Locking device for a mounting system for an energy storage system on a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mounting system for mounting an energy storage system to a vehicle frame. The mounting system includes an energy storage system bracket assembly, a frame-mounted bracket assembly, and a locking mechanism including a sliding lock assembly that is translatable between an open position and a closed position that locks the energy storage system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting device for an energy storage system on a vehicle, and in particular to a quick sliding locking mechanism.

[0002] The invention may be applied to heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses and work machines.Although the invention will be described with respect to a tractor unit, the invention is not limited to this particular vehicle but may also be used in other vehicles such as heavy construction equipment. Background Art

[0003] Recent developments in the automotive sector have focused on electric drive solutions; this also applies to heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses and construction equipment. This has driven the demand for new solutions around the drive train, energy storage, construction and assembly of these types of vehicles. In general, heavy vehicles are often specially designed according to the specific situation, or a number of different accessories are installed on the vehicle depending on the function and type of vehicle. For example, energy storage systems (such as batteries) are generally heavy and take up a lot of space in automotive applications. This is especially true for heavy vehicles that are operated for long periods of time every day and have heavy loads. In addition, since these types of vehicles involve smaller manufacturing series, often specially designed solutions and heavy installations, these vehicles need to be easy to assemble during manufacturing and easy to maintain and repair.

[0004] Another aspect of installing energy storage systems, such as batteries, or other accessories is safety. There is concern about whether the various components installed in or on the vehicle will be securely installed and function predictably if the vehicle is involved in an accident. Therefore, safety measures for energy storage systems and the like are essential.

[0005] Therefore, effective and reliable solutions are needed for installing different vehicle components during manufacturing and for servicing vehicles. The installation solutions commonly used today provide cumbersome processes and are quite complex in terms of installation procedures and installation layout. For example, CN208101948U discloses a battery box for an electric transport vehicle with a sliding handling device (handler), which includes a box mounting bracket, a sliding device, and a battery box. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to obviate at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide improved systems, devices and methods for mounting an energy storage system or other accessory unit to a vehicle frame. Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for mounting an energy storage system or accessory unit to a frame of a heavy vehicle. According to a first aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a system according to claim 1 , wherein a mounting system for mounting at least one energy storage system (ESS) to a vehicle frame is provided. The mounting system comprises: at least one sliding lock assembly capable of translating between a closed position and an open position, the sliding lock assembly comprising at least one opening arranged to receive an ESS bracket assembly when in the open position; and at least one frame-mounted bracket arranged to receive at least one ESS bracket assembly attached to each ESS and to lock the ESS bracket assembly in a horizontal direction. When the sliding lock is positioned in the open position, the ESS bracket assembly can translate to a locked position relative to the at least one frame-mounted bracket, and when the ESS bracket assembly is in the closed position within the frame-mounted bracket, the sliding lock assembly can move to a closed and locked position, thereby locking the ESS bracket assembly in a vertical direction. The use of the sliding lock assembly provides a secure and efficient locking mechanism.

[0007] The at least one frame mounted bracket may comprise a receiving cavity arranged to receive a protruding bushing of the ESS bracket assembly. This has the advantage of limiting movement of the ESS in a horizontal direction.

[0008] Furthermore, the system may include an actuator that moves the sliding lock assembly between the closed position and the open position. The actuator may be at least one of electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically driven. Furthermore, the system may include a control unit for operating the actuator. Alternatively, the actuator may be manually driven. Using an actuator to move the sliding lock plate between the closed and open positions facilitates safer and more controlled operation of the sliding lock assembly by an operator. The use of a control unit has the advantage of providing remote operation of the sliding lock plate.

[0009] The sliding lock assembly may include a plurality of openings, each opening being arranged to receive an ESS bracket assembly when in the open position. In this way, a plurality of ESS bracket assemblies and the frame-mounted bracket assembly may be locked in one operation.

[0010] The frame-mounted bracket assembly may include a guide arrangement arranged to receive the sliding lock assembly for manipulating the sliding lock plate and restricting movement in other directions. The sliding lock assembly may further include at least one guide unit arranged adjacent to each opening of the sliding lock assembly, and wherein the at least one guide unit is arranged to securely fit within the guide arrangement of the frame-mounted bracket. The guide arrangement provides an advantageous solution for manipulating and restricting movement of the sliding lock plate relative to the frame-mounted bracket assembly.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprising the mounting system is provided.

[0012] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for mounting at least one energy storage system (ESS) to a vehicle frame is provided. The method comprises the steps of placing an energy storage system (ESS) under the vehicle frame, the ESS comprising at least one ESS bracket assembly; sliding a sliding lock assembly to an open position, the sliding lock assembly comprising at least one opening configured to receive the ESS bracket assembly when in the open position; moving the ESS bracket assembly into the opening of the sliding lock; moving the ESS laterally to a position above a frame-mounted bracket; lowering the ESS such that the ESS bracket assembly rests on the frame-mounted bracket, wherein the frame-mounted bracket restricts horizontal movement of the ESS bracket assembly; and translating the sliding lock assembly to a closed position to vertically lock the ESS bracket assembly.

[0013] By providing a system and method according to the present invention that includes a sliding lock assembly and a bracket assembly for the ESS and the vehicle frame, the advantage of quickly, efficiently, and securely mounting the ESS to the vehicle frame is provided.

[0014] Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the following is a more detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, given as examples.

[0016] In these figures:

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle having an installed system;

[0018] Figure 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of a vehicle frame having a mounting system;

[0019] Figure 3 is a detailed schematic 3D drawing of a portion of the installation system;

[0020] Figure 4 is a detailed schematic 3D drawing of a portion of the installation system;

[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic 3D diagram of a sliding lock for mounting the system;

[0022] Figure 6 is a schematic installation procedure for accessory units using the mounting system;

[0023] Figure 7 It is a 3D overview of the installation system;

[0024] Figure 8 is a side view of the mounting system; and

[0025] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of the control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] exist Figure 1 10 shows a heavy vehicle in general. The illustrated vehicle is shown as a truck arranged to receive a trailer, but other types of trucks, buses, work machines and construction equipment may also be suitable for the present solution. In this case, the vehicle is equipped with an accessory unit 20, which is attached to the vehicle's frame 11. The accessory unit is located between the vehicle's front wheels 12 and rear wheels 13 and is mounted to the frame 11 using a mounting system 15. It should be noted that the mounting system can be located elsewhere on the vehicle, rather than between the front and rear wheels. The accessory unit 20 can be, for example, an energy storage system (ESS) such as a battery pack 20.

[0027] Figure 2 A more detailed view of the energy storage system mounted to the vehicle frame 11 using the mounting system 15 is shown. The ESS may comprise a single module or multiple modules attached adjacent to each other to form a continuous unit. The mounting system 15 comprises three main components, one of which is Figure 3 As shown in Figure 3An energy storage system (ESS) support assembly 50 is shown. The ESS support assembly includes a support frame 51, which is secured to the ESS; a central ESS support retainer 54, which is attached to or integral with the ESS support frame 51; a bump stop 52; and a buffer 53. The support frame 51 is configured to be secured to the ESS; the central ESS support retainer 54 is attached to or integral with the ESS support frame 51. The bump stop can be designed from a rigid material such as metal or a softer material such as rubber or plastic. When assembled within the receiving cavity of the vehicle frame-mounted assembly, the bump stop limits horizontal movement of the ESS. The bump stop can be made from a rigid material such as metal or a softer material such as rubber or plastic.

[0028] The ESS bracket assembly is arranged to be placed on a frame mounted bracket assembly 30, which is arranged to be mounted on the frame 11 of the vehicle; Figure 4 The frame-mounted bracket assembly is shown in FIG. The frame-mounted bracket assembly includes a support structure 31 that is configured to be mounted on the frame 11 of the vehicle 10 (e.g., using one or more screws or other suitable fastening elements). Furthermore, the support structure may include a locking plate 33 and a receiving cavity 35 configured to receive the bumper portion 53 of the ESS bracket assembly 50. The receiving cavity 35 is preferably configured to receive the bumper portion 53 so that it is securely seated therein. This can be provided, for example, if the bumper portion has a conical shape, in which case the receiving cavity may be inverted conical. More generally, the bumper portion 53 includes a protruding shape, such as a cone, sphere, or convex shape, while the receiving cavity 35 includes an inwardly accommodating shape, such as a concave or inverted conical shape. The locking plate 33 provides both maneuvering and locking support for limiting movement of the sliding lock assembly 40 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sliding lock assembly.

[0029] The frame-mounted bracket assembly 30 is further arranged to receive a sliding lock assembly 40, which includes a sliding lock plate 41, at least one guide unit 42, 801, 802, 803, and at least one opening 45, the at least one opening 45 being arranged to receive a stop block 52 when the sliding lock assembly is in an open position. The sliding lock assembly 40 is capable of translating in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, but is limited in movement in other directions by the support structure 31 and the lock plate 33. Figure 8As can be seen in FIG, the at least one guide unit 42, 801, 802, 803 is arranged to be guided by the guide device 805 of the frame-mounted bracket assembly. When the sliding lock assembly is in the closed position, the stop block 52 will encounter the sliding lock plate in the vertical direction and will therefore be restrained in the vertical direction. Preferably, when the sliding lock assembly is in the open position, the stop block 52 fits into the opening 45 of the sliding lock assembly with a certain appropriate margin, and the opening then extends into the area of ​​the frame-mounted bracket assembly to allow the stop block to translate into the frame-mounted bracket assembly 30.

[0030] Now refer to Figure 5 The sliding lock assembly 40 can be connected to an actuator 60 that actuates the sliding lock plate 41 between an open position and a closed position. The actuator can include a manual operation, wherein an operator manually operates the actuator, such as by turning a crank (not shown), a screwdriver, or other device for mechanically operating the actuator, and this manual operation is converted into linear movement of the lock plate. Optionally, the actuator is electrically driven and electrically controlled, pneumatically driven, or hydraulically driven. The control station for controlling the actuation can be placed in any suitable location on the vehicle, such as in a control box located near the ESS, at a location on the exterior of the vehicle that is convenient for the operator to perform appropriate operations and is easily accessible, or in the vehicle cab. In this way, the operator can conveniently and safely remotely open or lock the mounting system.

[0031] When the ESS (or other accessory unit) is to be installed (and removed), refer to the following steps 601 to 605. Figure 6 a to Figure 6 e to describe this operation. Figure 6 In FIG, only a portion of the ESS bracket assembly is shown, namely, only a portion of the central ESS bracket retainer, the stop block 52, and the bumper 53 are shown; however, it should be understood that the ESS bracket assembly is attached to the ESS during this operation. When the ESS is to be installed on a vehicle, the ESS is placed under the vehicle and then raised to the installation position, as will be described in subsequent steps below.

[0032] In the first step 601, the ESS is installed on the vehicle. The sliding lock assembly 40 is translated to an open position, i.e., the opening 45 is positioned relative to the frame-mount bracket assembly 30 in such a manner that the stop block 52 will fit within the opening 45 and can be translated into the area of ​​the frame-mount bracket assembly, as seen in step 602. Next, in step 603, the ESS bracket assembly 50 is lowered to position the bumper 53 to rest within the cavity 35 of the frame-mount bracket assembly 30. This cavity restricts horizontal movement of the bumper, and thus the ESS. In step 604, the sliding lock 40 is translated to a closed and locked position, i.e., the opening 45 is moved out of the area of ​​the frame-mount bracket. In step 605, the ESS bracket assembly is vertically restrained, i.e., the stop block 52 is locked beneath the sliding lock plate 41.

[0033] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the mounting system 15 may include a plurality of frame mounted bracket assemblies 30 and a plurality of ESS bracket assemblies, with each ESS bracket assembly being simultaneously locked using a common sliding lock assembly 40 when the sliding lock assembly 40 is translated to a closed, locked position.

[0034] Figure 8 A more detailed view of the mounting system is given in a cut-away side view. The frame mounted bracket assembly 30 is attached to the vehicle frame using at least one screw 810 or similar fastening element. The frame mounted bracket assembly comprises a support structure 820 of which the cavity 35 is an integral part. The sliding lock assembly 40 translates in the guide arrangement 805 in the frame mounted bracket assembly, and the sliding lock assembly 40 optionally comprises one or more guide units 801, 802, 803 comprising an elastic material (e.g. having a predetermined coefficient of friction) for smooth guidance in the guide arrangement. Figure 8 In a, the opening 45 is arranged in an open position in which it is arranged in the region of the frame-mounted bracket assembly, i.e., the stop block of the ESS bracket assembly is movable in an upward direction and can be translated outwardly away from or inwardly into the frame-mounted bracket. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the opening 45 is arranged in the closed position, i.e., the opening is outside the area of ​​the frame mounted bracket assembly, and the stop block 51 of the ESS bracket assembly cannot move vertically and out of the frame mounted bracket assembly because the lock plate 41 will block movement in the direction toward the lock plate 41.

[0035] It should be noted that the present invention has been described with respect to the ESS bracket assembly (and ESS) being moved into and out of the mounting position, but alternatively, the ESS bracket assembly and the frame-mounted assembly may be interchanged such that the ESS bracket assembly is configured to be mounted to the frame of a vehicle while the frame-mounted assembly is designed to be mounted on the ESS. Accordingly, the terms "upwardly" and "downwardly" are interchanged accordingly and are for reference only.

[0036] As previously described, the sliding lock assembly can include an actuator 60 that actuates the sliding lock plate 41 between an open position and a closed position. The operation of the actuator can be controlled by a control unit 100 including a control circuit 901, which can be analog or digital, or a combination of these types. The control circuit can be connected to a user control interface (not shown) via a communication interface 905. When the control circuit receives a signal indicating that the actuator is to operate, the circuit outputs a control signal or power signal directly to the actuator or a power regulating device (not shown). The power regulating device can, for example, be a switch that provides power to an electric actuator, which includes an electric motor that drives the locking mechanism, a valve for providing hydraulic fluid, or a valve for providing pneumatic medium, thereby providing energy for actuation. The control unit can receive signals from the operator, for example, from a user interface in the vehicle cab or from a user interface located elsewhere on the vehicle (e.g., an actuation control button located at a convenient location for the operator, such as at the rear of the vehicle cab with good visibility for operation).

[0037] It should be understood that the mounting system has been described as having the ESS bracket assembly disposed on the ESS and the frame-mounted bracket assembly disposed on the frame of the vehicle, but the assemblies may be disposed the other way around, i.e., the ESS bracket assembly with the stop block and buffer portion may be part of the frame-mounted bracket assembly, with the cavity, guide, etc. being mounted on the ESS bracket assembly.

[0038] 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 appended claims.

Claims

1. A mounting system (15) for mounting at least one energy storage system (20) to a vehicle frame (11), characterized in that The mounting system comprises: at least one sliding lock assembly (40) translatable between a closed position and an open position, the sliding lock assembly including at least one opening (45) arranged to receive an energy storage system bracket assembly (50) when in the open position; and at least one frame-mounted bracket assembly (30) arranged to receive at least one energy storage system bracket assembly (50) attached to each energy storage system and to lock the energy storage system bracket assembly (50) in a horizontal direction; wherein when the sliding lock assembly (40) is positioned in the open position, the energy storage system bracket assembly is capable of translating to a locked position relative to the at least one frame-mounted bracket assembly (30), and when the energy storage system bracket assembly is in the closed position in the frame-mounted bracket assembly, the sliding lock assembly is capable of translating to a closed position, thereby locking the energy storage system bracket assembly in a vertical direction.

2. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein: The at least one frame mounted bracket assembly (30) includes a receiving cavity (35) arranged to receive a protruding bushing of the energy storage system bracket assembly.

3. The mounting system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an actuator (60) arranged to move the sliding lock assembly between the closed position and the open position.

4. The mounting system of claim 3, wherein: The actuator (60) is at least one of an electrically driven, hydraulically driven, or pneumatically driven actuator type.

5. The mounting system according to claim 3, further comprising a control unit (100) for operating the actuator.

6. The mounting system of claim 3, wherein: The actuator is a manually driven actuator.

7. The mounting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sliding lock assembly includes a plurality of openings (45), each opening (45) being arranged to receive an energy storage system bracket assembly when in an open position.

8. The mounting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The frame mounted bracket assembly (30) includes a guide arrangement (805) arranged to receive the sliding lock assembly (40).

9. The mounting system of claim 8, wherein: The sliding lock assembly (40) further comprises at least one guide unit (42, 801, 802, 803), the at least one guide unit (42, 801, 802, 803) being arranged adjacent to each opening of the sliding lock assembly, and wherein the at least one guide unit is arranged to fit securely in the guide device (805).

10. A vehicle (10) comprising a mounting system (15) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A method for mounting at least one energy storage system to a frame of a vehicle, It is characterized by the following steps: placing the energy storage system under a frame of the vehicle, the energy storage system comprising at least one energy storage system bracket assembly, sliding a sliding lock assembly to an open position, the sliding lock assembly comprising at least one opening arranged to receive the energy storage system bracket assembly when in the open position, moving the energy storage system bracket assembly into the opening of the slide lock assembly, moving the energy storage system laterally to a position above the frame-mounted bracket, The energy storage system is lowered so that the energy storage system support assembly rests on the frame-mounted support, wherein: The frame-mounted bracket restricts movement of the energy storage system bracket assembly in a horizontal direction; The sliding lock assembly is translated to a closed position, thereby vertically locking the energy storage system support assembly.

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