Power supply module intended to replace a counterweight on construction equipment, incorporating a chassis supporting a set of batteries and a device for installing / removing the set of batteries.

Abstract

An electrical power supply module, intended to replace a counterweight on construction equipment, incorporating a chassis supporting a battery pack and a device for installing / removing the battery pack. The invention relates to an electrical power supply module (10, 10'), intended to replace an inert mass forming the counterweight of construction equipment, the module comprising a chassis (11) configured to be fixed to a structural part of the construction equipment and to support a battery pack and configured to electrically supply at least one electric motor of the construction equipment, and a device for installing / removing the battery pack (13) configured to remove the battery pack from a position mounted on the chassis to a position removed from the chassis and vice versa. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical power supply module intended to replace a construction machine counterweight, integrating a chassis supporting a set of batteries and a device for installing / removing the set of batteries. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of construction machinery.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to an electrical power supply module configured to be installed on a construction machine in place of the usual counterweight. The module can house a set of batteries, configured to electrically power at least one electric motor which drives the hydraulic unit and / or the transmission of the machine. The set of batteries can also serve as a generator set in order to electrically power other equipment, whether or not the set is housed in the module.

[0003] The main area of ​​application envisaged concerns construction machinery with thermal, electric and / or hydrogen engines, comprising a counterweight, in particular earthmoving machinery, in particular excavators, loaders, bulldozers and compactors.

[0004] The invention is particularly suitable for the conversion, or retrofit, of construction machinery with thermal engines into electric machinery.

[0005] In the context of the invention, the expression "construction machine" is used to designate in particular machines allowing public construction work, handling, railway work and / or river work to be carried out. Prior art

[0006] It is currently being considered to use electric motor construction machinery instead of thermal engine machinery or to carry out a conversion, also called retrofit, of existing thermal engine machinery into electric motor machinery, mainly in order to meet greenhouse gas emission reduction objectives.

[0007] Furthermore, the conversion constitutes an economical solution for electrifying a fleet of thermal engine vehicles.

[0008] However, to date, electric construction machinery using electrochemical batteries for their power supply are subject to specific usage constraints. Thus, the autonomy of an electric construction machine is limited by the volume available for the batteries and by their weight. The size of a set of batteries is in fact often insufficient to fully meet the needs of users, especially for continuous use over a full working day. Furthermore, managing battery charging can also be a significant constraint, especially when direct access to the electricity network is impossible, as is often the case on construction sites. In the absence of access to the electricity network, it becomes necessary either to move the construction machine itself to an access point to the electricity network using suitable means of transport, or to set up a mobile charging solution such as a generator or power bank.

[0009] These constraints complicate the use and management of a fleet of electric motor construction machinery.

[0010] Among the known electric motor construction machines, certain models include battery packs that can be replaced, in order to partially overcome the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0011] For example, the Limach company offers a model of construction machine with an electric motor E88.1 comprising two sets of accumulators which can be mounted or removed independently of each other using mechanical arms. This makes it possible to keep at least one set of batteries installed on the construction machine at all times and to carry out a swap of the sets. For example, it is possible to charge one set of batteries while two other sets are installed on the construction machine and supply it with power for its operation.

[0012] Patent application EPI770223 A1 relates to an electrically powered construction machine, in particular an excavator, powered by a battery that can be replaced. However, replacing the battery is impractical.

[0013] Existing solutions for the electrical conversion of construction machinery are not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, these solutions typically require a significant modification of the structure and / or configuration of the construction machinery during the conversion, which makes these operations complex and costly.

[0014] There is therefore a need to facilitate the operation of electrically powered construction machinery, and in particular to simplify the conversion of thermally powered machinery into electrically powered machinery.

[0015] The aim of the invention is to meet at least part of this need. Statement of the invention

[0016] To this end, the invention relates to an electrical power supply module intended to replace an inert mass forming the counterweight of a construction machine, the module comprising:

[0017] - a chassis configured to be fixed to a structural part of the construction machine and to support a battery pack sized with a weight equal to at least a portion of the weight of the counterweight and configured to electrically power at least one electric motor of the construction machine and,

[0018] - a device for installing / removing the battery pack configured to remove the battery pack from a position placed on the chassis to a position removed from the chassis and vice versa.

[0019] Thus, the invention relates to an electrical power supply module which directly integrates a chassis to be fixed to the construction machine, which supports a set of batteries, which typically has a mass of between a few kilograms and several tonnes, and a device for reversibly installing / removing this set outside the chassis.

[0020] The module according to the invention facilitates the replacement of the battery pack powering the construction machine. Indeed, since the battery pack can be removed by a device integrated within the module, it is no longer necessary to move the construction machine to an electric charging station, only the battery pack removed from the module having to be transported. This transport can be done with a standard trailer or a trailer specially designed to receive the pack, towed by means of a standard vehicle on a conventional road / motorway network to facilitate movement.

[0021] The invention also allows for a functional permutation between several sets of batteries. This solves the problem of autonomy of the construction machine: for example, the permutation between two sets of batteries each allowing the construction machine to be powered for four hours makes it possible to use the construction machine continuously for eight hours, or even without a time limit if one of the sets, removed, is put into electrical recharge while the other, installed on the chassis of the module, powers the construction machine.

[0022] Advantageously, the major components of the module according to the invention are sized to replace the counterweight of the construction machine. The module and the battery assembly are preferably sized to have a combined weight greater than or equal to 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 75%, 100% or 150% of the weight of the counterweight, and / or less than or equal to 100%, 75%, 50%, 30%, 20% of the weight of the counterweight. In particular, the assembly may be sized to have a weight greater than or equal to 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% or 150% of that of the counterweight and / or less than or equal to 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% of the weight of the counterweight. According to an advantageous characteristic, the module may include an inert mass to increase its weight.

[0023] Furthermore, the self-contained module, both mechanically and electrically, according to the invention greatly simplifies an electrical conversion / retrofit of a construction machine with a thermal engine: it is in fact not necessary to make any modifications significant structural modifications to the machine, since the module directly replaces the usual counterweight with its chassis fixed directly to a structural part of the machine and it includes a handling device allowing the installation / removal of the battery pack in / out of the chassis.

[0024] According to an advantageous characteristic, the module comprises a protective casing fixed to the chassis and configured to be arranged at least partially around the battery assembly in its mounted position installed on the chassis, the protective casing preferably comprising at least one door configured to allow, in the open position, the removal of the battery assembly by the device.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment, the protective casing or a part of the protective casing is fixed to the battery assembly, so that the removal movement of the installation / removal device causes respectively the opening and closing of a door of the protective casing.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the module comprises a hydraulic unit configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the installation / removal device, the module preferably comprising an accessory battery configured to electrically supply the hydraulic unit.

[0027] The hydraulic unit may include a reserve of hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic pump capable of pumping the fluid and an electric motor capable of powering the hydraulic pump.

[0028] The module may also include an accessory battery configured to electrically power the installation / removal device, and optionally the hydraulic unit.

[0029] According to an advantageous characteristic, the module comprises a guide configured to guide the set of batteries when it is placed on the chassis.

[0030] Advantageously, the installation / removal device comprises two articulated arms configured to be attached to the battery pack at two different lifting points. The articulated arms are preferably fixed to the chassis of the module.

[0031] According to a preferred variant, the installation / removal device comprises two articulated arms each comprising a hydraulic cylinder and a handling rod fixed to the chassis by one of their ends.

[0032] The retraction and extension of the cylinders cause the rotation of the handling rods around the axis of rotation. The battery assembly may be connected to the free ends of the articulated arms at the free end of the handling rods, in particular by means of chains fixed to the arms and arranged around two lifting points located on opposite faces of the battery assembly, preferably side faces.

[0033] Other configurations of the installation / removal device are possible. For example, the device may comprise a single articulated arm as described above which can be connected to an attachment point on the upper face of the battery pack.

[0034] According to an alternative embodiment, the installation / removal device may comprise a single articulated arm, preferably fixed to the chassis of the module, configured to be attached to the battery assembly at a lifting point, the lifting point preferably being arranged at the center of gravity of the battery assembly.

[0035] Advantageously, in the event of a breakdown of the installation / removal device, the power supply module can be configured so that the set of batteries can be removed and / or mounted on the chassis using a lifting means external to the machine (hoists, handling trolley, cranes, crane trucks, other machinery, etc.)

[0036] The invention also relates to a power supply kit comprising:

[0037] - a power supply module as described previously and;

[0038] - a battery pack configured to be supported by the module chassis.

[0039] Preferably, the battery assembly has a general shape of a right block with a volume projecting from one face of the right block, preferably with an L-shaped cross-section. Advantageously, at least one face of the assembly, preferably the face opposite the projecting volume, has a concave shape. The shape of the battery assembly is however not limited to this embodiment and may in particular depend on the desired autonomy.

[0040] More preferably, the battery pack comprises an on-board telematics device, making it possible to remotely provide information on the battery pack, such as geolocation data, the charge level of the pack, and monitoring of the proper functioning of the pack.

[0041] Advantageously, the on-board telematics device is bidirectional, i.e. operating in transmission and reception, and the battery pack can be controlled remotely, in particular to control the starting or stopping of the battery pack, to carry out security procedures, in particular anti-theft procedures, and to carry out self-diagnosis or remote diagnosis.

[0042] This facilitates tracking of the battery pack, which is particularly advantageous when managing a fleet of battery packs.

[0043] The battery pack may advantageously comprise at least one battery module, preferably at least one battery pack.

[0044] The battery pack being mobile, can be recharged outside the power module with a stand-alone operating mode. It can also have an output electrical socket so that it can power other equipment as a generator.

[0045] The invention also relates to a construction machine whose inert mass forming a counterweight has been replaced by a module as described above. The construction machine may be an original electric machine or it may result from the electrical retrofit of a construction machine with a thermal or hydrogen engine. The construction machine may in particular be a machine for public works sites such as an excavator, a bulldozer, a loader or a compactor, a handling machine, a railway works machine or a river works machine.

[0046] The invention also relates to a method for electrifying a construction machine, comprising the steps consisting of:

[0047] a) dismantle the inert mass forming the counterweight of the construction machine;

[0048] b) mounting in place of the counterweight an electrical power supply module such as previously described by fixing the module frame to a structural part of the construction machine;

[0049] c) electrically connecting the power supply module and the electric motor.

[0050] The electrical connection between the power supply module and the electric motor may be indirect and pass through an intermediate device such as a power controller.

[0051] The construction machine may be a machine designed and manufactured as a machine with an electric, thermal or hydrogen engine.

[0052] The invention also relates to a method for electrically retrofitting a construction machine with a thermal engine, comprising the steps consisting of:

[0053] a2) replacing the thermal engine of the construction machine with an electric motor;

[0054] b2) dismantle the inert mass forming the counterweight of the construction machine;

[0055] c2) mounting in place of the counterweight a power supply module such as previously described by fixing the module frame to a structural part of the construction machine;

[0056] d2) electrically connect the power supply module and the motor electric.

[0057] The electrical connection between the power supply module and the electric motor may be indirect and pass through an intermediate device such as a power controller.

[0058] The invention also relates to a method for removing and electrically recharging the set of batteries of the construction machine according to the invention, comprising the steps consisting of:

[0059] al) using the module installation / removal device, remove the battery pack and place it on a suitable trailer;

[0060] bl) moving the trailer to an electric charging station;

[0061] cl) electrically connecting the battery pack to the charging station to recharge it.

[0062] The invention finally relates to a range of kits according to the invention, adaptable to a plurality of different construction machinery models, comprising the same battery assemblies for each of the models and a plurality of electrical power supply modules of which only the chassis is specific to each model to be fixed to a structural part of the corresponding construction machinery model. Brief description of the drawings

[0063] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a power supply module according to the invention.

[0064] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an exploded view of a power supply module according to the invention.

[0065] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a module according to the invention in which a set of batteries is in its mounted position on the module chassis.

[0066] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a module according to the invention with a set of batteries being removed from the module.

[0067] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a construction machine comprising a module according to the invention in which a battery pack is installed.

[0068] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents the construction machine of [Fig.5] in a configuration allowing the removal of the battery pack.

[0069] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents the construction machine of [Fig.5], with the assembly of batteries being removed.

[0070] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view of a construction machine comprising a module power supply according to the invention with the battery assembly being removed.

[0071] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents an existing construction machine with a thermal engine.

[0072] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents the construction machine of [Fig.9], the counterweight being removed.

[0073] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] represents the construction machine of [Fig.9], the counterweight being replaced by a power supply module according to the invention.

[0074] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] shows a wheel loader comprising a module power supply according to the invention.

[0075] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] shows a bulldozer having a power module electric according to the invention.

[0076] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] shows a compactor comprising a power module electric according to the invention.

[0077] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] shows a side view of a construction machine comprising a power supply module according to the invention with an embodiment al- alternative of the installation / removal device, the battery pack being in the mounted position.

[0078] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a top view of the construction machine of [Fig. 15].

[0079] [Fig.17] [Fig.17] shows a side view of the construction machine of [Fig.15], the battery pack being removed.

[0080] [Fig.18] [Fig.18] is a top view of the construction machine of [Fig.15], the battery pack being removed.

[0081] [Fig. 19] [Fig. 19] is a side view of a construction machine comprising a power supply module according to the invention with an alternative embodiment of the protective casing.

[0082] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] is a side view of a construction machine comprising a power supply module according to the invention with an alternative embodiment of the protective casing.

[0083] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] is a side view of a construction machine comprising a power supply module according to the invention with an alternative embodiment of the protective casing. Detailed description

[0084] Throughout the present application, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "bottom", "top", "below" and "above" are to be understood with reference to an electrical power module as it is in the configuration installed on a construction machine. The terms "front" and "rear" are to be understood with reference to the orientation of the construction machine. For example, in the case of an excavator, the bucket is arranged at the front of the machine and the electrical power module at the rear.

[0085] [Fig.l] illustrates an example of a power supply module 10 according to the invention.

[0086] The module 10 comprises a chassis 11 intended to be installed and fixed to a structural part of a construction machine in place of the counterweight.

[0087] The chassis 11 is configured to support a set of batteries 12.

[0088] The module 10 also comprises a device 13 for installing / removing the assembly of batteries. In the embodiment shown, this device comprises two articulated mechanical arms 14, preferably fixed to the chassis 11, configured to mount the assembly 12 on the chassis and to place it on a receiving surface separate from the module. The receiving surface may in particular be the ground, a base, a dedicated base, a transport trailer or a recharging station for the battery assembly.

[0089] The module 10 comprises, in the example illustrated, a protective casing 15 protecting the battery assembly 12 on three lateral faces. In order to allow the battery assembly to be replaced, the protective casing 15 comprises on its rear face two doors 16 which, when open, allow the loading and unloading of the battery pack 12 using the arms 14.

[0090] The protective casing 15 advantageously limits the risks of degradation of the battery pack 12 during the use of construction machinery, particularly in the event of impacts and falling materials.

[0091] Advantageously, the battery pack 12 is dimensioned with standard dimensions and the chassis 11 is dimensioned to receive and support a battery pack of standardized size. The use of standardized battery packs offers the possibility of swapping them on several construction machines, of different makes and models, in order to facilitate the management of a fleet of battery packs and to optimize their uses. To this end, the receiving part of the battery pack on the chassis 11 is dimensioned according to the standard dimensions of the pack. The chassis 11, preferably its lower part, is also configured according to the specific dimensions of the construction machine on which it is intended to be fixed, so as to provide the interface between the standardized battery pack and the construction machine whose dimensions are specific depending on the model.

[0092] Preferably, the battery pack 12 has a capacity sufficient to power the operation of a construction machine for several hours. For example, in particular for a construction machine of the heavy excavator type, in particular for a 25-ton excavator, the battery pack 12 may have a mass of between 1 tonne and 8 tonnes and / or a length of between 1.5 m and 3.5 m and / or a width of between 0.3 m and 2.5 m and / or a height of between 0.5 m and 2.5 m. The capacity of the battery pack 12 may be between 80 kWh and 500 kWh.

[0093] The battery pack 12 may have essentially a straight block shape. Advantageously, the rear vertical face of the battery pack may have a concave shape, i.e., curved outwards. This makes it possible to optimize the volume available for arranging the accumulators in the battery pack. According to an advantageous variant, the battery pack 12 further comprises, along its upper face, a volume 27 projecting, preferably towards the front direction. The volume 27 may extend along the entire length of the battery pack 12 in the direction perpendicular to the front direction, and have a height of between 30 cm and 100 cm and a width, i.e., a dimension in the front direction, of between 30 cm and 200 cm.

[0094] As illustrated in [Fig.8], the volume 27 advantageously increases the space available for the battery pack without impacting its height and makes it possible to optimize the number of batteries on board. Advantageously, the corners of the volume 27 can be beveled to facilitate contact between the volume 27 and the module 10 when mounting the battery pack 12.

[0095] The shape of the battery pack may however be different and may depend in particular on the desired autonomy.

[0096] Advantageously, the battery assembly 12 can be configured to be used as an independent source of electricity whether it is installed in the power supply module 10 or not. The assembly 12 can thus power equipment other than the machine, in particular on a construction site.

[0097] [Fig. 2] is an exploded view of a power supply module 10' according to the invention. The module 10' of [Fig. 2] differs from the module 10 of [Fig. 1] in that the protective casing 15 also comprises an upper portion 17 configured to protect the upper face of the battery pack 12.

[0098] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the power supply module according to the invention may comprise a guide 18 arranged on the chassis 11, inside the protective casing 15. The guide 18 is configured to facilitate the insertion of the battery assembly 12 into the module 10 and its positioning on the chassis 11. Preferably, the guide 18 comprises two lateral parts 19, possibly rigidly connected by a central part 20. The lateral parts 19 are configured to guide the battery assembly 12 during its mounting on the module and may in particular comprise beveled ends to facilitate the guiding of the assembly. In particular, the guiding may begin when the beveled corners of the volume 27 of the battery assembly come into contact with the beveled ends of the lateral parts 19.

[0099] This guidance makes it possible to compensate for uneven terrain. Indeed, in working conditions on construction sites, the ground is typically uneven. The construction machine can then be slightly inclined when mounting or removing the battery pack. The guidance makes it possible to install the battery pack on the module even if the construction machine and / or the position of the pack at the start of the mounting process are inclined.

[0100] Advantageously, the guide 18 may comprise a locking device configured to lock the assembly onto the chassis, i.e. to prevent it from moving. In a particular embodiment, the locking device comprises one or more pins that can move between an unlocking position in which the pins are entirely arranged in receiving openings of the guide 18 and a locking position in which the pins protrude from said receiving openings so as to enter complementary openings of the battery assembly.

[0101] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the electrical power supply module according to the invention can advantageously comprise one or more accessory batteries 21. The accessory batteries 21 allow the module to independently provide electrical power to the device 13 for installing / removing the set of batteries. and / or that of a hydraulic group 22 which supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders 28 and thus allows the assembly 12 to be installed and removed by movement.

[0102] The hydraulic unit 22 may in particular comprise an electric motor, a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic reservoir. Optionally, it may also comprise an auxiliary battery configured to power its operation. In this case, the possible accessory batteries 21 may or may not be configured to power the hydraulic unit 22.

[0103] Alternatively, the hydraulic unit and / or the cylinders can also be powered pneumatically or electrically.

[0104] Advantageously, the opening and closing of the doors 16 of the protective enclosure can be carried out by an electric motor powered by the accessory batteries 21.

[0105] Alternatively, the electrical power supply module 10, 10' does not include secondary batteries. In this case, it can advantageously be connected to the starter battery of the construction machine so that the device 13 and / or the hydraulic unit 22 are electrically powered by this starter battery.

[0106] The module according to the invention also preferably comprises a control box 23 which controls the device 13 and / or the opening of the doors 16 and / or the locking device of the battery pack. The control box 23 is preferably arranged outside the protective casing 15 and so as to be easily accessible by an operator. It can also be integrated into the hydraulic unit 22.

[0107] Figures 3, 4 and 5 to 7 illustrate the method of removing the battery pack 12 from the chassis.

[0108] Figures 3 and 4 show a portion of the power supply module 10. For clarity, some elements such as the protective casing are not shown.

[0109] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], in the operating configuration of the construction machine, the battery assembly 12 is arranged in the module 10. The articulated arms 14 of the device 13, each comprising a hydraulic cylinder 28 and a handling rod 29, are connected to the battery assembly via the free end of the two rods 29. To remove the assembly 12, the articulated hydraulic cylinders 28 are activated by the hydraulic unit 22. The device 13 may comprise, in a preferred embodiment, two articulated arms 14.

[0110] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the two articulated arms 14 of the battery assembly 12 each comprise two elements: hydraulic cylinders 28, and handling rods 29. These elements are connected by an articulation and are fixed to the chassis 11 by one of their ends. The cylinders 28 can be extended or contracted by pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically. The handling rods 29 are of fixed length.

[0111] The arms 14 are configured so that the output of the jacks 28 causes the rotation of the handling rods 29 around an axis of rotation located on the fixed chassis 11.

[0112] The battery pack 12 can be connected to the arms 14 at the free end of the handling rods 29.

[0113] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 8, the connection between the installation / removal device 13 and the battery assembly 12 can be achieved with two chains 25 attached to lifting points 26 arranged on opposite sides of the battery assembly 12 and fixed to the free ends of the handling rods 29.

[0114] Thus, the rotation of the handling rods 29 makes it possible to move the set of batteries between a position installed on the module 10 and a position placed on a receiving surface not forming part of the module 10.

[0115] Advantageously, the attachment of the battery assembly 12 to the installation / removal device 13 at at least two points (lifting points 26) limits untimely movements of the assembly during its installation or removal. This limits the risks of the assembly falling or of impacts with other elements.

[0116] Preferably, the cylinders 28 comprise anti-fall safety valves configured to block the position of the arms in the event of hydraulic failure.

[0117] [Fig.4] represents a configuration for depositing the battery assembly 12, the jacks 28 being deployed so as to deposit the assembly 12 on a receiving surface.

[0118] The method for placing an assembly 12 on the electrical power supply module 10 comprises a step of attaching the handling rods 29 to the battery assembly 12 when the jacks 28 are deployed and a step of rotating the handling rods 29 by retracting the jacks 28 in order to place the assembly 12 on the chassis 11 of the electrical power supply module 10.

[0119] Figures 5 to 7 illustrate the method of removing the battery pack 12 when the module 10 is installed on a construction machine 1.

[0120] In the configuration of [Fig.5], initially the battery pack 12 is in the mounted position on the chassis of a module 10 and the doors 16 of the protective casing 15 are closed.

[0121] As illustrated in [Fig.6], in a second step, the doors 16 are opened to allow the assembly 12 to be removed. This can be done manually by an operator 24 or automatically by an electric motor.

[0122] Once the doors are open, the operator 24 can use the control box 23 to initiate the removal of the battery assembly. The installation / removal device 13 can remove the assembly 12, as illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0123] [Fig.8] represents a construction machine 1 comprising a module 10 according to the invention. In the configuration shown, the assembly 12 is being removed by the installation / removal device 13. As illustrated, the assembly 12 is in this embodiment linked to the arms 14 by chains connected to the end of the handling rods 29 and attached around the lifting points 26 arranged on the side walls of the battery assembly 12. The chains 25 make it possible to lift the assembly 12 by acting on the lifting points 26. The movement of the articulated arms 14 then makes it possible to remove or place the assembly, respectively off or on the chassis.

[0124] Figures 9 to 11 illustrate the method of integrating the electrical power supply module on a construction machine 1, for example in the context of the electrical retrofit of a construction machine with a thermal engine.

[0125] As illustrated in [Fig.9], the construction machine 1 comprises in its initial configuration an inert mass forming a counterweight 2 arranged at the rear of the machine. The counterweight makes it possible to counterbalance the weight carried by the shovel 3 of the construction machine.

[0126] In a first step illustrated in [Fig.10], the counterweight 2 is removed from the construction machine 1.

[0127] In a second step illustrated in [Fig. 11], the power supply module 10 according to the invention is installed in place of the counterweight 2.

[0128] Advantageously, the main components of the electrical power supply module 10 are sized to replace the counterweight 2. In addition, it alone integrates all the elements necessary for installing and removing the battery pack. Thus, it is not necessary to modify the structure of the construction machine in order to allow the installation of a battery pack to power the construction machine, in particular to power an electric motor replacing the initial thermal engine. The invention therefore makes it possible to simplify the electrical conversion of thermally powered machines by minimizing the structural and / or functional modifications to be made to these machines.

[0129] The invention also takes advantage of the significant mass of the battery pack 12, which allows the module 10 in the operating configuration of the construction machine, i.e. when a battery pack 12 is installed in the module 10, to at least substantially perform the counterweight function of the construction machine.

[0130] Other variants and improvements may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. Although described with reference to an excavator, the invention applies to any construction machine, in particular construction machines for public works, handling, railway works and / or river works. Figures 12, 13 and 14 respectively illustrate a wheel loader, a bulldozer and a compactor equipped with an electrical power supply module according to the invention.

[0131] Figures 15, 16, 17, 18 illustrate a construction machine 1 comprising a power supply module 10 with a fitting / removal device 13 comprising a single articulated arm 30 allowing the battery pack 12 to be fitted and removed.

[0132] The articulated arm 30 is fixed at one end to the chassis of the module and has a free end for attachment to the battery assembly 12. The articulated arm 30 is advantageously configured to be attached to the center of gravity of the battery assembly in order to improve the stability of the installation / removal device 13. In this case, the battery assembly 12 advantageously has on the front face a central groove for receiving the articulated arm 30 in the mounted position on the chassis.

[0133] Figures 15 and 16 show the battery assembly in a configuration mounted on the chassis of the module 10 in profile and top views respectively. Figures 17 and 18 show the battery assembly being removed in profile and top views respectively.

[0134] Figures 19, 20, 21 illustrate alternative embodiments of the protective casing 15.

[0135] In the mode of [Fig. 19], the protective enclosure 15 comprises a single door 16 fixed to an upper end of the protective enclosure and configured to open by pivoting upwards. In the open configuration, the door allows the installation and removal of the battery pack.

[0136] In the mode of [Fig.20], the protective casing 15 comprises a single door 16 fixed to a lower end of the protective casing and configured to open by pivoting downwards. In the open configuration, the door allows the installation and removal of the battery pack.

[0137] In the mode of [Fig.21], the protective casing 15 comprises a rear protection 31 fixed on the rear face of the battery assembly 12. The rear protection 31 is not integral with the rest of the protective casing 15. When the battery assembly is in the mounted position on the chassis, the rear protection 31 however forms with the rest of the protective casing 15 a continuous protection all around the battery assembly.

Claims

Claims

1. Electrical power supply module (10, 10'), intended to replace an inert mass forming the counterweight of a construction machine, the module comprising: - a chassis (11) configured to be fixed on a structural part of the construction machine and to support a battery pack sized with a weight equal to at least part of the weight of the counterweight and configured to electrically power at least one electric motor of the construction machine, and - a device (13) for installing / removing the battery pack configured to remove the battery pack from a position placed on the chassis to a position removed from the chassis and vice versa.

2. Module according to claim 1, comprising a protective casing (15) fixed to the chassis and configured to be arranged at least partially around the battery assembly in its position mounted on the chassis, the protective casing preferably comprising at least one door (16) configured to allow, in its open position, the removal of the battery assembly by the device.

3. Module according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a hydraulic group (22) configured to supply the device with hydraulic fluid, the module preferably comprising at least one accessory battery (21) configured to electrically supply the hydraulic group.

4. Module according to one of claims 1 or 2, comprising at least one accessory battery (21) configured to electrically power the installation / removal device.

5. Module according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a guide (18) configured to guide the set of batteries when it is placed on the chassis.

6. Module according to one of the preceding claims, the installation / removal device comprising two articulated arms (14) configured to be attached to the battery pack at two lifting points (26).

7. A power supply kit comprising: - a power supply module according to one of the preceding claims and; - a battery pack configured to be supported by the chassis of the module, the battery pack comprising preferably an on-board telematics device.

8. Kit according to the preceding claim, the battery assembly having a general shape of a straight block with a volume (27) projecting from one face of the straight block, preferably with an L-shaped cross-section.

9. Construction machine (1) whose inert mass forming a counterweight (2) has been replaced by a module according to one of claims 1 to 6.

10. Method for electrifying a construction machine comprising the steps of: a) dismantling the inert mass forming the counterweight of the construction machine; b) mounting in place of the counterweight an electrical power supply module according to one of claims 1 to 6 by fixing the chassis of the module to a structural part of the construction machine; c) electrically connecting the electrical power supply module to the electric motor.

11. Method for removing and electrically recharging a battery pack mounted on the electrical power supply module of the construction machine according to claim 9, comprising the steps of: al) removing, using the module installation / removal device, the battery pack and placing it on a suitable trailer; bl) moving the trailer to an electrical recharging station; cl) electrically connecting the battery pack to the recharging station so as to recharge it.

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