Holding device

Abstract

This holding device (1) is provided with a holding unit (2) that holds a power storage device (10) detachably along an attachment / detachment direction (V1) intersecting the vertical direction. The holding unit (2) is provided with: a first part (31) having a first surface (31a) facing the vertical direction; a second part (32) having a second surface (32a) facing the horizontal direction; a pair of third parts (202) having third surfaces (202a) extending in a direction intersecting the first surface (31a) and the second surface (32a); and a fourth part (203) having a fourth surface (203a) extending along the first surface (31a) at a position facing the first part (31). The first part (31) and the fourth part (203) extend from the second part (32) in the attachment / detachment direction (V1). The length (203L) of the fourth part (203) in the attachment / detachment direction is shorter than the length (31L) of the first part (31) in the attachment / detachment direction.

Description

holding device

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding device. The present invention claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-039313, filed on March 14, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a charger equipped with a tray for placing a battery. The tray includes a bottom surface formed along the length of the battery when placed in the charger, a receiving surface for receiving the bottom of the battery, and a pair of left and right side surfaces facing the widthwise sides of the battery. The receiving surface and the pair of left and right side surfaces rise from the bottom surface along the height of the battery when placed in the charger.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 059685

[0004] However, depending on the dimensions or spacing of the components that make up the tray, there is a concern that the battery may be damaged when inserted into the tray, etc. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent damage to the capacitor when the capacitor is inserted.

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the present application aims to prevent damage to the capacitor when the capacitor is inserted.

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, aspects of the present invention have the following configurations: (1) A holding device (e.g., holding device 1 in the embodiment) according to an aspect of the present invention is a holding device including a holding portion (e.g., holding portion 2 in the embodiment) that detachably holds a battery (e.g., battery 10 in the embodiment) along an attachment / detachment direction (e.g., attachment / detachment direction V1 in the embodiment) that intersects with a vertical direction, and the holding portion includes a first portion (e.g., first portion 31 in the embodiment) having a first surface (e.g., first surface 31a in the embodiment) facing the vertical direction, a second portion (e.g., second portion 32 in the embodiment) having a second surface (e.g., second surface 32a in the embodiment) facing a horizontal direction, and a second portion (e.g., second portion 32) having a second surface (e.g., second surface 32a in the embodiment) facing a horizontal direction. and a fourth part (e.g., fourth part 203 in the embodiment) having a fourth surface (e.g., fourth surface 203a in the embodiment) extending along the first surface at a position opposite the first part, wherein the first part and the fourth part extend from the second part in the attachment / detachment direction, and the length of the fourth part in the attachment / detachment direction (e.g., length 203L of the fourth part in the attachment / detachment direction in the embodiment) is shorter than the length of the first part in the attachment / detachment direction (e.g., length 31L of the first part in the attachment / detachment direction in the embodiment).

[0007] (2) In the holding device described in (1) above, the distance between the pair of third parts on one end side that is on the side of the second part (for example, the distance R1 between the left and right sides of the rear end side of the pair of third parts in the embodiment) may be larger than the distance between the other end side of the pair of third parts that is opposite the second part (for example, the distance R2 between the left and right sides of the front end side of the pair of third parts in the embodiment).

[0008] (3) In the holding device described in (2) above, at least one of the pair of third parts may have a protrusion (e.g., front protrusion 210 in the embodiment) at the other end side that protrudes toward the other side of the pair of third parts.

[0009] (4) In the holding device described in any of (1) to (3) above, the length of the pair of third parts in the direction intersecting with the first surface and the fourth surface on the side of the second part (for example, the vertical length H1 of the rear end side of the pair of third parts in the embodiment) may be shorter than the length of the pair of third parts in the direction intersecting with the first surface and the fourth surface on the side of the second part (for example, the vertical length H2 of the front end side of the pair of third parts in the embodiment).

[0010] (5) The holding device described in any of (1) to (4) above may further include a first terminal (e.g., first terminal 18 in the embodiment) provided on the storage battery and a detachable second terminal (e.g., second terminal 35 in the embodiment), and when the storage battery is attached or detached to or from the holding portion, the first terminal may be attached or detached to or from the second terminal.

[0011] According to the holding device of the present invention described above in (1), the length of the fourth section in the attachment / detachment direction is shorter than the length of the first section in the attachment / detachment direction, so that the storage battery can be moved in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction and the horizontal direction (for example, up and down) during the operation of attaching or detaching the storage battery, thereby preventing damage to the storage battery when it is inserted.

[0012] According to the holding device of the present invention described above in (2), the distance between the other ends of the pair of third sections opposite the second sections is greater than the distance between the one ends of the pair of third sections facing the second sections. Therefore, when inserting the electric storage device from the other end opposite the second sections, the electric storage device is less likely to come into contact with the pair of third sections. Therefore, damage to the third sections or the electric storage device during insertion can be suppressed. Additionally, the distance between the one ends of the pair of third sections facing the second sections is smaller than the distance between the other ends of the pair of third sections opposite the second sections. Therefore, the left-right position of the electric storage device inserted from the other end opposite the second sections is limited relative to the holding device as it is inserted. Therefore, left-right positional deviation of the electric storage device relative to the holding device can be reduced.

[0013] According to the holding device of the present invention described above in (3), after the capacitor is inserted, the position of the capacitor in the attachment / detachment direction and in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (for example, the left-right direction) can be restricted by the convex portion. Therefore, the capacitor can be positioned after insertion.

[0014] According to the holding device of the present invention described above in (4), the electric storage device can be moved in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction and the vertical direction (for example, left / right direction) during the operation of attaching or detaching the electric storage device, so that the electric storage device is less likely to get caught on the pair of third parts when being inserted.

[0015] According to the holding device described above in (5) of the present invention, even when the first terminal of the capacitor is attached or detached to or from the second terminal of the holding device, damage to the capacitor can be prevented when the capacitor is inserted.

[0016] 2. A perspective view of a holding device according to an embodiment. A front view of a holding device according to an embodiment. A front view of a state in which the holding device according to an embodiment holds a capacitor. A side view of a state in which the holding device according to an embodiment holds a capacitor. A perspective view including a V-V cross section of FIG. 2. A view including a VI-VI cross section of FIG. 2, illustrating a state after the capacitor has been inserted. An explanatory view of a mating start position of a first terminal and a second terminal according to an embodiment. An explanatory view of a mating completion position of a first terminal and a second terminal according to an embodiment.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an example of a holding device will be described, taking a storage battery holding device that detachably holds a storage battery (secondary battery) such as a battery as a storage battery. "Detachable" means that it can be attached and detached. The holding device of the embodiment is a detachable type that does not require additional tools for attachment and detachment. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute positions, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," not only mean the exact position but also include a state in which the relative positions are displaced by a tolerance or an angle or distance that provides the same function. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale of each component has been appropriately adjusted to make each component recognizable.

[0018] 1 to 6 , the holding device 1 includes a holding section 2 that detachably holds the storage battery 10, a bottom section 3 that faces a mounting surface F when the holding device 1 is placed thereon, a front section 4 having a front surface 4a facing forward of the holding device 1, a rear section 5 having a rear surface 5a facing rearward of the holding device 1, an upper section 6 having an upper surface 6a facing upward of the holding device 1, a left section 7 having a left surface 7a facing leftward of the holding device 1, and a right section 8 having a right surface 8a facing rightward of the holding device 1. In the embodiment, the mounting surface F on which the holding device 1 is placed is a flat ground or floor surface (horizontal plane). In the following description, three axial directions that are mutually orthogonal as shown in the drawings are defined as the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. The up-down direction is also referred to as the vertical direction. The downward direction in the up-down direction corresponds to the direction of gravity.

[0019] An opening 20 is formed in the holding device 1 from the front portion 4 to the top portion 6. A storage space 21 having a shape that follows the outer shape of the electric storage device 10 is formed inside the holding device 1 through the opening 20. The storage space 21 is recessed from the top portion 6 of the holding device 1. The storage space 21 is formed by a plurality of surfaces (specifically, a bottom surface (top surface 31a of the first portion 31) and three side surfaces (inner surfaces of the left and right side portions 7, 8, and a front surface 32a of the second portion 32) that rise respectively from the left and right edges and rear end portion of the bottom surface. Note that at least one of the three side surfaces does not have to be flat.

[0020] The left side 7 and the right side 8 are formed so that their upper ends are inclined (rising upward toward the rear) so that they become higher from the front side to the rear side. The vertical length of the storage space 21 also increases from the front side to the rear side, with the rear side being the longest.

[0021] <Electricity Storage Device> Referring to both Figures 3 and 4, the electric storage device 10 is configured as a unit using a single battery pack. For example, the electric storage device 10 is a lithium ion battery. For example, the electric storage device 10 can be used as a power source for a traction motor mounted on a two-wheeled or four-wheeled electric vehicle. The electric storage device 10 can be used for various purposes, not limited to the above. For example, the electric storage device 10 may be applied to electrical equipment other than electric vehicles.

[0022] The electric storage device 10 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. Hereinafter, the respective faces of the electric storage device 10 are defined as an upper face 11, a lower face 12, a left face 13, a right face 14, a front face 15, and a rear face 16, based on the state in which the electric storage device 10 is accommodated in the holding device 1. The length of the electric storage device 10 in the left-right direction is generally the same as the length of the accommodation space 21 in the left-right direction. The length of the electric storage device 10 in the up-down direction is generally the same as the maximum length of the accommodation space 21 in the up-down direction. The length of the electric storage device 10 in the front-to-rear direction is generally the same as the maximum length of the accommodation space 21 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0023] The electric storage device 10 is accommodated in the accommodation space 21 through the opening 20. When the electric storage device 10 is accommodated, the top surface 11 and the front surface 15 of the electric storage device 10 are exposed from the holding device 1. A handle 17 is provided on the front surface 15 of the electric storage device 10. For example, a user can hold the handle 17 and carry the electric storage device 10 in a hanging state with the rear surface 16 facing downward. The electric storage device 10 can stand on its own with the rear surface 16 abutting against the ground or floor.

[0024] A first terminal 18 is provided on an upper portion of a rear surface 16 of the storage battery 10. For example, the first terminal 18 includes a plurality of generally flat metal terminals spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction. For example, the first terminal 18 is a concave receptacle (female connector) extending in the left-right direction.

[0025] <Retention section> Referring also to Figure 5, the retention section 2 has a first section 31 that retains the underside 12 of the storage battery 10 (an example of a first surface of the storage battery 10 facing the first direction), and a second section 32 that retains the rear surface 16 of the storage battery 10 (an example of a second surface of the storage battery 10 facing the second direction intersecting the first direction). The retention section 2 as a whole is generally L-shaped in cross section. The left-right lengths of the first section 31 and the second section 32 are approximately the same as the left-right length of the storage space 21. The front-rear length of the first section 31 is approximately the same as the front-rear length of the storage space 21. The up-down length of the second section 32 is approximately the same as the maximum length of the storage space 21 in the up-down direction.

[0026] The holding portion 2 is provided so that the electric storage device 10 can be attached and detached in a direction V1 along the first portion 31. When the electric storage device 10 is accommodated, the lower surface 12 of the electric storage device 10 abuts against the upper surface 31a of the first portion 31. When the electric storage device 10 is accommodated, the rear surface 16 of the electric storage device 10 abuts against the front surface 32a of the second portion 32. The upper surface 31a of the first portion 31 is configured smoothly so that the lower surface 12 of the electric storage device 10 can slide smoothly along the upper surface 31a. For example, a plurality of ribs or rails extending in the front-rear direction and parallel to each other are protruded from the upper surface of the first portion 31 so as to reduce the contact area between the upper surface 31a of the first portion 31 and the lower surface 12 of the electric storage device 10.

[0027] The first portion 31 and the second portion 32 extend in a direction that diagonally intersects with the bottom portion 3. The upper surface of the first portion 31 slopes downward toward the rear. The second portion 32 extends rearward and upward from the rear end of the first portion 31 at a substantially right angle to the first portion 31.

[0028] The smallest angle formed between the first portion 31 and the bottom portion 3 in a cross-sectional view is defined as a first angle A1. Specifically, the first angle A1 is the smallest angle formed between the top surface 31a of the first portion 31 and a plane parallel to the bottom body 60 in a cross-sectional view. The smallest angle formed between the second portion 32 and the bottom portion 3 in a cross-sectional view is defined as a second angle A2. Specifically, the second angle A2 is the smallest angle formed between the front surface 32a of the second portion 32 and a plane parallel to the bottom body 60 in a cross-sectional view. The first angle A1 is smaller than the second angle A2.

[0029] 1 , an area 33 to which a label can be attached is provided on the front surface 32a of the second portion 32. A through-hole 34 penetrating the second portion 32 in the front-rear direction is formed in the upper portion of the second portion 32. The through-hole 34 extends in the left-right direction corresponding to the position of the first terminal 18 of the storage battery 10. A second terminal 35 that is detachable from the first terminal 18 provided on the storage battery 10 is provided on the upper rear surface of the second portion 32.

[0030] 5 , for example, the second terminal 35 is attached to the second part 32 via a bracket 36 with a fastening member such as a bolt 37. For example, first, the bracket 36 to which the second terminal 35 is fixed is placed on the rear surface of the second part 32. Next, the bolt 37 is tightened from the outside of the holding device 1 (on the front side of the second part 32) into the female thread portion (not shown) of the bracket 36. This allows the second terminal 35 to be fixed to the second part 32 via the bracket 36.

[0031] For example, the second terminal 35 includes a plurality of generally flat metal terminals spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction. For example, the second terminal 35 is a plug (male connector) extending in the left-right direction. The second terminal 35 protrudes forward (specifically, forward and upward) from the through-hole 34. The portion of the second terminal 35 protruding forward from the through-hole 34 is always exposed.

[0032] For example, a user pushes the electric storage device 10 accommodated in the accommodation space 21 in the direction of arrow V1 along the upper surface of the first part 31. This causes the plug (second terminal 35) of the holding device 1 to fit into the first terminal 18 (receptacle) of the electric storage device 10. This allows the first terminal 18 and the second terminal 35 to be connected.

[0033] <Internal space> Inside the holding device 1, an internal space 40 is formed, which includes a first space 41 defined by the first part 31 and the bottom part 3, and a second space 42 defined by the second part 32 and the bottom part 3 and communicating with the first space 41.

[0034] The first space 41 is formed to be long horizontally. The vertical length of the first space 41 becomes shorter toward the rear. The maximum length of the first space 41 in the front-rear direction is longer than the maximum length of the first space 41 in the vertical direction.

[0035] The second space 42 is formed to be vertically long. The maximum length in the up-down direction of the second space 42 is longer than the maximum length in the up-down direction of the first space 41. The maximum length in the front-rear direction of the second space 42 is shorter than the maximum length in the front-rear direction of the first space 41.

[0036] <Front portion> The front portion 4 is disposed lower than the holding portion 2 when viewed from the direction V1 along the first portion 31. The front portion 4 has a front surface 4a facing forward of the holding device 1. A display unit 50 (see FIG. 2 ), such as an indicator, is provided on the front surface 4a of the front portion 4. Note that the front surface 4a of the front portion 4 does not necessarily have to face forward in a substantially horizontal direction, and may face obliquely relative to the horizontal direction.

[0037] <Bottom> Referring also to Figure 5, the bottom 3 has a bottom main body 60 that is arranged parallel to the placement surface F when the holding device 1 is placed on it, and a connecting portion 61 that is connected to the lower end of the front portion 4 and is spaced apart from the placement surface F.

[0038] The bottom body 60 extends in the front-to-rear direction. The connecting portion 61 slopes downward toward the rear. The connecting portion 61 is formed with a first communication hole 63 that connects the external space of the support device 1 with the first space 41. For example, the first communication hole 63 is composed of a plurality of slit-shaped air intake ports that are spaced apart from each other in the left-to-right direction.

[0039] <Rear portion> The rear portion 5 is disposed on the opposite side of the second portion 32 across the second space 42. The rear portion 5 has a rear surface 5a facing rearward of the holding device 1. The second space 42 is defined by the rear portion 5 in addition to the second portion 32 and the bottom portion 3.

[0040] <Control device, etc.> The holding device 1 includes a power conversion device 81 provided in the first space 41 so as to be capable of transmitting power to the electric storage device 10 held in the holding portion 2, and a control device 82 that controls the power conversion device 81.

[0041] For example, the power conversion device 81 is an AC / DC inverter. For example, the power conversion device 81 converts AC power supplied from a power source (for example, grid power) into DC power and supplies the DC power to the electricity storage device 10.

[0042] For example, an AC power source external to the holding device 1 is connected to the power conversion device 81. In this state, when the first terminal 18 of the capacitor 10 is connected to the second terminal 35 of the holding device 1, power is supplied to the capacitor 10 via the power conversion device 81. This charges the capacitor 10. Note that it is also possible to configure the system so that when the first terminal 18 of the capacitor 10 is connected to the second terminal 35 of the holding device 1, power from the capacitor 10 is supplied to the holding device 1.

[0043] Although not shown, an electrical terminal (receptacle) to which a plug of an electrical device such as an AC power outlet is connected may be provided on the upper portion 6 of the holding device 1. For example, a DC / AC conversion inverter may be provided inside the holding device 1 to convert DC power supplied from the battery 10 into AC power and supply it to the electrical device connected to the outlet. In this case, the holding device 1 functions as a power supply device in addition to the function as a charging device.

[0044] The holding device 1 includes a frame 90 that supports the power conversion device 81 and the control device 82 in the first space 41. The frame 90 includes a flat fixing surface portion 91 between the underside of the first section 31 and the power conversion device 81 and the control device 82. For example, the power conversion device 81 and the control device 82 are attached to the fixing surface portion 91 with fastening members such as bolts. The power conversion device 81 and the control device 82 are fixed to the fixing surface portion 91 so as to be suspended from above. A gap is formed between the portion of the connecting portion 61 where the first communication hole 63 is formed and the power conversion device 81 and the control device 82.

[0045] 5 and 6 , the holding unit 2 detachably holds the electric storage pack 10 along an attachment / detachment direction V1 that intersects with the vertical direction. The attachment / detachment direction V1 corresponds to the direction V1 along the first unit 31. The holding unit 2 includes a first unit 31 having a first surface 31a facing the vertical direction, a second unit 32 having a second surface 32a facing the horizontal direction, a pair of third units 201 and 202 having third surfaces 201a and 202a extending in a direction intersecting the first surface 31a and the second surface 32a, and a fourth unit 203 having a fourth surface 203a extending along the first surface 31a at a position opposite the first unit 31.

[0046] The first portion 31 corresponds to a portion that holds the lower surface 12 of the electric storage device 10. The first surface 31a of the first portion 31 corresponds to an upper surface of the first portion 31 that faces the lower surface 12 of the electric storage device 10. The second portion 32 corresponds to a portion that holds the rear surface 16 of the electric storage device 10. The second surface 32a of the second portion 32 corresponds to a front surface of the second portion 32 that faces the rear surface 16 of the electric storage device 10. One 201 of the pair of third portions 201, 202 corresponds to a portion that holds the left surface 13 of the electric storage device 10. The third surface 201a of one third portion 201 corresponds to an inner surface in the left-right direction of the third portion 201 that faces the left surface 13 of the electric storage device 10. The other 202 of the pair of third portions 201, 202 corresponds to a portion that holds the right surface 14 of the electric storage device 10. The third surface 202a of the other third portion 202 corresponds to the inner surface in the left-right direction of the third portion 202 that faces the right surface 14 of the electric storage device 10. The fourth portion 203 corresponds to the portion that holds the upper surface 11 of the electric storage device 10. The fourth surface 203a of the fourth portion 203 corresponds to the lower surface of the fourth portion 203 that faces the upper surface 11 of the electric storage device 10.

[0047] The first portion 31 and the fourth portion 203 extend in the attachment / detachment direction V1 from the second portion 32. The first portion 31 and the fourth portion 203 extend forward and upward from the second surface 32a of the second portion 32. In the example shown in the figure, the first portion 31 and the fourth portion 203 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0048] The length 203L of the fourth portion 203 in the attachment / detachment direction is shorter than the length 31L of the first portion 31 in the attachment / detachment direction. The length 203L of the fourth portion 203 in the attachment / detachment direction corresponds to the distance between the front end of the fourth portion 203 and the second surface 32a of the second portion 32 in the attachment / detachment direction V1. The length 31L of the first portion 31 in the attachment / detachment direction corresponds to the distance between the front end of the first portion 31 and the second surface 32a of the second portion 32 in the attachment / detachment direction V1.

[0049] In the illustrated example, the length 203L of the fourth portion 203 in the attachment / detachment direction is less than half the length 31L of the first portion 31 in the attachment / detachment direction. The length 203L of the fourth portion 203 in the attachment / detachment direction is longer than the protruding length of the second terminal 35 of the holding device 1. The protruding length of the second terminal 35 corresponds to the distance between the protruding end (front end) of the second terminal 35 and the second surface 32a of the second portion 32 in the attachment / detachment direction V1. Note that the length 203L of the fourth portion 203 in the attachment / detachment direction is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0050] 6 , the distance R1 between the pair of third portions 201, 202 on one end side, which is the side of the second portion 32, is larger than the distance R2 between the pair of third portions 201, 202 on the other end side opposite the second portion 32 (R2>R1). The distance R1 on one end side corresponds to the distance in the left-right direction between the rear ends of the pair of third portions 201, 202. The distance R2 on the other end side corresponds to the distance in the left-right direction between the front ends of the pair of third portions 201, 202.

[0051] In a horizontal cross-sectional view, the pair of third portions 201, 202 widen toward the front side, which is the inlet side of the storage battery 10. In a horizontal cross-sectional view, the left-right distance between the pair of third portions 201, 202 gradually increases from the rear end side toward the front end side. In a horizontal cross-sectional view, the external shape including the third surfaces 201 a, 202 a of the pair of third portions 201, 202, the second surface 32 a of the second portion 32, and the front surface 4 a of the front portion 4 has a trapezoidal shape.

[0052] 5 , the length H2 of the pair of third portions 201, 202 (the other third portion 202 is shown in FIG. 5 ) in a direction intersecting the first surface 31 a and the fourth surface 203 a on the side opposite to the second portion 32 is shorter than the length H1 of the pair of third portions 201, 202 in a direction intersecting the first surface 31 a and the fourth surface 203 a on the side of the second portion 32 (H2

[0053] The vertical heights (upper end positions) of the pair of third portions 201, 202 gradually decrease from the rear end toward the front end. The upper edges of the pair of third portions 201, 202 are inclined downward toward the front so as to connect the left and right ends of the front edge of the upper portion 6 and the left and right ends of the upper edge of the front portion 4 in a side view.

[0054] ​5 and 6 , each of the pair of third portions 201, 202 has a protrusion 210 that protrudes toward the other side of the pair of third portions 201, 202, at the other end of the pair of third portions 201, 202 opposite the second portion 32. The protrusion 210 is provided on the front side of each of the pair of third portions 201, 202. Hereinafter, the protrusion 210 will also be referred to as a "front protrusion 210."

[0055] A plurality of front convex portions 210 are provided. In the example shown in the figure, a total of two front convex portions 210 are provided, one on each of the pair of third portions 201, 202. Note that the number of provided front convex portions 210 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0056] The front convex portion 210 protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the front end sides of the third surfaces 201 a, 202 a of the pair of third portions 201, 202. The front convex portion 210 extends along the attachment / detachment direction V1. The front convex portion 210 extends from the upper end of the front portion 4 toward the rear side along the left-right outer edge of the first surface 31 a of the first portion 31. In a top view, the inner left-right surface of the front convex portion 210 extends along the front-to-rear direction from the front end side toward the rear side, and then extends at an angle so that the rear side is positioned more outward in the left-to-right direction.

[0057] <Rear-side convex portion> Each of the pair of third portions 201, 202 has a rear-side convex portion 220 that protrudes toward the other side of the pair of third portions 201, 202, at a position on one end side of the pair of third portions 201, 202 that is on the side of the second portion 32. The rear-side convex portion 220 is provided on the rear side of each of the pair of third portions 201, 202.

[0058] A plurality of rear convex portions 220 are provided. In the illustrated example, a total of eight rear convex portions 220 are provided, four on each of the pair of third portions 201, 202 (FIG. 5 illustrates four provided on the other third portion 202). The number of rear convex portions 220 provided is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0059] The rear protrusions 220 protrude inward in the left-right direction from the rear end sides of the third surfaces 201a, 202a of the pair of third portions 201, 202. The rear protrusions 220 extend along the attachment / detachment direction V1. The rear protrusions 220 are spaced apart in the up-down direction. In the example shown in the figure, the lengths of the rear protrusions 220 along the attachment / detachment direction V1 are the same. Note that the lengths of the rear protrusions 220 along the attachment / detachment direction V1 are not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0060] The rear end of the rear convex portion 220 is located forward of the second surface 32a of the second portion 32. The lower end of the rear convex portion 220 is located above the first surface 31a of the first portion 31. A portion of the rear convex portion 220 is provided at the same height as the front convex portion 210 in the up-down direction. In a top view, the inner surface of the rear convex portion 220 in the left-right direction extends from the rear end side toward the front side along the front-to-rear direction, and then extends at an angle so that the further forward it is, the more outward in the left-to-right direction it is.

[0061] 5, first portion 31 has bottom side protrusions 231, 232, 233 that protrude toward fourth portion 203. Bottom side protrusions 231, 232, 233 include a first bottom side protrusion 231 extending in the front-to-rear direction at a position on the left-to-right center side of first surface 31a of first portion 31, a second bottom side protrusion 232 extending partway in the front-to-rear direction at a position on the left-to-right outer end side of first surface 31a of first portion 31, and a third bottom side protrusion 233 extending in the front-to-rear direction at a position on first surface 31a of first portion 31 between first bottom side protrusion 231 and second bottom side protrusion 232.

[0062] The first bottom-side protrusions 231 protrude upward from a central position in the left-right direction of the first surface 31a of the first part 31, from the front end to the rear end of the first surface 31a. A plurality of first bottom-side protrusions 231 are provided. In the example shown in the figure, three first bottom-side protrusions 231 are provided parallel to each other and extend in the front-to-rear direction. The number of first bottom-side protrusions 231 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0063] The second bottom-side protrusions 232 protrude upward from the outer left-right end of the first surface 31a of the first part 31, extending from the front end of the first surface 31a to the middle of the front-to-rear direction. The front-to-rear length of the second bottom-side protrusions 232 is shorter than the front-to-rear length of the first bottom-side protrusions 231. The left-to-right width of the second bottom-side protrusions 232 is greater than the left-to-right width of the first bottom-side protrusions 231. In the illustrated example, two second bottom-side protrusions 232 are provided, one on each side of the left and right directions, extending parallel to each other in the front-to-rear direction (FIG. 5 shows one on the right side). The number of second bottom-side protrusions 232 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0064] The third bottom-side protrusion 233 protrudes upward from the front end to the rear end of the first surface 31a of the first part 31, between the first bottom-side protrusion 231 and the second bottom-side protrusion 232. The front-to-rear length of the third bottom-side protrusion 233 is substantially the same as the front-to-rear length of the first bottom-side protrusion 231. In top view, the third bottom-side protrusion 233 extends from the front end to the rear end of the first surface 31a and then bends inward in the left-to-right direction. The third bottom-side protrusion 233 has an L-shape in top view. In the illustrated example, two third bottom-side protrusions 233 are provided, one on each side in the left-to-right direction. The number of third bottom-side protrusions 233 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0065] 5, for example, if the length 203L of the fourth section 203 in the attachment / detachment direction is the same as the length 31L of the first section 31 in the attachment / detachment direction, the fourth section 203 extends up to the circled section K1 in the figure, and therefore the storage battery 10 cannot be moved up and down at the circled section K1 in the figure. In contrast, with this configuration, the length 203L of the fourth section 203 in the attachment / detachment direction is shorter than the length 31L of the first section 31 in the attachment / detachment direction, and therefore the storage battery 10 can be moved up and down at the circled section K1 in the figure.

[0066] For example, if the vertical length H1 of the rear ends of the pair of third portions 201, 202 is the same as the vertical length H2 of the front ends of the pair of third portions 201, 202, the pair of third portions 201, 202 extends up to the circled portion K2 in the figure, making it difficult to move the electric storage device 10 in the left-right direction at the circled portion K2 in the figure. In contrast, with this configuration, the vertical length H2 of the front ends of the pair of third portions 201, 202 is shorter than the vertical length H1 of the rear ends of the pair of third portions 201, 202, making it easy to move the electric storage device 10 in the left-right direction at the circled portion K2 in the figure. Therefore, the electric storage device 10 is less likely to get caught on the pair of third portions 201, 202 (in other words, the left and right wall portions).

[0067] For example, if the first surface 31a of the first portion 31 and the third surfaces 201a, 202a of the pair of third portions 201, 202 are each composed of only flat surfaces, at least a portion of each surface of the electric storage device 10 will be in surface contact with each surface of each portion of the holding portion 2 after the electric storage device 10 is inserted. In contrast, with the present configuration, the first surface 31a of the first portion 31 is provided with bottom-side convex portions 231, 232, 233, and the third surfaces 201a, 202a of the pair of third portions 201, 202 are provided with front-side convex portions 210 and rear-side convex portions 220. Therefore, after the electric storage device 10 is inserted, the contact area between each surface of the electric storage device 10 and each surface of each portion of the holding portion 2 can be made as small as possible. Therefore, the electric storage device 10 can be moved more smoothly in the attachment / detachment direction V1.

[0068] 7 , for example, after the electric storage battery 10 is inserted, the electric storage battery 10 is guided by the above-mentioned protrusions 210, 220, 231, 232, and 233 and moves to a mating start position between the first terminal 18 and the second terminal 35. At the mating start position, the electric storage battery 10 is in a relative position where the plug (second terminal 35) of the holding device 1 can be mated with the first terminal 18 (receptacle) of the electric storage battery 10. In other words, at the mating start position, the positional deviation of the electric storage battery 10 is within the tolerance.

[0069] 8 , when the electric storage device 10 is further inserted thereafter, the electric storage device 10 advances to a position where the first terminal 18 and the second terminal 35 are fully engaged. The fully engaged position is a position where the plug (second terminal 35) of the holding device 1 is fully engaged with the first terminal 18 (receptacle) of the electric storage device 10. For example, at the fully engaged position, the rear surface 16 of the electric storage device 10 abuts against the second surface 32a of the second portion 32.

[0070] <Operation and Effect> As described above, the holding device 1 of the above embodiment includes a holding portion 2 that detachably holds the electric storage battery 10 along the attachment / detachment direction V1 that intersects the vertical direction. The holding portion 2 includes a first portion 31 having a first surface 31a facing the vertical direction, a second portion 32 having a second surface 32a facing the horizontal direction, a pair of third portions 201, 202 having third surfaces 201a, 202a extending in a direction intersecting the first surface 31a and the second surface 32a, and a fourth portion 203 having a fourth surface 203a extending along the first surface 31a at a position opposite the first portion 31. The first portion 31 and the fourth portion 203 extend from the second portion 32 in the attachment / detachment direction V1. The length 203L of the fourth portion 203 in the attachment / detachment direction is shorter than the length 31L of the first portion 31 in the attachment / detachment direction. According to this configuration, the length 203L of the fourth section 203 in the attachment / detachment direction is shorter than the length 31L of the first section 31 in the attachment / detachment direction, so that the storage battery 10 can be moved in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction V1 and the horizontal direction (e.g., vertically) during the operation of attaching or detaching the storage battery 10. Therefore, damage to the storage battery 10 during insertion can be suppressed. Additionally, the storage battery 10 can be inserted or removed at an angle along the first section 31, making it easier for users to attach or detach the storage battery 10. Furthermore, the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 (a structure for rotatably supporting a holder on a housing) is not required. Therefore, the storage battery 10 can be easily held with a simple configuration.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the distance R2 between the pair of third portions 201, 202 on the other end opposite the second portion 32 is larger than the distance R1 between the pair of third portions 201, 202 on the one end side, which is on the side of the second portion 32 (R2>R1). According to this configuration, the distance R2 between the other end side opposite the second portion 32 of the pair of third portions 201, 202 is larger than the distance R1 between the one end side of the pair of third portions 201, 202 on the side of the second portion 32 (R2>R1). Therefore, when inserting the electric storage device 10 from the other end side opposite the second portion 32, the electric storage device 10 is less likely to hit the pair of third portions 201, 202. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the third portions 201, 202 or the electric storage device 10 when inserting the electric storage device 10. In addition, since the distance R1 between the pair of third portions 201, 202 on one end side that is on the second portion 32 side is smaller than the distance R2 between the pair of third portions 201, 202 on the other end side that is opposite to the second portion 32 (R1<R2), the position of the electric storage device 10 inserted from the other end side that is opposite to the second portion 32 is restricted in the left-right direction relative to the holding device 1 as it is inserted. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the left-right positional deviation of the electric storage device 10 with respect to the holding device 1.

[0072] In the above embodiment, each of the pair of third portions 201, 202 has, at the other end thereof, a convex portion 210 that protrudes toward the other side of the pair of third portions 201, 202. According to this configuration, after the storage battery 10 is inserted, the position of the storage battery 10 in the attachment / detachment direction V1 and in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (for example, the left-right direction) can be restricted by the convex portion 210. Therefore, after the storage battery 10 is inserted, the storage battery 10 can be positioned.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the length H2 of the pair of third portions 201, 202 in a direction intersecting with the first surface 31 a and the fourth surface 203 a on the side opposite to the second portion 32 is shorter than the length H1 of the pair of third portions 201, 202 in a direction intersecting with the first surface 31 a and the fourth surface 203 a on the side of the second portion 32 (H2

[0074] In the above embodiment, the holding device 1 includes a first terminal 18 provided on the electric storage device 10 and a detachable second terminal 35. When the electric storage device 10 is attached to or detached from the holding portion 2, the first terminal 18 is attached to or detached from the second terminal 35. With this configuration, even when the first terminal 18 of the electric storage device 10 is attached to or detached from the second terminal 35 of the holding device 1, damage to the electric storage device 10 can be suppressed when the electric storage device 10 is inserted. In this embodiment, the electric storage device 10 is inserted from the other end opposite the second portion 32, and as the electric storage device 10 is inserted, its left-right position relative to the holding device 1 is limited. Therefore, the attachment / detachment position of the first terminal 18 of the electric storage device 10 relative to the second terminal 32 of the holding device 1 is also limited. Therefore, it is possible to reduce left-right positional deviation of the first terminal 18 of the electric storage device 10 relative to the second terminal 32 of the holding device 1.

[0075] <Modifications> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the distance between the pair of third portions on the other end opposite the second portion is greater than the distance between the one end of the pair of third portions on the second portion side. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the distance between the one end of the pair of third portions on the second portion side may be greater than the distance between the other end of the pair of third portions on the other end opposite the second portion. For example, the distance between the pair of third portions can be changed according to design specifications.

[0076] ​In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which both of the pair of third sections have a protrusion at the other end thereof that protrudes toward the other side of the pair of third sections, but this is not limited thereto. For example, a protrusion may be provided on one of the pair of third sections and not on the other. For example, a protrusion may be provided on at least one of the pair of third sections. For example, neither of the pair of third sections may have a protrusion. For example, the installation mode of the protrusion may be changed according to design specifications.

[0077] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the length of the pair of third sections in the direction intersecting the first and fourth surfaces on the side of the pair of third sections opposite the second sections is shorter than the length of the pair of third sections in the direction intersecting the first and fourth surfaces on the side of the pair of third sections opposite the second sections, but this is not limited to this. For example, the length of the pair of third sections in the direction intersecting the first and fourth surfaces on the side of the pair of third sections opposite the second sections may be shorter than or equal to the length of the pair of third sections in the direction intersecting the first and fourth surfaces on the side of the pair of third sections opposite the second sections. For example, the length of the pair of third sections can be changed according to design specifications.

[0078] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the holding device includes a first terminal provided on the capacitor and a detachable second terminal, and the first terminal is attached to and detached from the second terminal when the capacitor is attached to and detached from the holding portion. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the first terminal may be attached to and detached from the second terminal at a time other than when the capacitor is attached to and detached from the holding portion. For example, at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal may be configured to be driven to move forward and backward by a separate actuator or the like. For example, the manner in which the first terminal is attached to and detached from the second terminal can be changed depending on design specifications.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the first and second sections extend in a direction that intersects the bottom at an angle, but this is not limiting. For example, one of the first and second sections may extend parallel to the bottom. In this case, the capacitor can be inserted and removed horizontally along the first or second section. For example, the arrangement of the first and second sections can be changed depending on the design specifications.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the first angle, which is the smallest angle between the first portion and the bottom portion, is smaller than the second angle, which is the smallest angle between the second portion and the bottom portion. However, this is not limiting. For example, the first angle may be equal to or larger than the second angle. For example, the magnitude relationship between the first angle and the second angle can be changed depending on the design specifications.

[0081] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the holding device is provided with a plug (second terminal) that can be connected to a receptacle (first terminal) of the storage battery, but this is not limited to this. For example, the holding device may be provided with a receptacle, and the storage battery may be provided with a plug that fits into the receptacle. For example, the configuration of the first terminal and the second terminal may be changed depending on the design specifications.

[0082] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the holding device includes one holding portion that holds a single battery, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the holding device may include multiple holding portions and be configured to be able to hold multiple battery devices simultaneously. For example, multiple holding devices may be arranged side by side in at least one of the left-right direction and the up-down direction, so as to hold multiple battery devices simultaneously. For example, the manner in which the holding device holds the battery devices can be changed according to design specifications.

[0083] In the above embodiment, a charging device that supplies power to a battery from an external source has been described as an example of a holding device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the holding device may be a power supply device that supplies battery power to an external device. For example, the holding device may be a power supply device that does not have a charging function. For example, the holding device may be applied to a battery mounting portion of a power utilization device that utilizes battery power. For example, the application mode of the holding device may be changed depending on design specifications.

[0084] In the above embodiment, an electric storage device holding device that detachably holds a storage battery (secondary battery) such as a battery as an electric storage device has been described as an example of a holding device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the holding device may hold a capacitor as an electric storage device. For example, the electric storage device is not limited to a battery, and may be other power storage devices such as a capacitor. For example, the electric storage device to which the present invention is applied may be changed according to design specifications.

[0085] The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0086] 1 Holding device 2 Holding part 10 Capacitor 18 First terminal 31 First part 31a Top surface (first surface) of first part 31L Length in attachment / detachment direction of first part 32 Second part 32a Front surface (second surface) of second part 35 Second terminal 201 One third part 201a Left-right inner surface of one third part (one third surface) 202 Other third part 202a Left-right inner surface of the other third part (other third surface) 203 Fourth part 203L Length in attachment / detachment direction of fourth part 203a Bottom surface of fourth surface (fourth surface) 210 Front convex part (convex part) H1 Vertical length of rear end side of pair of third parts (length in a direction intersecting the first surface and the fourth surface on the second part side in a pair of third parts) H2 R1: Vertical length of the front end sides of the pair of third parts (length of the pair of third parts in the direction intersecting the first and fourth surfaces on the side opposite the second part) R2: Horizontal distance between the rear end sides of the pair of third parts (distance between one end side of the pair of third parts that is on the second part side) R3: Horizontal distance between the front end sides of the pair of third parts (distance between the other end side of the pair of third parts that is opposite the second part) V1: Arrow (attachment / detachment direction)

Claims

1. A holding device including a holding part that detachably holds a capacitor along an attachment / detachment direction that intersects with a vertical direction, The holding portion is a first portion having a first surface facing the vertical direction; a second portion having a second surface facing horizontally; a pair of third portions each having a third surface extending in a direction intersecting the first surface and the second surface; a fourth portion having a fourth surface extending along the first surface at a position facing the first portion, the first portion and the fourth portion extend from the second portion in the attachment / detachment direction, a length of the fourth portion in the attachment / detachment direction is shorter than a length of the first portion in the attachment / detachment direction; holding device.

2. a distance between the pair of third portions on one end side, which is on the side of the second portion, and the other end side, which is opposite to the second portion, of the pair of third portions, being larger than a distance between the pair of third portions on one end side, which is on the side of the second portion; The retaining device of claim 1 .

3. At least one of the pair of third portions has a protrusion at the other end thereof that protrudes toward the other side of the pair of third portions.

3. The retaining device of claim 2.

4. a length of the pair of third portions in a direction intersecting with the first surface and the fourth surface on a side of the pair of third portions opposite to the second portion is shorter than a length of the pair of third portions in a direction intersecting with the first surface and the fourth surface on a side of the pair of third portions opposite to the second portion; A holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the holding device further includes a first terminal provided on the capacitor and a second terminal detachable therefrom; When the capacitor is attached to or detached from the holding portion, the first terminal is attached to or detached from the second terminal. A holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.