System for mechanical changing of battery pack

Abstract

An electric vehicle (EV) battery pack replacement system includes a replacement pack ramp structure having a replacement pack ramp; a battery pack receiver mountable on the vehicle; and a replacement pack coupling system mountable to the vehicle configured to be operable to connect the vehicle to a replacement pack positioned on the slope during movement of the vehicle over the slope. Further movement of the vehicle above the ramp after connecting the replacement pack to the vehicle moves the replacement pack upward along the ramp. The ramp is configured such that upward movement of the replacement pack along the ramp positions the replacement pack in the receiver. The system uses continuous movement of the vehicle and a replacement pack coupling system for loading a new battery, avoiding the need for other activities external to the robot or the vehicle or infrastructure to be powered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates to electric and hybrid electric vehicles powered at least in part by battery packs, and more particularly, to systems configured to automatically drain back depleted battery packs and replace drained battery packs with replacement battery packs. Background Art

[0002] Charging an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle can be difficult due to the scarcity of charging locations. Moreover, the user may not have enough time available to completely (or even fully) recharge the vehicle battery pack. An alternative to recharging is to replace the depleted battery with a new one. However, existing battery pack replacement facilities may rely on robotic facilities that require a lot of capital and infrastructure structure, lack speed, and require a power source. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one aspect of the embodiments described herein, an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack replacement system is provided. The system includes a replacement pack ramp, a battery pack receiver mountable on the vehicle, and a replacement pack coupling system mountable on the vehicle, the replacement pack coupling system mountable on the vehicle configured to be operable to connect the vehicle to a replacement pack positioned on the ramp during movement of the vehicle over the ramp, such that further movement of the vehicle over the ramp after connection to the replacement pack moves the replacement pack up the ramp, the ramp configured such that upward movement of the replacement pack along the ramp positions the replacement pack in the receiver. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings that are incorporated into and form a part of this specification illustrate different systems, methods and other embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the element boundaries (e.g., boxes, box groups or other shapes) illustrated in the figures represent an embodiment of boundaries. In some embodiments, an element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some embodiments, an element that is shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component, and vice versa. In addition, the element may not be drawn to scale.

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle 21 incorporating elements configured to operate as part of an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack replacement system 20 in accordance with embodiments described herein.

[0006] Figure 2A is a schematic side cross-sectional view illustrating elements of an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack replacement system according to embodiments described herein.

[0007] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A schematic plan view of the elements of a battery pack replacement system is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A An enlarged view of a portion of the view shown illustrates a deployed hook of the replacement pack coupling system engaging a complementary feature on a replacement battery pack to pull the replacement pack up the replacement pack ramp as the vehicle moves forward along the track of the battery pack replacement system.

[0009] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is similar to Figure 3 , showing that as the vehicle moves forward along the track of the battery pack replacement system, the replacement battery pack is gradually brought into the vehicle battery pack receiver.

[0010] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 4 and 5 , showing the replacement battery pack finally positioned within the vehicle battery pack receiver.

[0011] Figure 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view illustrating elements of an electric vehicle battery pack replacement system according to an alternative embodiment described herein.

[0012] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an electric vehicle battery pack replacement system according to the embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Embodiments described herein relate to an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack replacement system. The system includes a replacement pack ramp structure, the replacement pack ramp structure including a replacement pack ramp, a battery pack receiver mountable on the vehicle, and a replacement pack connection system mountable on the vehicle, the replacement pack connection system mountable on the vehicle being configured to be operable to connect the vehicle to a replacement pack positioned on the ramp during movement of the vehicle over the ramp. After the replacement pack is connected to the vehicle, further movement of the vehicle over the ramp causes the replacement pack to move up the ramp. The ramp is configured so that upward movement of the replacement pack along the ramp causes the replacement pack to be positioned in the receiver. The system uses continuous motion of the vehicle and the replacement pack connection system for loading new batteries, avoiding the need for a robot or other activities external to the vehicle or infrastructure to be powered.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle 21 incorporating elements configured to operate as part of an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack replacement system 20 in accordance with embodiments described herein. Figure 2Ais a schematic side cross-sectional view showing elements of an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack replacement system 20 according to an embodiment described herein. The system enables automatic replacement of a depleted EV battery pack in a vehicle 21 with a replacement battery pack 24 while the vehicle 21 is moving forward. Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A schematic plan view of the elements of the battery pack replacement system 20 is shown.

[0015] In one or more arrangements, the battery pack replacement system 20 may include a replacement pack ramp 22. Figure 2A , the ramp 22 is shown as resting on the ground G1. As used herein, a "ramp" is a structure that defines a surface having a relatively low first end (i.e., an end positioned relatively closer to the ground on which the ramp is positioned) and a relatively high second end opposite the first end (i.e., an end positioned relatively farther from the ground). The ramp can be configured so that the elevation of an object above the ground can be increased (or decreased) by moving along the surface of the ramp in a direction from the first end toward the second end. For example, the ramp 22 can be constructed and supported to continuously rise or rise from the first end 22f of the ramp to the second end 22s of the ramp in the direction D2 in which the vehicle 21 moves forward along the battery pack replacement system 20. The ramp as described herein may include rolling elements. "Rolling elements" may include any element (e.g., cylindrical rollers, ball bearings, etc.) that can be supported on the ramp frame 22a and configured to facilitate low-friction movement of depleted battery packs and replacement battery packs along the corresponding ramp. For example, replacement pack ramp 22 may include a frame 22a and a plurality of rolling elements 22b supported by frame 22a so as to define a movement plane P1 having a first slope (i.e., a change in vertical distance over a given horizontal distance). Movement plane P1 may extend along (and be defined by) an upper surface of rolling elements 22b along which replacement battery pack 24 moves as it advances up ramp 22 in direction D1.

[0016] like Figure 2A As seen in FIG. 1 , the replacement pack ramp 22 can be configured so that its second end 22s is vertically positioned above the level of the first track 34a and the second track 34b of the vehicle support structure 34 (described in more detail below) when these elements of the battery pack replacement system 20 are supported on the ground G1. The tracks 34a and 34b of the vehicle support structure 34 can be spaced apart to accommodate the vehicle track widths of vehicles within a specific range.

[0017] In one or more arrangements, the battery pack replacement system 20 may include a spent battery pack discharge portion (generally designated as 26) configured to receive a spent battery pack 28 released from the vehicle 21. The spent battery pack discharge portion 26 may be positioned to be spaced from the replacement pack ramp 22 in a direction D3 opposite to the direction of travel D2 of the vehicle 21 from the battery pack discharge portion 26 toward the replacement pack ramp 22. As used herein, the terms "spent battery pack" and "spent pack" are understood to refer to any battery pack to be discharged from the vehicle 21 and replaced with a replacement battery pack, regardless of the charge level or available power level of the pack to be replaced.

[0018] refer to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B In one or more arrangements, the battery pack discharge portion 26 includes a discharge ramp 30 configured to discharge the exhausted pack 28 downwardly sloping from the location where the exhausted pack 28 is received from the vehicle 21. As described herein, the exhausted pack 28 can be automatically discharged from the vehicle 21 to fall onto the discharge ramp 30. The exhausted pack 28 can then roll down the discharge ramp 30 along associated rolling elements to the end of the discharge ramp 30, from which the exhausted pack 28 can fall onto (or be loaded onto) a cart (not shown) or other battery transport device for transport to a recharging station (not shown).

[0019] See also Figure 2A and Figure 2B In one or more arrangements, the battery pack replacement system 20 may include a vehicle support structure 34 having a first track 34a extending along a first side of the replacement pack ramp 22 and a second track 34b extending along a second side of the replacement pack ramp 22 opposite the first side and parallel to the first track 34a.

[0020] The first track 34a of the vehicle support structure may include a first flat portion 35a extending along the first side of the replacement pack ramp 22 and adjacent to the second end 22s of the ramp. In addition, the second track 34b may include a second flat portion 35b extending along the second side of the replacement pack ramp 22 and adjacent to the second end 22s of the ramp, and the "flat portion" of the vehicle support structure track is a portion of the track that extends parallel to the ground supporting the track. Therefore, in the case where the ground G1 can be considered horizontal, the "flat portion" of the vehicle support structure track can also be considered horizontal. In addition, the first flat portion 35a and the second flat portion 35b can be located at the same level or height H1 above the ground G1 (that is, the first flat portion 35a and the second flat portion 35b can be coplanar). In combination, the first flat portion 35a and the second flat portion 35b can define a plane P2, and when all driven wheels of the vehicle 21 are positioned on the first flat portion 35a and the second flat portion 35b, the wheels rest on the plane P2, and the vehicle 21 is supported on the plane P2.

[0021] In a system where the vehicle 21 is raised above the ground G1 during battery pack discharge and replacement, the first track 34a may include a first vehicle ramp 37a configured to be connectable to the first flat portion 35a. In addition, the second track 34b may include a second vehicle ramp 37b configured to be connectable to the second flat portion 35b and positionable opposite the first vehicle ramp 37a, and the vehicle ramps 37a and 37b may enable the vehicle 21 to rise above the ground G1 to the associated flat portions 35a and 35b.

[0022] In addition, the first track 34a may include a third vehicle ramp 37c configured to be connectable to the first flat portion 35a, and the second track 34b may include a fourth vehicle ramp 37d configured to be connectable to the second flat portion 35b and positioned opposite the third vehicle ramp 37c. The vehicle ramps 37c and 37d may enable the vehicle 21 to descend from the flat portions 35a, 35b to the ground G1. The various vehicle ramps 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d and the flat portions 35a, 35b of the vehicle support structure 34 may be supported by a truss, a collection of appropriately positioned struts, or any other suitable structure(s) or combination of structures.

[0023] In particular arrangements, the vehicle support structure 34 and any ramps, tracks, and other associated structures designed to support all or part of the vehicle 21 during the battery pack replacement process can be integrated or assembled into a single, self-contained structure that is transportable (e.g., by attaching wheels thereto or by loading the structure onto a trailer) and that as a whole can be positioned in a desired location for use in a vehicle battery pack replacement operation as described herein.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a vehicle 21 is shown incorporating various elements configured to operate as part of an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack replacement system 20. As used herein, a "vehicle" is any form of motorized transportation (such as a parallel hybrid electric vehicle or a full electric vehicle) that is partially or fully powered by a battery pack that can be drained and replaced in the manner described herein.

[0025] The vehicle 21 also includes various components. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the vehicle 21 may not necessarily have Figure 1 All elements shown in FIG. The vehicle 21 may have Figure 1 In addition, the vehicle 21 may have any combination of the various elements shown in FIG. Figure 1 In some arrangements, the vehicle 21 may be operated without Figure 1Although one or more of the components shown in Figure 1 The various elements are shown as being located within the vehicle 21 , but it should be understood that one or more of these elements may be located outside the vehicle 21 .

[0026] Figure 1 Some possible elements of the vehicle 21 are shown in FIG. 1 and will be described with reference to these elements. In addition, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numbers may be repeated between different figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements where appropriate. Furthermore, the discussion outlines numerous specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that different combinations of these elements may be used to practice the embodiments described herein.

[0027] In some cases, the vehicle 21 can be configured to selectively switch between an automatic mode, one or more semi-automatic operating modes, and / or a manual mode. Such switching can be achieved in a suitable manner now known or later developed. "Manual mode" refers to performing all or most of the navigation and / or manipulation of the vehicle based on input received from a user (e.g., a human driver). In one or more arrangements, the vehicle 21 can be a conventional vehicle configured to operate only in a manual mode.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle 21 is an automatic vehicle. As used herein, an "automatic vehicle" refers to a vehicle that can be operated in an automatic mode. "Automatic mode" refers to the use of one or more computing systems to navigate and / or manipulate the vehicle 21 along a route of travel to control the vehicle 21 with minimal or no input from a human driver. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle 21 is highly automated or fully automated. In one or more arrangements, the vehicle 21 is configured with one or more semi-automatic operating modes in which one or more computing systems perform a portion of the navigation and / or manipulation of the vehicle along the route of travel, and the vehicle operator (i.e., the driver) provides input to the vehicle to perform a portion of the navigation and / or manipulation of the vehicle 21 along the route of travel. In a specific example, the vehicle 21 can be configured to automatically travel along an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack replacement system 20 to achieve automatic replacement of depleted battery packs.

[0029] refer to Figures 2A to 3In one or more arrangements, the vehicle 21 may include a vehicle-mountable battery pack receiver 40 configured to receive and hold a battery pack (e.g., pack 28 or pack 24) therein for use in powering the vehicle 21 during normal vehicle operation. The battery pack installed in the receiver 40 may be a main battery pack or power source for an all-electric vehicle. The receiver 40 may have an opening 40a accessible from the underside of the vehicle 21 so that a depleted battery pack 28 may be released from the receiver 40 in response to a release or ejection command and so that a replacement battery pack 24 may be inserted into the receiver through the opening.

[0030] The battery pack receiver 40 may include at least one battery pack power contact 42 mounted along a wall or top of the receiver. The battery pack power contact(s) 42 may be configured to physically contact complementary contacts (not shown) positioned on the battery pack to enable power to be transferred from the battery pack to the vehicle 21 when the battery pack is positioned within the receiver 40. In a particular arrangement, the receiver 40 may include a plurality of battery pack power contacts configured to physically contact a plurality of associated complementary contacts positioned on the battery pack.

[0031] For purposes of the description herein, in a particular arrangement, a battery pack is considered to be "positioned within" the receiver 40 when the battery pack is positioned so that the receiver power contact(s) 42 are in electrical communication with the associated power contact(s) on the battery pack to enable power to be transferred from the battery pack to the rest of the vehicle, and also when the battery pack is in a position where actuation of the battery pack receiver latch mechanism(s) 46 (described below) will secure the battery pack within the receiver 40 for normal use. The battery pack power contact(s) may be any type of contact suitable for transferring power from the battery pack to the rest of the vehicle 21, and may also be any type of contact configured to electrically engage a complementary receiver power contact 42 by simply inserting and positioning the battery pack within the receiver 40. Examples of known electrical contact or connector systems that may be used for the purposes described herein include various spring-loaded contact systems and various sliding contact systems.

[0032] The battery pack receiver 40 may include at least one latch mechanism 46 that is actuatable to a latched configuration configured to engage the battery pack when the battery pack is positioned within the receiver 40 to secure the battery pack within the receiver. In this context, "engagement" may refer to any direct physical contact or indirect contact between the battery pack and another element of the vehicle 21 or the battery pack replacement system 20. In a specific arrangement, the latch mechanism(s) 46 may be configured such that the mechanism(s) are actuatable to the latched configuration only when the mechanism(s) secure the battery in the receiver. The latch mechanism(s) 46 may also be actuatable to an unlocked configuration that disengages the battery pack to enable the battery pack to fall out of the receiver 40. In one or more arrangements, the latch mechanism(s) 46 may be configured to be actuatable to either a latched configuration and an unlocked configuration in response to a control command generated by a battery pack replacement system control module 117, as described herein.

[0033] refer to Figure 3 , the vehicle 21 may include a vehicle-mountable replacement pack connection system (generally designated as 48) that is configured to be operable to connect the vehicle 21 to a replacement battery pack 24 positioned on the replacement pack ramp 22 during movement of the vehicle 21 over the replacement pack ramp 22 in a manner such that further movement of the vehicle over the ramp 22 after the vehicle 21 is connected to the replacement pack 24 causes the pack 24 to move up the ramp and into the receiver 40.

[0034] In one or more arrangements, the replacement pack coupling system 48 includes a hook 48a configured to engage a complementary feature 24a on the replacement pack 24 to connect the vehicle 21 to the replacement pack. In addition, the replacement pack coupling system 48 may include a hook retention mechanism 48b that is configured to be actuated to deploy the hook 48a to an active configuration (eg, actuation) for connecting the replacement pack 24 to the vehicle 21. Figure 3 ), and is configured to be actuated to secure the hook 48a in an inactive or stowed configuration when not in use. In the stowed configuration, the hook 48a can be maintained on the underside of the vehicle 21 in a position designed to prevent contact with any battery packs approaching the vehicle. Thus, the hook 48a can engage the replacement battery pack 24 only when the hook 48a is deployed. In one or more arrangements, the replacement pack coupling system 48 can be actuated to the deployed configuration in response to a control command generated by a battery pack replacement system control module 117 as described herein.

[0035] refer to Figure 1, the vehicle 21 may include one or more processors 110. In one or more arrangements, the processor(s) 110 may be the main processor(s) of the vehicle 21. For example, the processor(s) 110 may be an electronic control unit (ECU). The vehicle 21 may include one or more data memories 115 for storing one or more types of data. The data memories 115 may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory. Examples of suitable data memories 115 include RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), registers, disks, optical disks, hard drives, or any other suitable storage media, or any combination thereof. The data storage(s) 115 may be a component of the processor(s) 110, or the data storage(s) 115 may be operably connected to the processor(s) 110 for use thereby. The term "operably connected" as used throughout this specification may include direct or indirect connection, including connection without direct physical contact.

[0036] The one or more data stores 115 may include sensor data 119. In this context, "sensor data" means any information about a sensor with which the vehicle 21 is equipped, including capabilities and other information about such sensors. As will be explained below, the vehicle 21 may include a sensor system 120. The sensor data 119 may include information about one or more sensors of the sensor system 120.

[0037] As described above, the vehicle 21 may include a sensor system 120. The sensor system 120 may include one or more sensors. "Sensor" means any device, component and / or system that can detect and / or sense something. The one or more sensors may be configured for real-time detection and / or sensing. As used herein, the term "real-time" refers to a level of processing responsiveness that a user or system senses as being sufficiently immediate for a particular process or determination to be made, or a level of processing responsiveness that enables a processor to keep up with certain external processes. In an arrangement where the sensor system 120 includes multiple sensors, the sensors may operate independently of each other. Alternatively, two or more of these sensors may operate in combination with each other. In this case, two or more sensors may form a sensor network. The sensor system 120 and / or one or more sensors may be operably connected to the processor(s) 110, data storage(s) 115 and / or other elements(s) (including) of the vehicle 21. Figure 1 any element shown in ).

[0038] The sensor system 120 may include any (one or more) sensors suitable for performing (and / or required to perform) any data acquisition and / or vehicle control operations contemplated herein. Various examples of different types of sensors will be described herein. However, it will be understood that the sensors of the sensor system 120 are not limited to the specific sensors described.

[0039] The sensors of the sensor system 120 may be communicatively coupled to various systems and components of the vehicle 21. The sensors may also be operably coupled to a vehicle wireless communication interface 169 for transmitting information to a cloud or other storage facility or for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. The sensors may also be operably coupled to other vehicle systems and components, such as a data storage 115 and a processor 110 for storing and processing sensor data. The sensor system 120 may, for example, include sensors configured to detect the current state or condition of vehicle systems and components and generate indications of possible failures of vehicle systems and components (e.g., using fault codes).

[0040] The sensor system 120 may include one or more sensors configured to detect, determine and / or sense information about the vehicle 21 itself. The sensor system 120 may include one or more sensors configured to detect conditions and / or events inside the vehicle or in the passenger compartment. In one or more arrangements, the sensor system 120 may include (one or more) sensors configured to detect and / or sense changes in the position and orientation of the vehicle 21, such as based on inertial acceleration. In one or more arrangements, the sensor system 120 may include one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopes, inertial measurement units (Inertial Measurement Unit, IMU), dead reckoning systems, global navigation satellite systems (GlobalNavigation Satellite System, GNSS), global positioning systems (Global Positioning System, GPS), navigation systems and / or other suitable sensors. The (one or more) sensors of the sensor system 120 may be configured to detect and / or sense one or more characteristics of the vehicle 21, such as the current geographic location of the vehicle. In one or more arrangements, the sensor system 120 may include a speedometer that determines the current speed and acceleration / deceleration of the vehicle 21. The sensor system 120 may include a vehicle heading sensor (not shown) configured to determine the current heading of the vehicle or the direction the vehicle is pointing. The sensor system 120 may include temperature sensor(s), including temperature sensor(s) configured to measure the temperature(s) of a vehicle component such as a battery pack mounted in the battery pack receiver 40. The sensor system 120 may include one or more system component status sensors, including sensor(s) configured to measure and track the state of charge (SOC) of a battery pack located in the battery pack receiver 40.

[0041] The sensor system 120 may also include a sensor (such as a proximity sensor) that can be used to determine whether the hook 48a of the replacement pack coupling system 48 has been deployed in response to the deployment command. In one or more arrangements, the sensor system 120 may include a vehicle-mountable coupling system engagement sensor 123 that is configured to determine whether the replacement pack coupling system is engaged with the replacement battery pack so that the coupling system can pull the replacement pack up the ramp 22. In a specific arrangement, the sensor 123 may be a force sensor that is configured to measure the force applied to the replacement pack coupling system when the replacement pack 24 is pulled up the ramp 22.

[0042] In one or more arrangements, the sensor system 120 may include one or more battery pack receiver state sensors (generally designated 121) configured to detect when a battery pack is positioned within the battery pack receiver 40. The battery pack receiver state sensor(s) 121 may be configured to generate an alarm or other signal indicating when a battery pack is determined to be (and / or determined not to be) positioned within the receiver 40. For example, a proximity sensor (not shown) may be used to determine whether a battery pack is present within the receiver 40. The battery pack receiver state sensor(s) 121 may include one or more latch state sensors configured to determine a latch configuration and / or an unlock configuration of the latch(es) mechanism. In a particular arrangement, the sensor system 120 may also include a battery power sensor configured to determine whether power is being drawn from a battery pack residing (or presumed to be residing) in the receiver. Other types of sensors may also be used to determine whether a battery pack is positioned within the receiver.

[0043] Other sensors of the sensor system 120 may be configured to acquire data of at least a portion of the external environment (e.g., nearby objects) of the vehicle 21. For example, environmental sensors (such as radar, LIDAR, camera(s), and / or other sensors) may be incorporated into the vehicle 21 to monitor features of the environment in close proximity to the vehicle 21. For example, one or more sensors may be configured to function as a pack ejection position sensor 124 configured to determine when the vehicle 21 is in a position above the ramp 22 suitable for releasing the depleted battery pack 28 from the receiver 40. Each sensor described herein may be any type of sensor suitable for the purpose described.

[0044] To power the vehicle during the process of replacing the depleted battery pack 28 with the replacement battery pack 24, a secondary battery pack 126 may be provided. The secondary battery pack 126 may be engaged prior to discharging the depleted battery pack 28 onto the depleted battery pack discharge portion ramp 22 for powering the vehicle.

[0045] The vehicle 21 may include a vehicle wireless communication interface 169 configured to enable and / or facilitate communication between components and systems of the vehicle and entities external to the vehicle, such as cloud facilities, cellular and other mobile communication devices, other vehicles, remote servers, pedestrians, etc. The wireless communication interface 169 may be configured to facilitate, establish, maintain, and terminate wireless V2V and V2X communications with any external vehicle entity, such as other connectable configured vehicles and connected vehicles, pedestrians, servers and entities located in the cloud, edge servers, and other information sources and entities. Information such as sensor data, traffic information, road condition information, weather information, and other types of information may be sent and received via the communication interface 169. If desired, the wireless communication interface 169 may communicate in conjunction with any network interface or with any network interface required for any external vehicle entity and / or network communication.

[0046] The vehicle 21 may include an input system 130. An "input system" includes any device, component, system, element, or arrangement, or group thereof, that enables information / data to be input into a machine. For example, the input system 130 may include a keyboard, a touch screen or other interactive display, a voice recognition system, and / or any other device or system that facilitates communication between a user and the vehicle. The input system 130 is capable of receiving input from a vehicle occupant (e.g., a driver or passenger) or a user located remotely from the vehicle 21. The vehicle 21 may also include an output system 135. An "output system" includes any device, component, or arrangement, or group thereof, that enables information / data to be presented to a vehicle occupant (e.g., a driver, a vehicle passenger, etc.) or a remote user.

[0047] The vehicle 21 may include one or more conventional vehicle systems, such as a propulsion system 127, a braking system (not shown), a steering system (not shown), a throttle system (not shown), a suspension system (not shown), a transmission system (not shown), and a navigation system 147. Each of these systems may include one or more devices, components, and / or combinations thereof that are now known or later developed. For example, the propulsion system 127 may include an electric motor 128 and one or more battery packs received in a battery pack receiver 40 for powering the electric motor. The electric motor 128 may be operably connected to the transmission system so that the electric motor can provide power to the transmission. The propulsion system 127 may include hardware and / or software elements that enable the electric motor to operate as a generator under certain conditions to charge the battery pack. The propulsion system 127 may also include other elements. The elements of the propulsion system may be operably connected to any module described herein and / or a vehicle system and component configured to control (or assist in controlling) the operation of the propulsion system.

[0048] The vehicle 21 may include a navigation system 147 including one or more devices, applications, and / or combinations thereof, now known or later developed, configured to determine the geographic location of the vehicle 21 and / or determine the route of travel of the vehicle 21. The navigation system 147 may include one or more map applications for determining the route of travel of the vehicle 21. The navigation system 147 may include a global positioning system, a local positioning system, or a geolocation system. The navigation system 147 may be configured to track the path of the vehicle along the route of travel. The navigation system 147 may be configured to operate in conjunction with the autonomous driving module 160 to guide the vehicle along a route of travel selected by a user or along the first track 34a and the second track 34b of the vehicle support structure 34 as described herein, for replacing the exhausted battery pack 28 in the receiver 40.

[0049] The vehicle 21 may include one or more actuators 150. The actuator(s) 150 may be operable to modify, adjust, and / or change any element or combination of elements of the vehicle system 140 or one or more of its components in response to receiving a signal or other input from the processor(s) 110, any module stored in the memory 112, and / or any other vehicle component or system. Any suitable actuator may be used. For example, the actuator(s) 150 may include a motor, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic piston, a relay, a solenoid, and / or a piezoelectric actuator, to name just a few possibilities. Examples of actuators that may be incorporated into the vehicle include, configured to release the hook 48a of the replacement pack coupling system 48 to deploy in response to a control command from the battery pack replacement system control module 117 to engage the replacement battery pack 24 for pulling the pack up the ramp 22. Another example of an actuator is one or more actuators configured to release and engage associated battery pack receiver latch mechanisms 46 in response to control commands received from the battery pack replacement system control module 117 to release and secure the battery pack in the receiver 40 as desired.

[0050] In the embodiments described herein, the memory 112 may store the autonomous driving module 160 and the battery pack replacement system control module 117. The memory 112 is a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a hard drive, a flash memory, or other suitable memory for storing the modules 160 and 117. The modules 160 and 117 are (for example) computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor 110, cause the processor 110 to perform various functions disclosed herein. Additional modules (not shown) may also be stored in the memory 112.

[0051] The vehicle 21 may include one or more modules, at least some of which are described herein. These modules may be implemented as computer-readable program code that, when executed by (one or more) processors 110, implements one or more of the various processes described herein. One or more of these modules may be components of (one or more) processors 110, or one or more of these modules may be executed and / or distributed on other processing systems to which (one or more) processors 110 are operably connected. These modules may include instructions (e.g., program logic) that may be executed by one or more processors 110. Alternatively or additionally, one or more data stores 115 or another portion of the vehicle 21 may contain such instructions.

[0052] Typically, as used herein, a module includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific data types. In other respects, a memory generally stores the module. The memory associated with a module may be a buffer or cache, RAM, ROM, flash memory, or other suitable electronic storage medium embedded in a processor. In further aspects, a module as contemplated by the present disclosure is implemented as a hardware component of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a system on a chip (SoC), a Programmable Logic Array (PLA), or another suitable hardware component embedded with a defined configuration set (e.g., instruction) for performing the disclosed function.

[0053] In one or more arrangements, one or more modules described herein may include artificial or computational intelligence elements, such as neural networks, fuzzy logic or other machine learning algorithms. Further, in one or more arrangements, one or more modules may be distributed among multiple modules described herein. In one or more arrangements, two or more modules described herein may be combined into a single module.

[0054] The vehicle 21 may include one or more autonomous driving modules 160. The (one or more) autonomous driving modules 160 may include computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the (one or more) processors 110, cause the (one or more) processors to perform and / or control certain autonomous driving commands and operations. For example, the autonomous driving module 160 may be configured to receive data from the sensor system 120 and / or any other type of system capable of capturing information related to the vehicle 21 and / or the external environment of the vehicle 21. The autonomous driving module 160 may determine the position and speed of the vehicle 21. The autonomous driving module 160 may determine the location of obstacles, obstacles, or other environmental features (including traffic signs, trees, bushes, neighboring vehicles, pedestrians, etc.) based on the sensor data. The autonomous driving module 160 can be configured to receive and / or determine position information of obstacles within the external environment of the vehicle 21 for use by the processor 110 and / or one or more modules described herein to estimate the position and orientation of the vehicle 21, the vehicle position in global coordinates based on multiple satellite signals, or any other data and / or signal that can be used to determine the current state of the vehicle 21 or determine the position of the vehicle 21 relative to its environment for use in creating a map or determining the position of the vehicle 21 relative to map data.

[0055] The autonomous driving module(s) 160 may be configured to determine the path(s) of travel, the current autonomous driving maneuver of the vehicle 21, future autonomous driving maneuvers, and / or modifications to the current autonomous driving maneuver based on data acquired by the sensor system 120 and / or information received from a navigation system (such as the navigation system 147). A "driving maneuver" means one or more actions that affect the movement of the vehicle. Examples of driving maneuvers include: accelerating, decelerating, braking, steering, moving in the lateral direction of the vehicle 21, changing lanes of travel, driving into lanes of travel, and / or reversing, to name just a few possibilities. The autonomous driving module(s) 160 may be configured to implement the determined driving maneuvers. The autonomous driving module(s) 160 may directly or indirectly cause such autonomous driving maneuvers to be implemented. As used herein, "causing" or "causing" means causing, forcing, forcing, directing, commanding, instructing, and / or enabling an event or action to occur or at least to be in a state where such an event or action may occur, in a direct or indirect manner.

[0056] The autonomous driving module(s) 160 may be configured to perform various vehicle functions and / or transmit data to, receive data from, interact with, and / or control the vehicle 21 or one or more vehicle systems. The autonomous driving module(s) 160 may be configured to automatically control the vehicle 21 to drive the vehicle from an initial or starting position to a destination along a route of travel. The autonomous driving module 160 may be configured to control the operation of the vehicle while traveling along the battery pack replacement system 20. For example, the vehicle propulsion system may be controlled to propel the vehicle along the battery pack replacement system 20 at a constant speed unless modified in response to sensor input or control commands. In a particular arrangement, the autonomous driving module 160 may be configured to implement an "automatic battery replacement mode" to control the operation of the vehicle 21 to implement automatic battery pack replacement. An “automatic battery replacement mode” may be user-selectable (eg, via input system 130 ) in order to use an embodiment of the battery pack replacement system to obtain a replacement battery pack.

[0057] The vehicle 21 may include a battery pack replacement system control module 117. The battery pack replacement system control module 117 may include computer readable instructions that, when executed by (one or more) processors, cause (one or more) processors to execute and / or control certain battery pack replacement related vehicle commands and operations. The battery pack replacement system control module 117 may be configured to process and / or interpret data and other information received from sensors of the sensor system 120 for the purpose of performing the battery pack replacement system operations and functions described herein. The battery pack replacement system control module 117 may also be configured to generate any of a variety of alarm indications that one or more operations of the battery pack replacement function have failed or have not been performed (or appear to have failed or have not been performed).

[0058] For example, the battery pack replacement system control module 117 can be configured to determine (from sensors and / or other information) that at least one receiver latch mechanism 46 is in one of an unlocked configuration and a latched configuration when it should be in the other of the unlocked configuration and the latched configuration. The battery pack replacement system control module 117 can also be configured to generate an alarm indicating that the at least one latch mechanism 46 is in an improper configuration.

[0059] The battery pack replacement system control module 117 may be configured to generate control commands directing the receiver latch mechanism(s) 46 to actuate to the associated unlocked configuration(s) in response to an indication from the sensor that the vehicle 21 is in a position suitable for releasing the depleted battery pack 28 from the receiver 40. The battery pack replacement system control module 117 may also be configured to generate control commands directing the receiver latch mechanism(s) 46 to actuate to the associated latched configuration(s) in response to an indication from the sensor that the replacement battery pack 24 has been positioned within the receiver 140.

[0060] The battery pack replacement system control module 117 may be configured to determine that the depleted battery pack 28 remains positioned in the receiver 40 after generating a control command directing the receiver latch mechanism(s) 46 to actuate to the unlocked configuration(s). The battery pack replacement system control module 117 may also be configured to generate an alert indicating that the depleted battery pack 28 remains positioned in the receiver 40.

[0061] The battery pack replacement system control module 117 can also be configured to control the operation of the replacement pack connection system 48 in response to an indication from a sensor that the battery pack has been released from the battery pack receiver 40 to deploy the hook 48a of the connection system to an active configuration for connecting the replacement pack 24 to the vehicle 21.

[0062] The processor(s) 110, the autonomous driving module 160, the battery pack replacement system control module 117, and / or other modules described herein may be operably connected to communicate with each other and with other elements of the vehicle, including various vehicle systems and / or individual components thereof. For example, referring to Figure 1 , the processor(s) 110 and the autonomous driving module(s) 160 may communicate to send and / or receive information from various vehicle systems and sensors to control the movement, speed, maneuvering, orientation, direction, etc. of the vehicle 21. For example, the processor(s) and / or the autonomous driving module(s) 160 may cause the vehicle 21 to accelerate (e.g., by increasing the fuel supply provided to the engine), decelerate (e.g., by reducing the fuel supply provided to the engine and / or by applying brakes), and / or change direction (e.g., by turning the front two wheels). The processor(s) 110, the autonomous driving module(s) 160, the battery pack replacement system control module 117, and / or other elements of the vehicle may control some or all of the vehicle systems, and thus may be partially or fully autonomous.

[0063] Figures 3 to 6 is similar to Figure 2A 0 is a schematic side view of the view shown in , illustrating the operation of an exemplary embodiment of the battery pack replacement system 20. Figure 8 is a flow chart describing replacement of a battery pack using the system 20. The autonomous driving module(s) 160 and the battery pack replacement system control module 117 may cooperate to control the vehicle 21 so that the vehicle 21 autonomously drives along the battery pack replacement system 20 and replaces a depleted battery pack 28.

[0064] 2, to initiate automatic replacement of the battery pack 28, the driver may position the front wheels of the vehicle near or on the first ends 33a, 33b of the tracks 34a, 34b. The driver may then (at Figure 8 The automatic battery pack replacement mode of the vehicle is used in block 810 of the embodiment. This can result in the vehicle 21 being powered from the secondary battery pack 126 rather than from the depleted battery pack 28 to be replaced. During the process of replacing the depleted pack 28 with the replacement pack 24, the movement of the vehicle 21 can be powered entirely by the secondary battery pack 126. Vehicle sensors (e.g., (multiple) cameras and / or other sensors) can detect other features of the tracks 34a, 34b and the vehicle environment as well as the status of the battery replacement operation as described herein.

[0065] The vehicle 21 can then automatically move along the slopes 37a, 37b ( Figure 2A The vehicle 21 may continue to move in direction D2 along the flat track portions 35a, 35b toward a location ("position B") where the spent battery pack 28 will fall onto the spent battery pack discharge portion 26. The vehicle 21 may continue to move in the general direction D2 throughout the battery pack replacement.

[0066] When the pack discharge position sensor 124 and / or the battery pack replacement system control module 117 determines (in box 812) that the vehicle 21 has reached "position B" where the spent battery pack 28 will fall onto the spent battery pack discharge portion 26, the replacement system control module 117 can generate (in box 814) a command for actuating (one or more) receiver latches to a corresponding unlocked state to release the spent battery pack 28 from the receiver 40 to the spent battery pack discharge portion 26.

[0067] The battery pack replacement system control module 117 may then determine (in box 816) whether the depleted battery pack 28 has left the receiver 40. If the depleted battery pack 28 has not left the receiver 40, the battery pack replacement system control module 117 may generate (in box 818) an alert instructing the driver (or another person or entity) that the depleted battery pack 28 has not left the receiver 40. However, if it is determined that the depleted battery pack 28 has left the receiver 40, the battery pack replacement system control module 117 may generate (in box 820) a control command to the replacement pack coupling system 48 for deploying a mechanism (such as the hook 48a) to engage the replacement battery pack 24 to pull the replacement battery pack 24 up the replacement pack ramp 22.

[0068] The battery pack replacement system control module 117 may then determine (in block 822, using sensor data) whether the replacement pack coupling system 48 has been deployed in response to the deployment command. If the replacement pack coupling system 48 has not been deployed, the battery pack replacement system control module 117 may generate (in block 824) an alert instructing the driver (or another person or entity) that the replacement pack coupling system 48 has not been deployed. However, if the replacement pack coupling system 48 has been properly deployed, the hook 48a will engage the complementary engagement feature 24a (e.g., the hook 48a will engage the complementary engagement feature 24a on the replacement battery pack 24) as the vehicle 21 continues to move in direction D2. Figure 3 shown).

[0069] After deployment of the replacement pack coupling system hook 48a, the replacement system control module 117 may monitor the coupling system engagement sensor 123 to ensure that the hook 48a has properly engaged the replacement battery pack 24. If the coupling system engagement sensor 123 does not indicate (e.g., by detecting sufficient tension on the hook 48a) that the hook 48a is pulling the replacement battery pack 24 up the ramp 22 until the vehicle 21 has traveled a predetermined distance after deployment of the hook 48a, the replacement system control module 117 may determine (in box 826) that the coupling system 48 is not engaging the replacement battery pack 24. The replacement system control module 117 may then generate (in box 828) an alarm to this effect. However, if the coupling system engagement sensor 123 indicates that the hook 48a is pulling the replacement battery pack 24 up the ramp 22, the vehicle 21 may continue to move forward in direction D2.

[0070] Reference Figure 4 As the vehicle continues to move further forward in direction D2, the replacement battery pack is pulled upward along the replacement pack ramp 22 toward the receiver 40 and into the receiver. Figure 5 When the vehicle continues to move forward in the direction D2, the replacement battery pack 24 reaches the second end 22s of the replacement pack ramp. Figure 5 and Figure 6, the height of the replacement pack ramp second end 22s can be specified relative to the height of the receiver 40 so that the replacement battery pack 24 is forced fully into the receiver 40 as the pack 24 is pulled along the replacement pack ramp second end 22s. Figure 2A When installed in the battery pack replacement system 20 so that the vehicle 21 can drive over the ramp 22, the replacement pack ramp second end 22s can be the highest part of the replacement pack ramp 22. In a specific arrangement, the upper surface 22v ( Figure 6 ) may be provided with a layer of elastically deformable material (such as rubber) designed to enable replacement battery pack 24 to be firmly pressed into receiver 40 and against top 40r of receiver by the height of replacement pack ramp second end 22s and elastic compression of the deformable material along the ramp second end. This can help ensure proper positioning of replacement battery pack 24 in receiver 40.

[0071] The sensors of the sensor system 120 may monitor when the replacement battery pack 24 enters the receiver 40. In a particular arrangement, pressing the replacement battery pack 24 into its final use position in the receiver 40 may cause the latch mechanism(s) 46 to automatically actuate into a latched state, thereby securing the replacement battery pack 24 in the receiver 40. Pressing the replacement battery pack 24 into its final use position in the receiver 40 may also cause the battery pack power contacts 42 to electrically engage complementary contacts on the battery pack 24 to enable power to be transferred from the replacement battery pack 24 to the vehicle 21.

[0072] Figure 6 A replacement battery pack 24 is shown positioned in the receiver by movement of the battery pack 24 over the second end 22s of the replacement pack ramp. As the vehicle continues to move further forward in direction D2, the battery pack replacement system control module 117 may determine (in box 830) whether the replacement battery pack 24 is positioned in the receiver. For example, in one or more arrangements, based on information received from the battery pack receiver status sensor 121, the battery pack replacement system control module 117 may be configured to determine that the replacement battery pack is not positioned in the receiver 40 if no battery pack is positioned in the receiver 40 or if the receiver latch mechanism 44 is not engaged to secure the battery pack in the receiver 40 and / or no power is being drawn from the battery pack residing in the receiver. Other criteria may also (or alternatively) be used to determine whether the replacement battery pack 24 is positioned in the receiver. If it is determined that the replacement battery pack 24 is not positioned in the receiver, the replacement system control module 117 may generate an alarm to this effect (in box 832).

[0073] If it is determined that the replacement battery pack 24 is located in the receiver and that power from the replacement battery pack 24 can be used to power the vehicle 21, the replacement system control module 117 can generate a command to not continue to draw power from the secondary battery pack 126. The replacement system control module 117 can also (in box 824) control the operation of the vehicle 21 to drive the vehicle away from the battery pack replacement system 20. The hook 48a and the hook retaining mechanism 48b can be configured so that when the replacement battery pack 24 becomes positioned in the receiver 40, the hook 40a has entered the hook retaining mechanism 48b and has become releasably fixed in the hook retaining mechanism 48b. The hook 48a remains fixed in the hook retaining mechanism 48b until it is released again as previously described for the purpose of engaging another replacement battery pack.

[0074] Reference now Figure 7 In an alternative arrangement 720 of a battery pack replacement system, a vehicle 21 may travel along a ground surface G1, and a replacement pack ramp 722 may be positioned in a cavity or recess 711 formed in the ground below a projected path of the vehicle 21 along the battery pack replacement system. The replacement pack ramp 722 may be constructed and positioned so that the replacement pack ramp second end 722s extends above the ground surface G1 in a manner similar to the replacement pack ramp second end 22s extending above the flat portions 35a, 35b of the tracks 34a, 34b in the previously described system 20.

[0075] The battery pack replacement system 720 can be operated in the same manner as the previously described system 20. Beginning with the use of an automatic battery pack replacement mode configured to control the movement of the vehicle 21 over a spent battery pack discharge portion (generally designated 726) that is also located in the cavity 711 below the ground G1. The vehicle 21 can then automatically travel over the replacement pack ramp 722 as previously described, discharge the spent pack 28 onto the battery pack discharge portion 726, deploy the replacement pack coupling system 48 to couple the vehicle 21 to the replacement battery pack 24, and drive along the ground G1 over the replacement pack ramp 722 to engage the replacement pack 24 and pull the pack 24 up the ramp 722 onto the replacement pack ramp second end 722s and into the battery pack receiver 40. Figure 7 The embodiment of differs primarily in that no structure is required to support the vehicle 21 above the ground G1 , since the elements of the system requiring the elevation of the vehicle 21 are positioned in the cavity 711 .

[0076] As can be seen from the above description, the loading of the replacement battery pack 24 is performed automatically, purely as a result of the movement of the vehicle 21 along the vehicle support structure 34, and without the assistance of any power mechanism that pushes the replacement battery pack 24 into the vehicle 21. As previously described, during the battery pack replacement process, the movement of the vehicle 21 along the vehicle support structure 34 can be powered entirely by the secondary battery pack 126, thereby allowing the depleted pack 28 to be electrically disconnected from the vehicle 21 for replacement, and the replacement pack 24 to be positioned in the vehicle 21 and electrically connected to the vehicle.

[0077] Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended to be exemplary only. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the various aspects of the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of possible implementations. Figures 1 to 8 Various embodiments are shown in the present invention, but the embodiments are not limited to the structures or applications shown.

[0078] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functions and operations of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to different embodiments. To this end, each box in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment or portion of a code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions indicated in the box may not occur in the order indicated in the figure. For example, depending on the functions involved, two blocks shown in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order.

[0079] The above-mentioned systems, components and / or processes can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software, and can be implemented in a centralized manner in one processing system, or in a distributed manner in which different elements are distributed across several interconnected processing systems. Any kind of processing system or another device suitable for executing the methods described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software can be a processing system with a computer-usable program code, which controls the processing system when loaded and executed so that it executes the methods described herein. The system, components and / or process can also be embedded in a computer-readable storage, such as a computer program product or other data program storage device, which can be read by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions that can be executed by a machine to execute the methods and processes described herein. These elements can also be embedded in an application product, which includes all the features that can implement the methods described herein, and can execute these methods when loaded into a processing system.

[0080] In addition, the arrangements described herein may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having a computer-readable program code embodied (e.g., stored) thereon. Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The phrase "computer-readable storage medium" refers to a non-volatile storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media would include the following: portable computer disks, hard disk drives (HDD), solid-state drives (SSD), read-only memories (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROM or flash memory), portable compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVD), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the above. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0081] Typically, as used herein, a module includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific data types. In other respects, memory generally stores the above modules. The memory associated with the module can be a buffer or cache, RAM, ROM, flash memory, or other suitable electronic storage medium embedded in the processor. In a further aspect, as contemplated by the present disclosure, the module is implemented as a hardware component of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic array (PLA), or another suitable hardware component embedded with a defined configuration set (e.g., instruction) for performing the disclosed functions.

[0082] The program code included on the computer readable medium can be transmitted with any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical fiber, cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the above. The computer program code for the operation of the various aspects of the present arrangement can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, and the programming language includes an object-oriented programming language, such as JavaTM, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and also includes conventional procedural programming languages, such as "C" language or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed completely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, executed as an independent software package, partially on the user's computer, partially on the remote computer, or completely on the remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer by any type of network (including local area network (Local Area Network, LAN) or wide area network (Wide Area Network, WAN)), or can be connected to an external computer (for example, using an Internet service provider through the Internet).

[0083] The terms "a" and "an" as used herein are defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality" as used herein is defined as two or more than two. The term "another" as used herein is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and / or "having" as used herein are defined as including (i.e., open language). The phrase "at least one of ... and ..." as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As an example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" includes only A, only B, only C, or any combination thereof (e.g., AB, AC, BC, or ABC).

[0084] The various aspects herein may be embodied in other forms without departing from its spirit or essential attributes. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be indicated by reference to the appended claims rather than by reference to the foregoing description.

Claims

1. Electric vehicle (EV) battery pack replacement system, including: Replacement bag ramp; A battery pack receiver that can be installed in a vehicle; as well as A replacement pack connection system mountable to a vehicle, configured to be operable to connect the vehicle to a replacement pack positioned on the ramp during movement of the vehicle over the ramp, such that further movement of the vehicle over the ramp after connection to the replacement pack causes the replacement pack to move upward along the ramp, the ramp being configured such that upward movement of the replacement pack along the ramp causes the replacement pack to be positioned in the receiver.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The slope includes: Framework; and A plurality of rolling elements are supported by the frame to define a movement plane having a first slope.

3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A vehicle support structure has a first track extending along a first side of the ramp and a second track extending along a second side of the ramp opposite the first side and parallel to the first track.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A spent battery pack discharge portion is configured to receive a spent battery pack released from the battery pack receiver and is positioned to be spaced apart from the replacement pack ramp in a direction opposite to a traveling direction of the vehicle from the battery pack discharge portion toward the replacement pack ramp.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The depleted battery pack discharge portion includes a discharge slope configured to slope downward from a position where the depleted battery pack is received from the vehicle.

6. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The refill ramp has a first end and a second end, and wherein the ramp second end is positioned above the level of the first track and the second track.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The first track includes a first flat portion extending along the first side of the replacement pack ramp and adjacent to the second end of the ramp, the second track includes a second flat portion extending along the second side of the replacement pack ramp and adjacent to the second end of the ramp, and wherein the first flat portion and the second flat portion are positioned at the same level.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The first track includes a first vehicle ramp configured to be connectable to the first planar portion, and the second track includes a second vehicle ramp configured to be connectable to the first planar portion and positionable opposite the first vehicle ramp.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: one or more processors; as well as a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing a battery pack replacement system control module, the battery pack replacement system control module comprising computer readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: determining that at least one latch mechanism is in one of the unlocked configuration and the latched configuration when the at least one latch mechanism should be in the other of the unlocked configuration and the latched configuration; as well as An alarm is generated indicating that the at least one latch mechanism is in an improper configuration.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The bag receiver includes at least one latch mechanism that can be actuated between a latched configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein the latched configuration is configured to engage the replacement bag when the replacement bag is positioned in the receiver to secure the replacement bag in the receiver, and the unlocked configuration disengages the replacement bag to allow the replacement bag to fall out of the receiver.

11. The system of claim 1 , further comprising: one or more processors; as well as a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing a packet replacement system control module, the packet replacement system control module comprising computer readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: generating a control signal directing actuation of at least one latch mechanism to an unlocked configuration in response to an indication from a sensor that the vehicle is in a position suitable for releasing a depleted battery pack from the receiver; as well as In response to an indication from a sensor that the replacement package has been positioned within the receptacle, a control signal is generated directing actuation of the at least one latch mechanism to a latched configuration.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The packet replacement system control module also includes computer readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: after generating a control command directing at least one latch mechanism to actuate to the unlocked configuration, determining that the depleted battery pack remains positioned in the receiver; and An alert is generated indicating that the depleted battery pack remains positioned in the receiver.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein: The pack receiver includes at least one battery power contact configured to physically contact a complementary contact positioned on the refill pack to enable power to be transferred from the refill pack to the vehicle when the refill pack is positioned within the receiver.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein: The replacement package connection system comprises: a hook configured to engage a complementary feature on the refill pack to connect the vehicle to the refill pack; and A hook retention mechanism is configured to be actuatable to deploy the hook to an active configuration for connecting the refill pack to the vehicle and to secure the hook in an inactive configuration when not in use.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising: A sensor may be mounted to the vehicle and configured to determine whether the replacement battery pack coupling system is engaged with the replacement pack.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising: one or more processors; as well as a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing a packet replacement system control module, the packet replacement system control module comprising computer readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: In response to an indication from a sensor that a battery pack has been released from the receiver, operation of the replacement pack coupling system is controlled to deploy a hook of the coupling system to an active configuration for connecting the replacement pack to the vehicle.

17. The system of claim 1, further comprising: A sensor may be mounted to the vehicle and configured to determine when the vehicle is in a position suitable for releasing a depleted battery pack from the receiver.

18. The system of claim 1, further comprising: A sensor may be mounted to the vehicle and configured to detect when a replacement package is positioned within the receptacle.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising: A sensor may be mounted to the vehicle and configured to detect a latched configuration and / or an unlatched configuration of the at least one latch mechanism.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein: The refill ramp is mounted in a cavity formed in the ground along which the vehicle moves.

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