Door opening and closing system and energy storage device including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a door opening and closing system applied to a case having an accommodation space therein. The door opening and closing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a door unidirectionally movable to cover the accommodation space; a rod bar coupled to the door; a handle coupled to the rod bar; a roller support coupled to the rod bar and moving integrally with the rod bar; a roller coupled to an end of the roller support; and a roller bracket coupled to the case. When a user moves the handle up and down, the rod bar moves integrally with the handle. The roller bracket extends along a moving path of the roller and includes a rail corresponding to the roller.

Description

Door opening and closing system and energy storage device including the same

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0023190, filed February 19, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a door opening / closing system and an energy storage device including the same, and more particularly, to a door opening / closing system that can operate even in a narrow space without a locking device being exposed to the outside of the door, and an energy storage device including the same.

[0004] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0005] Currently, the types of secondary batteries widely used include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel hydrogen batteries, and nickel zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. In addition, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then configure a battery pack or battery rack by adding other components using this at least one battery module.

[0007] Furthermore, these secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices like portable electronic devices, but also in medium- to large-sized devices like electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), and their use is rapidly increasing. Furthermore, the use of residential battery packs for power storage has been on the rise recently.

[0008] Cases housing battery packs or battery racks typically incorporate a door opening system that allows the case to be opened and closed. The door included in the door opening system typically features a handle that allows the user to open and close the door by moving it up and down or rotating it. Furthermore, the door opening system may need to meet specific waterproofing requirements (e.g., IP55 or higher).

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional energy storage device (10).

[0010] The conventional handle (11) is exposed to the outside of the conventional door (12), which detracts from the aesthetic appearance of the product. In addition, the conventional handle (11) protrudes from the outside of the conventional door (12) and occupies some space, which may reduce space utilization.

[0011] Therefore, a door opening / closing system that satisfies waterproof conditions without any components being exposed or protruding outside the door is required.

[0012] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a door opening / closing system that can be operated even in a narrow space without the locking device being exposed to the outside of the door, and more specifically, to provide a door opening / closing system that can open / close the door by operating the handle even in a narrow space without the door opening / closing system, excluding the handle, being exposed to the outside by applying a handle and a roller.

[0013] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0014] A door opening / closing system applied to a case having an internal storage space, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a door movable in one direction to cover the storage space; a load bar coupled to the door; a handle coupled to the load bar; a roller support coupled to the load bar and moving integrally with the load bar; a roller coupled to an end of the roller support; and a roller bracket coupled to the case. When a user moves the handle up and down, the load bar moves integrally with the handle. The roller bracket includes a rail extending along a movement path of the roller and corresponding to the roller.

[0015] When the roller is at a height corresponding to the roller bracket, the roller or the roller support may be restricted from moving in the one direction by the roller bracket.

[0016] The above one-way direction may be a direction in which the door rotates around a portion where the door is coupled to the case.

[0017] The rail of the roller bracket can restrict movement of the roller or the roller support in the one direction.

[0018] When the above load bar moves up and down, the roller can move along the rail of the roller bracket.

[0019] The roller bracket may include a first plate extending vertically from the rail; and a second plate extending vertically from one end of the first plate and extending parallel to the rail.

[0020] The above second plate can be combined with the case.

[0021] The above first plate can connect the above rail and the above second plate.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an energy storage device including the door opening / closing system is provided.

[0023] A battery pack or battery rack can be accommodated inside the case.

[0024] According to embodiments of the present invention, by applying a handle and roller, the door opening / closing system, excluding the handle, is not exposed to the outside, and the door can be opened / closed by operating the handle even in narrow spaces. This can improve the product's aesthetics and space utilization.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional energy storage device.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a door opening / closing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of part A of Figure 3.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the door opening / closing system of Fig. 4 as viewed along the +z-axis direction on the xy plane.

[0031] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the door opening / closing system of Fig. 4 as viewed along the +y-axis direction on the xz plane.

[0032] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the point in time when the roller bar of Fig. 3 moves in the +z-axis direction due to the user's handle operation, thereby opening the door opening / closing system.

[0033] Fig. 8 is a plan view of the door opening / closing system of Fig. 7 as viewed along the +y-axis direction on the xz plane.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 10 is a plan view of the energy storage device of Fig. 9, viewed along the -z-axis direction on the xy plane.

[0036] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0037] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0038] Furthermore, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated components. In the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0039] Furthermore, when we say that a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on" or "over" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly on" the other part, but also cases where there are other parts in between. Conversely, when we say that a part is "directly on" another part, we mean that there are no other parts in between. Furthermore, saying that a part is "on" or "over" a reference part means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "above" or "over" the reference part in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0040] Additionally, throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0041] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say "in plan", we mean when the target portion is viewed from above, and when we say "in cross section", we mean when the target portion is viewed from the side in a cross-section cut vertically.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an energy storage device (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a door opening / closing system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a roller bracket (1200) coupled to a case (1100) together with the door opening / closing system (100). Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of part A of Fig. 3. Specifically, Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a point in time when the door opening / closing system (100) is closed. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the door opening / closing system of Fig. 4 when viewed along the +z-axis direction on the xy plane.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, a door opening / closing system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a door opening / closing system (100) applied to a case (1100) having an accommodation space inside. The door opening / closing system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a door (110) that can move in one direction to cover the accommodation space; a load bar (130) coupled to the door (110); a handle (120) coupled to the load bar (130); a roller support (140) coupled to the load bar (130) and moving integrally with the load bar (130); a roller (150) coupled to an end of the roller support (140); and a roller bracket (1200) coupled to the case (1100). When a user moves the handle (120) up and down, the load bar (130) moves integrally with the handle (120). The roller bracket (1200) extends along the movement path of the roller (150) and includes a rail (1210) corresponding to the roller (150).

[0044] The door (110) can be hingedly connected to the case (1100) at one corner of the case (1100). The door (110) can be opened and closed by rotating around the hinge.

[0045] The load bar (130) can be placed at one corner of the door (110) toward the inside of the case (1100) (in the -x-axis direction of FIG. 2).

[0046] For example, the load bar (130) may be fixed to the door (110) with a bolt / nut combination. Specifically, the load bar (130) may be provided with a hole (170) through which the bolt (160) passes. The hole (170) may be oval in which the major axis is in the z-axis direction of FIG. 2 and the major axis is longer than the minor axis, taking into account the movement range of the load bar (130). The door (110) may be provided with a nut member (not shown) to which the bolt (160) is fastened. The bolt (160) may be fastened to the nut member after passing through the hole (170). By the shape of the hole, the load bar (130) may be moved up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the handle (120). For effective fixing, it is preferable that the bolt (160), the hole (170), and the nut member be configured in multiple pieces.

[0047] As another example, the load bar (130) may be fixed to the door (110) by other fixing means other than the bolt / nut combination.

[0048] The handle (120) may be fixed to the load bar (130) with a bolt / nut combination, but is not limited thereto. The position, shape, and size of the handle (120) are sufficient so that the user can manipulate it up and down (in the z-axis direction of FIG. 2).

[0049] The handle (120) can be moved by the user in an up-and-down direction (z-axis direction in FIG. 2).

[0050] As described above, the load bar (130) moves as one piece with the handle (120). That is, when a user raises the handle (120) in the +z-axis direction of FIG. 2, as the handle (120) rises, the load bar (130) and all components coupled to the load bar (130) can move as one piece by the amount of displacement by which the handle (120) is raised.

[0051] The roller support (140) may be fixed to the load bar (130) by a bolt / nut combination, but is not limited thereto, and other fixing methods may be applied.

[0052] A roller support (140) according to the present embodiment may include a main part (141), a first support part (142) extending perpendicularly to one side of the main part (141) from the upper side of the main part (141), and a second support part (143) extending perpendicularly to one side of the main part (141) from the lower side of the main part (141). A roller (150) may be coupled between the first support part (142) and the second support part (143). For example, a shaft member positioned between the first support part (142) and the second support part (143) may be inserted into the center of the roller (150), and the roller (150) may rotate around this shaft member.

[0053] A roller bracket (1200) according to the present embodiment may include a rail (1210), a first plate (1220) extending vertically from the rail (1210), and a second plate (1230) extending vertically from the first plate (1220) at one end of the first plate (1220) and extending parallel to the rail (1210). That is, the first plate (1220) may be a portion connecting the rail (1210) and the second plate (1230).

[0054] The roller (150) can rotate while in contact with the rail (1210), and accordingly, the roller (150) can move in the z-axis direction of FIG. 4 along the rail (1210). There is no limitation on the number of rollers (150), but there may be a plurality of rollers (150) according to the present embodiment.

[0055] The roller bracket (1200) can restrict the roller (150) or the roller support (140) from moving in one direction. The rail (1210) of the roller bracket (1200) can restrict the roller (150) or the roller support (140) from moving in one direction.

[0056] Here, the above-mentioned one-way direction may correspond to the direction in which the door (110) rotates around the portion where the door (110) is coupled to the case (1100). More specifically, the door (110) being opened while rotating around the hinge means that the door (110) moves in the +x-axis direction. At this time, the rail (1210) of the roller bracket (1200) may block the roller (150) or the roller support (140), thereby restricting the door (110) from moving in the +x-axis direction.

[0057] Meanwhile, as described above, the roller bracket (1200) can be coupled to the case (1100). At this time, the roller bracket (1200) can be fixed to the case (1100) by a bolt / nut combination, but is not limited thereto. For convenience of explanation, only the second plate (1230) is illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, and the case (110) is not illustrated, but the second plate (1230) of the roller bracket (1200) can be coupled to the case (110). The second plate (1230) can include a hole through which a bolt passes for bolt / nut coupling with the case (1100).

[0058] In summary, the rail (1210) of the roller bracket (1200) may be a portion that simultaneously restricts the roller (150) or the roller support (140) from moving in the +x-axis direction while the roller (150) is in contact with the portion that moves. Meanwhile, the second plate (1230) of the roller bracket (1200) may be a portion that is coupled to the case (110), and the first plate (1220) of the roller bracket (1200) may be a portion that connects the rail (1210) and the second plate (1230).

[0059] Again, the position, shape, and size of the handle (120) are sufficient so that the user can manipulate it up and down (in the z-axis direction of FIG. 2), and the shape and size of the handle (120) are preferably smaller for the sake of aesthetics and space utilization of the case (1100). That is, the user can open and close the door (110) even in a narrow space while minimizing the exposure of the door opening / closing system (100) to the outside of the case (1100).

[0060] The door (110) may include a gasket (not shown) or the like to satisfy specific waterproofing requirements. The gasket may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the gasket may be formed of rubber. Accordingly, when pressure is applied to the gasket positioned between the door (110) and the case (1100), the shape of the gasket changes, thereby blocking the inflow of water, moisture, or gas from the outside into the case (1100). The gasket may be positioned along the edge of the door (110).

[0061] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the door opening / closing system (100) of Fig. 4 as viewed along the +y-axis direction on the xz plane. Specifically, Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the point in time when the door opening / closing system (100) is closed.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, when the roller (150) is at a height corresponding to the roller bracket (1200), the roller (150) or the roller support (140) can be restricted from moving in one direction by the roller bracket (1200).

[0063] FIG. 4 is also a drawing showing the point in time when the door opening / closing system (100) is closed, similar to FIG. 6, and is a drawing showing a state in which the handle (120) is lowered in the -z-axis direction of FIG. 4 by the user's operation.

[0064] In particular, referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, it can be confirmed that the roller (150) is in contact with the rail (1210) of the roller bracket (1200). That is, when the roller (150) is at a height corresponding to the roller bracket (1200), the movement of the roller (150) or the roller support (140) in the +x-axis direction of FIG. 4 can be restricted by the roller bracket (1200). Therefore, in this case, the door (110) including the roller (150) and the roller support (140) can be closed.

[0065] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a point in time when the load bar (130) of Fig. 4 moves in the +z-axis direction due to the user's manipulation of the handle (120) and the door opening / closing system (100) is opened. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the door opening / closing system (100) of Fig. 7 when viewed along the +y-axis direction on the xz plane. That is, Figs. 7 and 8 are drawings showing a point in time when the door opening / closing system (100) is opened, and are drawings showing a state in which the handle (120) is raised in the +z-axis direction of Fig. 7 by the user's manipulation.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, as the handle (120) rises in the +z-axis direction of FIG. 7, the load bar (130) can move integrally with the handle (120). In addition, the roller support (140) coupled to the load bar (130) and the roller (150) coupled to the roller support (140) can also move integrally. At this time, the roller (150) can move while rolling along the rail (1210).

[0067] When the handle (120) is raised to a certain point, the roller (150) may deviate from the rail (1210) of the roller bracket (1200) and may not correspond to the rail (1210). That is, when the roller (150) is at a position higher than the roller bracket (1200) and does not correspond to the roller bracket (1200), the roller (150) or the roller support (140) can move in the +x-axis direction of FIG. 4 because its movement is not restricted by the roller bracket (1200). In this state, the door (110) can be opened.

[0068] Through this opening / closing mechanism, the door opening / closing system (100) excluding the handle (120) is not exposed to the outside, and the door (110) can be opened / closed by operating the handle (120) even in a narrow space. This can improve the product's appearance and space utilization.

[0069] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the energy storage device of Fig. 9 as viewed along the -z-axis direction on the xy plane.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the direction in which the movement of the roller (150) or the roller support (140) is restricted by the roller bracket (1200) may be the rotational direction of the door (110) centered on the hinge. That is, as described above, the door (110) may rotate around the axis (z-axis in FIG. 9) of the hinge by which the door (110) is coupled to the case (1100). However, since the movement of the roller (150) or the roller support (140) is restricted by the roller bracket (1200), the rotation of the door (110) may be restricted. In this case, the door (110) may be closed.

[0071] Conversely, if the roller (150) or roller support (140) is not restricted from moving by the roller bracket (1200) through the upward movement of the handle (120) (in the +z-axis direction of FIG. 9), the door (110) can be opened by rotating around the hinge. That is, the door (110) can be opened along the movement paths of FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0072] Referring again to FIGS. 4 to 8, when the load bar (130) moves up and down, the roller (150) can move along the rail (1210) of the roller bracket (1200).

[0073] When a user moves the handle (120) up and down (in the +z-axis direction of FIG. 8), the load bar (130) can move integrally with the handle (120). As the load bar (130) moves, the roller support (140) and the roller (150) coupled to the load bar (130) can move integrally. At this time, if the roller (150) corresponds to the roller bracket (1200), that is, if the roller (150) is in contact with the roller bracket (1200), the roller (150) can move up and down along the rail (1210) by the up and down movement of the load bar (130). Through this series of processes, the user can open and close the door (110) by manipulating the handle (120).

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an energy storage device including a door opening / closing system (100) is provided. A battery pack or a battery rack may be accommodated inside the case (1100).

[0075] A case (1100) capable of accommodating a battery pack or battery rack can be opened and closed through a door opening / closing system (100). According to embodiments of the present invention, a user can open and close the case (1100) simply by manipulating the handle (120). Among the components of the door opening / closing system (100), only the handle (120) is exposed or protrudes outside the door (110), thereby providing an energy storage device that can secure the aesthetic appeal and space utilization of the product.

[0076] In this example, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0077] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0078] Description of the symbol

[0079] 100: Door opening and closing system

[0080] 110: Door

[0081] 120: Handle

[0082] 130: Load bar

[0083] 140: Roller support

[0084] 150: Roller

[0085] 1000: Case

Claims

1. A door opening / closing system applied to a case having an internal storage space. The above door opening and closing system, A door that can move in one direction to cover the above-mentioned accommodation space; A load bar coupled to the above door; A handle coupled to the above load bar; A roller support coupled to the load bar and moving integrally with the load bar; a roller coupled to the end of the roller support; and A roller bracket coupled to the above case; When the user moves the handle up and down, the load bar moves integrally with the handle, A door opening / closing system, wherein the roller bracket extends along the movement path of the roller and includes a rail corresponding to the roller.

2. In paragraph 1, A door opening / closing system, wherein when the roller is at a height corresponding to the roller bracket, movement of the roller or the roller support in the one direction is restricted by the roller bracket.

3. In paragraph 1, The above one-way door opening / closing system is a door opening / closing system in which the door rotates around the part where the door is connected to the case.

4. In paragraph 1, A door opening / closing system in which the rail of the roller bracket restricts movement of the roller or the roller support in one direction.

5. In paragraph 1, A door opening / closing system in which the roller moves along the rail of the roller bracket when the load bar moves up and down.

6. In paragraph 1, A door opening / closing system, wherein the roller bracket comprises: a first plate extending vertically from the rail; and a second plate extending vertically from one end of the first plate and extending parallel to the rail.

7. In paragraph 6, A door opening / closing system in which the second plate is coupled to the case.

8. In paragraph 6, The above first plate is a door opening / closing system that connects the rail and the second plate.

9. An energy storage device including a door opening / closing system according to paragraph 1.

10. In paragraph 9, An energy storage device in which a battery pack or battery rack is accommodated inside the case.

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