Containment device

Abstract

The present invention provides an accommodation device that can improve portability.　An accommodation device 1 comprises: a housing 10 that is provided with six substantially quadrangular surfaces facing mutually different directions, and that is provided in a substantially polyhedral shape; and an accommodation unit that accommodates a portable energy accumulator in such a manner that said portable energy accumulator can be inserted and removed, said accommodation unit being provided inside the housing 10. An opening through which the portable energy accumulator can be inserted or removed is provided in the accommodation unit. The opening is provided at a position corresponding to a first surface, which is one of the six surfaces. The first surface is provided with a first side and a second side that are parallel to each other, a first handle for a user to hold being provided in the housing 10 at a position corresponding to the first side, and a second handle for the user to hold being provided in the housing 10 at a position corresponding to the second side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a housing device including a housing portion for removably housing an object has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This housing device includes a housing having six substantially rectangular surfaces facing different directions and formed in a substantially polyhedral shape, and a housing portion formed inside the housing. In this housing, an opening continuous with the housing portion or a peripheral portion of the opening continuous with the housing portion is disposed at a position corresponding to a first side that is any one of a plurality of sides constituting the polyhedron corresponding to the housing. In addition, this housing device is provided with a gripping portion that functions as a handle by which a user can hold the housing device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional configuration, since the opening of the housing portion is disposed at one corner of the housing, a handle cannot be provided at that corner, and there is a risk of reduced portability. The present invention provides a housing device capable of improving portability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This specification includes all the 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 relates to a housing device comprising: a housing having six substantially square-shaped faces facing in different directions and arranged in a substantially polyhedral shape; and a housing section provided inside the housing for accommodating a portable energy storage device so that it can be inserted into and removed from the housing, wherein the housing section is provided with an opening for inserting and removing the portable energy storage device, the opening is located at a position corresponding to a first face which is one of the six faces, the first face has a first side and a second side which are two parallel sides, the housing is provided with a first handle for the user to hold at a position corresponding to the first side, and a second handle for the user to hold at a position corresponding to the second side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, portability can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a housing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the enclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the top of the containment device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the housing device taken from the plane IV shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a view of the housing device from the bottom. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the containment device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the housing device, taken from the plane VII shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the components that are housed in the housing device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the containment mechanism viewed from the right side of the containment device. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the containment mechanism viewed from the right side of the containment device. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a side view of the containment device, seen from the right side. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of cooling air in the containment device. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of cooling air in the containment device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [1. Embodiments] [1.1. Structure] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the symbol FR indicates the front when the housing device 1 is installed (placed) with its bottom surface in contact with the mounting surface, the symbol UP indicates the area above the housing device 1, and the symbol LH indicates the area to the left of the housing device 1. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, each direction refers to the direction of the housing device 1. Hereinafter, the so-called upright position in which the housing device 1 is installed with its bottom surface in contact with the mounting surface will be referred to as the first position.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a housing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The housing device 1 houses a battery 100 that can be attached to and detached from the housing device 1, and functions as a power supply device that converts the power stored in the battery 100 according to the user's operation and supplies power to an electric motor or the like outside the housing device 1 (Figure 7). As shown in Figure 1, the housing device 1 comprises a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing 10. The housing 10 has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and a pair of left and right sides, all of which are flat surfaces. In the first orientation of the housing device 1, the bottom surface of the housing 10 becomes the bottom surface that contacts the installation surface. Note that the housing 10 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may have, for example, a substantially cubic shape or the like, and may have six substantially rectangular surfaces facing in different directions, and may be any shape as long as it 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 shown with omission. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 includes, in the first posture of the housing device 1, an upper surface panel 12 forming an upper surface, a lower surface panel 14 forming a lower surface serving as a bottom surface, a front surface panel 16 forming a front surface, a rear surface panel 18 forming a rear surface, and a pair of side surface panels 19 forming each of the left and right side surfaces. In the present embodiment, each panel is formed of a resin material, but is not limited thereto, and at least one or a part of any panel may be formed of another material such as a metal material.

[0011] The upper surface panel 12 is a member formed to have a predetermined thickness dimension by bending each edge of a substantially rectangular plate-like material downward along the vertical direction of the housing device 1. The upper surface panel 12 is provided with an upper surface recess 11 that is recessed in a rectangular shape in a plan view from the upper surface side to the lower surface side at substantially the center. At substantially the center of the bottom surface of the upper surface recess 11, an upper surface opening 13 that is a substantially rectangular through hole in a plan view is provided. At positions close to each of the corners of the upper surface opening 13 on the bottom surface of the upper surface recess 11, screw holes 15 that are through holes are provided. At positions adjacent to each of the screw holes 15, engagement holes 12c that are recesses into which claw-shaped members can be engaged are provided.

[0012] A front panel 12a extending toward the lower part of the housing 10 is provided at the front end of the upper surface panel 12. After extending downward, the front panel 12a gently slopes and extends toward the front of the housing 10. The front panel 12a is formed to draw an arc when viewed from the left-right direction of the housing 10. Similarly, a rear panel 12b extending toward the lower part of the housing 10 is provided at the rear end of the upper panel 12. After extending downward, the rear panel 12b gently slopes and extends toward the rear of the housing 10. The rear panel 12b is formed to draw an arc when viewed from the left - right direction of the housing 10 (Fig. 6).

[0013] A lid 20 having a rectangular shape in plan view is provided on the upper panel 12. The lid 20 is rotatably fixed to the edge of the upper concave portion 11 located on the rear side of the upper panel 12. By being rotated by the user, the lid 20 covers the entire upper concave portion 11 and the upper opening 13 and can be opened. In the upper panel 12, the upper surface of this lid 20 forms most of the upper surface of the housing 10. The lid 20 corresponds to the "covering part".

[0014] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the upper part of the storage device 1. In the lid 20, a bulging portion 21 formed by the substantially entire lower surface bulging toward the upper opening 13 is provided on the lower surface facing the upper opening 13. As a result, the strength of the lid 20 is increased, and the housing 10 and the lid 20 have improved external pressure toughness. That is, the bulging portion 21 functions as a reinforcing member of the lid 20. The bulging portion 21 has a hollow interior and an internal space 21S is provided. In the bulging portion 21, a lid portion 21a that can be opened and closed by rotating with respect to the rear surface side of the bulging portion 21 in the housing 10 is formed on the front surface side of the housing 10.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 3, thus, in the storage device 1, when the lid 20 is open and the lid portion 21a is opened, the bulging portion 21 opens upward. Therefore, in the storage device 1, it becomes easy for the user to take in and out a predetermined article from the inside of the bulging portion 21. Various cables such as a power cable for inputting external power to the storage device 1 can be stored inside the bulging portion 21. The lid portion 21a corresponds to the "opening - closing part".

[0016] In the lid portion 21a, a chamfered portion 21b is provided on the front side of the housing 10 and on the lower side of the housing 10, formed by chamfering the corners of the lid portion 21a when viewed from the side of the housing 10 (Figures 7 and 10). The chamfered portion 21b is provided along the entire width of the lid portion 21a that extends along the left-right direction of the housing 10.

[0017] A recess 20a is provided on the lower surface of the lid 20 facing the upper opening 13, at a location that is closer to the front of the housing 10 than the bulging portion 21. The recess 20a is formed by the lower surface of the lid 20 being linearly recessed toward the upper part of the housing 10. The recess 20a is provided along the entire width of the lid portion 21a that runs along the left-right direction of the housing 10. On the inner surface of the lid recess 20a, a chamfered portion 20b is provided at a position opposite the bulge 21, formed by chamfering the inner surface of the lid recess 20a when viewed from the side of the housing 10 (Figure 10). The chamfered portion 20b is provided over the entire width of the lid recess 20a that extends along the left-right direction of the housing 10.

[0018] In the top panel 12, an inclined surface, an opening slope 13a, is provided at the edge of the top opening 13 located on the rear side of the housing 10, which slopes gently from the rear to the front of the housing. The upper end of the opening slope 13a is located at the rear of the lid 20 and is continuous with the upper end of the rear plate 12b. The opening slope 13a is inclined inside the top opening 13, along the thickness direction of the top panel 12, to approximately the same position as the lower end of the top panel 12.

[0019] The bottom panel 14 is a component formed by bending each edge of a substantially rectangular plate-shaped material upward along the vertical direction of the housing device 1 to have a predetermined thickness. A flat surface 14a is provided approximately in the center of the bottom panel 14. A handle portion 14b and a handle portion 14c are provided at the front end and rear end of the bottom panel 14, respectively.

[0020] The grip portion 14b rises from the front end of the lower panel 14 toward the upper part of the housing 10, and then extends toward the front side of the housing 10, bending in a so-called arch shape, which is a convex shape that curves upward when viewed from the left or right direction of the housing 10. Similarly, the grip portion 14c rises from the rear end of the lower panel 14 toward the upper part of the housing 10, and then extends toward the rear side of the housing 10, bending in a so-called arch shape, which is a convex shape that curves upward when viewed from the left or right direction of the housing 10. The tips of the gripping parts 14b and 14c are positioned above the flat surface 14a of the lower panel 14. The user can carry the storage device 1 by placing their fingers or hands on the gripping parts 14b and 14c.

[0021] In the grip portion 14b, a front air intake 23, which is a through-hole, is provided at the point where it rises upward from the front end of the lower panel 14 toward the housing 10. This front air intake 23 is formed as an elongated hole that extends along the left-right direction of the housing 10. The upper edge of the front air intake 23 is located below the tip of the grip portion 14b.

[0022] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the housing device 1, taken by cutting it along plane III shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows the cross-section in a plan view. Multiple louvers 23a are provided at the front air intake 23. As shown in Figure 4, each louver 23a is formed in an S-shape when viewed from above. Each louver 23a is positioned so that the front end of the housing 10 overlaps the rear end of the adjacent louver 23a. This creates a so-called labyrinth structure at the front air intake 23, extending from the front to the rear of the housing 10. This prevents foreign matter such as dust and debris from entering the housing 10 from the outside through the front air intake 23.

[0023] Figure 5 is a view of the housing device 1 from the bottom. As shown in Figure 5, the bottom panel 14 is provided with multiple screw holes 14d. Two screw holes 14d are provided along each side of the bottom panel 14 that is located in the left-right direction of the housing 10.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the front panel 16 is a component formed by bending each edge of a substantially rectangular plate-shaped material toward the rear along the front-to-back direction of the housing device 1 to form a curved surface, thereby having a predetermined thickness. A flat surface 16a is provided approximately in the center of the front panel 16. A through-hole, or unit opening 16b, is provided in the flat surface 16a. In this embodiment, the unit opening 16b is a rectangular elongated hole extending along the left-right direction of the housing 10, and three such unit openings 16b are provided along the vertical direction of the housing 10.

[0025] Below the unit opening 16b, a rectangular elongated slit, the front opening 16c, is formed, extending along the left-right direction of the housing 10.

[0026] On the front panel 16, a rod-shaped handle 28 is provided at a position closer to the upper surface than the lower surface of the housing 10, extending along the left-right direction of the housing 10. The lower edge of the handle 28 is formed by cutting out an elongated hole on the front side of the housing 10 at a location above the unit opening 16b. The upper edge of the handle 28 is formed by cutting out a section approximately in the center of the upper end of the front panel 16 along the vertical direction of the housing 10. As a result, each of the handles 28 is provided without protruding from any surface of the housing 10. Therefore, it is possible to improve the design and operability of the housing device 1.

[0027] The handle 28 is formed to be hollow. In the handle 28, the continuous side surface extending from a position facing the rear to a position facing the lower side is integrally formed with the front panel 16. Inside the handle 28, there are a number of ribs 28a that extend upright in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle 28. This allows the handle 28 to have a predetermined strength. In the handle 28, the side facing outward from the storage device 1 is formed by a handle cover 27, which is separate from the front panel 16. The handle cover 27 is attached to the front panel 16. This makes it possible to form the handle 28 hollow and reduce its weight.

[0028] The user can transport and install the storage device 1 by grasping these handles 28. Furthermore, the handle 28 is not limited to the shape described above, which allows the user to grip the entire circumference. It may also be a groove shape, for example, that allows the user to hold the storage device 1 by placing their fingers or hand on it. In other words, the storage device 1 may be provided with recesses or the like that serve as a handhold for the user to hold it. The handle 28 provided on the front panel 16 corresponds to the "first handle," and the handle 28 provided on the rear panel 18 corresponds to the "second handle."

[0029] The front panel 16 is provided with screw holes 16d adjacent to each corner of the flat surface 16a. On the flat surface 16a, each edge extending along the vertical direction of the housing 10 is provided with an engagement hole 16e, which is a recess into which a claw-shaped member can engage.

[0030] The rear panel 18 is a component formed by bending each edge of a substantially rectangular plate-shaped material forward along the front-to-back direction of the housing device 1 to form a curved surface, thereby having a predetermined thickness. A flat surface 18a is provided approximately in the center of the rear panel 18. A through-hole, the rear exhaust port 25, is provided in the flat surface 18a. In this embodiment, the rear exhaust port 25 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view of the rear panel 18 and is located closer to the upper surface than the lower surface of the housing 10. Multiple louvers are provided in the rear exhaust port 25. Furthermore, at least one of the front panel 16 and the rear panel 18 may be formed from two or more members, not just one.

[0031] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, below the rear exhaust port 25, a rear opening 18c is formed, which is a rectangular elongated hole extending along the left-right direction of the housing 10.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, a rod-shaped handle 28 is provided on the rear panel 18 at a position closer to the top surface than the bottom surface of the housing 10, extending along the left-right direction of the housing 10. 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 cutting out an elongated hole on the front side of the housing 10 at a location above the rear exhaust port 25. The upper edge of the handle 28 is formed by cutting out a section along the vertical direction of the housing 10 approximately in the center of the upper end of the rear panel 18.

[0033] The handle 28 is formed to be hollow. In the handle 28, the continuous side surface extending from a position facing forward to a position facing downward is integrally formed with the rear panel 18. Inside the handle 28, there are a number of ribs 28a that extend upright in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle 28. In the handle 28, the side facing outward from the storage device 1 is formed by a handle cover 27, which is separate from the rear panel 18. The handle cover 27 is attached to the rear panel 18.

[0034] The rear panel 18 is provided with screw holes 18d adjacent to each corner of the flat surface 18a. On the flat surface 18a, each edge extending along the vertical direction of the housing 10 is provided with an engagement hole 18e, which is a recess into which a claw-shaped member can engage.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the upper end of the front panel 16 is connected to the front end of the top panel 12, and the upper end of the rear panel 18 is connected to the rear end of the top panel 12. The lower end of the front panel 16 is connected to the front end of the bottom panel 14, and the lower end of the rear panel 18 is connected to the rear end of the bottom panel 14.

[0036] Specifically, fastening members 150 inserted through each of the screw holes 16d on the upper end side of the front panel 16 are screwed into the front end of the top panel 12, and fastening members 150 inserted through each of the screw holes 16d on the lower end side of the front panel 16 are screwed into the front end of the bottom panel 14. 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 top panel 12, 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 bottom panel 14.

[0037] As a result, the top panel 12, the bottom panel 14, the front panel 16, and the rear panel 18 are connected to each other in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the left and right sides of the housing 10 (Figure 6). Therefore, each panel reinforces the others, thereby improving the strength of the housing device 1. In addition, since the front panel 16 on which the handle 28 is provided and the rear panel 18 are fixed to the top panel 12 and the bottom panel 14, the strength of the storage device 1 is ensured when a user grasps the handle 28 and carries the storage device 1.

[0038] When the top panel 12 and the front panel 16 are connected, the circumferential surface of the handle 28 and the front panel 12a are positioned facing each other. The tip of the front panel 12a extends below the handle 28, and the front panel 12a forms a curved surface that faces the circumferential surface of the handle 28. Similarly, when the top panel 12 and the rear panel 18 are connected, the circumferential surface of the handle 28 and the rear panel 12b are positioned facing each other. The tip of the rear panel 12b extends below the handle 28, and the rear panel 12b forms a curved surface that faces the circumferential surface of the handle 28.

[0039] When a user grasps each of the handles 28, they will insert their hand between each handle 28 and either the front plate 12a or the rear plate 12b. The front plate 12a and the rear plate 12b are formed from a single piece of material and form a seamless curved surface. Therefore, in the storage device 1, when a user inserts their hand between each of the handles 28 and either the front plate 12a or the rear plate 12b, their hand will not come into contact with any seams or other joints.

[0040] When the bottom panel 14 and the front panel 16 are connected, the grip portion 14b and the front air intake 23 are exposed on the front side of the housing 10 through the front opening 16c. The tip of the grip portion 14b is connected to the upper edge of the front opening 16c. Similarly, when the bottom panel 14 and the front panel 16 are connected, 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.

[0041] The user can transport the storage device 1 by placing their fingers or hands on the handgrip portion 14b or 14c through the front opening 16c or the rear opening 18c. The gripping part 14b corresponds to the "third handle". The gripping part 14c corresponds to the "fourth handle".

[0042] Each of the side panels 19 is a plate-like member that is roughly rectangular in plan view. At each corner of the side panels 19, an inclined surface is formed that slopes gently from each side toward the planes 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 inclined surfaces becomes a continuous surface with the top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces of the housing 10, respectively. In each of the side panels 19, the centrally located plane serves as both a flat surface and a main surface that forms the majority of the side surface around the casing of the housing 10.

[0043] Each of the side panels 19 is provided with a plurality of engaging pieces 19a that protrude from the surface located on the inside of the housing 10, on each of the three sides excluding the side located on the lower end in the vertical direction of the housing 10. Each of the side panels 19 is attached to each of the panels by engaging each of these engaging pieces 19a from the left and right sides with each of the engaging holes 12c of the top panel 12, each of the engaging holes 16e of the front panel 16, and each of the engaging holes 18e of the rear panel 18. Furthermore, the arrangement is not limited to this, and each of the side panels 19 may be fixed to the other panel using fastening members. Also, for example, at least one of each of the side panels 19 may be formed from two or more members, not just one.

[0044] The housing device 1 can be installed with each of its left and right sides, i.e., the side panels 19, as the base. Hereinafter, the so-called reclining position, in which the housing device 1 is installed with the left and right sides as the base, will be referred to as the second position.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, each of the side panels 19 is provided with a plurality of fixing pieces 19b that protrude in the same direction as the engaging piece 19a on the side located at the lower end in the vertical direction of the housing 10. Each of the fixing pieces 19b is provided with a screw hole 19c. 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 fixing pieces 19b is positioned below the flat surface 14a of the bottom panel 14, and each of the screw holes 19c is positioned below each of the screw holes 14d.

[0046] Multiple legs 17 are provided at the points where the flat surface 14a and each of the fixing pieces 19b overlap, with the legs protruding outward from the lower leg portion. Each of the legs 17 is attached to the lower panel 14 by fastening together with each of the screw holes 19c and each of the screw holes 14d using each of the fastening members 150. In addition, each of the side panels 19 is fixed to the lower panel 14. In the first orientation, the housing device 1 is supported by these legs 17. In the first orientation, the bottom panel 14 is positioned vertically downward in the vertical direction of the housing 10.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, in each of the side panels 19, a through-hole, or drainage hole 19d, is provided at the boundary between the inclined surface located at the lower end of the housing 10 in the vertical direction and the flat surface located in the center. The drainage hole 19d is an elongated hole that extends along the front-to-back direction of the housing 10.

[0048] When the housing device 1 is installed in the first orientation, each of the drainage holes 19d is positioned close to the bottom panel 14 in the vertical direction of the housing 10. Therefore, in the housing device 1 installed in the first orientation, any moisture that enters the interior or is generated by condensation is drained out through each of the drainage holes 19d.

[0049] The housing device 1 can be installed with either the left or right side, i.e., each of the side panels 19, as the bottom surface. In this case, one of the drainage holes 19d is positioned approximately the same as the installation surface of the housing device 1. Therefore, moisture that enters the housing device 1 or is generated by condensation is drained from each of the drainage holes 19d. Hereinafter, the state in which the housing device 1 is installed with the left or right side as the bottom surface will be referred to as the second position.

[0050] Thus, by providing the drainage hole 19d in the containment device 1, it is possible to drain internal moisture in both the first and second installation positions.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, a sealing material 19e is provided at the boundary between the inclined surface and the centrally located plane on each of the side panels 19. The sealing material 19e is made of, for example, rubber. The sealing material 19e seals the gaps between each of the side panels 19 and the top panel 12, the bottom panel 14, the front panel 16, and the rear panel 18. As a result, in the housing device 1, moisture, dirt, etc., are prevented from entering the interior of the housing 10 through the gaps between each of the side panels 19, the top panel 12, the bottom panel 14, the front panel 16, and the rear panel 18. Each of the sealing materials 19e is omitted in the position where it overlaps with each of the drainage holes 19d.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, 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.

[0053] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the housing device 1. Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the housing device 1 cut along the plane VI shown in Figure 1. Plane VI is a virtual plane passing approximately through the center of the housing device 1 in the left-right direction. In Figure 7, for the sake of explanation, the battery 100 and the bulge 21 are shown by dashed lines, and the processor 130 is shown by a double-dash line. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the components housed in the housing device 1. As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, a housing mechanism 30 for accommodating the battery 100 is provided inside the housing 10. This housing mechanism 30 is positioned approximately in the center in the front-to-back direction of the housing 10 and is located directly below the top opening 13.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, a user interface unit 22 is provided on the front panel 16, located on the front of the housing 10 and closer to the top than to the bottom. The user interface unit 22 includes a display area equipped with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and other elements to display the operating status of the housing device 1 and the remaining energy level of the battery 100, and a switch area equipped with switches that are operators that receive commands from the user to switch the operating status of the housing device 1. Furthermore, the user interface unit 22 may be configured to be operable not only by physical switches, but also by a touch panel provided in the display area. The display area corresponds to the "display unit," and the switch area corresponds to the "operation unit." The user interface unit 22 corresponds to the "interface unit."

[0055] On the front panel 16, a terminal unit 24 is provided 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, respectively, to other electric devices, etc., via external terminals connected to them. The terminal unit 24 includes an operator that receives a predetermined operation on the housing device 1, and connection terminals that connect to other housing devices 1.

[0056] The terminal unit 24 includes an AC power input terminal and a DC power input terminal. AC power and DC power are supplied to the AC power input terminal and the DC power input terminal via external terminals connected to them, respectively, from an AC output section (outlet) of a generator or house, or an external power generation device of the housing device 1 such as a solar panel. The housing device 1 can use the input AC or DC power to charge the battery 100 housed inside. In other words, the housing device 1 functions as a charging device.

[0057] The terminal unit 24 is provided with cover members 26 that cover each of the various terminals described above and the operators. The cover members 26 are detachably attached to the terminal unit 24. Alternatively, the cover members 26 may be integrally attached to the terminal unit 24 and formed to be openable and closable.

[0058] A communication unit 120 is provided in the terminal unit 24. The communication unit 120 is equipped with communication hardware that conforms to short-range wireless communication standards, such as an antenna and a communication circuit. The communication unit 120 can communicate with terminal devices such as a remote control, smartphone, or tablet. In the housing device 1, by communicating with the terminal device through the communication unit 120, it is possible to display the same information as in the display area on the display section of the terminal device, such as a display, and to perform operations on the terminal device that are the same as those performed in the switch area. Examples of short-range wireless communication standards include Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 120 is mounted to the side of the terminal unit 24 and is positioned so as not to be exposed to the outside of the housing 10.

[0059] The user interface unit 22, the terminal unit 24, and the communication unit 120 are pre-connected to each other and mounted on the rear surface of the housing 10 on the front panel 16. In the user interface unit 22 and terminal unit 24 mounted in this manner, the display area, switch area, various terminals, and controls are inserted through the unit opening 16b and exposed on the front side of the housing 10.

[0060] 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 its screw head faces the side panel 19 that forms the right side of the housing 10. 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.

[0061] The communication unit 120 is provided with a communication unit terminal 120a to which predetermined wiring and other terminals can be connected. The communication unit terminal 120a is a female terminal provided along the front-to-back direction of the housing 10, opening toward the rear of the housing 10. However, it is not limited to this, and the communication unit terminal 120a may also be a male terminal provided along the front-to-back direction of the housing 10, protruding toward the rear of the housing 10.

[0062] In the front-to-rear direction of the housing 10, an inverter unit 80 is provided behind the housing mechanism 30. The inverter unit 80 comprises an inverter 82 and a shroud 90. The inverter 82 functions as a so-called DC-AC inverter, converting the DC power supplied from the battery 100 according to the user's operation and outputting AC power.

[0063] The inverter 82 comprises a rectangular circuit board 84 on which predetermined electrical components 86 are mounted on both sides. The circuit board 84 is arranged so that each of its planes faces the front-to-back direction of the housing 10. The electrical components 86 form predetermined electrical circuits such as inverter circuits and converter circuits. Other electrical components, such as AC-DC converters and DC-DC converters, are mounted on the circuit board 84. Therefore, the inverter 82 can, for example, convert DC power supplied from the battery 100 and output DC power of different voltages. The inverter 82 corresponds to the "energy conversion unit".

[0064] As described above, the housing device 1 is supplied with AC power and DC power from an external power generator via the terminal unit 24. The AC power input to the housing device 1 is converted to DC power by the AC-DC converter in the inverter 82 and charged to the battery 100. The DC power input to the housing device 1 has its voltage converted by the DC-DC converter in the inverter 82 and is charged to the battery 100.

[0065] The shroud 90 is a covering member that covers the inverter 82 from the rear in the front-to-rear direction of the housing 10. The shroud 90 is equipped with multiple blowers 92 for cooling the battery 100 and the inverter 82.

[0066] In the shroud 90, multiple shroud intake ports 91, which are through-holes, are provided in the area that covers the periphery of the inverter 82. The shroud intake ports 91 connect the internal space of the shroud 90 with the outside of the inverter unit 80.

[0067] The inverter unit 80 is fixed inside the housing 10 by the upper edge of the circuit board 84 being supported by the upper edge support member 87 and the lower edge of the circuit board 84 being supported by the 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 is fixed at both ends to the housing mechanism 30 and supports the substrate 84 and the inverter unit 80 by contacting the substrate 84 at two points located approximately in the center in the longitudinal direction.

[0068] The lower edge support member 88 is provided on the lower panel 14 and is a linear member that extends along 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 formed in a roughly M-shape, and its two tops that protrude upward toward the housing 10 abut against the substrate 84, thereby supporting the substrate 84 and the inverter unit 80. In this way, the inverter unit 80 is fixed to the housing 10.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7, the battery 100 is a portable, roughly rectangular energy storage device that houses energy storage devices such as battery cells inside. Each of the pair of end faces 101 and 103 located in the longitudinal direction of the battery 100 is rectangular in plan view.

[0070] The battery 100 is provided with a battery handle 102 on one end face 101 in the longitudinal direction, which can be gripped by the user. The battery handle 102 is formed in a substantially T-shape when viewed from above. A battery terminal 108 is provided on the other end face 103. The battery terminal 108 is a female-type terminal, also called a receptacle, located close to one side of the end face 103 and extending along that side. The side of the end face 103 where the battery terminal 108 is located overlaps with 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. Battery terminal 108 corresponds to the "first electrical terminal".

[0071] The battery 100 has four battery sides 107 that extend along the longitudinal direction of the battery 100, with both ends in the longitudinal direction continuous with end faces 101 and 103. Of these battery sides 107, one battery side 107 is formed as a curved surface, curving in a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the battery 100 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the battery 100. In contrast, the other battery sides 107 are formed as substantially flat surfaces. That is, the battery 100 is formed asymmetrically in rotation with respect to a virtual 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 as the axis of rotation (Figures 10 and 11). Hereinafter, the battery side 107 that is formed as a curved surface will be referred to as the curved surface 109. The curved surface 109 is continuous with the edge of the end face 103 where the battery terminals 108 are located in close proximity.

[0072] The battery 100 includes a processor 130 that controls the battery 130. The processor 130 switches between the powered state and the powered-off state of the battery 100. The startup state is a state in which power from battery 100 can be output to an external source, or power from an external source can be input to battery 100. The non-started state is a state in which the battery 100 cannot output power to the outside of the battery 100, or in which power from the outside of the battery 100 cannot be input to the battery 100. Battery 100 corresponds to a "portable energy storage device, power storage device." Processor 130 corresponds to a "switching control unit."

[0073] As shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10, the housing mechanism 30 houses the battery 100 and is electrically connected to the battery terminals 108 of the battery 100. The housing mechanism 30 includes a battery case 32. The battery case 32 is a container, for example, made of resin, that houses 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.

[0074] The battery case 32 comprises a rear section 40 that forms the bottom surface inside the battery case 32, and side walls 48 that rise from each side of the rear section 40. The rear section 40 is located on the lower side of the housing 10 and corresponds to the lower end of the battery case 32. The rear section 40 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. Each of the side walls 48 forms each of the sides of the battery case 32. Each of the side walls 48 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, with its longitudinal direction extending along the vertical direction of the housing 10. In this embodiment, the longitudinal length of the side wall 48 is formed to be approximately the same as the longitudinal length of the battery side surface 107.

[0075] The battery case 32 is equipped with a rectangular opening 31 that opens across its entire upper surface. The opening 31 is positioned to overlap 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 loading / unloading opening 31 corresponds to the “opening” in this disclosure.

[0076] In the battery case 32, a frame-shaped extension 34 extending outward with a predetermined width is provided around the periphery of the opening 31. The frame-shaped extension 34 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above. Screw holes 33 are provided at each corner of the frame-shaped extension 34. In the frame-shaped extension 34, plate insertion holes 35 and metal fitting insertion holes 37, which are through holes, are provided at locations on either side of the entrance / exit 31 in the left-right direction of the housing 10.

[0077] The battery case 32 has a rectangular rear section 40 in plan view on the opposite side of the loading / unloading opening 31 in the longitudinal direction. The rear section 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 in the rear section 40 that extends along one side located on the rear side of the housing 10.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, the rear part 40 of the battery case 32 is provided with a plurality of case-side bosses 38 that protrude outward from the battery case 32 and toward the lower side of the housing 10. Each of the case-side bosses 38 has a circular columnar tip. In a plan view, approximately in the center of the case-side boss 38, a through-hole, which is a screw hole, is provided along the direction in which the case-side boss 38 extends.

[0079] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the battery case 32 is provided with a case frame 50, which is a rectangular frame-shaped member in plan view. The case frame 50 is made of a material such as metal, which has at least one of the following: higher strength or higher rigidity than the battery case 32. The case frame 50 may also be made of the same material as the battery case 32.

[0080] A frame opening 51 is provided in the center of the case frame 50. The frame opening 51 is formed to be substantially the same shape as the circumferential surface of the battery 100 when viewed from the longitudinal direction in a plan view. For this reason, 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, while the other sides are formed in a substantially straight shape. Furthermore, the length of each side of the top opening 13 and the access opening 31 is formed to be greater than or equal to the length of each side of the frame opening 51.

[0081] Each corner of the case frame 50 is provided with a screw hole 53. The case frame 50 is attached to the battery case 32 by fastening together with the fastening members 150, with each of the screw holes 53 and each of the screw holes 33 overlapping each other.

[0082] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams of the housing mechanism 30 viewed from the right of the housing device 1. In Figures 9 and 10, for the sake of explanation, the battery 100 and the locking mechanism 76 are shown by dashed lines, and a dashed line V is shown as a virtual line passing through the center of the battery 100 in a plan view and extending along the longitudinal direction of the battery 100. As shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, each of the side walls 48 located on the left and right sides of the battery case 32 is provided with a pocket-shaped metal fitting holder portion 49 with an internal space. The upper end of the metal fitting holder portion 49 is connected to the metal fitting insertion hole 37.

[0083] A mounting bracket 60 is housed in each of the bracket holding portions 49 via a bracket insertion hole 37. The mounting bracket 60 is a plate-shaped member that extends along the vertical direction of the housing 10. The lower side of each mounting bracket 60 is housed inside the bracket holding portion 49 and is fixed to the battery case 32 by a fastening member 150 inserted from the outside of the bracket holding portion 49. Each upper end of the mounting bracket 60 is positioned above the opening 31.

[0084] Each of the mounting brackets 60 supports a retaining handle 62 so as to be rotatable along the front-to-back direction of the housing 10. The retaining handle 62 is a linear member that extends along the left-to-right direction of the housing 10. The retaining handle 62 is formed in a substantially 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 a fitting shaft 64. A linear locking plate 63 is positioned above the insertion / removal opening 31, approximately in the center of the retaining handle 62. The locking plate 63 is formed so as to be gripped by the user. Link connecting ends 61 are provided at both ends of the retaining handle 62, extending from the metal fitting shaft 64 toward the rear side of the housing 10.

[0085] Each end of the link connecting end 61 is rotatably connected to one end of the link plate 70 in the longitudinal direction via a link shaft 68. The link plate 70 is a plate-shaped member that extends along the vertical direction of the housing 10, outside each of the left and right side walls 48. Each of the link plates 70 is held in the battery case 32 by being inserted through a plate insertion hole 35.

[0086] Each of the link plates 70 has another end to which the terminal holding plate 72 is rotatably connected via a plate shaft 74, with each of the longitudinal ends connected to the other end. The terminal retaining plate 72 is a plate-shaped member having a predetermined length. One end of the terminal retaining plate 72 in the longitudinal direction is positioned along the lower part of one side wall 48 located in the left-right direction. The terminal retaining plate 72 passes from the lower part of one side wall 48 through the back part 40 and below the terminal hole 41, and the other end is positioned along the lower part of one side wall 48 located in the left-right direction. For this reason, the terminal retaining plate 72 is formed by bending into a roughly U-shape when viewed from the front of the housing 10. Each of the retaining handles 62 and link plates 70, as well as the terminal retaining plate 72, constitutes a "power transmission mechanism."

[0087] In the terminal retaining plate 72, a case-side connection terminal 54 is provided at a position opposite to the terminal hole 41. The case-side connection terminal 54 is a male terminal, also called a plug, formed 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 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. The case-side connection terminal 54 corresponds to the "second electrical terminal".

[0088] As shown in Figure 8, when the lock plate 63 of the retaining handle 62 is moved to the rear side of the housing 10 relative to the opening 31, each of the link connecting ends 61 moves to the lower side of the housing 10, and each of the link plates 70 and the terminal retaining plate 72 moves downward. As a result, the case-side connection terminal 54 moves to the outside and downward of the battery case 32. In this state, the positions of the retaining handle 62, the link plate 70, and the terminal retaining plate 72 correspond to the "second position".

[0089] As shown in Figure 10, when the lock plate 63 of the retaining handle 62 is moved to the upper side of the housing 10 relative to the opening 31, each of the link connecting ends 61 moves to the upper side of the housing 10, and each of the link plates 70 and the terminal retaining plate 72 moves upward. As a result, the case-side connection terminal 54 moves into the inside of the battery case 32 through the terminal hole 41. In this state, the positions of the retaining handle 62, the link plate 70, and the terminal retaining plate 72 correspond to the "first position".

[0090] As shown in Figure 8, a locking mechanism 76 is provided at the upper end of each mounting bracket 60. Each locking mechanism 76 is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the mounting bracket 60 along the left-right direction of the housing 10.

[0091] The locking mechanism 76 is located on the side of the opening 31 that is greater than both ends of the retaining handle 62. When the locking plate 63 of the retaining handle 62 is moved to the upper side of the housing 10 relative to the opening 31, each of the locking mechanisms 76 is restricted from rotating so that it is positioned on the inside of the opening 31 by each of the ends of the retaining handle 62. The locking mechanism 76 corresponds to the "pressing part".

[0092] In the battery case 32, a startup battery 98 is provided on one of the side walls 48 arranged along the left-right direction of the housing 10. The startup battery 98 is an energy storage device that supplies power to the processor that controls the housing device 1 and various electrical components. When the operator for starting the housing device 1 is operated, the startup battery 98 supplies power to the processor, and the housing device 1 is driven when the processor starts controlling the housing device 1. The startup battery 98 supplies power at a lower voltage than the battery 100. The startup battery 98 corresponds to "other power storage devices".

[0093] The starting battery 98 is attached to the battery case 32 via a fixing bracket 96. The fixing bracket 96 is fixed to each of the side walls 48 of the battery case 32 by fastening together with the metal fitting holder 49 by fastening members 150 that fix the mounting bracket 60 to the metal fitting holder 49. The starting battery 98 is fixed to the fixing bracket 96 by fastening members 150 such as screw members.

[0094] In the starting battery 98, a bracket cushioning material 96a is provided at a predetermined location on the surface facing the battery case 32. The bracket cushioning material 96a is made of a flexible material such as rubber or sponge. The fixing bracket 96 contacts the battery case 32 via this bracket cushioning material 96a. Therefore, even if the housing 10 vibrates when transporting the housing device 1 or when inserting or removing the battery 100 from the housing device 1, the bracket cushioning material 96a suppresses vibration of the starting battery 98.

[0095] In the housing device 1, the starting battery 98 is positioned between one of the side walls 48 and one of the side panels 19, and is also positioned to be exposed to the outside when the side panel 19 is removed.

[0096] The starting battery 98 is provided with a starting battery terminal 98a to which predetermined wiring and other terminals can be connected. The starting battery terminal 98a is a female terminal provided along the vertical direction of the housing 10 and opening toward the bottom of the housing 10. However, it is not limited to this, and the starting battery terminal 98a may also be a male terminal provided along the vertical direction of the housing 10 and protruding toward the bottom of the housing 10.

[0097] Figure 11 is a side view of the housing device 1 as seen from the right side. In Figure 11, the side panel 19 that forms the right side is omitted. As shown in Figure 11, a connection cable 145 is connected to both the communication unit terminal 120a and the startup battery terminal 98a. 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.

[0098] As described above, the communication unit 120 and the starter battery 98 are positioned to be exposed to the outside when the side panel 19 is removed. The screw heads of the fastening members 150 that secure the communication unit 120 and the starter battery 98 are mounted so as to face the side panel 19 that forms the right side of the housing 10. Similarly, the communication unit terminal 120a and the starter battery terminal 98a are positioned to be exposed to the outside when the side panel 19 is removed. Therefore, in the housing device 1, by removing one side panel 19, the user can easily perform tasks such as inspecting or replacing the communication unit 120 and connecting the connection cable 145.

[0099] Here, we will describe the fixing structure between the housing 10 and the battery case 32. The bottom panel 14 is provided with a plurality of panel-side bosses 29 that protrude upward toward the housing 10. Each of the panel-side bosses 29 has a circular columnar tip. Each of the panel-side bosses 29 is positioned in a location 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 respective tip surfaces abutting against each other. This connects the bottom panel 14 and the battery case 32, and positions the battery case 32 in a predetermined location in the vertical direction of the housing 10.

[0100] The top panel 12 and the battery case 32 are positioned such 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, the top panel 12 and the battery case 32 are fixed together by screwing the fastening members 150 into each of the screw holes 15 and each of the screw holes 33. As a result, in the housing device 1, the top panel 12 and the bottom panel 14 are connected by the battery case 32. This improves the strength of the housing 10.

[0101] As described above, the battery case 32 is attached to the case frame 50 by fastening the screw holes 53 of the case frame 50 together with the fastening member 150. In addition, the battery case 32 is attached by fastening the fastening member 150 together with the ends of the upper edge support member 87 at each of the screw holes 33 located on the rear side of the housing 10. In this way, the housing device 1 connects 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.

[0102] Thus, in the housing device 1, which has improved strength in its casing 10, it is not limited to a first orientation in which the bottom surface is in contact with the installation surface, but can also be installed with both the top and rear surfaces as bottom surfaces. Furthermore, the housing device 1 can be installed in a second orientation in which the left and right sides are used as bottom surfaces. This makes it possible to change the installation orientation of the housing device 1 according to the user's intended use.

[0103] As shown in Figure 6, in the vertical direction of the housing 10, a handle 28 of the rear panel 18 is positioned above the inverter unit 80 housed in the housing 10, and a gripping portion 14c is positioned below the inverter unit 80. In the vertical direction of the housing 10, a handle 28 of the front panel 16 is positioned above the user interface unit 22 and the terminal unit 24 housed in the housing 10, and a gripping portion 14b is positioned below the user interface unit 22 and the terminal unit 24.

[0104] In a plan view of the housing 10, the housing mechanism 30 is located between the pair of handles 28 and between the gripping portion 14b and the gripping portion 14c. When viewed from the front of the housing 10, the battery 100 housed in the housing mechanism 30 is located between the handle 28 of the front panel 16 and the gripping part 14b. When viewed from the rear of the housing 10, the battery 100 housed in the housing mechanism 30 is located between the handle 28 of the rear panel 18 and the gripping portion 14c.

[0105] In other words, each of the pair of handles 28, the gripping portion 14b, and the gripping portion 14c is positioned at each of the corners of the housing 10 when viewed from the left and right directions of the housing 10. That is, each of the pair of handles 28, the gripping portion 14b, and the gripping portion 14c is provided on the housing 10 so as to surround the component to be housed in the housing device 1.

[0106] [1.2. Operation] The operation of the containment device 1, configured as described above, will now be explained. When a user places the battery 100 into 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 location on the rear side of the housing 10 relative to the loading / unloading opening 31. As a result, each of the locking mechanisms 76 rotates along the left-right direction of the housing 10 and moves outward from the loading / unloading opening 31 in a plan view.

[0107] Next, the user grasps the battery handle 102 and inserts it into the top opening 13, the frame opening 51, and the loading / unloading opening 31 from the other end face 103 side, along the dashed line V. At this time, the user inserts the battery 100 in a position where the curved surface 109 faces the rear side of the housing 10. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the battery 100 is attached to or detached from the housing mechanism 30, the direction of movement, which is the attachment / detachment direction, is along a virtual 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, this attachment / detachment direction is along the longitudinal direction of the battery 100 and the longitudinal direction of the battery case 32.

[0108] As described above, only the edge of the frame opening 51 located on the rear side of the housing 10 is formed to curve in an arc shape. Therefore, the battery 100 can only be inserted into the frame opening 51 when the curved surface 109 is facing the rear side of the housing 10 and the user inserts the battery 100. In contrast, if the user inserts the battery 100 in a posture different from the one described above, the battery 100 will not be able to pass through the frame opening 51.

[0109] As a result, the housing device 1 prevents the battery 100 from being housed in a position where the battery terminals 108 and the case-side connection terminals 54 cannot be connected, i.e., the battery 100 cannot be electrically connected to the housing device 1. Therefore, the housing device 1 prevents connection failures between the housing device 1 and the battery 100.

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

[0111] Once the battery 100 is placed in the battery case 32, the user rotates the retaining handle 62 until the lock plate 63 is positioned above the loading / unloading opening 31, as shown in Figure 10. As the retaining handle 62 rotates, each of the locking mechanisms 76 rotates along the left-right direction of the housing 10, moving inward towards the loading / unloading opening 31 in a plan view, and contacts the end face 101 of the battery 100. Furthermore, the rotation of the holding handle 62 causes the case-side connection terminal 54 to move through the terminal hole 41 into the interior of the battery case 32 and connect to the battery terminal 108. This electrically connects the housing device 1 and the battery 100.

[0112] After this, the user rotates the lid 20 to close the top opening 13. At this time, as shown in Figure 10, the retaining handle 62 is positioned to fit inside the recess 20a of the lid. The bulge 21 is positioned on the rear side of the housing 10 relative to the retaining handle 62, and the chamfered portion 20b on the inner surface of the lid recess 20a is positioned on the front side of the housing 10 relative to the retaining handle 62. In this way, when the lid 20 closes the top opening 13, the retaining handle 62 is positioned between the bulge 21 and the recess 20a of the lid in the front-rear direction of the housing 10, thereby restricting its rotation. Therefore, in the housing device 1, the rotation of the holding handle 62 is restricted regardless of the orientation in which the housing device 1 is installed after the housing device 1 and the battery 100 are electrically connected.

[0113] Furthermore, because chamfered portions 21b and 20b are provided, when the lid 20 is rotated to close the upper opening 13, contact between the bulging portion 21 and the lid recess 20a and the holding handle 62 is suppressed. This allows the lid 20 to rotate smoothly to close the opening and restricts the rotation of the holding handle 62.

[0114] On the other hand, if the lock plate 63 is not in the predetermined position above the loading / unloading opening 31, that is, if the storage mechanism 30 has not completed storing the battery 100, when the lid 20 is rotated to close the top opening 13, the lower surface of the bulging portion 21 comes into contact with the lock plate 63. This prevents the lid 20 from closing the top opening 13. Therefore, in the storage device 1, use is prevented if the storage of the battery 100 is not completed.

[0115] As described above, the retaining handle 62 extends along the left-right direction of the housing 10 and is provided to rotate along the front-rear direction of the housing 10.

[0116] When the retaining handle 62 is rotated until the lock plate 63 moves to the upper side of the housing 10 relative to the opening 31, each of the locking mechanisms 76 is restricted from rotating by the retaining handle 62 and presses against the end face 101 of the battery 100.

[0117] Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams showing the flow of cooling air in the housing device 1. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the housing device 1 from the front, and Figure 13 is a perspective view of the housing device 1 from the rear. In Figures 12 and 13, the air flowing inside the housing 10 by the blower 92 is indicated by arrows. The battery 100 is housed in the housing device 1, and when the housing device 1 is started to operate from the battery 100, each of the blowers 92 is driven. As shown in Figures 13 and 12, this draws air from the outside to the inside of the housing 10 through the front air intake 23. The drawn-in air passes below the battery case 32 and to the left and right sides.

[0118] After this, some of the air passes between the inverter 82 and the side wall 48 of the battery case 32 located on the rear side of the housing 10. This cools the circuit board 84, the electrical components 86 mounted on the plane of the circuit board 84 facing the battery case 32 of the inverter 82, and the battery 100. At this time, the side wall 48 functions as an air guide member that restricts the air to flow along the electrical components 86 and the circuit board 84.

[0119] This air rises to the upper end of the substrate 84 and is then drawn into the inverter unit 80 through a shroud intake port 91 located on the upper end side of the shroud 90. On the other hand, some of the air is drawn into the inverter unit 80 through each of the shroud intake ports 91 provided at the lower end and side edges of the shroud 90, without passing between the inverter 82 and the side wall 48.

[0120] As described above, when viewed from the front of the housing 10, each of the shroud air intakes 91 located at the lower end of the shroud 90 is positioned so as not to overlap with the battery case 32. Therefore, the air drawn into the shroud air intakes 91 is prevented from being obstructed by the battery case 32.

[0121] In addition, each of the shroud air intake ports 91 located on the lower end of the shroud 90 is located on the opposite side of the battery case 32's access port 31 in the vertical direction of the housing 10. Therefore, the air drawn into the shroud air intake ports 91 is less likely to be obstructed by the housing mechanism 30 or the connecting structure between the top panel 12 and the battery case 32.

[0122] The air drawn into the inverter unit 80 flows across the entire surface of the circuit board 84, cooling both the circuit board 84 and the electrical components 86. This air is then taken into each of the blowers 92, exhausted to the outside of the inverter unit 80, and then exhausted to the outside of the housing 10 through the rear exhaust port 25. This allows the housing device 1 to efficiently cool heat-generating components such as the inverter 82 and the battery 100.

[0123] As shown in Figure 6, the pair of handles 28, the grip portion 14b, and the grip portion 14c are each positioned at the upper or lower end of the inverter unit 80, or the user interface unit 22 and the terminal unit 24, respectively. That is, they are positioned to avoid the area where the battery 100 is inserted into or removed from the housing mechanism 30. This allows the housing device 1 to be attached to and detached from the battery 100 while improving the portability of the housing device 1.

[0124] In the housing device 1, which contains the battery 100, the battery 100 is the heaviest component. In the storage device 1, the pair of handles 28, the gripping portion 14b, and the gripping portion 14c are each positioned at the corners of the housing 10 when viewed from the left and right directions of the housing 10. Therefore, when a user grasps any two of the pair of handles 28, the gripping portion 14b, and the gripping portion 14c to transport the device, the battery 100 will be positioned between the points grasped by the user. This makes it possible to transport the storage device 1 while supporting it more securely.

[0125] As described above, the grip portion 14b and the grip portion 14c are integrally provided on the lower panel 14. This lower panel 14 is a component connected to the battery case 32 that holds the battery 100. As a result, when a user grasps at least one of the grip portion 14b or the grip portion 14c, the battery 100 is held via the lower panel 14 and the battery case 32. Therefore, when the user grasps at least one of the gripping portion 14b and the gripping portion 14c, the storage device 1 can be transported while being supported more securely.

[0126] The embodiments described above illustrate one aspect of the present invention and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0127] For example, in this embodiment, the housing device 1 is a power supply device that supplies power to the outside of the device using a battery 100 housed inside the housing 10 as a power source. However, it is not limited to this, and may also be a power consumption device that includes a power consumption unit formed integrally with the device, such as a light source or an audio output device.

[0128] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the case frame 50 was formed separately from the battery case 32, but the invention is not limited to this, and the case frame may be formed integrally with the battery case 32.

[0129] Alternatively, for example, the housing device 1 may include a sealing material that seals the gap between the housing mechanism 30 and the battery 100 housed in the housing mechanism 30 to make it liquid-tight, and may also include a sealing structure formed by the sealing material. In this case, the lid 20 of the housing device 1 may be omitted.

[0130] In the embodiment described above, the battery 100 is assumed to be formed in a rotationally asymmetric shape with respect to the imaginary line V as the axis of rotation. However, it is not limited to this and may be formed in a rotationally symmetric shape such as a cylindrical shape. In addition, the battery terminals 108 may be formed in a position and shape that is rotationally symmetric to the battery 100.

[0131] In the embodiment described above, the housing device 1 and the housing mechanism 30 house a battery 100 equipped with battery cells inside as an energy storage device, but the invention is not limited to this, and other energy storage devices such as capacitors may be housed.

[0132] In the embodiment described above, the housing device 1 houses a battery 100 for storing electricity as a portable energy storage device. However, it is not limited to this, and the housing device 1 may also detachably house a fuel cell using, for example, hydrogen. Alternatively, the housing device 1 may include a fuel storage device used for power generation, such as a hydrogen container for storing hydrogen used in a fuel cell, or a so-called portable hydrogen tank.

[0133] For example, the storage device 1 may be equipped with a combustion engine, and may detachably house containers for liquid fuels such as gasoline or gaseous fuels such as hydrogen that are burned in the combustion engine. Thus, the storage device 1 is not limited to a portable energy storage device, but may also be a device that detachably houses an energy source such as fuel. In this case, the storage device 1 is equipped with a mechanism for generating electricity from an energy source such as hydrogen.

[0134] In the embodiment described above, the storage device 1 is provided with both a power supply function and a charging function, but it is not limited to this, and the storage device 1 may be provided with only a power supply function or only a charging function.

[0135] In the embodiments described above, the horizontal and vertical directions and various shapes, unless otherwise specified, include the so-called equivalence range, which is the range that produces the same effects and functions as those directions and shapes.

[0136] [Configurations supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0137] (Configuration 1) A housing comprising a housing that is arranged in a substantially polyhedral shape and has six substantially square-shaped faces facing in different directions from one another, and a housing section provided inside the housing for housing a portable energy storage device that can be inserted into and removed, wherein the housing section is provided with an opening for inserting and removing the portable energy storage device, the opening is provided at a position corresponding to a first face which is one of the six faces, the first face has a first side which is two parallel sides and a second side, the housing is provided with a first handle for the user to hold at a position corresponding to the first side, and a second handle for the user to hold at a position corresponding to the second side. This configuration allows for the transport and holding of the storage device while enabling the insertion and removal of a portable energy storage unit from the storage compartment. Therefore, the user can more reliably support and transport the storage device.

[0138] (Configuration 2) The housing device according to claim 1, comprising the portable energy storage unit housed in the housing and an energy conversion unit capable of transmitting energy, wherein the energy conversion unit is provided inside the housing at a position adjacent to the housing in a direction intersecting the first and second sides. This configuration allows for the insertion and removal of a portable energy storage unit through an opening housing, while also providing an energy conversion unit. Therefore, the housing device can transfer energy to and from the portable energy storage unit while allowing it to be inserted and removed from the housing.

[0139] (Configuration 3) The housing device according to claim 2, characterized in that at least a portion of the energy conversion section is provided in a position that overlaps with at least one of the first handle or the second handle when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface. With this configuration, the storage device can effectively utilize the space in the position where the handle overlaps when viewed perpendicular to the first surface to position the energy conversion unit. Therefore, the size of the storage device can be kept down. Furthermore, the containment device allows for the transport and holding of the containment device while enabling the insertion and removal of the portable energy storage unit from the containment section. Therefore, the containment device allows the user to more reliably support and transport the device. In addition, the containment device allows the user to more reliably support the energy conversion unit housed within it.

[0140] (Configuration 4) The housing device according to claim 2 or 3, comprising the energy conversion unit and a connection unit that is provided to transmit energy and to which an external device is connected, wherein the connection unit is provided at a position corresponding to the second surface, which is one of the six surfaces that intersects with the first surface. This configuration allows the connection point to be positioned in a location that avoids the opening through which the portable energy storage unit can be inserted and removed. Therefore, the storage device can be connected to other devices while still allowing the portable energy storage unit to be inserted and removed from the storage unit.

[0141] (Configuration 5) The housing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the connecting portion is provided on the opposite side of the energy conversion portion, with the housing portion in between, in a direction intersecting the second surface. This configuration allows the energy conversion unit and connection unit to be positioned in a location that avoids the opening through which the portable energy storer can be inserted and removed. Therefore, the housing device can transfer energy between the portable energy storer and other devices while allowing the portable energy storer to be inserted and removed from the housing unit.

[0142] (Configuration 6) The housing device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least a portion of the connecting portion is provided in a position that overlaps with at least one of the first handle or the second handle when viewed orthogonally from the first surface. This configuration allows for the transport and holding of the storage device while enabling the insertion and removal of the portable energy storage unit from the storage compartment. Therefore, the user can more reliably support and transport the storage device. In addition, the user can more reliably support the connection points of the storage device.

[0143] (Configuration 7) The housing device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising an interface section provided with a display section for displaying information to the user and / or an operation section for operation by the user, wherein the interface section is provided in a position corresponding to the second surface. This configuration allows the interface to be positioned to avoid openings through which the portable energy storage unit can be inserted and removed. As a result, the storage device allows the user to operate the device while still enabling the insertion and removal of the portable energy storage unit from the storage unit.

[0144] (Configuration 8) The housing device according to claim 7, characterized in that at least a part of the interface portion is provided in a position that overlaps with at least one of the first handle or the second handle when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface. This configuration allows for the transport and holding of the housing device while enabling the insertion and removal of the portable energy storage unit from the housing. Therefore, the user can more reliably support and transport the housing device. In addition, the user can more reliably support the interface section of the housing device.

[0145] (Configuration 9) The housing device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that when the housing is placed in a first position in which the first surface faces vertically upward, the interface portion is located vertically above the connection portion. This configuration places the interface in a position that is easily accessible to the user. Therefore, the housing device is easy for the user to operate.

[0146] (Configuration 10) The housing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing has a surface among the six surfaces that is parallel to the first surface, the third surface has a third side parallel to the first side, and the housing is provided with a third handle for the user to hold at a position corresponding to the third side. This configuration allows for the insertion and removal of portable energy storage units from the storage compartment while also providing multiple handles. Therefore, the storage device allows the user to more securely support and transport the device.

[0147] (Configuration 11) The housing device according to 10, characterized in that the third surface has a fourth side parallel to the third side, and the housing is provided with a fourth handle for the user to hold at a position corresponding to the fourth side. This configuration allows for the insertion and removal of portable energy storage units from the storage compartment while also providing multiple handles. Therefore, the storage device allows the user to more securely support and transport the device.

[0148] (Configuration 12) The portable energy storage device is a power storage device that stores electricity, and the power storage device has a switching control unit that switches between an activated state in which power can be output to the outside or external power can be input, and a non-activated state in which power cannot be output to the outside or external power cannot be input, and inside the housing there is provided another power storage device that can transmit electricity to the switching control unit, and the other power storage device is provided in a position adjacent to the housing in the direction in which the first side and the second side extend. This is the housing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. This configuration allows for the insertion and removal of a portable energy storage device from the storage unit while also enabling the installation of other power storage devices. Therefore, the storage device can transfer energy to and from the portable energy storage device while allowing the portable energy storage device to be inserted and removed from the storage unit.

[0149] (Configuration 13) The portable energy storage device is a power storage device having a first electrical terminal and storing power, and comprises a power transmission mechanism that transmits power to move a second electrical terminal connected to the first electrical terminal, and / or transmits power to move a pressing portion that is pressed against the power storage device housed in the housing, wherein the power transmission mechanism is movably provided to a first position in which the second electrical terminal is connected to the first electrical terminal and / or the pressing portion is pressed against the power storage device, and a second position in which the second electrical terminal is not connected to the first electrical terminal and / or the pressing portion is not pressed against the power storage device, and at least a part of the power transmission mechanism is provided in a position that overlaps with the opening in a view perpendicular to the first surface when in the first position, as described in any one of claims 1 to 12. With this configuration, the housing device allows the user to operate the power transmission mechanism through an opening.

[0150] (Configuration 14) The housing device according to Configuration 13, comprising a cover portion that is openable and closable so as to cover at least a part of the opening, wherein the cover portion is provided at a position corresponding to the first surface. With this configuration, the housing device can cover the opening in a way that allows it to be opened and closed, with the top surface facing upwards when the device is in an upright position.

[0151] (Configuration 15) The storage device according to 14, characterized in that the cover portion has a bulge that, when closed, bulges out toward the opening from the surface on the opening side. With this configuration, the bulge in the housing allows for the driving of the power transmission mechanism to be restricted.

[0152] (Configuration 16) The housing device according to 15, characterized in that at least a part of the power transmission mechanism is provided in a position adjacent to the bulging portion in a direction intersecting the first side and the second side when the power transmission mechanism is in the first position. With this configuration, the bulge in the housing allows for the driving of the power transmission mechanism to be restricted.

[0153] (Configuration 17) The housing device according to Configuration 16, characterized in that at least a part of the power transmission mechanism is provided at a position that overlaps with the movement trajectory of the bulging portion when the cover portion is opened and closed when the power transmission mechanism is in the second position. With this configuration, the bulge in the housing allows for the driving of the power transmission mechanism to be restricted.

[0154] (Configuration 18) The housing device according to any one of Configurations 15 to 17, characterized in that the bulging portion is provided to have a space inside. With this configuration, the storage device can accommodate a specified item inside the bulge.

[0155] (Configuration 19) The housing device according to Configuration 18, characterized in that the bulging portion has an opening / closing portion provided to open and close the space. With this configuration, the storage device can accommodate a predetermined item inside the bulging section, and can also close the dissection section to hold the item inside.

[0156] (Configuration 20) The storage device according to Configuration 19, characterized in that the opening and closing part is provided such that when the opening and closing part is opened while the cover part is open, the space opens so that it faces vertically upward. With this configuration, the containment device allows for easy operation of the bulging section while the opening is open. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1. Containment device 10 cabinets 12. Top panel (first side) 13 Top opening 14. Bottom panel 14b, 14c Handholds (3rd handle, 4th handle) 16. Front panel (second side) 18 Rear panel 19 Side Panel 24 Terminal unit (connection section) 28 Handle (1st handle, 2nd handle) 30 Containment Mechanism 31. Opening 32 Battery Case 80 Inverter Unit 82 Inverter (Energy Conversion Unit) 90 Shroud 100 Batteries (portable energy storage devices) 120 Communication Units 130 Processor (Switching Control Unit)

Claims

1. The housing has six roughly square-shaped faces facing in different directions, and is arranged in a roughly polyhedral shape, The enclosure includes a housing section provided inside the aforementioned housing for housing a portable energy storage device that can be inserted and removed, The portable energy storage device is a power storage device that has a first electrical terminal and stores power, The housing section is provided with a power transmission mechanism that transmits power to move a second electrical terminal connected to the first electrical terminal, and / or to move a pressing portion that is pressed against the power storage device housed in the housing section. The power transmission mechanism has a first position in which the second electrical terminal is connected to the first electrical terminal and / or the pressing portion is pressed against the power storage device, The device is movably provided to a second position in which the second electrical terminal is not connected to the first electrical terminal and / or the pressing portion is not pressed against the power storage device, The housing section is provided with an opening through which the portable energy storage device can be inserted and removed. The opening is provided at a position corresponding to the first surface, which is one of the six surfaces. The first surface has a first side and a second side, which are two sides that are parallel to each other. The housing is provided with a first handle for the user to hold at a position corresponding to the first side, and a second handle for the user to hold at a position corresponding to the second side. The portable energy storage unit housed in the aforementioned storage section and the energy conversion unit capable of transmitting energy are provided. The energy conversion unit is provided inside the housing at a position parallel to the housing unit in a direction intersecting the first and second sides. At least a portion of the energy conversion unit is provided in a position that overlaps with at least one of the first handle or the second handle when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface. A storage device characterized by the following features.

2. The energy conversion unit and the connection unit, which is provided to transmit energy and to which an external device is connected, The connecting portion is provided at a position corresponding to the second surface, which is the surface that intersects with the first surface, among the six surfaces. The storage device according to feature 1.

3. The connecting portion is provided on the opposite side of the energy conversion portion, with the housing portion in between, in a direction intersecting the second surface. The storage device according to feature 2.

4. At least a portion of the connecting portion is provided in a position that overlaps with at least one of the first handle or the second handle when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface. The storage device according to feature 2.

5. The interface unit includes a display unit for displaying information to the user and / or an operation unit for operation by the user, The interface portion is provided at a position corresponding to the second surface. The storage device according to feature 2.

6. At least a portion of the interface is provided in a position that overlaps with at least one of the first handle or the second handle when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface. The storage device according to feature 5.

7. When the housing is placed in a first position in which the first surface faces vertically upward, The interface portion is located vertically above the connection portion. The storage device according to feature 5.

8. The housing has a third surface among the six surfaces that is parallel to the first surface, The third surface has a third edge parallel to the first edge, The housing is provided with a third handle for the user to hold at a position corresponding to the third side. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The third face has a fourth edge parallel to the third edge, The housing is provided with a fourth handle for the user to hold at a position corresponding to the fourth side. The storage device according to feature 8.

10. The aforementioned portable energy storage device is a power storage device that stores electricity, The power storage device has a startup state in which it can output power to the outside or receive external power, It has a switching control unit that switches between a non-start state in which power cannot be output to the outside or power cannot be input to the outside, Inside the aforementioned housing, the switching control unit and other power storage devices capable of transmitting electricity are provided. The other power storage device is provided in a position parallel to the storage section in the direction in which the first and second sides extend. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. At least a portion of the power transmission mechanism is provided in a position that overlaps with the opening when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, when in the first position. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. The opening is provided with a cover portion that can be opened and closed so as to cover at least a part of the opening, The cover portion is provided at a position corresponding to the first surface. The storage device according to feature 11.

13. When closed, the cover portion has a bulge that protrudes from the opening side toward the opening. The storage device according to claim 12.

14. At least a portion of the power transmission mechanism is provided in a position aligned with the bulge when the power transmission mechanism is in the first position, in a direction that intersects the first and second sides. The storage device according to feature 13.

15. At least a portion of the power transmission mechanism is provided in a position that overlaps with the movement trajectory of the bulge when the cover opens and closes, when the power transmission mechanism is in the second position. The storage device according to feature 14.

16. The bulging portion is provided to have a space inside. The storage device according to feature 13.

17. The bulging portion has an opening / closing section provided to open and close the space. The storage device according to claim 16.

18. The opening / closing section is provided such that, when the cover section is open, the space opens so that it faces vertically upward. The storage device according to feature 17.

19. The direction in which the portable energy storage device is inserted and removed is the direction intersecting the first surface. The aforementioned housing section has a rear section on the opposite side of the opening in the housing direction. The aforementioned inner portion has a second electrical terminal that is electrically connected to the portable energy storage device. The storage device according to feature 1.

20. The housing direction, which is the direction in which the power storage device is inserted and removed, is the direction that intersects the first surface. The aforementioned housing section has a rear section on the opposite side of the opening in the housing direction. A terminal hole is provided in the aforementioned inner part. The second electrical terminal is inserted into the terminal hole by moving from the second position to the first position. The storage device according to feature 19.

21. The first position and the second position are aligned along the accommodation direction. The accommodation device according to claim 20.

22. The power transmission mechanism is Holding handle and The terminal retaining plate on which the second electrical terminal is provided, A link plate that transmits power from the retaining handle to the terminal retaining plate, It has, At least a portion of the retaining handle is positioned to overlap the opening when the second electrical terminal is in the first position, in a view from the housing direction. The retaining handle is positioned so as not to overlap with the opening when the second electrical terminal is in the second position, in the view from the housing direction. The accommodation device according to claim 20.

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