Electric trucks

Abstract

An electric truck includes a battery pack assembly, the battery pack assembly including a battery pack mounting structure and at least one battery pack. The battery pack includes a box-shaped outer shell and battery cells arranged inside and supported by the outer shell. The battery pack mounting structure of each battery pack includes a first cantilever and a second cantilever, which are attached to the chassis of the electric truck, the first cantilever and the second cantilever extending in the transverse direction and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. In addition, during operation, the battery pack is interconnected with the first cantilever and the second cantilever in an articulated manner, which enables the chassis to perform torsional movement about the longitudinal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electric trucks and, therefore, to battery packs. Background Art

[0002] According to the prior art, an electric truck including a battery pack assembly having a battery pack mounting structure is known.

[0003] CN109955704A, first published on July 2, 2019, in the name of Jiangsu University, discloses an electric vehicle battery pack suspension device. The device includes a chassis, hydraulic shock absorbers, buffer springs, a battery box, connecting lugs, and battery cells. The battery cells are secured within the battery box's internal compartments. The battery box is connected to the connecting lugs on the upper side of the chassis via hydraulic shock absorbers, and a buffer spring is provided at the bottom of the battery box via axial bolts. Furthermore, the battery cells are bolted to the battery box.

[0004] CN207368041U, first published on May 15, 2018 in the name of Shenzhen Watma Battery Co., Ltd., discloses a power battery box bracket, which includes a pair of crossbeams and a plurality of connecting rods respectively arranged vertically on the pair of crossbeams; the pair of crossbeams are spaced apart, and each crossbeam has two connecting rods correspondingly arranged on one crossbeam. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A preferred variant relates to an electric truck comprising a battery pack assembly comprising a battery pack mounting structure and at least one battery pack. Depending on the field of application and design, the electric truck may comprise two or more battery packs. The at least one battery pack typically comprises a box-shaped outer shell having a certain length in the longitudinal direction of the truck, a certain width in the transverse direction of the truck, and a certain height in the vertical direction of the truck. Preferably, the outer shell is in the shape of a cube. Where appropriate, the outer shell of the battery pack is made of sheet metal to form a light, rigid and stable outer shell. It is desirable to avoid shear forces and / or torsional forces generated by the movement of the chassis of the electric truck during operation and transmitted to the rigid outer shell of the battery pack to avoid material fatigue and damage. Typically, at least one battery cell is arranged inside the outer shell and supported by the outer shell. In some variants, multiple battery cells may be arranged inside the outer shell of the battery pack.

[0006] The battery pack mounting structure of each battery pack includes a first cantilever and a second cantilever, which are attached to the chassis of the electric truck. Depending on the application, each battery pack can have three or more cantilevers attached to the chassis of the electric truck. The first cantilever and the second cantilever extend in the transverse direction and are spaced a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction. In some variations, at least the first cantilever and / or the second cantilever can be attached to the lateral side of the chassis. Alternatively, or in addition, at least the first cantilever and / or the second cantilever can extend in the transverse direction across the width of the chassis and can be attached to the chassis.

[0007] During operation of the electric truck, the battery pack is interconnected with the first and second cantilever arms in an articulated manner, which enables at least some torsional movement of the chassis about the longitudinal direction. In other words, the battery pack is mechanically decoupled from the torsional movement of the chassis of the electric truck during operation. This reduces shear and / or torsional forces on the rigid outer shell of the battery pack compared to a rigid connection between the battery pack and the first and second cantilever arms.

[0008] In a preferred variant, the outer housing can be connected to the first and second cantilever arms in the installed position via mounting means. In the installed position of the battery pack, the mounting means can form an articulated fit. Where appropriate, the mounting means are arranged longitudinally at the front and rear end regions of the outer housing of the battery pack. Preferably, the mounting means can be selected from the following group of elements or a combination thereof: slots and pins; centering pins and centering holes; different types of bolt connectors; and sliding connectors. Advantageously, the mounting means can be configured to limit longitudinal and transverse displacement of the battery pack relative to the chassis, while allowing some vertical displacement of the battery pack relative to the chassis. Good results are achieved when the mounting means are combined to provide a three-point suspension of the outer housing relative to the first and second cantilever arms, at least in the vertical direction. Preferably, in the installed position, the battery pack is arranged between the first and second cantilever arms. This allows for a compact battery pack assembly in the vertical direction.

[0009] In a preferred variation, the battery pack is insertable into and removable from the battery pack mounting structure.

[0010] At least the first cantilever and / or the second cantilever may include at least one guide surface extending in a transverse direction, the guide surface being configured to guide the battery pack into the installed position when the battery pack is moved in the transverse direction during insertion. Preferably, at least the first cantilever and / or the second cantilever include two or more guide surfaces, the two or more guide surfaces being oriented toward the battery pack in the installed position. This can be achieved by the longitudinal / cross-sectional profile of the first cantilever and / or the second cantilever being L-shaped and / or double-T-shaped and / or C-shaped. In some variations, a fixing device may be attached to the first cantilever and / or the second cantilever for securing the battery pack in the installed position. The fixing device can be closed from an open state to a closed state and can be opened from a closed state to an open state. Preferably, the fixing device is configured to prevent the mounting device of the battery pack from disengaging in the installed position when the fixing device is in the closed state. Depending on the application, the fixing device may include at least one buffer stop. Preferably, the at least one buffer stop is made of an elastic material. The securing device is in an open state when the battery pack is inserted into the battery pack mounting structure, and the securing device may be set to a closed state when the battery pack is in a mounted position.

[0011] Furthermore, the battery pack mounting arrangement may comprise an alignment device configured to limit the movement of the battery pack in a lateral direction when the battery pack is moved towards the installed position. Alternatively, or in addition, the alignment device may be configured to align the mounting device and to accurately determine the installation position of the battery pack when the battery pack is moved in a lateral direction towards the installed position. In some variants, the alignment device may be a stop attached to the chassis and / or the first cantilever and / or the second cantilever. Depending on the field of application, at least one mounting device is formed by a centering pin and a seat into which the centering pin engages in the installed position. The centering pin and the seat associated with the centering pin may form an articulated fit.

[0012] Vibration is a known challenge for battery packs, which has led to the creation of safety requirement regulations similar to UN ECE Regulation No. 100 (also known as R100), which addresses safety requirements for electric powertrains of road vehicles that include rechargeable battery packs.

[0013] The battery pack assembly of the electric truck may also include at least one damping element, positioned between the chassis and the battery cells, configured to absorb life-reducing frequencies. The life-reducing frequencies may be in the range of 5 Hz to 100 Hz. Typically, the battery pack assembly includes two or more damping elements. Preferably, at least one damping element is at least partially composed of a porous material and / or an elastic polymer. The at least one damping element is positioned between the first and / or second cantilever arms and the battery pack's outer casing. Advantageously, the at least one damping element positioned between the first and / or second cantilever arms and the battery pack's outer casing is at least partially positioned between contact areas of at least one mounting device. Thus, the at least one damping element may form an intermediate support layer between the battery pack and the first and / or second cantilever arms. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one damping element may be positioned within the battery pack. Preferably, the damping element within the battery pack serves as a support structure for supporting at least one battery cell relative to the battery pack's outer casing. Good results are achieved when the support structure substantially surrounds at least one battery cell. In this variant, vibrations in various deflection directions can be damped.

[0014] Furthermore, the present disclosure may be described in the following terms:

[0015] Clause 1: An electric truck comprising a battery pack assembly including a battery pack mounting structure and at least one battery pack, wherein:

[0016] a. The battery pack includes a box-shaped outer shell and a battery cell, the outer shell having a certain length in the longitudinal direction of the truck, a certain width in the transverse direction of the truck, and a certain height in the vertical direction of the truck, and the battery cell is arranged inside the outer shell and supported by the outer shell;

[0017] b. The battery pack mounting structure of each battery pack includes a first cantilever and a second cantilever, the first cantilever and the second cantilever being attached to the chassis of the electric truck, the first cantilever and the second cantilever extending in the lateral direction and being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction by a distance; wherein:

[0018] c. During operation, the battery pack is interconnected with the first and second cantilever arms in an articulated manner, which enables the chassis to perform torsional movement about the longitudinal direction.

[0019] Clause 2: The electric truck according to clause 1, wherein the outer shell is connected to the first cantilever and the second cantilever by a mounting device in the installed position.

[0020] Clause 3: The electric truck of clause 2, wherein the mounting means combine to provide three-point suspension of the outer shell relative to the first cantilever and the second cantilever in at least the vertical direction.

[0021] Clause 4: An electric truck according to clause 2 or 3, wherein the mounting means is selected from the following group of elements or a combination thereof: slots and pins; centering pins and centering holes; various types of bolt connectors; or sliding connectors.

[0022] Clause 5: The electric truck according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein, in the installed position, the battery pack is arranged between the first cantilever and the second cantilever.

[0023] Clause 6: Electric truck according to at least one of the preceding clauses 2 to 5, wherein at least one mounting device is formed by a centering pin and a seat into which the centering pin engages in the mounted position.

[0024] Clause 7: The electric truck according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one damping element is arranged between the chassis and the battery unit and is configured to absorb lifetime-reducing frequencies.

[0025] Clause 8: The electric truck according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one damping element is at least partially composed of a porous material and / or an elastic polymer.

[0026] Clause 9: The electric truck of any preceding clause, wherein at least one damping element serves as a support structure for supporting at least one battery cell relative to an outer housing of the battery pack.

[0027] Clause 10: The electric truck of clause 9, wherein the support structure substantially surrounds the at least one battery cell.

[0028] Clause 11: The electric truck of any preceding clause, wherein at least one damping element is disposed between the first cantilever and / or the second cantilever and an outer housing of the battery pack.

[0029] Clause 12: An electric truck according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least the first cantilever and / or the second cantilever includes at least one guide surface extending in a lateral direction, the guide surface being configured to guide the battery pack into an installed position when the battery pack is moved in the lateral direction during insertion.

[0030] Clause 13: The electric truck of any preceding clause, wherein the battery pack mounting structure includes an alignment device configured to restrict movement of the battery pack in a lateral direction and align the mounting device when the battery pack is moved toward the installed position.

[0031] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the disclosed concepts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention described herein will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered as limiting the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings show:

[0033] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of an electric truck according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a detailed view indicated by circle A;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the electric truck in the transverse direction y;

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 a detailed view indicated by circle B;

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side view of the electric truck in the longitudinal direction x;

[0038] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the battery pack;

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the battery pack indicated by section line C;

[0040] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of a battery pack assembly; and

[0041] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Detailed view indicated by circle F. Specific embodiments

[0042] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, features. Indeed, the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components or parts.

[0043] Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5 Different views of a variant of an electric truck 1 are shown, which includes a battery pack assembly 2, which includes a battery pack mounting structure 3 and at least one battery pack 4. In the illustrated variant, the battery pack assembly 2 has two cubical battery packs 4. Each battery pack 4 includes a box-shaped outer housing 5 having a length in the longitudinal direction x of the truck, a width in the transverse direction y of the truck, and a height in the vertical direction z of the truck. The outer housing 5 of the battery pack 4 is made of sheet metal, thereby forming a rigid outer housing 5.

[0044] The battery pack mounting structure 3 for each pack includes a first cantilever 7 and a second cantilever 8, which are attached to a chassis 9 of the electric truck, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 、 Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 8 The first cantilever 7 and the second cantilever 8 extend in the transverse direction y and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction x. Figure 8 In the variant shown, the first and / or second cantilever arm 8 is attached to a lateral side of the chassis 9 . Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5 A variant is shown in which at least the first cantilever 7 and / or the second cantilever 8 extend in the transverse direction y on the chassis 9 and are attached to the chassis 9 .

[0045] Figures 1 to 5 and Figures 8 and 9 The battery pack 4 is shown in the installed position. During operation of the electric truck 1, i.e., when the battery pack 4 is in the installed position, the battery pack 4 is interconnected with the first and second cantilever arms 7, 8 in an articulated manner, which enables at least some torsional movement of the chassis 9 about the longitudinal direction x. This reduces negative shear and / or torsional forces on the rigid outer housing 5 of the battery pack 5.

[0046] Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 9 A detailed view of the outer housing 5 in the mounted position, connected to the first cantilever 7 and / or the second cantilever 8 via the mounting device 10 , is shown. Figure 4 The fixing device 17 is also shown in the closed state. In the installed position of the battery pack 4, the mounting devices 10 form an articulated fit. At least one mounting device 10 is formed by a centering pin 11 and a seat 12, the centering pin 11 engaging in the seat 12 in the installed position, as shown. Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown. The centering pin 11 and its associated seat 12 form an articulated fit. The mounting device 10 is configured to limit displacement of the battery pack 4 relative to the chassis 9 in the longitudinal direction x and the transverse direction y, while allowing some displacement of the battery pack 4 relative to the chassis 9 in the vertical direction z. In the illustrated variant, the fixing device 17 is formed as at least one cushioning stop 17 made of rubber. The at least one cushioning stop prevents the centering pin 11 and the seat 12 from disengaging. The mounting devices 10, in combination, provide a three-point suspension of the outer shell 5 relative to the first and second cantilever arms 7 and 8, at least in the vertical direction z. In the illustrated variant, there are four mounting points with associated mounting devices 10. When the chassis 9 undergoes torsional movement, the weight of the battery pack 4 distributed to each mounting point may change, effectively creating a temporary three-point suspension, with the weight of the battery pack 4 being primarily borne by the three mounting points. In the installed position, the battery pack 4 is arranged between the first and second cantilever arms 7 and 8.

[0047] Figure 4 and Figure 9 It is shown that at least the first cantilever 7 and / or the second cantilever 8 comprises at least one guide surface 15 extending in the transverse direction y, which guide surface 15 is configured to guide the battery pack 4 into the installed position when the battery pack 4 is moved along the transverse direction y during insertion. In the variant shown, the first cantilever 7 and / or the second cantilever 8 comprises two guide surfaces 15, which are oriented towards the battery pack in the installed position. One guide surface 15 is perpendicular to Figure 4 The longitudinal direction x is indicated in the figure, and the other guide surface 15 is perpendicular to the Figure 9 The guide surface 15 is located on the longitudinal section / cross section of the first cantilever 7 and / or the second cantilever 8 and is L-shaped ( Figure 8 and Figure 9 ) and / or double T-shaped ( Figures 1 to 5 ).

[0048] also, Figure 5 and Figure 8The battery pack mounting structure 3 is shown to include an alignment device 16 configured to limit movement of the battery pack 4 in the transverse direction y when the battery pack 4 is moved toward the installed position. Furthermore, the alignment device 16 is configured to align the mounting device 10 and accurately determine the installed position of the battery pack 4 when the battery pack 4 is moved along the transverse direction y toward the installed position. In the illustrated variant, the alignment device 16 is a stopper 16 attached to the chassis 9 and / or the first cantilever arm 7 and / or the second cantilever arm 8.

[0049] Figure 6 A perspective view of a battery pack 4 is shown with a mounting device 10 which is arranged in the longitudinal direction x at the respective end region of the outer housing 5 . Figure 7 Shown Figure 6 4, showing a cross-sectional view of a battery pack 4, showing at least one battery cell 6 arranged inside and supported by the outer shell. At least one centering pin 11 is also shown.

[0050] Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 7 and Figure 9 A battery pack assembly 2 of an electric truck is partially shown, including at least one damping element 13 disposed between the chassis 9 and the battery cells 6 and configured to absorb lifetime-reducing frequencies. Life-reducing frequencies typically range from 5 Hz to 100 Hz. In a variant of the battery pack assembly 2 shown, the battery pack assembly 2 includes two or more damping elements 13. Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 9 At least one damping element 13 is shown arranged between the first cantilever 7 and / or the second cantilever 8 and the outer housing 5 of the battery pack 4. In particular, the damping element 13 is at least partially arranged between the contact areas of the at least one mounting device 10. Thus, the at least one damping element 10 forms an intermediate support layer between the battery pack 4 and the first cantilever 7 and / or the second cantilever 8. Figure 7 It is also shown that at least one damping element 13 is arranged inside the outer housing 5 of the battery pack 4. The damping element 13 inside the battery pack 4 serves as a support structure 14 for supporting the battery cells 6 relative to the outer housing 5 of the battery pack 4. In the illustrated variant, the support structure 14 substantially surrounds the battery cells 6, making it possible to dampen vibrations in different deflection directions.

[0051] Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0052] List of reference numerals:

[0053] 1 Electric Truck

[0054] 2 Battery Pack Components

[0055] 3 Battery pack installation structure

[0056] 4 battery packs

[0057] 5. Battery pack housing

[0058] 6 battery cells

[0059] 7 First cantilever

[0060] 8 Second cantilever

[0061] 9 Chassis

[0062] 10 Installation

[0063] 11 Centering pin

[0064] 12 seats

[0065] 13 Damping element

[0066] 14 Support structure

[0067] 15 Guide Surface

[0068] 16 Alignment device

[0069] 17 Fixtures

[0070] X vertical direction

[0071] Y horizontal direction

[0072] Z vertical direction

[0073] L is the length in the longitudinal direction

[0074] W width in the horizontal direction

[0075] H vertical height

Claims

1. An electric truck (1), comprising a battery pack assembly (2), the battery pack assembly (2) comprising a battery pack mounting structure (3) and at least one battery pack (4), wherein: a. The battery pack (4) comprises a box-shaped outer shell (5) and a battery unit (6), wherein the outer shell (5) has a certain length (L) in the longitudinal direction (x) of the truck (1), a certain width (W) in the transverse direction (y) of the truck (1), and a certain height (H) in the vertical direction (z) of the truck (1), and the battery unit (6) is arranged inside the outer shell (5) and supported by the outer shell (5); b. The battery pack mounting structure (3) of each battery pack (4) includes a first cantilever (7) and a second cantilever (8), the first cantilever (7) and the second cantilever (8) being attached to the chassis (9) of the electric truck (1), the first cantilever (7) and the second cantilever (8) extending in a transverse direction (y) and spaced apart from each other by a distance in the longitudinal direction (x); wherein: c. During operation, the battery pack (4) is connected to the first cantilever (7) and the second cantilever (8) in an articulated manner, which enables the chassis (9) to perform a torsional movement around the longitudinal direction (x); d. wherein the outer shell (5) is connected to the first cantilever (7) and the second cantilever (8) via a mounting device (10) in the installed position; e. wherein the mounting means (10) are combined to provide the outer shell (5) with a three-point suspension relative to the first cantilever (7) and the second cantilever (8) at least in the vertical direction (z).

2. The electric truck (1) according to claim 1, wherein The mounting device (10) is from the following group of elements or a combination thereof: slots and pins; centering pins and centering holes; various types of bolt connectors; or sliding connectors.

3. The electric truck (1) according to claim 1, wherein: In the installed position, the battery pack (4) is arranged between the first cantilever (7) and the second cantilever (8).

4. The electric truck (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one of the mounting means (10) is formed by a centering pin (11) and a seat (12), wherein in the mounted position the centering pin (11) engages in the seat (12).

5. The electric truck (1) according to claim 1, wherein At least one damping element (13) is arranged between the chassis (9) and the battery unit (6) and is configured to absorb lifetime-reducing frequencies.

6. The electric truck (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one damping element (13) consists at least partially of a porous material and / or an elastic polymer.

7. The electric truck (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: At least one damping element (13) serves as a support structure (14) for supporting at least one of the battery cells (6) relative to the outer shell (5) of the battery pack (4).

8. The electric truck (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The support structure (14) substantially surrounds at least one of the battery cells (6).

9. The electric truck (1) according to claim 1, wherein: At least one damping element (13) is arranged between the first cantilever (7) and / or the second cantilever (8) and the outer shell (5) of the battery pack (4).

10. The electric truck (1) according to claim 1, wherein At least the first cantilever (7) and / or the second cantilever (8) comprises at least one guide surface (15) extending in a transverse direction (y), the guide surface (15) being configured to guide the battery pack (4) into an installed position when the battery pack (4) is moved along the transverse direction (y) during insertion.

11. The electric truck (1) according to claim 1, wherein The battery pack mounting structure (3) includes an alignment device (16) configured to limit movement of the battery pack (4) in the lateral direction (y) and align the mounting device (10) when the battery pack (4) moves toward a mounted position.

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