Passive battery transfer device

Abstract

Battery transfer device (10) for electrically powered vehicles with a battery compartment (12) which has a base (14) on its underside, comprising: - a battery carrier (20) slidably mounted in a lateral direction (B) of the vehicle, with a support surface (20a, 20b) for a battery block, which battery carrier (20) is transferable between a first position and a second position, wherein a battery block supported by the battery carrier (20) is located substantially inside the battery chamber (12) in the first position and is located substantially outside the battery chamber (12) in the second position, and - an engagement element (30) associated with the battery carrier (20), which in an engagement position extends at least sectionally to under the underbody (14) of the battery chamber (12), characterized in that the support surface (20a, 20b) of the battery carrier (20) is formed such that it comprises a support area of ​​reduced width (20a) which extends in the width direction (B) of the vehicle and is adjacent to interruptions on both sides in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle, wherein the interruptions extend to an end of the battery chamber (12) in the width direction (B) of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery transfer device for electrically powered vehicles, with a battery chamber which has a base on its underside.

[0002] Electrically powered vehicles, and in particular electrically powered industrial trucks, are used in logistics and industrial facilities in areas where, for example, air pollution control regulations prohibit local emissions and therefore vehicles with combustion engines cannot be used. Unlike vehicles with combustion engines, which can be refueled within a few minutes, electrically powered vehicles require a significantly longer period of time, usually several hours, to fully charge the battery pack.

[0003] However, particularly in facilities operating in shifts, such a long charging process and the associated vehicle downtime are unacceptable. Therefore, it has been proposed that battery packs not be permanently installed in such vehicles, but rather arranged to be removable or interchangeable, allowing discharged battery packs to be replaced with ones charged externally. This would reduce the effective downtime of the vehicles from several hours to just a few minutes, and battery changes could be carried out, for example, during shift changes in logistics facilities without disrupting other operations.

[0004] However, since the battery blocks commonly used are relatively heavy, they cannot be changed manually; instead, additional equipment is required, such as cranes or low-lift vehicles, which can remove discharged battery blocks from vehicles and insert externally charged battery blocks into the respective vehicles.

[0005] Since the battery packs are located in designated battery compartments within the vehicle's footprint, they are not readily accessible to the aforementioned removal devices. It is therefore necessary to first move the battery packs out of the vehicle's footprint in order to then remove them with appropriate equipment.

[0006] An example of such a device is known from DE 10 2013 110 811 A1, in which a battery carrier is actively extended from the vehicle contour and has openings through which the battery block can then be picked up, for example, by means of a pallet truck. This device thus requires a drive system for repositioning the battery block, which has an increased space requirement in the area of ​​the battery compartment below the battery block and, due to its exposed position, is relatively susceptible to damage, for example, if the pallet truck used to remove the battery block is not precisely aligned with the intended recesses during removal.

[0007] Alternatively, vehicles have been proposed that do not have a continuous underbody in the area of ​​the battery compartment, allowing the battery block to be accessed directly from below using a removal device, such as a pallet truck. Such a device is disclosed, for example, in EP 1 411 020 A1. However, when using such a device, there is a risk that the lack of an underbody could damage the battery block from below, for example, while the vehicle is in motion, due to stones or similar debris being kicked up. Furthermore, according to EP 1 411 020 A1, the resulting frame twisting caused by the asymmetrical support of the battery block and the open design of the battery compartment floor must be compensated for by costly additional reinforcements.

[0008] Further examples of battery transfer devices for electrically powered vehicles are known from DE 10 2008 004 651 A1 and DE 10 2012 105 456 A1, wherein DE 10 2008 004 651 A1 in particular teaches a forklift truck which has a frame and a power supply unit arranged in a battery compartment, which can be removed through a side opening and for this purpose stands on a roller conveyor, while DE 10 2012 105 456 A1 discloses a similar forklift truck in which, however, a vehicle-side ejection means is provided for ejecting the power supply unit from the battery compartment.

[0009] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a mechanically simple and reliably operating battery transfer device that does not require its own drive and yet can be used in vehicles with a continuous underbody below the battery compartment and at the same time enables easy removal of the battery block without requiring any additional equipment not belonging to the vehicle.

[0010] The battery transfer device according to the invention comprises a battery carrier slidably mounted in a lateral direction of the vehicle with a support surface for a battery block, which battery carrier can be transferred between a first position and a second position, wherein a battery block carried by the battery carrier is located substantially inside the battery chamber in the first position and substantially outside the battery chamber in the second position, as well as an engagement element associated with the battery carrier, which is configured to extend at least partially to the underside of the battery chamber in an engagement position.The contact surface of the battery carrier is designed in such a way that it comprises a contact area of ​​reduced width, which extends in the width direction of the vehicle and is adjacent to interruptions on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with the interruptions extending to one end of the battery chamber in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0011] The battery transfer device according to the invention is based on the fact that the relocation of the battery carrier, and thus the battery block, is not effected by a device assigned to the vehicle, but rather that only an engagement element is provided on the vehicle's battery carrier, with which an external device, such as the forks of a low-lift truck, can engage to effect the relocation of the battery block out of the battery compartment by means of an external force exerted by it. At the same time, the interruptions adjacent to the reduced width of the support area allow easy access to the battery block from below, for example directly by the forks of the aforementioned low-lift truck.

[0012] The term "essentially outside the battery compartment" is to be understood as meaning that in this second position, the battery pack has been pulled out of the battery compartment far enough to be removed from the battery trays using a removal device, while "essentially inside the battery compartment" corresponds to the vehicle's normal operating state, in which the battery pack is connected to the vehicle's electrical systems. The removal device can be either the device used to pull the battery tray out of the battery compartment itself—in the example described above, the low-lift truck used for this purpose—or another device, such as a crane.

[0013] In the context of the invention, the term "underbody" is to be understood as a component that is firmly connected to the vehicle, in particular not arranged to slide together with the battery carrier, and which closes off the battery compartment below the vehicle at least partially at the bottom.

[0014] The feature that the engagement element extends at least partially to below the subfloor is to be understood in this context as meaning that at least part of the engagement element in the area of ​​the battery chamber projects further towards the subfloor than the lower outer surface of the subfloor below the battery chamber.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the engagement element can be arranged in the sliding direction of the battery carrier from the first position to the second position in the region of the front end of the battery carrier. This makes it more visible to the user, thus facilitating engagement, and also allows for advantageous absorption of moments acting on the battery carrier during extension. Furthermore, with a suitable selection of the engagement element, openings in the underbody can be avoided, or at least made comparatively small.

[0016] Furthermore, in a further development of the invention, the engagement element can be moved between the aforementioned engagement position and a release position, wherein in the release position the engagement element is located entirely above the underbody. This design feature ensures that, during vehicle operation, the engagement element does not restrict the ground clearance under the battery compartment and simultaneously protects it from damage or contamination. In a particularly simple and space-saving embodiment, the engagement element can be moved between the engagement position and the release position by pivoting it about a pivot axis extending essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Advantageously, this pivot axis, which extends essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, can be arranged above the underbody.Furthermore, the underbody can have at least one opening in the pivot area of ​​the engagement element, which allows the engagement element to be positioned below the battery block in the first position of the battery carrier, thus allowing for an improved distribution of the forces and moments acting on the battery carrier.

[0017] Alternatively, the access element could be shaped in such a way that it protrudes from the battery compartment and downwards, thus completely eliminating the need for penetrations in the underbody.

[0018] Furthermore, the battery transfer device can be designed such that the battery carrier is pivotally mounted about an axis that extends essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This axis may, for example, only be movable in the lateral direction of the vehicle. By providing this pivot axis, the battery carrier can, in the second position, pivot towards the ground to facilitate the removal of the battery pack or to allow the battery carrier to be placed on the ground.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the invention, the interruptions can extend from the reduced-width support area of ​​the battery carrier in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to the respective end of the battery chamber. This preferred design can be achieved, for example, by a T-shaped support surface, the narrower section of which extends in the direction of the battery carrier beyond the center of gravity of the battery block. In such an embodiment, the battery block can be lifted by simply lifting it from below, for example, with the two tines of a low-lift forklift on both sides of the web.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the engagement element can comprise a contact surface which, at least in the engagement position of the engagement element, has larger dimensions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle than in the lateral direction of the vehicle. In particular, this contact surface can be moved from the engagement position to a pivoted position, at least in the second position of the battery carrier, in which the contact surface has smaller dimensions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle than in the lateral direction of the vehicle. This movement of the contact surface from the engagement position to the pivoted position can, for example, be achieved by pivoting it about an axis parallel to a vertical axis of the vehicle.

[0021] The engagement element can be assigned to the reduced-width support area, and the contact surface of the engagement element in engagement position can have larger dimensions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle than the reduced-width support area in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and smaller dimensions in the lateral direction than the reduced-width support area in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0022] This design allows the engagement element, when viewed from above, to protrude in its engagement position along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle beyond the reduced-width contact area. For example, after pivoting 90 degrees around an axis parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis, it can be completely or largely concealed by this reduced-width contact area when viewed from above. This significantly facilitates access to the battery pack from below, as the contact surface in the pivoted position can be completely relocated to an area already occupied by the battery tray's contact area when viewed from above.

[0023] To enable suitable absorption of the forces and moments acting on the battery carrier outside the vehicle in the engagement position, the engagement element can furthermore have a support foot at its lower end in the engagement position. Alternatively or additionally, a support foot could also be provided as a component independent of the engagement element.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an electrically powered vehicle comprising a battery transfer device according to the invention.

[0025] The advantages and further details of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, which show in detail: Fig. 1 an oblique view of a battery compartment of a vehicle in which a battery transfer device according to the invention is installed; Fig. 2 the device from Fig. 1, wherein an external lifting trolley engages with the engagement element of the device which is in the engagement position; Fig. 3 the view from Fig. 2, wherein the battery transfer device has been extended using the pallet truck; Fig. 4 a top view of the vehicle and the pallet truck, with opposite Fig. 3 the engagement element has been pivoted; and Fig. 5 a detailed view of the battery transfer device from the Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 used intervention elements.

[0026] In Fig. 1 is a battery transfer device according to the invention, generally designated by reference numeral 10. It is accommodated in a battery compartment 12 of a vehicle shown only schematically, with the longitudinal axis / longitudinal direction L, the lateral axis / lateral direction B and the vertical axis / vertical direction H indicated by a coordinate cross, wherein the battery compartment 12 is bounded downwards by a continuous underfloor 14.

[0027] The underbody 14 forms part of the vehicle's frame 16, and the battery compartment 12 is arranged longitudinally between the two pairs of wheels, which, due to the high weight of the battery pack (not shown), ensures a good center of gravity for the vehicle. The battery pack is located in Fig. 1 on the battery carrier 20, which is essentially T-shaped and comprises a support surface formed by a first web 20a extending in the width direction B of the vehicle and a second web 20b extending perpendicular to it in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle, which extends in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle over the entire or almost the entire battery compartment 12. The T-shaped support forms a tilt-proof three-point support for the battery block. The battery carrier 20 further comprises a slide element 24, which interacts with a rail system 22 such that the battery carrier 20 is slidably mounted in the width direction B of the vehicle. The slidable mounting can be achieved, for example, in a known manner using slide bearings or rollers.

[0028] Furthermore, the battery carrier 20 includes, in the area of ​​the slide element 24, a pivot axis 24a extending in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle, which allows the battery carrier 20, including its battery support surfaces 20a and 20b, to pivot relative to the underbody 14. The engagement element 30 is arranged at the end of the battery carrier 20 opposite the slide element 24, and is located in the Fig. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the release position is located entirely above the underbody 14 and thus does not affect the ground clearance of the vehicle below the battery chamber 12.

[0029] For a more detailed description of the engagement element 30, please refer to the section described later. Fig. Reference is made to section 5. At this point, it is only necessary to draw attention to the contact surface 32, which extends in a wing-like manner in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle and which is pivotable about an axis that extends parallel to the vertical axis H of the vehicle.

[0030] As opposed to Fig. 1 the engagement element 30 is located in Fig. 2 in the engagement position, so that the contact surface 32 of the engagement element 30 extends in the vertical direction H of the vehicle under the underbody 14.

[0031] Furthermore, in Fig. 2 A pallet truck 40 with a fork 42 is shown, which has been inserted under the battery compartment 12 of the vehicle. This state is brought about by first engaging the engagement element 30 in its Fig. 2 the intervention position shown is pivoted, then the pallet truck 40 is inserted under the battery chamber 12 and finally the fork 42 of the pallet truck 40 is raised.

[0032] Alternatively, the intervention element 30 could initially be placed in the Fig. The release position shown in 1 is held, then the pallet truck 40 is pushed under the battery compartment and aligned, and then the engagement element 30 is inserted into its position. Fig. The engagement position shown in Figure 2 must be pivoted. It is important to ensure that the fork 42 of the pallet truck 40 is positioned low enough above the ground to allow the engagement element 30 to pivot from the release position to the engagement position. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that the fork 42 of the pallet truck 40 is positioned so that, after the engagement element 30 has pivoted, the contact surface 32 of the engagement element 30 rests securely on both tines of the fork 42 of the pallet truck 40 when the fork 42 is lifted.

[0033] From the in Fig. In the first position shown in Figure 2, where the battery block is located within battery chamber 12, the battery holder 20 can now be moved into position by simply pulling the pallet truck 40 into position 12. Fig. The second position shown in Figure 3 is transferred, in which the battery block is located outside the battery compartment 12, with the slide element 24 having run along the rail system 22 to its end and striking it there. It can be seen that the battery holder 20 with its support surfaces 20a and 20b is located completely outside the contour of the vehicle, thus allowing the battery support surfaces 20a and 20b to pivot about the pivot axis 24a assigned to the slide element 24. If the fork 42 of the pallet truck 40 is now lowered, the engagement element 30, by pivoting about the pivot axis 24a, comes into contact with the ground with its support foot 34 and rests on it. In the Fig. In position 3 shown, the battery block is therefore freely outside the battery chamber and could, for example, be removed by a crane.

[0034] However, an even simpler removal of the battery pack is possible in the one described in Fig. The state shown in section 4 occurs, in which the contact surface 32 of the engagement element 30 is opposite the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 has been pivoted by 90 degrees. This is possible because, as mentioned, the weight of the battery block and the battery holder 20 rests on the base 34, thus relieving the contact surface 32 of the engagement element 30. Because in the Fig. In the swiveled state shown in Figure 4, the contact surface 32 has been swivelled out of the engagement area of ​​the forks 42 of the pallet truck 40, the battery block can be picked up from the forks 42 by simply lifting the forks 42 again and transported away with the pallet truck 40.

[0035] Inserting a new battery pack is carried out analogously by repeating the steps described above in reverse order: First, a battery pack is positioned above the receiving surface 20 using the pallet truck 40, and then the forks 42 of the pallet truck 40 are lowered so that the battery pack rests on the support surfaces 20a, 20b. The battery carrier 20 rests on the base with its support foot 34 as described. In the next step, the forks 42 of the pallet truck 40 are lowered until the contact surface 32 of the engagement element 30 can be pivoted back into the Fig. The condition shown in point 3, i.e., the intervention position, is possible.

[0036] If the fork 42 of the pallet truck 40 is raised again, the weight of the battery carrier 20 and the battery block rests on the fork 42 with the contact surfaces 32 of the engagement element 30 from a certain lifting height, and the battery carrier can be inserted back into the battery chamber 12, with the slide element 24 passing through the rail system 22 in the opposite direction. After the insertion is complete, the device is again in the position described in Fig. 2 state shown. The fork 42 of the pallet truck 40 is then lowered until it no longer supports the weight of the battery block, whereupon the engagement element 30 is free and returns to the position shown. Fig. The release position shown in point 1 can be swivelled. The pallet truck 40 can then be pulled out from under the battery compartment without obstruction, and the battery change is complete.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 5 shows, as mentioned, the engagement element 30 enlarged. It is located at the outer end of the support surface 20a of the battery carrier 20 in the area of ​​a recess 14a in the base 14, which allows the engagement element 30 to pivot between the Fig. 1 shown release position and the one in Fig. The engagement position shown in Figure 5 is permitted. The pivoting occurs about the pivot axis S shown with dashed lines, whereby the engagement element 30 is held in the position shown in Figure 5 by a bolt 36. Fig.The position shown in Figure 5 can be fixed. Furthermore, the wing-shaped contact surface 32 is visible, which, as mentioned, projects beyond the battery support surface 20a on both sides in the position shown. However, its dimensions are such that, after a 90-degree rotation, it is concealed by the battery support surface 20a in a top view. Finally, the support foot 34 is visible, which can be height-adjustable, for example, to accommodate different types of pallet trucks, compensate for uneven ground, or respond to increasing tire wear on the vehicle.

Claims

[1] Battery transfer device (10) for electrically powered vehicles with a battery chamber (12) having a base (14) on its underside, comprising: - a battery carrier (20) slidably mounted in a width direction (B) of the vehicle, having a support surface (20a, 20b) for a battery block, which battery carrier (20) is transferable between a first position and a second position, wherein a battery block carried by the battery carrier (20) is located substantially within the battery chamber (12) in the first position and substantially outside the battery chamber (12) in the second position, and - an engagement element (30) associated with the battery carrier (20) which, in an engagement position, extends at least partially to below the underbody (14) of the battery chamber (12), characterized byin that the support surface (20a, 20b) of the battery carrier (20) is formed such that it comprises a support area of ​​reduced width (20a) which extends in the width direction (B) of the vehicle and is adjacent to interruptions on both sides thereof in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle, the interruptions extending to one end of the battery chamber (12) in the width direction (B) of the vehicle. [2] Battery transfer device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the engagement element (30) is arranged in the sliding direction of the battery carrier (20) from the first position to the second position in the region of the front end of the battery carrier (20). [3] Battery transfer device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement element (30) is transferable between the engagement position and a release position, wherein the engagement element (30) is located completely above the underbody (14) in the release position. [4] Battery transfer device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the transfer of the engagement element (30) between the engagement position and the release position is carried out by pivoting about a pivot axis extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle. [5] Battery transfer device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the underbody (14) has an opening (14a) in the pivoting range of the engagement element (30). [6] Battery transfer device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery carrier (20) is pivotally mounted about an axis (24a) which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle. [7] Battery transfer device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interruptions each extend from the support area of ​​reduced width (20a) of the battery carrier (20) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle to the respective end of the battery chamber (12). [8] Battery transfer device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement element (30) comprises a contact surface (32) which, at least in the engagement position, has larger dimensions in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle than in the width direction (B) of the vehicle. [9] Battery transfer device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the contact surface (32) can be transferred at least in the second position of the battery carrier (20) from the engagement position into a pivoted position in which the contact surface (32) has smaller dimensions in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle than in the width direction (B) of the vehicle. [10] Battery transfer device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the transfer of the contact surface (32) from the engagement position to the pivoted position is effected by pivoting about an axis parallel to a vertical axis (H) of the vehicle. [11] Battery transfer device (10) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the engagement element (30) is assigned to the support area of ​​reduced width (20a) and the contact surface (32) of the engagement element (30) in the engaged position has larger dimensions in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle than the support area of ​​reduced width (20a) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle and has smaller dimensions in the width direction (B) of the vehicle than the support area of ​​reduced width (20a) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle. [12] Battery transfer device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement element (30) has a base (34) at its lowest end in the first position [13] Vehicle comprising a battery transfer device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images