32 via the bracket cushioning material 96a. Therefore, even if the housing 10 vibrates when the storage device 1 is transported or when the battery 100 is inserted or removed from the storage device 1, the bracket cushioning material 96a suppresses vibration of the starting battery 98. In the storage device 1, the start-up battery 98 is disposed between one of the side walls 48 and one of the side panels 19, and is disposed in a position that is exposed to the outside when the side panel 19 is removed.

[0102] The start battery 98 is provided with a start battery terminal 98a to which a terminal of a predetermined wire or the like can be connected. The start battery terminal 98a is a female terminal that is provided along the vertical direction of the housing 10 and opens toward the bottom of the housing 10. However, the start battery terminal 98a is not limited to this, and may be a male terminal that is provided along the vertical direction of the housing 10 and protrudes toward the bottom of the housing 10.

[0103] The communication unit terminal 120a and the starting battery terminal 98a are both connected to a connection cable 145. The connection cable 145 extends along the bottom panel 14 of the housing 10 toward the rear of the housing 10, and the other end is connected to the inverter unit 80.

[0104] As described above, the communication unit 120 and the start-up battery 98 are positioned so that they are exposed to the outside when the side panel 19 is removed. The fastening members 150 that secure the communication unit 120 and the start-up battery 98 are attached so that the screw heads face the side panel 19 that forms the right side surface of the housing 10. Similarly, the communication unit terminal 120a and the start-up battery terminal 98a are positioned so that they are exposed to the outside when the side panel 19 is removed. Therefore, in the storage device 1, by removing one of the side panels 19, the user can easily perform maintenance operations such as inspecting and replacing the communication unit 120 and wiring connection processing of the connection cable 145, etc. The communication unit 120 corresponds to an "accessory part," and the starter battery 98 corresponds to an "accessory part, electric accessory device."

[0105] [1.2. Operation] The operation of the storage device 1 configured as above will now be described. When a user stores a battery 100 in the storage device 1, the user opens the lid 20 and rotates the holding handle 62 so that the lock plate 63 is positioned at a predetermined position on the rear side of the loading / unloading opening 31. This causes each of the locking mechanisms 76 to rotate in the left-right direction of the housing 10 and move outward from the loading / unloading opening 31 in a plan view.

[0106] Next, the user grasps the battery handle 102 and inserts the battery 100 from the other end face 103 side along the imaginary line V into the top opening 13, the frame opening 51, and the access port 31. At this time, the user inserts the battery 100 with the curved surface 109 facing the rear side of the housing 10. 10 and 11 , when the battery 100 is attached to or detached from the accommodation mechanism 30, the attachment / detachment direction, which is the direction of movement, is a direction along an imaginary line V that passes through the center of the battery 100 in a plan view and extends along the longitudinal direction of the battery 100. In other words, the attachment / detachment direction is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the battery 100 and the longitudinal direction of the battery case 32.

[0107] As described above, only the side of frame opening 51 located on the rear side of housing 10 is curved in an arc shape. Therefore, battery 100 can be inserted into frame opening 51 only when the user inserts battery 100 with curved surface 109 facing the rear side of housing 10. On the other hand, if the user inserts the battery 100 in a position different from the above-mentioned position, the battery 100 cannot pass through the frame opening 51.

[0108] This prevents the battery 100 from being accommodated in the accommodation device 1 in a position that makes it impossible to connect the battery terminals 108 and the case-side connection terminals 54, i.e., makes it impossible to electrically connect the battery 100 to the accommodation device 1. Therefore, the accommodation device 1 can prevent poor connection between the accommodation device 1 and the battery 100.

[0109] As described above, each of the cushioning materials 42 protrudes from each of the rear portion 40 and the side walls 48 inside the battery case 32. Therefore, when the battery 100 is inserted into the battery case 32 until the end face 103 abuts against the rear portion 40, each of the cushioning materials 42 abuts against the end face 103 and each of the battery side faces 107. Each of the cushioning materials 42 is elastically deformed by the weight of the battery 100. As a result, the battery 100 is housed in the battery case 32. In this way, in the storage device 1, by providing the cushioning material 42, the end face 103 is prevented from hitting the inner part 40 too hard when the battery 100 is inserted, thereby reducing wear on the battery 100 and the battery case 32.

[0110] When the battery 100 is housed in the battery case 32, only the end face 101 is located above the loading / unloading opening 31. In other words, when the battery 100 is housed in the battery case 32, the end face 101 and the battery handle 102 are exposed from the battery case 32.

[0111] 13, the user rotates the holding handle 62 until the lock plate 63 is positioned at a predetermined position above the loading / unloading opening 31. As the holding handle 62 rotates, each of the locking mechanisms 76 rotates in the left-right direction of the housing 10 and moves toward the inside of the loading / unloading opening 31 in plan view, and each of the pressing portions 77 comes into contact with the end face 101 of the battery 100. Furthermore, by rotating the holding handle 62, the case-side connection terminal 54 passes through the terminal hole 41 and moves into the battery case 32, where it is connected to the battery terminal 108. This electrically connects the storage device 1 and the battery 100.

[0112] Thereafter, the user rotates the cover 20 to close the top opening 13. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11 , the bulge 21 abuts against the holding handle 62 from the rear side of the housing 10, restricting the rotation of the holding handle 62. As a result, in the storage device 1, after the storage device 1 and the battery 100 are electrically connected, the holding handle 62 is restricted from rotating regardless of the posture in which the storage device 1 is placed.

[0113] On the other hand, if the lock plate 63 is not positioned at a predetermined position above the loading / unloading opening 31, i.e., if the storage mechanism 30 has not yet completed storing the battery 100, when the lid 20 is rotated to close the top opening 13, the underside of the bulge 21 comes into contact with the lock plate 63. This prevents the lid 20 from closing the top opening 13. Therefore, the storage device 1 is prevented from starting use if the storage of the battery 100 has not yet been completed.

[0114] As described above, the holding handle 62 extends along the left-right direction of the housing 10 and is provided so as to rotate along the front-rear direction of the housing 10.

[0115] When the holding handle 62 is rotated until the lock plate 63 moves upward relative to the loading / unloading opening 31, the rotation of each locking mechanism 76 is restricted by the holding handle 62 and each locking mechanism 76 presses against the end face 101 of the battery 100. As a result, each pressing portion 77 elastically deforms and comes into close contact with the end face 101. Meanwhile, the end face 103 of the battery 100 is pressed by the repulsive force of each buffer material 42 and is held by each buffer material 42. In this way, the battery 100 is accommodated so as to be sandwiched between each locking mechanism 76 and each buffer material 42 along the longitudinal direction of the battery 100. This allows the battery case 32 to accommodate the battery 100 more securely.

[0116] Furthermore, when the battery 100 is accommodated in the accommodation mechanism 30, each of the battery side surfaces 107 located in the left-right direction of the housing 10 at the upper end side of the battery 100 is positioned close to the protrusions 52 provided on the case frame 50. This restricts the movement of the battery 100 along the left-right direction of the housing 10 at the upper end side. Therefore, in the accommodation device 1, vibration and displacement of the battery 100 can be suppressed on the end surface 101 side of the battery 100.

[0117] As described above, the case frame 50 and the cushioning material 42 are the components that most frequently come into contact with the battery 100. The case frame 50 and the cushioning material 42 are formed separately from the battery case 32. Therefore, even if the case frame 50 or the cushioning material 42 is deformed or damaged, the case frame 50 or the cushioning material 42 can be easily replaced in the storage device 1. Additionally, the shapes of the case frame 50 and the cushioning material 42 can be more precisely adjusted in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, since the case frame 50 is formed from a material that has higher strength and rigidity than the battery case 32, deformation of the case frame 50 can be suppressed.

[0118] The above-described embodiment is an example of one aspect of the present invention, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0119] For example, the storage device 1 in this embodiment is a power supply device that uses a battery 100 housed inside the housing 10 as a power source to supply power to the outside of the device, but is not limited to this and may also be a power consumption device that has a power consumption unit formed integrally with the device, such as a light source or an audio output device.

[0120] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the case frame 50 is formed separately from the battery case 32, but this is not limiting, and the case frame 50 may be formed integrally with the battery case 32.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, the storage device 1 may include a sealing material that seals the gap between the storage mechanism 30 and the battery 100 stored in the storage mechanism 30 to make it liquid-tight, and may include a sealing structure formed by the sealing material. In this case, the storage device 1 may omit the lid 20.

[0122] In the above-described embodiment, the battery 100 is formed to be rotationally asymmetric about the imaginary line V as the axis of rotation, but the present invention is not limited to this and the battery 100 may be formed to be rotationally symmetric, such as cylindrical. In addition, the battery terminals 108 may be formed in a position and shape that makes the battery 100 rotationally symmetric.

[0123] In the above-described embodiment, the buffer material 42 is provided, but the buffer material 42 may be omitted and the thickness of the pressing portion 77 may be increased. Also, for example, the pressing portion 77 and the buffer material 42 may be formed from the same material.

[0124] Although the protrusion 52 is provided on the case frame 50 in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this and the protrusion 52 may be provided on the battery case 32. The protrusion 52 may be provided at any position in the longitudinal direction of the battery case 32. In this case, the case frame 50 may be omitted from the accommodation device 1.

[0125] In the above-described embodiment, the storage device 1 and the storage mechanism 30 are configured to store a battery 100 having battery cells therein as a power storage device, but this is not limited thereto and other power storage devices such as a capacitor may also be stored.

[0126] In the above-described embodiment, the accommodation device 1 accommodates the battery 100 that stores electric power as a portable energy storage device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the accommodation device 1 may detachably accommodate, for example, a fuel cell that uses hydrogen or the like. Furthermore, for example, the accommodation device 1 may include a hydrogen container that stores hydrogen used in the fuel cell, a fuel storage device used for power generation such as a so-called portable hydrogen tank.

[0127] Furthermore, for example, the storage device 1 may be equipped with a combustion engine such as an engine, and may detachably store a container or the like for storing liquid fuel such as gasoline or gaseous fuel such as hydrogen to be burned by the combustion engine. In this way, the storage device 1 is not limited to a portable energy storage device, but may be one that detachably stores an energy source such as fuel. In this case, the storage device 1 is provided with a mechanism for generating electricity from an energy source such as hydrogen.

[0128] In the above-described embodiment, the storage device 1 has a power supply function and a charging function, but is not limited to this, and the storage device 1 may have only a power supply function or only a charging function.

[0129] Unless otherwise specified, the horizontal, vertical, and other directions and various shapes in the above-described embodiments include a so-called equivalent range in which the same action and effect as those directions and shapes are achieved.

[0130] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0131] (Configuration 1) A storage device comprising: a housing having six approximately rectangular faces facing in different directions and formed in an approximately polyhedral shape; and a storage section provided inside the housing for storing and accommodating an object to be stored in a removable manner; the housing comprising a first member and a second member each attached to the storage section, the second member attached to the opposite side of the first member relative to the storage section. According to this configuration, the first and second members that constitute the housing are connected via the housing portion, which improves the strength of the housing.

[0132] (Configuration 2) The storage section is provided with a first opening through which the stored item can be inserted and removed, the first member is attached to a position corresponding to the first opening of the storage section, and is provided with a second opening that overlaps the first opening and through which the stored item can be inserted and removed. According to this configuration, the object to be contained is inserted through the first opening and the second opening and is housed in the container section, so that the container device can contain the object to be contained.

[0133] (Configuration 3) The container device according to configuration 2, wherein the first member is provided with a lid portion that opens and closes to cover at least a portion of the second opening. According to this configuration, the second opening is closed by the lid, so that the storage device can protect the inside of the housing.

[0134] (Configuration 4) The storage device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the housing is arranged so that the second member can be placed on the housing with the second member facing downward in the vertical direction. According to this configuration, the housing can be installed with the second member as the bottom surface that abuts against the placement surface, allowing the user to use the storage device in a stable state.

[0135] (Configuration 5) The storage device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the housing has a third member attached to the first member at one end and the second member at the other end. According to this configuration, the first member and the second member are connected by the third member in addition to the housing portion, which further improves the strength of the housing device.

[0136] (Configuration 6) The storage device according to Configuration 5, wherein the third member is provided with a handle for a user to hold. According to this configuration, the handle is provided on the third member that is fixed to both the first member and the second member, so that the storage device has sufficient strength when carried by holding the handle.

[0137] (Configuration 7) The storage device according to Configuration 5 or 6, characterized in that the third member is provided with at least one of a display unit that displays information to be provided to a user of the storage device and an operation unit that receives operations from the user of the storage device. According to this configuration, the display unit or the operation unit is provided on the third member, which improves the operability of the storage device for the user.

[0138] (Configuration 8) The housing of any one of Configurations 5 to 7, wherein the housing has two third members, one of which is attached to the first member and the second member on the opposite side of the other third member, with the storage section in between. According to this configuration, the first member and the second member are connected by the two third members, which further improves the strength of the storage device.

[0139] (Configuration 9) The storage device described in Configuration 8, wherein the first member, the second member, and each of the two third members are connected in a frame shape surrounding the storage portion to form a frame-shaped portion. According to this configuration, the housing includes a frame-shaped portion, which further improves the strength of the storage device.

[0140] (Configuration 10) The storage device according to configuration 9, further comprising an accessory, at least a part of which is disposed inside the inner periphery of the frame-shaped portion. According to this configuration, the accessory parts can be maintained and serviced by removing the fourth member, which improves the ease of maintenance and service of the accessory devices in the storage device.

[0141] (Configuration 11) The storage device according to configuration 10, wherein the accessory part is attached to a portion of the storage section located inside the inner periphery of the frame-shaped section directly or via a support member. According to this configuration, the storage device can store accessories in a space-efficient manner while suppressing an increase in the number of fixing structures.

[0142] (Configuration 12) The storage device according to Configuration 10 or 11, characterized in that the stored object is an electric storage device, and the accessory part is an electrical accessory that is electrically connected to the electric storage device stored in the storage section. According to this configuration, the storage device can store electrical accessories in a space-efficient manner while suppressing an increase in the number of fixing structures.

[0143] (Configuration 13) The storage device according to any one of Configurations 5 to 12, wherein the housing has a fourth member attached to the first member, the second member, and the third member. According to this configuration, the fourth member is connected to the first to third members, and therefore, in the containing device, the first to third members can be fixed more firmly by the fourth member.

[0144] (Configuration 14) The storage device described in Configuration 13, wherein the outer surface of the fourth member facing the outside of the housing has a main surface located in the center and having a flat portion, and an inclined surface that is continuous with the main surface and slopes toward the outer edge. According to this configuration, the housing has a shape in which the corners are removed, that is, a so-called chamfered shape, which allows the storage device to have improved design and operability for transportation, storage, installation, etc.

[0145] (Configuration 15) The container device according to Configuration 13 or 14, wherein at least one of the container section and the fourth member is provided with an extension extending toward the other. According to this configuration, the fourth member is supported by the accommodation portion, which allows the strength of the fourth member to be improved in the accommodation device.

[0146] (Configuration 16) The housing has two fourth members, one of which is attached to the first member, the second member, and the third member on the opposite side of the other fourth member, across the storage section. The storage device described in any one of Configurations 13 to 15. According to this configuration, the fourth member is disposed with the housing portion sandwiched therebetween, and therefore the fourth member, together with the housing portion, can further strengthen the fixation of the first to third members.

[0147] (Configuration 17) The storage device according to any one of Configurations 13 to 16, wherein the housing is configured so that the fourth member can be placed on the housing with the fourth member facing downward in the vertical direction. According to this configuration, the housing can be installed with the fourth member as the bottom surface that abuts against the placement surface, and therefore the storage device can be used in a position that suits the usage situation.

[0148] (Configuration 18) A storage device described in any one of Configurations 13 to 17, characterized in that the first member forms a first surface which is one of the six surfaces of the housing, the second member forms a second surface which is a surface opposite to the first surface of the housing, the third member forms a third surface which intersects with the first surface and the second surface of the housing, and the fourth member forms a fourth surface which intersects with the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface of the housing. According to this configuration, the housing is formed in a polyhedron shape, so that the storage device can be used in a position that suits the usage situation.

[0149] (Configuration 19) A storage device according to any one of configurations 1 to 18, characterized in that the object to be stored is formed in a shape that is rotationally asymmetric with respect to an axis that passes through the center of the object and extends along the direction in which the object is inserted into and removed from the storage section, the storage section has another frame-shaped portion that surrounds the axis, and the other frame-shaped portion allows the object to be inserted into the storage section when the object is inserted into the storage section in a predetermined attitude, and prevents the object from being inserted into the storage section when the object is inserted into the storage section in an attitude different from the predetermined attitude. According to this configuration, the storage device is prevented from storing the stored object in an unusable position, and therefore the storage device can be prevented from malfunctioning.

[0150] (Configuration 20) The storage device according to Configuration 19, wherein the other frame-shaped portion is formed separately from the storage portion. According to this configuration, the shape of the frame can be adjusted more precisely during manufacturing, which makes it easier to replace the frame in the storage device if it is damaged.

[0151] (Configuration 21) The storage device according to Configuration 20, wherein the other frame-shaped portion is formed of a material having higher strength and / or rigidity than the material of the storage portion. According to this configuration, the frame portion has at least one of a strength and a rigidity higher than that of the housing portion, and therefore deformation of the frame portion can be suppressed.

[0152] (Configuration 22) The container device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 21, characterized in that the inner surface of the container has a protrusion that protrudes toward the inside of the container. This configuration reduces the gap between the inner periphery of the storage section and the outer periphery of the object to be stored, thereby making it possible to prevent the object from shifting position relative to the storage section in the storage device.

[0153] (Configuration 23) The storage device according to any one of configurations 1 to 22, wherein the object to be stored is an electric storage device, and the storage section has a connection section that is electrically connected to the electric storage device. According to this configuration, the storage device can store a battery, and therefore the storage device can use the power of the battery.

[0154] (Configuration 24) The storage device described in Configuration 23, characterized in that at least a portion of the connection portion is positioned so as to overlap with the second member when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first member, the storage portion, and the second member. According to this configuration, the storage device can arrange the connection parts in a space-efficient manner.

[0155] (Configuration 25) The storage device according to Configuration 23 or 24, characterized in that the storage device has an electric actuation part electrically connected to the connection part. According to this configuration, the storage device can supply power to the electric components, thereby allowing the electric components to be driven using the power.

[0156] (Configuration 26) The storage device according to Configuration 25, wherein the storage section is provided with another support member for supporting the electrically actuated section. According to this configuration, the electrical component is supported by the housing, and therefore the electrical component is more reliably fixed to the housing.

[0157] (Configuration 27) The housing has a third member attached at one end to the first member and at the other end to the second member, and at least a portion of the electrically actuating unit is positioned so as to overlap with the third member when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first member, the storage unit, and the second member. This is the storage device described in Configuration 25 or 26. According to this configuration, the accommodation device can efficiently arrange the electrically actuated unit space. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1. Containment device 10. Cabinet 12 Top panel (first member) 13 Top opening (second opening) 14 Bottom panel (second member) 16 Front panel (third member) 18 Rear panel (third member) 19 Side panel (fourth member) 20 Lid (lid) 22 User interface unit (display, operation unit) 28 Handle 30 Containment Mechanism 32 Battery case (accommodation section) 31 Loading / unloading opening (first opening) 50 Case frame (frame-shaped part) 52 Protrusion 54 Case side connection terminal (connection part) 80 Inverter unit (actuator) 100 Battery (contained item, power storage device)

Claims

1. a housing having six substantially rectangular faces facing in different directions and formed in a substantially polyhedral shape; a storage section provided inside the housing for storing an object in a removable manner; the housing has a first member and a second member each attached to the housing portion, the second member is attached to the opposite side of the first member across the accommodation portion, the housing has two third members, one end of which is attached to the first member and the other end of which is attached to the second member; one of the two third members is attached to the first member and the second member on the opposite side of the other third member with the accommodation portion interposed therebetween, the first member, the second member, and the two third members are connected to each other in a frame shape surrounding the storage portion to form a frame-shaped portion, The first member, the second member, and the two third members are formed separately. A storage device characterized by:

2. The storage section is provided with a first opening through which the stored object can be put in and taken out, The first member is attached to a position corresponding to the first opening of the storage portion, and a second opening is provided that overlaps the first opening and allows the stored object to be put in and taken out.

2. The storage device according to claim 1.

3. The first member is provided with a lid portion that opens and closes to cover at least a portion of the second opening.

3. The storage device according to claim 2.

4. The housing is provided so that it can be placed with the second member facing downward in the vertical direction.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a storage device for storing a storage medium.

5. The third member is provided with a handle for a user to hold.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a storage device for storing a storage medium.

6. a display unit provided on the third member for displaying information to be provided to a user of the storage device; and an operation unit that receives operations from a user of the storage device.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a storage device for storing a storage medium.

7. With accessories, At least a part of the accessory is disposed inside the inner periphery of the frame-shaped portion.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a storage device for storing a storage medium.

8. The accessory is attached to a portion of the housing portion that is located inside the inner periphery of the frame-shaped portion directly or via a support member.

8. The storage device according to claim 7.

9. the contained object is an electricity storage device, The accessory is an electric accessory that is electrically connected to the power storage device accommodated in the accommodation portion.

8. The storage device according to claim 7.

10. The housing has a fourth member attached to the first member, the second member, and the third member.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a storage device for storing a storage medium.

11. The outer surface of the fourth member facing the outside of the housing has a main surface that is located at the center and has a flat portion, and an inclined surface that is continuous with the main surface and inclined toward the outer edge.

11. The storage device according to claim 10.

12. At least one of the storage portion and the fourth member is provided with an extension portion extending toward the other.

11. The storage device according to claim 10.

13. the housing has two fourth members, One of the two fourth members is attached to the first member, the second member, and the third member on the opposite side of the other fourth member with the accommodation portion interposed therebetween.

11. The storage device according to claim 10.

14. The housing is provided so that it can be placed with the fourth member facing downward in the vertical direction.

11. The storage device according to claim 10.

15. the first member forms a first surface that is one of the six surfaces of the housing; the second member forms a second surface that faces the first surface of the housing, the third member forms a third surface that intersects with the first surface and the second surface of the housing, The fourth member forms a fourth surface that intersects with the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface of the housing.

11. The storage device according to claim 10.

16. The object to be contained is formed in a shape that is rotationally asymmetric with respect to an axis that passes through the center of the object and extends along a direction in which the object is put in and taken out of the container, the housing portion has another frame-shaped portion surrounding the axis, the other frame-shaped portion allows the object to be inserted into the storage portion when the object is inserted into the storage portion in a predetermined posture; When the object to be contained is inserted into the storage section in a position different from the predetermined position, the insertion of the object to be contained into the storage section is hindered.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a storage device for storing a storage medium.

17. The other frame-shaped portion is formed separately from the storage portion.

17. The storage device of claim 16.

18. The other frame-shaped portion is formed of a material having higher strength and / or rigidity than the material of the housing portion.

18. The storage device of claim 17.

19. The inner surface of the storage section has a protrusion that protrudes toward the inside of the storage section.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a storage device for storing a storage medium.

20. the contained object is an electricity storage device, The housing portion has a connection portion that is electrically connected to the power storage device.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a storage device for storing a storage medium.

21. At least a part of the connection portion is disposed at a position overlapping the second member when viewed in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the first member, the accommodation portion, and the second member.

21. The storage device of claim 20.

22. The storage device has an electric actuation part electrically connected to the connection part.

21. The storage device of claim 20.

23. The housing portion is provided with another support member for supporting the electric actuation portion.

23. The storage device of claim 22.

24. the housing has a third member attached to the first member at one end and to the second member at the other end, At least a part of the electrically actuated portion is disposed at a position overlapping with the third member when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first member, the housing portion, and the second member.

23. The storage device of claim 22.

25. The storage section has a storage section side protrusion that protrudes toward the second member, the second member includes a second-member-side protrusion that protrudes toward the first member, The housing-side protrusion and the second-member-side protrusion are connected to each other.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a storage device for storing a storage medium.

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