Battery mounting system

Abstract

An assembly for a battery swap and a method for operating an assembly for a battery swap. The assembly comprises a receiving frame and a battery block insertable inside the receiving frame, a mechanical connection arrangement between the receiving frame and the battery block. The mechanical connection arrangement includes slots and protrusions arranged to cooperate respectively with the slots. Each slot and corresponding protrusion belong, one to the receiving frame and the other to the battery block. All slots respectively extend longitudinally from a first end to a second end parallel to a first axis, the first end of each slot communicating with a mouth opening parallel to a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Each protrusion engages and move within a corresponding mouth opening and in a corresponding slot for an insertion of the battery block into the receiving frame successively in a second direction parallel to the second axis and in a first direction parallel to the first axis relative to the receiving frame, the mechanical connection arrangement includes at least one stop arrangement for stopping movement of the battery block in the first direction relative to the receiving frame when the protrusions are at a stop position in the slots. The mechanical connection arrangement further comprises a retaining arrangement for retaining the battery block opposite the first direction when the protrusions are at the stop position in the slots. The assembly further has an electrical connection arrangement having a first connector mounted to the battery block and a second connector mounted to the receiving frame. The first connector and second connector being disposed to mutually connect when the battery block moves in the first direction.

Description

[0001] BATTERY MOUNTING SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a battery mounting system.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Growing interest in battery replacement technologies as a fast way to improve utilization of electrically powered devices, such as for instance electrical vehicles, has brought many challenges in handling and manipulation of battery blocks providing the electrical power to such devices. The handling and manipulation of a battery block typically involves a removal of a depleted battery block from the device, moving the depleted battery block to a dedicated battery storage area, collecting a charged battery block, moving and mounting the charged battery block back into the device.

[0006] As a battery block may weigh up to hundreds of kilograms it is desirable to have a reliable battery block mounting system that enables a safe insertion of such charged battery block into the electrically powered device.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an assembly for a battery swap. The assembly for a battery swap comprises a receiving frame and a battery block insertable inside the receiving frame, a mechanical connection arrangement between the receiving frame and the battery block, the mechanical connection arrangement including n slots and n protrusions arranged to cooperate respectively with the slots, n being an integer and being at least 2. Each slot and corresponding protrusion belong, one to the receiving frame and the other to the battery block. All slots respectively extend longitudinally from a first end to a second end parallel to a first axis, the first end of each slot communicating with a mouth opening parallel to a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Each protrusion is configured to engage and move within a corresponding mouth opening and in a corresponding slot for an insertion of the battery block into the receiving frame successively in a second direction parallel to the second axis and in a first direction parallel to the first axis relative to the receiving frame. The mechanical connection arrangement includes at least one stop arrangement for stopping movement of the battery block in the first direction relative to the receiving frame when the protrusions are at a stop position in the slots, the mechanical connection arrangement further comprising a retaining arrangement for retaining the battery block opposite the first direction, when the protrusions are at the stop position in the slots. The assembly for a battery swap also comprises an electrical connection arrangement having a first connector mounted to the battery block and a second connector mounted to the receiving frame, the first connector and second connector being disposed to mutually connect when the battery block moves in the first direction.

[0009] Additionally, the stop arrangement may include the second end of at least one of the slots.

[0010] Additionally, each slot may include a first edge which opens to the corresponding mouth at the first end of at least one of the slots, and the retainer arrangement may include a boss protruding from the first edge into the at least one of the slots, the boss may be located between the mouth and the second end of the at least one of the slots. The boss may be located adjacent the mouth.

[0011] Additionally, the retaining arrangement may include a first moveable element elastically biased to protrude at least partially into at least one of the slots between the first end and the second end of the at least one of the slots.

[0012] Additionally, the retainer arrangement may include a second moveable element that may be positioned between the battery block and the receiving frame when the battery block is inserted inside the receiving frame. The second moveable element may be moveable in the second direction relative to the battery block in between a battery retaining position and a battery releasing position. The second moveable element may be elastically biased towards the retaining position in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0013] Additionally, the retaining arrangement may include only the first moveable element, only the second moveable element or a combination thereof.

[0014] Additionally, at least two slots may further extend their respective second ends in a third direction parallel to the second axis and opposite to the second direction so that for the insertion of the battery block into the receiving frame respective protrusions may be further configured to move relative to the receiving frame in the at least two slots in the third direction.

[0015] Additionally, each mouth may have a width parallel to the first axis, the width may be gradually decreasing from an open end of the mouth up to the slot.

[0016] Additionally, n may be at least 4, and the n slots may form at least a first pair of slots and a second pair of slots, the slots of the first pair may be aligned parallel to the first axis and the second pair being aligned parallel to the first axis.

[0017] Additionally, each of first pair of slots may further extend its respective second end in a third direction parallel to the second axis and opposite to the second direction. Additionally, the first pair of slots may be spaced apart from the second pair of slots in the first direction.

[0018] Additionally, all slots may belong to one of the receiving frame and battery block and all protrusions may belong to the other of the receiving frame and battery block, all slots may extend in the first direction from the first end to the second end.

[0019] Additionally, all slots may belong to the receiving frame and all protrusions may belong to the battery block.

[0020] Additionally, the receiving frame may include two frame sides extending parallel to the first axis and the battery block may comprise two battery block sides extending parallel to the first axis. The slots may be formed in the frame sides and the protrusions may extend from the battery block sides.

[0021] Additionally, the receiving frame may include two frame sides extending parallel to the first axis and the battery block may comprises two battery block sides extending parallel to the first axis. The receiving frame may have a first crosspiece fixed to the two frame sides and the battery block may have a front side facing the first crosspiece when the battery block is inserted inside the receiving frame, the first connector may be borne by the front side of the battery block and the second connector may be being borne by the first crosspiece.

[0022] Additionally, the first connector may be elastically coupled to the front of the battery block.

[0023] Additionally, the second connector may be elastically coupled to the crosspiece.

[0024] Additionally, the receiving frame may have a second crosspiece fixed to the two frame sides and the battery block may have a back side opposite to the front side. The back side of the battery block may be facing the second crosspiece when the battery block is inserted inside the receiving frame. The retainer arrangement may include the second moveable element coupled to the second crosspiece. The second moveable element may be positioned between the battery block and the receiving frame when the battery block is inserted inside the receiving frame. The second moveable element may be moveable in the second direction relative to the battery block in between a battery retaining position and a battery releasing position. The second moveable element may be elastically biased towards the battery retaining position in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0025] A further aspect is directed to a vehicle having a vehicle frame and the assembly for a battery swap as defined above with or without its above defined additional features. The receiving frame may be unitary with the vehicle frame, the first axis may be substantially horizontal when the vehicle is in use and the second direction may extend substantially vertically upward when the vehicle is in use.

[0026] A further aspect is directed to a receiving frame for the assembly for a battery swap as defined above with or without its above defined additional features. The receiving frame may comprise two frame sides extending parallel to a first axis, a first crosspiece fixed to the two frame sides, the second connector may be borne by the first crosspiece and the slots may be formed in the frame sides.

[0027] A further aspect is directed to a battery block for the assembly for a battery swap as defined above with or without its above defined additional features. The battery block may comprise two battery block sides extending parallel to the first axis, the battery block may have the first connector borne by the front of the battery block and the protrusions may extend from the battery block sides.

[0028] A further aspect is directed to a method for operating an assembly for a battery swap. The assembly for a battery swap may be as defined above with or without its above defined additional features. The method comprising inserting a battery block inside a receiving frame by using a mechanical connection arrangement between the receiving frame and the battery block. The mechanical connection arrangement including n slots and n protrusions arranged to cooperate respectively with the slots, n being an integer and being at least 2. Each slot and corresponding protrusion belong, one to the receiving frame and the other to the battery block. All slots respectively extend longitudinally from a first end to a second end parallel to a first axis, the first end of each slot communicating with a mouth opening parallel to a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The inserting comprising engaging and moving each protrusion within a corresponding mouth opening and in a corresponding slot for an insertion of the battery block into the receiving frame successively in a second direction parallel to the second axis and in a first direction parallel to the first axis relative to the receiving frame. The inserting comprising creating an electrical connection between a first connector mounted to the battery block and a second connector mounted to the receiving frame, wherein the first connector and second connector being disposed to mutually connect when the battery block moves in the first direction. The inserting comprising stopping via at least one stop arrangement the movement of the battery block in the first direction relative to the receiving frame when the protrusions are at a stop position in the slots and retaining by a retaining arrangement the battery block opposite in the first direction when the protrusions are at the stop position in the slots.

[0029] Additionally, in the method at least two slots may further extend their respective second ends in a third direction parallel to the second axis and opposite to the second direction and the inserting may further comprising moving respective protrusions relative to the receiving frame in the at least two slots in the third direction.

[0030] Additionally, in the method at least two slots may further extend their respective second ends in a third direction parallel to the second axis and opposite to the second direction and the inserting may further comprising moving respective protrusions relative to the receiving frame in the at least two slots in the third direction.

[0031] Additionally, in the method the inserting may comprise lifting the battery block in a second direction for an engagement of each protrusion within a corresponding mouth opening.

[0032] Additionally, in the method n is at least 4 and all slots belong to the receiving frame and all protrusions belong to the battery block. The slots may form at least a first pair of slots and a second pair of slots. The slots of the first pair may be aligned parallel to the first axis and the second pair may be aligned parallel to the first axis. The first pair of slots may be spaced apart from the second pair of slots in the first direction.

[0033] In a further aspect, the method for operating an assembly for a battery swap can be used in conjunction with, or as a part of, the assembly for a battery swap as defined above with or without above defined additional features.

[0034] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description herein. The description and specific examples in the summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference number represents the same element or the same type of element on all drawings.

[0037] - FIG. 1 depicts a simplified perspective view of a vehicle including an assembly for a battery swap in an illustrative embodiment.

[0038] - FIG. 2 depicts a simplified perspective view of an assembly for a battery swap with a battery block positioned outside to a receiving frame in an illustrative embodiment.

[0039] - FIG. 3a depicts a simplified perspective view of the assembly for a battery swap with the battery block positioned adjacent to the receiving frame in an illustrative embodiment.

[0040] - FIG. 3b depicts a simplified perspective view of the assembly for a battery swap with the battery block positioned in an intermediate insertion position inside the receiving frame in an illustrative embodiment.

[0041] - FIG. 3c depicts a simplified perspective view of the assembly for a battery swap with the battery block fully inserted inside the receiving frame in an illustrative embodiment.

[0042] - FIG. 3d depicts an exemplary alternative to assembly as depicted in FIG. 3c in a simplified perspective view of the assembly for a battery swap with the battery block fully inserted inside the receiving frame in an illustrative embodiment.

[0043] - FIG. 4a depicts a simplified front view of the assembly for a battery swap with the battery block positioned outside to a receiving frame in an illustrative embodiment.

[0044] - FIG. 4b depicts a simplified front view of the assembly for a battery swap with the battery block positioned in an insertion position inside the receiving frame in an illustrative embodiment.

[0045] - FIG. 4c depicts a simplified front view of the assembly for a battery swap with the battery block fully inserted inside the receiving frame in an illustrative embodiment.

[0046] - FIG. 5a depicts an exemplary alternative to assembly as depicted in FIG. 4c in a simplified front view of the assembly for a battery swap with the battery block being on one side fully inserted inside the receiving frame in an illustrative embodiment.

[0047] - FIG. 5b depicts a simplified front view of the assembly as depicted in FIG. 5a for a battery swap with the battery block fully inserted on both sides inside the receiving frame in an illustrative embodiment.

[0048] - FIG. 6 depicts receiving frame details in a simplified perspective view of an assembly for a battery swap with a battery block fully inserted inside the receiving frame.

[0049] - FIG. 7 depicts a simplified top view of the assembly as depicted in FIG. 6 in an illustrative embodiment.

[0050] - FIG. 8 depicts a simplified top view of an exemplary battery block retaining arrangement for retaining the battery block in the receiving frame in an illustrative embodiment.

[0051] - FIG. 9 depicts a simplified cross section perspective view A-A of the exemplary battery block retaining arrangement as depicted in FIG. 8.

[0052] - FIG. 10 depicts a simplified front view of an assembly for a battery swap with another example of a battery block retaining arrangement in an illustrative embodiment.

[0053] - FIG. 11 depicts a simplified front view of the assembly depicted in FIG. 10 with the battery block fully inserted but not retained inside the receiving frame in an illustrative embodiment.

[0054] - FIG. 12 depicts details of the retaining arrangement of FIGS. 10 or 11 in a simplified perspective view in an illustrative embodiment.

[0055] - FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary flow diagram of a method for operating an assembly for a battery swap in an illustrative embodiment.

[0056] - FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary optional step for the method depicted in FIG. 13.

[0057] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain examples will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of the elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property.

[0059] In the figures, the same references denote identical or similar elements, unless stated otherwise. In the drawings, the size of each element or a specific portion constituting the element is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically shown for convenience and clarity of description. Thus, the size of each component may not entirely reflect the actual size. In the case where it is judged that the detailed description of the related known functions or constructions may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, such explanation will be omitted.

[0060] Turning now to FIG. 1, that depicts a simplified perspective view of a vehicle 1 or a vehicle chassis respectively that may have a vehicle frame 2 or a vehicle chassis frame respectively and an assembly for a battery swap 15 as further depicted in FIG. 2. The assembly for a battery swap 15 comprises a receiving frame that may have four sides 4, 6, 7, 8 and a battery block 5 that has at least a portion thereof insertable inside the receiving frame. The receiving frame may have a hollow profile and the battery block 5 may have at least a portion sized to fit within the hollow profile of the receiving frame. The receiving frame may be coupled to the vehicle chassis frame by one or more resilient elements 10, 3. The resilient elements may be silent blocks. The assembly for a battery swap 15 has a mechanical connection arrangement between the receiving frame and the battery block 5. The mechanical connection arrangement may be configured to guide the battery block 5 within the receiving frame. The assembly for a battery swap 15 has an electrical connection arrangement 9 that may be configured to electrically connect the battery block 5 with the receiving frame when the battery block 5 is inserted to the receiving frame. One exemplary embodiment of the assembly for a battery swap 15 is depicted in FIG. 2 in a simplified perspective view. The assembly for a battery swap 15 is shown with the battery block 5 positioned outside to the receiving frame. The mechanical connection arrangement between the receiving frame and the battery block 5 may be formed by 4 slots 16, 18, 23, 34 within the receiving frame and 4 protrusions 31, 36 (shown only 2) belonging to the battery block 5 and arranged to cooperate respectively with the slots 16, 18, 23, 34. The mechanical connection arrangement may comprise n slots 16, 18, 23, 34 and n protrusions 31, 36 (shown only 2) arranged to cooperate respectively with the slots 16, 18, 23, 34 n being an integer and being at least 2. Optionally, n may be at least 4 as shown in FIG. 2, and the n slots 16, 18, 23, 34 form at least a first pair of slots and a second pair of slots. The slots 34, 16 of the first pair may be aligned parallel to the first axis X and the second pair of the slots 18, 23 may be also aligned parallel to the first axis X. Alternatively, to what is depicted in FIG. 2 the slots 16, 18, 23, 34 may be formed in the battery block 5 and the protrusions 31, 36 may be formed in the receiving frame. Thereby, each slot 16, 18, 23, 34 and corresponding protrusion 31, 36 belong, one to the receiving frame and the other to the battery block 5. In other words, all slots 16, 18, 23, 34 may belong to one of the receiving frame and battery block 5 and all protrusions 31, 36 may belong to the other of the receiving frame and battery block 5. slots form at least a first pair of slots and a second pair of slots, the slots of the first pair being aligned parallel to the first axis X and the second pair being aligned parallel to the first axis X.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 2 all slots 16, 18, 23, 34 may respectively extend longitudinally from a first end to a second end parallel to a first axis X, the first end of each slot communicating with a mouth opening 42, 44, 47 parallel to a second axis Z perpendicular to the first axis X. When the assembly for a battery swap 15 is mounted into the vehicle 1 or vehicle chassis respectively the receiving frame may be unitary with the vehicle frame 2 or the vehicle chassis frame respectively and the first axis X may be substantially horizontal when the vehicle is in use and the second direction Z may extend substantially vertically upward when the vehicle is in use. The receiving frame may include two frame sides 17, 24 extending parallel to the first axis X and the battery block 5 may comprise two battery block sides 32 (shown only one) extending parallel to the first axis X. The receiving frame may have a first crosspiece 21 fixed to the two frame sides 17, 24 and the battery block 5 may have a front side 37 facing the first crosspiece when the battery block 5 is inserted inside the receiving frame. The receiving frame may have a second crosspiece 26 fixed to the two frame sides 17, 24 and the battery block 5 may have a back side 30 opposite to the front side 37. The back side 30 of the battery block 5 may face the second crosspiece 26 when the battery block 5 is inserted inside the receiving frame. The battery block 5 may comprise a top side 35 extending parallel to the second axis Z and one or more edges 33 may be formed between the top side 35 of the battery block 5 and at least one of the battery block 5 sides 30, 37, 32.

[0062] The assembly for a battery swap 15 is further detailed in exemplary simplified perspective views in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c depicting a successive insertion of the battery block 5 into the receiving frame. Corresponding exemplary simplified front views to the simplified perspective views of FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are depicted in FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c.

[0063] FIGS. 3a and 4a depicts the assembly for a battery swap 40, 90 with the battery block 5 positioned adjacent to the receiving frame. For an insertion of the battery block 5 into the receiving frame each protrusion 31 , 36 is to engage and move in the within a corresponding mouth opening 42, 44, 47, 91, 92, 95, 97 and in a corresponding slot 45, 48, 49, 50 in a second direction Zl, 41 parallel to the second axis Z. Each mouth may have a width parallel to the first axis X, the width may gradually decrease from an open end of the mouth up to the slot 45, 48, 49, 50. Each slot 45, 48, 49, 50 may have a top edge 45, 48, 49, 50 that extends longitudinally between the first end and the second end of the slot 45, 48, 49, 50 parallel to a first axis X. The top edge may comprise a surface for restricting movement in the second direction Zl, 41 of each protrusion 31, 36 within its corresponding slot 45, 48, 49, 50. As shown in FIG. 4a the battery block 5 may have a first connector 94 and the receiving frame may have a second connector 96. The first connector 94 and the second connector 96 may be disposed to mutually connect when the battery block moves in the first direction XI, 61 as shown in FIGS. 4d and 4c.

[0064] FIGS. 3b and 4b depict an exemplary illustration of the assembly for a battery swap 60, 100 with the battery block 5 positioned in an intermediate insertion position where each protrusion 31, 36 is positioned in the corresponding slot 45, 48, 49, 50. For the full insertion of the battery block 5 into the receiving frame each protrusion 31, 36 may be moved in the first direction XI, 61 in the corresponding slot 45, 48, 49, 50 relative to the receiving frame. Each slot may have a bottom edge 62, 64 opposite to the top edge. The bottom edge 62, 64 may extends longitudinally between the first end and the second end 11, 112 of the slot in a direction parallel to a first axis X. The bottom edge 62, 64 may comprise a surface for restricting movement in the direction opposite to the second direction Zl, 41 of each protrusion 31, 36 within its corresponding slot 45, 48, 49, 50.

[0065] FIG. 3c and 4c depicts an exemplary illustration of the assembly for a battery swap 70, 110 with the battery block 5 fully inserted inside the receiving frame where the first connector 94 and the second connector 96 are mutually connected. The movement of the battery block 5 in the first direction XI, 61 relative to the receiving frame is stopped via a stop arrangement when the protrusions are at a stop position 71, 72 in the slots 45, 48, 49, 50. The stop arrangement that may include a second end 111, 112 of at least one slot of the slots 45, 48, 49, 50.

[0066] FIGS. 3d, 5a and 5b depicts further example 80, 120, 130 of the assembly for a battery swap with the battery block 5 is fully inserted inside the receiving frame. The further example 80, 120, 130 differs from the assembly described above and depicted in of FIG. 3c and 4c by having at least two slots 82 (shown only one) of the slots 45, 48, 49, 50 that have their respective second ends 120 further extended in a third direction Z2, 81 parallel to the second axis Z and opposite to the second direction Z 1 , 41. For the insertion of the battery block 5 into the receiving frame protrusions 31 (shown only one) corresponding to the extended slots 82 (only one shown) may further move relative to the receiving frame in the at least two extended slots 82 in the third direction Z2, 81 to the respective extended second ends 120. As already discussed, the slots 45, 48, 49, 50 may form at least a first pair of slots and a second pair of slots. One of the pairs may be formed by the extended slots 82 and the second par may be formed by non-ex- tended slots. Herein, as extended slots are referred slots 82 that comprise the extended second ends 120 as described above and as non-extended slots are referred to slots that do not comprise the extended second ends.

[0067] Thus, each of first pair of extended slots 82 may extend its respective second end in a third direction Z2, 81 parallel to the second axis Z and opposite to the second direction Zl. The first pair of slots may be spaced apart from the second pair of slots in the first direction XI, 61. The extended slots 82 of the first pair may be aligned parallel to the first axis X and the second pair of slots may be also aligned parallel to the first axis X. As shown in FIG. 2 and there may be four slots 45, 48, 49, 50 in total. Alternatively, there may be more than four slots 45, 48, 49, 50 in total and more than two extended slots 82 that extend their respective second ends 120 in a third direction Z2, 81. A combination of a pair of extended slots 82 and a pair of non-extended slots comprised in the receiving frame is depicted in FIG. 5b showing a simplified front view (thereby only one slot of each pair is shown) of the battery block 5 fully inserted within the receiving frame. The pair of extended slots 82 and the pair of non-extended slots may have their respective portions that extend longitudinally from their respective first ends aligned to the same axis 134 parallel to the first axis X as depicted in FIG. 2. Respective second ends 120 of the pair of extended slots 82 and the respective second ends of the pair of non-extended slots 111, 112 may be aligned to the same axis 133 which forms an angle 131 with the first axis X. The angle 131 may be comprised between 0 to 40 degrees. The angle 131 may be any of the following degrees 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 ,32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 or more. The angle 131 may be 2 of less degrees. One benefit of such an arrangement is that the protrusions 31, 36 may be retained by the respective second ends 120, 11, 112 of the slots 45, 48, 49, 50, when the battery block 5 is fully inserted into the receiving frame. Thereby, when the receiving frame is unitary with the vehicle frame the battery block 5 may be prevented from movement along the first axis X, when the vehicle 1 is in use.

[0068] As described above and depicted in FIG. 2 the receiving frame may include two frame sides 17, 24 extending parallel to the first axis X. FIG. 6 depicts an example 140 of the receiving frame with details in a simplified perspective view. As depicted in FIG. 6 at least one of the frame sides 17, 24, 144 may be at least partially hollow 141. Each of the sides 17, 24, 144 may comprise at least one support member 142, 143 inserted therein. In FIG. 6 only one of the hollow frame sides 144 is shown, where the other one is hidden, thereby showing an example where two support members 142, 143 may be located inside the hollow of the hidden frame side. In one example each of the frame sides 17, 24, 144 may comprise two support members 142, 143 inserted therein. Each of the support members 142, 143 may be press fitted or otherwise secured into its respective position within the respective frame side 17, 24, 144. Each of the support members 142, 143 may be made of a block of a material. Each of the support members 142, 143 may have at least one slot of the slots comprised therein that may be configured to slidably support at least one protrusion of the protrusions 31, 36 for moving within the at least one slot of the support member for an insertion of the battery block 5 into the receiving frame. The slots comprised in the support members 142, 143 may substantially correspond to the slots 45, 48, 49, 50 comprised in the receiving frame. The slots formed in the support members 142, 143 may have a smaller width than the slots 45, 48, 49, 50 comprised in the receiving frame. Alternatively, the slots formed in the support members 142, 143 may be the slots 45, 48, 49, 50 comprised in the receiving frame. In such case the receiving frame may comprise at least one cutout made in each of the hollow frame sides 17, 24, 144 for the placement of at least one support members 142, 143 therein. The at least one cutout may be made in a fourth direction Y 1 parallel to a third axis Y that is perpendicular to both first axis X and the second axis Z. The at least one cutout may be at least partially through the frame side 17, 24, 144 so that the slot of a respective support member 142, 143 placed within the cutout may fully accommodate at least one protrusion of the protrusions 31,36 for moving within the at least one slot of the support member for an insertion of the battery block 5 into the receiving frame. Each of the support members 142, 143 may be configured to slidably support at least one protrusion of the protrusions 31, 36 within the at least one slot formed therein. In one example depicted in FIG. 7 as a simplified top view of the assembly 150 for a battery swap depicted in FIG. 6 there may be four support members 158, 156, 142, 143 two of each comprised located in each of the frame sides 17, 24, 144. However, there may be more or less than two support members 158, 156, 142, 143 comprised in each of the frame sidel7, 24, 144.

[0069] The battery block 5 may have four protrusions 31, 36 (shown only 2) each may comprise a substantially conical portion 151, 152, 154, 155 adjacent and extending outwards from the respective battery block side 153, 157 in a direction parallel to a third axis Y. As defined above the battery block sides 153, 157 extend parallel to the first axis X. A diameter of the substantially conical portion 151, 152, 154, 155 may gradually decrease such that the diameter of a first end of the substantially conical portion 151, 152, 154, 155 is larger than a second end of the substantially conical portion 151, 152, 154, 155 opposite to the first end of the substantially conical portion 151, 152, 154, 155. The first end of the substantially conical portion 151, 152,

[0070] 154, 155 may be adjacent to the respective battery block side 153, 157 and the second end of the substantially conical portion 151, 152, 154, 155 may be further away from the respective battery block side 153, 157 than the first end of the substantially conical portion 151, 152, 154,

[0071] 155. The substantially conical portion 151, 152, 154, 155 may further comprise a cylindrical portion adjacent to and extending from the second end of the substantially conical portion 151, 152, 154, 155. The cylindrical portion may be arranged to slidably interact with its corresponding slot of the respective receiving frame. One benefit of such arrangement is that the substantially conical portion 151, 152, 154, 155 may provide a guiding support for the battery block 5 insertion into the receiving frame. The guiding support may be provided for guiding the battery block 5 towards and inside respective slots 45, 48, 49, 50 within the support members 158, 156, 142, 143. The cylindrical portion 151, 152, 154, 155 may cooperate with corresponding slot and slidably support and guide movement of at least one protrusion of the protrusions 31, 36 within its corresponding slot.

[0072] As also depicted in FIG. 7 and previously discussed the battery block 5 may have a front side 37 and a back side 30. The front side 37 and the back side 30 each extends parallel to the second axis Z. The front side 37 may connect ends of the frame sides 17, 24, 144 and the back side may connect the opposite ends of the frame sides 17, 24, 144. The first connector 94 may be borne by the front side 37 of the battery block 5. The first connector 94 may be elastically couple to the front side 37 of the battery block 5. The second connector 96 may be borne by the first crosspiece 21. The second connector 96 may be elastically coupled to the first crosspiece 21.

[0073] In one example depicted in FIG. 7 two support members 142, 158 out of depicted four support members 158, 156, 141, 143 comprise a retaining arrangement for retaining the battery block 5 opposite the first direction XI, 61 when the protrusions 31, 36 are at the stop position 71, 72 in the slots of the support members 158, 156, 141, 143. Alternatively, a one or more support members 158, 156, 141, 143 may comprise the retaining arraignment. The support members 142, 158 comprising the retaining arrangement may be aligned parallel to the first axis X as depicted in FIG. 7.

[0074] FIG. 8 provides a simplified top view of an exemplary battery block retaining arrangement 160 for retaining the battery block 5 in the receiving frame. The retaining arrangement 160 may comprise at least one of the support members 158, 156, 142, 143 each housing a first moveable element 164 movably mounted therein. The at least one of the support members 158, 156, 142, 143 may comprise a cavity within a body 161 of at least one of the support members 158, 156, 142, 143. The first moveable element 164 may be housed within the cavity 162. The cavity 162 may define at least partially movement of the first moveable element 164. The first moveable element 164 may move in a direction 166 relative to the at least one support member 158, 156, 142, 143 in which it is mounted. The first moveable element 164 may move in a direction 166 within and relative to the cavity 162 of the at least one support member 158, 156, 142, 143 in which it is mounted. The first moveable element 164 may move between a retaining position and a releasing position. The first moveable element 164 may be elastically biased towards the retaining position. In the retaining position the first moveable element 164 may at least partially protrude into the slot of the support member in which the first moveable element 164 is housed. In the retaining position the first moveable element 164 may at least partially protrude into the slot between the first and the second end of the slot. Thereby, in the retaining position the first moveable element 164 may block in at least one direction a movement of a respective protrusion when it is within the slot. In one example the retaining position may be set so that the portion of the first moveable element 164 protruding into the slot retains the respective protrusion at the stop position when the respective protrusion is fully inserted into the respective slot as depicted in FIGS. 9 that depicts a simplified cross section A-A perspective view of the exemplary battery block retaining arrangement 170 of FIG. 8. The first moveable element 164 may be elastically biased towards a retaining position in a direction opposite to the second direction XI, 61. The first moveable element 164 may be elastically biased in the direction opposite to the second direction XI, 61 by a resilient member 165 that may be formed by at least one of a spring, a rubber, an elastomer, or any other resilient element. The first moveable element 164 may move between a retaining position and a releasing position within the support member 158, 156, 141, 143. A guiding element 163 may guide the movement of the first moveable element 164 within the cavity of the respective support member 158, 156, 141, 143.

[0075] Another example of a battery block retaining arrangement 194 for retaining the battery block 206 in the receiving frame is depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11. In FIG. 10 a simplified front view of the assembly for a battery swap 190 is shown with the battery block 206 fully inserted and retained inside the receiving frame. FIG. 10 additionally also depicts an exemplary battery block moving assembly 195 for an insertion of the battery block 206 into the receiving frame. The battery block moving assembly 195 and its interaction with the battery block 206 may be the one discussed in patent application No. EP 3694014 Al filed February 6th, 2019, entitled A Battery Block Moving Assembly and incorporated by reference herein. The battery block moving assembly 195 may have a top surface 201 configured to support the battery block 206 thereon and a moveable pin 197 extending of the top surface 201 and configured to move the battery block 206 alongside the top surface 201 in a direction parallel to the first axis X. The top surface 201 may comprise optional rollers 198, 199 configured to rollably support the battery block thereon.

[0076] The receiving frame may be as shown and described in detail for FIG. 2 and may have the first crosspiece 21, 203, the second crosspiece 26, 211 and the two frame sides 17, 24, 205. Depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11 the battery block retaining arrangement 194 may comprise at least one second moveable element 192 and a connecting portion 210 thereof. The second moveable element 192 may be moveable relative to the connecting portion 210 in a direction parallel to the second axis Z. As depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11 the second moveable element 192 may be positioned between the battery block 206 and the second crosspiece 211 when the battery block is inserted inside the receiving frame. The second moveable element 192 may be moveable in a direction 191 parallel to the second axis Z in between a battery block 206 retaining position and a battery block 206 releasing position. The second moveable element 192 may be elastically biased towards the battery block 206 retaining position. As shown in FIG. 12 the second moveable element 192 may be elastically biased towards the battery block 206 retaining position by at least one resilient member 231, 234 (shown two) where each may be formed by at least one of a spring, a rubber, an elastomer, or any other resilient element. The connecting portion 210 may be coupled to the receiving frame. More specifically the connecting portion 210 may be coupled to the second crosspiece 211 of the receiving frame. The connecting portion 210 may be rigid with the receiving frame or may be rigid with the second crosspiece 211 of the receiving frame. The second moveable element 192 may comprise a battery stop portion 209 configured to engage the battery block 206 when the second moveable element 192 is in the battery block 206 retaining position and the battery block 206 is inserted into the receiving frame. The battery stop portion 209 may be configured to engage at least a portion of at least one of the back side 30 of the battery block 206, the top side 35 of the battery block 206, or a portion of both the top side 35 and the back side 30 of the battery block 206. The battery stop portion 209 of the second moveable element 192 may have a shape substantially complementary to at least a portion of the battery block 206 that it is configured to engage. In one example depicted in FIG. 12 the battery stop portion 209 of the second moveable element 192 may have an L shape 235, 236 complementary to a comer portion of substantial rectangular prismatic shape forming the battery block 206.

[0077] Thus, when the second moveable element 192 is in the battery block 206 retaining position the battery stop portion 209 of the second moveable element 192 may be configured to engage at least a portion of the back side 30 and retain the battery block 206 from movement opposite the first direction XI, 61 parallel to axis X. Advantageously, when the second moveable element 192 is in the battery block 206 retaining position the battery stop portion 209 may be configured to engage both at least a portion of the back side 30 of the battery block 209 and at least a portion of the top side 35 of the battery block 209 and so retain the battery block 206 from moving in the direction opposite the first direction XI, 61 parallel to axis X and in the second direction Z1 parallel to the second axis Z.

[0078] As described above in detail for FIG. 3c and 4c the battery block 206 may be retained within the receiving frame on one end via the stop arrangement. The stop arrangement may include the second end of at least one slot of the slots. The battery block 206 may be retained within the receiving frame on the opposite end via then the stop arrangement the battery stop portion 209 of the second moveable element 192. More specifically, the front side 37 of the battery block 206 may be retained within the receiving frame via the stop arrangement and the back side 30 of the battery block 206 may be retained within the receiving frame via the battery stop portion 209 of the second moveable element 192. That way, when the battery block 206 is inserted inside the receiving frame the battery block 206 may be secured within respective the receiving frame in both the first direction XI, 61 and the opposite direction to the first direction XI, 61.

[0079] Turning to FIG. 11 that depicts a simplified front view of the assembly 220 for a battery swap with the battery block 206 fully inserted but not retained inside the receiving frame. In comparison with FIG. 10 the second moveable element 192 is shown to be moved in the second direction Zl, 223 to the battery block battery block 206 releasing position. The second moveable element 192 or the battery stop portion 209 thereof may be configured not to engage the battery block 206 when the second moveable element 192 is in the battery block releasing position. The second moveable element 192 may be actuated in between the battery block 206 retaining position and the battery block 206 releasing position by a battery release element 194. The battery release element 194 may have a portion 233 depicted in FIG. 12 configured to exert a force on one end 193 of the movable element 192 in the second direction Zl parallel to the second axis Z. Thereby, the battery release element 194 may counteract the elastic bias of the second moveable element 192 towards the battery block 206 retaining position. In one example the battery release element 194 may be formed by a protrusion 232 that may be made of a metal sheet as depicted in FIG. 12 or any other material extending from the top surface 201 of the battery block moving assembly 195 in the direction Zl, 223. Then, the battery block movement assembly 195 when moved towards the receiving frame in the second direction Zl may actuate via the battery release element 194 the second moveable element 192 from the battery block 206 retaining position to the battery block 206 releasing position. One benefit of such arrangement is that by moving the battery block moving assembly 195 in the second direction Zl towards the receiving frame the battery stop portion 209 of the second moveable element 192 is disengaged and the battery block 206 released.

[0080] Moving to FIG. 13, that depicts an exemplary flow diagram 250 of a method for operating an assembly for a battery swap. The steps of the method are described with reference to the examples of the assembly for a battery swap described above, discussed and depicted in anyone of FIGS. 1 to 12, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that method may be performed in other systems. The steps of the flowcharts described herein are not all inclusive and may include other steps not shown. The steps described herein may also be performed in an alternative order.

[0081] The method for operating an assembly for a battery swap may comprise inserting a battery block inside a receiving frame by using a mechanical connection arrangement between the receiving frame and the battery block. The mechanical connection arrangement may include n slots 16, 18, 23, 34 and n protrusions 31, 36 arranged to cooperate respectively with the slots 16, 18, 23, 34, n may be an integer and being at least 2. Each slot and corresponding protrusion may belong, one to the receiving frame and the other to the battery block 5, 206. Alternatively, n may be at least 4 and all slots 16, 18, 23, 34 may belong to the receiving frame and all protrusions may belong to the battery block 5, 206. Further, the slots 16, 18, 23, 34 may form at least a first pair of slots and a second pair of slots. The slots of the first pair may be aligned parallel to the first axis X and the second pair may be aligned parallel to the first axis X. The first pair of slots may be spaced apart from the second pair of slots in the first direction XI, 61. All slots 16, 18, 23, 34 may respectively extend longitudinally from a first end to a second end 111, 112 parallel to a first axis X. The first end of each slot may be communicating with a mouth opening 42, 44, 47, 91, 92, 95, 97 parallel to a second axis Z perpendicular to the first axis X.

[0082] The inserting of the battery block 5, 206 inside a receiving frame may begin at step 251 by engaging each protrusion of the protrusions 31, 36 within a corresponding mouth opening 42, 44, 47, 91, 92, 95, 97. Then, in step 252 the inserting proceeds by moving each protrusion of the protrusions 31, 36 within the corresponding mouth opening and in a corresponding slot successively in a second direction Z1 parallel to the second axis Z and in a first direction XI, 61 parallel to the first axis X relative to the receiving frame. In step 253 an electrical connection is formed between a first connector 94 mounted to the battery block 5, 206 and a second connector 96, 202 mounted to the receiving frame. The first connector 94 and second connector 96, 202 may be disposed to mutually connect when the battery block 5, 206 moves in the first direction XI, 61. In step 254 the movement of the battery block 5, 206 relative to the receiving frame in the first direction XI, 61 may be stopped via at least one stop arrangement when the protrusions 31, 36 are at a stop position 71, 72 in the slots. The battery block 5, 206 may then be retained inside the receiving frame opposite in the first direction XI, 61 by a retaining arrangement 170, 194 inside the receiving frame when the protrusions are at the stop position in the slots.

[0083] As depicted in FIG. 14 the method 250 for operating an assembly for a battery swap may further comprise a step 260 of lifting the battery block 5, 206 in a second direction Z1 for an engagement of each protrusion of the protrusions 31, 36 within a corresponding mouth opening.

[0084] The slots 16, 18, 23, 34 may further extend their respective second ends 111, 112 in a third direction Z2, 81 parallel to the second axis Z and opposite to the second direction Z1 and the inserting of the battery block inside a receiving frame may further comprising a step of moving respective protrusions relative to the receiving frame in the at least two slots in the third direction Z2, 81. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various examples of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0085] This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An assembly for a battery swap, the assembly comprising: a receiving frame and a battery block (5, 206) insertable inside the receiving frame; a mechanical connection arrangement between the receiving frame and the battery block, the mechanical connection arrangement including n slots (16, 18, 23, 34) and n protrusions (31, 36) arranged to cooperate respectively with the slots, n being an integer and being at least 2, wherein each slot and corresponding protrusion belong, one to the receiving frame and the other to the battery block, wherein all slots respectively extend longitudinally from a first end to a second end (111, 112) parallel to a first axis (X), the first end of each slot communicating with a mouth opening (42, 44, 47, 91, 92, 95, 97) parallel to a second axis (Z) perpendicular to the first axis (X), wherein each protrusion is configured to engage and move within a corresponding mouth opening and in a corresponding slot for an insertion of the battery block into the receiving frame successively in a second direction (Zl, 41, 223) parallel to the second axis (Z) and in a first direction (XI, 61) parallel to the first axis (X) relative to the receiving frame, the mechanical connection arrangement includes at least one stop arrangement for stopping movement of the battery block in the first direction (XI) relative to the receiving frame when the protrusions are at a stop position (71, 72) in the slots, the mechanical connection arrangement further comprising a retaining arrangement (170, 194) for retaining the battery block opposite the first direction (XI) when the protrusions are at the stop position in the slots; and an electrical connection arrangement having a first connector 94 mounted to the battery block and a second connector (96, 202) mounted to the receiving frame, the first connector and second connector being disposed to mutually connect when the battery block moves in the first direction (XI).

2. The assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the stop arrangement includes the second end of at least one slot of the slots.

3. The assembly according to any one of preceding Claims, wherein the retaining arrangement includes a first moveable element (164) elastically biased to protrude at least partially into at least one slot of the slots between the first end and the second end of the at least one slot.

4. The assembly according to any one of preceding Claims, wherein the retaining arrangement comprises a second moveable element (192) positioned between the battery block and the receiving frame when the battery block is inserted inside the receiving frame, wherein the second moveable element is moveable in the second direction (Zl) relative to the battery block in between a battery block retaining position and a battery block releasing position and the second moveable element is elastically biased towards the battery block retaining position in a direction opposite to the second direction (Zl).

5. The assembly according to any one of preceding Claims, wherein at least two slots further extend their respective second ends in a third direction (Z2) parallel to the second axis (Z) and opposite to the second direction (Zl) so that for the insertion of the battery block into the receiving frame respective protrusions are further configured to move relative to the receiving frame in the at least two slots in the third direction (Z2).

6. The assembly according to any one of preceding Claims, wherein each mouth has a width parallel to the first axis (X), the width gradually decreasing from an open end of the mouth up to the slot.

7. The assembly according to any one of preceding Claims, wherein n is at least 4, and the n slots form at least a first pair of slots and a second pair of slots, the slots of the first pair being aligned parallel to the first axis (X) and the second pair being aligned parallel to the first axis (X).

8. The assembly according to Claim 7, each of first pair of slots further extends its respective second end in a third direction (Z2, 81) parallel to the second axis (Z) and opposite to the second direction (Zl), wherein the first pair of slots is spaced apart from the second pair of slots in the first direction (XI).

9. The assembly according to any one of preceding Claims, wherein all slots belong to one of the receiving frame and battery block and all protrusions belong to the other of the receiving frame and battery block, all slots extending in the first direction (XI) from the first end to the second end.

10. The assembly of Claim 9, wherein all slots belong to the receiving frame and all protrusions belong to the battery block.

11. The assembly according to Claim 10, wherein the receiving frame includes two frame sides (17, 24, 144) extending parallel to the first axis (X) and the battery block comprises two battery block sides (153, 157) extending parallel to the first axis (X), wherein the slots are formed in the frame sides and the protrusions extend from the battery block sides.

12. The assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the receiving frame includes two frame sides extending parallel to the first axis (X) and the battery block comprises two battery block sides extending parallel to the first axis (X), wherein the receiving frame has a first crosspiece (21, 203) fixed to the two frame sides and the battery block has a front side (37) facing the first crosspiece when the battery block is inserted inside the receiving frame, the first connector being borne by the front side of the battery block and the second connector being borne by the first crosspiece.

13. The assembly according to Claim 12, wherein the first connector is elastically coupled to the front side of the battery block.

14. The assembly according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein the second connector is elastically coupled to the first crosspiece.

15. The assembly according to anyone of Claims 12 to 14, wherein the receiving frame has a second crosspiece (21, 211) fixed to the two frame sides and the battery block has a back side (30) opposite to the front side, the back side of the battery block facing the second crosspiece when the battery block is inserted inside the receiving frame.

16. A vehicle (1) having a vehicle frame (2) and an assembly according to any one of preceding Claims, the receiving frame being unitary with the vehicle frame, the first axis (X) being substantially horizontal when the vehicle is in use and the second direction (Zl) extending substantially vertically upward when the vehicle is in use.

17. A receiving frame for an assembly according to any one of Claims 12 to 15, comprising: the two frame sides extending parallel to a first axis (X); the first crosspiece fixed to the two frame sides; the second connector being borne by the first crosspiece; wherein the slots are formed in the frame sides.

18. A battery block (5) for an assembly according to any one of Claims 12 to 15, having the first connector borne by the front side of the battery block, wherein the protrusions extend from the battery block sides.

19. A method for operating an assembly for a battery swap, the method comprising inserting a battery block (5, 206) inside a receiving frame by using a mechanical connection arrangement between the receiving frame and the battery block, wherein mechanical connection arrangement including n slots (16, 18, 23, 34) and n protrusions (31, 36) arranged to cooperate respectively with the slots, n being an integer and being at least 2, wherein each slot and corresponding protrusion belong, one to the receiving frame and the other to the battery block, wherein all slots respectively extend longitudinally from a first end to a second end (111, 112) parallel to a first axis (X), the first end of each slot communicating with a mouth opening (42, 44, 47, 91, 92, 95, 97) parallel to a second axis (Z) perpendicular to the first axis (X), wherein the inserting comprising: engaging and moving each protrusion within a corresponding mouth opening and in a corresponding slot for an insertion of the battery block into the receiving frame successively in a second direction (Zl, 41, 233) parallel to the second axis (Z) and in a first direction (XI, 61) parallel to the first axis (X) relative to the receiving frame; creating an electrical connection between a first connector (94) mounted to the battery block and a second connector (96, 202) mounted to the receiving frame, wherein the first connector and second connector being disposed to mutually connect when the battery block moves in the first direction (XI); stopping via at least one stop arrangement the movement of the battery block in the first direction (XI) relative to the receiving frame when the protrusions are at a stop position (71, 72) in the slots; and retaining by a retaining arrangement (170, 194) the battery block inside the receiving frame opposite in the first direction (XI) when the protrusions are at the stop position in the slots.

20. The method according to Claim 19, wherein at least two slots further extend their respective second ends in a third direction (Z2, 81) parallel to the second axis (Z) and opposite to the second direction (Zl) and the inserting further comprising:moving respective protrusions relative to the receiving frame in the at least two slots in the third direction (Z2).

21. The method according to Claim 19 or 20, wherein the inserting further comprising: lifting the battery block in a second direction (Zl) for an engagement of each protrusion within a corresponding mouth opening.

22. The method according to any one of Claim 19 to 21, wherein n is at least 4 and all slots belong to the receiving frame and all protrusions belong to the battery block.

23. The method according to Claim 22, wherein the slots form at least a first pair of slots and a second pair of slots, the slots of the first pair being aligned parallel to the first axis (X) and the second pair being aligned parallel to the first axis (X), wherein the first pair of slots is spaced apart from the second pair of slots in the first direction (XI).

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