WORK MACHINE WITH A SIDE-MOUNTED CABIN AND A BATTERY MODULE ATTACHED UNDER THE CABIN

Description

Domaine technique

[0001] The invention relates to a work machine comprising a lifting arm and a battery module for providing electrical power to the work machine. Arrière-plan technologique

[0002] Document JP 2005-262978 A discloses a work machine comprising a mobile chassis movable on the ground surface, the chassis comprising two side members parallel to each other and extending parallel to a front-rear axis of the machine, and a lifting arm, the lifting arm being mounted between the two side members so as to be pivotally movable relative to the two side members.

[0003] In JP 2005-262978 A, the power required to operate the work machine is provided by an internal combustion engine. However, there is an increasing demand for electrically powered work machines. US 2019 / 389705 A1 discloses a work machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] However, for work machines intended for lifting, the power required for the propulsion of the chassis and for the operation of the lifting arm is significant. Résumé

[0005] Certain aspects of the invention are based on the observation that in order for the autonomy of the electrically powered work machine not to be too low, it must carry a substantial volume of battery cells; and that it is therefore necessary to find a solution for positioning the battery cells in the work machine. Furthermore, the solution chosen should be simple to implement during assembly or maintenance of the work machine.

[0006] One idea behind the invention is to be able to position a battery module under a cabin of the work machine when the latter is located on one side of the work machine.

[0007] The invention is defined by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Other embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Brève description des figures

[0008] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [ Fig.1 ] There figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a work machine. Fig.2 ] There figure 2 is a side view of the chassis and axles of the work machine of the figure 1 . [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a partial perspective and bottom view of the chassis and axles of the work machine of the figure 1 . [ Fig. 4A ] There figure 4A is a perspective view of a receiving structure and a fixing structure for a battery module. Fig. 4B ] There figure 4B is a perspective view of the receiving structure and the fixing structure of the figure 4A , together with a battery element. [ Fig. 4C ] There figure 4C is a view identical to the figure 4B except that a plurality of battery cells are installed to form a battery module. Fig. 4D ] There figure 4D is a perspective view of the battery module of the figure 4C , together with a fairing. [ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a functional diagram representing the power supply of the work machine of the figures 1 à 3 using the battery module of the figures 4A à 4D . [ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 is a partial perspective view of a side member of the work machine chassis and attachment arms projecting from this side member. Fig. 7A ] There figure 7A is a view analogous to the figure 6 , showing a first step in the installation of the battery module of the figures 4A à 4C by means of the fixing arms. [ Fig. 7B ] There figure 7B is a view analogous to the figure 7A , showing a second stage of the installation of the battery module of the figures 4A à 4C by means of the fixing arms. [ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 is a partial perspective and top view of the working machine of the figure 1 , without the lifting arm. [ Fig. 9 ] There figure 9 is a partial perspective view showing a variant of the battery module which is intended to be fixed directly to a side member, in a fixing position which is located under the cabin of the work machine in a vertical direction of the work machine. Fig. 10 ] There figure 10 is an enlarged view of part of the figure 9 , showing more precisely the attachment of the battery module. [ Fig. 11A ] There figure 11A is a partial perspective view showing another variant of the battery module which is intended to be attached indirectly to a side member, in a fixing position which is located under the cabin of the work machine in a vertical direction of the work machine. Fig. 11B ] There figure 11B is a view analogous to the figure 11A showing the battery module attached to the retaining plates visible on the figure 11A . [ Fig. 11C ] There figure 11C is a view showing the battery module attached to the retaining plates as shown in figure 11B , sideways perpendicular to one of the retaining plates. Description des modes de réalisation

[0009] There figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a work machine 1, hereinafter referred to as “machine 1” for convenience. Machine 1 is here implemented in the form of a telescopic forklift.

[0010] In the figures, arrow AA denotes a longitudinal direction of the machine 1, arrow BB denotes a transverse direction of the machine 1, and arrow CC denotes a vertical direction of the machine 1. The longitudinal direction AA is a front-rear direction of the machine 1. The transverse direction BB is a left-right direction of the machine 1 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction AA. The vertical direction CC is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction AA and to the transverse direction BB.

[0011] Machine 1 comprises a chassis 2 and a lifting arm 20.

[0012] Chassis 2 has two side members 10-1 and 10-2, which are better visible in particular on the figure 2 , there figure 3 and the figure 8 . The side members 10-1, 10-2 are generally flat metal parts, parallel to each other and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction AA.

[0013] The chassis 2 is movable and displaceable on the ground surface (not shown in the drawings), by means of a front axle 3 carrying two wheels 3A, one on the left and the other on the right, and a rear axle 4 carrying two wheels 4A, one on the left and the other on the right. The front axle 3 and the rear axle 4 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction AA.

[0014] As this is best seen especially on the figure 1 and the figure 2 , the lifting arm 20 extends, like the side members 10-1, 10-2, parallel to the longitudinal direction AA. The lifting arm 20 is articulated to the two side members 10-1, 10-2, between the two side members 10-1, 10-2, so as to be pivotally movable relative to the two side members 10-1, 10-2 around a pivot axis PP (cf. figure 1 And figure 2 ). The pivot axis PP extends in the transverse direction BB.

[0015] The lifting arm 20 can be implemented in various ways, including in the form of several telescopic sections as shown, or alternatively in the form of a fixed-length arm. One end of the lifting arm 20 opposite the pivot axis P can carry a work tool or, as shown in the figure 1 , a modular tool holder capable of receiving work tools of several types, according to known technology. By work tool, we mean for example a pair of forks, a bucket, a winch, a clamp, etc.

[0016] In reference to the figure 2 , the pivot axis PP is located behind the rear axle 4 in the longitudinal direction AA of the machine 1. It is further located above the front axle 3 and the rear axle 4 in the vertical direction CC of the machine 1.

[0017] In reference to the figure 3 , the front axle 3 is fixed to the side members 10-1, 10-2 via two front support plates 103, each integral with the side member 10-1 and the side member 10-2.

[0018] A radial bearing 104 is fixed, here by bolting, to each of the front support plates 103. The front axle 3 comprises two journals 105. Each of the journals 105 is received in a radial bearing 104. Thus the front axle 3 is held in position relative to the chassis 2 in the longitudinal direction AA while being capable of pivoting relative to the chassis 2.

[0019] Similarly, always with reference to the figure 3 , the rear axle 4 is fixed to the side members 10-1, 10-2 via two rear support plates 107, each integral with the side member 10-1 and the side member 10-2. A radial bearing 108 is fixed, here by bolting, to each of the rear support plates 107. The rear axle 4 comprises two journals 109. Each of the journals 109 is received in a radial bearing 108. Thus the rear axle 4 is held in position relative to the chassis 2 in the longitudinal direction AA while being able to pivot relative to the chassis 2.

[0020] We also see on the figure 1 and on the figure 8 that the machine 1 comprises a cabin 29 in which a driver of the machine 1 can sit, and a box 28 capable of receiving various equipment of the machine 1. The cabin 29 projects from the spar 10-1 in a direction opposite to the spar 10-2 and the box 28 projects from the spar 10-2 in a direction opposite to the spar 10-1. More specifically, the box 28 is arranged along the spar 10-2, external to this spar 10-2 in the transverse direction BB. By "external to a spar in the transverse direction BB", it is meant that the box 28 is not located between the spars 10-1, 10-2 but on the contrary outside the space between the spars 10-1, 10-2. Cabin 29 could also be arranged along the spar 10-1, external to this spar 10-1 in the transverse direction BB. However, as shown in the figure 8 , it is preferable that the cabin 29 also extends above the space between the side members 10-1 and 10-2, which makes it possible to increase an internal volume of the cabin 29.

[0021] Although the drawings and the description which follows show the cabin 29 arranged projecting from the spar 10-1 located to the left of the machine 1 and the box 28 arranged projecting from the spar 10-2 located to the right of the machine 1, it is understood that the reverse arrangement is also possible, that is to say that the arrangement of the spars 10-1, 10-2 can be reversed.

[0022] As shown, the cabin 29 and the box 28 are arranged between the front axle 3 and the rear axle 4 in the longitudinal direction AA.

[0023] Still referring to the figure 1 and to the figure 8 , a battery module 40 is arranged under the cabin 29 in the vertical direction CC. The battery module 40 is intended to supply electricity to at least one electric motor of the machine 1 as will be described below.

[0024] The battery module 40 will now be described with reference to figures 4A , 4B , 4C , 4D And 5 . As shown, the battery module 40 is generally parallelepipedal and comprises a receiving structure 41. With reference to the figure 4A , the receiving structure 41 comprises a bottom plate 42, a top plate 46 parallel to the bottom plate 42, and side plates 45 extending perpendicular to the top plate 46 and the bottom plate 42, such that the bottom plate 42, the top plate 46 and the side plates 45 together define a receiving volume for battery cells 60.

[0025] At least two 60 battery cells (see figure 4C ) rest on an upper face (i.e. facing upwards in the vertical direction CC) of the base plate 42. Furthermore, the receiving structure 41 may comprise one or more intermediate support elements 43 (cf. figure 4A And figure 4B ), planes and parallel to the bottom plate 42, and other battery elements 60 rest on this or these intermediate support elements 43.

[0026] Separating plates 44 (cf. figure 4A And figure 4B ) may extend perpendicular to the bottom plate 42 and the intermediate support elements 43, so as to define sub-volumes, each of the sub-volumes being sized to receive a battery element 60.

[0027] In a manner known per se, each battery element 60 comprises a parallelepiped housing containing the electrolytic cell(s) generating the voltage at the terminals of the battery element 60. The battery element 60 is for example of the lithium-ion or other type. In the example shown, one of the faces of the housing carries a battery management system (BMS) which, still in a manner known per se, monitors and manages the charging and discharging of all the electrolytic cells of the battery element 60. This battery management system also carries the output terminals of the battery element 60. Alternatively, the battery management system may be shared between several battery elements 60 and / or integrated into the connection box 50 described below.

[0028] In reference to the figure 4B and to the figure 4C , a battery element 60 is received in each sub-volume defined by the bottom plate 42, the intermediate support elements 43 and the separation plates 44. Each battery element 60 is held in place by means of removable fixing elements 69 (cf. figure 4B ), such as screws, which are received in blind holes 69B which the separation plates 44 have (cf. figures 4A And 4B ).

[0029] Preferably, the removable fastening elements 69 are electrically conductive and the separation plates 44 are electrically conductive, the separation plates 44 are electrically connected to each other and to the battery cells 60 so as to constitute a common electrical ground for the battery cells 60. It is thus possible to ground all the battery cells 60 in a very simple manner, without additional wiring. For example, the removable fastening elements 69 and the separation plates 44 (and possibly other elements of the receiving structure 41) are made electrically conductive by a galvanizing process, in particular by electrogalvanizing. Electrogalvanizing is particularly advantageous because it also makes it possible to protect the separation plates 44 (and possibly other elements of the receiving structure 41) against corrosion.

[0030] The battery cells 60 are electrically connected to at least one electrical connection box 50.

[0031] In one embodiment shown in the figure 5 , the battery module 40 comprises twelve battery cells 60, and each battery cell 60 delivers a voltage of 48 V. The battery cells 60 are connected in series in pairs to each provide a voltage of 96 V. Three pairs of battery cells 60 are connected in parallel with each other to a first connection box 50 by means of electrical cables 99, and three other pairs of battery cells 60 are connected in parallel with each other to a second connection box 50 by means of electrical cables 99.

[0032] Each connection box 50 comprises a power output socket 51 allowing the electrical connection of the battery module 40 to a power input socket 400 (cf. figure 5 ) of engine 1.

[0033] In reference to the figure 5 , the machine 1 comprises a power distribution box 410 which carries the power input sockets 400 and which is configured to power or not the electrical components of the machine 1. Such power distribution boxes are known as such and are not described in detail here.

[0034] The power distribution box 410 is in particular electrically connected to an 80V electric speed controller itself electrically connected to an electric motor 80 for the propulsion of the chassis 2, and to an 87V electric speed controller itself electrically connected to an electric motor 87 for the actuation of the lifting arm 20. The 80V and 87V electric speed controllers are here of the three-phase inverter type, that is to say receiving a direct voltage as input and providing a three-phase alternating voltage as output. Other electrical configurations are however possible.

[0035] In a manner not shown on the figure 5 , the power distribution box 410 can further be electrically connected to other electrical equipment of the machine 1, in particular a cabin heating module 29, and / or a cabin air conditioning module 29, and / or one or more direct-direct (DC / DC) converters for the electrical supply of other electrical equipment of the machine, for example a signal light, a horn, etc.

[0036] The power distribution box 410 can for example be received in the box 28. The electrical connection boxes 50 can be arranged under the cabin 29 due to their positioning on the battery module 40.

[0037] The number of battery cells 60 and connection boxes 50 shown on the figure 5 is only an example. A greater or lesser number of battery elements 60 and / or connection boxes 50 may be provided depending on the desired charging capacity of the battery module 40.

[0038] Furthermore, as schematically represented on the figure 5 , in order to increase the autonomy of the machine 1, it is possible to provide that the machine comprises one or more (here, two) additional battery elements 160. The additional battery elements 160 are arranged elsewhere than in the battery module 40, for example in a dedicated compartment provided in the chassis 2. The additional battery elements 160 are electrically connected to the power distribution box 410, here via one of the connection boxes 50 by means of additional electrical cables 199.

[0039] As already mentioned above, the electric motor 80 provides propulsion for the chassis 2. Returning to the figure 3 , an output shaft (not shown) of the electric motor 80 (not shown on the figure 3 ) drives two shafts 83 and 84 via a reduction gear 82. Shaft 84 drives the rear axle 4 and thereby the wheels 4A, and shaft 83 drives the front axle 3 and thereby the wheels 3A. The reduction gear 82 may have one or more reduction ratios. It should be noted that the shafts 83 and 84 here extend substantially parallel to the front-rear axis AA of the machine 1 and therefore to the side members 10-1, 10-2. The reference 82-1 on the figure 3 indicates a possible position for the connection of the output shaft of the electric motor 80 to the reduction gear 82. However, many other types of power transmission to the front axle 3 and the rear axle 4 are possible. In particular, there may be one electric motor for the front axle 3 and another electric motor for the rear axle 4. It is also possible to provide for the electric motor 80 to drive a hydraulic pump which in turn drives a hydraulic motor for the front axle 3 and another hydraulic motor for the rear axle 4.

[0040] The electric motor 87 ensures the actuation of the lifting arm 20. According to one example, the electric motor 87 drives a hydraulic pump, which supplies hydraulic actuators, for example hydraulic cylinders, to actuate the movements of the lifting arm 20. The movements include, for example, the raising-lowering movements carried out by a lifting cylinder located under the lifting arm 20, the extension-retraction movements carried out by a telescoping cylinder located in the lifting arm 20, and the movements of the tool holder. Such hydraulic actuation of the lifting arm 20 is well known as such and is therefore not described in detail here.

[0041] Returning to the figures 4A And 4B , the battery module 40 further comprises a fixing structure generally designated by 70.

[0042] The fixing structure 70 comprises two fixing portions 79 on either side of the battery module 40. Each of the fixing portions 79 comprises a through hole (not shown) receiving a hollow cylinder 79F.

[0043] The fixing structure 70 can further contribute to stiffening the receiving structure 41 and thereby stiffening the battery module 40. For example, in the embodiment shown, the fixing structure 70 comprises a bottom fixing plate 71 which supports the bottom plate 41, and a holding frame 72 attached to the bottom fixing plate 71 and which holds the side plates 45 and the top plate 46. For example, the holding frame 72 can have counterbores or grooves (not shown) in which the ends of the side plates 45 and the top plate 46 are engaged.

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the fixing portions 79 are attached, for example by bolting, to wings 78. The wings 78 are secured to the holding frame 72, for example by welding.

[0045] There figure 4D shows that the battery module 40 may further comprise a fairing 90. The fairing 90 covers the battery cells 60 and thereby protects the battery cells 60, in particular against accidental impacts or unauthorized access. The fairing 90 is turned towards the outside of the machine 1 in the attachment position of the battery module 40 shown in the figure 1 and the figure 8 .

[0046] The fairing 90 is removably attached to the fixing structure 70. Thus, it is possible to access the battery elements 60 by removing the fairing 90. In the example shown, the attachment of the fairing 90 is achieved by shape cooperation between at least one groove 91 that the fairing 90 comprises and the holding frame 72.

[0047] In reference to the figure 1 and to the figure 4D , the fairing 90 may have a hatch 92 allowing access to at least one of the electrical connection boxes 50 when the fairing 90 is attached to the fixing structure 70, and / or one or more steps 93 allowing the operator of the machine 1 to access the cabin 29.

[0048] As shown schematically in the figure 5 , the power distribution box 410 may include a charging socket 490 for recharging the battery elements 60. In this case, it is preferable for the hatch 92 also to allow access to a compartment sized to contain a charging cable electrically connectable to this charging socket 490.

[0049] The fixing of the battery module 40 under the cabin 29 in the vertical direction CC is now described.

[0050] In reference to the figure 6 , two fixing arms 110 and 120 project from the side member 10-1. The fixing arms 110, 120 extend under the cabin 29 (not shown in the figure 6 ) along the transverse direction BB. The fixing arms 110, 120 are spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction AA.

[0051] The fixing arm 110 comprises a yoke 111. The yoke 111 consists of two cheeks 112, 113. The cheeks 112, 113 are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction BB. The cheeks 112, 113 have aligned through holes 112F, 113F.

[0052] Similarly, the fixing arm 120 comprises a yoke 121. The yoke 121 consists of two cheeks 122, 123. The cheeks 122, 123 are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction BB. The cheeks 122, 123 have aligned through holes 122F, 123F.

[0053] To fix the battery module 40 under the cabin 29, the battery module 40 is first made to describe a translational movement D parallel to the transverse direction BB, to bring the battery module 40 to the position shown in the figure 7A In this position, the fixing portions 79 are in contact with sliding surfaces 113A, 123A (cf. figure 6 et figure 7A ) which are respectively presented by cheeks 113 and 123 and which extend in the vertical direction CC and the longitudinal direction AA.

[0054] Then, the battery module 40 is made to describe a translational movement E parallel to the vertical direction CC, to bring the battery module 40 to the position shown in the figure 7B . This translational movement E is guided by the sliding of the fixing portions 79 and the sliding surfaces 113A, 123A. In the position shown in the figure 7B , the fixing portions 79 are engaged in the yokes 111, 121, and the hollow cylinders 79F are aligned with the through holes 112F, 113F, 122F, 123F.

[0055] Then, two 390 pins (not shown in the figure 7B but visible on the figure 8 ), one in the through holes 112F, 113F through one hollow cylinder 79F, and the other in the through holes 122F, 123F through the other hollow cylinder 79F. The battery module 40 is then fixed, via the fixing structure 70 and the fixing arms 110, 120, to the spar 10-1.

[0056] To facilitate the described sliding of the fixing portions 79 on the sliding surfaces 113A, 123A, the fixing portions 79 may be provided with elastic supports 79A, for example made of rubber or polymer, engaged on the cylinders 79F. These elastic supports 79A may furthermore dampen vibrations due to the operation of the machine 1 and thus protect the battery module 40 against these vibrations.

[0057] It is understood that the attachment which has just been described of the battery module 40 is easily removable since it is sufficient to remove the pins 390 and to carry out the steps described above in the reverse order to remove the battery module 40 from under the cabin 29. It is therefore easy to replace the battery module 40 when desired, for example to replace a discharged battery module 40 with a charged battery module 40.

[0058] Other ways of attaching the battery module 40 to the attachment arms 110, 120 than by means of pins engaged in the yokes 111, 121 are possible. For example, the battery module 40 could be attached by screwing or bolting the attachment portions 79 to the yokes 111, 121.

[0059] Advantageously, with reference to the figure 8, the battery module 40 may be sized so as to extend partly under a space located between the side members 10-1, 10-2. This may make it possible to increase the volume of the battery cells 60 and therefore the total load capacity of the battery module 40. This may also make it possible to improve the lateral balance of the vehicle 1 since the center of mass of the battery module 40 is closer to the centerline of the vehicle 1. In this case, the side member 10-1 has a cutout 590 (cf. figures 6 à 8 ) to allow the passage of the battery module 40. Furthermore, still with reference to the figure 8 , it is advantageous for the chassis 2 to have an additional fastening arm 130 and for the battery module 40 to have an additional fastening portion 89. The additional fastening arm 130 extends between the side members 10-1, 10-2. As can be seen in the figures, the additional fastening arm 130 is analogous to the fastening arms 110, 120, and the additional fastening portion 89 is analogous to the fastening portions 79. Their cooperation is thus analogous to the already described cooperation of the fastening portions 79 with the fastening arms 110, 120, and is therefore not described in detail again for the sake of brevity.

[0060] It is specified that in the embodiment shown, the fixing arm 110 supports the cabin 29. For this, with reference to the figure 6 , the fixing arm 110 has a surface 118 for supporting the cabin 29. The fixing arm 110 may further have a through hole 119 for receiving a resilient support (not shown) disposed between the cabin 29 and the fixing arm 110. In other variants not shown, the fixing arm 110 and the fixing arm 120 may both support the cabin 29. In still other variants not shown, the fixing arm 120 may support the cabin 29 and not the fixing arm 110.

[0061] Two variants of the battery module are now described, also allowing the latter to be fixed under the cabin 29 in the vertical direction CC, but by a translational movement parallel to the transverse direction BB and not by a translational movement parallel to the transverse direction BB followed by a translational movement parallel to the vertical direction CC. Elements identical to those already described previously bear the same reference signs and are not described again except when necessary.

[0062] In the variant shown in the figure 9 and the figure 10 , a battery module 240 is provided to be fixed directly to the side member 10-1, in a fixing position which is located under the cabin 29 in the vertical direction CC.

[0063] The battery module 240 is generally parallelepiped and comprises a receiving structure 241 and a fixing structure 270. The receiving structure 241 is in the form of a parallelepiped box which defines a receiving volume for battery elements 60. The receiving structure 241 thus comprises a bottom plate 242, and side plates 245 extending perpendicular to the bottom plate 242.

[0064] At least two battery elements 60 rest on an upper face (i.e. facing upwards in the vertical direction CC) of the bottom plate 242. Furthermore, the receiving structure 241 may comprise one or more intermediate support elements (not shown), planar and parallel to the bottom plate 242, and other battery elements 60 rest on this or these intermediate support elements.

[0065] The battery module 240 further comprises the electrical connection box 50 and the power output socket 51 already described above. In a manner not shown, the electrical connection box 50 may be located in the receiving structure 241 or be located between the receiving structure 241 and the cabin 29.

[0066] The fixing structure 270 comprises a profiled element 272. The profiled element 272 is secured to the receiving structure 241, preferably by spot welding. The profiled element 272 is here in the form of an angle iron having an “L”-shaped section and extends along the entire length of the receiving structure 241. The profiled element 272 has, at each of its two ends, a through hole 276 (cf. figure 9 ) sized to receive a removable fixing element 750 (cf. figure 10 ) such as a bolt or a screw. The removable fixing element 750 makes it possible to fix the profiled element 272 and thereby the battery module 240 directly to the spar 10-1 by means of corresponding blind holes (not shown) made in the spar 10-1.

[0067] It is understood that in this way, the battery module 240 can be brought under the cabin 29 in the position shown in the figure 9 and the figure 10 , by a simple translational movement parallel to the transverse direction BB.

[0068] The spar 10-1 may have, under the removable fixing elements 750 in the vertical direction CC, a stop 10-8. The profiled element 272 rests on the stop 10-8 when it is fixed to the spar 10-1 by the removable fixing elements 750, which can limit a risk of shearing of the removable fixing elements 750.

[0069] The fixing structure 270 may further comprise an additional fixing bar 275 parallel to the profiled element 272. The additional fixing bar 275 extends along the entire length of the receiving structure 241 and has, at each of its two ends, a through hole 279 (cf. figure 9 ) sized to receive an additional removable fixing element 755 (cf. figure 10 ) such as a bolt or screw. In this way, the battery module 240 is fixed to the spar 10-1 at two points at each of its two ends along the longitudinal direction AA, which further ensures the fixing of the battery module 240 to the spar 10-1.

[0070] In the variant shown in the figure 11A , there figure 11B and the figure 11C , a battery module 340 is provided to be indirectly fixed to the side member 10-1, in a fixing position which is located under the cabin 29 in the vertical direction CC. Elements identical to those already described previously bear the same reference signs and are not described again except when necessary.

[0071] The battery module 340 is identical to the battery module 240 except that the battery module 340 is fixed by screwing or bolting using the two side plates 245 facing the receiving structure 241 and not using a fixing structure separate from the side plates 245. More specifically, two retaining plates 600 protrude from the side member 10-1. The retaining plates 600 are located under the cabin 29 in the vertical direction CC and extend in the vertical direction CC and the transverse direction BB. The retaining plates 600 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction AA. Each of the two side plates 245 has blind or through holes for receiving removable fixing elements 850 (cf. figure 11B And figure 11C ) such as bolts or screws. Thus each of the two side plates 245 is removably fixed to the opposite retaining plate 600 by means of the removable fixing elements 850.

[0072] It is understood that in this way, the battery module 340 can be brought under the cabin 29 in the position shown in the figure 11B and the figure 11C , by a simple translational movement parallel to the transverse direction BB.

[0073] Advantageously, the battery module 340 comprises two guide elements 390, only one of which is visible on the figures 11A , 11B And 11C The guide elements 390 are integral with the receiving structure 241. Each of the two guide elements 390 cooperates with an upper end of the retaining plate 600 so as to guide the battery module 340 towards the position shown in the figure 11B . The guide elements 390 are here in the form of tabs. In variants not shown, the guide elements 390 may have a different shape, for example a rail shape with an “L” or “C” section.

[0074] In the variant of the figures 9 And 10 as in the variant of figures 11A And 11B , the battery module 240 or 340 may also comprise a removable fairing 990, which has a hatch 992 allowing access to at least one of the electrical connection boxes 50 and / or to a storage compartment for a charging cable, and / or one or more steps 993 allowing the operator of the machine 1 to access the cabin 29.

[0075] By producing the battery module 40, 240, 340 using a plurality of battery cells 60 as shown, maintenance of the battery module 40, 240, 340 can be simplified, in particular because it is possible to replace an individual battery cell 60 in the event of failure or damage thereof. However, as a variant, the battery module 40, 240, 340 can be produced as a monolithic battery module having a single power output socket 51 electrically connectable to the power distribution box 410. The fixing of such a battery module under the cabin 29 in the vertical direction CC is identical to what has already been described above.

[0076] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is clearly not limited thereto and includes all technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention. The invention is defined only by the scope of protection of the appended claims and various modifications are possible within this scope of protection.

[0077] The use of the verb "comprise", "comprise" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those set out in a claim.

[0078] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

1. Construction vehicle (1) comprising - a chassis (2) comprising a first longitudinal member (10-1) and a second longitudinal member (10-2), the first longitudinal member (10-1) and the second longitudinal member (10-2) being parallel to each other and extending parallel to a longitudinal direction (A-A) of the construction vehicle(1); and a front axle (3) and a rear axle (4) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (A-A) of the construction vehicle (1); - a lifting arm (20) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (A-A) of the construction vehicle (1), the lifting arm (20) being articulated with the longitudinal members (10-1, 10-2) between the two longitudinal members so as to be pivotable relative to the longitudinal members (10-1, 10-2) about a pivot axis (P-P) extending in a transverse direction (B-B) of the construction vehicle (1) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (A-A) of the construction vehicle (1); - at least one electric motor (80, 87) for propelling the chassis (2) and optionally for driving the lifting arm (20); - a cab (29) for an operator of the construction vehicle (1), the cab (29) projecting from the first longitudinal member (10-1) in the transverse direction (B-B) of the construction vehicle (1) in a direction away from the second longitudinal member (10-2), the cab (29) being arranged between the front axle (3) and the rear axle (4) in the longitudinal direction (A-A) of the construction vehicle (1); and - a battery module (40; 240; 340) for supplying electricity to the at least one electric motor (80, 87), characterised in that the battery module (40; 240; 340) comprises a fastening structure (70; 270) designed to be removably fastened to the first longitudinal member (10-1), in a fastening position located beneath the cab (29) in a vertical direction (C-C) of the construction vehicle (1) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (A-A) and to the transverse direction (B-B) of the construction vehicle (1), and in which the battery module (40; 240; 340) in the fastening position is accessible from an outer side of the construction vehicle (1) so that said module can be brought into or out of the fastening position from the outer side of the construction vehicle (1), the outer side of the construction vehicle (1) being oriented in the transverse direction (B-B) of the construction vehicle (1).

2. Construction vehicle (1) according to Claim 1, in which the fastening structure (270) comprises a profiled element (272) that is removably fastened, for example by bolting or screwing, at both ends thereof directly to the first longitudinal member (10-1).

3. Construction vehicle (1) according to Claim 2, in which the first longitudinal member (10-1) comprises at least one stop (10-8) that is located beneath the profiled element (272) in the vertical direction (C-C) of the construction vehicle (1) and on which the profiled element (272) rests when fastened to the first longitudinal member (10-1).

4. Construction vehicle (1) according to Claim 1, in which the construction vehicle (1) further comprises two retaining plates (600) projecting from the first longitudinal member (10-1), the two retaining plates (600) being located beneath the cab (29) and extending in the vertical direction (C-C) and the transverse direction (B-B) of the construction vehicle (1) and being spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (A-A) of the construction vehicle (1), and the fastening structure comprises two fastening plates (245), each of the two fastening plates (245) being removably fastened, for example by bolting or screwing, to one of the retaining plates (600).

5. Construction vehicle (1) according to Claim 4, in which the battery module (340) further comprises two guide elements (390), each guide element (390) being intended to cooperate with an upper end of one of said retaining plates (600) so as to guide the battery module (340) towards the fastening position in a translational movement parallel to the transverse direction (B-B) of the construction vehicle (1).

6. Construction vehicle (1) according to Claim 1, in which: - the construction vehicle (1) further comprises two fastening arms (110, 120) projecting from the first longitudinal member (10-1), the two fastening arms (110, 120) extending beneath the cab (29) in the transverse direction (B-B) of the construction vehicle (1) and being spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (A-A) of the construction vehicle (1); - the fastening structure (70) comprises two fastening portions (79); and - each of the two fastening arms (110, 120) has a fork (111, 121), each of the fastening portions (79) being removably fastened to one of the forks (111, 121).

7. Construction vehicle (1) according to Claim 6, in which at least one of the forks (111, 121) has a sliding surface (113A, 123A) extending in the vertical direction (C-C) and the longitudinal direction (A-A) of the construction vehicle (1), and at least one of said fastening portions (79) is designed to slide on the sliding surface (113A, 123A) in a translational movement (E) parallel to the vertical direction (C-C) into the fastening position.

8. Construction vehicle (1) according to Claim 7, in which at least one of said fastening portions (79) comprises a sliding element (79A) made of polymer or rubber for sliding on the sliding surface (113A, 123A).

9. Construction vehicle (1) according to any one of Claims 6 to 8, in which the battery module (40) extends in part beneath a space between the longitudinal members (10-1, 10-2).

10. Construction vehicle (1) according to any one of Claims 6 to 9, in which at least one of the two fastening arms (110, 120) supports the cab (29).

11. Construction vehicle (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, in which a power distribution box (410) is electrically connected to said at least one electric motor (80, 87) and the battery module (40; 240; 340) comprises a single power output socket (51) electrically connectable to the power distribution box (410).

12. Construction vehicle (1) according to Claim 11, in which the battery module (40; 240; 340) comprises: - a base plate (42; 242), the fastening structure (70; 270) being rigidly connected to or supporting the base plate (42; 242); - at least two battery elements (60) resting on an upper face of the base plate (42; 242), in the vertical direction (C-C); - at least one electrical connection box (50) electrically connected to the battery elements (60), the electrical connection box (50) comprising a power output socket (51) electrically connectable to the power distribution box (410).

13. Construction vehicle (1) according to Claim 12, in which the battery module (40; 240; 340) has separator plates (44) separating the battery elements (60) and to which the battery elements (60) are fastened by means of removable fastening elements (69), and in which the removable fastening elements (69) and the separator plates (44) are electrically conductive, the separator plates (44) being electrically connected to each other and to the battery elements (60) to form a common electrical ground for the battery elements (60).

14. Construction vehicle (1) according to any one of Claims 11 to 13, in which the power distribution box (410) includes a charging socket for charging the battery module (40; 240; 340).

15. Construction vehicle (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, in which the battery module (40; 240; 340) further comprises a fairing (90; 990), the fairing (90; 990) facing away from the construction vehicle (1) in the transverse direction (B-B) in the fastening position of the battery module (40; 240; 340), in which the fairing (90; 990) has one or more steps (93; 993) enabling the operator of the construction vehicle (1) to access the cab (29).

16. Construction vehicle (1) according to Claim 15 in combination with Claim 14, further comprising a charging cable, the charging cable being electrically connectable to the charging socket (490), and in which the fairing (90; 990) has a hatch (92; 992) allowing access to a compartment dimensioned to contain the charging cable.