Holding device

Abstract

This holding device (1) comprises a holding unit (2) which holds a power storage device in a detachable manner, the holding unit (2) having: a first part (31) that holds a first surface of the power storage device, the first surface facing a first direction; and a second part that holds a second surface of the power storage device, the second surface facing a second direction that intersects with the first direction. This holding device (1) comprises a reinforcement part (400) on a surface (31b) of the first part (31), the surface (31b) being on the reverse side from a surface that faces the power storage device, and the reinforcement part (400) is configured from a second material that has a higher strength and / or a higher stiffness than a first material from which the holding unit (2) is configured.

Description

holding device

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding device. The present invention claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-039314, 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 has a bottom surface formed along the length of the battery when placed in the charger, and a receiving surface for receiving the bottom of the battery. When the battery is stored, the bottom surface of the battery abuts against the top surface of the bottom surface.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 059685

[0004] The bottom surface is a portion that receives a load when the battery is inserted, and there is a risk of deformation or damage if the load exceeds a certain level. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the durability of the bottom surface against the load received when the storage battery is inserted.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to improve durability against the load applied when inserting a capacitor.

[0006] To solve the above problems, an aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: (1) A holding device according to an aspect of the present invention (e.g., holding device 1 in the embodiment) includes a first portion (e.g., first portion 31 in the embodiment) that holds a first surface (e.g., bottom surface 12 in the embodiment) of an electric storage device (e.g., electric storage device 10 in the embodiment) facing a first direction, and a second portion (e.g., second portion 32 in the embodiment) that holds a second surface (e.g., rear surface 16 in the embodiment) of the electric storage device facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, and includes a holding portion (e.g., holding portion 2 in the embodiment) that detachably holds the electric storage device, and the holding device includes a reinforcing portion (e.g., reinforcing portion 400 in the embodiment) that is made of a second material having higher strength and / or rigidity than a first material that constitutes the holding portion, on a surface (e.g., bottom surface 31b in the embodiment) of the first portion opposite to the surface facing the electric storage device.

[0007] (2) In the holding device described in (1) above, the reinforcing portion may be fixed to the opposite surface of the first portion.

[0008] (3) The holding device described in (1) or (2) above further includes a power conversion device (e.g., power conversion device 81 in the embodiment) and / or a control device (e.g., control device 82 in the embodiment) that controls the power conversion device and that is arranged to be able to transmit power to the capacitor held in the holding portion, and a support portion (e.g., support portion 420 in the embodiment) that is arranged to extend along the reinforcing portion, and the power conversion device and / or the control device may be fixed to the downward-facing surface of the support portion (e.g., bottom surface 421a in the embodiment).

[0009] (4) The holding device described in (3) above may further include a shielding portion (e.g., shielding portion 430 in the embodiment) between the support portion and the holding portion, the shielding portion being made of a fourth material that has lower electromagnetic wave permeability than the third material that constitutes the support portion.

[0010] (5) In the holding device described in any of (1) to (4) above, the reinforcing portion may be arranged with a gap (e.g., gap 405 in the embodiment) between it and the opposite surface of the first portion.

[0011] According to the holding device of the present invention described above in (1), by providing a reinforcing part made of a second material having greater strength and / or rigidity than the first material constituting the holding part on the surface of the first part opposite to the surface facing the electric storage device, it is possible to increase the strength and / or rigidity of the first part that holds the first surface of the electric storage device, thereby increasing durability against the load received when the electric storage device is inserted.

[0012] According to the holding device of the present invention described above in (2), the strength and / or rigidity of the first part can be increased even at the fixing portion of the reinforcing part on the surface opposite to the surface of the first part facing the electric storage device, thereby further increasing durability against the load received when the electric storage device is inserted.

[0013] According to the holding device described in (3) above of the present invention, the laminated structure of the reinforcing portion and the support portion can increase the strength and / or rigidity of the first portion. Therefore, durability against the load received when inserting the storage battery can be further improved. In addition, since the power conversion device and / or the control device are fixed to the downward-facing surface of the support portion, there is no need to provide a fixing portion at the bottom of the holding device. Therefore, the design freedom of the bottom of the holding device can be improved.

[0014] According to the holding device of the present invention described above in (4), the laminated structure of the reinforcing portion, the support portion, and the shielding portion can increase the strength and / or rigidity of the first portion. Therefore, durability against the load applied when inserting the storage battery can be further increased. In addition, the shielding portion can prevent electromagnetic waves generated by the power conversion device and / or the control device from diffusing outside the holding device.

[0015] According to the holding device of the present invention described above in (5), the reinforcing portion is disposed with a gap between the surface of the first portion facing the condenser and the surface on the opposite side, so that deformation of the first portion beyond the gap can be suppressed. In addition, compared to a case where the reinforcing portion is disposed from the beginning so as to be in contact with the surface of the first portion opposite the surface facing the condenser, the occurrence of contact noise between the two members and vibration of the reinforcing portion during normal use (under a load less than a predetermined value) can be suppressed.

[0016] 6 is a perspective view of a holding device according to an embodiment. 7 is a perspective view of a holding device according to an embodiment, seen from below and rear. 8 is a front view of a holding device according to an embodiment. 9 is a front view of a state in which the holding device according to an embodiment holds a capacitor. 10 is a side view of a state in which the holding device according to an embodiment holds a capacitor. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along VI-VI in FIG. 3. 12 is a diagram illustrating a fixing portion of a reinforcing portion according to an embodiment. 13 is a diagram illustrating a fixing portion of a supporting portion according to an embodiment. 14 is a diagram illustrating a fixing portion of a shielding portion 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 Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, 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 6, 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 a 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] 6 , 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 (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. 3 ), such as an indicator, is provided on the front surface 4a of the front portion 4.

[0037] 6, the front surface 4a of the front portion 4 does not necessarily have to face substantially horizontally forward, but may face obliquely relative to the horizontal. In the example shown in the figure, the front surface 4a of the front portion 4 is inclined so that the lower end 4b is located further back than the upper end of the front portion 4 in a cross-sectional view. The lower end 4b of the front portion 4 is located higher than the placement surface F. The first space 41 is defined by the front portion 4 in addition to the first section 31 and the bottom portion 3.

[0038] <Bottom> Referring also to Figure 2, 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.

[0039] The bottom body 60 extends in the front-to-rear direction. For example, the bottom surface of the bottom body 60 is provided with an area 62 where a label can be attached.

[0040] The connecting portion 61 slopes downward toward the rear. A first communication hole 63 is formed in the connecting portion 61, which 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 spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The first communication hole 63 opens so as to face downward rather than horizontally. The first communication hole 63 opens so as to face forward and downward in a cross-sectional view.

[0041] The connecting portion 61 has a convex portion 64 that protrudes downward and is located forward of the first communicating hole 63. The convex portion 64 is provided so as to connect to the lower end 4b of the front portion 4. The portion of the connecting portion 61 between the convex portion 64 and the first communicating hole 63 is recessed upward.

[0042] The bottom body 60 is provided with feet 65 (rubber feet) made of an elastic material such as rubber. In the example shown in the figure, a total of four feet 65 are provided, one at each of the four corners of the bottom body 60. The number of feet 65 provided is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0043] <Rear section> The rear section 5 is disposed on the opposite side of the second section 32 across the second space 42. A maintenance lid 70 is provided on the rear section 5. The rear section 5 has a rear surface 5a facing rearward of the holding device 1. The second space 42 is defined by the rear section 5 in addition to the second section 32 and the bottom section 3.

[0044] The rear section 5 has a rear upper portion 71 having a rear end surface 71a, and a rear lower portion 72 that is positioned below the rear upper portion 71 and recessed forward. The rear end surface 71a of the rear upper portion 71 does not have to face rearward in a substantially horizontal direction, but may also face obliquely relative to the horizontal direction. In the example shown in the figures, the rear end surface 71a of the rear upper portion 71 is inclined so that its lower end is located further rearward than the upper end of the rear upper portion 71 in a cross-sectional view.

[0045] A second communication hole 73 is formed in the rear lower portion 72, connecting the external space of the holding device 1 with the second space 42. For example, the second communication hole 73 is composed of a plurality of arc-shaped exhaust ports spaced apart from one another in the radial and circumferential directions. The second communication hole 73 opens so as to face downward relative to the horizontal direction. The second communication hole 73 opens so as to face rearward and downward in a cross-sectional view.

[0046] The rear lower portion 72 has a rear convex portion 74 that protrudes downward and is rearward of the second communication hole 73. The rear convex portion 74 is provided so as to be continuous with the lower end of the rear upper portion 71. The portion of the rear lower portion 72 between the rear convex portion 74 and the second communication hole 73 is recessed upward.

[0047] The lower portion of the rear lower portion 72 is recessed toward the front. For example, a cable connector 75 to which an inter-device communication cable or the like can be connected and a cable jack 76 to which an AC power cable or the like can be connected are provided at the lower portion of the rear lower portion 72. The cable connector 75 and the cable jack 76 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0048] <Airflow-creating section> The support device 1 is provided with an airflow-creating section 80 in the second space 42 that promotes the flow of air through the first space 41 and the second space 42. For example, the airflow-creating section 80 is a cooling fan. The airflow-creating section 80 is attached to a portion 72a of the rear lower section 72 that faces the second space 42. The portion 72a of the rear lower section 72 that faces the second space 42 is inclined downward toward the front.

[0049] <Partition> The holding device 1 includes a partition 45 that partitions the second space 42 into a wind-generating-part arrangement space 43 in which the wind-generating part 80 is arranged, and a wind-generating-part non-arrangement space 44 in which the wind-generating part 80 is not arranged. The partition 45 extends rearward and upward from near the lower end of the second part 32 in a cross-sectional view. The partition 45 then curves upward in a cross-sectional view, and extends rearward and downward toward the upper end of the portion 72a of the rear lower part 72 that faces the second space 42.

[0050] The second terminal 35 is disposed in the non-wind-raising-part space 44. The second terminal 35 is disposed above the upper end of the partition part 45.

[0051] <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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 7 to 9 , the holding device 1 includes a reinforcing portion 400 on the underside 31b of the first portion 31 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the storage battery 10) that is made of a second material that is stronger and / or more rigid than the first material that makes up the holding portion 2. For example, the first material may be a resin such as plastic. For example, the second material may be a metal. For example, the reinforcing portion 400 is made of a metal plate.

[0056] For example, the metal plate may be provided on the rear surface of the second part 32 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the storage battery 10). For example, the metal plate may be provided on both the first part 31 and the second part 32. For example, the installation mode of the metal plate can be changed according to design specifications.

[0057] Reinforcing portion 400 is fixed so as to be suspended from the surface of first portion 31 opposite to the surface facing electric storage device 10. Reinforcing portion 400 is arranged with a distance 405 (hereinafter also referred to as "gap 405") from surface 31b of first portion 31 opposite to the surface facing electric storage device 10.

[0058] The reinforcing portion 400 comprises a flat reinforcing surface portion 401 extending along the first portion 31, a pair of left and right side wall portions 402 extending downward from the left and right side ends of the reinforcing surface portion 401 and then extending outward in the left-right direction, a pair of left and right front extending portions 403 extending downward from the front left and right ends of the reinforcing surface portion 401 and then extending forward, and a pair of left and right rear extending portions 404 extending downward from the rear left and right ends of the reinforcing surface portion 401 and then extending rearward.

[0059] The upper surface of the reinforcing surface portion 401 slopes downward toward the rear. A gap 405 is formed throughout the entire area between the lower surface 31b of the first portion 31 and the upper surface of the reinforcing surface portion 401. It is preferable that the size of the gap 405 (the vertical distance) between the lower surface 31b of the first portion 31 and the upper surface of the reinforcing surface portion 401 is as small as possible. This prevents the first portion 31 from being excessively deformed when it bends downward and comes into contact with the reinforcing surface portion 401.

[0060] It is noted that the gap 405 does not have to be formed throughout the entire area between the lower surface 31b of the first portion 31 and the upper surface of the reinforcing surface portion 401. For example, the gap 405 may be formed in a portion between the lower surface 31b of the first portion 31 and the upper surface of the reinforcing surface portion 401. For example, the upper surface of the reinforcing surface portion 401 may abut against the lower surface 31b of the first portion 31. For example, the arrangement of the upper surface of the reinforcing surface portion 401 can be changed according to design specifications.

[0061] The left and right outer surfaces of the side wall portion 402 have vertical lengths that decrease toward the rear. The lower edges of the side wall portion 402 extend along the front-to-rear direction. For example, the lower edges of the side wall portion 402 may be formed to fit along the upper surface of the bottom portion 3 of the support device 1. For example, the lower edges of the side wall portion 402 may abut against the upper surface of the bottom portion 3.

[0062] The holding device 1 includes a pair of left and right front downward bulging portions 411 that bulge downward at positions corresponding to the front extending portions 403, and a pair of left and right rear downward bulging portions 412 that bulge downward at positions corresponding to the rear extending portions 404, on the side opposite to the surface of the first portion 31 that faces the electric storage device 10. The front extending portions 403 are attached from below to the lower surfaces of the front downward bulging portions 411 (corresponding to the surface of the first portion 31 opposite to the surface that faces the electric storage device 10) by fastening members such as bolts 413. The rear extending portions 404 are attached from below to the lower surfaces of the rear downward bulging portions 412 (corresponding to the surface of the first portion 31 opposite to the surface that faces the electric storage device 10) by fastening members such as bolts 413.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the reinforcing portion 400 is fixed to the first portion 31 at a total of four locations: a pair of left and right front extending portions 403 and a pair of left and right rear extending portions 404. The number of fixing locations of the reinforcing portion 400 is not limited to the above, and may be three or less, or five or more. For example, the fixing manner of the reinforcing portion 400 can be changed according to design specifications.

[0064] The support device 1 includes a pair of left and right front pillars 415 extending downward from the left and right inner portions of the front downward bulge 411. The upper portions of the front pillars 415 are connected to the rear wall of the front part 4 of the support device 1. For example, the lower ends of the front pillars 415 may abut against the upper surface of the bottom part 3 of the support device 1. For example, the lower ends of the front pillars 415 may be fixed to the upper surface of the bottom part 3.

[0065] <Supporting portion> The holding device 1 includes a supporting portion 420 that is provided to extend along the reinforcing portion 400. The power conversion device 81 and the control device 82 are fixed to a downward-facing surface 421a of the supporting portion 420. The supporting portion 420 includes a flat supporting surface portion 421 that extends along the reinforcing surface portion 401, a pair of left and right side supporting wall portions 422 that extend downward from the left and right side end portions of the supporting surface portion 421, a front supporting wall portion 423 that extends downward from the front end portion of the supporting surface portion 421, and a rear supporting wall portion 424 that extends downward from the rear end portion of the supporting surface portion 421.

[0066] Although not shown, each of the side support wall portions 422 and the rear support wall portion 424 is attached to the bottom portion 3 of the holding device 1 from above with fastening members such as bolts. For example, the support portion 420 is fixed to the bottom portion 3 at a total of four locations: the pair of left and right side support wall portions 422 and the outer left and right ends of the rear support wall portion 424. Note that the fixing manner of the support portion 420 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0067] <Shielding section> The holding device 1 includes a shielding section 430 between the support section 420 and the holding section 2, which is made of a fourth material that has lower electromagnetic wave permeability than the third material that makes up the support section 420. For example, the third material may be a resin such as plastic. For example, the fourth material may be a metal. For example, the shielding section 430 is made of a metal plate.

[0068] The shielding portion 430 comprises a flat shielding surface portion 431 extending along the support surface portion 421, a pair of left and right front shielding extension portions 432 extending forward and downward from the front left and right ends of the shielding surface portion 431 and then extending inward in the left-right direction, a pair of left and right rear shielding extension portions 433 extending downward from the rear left and right ends of the shielding surface portion 431 and then extending rearward, and a plurality of mounting boss portions 434 protruding downward from the underside of the shielding surface portion 431.

[0069] The shielding surface portion 431 covers the power conversion device 81 and the control device 82 from above via the support surface portion 421. The power conversion device 81 and the control device 82 include a flat circuit board 89 that extends along the support surface portion 421. For example, the outer shape of the shielding surface portion 431 is larger than the outer shape of the circuit board 89 when viewed from above. Note that the outer shape of the shielding surface portion 431 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0070] The front shielding extensions 432 are attached from above to the upper surfaces of the left and right outer wall portions of the front support wall 423 by fastening members such as bolts 435. The rear shielding extensions 433 are attached from above to the upper surfaces of the left and right outer wall portions of the rear support wall 424 by fastening members such as bolts 435.

[0071] For example, the shielding portion 430 is fixed to the support portion 420 at a total of four locations: a pair of left and right front shielding extensions 432 and a pair of left and right rear shielding extensions 433. The number of fixing locations of the shielding portion 430 is not limited to the above, and may be three or less, or five or more. For example, the fixing manner of the shielding portion 430 can be changed according to design specifications.

[0072] The support surface portion 421 has a plurality of through holes 425 formed at positions corresponding to the mounting bosses 434. The mounting bosses 434 protrude downward from the support surface portion 421 through the through holes 425. The circuit board 89 is attached to the mounting bosses 434 protruding downward from the support surface portion 421 from below using fastening members such as bolts 426. The power conversion device 81 and the control device 82 are fixed to the mounting bosses 434 of the shielding portion 430 via the support surface portion 421. As a result, the power conversion device 81 and the control device 82 are fixed so as to be suspended from the downward-facing surface 421a of the support portion 420.

[0073] In the illustrated example, the power conversion device 81 and the control device 82 are fixed to the mounting boss portion 434 at a total of six locations: four locations at the four corners of the circuit board 89, one location at the rear of the circuit board 89, and one location at the left side of the circuit board 89. Note that the number of locations at which the circuit board 89 is fixed is not limited to the above, and may be five or fewer locations, or seven or more locations. For example, the manner in which the circuit board 89 is fixed may be changed depending on the design specifications.

[0074] The holding device 1 includes a reinforcing portion 400, a support portion 420, and a shielding portion 430 in the first space 41. The power conversion device 81 and the control device 82 are fixed to the support surface portion 421 so as to be suspended from above.

[0075] <Air flow in the internal space of the holding device> Referring also to Figure 6, for example, when a cooling fan serving as the airflow generating unit 80 is driven, cooling air flows in the internal space 40 in the direction of arrow W1. For example, by driving the cooling fan, air is forcibly taken into the first space 41 from the external space of the holding device 1 through the first communication hole 63. The air taken into the first space 41 removes heat generated by the control device 82, etc., and then flows into the second space 42 (e.g., the airflow generating unit arrangement space 43). The air flowing into the second space 42 is discharged into the external space of the holding device 1 through the second communication hole 73.

[0076] The airflow direction of the cooling fan (the direction in which the air flows) may be opposite to the direction of the arrow W1 in the figure. For example, the airflow generating unit 80 in the embodiment is a fan installed for cooling purposes, but it may also be a fan installed for heating purposes.

[0077] <Operation and Effect> As described above, the holding device 1 of the above embodiment includes a holding portion 2 that has a first portion 31 that holds the lower surface 12 of the electric storage battery 10 and a second portion 32 that holds the rear surface 16 of the electric storage battery 10 and that detachably holds the electric storage battery 10. The holding device 1 includes a reinforcing portion 400 made of a second material that is stronger and / or more rigid than the first material that constitutes the holding portion 2, on a surface 31b of the first portion 31 opposite to the surface that faces the electric storage battery 10. According to this configuration, by providing the reinforcing portion 400 made of the second material that is stronger and / or more rigid than the first material that constitutes the holding portion 2, on a surface 31b of the first portion 31 opposite to the surface that faces the electric storage battery 10, the strength and / or rigidity of the first portion 31 that holds the lower surface 12 of the electric storage battery 10 can be increased. Therefore, durability against a load applied when the electric storage battery 10 is inserted can be increased.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the reinforcing portion 400 is fixed to the surface 31b of the first portion 31 opposite to the surface facing the electric storage device 10. With this configuration, the strength and / or rigidity of the first portion 31 can be increased even at the portion where the reinforcing portion 400 is fixed to the surface 31b of the first portion 31 opposite to the surface facing the electric storage device 10. Therefore, the durability against the load received when the electric storage device 10 is inserted can be further increased.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the holding device 1 includes a power converter 81 and a control device 82 that control the power converter 81, which are arranged to be able to transmit power to the battery 10 held in the holding portion 2, and a support portion 420 that is arranged to extend along the reinforcing portion 400. The power converter 81 and the control device 82 are fixed to the downward-facing surface 421a of the support portion 420. With this configuration, the laminated structure of the reinforcing portion 400 and the support portion 420 can increase the strength and / or rigidity of the first portion 31. Therefore, durability against the load received when inserting the battery 10 can be further improved. In addition, since the power converter 81 and the control device 82 are fixed to the downward-facing surface 421a of the support portion 420, there is no need to provide fixing portions on the bottom portion 3 of the holding device 1. Therefore, the design freedom of the bottom portion 3 of the holding device 1 can be improved.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the holding device 1 includes a shielding portion 430 between the support portion 420 and the holding portion 2, the shielding portion 430 being made of a fourth material that has lower electromagnetic wave permeability than the third material that constitutes the support portion 420. With this configuration, the strength and / or rigidity of the first portion 31 can be increased by the layered structure of the reinforcing portion 400, the support portion 420, and the shielding portion 430. This can further increase durability against the load received when inserting the electric storage device 10. In addition, the shielding portion 430 can suppress the diffusion of electromagnetic waves generated from the power conversion device 81 and / or the control device 82 to the outside of the holding device 1.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the reinforcing portion 400 is arranged with a gap 405 between the surface 31b of the first portion 31 opposite to the surface facing the electric storage device 10. This configuration can prevent the first portion 31 from deforming to a size equal to or greater than the gap 405. In addition, compared to a case where the reinforcing portion 400 is arranged from the beginning to be in contact with the surface 31b of the first portion 31 opposite to the surface facing the electric storage device 10, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of contact noise between the two members, vibration of the reinforcing portion 400, and the like during normal use (under a load less than a predetermined value).

[0082] For example, if the holding portion 2 is made of resin, there is a high possibility that the first portion 31 will deform due to a rise in the temperature of the surrounding air caused by heat generated by the control device 82. In contrast, in this embodiment, a reinforcing portion 400 made of metal is provided on the surface 31b of the first portion 31 opposite the surface facing the electric storage device 10. Therefore, even if a rise in the temperature of the surrounding air occurs due to heat generated by the control device 82, deformation of the first portion 31 can be suppressed.

[0083] For example, if the reinforcing portion is made of multiple metal parts joined by welding, the structure becomes complex and manufacturing costs may increase. In contrast, in this embodiment, the reinforcing portion 400 is formed from a metal plate, resulting in a simple structure. Therefore, the cost of the reinforcing portion 400 can be reduced.

[0084] For example, if the reinforcing portion is cylindrical and extends in the left-right direction, there is a high possibility that portions of the first portion 31 will not be supported by the reinforcing portion. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the reinforcing portion 400 includes a flat reinforcing surface portion 401 that extends along the first portion 31, thereby enabling support of the first portion 31 over a wider area. This effectively enhances durability against the load applied when the storage battery 10 is inserted. Additionally, even if the first portion 31 is deformed or damaged, the reinforcing surface portion 401 prevents the damaged portion from coming into contact with the control device 82. This prevents mechanical stress from being applied to the control device 82. Additionally, even if the first portion 31 is damaged and a hole is formed, the reinforcing surface portion 401 prevents the intrusion of rainwater, etc. This prevents short-circuit failures and other problems in the electrical circuit of the control device 82.

[0085] For example, if the power converter 81 and the control device 82 are fixed to the bottom 3, it is necessary to provide fixing portions on the bottom 3. In this case, it is difficult to form the communication holes 63, 73, etc. in the bottom 3. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the power converter 81 and the control device 82 are fixed so as to be suspended from the downward-facing surface 421a of the support part 420, so that the communication holes 63, 73 (intake ports and / or exhaust ports), which have poor design and may generate noise, can be arranged facing downward. This improves the degree of freedom in arranging the passages through which the cooling air flows.

[0086] <Modifications> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the reinforcing portion is fixed to the surface of the first portion opposite to the surface facing the capacitor, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the reinforcing portion may be fixed to the surface facing the capacitor of the first portion. For example, the reinforcing portion may be fixed to a portion different from the first portion, such as the front and / or bottom of the holding device. For example, the fixing manner of the reinforcing portion can be changed according to design specifications.

[0087] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the holding device includes a power conversion device and / or a control device that controls the power conversion device, which are provided to be able to transmit power to the battery held in the holding portion, and a support portion that is provided to extend along the reinforcing portion. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the holding device may not include the power conversion device and / or the control device, and the support portion. For example, the support portion may not be provided to extend along the reinforcing portion. For example, the installation manner of the power conversion device and / or the control device, and the support portion may be changed depending on design specifications.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the power converter and / or the control device are fixed to the downward-facing surface of the support, but this is not limiting. For example, the power converter and / or the control device may be fixed to the upward-facing surface of the support. For example, the power converter and / or the control device may be fixed to a portion other than the support, such as the bottom of the holding device. For example, the manner in which the power converter and / or the control device are fixed can be changed depending on the design specifications.

[0089] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the holding device includes a shielding portion between the support portion and the holding portion, the shielding portion being made of a fourth material that has lower electromagnetic wave permeability than the third material that constitutes the support portion. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the holding device may not include a shielding portion. For example, the shielding portion may not be made of a fourth material that has lower electromagnetic wave permeability than the third material that constitutes the support portion. For example, the holding device may include a reinforcing portion (second reinforcing portion) between the support portion and the holding portion that is different from the reinforcing portion described above. For example, the installation mode of the shielding portion can be changed depending on design specifications.

[0090] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the reinforcing portion is disposed with a gap between the surface facing the first capacitor and the surface opposite the first capacitor, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the reinforcing portion may be disposed so as to initially contact the surface opposite the surface facing the first capacitor. For example, the arrangement of the reinforcing portion relative to the surface opposite the surface facing the first capacitor can be changed according to design specifications.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Holding device 2 Holding portion 10 Storage battery 12 Underside of storage battery (first surface facing the first direction of the storage battery) 16 Rear surface of storage battery (second surface facing the second direction intersecting the first direction of the storage battery) 31 First portion 31b Underside of first portion (surface opposite to the surface of the first portion facing the storage battery) 32 Second portion 81 Power conversion device 82 Control device 400 Reinforcement portion 405 Gap (space) 420 Support portion 421a Underside of support surface portion (surface facing downward of the support portion) 430 Shielding portion

Claims

1. A holding device including a holding part that has a first part that holds a first surface of a capacitor facing a first direction, and a second part that holds a second surface of the capacitor facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, and that detachably holds the capacitor, the holding device includes a reinforcing portion on a surface of the first portion opposite to a surface facing the capacitor, the reinforcing portion being made of a second material having a strength and / or rigidity higher than that of a first material constituting the holding portion, holding device.

2. The reinforcing portion is fixed to the opposite surface of the first portion. The retaining device of claim 1 .

3. The holding device a power conversion device provided so as to be capable of transmitting power to the battery held in the holding unit and / or a control device controlling the power conversion device; a support portion provided so as to extend along the reinforcing portion, The power conversion device and / or the control device are fixed to a downward-facing surface of the support part.

3. A holding device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the holding device further includes a shielding portion between the support portion and the holding portion, the shielding portion being made of a fourth material having a lower electromagnetic wave transmittance than the third material constituting the support portion; 4. The holding device of claim 3.

5. the reinforcing portion is disposed at a distance from the opposite surface of the first portion.

3. A holding device according to claim 1 or 2.