System for fastening battery pack

Abstract

The subject matter described herein relates to a battery package assembly. The battery package assembly (300) includes a battery pack (100) and a housing (300). The battery pack (100) is housed in the housing (300). A battery pack (100) includes a latch unit (105) and a joystick (102). A latch unit (105) is operably connected to the joystick (102), the latch unit (105) being configured to engage and disengage the battery pack (100) with and from the housing (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter described herein generally relates to charging vehicle batteries. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a battery pack locking mechanism that provides for easy replacement by a user. Background Art

[0002] Typically, electric vehicles are powered by battery electricity. A battery electric vehicle (also known as a BEV and more commonly referred to as an EV) is an all-electric vehicle with a rechargeable battery and no gasoline engine. All the energy for the vehicle's operation comes from the battery pack, which is charged by the electric grid. BEVs are zero-emission vehicles because they do not produce any of the harmful tailpipe emissions or air pollution hazards caused by traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

[0003] The most common electric vehicles are those that rely on off-board electricity, known as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have both an engine and an electric motor to drive the vehicle. Like regular hybrids, they can charge their batteries through regenerative braking. They differ from regular hybrids in that the batteries are larger and can be plugged into the electrical grid for charging.

[0004] A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) has both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to propel the vehicle. All of the battery's energy is obtained through regenerative braking, which recovers energy that would otherwise be lost during braking to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration.

[0005] In general, the recycling of spent batteries, either at the end of their useful life or during their production, will prevent hazardous materials from entering the waste stream. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a mechanism for recycling spent batteries to minimize the life cycle impact of using lithium-ion and other types of batteries in vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote similar features and components.

[0007] Figure 1a , 1b 1c and 1c respectively exemplarily show perspective views of the front side, the rear side and the top side of the battery pack,

[0008] Figure 2 exemplarily showing a perspective view of a battery pack,

[0009] Figure 3a , 3b and 3c exemplarily show a perspective view of a battery charging unit,

[0010] Figure 4a and 4bA perspective view of a battery charging unit and a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is exemplarily shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Currently, the existing market for electric vehicle batteries is dominated by expensive and highly flammable materials such as lithium and cobalt. Continued reliance on these materials will have an adverse impact on long-term market prospects. Therefore, it is imperative to develop new batteries with higher safety and more cost-competitiveness.

[0012] Generally, when a rider or driver of a vehicle needs to travel long distances, he will face a limitation in range because existing batteries can only travel within a range of 10-40 miles. Electric vehicles are still not a viable option for long-distance travel. Therefore, the rider or driver of the vehicle will have to recharge the battery from a charging station after traveling a few miles. However, for the rider, the waiting time during the trip increases. Therefore, there is a need to improve the range of the vehicle and reduce the range anxiety of the rider. In addition, there should be an improved battery charging system that can avoid the vehicle being idle or unusable until the exhausted battery gets charged.

[0013] The above problems can be solved by providing a replaceable battery device. Replacing the battery of an electric vehicle can achieve "peak shaving and valley filling" of the power grid, which helps to improve the efficiency of equipment use and reduce the maximum load of the power grid. In addition, the convenience of battery maintenance and longer battery life make battery replacement worth promoting in specific areas such as public transportation, car rental, and logistics.

[0014] Many electric vehicles are designed to be powered by replacing batteries, and the batteries are placed on the vehicle chassis to separate the batteries from the driver and passengers. Accordingly, more available space, a safer driving environment, a lower vehicle center of gravity, and better vehicle handling performance can be guaranteed. Therefore, the technology of installing and replacing batteries on the chassis is the development trend of electric vehicles with replaceable batteries.

[0015] The power battery is the only power source for pure electric vehicles. Due to the heavy weight of the battery, heavy physical labor and the risk of manual operation, it is generally replaced by automated equipment. The battery pack needs to be locked after installation. The more secure the installation, the safer it will be. Since the battery pack needs to be unlocked when replacing the battery, it is best to install and remove the battery pack more easily and quickly. Therefore, the performance of the locking mechanism is related to the vehicle safety and reliability and the convenience of replacing the battery pack.

[0016] However, in existing battery locking mechanisms, the battery pack is pushed and pulled within the battery charging unit and the connector pins are damaged. In addition, due to the space limitations of pushing and pulling the battery pack within the battery charging unit, mechanical engagement and disengagement with bare hands is undesirable and impractical. Furthermore, a limitation of existing battery charging units is that a latch mechanism is required in conjunction with the coupler to lock the pins in place between the male and female couplers. However, in existing battery packs, engagement and disengagement of such locking mechanisms is also cumbersome. Further lifting the battery pack for replacement requires an attempt on the vehicle or the battery charging unit. Additionally, the vehicle is prone to more vibrations due to frequent battery replacements.

[0017] In addition, the existing replaceable battery pack is flexibly fastened to the vehicle through a locking device. During driving, the battery pack will vibrate more or less relative to the vehicle. This leads to serious problems such as local deformation of the battery pack, deformation of the vehicle body suspension point, local wear of the locking device, arc discharge of the electrical connector, burning arc, etc., which seriously endanger driving safety. The existing replaceable battery pack cannot solve the above problems. Therefore, a battery pack locking mechanism is needed that is safe and reliable, easy to replace, and can prevent the battery pack from loosening under long-term vehicle body vibration.

[0018] The invention relates to a battery pack. The battery pack includes a joystick. The joystick is arranged at the front part of the battery pack. The joystick is arranged to actuate the engagement and disengagement of the battery pack with a housing.

[0019] According to an aspect of the present invention, a battery pack includes a latch unit provided at a rear portion of the battery pack, the latch unit configured to engage and disengage the battery pack with a housing.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a latch unit is actuated by a lever of the battery pack, the latch unit being configured to engage with a locking unit provided in the first portion of the housing.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, the battery pack includes a male coupler that can be engaged with a female coupler of the housing. The housing is configured to function as one of a battery charging unit and a battery discharging unit. The engagement of the female coupler and the male coupler enables the required continuous power supply to charge the battery pack through the battery charging unit and to discharge the battery pack through the battery discharging unit. The male coupler is provided on a rear portion of the battery pack.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of fins are provided on at least one side portion of the battery pack to dissipate heat generated during one of a charging operation and a discharging operation and to facilitate insertion and removal of the battery pack into and from the housing as a guide member. The plurality of fins are configured to correspond to the plurality of guide members configured in the housing. According to an alternative embodiment, a plurality of guide rollers are provided on the bottom portion of the battery pack to correspond to the plurality of guide members configured in the housing.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the battery pack includes a handle on the front portion, the handle being integrated with a joystick for driving the battery pack to engage and disengage with the housing. The joystick is operably connected to the latch unit through a force transfer member. The force transfer member is hidden inside the battery pack.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery packaging assembly is disclosed. The battery packaging assembly includes a housing and a battery pack. The battery pack discloses a latch unit. The latch unit is configured to engage with a locking unit. The locking unit is provided in an inner surface of a first portion of the housing.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, the battery pack includes a male coupler that can be engaged with a female coupler of a housing, wherein the housing is configured to function as one of a battery charging unit and a battery discharging unit. The engagement of the male coupler and the female coupler enables the required continuous power supply to charge the battery pack through the battery charging unit, and enables the battery pack to be discharged through the battery discharging unit. The male coupler is provided on an outer surface of a rear portion of the battery pack, and the female coupler is provided on an inner surface of a first portion of the housing.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, the housing includes a power connector on an outer surface of the first portion of the housing to connect the battery pack to a wiring harness of an electric device when the battery pack is disposed within the housing.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, the battery pack includes a handle on the front portion, the handle being integrated with the joystick for actuating the battery pack to engage and disengage with the housing.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, the housing includes an opening, and the housing is configured to receive the battery pack through the opening for accommodating the battery pack.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, the housing includes a display unit for displaying a charging state of the battery pack when the battery pack is placed in the housing.

[0030] The invention provides a fastening component for a battery pack, so that the battery pack can be safely and reliably installed and easily replaced when needed by a user, and also protects the battery pack from the influence of vehicle vibration.

[0031] The above details explain the basic features of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The nature and other features of the subject matter will become more clear through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The following will describe the detailed features of an exemplary embodiment of an internal combustion engine according to the present subject with reference to the accompanying drawings. From the description given below, various aspects of the different embodiments of the present subject can be clearly seen. More specifically, the following description provides an explanation of an exemplary embodiment that facilitates the implementation of the present subject. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0033] The present subject matter and all attendant embodiments and their further advantages will be explained in more detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the following paragraphs.

[0034] Figure 1a , 1b 1 and 1c exemplarily show perspective views of the front side, the rear side, and the top side of the battery pack 100, respectively. The battery pack 100 includes an outer portion 104, a plurality of fins 103, a handle 101, and a joystick 102. The handle 101 is provided on the front portion 107 of the battery pack 100 so that the user can conveniently pull or push the battery pack 100 without causing any distortion, damage, or deformation to the battery pack 100. In addition, the joystick 102 is used to drive the battery pack 100 to move with the housing 300 (such as Figure 3a-3b The housing 300 may be a box-like structure in which the battery pack 100 may be accommodated, and the housing 300 may be provided in any electrical device, such as a vehicle powered by the battery pack 100. The battery pack 100 includes a latch unit 105 provided at a rear portion 108. The latch unit 105 is operably connected to the operating lever 102, and the latch unit 105 is configured to engage and disengage the battery pack 100 from the housing 300. The latch unit 105 is actuated by the operating lever 102 of the battery pack 100, and the latch unit 105 is configured to engage with a locking unit 401 of the housing 300 (as shown). Figure 4a-4b In one embodiment, the handle 101 is integrated with the joystick 102 for driving the battery pack 100 to engage and disengage with the housing 300. In addition, the joystick 102 is connected to the battery pack 100 by a force transmission member 202 (such as Figure 2 As shown) is operably connected to the latch unit 105, and the force transfer member 202 is hidden inside the battery pack 100.

[0035] The plurality of fins 103 of the battery pack 100 help to dissipate heat generated when the battery pack 100 is in operation. The plurality of fins 103 provided on the side portion 109 of the battery pack 100 can also serve as a guide mechanism to slide the battery pack 100 within the housing 300 and remove the battery pack 100 from the housing 300. The plurality of fins 103 are configured to be aligned with the plurality of guide members 302 (such as Figure 3a-3b The housing 300 may be a battery charging unit, a battery discharging unit, or both.

[0036] In one embodiment, the battery pack 100 further includes a male connector 106 at the rear portion 108 for power transmission / reception. The male connector 106 is provided below the latch unit 105 at the rear portion 108 of the battery pack 100. The male connector 106 can be connected to the female connector 402 (eg, Figure 4a-4b When the housing 300 is a battery charging unit, the engagement of the female coupler 402 and the male coupler 106 enables the required continuous power supply to charge the battery pack 100 through the housing 300. When the housing 300 is a battery discharging unit, the engagement of the female coupler 402 and the male coupler 106 enables the battery pack 100 to be discharged through the housing 300.

[0037] In one embodiment, a plurality of guide members in the form of guide rollers or grooves are configured at the bottom portion of the battery pack 100 to correspond to the plurality of guide members 302 configured in the housing 300 .

[0038] Figure 2 An exploded view of a battery pack 100 is exemplarily shown. In one embodiment, the battery pack 100 is configured to have a container 203 that accommodates a plurality of battery cells, and the container 203 is closed with a lid 201. The container 203 may be a rectangular parallelepiped box formed with five walls, which is open at one end, and the open end is closed by the lid 201. A force transfer member 202 is disposed inside the container 203 of the battery pack 100. The force transfer member 202 connects the operating lever 102 to the latch unit 105. The force transfer member 202 helps to actuate the latch unit 105. When the operating lever 102 is pulled, the force transfer member 202 is also pulled. The force transfer member 202 pulls a gate of the locking unit 105, which is used to lock the battery pack 100 with the housing 300. When the force transfer member 202 is pulled, the gate is also pulled, thereby unlocking the battery pack 100 from the housing 300. Therefore, the lever 102 is used to drive the battery pack 100 to engage and disengage with the housing 300. The force transfer member 202 may be a cable connecting the lever 102 and the locking unit 105.

[0039] Figure 3a , 3b3c exemplarily show perspective views with or without a battery pack 100 in the housing 300. When the battery pack 100 is arranged in the housing 300, the housing 300 has a display unit 301 to display the charging state of the battery pack 100. A plurality of guide members 302 are provided inside the housing 300 for correctly and easily placing the battery pack 100 in or removing it from the housing 300. A power plug 303 is connected to the housing 300 to receive power, in which case the housing 300 is a battery charging unit. In one embodiment, when the housing 300 is a battery discharging unit, the housing 300 can be connected to a wiring harness of an electrical device for discharging the battery pack 100 to an electrical load in the electrical device through the housing 300. The engagement of the male coupler 106 and the female coupler 402 enables the required continuous power to charge the battery pack 100 through the battery charging unit. The engagement of the male coupler 106 and the female coupler 402 enables the battery pack 100 to be discharged through the battery discharging unit. In Figure 3b In the embodiment, the user can push the battery pack 100 into the interior of the housing 300. The male coupler 106 and the latch unit 105 of the battery pack 100 are respectively connected to the female coupler 402 and the locking unit 401 of the housing 300. In one embodiment, the positions of the male coupler and the female coupler can be interchanged. That is, the male coupler can be provided in the inner surface of the first part 304 of the housing 300, and the female coupler can be provided in the rear part 108 of the battery pack 100. The locking unit 401 is provided in the first part 304 of the housing 300 (such as Figure 4a-4b 304). In one embodiment, the housing 300 includes a power connector on an outer surface of a first portion 304 of the housing 300 to connect the battery pack 100 to a wiring harness of an electrical device when the battery pack 100 is disposed within the housing 300. The electrical device may be a vehicle. The housing 300 may be one of a utility space, a battery charging unit, or a battery discharging unit. The housing 300 may or may not be disposed in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the housing 300 may be simply a mechanical housing that houses the battery pack in the electrical device without any electrical connections. The housing 300 is configured to receive the battery pack 100 through an opening 305 to accommodate the battery pack 100.

[0040] along Figure 3c A-A' interception, Figure 4a The cross-sectional view of a battery pack assembly 400 having a housing 300 is exemplarily shown, wherein the housing 300 contains a battery pack 100. Figure 3c4b exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of a battery packaging assembly 400 having a housing 300, in which a battery pack 100 is housed. The battery pack 100 includes a male connector 106 that can be engaged with a female connector 402 of the housing 300. The engagement of the male connector 106 and the female connector 402 enables the required continuous power supply to charge the battery pack 100 through the battery charging unit, and the battery pack 100 can be discharged through the battery discharging unit.

[0041] The latch mechanism and coupler, when provided in any application, such as a vehicle, facilitates engaging and disengaging the battery pack from the vehicle without requiring the user to laboriously lift the battery pack and position the battery pack. The battery charging unit may be located in the vehicle for onboard charging of the battery pack or may be located outside the vehicle for charging at a charging station. The electrical connections of the batteries within the container extend to the male coupler of the battery pack. A guide member within the housing may receive rollers of the battery pack to facilitate sliding the battery pack into / out of the housing.

[0042] Furthermore, the present invention is applicable to a vehicle, wherein the housing is mounted on the vehicle, and the housing serves as a battery charging unit or a battery discharging unit or both. This allows the vehicle to be available to the user around the clock without waiting for the battery pack to be charged, the user only needs to replace the discharged battery pack and put it inside the housing serving as the battery charging unit and use the charged battery pack. This also allows the vehicle to be prepared for a long journey without any waiting period in the middle for charging. This is a cost-effective method with environmental benefits, because the battery pack can be reused once purchased by the user. Furthermore, the actuation of the latch mechanism, i.e., the engagement between the lever, the latch unit and the locking unit, is very simple and easy to perform by the user of the electrical device. The simpler latch mechanism also allows the battery pack to be easily removed and inserted from the housing. Furthermore, the heat dissipation of the battery pack is also responsible for the fins of the battery pack in contact with the housing, and the heat transferred to the housing can be dissipated by any known heat transfer mechanism.

[0043] Numerous modifications and variations of the subject matter are possible in light of the above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of the claims of the subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0044] Reference numerals list

[0045] 100: Battery Pack

[0046] 101: Controller

[0047] 102: Joystick

[0048] 103: Fins

[0049] 104: External part

[0050] 105: Latch unit

[0051] 106: Connector on the battery pack

[0052] 107: Front part of the battery pack

[0053] 108: Rear part of the battery pack

[0054] 109: Side part of the battery pack

[0055] 201: Battery pack cover

[0056] 202: Force transmission components

[0057] 203: Container

[0058] 300: Shell

[0059] 301: Display

[0060] 302: Guide on the housing

[0061] 303: Power supply

[0062] 304: The first part of the shell

[0063] 305: Opening of the housing

[0064] 401: Locked Unit

[0065] 402: Female coupling on housing.

Claims

1. A battery pack (100), comprising: a joystick (102), the joystick (102) being arranged on a front portion (107) of the battery pack (100), The joystick (102) is configured to drive the battery pack (100) to engage with and disengage from the housing (300).

2. The battery pack (100) according to claim 1 comprises a latch unit (105) operably connected to the joystick (102), wherein the latch unit (105) is arranged at a rear portion of the battery pack (100), and the latch unit (105) is configured to engage and disengage the battery pack (100) with the housing (300).

3. The battery pack (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The latch unit (105) is actuated by the operating lever (102) of the battery pack (100), and the latch unit (105) is configured to engage with a locking unit (401) provided in the first part (304) of the housing (300).

4. The battery pack (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The battery pack (100) includes a male coupler (106) that is engageable with a female coupler (402) of the housing (300), wherein the housing (300) is configured to function as one of a battery charging unit and a battery discharging unit, wherein the engagement of the female coupler (402) and the male coupler (106) enables a desired continuous power supply to charge the battery pack (100) through the battery charging unit and enables the battery pack (100) to be discharged through the battery discharging unit.

5. The battery pack (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The male coupler (106) is provided on a rear portion (108) of the battery pack (100).

6. The battery pack (100) according to claim 1 includes a plurality of fins (103) on at least one side portion (109) of the battery pack (100) to dissipate heat generated during one of a charging operation and a discharging operation and to facilitate insertion of the battery pack (100) into and removal from the housing (300) as a guide member.

7. The battery pack (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of fins (103) are arranged to correspond to a plurality of guide members (302) arranged in the housing (300).

8. The battery pack (100) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of guide rollers disposed on a bottom portion of the battery pack (100) to correspond to a plurality of guide members (302) configured in the housing (300).

9. The battery pack (100) according to claim 1 comprises a handle (101) on a front portion (107) of the battery pack (100), wherein the handle (101) is integrated with the joystick (102) for driving the battery pack (100) to engage and disengage with the housing (300).

10. The battery pack (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The operating lever (102) is operably connected to the latch unit (105) via a force transfer member (202), and the force transfer member (202) is hidden inside the battery pack (100).

11. A battery packaging assembly (400), comprising: Housing (300); and a battery pack (100), the battery pack (100) being accommodated in the housing (300), The battery pack (100) comprises a latch unit (105) and a joystick (102), wherein the latch unit (105) is operably connected to the joystick (102), and the latch unit (105) is configured to enable the battery pack (100) to engage with and disengage from the housing (300).

12. The battery packaging assembly (400) according to claim 11, wherein: The operating lever (102) is operably connected to the latch unit (105) via a force transfer member (202), and the force transfer member (202) is hidden inside the battery pack (100).

13. The battery packaging assembly (400) according to claim 11, wherein: The operating lever (102) of the battery pack (100) is provided on a front portion (107) of the battery pack (100), and the latch unit (105) is arranged at a rear portion (108) of the battery pack (100), wherein the latch unit (105) is actuated by the operating lever (102) of the battery pack (100) to engage and disengage the battery pack (100) with the housing (300).

14. The battery packaging assembly (400) according to claim 11, wherein: The latch unit (105) is configured to engage with a locking unit (401) provided in an inner surface of the first portion (304) of the housing (300).

15. The battery packaging assembly (400) according to claim 11, wherein: The housing (300) includes a plurality of guide members (302) disposed on an inner surface of the housing (300), wherein the plurality of guide members (302) correspond to at least one of a plurality of fins (103) and a plurality of guide rollers of the battery pack (100).

16. The battery packaging assembly (400) according to claim 15, wherein: The plurality of fins (103) are provided on at least one side portion (109) of the battery pack (100) to dissipate heat generated during one of a charging operation and a discharging operation and to facilitate insertion and removal of the battery pack (100) into and from the housing (300) as a guide member.

17. The battery packaging assembly (400) according to claim 11, wherein: The battery pack (100) includes a male coupler (106) that is engageable with a female coupler (402) of the housing (300), wherein the housing (300) is configured to function as one of a battery charging unit and a battery discharging unit, wherein the engagement of the male coupler (106) and the female coupler (402) enables a desired continuous power supply to charge the battery pack (100) through the battery charging unit and enables the battery pack (100) to be discharged through the battery discharging unit.

18. The battery packaging assembly (400) according to claim 17, wherein: The male coupler (106) is provided on an outer surface of a rear portion (108) of the battery pack (100), and the female coupler (402) is provided on an inner surface of a first portion (304) of the housing (300).

19. The battery packaging assembly (400) according to claim 18, wherein: The housing (300) includes a power connector on an outer surface of the first portion (304) of the housing (300) to connect the battery pack (100) to a wiring harness of an electric device when the battery pack (100) is disposed in the housing (300).

20. The battery packaging assembly (400) according to claim 11, wherein: The battery pack (100) includes a handle (101) on the front portion (107), the handle (101) being integrated with the joystick (102) for driving the battery pack (100) to engage and disengage with the housing (300).

21. The battery packaging assembly (400) according to claim 11, wherein: The housing (300) includes an opening (305), and the housing (300) is configured to receive the battery pack (100) through the opening (305) to accommodate the battery pack (100).

22. The battery packaging assembly (400) according to claim 11, wherein: The housing (300) includes a display unit (301) to display a charging state of the battery pack (100) when the battery pack is disposed in the housing (300).

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