Battery electric dump truck

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery powered dump truck comprising a frame, a dump body pivotably mounted on the frame, and a power unit comprising a battery, the power unit providing electrical energy to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery powered dump truck, the frame includes two side beams extending in a longitudinal direction of the battery-powered dump truck, and an upper bridge member connecting the two side beams in a lateral direction, the upper bridge member including side posts extending upward from the side beams and an upper cross beam connecting the side posts, the power unit extends between the side beams and below the upper cross beam in the longitudinal direction of the battery-powered dump truck.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This invention relates to a battery-electric dump truck and methods related to battery-electric dump trucks.

[0002] Dump trucks are typically powered by a combustion engine, such as a diesel engine. In most applications, the diesel engine drives a generator, which in turn drives an electric propulsion motor to drive the dump truck. An example of such a diesel-electric dump truck is described in the manual T 284 – Liebherr Mining Truck, LME-11481630-enGB08-2022, Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News.

[0003] To reduce the environmental impact of dump trucks, attempts have been made to power them with batteries. Battery-electric dump trucks and battery-electric trucks are known from documents such as CN 218505646 U, WO 2022036364 A1, US11220167 B2, and US11541739B2. Documents US2023 / 0339308 A1 and WO 2023074203A1 illustrate a dump truck with a power unit based on a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell / battery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved battery-powered electric dump truck and related methods.

[0005] In a first aspect, this disclosure includes a battery-electric dump truck comprising a frame, a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame, and a power unit including a battery that supplies electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-electric dump truck. The frame includes two side beams extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck and an upper axle member connecting the two side beams in the lateral direction. The upper axle member includes side posts extending upward from the side beams and an upper crossbeam connecting the side posts. According to the first aspect, the power unit extends between the side beams and below the upper crossbeam in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck. Specifically, the power unit may be mounted as a one-piece structure passing under the crossbeam in the space between the side beams, wherein the crossbeam preferably carries a platform.

[0006] In a second aspect, this disclosure includes a battery-electric dump truck comprising a frame, a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame, and a power unit including a battery that supplies electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-electric dump truck, wherein the frame includes two side beams extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck, and wherein the power unit extends between the side beams and is mounted on cantilevered mounts projecting from the inner sidewalls of the side beams.

[0007] In a third aspect, this disclosure includes a battery-electric dump truck comprising: a frame; a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame; and a battery unit, a thermal regulation unit, and / or a power distribution cabinet attached to each other to form a power unit that supplies electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-electric dump truck, wherein the power unit is mounted to the frame as an integral building block. Specifically, the power unit is mounted to the frame as a one-piece construction comprising the battery unit, the thermal regulation unit, and the power distribution cabinet.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, this disclosure includes a battery-electric dump truck comprising a frame, a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame, a power unit including a battery that supplies electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-electric dump truck, and a charging interface unit separately disposed from the power unit and connected to the power unit via wiring. Specifically, the charging interface unit may provide a remote, modular, and / or side-beam mounted grid connection point relative to the power unit to deliver energy to the battery of the power unit.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, this disclosure includes a battery-electric dump truck comprising a frame, a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame, and a power unit including a battery that supplies electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-electric dump truck. The thermal regulation unit includes at least a first portion of a coolant circuit, the coolant circuit including valves and connectors for disconnecting and separating the first portion of the coolant circuit of the power unit from a second portion of the coolant circuit arranged on the battery-electric dump truck. The valves and connectors are configured such that the power unit can be removed from the battery-electric dump truck while the first portion of the coolant circuit and / or the second portion of the coolant circuit remains at least partially filled with coolant. Therefore, due to the valves, the power system can be wet-removed, thus providing a rapid replacement time.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, this disclosure includes a method for mounting a power unit to a battery-electric dump truck, the battery-electric dump truck including a frame and a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame, wherein the frame includes two side beams extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck and an upper bridge member connecting the two side beams in the lateral direction, the upper bridge member including side posts extending upward from the side beams and an upper crossbeam connecting the side posts, and the power unit including a battery and providing electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-electric dump truck, the method comprising the step of: inserting the power unit from the front side of the battery-electric dump truck into a mounting space disposed between the side beams and below the upper crossbeam in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, this disclosure includes a method for removing a power unit from a battery-electric dump truck, the battery-electric dump truck including a frame and a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame, and the power unit including at least a battery cell and a thermal regulation unit attached to each other to form the power unit, the power unit supplying electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-electric dump truck, the thermal regulation unit including at least a first portion of a coolant circuit, the method comprising the steps of: disconnecting and separating the first portion of the coolant circuit of the power unit from a second portion of the coolant circuit arranged on the battery-electric dump truck; and removing the power unit from the battery-electric dump truck while the first portion of the coolant circuit and / or the second portion of the coolant circuit remains at least partially filled with coolant.

[0012] The battery-electric dump truck disclosed herein can be specifically used in mines, especially for open-pit mining operations.

[0013] The battery-electric dump truck disclosed herein may have a maximum payload of 50 metric tons or more, especially 100 metric tons or more, especially 200 metric tons or more, especially 300 metric tons or more.

[0014] The battery-electric dump truck disclosed herein may have an empty weight of 50 metric tons or more, especially 100 metric tons or more, especially 200 metric tons or more.

[0015] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The attached diagram shows:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a battery-powered electric dump truck.

[0018] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A perspective view of the frame of an embodiment of a battery-powered electric dump truck.

[0019] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the frame of an embodiment of a battery-electric dump truck, wherein a power unit and an additional battery unit are attached to the frame.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2B The enlarged 3D view of the power unit and auxiliary battery unit shown.

[0021] Figure 4 It is a 3D diagram of the power unit and auxiliary battery unit, which includes a fire extinguishing system and a charging interface unit.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The embodiment of the charging interface unit shown, and

[0023] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a power unit with a cooling circuit and an auxiliary battery unit. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In general, embodiments of the battery-electric dump truck of this disclosure include a frame 10, a dump body 20 pivotally mounted on the frame 10, and a power unit 30 including a battery that supplies electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor 4 of the battery-electric dump truck.

[0025] The following describes Figure 1 and Figure 2A Details of an embodiment of the battery-electric dump truck and frame are shown. However, the aspects of this disclosure described below can also be implemented with other embodiments of the battery-electric dump truck or frame.

[0026] In this embodiment, the frame or chassis 10 is a steel structure formed by welding steel elements together. Some of the steel elements may be cast elements, while others may be steel plates. The beams of the frame may have a box-shaped, T-shaped, or H-shaped cross-section.

[0027] In this embodiment, the power unit 30 does not include a combustion engine, making the dump truck an all-electric dump truck. Furthermore, the dump truck's battery may be the sole onboard power source. However, the dump truck may additionally include a trolley system to provide electrical power via a power line and the trolley system.

[0028] In one embodiment, the power unit 30 includes a battery unit 33 for powering the electric traction motor of the dump truck. The power unit may further include a distribution cabinet 31 and / or a thermal regulation unit 32.

[0029] In an embodiment, Figure 1 The battery-electric dump truck shown includes front wheels 2 and rear wheels 3, with at least the rear wheels driven by a propulsion motor 4. The front wheels 2 are steered by a steering system.

[0030] On a horizontal plane above the front wheels 2, the battery-electric dump truck includes a platform 5 that carries the operator's cab 8 and / or control cabinet 9. Additional functional units can be mounted on the platform 5.

[0031] In manual mode, the battery-electric dump truck is controlled by the operator from the operator's cab 8 using manual control elements (such as the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and / or brake pedal). These manual control elements are used to control the propulsion and steering systems of the battery-electric dump truck, thereby controlling the speed and direction of the battery-electric dump truck.

[0032] The battery-electric dump truck may also include an autonomous mode, in which the controller autonomously controls the truck's propulsion and steering systems, thereby controlling the truck's speed and direction. For example, the controller can be configured to autonomously control the truck according to a task from loading site to unloading site or vice versa. The controller can be further configured to autonomously control the truck's movement to a charging station and, in cooperation with the charging station, autonomously perform charging operations. In autonomous mode, the truck's controller can communicate with a central task controller to receive tasks to be performed by the truck.

[0033] The controller may include a microprocessor and a computer program stored in non-transitory memory, the computer program including code that, when executed on the microprocessor, will provide the functions described above and below. The controller may be connected to an input device located in the operator's cab of the dump truck and may control the actuators of the dump truck, such as the steering actuator and the electric propulsion motor 4, to control steering and propulsion.

[0034] A radiator unit 40 is provided on the front side of the battery-powered electric dump truck. Further, in front of the radiator unit 40, a stair element 80 leads to the platform 5.

[0035] As part of some aspects of this disclosure, which is described more fully below, the battery-electric dump truck includes a power unit 30 and, in embodiments, an additional battery unit 35 disposed on a frame 10 between the front wheel 2 and the rear wheel 3.

[0036] Figure 2AThe image shows the frame of a battery-electric dump truck. As part of some aspects of this disclosure, which is described more fully below, the frame of the battery-electric dump truck includes two side beams 11 extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck. In an embodiment, the side beams extend from the front end to the rear end of the dump truck, wherein the dump body is pivotally mounted to a pivot mount 12 arranged at the rear end of the side frame.

[0037] As from Figure 2B As can be seen, as part of some aspects of this disclosure described more fully below, the power unit 30 is arranged between the side beams 11 of the frame.

[0038] As part of some aspects of this disclosure, which is described more fully below, the frame of the battery-electric dump truck frame 10 includes an upper bridge member that connects two side beams 11 in a lateral direction. The upper bridge member includes side posts 15 extending upward from the side beams 11 and upper crossbeams 16 connecting the side posts.

[0039] Furthermore, in an embodiment, at the same longitudinal location of the frame, the side beams are connected by a lower bridge member, which is formed by a lower extension of a side post, and the lower extension of the side post is connected by a lower crossbeam 17. Thus, the upper bridge member and the lower bridge member together form a frame structure extending in both the vertical and lateral directions of the battery-electric dump truck.

[0040] The platform and operator's cab are mounted on the upper crossbeam 16 of the upper bridge component.

[0041] Furthermore, the connection point 14 of the suspension system for the front wheel 2 is located on the pillar 15. The suspension system for the rear wheel is mounted to connection points 13, 13' located on the side beam 11.

[0042] In one embodiment, the side beam 11 is connected in the lateral direction by at least a first rear transverse member 19 and a second rear transverse member 19'.

[0043] In one embodiment, the side beam 11 has a generally triangular shape in a side view, extending between the front end, the first rear transverse member 19, and the second rear transverse member 19'. The longer side of the triangle points upward, the first shorter side points downward, and the second shorter side points rearward. Thus, the longer side extends upward in the front-rear direction.

[0044] In one embodiment, a first rear transverse member 19 is arranged at the rear corner of the pivot mount 12 adjacent to the self-unloading body, and a second rear transverse member 19' is arranged at the lower corner of the triangular shape. The second rear transverse member includes pins at its lateral ends for carrying the lower end of the self-unloading lifting cylinder for lifting the self-unloading body 20.

[0045] In this embodiment, the front end of the side beam 11 is connected by the front transverse member 18.

[0046] The following describes various aspects of this disclosure that can be utilized Figure 1 The battery-powered electric dump truck shown Figure 2A The illustrated framework can be used to implement this system or other embodiments of the battery-electric dump truck.

[0047] In the first aspect of this disclosure, such as Figure 2B As shown, the frame 10 includes two side beams 11 extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck, and an upper bridge member connecting the two side beams 11 in the lateral direction. The upper bridge member includes side posts 15 extending upward from the side beams 11 and an upper crossbeam 16 connecting the side posts 15. The power unit 30 extends between the side beams 11 and below the upper crossbeam 16 in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck. This configuration allows for a simple, stable, and compact construction.

[0048] In an embodiment, the frame 10 further includes a lower bridge member that connects two side beams 11 in a lateral direction and includes a lower crossbeam 17. The upper bridge member and the lower bridge member form a frame structure, wherein the power unit 30 extends through the frame structure in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck, above the lower crossbeam 17 and below the upper crossbeam 16.

[0049] In one embodiment, the power unit 30 includes a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion having a first upper surface extending horizontally below the upper crossbeam 16, and the front portion having a second upper surface extending horizontally in front of and / or above the upper crossbeam 16. Thus, the power unit can have a large volume, yet it still extends below the crossbeam 16.

[0050] In one embodiment, there is a stepped portion between the first upper surface and the second upper surface, which extends vertically in front of the upper transverse member 16.

[0051] In this embodiment, the battery cell 33 forms the rear portion and extends below the upper crossbeam 16. The thermal regulation unit 32 forms at least a portion of the front portion, particularly at least the upper portion of the front portion, and is positioned in front of the crossbeam 16. Specifically, the thermal regulation unit 32 is arranged on top of the battery cell 33 and thus has an upper surface extending above the upper surface of the battery cell 33. The rear surface of the thermal regulation unit forms a stepped portion. The distribution cabinet 31 is arranged below the thermal regulation unit and in front of the battery cell.

[0052] In the second aspect of this disclosure, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, the frame 10 includes two side beams 11 extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck, and the power unit 30 extends between the side beams 11 and is mounted on a cantilevered mount 50 protruding from the inner sidewall of the side beams 11. Thus, the power unit can be mounted to the frame with a simple and stable construction, allowing for short installation and removal times.

[0053] In the embodiments, similarly... Figure 3 As shown, the power unit 30 includes side brackets 75 and 76 arranged on its lateral side, which are connected to the cantilever mount 50. Specifically, the side brackets 75 and 76 can be connected to the cantilever mount 50 by bolts and rubber bearings.

[0054] In one embodiment, the side supports 75, 76 have a first plate element connected to a side surface of the power unit, and a second plate element extending vertically from the first plate element in the horizontal direction to connect to the cantilever mount 50. In another embodiment, the cantilever mount 50 includes a support surface extending horizontally from the inner sidewall of the side beam 11, on which the second plate element of the side supports 75, 76 rests.

[0055] In one embodiment, the power unit 30 is mounted on a front cantilever mount 50 and a rear cantilever mount 50 spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck. In another embodiment, the front and rear cantilever mounts have different configurations, but they can also be identical in configuration. The side brackets 75 and 76 mounted to the front and rear cantilever mounts have different configurations, but they can also be identical in configuration.

[0056] As described above, in the embodiment, the frame 10 includes an upper bridge member that connects two side beams in the lateral direction. The upper bridge member includes a side post 15 extending upward from the side beam 11 and an upper crossbeam 16 connecting the side post. A front cantilever mount 50 is arranged in front of the bridge member, and a rear cantilever mount 50 is arranged in rear of the bridge member.

[0057] In this embodiment, side brackets 75 and 76 are disposed on the battery unit 33, such that the thermal regulation unit 32 and the power distribution cabinet 31 are mounted on the frame only via the battery unit 33.

[0058] In this embodiment, the power unit is mounted to the frame 10 only via side brackets 75, 76 and cantilever mounts.

[0059] In one embodiment, as described above, the front end of the side beam is connected via the front transverse member 18. In another embodiment, as... Figure 2B As shown, the power unit 30 is arranged horizontally above the front transverse member 18. Furthermore, the front portion of the power unit can be positioned above the front transverse member 18.

[0060] In the third aspect of this disclosure, such as Figure 2B and Figure 3 As shown, the battery-electric dump truck includes a battery unit 33, a thermal regulation unit 32, and / or a power distribution cabinet 31 attached to each other to form a power unit 30. The power unit 30 supplies electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-electric dump truck, wherein the power unit 30 is mounted to the frame 10 as an integral building block. Setting the power unit as an integral building block allows for simple, time-saving, and efficient installation and removal of the battery unit 33, thermal regulation unit 32, and / or power distribution cabinet 31 as a single unit.

[0061] In one embodiment, the frame 10 includes two side beams 11 extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck, and the power unit 30 extends in the space between the side beams.

[0062] In an embodiment, such as Figure 2B and Figure 3 As shown, the power distribution cabinet 31 is located on the front side of the power unit.

[0063] In one embodiment, the power distribution cabinet 31 can be accessed from the front of the battery-powered dump truck, such as from... Figure 1 As can be seen in the diagram. Specifically, the front housing element of the distribution cabinet 31 can form part of the front face of the battery-powered dump truck.

[0064] Furthermore, the distribution cabinet 31 may include a high-voltage disconnect switch operable from the front of the battery-powered dump truck.

[0065] In an embodiment, as described above, the frame 10 includes two side beams 11 extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck, and an upper bridge member connecting the two side beams in the lateral direction. The upper bridge member includes side posts 15 extending upward from the side beams and an upper crossbeam 16 connecting the side posts.

[0066] In this embodiment, as described above, the power unit extends longitudinally between the side beams and below the upper crossbeam 16 of the battery-electric dump truck. Furthermore, a thermal adjustment unit 32 is arranged in front of the crossbeam 16 at the horizontal plane of the crossbeam. Furthermore, a battery unit 33 extends to the rear side below the crossbeam 16.

[0067] In this embodiment, only the battery unit 33 is directly mounted to the frame, while the thermal regulation unit 32 and the power distribution cabinet 31 are mounted to the frame only via the battery unit 33.

[0068] In this embodiment, the battery unit 33 is arranged at the rear of the power distribution cabinet 31. A thermal regulation unit 32 is arranged on top of the power distribution cabinet 31 and the battery unit 33. The thermal regulation unit 32 extends from the front of the power unit 30 to a position between the front and rear of the battery unit 33 in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck.

[0069] The first, second, and third aspects of this disclosure may be implemented independently of each other by means of the above-described embodiments of the battery-electric dump truck and / or frame or any other battery-electric dump truck.

[0070] The first, second, and third aspects of this disclosure can also be implemented in any possible combination of the described aspects. In embodiments, all aspects are provided in combination. However, this disclosure also includes combinations of only two aspects.

[0071] In any of the first, second, and third aspects of this disclosure, or any possible combination thereof, the power unit 30 may be inserted into the frame 10 from the front side of the battery-electric dump truck.

[0072] Specifically, when installing the power unit, the power unit can be inserted into the frame as an integral building block from the front and / or connected to the frame via bracket 75 and / or cantilever mount 50.

[0073] In one embodiment, the power unit can be inserted into and / or removed from the front side between the platform 5 and the front transverse member 18.

[0074] The following aspects of this disclosure may be implemented independently of or in combination with the first, second, and third aspects of this disclosure or any possible combination thereof.

[0075] According to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the charging interface unit 90 is separately positioned from the power unit 30 and connected to the power unit via wiring 95. This provides better access to the charging interface unit 90, as the charging interface unit can be positioned on the battery-electric dump truck in a more accessible location for charging, independent of the power unit.

[0076] Specifically, the charging interface unit 90 can be positioned on the battery-electric dump truck so that the autonomous charging station can easily access the charging interface unit when operating in autonomous mode.

[0077] In the embodiments, such as in Figure 1 As can be seen, the charging interface unit 90 is mounted on the frame 10.

[0078] In one embodiment, the charging interface unit 90 is mounted on the front end of the battery-powered dump truck. This reduces the length of the wiring 95.

[0079] In this embodiment, the charging interface unit 90 faces outwards in the lateral direction. Therefore, the charging interface unit can be accessed from the side of the battery-electric dump truck. Consequently, the battery-electric dump truck can drive past the charging station for charging, instead of having to reverse out of the charging station after charging if the charging connection is located at the front.

[0080] In one embodiment, the charging interface unit 90 is mounted on the outer side wall at the front end of one of the side beams 11.

[0081] In an embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the charging interface unit 90 includes a hinged door 92 with an automatic actuator 93. In autonomous mode, the dump truck's controller can therefore autonomously open the hinged door for charging.

[0082] In one embodiment, the charging interface unit 90 includes at least one charging port 91, which is cooled by a closed-loop built-in cooling circuit of the charging interface unit. Specifically, the cooling circuit may be a dielectric cooling circuit.

[0083] In an embodiment, the dielectric cooling circuit of the charging interface unit is connected to the coolant circuit of the thermal regulation unit 32 of the power unit via coolant line 94 and / or heat exchanger.

[0084] According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, such as Figure 6 As shown, the battery-electric dump truck includes at least one coolant circuit 100, 105, and the power unit includes at least a battery cell 33 and a thermal regulation unit 32 attached to each other to form a power unit 30. This power unit supplies electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-electric dump truck, wherein the thermal regulation unit 32 includes at least a first portion of at least one coolant circuit 100, 105. According to a fifth aspect, the coolant circuits 100, 105 include valves and connectors 101, 102 for disconnecting and separating the first portion of the coolant circuit of the power unit from a second portion of the coolant circuit arranged on the battery-electric dump truck. The valves and connectors are configured to allow the power unit to be removed from the battery-electric dump truck, wherein the first portion of the coolant circuit and / or the second portion of the coolant circuit 100, 105 remains at least partially filled with coolant. Therefore, removing the power unit does not require completely draining the first and / or second portions of the coolant circuit, thereby reducing removal time and simplifying removal.

[0085] In a first variant of the embodiment, the cooling circuit 105 connects the thermal regulation unit 32 to the radiator unit 40 arranged on the battery-electric dump truck.

[0086] In this variant, the valves and connectors can be configured such that the power unit 30 can be removed from the battery-electric dump truck while the radiator unit 40 and therefore the second portion of the cooling circuit 105 remains filled with coolant. Conversely, the first portion of the cooling circuit 105 inside the thermal regulation unit 32 (the thermal regulation unit is smaller in volume than the first portion of the circuit) will be emptied.

[0087] In a second variation of the embodiment, the cooling circuit 100 connects the thermal regulation unit 32 to an auxiliary battery unit 35 disposed on the battery-electric dump truck. Specifically, as described above, the auxiliary battery unit 35 may be disposed separately from the power unit 30 on the frame at a position between the front and rear wheels. The thermal regulation unit 32 may also control the temperature of the auxiliary battery unit 35 via the cooling circuit 100.

[0088] In the second variant, valves and connectors 101, 102 are configured such that the power unit 30 can be removed from the battery-powered dump truck while the thermal regulation unit 32 and / or the additional battery unit 35 remain filled with coolant.

[0089] Specifically, valves and connectors 101 are arranged in a portion of the cooling circuit to connect the cooling lines arranged on the power unit 30 to the cooling lines arranged on the battery-electric dump truck. The valves and connectors can be configured such that when the power unit 30 is removed, the portion of the cooling lines arranged on the power unit 30 and the thermal regulation unit 32 remain filled with fluid.

[0090] Furthermore, a valve and connector 102 are arranged in a portion of the cooling circuit that connects the cooling lines arranged on the auxiliary battery unit 35 to the cooling lines arranged on the battery-electric dump truck. The valve and connector can be configured such that the portion of the cooling lines arranged on the auxiliary battery unit 35 can be isolated from the rest of the cooling lines. Therefore, when the power unit 30 is removed, the portion of the cooling lines arranged on the auxiliary battery unit 35 remains filled with fluid. Furthermore, when the auxiliary battery unit 35 is removed, the portion of the cooling lines arranged on the auxiliary battery unit 35 also remains filled with fluid. Therefore, only the portion of the cooling lines extending between the power unit and the auxiliary battery unit on the battery-electric dump truck must be emptied.

[0091] The thermal regulation unit can provide liquid cooling for the power unit and auxiliary battery unit via cooling circuit 100. An integrated pump can circulate the coolant in the cooling circuit. The thermal regulation unit may include a condenser arranged in cooling circuit 100, which is then liquid-cooled by radiator unit 40 via cooling circuit 105.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, in embodiments according to any one of the foregoing aspects and any combination thereof, the battery-electric dump truck may further include a battery fire suppression system. The battery fire suppression system includes a fire extinguishing agent storage tank 110 disposed on the battery-electric dump truck, which is connected to the power unit 30 and the auxiliary battery unit 35 via a fire extinguishing agent line 111. The battery fire suppression system may be configured to flood at least a portion of the battery unit 33 and / or the auxiliary battery unit 35 in the event of a fire. Valves are disposed in the fire extinguishing agent line to control the flow of the fire extinguishing agent. The fire extinguishing agent may be a liquid.

[0093] The methods according to this disclosure will be described below. These methods are independent of the foregoing aspects. However, in embodiments of this disclosure, these methods can be applied to dump trucks according to the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth aspects described above.

[0094] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for mounting a power unit 30 to a battery-electric dump truck, the battery-electric dump truck including a frame and a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame, wherein the frame includes two side beams extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck, and an upper axle member connecting the two side beams in the lateral direction, the upper axle member including side posts extending upward from the side beams and an upper crossbeam connecting the side posts, and the power unit including a battery and providing electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-electric dump truck. According to the sixth aspect, the method includes the step of inserting the power unit from the front side of the battery-electric dump truck into a mounting space disposed between the side beams and below the upper crossbeam in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck. This allows for simple and efficient installation of the power unit.

[0095] The method according to the sixth aspect can be specifically used with the battery-electric dump truck according to the first aspect as described above.

[0096] In an embodiment, after the power unit is inserted, it can be connected to a cantilever mount disposed on the inner wall of the side beam of the frame. Therefore, the method according to the sixth aspect can be specifically used with the battery-electric dump truck according to the second aspect as described above.

[0097] In one embodiment, in order to disassemble the power unit 30, the power unit is disconnected from the cantilever mount and / or removed toward the front of the battery-electric dump truck.

[0098] In this embodiment, the power unit is inserted into and / or removed from the front side by moving the power unit between the platform 5 and the front transverse member 18 into the mounting space between the side beam 11 or by moving the power unit from the mounting space. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the platform 5 and the front transverse member 18 to install or remove the power unit.

[0099] Installation and / or removal can be performed as described above regarding the various aspects of the battery-electric dump truck disclosed herein.

[0100] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for removing a power unit 30 from a battery-electric dump truck, wherein the battery-electric dump truck includes a frame and a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame, and the power unit includes at least a battery cell 33 and a thermal regulation unit 32 attached to each other to form the power unit 30, the power unit 30 supplying electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-electric dump truck, and the thermal regulation unit 32 including at least a first portion of coolant circuits 100, 105. According to the seventh aspect, the method includes the steps of: disconnecting and separating the first portion of the coolant circuits 100, 105 of the power unit from a second portion of the coolant circuits arranged on the battery-electric dump truck; and removing the power unit 30 from the battery-electric dump truck while the first portion of the coolant circuits 100, 105 and / or the second portion of the coolant circuits remain at least partially filled with coolant.

[0101] The method according to aspect seven can be specifically implemented as described above with respect to aspect five. Furthermore, the method according to aspect seven can be implemented on battery-electric dump trucks according to aspect five.

[0102] In one embodiment, the method may include installing a new power unit by inserting a new power unit 30 and connecting a first portion of the coolant circuit of the new power unit and a second portion of the cooling circuit arranged on the battery-electric dump truck, wherein the first portion of the coolant circuit and / or the second portion of the cooling circuit is filled with coolant prior to the step of connecting the first and second portions.

[0103] Specifically, the second part of the cooling circuit arrangement on the battery-electric dump truck can still be filled with coolant.

[0104] Furthermore, the first part of the cooling circuit arranged on the power unit can be pre-filled before the power unit is installed.

Claims

1. A battery-powered electric dump truck, comprising: frame, Self-unloading body, the self-unloading body being pivotally mounted on the frame, and The power unit includes a battery that supplies electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-powered electric dump truck. The frame includes two side beams extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck, and an upper bridge member connecting the two side beams in the lateral direction. The upper bridge member includes side posts extending upward from the side beams and upper crossbeams connecting the side posts. The power unit extends between the side beams and below the upper crossbeam in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck.

2. The battery-powered electric dump truck as described in claim 1, wherein, The frame further includes a lower axle member that connects the two side beams in a lateral direction and includes a lower crossbeam. The upper axle member and the lower axle member form a frame structure, wherein the power unit extends through the frame structure in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck, above the lower crossbeam and below the upper crossbeam.

3. The battery-powered electric dump truck as described in claim 1, wherein, The left front wheel assembly and the right front wheel assembly are mounted to the frame structure.

4. The battery-powered electric dump truck as described in claim 1, wherein, The power unit includes a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion having a first upper surface extending below the horizontal plane of the upper crossbeam, and the front portion having a second upper surface extending in front of and / or above the horizontal plane of the upper crossbeam.

5. A battery-powered electric dump truck, comprising: frame, Self-unloading body, the self-unloading body being pivotally mounted on the frame, and The power unit includes a battery that supplies electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-powered electric dump truck. The frame includes two side beams extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck. The power unit extends between the side beams and is mounted on a cantilevered mount that protrudes from the inner wall of the side beams.

6. The battery-powered electric dump truck as described in claim 5, wherein, The power unit includes a side bracket arranged on its lateral side, the side bracket being connected to the cantilever mount.

7. The battery-powered electric dump truck as described in claim 5, wherein, The power unit is mounted on front and rear cantilever mounts spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the battery-powered dump truck.

8. The battery-powered electric dump truck as described in claim 7, wherein, The frame includes an upper bridge member that connects the two side beams in a lateral direction. The upper bridge member includes side columns extending upward from the side beams and upper crossbeams connecting the side columns. The front cantilever mount is arranged in front of the bridge member, and the rear cantilever mount is arranged in rear of the bridge member.

9. The battery-powered electric dump truck as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The side beam is connected in the lateral direction by at least a first rear transverse member and a second rear transverse member.

10. The battery-powered electric dump truck as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The side beam has a generally triangular shape extending between the front end, the first rear transverse member and the second rear transverse member, wherein the first rear transverse member is arranged at the rear corner of the pivot mount adjacent to the dump body, and the second rear transverse member is arranged at the lower corner of the triangular shape and carries the lower end of the dump lifting cylinder.

11. The battery-electric dump truck as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The front end of the side beam is connected by a front transverse member.

12. The battery-electric dump truck as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The power unit is positioned on a horizontal plane above the front transverse member.

13. The battery-electric dump truck of claim 1, comprising a platform mounted on a bridge member of the frame.

14. The battery-powered electric dump truck as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The driver's cab and / or control cabinet are arranged on the platform.

15. A battery-powered electric dump truck, comprising: frame, Self-unloading body, the self-unloading body being pivotally mounted on the frame, and The battery unit, thermal regulation unit, and / or power distribution cabinet are attached to each other to form a power unit that supplies electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-electric dump truck. The power unit is installed as an integral building block onto the frame.

16. The battery-electric dump truck as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The frame includes two side beams extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck, and the power unit extends in the space between the side beams.

17. The battery-powered electric dump truck as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The power distribution cabinet is located at the front of the power unit, wherein the power distribution cabinet is accessible from the front of the battery-electric dump truck and / or includes a high-voltage disconnect switch operable from the front of the battery-electric dump truck.

18. The battery-electric dump truck as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The frame includes two side beams extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck, and an upper bridge member connecting the two side beams in the lateral direction. The upper bridge member includes side posts extending upward from the side beams and upper crossbeams connecting the side posts. The power unit extends in the longitudinal direction of the battery-powered electric dump truck between the side beams and below the upper crossbeam. The thermal regulation unit is arranged in front of the crossbeam at the horizontal plane of the crossbeam, and / or the battery unit extends to the rear side below the crossbeam.

19. The battery-electric dump truck as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The power unit can be inserted into the frame from the front side of the battery-powered dump truck.

20. A method for mounting a power unit to a battery-electric dump truck, The battery-electric dump truck includes a frame and a dump body pivotally mounted on the frame, wherein, The frame includes two side beams extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck, and an upper bridge member connecting the two side beams in the lateral direction. The upper bridge member includes side posts extending upward from the side beams and upper crossbeams connecting the side posts. The power unit includes a battery and supplies electrical power to at least one electric propulsion motor of the battery-powered electric dump truck. The method includes the following steps: The power unit is inserted from the front of the battery-electric dump truck into the mounting space, which is located in the longitudinal direction of the battery-electric dump truck between the side beams and below the upper crossbeam.

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