Handling battery

Abstract

Battery (1) removable from a housing (2), comprising a first and a second set of wheels (11, 12) configured to move the battery (1) by rolling on a rolling surface (3), the first set of wheels (11) being retractable and configured to, in its deployed position, move the battery (1) by rolling to a predetermined altitude (h), in particular corresponding to the altitude (h) of the housing (2), and in its retracted position, allow the complete insertion of the battery (1) into the housing (2), this first set of wheels (11) being: - the only retractable set of wheels (11), and - in its deployed position resting on the rolling surface (3) and the battery (1) being at the predetermined altitude (h), is in line with the center of gravity of the battery (1). Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Manipulable battery.

[0001] The invention relates to a battery that is easily handled by an operator inserting or removing this battery from a vehicle.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a battery powering a motor machine of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0003] Throughout the text of this document, the term “battery” will be understood to mean an assembly comprising at least one electrochemical cell. When there are several electrochemical cells, they are grouped into one or more modules. This battery possibly comprises electrical or electronic means for managing the electrical energy of this at least one module. When there are several modules, they are grouped in a tray or casing and then form a battery block, this battery block often being referred to by the English expression “battery pack”, this casing generally containing a mounting interface and connection terminals. This battery block is for example divided into several independent battery sub-assemblies and comprising their own casing containing at least one module.These battery subassemblies are called modular batteries, and some or all of the modular batteries are removable and interchangeable to avoid downtime due to recharging, for example removable from a housing of an electrically powered vehicle or from a fixed electrical supply station.

[0004] This battery pack, and this or these modular batteries, will also be referred to by the term battery throughout the text of this document.

[0005] Furthermore, the term electrochemical cell will be understood throughout the text of this document to mean cells generating current by chemical reaction, for example of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) type, of the Ni-Mh, or Ni-Cd or lead type or even fuel cells.

[0006] Patent document CN-A-109987062 discloses a manually removable battery comprising two sets of retractable wheels allowing the battery to be rolled to a height corresponding to that of the battery housing of a vehicle.

[0007] This solution is ergonomic for the operator handling this battery.

[0008] Unfortunately, the two retractable wheel sets complicate and, above all, make the battery heavier, and the vehicle receiving this battery becomes heavier and therefore loses autonomy.

[0009] Furthermore, the cam system for guiding the battery into the vehicle and retracting the wheel sets requires a significant pushing effort from the operator, due to the inevitable friction of the cams.

[0010] Finally, this solution is very sensitive to the height of the housing: if the latter is too low, the extraction or introduction of the battery into the housing becomes impossible or very problematic because the battery is no longer aligned with the guide rails of the housing.

[0011] The aim of the invention is to remedy this shortcoming by proposing an improved battery.

[0012] For this purpose, the invention relates to a battery that can be extracted from a housing, comprising a first and a second set of wheels, configured to move the battery by rolling on a rolling surface, the first set of wheels being retractable and configured to, in its deployed position, move the battery by rolling to a predetermined altitude, in particular corresponding to the altitude of the housing, and in its retracted position, allow the complete introduction of the battery into the housing, this battery being such that this first set of wheels is: - the only retractable set of wheels, and - in its deployed position resting on the rolling surface and the battery being at the predetermined altitude, is directly above the center of gravity of the battery.

[0013] This battery can of course be extracted or introduced into the housing, and / or be replaced in the same way by a second identical charged battery.

[0014] Furthermore, the retracted position will be understood as a position allowing the battery to be fully retracted into the housing, including the first set of wheels, while the deployed position is a position separated from the retracted position.

[0015] The altitude is of course understood as the height of the battery relative to the rolling surface, and the altitude corresponding to the altitude of the housing is implicitly the altitude of a first means of guiding the battery allowing this first means of guiding to cooperate with a second means of guiding the housing, so as to introduce or extract the battery from the housing.

[0016] Throughout the text of this document, the term "wheel set" will be understood to mean a set consisting of two or more wheels, these wheels rotating around a common axis.

[0017] Thus, not only is this battery simple because it only has a first retractable wheel set, but in addition the fact of being in unstable equilibrium on this first wheel set at the predetermined altitude allows an operator, by a pendulum movement around this equilibrium position, to adjust the predetermined height of the battery if the housing was not exactly at this predetermined height. For example, if this housing is a housing in a motor vehicle, it may be that depending on the mass of the load on board this vehicle, the suspensions of this vehicle sag and lower the height of the housing. Thanks to the invention, the operator will be able, despite these dispersions on the height of the housing, to engage the battery in the housing.

[0018] It will be noted that the unstable equilibrium position is given by the vertical alignment of the center of gravity of the battery relative to the support on the rolling surface of the first set of wheels, the battery being at the predetermined altitude. Thus, "the first set of wheels is vertically aligned with the center of gravity of the battery" means that the support of the wheels of the first set of wheels is vertically aligned with the center of gravity, but also more broadly that the vertical alignment of the center of gravity passes at least through each of the wheels, for example the axis of the wheels: in fact, if the center of gravity is slightly removed from the equilibrium position but the vertical alignment of the center of gravity passes at least through each of the wheels, a slight imbalance appears but this slight imbalance is then easily compensated by a small effort from the operator.

[0019] The battery comprises for example a retraction means allowing the first wheel set to be retracted. For example, this retraction means is a lever of the stretcher foot type configured to tilt the first wheel set around an axis at a first end of the lever, a second end of the lever, opposite the first end, holding the wheel set. But other embodiments of this retraction means are conceivable, for example a telescopic means configured to translate the first wheel set, or even a detachable means having two different fixed positions giving the retracted position and the deployed position of the first wheel set.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, this battery comprises a gripping means at a first end distant from the first deployed wheel set, so that an operator can keep the battery balanced and supported only on this first deployed wheel set.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second set of wheels is arranged at a second end of the battery, opposite the first end.

[0022] Implicitly, this second set of wheels is distant from the first set of wheels deployed, so that the battery, if it is resting on the first set of wheels deployed and this second set of wheels, has its center of gravity between the supports of this first and second set of wheels. Thus, the battery will no longer be at the predetermined height, but for example will be in a tilted position around the first set of wheels deployed, for example on the front relative to a rolling direction of the battery on the rolling surface, in stable equilibrium.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, this battery comprises a third set of wheels suitable for moving the battery on the driving surface in combination with the second set of wheels, the first set of wheels being in its retracted position.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wheels of the second set of wheels are capable of guiding the battery into the housing.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, this battery comprises a battery guide pad suitable for guiding the battery into the housing.

[0026] Thus these wheels of the second train and / or the skate are the first means of guidance.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for handling a battery as previously described, comprising for its introduction into the housing: - a rolling step supported on the first set of wheels deployed and on the second set of wheels, then - a step bringing the battery to the predetermined altitude by tilting the battery resting only on the first set of wheels deployed until the center of gravity of the battery is directly above the first set of wheels, then - a rolling step only with support on the first set of wheels deployed to present the battery in front of the housing, then - a step of sliding the battery into the housing, then or at the same time - a step of retracting the first set of wheels.

[0028] Of course, it is implicit that this method applies to the extraction of such a battery, by repeating each of the above steps in reverse chronological order.

[0029] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a housing and a battery in this housing, the battery and the housing being configured so that the battery is inserted and extracted through one end of the housing, this vehicle being such that the battery is as previously described, the housing being at the predetermined altitude.

[0030] This battery is for example an electrical energy storage battery powering an electric motor of this vehicle, or as already specified, be a modular battery extractable from a set of batteries constituting the battery of the vehicle powering the electric motor.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, this housing comprises a means for guiding the battery receiving the wheels of the second set of wheels.

[0032] For example, this guide means is a guide rail comprising a track for rolling the wheels.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery comprises a guide pad, the housing comprising a means for guiding the battery receiving this pad.

[0034] For example, this guide means is a guide rail comprising a sliding track for the pad.

[0035] Thus, the means for guiding the housing, and which receives the wheels of the second train and / or the skate, is the second means of guidance previously mentioned.

[0036] Other features and advantages will appear on reading the following description of a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, given with reference to [Fig.l] in which:

[0037] [Fig.l]: represents a diagram of a battery according to the invention.

[0038] [Fig.l] discloses a battery 1 extractable from a housing 2, comprising a first and a second set of wheels 11, 12 configured to move the battery 1 by rolling on a rolling surface 3, outside the housing 2.

[0039] The first set of wheels 11 is retractable and configured to, in its deployed position, move the battery 1 by rolling to a predetermined altitude h, in particular corresponding to the altitude h of the housing 2, and in its retracted position, allow the complete introduction of the battery 1 into the housing 2.

[0040] This first wheel set 11 is for example, as illustrated, pivotable around an axis by means of a stretcher foot type lever forming a means of retracting the first wheel set 11, the battery 1 comprising this retracting means.

[0041] This first set of wheels 11 is: - the unique retractable wheel set 11, and - in its deployed position resting on the rolling surface 3 and the battery 1 being at the predetermined altitude h, is directly above the center of gravity of the battery 1.

[0042] This battery comprises for example a gripping means 4 at a first end remote from the first deployed wheel set 11, for example in the form of a retractable or non-retractable handle, for example in the form of an imprint present in a casing of the battery 1, so that an operator can keep the battery 1 balanced and supported only on this first deployed wheel set 11 outside the housing 2: a negligible force from the operator on this gripping means thus makes it possible to orient the battery 1 along at least two axes of rotation so that a second end of the battery opposite the first end of the battery is adjustable laterally (relative to the rolling surface) but also in height as long as the battery 1 is not engaged in the housing 2.However, this gripping means 4 is not obligatory and the operator can, for example, use a gripping tool adapted to the battery 1 as a replacement for the handle, or even handle the battery 1 by directly grasping the casing of the battery 1 (the first end) with his hands.

[0043] This second set of wheels 12 is arranged at a second end of the battery 1, opposite the first end.

[0044] This battery comprises for example a third set of wheels 13 capable of moving the battery on the rolling surface 3 in combination with the second set of wheels 12, the first set of wheels 11 being in its retracted position.

[0045] Thus, if the battery 1 is elongated and has a length, it can be moved into an inclined position resting on the first train 11 and the second train 12, or moved horizontally only resting on the first train 11, or moved vertically resting on its second train 12 and third train 13.

[0046] The wheels of the second set of wheels 12 are for example suitable for guiding the battery 1 in the housing 2.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, this battery comprises a battery guide pad 1 suitable for guiding the battery 1 in the housing 2.

[0048] A method of handling this battery 1 comprises, for its introduction into the housing 2: - a rolling step supported on the first set of wheels 11 deployed and on the second set of wheels 12, outside the housing 2 then - a step bringing the battery 1 to the predetermined altitude h by tilting the battery 1 while resting only on the first set of wheels 11 deployed until the center of gravity of the battery 1 is directly above the first set of wheels 11, then - a rolling step only with support on the first set of wheels 11 deployed to present the battery 1 in front of the housing 2, then - a step of sliding the battery 1 into the housing 2, then or at the same time if the first set of wheels deployed 11 no longer carries or almost no longer carries - a step of retraction of the first set of wheels 11.

[0049] Each of these steps is carried out by an operator by handling the battery 1.

[0050] Of course, this method applies to the extraction of such a battery 1, by repeating each of the above steps in reverse chronological order. For example, the battery replaced will advantageously be a discharged or defective battery.

[0051] This invention applies in particular to a motor vehicle comprising the housing 2 and the battery 1 in this housing 2, the battery 1 and the housing 2 being configured so that the battery 1 is introduced and extracted by one end of the housing 2, in particular horizontally relative to the rolling surface 3.

[0052] This housing 2 is for example integrated under or on a floor of the vehicle. If there are several of these housings 2, they can be distributed over several levels (several heights).

[0053] The housing 2 is at the predetermined altitude h. More precisely, the housing 2 is at the predetermined altitude h to which a negative or positive variation is added depending on the variation in the ground clearance of the floor of the vehicle due to a variation in the mass of a load transported by the vehicle. This variation is advantageously compensable thanks to the invention, the operator being able to adjust the height of the second end by negligible effort on this gripping means.

[0054] Advantageously, the second end is the end of the battery 1 which engages first in the housing 2.

[0055] This housing 2 comprises a means 5 for guiding the battery 1 receiving the wheels of the second set of wheels 12.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the battery 1 comprises a guide pad, the housing 2 comprising a means 5 for guiding the battery 1 receiving this pad.

[0057] The housing 2 will be configured, for example, to allow the introduction of the second end of the battery 1 into the housing 2 until the center of gravity of the battery 1 penetrates the housing 2 even if the battery 1 is not perfectly aligned with the housing 2. But this is not obligatory, because the flexibility of the vehicle suspension can also favor the introduction of the non-aligned battery 1 into the housing 2.

[0058] The second wheel set 12 can for example be retracted manually by the operator, but this is not obligatory and it can be retracted by an electrified tool or by means of a system of cams of the housing bearing against the second wheel set 12 during insertion of the battery 1 into the housing 2.

Claims

Claims

1. Battery (1) removable from a housing (2), comprising a first and a second set of wheels (11, 12) configured to move the battery (1) by rolling on a rolling surface (3), the first set of wheels (11) being retractable and configured to, in its deployed position, move the battery (1) by rolling to a predetermined altitude (h), in particular corresponding to the altitude (h) of the housing (2), and in its retracted position, allow the complete insertion of the battery (1) into the housing (2), characterized in that it comprises a third set of wheels (13) capable of moving the battery on the rolling surface (3) in combination with the second set of wheels (12), the first set of wheels (11) being in its retracted position and in that this first set of wheels (11) is: - the only retractable set of wheels (11),and - in its deployed position resting on the rolling surface (3) and the battery (1) being at the predetermined altitude (h), is directly above the center of gravity of the battery (1),

2. Battery according to claim 1, comprising gripping means (4) at a first end distant from the first deployed wheel set (11), so that an operator can keep the battery (1) balanced and supported only on this first deployed wheel set (11).

3. Battery according to claim 2, the second set of wheels (12) being arranged at a second end of the battery (1), opposite the first end.

4. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, the wheels of the second set of wheels (12) being suitable for guiding the battery (1) in the housing (2).

5. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a battery guide pad (1) suitable for guiding the battery (1) in the housing (2).

6. A motor vehicle comprising a housing (2) and a battery (1) in this housing (2), the battery (1) and the housing (2) being configured so that the battery (1) is inserted and extracted through one end of the housing (2), characterized in that the battery (1) is 9 according to one of the preceding claims, the housing (2) being at the predetermined altitude (h).

7. Vehicle according to claim 6, this housing (2) comprising a guide means (5) for the battery (1) receiving the wheels of the second set of wheels (12).

8. Vehicle according to claim 6 or 7, the battery (1) comprising a guide shoe, the housing (2) comprising a guide means (5) for the battery (1) receiving this shoe.

Images