JP7623852B2 - Energy storage element module, energy storage element unit, building, energy storage element module kit, and energy storage element module case - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an energy storage element module, an energy storage element unit, a building, an energy storage element module kit, and a case for the energy storage element module.

For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an energy storage element module is known that has an attachment portion to which a handle member can be attached in a detachable manner. This handle member is used when storing the energy storage element module, which is a heavy object, in the limited internal space of a storage box. By using the handle, it becomes possible to easily handle the energy storage element module.

International Publication No. 2018/190435

However, in the energy storage element module of Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the hook portion of the handle member may come into contact with the storage battery body, damaging the storage battery body. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to make it easier to handle the energy storage element module using the handle member while avoiding damage to the cells.

The energy storage element module according to the present invention comprises:
An energy storage element module that is carried by using a handle member having a hook,
A plurality of cells;
a case that houses the plurality of cells and has a bottom and a side wall rising from the bottom;
The side wall portion has a pair of walls opposed to each other at least in a portion thereof,
The pair of walls open on one side in a direction normal to the bottom to form an opening into which the hook can be inserted, and a connecting portion is provided between the pair of walls to which the hook inserted into the opening can be hung.

In the energy storage element module according to the present invention,
The ratio of a minimum width of the opening along a direction in which the pair of walls face each other to a thickness of the hook may be 1.5 or more.

In the energy storage element module according to the present invention,
The ratio of a minimum width of the opening along a direction in which the pair of walls face each other to a thickness of the hook may be 1.8 or less.

In the energy storage element module according to the present invention,
The side wall portion includes a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion extending along a first direction perpendicular to a normal direction to the bottom portion,
the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to both the normal direction and the first direction;
The pair of walls included in each of the first side wall and the second side wall may face each other in the second direction.

In the energy storage element module according to the present invention,
The opening and the connecting portion are provided in a plurality of portions on the first side wall portion and spaced apart from each other in the first direction,
The opening and the connecting portion may be provided in a plurality of positions on the second side wall portion and spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

In the energy storage element module according to the present invention,
The pair of walls may have ribs on opposing surfaces.

In the energy storage element module according to the present invention,
a length of the opening along a first direction perpendicular to a normal direction to the bottom is longer than a length of the opening along a second direction perpendicular to both the normal direction and the first direction;
The pair of walls face each other in the second direction,
Each of the pair of walls may have a plurality of ribs spaced apart in the first direction.

In the energy storage element module according to the present invention,
The pair of wall portions includes a main wall portion that forms a storage space of the cell, and an outer wall portion located on the opposite side to the side of the main wall portion facing the storage space,
A protruding height of the rib protruding from the outer wall portion may be greater than a protruding height of the rib protruding from the main wall portion.

In the energy storage element module according to the present invention,
The pair of wall portions may open on the opening side of the opening to form a second opening through which the tip of the hook can pass, and the connecting portion may be located between the opening and the second opening.

In the energy storage element module according to the present invention,
A length of the second opening along a first direction perpendicular to a second direction in which the pair of walls face each other may be shorter than a length of the opening along the first direction.

In the energy storage element module according to the present invention,
The connecting portion may have an arc-shaped contour in a side view.

In the energy storage element module according to the present invention,
Of the pair of wall portions, a wall portion provided on a side away from the space accommodating the plurality of cells in a second direction in which the pair of wall portions face each other forms a side opening portion that opens in the second direction,
An opening edge of the side opening may be formed by the connecting portion in at least a partial area.

In the energy storage element module according to the present invention,
A cover is further provided to cover the plurality of cells from one side in a normal direction to the bottom portion,
The side wall portion includes a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion extending along a first direction perpendicular to a normal direction to the bottom portion,
the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are spaced apart from each other in the second direction perpendicular to both the normal direction to the bottom portion and the first direction;
the opening and the connecting portion are provided in the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion, respectively;
At least in the region where the opening and the connecting portion are provided, the width of the cover along the second direction may be less than or equal to the separation distance along the second direction between the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion.

The energy storage element module kit according to the present invention comprises:
The energy storage element module according to the present invention described above;
The handle member,
The hook hung on the connecting portion is located within the outline of the energy storage element module when projected in the normal direction to the bottom portion.

The energy storage element unit according to the present invention comprises:
The energy storage element module according to the present invention described above;
and a storage box that stores the energy storage element module.

In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention,
The device may further include a handle member that is housed in the housing box.

The building according to the present invention is equipped with the above-mentioned energy storage element unit according to the present invention.

The case of the energy storage element module according to the present invention comprises:
A case for an energy storage element module that is carried using a handle member having a hook formed of a plate-shaped material,
A bottom portion and a side wall portion rising from the bottom portion,
The side wall portion has a pair of walls opposed to each other at least in a portion thereof,
The pair of walls open on one side in a direction normal to the bottom to form an opening into which the hook can be inserted, and a connecting portion is provided between the pair of walls to which the hook inserted into the opening can be hung.

According to the present invention, the handle member can be used to facilitate handling of the energy storage element module while avoiding damage to the cells.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment, and is a perspective view showing an energy storage element unit. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the energy storage element unit of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the energy storage element module and a handle member for carrying the energy storage element module. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the energy storage element module of FIG. FIG. 5 is a top view showing the energy storage element module of FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 5, showing an opening and a connecting portion provided in the first side wall portion. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 6, showing the opening and the connecting portion provided in the first side wall portion. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a portion of the first side wall similar to that shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6, and shows a state in which the hook of the handle member is inserted into the opening of the first side wall portion. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6, and shows a state in which the handle member is attached to the energy storage element module by hanging the hook on the connecting portion. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. FIG. 13 is a top view showing the energy storage element module kit of FIG. 3, illustrating a state in which the energy storage element module is carried by the handle member.

One embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings accompanying this specification, the scale and aspect ratios have been appropriately altered and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the sake of ease of illustration and understanding.

Figures 1 to 13 are diagrams for explaining one embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an energy storage element unit 10. The energy storage element unit 10 is used as a secondary battery unit capable of charging and discharging. The illustrated energy storage element unit 10 is applied to buildings such as homes and public facilities, for example. The energy storage element unit 10 is electrically connected to the wiring of the building and functions as a power source for electrical devices installed within the building.

2, the energy storage element unit 10 has a storage box 11, a control module 14, a plurality of energy storage element module assemblies 15, a plurality of stoppers 16, and a pair of handle members 30. The storage box 11 has a frame 12 and a panel 13 fixed to the frame 12. The frame 12 is made of, for example, metal or resin, and has a certain degree of strength. The frame 12 forms an arrangement space for the control module 14 and the energy storage element module assemblies 15. The panel 13 is, for example, a plate-shaped member made of resin or metal. The panel 13 closes the arrangement space for the control module 14 and the energy storage element module 20. In the illustrated example, the control module 14, the energy storage element module assemblies 15, the stopper 16, and the handle members 30 are stored in the storage box 11.

The control module 14 has, for example, one or more of the following functions: controlling the charging and discharging of the multiple energy storage element modules 20; monitoring the charging state (e.g., charge amount) of the energy storage element modules 20; and monitoring the presence or absence of abnormalities in the energy storage element modules 20. The control module 14 may also transmit information such as the charging state of the energy storage element modules 20 and the monitoring results of the presence or absence of abnormalities to a control device installed outside the energy storage element unit 10. The control module 14 may also have a switch that switches between electrical connection and disconnection between the external wiring (e.g., building wiring) of the energy storage element unit 10 and the energy storage element modules 20.

In FIG. 2, two storage element module assemblies 15 are shown housed in a storage box 11. In the illustrated example, the two storage element module assemblies 15 are arranged side by side in a direction non-parallel to the vertical direction. The storage element module assemblies 15 have a plurality of storage element modules 20 stacked in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the first storage element module assemblies 15A have three storage element modules 20 stacked in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the second storage element module assemblies 15B have four storage element modules 20 stacked in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the second storage element module assemblies 15B support the control module 14 from below in the vertical direction via a stopper 16 described later.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the stopper 16 is provided on the vertical upper side of each energy storage element module assembly 15A, 15B. The stopper 16 is attached to the panel 13 of the storage box 11 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The stopper 16 has the function of restricting the movement of the energy storage element module assembly 15 in the vertical direction. The stopper 16 is, for example, a plate-shaped member made of metal.

The handle member 30 can be attached to the energy storage element module 20. The handle member 30 is attached to the energy storage element module 20 when the energy storage element module 20 is to be carried. An operator can carry the energy storage element module 20 by gripping the handle member 30. The handle member 30 may be stored in the storage box 11 together with the energy storage element module 20. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the pair of handle members 30 are disposed on the stopper 16 provided on the upper side in the vertical direction of the first energy storage element module assembly 15A. In the illustrated example, the pair of handle members 30 are each screwed to the upper side in the vertical direction of the stopper 16. The handle member 30 is a member made, for example, by cutting and bending a metal plate-shaped material.

2 and 3, the handle member 30 will be further described below. The handle member 30 constitutes the energy storage element module kit 17 together with the energy storage element module 20. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the energy storage element module kit 17 including the energy storage element module 20 and a pair of handle members 30 detachably attached to the energy storage element module 20. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the handle member 30 has a gripping portion 31 for an operator to grip, and a pair of hooks 32 formed of a plate-shaped material. The gripping portion 31 has a first gripping portion 31a and a pair of second gripping portions 31b rising from the first gripping portion 31a. The first gripping portion 31a and the second gripping portion 31b are connected so as to be bent. The first gripping portion 31a is a plate-shaped member having a long side (longitudinal side) and a short side (short side). The second gripping portion 31b is a plate-like member extending from a long side of the first gripping portion 31a. The pair of second gripping portions 31b extend from each long side of the first gripping portion 31a so as to be separated from the first gripping portion 31a. In particular, in the illustrated example, the second gripping portion 31b extends to one side in the normal direction of the first gripping portion 31a so as to be parallel to the normal direction of the first gripping portion 31a. That is, the second gripping portion 31b is bent perpendicularly to the first gripping portion 31a. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, at least one of the second gripping portions 31b may have a through hole 31c through which a screw for fixing the handle member 30 to the stopper 16 passes. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the pair of handle members 30 are attached to the stopper 16 so that the second gripping portion 31b provided with the through hole 31c is located on the lower side in the vertical direction. When the handle member 30 is attached to the stopper 16, the second gripping portion 31b is in surface contact with the stopper 16 and is stably held on the stopper 16.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a pair of hooks 32 extend from each short side of the first gripping portion 31a. Each hook 32 is formed of a plate-shaped material. The pair of plate-shaped materials extend from each short side of the first gripping portion 31a so as to bend with respect to the first gripping portion 31a. In the illustrated example, the width of the plate-shaped material along the short direction of the first gripping portion 31a becomes shorter as it moves away from the first gripping portion 31a. Also, the plate-shaped material bends as it moves away from the first gripping portion 31a. And, the hook 32 has a portion that is curved 180° in a U-shape in the end region away from the first gripping portion 31a. This curved portion forms a hook shape. The axis of the curve that forms the hook shape extends in the normal direction to the plate surface of the plate-shaped material that forms the hook 32. In the illustrated example, the pair of hooks 32 face each other in a direction perpendicular to the normal direction to the first gripping portion 31a. The protruding end of each hook 32 that forms the hook shape and protrudes most away from the first gripping portion 31a has an arc-shaped outline in side view (from a perspective from one side in the direction in which the pair of hooks 32 face each other). In addition, the tip 32a of the hook 32, which is the edge of the plate material, has an arc-shaped outline.

Next, the configuration of the energy storage element module 20 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the portions of the energy storage element module 20 covered by the cover 70 and the end covers 21, 22 with the cover 70 and the end covers 21, 22 removed. As shown in Figure 4, the energy storage element module 20 has a plurality of cells 40 and a case 50 that houses the plurality of cells 40. The cell 40 is the smallest unit that can be handled as an energy storage element.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cell 40 has a flat shape. In the illustrated example, the multiple cells 40 are stacked in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51 of the case 50 described later. The cell 40 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. When the cell 40 is housed in the case 50, the cell 40 has a longitudinal direction in a first direction DA perpendicular to the normal direction ND to the bottom 51, and a lateral direction in a second direction DB perpendicular to both the normal direction ND to the bottom 51 and the first direction DA. The cell 40 has a central portion 41C located in the center and a peripheral portion 41E surrounding the central portion 41C. The thickness of the central portion 41C is thicker than the thickness of the peripheral portion 41E. In the illustrated example, the cell 40 bulges out toward either side in the normal direction ND at the central portion 41C. The multiple cells 40 are stacked so that the central portions 41C at least partially face each other in the normal direction ND. The cell 40 shown in FIG. 4 has an exterior body 42 that houses multiple electrode plates (not shown) including positive and negative electrode plates, and tabs 43 that are electrically connected to the electrode plates and extend to the outside of the exterior body 42. The cell 40 has a pair of tabs 43. The pair of tabs 43 each function as a positive electrode terminal or a negative electrode terminal.

In order to clarify the directional relationships between the drawings, the normal direction ND, the first direction DA, and the second direction DB are indicated by arrows in some of the drawings as directions common to the drawings. The tip of the arrow is one side SN1, SA1, SB1 of each direction ND, DA, DB. Also, arrows pointing perpendicular to the paper surface and toward the back of the paper surface are indicated by a symbol with an X in a circle, as shown in FIG. 5, for example. The normal direction ND, the first direction DA, and the second direction DB are used for the case 50 and the handle member 30 attached to the case 50.

Next, we will explain case 50 using Figure 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the case 50 has a bottom 51 and a side wall 52 rising from the bottom 51. In the illustrated example, the bottom 51 faces the multiple cells 40 from the normal direction ND. The bottom 51 supports the multiple cells 40 stacked in the normal direction ND. The side wall 52 surrounds the multiple cells 40 stored in the case 50 from a direction perpendicular to the normal direction ND to the bottom 51. The side wall 52 protects the multiple cells 40 and restricts the relative movement of the cells 40 with respect to the case 50 along a direction perpendicular to the normal direction ND. On the other hand, the side wall 52 allows the relative movement of the cells 40 with respect to the case 50 along the normal direction ND. The case 50 may be formed by integral molding of a resin material, or may be formed by assembling the bottom 51 and the side wall 52 that are separately molded from a resin material.

As shown in FIG. 4, the side wall portion 52 includes a first side wall portion 52a and a second side wall portion 52b extending along a first direction DA. In the illustrated example, the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b are spaced apart from each other in a second direction DB. When a plurality of cells 40 are housed in the case 50, the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b face the plurality of cells 40 from the second direction DB.

The side wall portion 52 further includes a third side wall portion 52c and a fourth side wall portion 52d extending along the second direction DB. In the illustrated example, the third side wall portion 52c and the fourth side wall portion 52d are spaced apart from each other in the first direction DA. The third side wall portion 52c and the fourth side wall portion 52d are also provided with a notch C. When the multiple cells 40 are housed in the case 50, the tab 43 extends into the notch C.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b are provided with protrusions 53 that protrude to the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51. In the example shown, the protrusions 53 extend up from the bottom portion 51 along the normal direction ND. The protrusions 53 contact the stacked energy storage element module 20 from the other side (upper side in FIG. 4) in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51, and support the energy storage element module 20 from one side SN1 (lower side in FIG. 4) in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51. In the example shown in the figure, the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b are provided with a plurality of protrusions 53 arranged along the first direction DA. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b are provided with engagement portions 54 that contact the protrusions 53. The contact between the protrusion 53 and the engagement portion 54 not only restricts the relative movement of the two adjacent energy storage element modules 20 in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51, but also restricts the relative movement in a direction non-parallel to the normal direction ND to the bottom 51. In the illustrated example, a plurality of engagement portions 54 are arranged on the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b along the first direction DA.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b each have a pair of walls 60a, 60b facing each other in the upper region (the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51), i.e., in the tip region separated from the bottom portion 51. As shown in FIG. 4, the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b each have a main wall portion 60a extending from the bottom portion 51 along the first direction DA, and an outer wall portion 60b provided on the outside in the second direction DB relative to the main wall portion 60a, i.e., on the side separated from the space that accommodates the cell 40 in the second direction DB, and extending from the bottom portion 51 along the first direction DA. In the illustrated example, the pair of walls 60a, 60b included in the first side wall portion 52a face the second direction DB. Additionally, the pair of walls 60a, 60b included in the second side wall portion 52b face each other in the second direction DB.

4, in the region where the main wall portion 60a and the outer wall portion 60b are not opposed to each other, the main wall portion 60a may be provided with a plurality of vertical ribs 60c and horizontal ribs 60d extending outward in the second direction DB. The vertical ribs 60c and horizontal ribs 60d have the function of reinforcing the case 50. In the illustrated example, the vertical ribs 60c extend along the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51, and are provided at intervals in the first direction DA. The horizontal ribs 60d extend along the first direction DA, and are provided at intervals in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51. In the illustrated example, the vertical ribs 60c provided along the normal direction ND from the protrusion 53 to the bottom portion 51 are connected to the engagement portion 54. In addition, the width of the vertical rib 60c that is not connected to the engagement portion 54 along the second direction DB, in other words, the protruding height of the vertical rib 60c from the main wall portion 60a in the second direction DB, gradually decreases toward one side SN1 in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer wall portion 60b may have a receiving portion 60e that opens outward in the second direction DB. In the illustrated example, a plurality of receiving portions 60e are provided at intervals in the first direction DA. The receiving portions 60e can hold the cover 70 to the case 50 by engaging with a fixing portion 72 of the cover 70, which is inserted between the main wall portion 60a and the outer wall portion 60b and will be described later.

Next, the opening 61, the connecting portion 62, the second opening 65, and the side opening 66 provided in the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b, respectively, will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

6 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 5, and is a top view showing an opening 61 and a connecting portion 62 provided in the first side wall portion 52a. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pair of walls 60a, 60b are arranged spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the pair of walls 60a, 60b form an opening 61 that opens upward (the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51) and into which the hook 32 can be inserted. In addition, a connecting portion 62 is provided between the pair of walls 60a, 60b, to which the hook 32 inserted into the opening 61 is hung. In such a first side wall portion 52a, the space in which the handle member 30 attached to the energy storage element module 20 is located and the space through which the handle member 30 moves to be attached to the energy storage element module 20 are provided between the pair of walls 60a, 60b. The space housing the multiple cells 40 is separated by the main wall portion 60a from the space in which the handle member 30 attached to the energy storage element module 20 is located and the space through which the handle member 30 moves in order to be attached to the energy storage element module 20. Therefore, when the handle member 30 is attached to the energy storage element module 20, when the energy storage element module 20 is being carried, and when the handle member 30 is being removed from the energy storage element module 20, the hook 32 can be effectively prevented from coming into contact with the multiple cells 40. As a result, damage to the cells 40 caused by the hook 32 coming into contact with the cells 40 can be effectively avoided.

5, the opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 are provided on the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b, respectively. As already described, the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b are spaced apart from each other in the second direction DB. Furthermore, each pair of walls 60a, 60b included in the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b faces the second direction DB. According to this example, the pair of hooks 32 of the handle member 30 can be inserted into the openings 61 provided on the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b, respectively. Furthermore, the pair of hooks 32 can be hung on the connecting portion 62 provided on the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b, respectively. This allows the handle member 30 having the pair of hooks 32 to be attached to the energy storage element module 20. Therefore, the worker can carry the energy storage element module 20 more stably.

In the illustrated example, the openings 61 and the connecting portions 62 are provided in a plurality on the first side wall portion 52a, spaced apart in the first direction DA. Also, the openings 61 and the connecting portions 62 are provided in a plurality on the second side wall portion 52b, spaced apart in the first direction DA. Specifically, the openings 61 and the connecting portions 62 are provided in two on the first side wall portion 52a, spaced apart in the first direction DA. Also, the openings 61 and the connecting portions 62 are provided in two on the second side wall portion 52b, spaced apart in the first direction DA. According to this example, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of handle members 30 having a pair of hooks 32 can be attached along the first direction DA. Therefore, the worker can carry the energy storage element module 20 more stably.

In the illustrated example, the opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 are provided adjacent to each other along the first direction DA. In the adjacent openings 61 and connecting portions 62, the connecting portions 62 are provided on the outer side in the first direction DA than the openings 61, that is, on the side away from the side wall center line WL that bisects the dimensions of the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b along the first direction DA.

Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the opening 61 provided in the first side wall portion 52a and the opening 61 provided in the second side wall portion 52b are arranged to face each other in the second direction DB. Also, the connecting portion 62 provided in the first side wall portion 52a and the connecting portion 62 provided in the second side wall portion 52b are arranged to face each other in the second direction DB. That is, the opening 61 provided in the first side wall portion 52a and the opening 61 provided in the second side wall portion 52b are arranged at the same position in the first direction DA. The connecting portion 62 provided in the first side wall portion 52a and the connecting portion 62 provided in the second side wall portion 52b are arranged at the same position in the first direction DA. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, each pair of walls 60a, 60b of the first side wall 52a and the second side wall 52b has a first region WA in which the opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 are provided along the first direction DA, and a second region WB in which the opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 are not provided. The opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 will be described in detail below.

5 and 6, the opening 61 opens upward (to the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51). In the illustrated example, the opening 61 has a generally rectangular shape in top view (when observed from the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51). The length of the opening 61 along the first direction DA is longer than the length of the opening 61 along the second direction DB. That is, in the illustrated example, the opening 61 has a short direction in the second direction DB and a long direction in the first direction DA. In addition, the opening 61 forms an opening edge 61a on one side SA1 in the first direction DA by a first partition wall 63a that connects the main wall portion 60a and the outer wall portion 60b.

As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the pair of walls 60a, 60b have ribs 64 on their opposing surfaces. The ribs 64 protrude from the pair of walls 60a, 60b toward the wall center line OL that bisects the dimension of the opening 61 along the second direction DB. As shown in Fig. 6, the ribs 64 have a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The ribs 64 reinforce the pair of walls 60a, 60b in the vicinity of the elongated opening 61. The ribs 64 also smoothly guide the movement of the hook 32 that has passed through the opening 61 in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51. The ribs 64 may be made of, for example, a resin member.

In the illustrated example, each of the pair of walls 60a, 60b facing the second direction DB has a plurality of ribs 64 spaced apart in the first direction DA. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the ribs 64 are provided at intervals in the first direction DA.

As shown in FIG. 6, the width of the opening 61 in which the rib 64 is provided along the second direction DB is the minimum width of the opening 61 along the second direction DB. The minimum width of the opening 61 along the second direction DB where the pair of walls 60a, 60b face each other is preferably greater than the thickness of the hook 32 in order to make the hook 32 detachable. In particular, it is more preferable that the ratio of the minimum width of the opening 61 along the second direction DB where the pair of walls 60a, 60b face each other to the thickness of the hook 32 is 1.5 or more. In addition, it is preferable that the ratio of the minimum width of the opening 61 along the second direction DB where the pair of walls 60a, 60b face each other to the thickness of the hook 32 is 1.8 or less.

The ribs 64 protruding from the main wall portion 60a and the ribs 64 protruding from the outer wall portion 60b may have different protruding heights. In the illustrated example, the protruding height of the ribs 64 protruding from the outer wall portion 60b is greater than the protruding height of the ribs 64 protruding from the main wall portion 60a. Therefore, the ribs 64 can more effectively reinforce the outer wall portion 60b, which is not directly connected to the bottom portion 51 as shown in FIG. 3.

5 and 6, a connecting portion 62 is provided between the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b, on which the hook 32 inserted into the opening 61 is hung. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the connecting portion 62 extends along the second direction DB and connects the main wall portion 60a and the outer wall portion 60b. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the connecting portion 62 has a first connecting portion 62a on which the hook 32 is hung, and a second connecting portion 62b connected to the first connecting portion 62a. When observed in the second direction DB, the first connecting portion 62a extends along an arc such as a circular arc or an elliptical arc. As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting portion 62 has an arc-shaped outline in side view (from the viewpoint from the other side in the second direction DB). The first connecting portion 62a extends along a curved line that is convex downward in the illustrated example, on one side in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51. As a result, the first connecting portion 62a is a curved plate-like portion. The second connecting portion 62b extends from the other side in the normal direction ND of the pair of walls 60a, 60b toward one side SN1 to the first connecting portion 62a. The second connecting portion 62b reinforces the first connecting portion 62a to which the hook 32 is hung from the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51. In particular, the first connecting portion 62a to which the hook 32 is hung and which is pushed from one side to the other side in the normal direction ND by the hook 32 can be reinforced from the other side of the second connecting portion 62b.

5 and 6, the pair of walls 60a, 60b open above the opening 61 (the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51) to form a second opening 65 into which the tip 32a of the hook 32 can be inserted. The second opening 65 is provided on the outside in the first direction DA, that is, on the side away from the side wall center line WL, with respect to the connecting portion 62. In other words, the connecting portion 62 is located between the opening (first opening) 61 and the second opening 65 in the first direction DA. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the second opening 65 forms an opening edge 65a on the other side in the first direction DA by the second partition wall 63b connecting the main wall portion 60a and the outer wall portion 60b. The second opening 65 has a substantially rectangular shape in top view (when observed from the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51). The second opening 65 has a length in each of the first direction DA and the second direction DB. In the illustrated example, the length of the second opening 65 along the first direction DA is shorter than the length of the opening (first opening) 61 along the first direction DA.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the outer wall portion 60b has a side opening 66 that opens in the second direction DB. The side opening 66 has a length in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51 and in the first direction DA. In the illustrated example, the opening edge 66a above the side opening 66 (the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51) is formed by the connecting portion 62 in at least a part of the area. According to this specific example, the worker can easily observe the relative position of the hook 32 inserted into the opening 61 with respect to the connecting portion 62. That is, when the hook 32 is hung or is about to be hung on the connecting portion 62, the worker can observe the hook 32 from the side opening 66. On the other hand, when the hook 32 is not hung on the connecting portion 62, the worker cannot observe the hook 32 from the side opening 66. As a result, the worker can easily check the attachment status of the handle member 30 to the energy storage element module 20.

Next, the cover 70 that covers the multiple cells 40 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, the energy storage element module 20 has a cover 70 that covers the multiple cells 40 housed in the case 50 from the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51. The cover 70 is a plate-like member held by the case 50 so as to be movable in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51. The cover 70 held by the case 50 has a short side direction in the second direction DB and a long side direction in the first direction DA. The cover 70 is held by the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b in the first direction DA. The cover 70 is also held by the third side wall portion 52c and the fourth side wall portion 52d in the second direction DB. The cover 70 protects the cells 40 housed in the case 50 and restricts the relative movement of the cells 40 with respect to the case 50 along the normal direction ND to the bottom 51. The cover 70 is, for example, a plate-like member made of resin.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 70 has a cover body 71 and a fixing portion 72 extending from the cover body 71. The fixing portion 72 is engageable with a receiving portion 60e provided on the outer wall portion 60b of the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b. The fixing portion 72 engages with the receiving portion 60e, whereby the cover 70 is held by the case 50. In the illustrated example, the fixing portion 72 engages with the receiving portion 60e so as to be movable in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51.

As already explained using FIG. 5, each pair of walls 60a, 60b of the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b has a first region WA in which the opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 are provided along the first direction DA, and a second region WB in which the opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 are not provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the width LC of the cover 70 along the second direction DB in the first region WA is equal to or less than the separation distance LD (see FIG. 4) of the side walls 52a, 52b in the second direction DB, in other words, equal to or less than the width LD (see FIG. 4) of the storage space of the cell 40 formed by each main wall portion 60a of the side walls 52a, 52b along the second direction DB. That is, in the first region WA, the cover 70 does not cover the opening 61 and the connecting portion 62 provided in the pair of walls 60a, 60b from above (the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom portion 51). In this example, even when the cover 70 is attached, the hook 32 of the handle member 30 can be inserted into the opening 61. Therefore, the energy storage element module 20 can be easily carried while protecting the multiple cells 40 housed in the case 50 from above.

Next, the operation of the energy storage element module 20 configured as described above will be explained. Specifically, a method for attaching the handle member 30 to the energy storage element module 20 will be explained.

The worker first moves the handle member 30 toward the energy storage element module 20. In other words, the worker holding the gripping portion 31 brings the pair of hooks 32 close to the openings 61 of the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b of the first side wall portion 52a and the second side wall portion 52b.

In the illustrated example, the ratio of the minimum width of the opening 61 along the second direction DB to the thickness of the hook 32 is 1.5 or more. According to this specific example, the width of the opening 61 along the second direction DB is ensured to be sufficiently large relative to the thickness of the hook 32. This allows the worker to easily insert the hook 32 into the opening 61. Therefore, the worker can easily attach the handle member 30 to the energy storage element module 20.

In addition, in the illustrated example, the ratio of the minimum width of the opening 61 to the thickness of the hook 32 is 1.8 or less. According to this specific example, even if a worker attempts to insert the hook 32 into a position that is offset from the opening 61 due to carelessness during work, for example, the hook 32 will not be inserted into the opening 61. This makes it possible to prevent the handle member 30 from being attached to the energy storage element module 20 in an incorrect manner.

In the illustrated example, the pair of walls 60a, 60b have ribs 64 on their opposing surfaces. According to this specific example, the width of the opening 61 along the second direction DB is the minimum in the area where the ribs 64 are provided. When the hook 32 inserted into the opening 61 moves relative to the energy storage element module 20 in the second direction DB, the hook 32 contacts the ribs 64 of the pair of walls 60a, 60b. On the other hand, when the hook 32 inserted into the opening 61 moves relative to the energy storage element module 20 in the second direction DB, the hook 32 does not contact the pair of walls 60a, 60b on which the ribs 64 are not provided. This makes it possible to reduce the area where the hook 32 and the pair of walls 60a, 60b contact each other. Therefore, the resistance due to the contact between the pair of walls 60a, 60b and the hook 32 can be reduced, and the operator can easily attach the handle member 30 to the energy storage element module 20. Furthermore, because the rib 64 protrudes in the second direction DB, movement of the handle member 30 in the second direction DB can be smoothly guided.

Furthermore, in the illustrated example, each of the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b has a plurality of ribs 64 spaced apart in the first direction DA. According to this specific example, when the hook 32 inserted from the opening 61 moves in the second direction DB relative to the energy storage element module 20, the hook 32 comes into contact with the plurality of ribs 64 spaced apart in the first direction DA. This distributes the resistance generated by the contact between the pair of wall portions 60a, 60b and the hook 32 in the second direction DB, and reduces the resistance generated in each rib 64. As a result, the durability of the ribs 64 and the energy storage element module 20 having the ribs 64 can be improved. Also, according to this specific example, even if some of the ribs 64 are damaged due to continuous use, the other ribs 64 that are not damaged can restrict the relative movement of the hook 32 in the second direction DB relative to the opening 61.

In the illustrated example, the outer wall portion 60b is located on the opposite side to the side facing the main wall portion 60a that forms the storage space for the cells 40. The protruding height of the ribs 64 protruding from the outer wall portion 60b in the second direction DB is greater than the protruding height of the ribs 64 protruding from the main wall portion 60a in the second direction DB. According to this example, it is possible to effectively prevent the handle member 30 attached to the energy storage element module 20 from moving relatively to the outside in the second direction DB, that is, to the side away from the space that stores the cells 40 in the second direction DB. Therefore, the energy storage element module 20 can be carried more stably. In addition, the ribs 64 can effectively reinforce the outer wall portion 60b, which has a lower rigidity.

The pair of hooks 32 inserted into the opening 61 are inserted between the pair of walls 60a, 60b to one side SN1 in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51. Then, the worker who has moved the tip 32a of the hook 32 below the connecting portion 62 (one side SN1 in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51) then moves the hook 32 along the first direction DA to the side where the connecting portion 62 is located. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the worker moves the hook 32 to the other side in the first direction DA. In this way, the tip 32a of the hook 32 is positioned on the other side in the first direction DA from the connecting portion 62.

In the illustrated example, the connecting portion 62 has an arc-shaped contour in a side view (from the other side in the second direction DB). According to this specific example, even if the tip 32a of the hook 32 inserted into the opening 61 is not located below the connecting portion 62 (one side SN1 in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51), the tip 32a of the hook 32 can be moved in the first direction DA along the contour of the connecting portion 62 by moving the hook 32 toward the second opening 65 along the first direction DA. Therefore, by easily moving the tip 32a of the hook 32 toward the second opening 65, the handle member 30 can be easily attached to the energy storage element module 20.

After moving the tip 32a of the hook 32 to the above-mentioned position, the worker then moves the hook 32 upward (the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51). In the illustrated example, the pair of walls 60a, 60b form a second opening 65 that opens upward (the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51) where the opening 61 opens, through which the tip of the hook 32 can pass. According to this specific example, the tip 32a of the hook 32 moving upward (the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51) passes through the second opening 65. This allows the worker to easily observe that the handle member 30 has been attached to the energy storage element module 20. As a result, the handle member 30 can be attached to the energy storage element module 20 in an appropriate position.

In addition, in the illustrated example, the length of the second opening 65 along the first direction DA is shorter than the length of the opening (first opening) 61 along the first direction DA. According to this specific example, the tip 32a of the hook 32 that has passed through the second opening 65 is restricted in its movement in the first direction DA and the second direction DB by the second opening 65. This allows the second opening 65 to suppress the relative movement of the handle member 30 attached to the energy storage element module 20 with respect to the energy storage element module 20. As a result, the handle member 30 can be stably maintained in an appropriate position with respect to the energy storage element module 20.

After passing the tip 32a of the hook 32 through the second opening 65, the worker moves the hook 32 further upward (to the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51). Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the hook 32 moving upward comes into contact with the connecting portion 62.

In the above manner, the handle member 30 is attached to the energy storage element module 20. When the hook 32 and the connecting portion 62 are in contact with each other, the worker can lift the energy storage element module 20 upward by moving the hook 32 further upward (to the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51). When the hook 32 and the connecting portion 62 are in contact with each other, the worker can move the hook 32 horizontally (in a direction perpendicular to the normal direction ND to the bottom 51) to move the energy storage element module 20 horizontally. When the hook 32 and the connecting portion 62 are in contact with each other, the worker can move the hook 32 downward (to one side SN1 in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51) to move the energy storage element module 20 downward. In this manner, the energy storage element module 20 can be carried using the handle member 30. As already described, the ratio of the minimum width of the opening 61 to the thickness of the hook 32 is 1.8 or less. This restricts the relative movement of the handle member 30 in the second direction DB with respect to the energy storage element module 20 when carrying the energy storage element module 20. As a result, the worker can carry the energy storage element module 20 stably. The worker can remove the handle member 30 from the energy storage element module 20 by reversing the steps described above.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the energy storage element module 20 is carried using the handle member 30, the handle member 30 projected in the normal direction to the energy storage element module 20 is located within the contour of the energy storage element module 20. Therefore, when lifting or lowering the energy storage element module 20 using the handle member 30, no space larger than the outer contour of the energy storage element module 20 is required. Therefore, there is no need to make the inner dimensions of the storage box 11 significantly larger than the outer dimensions of the energy storage element module 20. This allows the storage box 11 to be made smaller.

In the embodiment described above, the energy storage element module 20 is carried using a handle member 30 having a hook 32. The energy storage element module 20 has a plurality of cells 40, and a case 50 that houses the plurality of cells 40 and has a bottom 51 and a side wall portion 52 rising from the bottom 51. The side wall portion 52 has a pair of walls 60a, 60b that face each other at least in a portion. The pair of walls 60a, 60b form an opening 61 that opens upward (the other side in the normal direction ND to the bottom 51) and into which the hook 32 can be inserted. A connecting portion 62 is provided between the pair of walls 60a, 60b, to which the hook 32 inserted into the opening 61 is hung. According to this embodiment, the handle member 30 is positioned between the pair of walls 60a, 60b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the handle member 30 from entering the space in which the plurality of cells 40 are housed. This effectively prevents the hooks 32 from coming into contact with the multiple cells 40 when the handle member 30 is attached to the energy storage element module 20, when the energy storage element module 20 is carried, and when the handle member 30 is removed from the energy storage element module 20. As a result, the energy storage element module 20 can be easily handled using the handle member 30 while avoiding damage to the cells 40. In other words, the heavy energy storage element module 20 can be easily and stably placed in the storage box 11 with a limited storage area.

Although one embodiment has been described with reference to the illustrated specific example, the illustrated specific example is not intended to limit the embodiment. The above-described one embodiment can be implemented with various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and additions can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiment. For example, in the above-described specific example, the connecting portion 62 is provided on the outer side in the first direction DA with respect to the opening 61, i.e., on the side away from the side wall center line WL, but this is not limited to this. The connecting portion 62 may be provided on the inner side in the first direction DA with respect to the opening 61, i.e., on the side approaching the side wall center line WL.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 10 Energy storage element unit 11 Storage box 12 Frame 13 Panel 14 Control module 15 Energy storage element module assembly 15A First energy storage element module assembly 15B Second energy storage element module assembly 16 Stopper 17 Energy storage element module kit 20 Energy storage element module 21 End cover 22 End cover 30 Handle member 31 Grip portion 31a First grip portion 31b Second grip portion 31c Through hole 32 Hook 32a Tip portion 40 Cell 41C Central portion 41E Peripheral edge portion 42 Exterior body 43 Tab 50 Case 51 Bottom portion 52 Side wall portion 52a First side wall portion 52b Second side wall portion 52c Third side wall portion 52d Fourth side wall portion 53 Protrusion portion 54 Engagement portion 60a Main wall portion 60b Outer wall portion 60c Vertical rib 60d Horizontal rib 60e Receiving portion 61 Opening 61a Opening edge 62 Connecting portion 62a First connecting portion 62b Second connecting portion 63a First partition 63b Second partition 64 Rib 65 Second opening 65a Opening edge 66 Side opening 66a Opening edge 70 Cover 71 Cover body 72 Fixing portion C Notch DA First direction DB Second direction ND Normal direction LC Width LD Separation distance OL Wall center line SA1 One side SB1 One side SN1 One side WA First region WB Second region WL Side wall center line

Claims (18)

An energy storage element module that is carried by using a handle member having a hook,
A plurality of cells;
a case that houses the plurality of cells and has a bottom and a side wall rising from the bottom;
The side wall portion has a pair of walls opposed to each other at least in a portion thereof,
The pair of wall portions open on one side in a direction normal to the bottom portion to form an opening into which the hook can be inserted, and a connecting portion is provided between the pair of wall portions to hang the hook inserted into the opening, in this energy storage element module. The energy storage element module according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the minimum width of the opening along the direction in which the pair of walls face each other to the thickness of the hook is 1.5 or more. The energy storage element module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of the minimum width of the opening along the direction in which the pair of walls face each other to the thickness of the hook is 1.8 or less. The side wall portion includes a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion extending along a first direction perpendicular to a normal direction to the bottom portion,
the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to both the normal direction and the first direction;
The energy storage element module according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of walls included in each of the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion face each other in the second direction. The opening and the connecting portion are provided in a plurality of portions on the first side wall portion and spaced apart from each other in the first direction,
The energy storage element module according to claim 4 , wherein the opening and the connecting portion are provided in a plurality of portions on the second side wall portion and spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The energy storage element module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pair of walls have ribs on the opposing surfaces. a length of the opening along a first direction perpendicular to a normal direction to the bottom is longer than a length of the opening along a second direction perpendicular to both the normal direction and the first direction;
The pair of walls face each other in the second direction,
The energy storage element module according to claim 1 , wherein each of the pair of walls has a plurality of ribs spaced apart in the first direction. The pair of wall portions includes a main wall portion that forms a storage space of the cell, and an outer wall portion located on the opposite side to the side of the main wall portion facing the storage space,
The energy storage element module according to claim 6 , wherein a protruding height of the rib protruding from the outer wall portion is greater than a protruding height of the rib protruding from the main wall portion. The energy storage element module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pair of walls open on the side where the opening opens to form a second opening through which the tip of the hook can pass, and the connecting portion is located between the opening and the second opening. The energy storage element module according to claim 9, wherein the length of the second opening along a first direction perpendicular to the second direction in which the pair of walls face each other is shorter than the length of the opening along the first direction. The energy storage element module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connecting portion has an arc-shaped contour in a side view. Of the pair of wall portions, a wall portion provided on a side away from the space accommodating the plurality of cells in a second direction in which the pair of wall portions face each other forms a side opening portion that opens in the second direction,
The energy storage element module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein an opening edge of the side opening is formed by the connecting portion in at least a partial area. A cover is further provided to cover the plurality of cells from one side in a normal direction to the bottom portion,
The side wall portion includes a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion extending along a first direction perpendicular to a normal direction to the bottom portion,
the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to both the normal direction to the bottom portion and the first direction;
the opening and the connecting portion are provided in the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion, respectively;
The storage element module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least in the region where the opening and the connecting portion are provided, the width of the cover along the second direction is equal to or less than the separation distance along the second direction between the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion. The energy storage element module according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The handle member,
A storage element module kit, wherein the hook hung on the connecting portion is positioned within the outline of the storage element module when projected in the normal direction to the bottom portion. The energy storage element module according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
a storage box that houses the energy storage element module. The energy storage element unit according to claim 15, further comprising the handle member housed in the storage box. A building equipped with the energy storage element unit of claim 15 or 16. A case for an energy storage element module that is carried by using a handle member having a hook,
A bottom portion and a side wall portion rising from the bottom portion,
The side wall portion has a pair of walls opposed to each other at least in a portion thereof,
A case for an energy storage element module, wherein the pair of wall portions open on one side in a direction normal to the bottom portion to form an opening into which the hook can be inserted, and a connecting portion is provided between the pair of wall portions to hang the hook inserted into the opening.