Methods for moving heavy objects

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for moving a heavy object, in particular a method for moving a heavy object such as an energy storage or conversion device into a confined space. The method comprises: providing a heavy object in an initial position, the heavy object having a lower side resting on a floor surface, and comprising an inducible air cushion device, which in its inactive state maintains the lower side of the heavy object in contact with the floor surface; activating the inducible air cushion device by forming an air cushion between the lower side of the heavy object and the floor surface, the air cushion generating a lifting force causing the lower side of the heavy object to lose contact with the floor surface; moving the heavy object relative to the confined space until the lower side of the heavy object is at least flush with the support surface of the confined space; and moving the heavy object to its final position in the confined space using the lifting force of the air cushion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for moving a heavy object, such as an energy storage or conversion device, into a confined space. The present invention also relates to a heavy object, in the form of an energy storage or conversion device, and a vehicle comprising an inducible air cushion device for facilitating the movement of the heavy object into a confined space. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle typically includes an engine for propelling the vehicle. The engine may be powered by various means, such as by liquid or gaseous fuel in an internal combustion engine, or by electricity in an electric motor. Furthermore, there are hybrid solutions where the vehicle is driven by both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. In either case, energy storage or conversion devices are used to power the engine or the electric motor. In addition, fuel cells and gas storage tanks that supply suitable gases to the fuel cells may be used to propel the vehicle.

[0003] Energy storage or conversion devices for heavy commercial vehicles (e.g. batteries, gas tanks or fuel cells) may have a weight of several hundred kilograms, so that special lifting equipment is required during assembly of the energy storage or conversion device on the vehicle and during maintenance workshops. Furthermore, the energy storage or conversion device is usually associated with a specific installation position, e.g. attached to the vehicle at a position where interfaces with connection possibilities are available (e.g. electrical input / output). This precise positioning of the energy storage or conversion device makes assembly and maintenance more complicated, since the energy storage or conversion device needs to be moved to and removed from said associated position.

[0004] In order to move heavy energy storage or conversion equipment, various lifting devices or trucks are usually used. In order to prevent undesired movement of heavy objects (e.g. damage to important components as interfaces with connection possibilities), care must be taken during the movement. It is difficult to precisely control the movement of heavy objects by means of lifting devices or trucks. In addition, lifting devices and trucks are associated with high costs.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an improved method for moving heavy objects, such as energy storage or conversion equipment. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially alleviate the above discussed disadvantages associated with known methods of moving heavy objects and to improve a heavy object in the form of an energy storage or conversion device with respect to its mobility.

[0007] According to at least a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for moving a heavy object, such as an energy storage or conversion device, into a confined space, the confined space being at least partially defined by a support surface for supporting the heavy object in a final position. The method comprises:

[0008] - providing the heavy object in an initial position, the heavy object having an underside resting on a ground surface and comprising an inducible air cushioning device which, in its inactive state, maintains the underside of the heavy object in contact with the ground surface;

[0009] - activating the inducible air cushion device by forming an air cushion between the underside of the heavy object and the floor surface, the air cushion generating a lifting force causing the underside of the heavy object to lose contact with the floor surface,

[0010] - moving the heavy object relative to the confined space until the underside of the heavy object is at least flush with the support surface of the confined space, and

[0011] - Using the lifting force of the air cushion to move the heavy object to its final position in the confined space and onto the supporting surface of the confined space.

[0012] Thus, a method for facilitating the movement of heavy objects is provided. Therefore, the object of the present invention is achieved at least by the first aspect of the present invention. By utilizing the lifting force of the air cushion, the heavy object can be moved into a confined space, thereby using less force than moving a heavy object without such an inducible air cushion device. In other words, the friction between the heavy object and the floor surface is reduced due to the inducible air cushion device, thereby facilitating the movement of the heavy object. In addition, by using the air cushion to move the heavy object, non-interaction transportation over small gaps and / or obstacles is possible. In addition, by providing the heavy object with an inducible air cushion device (the inducible air cushion device is preferably integrated into the heavy object, which will be further described below), the heavy object can be moved into a confined space without the need to subsequently remove the inducible air cushion device (such removal may be cumbersome). In addition, the method may include using the lifting force of the air cushion to move the heavy object out of the confined space from its final position. Therefore, it is convenient to assemble the heavy object into the confined space and to move the heavy object out of the confined space (for example due to maintenance of the heavy object). Therefore, the use of lifting devices and trucks can be reduced or even omitted.

[0013] It should be understood that the confined space may be a space into which a heavy object fits tightly, for example, the extension of the confined space in at least one direction has the same magnitude as the corresponding extension of the heavy object (but obviously large enough to accommodate the heavy object). For example, the height of the confined space may have the same magnitude as the height of the heavy object. That is, the height of the confined space may be approximately the same as the height of the heavy object, for example 5% to 50% higher than the height of the heavy object.

[0014] According to at least one example embodiment, the confined space is an inner containment space of a container, such as a box for containing energy storage or conversion equipment in a vehicle. According to at least one example embodiment, the confined space is simply referred to as a space or inner containment space of a container.

[0015] According to at least one example embodiment, the inducible air cushion device is arranged and configured to achieve a movement of the heavy object corresponding to the movement of the hovercraft. In other words, the inducible air cushion device is arranged and configured to make the heavy object move like a hovercraft. Therefore, a large amount of gas is generated on the lower side of the heavy object (i.e., the air cushion) at a pressure (slightly) higher than atmospheric pressure (for example, with the help of a blower or a blowing device). The pressure difference between the air cushion and the lower pressure of the ambient air generates a lifting force, which causes the lower side of the heavy object to lose contact with the bottom plate surface, or "float" on the bottom plate surface. According to at least one example embodiment, the inducible air cushion device includes a skirt (usually a flexible skirt), which contains an air cushion.

[0016] According to at least one example embodiment, moving the heavy object to its final position in the confined space includes: utilizing the lifting force of the air cushion to slide the heavy object onto a supporting surface of the confined space. Thus, the lifting force of the air cushion facilitates the movement of the heavy object in such a way that the heavy object can slide from one surface to another.

[0017] According to at least one example embodiment, wherein moving the heavy object relative to the confined space includes vertically moving the heavy object from a first vertical position to a second vertical position.

[0018] Therefore, the heavy object can be moved vertically to align the floor surface with the support surface of the confined space. Such vertical movement is usually performed by a lifting device, which is arranged and configured to move the heavy object vertically to various vertical positions or vertical heights.

[0019] According to at least one example embodiment, during vertical movement of a heavy object from a first vertical position to a second vertical position, an air cushion device may be induced to maintain or enter its inactive state.

[0020] Therefore, when the underside of the heavy object rests on the floor surface, the heavy object can be stable during vertical movement. Therefore, in an inactive state, the underside of the heavy object will not lose contact with the floor surface.

[0021] According to at least one example embodiment, wherein moving the heavy object into the confined space includes horizontally moving the heavy object from one horizontal position (eg, the first or second horizontal position) to another horizontal position (eg, the second or third horizontal position).

[0022] Therefore, the lifting force of the air cushion facilitates horizontal movement as described above. It should be understood that the vertical direction and the horizontal direction can be alternatively referred to as the direction of the heavy object in the Cartesian coordinate system (xyz coordinates). In this case, the height of the heavy object extends in the z direction, corresponding to the vertical direction, and the length and width of the heavy object extend in the xy plane, corresponding to the horizontal direction. Therefore, vertical movement is movement along the z direction, and horizontal movement is movement in the xy plane.

[0023] According to at least one example embodiment, the method includes, after moving the heavy object to its final position in the confined space, causing the inducible air cushion device to enter its inactive state so that the underside of the heavy object obtains contact with a support surface in the confined space.

[0024] Thereby, the heavy object may be accommodated in a confined space in a stable manner.According to at least one example embodiment, the heavy object is assembled in a confined space.

[0025] According to at least one example embodiment, the inducible air cushion device is arranged and configured to form a plurality of separated air cushion segments when activated, the method further comprising moving the heavy object over a gap, whereby a subset of the plurality of separated air cushion segments maintain an overall lifting force caused by the inducible air cushion device.

[0026] A subset of the plurality of separated air cushion segments means less than all of the separated air cushion segments. Thus, with the separated air cushion segments, the overall lifting force (i.e., the sum of the individual lifting forces caused by the separated air cushion segments) is sufficient to keep the underside of the heavy object above the floor surface or support surface, even if one or more of the separated air cushion segments are temporarily malfunctioning or inoperative (i.e., "deflated") (e.g., due to coincidence with the gap). In other words, with the plurality of separated air cushion segments, the heavy object can move or slide over the gap, causing at least one air cushion segment to lose the lifting force it causes, while the other air cushion segments provide an overall lifting force, enabling the underside of the heavy object to remain above the floor surface or support surface.

[0027] The inducible air cushion device can, for example, be arranged and constructed to be able to move over a gap, the size of which is between 1% and 40% of the extension range of the heavy object (the extension range is, for example, the extension range along the longitudinal axis of the heavy object, such as the extension range along the axis of the heavy object in the xy plane), or between 1% and 30% of the extension range of the heavy object, or between 1% and 20% thereof, or between 1% and 10% thereof, for example between 1% and 5% thereof.

[0028] According to at least one example embodiment, the inducible air cushion device is integrated in the heavy object, preferably by including a slot or cavity in the underside of the heavy object. Alternatively, however, the inducible air cushion device is a separate component from the heavy object, for example in the form of a platform on which the heavy object can be placed.

[0029] By integrating the inducible air cushion device into a heavy object, the heavy object can be easily moved into and out of a confined space without any cumbersome activities associated with removing the inducible air cushion device.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heavy object in the form of an energy storage or conversion device. The heavy object comprises:

[0031] - a lower side configured to rest on a floor surface,

[0032] - an inducible air cushion device, which can be arranged in an active state and an inactive state, wherein the inducible air cushion device maintains the lower side of the heavy object in contact with the bottom plate surface in its inactive state; and forms an air cushion between the lower side of the heavy object and the bottom plate surface in its active state, thereby generating a lifting force that causes the lower side of the heavy object to lose contact with the bottom plate surface.

[0033] The effects and features of the second aspect of the invention are largely similar to those described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention, at least in relation to the inducible air cushion device and its advantageous effects. The embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect of the invention are largely compatible with the second aspect of the invention, at least in relation to the inducible air cushion device, some of which are exemplified below. Thus, a heavy object in the form of an energy storage or conversion device is provided, which is improved in terms of mobility. Thus, at least the object of the invention is achieved by the second aspect of the invention.

[0034] According to at least one example embodiment, the inducible air cushion device is arranged and configured to form a plurality of separate air cushion segments in its active state.

[0035] Thus, as previously mentioned, the heavy object may be moved over the gap without loss of overall lifting force as described with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

[0036] According to at least one example embodiment, the heavy object comprises at least a front side and a rear side arranged along the longitudinal axis of the heavy object (i.e., the xy plane as described with reference to the first aspect of the invention), and comprises an interface with connection possibilities integrated in the front side and / or the rear side, wherein the inducible air cushion device is arranged and constructed to enable the heavy object to move in the direction along the longitudinal axis in its active state.

[0037] Thus, the heavy object can be arranged in a confined space in a desired manner with respect to the positioning of the interface.The heavy object can, for example, have a rectangular shape, or be box-shaped.

[0038] According to at least one example embodiment, wherein when the inducible air cushion device is in its active state, the separate air cushion segments are arranged in a parallel configuration along a longitudinal axis of the heavy object.

[0039] Thus, when bridging a gap perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heavy object, the separated air cushion segments will successively encounter the gap. Thus, the separated air cushion segments may successively become temporarily inoperable, as the supplied gas will enter the gap instead of forming an air cushion, while the separated air cushions that temporarily do not coincide with the gap may maintain the overall lifting force of the heavy object, as described with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

[0040] According to at least one example embodiment, an inducible air cushion device is integrated into a heavy object, preferably by including a slot or cavity in an underside of the heavy object.

[0041] By integrating an inducible air cushion device into a heavy object, the heavy object can be easily moved into and out of a confined space without any cumbersome activities associated with removing the inducible air cushion device. According to at least one example embodiment, a slot or cavity in the underside of the heavy object is included in the inducible air cushion device. This provides a simple but effective method of integrating an inducible air cushion device into a heavy object. In other words, the inducible air cushion device includes an indentation of the outer shell of the heavy object, which forms a slot or cavity extending from the underside of the heavy object inwardly toward the heavy object.

[0042] According to at least one example embodiment, the inducible air cushion device comprises a plurality of slots in the underside of the heavy object (or a corresponding plurality of notches of the outer shell of the heavy object), each slot being arranged and configured to form a separate air cushion segment (i.e., the separate air cushion segments described above). Thus, according to at least one example embodiment, the plurality of slots are arranged in a parallel configuration along the longitudinal axis of the heavy object. Thus, the heavy object can bridge a gap.

[0043] According to at least one example embodiment, the inducible air cushion apparatus includes an inlet connection connectable to a gas supply, and a conduit system configured to convey gas from the gas supply and the inlet connection to the one or more slots.

[0044] According to at least a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a plurality of heavy objects in the form of energy storage or conversion devices according to the second aspect of the present invention and a container for accommodating the energy storage or conversion devices.

[0045] According to at least one example embodiment, the energy storage or conversion device is a battery, a fuel tank and / or a fuel cell.

[0046] Additional advantages and features of the present disclosure are disclosed and discussed in the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] With reference to the accompanying drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

[0048] In these figures:

[0049] Figure 1 is a side schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle including a container for housing a plurality of heavy objects in the form of energy storage or conversion devices;

[0050] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B are different schematic side views of a heavy object including an inducible air cushioning device according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 3 is a perspective view of moving a heavy object into a confined space using an inducible air cushion device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method according to an example embodiment of the present invention,

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional detail of a heavy object according to an example embodiment of the present invention, and

[0054] Figure 6is a schematic cross-sectional detail view of a heavy object according to yet another example embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] refer to Figure 1 , a vehicle 1 (here implemented as a heavy truck 1) is disclosed, for which a heavy object in the form of an energy storage or conversion device 30 of the type disclosed in the present disclosure is advantageous. However, the energy storage or conversion device 30 can also be implemented in other types of vehicles, such as in buses, light trucks, cars, marine applications, etc. The vehicle 1 can be an electric vehicle 1 (e.g. a full electric vehicle) or a hybrid vehicle including a plurality of energy storage or conversion devices 31, 32, 33 (e.g. batteries or fuel cells) that supply energy to the motor or engine 20. Therefore, in Figure 1 In the example electric vehicle 1, the motor or engine 20 may be a motor 20 powered by an energy storage or conversion device 30 in the form of a battery 31, 32, 33. The battery 30 may be charged using a cable, or may be wirelessly charged using a wireless charging device connected to an electrical energy source, such as the grid. Figure 1 The vehicle in the embodiment further includes a first axle 40, a second axle 50 and a third axle 60 which are separately arranged along the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle 1. The first axle 40 is Figure 1 In the middle is a front axle 40, preferably a driven axle 40 comprising a propulsion means 42 (realized as a front wheel 42). A second axle 50 is a first rear axle 50, which may or may not be a driven axle comprising a propulsion means 52 (realized as a first rear wheel 52), and a third axle 60 is a second rear axle 60, which may or may not be a driven axle comprising a propulsion means 62 (realized as a second rear wheel 62).

[0056] also, Figure 1 The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle main support structure 5, which may include a vehicle support frame or chassis, to which components of the vehicle 1 are supported and attached. Between the first axle 40 and the second axle 50, the vehicle main support structure 5 forms a wheelbase structure 10. The wheelbase structure 10 includes a container or compartment 15 in the form of a box 15, which includes a confined space for accommodating an energy storage or conversion device 30.

[0057] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B An exemplary energy storage or conversion device 300 is disclosed, such as a battery, a gas storage tank, or a fuel cell. The energy storage or conversion device 300 includes a housing 310 having a bottom side 312, Figure 2AIn the embodiment of the present invention, the lower side 312 rests on the floor surface 301. In the lower side 312 of the energy storage or conversion device 300, a slot 314 or cavity 314 is formed. Therefore, in other words, the housing 310 includes a recess 314 (slot 314 or cavity 314) extending from the lower side 312 inwardly toward the energy storage or conversion device 300. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B In the embodiment, at least the first slot 314A and the second slot 314B are arranged on different sides of the central axis A of the energy storage or conversion device 300. The energy storage or conversion device 300 also includes an inducible gas cushion device 320, which includes an inlet connection 321 connectable to a gas supply source (e.g., an air supply source), a first skirt 322A arranged in the first slot 314A, and a second skirt 322B arranged in the second slot 314B. Figure 2A In the embodiment, the first skirt 322A and the second skirt 322B are respectively received in the first slot 314A and the second slot 314B. The inducible air cushion device 320 further includes a conduit system 330 configured to deliver gas from a gas supply source via an inlet connector 321 to the first skirt 322A and the second skirt 322B in the first slot 314A and the second slot 314B, respectively. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B As can be seen, the inducible air cushion device 320 is integrated into the energy storage or conversion device 300. The duct system 330 can be arranged inside or outside the housing 310.

[0058] The inducible air cushion device 320 can be arranged in an active state and an inactive state. Figure 2A In the inactive state shown, the inducible air cushion device 320 does not cause the lower side 312 of the energy storage or conversion device 300 to lose contact with the floor surface 301. In other words, the inducible air cushion device 320 in its inactive state allows or causes the lower side 312 of the energy storage or conversion device 300 to contact the floor surface 301. That is, in the inactive state, no gas is supplied to the inducible air cushion device 320 via the inlet connection 321, or alternatively, not enough gas is supplied to the inducible air cushion device 320 to form an air cushion in the first slot 314A and the second slot 314B to cause the lower side 312 of the energy storage or conversion device 300 to lose contact with the floor surface 301.

[0059] exist Figure 2BIn the active state of the inducible air cushion device 320 shown, sufficient gas is supplied to the inlet connection 321 (and further supplied via the conduit system 330) to form an air cushion 324 between the lower side 312 and the floor surface 301, thereby generating a lifting force that causes the lower side 312 of the energy storage or conversion device 300 to lose contact with the floor surface 301. In more detail, gas is supplied to the first slot 314A via the conduit system 330, whereby the first skirt 322A is deployed and forms a first air cushion 324A. Correspondingly, gas is supplied to the second slot 314B via the conduit system 330, whereby the second skirt 322B is deployed and forms a second air cushion 324B. The combined effect of the air cushions 324 is that the generated lifting force causes the lower side 312 to lose contact with the floor surface 301. Thereby, movement of the energy storage or conversion device 300, such as sliding movement along the floor surface 301, is facilitated.

[0060] It should be noted that the first skirt 322A and the second skirt 322B can be attached to the internal structure of the first slot 314A and the second slot 314B, respectively. According to at least one example embodiment, the first skirt 322A and the second skirt 322B are omitted. Therefore, by providing sufficient gas to the first slot 314A and the second slot 314B and / or adjusting the size of the first slot 314A and the second slot 314B accordingly, the inducible air cushion device 320 can be arranged and configured to generate a lifting force that causes the lower side 312 of the energy storage or conversion device 300 to lose contact with the bottom plate surface 301 without the first skirt 322A and the second skirt 322B.

[0061] The energy storage or conversion device 300, which is a heavy object, usually needs to be moved into a confined space (for example, to install the energy storage or conversion device 300 in a Figure 1 15 of the vehicle 1) when handled with care. Figure 3 to Figure 4 This method of moving the energy storage or conversion device 300 is described below.

[0062] Figure 3 The energy storage or conversion device 300 of FIG. 2 and its movement from an initial position P1 to a final position P4 within a confined space 415 are disclosed, and Figure 4 is a flow chart describing the steps of the method of the mobile energy storage or conversion device 300. Figure 3 To improve visibility, some reference numerals of the energy storage or conversion device 300 are no longer shown, and reference is made to FIG. 2 . The confined space 415 is at least partially defined by a support surface 417 for supporting the energy storage or conversion device 300 in its final position P4. The confined space 415 is, for example, Figure 1The vehicle 1 is provided with a confined space of a container 15 , for example a box, such as a box for accommodating a battery or a fuel cell in the vehicle.

[0063] In step S10 (e.g., the first step S10), the energy storage or conversion device 300 is placed in an initial position P1. In the initial position P1, the lower side 312 of the energy storage or conversion device 300 rests on the first floor surface 401, and the air cushion device 320 can be induced to be in its inactive state so as not to cause the lower side 312 to lose contact with the first floor surface 401.

[0064] In step S20 (for example, the second step S20), the air cushion device 320 can be induced to be activated, i.e., enter its active state, by forming an air cushion 324 between the lower side 312 of the energy storage or conversion device 300 and the first bottom plate surface 401, and the air cushion 324 generates a lifting force that causes the lower side 312 to lose contact with the first bottom plate surface 401, as has been described accordingly with reference to Figure 2.

[0065] In step S30 (e.g., the third step S30), the energy storage or conversion device 300 is moved from the initial position P1 to the second position P2 using the lifting force of the air cushion 324. The movement in step S30 is usually performed by horizontal movement (i.e., movement along the longitudinal direction of the energy storage or conversion device 300). Therefore, the energy storage or conversion device 300 moves from a first horizontal position at the first position P1 to a second horizontal position at the second position P2, and the two horizontal positions are different from each other. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the energy storage or conversion device 300 is horizontally moved by sliding the energy storage or conversion device 300 onto the second floor surface 402, and the second floor surface 402 is vertically aligned with the first floor surface 401. For example, the energy storage or conversion device 300 is pushed from the initial position P1 to the second position P2 by hand. Therefore, at least initially in the second position P2, due to the lifting force of the air cushion 324, the lower side 312 is not in contact with the second floor surface 402.

[0066] exist Figure 3 , the second floor surface 402 forms part of a lifting device 410 configured to vertically move the energy storage or conversion device 300. For example, the lifting device 410 is configured to vertically move the energy storage or conversion device 300 to a vertical distance of at least 50% of the height of the energy storage or conversion device 300, i.e., much greater than any vertical movement caused by the inducible air cushion device 320.

[0067] In step S40 (eg fourth step S40 ), the air cushion device 320 may be induced into its inactive state, for example by stopping or at least reducing the gas supplied to the inlet connection 321 . Thus, the underside 312 will be in contact with the second floor surface 402 .

[0068] In step S50 (e.g., fifth step S50), the energy storage or conversion device 300 is vertically moved from the second position P2 to the third position P3 relative to the confined space 415, wherein the lower side 312 of the energy storage or conversion device 300 is at least flush with the support surface 417 of the confined space 415. Thus, the energy storage or conversion device 300 is moved from a first vertical position / vertical height at the second position P2 to a second vertical position / vertical height at the third position P3, which are different from each other. During step S50, the inducible air cushion device 320 is preferably kept in its inactive state to increase stability during the movement.

[0069] In step S60 (for example, the sixth step S60), by forming an air cushion 324 between the lower side 312 of the energy storage or conversion device 300 and the second base plate surface 402 (i.e., at the second vertical position / vertical height), the air cushion device 320 can be induced to be activated, i.e., enter its active state, and the air cushion 324 generates a lifting force that causes the lower side 312 to lose contact with the second base plate surface 402.

[0070] In step S70 (e.g., the seventh step S70), the energy storage or conversion device 300 is horizontally moved from the third position P3 to the final position P4 in the confined space 415 using the lifting force of the air cushion 324. Therefore, the energy storage or conversion device 300 is moved from the second horizontal position ( Figure 3 The horizontal position of the energy storage or conversion device 300 in the second position P2 and the third position P3 is the same) moves to a third horizontal position at the final position P4, and the two horizontal positions are different from each other. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the energy storage or conversion device 300 is moved horizontally by sliding the energy storage or conversion device 300 onto the support surface 417 of the confined space 415. For example, the energy storage or conversion device 300 is pushed from the third position P3 to the final position P4 by hand. Therefore, at least initially in the final position P4, the lower side 312 is not in contact with the support surface 417 due to the lifting force of the air cushion 324.

[0071] In step S80 (eg, eighth step S80 ), the air cushion device 320 may be induced into its inactive state, for example by stopping or at least reducing the gas supplied to the inlet connection 321 . Thus, the underside 312 will be in contact with the support surface 417 .

[0072] Energy storage or conversion device 300 Figure 3 The energy storage or conversion device 300 is box-shaped or has a rectangular shape, including at least a front side 303 arranged along the longitudinal axis LA of the energy storage or conversion device 300 and a parallel rear side. Figure 3 As shown, the front side 303 may include an interface 309 for connection possibilities (e.g. electrical connection). Thus, the inducible air cushion device 320 is configured to enable the energy storage or conversion device 300 to move at least in a direction along the longitudinal axis. Thus, the front side 303 with the interface 309 for connection possibilities may be ideally arranged in a confined space 415. The interface 309 may also be arranged on the back side of the energy storage or conversion device 300.

[0073] When the energy storage or conversion device 300 moves from the third position P3 to the final position P4 in step S70 and thus moves or slides from the second floor surface 402 to the support surface 417, the energy storage or conversion device 300 will generally pass through the gap existing between the second floor surface 402 and the support surface 417 (i.e., between the second floor surface 402 and the support surface 417). Figure 3 In order to be able to keep the lifting force intact or at least act during the movement over the gap so that the lower side 312 does not contact the second floor surface 402 and / or the support surface 417 before reaching the final position P4, the inducible air cushion device 320 is preferably arranged to form a plurality of separated air cushion segments between the lower side 312 and the floor surface or the support surface. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary energy storage or conversion device 300', which may be, for example, in conjunction with FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B and Figure 3 The energy storage or conversion device of the same energy storage or conversion device 300, wherein the first slot 314A' and the second slot 314B' (corresponding to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The first slot 314A and the second slot 314B) of the energy storage or conversion device 300 are shown as a first pair of slots arranged in a first row R1. Figure 5 The energy storage or conversion device 300' also includes FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The corresponding inlet connector 321 and conduit system 330 of the energy storage or conversion device 300 correspond to the inlet connector and conduit system.

[0074] Figure 5 The energy storage or conversion device 300' also includes a third slot 314C' and a fourth slot 314D' arranged as a second pair of slots in the second row R2, and a fifth slot 314E' and a sixth slot 314F' arranged as a third pair of slots in the third row R3. Each of the slots 314A' to 314F' includes FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The first skirt 322A and the second skirt 322B in the first slot 314A and the second slot 314B correspond to the skirt (not shown), and the gas connection to the inlet connection via the conduit system. Figure 5 In the arrangement of the inducible air cushion device, in the active state of the inducible air cushion device, a separate air cushion will be formed in each of the slots 314A' to 314F', each of which generates a separate lifting force, wherein the sum of the active air cushions forms the overall lifting force of the energy storage or conversion device 300'. Therefore, the energy storage or conversion device 300' can move over the gap 416 while maintaining the overall lifting force, at least for bridging the gap 416 (even if one or more of the air cushions temporarily do not contribute to the overall lifting force due to coincidence with the gap 416). For example, in Figure 5 , the induced air cushions in the fifth and sixth slots 314E', 314F' (R3) do not contribute to the overall lifting force because they temporarily coincide with the gap 416 (i.e., temporarily inoperable), and any gas supplied to the fifth slot 314E' and the sixth slot 314F' will be further transported into the gap 416 without forming any air cushion. However, the separated air cushions induced in the first to fourth slots 314A' to 314D' (R1, R2) will provide an overall lifting force that keeps the lower side of the energy storage or conversion device 300' from contacting the second floor surface 402 or the support surface 417. In addition, as the energy storage or conversion device 300' moves further into the confined space 415 as shown by the arrows, the fifth slot 314E' and the sixth slot 314F' will again be able to form separated air cushions that generate their own separate lifting forces because the fifth slot 314E' and the sixth slot 314F' will be arranged above the support surface 417. Therefore, as another pair of slots in the multiple pairs of slots R1, R2 coincides with the gap 416, the lifting force caused by the air cushion generated in the fifth slot 314E' and the sixth slot 314F' will contribute to the overall lifting force, so that the overall lifting force enables the lower side of the energy storage or conversion device 300' to not contact the second base plate surface 402 or the support surface 417.

[0075] So, briefly returning to Figure 4 The method may include step S75 (preferably a sub-step of step S70): moving the energy storage or conversion device 300 by sliding the energy storage or conversion device 300, 300' on the gap 416, so that the plurality of separated air cushion segments enable the overall lifting force of the inducible air cushion device to be maintained.

[0076] Figure 6 Public Figure 5 An alternative embodiment of an energy storage or conversion device 300'. Figure 6 The energy storage or conversion device 500 includes a first slot 514A, a second slot 514B, and a third slot 514C. The energy storage or conversion device 500 also includes FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The inlet connector and conduit system corresponding to the corresponding inlet connector 321 and conduit system 330 of the energy storage or conversion device 300. Each of the slots 514A to 514C includes a corresponding FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The first skirt 322A and the second skirt 322B in the first slot 314A and the second slot 314B correspond to skirts (not shown), and a gas connection to the inlet connection via a conduit system.

[0077] and Figure 5 Compared to the energy storage or conversion device 300', Figure 6 The energy storage or conversion device 500 does not group the slots 514A to 514C in pairs in a row, but instead provides a slot layout in which the slots 514A to 514C are arranged in a parallel configuration along the longitudinal axis LA of the energy storage or conversion device 500. Thus, the energy storage or conversion device 500 can be connected to Figure 5 The energy storage or conversion device 300' is correspondingly moved over the gap 416 while maintaining the overall lifting force, at least for bridging the gap 416. Figures 5 and 6 In FIG. 1 , the air cushions 324 ′, 524 or air cushion segments 324 ′, 524 coincide with the slots 314A′ to 314E′, 514A to 514C and are generally indicated by a single reference numeral.

[0078] Figure 5 and Figure 6The number of slots and air cushions shown in is illustrative. It should be appreciated that there may be more slots and air cushions, but there may also be fewer slots and air cushions. However, all slots and air cushions are members of a cooperating group (i.e., a group that cooperates when performing an overall lifting force that causes the underside of the energy storage or conversion device to lose contact with the base plate surface) (except for any slots or air cushions that are temporarily inoperable due to, for example, coinciding with a gap). Therefore, the number of slots and air cushions of the energy storage or conversion device can vary and can be provided in various layouts. For example, the slots can be separated in various ways along the longitudinal axis of the energy storage or conversion device so that the energy storage or conversion device can move over the gap while maintaining the overall lifting force, at least for bridging the gap. For example, the inducible air cushion device is constructed and arranged to bridge a gap of less than 40% (e.g., between 1% and 40%) of the extension range of the energy storage or conversion device along the longitudinal axis, for example, a gap of less than 30% or less than 20% or less than 10% or less than 5%, for example, between 1% and 30%, or between 1% and 20%, or between 1% and 10%, or between 1% and 5%, of the extension range of the energy storage or conversion device along the longitudinal axis.

[0079] Typically, the energy storage or conversion device 300, 300', 500 includes an energy storage or conversion device, such as a battery cell for an embodiment in which the energy storage or conversion device is a battery, a gas storage tank containing a gas for an embodiment in which the energy storage or conversion device is a gas storage tank, or a separate fuel cell unit for an embodiment in which the energy storage or conversion device is a fuel cell.

[0080] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings; rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0081] In addition, by studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations to the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed inventive concept. 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. The fact that certain measures are cited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, but can be performed according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

Claims

1. A method for moving a heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) into a confined space (415), the confined space (415) being at least partially defined by a support surface (417) for supporting the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) in a final position (P4), the method comprising: - providing the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) in an initial position (P1), the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) having a lower side (312) resting on a floor surface (301, 401) and comprising an inducible air cushion device (320) which, in its inactive state, maintains the lower side (312) of the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) in contact with the floor surface (301, 401); - activating the inducible air cushion device (320) by forming an air cushion (324) between the underside (312) of the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) and the floor surface (301), the air cushion (324) generating a lifting force causing the underside (312) of the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) to lose contact with the floor surface (301, 401), - moving the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) relative to the confined space (415) until the underside (312) of the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) is at least flush with the support surface (417) of the confined space (415), and - Using the lifting force of the air cushion (324), the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) is moved to its final position (P4) in the confined space (415) and onto the supporting surface (417) of the confined space (415).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) is an energy storage or conversion device (31, 32, 33).

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Moving the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) relative to the confined space (415) includes vertically moving the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) from a first vertical position (P2) to a second vertical position (P3).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: During vertical movement of the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) from a first vertical position (P2) to a second vertical position (P3), the inducible air cushion device (320) is maintained in its inactive state or enters its inactive state.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Moving the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) into the confined space (415) includes horizontally moving the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) from one horizontal position to another horizontal position.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: After the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) is moved to its final position (P4) in the confined space (415), the inducible air cushion device (320) is brought into its inactive state, thereby allowing the lower side (312) of the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) to obtain contact with the support surface (417) in the confined space (415).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The inducible air cushion device (320) is arranged and configured to form a plurality of separate air cushion segments (324A, 324B, 324', 524) when activated, and the method further includes moving the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) over the gap (416), whereby a subset of the plurality of separate air cushion segments (324', 524) maintains an overall lifting force caused by the inducible air cushion device (320).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The inducible air cushion device (320) is integrated into the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The inducible air cushion device (320) is integrated into the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) by including slots (314A, 314B, 314A'-314E', 514A-514C) or cavities in the underside (312) of the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500).

10. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The confined space (415) is the internal accommodation space of the container (15).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The container (15) is a box for housing the energy storage or conversion device (31, 32, 33) in the vehicle (1).

12. A heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) in the form of an energy storage or conversion device (31, 32, 33), comprising: - a lower side (312) configured to rest on the floor surface (301), - an inducible air cushion device (320), the inducible air cushion device (320) being capable of being arranged in an active state and an inactive state, wherein the inducible air cushion device (320) in its inactive state maintains the lower side (312) of the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) in contact with the base surface (301); and in its active state forms an air cushion (324) between the lower side (312) of the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) and the base surface (301), thereby generating a lifting force causing the lower side (312) of the heavy object to lose contact with the base surface (301).

13. The heavy object (300, 300', 500) according to claim 12, wherein: The inducible air cushion device (320) is arranged and configured to form a plurality of separate air cushion segments (324A, 324B, 324', 524) in its active state.

14. The heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) according to claim 13, comprising at least a front side (303) and a rear side arranged along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500), and comprising an interface (309) with connection possibilities integrated in the front side (303) and / or the rear side, wherein: The inducible air cushion device (320) is arranged and configured to enable the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) to move in a direction along the longitudinal axis (LA) in its active state.

15. The heavy object (300', 500) according to claim 14, wherein: When the inducible air cushion device (320) is in its active state, the plurality of separate air cushion segments are arranged in a parallel configuration along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the heavy object (300', 500).

16. The heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein: The inducible air cushion device (320) is integrated into the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500).

17. The heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) according to claim 16, wherein: The inducible air cushion device (320) is integrated into the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500) by including a slot (314A, 314B, 314A'-314E', 514A-514C) or cavity in the underside of the heavy object (30, 300, 300', 500).

18. A vehicle (1) comprising: A plurality of heavy objects (30, 300, 300', 500) in the form of energy storage or conversion devices (31, 32, 33) according to any one of claims 12 to 17, and a container (15) for accommodating the energy storage or conversion devices (31, 32, 33).

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