Electrical device unit

Abstract

Technical features that facilitate connection of connectors are provided. This electric device unit includes a plurality of electrical devices. A first electric device of the plurality of electric devices includes a first housing, a first recess portion having a first opening in an outer surface of the first housing, a first connector disposed in the first recess portion, and a first guide portion for guiding movement of the first connector. A second electrical device of the plurality of electric devices includes a second housing, a second recess portion having a second opening in an outer surface of the second housing, and a second connector disposed in the second recess portion. In a state where the first opening and the second opening face each other, movement of the first connector with respect to a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the first opening faces is guided by the first guide portion, and the first connector and the second connector are aligned. As the first connector moves toward the direction in which the first opening faces, the first connector is accommodated in the second recess portion, and the first connector and the second connector are mated together.

Description

Electrical Equipment Unit

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical equipment unit.

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose storage battery devices that can accommodate increases in storage capacity. Patent Document 3 discloses a unit module that can easily add unit modules by combining unit modules with different functions and that can reliably fix the unit modules together.

[0003] JP 2019-164914 A JP 2019-164915 A JP 2015-14965 A

[0004] When combining multiple storage batteries to form a single storage battery unit, the housings of all the storage batteries must be airtight to prevent water droplets and dust, or a larger housing is required in advance to accommodate the addition of additional storage batteries. Furthermore, when connecting multiple storage batteries, waterproof connectors are required to connect each battery. This increases the product cost and size. For example, when stacking multiple storage batteries vertically, one method is to make the connector of the lower storage battery convex so that the connector of the upper storage battery can be connected to the connector of the lower storage battery. However, this method requires highly accurate alignment between the connectors of the upper and lower storage batteries to avoid damage to the connector of the lower storage battery, making it difficult to connect the connectors.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that makes it possible to easily connect connectors to each other.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical equipment unit including a plurality of electrical devices, wherein a first electrical device among the plurality of electrical devices comprises a first housing, a first recess having a first opening on an outer surface of the first housing, a first connector arranged in the first recess, and a first guide portion for guiding movement of the first connector, wherein when the first opening and the second opening are opposed to each other, the first guide portion guides movement of the first connector in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the first opening faces, thereby aligning the first connector with the second connector, and by moving the first connector in the direction in which the first opening faces, the first connector is accommodated in the second recess, and the first connector and the second connector are mated.

[0007] The first guide portion guides movement of the first connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first opening faces, thereby aligning the first connector of the first electrical device with the second connector of the second electrical device. By moving the first connector toward the direction in which the first opening faces, the first connector of the first electrical device is received in the second recess of the second electrical device, and the first connector of the first electrical device and the second connector of the second electrical device mate with each other. With the first connector of the first electrical device and the second connector of the second electrical device aligned, the first connector of the first electrical device and the second connector of the second electrical device can be connected, thereby facilitating connection of the connectors. Before the first connector of the first electrical device is received in the second recess of the second electrical device, the first connector of the first electrical device is disposed within the first housing and does not protrude outside the first housing, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the first connector of the first electrical device. The second connector of the second electrical device is disposed within the second housing and does not protrude outside the second housing, so there is a low risk of the second connector of the second electrical device being damaged.

[0008] The first guide portion has a first base portion on which the first connector is installed and a first edge portion provided on at least a part of the outer edge of the first base, and a tip end of the first edge portion has an inclined surface that slopes from the tip end side of the first edge portion to the non-tip end side and toward the outside of the first base. Therefore, even if the tip end of the first edge portion of the first guide portion comes into contact with a corner of the second recess of the second housing, the first connector can move smoothly.

[0009] The first opening is larger than the second opening, so that even if the first opening of the first housing and the second opening of the second housing are misaligned, the first connector of the first electrical device can be easily accommodated in the second recess of the second electrical device.

[0010] The first electrical device includes a first hole formed in the first housing and opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first opening faces, and a first lever disposed in the first hole for manipulating movement of the first connector and the first guide part, the first hole being connected to the first recess, and the first lever being moved in the direction in which the first opening faces, thereby moving the first connector and the first guide part in the direction in which the first opening faces. The movement of the first connector and the first guide part can be manipulated by the first lever.

[0011] The first electrical device includes a first lid portion covering the first hole, the first lid portion having a first protrusion portion, and the first protrusion portion restricts movement of the first lever, thereby restricting movement of the first connector and the first guide portion. By restricting movement of the first connector and the first guide portion, a good connection between the first connector of the first electrical device and the second connector of the second electrical device is maintained, and poor connection between the first connector of the first electrical device and the second connector of the second electrical device can be avoided. Furthermore, dropping of the first connector and the first guide portion due to impact, vibration, or the like can be prevented, and unintentional disconnection of the first connector of the first electrical device and the second connector of the second electrical device can be prevented.

[0012] When the first connector and the second connector are mated in an allowed position, the first cover can be attached to the first housing. By confirming that the first cover is attached to the first housing, the user can know that the connection between the first connector of the first electrical device and the second connector of the second electrical device has been completed in a correct state. It is possible to easily confirm whether the first connector of the first electrical device and the second connector of the second electrical device are securely connected, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the connectors.

[0013] A sealing portion is disposed between the first housing and the second housing, and the first opening and the second opening are disposed inside the sealing portion. The sealing portion prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the first housing through the first opening, and also prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the second housing through the second opening.

[0014] One or more third electrical devices among the plurality of electrical devices include a third housing, a third recess having a third opening on an outer surface of the third housing, a third connector arranged in the third recess, a second guide part for guiding movement of the third connector, a fourth recess having a fourth opening on the outer surface of the third housing, and a fourth connector arranged in the fourth recess, wherein the direction in which the third opening faces is opposite to the direction in which the fourth opening faces, and in a state in which the first opening faces the fourth opening of the third electrical device adjacent to the first electrical device, movement of the first connector in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the first opening faces is guided by the first guide part, so that the first connector is aligned with the fourth connector of the third electrical device adjacent to the first electrical device, and the first connector moves in the direction in which the first opening faces. As a result, the first connector is accommodated in the fourth recess of the third electrical device adjacent to the first electrical device, the first connector and the fourth connector of the third electrical device adjacent to the first electrical device are mated, and with the second opening and the third opening of the third electrical device adjacent to the second electrical device facing each other, the second guide portion guides the movement of the third connector in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the third opening faces, thereby aligning the second connector with the third connector of the third electrical device adjacent to the second electrical device, and by moving the third connector of the third electrical device adjacent to the second electrical device toward the direction in which the third opening faces, the third connector is accommodated in the second recess, and the second connector and the third connector of the third electrical device adjacent to the second electrical device are mated.

[0015] Since the first connector of the first electrical device and the fourth connector of the third electrical device can be connected to each other when the first connector of the first electrical device and the fourth connector of the third electrical device are aligned, the connectors can be easily connected to each other.Since the second connector of the second electrical device and the third connector of the third electrical device can be connected to each other when the second connector of the second electrical device and the third connector of the third electrical device are aligned, the connectors can be easily connected to each other.

[0016] The second guide portion has a second base portion on which the second connector is mounted and a second edge portion provided on at least a part of the outer edge of the second base, and a tip of the second edge portion is formed with an inclined surface that slopes from the tip side of the second edge portion to the non-tip side and toward the outside of the second base. Therefore, even if the tip of the second edge portion of the second guide portion of the third electrical device comes into contact with a corner of the second recess of the second electrical device, the third connector of the third electrical device can move smoothly.

[0017] The size of the first opening is larger than the size of the fourth opening, and the size of the third opening is larger than the size of the second opening. Even if misalignment occurs between the first opening of the first housing and the fourth opening of the third housing, the first connector of the first electrical device can be easily accommodated in the fourth recess of the third electrical device adjacent to the first electrical device. Even if misalignment occurs between the second opening of the second housing and the third opening of the third housing, the second connector of the second electrical device can be easily accommodated in the third recess of the third electrical device adjacent to the second electrical device.

[0018] The one or more third electrical devices include a second hole formed in the third housing and opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the third opening faces, and a second lever disposed in the second hole for manipulating movement of the third connector and the second guide part, the second hole being connected to the third recess, and the third connector and the second guide part being moved in the direction in which the third opening faces by moving the second lever in the direction in which the third opening faces. The movement of the third connector and the second guide part can be manipulated by the second lever.

[0019] The one or more third electric devices include a second cover portion covering the second hole portion, the second cover portion having a second protrusion portion, and the second protrusion portion restricting movement of the second lever restricts movement of the third connector and the second guide portion. By restricting movement of the third connector and the second guide portion, the connection between the second connector of the second electric device and the third connector of the third electric device is maintained in a good state, and poor connection between the second connector of the second electric device and the third connector of the third electric device can be avoided. Furthermore, dropping of the third connector and the second guide portion can be prevented, and unintentional disconnection between the second connector of the second electric device and the third connector of the third electric device can be prevented.

[0020] When the second connector and the third connector of the third electrical device adjacent to the second electrical device are mated in an allowed position, the second cover can be attached to the third housing. By confirming that the second cover is attached to the third housing, the user can know that the connection between the second connector of the second electrical device and the third connector of the third electrical device adjacent to the second electrical device has been completed in a correct state. It is possible to easily confirm whether the second connector of the second electrical device and the third connector of the third electrical device adjacent to the second electrical device are securely connected, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the connectors.

[0021] a first sealing portion is disposed between the first housing and the third housing of the third electric device adjacent to the first electric device, a second sealing portion is disposed between the second housing and the third housing of the third electric device adjacent to the second electric device, the first opening and the fourth opening of the third electric device adjacent to the first electric device are disposed inside the first sealing portion, and the second opening and the third opening of the third electric device adjacent to the second electric device are disposed inside the second sealing portion. The first sealing portion prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the first housing through the first opening of the first housing of the first electric device, and prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the third housing through the fourth opening of the third housing of the third electric device. The second sealing portion prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the second housing through the second opening of the second housing of the second electrical device, and also prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the third housing through the third opening of the third housing of the third electrical device.

[0022] One of the first electric device and the second electric device is a storage battery, and the other of the first electric device and the second electric device is a control unit. One of the first electric device and the second electric device is a storage battery, the other of the first electric device and the second electric device is a control unit, and the one or more third electric devices are storage batteries.

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that allows connectors to be easily connected to each other.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electrical equipment unit. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a storage battery. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the storage battery as viewed from the direction of arrow Z1 in FIG. 2. FIG. 3B is a plan view of the storage battery as viewed from the direction of arrow Z2 in FIG. 2. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the configuration of a connector portion. FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing the configuration of a guide portion. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a connector portion. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a storage battery. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a storage battery. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the lid portion as viewed from the direction of arrow X1 in FIG. 2. FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views showing the configuration of a storage battery. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a connector portion. FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing the configuration of a storage battery. FIG. 11B is a perspective view showing the configuration of a connector portion. FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing the configuration of a control unit. FIG. 12B is a plan view of the control unit as viewed from the direction of arrow Z3 in FIG. 12A. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method for connecting the connector of the storage battery and the connector of the control unit. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method for connecting the connector of the storage battery and the connector of the control unit. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method for connecting the connector of the storage battery and the connector of the control unit. FIGS. 16A and 16B are plan views of the storage battery as viewed from the top side of the storage battery casing. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electric equipment unit. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electric equipment unit. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electric equipment unit. FIGS. 20A and 20B are perspective views showing the configuration of a storage battery.

[0025] Application examples and embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The application examples and embodiments described below are aspects of the present application and do not limit the scope of the rights of the present application.

[0026] <Application Example> First, an example of a situation in which this embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electrical equipment unit (storage battery unit) 1. The electrical equipment unit 1 includes a plurality of storage batteries 2 and a control unit (control device) 3. The storage batteries 2 and the control unit 3 are examples of electrical equipment. When in use, the electrical equipment unit 1 is attached to an external device 4 such as a power conditioner, and transmits and receives power and signals to and from the external device 4. Wiring arranged inside a conduit 5 is used to transmit and receive power and signals between the electrical equipment unit 1 and the external device 4. The conduit 5 may be, for example, a PF pipe. The control unit 3 is a controller that controls the charging and discharging of the storage batteries 2A to 2C.

[0027] The electrical equipment unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes storage batteries 2A to 2C, but the number of storage batteries 2 is not limited to three and may be one or two, or four or more. Storage battery 2C may be an example of a first electrical equipment. The control unit 3 may be an example of a second electrical equipment. Storage battery 2A may be an example of a third electrical equipment adjacent to the second electrical equipment. Storage battery 2B may be an example of a third electrical equipment adjacent to the first electrical equipment. Storage batteries 2A and 2B may be an example of two adjacent third electrical equipment among a plurality of third electrical equipment.

[0028] <Configuration of Storage Battery> FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the storage battery 2A. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the storage battery 2A as viewed from the direction of arrow Z1 in FIG. 2 . FIG. 3B is a plan view of the storage battery 2A as viewed from the direction of arrow Z2 in FIG. 2 . The storage battery 2A includes a housing 11, a recess 13 having an opening 12 on the outer surface of the housing 11, and a connector portion 14 disposed within the recess 13. The housing 11 has, for example, a cubic shape, but may have other shapes. The opening 12 is formed on the top surface of the housing 11. For example, when viewed from the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces (opening direction), the opening 12 of the housing 11 and the connector portion 14 may have similar shapes, and the size of the opening 12 of the housing 11 is larger than the size of the connector portion 14. The direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces is from the bottom surface of the housing 11 toward the top surface of the housing 11.

[0029] FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connector unit 14. The connector unit 14 includes a connector 15 disposed in the recess 13 and a guide unit 16 for guiding the movement of the connector 15. The connector 15 is, for example, a male connector. The guide unit 16 includes a base 17 on which the connector 15 is installed and an edge unit 18 provided on at least a portion of the outer edge of the base 17. The connector 15 is fixed to the guide unit 16. The connector 15 may be fixed to at least one of the base 17 and the edge unit 18. In FIG. 4A , the edge unit 18 covers a portion of the side surface of the connector 15. The configuration is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4A , and the edge unit 18 may cover the entire side surface of the connector 15. A cable 19 is provided to the connector 15. The storage battery 2A includes a lever (operation unit) 20 for operating the movement of the connector 15 and the guide unit 16. The lever 20 may be integral with the guide unit 16 or may be separate from the guide unit 16. The lever 20 may be formed integrally with the base 17 or may be formed separately from the base 17. In Fig. 4A, the lever 20 is flat, but is not limited to the example configuration shown in Fig. 4A and may have other shapes, such as a rod shape. Fig. 4B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the guide portion 16. A hole 21 for passing the cable 19 is formed in the central portion of the base 17. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connector portion 14. An inclined surface is formed at the tip of the edge portion 18, sloping from the tip side of the edge portion 18 to the non-tip side (root side) and toward the outside of the base 17.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the storage battery 2A. The storage battery 2A includes a recess 23 having an opening 22 on the outer surface of the housing 11 and a connector 24 disposed within the recess 23. A cable 25 is provided to the connector 24. The opening 22 is formed on the bottom surface of the housing 11 (the surface opposite the top surface). The connector 24 is, for example, a female connector. For example, when viewed from the direction in which the opening 22 of the housing 11 faces (opening direction), the opening 22 of the housing 11 and the connector 24 may have similar shapes, and the size of the opening 22 of the housing 11 is larger than the size of the connector 24. The direction in which the opening 22 of the housing 11 faces is from the top surface of the housing 11 toward the bottom surface of the housing 11. The direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces is opposite to the direction in which the opening 22 of the housing 11 faces. When viewed from the top or bottom surface of the housing 11, the opening 12 of the housing 11 and the opening 22 of the housing 11 overlap. The opening 12 of the housing 11 and the opening 22 of the housing 11 may be similar in shape, and the size of the opening 22 of the housing 11 is larger than the size of the opening 12 of the housing 11 .

[0031] The storage battery 2A includes a hole 31 and a cover 32 formed on a side surface of the housing 11. The hole 31 of the housing 11 opens in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces. "Approximately perpendicular" does not necessarily mean completely perpendicular, but may also mean substantially perpendicular. For example, the angle of approximately perpendicular may be between 85 degrees and 95 degrees. The hole 31 of the housing 11 is connected to the recess 13 of the housing 11. That is, the hole 31 of the housing 11 is connected to a space within the housing 11 in which the connector 14 is located. When the lever 20 is moved in the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces, the connector 14 moves in the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces. When the lever 20 is moved in the direction opposite to the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces, the connector 14 moves in the direction opposite to the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the storage battery 2A. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the connector portion 14 has moved in the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces, and a part of the connector portion 14 protrudes from the housing 11.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the lid 32 as viewed from the direction of arrow X1 in FIG. 2 . The lid 32 has a protrusion (convex portion) 33 and a sealing portion 34 surrounding the protrusion 33. The sealing portion 34 is, for example, a packing. The lid 32 is attached to the side of the housing 11 with the lid 32 covering the hole 31 of the housing 11. The lid 32 may also be attached to the side of the housing 11 on the side where the wiring conduit 5 is located. When the lid 32 is fixed to the housing 11 using screws or the like, attaching the lid 32 to the side of the housing 11 on the side where the wiring conduit 5 is located makes the screws or the like invisible from the front of the housing 11, improving the design. By attaching the lid 32 to the side of the housing 11, the sealing portion 34 is positioned between the housing 11 and the lid 32, and the hole 31 of the housing 11 is positioned inside the sealing portion 34. The sealing portion 34 prevents water droplets, dust, and the like from entering the housing 11 through the hole 31 in the housing 11. By attaching the lid portion 32 to the recessed portion in the side surface of the housing 11, there is no step between the side surface of the housing 11 and the outer surface of the lid portion 32, improving the design.

[0033] 9A and 9B are perspective views showing the configuration of storage battery 2B. Storage battery 2B includes a housing 41, a recess 43 having an opening 42 on the outer surface (top surface) of housing 41, and a connector 44 disposed within the recess 43. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of connector 44. Connector 44 includes a connector 45 disposed within the recess 43 and a guide 46 for guiding the movement of connector 45. Guide 46 includes a base 47 on which connector 45 is installed and an edge 48 provided on at least a portion of the outer edge of base 47. A cable 49 is connected to connector 45. Storage battery 2B includes a lever (operating unit) 50 for operating the movement of connector 45 and guide 46. A hole 51 through which cable 49 passes is formed in the center of base 47. Storage battery 2B includes a recess 53 having an opening 52 on the outer surface (bottom surface) of housing 41, and a connector 54 disposed within recess 53. A cable 55 is provided to the connector 54. The storage battery 2B has a hole 61 formed in the side surface of the housing 41 and a lid 62. The lid 62 has a protrusion (convex portion) 63 and a sealing portion 64 surrounding the protrusion 63. The storage battery 2B has the same configuration as the storage battery 2A, and therefore a detailed description of the configuration of the storage battery 2B will be omitted.

[0034] FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing the configuration of storage battery 2C. Storage battery 2C includes a housing 71, a recess 73 having an opening 72 on the outer surface (top surface) of housing 71, and a connector 74 disposed within recess 73. FIG. 11B is a perspective view showing the configuration of connector 74. Connector 74 includes a connector 75 disposed within recess 73 and a guide 76 for guiding the movement of connector 75. Guide 76 includes a base 77 on which connector 75 is installed and an edge 78 provided on at least a portion of the outer edge of base 77. A cable 79 is connected to connector 75. Storage battery 2C includes a lever (operating unit) 80 for operating the movement of connector 75 and guide 76. A hole 81 through which cable 79 passes is formed in the center of base 77. Storage battery 2C includes a hole 91 formed on the side surface of housing 71 and a lid 92. The lid 92 has a protrusion (convex portion) 93 and a sealing portion 94 that surrounds the protrusion 93. In the storage battery 2C, no recess is provided on the underside of the housing 71. Other configurations of the storage battery 2C are the same as those of the storage battery 2A, and therefore detailed description of the configuration of the storage battery 2C will be omitted.

[0035] FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the control unit 3. FIG. 12B is a plan view of the control unit 3 as viewed from the direction of arrow Z3 in FIG. 12A . The control unit 3 includes a housing 101, a recess 103 having an opening 102 on the outer surface of the housing 101, and a connector 104 disposed in the recess 103. A cable 105 is provided to the connector 104. The opening 102 is formed on the bottom surface of the housing 101. The connector 104 is, for example, a female connector. For example, when viewed from the direction in which the opening 102 of the housing 101 faces (opening direction), the opening 102 of the housing 101 and the connector 104 may have similar shapes, and the size of the opening 102 of the housing 101 is larger than the size of the connector 104. The direction in which the opening 102 of the housing 101 faces is from the top surface of the housing 101 toward the bottom surface of the housing 101.

[0036] The connector 15 of the storage battery 2A may be connected to the connector 104 of the control unit 3. An example of a method for connecting the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A to the connector 104 of the control unit 3 will be described. First, the storage battery 2A and the control unit 3 are installed so that the opening 12 of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A faces the opening 102 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3, and the storage battery 2A and the control unit 3 are adjacent to each other. The control unit 3 may be placed on the storage battery 2A. FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 are explanatory diagrams for describing an example of a method for connecting the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A to the connector 104 of the control unit 3. FIG. 13 shows a state in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A faces the opening 102 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3. When the opening 12 of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the opening 102 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3 are facing each other, the lever 20 of the storage battery 2A is moved in the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 is facing, causing the connector 15 and the guide part 16 to move in the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 is facing.

[0037] By moving the lever 20 of the storage battery 2A, the guide portion 16 slides (moves) along the inner wall of the recess 13 of the housing 11. This allows the connector 15 to move smoothly in the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces or in the direction opposite to the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces. When the connector 15 moves in the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces and is accommodated in the recess 103 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3, the tip of the edge 18 of the guide portion 16 comes into contact with a corner of the recess 103 of the housing 101. An inclined surface is formed at the tip of the edge 18 of the guide portion 16. This allows the connector 15 to move smoothly in the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces, even if the tip of the edge 18 of the guide portion 16 comes into contact with a corner of the recess 103 of the housing 101.

[0038] 13 , the size of the opening 12 in the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A is larger than the size of the opening 102 in the housing 101 of the control unit 3. Therefore, even if there is a misalignment between the opening 12 in the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the opening 102 in the housing 101 of the control unit 3, it is easy to accommodate the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A in the recess 103 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3.

[0039] 14 shows a state in which connector 15 of storage battery 2A is accommodated in recess 103 of housing 101 of control unit 3. Movement of connector 15 is guided by guide portion 16, and when connector 15 is accommodated in recess 103 of housing 101, guide portion 16 comes into contact with the inner wall of recess 103 of housing 101, thereby aligning connector 15 of storage battery 2A with connector 104 of control unit 3. That is, guide portion 16 of storage battery 2A fits into recess 103 of housing 101 of control unit 3, and the position of connector 15 of storage battery 2A (position in the X-axis direction, position in the Y-axis direction) is corrected, thereby aligning connector 15 of storage battery 2A with connector 104 of control unit 3. In this way, the guide portion 16 guides the movement of the connector 15 in a direction (XY plane direction) substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces (+Z-axis direction), thereby aligning the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A with the connector 104 of the control unit 3. The position of the connector 15 relative to the guide portion 16 of the storage battery 2A and the position of the connector 104 relative to the recess 103 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3 are designed so that when the guide portion 16 of the storage battery 2A is fitted into the recess 103 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3, the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A can be fitted into the connector 104 of the control unit 3. Therefore, by aligning the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A with the connector 104 of the control unit 3, the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A becomes capable of being fitted into the connector 104 of the control unit 3. In other words, the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 become capable of being connected.

[0040] With the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 aligned, the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A moves further in the direction of the opening 12 of the housing 11, thereby connecting the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A to the connector 104 of the control unit 3. That is, by moving the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A in the direction of the opening 12 of the housing 11, the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A is accommodated in the recess 103 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3, and the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 are fitted together. In this way, the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A can be connected to the connector 104 of the control unit 3, and the connectors can be easily connected to each other.

[0041] As described above, by aligning the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A with the connector 104 of the control unit 3, it is possible to absorb component variations and assembly variations in the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 101 of the control unit 3. Since general connectors can be used for the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3, the connector options are expanded and costs can be reduced.

[0042] Before the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A is accommodated in the recess 103 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3, the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A is disposed within the housing 11 and does not protrude outside the housing 11. This reduces the risk of damage to the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A. For example, after placing the control unit 3 on the storage battery 2A, the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A can be moved while the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A is aligned with the connector 104 of the control unit 3, thereby preventing damage to the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A. The connector 104 of the control unit 3 is disposed within the housing 101 and does not protrude outside the housing 101, reducing the risk of damage to the connector 104 of the control unit 3. As shown in FIG. 14 , the edge 18 of the guide portion 16 is positioned between the inner wall of the recess 103 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3 and the connector 104 of the control unit 3. Therefore, the edge 18 of the guide portion 16 is prevented from coming into contact with the connector 104 of the control unit 3, and the edge 18 of the guide portion 16 does not hinder the connection between the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3.

[0043] When the opening 12 in the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the opening 102 in the housing 101 of the control unit 3 are facing each other, the lever 20 of the storage battery 2A can be moved between a first position and a second position. For example, the position of the lever 20 shown in FIG. 13 is the first position. When the base 17 of the guide 16 contacts the bottom surface of the recess 13 of the housing 11, movement of the connector 15 and the guide 16 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the opening 12 in the housing 11 faces is restricted, and movement of the lever 20 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the opening 12 in the housing 11 faces is also restricted.

[0044] For example, the position of the lever 20 shown in Figure 14 is the second position. When the lever 20 moves to the second position, the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A is mated with the connector 104 of the control unit 3, and the connection between the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 is completed. When the tip of the edge 18 of the guide portion 16 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the recess 103 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3, movement of the connector 15 and the guide portion 16 in the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces is restricted, and movement of the lever 20 in the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces is also restricted. By moving the lever 20 from the second position in the direction opposite to the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces, the connection between the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 is released.

[0045] The user can ascertain the position of the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A by visually checking the position of the lever 20. The user can ascertain that the connection between the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 has been completed in a correct state by visually confirming that the lever 20 has been moved to the second position. In this way, the user can easily check whether the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 are securely connected, improving the reliability of the connection between the connectors.

[0046] FIG. 15 shows the state in which the lid 32 is attached to the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A. Specifically, the lid 32 is attached to the side of the housing 11 with the lid 32 covering the hole 31 of the housing 11. The lid 32 may be attached to the side of the housing 11 by fitting the lid 32 into a recess provided in the side of the housing 11. After completing the connection between the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3, the user attaches the lid 32 to the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A. The protrusion 33 of the lid 32 contacts the lever 20, and the movement of the lever 20 is restricted by the protrusion 33 of the lid 32. In other words, the lever 20 is locked by the protrusion 33 of the lid 32. The restriction of the movement of the lever 20 by the protrusion 33 of the lid 32 restricts the movement of the connector 15 and the guide 16. Therefore, the connector 15 and the guide 16 are locked. This maintains a good connection between the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3, thereby preventing poor connection (poor contact) between the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3. Furthermore, the connector 15 and guide unit 16 of the storage battery 2A are prevented from falling due to impact, vibration, or the like, and the connection between the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 is prevented from being unintentionally released.

[0047] When the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 are mated in an allowable position, the lid 32 can be attached to the housing 11. For example, if the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 are not mated and the lever 20 shown in FIG. 15 is positioned slightly downward, the protrusion 33 of the lid 32 abuts against the tip surface of the lever 20, preventing the lid 32 from being attached to the housing 11. When the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 are mated in an allowable position, the lever 20 and the protrusion 33 of the lid 32 do not overlap in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces. Furthermore, when the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 are mated in an allowable position, the position of the lever 20 is closer to the control unit 3 than the position of the protrusion 33 of the lid 32. By confirming that the lid 32 is attached to the housing 11, the user can ascertain that the connection between the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 has been completed in a correct state. In this way, it is possible to easily confirm whether the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 are securely connected, improving the reliability of the connection between the connectors.

[0048] A sealing unit may be disposed between the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 101 of the control unit 3. FIGS. 16A and 16B are plan views of the storage battery 2A as viewed from the top side of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A. A sealing unit 110 surrounding the opening 12 is provided on the top surface of the housing 11. The sealing unit 110 is, for example, a packing. In FIG. 16A , the sealing unit 110 is disposed along the outer edge of the top surface of the housing 11. In FIG. 16B , the sealing unit 110 is disposed around the opening 12 of the housing 11. For example, when viewed from the direction in which the opening 12 of the housing 11 faces, the opening 12 of the housing 11 and the sealing unit 110 may have similar shapes, and the size of the sealing unit 110 may be larger than the size of the opening 12 of the housing 11.

[0049] The housing 101 of the control unit 3 comes into contact with a sealing part 110 that is arranged between the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 101 of the control unit 3, so that the sealing part 110 is sandwiched between the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 101 of the control unit 3. The opening 12 of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the opening 102 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3 are arranged inside the sealing part 110, with the opening 12 of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A facing the opening 102 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3. The sealing part 110 prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the housing 11 through the opening 12 of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A, and also prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the housing 101 through the opening 102 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3. This makes it possible to connect the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 while ensuring airtightness within the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 101 of the control unit 3. Furthermore, there is no need to install a waterproof connector between the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 101 of the control unit 3, eliminating the cost of installing a waterproof connector. No sealing unit is attached to the bottom surface of the housing 101 of the control unit 3. No sealing structure is required for the bottom surface of the housing 101 of the control unit 3, making it possible to reduce the cost of the control unit 3.

[0050] The connector 24 of storage battery 2A may be connected to the connector 45 of storage battery 2B. The method of connecting the connector 24 of storage battery 2A to the connector 45 of storage battery 2B is similar to the method of connecting the connector 15 of storage battery 2A to the connector 104 of the control unit 3. Although detailed description is omitted, an example of a method of connecting the connector 15 of storage battery 2A to the connector 104 of the control unit 3 will be described. First, storage batteries 2A and 2B are installed so that the opening 22 of the housing 11 of storage battery 2A faces the opening 42 of the housing 41 of storage battery 2B, and the storage batteries 2A and 2B are adjacent to each other. Storage battery 2A may be placed on storage battery 2B.

[0051] With the opening 22 in the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the opening 42 in the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B facing each other, the lever 50 of the storage battery 2B is moved in the direction in which the opening 42 in the housing 41 faces, causing the connector 45 and the guide portion 46 to move in the direction in which the opening 42 in the housing 41 faces. The opening 42 in the housing 41 faces from the bottom surface of the housing 41 toward the top surface of the housing 41. The movement of the connector 45 is guided by the guide portion 46, and when the connector 45 is accommodated in the recess 23 of the housing 11, the guide portion 46 comes into contact with the inner wall of the recess 23 of the housing 11, thereby aligning the connector 24 of the storage battery 2A with the connector 45 of the storage battery 2B.

[0052] After the connector 24 of storage battery 2A and the connector 45 of storage battery 2B are aligned, the connector 45 of storage battery 2A is further moved toward the opening 42 of the housing 41, thereby connecting the connector 24 of storage battery 2A and the connector 45 of storage battery 2B. In this manner, the connector 24 of storage battery 2A and the connector 45 of storage battery 2B can be connected, and the connectors can be easily connected to each other. Because the connector 24 of storage battery 2A is disposed within the housing 11 and does not protrude outside the housing 11, the risk of damage to the connector 24 of storage battery 2A is low. Before the connector 45 of storage battery 2B is accommodated in the recess 23 of the housing 11 of storage battery 2A, the connector 45 of storage battery 2B is disposed within the housing 41 and does not protrude outside the housing 41. Therefore, the risk of damage to the connector 45 of storage battery 2B is low. For example, after placing storage battery 2A on storage battery 2B, connector 24 of storage battery 2A is aligned with connector 45 of storage battery 2B, and then connector 45 of storage battery 2B is moved, thereby preventing damage to connector 45 of storage battery 2B.

[0053] By providing a sealing section 110 surrounding the opening 42 on the top surface of the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B, the sealing section 110 may be disposed between the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B. The configuration of the sealing section 110 disposed between the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B is similar to the configuration of the sealing section 110 disposed between the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 101 of the control unit 3. That is, the opening 22 of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the opening 42 of the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B are disposed inside the sealing section 110, with the opening 22 of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the opening 42 of the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B facing each other. The sealing portion 110 prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the housing 11 through the opening 22 in the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A, and also prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the housing 41 through the opening 42 in the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B.

[0054] The connector 54 of storage battery 2B may be connected to the connector 75 of storage battery 2C. The method for connecting the connector 54 of storage battery 2B to the connector 75 of storage battery 2C is similar to the method for connecting the connector 15 of storage battery 2A to the connector 104 of the control unit 3. Although detailed description is omitted, an example of a method for connecting the connector 54 of storage battery 2B to the connector 75 of storage battery 2C will be described. First, storage batteries 2B and 2C are installed so that the opening 52 of the housing 41 of storage battery 2B faces the opening 72 of the housing 71 of storage battery 2C, and the storage battery 2B is adjacent to the opening 72 of the housing 71 of storage battery 2C. The storage battery 2C may be fixed to a concrete foundation with bolts, and the storage battery 2B may be placed on top of the storage battery 2C.

[0055] With the opening 52 in the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B and the opening 72 in the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C facing each other, the lever 80 of the storage battery 2C is moved in the direction in which the opening 72 in the housing 71 faces, causing the connector 75 and the guide portion 76 to move in the direction in which the opening 72 in the housing 71 faces. The opening 72 in the housing 71 faces from the bottom surface of the housing 71 toward the top surface of the housing 71. The movement of the connector 75 is guided by the guide portion 76, and when the connector 75 is accommodated in the recess 53 of the housing 41, the guide portion 76 comes into contact with the inner wall of the recess 53 of the housing 41, thereby aligning the connector 54 of the storage battery 2B with the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C.

[0056] After the connector 54 of storage battery 2B and the connector 75 of storage battery 2C are aligned, the connector 75 of storage battery 2C is further moved toward the opening 72 of the housing 71, thereby connecting the connector 54 of storage battery 2B and the connector 75 of storage battery 2C. In this manner, the connector 54 of storage battery 2B and the connector 75 of storage battery 2C can be connected, and the connectors can be easily connected to each other. Because the connector 54 of storage battery 2B is disposed within the housing 41 and does not protrude from the housing 41, the risk of damage to the connector 54 of storage battery 2B is low. Before the connector 75 of storage battery 2C is accommodated in the recess 53 of the housing 41 of storage battery 2B, the connector 75 of storage battery 2C is disposed within the housing 71 and does not protrude from the housing 71. Therefore, the risk of damage to the connector 75 of storage battery 2C is low. For example, after placing storage battery 2B on storage battery 2C, connector 54 of storage battery 2B is aligned with connector 75 of storage battery 2C, and then connector 75 of storage battery 2C is moved, thereby preventing damage to connector 75 of storage battery 2C.

[0057] By providing a sealing portion 110 surrounding the opening 72 on the upper surface of the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C, the sealing portion 110 may be disposed between the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B and the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C. The configuration of the sealing portion 110 disposed between the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B and the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C is similar to the configuration of the sealing portion 110 disposed between the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 101 of the control unit 3. That is, the opening 52 of the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B and the opening 72 of the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C are disposed inside the sealing portion 110, with the opening 52 of the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B and the opening 72 of the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C facing each other. The sealing portion 110 prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the housing 41 through the opening 52 in the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B, and also prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the housing 71 through the opening 72 in the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C.

[0058] The connector 75 of the storage battery 2C may be connected to the connector 104 of the control unit 3. For example, if the electrical equipment unit 1 includes the storage battery 2C and the control unit 3, the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C is connected to the connector 104 of the control unit 3. The method of connecting the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C to the connector 104 of the control unit 3 is similar to the method of connecting the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A to the connector 104 of the control unit 3. Although a detailed description is omitted, an example of connecting the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C to the connector 104 of the control unit 3 will be described. First, the storage battery 2C and the control unit 3 are installed so that the opening 72 of the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C faces the opening 102 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3, and the storage battery 2C and the control unit 3 are adjacent to each other. The storage battery 2C may be fixed to a concrete foundation with bolts, and the control unit 3 may be placed on the storage battery 2C.

[0059] With the opening 72 of the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C and the opening 102 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3 facing each other, the lever 80 of the storage battery 2C is moved in the direction of the opening 72 of the housing 71, causing the connector 75 and the guide portion 76 to move in the direction of the opening 72 of the housing 71. The movement of the connector 75 is guided by the guide portion 76, and when the connector 75 is accommodated in the recess 103 of the housing 101, the guide portion 76 comes into contact with the inner wall of the recess 103 of the housing 101, thereby aligning the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C with the connector 104 of the control unit 3. With the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C aligned with the connector 104 of the control unit 3, the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C moves further in the direction of the opening 72 of the housing 71, thereby connecting the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C with the connector 104 of the control unit 3. In this manner, the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 can be connected, and the connectors can be easily connected to each other.

[0060] By providing a sealing portion 110 surrounding the opening 72 on the top surface of the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C, the sealing portion 110 may be disposed between the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C and the housing 101 of the control unit 3. The configuration of the sealing portion 110 disposed between the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C and the housing 101 of the control unit 3 is similar to the configuration of the sealing portion 110 disposed between the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 101 of the control unit 3. That is, the opening 72 of the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C and the opening 102 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3 are disposed inside the sealing portion 110, with the opening 72 of the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C and the opening 102 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3 facing each other. The sealing portion 110 prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the housing 71 through the opening 72 in the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C, and also prevents water droplets, dust, etc. from entering the housing 101 through the opening 102 in the housing 101 of the control unit 3.

[0061] The connector 24 of the storage battery 2A may be connected to the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C. For example, if the electrical equipment unit 1 includes the storage batteries 2A and 2C and the control unit 3, the connector 24 of the storage battery 2A is connected to the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C. The method for connecting the connector 24 of the storage battery 2A to the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C is the same as the method for connecting the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A to the connector 104 of the control unit 3.

[0062] The connector 45 of the storage battery 2B may be connected to the connector 104 of the control unit 3. For example, if the electrical equipment unit 1 includes storage batteries 2B and 2C and the control unit 3, the connector 45 of the storage battery 2B is connected to the connector 104 of the control unit 3. The method for connecting the connector 45 of the storage battery 2B to the connector 104 of the control unit 3 is the same as the method for connecting the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A to the connector 104 of the control unit 3.

[0063] A storage battery 2 having a configuration similar to that of storage battery 2A or 2B may be installed between storage battery 2A and control unit 3. A storage battery 2 having a configuration similar to that of storage battery 2A or 2B may be installed between storage battery 2A and storage battery 2B. A storage battery 2 having a configuration similar to that of storage battery 2A or 2B may be installed between storage battery 2B and storage battery 2C. By configuring the electrical equipment unit 1 as a vertically stacked structure, the installation area does not change even if the storage battery capacity is increased. Therefore, there is no need to secure a large installation space in anticipation of the installation of additional storage batteries 2. Furthermore, there is no need to perform new foundation work to install additional storage batteries 2.

[0064] A method for aligning and fixing the storage batteries 2A to 2C and the control unit 3 will be described with reference to Figures 17, 18, and 19. Figures 17, 18, and 19 are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of the electrical equipment unit 1. A protrusion 121 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A, and a recess 122 is provided on the lower surface of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A. A protrusion 123 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B, and a recess 124 is provided on the lower surface of the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B. A protrusion 125 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C. A recess 126 is provided on the lower surface of the housing 101 of the control unit 3.

[0065] The storage batteries 2B and 2C are aligned by fitting the protrusion 125 of the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C into the recess 124 of the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B. The connection plate 131 is attached to the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B and the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C, and the four corners of the connection plate 131 are screwed in place. This secures the storage batteries 2B and 2C to each other. For example, the connection plate 131 may be disposed on the side opposite to the side where the lid 92 is attached to the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B and the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C.

[0066] The storage batteries 2A and 2B are aligned by fitting the protrusion 123 of the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B into the recess 122 of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A. A connection plate 132 is attached to the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B, and the four corners of the connection plate 132 are screwed in place. This secures the storage batteries 2A and 2B to each other. For example, the connection plate 132 may be disposed on the side opposite to the side where the lid 62 is attached to the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B.

[0067] The storage battery 2A and the control unit 3 are aligned by fitting the protrusion 121 of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A into the recess 126 of the housing 101 of the control unit 3. A connection plate 133 is attached to the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 101 of the control unit 3, and the four corners of the connection plate 133 are screwed in place. This fixes the storage battery 2A and the control unit 3 to each other. For example, the connection plate 133 may be disposed on the side opposite to the side where the lid 32 is attached to the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 101 of the control unit 3.

[0068] After connecting the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3, the lid 32 is attached to the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A and the housing 101 of the control unit 3, and the four corners of the lid 32 are screwed in place. After the storage battery 2A and the control unit 3 are fixed to each other, the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 can be connected. Therefore, there is no risk of the housing 101 of the control unit 3 falling when connecting the connector 15 of the storage battery 2A and the connector 104 of the control unit 3, improving the safety of the installation work.

[0069] After connecting the connector 24 of storage battery 2A and the connector 45 of storage battery 2B, the lid 62 is attached to the housing 11 of storage battery 2A and the housing 41 of storage battery 2B, and the four corners of the lid 62 are screwed in place. After fixing the storage batteries 2A and 2B together, the connector 24 of storage battery 2A and the connector 45 of storage battery 2B can be connected. Therefore, there is no risk of the housing 11 of storage battery 2A falling during the connection of the connector 24 of storage battery 2A and the connector 45 of storage battery 2B, improving the safety of the installation work.

[0070] After connecting the connector 54 of storage battery 2B and the connector 75 of storage battery 2C, the lid 92 is attached to the housing 41 of storage battery 2B and the housing 71 of storage battery 2C, and the four corners of the lid 92 are screwed in place. After fixing the storage batteries 2B and 2C together, the connector 54 of storage battery 2B and the connector 75 of storage battery 2C can be connected. Therefore, there is no risk of the housing 41 of storage battery 2B falling when connecting the connector 54 of storage battery 2B and the connector 75 of storage battery 2C, improving the safety of the installation work.

[0071] In the above configuration, the connector 75 of the storage battery 2C is movable and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 is fixed, but this configuration is not limited thereto. The connector 75 of the storage battery 2C may be fixed and the connector 104 of the control unit 3 may be movable. The storage battery 2C may have the configuration of the control unit 3 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B instead of the configuration shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. Furthermore, the control unit 3 may have the configuration of the storage battery 2C shown in FIG. 11A and the configuration of the connector unit 74 shown in FIG. 11B instead of the configuration shown in FIG. 12. The storage battery 2B may be placed on the control unit 3, the storage battery 2A may be placed on the storage battery 2B, and the storage battery 2C may be placed on the storage battery 2A. The storage battery 2A may be placed on the control unit 3, the storage battery 2B may be placed on the storage battery 2A, and the storage battery 2C may be placed on the storage battery 2B. The storage battery 2B may be placed on the control unit 3, and the storage battery 2C may be placed on the storage battery 2B. The storage battery 2A may be placed on the control unit 3, and the storage battery 2C may be placed on the storage battery 2A. The storage battery 2C may be placed on the control unit 3. The storage battery 2C may be an example of a second electrical device. The control unit 3 may be an example of a first electrical device. The storage battery 2A may be an example of a third electrical device adjacent to the first electrical device. The storage battery 2B may be an example of a third electrical device adjacent to the second electrical device. The storage batteries 2A and 2B may be an example of two adjacent third electrical devices among a plurality of third electrical devices.

[0072] As shown in Figures 20A and 20B, the configuration of storage battery 2C may be similar to that of storage battery 2A or 2B. Figures 20A and 20B are perspective views showing the configuration of storage battery 2C. Storage battery 2C includes a housing 71, a recess 73 having an opening 72 on the outer surface (top surface) of housing 71, a connector 74 disposed within recess 73, and a lever 80. Storage battery 2C includes a hole 91 formed on the side surface of housing 71 and a lid 92. Lid 92 includes a protrusion (convex portion) 93 and a sealing portion 94 surrounding protrusion 93. Storage battery 2C may further include a recess 96 having an opening 95 on the outer surface (bottom surface) of housing 71 and a connector 97 disposed within recess 96. A cable 98 is provided to connector 97. The configuration of the storage battery 2C shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B is the same as that of the storage battery 2A, and therefore detailed description of the configuration of the storage battery 2C shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B will be omitted.

[0073] When the configuration of the storage battery 2C shown in Figures 20A and 20B is adopted, the positions of the storage battery 2A and the storage battery 2C may be interchanged in the electrical equipment unit 1 shown in Figure 1. That is, the storage battery 2B may be placed on the storage battery 2A, the storage battery 2C may be placed on the storage battery 2B, and the control unit 3 may be placed on the storage battery 2C. Furthermore, when the configuration of the storage battery 2C shown in Figures 20A and 20B is adopted, the positions of the storage battery 2B and the storage battery 2C may be interchanged in the electrical equipment unit 1 shown in Figure 1. That is, the storage battery 2C may be placed on the storage battery 2B, the storage battery 2A may be placed on the storage battery 2C, and the control unit 3 may be placed on the storage battery 2A. A recess may be provided on the bottom surface of the housing 71 of the storage battery 2C to fit with the protrusion 121 of the housing 11 of the storage battery 2A or the protrusion 123 of the housing 41 of the storage battery 2B.

[0074] Furthermore, the processes and means described above may be understood as a method for connecting a plurality of connectors in the electrical equipment unit 1 or a method for installing a plurality of electrical equipment in the electrical equipment unit 1. The present invention can be constructed by combining the above-described configurations, means, and processes with each other as much as possible.

[0075] <Supplementary Note 1> An electric equipment unit (1) including a plurality of electric equipment (2, 3), wherein a first electric equipment (2C) of the plurality of electric equipment (2, 3) comprises a first housing (71), a first recess (73) having a first opening (72) on an outer surface of the first housing (71), a first connector (75) arranged in the first recess (73), and a first guide portion (76) for guiding movement of the first connector (75); and a second electric equipment (3) of the plurality of electric equipment (2, 3) comprises a second housing (101), a second recess (103) having a second opening (102) on an outer surface of the second housing (101), and a second connector (104) arranged in the second recess (103), With the first opening (72) and the second opening (102) facing each other, the first guide portion (76) guides the movement of the first connector (75) in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the first opening (72) faces, thereby aligning the first connector (75) with the second connector (104), and by moving the first connector (75) in the direction in which the first opening (72) faces, the first connector (75) is accommodated in the second recess (103), and the first connector (75) and the second connector (104) are mated together. <Supplementary Note 2> The first guide portion (76) has a first base portion (77) on which the first connector (75) is installed, and a first edge portion (78) provided on at least a part of the outer edge of the first base portion (77), and an inclined surface is formed at a tip of the first edge portion (78) that inclines from the tip side of the first edge portion (78) to the non-tip side and toward the outside of the first base portion (77), the electric equipment unit (1) according to Supplementary Note 1. <Supplementary Note 3> The electric equipment unit (1) according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the size of the first opening (72) is larger than the size of the second opening (102). <Supplementary Note 4> The first electric device (2C) includes: a first hole portion (91) formed in the first housing (71) and opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the first opening (72) faces; and a first lever (80) disposed in the first hole portion (91) for manipulating movement of the first connector (75) and the first guide portion (76),The electric equipment unit (1) according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the first hole (91) is connected to the first recess (73), and the first connector (75) and the first guide portion (76) move in the direction in which the first opening (72) is facing when the first lever (80) is moved in that direction. <Supplementary Note 5> The electric equipment unit (1) according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the first electric equipment (2C) includes a first lid portion (92) covering the first hole (91), the first lid portion (92) having a first protrusion (93), and the first protrusion (93) restricts movement of the first lever (80), thereby restricting movement of the first connector (75) and the first guide portion (76). <Supplementary Note 6> The electric equipment unit (1) according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the first cover portion (92) can be attached to the first housing (71) when the first connector (75) and the second connector (104) are mated in an allowed position. <Supplementary Note 7> The electric equipment unit (1) according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein a sealing portion (110) is arranged between the first housing (71) and the second housing (101), and the first opening (72) and the second opening (102) are arranged inside the sealing portion (110). <Supplementary Note 8> One or more third electric devices (2A) of the plurality of electric devices (2, 3) include a third housing (11), a third recess (13) having a third opening (12) on an outer surface of the third housing (11), a third connector (15) arranged in the third recess (13), a second guide part (16) for guiding movement of the third connector (15), a fourth recess (23) having a fourth opening (22) on an outer surface of the third housing (11), and a fourth connector (24) arranged in the fourth recess (23), wherein the direction in which the third opening (12) faces is opposite to the direction in which the fourth opening (22) faces,With the first opening (72) and the fourth opening (22) of the third electric device (2A) adjacent to the first electric device (2C) facing each other, the first guide portion (76) guides the movement of the first connector (75) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first opening (72) faces, thereby aligning the first connector (75) with the fourth connector (24) of the third electric device (2A) adjacent to the first electric device (2C); by moving the first connector (75) in the direction in which the first opening (72) faces, the first connector (75) is accommodated in the fourth recess (23) of the third electric device (2A) adjacent to the first electric device (2C), and the first connector (75) and the fourth connector (24) of the third electric device (2A) adjacent to the first electric device (2C) are fitted together; The electric equipment unit (1) according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein, in a state in which the second opening (102) and the third opening (12) of the third electric equipment (2A) adjacent to the second electric equipment (3) are opposed to each other, the second guide portion (16) guides movement of the third connector (15) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the third opening (12) faces, thereby aligning the second connector (104) with the third connector (15) of the third electric equipment (2A) adjacent to the second electric equipment (3), and by moving the third connector (15) of the third electric equipment (2A) adjacent to the second electric equipment (3) in the direction in which the third opening (12) faces, the third connector (15) is accommodated in the second recess (103), and the second connector (104) and the third connector (15) of the third electric equipment (2A) adjacent to the second electric equipment (3) are mated. <Supplementary Note 9> The electric equipment unit (1) according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the second guide portion (16) has a second base portion (17) on which the second connector (104) is installed and a second edge portion (18) provided on at least a part of an outer edge of the second base portion (17), and an inclined surface is formed at a tip of the second edge portion (18) that is inclined from the tip side of the second edge portion (18) to the non-tip side and toward the outside of the second base portion (17). <Supplementary Note 10>The electrical equipment unit (1) according to appendix 8 or 9, wherein the size of the first opening (72) is larger than the size of the fourth opening (22), and the size of the third opening (12) is larger than the size of the second opening (102). <Supplementary Note 11> The one or more third electric devices (2A) include: a second hole portion (31) formed in the third housing (11) and opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the third opening (12) faces; and a second lever (20) disposed in the second hole portion (31) for manipulating movement of the third connector (15) and the second guide portion (16), wherein the second hole portion (31) is connected to the third recess (13), and by moving the second lever (20) in the direction in which the third opening (12) faces, the third connector (15) and the second guide portion (16) move in the direction in which the third opening (12) faces. The electric device unit (1) according to any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 10. <Supplementary Note 12> The one or more third electric devices (2A) include a second lid portion (32) covering the second hole portion (31), the second lid portion (32) has a second protrusion portion (33), and the second protrusion portion (33) restricts movement of the second lever (20), thereby restricting movement of the third connector (15) and the second guide portion (16). <Supplementary Note 13> The electric device unit (1) according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the second lid portion (32) can be attached to the third housing (11) when the second connector (104) and the third connector (15) of the third electric device (2A) adjacent to the second electric device (3) are mated in an allowed position. <Supplementary Note 14> A first sealing part (110) is arranged between the first housing (71) and the third housing (11) of the third electric device (2A) adjacent to the first electric device (2C), and a second sealing part (110) is arranged between the second housing (101) and the third housing (11) of the third electric device (2A) adjacent to the second electric device (3),The electric equipment unit (1) according to any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 13, wherein the first opening (72) and the fourth opening (22) of the third electric equipment (2A) adjacent to the first electric equipment (2C) are arranged inside the first sealing portion (110), and the second opening (102) and the third opening (12) of the third electric equipment (2A) adjacent to the second electric equipment (3) are arranged inside the second sealing portion (110). <Supplementary Note 15> The electric equipment unit (1) according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 14, wherein one of the first electric equipment (2C) and the second electric equipment (3) is a storage battery, and the other of the first electric equipment (2C) and the second electric equipment (3) is a control unit. <Supplementary Note 16> The electric equipment unit (1) according to any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 14, wherein one of the first electric equipment (2C) and the second electric equipment (3) is a storage battery, the other of the first electric equipment (2C) and the second electric equipment (3) is a control unit, and the one or more third electric equipment (2A) is a storage battery.

[0076] 1: Electrical equipment unit 2, 2A, 2B, 2C: Storage battery 3: Control unit 4: External equipment 5: Wiring conduit 11, 41, 71, 101: Housing 12, 22, 42, 52, 72, 95, 102: Opening 13, 23, 43, 53, 73, 96, 103, 122, 124, 126: Recess 14, 44, 74: Connector part 15, 24, 45, 54, 75, 97, 104: Connector 16, 46, 76: Guide part 17, 47, 77: Base part 18, 48, 78: Edge part 19, 25, 49, 55, 79, 98, 105: Cable 20, 50, 80: Levers 21, 31, 51, 61, 81, 91: Hole part 32, 62, 92: Lid portion 33, 63, 93, 121, 123, 125: Protrusion portion 34, 64, 94, 110: Sealing portion 131, 132, 133: Connection plate

Claims

1. An electrical equipment unit including a plurality of electrical equipment, wherein a first electrical equipment among the plurality of electrical equipment includes a first housing, a first recess having a first opening on an outer surface of the first housing, a first connector disposed in the first recess, and a first guide portion for guiding movement of the first connector; a second electrical equipment among the plurality of electrical equipment includes a second housing, a second recess having a second opening on an outer surface of the second housing, and a second connector disposed in the second recess; with the first opening and the second opening facing each other, movement of the first connector in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the first opening faces is guided by the first guide portion, so that alignment of the first connector and the second connector is performed; and when the first connector moves in the direction in which the first opening faces, the first connector is received in the second recess, and the first connector and the second connector are fitted together. Electrical equipment unit.

2. The first guide portion has a first base portion on which the first connector is installed and a first edge portion provided at at least a part of an outer edge of the first base portion; and an inclined surface is formed at a tip of the first edge portion, which inclines from a tip side to a non-tip side of the first edge portion and toward the outside of the first base portion. The electrical equipment unit according to claim 1.

3. The size of the first opening is larger than the size of the second opening. The electrical equipment unit according to claim 1.

4. The first electrical equipment includes a first hole portion formed in the first housing and opening in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the first opening faces, and a first lever disposed in the first hole portion for operating movement of the first connector and the first guide portion; the first hole portion communicates with the first recess; and when the first lever is moved in the direction in which the first opening faces, the first connector and the first guide portion move in the direction in which the first opening faces. The electrical equipment unit according to claim 1.

5. The first electrical equipment includes a first lid portion covering the first hole portion; the first lid portion has a first protrusion portion; and movement of the first connector and the first guide portion is restricted by restricting movement of the first lever by the first protrusion portion. The electrical equipment unit according to claim 4.

6. The electric equipment unit according to claim 5, wherein when the first connector and the second connector are fitted at an allowed position, the first lid portion can be attached to the first housing.

7. The electric equipment unit according to claim 1, wherein a sealing portion is disposed between the first housing and the second housing, and the first opening and the second opening are disposed inside the sealing portion.

8. One or a plurality of third electric devices among the plurality of electric devices include a third housing, a third recess having a third opening on an outer surface of the third housing, a third connector disposed in the third recess, a second guide portion for guiding movement of the third connector, a fourth recess having a fourth opening on an outer surface of the third housing, and a fourth connector disposed in the fourth recess. The direction in which the third opening faces is opposite to the direction in which the fourth opening faces. With the first opening and the fourth opening of the third electric device adjacent to the first electric device facing each other, the movement of the first connector is guided in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the first opening faces by the first guide portion, and alignment between the first connector and the fourth connector of the third electric device adjacent to the first electric device is performed. By moving the first connector in the direction in which the first opening faces, the first connector is accommodated in the fourth recess of the third electric device adjacent to the first electric device, and the first connector and the fourth connector of the third electric device adjacent to the first electric device are fitted together. With the second opening and the third opening of the third electric device adjacent to the second electric device facing each other, the movement of the third connector is guided in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the third opening faces by the second guide portion, and alignment between the second connector and the third connector of the third electric device adjacent to the second electric device is performed. By moving the third connector of the third electric device adjacent to the second electric device in the direction in which the third opening faces, the third connector is accommodated in the second recess, and the second connector and the third connector of the third electric device adjacent to the second electric device are fitted together. The electric equipment unit according to claim 1.

9. The second guide portion has a second base portion where the second connector is installed and a second edge portion provided at at least a part of the outer edge of the second base portion. An inclined surface that inclines from the tip side to the non-tip side of the second edge portion and toward the outside of the second base portion is formed at the tip of the second edge portion. The electric equipment unit according to claim 8.

10. The size of the first opening is larger than the size of the fourth opening, and the size of the third opening is larger than the size of the second opening. The electric equipment unit according to claim 8.

11. The one or more third electric devices are formed in the third housing and include a second hole portion that opens in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the third opening faces, and a second lever that is disposed in the second hole portion and operates the movement of the third connector and the second guide portion. The second hole portion is connected to the third recess. When the second lever is moved in the direction in which the third opening faces, the third connector and the second guide portion move in the direction in which the third opening faces. The electric equipment unit according to claim 8.

12. The one or more third electric devices include a second lid portion that covers the second hole portion. The second lid portion has a second protrusion portion. When the movement of the second lever is restricted by the second protrusion portion, the movement of the third connector and the second guide portion is restricted. The electric equipment unit according to claim 11.

13. When the second connector and the third connector of the third electric device adjacent to the second electric device are fitted at an allowed position, the second lid portion can be attached to the third housing. The electric equipment unit according to claim 12.

14. A first sealing portion is disposed between the first housing and the third housing of the third electrical device adjacent to the first electrical device, and a second sealing portion is disposed between the second housing and the third housing of the third electrical device adjacent to the second electrical device. The first opening and the fourth opening of the third electrical device adjacent to the first electrical device are disposed inside the first sealing portion, and the second opening and the third opening of the third electrical device adjacent to the second electrical device are disposed inside the second sealing portion. The electrical device unit according to claim 8.

15. One of the first electrical device and the second electrical device is a storage battery, and the other of the first electrical device and the second electrical device is a control unit. The electrical device unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. One of the first electrical device and the second electrical device is a storage battery, the other of the first electrical device and the second electrical device is a control unit, and the one or more third electrical devices are storage batteries. The electrical device unit according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

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