Lifting device for handling a motor vehicle battery module

Abstract

A lifting device for handling a battery module of a motor vehicle is described, comprising a crossbeam on which at least three gripping arms are arranged, each having at least one gripping projection for grasping a battery module, and a connector for arranging the lifting device on an actuator device, wherein at least one gripping arm is adjustable on the crossbeam in and against a gripping projection direction, and wherein the at least one gripping arm is connected to a hinged lever arranged on the crossbeam, which can be moved from a first position in which the at least one gripping arm is extended to a second position in which the gripping arm is retracted, and vice versa.

Description

[0001] A lifting device for handling a battery module of a motor vehicle is described.

[0002] Lifting devices for handling a battery module of a motor vehicle of the type mentioned above are known in the prior art.

[0003] Handling motor vehicle traction batteries, for example, for assembly or disassembly, presents various technical and logistical challenges, primarily due to their considerable weight and varying dimensions. Traction batteries, which serve as energy storage devices for electric vehicles, can weigh several hundred kilograms. This heavy weight requires special equipment and carefully planned processes to ensure safe and efficient lifting, transport, and installation.

[0004] In addition, the dimensions of battery modules vary considerably depending on the vehicle type and manufacturer. These size differences place additional demands on the flexibility and adaptability of lifting equipment. Tools must be developed that can not only bear the heavy load but are also capable of securely gripping differently shaped and sized modules without damaging them.

[0005] A further challenge arises from the fact that the batteries are often installed in tight spaces within the vehicle body, requiring precise positioning during handling. The lack of standardized interfaces between the modules and the lifting devices can further complicate this process. Furthermore, safety aspects such as protection against mechanical damage and short circuits are crucial during handling, as the batteries contain sensitive and potentially hazardous components.

[0006] DE 10 2019 102 017 A1 discloses a lifting device for handling a battery module, comprising a base body and an L-shaped gripping hook which is designed to engage in a receiving opening of a housing of the battery module, characterized in that the base body is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis and comprises at least two rigid L-shaped gripping hooks, each having a first and a second leg, wherein the first legs of the L-shaped gripping hooks are each rigidly connected to the base body and the second legs extend transversely to the pivot axis.

[0007] The task therefore arises of further developing lifting devices for handling a battery module of a motor vehicle of the type mentioned above in such a way that a better adaptation to different battery types is possible without having to change the handling tool on the assembly line.

[0008] The object is achieved by a lifting device for handling a battery module of a motor vehicle according to claim 1. Further embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] A lifting device for handling a battery module of a motor vehicle is described, comprising a cross member on which at least three gripping arms are arranged, which have at least one gripping projection for gripping a battery module, and a connector for arranging the lifting device on an actuator device, wherein at least one gripping arm is arranged on the cross member so as to be adjustable in and against a gripping projection direction, wherein the at least one gripping arm is connected to an articulated lever arranged on the cross member, which can be transferred from a first position in which the at least one gripping arm is disengaged, to a second position in which the gripping arm is engaged, and vice versa.

[0010] The gripping arms with the gripping projections arranged thereon can be L-shaped, so that the respective gripping projection on a gripping arm is positioned at an end of the gripping arm remote from the cross member.

[0011] The gripping projections can be oriented differently relative to one another, in particular inwards, to enable secure positioning and secure holding of a battery module.

[0012] Four or more gripper arms may be provided, with four gripper arms enabling secure support of a battery module around its center of gravity.

[0013] The articulated lever can have a locking function so that accidental opening of the lifting device is not possible.

[0014] With the help of the connector, the lifting device can be attached to a crane, for example, whereby the crane can be a cable crane or a boom.

[0015] The connector can be or have an eyelet.

[0016] The lifting device allows the use and handling of battery modules of different sizes, thus increasing flexibility compared to known lifting devices. To use the lifting device, the at least one adjustable gripper arm is moved to the disengaged position, if not already in this position, the lifting device is positioned on the battery module, and the gripper arm is then moved to the retracted position. The battery module is firmly held in the retracted position by the lifting device using the at least three gripper arms.

[0017] In a first further embodiment, it is provided that two oppositely arranged gripping arms are adjustably arranged on the cross member, wherein the articulated lever actuates both gripping arms.

[0018] This can simplify the installation of the lifting device on the battery module. Both gripper arms can grip the battery module like a pair of pliers.

[0019] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that the articulated lever is rotatably mounted and actuates an adjusting lever which is connected to at least one push rod, wherein the push rod is on the other hand directly or indirectly connected to a gripping arm.

[0020] This allows manual operation of the lifting device, which can reduce both the cost and weight of the lifting device.

[0021] Articulated levers and adjusting levers can be designed in one piece or in multiple pieces.

[0022] Articulated levers and adjusting levers can be mounted on the same bearing.

[0023] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that the adjusting lever has arms projecting on two sides, each arm being connected on the one hand to a push rod, the push rod on the other hand being connected directly or indirectly to a gripping arm.

[0024] By having at least two protruding arms on the control lever, it is possible to operate two movable gripping arms simultaneously.

[0025] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that at least one movable or adjustable gripping arm is guided in a sliding manner.

[0026] Such a construction is simple, comparatively inexpensive and lightweight.

[0027] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one adjustable gripping arm is arranged on a carriage which is adjustable transversely to an extension direction of the gripping arm.

[0028] This increases the range of applications of the lifting device, as the lifting device can be adjusted to accommodate compact and large battery modules.

[0029] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that the connector is arranged on the cross member so as to be adjustable in at least one direction of extension of the cross member.

[0030] This ensures that the connector is always positioned at the center of gravity of the assembly consisting of the lifting device and battery module, which enables the battery module to be lifted horizontally.

[0031] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that the adjustable gripping arms and / or the carriage and / or the adjustable connector can be secured in a locking position by means of at least one spring-loaded securing bolt.

[0032] This prevents accidental adjustment. The locking bolts can also be lockable to further increase safety.

[0033] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that a plurality of locking positions are provided on the cross member for the at least one securing bolt.

[0034] This ensures safety in different or all possible positions.

[0035] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that at least one carrying handle is arranged on the cross member.

[0036] This makes it easier to position the lifting device on a battery module and to handle the lifting module.

[0037] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that at least one recess is provided on the cross member.

[0038] At least one recess can save weight. Such a recess can be located at a non-structural point on the truss, so that the truss's load-bearing capacity is not significantly weakened.

[0039] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, which – where appropriate with reference to the drawings – describes at least one embodiment in detail. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0040] They show schematically: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a lifting device; Fig. 2 the lifting device Fig. 1 in an open position and in a closed position; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a section of the lifting device from Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 a further perspective view of a section of the lifting device from Fig. 1.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a lifting device 2.

[0042] The lifting device 2 comprises a cross member 4, which is essentially plate-shaped. To reduce the overall weight of the lifting device 2, the cross member 4 has two recesses 4.1 and 4.2, which are provided in non-structural areas of the cross member 4.

[0043] Gripper arms 6, 8, 10, 12 are arranged on the cross member 4, each of which is adjustable as described below. The gripper arms 6, 8, 10, 12 are used to grasp and positively support a battery module (not shown) around its center of gravity in order to support the battery module.

[0044] The gripping arms 6, 8, 10, 12 each have a gripping projection 8.1, 10.1, 12.1 (that of the gripping arm 6 is due to the perspective in Fig. 1 concealed by the cross member 4), which is arranged at the projecting end of the corresponding gripper arm 6, 8, 10, 12 and gives the respective gripper arm 6, 8, 10, 12 an L-shaped structure. The corresponding gripping projections 8.1, 10.1, 12.1 are each aligned toward a longitudinal or transverse center of the lifting device 2.

[0045] Furthermore, an eyelet 14 is arranged on the crossbeam 4 and is adjustable by means of a base plate 16, wherein the base plate 16 is guided in a guide rail 18. This makes it possible to adjust the eyelet 14 relative to the crossbeam 4 in order to be positioned above the center of gravity of the overall arrangement of the lifting device 2 and the battery module and to always be able to handle the battery module horizontally.

[0046] The base plate 16 is secured to the cross member 4 by means of a locking pin 20. The locking pin 20 is spring-loaded and must first be released before the base plate 16, together with the eyelet 14, can be moved relative to the cross member 4.

[0047] By means of an articulated lever 22, it is possible to move the adjustable gripping arms 10, 12 from a locked or engaged position into a non-locked or disengaged position (see Fig. 2), thereby making it possible to first position the lifting device 2 in a disengaged position on the battery module, then to actuate the articulated lever 22, whereby the disengaged gripping arms 10, 12 are engaged so that the gripping projections 10.1 and 12.1 grip the battery module and the lifting device 2 can be moved together with the battery module in order to position the battery module in a motor vehicle and then to mount it.

[0048] Articulated levers 22 and gripping arms 10, 12 are arranged on a slide 26 by means of slide rails 24 so as to be movable relative to the cross member 4, whereby it is possible to grip battery modules of different sizes with the lifting device 2.

[0049] By means of a locking bolt 28 it is possible to lock the adjustable gripping arm 12 and consequently by the mechanical coupling, which will be described in more detail in connection with Fig. 4, also to lock the adjustable gripper arm 10.

[0050] Furthermore, the cross member 4 has two bow-shaped carrying handles 30, 32, which allow a fitter to attach the corresponding lifting device 2 to the battery module.

[0051] Fig. 2 shows two top views of the lifting device 2 in different configurations.

[0052] The upper illustration shows the two adjustable gripping arms 10, 12 in an extended position, and the lower illustration shows the two adjustable gripping arms 10, 12 in an engaged position. To lock, the articulated lever 22 is pivoted clockwise, causing the adjustable gripping arms 10, 12 to engage, thus positively connecting a battery module to the lifting device 2.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a perspective section of the lifting device 2 in the area of ​​the adjustable gripping arms 10, 12.

[0054] The articulated lever 22 and other components for adjusting the gripping arms 10, 12 (see Fig. 4), are arranged on the carriage 26 in order to be able to adjust the corresponding arrangement relative to the cross member 4.

[0055] The carriage 26 can be locked by means of a spring-loaded locking pin 34 to prevent unintentional adjustment of the carriage 26 with the adjustable gripping arms 10, 12 arranged thereon. Depending on the embodiment, a corresponding adjustment of the carriage 26 can be continuous or stepped, for which purpose, for example, corresponding locking devices or recesses can be provided in the cross member 4 and / or at least one of the carriage rails 24.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows another perspective section of the lifting device 2.

[0057] The articulated lever 22 is connected to an adjusting lever 36. The articulated lever 22 and the adjusting lever 36 are mounted on a common bearing 38 such that the articulated lever 22 moves the adjusting lever 36.

[0058] The articulated lever 36 has two opposing arms 36.1 and 36.2, each connected to a push rod 40, 42. When the articulated lever 22 is pivoted, the adjusting lever 36 rotates, thereby rotating the arms 36.1 and 36.2, thereby pulling or pushing the push rods 40, 42 inward or outward.

[0059] Articulated lever 22 and adjusting lever 36 are connected to adjustable gripping arms 10, 12. Due to the lever ratios, the articulated lever 22 has a locking effect, meaning that the adjustment of the adjustable gripping arms 10, 12 is only possible using the articulated lever 22.

[0060] Locking the spring-loaded safety bolt 28 also locks the adjustable gripper arm 12 via the mechanical coupling of the adjustable gripper arms 10, 12 via the push rods 40, 42 and the intermediate adjusting lever 36.

[0061] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned by way of example are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as a further explanation in the description. List of reference symbols 2 lifting device 4 traverse 4.1, 4.2 Recess 6, 8 gripper arm 8.1 Gripping projection 10, 12 adjustable gripper arm 10.1, 12.1 Gripping projection 14 eyelets 16 Base plate 18 Guide rail 20 locking bolts 22 articulated levers 24 slide rail 26 sleds 28 locking bolts 30 carrying handle 32 carrying handle 34 locking bolts 36 adjusting levers 36.1, 36.2 Arm 38 warehouses 40, 42 push rod Z gripping projection direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 102 017 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Lifting device (2) for handling a battery module of a motor vehicle, comprising a cross member (4) on which at least three gripping arms (6, 8, 10, 12) are arranged, which have at least one gripping projection (8.1, 10.1, 12.1) for gripping a battery module, and a connector (14) for arranging the lifting device (2) on an actuator device, characterized by in that at least one gripping arm (10, 12) is arranged on the cross member (4) so ​​as to be adjustable in and against a gripping projection direction (Z), wherein the at least one gripping arm (10, 12) is connected to an articulated lever (22) arranged on the cross member (4) which can be transferred from a first position in which the at least one gripping arm (10, 12) is disengaged into a second position in which the gripping arm (10, 12) is engaged, and vice versa. [2] Lifting device (2) according to claim 1, characterized bythat two oppositely arranged gripping arms (10, 12) are adjustably arranged on the cross member (4), wherein the articulated lever (22) actuates both gripping arms (10, 12). [3] Lifting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by in that the articulated lever (22) is rotatably mounted and actuates an adjusting lever (36) which is connected to at least one push rod (40, 42), the push rod (40, 42) on the other hand being connected directly or indirectly to a gripping arm (10, 12). [4] Lifting device according to claim 3, characterized by in that the adjusting lever (36) has arms (36.1, 36.2) projecting on two sides, each arm (36.1, 36.2) being connected on the one hand to a push rod (40, 42), the push rod (40, 42) on the other hand being connected directly or indirectly to a gripping arm (10, 12). [5] Lifting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one adjustable gripping arm (10, 12) is guided in a sliding manner. [6] Lifting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one adjustable gripping arm (10, 12) is arranged on a carriage (26) which is adjustable transversely to a direction of extension of the gripping arm (10, 12). [7] Lifting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connector (14) is arranged on the cross member (4) so ​​as to be adjustable in at least one direction of extension of the cross member (4). [8] Lifting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one adjustable gripping arm (10, 12) and / or the carriage (26) and / or the adjustable connector (14) can be secured in at least one locking position by means of at least one spring-loaded securing bolt (20, 28, 34). [9] Lifting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one carrying handle (30, 32) is arranged on the cross member (4). [10] Lifting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one recess (4.1, 4.2) is provided on the cross member (4).

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