Module, method and kit for installing and removing batteries on construction equipment

Abstract

Module, Method, and Kit for Installing and Uninstalling a Battery on Construction Equipment. The invention relates to a module (10) for transporting, installing, and / or uninstalling at least one battery (2) intended to power construction equipment (1), comprising: - a storage platform (11) including a chassis (14) equipped with at least one handling grip (15, 16) for lifting and moving the storage platform, at least one base (17) fixed to the chassis and configured to receive the battery, and at least one locking device (18) for reversibly locking the battery onto the base; - a handling tool (12), removably fixed to the storage platform, configured to lift and move the battery from a position resting on the base to a position installed on the construction equipment. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3A

Description

Title of the invention: Module, method and kit for installing and removing a battery on a construction vehicle. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of construction equipment. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of electric batteries configured for installation on construction equipment and to the field of modules related to said batteries, the modules being configured for the installation of said batteries on the construction equipment.

[0002] The invention is particularly suited to the conversion, or retrofit, of construction equipment with internal combustion engines into electric equipment.

[0003] 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

[0004] It is currently envisaged to use electrically powered construction equipment instead of internal combustion engine equipment or to carry out a conversion, also called retrofit, of existing internal combustion engine equipment into electrically powered equipment, mainly in order to meet objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0005] In addition, conversion constitutes an economical solution for electrifying a fleet of internal combustion engine vehicles.

[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] There is therefore a need to facilitate the operation of electrically powered construction equipment, and in particular to facilitate the recharging of the batteries powering said construction equipment, especially when these are located on a site without access to the electrical network, for example a construction or foundation or earthmoving or development site.

[0012] The aim of the invention is to meet at least part of this need. Description of the invention

[0013] To this end, the invention relates to a module for the transport, installation and / or uninstallation of at least one battery intended to power a piece of construction equipment, comprising: - a storage platform comprising a chassis equipped with at least one handling grip for lifting and moving the storage platform, at least one base fixed to the chassis and configured to receive the battery, and at least one locking device for reversibly locking the battery onto the base, - a handling tool, removably fixed to the storage platform, configured to lift and move the battery from a position placed on the base to a position installed on the construction equipment.

[0014] Preferably, the base includes an electrical connection plate or an electrical socket to electrically connect the battery to the storage platform when said battery is mounted on the base.

[0015] Preferably, the storage platform includes at least one electrical power outlet, intended to be electrically connected to a source of electrical power, and a charging circuit, configured to electrically recharge each battery electrically connected to said storage platform when the power outlet is connected to an electrical power source.

[0016] Preferably, the storage platform includes at least one electrical outlet intended to be electrically connected to a device external to the storage platform in order to supply said device with electricity.

[0017] Preferably, the storage platform includes a control interface configured to provide information about the batteries mounted on the storage platform. This information may include the battery charge status, battery charging power, and / or the time remaining before the batteries are fully charged. The control interface may also be configured to activate or deactivate the locking devices.

[0018] Preferably, the base has an upper face shaped to accommodate the battery.

[0019] Preferably, the storage platform has a length between 50 cm and 10 m, or even between 50 cm and 4 m, and / or a width between 50 cm and 4 m, and / or a height between 10 cm and 3 m.

[0020] Preferably, the handling grip(s) are forklift pockets and / or an anchor point.

[0021] Preferably, the handling tool includes a winch for winding and unwinding a handling cable or at least a lifting arm.

[0022] The invention also relates to a reloading kit comprising: - a module according to the present invention, - a battery intended to power a piece of construction equipment, the battery being mounted on the base of the storage platform.

[0023] Preferably, the battery includes an anchor point for hooking said battery so as to lift and move it.

[0024] Preferably, the base includes guide reliefs and the battery includes guide reliefs of complementary shape with the guide reliefs of the base, the guide reliefs of the base and the battery being configured to guide the battery when it is mounted on the base.

[0025] Preferably, the battery has a weight between 50 and 400 kg.

[0026] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a method Installation of a battery on a piece of construction equipment including a connection bracket to receive the battery and connect it electrically to the construction equipment, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) Positioning the battery and a handling tool near the construction equipment so that both the battery and the connection bracket are within reach of the handling tool, the battery being mounted on a storage platform comprising a chassis equipped with at least one handling grip by which the storage platform is lifted and moved during installation, at least one base fixed to the chassis and on which the battery is mounted, and at least one locking device for reversibly locking the battery onto the base, b) attaching the battery using the handling tool, c) lifting the battery out of the storage platform using the handling tool, d) moving the battery, using the handling tool, until it is directly above the connection support, e) lowering, by the handling tool, of the battery until it is supported by the connection support.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a method for uninstalling a battery mounted on a piece of construction equipment, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) Installation of a storage platform and a handling tool near the construction equipment so that both the battery and the storage platform are within reach of the handling tool, the storage platform comprising a chassis equipped with at least one handling grip by which the storage platform is lifted and moved during installation, at least one base fixed to the chassis and configured to receive the battery, and at least one locking device to reversibly lock the battery onto the base, b) attaching the battery using the handling tool, c) lifting, using the handling tool, of the battery so as to separate the battery from the construction equipment, d) moving the battery, using the handling tool, until it is directly opposite the base, e) lowering, by the handling tool, of the battery until it is supported by the base.

[0028] The present invention therefore essentially consists of a storage platform for safely supporting and transporting at least one battery intended to power a construction machine, the storage platform being equipped with a handling tool for lifting and moving said battery.

[0029] The battery can be configured to replace the inert mass forming the counterweight of the construction equipment.

[0030] The storage platform is easily transportable thanks to at least one handling handle. The base and locking device also ensure that the battery remains fixed to the storage platform during transport.

[0031] The installation and removal of a battery on a construction machine is also facilitated by the fact that the handling tool is transportable with the storage platform.

[0032] With such a storage platform and handling tool, it is no longer necessary to move the construction equipment off the worksite to change its battery. Specifically, the storage platform and handling tool can be brought directly to the construction equipment to install a new, charged battery and / or remove the discharged battery. Alternatively, the storage platform and handling tool can be easily placed in a predetermined area of ​​the worksite, and the construction equipment can be moved to that area to install a new, charged battery and / or remove the discharged battery.

[0033] Advantageously, the storage platform can be used to supply electricity to devices external to the transport module. The storage platform can thus act as an easily transportable external site battery, also known as a "power bank".

[0034] In addition, the storage platform can support and transport several batteries at once.

[0035] Advantageously, the storage platform can serve as a battery charging platform. This greatly facilitates battery charging, eliminating the need to transport batteries over long distances. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] Other advantages and features will become clearer upon reading the detailed description, given by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the following figures:

[0037] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a construction machine on which a battery is mounted to power said construction machine;

[0038] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2A] is a front view of a battery intended to power a construction machine;

[0039] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2B] is a side view of a battery intended to power a construction machine;

[0040] [Fig.2C] [Fig.2C] is a top view of a battery intended to power a construction machine;

[0041] [Fig.2D] [Fig.2D] is a perspective view of a battery intended to power a construction machine;

[0042] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] is a perspective view of a reloading kit according to the present invention;

[0043] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] is a front view of a reloading kit according to the present invention;

[0044] [Fig.3C] [Fig.3C] is a side view of a reloading kit according to the present invention;

[0045] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a base of a module according to the present invention;

[0046] [Fig.5A] [Fig.5A] is a perspective view of a battery according to figures 2A to 2D and of a base configured to receive said battery, the battery not being assembled on the base;

[0047] [Fig.5B] [Fig.5B] is a perspective view of a battery according to figures 2A to 2D and of a base configured to receive said battery, the battery being assembled on the base;

[0048] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a module handling tool according to the present invention;

[0049] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a reloading kit according to the present invention during its installation near a piece of construction equipment;

[0050] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a handling tool mounted on a construction equipment;

[0051] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the battery attachment stage by a handling tool according to the installation method of the present invention;

[0052] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the step of moving a battery by a handling tool according to the installation method of the present invention;

[0053] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of a module according to the present invention and of a construction machine on which is mounted a battery forming the counterweight of said construction machine, said module being away from the construction machine;

[0054] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of a module according to the present invention, of a construction vehicle and of a battery, during a dismantling process according to the present invention;

[0055] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view of a module according to the present invention, of a construction machine and of a battery, after a dismantling method according to the present invention. Detailed description

[0056] Throughout this application, the terms "front" and "rear" are to be understood by reference to the orientation of the construction equipment. For example, in the case of a mini-excavator, the bucket is located at the front of the machine. The battery powering the construction equipment may be located at the rear of the construction equipment, particularly when it forms the counterweight of the construction equipment, but other locations may be considered.

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates a construction machine 1 on which a battery 2 is mounted at the rear to power said construction machine 1. Preferably, the battery 2 also forms the counterweight of said construction machine 1, that is to say, it forms an inert mass to counterbalance the weight of the loads intended to be lifted by the lifting mechanism 3 of the construction machine 1, in particular by the bucket 4. Thus, the battery 2 ensures the stability of the construction machine 1 and facilitates the handling of the loads manipulated by the construction machine 1.

[0058] The construction equipment 1 illustrated in [Fig. 1] is a mini-excavator in the 2.5 T range, but other types of construction equipment 1 are possible. For example, the construction equipment could be a mini-excavator in the 2 T or 2.7 T range. It could also be construction equipment in any weight range between 500 kg and 200 T, in particular construction equipment with a counterweight that can be replaced by a battery. It could be an excavator, a wheel loader, a bulldozer, or a compactor.

[0059] Construction equipment within the same weight range shares similar dimensions. For example, almost all mini-excavators in the 2.5-ton range have a rear face with a radius of curvature between 650 mm and 850 mm, or even substantially identical, particularly close to 750 mm. Therefore, battery 2 can follow these similar dimensions and be adapted according to the weight range of the construction equipment on which it is intended to be mounted; it will then be suitable for all construction equipment in that range.

[0060] Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D illustrate a battery 2. The battery 2 has a front face 5, designed to face the rear of the construction vehicle 1, the front face 5 being concave. Thus, the front face 5 is shaped to fit the rear face of the construction vehicle 1. In particular, the radius of curvature R of the front face 5 is between 650 and 850 cm.

[0061] The battery 2 may have a rear face 6, opposite the front face 5, which is convex. Preferably, the front face 5 and the rear face 6 are parallel to each other.

[0062] The battery 2 comprises a casing 7 housing within it the various electronic components of the battery 2, including a plurality of accumulators storing electrical energy. The enclosure 7 thus protects the said electronic components from the external environment, in particular from shocks, dust and / or projections.

[0063] Battery 2 may also include a telecommunications system configured to transmit information relating to the status of battery 2 to a control unit external to battery 2. The information may be the GPS position of battery 2, the state of charge of the cells in battery 2 and / or a diagnostic of the health status of battery 2. The telecommunications system can also receive instructions to activate and deactivate the transfer of electrical energy from battery 2 to an element external to battery 2 and / or vice versa.

[0064] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the construction machine 1 includes a connection bracket 8 arranged on its rear face. The connection bracket 8 receives and retains the battery 2 mounted on the construction machine 1. Locking means may be included in the construction machine 1 to mechanically lock the battery 2 onto the connection bracket 8. The connection bracket 8 electrically connects the battery 2 to the construction machine 1, in particular to its engine.

[0065] In order to install and / or uninstall the battery 2 on the connection bracket 8 of the construction equipment 1, the present invention relates to a charging kit 9. Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate a charging kit 9 ​​according to the present invention. The charging kit 9 ​​comprises two batteries 2, each intended to power a construction equipment 1. Preferably, the batteries 2 are intended to replace the inert mass forming the counterweight of said construction equipment 1. The charging kit 9 ​​also includes a module 10 for transporting the batteries 2 and installing them on the construction equipment 1.

[0066] The module 10 includes a mobile storage platform 11 supporting the batteries 2 and a handling tool 12 for lifting and moving the batteries 2. The handling tool 12 is removably mounted on the storage platform 11. In particular, the storage platform 11 may include a housing 13 into which the handling tool 12 is inserted.

[0067] The storage platform 11 includes a chassis 14 equipped with handling grips for attaching the storage platform 11 to a lifting device in order to lift and move the storage platform 11. The handling grips may be forklift pockets 15 and / or an anchor point 16.

[0068] The chassis 14 can be sized to be installed and transported in a standard-sized trailer.

[0069] The storage platform 11 also includes sockets 17, fixed to the chassis 14 and configured to receive the batteries 2, and locking devices 18 for mechanically and reversibly locking the batteries 2 onto the sockets 17. Thus, the batteries 2 are held fixed on the storage platform 11 during the transport of the charging kit 9.

[0070] The locking devices 18 may be latches 18, as illustrated in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C. Other types of locking devices 18 may be considered. For example, the locking devices 18 may be pins or padlocks.

[0071] The locking devices 18 may include a security mechanism for securely and reversibly locking the batteries 2 onto the bases 17. "Secure locking" means locking that requires a password, a key, or operator identity verification to unlock. Thus, the locking devices 18 can also serve as a security measure against theft of the batteries 2.

[0072] Figure 4 illustrates the base 17 alone, and Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the base 17 with the battery 2. The battery 2 comprises a base 19 designed to rest on the upper face 20 of the base 17. The upper face 20 is complementary in shape to the base 19 of the battery 2. In particular, the upper face 20 of the base 17 has a shape that allows the base 19 of the battery 2 to fit into it. The outer wall of the base 17 then protects the base 19 of the battery 2. The base 17 can also be configured so that the battery 2 snaps into its upper face 20.

[0073] The base 19 of battery 2 includes blind holes 21 and the base 17 includes conical pins 22 of complementary shape to the blind holes 21, so that the conical pins 22 fit into the blind holes 21 when battery 2 is installed on the base 17. The insertion of the conical pins 22 into the blind holes 21 allows battery 2 to be guided in translation during its installation on the base 17. The blind holes 21 and the conical pins 22 thus form guide reliefs.

[0074] Alternatively, the blind holes can be understood by the base 17 and the conical pins can be understood by the base 19, the guidance of the installation of the battery 2 on the base 17 being similar.

[0075] Other forms of guide reliefs can be envisaged. For example, the base 19 of the battery 2 may include a groove, or a protruding tongue, and the base 17 may include a protruding tongue, or respectively a groove, of complementary shape so that the tongue fits into the groove, when the battery 2 is installed on the base 17, thus forming a slide guiding the installation.

[0076] The base 17 may include through openings 15 for fixing said base 17 to the chassis 14 of the storage platform 11.

[0077] The base 19 of the battery 2 also includes an electrical connection plate 23, for electrically connecting the accumulators of the battery 2 to elements external to the battery 2, in particular, to the construction equipment 1 or to the storage platform 11.

[0078] To connect the battery 2 to the storage platform 11, the base 17 also includes, on its upper face 20, an electrical connection plate 24 complementary to the electrical connection plate 23 of the battery 2. When the battery 2 rests on the base 17, the electrical connection plates 23 and 24 are in contact, which establishes the electrical connection between the battery 2 and the storage platform 11. The electrical connection can be established automatically as soon as the electrical connection plates 23 and 24 make contact. Alternatively, the base 17 and / or the battery 2 may include a sensor configured to detect if the battery 2 is incorrectly positioned on the base 17 and, in that case, prevent the electrical connection between the electrical connection plates 23 and 24.

[0079] The base 17 may include a permanent magnet and / or a locking handle and / or a locking screw to keep the electrical connection plates 23 and 24 in electrical contact when the battery 2 rests on the base 17.

[0080] Alternatively, battery 2 and base 17 may each include an electrical plug, the electrical plugs being complementary to each other so as to plug into each other to establish the electrical connection between battery 2 and base 17. Said electrical connection can then be made manually.

[0081] The storage platform 11 includes at least one power outlet 25, intended to be electrically connected to an electrical power source, for example, the electrical grid. The storage platform 11 also includes a charging circuit so as to electrically recharge the batteries 2 mounted on said storage platform 11, when the power outlet 25 is connected to an electrical power source.

[0082] The storage platform 11 may also include at least one electrical outlet 26 intended to be electrically connected to a device external to the storage platform 11 in order to supply said device with electricity. The electrical energy transmitted to the device, when it is connected to the electrical outlet 26, comes from at least one of the batteries 2 mounted on the storage platform 11 and / or from the electrical power source connected to the power supply outlet 25. The storage platform 11 can thus serve as a construction site power box, a generator, or an electric vehicle charging station.

[0083] The storage platform 11 may include an electrical panel 27 configured to individually or collectively trip the charging circuit and / or each of the electronic output sockets 26 when a current leakage, overload or short circuit is detected.

[0084] The storage platform 11 also includes a control interface 28 for controlling the recharging of the batteries 2 mounted on said storage platform 11. The control interface 28 can also be configured to provide information relating to the status of the batteries 2 mounted on the storage platform 11. The information can be the state of charge of the cells in the batteries 2 and / or a diagnostic of the health status of the batteries 2.

[0085] The control interface 28 can also trigger the activation or deactivation of the locking devices 18.

[0086] The control interface 28 may include a GPS system for locating the storage platform 11.

[0087] The control interface 28 may include a telecommunications unit for receiving remote instructions and / or for transmitting information relating to the state of the batteries 2 and / or the location of the storage platform 11.

[0088] The storage platform 11 may include an auxiliary battery for storing electrical energy. The auxiliary battery may be used to power the control interface 28 when the storage platform 11 is neither connected to an external electrical power source nor connected to a battery 2 intended to act as a counterweight. The auxiliary battery may be recharged electrically by the supply of electrical energy from an electrical power source connected to the power outlet 25 or from at least one battery 2 resting on one of the bases 17.

[0089] Module 10 may also include a fire extinguisher 29 removably mounted on the storage platform 11.

[0090] Figure 6 illustrates a handling tool 12 of module 10 according to the present invention. The handling tool 12 comprises a rotating jib 30 and a base 31, the rotating jib 30 being free to rotate about its vertical axis relative to the base 31. The vertical axis of the rotating jib 30 is defined as the longitudinal axis of the shaft 32 of the rotating jib 30 extending vertically when the handling tool 12 is in use.

[0091] The handling tool 12 may include a locking system to block the rotation of the rotating arm 30 relative to the base 31. The locking system may include a push button to activate and deactivate the locking of said rotation.

[0092] The base 31 includes a projecting portion 33 adapted to fit into the housing 13 of the storage platform 11 so as to mount the handling tool 12 removably on said storage platform 11. The projecting portion 33 can snap into the housing 13 or the handling tool 12 can include a pin to lock the projecting portion 33 inserted into the housing 13.

[0093] The base 31 also includes a handle 34 for gripping and manipulating the handling tool 12.

[0094] The handling tool 12 also includes a winch 35, fixed on the rotating gantry 30, for winding and unwinding a handling cable 36, and a hook 37 suspended by the handling cable 36. The winch 35, the handling cable 36 and the hook 37 are adapted to lift the weight of the battery 2.

[0095] The battery 2 includes an anchor point 38 for hooking said battery 2 so as to lift and move it, in particular to install it on the base 17 or on the connection support 8, or to uninstall it from the base 8 or the connection support 8. The hook 17 is adapted to hook the anchor point 38 of the battery 2.

[0096] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6], the winch 35 is electric. The winch 35 can, in particular, be electrically powered by the storage platform 11. For example, the electrical power supply from the storage platform 11 to the winch 35 can come from the auxiliary battery and / or from an electrical power source connected to the power supply socket 25. Alternatively, the winch 35 can be mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic.

[0097] The handling tool 12 may include a remote control to control the winding and unwinding of the handling cable 36 by the winch 35.

[0098] Figures 7 to 10 illustrate different stages of a method, implementing a recharging kit 9 ​​according to the present invention, for installing a battery 2 on the connection support 8 of a construction machine 1.

[0099] The installation process comprises the following successive steps: a) placement of battery 2, mounted on storage platform 11, and handling tool 12 near construction equipment 1 so that battery 2 and connection support 8 of construction equipment 1 are both within reach of handling tool 12, b) attaching battery 2 by the handling tool 12, c) lifting battery 2 out of the storage platform 11 by the handling tool 12, d) moving, using the handling tool 12, the battery 2 until it is directly opposite above the connection support 8, e) lowering, by the handling tool 12, of the battery 2 until it is supported by the connection support 8.

[0100] The connection support 8 of the construction equipment 1 is similar, or even identical, to the base 17 of the storage platform 11.

[0101] Preferably, the installation process is carried out with the construction equipment 1 and the storage platform 11 positioned on a flat and horizontal ground relative to the Earth's axis of gravity.

[0102] If the construction equipment 1 includes a blade 39, the blade is preferably in contact with the ground during the installation process.

[0103] Preferably, the engine of the construction equipment 1 is switched off during the installation process.

[0104] The handling tool 12 can be mounted on the storage platform 11 during all steps a) to e) of the installation process.

[0105] Alternatively, as illustrated in [Fig. 8], step a) of the installation process may include installing the handling tool 12 onto the construction equipment 1, the handling tool 12 then being mounted on the construction equipment 1 during all steps b) to e) of the installation process. In particular, the construction equipment 1 may include a housing 40 into which the handling tool 12 is inserted during step a). Specifically, the projecting portion 33 of the base 31 of the handling tool 12 may snap into the housing 40, or the handling tool 12 may include a pin for locking the projecting portion 33 inserted into the housing 40.

[0106] The housing 40 can be included by the connection support 8 or by the cab 41 of the construction machine 1, or replace the old fuel tank.

[0107] Step a) of the installation process may also include the electrical connection of the handling tool 12 to the storage platform 11.

[0108] Step b) of the installation process may also include actuation of the locking device 18 in order to unlock the battery 2.

[0109] Step c) and / or step e) of the installation process may include, prior to lifting and / or lowering respectively, blocking the rotation of the rotating arm 30 relative to the base 31. Where appropriate, step d) includes unlocking said rotation before moving the battery.

[0110] Step e) of the installation procedure may include locking the battery 2 onto the connection bracket 8. Locking may be achieved by snapping the battery 2 into the connection bracket 8 and / or by a permanent magnet and / or a locking handle and / or a locking screw included in the connection bracket 8. Locking may be automatic or manual. Preferably, step e) includes the emission of a visual and / or audible signal confirming that the battery 2 is locked onto the connection bracket 8.

[0111] The electrical connection between the construction equipment 1 and the battery 2 can be made automatically as soon as the battery 2 is supported by the connection support 8. The said electrical connection can also be made manually once the battery 2 is supported by the connection support 8.

[0112] Step e) of the installation procedure may be followed by step f) of detaching the battery 2 by the handling tool 12. Step f) may include uninstalling the handling tool 12 from the construction equipment 1. The handling tool 12 can then be removably mounted on the storage platform IL

[0113] Figures 11 to 13 illustrate different stages of a method, implementing a module 10 according to the present invention, for uninstalling a battery 2 mounted on a construction vehicle 1.

[0114] The dismantling process comprising the following successive steps: a) placing the storage platform 11 and the handling tool 12 near the construction equipment 1 so that the battery 2 and the storage platform 11 are both within reach of the handling tool 12, b) hooking the battery 2 by the handling tool 12, c) lifting, by the handling tool 12, the battery 2 so as to separate the battery 2 from the construction equipment 1, d) moving, by the handling tool 12, the battery 2 until it is opposite above the base 17 of the storage platform 11, e) lowering, by the handling tool 12, the battery 2 until it is supported by the base 17.

[0115] Preferably, the dismantling process is carried out with the construction equipment 1 and the storage platform 11 positioned on a flat and horizontal surface relative to the Earth's axis of gravity.

[0116] If the construction equipment 1 includes a blade 39, this is preferably in contact with the ground during the dismantling process.

[0117] Preferably, the engine of the construction equipment 1 is switched off during the dismantling process.

[0118] The handling tool 12 can be mounted on the storage platform 11 during all stages a) to e) of the dismantling process.

[0119] Alternatively, step a) may include installing the handling tool 12 on the construction equipment 1, the handling tool 12 then being mounted on the construction equipment 1 during all steps b) to e) of the installation process. The installation of the handling tool 12 on the construction equipment 1 may be carried out as described above for the installation process.

[0120] Step a) of the dismantling process may also include the electrical connection of the handling tool 12 to the storage platform 11.

[0121] Step b) of the disinstallation process may include unlocking battery 2 from the connection support 8.

[0122] Step c) and / or step e) of the uninstallation process may include, prior to lifting, respectively lowering, blocking the rotation of the rotating arm 30 relative to the base 31. Where appropriate, step d) includes unblocking said rotation before moving the battery.

[0123] Step e) of the removal procedure may include locking the battery 2 onto the base 17. Locking may be achieved by actuating the locking device 18 to mechanically lock the battery 2 onto the base 17. Locking may also be achieved by snapping the battery 2 into the base 17 and / or by a permanent magnet and / or a locking handle and / or a locking screw included in the base 17. Locking may be automatic or manual. Preferably, step e) includes the emission of a visual and / or audible signal confirming that the battery 2 is locked onto the base 17.

[0124] Step e) of the dismantling procedure may include the electrical connection between the battery 2 and the base 17. This electrical connection may be made automatically once the battery 2 is supported by the base 17 and the connection plates 23 and 24 come into contact. This electrical connection may also be made manually once the battery 2 is supported by the base 17, for example by connecting the respective electrical plugs of the battery 2 and the base 17.

[0125] Step e) of the dismantling process can be followed by a step f) of detaching the battery 2 by the handling tool 12. Step f) can include the dismantling of the handling tool 12 from the construction equipment 1. The handling tool 12 can then be removably mounted on the storage platform 11.

[0126] Other variations and improvements may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. In particular, the number of bases 17 of the storage platform 11 is not limiting.

[0127] Although described with reference to a mini-excavator, the invention applies to any construction equipment, in particular construction equipment for public works, handling, railway and / or river works.

[0128] Although described with reference to a battery 2 having a concave front face and located at the rear of the construction equipment 1, the invention also applies to various battery shapes and configurations that can be located in other positions on the construction equipment 1. In particular, the connection support 8 of the construction equipment 1 can be arranged in a location other than at the rear of the construction equipment 1. As explained previously, construction equipment of the same weight range present sizing standards. The battery can thus be conformed to the shape of the construction equipment 1, where the connection support 8 is located.

Claims

Demands

1. Module (10) for the transport, installation and / or removal of at least one battery (2) intended to power a construction machine (1), comprising: - a storage platform (11) including a chassis (14) provided with at least one handling grip (15, 16) for lifting and moving the storage platform, at least one base (17) fixed to the chassis and configured to receive the battery, and at least one locking device (18) for reversibly locking the battery onto the base, - a handling tool (12), removably fixed to the storage platform, configured to lift and move the battery from a position placed on the base to a position installed on the construction machine.

2. Module according to the preceding claim, the base comprising an electrical connection plate (24) or an electrical socket for electrically connecting the battery to the storage platform when said battery is mounted on the base.

3. Module according to the preceding claim, the storage platform comprising at least one power outlet (25), intended to be electrically connected to an electrical power source, and a charging circuit, configured to electrically recharge each battery electrically connected to said storage platform when the power outlet is connected to an electrical power source.

4. Module according to claim 2 or 3, the storage platform comprising at least one electrical outlet (26) intended to be electrically connected to a device external to the storage platform in order to supply said device with electricity.

5. Module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the storage platform comprising a control interface (28) configured to provide information relating to the status of the batteries mounted on the storage platform.

6. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, the base having an upper face (20) shaped to accommodate the battery.

7. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, the storage platform having a length between 50 cm and 10 m, and / or a width between 50 cm and 4 m, and / or a height between 10 cm and 3 m.

8. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, the handling grip(s) being forklift passages (15) and / or an anchor point (16).

9. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, the handling tool comprising a winch (35) for winding and unwinding a handling cable (36) or at least a lifting arm.

10. Recharging kit comprising: - a module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims - a battery (2) intended to power a construction vehicle (1), the battery being mounted on the base (17) of the storage platform (H).

11. Recharging kit according to the preceding claim, the battery comprising an anchor point (38) for hooking said battery so as to lift and move it.

12. Recharging kit according to claim 10 or 11, the base comprising guide reliefs (21) and the battery comprising guide reliefs (22) of complementary shape with the guide reliefs (21) of the base, the guide reliefs of the base and the battery being configured to guide the battery when it is mounted on the base.

13. Recharging kit according to any one of claims 10 to 12, the battery having a weight between 50 and 400 kg.

14. A method for installing a battery (2) on a piece of construction equipment (1) comprising a connection bracket (8) for receiving the battery and electrically connecting it to the construction equipment, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) placing the battery and a handling tool (12) near the construction equipment so that both the battery and the connection bracket are within reach of the handling tool, the battery being mounted on a storage platform (11) comprising a frame (14) provided with at least one socket

15. handling (15, 16) by which the storage platform is lifted and moved during placement, at least one base (17) fixed to the chassis and on which the battery is mounted, and at least one locking device (18) for reversibly locking the battery onto the base, b) hooking of the battery by the handling tool, c) lifting, by the handling tool, of the battery out of the storage platform, d) moving, by the handling tool, of the battery until it is opposite above the connection support, e) lowering, by the handling tool, of the battery until it is supported by the connection support. Method for removing a battery (2) mounted on construction equipment (1), the method comprising the following successive steps: a) placing a storage platform (11) and a handling tool (12) near the construction equipment so that both the battery and the storage platform are within reach of the handling tool, the storage platform comprising a frame (14) provided with at least one handling grip (15, 16) by which the storage platform is lifted and moved during placement, at least one base (17) fixed to the frame and configured to receive the battery, and at least one locking device (18) for reversibly locking the battery onto the base, b) hooking the battery with the handling tool, c) lifting the battery with the handling tool so as to separate the battery from the construction equipment, d) moving the battery with the handling tool,of the battery until it is directly above the base, e) lowering, using the handling tool, of the battery until it is supported by the base.

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