JP7430676B2 - Battery unit storage structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a storage structure for a battery unit.

Patent Document 1 describes an interlock device for a battery unit panel that allows battery units stacked in multiple stages to be taken out when a switch is opened. The interlock device described in Patent Document 1 includes a box, battery units stacked in multiple stages in the box, a switch connected to a DC circuit in which the battery units are connected in series, and a switch that connects the switch to an open circuit. and an interlock mechanism that allows the battery unit to move when the circuit is closed, and disables the battery unit from moving when the circuit is closed.

JP2013-206880A

The interlock mechanism described in Patent Document 1 uses a switch to control ON/OFF of a circuit including a battery unit, so that when the switch is closed (circuit ON), the battery unit cannot be moved, and the switch is closed. This is a mechanism that allows the battery unit to be moved when the circuit is open (circuit OFF). Therefore, in the interlock mechanism described in Patent Document 1, if the switch breaks down, the interlock does not work.

Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 can be used when replacing the battery unit (during maintenance) when the switch is normal, but it can be used when abnormal external forces are applied due to earthquakes, etc., regardless of whether or not the switch is malfunctioning. In such cases, the circuit cannot be turned off, and a different structure is required to automatically turn off the circuit for safety reasons in such situations.

The present invention was made to solve these problems, and it is possible to make the battery unit function even when the electrical components that control the operation are broken, and when abnormal external force is applied. It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage structure for a battery unit equipped with an interlock that can be operated even when the battery is in use.

A battery unit storage structure according to one aspect of the present invention includes a storage shelf that stores chargeable and dischargeable battery units, and controls the operation of the battery unit while being connected to the battery unit stored in the storage shelf. a first power line having one end electrically connected to the control unit, a first connector electrically connected to the other end of the first power line, and receiving power from the outside and feeding power to the outside. a second connector electrically connected to one end of a second power line for performing the above-mentioned operation; a caster attached to the bottom side of the storage shelf to support the storage shelf; a mounting table on which the caster is placed; a link mechanism that mechanically connects the mounting base and the first connector, and the mounting base lowers the position of the mounting surface when the casters to be mounted are placed on it, and the position of the mounting surface is lowered from the lowered state. When the storage shelf is shaken and the casters are moved by a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction, the mounting surface is provided with an elastic mechanism that tilts the mounting surface so as to further move the casters in the predetermined direction; In the lowered state and in the state in which the casters have not moved by the predetermined distance in the predetermined direction, the first connector remains electrically connected to the second connector, and In order to electrically disconnect the first power line and the second power line when the caster moves in the predetermined direction by a distance greater than at least the predetermined distance due to the tilting of the mounting surface, the first connector is connected to the first power line. This is a mechanism that moves in a direction to separate it from the two connectors.

According to the battery unit storage structure according to this aspect, the interlock can function when an abnormal external force is applied, and since it has a structure that allows the interlock to function mechanically without relying on electrical parts, the battery unit storage structure The interlock can function even if the electrical components that control the operation of the unit are broken or in the event of a power outage.

Further, a plurality of the mounting tables may be provided, and the link mechanism may be connected to at least one of the plurality of mounting tables. Thereby, in the storage structure for the battery unit, it is possible to provide a plurality of mounting tables on which the casters are placed, and then function the interlock by the link mechanism.

Furthermore, among the plurality of mounting tables, the mounting table connected to the link mechanism is referred to as a first loading table, and the loading table not connected to the link mechanism is referred to as a second loading table, and the second loading table includes: When the mounting surface of the first mounting table is tilted and the first caster, which is the caster to be placed, falls from the first mounting table, the first caster is tilted in the direction toward the second mounting table. The second mounting table may be installed at a position where its movement is stopped at an end of the second mounting table. Thereby, in the battery unit storage structure, even if the interlock is activated due to an abnormal external force, unnecessary movement of the storage shelf can be restricted.

Here, the first power line extends at least from a state where the first caster is placed on the first mounting table to a position where the first caster falls from the first mounting table and is stopped at an end of the second mounting table. It is preferable to have an extra length for movement. Thereby, in the storage structure for the battery unit, it is possible to prevent load and damage to the first power line due to activation of the interlock.

Further, the storage shelf is a shelf that can store a plurality of battery units, and the link mechanism is configured such that a predetermined number or more of the battery units that can be stored in the storage shelf are stored in the storage shelf. It is preferable that the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector on the condition that the first connector is in the stored state. Thereby, with respect to the battery unit storage structure, the control unit can be maintained in a non-operating state at a stage when the battery units are being stored in the storage shelf and a predetermined number of battery units are not yet stored.

Further, it is preferable that the mounting table has a mounting surface on which the casters are placed with a convex portion or a recessed portion that suppresses movement of the casters until the shaking exceeds a predetermined value. Thereby, in the storage structure for the battery unit, it is possible to easily adjust how much abnormal external force the interlock is made to function against.

According to the present invention, a battery unit equipped with an interlock that allows the battery unit to function even when the electrical components that control the operation of the battery unit are broken, and also allows the battery unit to function even when abnormal external force is applied. can provide a storage structure.

1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a storage structure for a battery unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing an example of a different state of the battery unit housing structure of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing an example of a storage structure for a battery unit according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a battery unit storage structure according to Embodiment 3, and is a diagram illustrating an example of a horizontal cross section at a caster position in the battery unit storage structure in FIG. 1 or 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the battery unit storage structure according to Embodiment 3, and is a diagram showing another example of a horizontal cross section at the position of the caster in the battery unit storage structure in FIG. 1 or 3. FIG. FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view at the position of casters, showing another example of the battery unit storage structure according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Further, in order to clarify the explanation, the following description and drawings are simplified as appropriate. Furthermore, in the embodiments, the same or equivalent elements may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. 1 and 2 are schematic side views showing an example of a storage structure for a battery unit according to the first embodiment, and FIGS. 1 and 2 show different states from each other.

The battery unit storage structure according to the present embodiment can be used as a stationary power supply device with the battery unit stored therein. This stationary power supply device can be used for any purpose, such as industrial or household use. FIG. 1 shows the state of this stationary power supply device during operation, and FIG. 2 shows the state of this stationary power supply device when an abnormal external force is applied or during maintenance.

As shown in FIG. 1, a battery unit storage structure 1 (hereinafter referred to as main structure 1) according to the present embodiment includes a storage shelf 11 that stores a battery unit 12, casters 13 and 14, a control unit 15, and a first power line. 16, a first connector 17, a second connector 21, mounting tables 30 and 40, and a link mechanism 50. Note that this structure 1 may also include a cooling mechanism such as a water tank (not shown).

In FIG. 1, a three-stage shelf is illustrated as the storage shelf 11, and for convenience, each stage will be described as being in one row. The storage shelf 11 can be configured only with a frame skeleton, and includes an outer frame including a pair of horizontal frames 11a forming each stage and four vertical frames forming a row, and each pair of horizontal frames 11a. and two rod-shaped frames 11b bridging between the horizontal frames 11a. The battery unit 12 can be stored in the storage shelf 11 by being placed on the two rod-shaped frames 11b.

Of course, the shape and size of the storage shelf 11 does not matter, and even if the mounting surface of the battery unit 12 is a plate-like member, it is sufficient that the target battery unit 12 can be mounted thereon. In addition, the storage shelf 11 is not limited to the shelf with three stages and one row illustrated in FIG. 1, but can have any number of stages or rows. The number of possible battery units 12 is not limited. Note that the storage shelf 11 can also be referred to as a storage rack.

The battery unit 12 can be any type of battery unit as long as it can be charged and discharged, such as a lithium ion storage battery placed in a metal box, a lead storage battery, and the like. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a total of three battery units 12 are stored in the storage shelf 11.

The control unit 15 controls the operation of the battery unit 12 while being connected to the battery unit 12 stored in the storage shelf 11 . Control of this operation includes ON/OFF control of the charge/discharge function. The control unit 15 may be a switch board that performs such ON/OFF control, and for example, may include an operation switch that accepts manual ON/OFF operation, or may be configured to turn ON/OFF in response to instructions from an external device. It is configured such that it can be controlled to turn off. In the example of FIG. 1, a control unit 15 is provided for each battery unit 12 housed.

Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the control units 15 connected to the battery units 12 are connected in parallel, the interlock as described below functions similarly when they are connected in series. Furthermore, for example, a configuration in which all the battery units 12 are connected in series and one control unit 15 controls them all at once can also be adopted. In this way, one control unit 15 may be provided for all of the battery units 12 to be stored, or may be provided for each of a plurality of battery units 12 to be stored, for example.

The first power line 16 is a power line whose one end is electrically connected to the control unit 15, and is a power line for receiving power from the outside or supplying power to the outside via the control unit 15. The first connector 17 is a connector electrically connected to the other end of the first power line 16.

The second power line 2 is a power line (external power line) that receives power from the outside and supplies power to the outside. The second connector 21 is a connector electrically connected to one end of the second power line 2, and has a shape that allows it to be electrically connected to the first connector 17. The other end of the second power line 2 can be connected to an inverter, for example.

The casters 13 and 14 are attached to the bottom side of the storage shelf 11 and support the storage shelf 11. Here, an example is given in which the casters 13 and 14 are attached to caster attachment parts 11c and 11d provided on the bottom surface of the storage shelf 11, respectively.

In FIG. 1, the description will be made on the assumption that two casters, which are the same as casters 13 and 14, are attached to the back side of the paper, and a total of four casters are attached. However, the number of casters attached to the bottom side of the storage shelf 11 may be three or more. Furthermore, the type of casters to be attached is not limited to wheel-type ones, but may also be ball-shaped ones (ball casters). In addition, wheel-type casters may be fixed casters whose rotational direction (progressing direction) cannot be changed, or flexible casters that can be rotated around a vertical axis to change the rotational direction of the wheels. Good too. Furthermore, casters of different types and sizes can be attached depending on the mounting position.

The mounting tables 30 and 40 are tables on which the casters 13 and 14 are placed, respectively. In the example of FIG. 1, four mounting tables are provided corresponding to each of the four casters, but the present invention is not limited to this, and there may be casters that are not placed on the mounting tables even during operation. , a plurality of casters may be placed on one mounting table. Note that variations in the arrangement of the casters and the mounting table will be described later as a third embodiment.

The mounting table 30 includes a first mounting plate 31 on which the casters 13 are placed, and an elastic mechanism that lowers the position of the mounting surface when the casters 13 to be placed are placed thereon. The lowering of the placement surface means that the placement surface sinks due to the weight of the storage shelves 11 and the like. As can be seen from the explanation of the spring members 32 and 33 below, during normal operation of the device, the height of the mounting surface is uniformly depressed, the mounting surface is almost flat, and the casters 13 do not roll without external force. (the state shown in FIG. 1). Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as a normal operating state. Although the first mounting plate 31, which is a plate-shaped member, is given as a simple example, even a mounting member other than a plate-shaped member can be used as long as it forms a mounting surface on which the casters are placed. good.

The elastic mechanism is further configured to further move the casters 13 in the predetermined direction when the storage shelf 11 is shaken and the casters 13 are moved by a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction from the normal operating state as shown in FIG. This is a mechanism that allows the mounting surface to tilt. With such a mechanism, when the casters 13 move by the predetermined distance in the predetermined direction due to shaking, the first mounting plate 31 tilts so as to guide the casters 13 to further move in the predetermined direction. As a result, the casters 13 are rolled off from the first mounting plate 31, and as shown in FIG. It can be left in the same state. The above-mentioned predetermined direction can point to the right direction in FIGS. 1 and 2 (the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 2).

In other words, the elastic mechanism can be configured to have a different modulus of elasticity depending on the predetermined orientation so that such an inclination is possible. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, spring members 32 and 33 are provided on the lower surface of the first mounting plate 31 as the elastic mechanism. Here, the spring member 32 is a member provided closer to the first connector 17 than the spring member 33 is.

The spring members 32 and 33 have a height that is higher than that of the spring member 33 at least in an unloaded state, and the first mounting plate 31 becomes flat when the caster 13 is placed in a fixed position. The specifications for both springs, such as wire diameter, coil center diameter (average coil diameter), effective number of turns, and transverse elastic modulus of the spring material, or a spring constant determined by these, are set. Further, the predetermined distance will differ depending on the elastic mechanism. In other words, it is sufficient to prepare an elastic mechanism that makes the predetermined distance a desired distance.

The mounting table 40 also has the same elastic mechanism as the mounting table 30, although the casters on which it is placed are the casters 14. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting table 40 includes a second mounting plate 41, and spring members 42 and 43 are provided on the lower surface of the second mounting plate 41 as the elastic mechanism. The spring members 42 and 43 can be made of the same spring members as the spring members 32 and 33, respectively, but the dimensions and other specifications can be set in consideration of the load caused by the link mechanism 50, which will be described later.

The link mechanism 50 is a mechanism that mechanically connects the mounting table 30 and the first connector 17. The link mechanism 50 maintains the state in which the first connector 17 is electrically connected to the second connector 21 in a normal operating state and in a state in which the caster 13 has not moved by the predetermined distance in the predetermined direction. . That is, in this structure 1, the mounting tables 30 and 40 sink due to the weight of the storage shelf 11 etc. storing the battery unit 12 in the normal operating state, and the first connector 17 connected to the mounting table 30 by the link mechanism 50 lowers. The state in which the first power line 16 and the second power line 2 are electrically connected, that is, the state in which the power line circuits are connected, is maintained.

Further, the link mechanism 50 electrically connects the first power line 16 and the second power line 2 when the caster 13 moves in the predetermined direction at least by a distance greater than the predetermined distance due to the tilting of the mounting surface of the mounting table 30. This is a mechanism that moves so as to move the first connector 17 away from the second connector 21 (see the upward arrow in FIG. 2) in order to disconnect the first connector 17. The link mechanism 50 can be physically moved in the direction of separating the connectors in this way, and as a result, the position of the first connector 17 is raised relative to the position of the second connector 21, and the first power line 16 and The second power line 2 is electrically disconnected, that is, the power line circuit is physically disconnected. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the position of the second connector 21 is fixed.

Supplementally, if the first mounting plate 31 is moved in the predetermined direction at least by a distance greater than the predetermined distance, the first mounting plate 31 will rotate as shown by the rotation arrow in FIG. is moved to a state where it is lowered from the mounting table 30. The predetermined distance may be the distance before the casters 13 are completely lowered from the mounting table 30 (the state shown in FIG. 2), that is, the distance to the first mounting plate 31.

As an example of the link mechanism 50, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a mechanism including a first member 51, a second member 52, a first joint part 53, and a second joint part 54 can be used. One end of the first member 51 is rotatably attached to the end of the first mounting plate 31 on the first connector 17 side at a first joint part 53, and the other end of the first member 51 is one end of the second member 52. The second joint portion 54 is rotatably attached to the second joint portion 54 . The second member 52 has an L-shaped cross section, and the other end constitutes a mounting portion 52a. This attachment portion 52a is fixed to the first connector 17 on the second member 52.

Of course, the number, shape, size, etc. of the link members and joint parts in the link mechanism 50 do not matter as long as the connection between the connectors as described above can be maintained and separated. Moreover, although a mechanism with an open loop structure is illustrated as the link mechanism 50 in FIG. 1, a mechanism with a closed loop structure can also be applied. Further, the link mechanism 50 can be installed so that the position of the storage shelf 11 when viewed from the left side in FIG. 1 does not overlap with the position of the casters 13.

In addition, as an alternative to the link mechanism 50, a configuration in which a mounting portion 52a is fixed to the second connector 21 side (however, if the end of the first mounting plate 31 on the first connector 17 side is raised, this mounting portion It is also possible to adopt a link mechanism in which 52a is lowered. In that case, the first connector 17 is fixed in position, and when the movement in the predetermined direction by the predetermined distance occurs, the second connector 21 is lowered relative to the fixed first connector 17.

Further, it is preferable that the contact portions of the first connector 17 and the second connector 21 be configured so as to easily change the contact state to the non-contact state. For example, in the contact portion between the first connector 17 and the second connector 21, a magnet may be used on at least one side of the first connector 17 and the second connector 21.

As described above, the present structure 1 includes such a link mechanism 50 and has different specifications such that the power line circuit can be interrupted when an abnormal external force to the extent that the caster 13 descends from the first mounting plate 31 is applied. Using a combination of two types of spring members 32 and 33, the application of the abnormal external force is used as a trigger to switch the connectors from a contact state to a non-contact state.

However, the elastic mechanism in the mounting table 30 may be configured with three or more spring members, or may be configured with other elastic members. Of course, the elastic mechanism provided on the mounting table 40 can also be composed of three or more spring members or other elastic members, and a mechanism different from the elastic mechanism provided on the mounting table 30 can also be adopted. . Further, since the mounting tables 30 and 40 have elastic mechanisms, it can be said that the present structure 1 has a certain seismic isolation function. Therefore, the mounting tables 30 and 40 can also be called seismic isolation tables.

In addition, although we have explained that the movement of the specified distance in the specified direction occurs when there is shaking (when an abnormal external force is applied), the same effect occurs when performing maintenance work (such as battery replacement). It can be given by someone.

In other words, by providing the link mechanism 50 and the elastic mechanism as described above, the transition from the normal operating state shown in FIG. . During maintenance, the operator can lower the casters 13 and 14 from the mounting tables 30 and 40, respectively, by turning off the control unit 15 and then pulling out the storage shelf 11 toward the right side in FIG. 1, for example. At this time, even if the control unit 15 is out of order, the power line circuit can be cut off, so the safety of the workers can be ensured.

As explained above, in this structure 1, when the storage shelf 11 with casters that stores the battery unit 12 is placed on the mounting table 30, 40, the first connector 17 and the second connector 21 are connected and the power line circuit is turned on. It has an interlock that when the mounting tables 30 and 40 are lowered, the connectors are separated and the power line circuit is turned off.

Therefore, according to Structure 1, the interlock can be activated when an abnormal external force is applied due to an earthquake or the like, and since the interlock is provided with a structure that allows the interlock to function mechanically without relying on electrical parts, the battery unit The interlock can function even in a state where the control unit 15, which is an electrical component that controls the operation of the controller 12, is out of order. In this way, in this structure 1, even if the control unit 15 breaks down, the storage shelf 11 can be pulled out during maintenance so that the first connector 17 and the second connector 21 are electrically disconnected, or If it is reversed, pushing it out will turn off the power line circuit and allow workers to access it safely. In addition, this kind of interlock consists of only mechanical parts, so it has the advantage of eliminating the need for relatively expensive electrical parts such as relays and sensors, and can function even during power outages (no loss of functionality). ).

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the link mechanism 50 can be connected to at least one of the plurality of mounting tables. As a result, in this structure 1, it is possible to provide an interlock function using the link mechanism 50 after having a plurality of mounting tables on which casters are mounted, and to reduce costs, the number of stored battery units 20, and response to external forces. Depending on the nature of the connection, as many connections as necessary can be made to the link mechanism 50.

In addition, although the link mechanism 50 has been explained on the assumption that it is connected to one mounting base 30, it is also possible to connect the link mechanism 50 to two mounting bases 30 including the rear mounting base in FIG. It is also possible to connect to two or more mounting stands among 30 and 40. That is, the link mechanism 50 can also be connected to a plurality of mounting tables. Thereby, the force that causes the first connector 17 and the second connector 21 to be disconnected can be distributed among the plurality of mounting tables. Of course, the link mechanism 50 can also be connected to all the mounting tables provided in the present structure 1.

Further, the following configuration example can also be adopted. Here, among the mounting tables provided in the present structure 1, the mounting table connected to the link mechanism 50 (the mounting table 30 in the example of FIG. 1) is called the first mounting table, and the unconnected mounting table (the mounting table of FIG. In the example, the mounting table 40) will be referred to as a second mounting table in the description.

When the mounting surface of the first mounting table 30 is tilted and the casters 13, which are the casters to be placed, fall from the first mounting table 30, the second mounting table 40 moves the casters 13 to the second mounting table 40. The mounting table 40 may be installed at a position where its movement in the opposite direction is stopped at the end of the mounting table 40. Thereby, in the present structure 1, even if the interlock is activated due to an abnormal external force, excessive movement of the storage shelf 11 can be restricted.

Here, the first power line 16 moves at least from a state in which the casters 13 are placed on the first mounting table 30 to a position where the casters 13 fall from the first mounting table 30 and are stopped at the end of the second mounting table 40. It is preferable to have an extra length of minutes (length L in FIG. 2). By providing such an extra length, it is possible to prevent a load from being applied to the first power line 16 or damage or disconnection of the first power line 16 due to activation of the interlock. In addition, in this structure 1, the control unit 15 does not need to be fixed to the storage shelf 11, but if such a length is provided, the force from the first power line 16 will be applied to the control unit even if it is fixed. 15, the effect of preventing the control unit 15 from falling can be expected.

However, installation in such a position is not essential, and on the contrary, it is easier to take in and out the storage shelf 11 by not placing it in such a restraining position.

Further, the storage shelf 11 can be supported on the ground at three or more points, but even if casters are not provided at all of the points, at least casters 13 corresponding to the mounting table 30 to which the link mechanism 50 is connected are provided. Bye. The other supporting points may be configured so that the portion indicated by the caster attachment portion 11d is in contact with the ground as an alternative with a sliding support that is in direct contact with the ground.

Furthermore, the storage shelf 11 can include an opening through which one or more battery units 12 can be taken in and out individually in a direction connecting the position of the mounting table 30 and the position of the mounting table 40. A door may also be provided in this opening.

Further, although not shown, the present structure 1 may further include a housing that houses all the structures such as the storage shelves 11 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In that case, the first mounting table 30 and the second mounting table 40 will be fixed to the inside of the bottom surface of the housing, and the second connector 21 will also be fixed to the housing, but the second connector 21 will be fixed to the storage shelf. Placing the storage shelf 11 on the back side from where it is pulled out makes it easier to pull out the storage shelf 11. The storage shelf 11 is stored in the housing with the casters 13 and 14 mounted on the first mounting table 30 and the second mounting table 40, respectively. Furthermore, since the casing will house the battery unit 12, it is preferable that the casing has high fire resistance and insulation performance.

For example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the casing may have an opening or a door that can be opened and closed on the right side of the drawing, and a small room or locker surrounding the storage shelf 11 or the like may be provided. In this case, during maintenance such as replacing the battery unit 12, the operator can pull out the storage shelf 11 to the right in the drawing, similar to when an abnormal external force is applied as illustrated in FIG. After pulling it out in this manner, the operator can perform maintenance by taking out the battery unit 12 from the storage shelf 11 in a large space.

(Embodiment 2)
Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 3, focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1, but various examples described in Embodiment 1 can be applied. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing an example of a battery unit storage structure according to the second embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the battery unit storage structure 1a (hereinafter referred to as main structure 1a) according to the present embodiment includes convex portions 31a and 41a on the first mounting plate 31 and the second mounting plate 41, respectively. It is something that

In the present structure 1a, convex portions 31a and 41a are formed on the first placing plate 31 and the second placing plate 41, respectively, but instead of or in addition to the convex portions 31a and 41a, Recesses may also be formed in the first mounting plate 31 and the second mounting plate 41. When forming a recess, it can be, for example, a semi-cylindrical groove that matches the radius of the caster.

In this way, the mounting table (one or both of the first mounting table 30 and the second mounting table 40) prevents the movement of the casters on the mounting surface on which the target casters are placed until the shaking exceeds a predetermined value. It is possible to form a convex portion or a concave portion to suppress this. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to easily adjust how much abnormal external force the interlock should function against.

(Embodiment 3)
As the third embodiment, variations in the relationship between the casters and the mounting table will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, various examples described in the first and second embodiments can be applied.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the battery unit storage structure according to the third embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a horizontal cross section at the position of the caster in the battery unit storage structure in FIG. 1 or 3. FIG. Further, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the battery unit storage structure according to the third embodiment, and shows another example of a horizontal cross section at the position of the caster in the battery unit storage structure in FIG. 1 or 3. It is a diagram. FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view at the position of the casters, showing another example of the battery unit storage structure according to the third embodiment.

In the normal operating state in the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the left and right casters 13L and 13R are used as the casters 13 on the first connector 17 side, and the left and right casters 13L and 13R are used as an example of the first mounting plate 31, and a common first mounting plate is used. 311. Similarly, the left and right casters 14L and 14R, which are the casters 14 on the side remote from the first connector 17, can be placed on a common second placement plate 411 as an example of the second placement plate 41.

In addition, in the normal operating state in the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the left and right casters 13L and 13R as the casters 13 on the first connector 17 side are placed on the left and right first mounting plates 312L and 312R, respectively. You can keep it. Similarly, the left and right casters 14L, 14R can be placed on the left and right second mounting plates 412L, 412R as the casters 14 on the side away from the first connector 17.

In addition, as another example of the storage structure of the battery unit, in its normal operating state, for example, as shown in FIG. One caster 14C placed in the center as the caster 14 on the side away from the first connector 17 and placed on the plate 313 is placed on the second placement plate 413 as an example of the second placement plate 41. You can keep it. In this case, in order to stop the casters 13L, 13R when an abnormal external force is applied, restraining tables 420L, 420R may be installed on the floor on the left and right sides of the mounting table provided with the second mounting plate 41, respectively.

In addition, although not shown, there may be casters that are not placed on the mounting table even during normal operation. In other words, casters can be attached to the storage shelf 11 even for parts that are not placed on the mounting table. However, in order to maintain the horizontal level of the storage shelf 11 during normal operation, it is preferable to make the casters that are not placed on the mounting table larger in diameter than the casters that are placed on the mounting table. Alternatively, in order to maintain the horizontal level, the mounting position of the casters that are not placed on the mounting table may be lower than the casters that are placed on the mounting table, and the position of the rotating shaft may be placed on the lower side. This refers to a state in which, for example, the caster attachment part 11d is provided so that the height is lower than the position of the caster attachment part 11c in FIG. 1, and the caster 14 is not placed on the mounting table.

In these examples, the storage shelf 11 is in a tilted state not only when an abnormal external force is applied but also when the storage shelf 11 is pulled out and moved to a wider space during maintenance. Therefore, it is also possible to separately provide a mechanism for maintaining the storage shelf 11 horizontally during maintenance. For example, by employing a mechanism in which the rotating shaft of the caster on either the side that is placed on the mounting table or the side that is not placed is movable in the vertical direction, it is possible to maintain the horizontal level of the storage shelf 11 even during maintenance.

(Embodiment 4)
Embodiment 4 will be described with a focus on differences from Embodiment 1, but various examples described in Embodiments 1 to 3 can be applied.

In the battery unit storage structure according to the present embodiment, the link mechanism 50 is configured as follows, assuming that the storage shelf 11 is a shelf capable of storing a plurality of battery units 12. That is, the link mechanism 50 in this embodiment has the necessary condition that a predetermined number or more of the battery units 12 out of the plurality of battery units 12 that can be stored in the storage shelf 11 are stored in the storage shelf 11. The mechanism is such that the first connector 17 is electrically connected to the second connector 21.

In this way, in this embodiment, the casters 13 supporting the storage shelf 11 in which a predetermined number or more of battery units 12 are stored are placed on the first mounting table 30 connected to the link mechanism 50. The link mechanism 50 electrically connects the first connector 17 and the second connector 21, turns on the power line circuit, and enables transmission and reception of power. These requirements are established by the balance between the weight of the storage shelf 11 and the control unit 15, the weight of the predetermined number of battery units 12, and the elastic mechanism, so an elastic mechanism that satisfies these conditions must be designed. Just use it.

According to the present embodiment, the control unit 15 can be maintained in a non-operating state at a stage where a predetermined number of battery units 12 are not yet stored while the battery units 12 are being stored in the storage shelf 11, which improves safety. It becomes beneficial. In particular, for example, by providing an operation section for setting the predetermined number in at least one of the link mechanism 50 and the first mounting table 30, it is possible to perform the storage operation after setting the planned number to the predetermined number. . This operating section can be connected to a mechanical mechanism that changes the elastic constant of the elastic mechanism, for example.

(Other embodiments, etc.)
Note that the present invention is not limited to the first to fourth embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit. For example, the shape and material of each member explained in Embodiments 1 to 4, the storage method of the battery unit, and the operation when shaking occurs or during maintenance are not limited to those illustrated, and may be modified to fulfill the functions of the present structure. Bye. Further, the present invention may be implemented by appropriately combining the respective embodiments.

1, 1a Battery unit storage structure 2 Second power line (external power line)
11 Storage shelf 11a Horizontal frame 11b Rod-shaped frame 11c, 11d Caster attachment part 12 Battery unit 13, 13L, 13R, 14, 14L, 14R, 14C Caster 15 Control unit 16 First power line 17 First connector 21 Second connector 30 Mounting table (1st mounting table)
31, 41, 311, 312L, 312R, 313, 412L, 412R, 411, 413 Mounting plate 31a, 41a Convex portion 32, 33, 42, 43 Spring member 40 Mounting table (second mounting table)
50 Link mechanism 51 First member 52 Second member 52a Mounting part 53 First joint part 54 Second joint part 420L, 420R Stopping base

Claims (6)

A storage shelf that stores chargeable and dischargeable battery units,
a control unit that controls the operation of the battery unit while being connected to the battery unit stored in the storage shelf;
a first power line having one end electrically connected to the control unit;
a first connector electrically connected to the other end of the first power line;
a second connector electrically connected to one end of a second power line that receives power from the outside and supplies power to the outside;
Casters attached to the bottom side of the storage shelf and supporting the storage shelf;
a mounting table on which the casters are mounted;
a link mechanism that mechanically connects the mounting base and the first connector;
Equipped with
In the above-mentioned mounting table, when the position of the mounting surface is lowered by placing the casters to be mounted, and from the lowered state, shaking is applied to the storage shelf and the casters move by a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction. is equipped with an elastic mechanism that tilts the mounting surface so as to further move the caster in the predetermined direction,
The link mechanism maintains a state in which the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector in the lowered state and in a state in which the caster has not moved by the predetermined distance in the predetermined direction; In order to electrically interrupt the first power line and the second power line when the caster moves in the predetermined direction by a distance greater than at least the predetermined distance due to the tilting of the mounting surface of the mounting table. a mechanism movable to move the first connector away from the second connector;
Battery unit storage structure. A plurality of the above-mentioned mounting stands are provided,
The link mechanism is connected to at least one of the plurality of mounting tables,
A storage structure for a battery unit according to claim 1. Among the plurality of mounting tables, the mounting table connected to the link mechanism is referred to as a first loading table, and the loading table not connected to the link mechanism is referred to as a second loading table,
The second mounting table is configured to adjust the second mounting surface of the first caster when the mounting surface of the first mounting table is tilted and the first caster, which is a caster to be placed, falls from the first mounting table. installed at a position where movement in the direction toward the mounting table is stopped at an end of the second mounting table;
The battery unit storage structure according to claim 2. The first power line moves at least by the amount that the first caster moves from the state where it is placed on the first mounting table to the position where it falls from the first mounting table and is stopped at the end of the second mounting table. with extra length of
The battery unit storage structure according to claim 3. The storage shelf is a shelf that can store a plurality of battery units,
The link mechanism is configured such that the first connector connects to the second connector on the condition that a predetermined number or more of battery units out of a plurality of battery units that can be stored in the storage shelf are stored in the storage shelf. A mechanism that is electrically connected to a connector.
A storage structure for a battery unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The mounting table has a mounting surface on which the casters are mounted, and a projection or a depression that suppresses movement of the casters until the shaking exceeds a predetermined value.
A storage structure for a battery unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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