Electric excavator with a freely rotating turret adapted for autonomously installing / removing a set of batteries; methods for autonomously installing and removing a set of batteries from an electric excavator

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric excavator (1) comprising: - a chassis (2) having a housing (7) configured to receive a main battery pack (6); - a turret (3) freely mounted for rotation on the chassis and having an articulated arm (4); - an auxiliary battery pack (13) configured to power an auxiliary power circuit (30) of the excavator, which enables the rotation of the turret and the use of the articulated arm so as to deposit the main battery pack by means of the articulated arm. The invention also relates to a method for autonomously depositing and a method for autonomously positioning a battery pack between a position placed in a housing of an electric excavator and a position placed outside the housing, the electric excavator having a turret freely mounted for rotation on a chassis and supporting an articulated arm. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Electric excavator comprising a freely rotating turret adapted for autonomously installing / removing a set of batteries; methods for autonomously installing and removing a set of batteries from an electric excavator. Technical field

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

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a mechanical digger or excavator hydraulic comprising at least one electric motor which drives the hydraulic unit and / or the transmission of the excavator, the motor being electrically powered by a main battery pack.

[0003] The invention also relates to a method for autonomously removing a set of batteries from an electric excavator and a method for autonomously installing a set of batteries in an electric excavator.

[0004] In the context of the invention, the expression "construction equipment" is used to designate, in particular, equipment for carrying out public works, handling, railway and / or river works. Prior art

[0005] It is currently envisaged to use electrically powered construction equipment instead of internal combustion engine equipment, mainly in order to meet objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0006] However, to date, electric construction equipment using electrochemical batteries for power is subject to specific operating constraints. Thus, the operating time of electric construction equipment is limited by the available battery capacity and weight. The size of a battery pack is often insufficient to fully meet user needs, particularly for continuous use throughout a full workday. Furthermore, managing battery charging can also be a significant constraint, especially when direct access to the electrical grid is impossible, as is often the case on construction sites.In the absence of access to the electrical grid, it becomes necessary either to move the construction equipment itself to an access point to the electrical grid using suitable means of transport, or to set up a mobile charging solution such as a generator or power bank.

[0007] These constraints complicate the use and management of a fleet of electrically powered construction equipment.

[0008] Among known electrically powered construction equipment, some models include sets of batteries that can be replaced, in order to partially overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0009] By way of example, Limach offers a model of construction equipment with an electric motor, the E88.1, comprising two sets of batteries that can be mounted or removed independently of each other using mechanical arms. This allows at least one set of batteries to be installed on the construction equipment at all times and for the sets to be swapped. For example, it is possible to charge one set of batteries while two other sets are installed on the construction equipment and powering it for operation.

[0010] Patent application EPI770223 A1 relates to an electrically powered construction machine, in particular an excavator, powered by a replaceable battery. However, replacing the battery is inconvenient.

[0011] The company Mecalac markets electric construction equipment with rotating turrets relative to the chassis of the machine. However, the batteries of this construction equipment are fixed in the chassis and are not easily replaceable.

[0012] There is therefore a need to facilitate the operation of electrically powered construction equipment, and in particular to simplify the installation and removal of a set of batteries powering this construction equipment.

[0013] The aim of the invention is to meet at least part of this need. Description of the invention

[0014] To this end, one aspect of the invention relates to an electric excavator comprising:

[0015] - a chassis comprising a housing configured to receive a set of main batteries intended to electrically power a main power circuit of the excavator;

[0016] - a turret mounted freely for rotation on the chassis and comprising an articulated arm configured to be able to be positioned above the main battery pack when said pack is arranged in the housing;

[0017] - an auxiliary battery pack configured to electrically power a circuit auxiliary power of the excavator which, when powered, allows at least the rotation of the turret and the use of the articulated arm so as to deposit the main battery assembly from a position placed in the housing to a position placed outside the housing and vice versa by means of the articulated arm.

[0018] Thus, the invention relates to an electric excavator comprising a turret that can freely rotate about a vertical axis. This allows the articulated arm to be oriented in any direction in a horizontal plane. In particular, it allows the articulated arm to be positioned above the housing that receives the main battery pack, the housing typically being located at the rear of the turret.

[0019] The auxiliary power circuit allows the turret and articulated arm to operate at a minimum level when the main battery pack is discharged or removed from its compartment. Thus, the articulated arm can be used to remove the main battery pack from the excavator and / or to place it in its compartment.

[0020] Typically, the main battery pack provides electrical power to all the functions of the excavator, while the auxiliary battery pack can only provide limited power intended to replace the main battery pack.

[0021] The excavator according to the invention therefore facilitates the replacement of the main battery pack. Indeed, since the main battery pack can be removed by the excavator autonomously with its own articulated arm, it is no longer necessary to move the excavator to an electrical charging station or to implement another device to change the main battery pack.

[0022] Advantageously, the main battery assembly, once removed from its housing, can be transported to a charging station. This transport can be carried out using a standard trailer or a trailer specifically designed to receive the assembly, towed by a standard vehicle or directly by the excavator on a conventional road / highway network to facilitate movement.

[0023] The invention also allows for a functional interchange between several sets of batteries. This solves the problem of the autonomy of the construction equipment: for example, interchanging between two main sets of batteries, each capable of powering the construction equipment for four hours, makes it possible to use the construction equipment continuously for eight hours, or even without time limit if one of the sets, removed, is being charged while the other, installed in the housing, powers the excavator.

[0024] According to an advantageous feature, the articulated arm has at its free end a quick coupler and / or a bucket, the articulated arm and / or the quick coupler and / or the bucket having at least one lifting point, called a lifting hook, allowing the attachment of a connecting piece intended to be attached also to the main battery assembly.

[0025] However, any suitable means of attachment between the articulated arm and the main battery assembly may be used. For example, the main battery assembly may include a gripping protrusion configured to receive the bucket. or directly the quick coupler. Once the bucket or quick coupler is inserted into the gripping protrusion, the articulated arm can lift the main battery assembly.

[0026] For the purposes of this invention, "quick coupler" means in its usual sense, namely a device allowing for the quick attachment and detachment of buckets or other tools. A quick coupler may have a mechanical or hydraulic operation.

[0027] Preferably, the housing includes guides to guide the main battery assembly when it is inserted into the housing.

[0028] Preferably, the capacity of the auxiliary battery pack is between 1 and 50 kWh.

[0029] The main battery assembly may advantageously include at least one battery, preferably a battery module, preferably forming a battery pack.

[0030] The main battery pack, being portable, can be recharged outside the electric excavator in autonomous operating mode. It can also be equipped with an electrical output socket so as to power other equipment as a generator.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for removing a main battery assembly from a position placed in a housing of an electric excavator to a position removed from the housing, the electric excavator comprising a turret mounted freely for rotation on a chassis and supporting an articulated arm, comprising the steps of:

[0032] a) position the articulated arm above the main battery assembly;

[0033] b) attach the main battery assembly to the articulated arm and / or to a quick coupler and / or to a bucket of the articulated arm;

[0034] c) place the main battery assembly on the ground or on a receiving surface outside the excavator by means of the articulated arm.

[0035] Preferably, the electric excavator is electrically powered by an on-board auxiliary battery pack.

[0036] According to an advantageous alternative, the electric excavator is electrically powered by an external power source, in particular an external battery pack or an electrical grid. In this case, the electric excavator does not necessarily have an auxiliary battery pack.

[0037] The invention further relates to a method for installing a main battery pack in a housing of an electric excavator from a position outside the housing, the electric excavator comprising a turret mounted freely for rotation on a chassis and supporting an articulated arm, comprising the steps of:

[0038] a) position the articulated arm above the main battery assembly;

[0039] b) attach the main battery assembly to the articulated arm and / or to a quick coupler and / or to a bucket of the articulated arm;

[0040] c) place the main battery assembly in the housing using the articulated arm.

[0041] Preferably, the electric excavator is electrically powered by an on-board auxiliary battery pack.

[0042] According to an advantageous alternative, the electric excavator is electrically powered by an external power source, in particular an external battery pack or an electrical grid. In this case, the electric excavator does not necessarily have an auxiliary battery pack. Brief description of the drawings

[0043] [Fig-1] The [Fig.1] represents an excavator according to the invention.

[0044] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a side view of an excavator according to the invention.

[0045] [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a side view of an excavator according to the invention equipped of a main battery pack with an opening cover.

[0046] [Fig.4] Fig.4 schematically represents the main power supply circuits and attachment of an excavator according to the invention.

[0047] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a side view of an excavator according to the invention placed in security configuration and equipped with a main battery pack.

[0048] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a side view of the excavator shown in [Fig.5], the articulated arm being attached to the main battery assembly.

[0049] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a side view of the excavator shown in Fig.5 during the removal of the main battery assembly.

[0050] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a top view of the excavator shown in [Fig.5].

[0051] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a side view of an excavator with a blade leveling device including a fork supporting a set of batteries.

[0052] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a side view of an excavator comprising a trailer supporting a plurality of battery assemblies.

[0053] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a top view of the excavator of the [Fig.1], the articulated arm being laterally articulated.

[0054] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] illustrates different embodiments of sliding connection between the housing and the main battery assembly.

[0055] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] illustrates an embodiment of a direct contact sliding joint.

[0056] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] illustrates an embodiment of a roller sliding connection. Detailed description

[0057] Throughout this application, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "bottom", "top", "front", "rear", "below" and "above" are to be understood by reference to the orientation of a piece of construction equipment. For example, in the case of an excavator as illustrated in the figures, the turret is located at the front of the machine and the battery pack at the rear, and the turret is free to rotate about a vertical axis.

[0058] An example of an excavator 1 according to the invention has been illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0059] The excavator 1 comprises a chassis 2 which supports a turret 3. The turret 3 is rotatable about a vertical axis and can complete a full rotation about this axis. Thus, the turret 3 can be oriented in any direction in a horizontal plane. As shown in [Fig. 1], it is oriented forward.

[0060] The turret 3 supports an articulated arm 4 which has at its free end a lifting hook 15 and a quick coupler 16. A bucket 5 is attached to the quick coupler 16. The articulated arm 4 has at least one joint 14 called an offset. The arm's movements can be controlled, in particular, by hydraulic cylinders powered by a hydraulic unit. The orientation of the articulated arm 4 is fixed relative to the turret 3. However, the joint or offset 14 advantageously allows a distal portion of the arm to be oriented in two directions, in particular vertically and laterally. The bucket 5 can be removed.

[0061] The chassis 2 also includes a housing 7 which is configured to receive a main battery pack 6. The housing 7 is arranged at the rear of the turret 3.

[0062] Advantageously, the housing 7 is configured so that the main battery pack 6 can be inserted or extracted from an upper side of the housing.

[0063] The excavator 1 may also include a leveling blade 8 mounted on the chassis 2 at the front of the excavator.

[0064] The main battery assembly 6 can be protected by a cover 12 as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 3], which may be part of the main battery assembly or part of the chassis. The cover 12 may be fixed or hinged, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], particularly if it is part of the chassis.

[0065] Fig. 2 shows the excavator 1 in profile view, with the turret 3 facing rearward.

[0066] Although not visible in figures 1 and 2, the excavator 1 still includes an auxiliary battery set 13 mounted in a non-removable manner on the chassis 2.

[0067] Fig. 4 schematically represents a main power circuit 20 and an auxiliary power circuit 30 of the excavator 1.

[0068] The main power circuit 20 is electrically powered by the main battery pack 6. When the latter is in its installed configuration on the excavator and when charged, it powers the electric motor 40 and various electrical components 41 of the excavator, which may include headlights, electronic components such as an on-board computer, a telematics device or other devices.

[0069] The electric motor 40 supplies in particular the hydraulic unit 42 of the excavator which may include in particular a hydraulic pump, a distributor and a hydraulic reservoir and may supply one or more hydraulic cylinders and / or motors.

[0070] In the illustrated example, the auxiliary power circuit 30 includes the auxiliary battery pack 13. The auxiliary battery pack 13 can be permanently installed on the excavator, preferably in the chassis 2. It is not intended to be replaced regularly like the main battery pack 6 because it provides an auxiliary power supply allowing the main battery pack 6 to be replaced. It can be recharged by the latter.

[0071] When the main battery pack 6 is discharged or when not in the configuration installed on the support 7, the auxiliary battery pack 13 powers the electric motor 40 and the electrical components 41 of the excavator.

[0072] Thus, the auxiliary power circuit 30 takes over from the main power circuit 20 when the main battery pack 6 is not supplying power to the excavator. It therefore allows the excavator to be powered during the installation, removal, or replacement of the main battery pack 6.

[0073] The auxiliary battery assembly 13 is sized to provide at least a minimum power to carry out the operations necessary for the removal and installation of a main battery assembly 6. These operations include at a minimum the rotation of the turret 3 and the use of the articulated arm 4 to move a battery assembly 6. In some embodiments, they may also include the movement of the excavator over short distances.

[0074] The sizing of the battery pack in Annex 13 depends in particular on the characteristics of the excavator. By way of example, the battery pack in Annex 13 may have a capacity greater than or equal to 1 kWh and / or less than or equal to 50 kWh depending on the system configuration and may deliver an electrical power of between at least 5 and 50 kW.

[0075] Figures 5 to 8 illustrate a method for removing the main battery assembly 6 from the housing 7 of an electric excavator 1.

[0076] The main battery assembly 6 is initially housed in the housing 7, as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0077] Preferably, the excavator 1 is placed on hard, stable and flat ground before starting to remove the main battery assembly 6. This facilitates the removal process.

[0078] The excavator 1 is then placed in a safety configuration in which the articulated arm 4 is folded, the parking brake is activated and the leveling blade 8 is placed on the ground.

[0079] Next, the turret 3 is oriented towards the main battery assembly 6, so that the articulated arm 4 can be positioned above the latter.

[0080] Advantageously, a safety configuration of the excavator can then be activated by the operator. In this operating mode, one or more of the excavator's functions are locked. These may include the parking brake, the position of the leveling blade, and / or the travel movement. Preferably, only the turret 3 and the articulated arm 4 can be controlled in the drop mode, the other functions of the excavator being locked.

[0081] The excavator's power supply is then switched to the auxiliary power circuit 30. This allows the excavator to continue to be used after the electrical disconnection of the main battery pack 6.

[0082] The auxiliary power circuit 30 can be powered by an auxiliary battery pack 13 mounted on the excavator, but can also be powered by an external power source such as an external battery pack or a mains power supply. The electric excavator 1 does not necessarily have an auxiliary battery pack.

[0083] The operator then disconnects the electrical connection between the excavator 1 and the main battery pack 6. This can be done manually or automatically via a connection / disconnection device. The connection / disconnection device may be electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic.

[0084] The electrical connection between the main battery pack and the electric motor can be indirect and pass through an intermediate device such as a power controller.

[0085] If the main battery pack 6 is locked in the housing 7 by a locking device, the operator also unlocks the main battery pack.

[0086] As illustrated in [Fig. 6], the operator then attaches the articulated arm 4 to the main battery assembly 6 by means of a connecting piece 9. The connecting piece 9 can be flexible, for example, a strap or a chain. Preferably, the connecting piece 9 is connected to the articulated arm 4 by a first lifting point 10 arranged on the outer surface of the quick coupler 16 and / or the bucket 5 and is connected to The main battery assembly 6 is supported by a second lifting point 11 arranged on its upper surface. The main battery assembly 6 can also be attached directly to the lifting hook 15 and / or to the articulated arm structure 4 without being attached to the quick coupler 16 or the bucket 5.

[0087] Several connecting pieces 9 can be put in place between several first and second lifting points 10, 11 to improve the stability of the battery assembly 6 when lifted.

[0088] Any other suitable means of connecting the articulated arm 4 and the main battery assembly 6 can be used to attach the arm and the main battery assembly. For example, the main battery assembly 6 may have a gripping protrusion on its upper face shaped to be complementary to the bucket of the articulated arm so that inserting the bucket or quick-release fastener into the gripping protrusion allows the main battery assembly to be lifted by the articulated arm. Once the main battery assembly 6 is connected to the articulated arm, it can be lifted out of the housing 7 by the action of the articulated arm 4 as illustrated in [Fig. 7].

[0089] As illustrated in [Fig.8], the main battery assembly 6 can then be placed next to the excavator by rotating the turret 3 and by the action of the articulated arm 4. Preferably, the main battery assembly 6 is placed on a suitable surface, which may in particular be a power bank allowing it to be recharged.

[0090] A second, pre-charged main battery pack 6' can then be placed in the empty compartment 7. The placement procedure is as follows.

[0091] The excavator 1 is first preferably placed in a safe configuration. If necessary, the operator moves the articulated arm over the main battery pack 6'. The operator then attaches the main battery pack 6' to the articulated arm 4 using the connecting piece 9. The rotation of the turret 3 and the movement of the articulated arm 4, powered by the auxiliary power circuit 30, allow the main battery pack 6' to be lifted and moved until it is placed in the compartment 7.

[0092] Preferably, the mechanical connection between the main battery assembly 6' and the housing 7 is a sliding connection. The main battery assembly 6' has slides 19 arranged on at least two opposite faces, configured to slide inside guides 18 arranged in the housing 7 in order to guide the main battery assembly 6' during its installation and to hold it in position during machine operation. Thus, the guides facilitate the insertion of the assembly 6 into the housing 7 and its secure retention during operation. Figure 12 illustrates various possible embodiments of sliding connections between a guide 18 and a slide 19. Figures 13 and 14 respectively represent an example of a direct contact sliding joint and a roller sliding joint that can be implemented within the framework of the invention.

[0093] Once the main battery pack 6' is placed in the compartment 7, the operator can lock it if a locking device is present. The electrical connection between the main battery pack 6' and the excavator 1 can then be established manually by the operator or automatically, and the main power circuit 20 takes over from the auxiliary power circuit 30 to supply electrical power to the excavator.

[0094] The operator can then switch to normal operating mode to restore all the functions of the excavator, now powered by the main power circuit 20. Advantageously, the auxiliary battery pack 13 can be recharged by the main battery pack 6'.

[0095] The locking device can operate manually or automatically. In particular, it can include a pin or lever that is manually positioned by the operator between the chassis 2 and the main battery assembly 6 so as to lock the latter onto the chassis. Alternatively or in addition, it can include one or more locking pins arranged on the housing 7 and / or on the chassis 2. These locking pins are movable between an unlocked position in which the pins are fully engaged in receiving openings in the housing and / or the chassis and a locked position in which they protrude from said receiving openings so as to enter complementary openings in the assembly 6. The pins are moved, for example, by a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or by an electromagnet.

[0096] Advantageously, the main battery assembly 6 is dimensioned with standard dimensions, and the housing 7 is dimensioned to receive and support a standardized battery assembly. The use of standardized battery assemblies makes it possible to interchange them on several construction machines of different makes and models, thus facilitating the management of a fleet of battery assemblies and optimizing their use.

[0097] Preferably, the main battery pack 6 has sufficient capacity to power the operation of a construction machine for several hours. By way of example, the main battery pack 6 may have a length of between 1 m and 2.5 m and / or a width of between 0.8 m and 2 m and / or a height of between 1 m and 3 m. The capacity of the main battery pack 6 may be between 50 kWh and 400 kWh.

[0098] Advantageously, the main battery pack 6 can be configured to be used as an independent power source whether installed in the housing 7 or not. The set 6 can thus power other equipment besides the excavator, particularly on a construction site.

[0099] Other variants and improvements may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0100] As illustrated in [Fig. 9], the leveling blade 8 may advantageously include a fork, in particular a pallet fork, extending towards the front of the excavator. This fork is configured to carry a set of batteries, either directly or via a pallet.

[0101] Figure 10 shows an excavator 1 comprising a leveling blade 8 with a fork. A trailer 17 supporting two sets of batteries 6 is mounted at the rear of the excavator. The excavator is thus able to transport a plurality of sets of batteries 6, enabling it to be electrically powered for a long period without recharging.

[0102] Fig. 11 shows an advantageous excavator configuration 1 in which the distal part of the arm 4 is oriented laterally by means of the joint 14 of the arm 4.

[0103] The illustrated examples of the excavator 1 show an arm 4 with a joint 14 or offset that allows the arm to be oriented laterally. It is understood that the invention can be implemented for all excavators, in particular excavators not equipped with an offset and which have monobloc arms.

Claims

Demands

1. Electric excavator (1) comprising: - a chassis (2) having a housing (7) configured to receive a main battery pack (6) intended to electrically supply a main power circuit (20) of the excavator; - a turret (3) mounted freely for rotation on the chassis and having an articulated arm (4) configured to be positioned above the main battery pack when said pack is disposed in the housing; - an auxiliary battery pack (13) configured to electrically supply an auxiliary power circuit (30) of the excavator which, when supplied, allows at least the rotation of the turret and the use of the articulated arm so as to deposit the main battery pack from a position in the housing to a position deposited outside the housing and vice versa by means of the articulated arm.

2. Electric excavator according to the preceding claim, the articulated arm having at its free end a quick coupler (16) and / or a bucket (5), the articulated arm and / or the quick coupler and / or the bucket having at least one lifting point (10) allowing the attachment of a connecting piece (9) intended to be attached also to the main battery assembly.

3. Electric excavator according to any one of the preceding claims, the housing having guides to guide the main battery assembly when inserted into the housing.

4. Electric excavator according to any one of the preceding claims, the capacity of the auxiliary battery pack being between 1 and 50kWh.

5. Method of removing a main battery assembly (6) from a position placed in a housing of an electric excavator to a position removed from the housing, the electric excavator comprising a turret mounted freely rotating on a chassis and supporting an articulated arm, the method comprising the steps of: a) positioning the articulated arm above the main battery assembly; b) attach the main battery assembly to the articulated arm and / or to a quick coupler and / or to a bucket of the articulated arm; c) place the main battery assembly on a receiving surface outside the excavator using the articulated arm.

6. A method of laying according to the preceding claim, the electric excavator being electrically powered by an on-board auxiliary battery pack.

7. A method of laying according to claim 5, the electric excavator being electrically powered by an external power source, in particular an external battery pack or an electrical network.

8. Method of placing a main battery pack into a housing of an electric excavator from a position deposited outside the housing, the electric excavator comprising a turret mounted freely rotating on a chassis and supporting an articulated arm, the method comprising the steps of: a) positioning the articulated arm above the main battery pack; b) attaching the main battery pack to the articulated arm and / or to a quick coupler and / or to a bucket of the articulated arm; c) depositing the main battery pack into the housing by means of the articulated arm.

9. Installation method according to the preceding claim, the electric excavator being electrically powered by an on-board auxiliary battery pack.

10. A laying method according to claim 8, the electric excavator being electrically powered by an external power source, in particular an external battery pack or an electrical network.

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