Energy storage element module kit, energy storage element unit, building, and energy storage element unit installation method

The energy storage element module kit with swingable handle members addresses the handling challenges of large and heavy modules by improving ease of use and installation through enhanced mobility and stability.

JP7780290B2Active Publication Date: 2025-12-04SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO LTD
View PDF 4 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021162065
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-09-30
Publication Date
2025-12-04
Estimated Expiration
2041-09-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The increasing size and weight of energy storage element modules have made handling, transportation, and installation burdensome, particularly during inspection or repair, and assembling at the installation site has become necessary.

Method used

The energy storage element module kit includes swingable handle members that allow for improved handling by providing a wider range of motion without contacting the housing, with the center of gravity between the handles and perpendicular pivot centers for stability.

Benefits of technology

This design enhances the ease of handling and transportation of energy storage element modules by reducing the burden on users and facilitating safer, more efficient installation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007780290000001
    Figure 0007780290000001
  • Figure 0007780290000002
    Figure 0007780290000002
  • Figure 0007780290000003
    Figure 0007780290000003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To improve handleability when carrying an electric storage element module.SOLUTION: An electric storage element module kit 30 includes an electric storage element module 40, a first handle member 35A attached to the electric storage element module, and a second handle member 35B attached to the electric storage element module, and the first handle member and the second handle member are swingable with respect to the electric storage element module when attached to the electric storage element module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an energy storage element unit. The energy storage element unit includes a housing and a plurality of energy storage element modules housed in the housing. The energy storage element modules have a large number of cells. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-181640 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, demand for increased capacity in energy storage element units has led to larger and heavier energy storage element modules. When inspecting or repairing an installed energy storage element unit, the heavy energy storage element module must be removed from the housing or reinserted into the housing, which places a heavy burden on the user.

[0005] Furthermore, as energy storage element units have become larger and heavier, the burden of transporting the assembled energy storage element units and installing them at the installation site has increased. As a way to deal with the increased size and weight of energy storage element units, assembling the energy storage element units at the installation site has also been considered. In this construction method, the energy storage element module is housed in a housing that is fixed at the installation site.

[0006] In light of the above background, there is a demand for improving the ease of handling when carrying an energy storage element module. An object of the present invention is to improve the ease of handling when carrying an energy storage element module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The energy storage element module kit according to the present invention comprises: a power storage element module; a first handle member attached to the energy storage element module; a second handle member attached to the energy storage element module, The first handle member and the second handle member are swingable relative to the energy storage element module when attached to the energy storage element module.

[0008] In the energy storage element module kit according to the present invention, the first handle member is swingable on a side away from the second handle member when attached to the energy storage element module, The second handle member may be swingable on a side away from the first handle member when attached to the energy storage element module.

[0009] In the energy storage element module kit according to the present invention, a swingable angle range on a side away from the second handle member of the first handle member when the first handle member is attached to the energy storage element module is larger than a swingable angle range on a side approaching the second handle member, When the second handle member is attached to the energy storage element module, the range of angles at which it can be swung on the side away from the first handle member may be greater than the range of angles at which it can be swung on the side approaching the first handle member.

[0010] In the energy storage element module kit according to the present invention, the first handle member attached to the energy storage element module housed in a housing can swing within a range where it does not come into contact with the housing, The second handle member attached to the energy storage element module housed in the housing may be swingable within a range where it does not come into contact with the housing.

[0011] In the energy storage element module kit according to the present invention, the energy storage element module includes a first protrusion provided at a position away from a swing center of the first handle member, the first handle member is restricted from swinging away from the second handle member by contacting the first protrusion; the energy storage element module includes a second protrusion provided at a position away from a swing center of the second handle member, The second handle member may be restricted from swinging away from the first handle member by contacting the second protrusion.

[0012] In the energy storage element module kit according to the present invention, the center of gravity of the energy storage element module may be located between the swing center of the first handle member and the swing center of the second handle member.

[0013] In the energy storage element module kit according to the present invention, the first handle member and the second handle member are attached to the energy storage element module at positions spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the energy storage element module; The pivot center of the first handle member and the pivot center of the second handle member may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the energy storage element module.

[0014] The energy storage element unit according to the present invention comprises: Any one of the energy storage element module kits according to the present invention; and a housing that houses the energy storage element module.

[0015] A building according to the present invention comprises an energy storage element unit according to the present invention.

[0016] The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to the present invention includes the steps of: attaching the first handle member and the second handle member of any one of the energy storage element module kits according to the present invention to the energy storage element module of the energy storage element module kit; and a step of gripping the first handle member and the second handle member and placing the energy storage element module inside the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the ease of handling when carrying an energy storage element module. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view showing an example of an energy storage element unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the energy storage element unit of FIG. 1 with some components omitted. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an energy storage element module kit included in the energy storage element unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the energy storage element module included in the energy storage element module kit of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the energy storage element module kit of FIG. 3 with the handle member attached to the energy storage element module. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a state in which the handle member has swung relative to the energy storage element module. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a state in which the handle member has swung relative to the energy storage element module. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a top view showing the energy storage element module of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged top view of part A in FIG. 8, showing the opening and the connecting portion provided in the first side wall portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 9, showing the opening and the connecting portion provided in the first side wall portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the same part of the first side wall as FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top view corresponding to FIG. 9, showing a state in which the hook of the handle member is inserted into the opening of the first side wall portion. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9, and shows a state in which the hooks are arranged in different positions from those in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 13, showing a state in which the handle member is attached to the energy storage element module. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a top view showing the energy storage element module kit of FIG. 3, showing a state in which a handle member is attached to the energy storage element module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings attached to this specification, the scale and aspect ratios have been appropriately changed and exaggerated from their actual values ​​for the sake of ease of illustration and understanding. Furthermore, configurations shown in some drawings may be omitted in other drawings.

[0020] In this specification, terms that specify shapes, geometric conditions, and their degrees, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," and "identical," as well as values ​​of lengths and angles, are not limited to their strict meanings, but are interpreted to include a range within which similar functions can be expected.

[0021] To clarify the directional relationships between the drawings, the first direction D1, second direction D2, third direction D3, Z direction DZ, X direction DX, and Y direction DY are shown as arrows that are common to the drawings. The tip of the arrow is the first side of each direction D1, D2, D3, DZ, DX, and DY. In each direction, the side opposite the first side is the second side. Arrows that point away from the paper in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface are shown by symbols with a dot in a circle, as shown in Figure 5, for example.

[0022] The Z direction DZ, the X direction DX, and the Y direction DY are used for the energy storage element module 40. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are used for the energy storage element unit 10. That is, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are used for the energy storage element module 40 when it is properly housed in the housing box 15 or the internal space 15S.

[0023] 1 to 16 are diagrams illustrating one embodiment. Of these, FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an energy storage element unit 10, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the energy storage element unit 10 with some components removed. The energy storage element unit 10 is used as a secondary battery unit that can be charged and discharged. The illustrated energy storage element unit 10 is applied to buildings such as homes and public facilities, for example. The energy storage element unit 10 is electrically connected to the wiring of the building and functions as a power source for electrical devices installed in the building.

[0024] 2, the energy storage element unit 10 includes a housing box 15, an energy storage element module 40, and a pair of handle members 35. The energy storage element module 40 is housed in an internal space 15S within the housing box 15. The pair of handle members 35 are used when handling the energy storage element module 40. In this embodiment, some improvements have been made to improve the ease of handling when carrying the energy storage element module 40.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing box 15 may include a cover plate 18 and a housing 20. The illustrated housing 20 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with one side open. The housing 20 has an opening 20A that opens to a first side in the third direction D3. In a specific application, the Z direction DZ may be a vertical direction, and the first side in the Z direction DZ may be the upper side in the vertical direction. The illustrated cover plate 18 is plate-shaped. The cover plate 18 is detachable from the housing 20. The cover plate 18 is attached to the housing 20 to close the opening 20A. Between the housing 20 and the cover plate 18, a rectangular parallelepiped internal space 15S is formed to accommodate the energy storage element module 40 and the like. The housing 20 and the cover plate 18 have the strength required to accommodate the heavy energy storage element module 40. The housing 20 and the cover plate 18 include, for example, a frame and a panel material fixed to the frame. The frame is made of, for example, metal. The panel is made of, for example, metal or resin.

[0026] The housing 20 includes a bottom wall 21 and a side wall 22 extending from the bottom wall 21. The side wall 22 extends from the bottom wall 21 toward a first side in the third direction D3. The bottom wall 21 defines an internal space 15S from a second side in the third direction D3. The side wall 22 includes a first side wall 22A, a second side wall 22B, a third side wall 22C, and a fourth side wall 22D. The first side wall 22A and the second side wall 22B face in the first direction D1. The first side wall 22A defines the internal space 15S from a first side in the first direction D1. The third side wall 22C and the fourth side wall 22D face in the second direction D2. The third side wall portion 22C defines the internal space 15S from the first side in the second direction D2. Fig. 2 shows the housing 20 with the first side wall portion 22A and the third side wall portion 22C removed.

[0027] 2, the energy storage element unit 10 may include a plurality of energy storage element modules 40. In the internal space 15S of the housing box 15, the plurality of energy storage element modules 40 may be stacked in the third direction D3. In the internal space 15S, the plurality of energy storage element modules 40 may be arranged side by side in the first direction D1. The number of energy storage element modules 40 housed in the housing 20 may be selected appropriately depending on the electrical characteristics required of the energy storage element unit 10.

[0028] In the illustrated example, the energy storage element unit 10 includes a first group G1 of energy storage element modules and a second group G2 of energy storage element modules. The first group G1 includes three energy storage element modules 40 stacked in the third direction D3. The second group G2 includes four energy storage element modules 40 stacked in the third direction D3. The first group G1 and the second group G2 are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. The first group G1 is located on a first side in the first direction D1, and the second group G2 is located on a second side in the first direction D1. The first group G1 and the second group G2 are arranged at the same position in the second direction D2.

[0029] The energy storage element module 40 may include cells 41 and a case 45 that houses the cells 41. The cells 41 are the smallest units that can be handled as an energy storage element. FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing an example of the energy storage element module 40. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an energy storage element module kit. That is, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the energy storage element module 40 together with a pair of handle members 35. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the energy storage element module 40 shown in FIG. 3 with the end covers 46 and 47 removed. As shown in FIG. 4, the case 45 may include a case main body 50 and a case lid 70.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4 , the cell 41 has a flat shape and extends in the X direction DX and the Y direction DY. In the illustrated example, multiple cells 41 are stacked in the Z direction DZ, which is perpendicular to both the X direction DX and the Y direction DY. The cell 41 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The cell 41 has a short side of the rectangular shape in the X direction DX and a long side of the rectangular shape in the Y direction DY. The X direction DX and the Y direction DY are perpendicular to each other. The cell 41 shown in FIG. 4 includes an outer casing 42 that houses multiple electrode plates (not shown), including positive and negative electrode plates, and a pair of tabs 43 that are electrically connected to the electrode plates and extend to the outside of the outer casing 42. The pair of tabs 43 function as a positive terminal or a negative terminal, respectively. Due to the electrode plates housed in the outer casing 42, the thickness of the central portion 41c of the cell 41 is thicker than the thickness of the peripheral portion 41e located around the central portion 41c.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, the energy storage element module 40 has a longitudinal direction in the Y direction DY. The energy storage element module 40 has a thickness direction in the Z direction DZ. The energy storage element module 40 has a lateral direction in the X direction DX. As shown in Fig. 2, the energy storage element module 40 shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is housed in the housing box 15 so that the X direction DX is parallel to the first direction D1, the Y direction DY is parallel to the second direction D2, and the Z direction DZ is parallel to the third direction D3.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the energy storage element unit 10 may further include stoppers 28 that fix the first group G1 and the second group G2 to the housing box 15. In the illustrated example, the stoppers 28 include a first stopper 28A that fixes the first group G1 and a second stopper 28B that fixes the second group G2. The illustrated stoppers 28 are removably attached to the housing 20 at both ends in the second direction D2. The first stopper 28A fixed to the housing 20 contacts the first group G1 from a first side in the third direction D3. The first stopper 28A holds the first group G1 between itself and the bottom wall 21. The second stopper 28B fixed to the housing 20 contacts the second group G2 from a first side in the third direction D3. The second stopper 28B holds the second group G2 between itself and the bottom wall 21.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the energy storage element unit 10 may further include a control module 25. The illustrated control module 25 is disposed on the second stopper 28B. The control module 25 may have one or more functions, for example, to control the charging and discharging of the multiple energy storage element modules 40, monitor the charging states (e.g., charge amounts) of the energy storage element modules 40, and monitor whether or not an abnormality exists in the energy storage element modules 40. The control module 25 may transmit information such as the monitoring results of the charging states and abnormalities of the energy storage element modules 40 to a control device installed outside the energy storage element unit 10. The control module 25 may also include a switch that switches between electrical connection and disconnection between wiring external to the energy storage element unit 10 (e.g., building wiring) and the energy storage element modules 40.

[0034] In FIG. 2, a pair of handle members 35 are disposed on the first stopper 28A. As described above, the handle members 35 are used when carrying the energy storage element module 40. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the handle members 35 are attached to the energy storage element module 40. An operator can carry the energy storage element module 40 by gripping the handle members 35. When not in use, the handle members 35 may be stored in the internal space 15S of the storage box 15 as in the illustrated example. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the pair of handle members 35 during storage are each screwed to the first stopper 28A. However, this is not limiting, and the handle members 35 may be stored somewhere other than the internal space 15S of the storage box 15.

[0035] Next, the handle member 35 and the case 45 of the energy storage element module 40 to which the handle member 35 can be attached will be further described.

[0036] The energy storage element unit 10 and the energy storage element module kit 30 include a pair of handle members 35. The pair of handle members 35 includes a first handle member 35A and a second handle member 35B. The first handle member 35A and the second handle member 35B may have different configurations. The first handle member 35A and the second handle member 35B may have the same configuration, as in the illustrated example. In the following description, matters that may be common to the first and second handle members 35A, 35B will be described simply as "handle member 35" without distinguishing between the first and second handle members 35A, 35B.

[0037] The handle member 35, together with the energy storage element module 40, constitutes the energy storage element module kit 30. The handle member 35 is attachable to the energy storage element module 40. As in the illustrated example, the handle member 35 may be detachable from the energy storage element module 40. The handle member 35 may be made by cutting and bending a metal plate.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the handle member 35 includes a grip portion 36 for an operator to grip and a pair of hooks 37 formed from a plate-shaped material. The grip portion 36 includes a base portion 36a and a pair of extension portions 36b rising from the base portion 36a. The base portion 36a and the extension portions 36b are connected to each other. The base portion 36a is located between the pair of extension portions 36b. Both the base portion 36a and the extension portions 36b are plate-shaped. The base portion 36a has a rectangular shape including a pair of short sides and a pair of long sides. Each extension portion 36b is connected to the long sides of the base portion 36a. The base portion 36a and the extension portions 36b are connected so as to be non-parallel, more specifically, perpendicular to each other. The base portion 36a and the pair of extension portions 36b may be formed by bending a single metal plate. 3, at least one of the extension portions 36b may have a through hole 36c through which a screw passes for fixing the handle member 35 to the stopper 28. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the handle member 35 is attached to the stopper 28 so that the extension portion 36b provided with the through hole 36c comes into contact with the stopper 28. According to this example, when the handle member 35 is attached to the stopper 28, the extension portion 36b comes into surface contact with the stopper 28, and the handle member 35 is stably held on the stopper 28.

[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 3 , a pair of hooks 37 extend from each short side of the base portion 36a. Each hook 37 is formed from a plate-shaped material. The pair of hooks 37 extend from each short side of the base portion 36a while bending relative to the base portion 36a. In the example shown, the width of the plate-shaped material along the short side of the base portion 36a decreases as it moves away from the base portion 36a. The hook 37 includes a hook-shaped portion 37X that is curved 180° in a U-shape at an end region away from the base portion 36a. This curved hook-shaped portion 37X forms a hook shape. The axis of curvature of the hook shape extends normal to the plate surface of the plate-shaped material forming the hook 37. In the example shown, the pair of hooks 37 face each other in a direction along the long side of the base portion 36a. The pair of hooks 37 have the same shape. The hook-shaped portion 37X of each hook 37 includes a protruding end 37b, which forms the edge away from the base portion 36a, and includes a curved outer contour. The hook tip portion 37a, which is the end of the curved hook-shaped portion 37X, also has a curved contour.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4 , the case body 50 has a bottom 51 and sidewalls 52 extending from the bottom 51. The bottom 51 and the sidewalls 52 define an internal space 15S that accommodates a plurality of cells 41. In the illustrated example, the bottom 51 faces the plurality of cells 41 from the Z direction DZ. The bottom 51 supports the plurality of cells 41 stacked in the Z direction DZ. The sidewalls 52 surround the plurality of cells 41 accommodated in the case body 50 from a direction perpendicular to the Z direction DZ toward the bottom 51. The sidewalls 52 protect the plurality of cells 41 and restrict relative movement of the cells 41 with respect to the case body 50 in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction DZ. On the other hand, the sidewalls 52 allow relative movement of the cells 41 with respect to the case body 50 in the Z direction DZ. The case body 50 may be formed by integral molding of a resin material, or may be formed by assembling a bottom portion 51 and a side wall portion 52 that are separately molded from a resin material.

[0041] 4, the side wall portion 52 includes a first side wall portion 52A, a second side wall portion 52B, a third side wall portion 52C, and a fourth side wall portion 52D. The first side wall portion 52A and the second side wall portion 52B face each other in the X direction DX. The first side wall portion 52A defines the internal space 15S from a first side in the X direction DX. The third side wall portion 52C and the fourth side wall portion 52D face each other in the Y direction DY. The third side wall portion 52C defines the internal space 15S from a first side in the Y direction DY.

[0042] In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the first side wall 52A and the second side wall 52B are provided with protruding portions 53 that protrude toward a first side in the Z direction DZ. The protruding portions 53 contact another overlapping energy storage element module 40 from the first side in the Z direction DZ and support the other energy storage element module 40 from the second side in the Z direction DZ. In the example shown in the figure, the first side wall 52A and the second side wall 52B are provided with a plurality of protruding portions 53 arranged along the Y direction DY. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the first side wall 52A and the second side wall 52B are provided with receiving portions 54 that receive the protruding portions 53 of the other energy storage element module 40 located on the second side in the Z direction DZ. By accommodating the protruding portions 53 in the receiving portions 54, not only can the relative positions in the Z direction DZ of the two energy storage element modules 40 adjacent to each other in the Z direction DZ be maintained, but also relative movement of the two energy storage element modules 40 in a direction non-parallel to the Z direction DZ can be restricted. In the illustrated example, a plurality of receiving portions 54 are arranged in the Y direction DY on the first side wall portion 52A and the second side wall portion 52B.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 4 , each of the first side wall portion 52A and the second side wall portion 52B includes a main wall portion 60a and an outer wall portion 60b that face each other in the X direction DX in a region that is a first side in the Z direction DZ and that is spaced from the bottom portion 51. The main wall portion 60a extends from the bottom portion 51 in the Z direction DZ. The outer wall portion 60b is located outside the main wall portion 60a. The outer side means the side that is away from the internal space 15S. In other words, the main wall portion 60a is located between the internal space 15S and the outer wall portion 60b in the X direction DX. A gap is formed between the outer wall portion 60b and the main wall portion 60a. The outer wall portion 60b is connected to the main wall portion 60a and is maintained in a predetermined relative position with respect to the main wall portion 60a.

[0044] 4, the outer wall 60b may have a receiving portion 60e that opens outward in the X-direction DX. In the example shown, a plurality of receiving portions 60e are provided at intervals in the Y-direction DY. The receiving portion 60e can hold the case lid 70 to the case main body 50 by engaging with a fixing portion 72 of the case lid 70 (described later) that is inserted between the main wall 60a and the outer wall 60b.

[0045] Next, the opening 61, the connecting portion 62, the second opening 65 and the lateral opening 66 provided in the first side wall portion 52A and the second side wall portion 52B will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the energy storage element module 40 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG. 8, and is a top view showing an opening 61 and a connecting portion 62 provided in the first side wall portion 52A. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pair of walls 60a, 60b are spaced apart from each other. The first side wall portion 52A formed by the pair of walls 60a, 60b opens to a first side in the Z direction DZ. This opening forms an opening 61 into which the hook 37 can be inserted. In addition, a connecting portion 62 onto which the hook 37 inserted into the opening 61 can be hung is provided between the pair of walls 60a, 60b. In the illustrated example, the space in which the handle member 35 attached to the energy storage element module 40 is located and the space through which the handle member 35 moves to be attached to the energy storage element module 40 are the spaces formed between the pair of walls 60a, 60b inside the first side wall portion 52A. The space within the first side wall portion 52A in which the handle member 35 is located is divided by the main wall portion 60a from the internal space 15S that houses the cells 41. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hooks 37 from coming into contact with the multiple cells 41 when attaching the handle member 35 to the energy storage element module 40, when carrying the energy storage element module 40, and when removing the handle member 35 from the energy storage element module 40. As a result, it is possible to prevent damage to the cells 41 caused by the hooks 37 coming into contact with the cells 41.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 8 , the opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 are provided in the first side wall portion 52A and the second side wall portion 52B, respectively. The first side wall portion 52A and the second side wall portion 52B are spaced apart from each other in the X direction DX. Furthermore, each pair of wall portions 60a, 60b included in the first side wall portion 52A and the second side wall portion 52B faces each other in the X direction DX. According to this example, the pair of hooks 37 of the handle member 35 can be inserted into the openings 61 provided in the first side wall portion 52A and the second side wall portion 52B, respectively. Furthermore, the pair of hooks 37 can be hooked onto the connecting portions 62 provided in the first side wall portion 52A and the second side wall portion 52B, respectively. This allows the handle member 35 having the pair of hooks 37 to be attached to the energy storage element module 40.

[0048] In the illustrated example, a plurality of openings 61 and connecting portions 62 are provided in the first side wall portion 52A and spaced apart in the Y direction DY. A plurality of openings 61 and connecting portions 62 are provided in the second side wall portion 52B and spaced apart in the Y direction DY. Specifically, two openings 61 and connecting portions 62 are provided in the first side wall portion 52A and spaced apart in the Y direction DY. Two openings 61 and connecting portions 62 are provided in the second side wall portion 52B and spaced apart in the Y direction DY. According to this example, the first handle member 35A and the second handle member 35B can be attached to the energy storage element module 40, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 16 .

[0049] In the illustrated example, the opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 are adjacent to each other in the Y direction DY. In the adjacent opening 61 and connecting portion 62, the connecting portion 62 is located outside the opening 61 in the Y direction DY, that is, on the side away from the side wall center line WL that bisects the dimensions of the first side wall 52A and the second side wall 52B along the Y direction DY.

[0050] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the opening 61 provided in the first side wall portion 52A and the opening 61 provided in the second side wall portion 52B face each other in the X direction DX. The connecting portion 62 provided in the first side wall portion 52A and the connecting portion 62 provided in the second side wall portion 52B face each other in the X direction DX. That is, the opening 61 provided in the first side wall portion 52A and the opening 61 provided in the second side wall portion 52B are arranged at the same position in the Y direction DY. The connecting portion 62 provided in the first side wall portion 52A and the connecting portion 62 provided in the second side wall portion 52B are arranged at the same position in the Y direction DY. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8 , each pair of walls 60a, 60b of the first side wall portion 52A and the second side wall portion 52B has, along the Y direction DY, two first regions WA where the openings 61 and the connecting portions 62 are provided, and a second region WB where the openings 61 and the connecting portions 62 are not provided. In one of the two first areas WA, the first handle member 35A is attached to the energy storage element module 40. In the other of the two first areas WA, the first handle member 35A is attached to the energy storage element module 40.

[0051] The opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 will be described in more detail.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the opening 61 opens to a first side in the Z direction DZ. In the illustrated example, the opening 61 has a substantially rectangular shape when observed from the first side in the Z direction DZ. The length of the opening 61 along the Y direction DY is longer than the length of the opening 61 along the X direction DX. That is, in the illustrated example, the opening 61 has a short direction in the X direction DX and a long direction in the Y direction DY. Furthermore, the opening 61 has an opening edge 61a on the first side in the Y direction DY formed by a first partition wall 63a connecting the main wall portion 60a and the outer wall portion 60b.

[0053] As clearly shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b have ribs 64 on their opposing surfaces. FIG. 10 shows a cross section taken along line BB in FIG. 9 . The ribs 64 protrude from each of the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b toward a wall center line OL that bisects the dimension of the opening 61 along the X direction DX. As shown in FIG. 9 , the ribs 64 have a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The ribs 64 reinforce the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b near the elongated opening 61. The ribs 64 also guide the hook 37, which has passed through the opening 61, to move smoothly in the Z direction DZ. The ribs 64 may be made of, for example, a resin material.

[0054] In the illustrated example, each of the pair of walls 60a, 60b facing each other in the X direction DX has a plurality of ribs 64 spaced apart in the Y direction DY. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the plurality of ribs 64 are provided at intervals in the Y direction DY.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 9 , the width of the opening 61 provided with the rib 64 in the X direction DX is the minimum width of the opening 61 in the X direction DX. The minimum width of the opening 61 in the X direction DX, where the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b face each other, is preferably larger than the thickness of the hook 37 to enable attachment and detachment of the hook 37. In particular, it is more preferable that the ratio of the minimum width of the opening 61 in the X direction DX, where the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b face each other, to the thickness of the hook 37 be 1.5 or more. Furthermore, it is preferable that the ratio of the minimum width of the opening 61 in the X direction DX, where the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b face each other, to the thickness of the hook 37 be 1.8 or less.

[0056] The ribs 64 protruding from the main wall portion 60a and the ribs 64 protruding from the outer wall portion 60b may have different protruding heights. In the illustrated example, the protruding height of the ribs 64 protruding from the outer wall portion 60b in the X direction DX is greater than the protruding height of the ribs 64 protruding from the main wall portion 60a in the X direction DX. Therefore, the ribs 64 can effectively reinforce the outer wall portion 60b, which is not directly connected to the bottom portion 51 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , a connecting portion 62 is provided between the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b, on which the hook 37 inserted into the opening 61 is hung. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the connecting portion 62 extends along the X direction DX and connects the main wall portion 60a and the outer wall portion 60b. As shown in FIG. 10 , the connecting portion 62 includes a first connecting portion 62a on which the hook 37 is hung and a second connecting portion 62b connected to the first connecting portion 62a. When observed from the X direction DX, the first connecting portion 62a extends along an arc such as a circular arc or an elliptical arc. As shown in FIG. 11 , the connecting portion 62 has a curved surface 62s extending in an arc shape when observed from a first side in the X direction DX. The first connecting portion 62a extends along a semicircular arc that convex toward a second side in the Z direction DZ, or convex downward in the illustrated example. As a result, the first connecting portion 62a is a curved plate-like portion. The second connecting portion 62b extends in the Z direction DZ from the first side edge of the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b in the Z direction DZ to the first connecting portion 62a. The second connecting portion 62b reinforces the first connecting portion 62a, on which the hook 37 is hung, from the first side in the Z direction DZ.

[0058] In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b are provided with a second opening 65 that opens to a first side in the Z direction DZ. The hook tip portion 37a of the hook 37 can be inserted into the second opening 65. The second opening 65 is provided on the outer side in the Y direction DY with respect to the connecting portion 62, i.e., on the side away from the side wall portion center line WL. In other words, the connecting portion 62 is located between the opening (first opening) 61 and the second opening 65 in the Y direction DY. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the second opening 65 has an opening edge 65a on a second side in the Y direction DY formed by a second partition wall 63b connecting the main wall portion 60a and the outer wall portion 60b. The second opening 65 has a substantially rectangular shape when observed from the first side in the Z direction DZ. The second opening 65 has lengths in both the X direction DX and the Y direction DY. In the illustrated example, the length of the second opening 65 along the Y direction DY is shorter than the length of the opening (first opening) 61 along the Y direction DY.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the outer wall portion 60b has a side opening 66 that opens in the X direction DX. The side opening 66 has lengths in the Z direction DZ and the Y direction DY. In the illustrated example, an opening edge 66a located on a first side of the side opening 66 in the Z direction DZ is formed by the connecting portion 62 in at least a portion thereof. According to this specific example, the worker can easily observe the relative position of the hook 37 inserted into the opening 61 with respect to the connecting portion 62. That is, when the hook 37 is hooked or about to be hooked on the connecting portion 62, the worker can observe the hook 37 from the side opening 66. On the other hand, when the hook 37 is not hooked on the connecting portion 62, the worker cannot observe the hook 37 from the side opening 66. As a result, the worker can easily check whether the handle member 35 is properly attached to the energy storage element module 40.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, the case 45 includes a case lid 70 that partitions the internal space 15S from a first side in the Z direction DZ. The case lid 70 is a plate-shaped member held by the case body 50. The case lid 70 protects the cells 41 housed in the case body 50 and restricts relative movement of the cells 41 with respect to the case body 50 in the Z direction DZ. The case lid 70 is a plate-shaped member made of, for example, resin. As shown in FIG. 4, the case lid 70 may include a cover body 71 and a fixing portion 72 extending from the cover body 71. The fixing portion 72 is engageable with a receiving portion 60e provided on the outer wall portion 60b of the first side wall portion 52A and the second side wall portion 52B. The fixing portion 72 engages with the receiving portion 60e, thereby holding the case lid 70 in place by the case body 50. In the illustrated example, the fixing portion 72 engages with the receiving portion 60e so as to be movable in the Z direction DZ toward the bottom portion 51.

[0061] As already described with reference to FIG. 8, each pair of walls 60a, 60b of the first side wall 52A and the second side wall 52B includes, along the Y direction DY, a first region WA in which the opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 are provided, and a second region WB in which the opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 are not provided. As shown in FIG. 8, the width LC of the case lid 70 along the X direction DX in the first region WA is equal to or less than the separation distance LD (see FIG. 4) between the side walls 52a, 52b in the X direction DX. In other words, it is equal to or less than the width LD (see FIG. 4) along the X direction DX of the storage space of the cell 41 formed by each main wall portion 60a of the side walls 52a, 52b. Therefore, in the first region WA, the case lid 70 does not cover the opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 provided in the pair of walls 60a, 60b from the first side in the Z direction DZ. According to this example, even with the case lid 70 attached, the hook 37 of the handle member 35 can be inserted into the opening 61. Therefore, the energy storage element module 40 can be easily carried while protecting the multiple cells 41 housed in the case main body 50 from above.

[0062] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the energy storage element module 40 configured as described above. First, a method for attaching the handle member 35 to the energy storage element module 40 will be described.

[0063] First, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the pair of hooks 37 of the handle member 35 are inserted into the openings 61 provided in the first side wall portion 52A and the second side wall portion 52B. Figure 12 shows the state in which the hooks 37 of the handle member 35 have been inserted into the openings 61 of the first side wall portion 52A, as viewed from the first side in the Z direction DZ.

[0064] In the illustrated example, the ratio of the minimum width of the opening 61 in the X direction DX to the thickness of the hook 37 is 1.5 or more. According to this specific example, the width of the opening 61 in the X direction DX is ensured to be sufficiently large relative to the thickness of the hook 37. Therefore, the hook 37 can be easily inserted into the opening 61. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the ratio of the minimum width of the opening 61 to the thickness of the hook 37 is 1.8 or less. According to this specific example, it is possible to prevent the hook 37 from unintentionally moving in the X direction DX within the opening 61. As described above, the work of attaching the handle member 35 to the energy storage element module 40 can be facilitated.

[0065] In the illustrated example, the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b have ribs 64 on their opposing surfaces. According to this specific example, the width of the opening 61 in the X direction DX is minimized in the region where the ribs 64 are provided. When the hook 37 inserted into the opening 61 moves in the X direction DX relative to the energy storage element module 40, the hook 37 comes into contact with the ribs 64. This reduces the contact area between the hook 37 and the wall portions 60a, 60b and reduces frictional resistance caused by contact between the hook 37 and the wall portions 60a, 60b. Furthermore, because the ribs 64 protruding in the X direction DX extend in the Z direction DZ, movement of the handle member 35 in the Z direction DZ can be smoothly guided. This facilitates the attachment of the handle member 35 to the energy storage element module 40.

[0066] In the illustrated example, the outer wall portion 60b is located outside the main wall portion 60a that defines the internal space 15S in the X-direction DX. The protruding height of the ribs 64 protruding from the outer wall portion 60b in the X-direction DX is greater than the protruding height of the ribs 64 protruding from the main wall portion 60a in the X-direction DX. According to this example, the outer wall portion 60b can be sufficiently reinforced by the ribs 64, thereby making it possible to reduce the size and weight of the outer wall portion 60b. Furthermore, reducing the size and weight of the outer wall portion 60b makes it possible to reduce the size and weight of the energy storage element module 40 and the energy storage element unit 10.

[0067] Thereafter, the pair of hooks 37 inserted into the opening 61 are further inserted toward the second side in the Z direction DZ between the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b. When the hook tip portions 37a of the hooks 37 reach the second side in the Z direction DZ beyond the connecting portion 62, the handle member 35 is then moved toward the second side in the Y direction DY, as shown in Fig. 14. The handle member 35 is moved in the second direction D2 until the hook tip portions 37a are positioned on the second side in the Y direction DY beyond the connecting portion 62.

[0068] In the illustrated example, the connecting portion 62 has an arc-shaped outline when observed from the outside in the X direction DX. According to this specific example, even if the hook tip 37a of the hook 37 inserted into the opening 61 does not reach the second side in the Z direction DZ of the connecting portion 62, the hook tip 37a of the hook 37 moving in the Y direction DY slides on the curved surface 62s of the connecting portion 62, and the hook 37 is guided to the second side in the Y direction DY. As a result, the handle member 35 reaches the position shown in FIG. 14.

[0069] Next, when the hook tip 37a reaches the second side of the connecting portion 62 in the Y direction DY, the handle member 35 is moved toward the first side in the Z direction DZ, as shown in FIG. 15 . Even if the hook tip 37a has not yet reached the second side of the connecting portion 62 in the Y direction DY, the hook tip 37a of the hook 37 moving in the Z direction DZ slides on the curved surface 62s of the connecting portion 62 and is guided toward the second side in the Y direction DY. In the illustrated example, the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b are provided with a second opening 65 that opens toward the first side in the Z direction DZ. Contact between the hook tip 37a and the connecting portion 62 guides the hook tip 37a toward the second opening 65. As a result, the handle member 35 reaches the position shown in FIG. 15 .

[0070] 15 , when the hook 37 moves to the first other side in the Z direction DZ, the hook tip 37a passes through the second opening 65 and is exposed from the side wall portions 52A, 52B. Then, the protruding end portion 37b of the hook 37 that is farthest from the grip portion 36 comes into contact with the curved surface 62s of the connecting portion 62 from the second side in the Z direction DZ. According to this example, the hook tip 37a protruding from the second opening 65 makes it possible to confirm that the handle member 35 is attached to the energy storage element module 40 in an appropriate position.

[0071] In the illustrated example, the length of the second opening 65 along the Y direction DY is shorter than the length of the opening (first opening) 61 along the Y direction DY. According to this specific example, the hook tip 37a of the hook 37 that has passed through the second opening 65 is restricted from moving in the X direction DX and the Y direction DY by the second opening 65. This makes it possible to suppress relative movement of the handle member 35 attached to the energy storage element module 40 with respect to the energy storage element module 40 by the second opening 65. As a result, the handle member 35 can be stably maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the energy storage element module 40.

[0072] In this manner, the handle member 35 (Fig. 5) is attached to the energy storage element module 40. The handle member 35 can be removed from the energy storage element module 40 by reversing the above-described procedure.

[0073] Next, the operation of carrying the energy storage element module 40 using the handle member 35 will be described.

[0074] In the illustrated example, the energy storage element unit 10 and the energy storage element module kit 30 include a first handle member 35A and a second handle member 35B. Each of the side walls 52A, 52B of the case body 50 includes two connecting portions 62 spaced apart in the Y direction DY. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 16 , the two hooks 37 included in the first handle member 35A are hooked onto the connecting portion 62 located on a second side of the first side wall 52A in the Y direction DY and the connecting portion 62 located on a second side of the second side wall 52B in the Y direction DY. Similarly, the two hooks 37 included in the second handle member 35B are hooked onto the connecting portion 62 located on a first side of the first side wall 52A in the Y direction DY and the connecting portion 62 located on a first side of the second side wall 52B in the Y direction DY. The worker holds the grip portion 36 of the first handle member 35A with one hand and the grip portion 36 of the second handle member 35B with the other hand, and carries the energy storage element module 40 via the first and second handle members 35A, 35B.

[0075] Incidentally, the energy storage element module 40 is carried when assembling, inspecting, maintaining, repairing, etc. the energy storage element unit 10. During these operations, the energy storage element module 40 is carried into and removed from the storage box 15. When the storage box 15 includes a housing 20 and a cover plate 18, the energy storage element module 40 is carried into and removed from the housing 20 through an opening 20A that is opened by removing the cover plate 18. In other words, access to the internal space 15S of the storage box 15 is restricted to a path that passes through the opening 20A of the housing 20.

[0076] Recently, demands for increased capacity of energy storage element units have led to increased size and weight of energy storage element units. This has increased the burden of transporting assembled energy storage element units and installing them at the installation site. As a method for dealing with the increased size and weight of energy storage element units, it has been considered to assemble the energy storage element units at the installation site to reduce the burden of transporting the large and heavy energy storage element units and installing them at the installation site. However, demands for increased capacity of energy storage element units have also led to an increase in the weight of energy storage element modules. Therefore, it is first necessary to reduce the burden of carrying energy storage element modules.

[0077] Recently, due to the demand for increased capacity of energy storage element units, the dimensions of energy storage element modules have become larger and the weight of energy storage element modules has increased. This has increased the burden of carrying energy storage element modules. Furthermore, the increased size and weight of energy storage element units has increased the burden of transporting assembled energy storage element units and installing them at installation sites.

[0078] As a method for dealing with the increased size and weight of the energy storage element unit, one approach under consideration is to assemble the energy storage element unit at the installation site to reduce the burden of transporting and installing the large and heavy energy storage element unit at the installation site. In this construction method, first, as described above, the first and second handle members 35A, 35B are attached to the energy storage element module 40. Next, the worker grasps the first and second handle members 35A, 35B and places the energy storage element module 40 in the housing 20 fixed to the installation site. Thereafter, the energy storage element module 40 is fixed to the housing 20 with the stopper 28, next the control module 25 is placed in the housing 20, and then the cover plate 18 is attached to the housing 20 to close the opening 20A. This completes the assembly of the energy storage element unit 10.

[0079] In this embodiment, the energy storage element module kit 30 and the energy storage element unit 10 include an energy storage element module 40, a first handle member 35A attached to the energy storage element module 40, and a second handle member 35B attached to the energy storage element module 40. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5 , the energy storage element module 40 can be carried by gripping the first handle member 35A and the second handle member 35B attached to the energy storage element module 40.

[0080] 6 and 7, in this embodiment, the first handle member 35A is swingable relative to the energy storage element module 40 when attached to the energy storage element module 40. The second handle member 35B is swingable relative to the energy storage element module 40 when attached to the energy storage element module 40.

[0081] As a specific example that enables swinging, the connecting portion 62 of the case body 50 may include a curved surface 62s that comes into contact with the hook 37. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 15 , the curved surface 62s is formed by the first connecting portion 62a and has an arc shape when observed in the X direction DX. More specifically, the curved surface 62s may have an arc shape, particularly a semicircular arc shape, that protrudes toward the second side in the Z direction DZ when observed in the X direction DX. With this configuration, when an operator holding the grip portion 36 lifts the energy storage element module 40 using the first and second handle members 35A, 35B, the operator can smoothly swing the handle members 35A, 35B relative to the energy storage element module 40.

[0082] By attaching the first and second handle members 35A, 35B to the energy storage element module 40 so that they can swing, the grip portions 36 of the first and second handle members 35A, 35B can move to appropriate positions depending on the physique of the worker or the working state and posture of the worker. For example, the grip portions 36 of the first and second handle members 35A, 35B can move to appropriate positions depending on the width of the worker's shoulders. This allows the energy storage element module 40 to be carried stably via the first and second handle members 35A, 35B, improving the ease of handling when carrying the energy storage element module 40.

[0083] In particular, when placing the energy storage element module 40 inside the housing 20 through the opening 20A that opens vertically upward in the housing 20, or when removing the energy storage element module 40 from inside the housing 20 through the opening 20A that opens vertically upward, by gripping the gripping portions 36 of the first and second handle members 35A, 35B, the handleability of the energy storage element module 40 when carrying it can be improved. Furthermore, when assembling the energy storage element unit 10 in a state where it is difficult to secure sufficient working space, for example, when assembling the energy storage element unit 10 at the installation site of the energy storage element unit 10, the handleability of the energy storage element module 40 can be improved.

[0084] Since the handling of the energy storage element module 40 when transporting it is improved, the energy storage element unit 10 can be easily assembled at the installation site. This eliminates the burden of transporting and installing the large and heavy energy storage element unit 10 at the installation site. Therefore, this embodiment can be said to be suitable for a large-capacity energy storage element unit 10 that can be large and heavy.

[0085] 6, the first handle member 35A may be pivotable on the side away from the second handle member 35B when attached to the energy storage element module 40. The second handle member 35B may be pivotable on the side away from the first handle member 35A when attached to the energy storage element module 40.

[0086] In Fig. 6, the first handle member 35A indicated by the two-dot chain line is attached to the energy storage element module 40 and extends along the Z direction DZ to a first side in the Z direction DZ. The position of the energy storage element module 40 indicated by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 6 is the reference position. The phrase "the first handle member 35A can swing away from the second handle member 35B" means that the first handle member 35A can swing away from the second handle member 35B relative to the reference position. Similarly, the phrase "the second handle member 35B can swing away from the first handle member 35A" means that the second handle member 35B can swing away from the first handle member 35A relative to the reference position.

[0087] 6, the first handle member 35A shown by the solid line is swung from a reference position shown by the two-dot chain line toward the second side in the Y direction DY relative to the energy storage element module 40. The first handle member 35A shown by the solid line is disposed at a position tilted most toward the second side in the Y direction DY within its swingable range. In other words, the first handle member 35A shown by the solid line is in a state in which it has swung to the maximum extent relative to the reference position toward a side away from the second handle member 35B (not shown). Although not shown, the second handle member 35B can swing symmetrically with the first handle member 35A about a plane that passes through the centers of the first handle member 35A and the second handle member 35B attached to the energy storage element module 40 and is perpendicular to the Y direction DY.

[0088] According to this specific example, even if the first and second handle members 35A, 35B are attached to the energy storage element module 40 in positions close to each other, the first and second handle members 35A, 35B can be swung relative to the energy storage element module 40 so that the gripping portions 36 are spaced apart from each other. That is, even if the distance between the two connecting portions 62 provided on each side wall portion 52A, 52B in the Y direction DY cannot be set long due to constraints such as the shape of the energy storage element module 40, the pair of gripping portions 36 can be sufficiently spaced apart from each other by swinging the first and second handle members 35A, 35B. This improves the ease of handling when carrying the energy storage element module 40. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the energy storage element module kit 30, which is formed by attaching the first and second handle members 35A, 35B to the energy storage element module 40, from becoming large. As a result, the energy storage element module 40, which has improved ease of handling, can be placed inside the housing 20 through an opening 20A of limited dimensions, and can be taken out of the housing 20 through an opening 20A of limited dimensions.

[0089] In the specific example of the above-described embodiment, the outer pivotable angular range θX (see FIG. 6) of the first handle member 35A attached to the energy storage element module 40 on the side away from the second handle member 35B may be larger than the inner pivotable angular range θY (see FIG. 7) on the side approaching the second handle member 35B. The outer pivotable angular range of the second handle member 35B on the side away from the first handle member 35A may be larger than the inner pivotable angular range on the side approaching the first handle member 35A.

[0090] FIG. 6 shows the outer pivotable angular range θX. In FIG. 7, the first handle member 35A in the reference position is shown by a two-dot chain line. In FIG. 7, the first handle member 35A shown by a solid line is pivoted from the reference position shown by the two-dot chain line to the first side in the Y direction DY relative to the energy storage element module 40. The first handle member 35A shown by a solid line is positioned at a position inclined most toward the first side in the Y direction DY within its pivotable range. In other words, the first handle member 35A shown by a solid line is in a state where it has pivoted to the maximum extent relative to the reference position toward the second handle member 35B (not shown). Therefore, FIG. 7 shows the inner pivotable angular range θY. Although not shown, the second handle member 35B can pivot symmetrically with the first handle member 35A about a plane that passes through the centers of the first handle member 35A and the second handle member 35B attached to the energy storage element module 40 and is perpendicular to the Y direction DY.

[0091] According to this specific example, even if the first and second handle members 35A, 35B are attached to the energy storage element module 40 in positions close to each other, the first and second handle members 35A, 35B can be swung relative to the energy storage element module 40 so that the gripping portions 36 move away from each other. This improves ease of handling when carrying the energy storage element module 40. Meanwhile, the range within which the first and second handle members 35A, 35B can be swung inward toward each other is restricted. By appropriately restricting the range within which the first and second handle members 35A, 35B can be swung, the first and second handle members 35A, 35B can be easily handled. Furthermore, by restricting the swinging of the first and second handle members 35A, 35B toward each other, it is possible to prevent wiring and the like from being pinched between the first and second handle members 35A, 35B.

[0092] In order to achieve the above-mentioned effects, the outer swingable angle range θX is preferably 35° to 75°, and more preferably 45° to 65°. The inner swingable angle range θY is preferably 0° to 35°, and more preferably 5° to 25°.

[0093] In the illustrated example, the hook-shaped portion 37X of the handle member 35 is wider in the region including the protruding end portion 37b than in the region including the hook tip portion 37a. When one first handle member 35 attempts to swing toward the other handle member 35, the hook-shaped portion 37X advances into the second opening 65. In the illustrated example, the hook-shaped portion 37X fits into the second opening 65, thereby restricting the swinging of one first handle member 35 toward the other handle member 35. However, the configuration that determines the swingable range of the handle members 35 is not particularly limited, and a configuration different from the illustrated example may be adopted.

[0094] In the specific example of the above-described embodiment, the first handle member 35A attached to the energy storage element module 40 housed in the housing 20 can be swung within a range that does not contact the housing 20. The second handle member attached to the energy storage element module 40 housed in the housing 20 can be swung within a range that does not contact the housing. Furthermore, the first and second handle members 35A, 35B attached to the energy storage element module 40 may be located inside the outer contour of the energy storage element module 40 when observed from the Z direction DZ, in any of the swing positions.

[0095] According to this specific example, when the energy storage element module 40 is carried in or out of the housing 20 using the first and second handle members 35A, 35B, the first and second handle members 35A, 35B and the hands of an operator holding the first and second handle members 35A, 35B can be prevented from coming into contact with the housing 20. That is, by appropriately limiting the range within which the first and second handle members 35A, 35B can swing, the handling of the energy storage element module 40 when carried can be further improved. In addition, the first and second handle members 35A, 35B attached to the energy storage element module 40 housed in the housing 20 can be prevented from swinging relative to the energy storage element module 40 and coming into contact with the housing 20, which could damage the housing 20, or pinching wiring or the like between the handle members 35A, 35B and the housing 20.

[0096] In the specific example of the embodiment described above, the case body 50 includes a first protrusion 53A provided at a position away from the swing center CX of the first handle member 35A. The first handle member 35A comes into contact with the first protrusion 53A, thereby restricting its swing away from the second handle member 35B. The case body 50 also includes a second protrusion 53B provided at a position away from the swing center of the second handle member 35B. The second handle member 35B comes into contact with the second protrusion 53B, thereby restricting its swing away from the first handle member 35A.

[0097] According to this specific example, the first protrusion 53A is provided at a distance from the first handle member 35A. Therefore, when the first handle member 35A is in contact with the first protrusion 53A, a gap G can be formed between the first handle member 35A and the energy storage element module 40. The formation of the gap G can prevent wiring and the like from being pinched between the first handle member 35A and the energy storage element module 40 and being damaged. Similarly, the formation of a gap between the second handle member 35B and the energy storage element module 40 can prevent wiring and the like from being pinched between the second handle member 35B and the energy storage element module 40 and being damaged.

[0098] In the specific example of the embodiment described above, the center of gravity of the energy storage element module 40 is located between the swing center CX of the first handle member 35A and the swing center CY of the second handle member 35B in the direction connecting the swing center CX of the first handle member 35A and the swing center CY of the second handle member 35B (the Y direction DY in the illustrated example). That is, the center of gravity of the energy storage element module 40 is located between the first handle member 35A and the second handle member 35B attached to the energy storage element module 40. Therefore, by using the first and second handle members 35A and 35B, the weight of the energy storage element module 40 can be shared and supported. This allows the energy storage element module to be carried stably.

[0099] In the specific example of the embodiment described above, the first handle member 35A and the second handle member 35B are attached to the energy storage element module 40 at positions spaced apart from each other in the Y direction DY, which is the longitudinal direction of the energy storage element module 40. Therefore, the two handle members 35 can be effectively used to stably carry the energy storage element module 40, which has a longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the pivot center CX of the first handle member 35A and the pivot center CY of the second handle member 35B extend in the X direction DX, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the energy storage element module 40. This configuration allows the two handle members 35 to support the weight of the energy storage element module 40, which has a longitudinal direction, by approximately evenly sharing the weight of the energy storage element module 40. This further improves ease of handling when carrying the energy storage element module 40.

[0100] In the embodiment described above, the energy storage element module kit and the energy storage element unit include an energy storage element module, a first handle member attached to the energy storage element module, and a second handle member attached to the energy storage element module. The first handle member 35A is swingable relative to the energy storage element module 40 when attached to the energy storage element module 40. The second handle member 35B is swingable relative to the energy storage element module 40 when attached to the energy storage element module 40. This improves the ease of handling when carrying the energy storage element module 40.

[0101] Although one embodiment has been described with reference to the illustrated specific example, the illustrated specific example is not intended to limit the embodiment. The above-described embodiment can be implemented in various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and additions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above-described specific example, the connecting portion 62 is provided on the outer side of the opening 61 in the Y direction DY, i.e., on the side away from the side wall center line WL, but this is not limited to this. The connecting portion 62 may also be provided on the inner side of the opening 61 in the Y direction DY, i.e., on the side closer to the side wall center line WL. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10: Energy storage element unit, 15: Storage box, 15S: Internal space, 18: Cover plate portion, 20: Housing, 20A: Opening, 21: Bottom wall portion, 22: Side wall portion, 22A: First side wall portion, 22B: Second side wall portion, 22C: Third side wall portion, 22D: Fourth side wall portion, 25: Control module, 28: Stopper, 28A: First stopper, 28B: Second stopper, 30: Energy storage element module kit , 35: handle member, 35A: first handle member, 35B: second handle member, 36: grip portion, 36a: base portion, 36b: extension portion, 36c: through hole, 37: hook, 37X: hook-shaped portion, 37a: hook tip portion, 37b: protruding end portion, 40: energy storage element module, 41: cell, 41c: central portion, 41e: peripheral portion, 42: exterior body, 45: case, 46 : end cover, 47: end cover, 50: case body, 51: bottom, 52: side wall, 52A: first side wall, 52B: second side wall, 52C: third side wall, 52D: fourth side wall, 53: protrusion, 53A: first protrusion, 53B: second protrusion, 54: receiving portion, 60a: main wall, 60b: outer wall, 60e: receiving portion, 61: opening, 61a: opening edge, 62: connecting portion, 62a: first connecting portion, 62b: second connecting portion, 62s: curved surface, 63a: first partition wall, 63b: second partition wall, 64: rib, 65: second opening, 65a: opening edge, 66: side opening, 66a: opening edge, 70: case lid body, 71: cover body, 72: fixing portion, DX: X direction, DY: Y direction, DZ: Z direction, D1: first direction, D2: second direction, D3: third direction, G: gap

Claims

1. a power storage element module; a first handle member detachably attached to the energy storage element module; a second handle member detachably attached to the energy storage element module, the energy storage element module includes a plurality of cells and a case body having an internal space for accommodating the plurality of cells; The case body has a bottom and a side wall that define the internal space, The side wall portion has a main wall portion and an outer wall portion facing each other, and a connecting portion connecting the main wall portion and the outer wall portion, the first handle member and the second handle member each have a hook that is inserted into a space between the main wall portion and the outer wall portion and hooked onto the connecting portion; The space within the side wall portion where the hook is located is divided by the interior space and the main wall portion, The energy storage element module kit, wherein the first handle member and the second handle member are swingable relative to the energy storage element module when attached to the energy storage element module.

2. the first handle member is swingable on a side away from the second handle member when attached to the energy storage element module, The energy storage element module kit according to claim 1 , wherein the second handle member is swingable on a side away from the first handle member when attached to the energy storage element module.

3. a swingable angle range on a side away from the second handle member of the first handle member when the first handle member is attached to the energy storage element module is larger than a swingable angle range on a side approaching the second handle member, 3. The energy storage element module kit according to claim 1, wherein the second handle member, when attached to the energy storage element module, has a larger swingable angle range on the side away from the first handle member than on the side approaching the first handle member.

4. the first handle member attached to the energy storage element module housed in a housing can swing within a range where it does not come into contact with the housing, The energy storage element module kit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second handle member attached to the energy storage element module housed in the housing is capable of swinging within a range that does not contact the housing.

5. the energy storage element module includes a first protrusion provided at a position away from a swing center of the first handle member, The first handle member is restricted from swinging away from the second handle member by contacting the first protrusion, the energy storage element module includes a second protrusion provided at a position away from a swing center of the second handle member, The energy storage element module kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second handle member is restricted from swinging away from the first handle member by contacting the second protrusion.

6. 6. The energy storage element module kit according to claim 1, wherein the center of gravity of the energy storage element module is located between a swing center of the first handle member and a swing center of the second handle member.

7. the first handle member and the second handle member are attached to the energy storage element module at positions spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the energy storage element module; The energy storage element module kit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pivot center of the first handle member and the pivot center of the second handle member are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the energy storage element module.

8. The energy storage element module kit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a housing that houses the energy storage element module.

9. A building comprising the energy storage element unit according to claim 8.

10. a step of attaching the first handle member and the second handle member of the energy storage element module kit according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to the energy storage element module of the energy storage element module kit; and a step of gripping the first handle member and the second handle member and placing the energy storage element module in a housing.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • JP1988032455U

  • Storage battery with carrying handle having gas exhaust cover

    JP1998208715A

  • Storage battery unit

    JP2018181640A

  • Storage battery module and storage battery unit

    WO2018190435A1