Vehicle with cargo hold

Abstract

The present application relates to vehicles having cargo bays. The vehicles have at least one cargo bay. The cargo bay can roll into and out of a cargo area of the vehicle. The cargo bay can include at least one battery. The battery can be selectively connected to a vehicle power network. The battery can be disposed proximate a base of the cargo bay.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle having one or more cargo pods that can be electrically connected to a vehicle power network. background

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 9,358,895 discloses a quick loading and unloading battery system for vehicles.

[0003] Overview

[0004] In at least one configuration, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle may include a vehicle power network, a cargo area, a power network interface, and a cargo compartment. The vehicle power network may include a vehicle battery that can be disposed on the vehicle. The power network interface may be disposed in the cargo area. The cargo compartment may include a base, a frame, a set of wheels, and a battery. The frame extends upward from the base and may include shelves adapted to support packages. The set of wheels may extend below the base and may allow the cargo compartment to roll into and out of the cargo area. The battery may be disposed close to the base and may be selectively connected to the vehicle power network. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0005] Figure 1 This is a partial side view of an example of a vehicle with a cargo compartment.

[0006] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an example cargo compartment with batteries. Detailed description

[0007] Detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein as needed; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be enlarged or reduced to a minimum to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to practice the invention in various ways.

[0008] Reference Figure 1 An example of a delivery vehicle 10 is shown. The delivery vehicle 10 can be any suitable type of vehicle, such as a land transport vehicle like a truck or van.

[0009] In at least one configuration, the transport vehicle 10 may include a passenger compartment 20, a cargo area 22, a bulkhead 24, a vehicle power network 26, and a power network interface 28.

[0010] The passenger compartment 20 may be located near the front or front end of the transport vehicle 10, from Figure 1 From the perspective shown, the passenger compartment is located on the left. In at least one configuration, the passenger compartment 20 may have seats for accommodating the driver or passengers of the vehicle 10.

[0011] Cargo area 22 may be located behind crew compartment 20. Cargo area 22 may accommodate one or more cargo compartments 30, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0012] The cargo area 22 may be defined or defined by multiple sides of the transport vehicle 10 (e.g., floor 40, top 42, first sidewall 44, second sidewall 46, and rear wall 48), which may separate the cargo area 22 from the surrounding environment outside the transport vehicle 10. Furthermore, the cargo area 22 may be further defined by a partition 24.

[0013] A floor pan 40 (which may also be referred to as a shallow floor pan) defines the bottom of the cargo area 22. The floor pan 40 may be mounted on or supported by the frame or chassis of the transport vehicle 10. The floor pan 40 may include one or more guide rails to which the cargo compartment 30 may be selectively connected when positioned within the cargo area 22 to prevent movement of the cargo compartment 30.

[0014] The top plate 42 can define the top of the cargo area 22. The top plate 42 can be disposed above the bottom plate 40 and can be spaced apart from the bottom plate 40.

[0015] The first sidewall 44 may extend from the base plate 40 to the top plate 42 in a generally vertical direction. Furthermore, the first sidewall 44 may extend longitudinally between the passenger compartment 20 and the rear wall 48. For example, the first sidewall 44, or a portion thereof, may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal center plane of the transport vehicle 10. The term "substantially parallel" as used herein means identical to or very close to parallel, and includes features or axes within ±2° of each other that are parallel to one another. The longitudinal center plane may be positioned close to the center of the transport vehicle 10 and may extend in a longitudinal direction, which may be the direction extending between the front and rear ends of the transport vehicle 10.

[0016] The second sidewall 46 may be positioned opposite to and spaced apart from the first sidewall 44. The second sidewall 46 may extend from the bottom plate 40 to the top plate 42 in a generally vertical direction. Furthermore, the second sidewall 46 may extend longitudinally between the passenger compartment 20 and the rear wall 48. The second sidewall 46, or a portion thereof, may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal center plane.

[0017] It is conceivable that the first sidewall 44, the second sidewall 46, or both may include one or more side doors that may facilitate access to the cargo area 22.

[0018] The rear wall 48 may be positioned close to the rear of the transport vehicle 10. The rear wall 48 may extend from the bottom plate 40 to the top plate 42 in a generally vertical direction. Furthermore, the rear wall 48 may extend from the first side wall 44 to the second side wall 46 in a transverse direction. In at least one configuration, the rear wall 48 may include one or more rear doors that facilitate access to the cargo area 22. The rear wall 48 may be spaced apart from the partition 24 and may be positioned opposite the partition 24.

[0019] The partition 24 separates the passenger compartment 20 from the cargo area 22. Therefore, the partition 24 can be located at the rear of the passenger compartment 20 and at the front of the cargo area 22. The partition 24 can be a fixed partition, meaning it can remain stationary. The partition 24 can extend in a generally vertical direction between the bottom plate 40 and the top plate 42. For example, the partition 24 can extend from the bottom plate 40 toward or into the top plate 42. Furthermore, the partition 24 can extend in a transverse direction between the first sidewall 44 and the second sidewall 46. In at least one configuration, the partition 24 can include one or more openings. The openings can be sized to allow a drive to pass through the opening, allow a package to pass through the opening, or both.

[0020] The vehicle power network 26 can provide electrical energy to the electrical components of the vehicle 10. In at least one configuration, the vehicle power network 26 may include a vehicle battery 50, which may be disposed on the vehicle 10. The vehicle power network 26 can provide electrical energy from the vehicle battery 50 to power or facilitate the operation of various electrical components of the vehicle 10. It is also conceivable that the vehicle power network 26 can provide electrical energy to the vehicle battery 50 to charge the vehicle battery 50. In vehicles having an electric or hybrid electric powertrain, the energy from the vehicle battery 50 can be used to propel the vehicle 10, and the energy can be recovered via a regenerative braking system to charge the battery.

[0021] The power network interface 28 may be located in the cargo area 22. The power network interface 28 may be used to electrically connect the vehicle's power network 26 to one or more batteries, which may be located in conjunction with the cargo compartment 30. The power network interface 28 may have any suitable configuration. In at least one configuration, the power network interface 28 may be configured as a cable.

[0022] The cable can be hardwired to the transport vehicle 10 and may have an electrical connector that can engage or insert into a corresponding electrical connector, which may be provided with the cargo compartment 30. Alternatively, the cable can be hardwired to the cargo compartment 30 and may have an electrical connector that can engage or insert into a corresponding electrical connector, which may be provided in the cargo area 22 of the transport vehicle 10. In another configuration, the cable may not be hardwired, but may have an electrical connector at each end. One electrical connector may engage or insert into a corresponding electrical connector in the cargo compartment 30, while another electrical connector may engage or insert into a corresponding electrical connector that may be provided in the cargo area 22. In one or more configurations, the cable may be separate from the floor 40 and may not be provided with or inserted into the floor 40 of the cargo area 22. For example, cables can extend from the wall (e.g., the first side wall 44 or the second side wall 46) that defines the cargo area 22.

[0023] One or more cargo compartments 30 may be positioned in and removed from cargo area 22. Cargo compartments 30 may receive cargo, such as one or more parcels 60 to be transported by transport vehicle 10. For clarity, only some parcels 60 are labeled in the figure. In at least one configuration and as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As best shown, cargo compartment 30 may include a base 70, a frame 72, a set of wheels 74, and a battery 76. Optionally, cargo compartment 30 may include a second battery 78.

[0024] The base 70 can support components of the cargo compartment 30. For example, the base 70 can be located near the bottom of the cargo compartment 30 and can be supported by a set of wheels 74. The base 70 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the base 70 can have a generally square or rectangular shape. In at least one configuration, the base 70 may include a top side 80, a bottom side 82, and one or more lateral sides 84. The base 70 may also include a drawer 86.

[0025] The top side 80 may be opposite to a set of wheels 74. The top side 80 may be a generally flat horizontal surface and may be configured to support one or more packages 60.

[0026] The bottom side 82 may be disposed opposite to the top side 80. Therefore, the bottom side 82 may face downward. The bottom side 82 may be spaced apart from the top side 80. In at least one configuration, the bottom side 82 or a portion thereof may be configured to be substantially parallel to the top side 80.

[0027] One or more lateral sides 84 may extend between the top side 80 and the bottom side 82. For example, the lateral side 84 may extend from the top side 80 to the bottom side 82. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated configuration, four transverse sides 84 are provided. The transverse sides 84 can be arranged in pairs, opposite each other, and each transverse side 84 can extend between two other transverse sides 84. The transverse sides 84 can extend in a generally vertical direction and can be positioned substantially perpendicular to the top side 80, the bottom side 82, or both. In at least one configuration, the transverse sides 84 can define a drawer opening 88 that receives a drawer 86. The drawer opening 88 can be located in the middle region of the transverse sides 84, such that the drawer opening 88 is spaced apart from the corner of the base 70 and does not extend below the post 90. The drawer opening 88 can also be positioned between at least two members of a set of wheels 74.

[0028] Drawer 86 can slide in and out of base 70. For example, drawer 86 can slide between an open position and a closed position in drawer opening 88. Figure 2 The image shows an example of the open location, while Figure 3 The diagram shows an example of the closed position. Drawer 86 may extend through drawer opening 88 and may be positioned between the top side 80 and bottom side 82 of base 70. Battery 76 may be received in drawer 86. In at least one configuration, drawer 86 may have a bottom panel on which battery 76 may be disposed, and drawer 86 may have one or more side panels extending upward from the bottom panel to define a drawer cavity that may receive battery 76.

[0029] The frame 72 may extend from the base 70. In at least one configuration, the frame 72 may include a set of columns 90 and one or more shelves 92.

[0030] The columns 90 can extend upward from the base 70. For example, the columns 90 can extend in a generally vertical direction and can be positioned substantially perpendicular to the top side 80 of the base 70. In at least one configuration, the columns 90 can extend to a top panel 94, which can be positioned opposite the base 70. The columns 90 can be spaced apart from each other and can be arranged such that the columns 90 are located at each corner of the base 70 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 As shown), or located at some corners of the base 70 (such as... Figure 3 (As shown). It is also conceivable that the column 90 can be positioned near the lateral side 84 of the base 70 at a location other than the corner (e.g., Figure 3 (as shown). In at least one construction and as referred to Figure 2 As best shown, column 90 may have a hollow tubular structure that defines a cavity for receiving the second battery 78, as will be discussed in more detail below. Column 90 may support one or more shelves 92.

[0031] Shelf 92 can be configured to support one or more packages 60. Shelf 92 can extend from one or more posts 90. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, shelf 92 can be cantilevered from some, but not all, of the members of a set of columns 90. Alternatively, as... Figure 3 As shown, shelf 92 can extend from all the members of a set of columns 90. It can also be envisioned that... Figure 2 One or more shelves in the configuration shown can extend from all four columns 90.

[0032] A set of wheels 74 facilitates movement of the cargo compartment 30. For example, the wheels 74 may extend below or downward from the base 70, allowing the cargo compartment 30 to roll into and out of the cargo area 22. One or more wheels 74 may be lockable to prevent movement of the cargo compartment 30. It is also conceivable that the cargo compartment 30 may include a latching mechanism that can be selectively coupled to the base plate 40 or a guide rail disposed with the base plate 40 to secure the cargo compartment 30 and the cargo area 22.

[0033] Battery 76 can store electrical energy. Battery 76 can have any suitable construction. For example, battery 76 may include one or more electrically connected cells, such as these cells connected in series. Battery 76 can be any suitable type, such as a lithium-ion battery.

[0034] The battery 76 may be disposed near the base 70 of the cargo compartment 30. In at least one configuration, the battery 76 may be disposed within the base 70 during use. Disposing of the battery 76 within the base 70 helps protect it from contaminants or damage and also helps secure it. For example, the battery 76 may be disposed within a drawer 86. In at least one configuration, the battery 76 may be disposed between the top side 80 and the bottom side 82 of the base 70. Furthermore, the battery 76 may be spaced apart from the top side 80, the bottom side 82, or both to further protect it in the event of a dent or deformation on one side of the base 70. Disposing of the battery 76 within the base 70 helps lower the center of gravity of the cargo compartment 30 and prevents it from tilting or tipping over.

[0035] Battery 76 can be selectively connected to the vehicle's power network 26. For example, when cargo compartment 30 is located in cargo area 22, cargo compartment 30 can be electrically connected to the vehicle's power network 26.

[0036] When battery 76 is connected to the vehicle power network 26, battery 76 can supply energy to the vehicle 10, receive energy from the vehicle 10, or both. For example, battery 76 can supply energy to the vehicle 10 to propel it, or supply energy to electrical equipment connected to the vehicle power network 26. The energy used to propel the vehicle 10 can be supplied separately from or in combination with the energy supplied by the vehicle battery 50. When the state of charge of the vehicle battery 50 is less than a predetermined state of charge, battery 76 can supply electrical energy to the vehicle to propel the vehicle 10. In at least one configuration, the predetermined state of charge can be less than the state of charge of battery 76.

[0037] The transport vehicle 10 can supply electrical energy to charge the battery 76. Furthermore, the vehicle battery 50 and one or more batteries (e.g., batteries 76 and / or 78) associated with the cargo compartment 30 can be charged simultaneously. For example, in a transport vehicle 10 with an electric drivetrain, when the cargo compartment is in the cargo area 22, electrically connected to the vehicle's power network 26, and the vehicle battery 50 is powered by an external power source 96 (which is located in…) Figure 1 (As shown in the middle illustration) During charging, one or more batteries associated with the cargo compartment 30 can be charged. It is also conceivable that, before using electrical energy from the vehicle battery 50 to propel the transport vehicle 10, the vehicle power network 26 can use electrical energy from the battery 76 to propel the transport vehicle 10, in order to reduce or avoid the depletion of the vehicle battery 50.

[0038] Battery 76 can supply power to various features or components that may be arranged with cargo compartment 30. For example, battery 76 can supply power to material handling component 100 arranged with cargo compartment 30. Material handling component 100 can move one or more packages 60 relative to cargo compartment 30 to facilitate the positioning and / or retrieval of packages 60. Some examples of material handling component 100 include conveyors, driven rollers, or package pushers that can move packages 60 along shelf 92.

[0039] Battery 76 can provide power to the movement system 110 of cargo compartment 30. Movement system 110 can facilitate movement of cargo compartment 30. For example, movement system 110 may include one or more electric motors that can rotate one or more components of a set of wheels 74, causing one or more components of the set of wheels 74 to turn, or both.

[0040] Battery 76 can provide power to the data communication system 120 of cargo compartment 30. Data communication system 120 can provide information about cargo compartment 30, the cargo within cargo compartment 30, or both. Information about cargo compartment 30 may include cargo compartment identification information, cargo compartment location information, and operational status information. Operational status information may include information about the batteries (e.g., the charging status of battery 76 and / or the second battery 78), the operational status of the material handling components 100, the operational status of the mobility system 110, diagnostic information, and similar information. Information about the contents of cargo compartment 30 may include package identification information, package delivery point information, package location information (e.g., the location of package 60 on cargo compartment 30), and similar information.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 The second battery 78 can be selectively connected to the vehicle power network 26, battery 76, or both. As discussed above, the second battery 78 can be housed within the column 90. A cap, cover, or door can be provided with the column 90 for easy access to the second battery 78. The second battery 78 can be electrically connected to battery 76 and can be selectively connected to the vehicle power network 26 in the same manner as battery 76 described above. It is also conceivable that the second battery 78 may not be connected to the vehicle power network 26, but can instead be dedicated to providing power or energy to features or components of the cargo compartment 30 (e.g., material handling components 100, mobility system 110, data communication system 120), thereby helping to ensure that the second battery 78 is not depleted by providing power to the transport vehicle 10. It is also conceivable that the second battery 78 can be connected to the vehicle power network 26 to charge the second battery 78, but not to provide power to the transport vehicle 10.

[0042] Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the language used in this specification is descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of various embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments of the invention.

[0043] This invention also provides the following items:

[0044] 1. A means of transportation, comprising:

[0045] A vehicle power network, comprising a vehicle battery disposed on the vehicle;

[0046] The cargo area, which is defined within the vehicle;

[0047] A power network interface is located in the cargo area; and

[0048] Cargo compartment, which can be removed from the cargo area, includes:

[0049] Base;

[0050] A frame extending upward from the base, the frame defining a cavity configured to receive an enclosure; and

[0051] A set of wheels extends below the base and allows the cargo compartment to roll into and out of the cargo area.

[0052] The cargo compartment can be removably fixed within the cargo area and can be connected to the vehicle's power network via the power network interface to supply power to the cargo compartment.

[0053] 2. The means of transport described in Item 1 also includes:

[0054] A battery, which is positioned close to the base and can be selectively connected to the vehicle's power network.

[0055] 3. The vehicle according to Item 2, wherein the battery is disposed in a drawer that slides into and out of the base.

[0056] 4. The vehicle according to Item 3, wherein the drawer is disposed between the top and bottom sides of the base.

[0057] 5. The vehicle according to item 4, wherein the drawer extends through an opening disposed on the lateral side of the base.

[0058] 6. The vehicle according to item 5, wherein the lateral side extends between the top side and the bottom side.

[0059] 7. The vehicle according to item 5, wherein the drawer and the opening are disposed between two components of the set of wheels.

[0060] 8. The vehicle according to Item 1, wherein the frame includes a set of columns extending upward from the base.

[0061] 9. The vehicle according to item 8, wherein the cargo compartment further includes a top surface above the set of pillars, the top surface defining the top of the cavity.

[0062] 10. The vehicle according to item 9 further includes a latching mechanism for selectively securing the cargo compartment in the vehicle.

[0063] 11. The vehicle according to item 10, wherein the cargo compartment includes the latching mechanism for selectively connecting the cargo compartment to the floor of the vehicle.

[0064] 12. The vehicle according to item 1, wherein when the cargo compartment is located in the cargo area, the cargo compartment is electrically connected to the vehicle's power network via a cable.

[0065] 13. The vehicle according to item 12, wherein the cable is separate from and not installed together with the floor of the cargo area.

[0066] 14. The vehicle according to item 2, wherein when the state of charge of the vehicle battery is less than a predetermined state of charge, the battery provides electrical energy to the vehicle to propel the vehicle.

[0067] 15. The vehicle according to item 2, wherein the vehicle supplies electrical energy to the battery.

[0068] 16. The vehicle according to item 2, wherein the battery provides power to a material handling component of the cargo compartment, the material handling component moving the package relative to the cargo compartment.

[0069] 17. The vehicle according to item 2, wherein the battery provides power to the mobility system and / or data communication system of the cargo compartment.

[0070] 18. The vehicle according to item 17, wherein the mobility system of the cargo compartment moves the cargo compartment within the cargo area to facilitate the positioning of packages.

[0071] 19. The vehicle according to item 2, wherein, prior to using electrical energy from the vehicle's battery to propel the vehicle, the vehicle's power network uses electrical energy from the battery to propel the vehicle.

[0072] 20. The vehicle according to item 2, wherein the battery in the cargo compartment is charged when the battery is electrically connected to the vehicle's power network and the vehicle's battery is being charged by an external power source.

Claims

1. A means of transportation, comprising: A vehicle power network, comprising a vehicle battery disposed on the vehicle; The cargo area, which is defined within the vehicle; A power network interface is located in the cargo area; as well as Cargo compartment, which can be removed from the cargo area, includes: Base; A frame that extends upward from the base, the frame defining a cavity configured to receive an enclosure; A set of wheels extending below the base and allowing the cargo compartment to roll into and out of the cargo area; and Cargo compartment batteries, The cargo compartment is removably fixed within the cargo area and can be connected to the vehicle power network via the power network interface to supply power to the cargo compartment. The cargo compartment battery or the vehicle battery provides electrical energy to propel the vehicle. Before using the electrical energy from the vehicle battery to propel the vehicle, the vehicle power network uses the electrical energy from the cargo compartment battery to propel the vehicle.

2. The means of transport according to claim 1, wherein, The cargo compartment battery is positioned close to the base and can be selectively connected to the vehicle's power network.

3. The means of transport according to claim 1, wherein, The cargo compartment battery is housed in a drawer that slides in and out of the base.

4. The means of transport according to claim 3, wherein, The drawer is located between the top and bottom sides of the base.

5. The means of transport according to claim 4, wherein, The drawer extends through an opening located on the lateral side of the base.

6. The means of transport according to claim 5, wherein, The lateral side extends between the top side and the bottom side.

7. The means of transport according to claim 5, wherein, The drawer and the opening are positioned between two components of the set of wheels.

8. The means of transport according to claim 1, wherein, The frame includes a set of columns that extend upward from the base.

9. The means of transport according to claim 8, wherein, The cargo compartment also includes a top surface above the set of pillars, the top surface defining the top of the cavity.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, further comprising a latching mechanism for selectively securing the cargo compartment in the vehicle.

11. The means of transport according to claim 10, wherein, The cargo compartment includes the latching mechanism for selectively connecting the cargo compartment to the floor of the vehicle.

12. The means of transport according to claim 1, wherein, When the cargo compartment is located in the cargo area, the cargo compartment can be electrically connected to the vehicle's power network via cables.

13. The means of transport according to claim 12, wherein, The cable is separate from the base plate of the cargo area and is not installed together with the base plate of the cargo area.

14. The means of transport according to claim 1, wherein, When the state of charge of the vehicle battery is less than a predetermined state of charge, the cargo compartment battery provides electrical energy to the vehicle to propel it.

15. The means of transport according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle supplies power to the cargo compartment battery.

16. The means of transport according to claim 1, wherein, The cargo compartment battery provides power to the material handling components of the cargo compartment, which move the package relative to the cargo compartment.

17. The means of transport according to claim 1, wherein, The cargo compartment battery provides power to the cargo compartment's mobility system and / or data communication system.

18. The means of transport according to claim 17, wherein, The movement system of the cargo compartment moves the cargo compartment within the cargo area to facilitate the positioning of the package.

19. The means of transport according to claim 1, wherein, The cargo compartment battery is charged when it is electrically connected to the vehicle's power network and the vehicle's battery is being charged by an external power source.

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