Installing a battery to an agricultural vehicle

Abstract

A mechanism for supporting a battery (290) during installation to an agricultural vehicle. A portable installation system (200) is provided that comprise a battery support (211, 212) for supporting the battery. The battery support is liftable or raisable by a lifting mechanism to raise the battery towards an underside of the agricultural vehicle, where it can be installed. The battery support (211, 212) may be attachable to front and rear hitches (131, 132) of a tractor which are actuated to lift the battery support during installation of the battery to the tractor.

Description

INSTALLING A BATTERY TO AN AGRICULTURAL VEHICLECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of agricultural vehicles.BACKGROUND

[0003] In modem agricultural environments, there is an ever-increasing use and reliance upon agricultural vehicles, such as tractors, (combine) harvesters or mowers.

[0004] There is an ongoing demand to reduce a reliance upon and / or consumption of fossil fuels, particularly petroleum-derived products such as gasoline or diesel, to drive agricultural vehicles. One approach to achieving this goal is to switch to an alternative energy supply, such as electric power. Typically, this comprises adding a battery to the agricultural vehicle for providing the electric power.

[0005] A known disadvantage of using battery power in an agricultural vehicle is the restricted or limited electrical storage capacity of a battery. This is particularly problematic in the agricultural industry, as the limited electrical storage capacity can significantly limit vehicle range. A large range is required for repeatedly traversing farms and fields, especially for performing common agricultural tasks such as harvesting, sowing, irrigation, ploughing and so on, many of which have a high torque demand.

[0006] There is therefore a demand for agricultural vehicles and tools that provide improved ease and flexibility of battery replacement.

[0007] There is also a demand for agricultural vehicles and tools that provide improved ease and flexibility of replacement of an additional or range extending battery.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0009] According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable installation arrangement for supporting a battery during installation to an underside of an agricultural vehicle.

[0010] The portable installation arrangement comprises a battery support configured to support the battery beneath the agricultural vehicle, wherein the battery support is liftable, by a lifting mechanism, from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position is closer to a ground surface during installation of the battery than the second position.

[0011] The portable installation arrangement may further comprise a lift engagement mechanism configured to engage the battery support to an external lifting mechanism.

[0012] The lift engagement mechanism may be configured to releasably engage the battery support to at least one hitch of the agricultural vehicle, such that the at least one hitch acts as the lifting mechanism.

[0013] In some examples, at least one hitch may comprise at least two lifting arms. For instance, each at least one hitch may be a three-point hitch having a pair of lower lifting arms and the lift engagement mechanism is configured to engage with two lower lifting arms.

[0014] The engagement mechanism may be configured to releasably engage the battery support to a front hitch and a rear hitch of the agricultural vehicle.

[0015] In some examples, the battery support comprises a first support portion and a second support portion; the lift engagement mechanism is configured to couple the first support portion to the front hitch and the second support portion to the rear hitch; and the first support portion and second support portion are able to move away from one another as the battery support is lifted by the front and rear hitches.

[0016] In some examples, the portable installation arrangement (itself) comprises the lifting mechanism for lifting the battery support.

[0017] The lifting mechanism may comprise a hydraulic system for lifting the battery support.

[0018] In such examples, the portable installation arrangement may further comprise a hydraulic input configured to connect to an auxiliary hydraulics system of the agricultural vehicle for receiving hydraulic flow from the auxiliary hydraulics system to drive the hydraulic system of the lifting mechanism.

[0019] The lifting mechanism may comprise an electrically powered lifting system. Suitable examples of electrically powered lifting systems are known in the art, and include scissor lifts, worm drives, lead screws, rack and pinions and so on.

[0020] The portable installation arrangement may further comprise a first electrical input configured to connect to an electrical power system of the agricultural vehicle to provide power to the electrically powered lifting system.

[0021] In some examples, the portable installation arrangement comprises a second electrical input configured to connect to the battery to provide power to the electrically powered lifting system.

[0022] There is also proposed a battery arrangement comprising any herein disclosed the portable installation arrangement; and a battery supported by the battery support of the portable installation arrangement.

[0023] The battery arrangement may be designed for an agricultural vehicle having a predefined ground clearance, wherein the height of the battery arrangement is less than the predefined ground clearance of the agricultural vehicle.

[0024] There is also proposed an agricultural vehicular system comprising any herein disclosed battery arrangement; and the agricultural vehicle.

[0025] The battery may be provided in addition to a further battery (e.g., a main battery) of the agricultural vehicle. The battery may be operative to extend the range of the vehicle over that provided by the further battery when fitted.

[0026] There is also proposed a method of installing a replaceable battery to the underside of an agricultural vehicle, the method comprising: supporting a battery on a battery support of a portable installation arrangement located on the ground; positioning the agricultural vehicle above the battery on the battery support; attaching a lift engagement mechanism of the portable installation arrangement to front and rear hitches of the agricultural vehicle; actuating the front and rear hitches to lift the battery support and raise the battery to position the battery for attachment to the agricultural vehicle; attaching the battery to the agricultural vehicle; actuating the front and rear hitches to lower the battery support clear of the battery; and disconnecting the lift engagement mechanism from the front and rear hitches.

[0027] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] One or more embodiments of the invention / disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an existing agricultural vehicle;

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a proposed portable installation arrangement;

[0031] FIG. 3 also illustrates the proposed portable installation arrangement;

[0032] FIGS 4, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate an installation process;

[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative portable installation arrangement;

[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a second alternative portable installation arrangement;

[0035] FIG. 10 also illustrates the second alternative portable installation arrangement;

[0036] FIGS 11 and 12 illustrate a mechanism for attaching a battery to an underside of an agricultural vehicle; and

[0037] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for installing a battery to an agricultural vehicle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0038] The invention will be described with reference to the figures.

[0039] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0040] The following description provides specific details of embodiments of the present disclosure in order to provide a thorough description thereof. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without employing many such specific details. Indeed, the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with conventional techniques employed in the industry. In addition, the description provided below does not include all elements to form a complete structure or assembly. Only those process acts and structures necessary to understand the embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below. Additional conventional acts and structures may be used. The drawings accompanying the application are for illustrative purposes only, and are thus not drawn to scale.

[0041] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, but also include the morerestrictive terms “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ and grammatical equivalents thereof.

[0042] As used herein, the term “may” with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term “is” so as to avoid any implication that other, compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded.

[0043] As used herein, the term “configured” refers to a size, shape, material composition, and arrangement of one or more of at least one structure and at least one apparatus facilitating operation of one or more of the structure and the apparatus in a predetermined way.

[0044] As used herein, the singular forms following “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0046] As used herein, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “bottom,” “above,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” and the like, may be used for ease of description to describe one element’s or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Unless otherwise specified, the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the materials in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0047] As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least 99.9% met.

[0048] As used herein, the term “about” used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the given parameter).

[0049] The present disclosure provides a mechanism for supporting a battery during installation to an agricultural vehicle. A portable installation system is provided that comprise a battery support for supporting the battery. The battery support is liftable or raisable by alifting mechanism to raise the battery towards an underside of the agricultural vehicle, where it can be installed.

[0050] The present disclosure thereby proposes a device for aiding the installation of a battery to an underside of an agricultural vehicle. In particular, the proposed installation arrangement is portable, to enable the installation arrangement to be moved or maneuvered to the location of the agricultural vehicle (e.g., to avoid the need for the vehicle to return to a base). The installation arrangement also comprises a battery support that can be lifted for guiding the battery to the underside of the agricultural vehicle.

[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates an existing agricultural vehicle 100. In the illustrated example, the agricultural vehicle 100 is a tractor, but other suitable agricultural vehicles will be apparent to the skilled person (e.g., (combine) harvesters or mowers).

[0052] For the sake of conciseness, only those elements of the agricultural vehicle that are relevant for contextualizing the present invention are hereafter identified and / or described, and the skilled person will readily understand that, in practice, the agricultural vehicle may comprise additional elements.

[0053] An underside 120 of the agricultural vehicle 100 is a side that, in general use of the agricultural vehicle, faces the ground or a ground surface. The underside 120 may, for instance, be formed as part of a chassis 110 of the agricultural vehicle (which structurally supports other elements of the agricultural vehicle).

[0054] The agricultural vehicle may comprise one or more hitches 131, 132, e.g., a front hitch 131 located at a front of the agricultural vehicle 100 and a rear hitch 132 located at the rear of the agricultural vehicle. A hitch is a well-known system for connecting an implement (e.g., plough or trailer) to an agricultural vehicle. Generally, a hitch will comprise at least two lifting arms that are able to raise and lower with respect to the remainder of the agricultural vehicle. Typically, the lifting arms are actuated or driven by a hydraulic system of the agricultural vehicle. Thus, a hitch can be actuated so as to be raised or lowered.

[0055] A common form of hitch is a three-point hitch. A three-point hitch has a pair of lower lifting arms, that are able to raise and lower with respect to the remainder of the agricultural vehicle, as well as an upper central arm. Only lower arm for each of the front and rear hitches 131, 132 are visible in the drawings. The other lower arm is generally located parallel to but spaced laterally behind the one shown.

[0056] The present invention provides a portable installation arrangement for supporting a battery during installation (of the battery) to or removal (of the battery) fromthe underside 120 of an agricultural vehicle 100. Thus, the underside 120 of the agricultural vehicle 100 will be appropriately configured to receive and / or engage with a battery provided by the portable installation system. In particular, the underside 120 of the agricultural vehicle is configured or designed for structurally or mechanically supporting the battery. The battery may connect to an electrical system of the agricultural vehicle via one or more electrical sockets or connectors. More detailed example approaches are provided later in this disclosure.

[0057] The battery may comprise a plurality of battery cells. Any form of battery cell may be used, including cylindrical cells (e.g., the 18650 battery cell, the 21700 battery cell or, preferably, the 4680 battery cell), prismatic cells and / or pouch cells. The selection and / or choice of battery cell may depend upon the desired electrical storage capability, material availability, power demand, and / or design of the battery.

[0058] It will be apparent that the battery functions as a replaceable battery for the agricultural vehicle. In an example, the battery is provided in addition to one or more further battery(s), which may be or include a “main battery” which provides a main source of electrical power for the vehicle and which is housed elsewhere on the agricultural vehicle. In this example, the battery provides additional electrical capacity for the agricultural vehicle, e.g., to extend the range of the agricultural vehicle or to provide additional power for high power demand, e.g., if a high level of torque is required for moving the vehicle within a field. It is believed that depending on the layout of the power train, at least some electrically powered agricultural vehicles may have an increased ground clearance in comparison with an equivalent agricultural vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. In such cases, mounting an additional range extending battery to the underside of the vehicle makes use of the available space to increase the overall electrical storage capacity of the agricultural vehicle.

[0059] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate a first embodiment of a portable installation arrangement 200. The portable installation arrangement is configured for supporting a battery 290 during installation (of the battery) to the underside of the agricultural vehicle.

[0060] The portable installation arrangement 200 comprises a battery support 210 configured to support the battery 290. At least when the battery support is positioned beneath the agricultural vehicle, the battery support is liftable, by a lifting mechanism, from a first position to a second position. The second position is more proximate to the underside of the agricultural vehicle than the first position, to thereby aid in the installation of the battery to the agricultural vehicle.

[0061] The battery support 210 is not fixed or is releasably fixed to the battery 290 during installation of the battery. Thus, after the battery is installed to the agricultural vehicle, the battery support can be removed or moved away from the battery.

[0062] In this embodiment, the portable installation arrangement comprises a lift engagement mechanism 221, 222 configured to engage the battery support to an external lifting mechanism.

[0063] In particular, the lift engagement mechanism 221, 222 is configured to (releasably) engage the battery support 210 to the one or more hitches 131, 132 of the agricultural vehicle (illustrated in FIG. 1). Thus, the one or more hitches 131, 132 act as the external lifting mechanism for lifting the battery support from the first position to the second position. Of course, the one or more hitches may also be controlled to perform the reverse procedure of moving the battery support from the second position to the first position, e.g., after installation of the battery. The lift engagement mechanism may then disengage from the one or more hitches.

[0064] In the illustrated example, the lift engagement mechanism 221, 222 comprises one or more pins, bars or protrusions for being held, supported, clipped into, affixed, inserted into or clamped by the hitch(es) of the agricultural vehicle. Any known approach for connecting an element (e.g., an implement) to a hitch of an agricultural vehicle can be employed, and such approaches are well known to the skilled person.

[0065] Other suitable designs or configurations for a lift engagement mechanism will be apparent to the skilled person and may comprise any suitable mechanical means for releasably connecting two components together.

[0066] More specifically, if the one or more hitches comprises one or more three-point hitches, then the lift engagement mechanism may engage with at least the two lower lifting arms of the / each three-point hitch. For instance, the lift engagement mechanism may comprise, for each three-point hitch, a set of one or more pins, each pin being configured for connecting or engaging the battery support to a respective lower lifting arm of the three- point hitch. Other example approaches will be apparent to the skilled person.

[0067] In this way, the hitch(es) is / are able to perform the lifting of the battery support. This means that the battery can be moved towards the underside of the agricultural vehicle (for ease of installation) using the power of the agricultural vehicle itself, such as may be provided by a further (e.g., a main) battery. This advantageously provides improved flexibility in location for performing the installation of the battery to the agricultural vehicle.

[0068] Preferably, the lift engagement mechanism 221, 222 is configured to (releasably) engage with the front hitch 131 and the rear hitch 132 of the agricultural vehicle. This facilitates an even or level lifting of the battery support for ease of installation. Thus, the lift engagement mechanism may comprise a first engaging element 221 for engaging the battery support to the front hitch 131 and a second engaging element 222 for engaging the battery support to the rear hitch 132.

[0069] In some examples, the battery support is divided or formed from a first support portion 211 and a second support portion 212.

[0070] The first engaging element 221 of the lift engagement mechanism may (releasably) engage the first support portion to the front hitch 131 with the second engaging element 222 of the lift engagement mechanism engaging the second support portion 212 to the rear hitch 132. In this way, the lift engagement mechanism may be configured to couple the first support portion to the front hitch and the second support portion to the rear hitch.

[0071] The first 211 and second 212 support portions may be configured to move away from one another as the battery support is lifted by the front and rear hitches. This facilitates the movement of the front and rear hitches in a direction away from the battery support, e.g., facilitating rotation of the front and rear hitches about an axis as they lift the battery support. This ensures that existing hitches can be repurposed for use in lifting the battery support. The variable length structure of the battery support also allows the same battery support to be used with a range of vehicles of different lengths and / or to support batteries of different sizes.

[0072] FIG. 2 illustrates a point in time in which the first and second support portions are close to one another, e.g., abut one another. FIG. 3 illustrates another point in time in which the first and second potions have moved away from one another, e.g., due to lifting by the front and rear hitches.

[0073] To facilitate the movement of the first and second support portions away from one another, the first and second support portions may be mounted on one or more rails 215 or rail-based system that allows the two support portions 211, 212 to move away from one another. The first 211 and second 212 support portions may be telescopically coupled to one another in any suitable way.

[0074] As another example, the first and second support portions may be connected by a spring-like or elastic element.

[0075] The battery 290 and portable installation arrangement 200 together form a battery arrangement. Thus, there is provided a battery arrangement comprising the portableinstallation arrangement and a battery 290 supported upon the battery support 210 of the portable installation arrangement.

[0076] In some examples, the battery arrangement is configured to have a predefined height. The predefined height may be less than a predefined ground clearance for the agricultural vehicle. This advantageously facilitates the positioning of the battery arrangement beneath the agricultural vehicle.

[0077] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “portable” is used to refer to a property of the portable installation arrangement in that is designed to be moved or repositioned. Preferably, in the context of the present disclosure, the portable installation arrangement is sized and / or configured to be moveable using conventional mechanical means (e.g., forklifts or the like) and / or manual means. This differs from a fixed installation arrangement that is designed to be immovable (e.g., not able to be moved without breaking or significant dismantling of the installation arrangement).

[0078] FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 conceptually illustrate a method or approach for installing a replaceable battery to the underside of an agricultural vehicle (i.e., performing an installation operation) using the previously described portable installation arrangement 200.

[0079] The battery 290 is positioned upon the battery support 210 of the portable installation arrangement, forming a battery arrangement. The agricultural vehicle 100 is then positioned above the battery on the battery support, such that the underside 120 of the agricultural vehicle faces the battery 290. The positioning of the agricultural vehicle 100 may be readily achieved, for instance, by driving or otherwise maneuvering the agricultural vehicle 100 over the battery.

[0080] FIG. 4 illustrates the point in time immediately after the agricultural vehicle has been positioned over the battery 290 supported by the battery support 210 of the portable installation arrangement 200.

[0081] The lift engagement mechanism 221, 222 is then attached to the front 131 and rear 132 hitches of the agricultural vehicle. This can be achieved, for instance, by actuating or lowering the front and rear hitches to align with the lift engagement mechanism 221, 222 before engaging the lift engagement mechanism with the hitches. In particular, the first engaging element 221 may engage with the front hitch 131 and the second engaging element 222 may engage with the rear hitch 132.

[0082] FIG. 5 illustrates the point in time immediately after the front 131 and rear 132 hitches of the agricultural vehicle have engaged with the lift engagement mechanism 221, 222 of the portable installation arrangement 200.

[0083] The front and rear hitches are then actuated to lift the battery support 120 and raise the battery to position it for attachment to the (underside of the) agricultural vehicle 100. Thus, the front and rear hitches raise the battery support from a first position (e.g., in contact with the ground) to a second position at which the battery can be attached to the underside of the agricultural vehicle.

[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates the point in time immediately after the battery 290 has been raised for attachment to the agricultural vehicle.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the lifting of the battery support may cause two support portions 211, 212 of the battery support 210 to move away from one another. This configuration of the battery support 210 allows the rotating nature of the front 131 and rear 132 hitches (when actuated) to be taken into account to achieve lifting of the battery support.

[0086] The battery is then attached to the agricultural vehicle. This may comprise mechanically and electrically connecting or engaging the battery with the agricultural vehicle. This may employ any known approach for connecting or a battery to (e.g., a socket of) an agricultural vehicle. Suitable example techniques are provided later in this disclosure.

[0087] After attaching the battery to the agricultural vehicle, the front 131 and rear 132 hitches may be actuated to lower the battery support 210. The lowering of the battery support will clear the battery support 210 from the battery 290, which remains attached to the agricultural vehicle.

[0088] FIG. 7 illustrates the point in time immediately after the battery support has been lowered by the actuation of the front 131 and rear 132 hitches.

[0089] The lift engagement mechanism 221, 222 may then be disconnected from the front 131 and rear 132 hitches. The agricultural vehicle may thereafter drive or be otherwise maneuvered away from the portable installation arrangement 200.

[0090] In the above-described approach, lifting of the battery support 210 causes the entire portable installation arrangement 200 to be lifted.

[0091] In an alternative example, at least a portion of the portable installation arrangement remains in contact with a ground surface as the battery support is lifted via the lift engagement mechanism. This can be facilitated, for instance, by providing a ground-contacting member that remains in contact with the ground as the battery support is lifted. The ground-contacting member may, for instance, be coupled to the battery support by one or more foldable and / or linked supports (e.g., a scissor mechanism).

[0092] This approach reduces a weight that needs to be lifted by the lifting mechanism, whilst also providing additional support to the battery and / or portable installation arrangement outside of the battery installation procedure (e.g., during movement of the portable installation arrangement towards or away from an installation location).

[0093] Although the previously described embodiment employs both front and rear hitches to raise the battery support, it is possible to use a single hitch to raise the battery support. This can be achieved, for instance, if the battery support is made of a sufficiently solid and / or rigid material or if additional structural support is provided at an opposite side of the battery support to the single hitch (e.g., a scissor mechanism or the like).

[0094] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative portable installation arrangement 800 for supporting a battery 290 during installation to, or removal from, the underside of the agricultural vehicle.

[0095] The portable installation arrangement 800 again comprises a battery support 810 and a lift engagement mechanism 820.

[0096] In a similar manner to the previously described example, the battery support 810 is configured to support the battery 290 beneath the agricultural vehicle, wherein the battery support is liftable, by a lifting mechanism, from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position is closer to a ground surface during installation of the battery than the second position.

[0097] The battery support 810 may, for instance, comprise a recess 815 or hole for receiving and supporting the battery therein. The bounds of the recess 815 or hole may thereby define a location at which the battery rests whilst being supporting by the battery support.

[0098] The lift engagement mechanism 820 is configured to engage the battery support to an external lifting mechanism. In this example, the lift engagement mechanism is configured to engage the battery support to forks of a forklift. Thus, the lift engagement mechanism 820 comprises a structure (e.g., a framework or a uniform piece of material) having one or more fork apertures 821, 822 each sized and / or adapted to receive a respective fork of a forklift.

[0099] In this way, the forklift may therefore act as the external lifting mechanism for lifting the battery support 820 from a first position to a second position for installation tothe agricultural device. The forklift may take the form of a dedicated fork lift vehicle or a fork lift attachment to an agricultural or utility vehicle, such as a tractor.

[0100] The installation operation for the battery 290 using the portable installation arrangement 800 may be similar to the approach previously described - but using the forklift to raise the battery rather than the hitches of the agricultural vehicle.

[0101] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another portable installation arrangement 900 for supporting a battery 290 during installation to the underside of the agricultural vehicle.

[0102] In this approach, the portable installation arrangement 900 comprises a battery support (which may be embodied as previously described) and the lifting mechanism 920. Thus, the lifting mechanism 920 is, in this embodiment, part of the portable installation arrangement.

[0103] The lifting mechanism 920 may comprise a first lifting element 921 (e.g., connected to the battery support 910) and a second lifting element 922 (e.g., for resting on a ground surface). The lifting mechanism may comprise a lifting system 925 for controlling a distance between the first lifting element 921 and the second lifting element. The lifting system 925 may, for instance be a hydraulic, pneumatic or electrically powered lifting mechanism.

[0104] In the illustrated example, the lifting mechanism comprises an electrically powered lifting system 925 in the form of a scissor lift, the operation of which is well known in the art. However, any alternative form of lifting systems can be employed, including other electrically powered lifting systems (such as worm drives; lead screws; rack and pinions), pneumatic systems (e.g., comprising one or more pneumatic actuators) and hydraulic systems (e.g., comprising one or more hydraulic actuators).

[0105] In examples in which the lifting mechanism comprises an electrically powered lifting system, the portable installation arrangement may comprise a first electrical input configured to connect to an electrical power system of the agricultural vehicle to provide power to the electrically powered lifting system. Thus, the electrically powered lifting system may be powered by an electrical power system of the agricultural vehicle. This advantageously avoids or reduces a need for the portable installation arrangement to be self-powered.

[0106] In examples in which the lifting mechanism comprises an electrically powered lifting system, the portable installation arrangement may comprise a second electrical input configured to connect to the battery to provide power to the electrically powered lifting mechanism. Thus, the battery 290 may provide the power for driving or actuating theelectrically powered lifting mechanism. This approach also advantageously avoids or reduces a need for the portable installation arrangement to be self-powered.

[0107] In examples in which the lifting mechanism comprises a hydraulic system for lifting the battery support, the portable installation arrangement may further comprise a hydraulic input configured to connect to an auxiliary hydraulics system of the agricultural vehicle for receiving hydraulic flow from the auxiliary hydraulics system to drive the hydraulic system of the lifting mechanism.

[0108] It is common for an agricultural vehicle, such as a tractor, to have an auxiliary hydraulics system. Typically, such an auxiliary hydraulics system is designed for driving or running hydraulic-based implements to be driven by the agricultural vehicle, such as brush cutters, rotary sweepers and so on. It is proposed to repurpose this auxiliary hydraulics system to drive a hydraulic system of a lifting mechanism for the portable installation arrangement. In this example, the agricultural vehicle may have a further (e.g., a main) battery which provides the electrical energy to drive a pump of the auxiliary hydraulics system.

[0109] As previously mentioned, after raising of the battery support (and battery), the battery is installed or attached to the underside of the agricultural vehicle. Thus, the battery and / or agricultural vehicle may comprise an attachment arrangement for attaching the two components together.

[0110] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an example attachment arrangement for attaching the battery 290 to the underside 120 of the agricultural vehicle.

[0111] The battery 290 comprises a projection 1110. The agricultural vehicle comprises a projection engagement mechanism 1150 configured to controllably engage with the projection 1110, positioned at an underside to the agricultural vehicle. The projection engagement mechanism 1150 here comprise a projection-receiving recess 1151 configured to receive the projection 1110 (e.g., as it is raised in a raising direction DR using a proposed portable installation arrangement) and an actuating mechanism 1152. The actuating mechanism is configured to, when the projection-receiving recess 1151 receives the projection, engage with the projection 1110 to prevent or restrict a falling of the projection 1110 (and therefore battery) in a direction opposite to the raising direction. The sides of the projection-receiving recess 1151 also aid in the prevention of the falling of the projection 1110, e.g., by forming a complimentary shape to the projection 1110.

[0112] To uninstall or remove the battery from the agricultural vehicle, the actuating mechanism may simply disengage from the projection to thereby release the battery from the agricultural vehicle.

[0113] In the illustrated example, the projection 1110 takes the form of an L-shaped projection, and the actuating mechanism 1152 engages with an underside of the L-shaped projection to prevent its falling in a direction opposite to the raising direction.

[0114] In an alternative example, the projection 1110 comprises one or more apertures. The actuating mechanism 1152 may engage with the bounds of the one or more apertures to prevent the projection falling in a direction opposite to the raising direction.

[0115] The actuating mechanism 1152 may, for instance, comprise an electrically powered device 1153 configured to controllably position a projection engagement element 1154 in an operative position for engagement with the projection 1110 or aperture to lock the battery to the agricultural vehicle. The projection engagement element 1154 is the part of the actuating mechanism that is able to engage with the projection 1110 or aperture. Examples of suitable electrically powered devices include worm drives, lead screws, rack and pinions. Alternatively, the actuating mechanism 1152 may be hydraulically powered. In an example, the projection element 1154 may be a hydraulically driven ram or pin. The projection element 1154 may be biased to the operative position and require powered actuation to be retracted to release the battery. This provides for failsafe attachment of the battery to the vehicle and consumes power only when the projection element 1154 is retracted for installation or removal of the battery.

[0116] The provision of a projection-receiving recess 1151 is not essential. However, their use increases an ease of aligning the projection with the actuating mechanism 1152.

[0117] Although only a single projection and projection engagement mechanism is described, in practice, the attachment arrangement may comprise a plurality of projections or apertures (formed as part of the battery) and a corresponding plurality of projection engagement mechanisms.

[0118] The above-described example of an attachment arrangement is provided only as an example, and a wide variety of alternative approaches will be apparent to the skilled person.

[0119] Any herein disclosed example of a portable installation arrangement may comprise wheels for aiding in the maneuvering of the portable installation arrangement, e.g., to move the portable installation arrangement to a site for installing the battery. In examples in which the portable installation arrangement comprises an element that is notraised together with the battery support, then the wheels are preferable connected to this element.

[0120] It has previously been mentioned how the combination of a battery and portable installation arrangement together form a battery arrangement. The battery arrangement may therefore comprise any herein described portable installation arrangement and the battery (supported on the battery support of the same).

[0121] Similarly, there is also provided an agricultural vehicular system comprising any such battery arrangement; and the agricultural vehicle.

[0122] In some examples, the battery arrangement is configured to have a predefined height. The predefined height may be less than a predefined ground clearance for the agricultural vehicle. This advantageously facilitates the positioning of the battery arrangement beneath the agricultural vehicle.

[0123] The skilled person will readily appreciate that the agricultural vehicle may comprise one or more other elements that have not been described for the sake of completeness, e.g., a cabin, a combustion engine, control circuitry, sensing circuitry and so on.

[0124] For the sake of completeness, FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1300 for installing a battery to an agricultural vehicle.

[0125] The method 1300 comprises a step 1310 of supporting a battery on a battery support of a portable installation arrangement located on the ground; a step 1320 of positioning the agricultural vehicle above / over the battery on the battery support; a step 1330 of attaching a lift engagement mechanism of the portable installation arrangement to front and rear hitches of the agricultural vehicle; a step 1340 of actuating the front and rear hitches to lift the battery support and raise the battery to position the battery for attachment to the agricultural vehicle; a step 1350 of attaching the battery to the agricultural vehicle; a step 1360 of actuating the front and rear hitches to lower the battery support clear of the battery; and a step 1370 of disconnecting the lift engagement mechanism from the front and rear hitches.

[0126] Within the scope of this application it should be understood that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out herein, and individual features thereof may be taken independently or in any possible and compatible combination. Where features are described with reference to a single aspect or embodiment, it should be understood that such features are applicable to all aspects and embodiments unless otherwise stated or where such features are incompatible.

[0127] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0128] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0129] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. All references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entireties. If there is a conflict between definitions herein and in an incorporated reference, the definition herein shall control.

Claims

CLAIMS:What is claimed is:

1. A portable installation arrangement for supporting a battery during installation to an underside of an agricultural vehicle, the portable installation arrangement comprising: a battery support configured to support the battery beneath the agricultural vehicle, wherein the battery support is liftable, by a lifting mechanism, from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position is closer to a ground surface during installation of the battery than the second position.

2. The portable installation arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a lift engagement mechanism configured to engage the battery support to an external lifting mechanism.

3. The portable installation arrangement of claim 2, wherein the lift engagement mechanism is configured to releasably engage the battery support to at least one hitch of the agricultural vehicle, such that the at least one hitch acts as the lifting mechanism.

4. The portable installation arrangement of claim 3, wherein the lift engagement mechanism is configured to releasably engage the battery support to a front hitch and a rear hitch of the agricultural vehicle.

5. The portable installation arrangement of claim 4, wherein: the battery support comprises a first support portion and a second support portion; the lift engagement mechanism is configured to couple the first support portion to the front hitch and the second support portion to the rear hitch; and the first support portion and second support portion are able to move away from one another as the battery support is lifted by the front and rear hitches.

6. The portable installation arrangement of claim 1, further comprising the lifting mechanism for lifting the battery support.

7. The portable installation arrangement of claim 6, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a hydraulic system for lifting the battery support.

8. The portable installation arrangement of claim 6 or 7, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises an electrically powered lifting system.

9. The portable installation arrangement of claim 8, further comprising a first electrical input configured to connect to an electrical power system of the agricultural vehicle to provide power to the electrically powered lifting system.

10. A battery arrangement comprising: the portable installation arrangement of any of claims 1 to 9; and a battery supported by the battery support of the portable installation arrangement.

11. The battery arrangement of claim 10 for an agricultural vehicle having a predefined ground clearance, wherein the height of the battery arrangement is less than the predefined ground clearance of the agricultural vehicle.

12. An agricultural vehicular system comprising: the battery arrangement of any of claims 10 or 11; and the agricultural vehicle.

13. The agricultural vehicular system of claim 12, wherein the battery is provided in addition to a further, main battery of the agricultural vehicle.

14. A method of installing a replaceable battery to the underside of an agricultural vehicle, the method comprising: supporting a battery on a battery support of a portable installation arrangement located on the ground; positioning the agricultural vehicle above the battery on the battery support; attaching a lift engagement mechanism of the portable installation arrangement to front and rear hitches of the agricultural vehicle;actuating the front and rear hitches to lift the battery support and raise the battery to position the battery for attachment to the agricultural vehicle; attaching the battery to the agricultural vehicle; actuating the front and rear hitches to lower the battery support clear of the battery; and disconnecting the lift engagement mechanism from the front and rear hitches.

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