Modular energy pallet

Abstract

Modular energy trays (102) that are flexible to use are provided herein. The modular energy tray (102) includes AC outlets (536A, 536B) and DC outlets (562) that are dynamically enabled for various applications. The modular energy tray (102) may be used in conjunction with other modular energy trays (102) to provide variable power output for different applications.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480027791.9 (22) Application Date 2024.04.25 (30) Priority Data 18 / 307966 2023.04.27 US (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.10.23 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / US2024 / 026257 2024.04.25 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2024 / 226786 EN 2024.10.31 (71) Applicant Universal City Cinema LLC Address California, USA (72) Inventors J.D. Madden M.A. Van Kerschaeff (74) Patent Agency China Patent Agency (Hong Kong) Limited 72001 Patent Attorney Zhao Rui Wang Lei (51) Int.Cl. B60L 1 / 00 ​​(2006.01) B60L 50 / 64 (2006.01) B60L 50 / 60 (2006.01) B60L 53 / 14 (2006.01) B60L 53 / 80 (2006.01) B60L 58 / 18 (2006.01) H02J 9 / 00 (2006.01) B65D 19 / 00 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title Modular Energy Tray (57) Abstract A flexible modular energy tray (102) is provided herein. The modular energy tray (102) includes AC outlets (536A, 536B) and DC outlets (562) that can be dynamically enabled for various applications. A modular energy tray (102) can be used in conjunction with other modular energy trays (102) to provide variable power output for different applications. Claims 3 pages, Description 9 pages, Drawings 9 pages, CN 121038989 A 2025.11.28 CN 1 21 03 89 89 A 1. A modular energy tray comprising: a battery; one or more selectively enabled outlets that, when selectively enabled, provide power from the battery via said outlets; and a housing system comprising: one or more sliding rails disposed at the base of said housing system. 2. The modular energy tray of claim 1, wherein the battery comprises a 51-volt (V), 150-ampere-hour (Ah) battery. 3. The modular energy tray of claim 1, comprising one or more inverters configured to convert DC power from said battery to AC power. 4. The modular energy tray of claim 3, wherein said one or more selectively enabled outlets comprise: an AC outlet providing said AC power.5. The modular energy tray of claim 4, wherein the AC outlet includes a weatherproof 19-pin output terminal, the weatherproof 19-pin output terminal using a first subset of the available channels of the 19-pin output terminal for supplying the AC power. 6. The modular energy tray of claim 5, configured to receive additional AC power from a second stackable modular energy tray and deliver the additional AC power through one or more open channels of the available channels to provide the additional AC power through the AC outlet. 7. The modular energy tray of claim 1, wherein the one or more selectively enabled outlets include a first DC outlet configured to provide direct power from the battery. 8. The modular energy tray of claim 1, further comprising: a selectively enabled access point powered by the battery, configured, when enabled, to connect to a component powered by the modular energy tray. 9. The modular energy tray of claim 1, further comprising: one or more selectively activating work lights powered by the battery, wherein the one or more selectively activating work lights comprise: a first work light configured to illuminate a control and wiring panel of the modular energy tray; a second work light configured to illuminate one or more selectively activating outlets; or both. 10. The modular energy tray of claim 1, wherein the one or more sliding guides are disposed at the base of the housing system in such a manner that they create one or more forks for one or more forks of a forklift device. 11. The modular energy tray of claim 1, further comprising: a battery restraint system disposed within the housing system, wherein the battery fastening system is configured to fasten the battery within the modular energy tray. 12. The modular energy tray of claim 1, further comprising: an onboard battery management system; and an onboard charger configured to charge the battery according to a scheme of the onboard battery management system. 13. A modular energy tray system comprising: (Claims 1 / 3, page 2, CN 121038989 A) A first modular energy tray configured to supply power from an onboard battery of the first modular energy tray via a first or more selectively enabled outlets, wherein the first modular energy tray includes: one or more first sliding rails disposed at the base of the first modular energy tray; and a second modular energy tray configured to receive the one or more first sliding rails and supplemental power via a second or more selectively enabled outlet at the top of the second modular energy tray.14. The modular energy tray system of claim 13, wherein the shape and size of the one or more first sliding rails are designed such that the forks of the forklift device can engage within the one or more first sliding rails and are removable after being received by the second modular energy tray from the one or more first sliding rails. 15. The modular energy tray system of claim 13, wherein the first or more selectively enabled outlets and the second or more selectively enabled outlets comprise: AC outlets that provide AC power via an inverter that converts DC power to AC power; wherein the AC outlets comprise weatherproof 19-pin outlets using a first subset of available channels for supplying the AC power. 16. The modular energy tray system of claim 15, wherein the first modular energy tray is configured to: provide AC power from the first modular energy tray to the powered component via a single 19-pin connection between the powered component and the first modular energy tray; and receive and deliver AC power from the second modular energy tray via the single 19-pin connection as a supplement to the AC power from the first modular energy tray. 17. The modular energy tray system of claim 16, further comprising: a third modular energy tray, wherein the first modular energy tray is configured to receive AC power from the third modular energy tray and deliver AC power from the third modular energy tray to the powered component via the single 19-pin connector using AC power from the first modular energy tray and AC power from the second modular energy tray. 18. The modular energy tray system of claim 13, wherein the first modular energy tray, the second modular energy tray, or both comprise: a selectively enabled access point configured, when enabled, to connect to a device powered by the modular energy tray system via a through-plate connector. 19. A method comprising: powering a DC-powered attraction component via a modular energy tray by selectively activating a DC outlet of the modular energy tray; and connecting the DC-powered attraction component to the selectively activated DC outlet of the modular energy tray, wherein DC power for powering the DC-powered attraction component is supplied directly from an onboard battery of the modular energy tray; and powering an AC-powered attraction component via the modular energy tray by selectively activating an AC outlet of the modular energy tray; and connecting the AC-powered attraction component to the selectively activated AC outlet of the modular energy tray, wherein AC power for powering the AC-powered attraction component is supplied from the onboard battery via one or more inverters.20. The method of claim 19, comprising: wirelessly controlling the DC-powered attraction component, the AC-powered attraction component, or both, via a wireless access point connection to an access point coupled to a controller, wherein the controller is a controller for the DC-powered attraction component, the AC-powered attraction component, or both. [Claims 2 / 3, page 3, CN 121038989 A] Modular Energy Tray Background Art

[0001] This paragraph is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to the various aspects of the present disclosure described below. This discussion is believed to help provide the reader with background information to better understand the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be interpreted in this light and not as an admission of prior art.

[0002] Amusement parks and other entertainment venues typically use attraction components that require energy to provide the desired user experience, such as vehicles, floats, light shows, etc. These attraction components can vary greatly in power consumption, resulting in the need for customized power solutions built for each implementation. In some cases, large, noisy, and difficult-to-maintain internal combustion generators may be used when a large amount of power is required. Furthermore, many attraction components are seasonal, resulting in the use of custom-built power supplies only during the seasonal period when the attraction component is active. Therefore, to improve efficiency and reduce costs, a modular energy tray with multiple outputs in both power connection type and power output is described herein, enabling reuse in various applications. Additionally, other features that can be used across attraction components (such as wireless access points, work lights, etc.) can also be integrated into the modular energy tray, resulting in new efficiencies in attraction component management. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Certain embodiments commensurate with the scope of the initially claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but are merely intended to provide a brief overview of some of the disclosed embodiments. In fact, this disclosure may cover various forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to energy supply. Specifically, this disclosure relates to modular energy trays useful for supplying energy to and controlling attraction attractions. Specifically, the embodiments described herein provide flexible power output by enabling linear series connections of connectable modular power trays to suit various implementations. Furthermore, these modular power trays may include additional features that facilitate the management of entertainment features, such as wireless access points for entertainment attraction control, one or more work lights, and multiple switchable outlets of various connector types. In this way, the modular power trays provide significant flexibility within one or more self-sustaining units.

[0005] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more readily understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote similar parts throughout the drawings, in which: FIG1 is an illustration of a system using one or more modular energy trays for various applications according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG2 is an isometric front view of a modular energy tray with its top cover removed according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, showing various features of the modular energy tray; FIG3A is an isometric rear view of a modular energy tray with a cover attached according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, showing features of the modular energy tray; FIG3B is a front view of two modular energy trays stacked to increase energy supply according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a modular energy tray control and wiring panel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, showing the input and output terminals of the modular energy tray; Figures 5A and 5B (collectively referred to herein as “Figure 5”) show wiring diagrams according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating the connection of a 19-pin output version of the modular energy tray; and Figures 6A and 6B (collectively referred to herein as “Figure 6”) show wiring diagrams according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating the connection of a weatherproof, lockable output version of the modular energy tray. Detailed Description

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to modular energy trays that can be used in the operation of attraction components such as vehicles, floats, light displays, etc.

[0007] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be recognized that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer’s specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may differ from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be recognized that such development work can be complex and time-consuming, but remains routine work for design, construction, and manufacture for those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0008] When describing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean the presence of one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present besides the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in the present disclosure are not intended to exclude the existence of additional embodiments also incorporating the described features.Furthermore, as will be appreciated, when data and / or power transfer / communication is disclosed herein, it should be understood that data communication may include communication via wired and / or wireless communication (e.g., via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio frequency (RF) etc.). Additionally, power transfer may be wired (e.g., via a physical connector) and / or wireless (e.g., electromagnetic power transfer). Even though specific examples of data communication and power transfer are described herein, this discussion is intended to provide examples of the systems and techniques described herein and is not intended to limit the embodiments to such examples.

[0009] Current embodiments of this disclosure pertain to systems and methods for flexible power solutions for attraction components. More specifically, modular energy trays may be used individually or in combination to provide a variety of power output levels and / or power output connection types. Furthermore, additional features that may facilitate the operation of attraction components (such as work lights, wireless access points, etc.) may also be included in the modular energy tray, resulting in enhanced usability in the art.

[0010] Figure 1 is an illustration of a system 100 using one or more modular energy trays 102 for various applications, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, system 100 includes an entertainment vehicle 104 and a mobile light display 106 that utilize the modular energy trays 102 to power corresponding features. For example, the entertainment vehicle 104 may use the modular energy trays 102 to power features such as a moving mouthpiece 108 and / or a smoke-generating feature 110. Furthermore, the mobile light display 106 may use the modular energy trays 102 to power lamps 112.

[0011] The modular nature of the modular energy tray 102 enables a variety of power output levels to be provided by it. For example, an entertainment vehicle 104, which is relatively larger, may require more power than a mobile light display 106. When enabled to be connected to other modular energy trays 102 in a linear series manner, each modular energy tray 102 can provide a consistent power output, resulting in a superimposed power output, rather than forming energy trays with varying power outputs for these different applications. In this way, customized power outputs can be provided by connecting other modular energy trays 102 to each other in a linear series manner. As shown, the entertainment vehicle 104 uses two modular energy trays 102 connected in a linear series manner, while the mobile light display uses one modular energy tray 102.

[0012] The modular energy tray 102 can be powered via many different power connection types. Each connector can be weatherproof, enabling operation under various climatic conditions such as rain, snow, etc.In some embodiments, for example, the modular energy tray 102 may be equipped with a 120-volt AC (VAC) output from an onboard inverter, which passes through a ground fault circuit interrupter.

[0013] In some embodiments, a through-board DC (e.g., 51 VDC 51 A) output may be provided, which draws power directly from the onboard battery of the modular energy tray 102. This type of connection allows a large amount of DC power to be supplied to the site component that requires such a supply.

[0014] Furthermore, in some embodiments, other connectors, such as weatherproof lockable through-board outputs, may be provided via the modular energy tray 102 that provides AC power. In such embodiments, AC power may be supplied to the modular energy tray 102 via a weatherproof lockable through-board connector. When a larger current than the onboard inverter of one modular energy tray 102 can be provided, another modular energy tray 102 may be connected to the first modular energy tray 102 using a separate AC power cable connected to both modular energy trays 102.

[0015] In some embodiments, wireless and / or wired pin outputs for data and / or power may be provided. For example, in one embodiment, a 19-pin output (e.g., a Socapex output or a Soco output) is provided. In such embodiments, the main output of the unit may be provided via a subset of the pins through a connector. For example, in a 19-pin output, the main output of the unit may be provided via a 10-pin (6-channel) connector. A subset of channels is dedicated to the onboard inverter, while other channels remain open and can be used to access power from the outputs of another modular energy tray 102.

[0016] As mentioned above, the modular energy tray 102 may also provide additional features to facilitate the operation of the attraction component. For example, the modular energy tray 102 may include a wireless access point on the tray, enabling wireless communication with the attraction component. For example, the wireless access point may include a waterproof through-panel Ethernet interface that can be coupled to the communication system of the attraction component. The wireless access point may be selectively enabled and may be powered by the onboard battery of the modular energy tray 102 when enabled.

[0017] In system 100 of FIG1, the airborne vehicle controller 114 is communicatively coupled to a selectively enabled access point of one of the modular energy trays 102. In this way, a physical Ethernet connection to the access point can be provided to the airborne vehicle controller 114, enabling the entertainment vehicle 104 to be controlled by a wireless command system 116, which can send wireless commands to the enabled access point.Similarly, the controller 118 of the mobile light display 106 can be connected to a selectively enabled access point of the coupled modular energy tray, enabling the wireless command system 116 to provide wireless commands to the controller 118 to influence changes in the mobile light display.

[0018] Furthermore, the modular energy tray 102 may include a work light. The work light can be selectively enabled by the operator when operating the attraction component and / or the modular energy tray, providing convenience and safety to the operator. When enabled, the work light can be powered by the onboard battery of the modular energy tray 102.

[0019] Although system 100 shows two different types of attraction components: the entertainment vehicle 104 and the mobile light display 106, this is not intended to limit their use to these specific types of attraction components. In fact, many other attraction components can utilize the modular energy tray, resulting in cost-effective and highly useful power solutions.

[0020] Turning now to a more detailed view of the modular energy tray 102, FIG2 is an isometric front view of a modular energy tray 200 with its top cover removed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating various features of the modular energy tray. As shown, the modular energy tray 200 includes a structural frame 202 surrounding an airborne component of the modular energy tray 200. The frame includes a vertical frame component 204 and a horizontal frame component 206 attached by corner components 208. The structural frame 202 includes stacking cups 210 and sliding rails 212 that enable stacking of additional modular energy trays 200. Specifically, the sliding rails 212 are dimensioned such that they fit within the stacking cups 210 of another modular energy tray 200. When stacked, a sliding rail 212 of a modular energy tray 200 may be placed on top of a vertical frame member 204, optionally having a top cover mounted between the top of the vertical frame member 204 and the sliding rail 212. One or more rack grounding points 213 may be provided on the structural frame 202 (e.g., on the corner member 204). The rack grounding points 213 may be used to bind stacked modular energy trays together and / or attach grounding strips, which may be beneficial, for example, to eliminate static electricity.

[0021] The sliding rail 212 is positioned such that one or more forks 214 are formed. The forks 214 are cavities in which the tips of a forklift can be inserted to allow the forklift to move the modular energy tray 200. The sliding rail may include a height 217, which is high enough to allow the forklift tip to be cleared after a modular energy tray 200 is stacked on top of another modular energy tray 200.In other words, the height 217 can be greater than the typical thickness of the forklift tip (e.g., 1.5 inches), thereby allowing the forklift tip to be removed after the modular energy tray 200 is stacked.

[0022] Turning now to the internal components, the modular energy tray 200 includes a power source that will provide power to the attraction components, here a battery 216. In some embodiments, the battery 216 may be a 51 V 150 Ah battery that can be adapted to power and / or partially power many different attraction components. The modular energy tray 200 may include an internal cavity in which the battery 216 can be disposed and / or housed. In the example provided in FIG. 2, the battery 216 is held in place by a battery constraint 218 fixed to the structural frame 202 (e.g., at the horizontal frame member 206). The battery constraint 218 may be angled aluminum that conforms to the contour of the battery 216, such that the battery 216 is constrained to prevent lateral movement when mounted. As will be discussed in more detail with respect to FIG3, the battery restraint 218 may include a fastening system that causes the battery 216 to be secured within the modular energy tray 200. Although in some embodiments the battery 216 may not be removable, in some embodiments the fastening system may include a mechanical locking system (e.g., a mechanism) that restrains the battery 216 when engaged and allows at least partial removal of the battery 216 when disengaged (e.g., by allowing lateral movement in a single direction for easy removal of the battery 216). In this way, the battery 216 can be easily removed for repair and / or replacement if necessary.

[0023] The modular energy tray 200 also includes an inverter cabinet 219 that can accommodate one or more inverters. In the depicted embodiment, two inverters 220 are accommodated in the inverter cabinet 219. The inverters 220 can convert DC power to AC power, enabling AC power application of the modular energy tray 200. Ventilation openings (e.g., slotted vents, louvered vents, etc.) 222 may be included to allow forced air cooling of the inverter 220.

[0024] The modular energy tray 200 may also include a battery management system (BMS) 224. The BMS 224 provides real-time control of the battery 216 to operate within rated specifications. The BMS 224 can provide operation of functions such as individual cell monitoring, overcharge (e.g., high voltage cutoff) protection, over-discharge (e.g., low voltage cutoff) protection, general battery 216 health monitoring, and other battery management functions. In some embodiments, the BMS 224 may also include a communication connection (e.g., wired and / or wireless, such as via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and / or near-field communication) that enables the operator of the modular energy tray 200 to communicate / present battery 216 statistics.

[0025] The BMS 224 can identify when charging of the battery 216 should occur and provide indications to facilitate charging via the charger 226.According to instructions from the charging control of BMS 224, charger 226 can receive external power (e.g., VAC power) and charge battery 216. In the current embodiment, charger 226 may be a 51 V 16-cell (16S) charger.

[0026] Modular energy tray 200 includes a control panel 228 providing input and output connections for modular energy tray 200. Connection details will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Control and wiring panel 228 routes input and output connectors and input and output cables between charger 226 and BMS 224. In some embodiments, control and wiring panel 228 may be mounted on or constitute an external wall of control cabinet 230. Control cabinet 230, charger 226, and BMS 224 may each be coupled to a stabilizing plate 233 fixed to horizontal frame component 206. This results in the stability of each of these components within the modular energy tray 200.

[0027] Turning now to an alternative view of the modular energy tray 200, FIG. 3 is an isometric rear view of the modular energy tray 200 of FIG. 2 with an attached cover 300, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, which shows the features of the modular energy tray.

[0028] For example, this view shows the previously mentioned battery fastening system 302. The fastening system 302 can use a variety of different techniques and / or mechanisms to fasten the battery 216. For example, in some embodiments, physical fastening mechanisms such as straps, brackets, fasteners, battery interfaces, etc. can be used. In the example depicted in FIG. 3, the fastening system 302 is in the form of a removable strip. When engaged (e.g., when bolted to one or more brackets 304 fixed to the structural frame 202), the fastening system 302 restrains the battery 216. When disengaged (e.g., when the bolted connection is released from bracket(s) 304), the fastening system 302 allows lateral movement in a single direction for easy removal of the battery 216. In this way, the battery 216 can be easily removed for maintenance and / or replacement when necessary. In some embodiments, alternative mechanisms, such as magnetic fastening mechanisms, pressure mechanisms, etc., may be used. In some embodiments, the fastening system 302 may include a locking system to prevent unauthorized removal of the battery 216. For example, the locking system may use a key-based lock, a magnetic lock, etc., to prevent unauthorized removal of the battery 216 via the battery 216 fastening system 302. In some embodiments, the locking system may lock the removal of the cover 300, which may result in preventing the battery 216 from being removed from the fastening system 302 that uses the cover to fasten the battery 216.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown, the control cabinet 230 may include one or more ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) 232.The GFCI 232 provides circuit-breaking protection in the event of a ground fault. The GFCI 232 can be accessed without opening the main housing of the modular energy tray 200. This allows for quick access to the GFCI 232 for purposes such as reset. Additionally, in embodiments, the control cabinet 230 may include a battery status meter 306 that can engage with the BMS 224 to provide / display battery information. For example, the battery status meter 306 may provide measurements of the voltage, temperature, and / or current consumption of the battery 216, and these measurements may be displayed by the BMS 224. In embodiments, the control cabinet 230 may also include a reset button 308. The reset button 308 is communicatively coupled to the BMS 224 (e.g., wired or wireless) and, when actuated, resets battery statistics held by the BMS 224 and / or the battery itself (e.g., in the event of a fault). In some embodiments, a battery reset may isolate the battery 216 from the load and / or charger 226 (e.g., temporarily), causing the battery 216 to avoid providing power to the load and / or charging. For this purpose, the reset button 308, when actuated, enables the operator to open and close the main contactor of the BMS 224, causing a break in the load and / or charging circuitry. In some embodiments, the reset button 308, when actuated, may also trigger a reset of one or more of the battery 216 statistics held by the BMS 224.

[0030] FIG3B shows a front view of a stacked energy tray system 350. The stacked energy tray system 350 shows two separate modular energy trays 352A and 352B placed in a stacked manner, enabling convenient storage and relocation. Furthermore, as discussed herein, the separate modular energy trays 352A and 352B can be configured (e.g., via wiring) to provide a combination of energy outputs for applications with higher energy demands. Although only two modular energy trays are shown in the stacked energy tray system 350, additional modular energy trays can be stacked and used for additional energy in the stacked energy tray system 350.

[0031] Turning now to a more detailed discussion of the input and output terminals of the modular energy tray 200, FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a modular energy tray control and wiring panel 400 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, showing the input and output terminals of the modular energy tray.

[0032] As shown, the control and wiring panel 400 includes a charging section 402 that may include a charging indicator 404 and a charging interface 406. When connected to an external power source, the charging interface 406 can supply power to the battery 216, enabling the battery to be charged according to the battery management system 224.In some embodiments, the charging interface 406 may include an AC power input socket (e.g., in the form of a weatherproof, lockable through-board connector). When power is supplied from an external energy source for charging, the charging indicator 404 may illuminate or otherwise indicate that the battery 216 is being charged. The charging indicator 404 may be turned off when no external power is supplied and / or when charging is paused in the battery management system 224.

[0033] As mentioned herein, each modular energy tray 200 may be equipped with an inverter that provides AC power output. Accordingly, the control and wiring panel 400 may include an inverter output section 408 to facilitate AC power output. The inverter output section 408 may include a switch 410 that, when actuated, causes power to flow from the battery 216 through the inverter to the inverter outlet 412. When not actuated, the switch 410 prevents power flow from the inverter to the inverter outlet 412. In some embodiments, each inverter may be capable of supplying 120 VAC / 16 A power; however, in other embodiments, other inverter capabilities may exist depending on the desired output. For example, in some embodiments, the inverter may supply approximately 220 VAC. To provide operator indication of the activated inverter outlet, an inverter outlet indicator 414 may be activated when power is supplied to outlet 412 via the inverter. In some embodiments, different sets of inverter outlets 412 and inverter outlet indicators 414 may be configured to correspond to the number of inverters within the modular energy tray 200. For example, in the embodiment of FIG4, two sets of inverter outlets 412 and inverter outlet indicators 414 are provided because two onboard inverters are present.

[0034] In some embodiments, the power outlet may be a weatherproof lockable connector, in which all AC power output may be supplied by a weatherproof lockable through-board connector that is weatherproof both in use and out of use. In such an embodiment, when an application drawing power from the modular energy tray 200 requires additional current compared to the current supplied by the onboard inverter, another modular energy tray 200 can be stacked, resulting in additional inverter outlets 412 to which AC cables can be connected to supply additional AC current. Additional modular energy trays 200 can continue to be stacked until the desired amount of AC current is supplied.

[0035] In some embodiments, the power outlet may be a 19-pin output connection, in which the main power output can be made via a 19-pin (6-channel) connector (e.g., a Socapex connector or a Soco connector), which may be weatherproof when connected and protected by a weatherproof cover when not in use.Two or four of the six channels provided by the 19-pin connector can be dedicated to the use of the onboard inverter for supplying AC current. When additional current beyond what the onboard inverter can supply is desired, additional modular energy trays 200 can be stacked on top of the first modular energy tray 200, and the stacked modular energy trays 200 can be wired to the first modular energy tray 200 by delivering power from the remaining two or four channels not dedicated to the onboard inverter. Up to three modular energy trays 200 can be connected in this manner via a single 19-pin configuration.

[0036] The control and wiring panel 400 also includes a direct battery output section 416 that enables the supply of current from battery 216 without attenuation. The direct battery output section 416 includes a switch 418 that, when enabled, causes current to flow from battery 216 through BMS 224 via a contactor of switch 418 to outlet 420. In the illustrated embodiment, outlet 420 supplies 51 VDC / 51 A power output from battery 216. The active output is indicated by a direct power outlet indicator 422, which is active when power is supplied to outlet 420 and inactive otherwise.

[0037] The control and wiring panel 228 also includes a work light switch 424 that controls whether the operator work light of the modular energy tray 200 receives power and is activated. When activated, the work light switch 424 completes the electrical circuit between battery 216 and the work light, causing power to be supplied from battery 216 to the onboard work light, resulting in the activation of the work light. When deactivated, the work light switch 424 prevents power from being supplied to the work light, thus reserving power for other applications.

[0038] The control and wiring panel 228 may also include an access point section 426. This section enables communication via an onboard wireless access point. When activated, switch 428 supplies power to an onboard access point, enabling electronic communication. Components using power from the modular energy tray 200 can be communicatively connected to the access point via an onboard through-panel Ethernet interface 430, which is weatherproof in both use and non-use. This allows for wireless communication control via an external control system using a physical Ethernet connection between the access point and the controlled component. When deactivated, switch 428 prevents power from being supplied to the access point, thus reserving power for other applications. In some embodiments, control and wiring panel 228, such as in the illustrated control and wiring panel 400, may include an emergency disconnection operation 432. Emergency disconnection operation 432, when actuated, causes all power output to be stopped (e.g., both AC and DC power).In some embodiments, additional and / or alternative emergency disconnection operation 432 may be located elsewhere on the modular energy tray.

[0039] Turning now to the wiring configuration of the 19-pin and weatherproof lock-up embodiments of the modular energy tray 200, FIG5 is a 19-pin wiring diagram 500 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, showing the connection of the 19-pin output version of the modular energy tray. FIG6 is a wiring diagram according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, showing the connection of the weatherproof lock-up output version of the modular energy tray. Because there is a great deal of repetition in the wiring, these diagrams will be discussed together. Although the following discussion details specific examples of embodiments of the modular energy tray with particular electrical connections and components, the discussion is not intended to limit the embodiments to such electrical connections and components. In fact, as those skilled in the art will recognize, many variations in the electrical connections and / or components can be possible in creating a modular energy tray.

[0040] As mentioned above, the battery 216 can be charged according to instructions from the battery management system (BMS) 224. BMS 224 can receive charging data from charger 502 via Controller Area Network Bus (CANBUS) 504. The data provided via CANBUS 504 during battery charging enables BMS 224 to provide features such as overcharge (e.g., high voltage cutoff) protection, over-discharge (e.g., low voltage cutoff) protection, general battery 216 health monitoring, and other battery management functions. Furthermore, BMS 224 can periodically monitor battery 216 temperature 505 and state of charge (SOC) 506, which can also be useful for charging control. In some embodiments, CANBUS 504 can be communicatively coupled to each of battery 216, charger 502, BMS 224, and SOC 506 to provide features in an efficient and effective manner. A physical reset button 508, when actuated, can cause a reset of the charging and / or power distribution of battery 216. For example, as discussed above, the reset button 508 may be communicatively coupled to the BMS 224 (e.g., in a wired or wireless manner) and may, when actuated, reset the charging and / or power distribution of the battery 216 by isolating the battery 216 from the load and / or charger 226 (e.g., for a temporary period of time), causing the battery 216 to avoid providing power to the load and / or charging. To this end, the reset button 508 disconnects the load and / or charging circuitry via actuation of the main contactor of the BMS 224. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the reset button 508 may also trigger a reset of one or more of the battery 216 statistics held by the BMS 224 when actuated.

[0041] The charger circuit 510 may supply power to the charger 502.For example, as shown in FIG6, power can be supplied to the positive through-terminal block 614 and the negative through-terminal block 616 via the weatherproof lockable top inlet 612, which can supply power to the charger power indicator light 618 and the charger 502. Thus, the charger power indicator light 618 can be activated when power is supplied to the charger 502, indicating that the battery 216 is charging.

[0042] The charger 502 can be connected to a power distribution block (such as 1x6 power distribution blocks 512A and 512B), wherein the negative connection is connected to one (e.g., power distribution block 512A) and the positive connection is connected to the other (e.g., power distribution block 512B) with an intermediate 50 A low-voltage current-limiting fuse 514A (FIG. 5) and / or a 50 A circuit breaker 514B (FIG. 6).

[0043] The main negative connection 516 can connect the BMS 224 and a power distribution block (e.g., a 1x6 power distribution block 512A). The main positive connection 518 can connect the BMS 224 and another power distribution block (e.g., a 1x6 power distribution block 512B) using an intermediate 150 A fuse 519. These connections allow the battery 216 to be charged via power supplied by the charger circuit 510 and the charger 502.

[0044] Turning now to the discussion of accessories that supply power from the battery 216 to the outlet and the modular energy tray 200, the power distribution blocks (e.g., 1x6 power distribution blocks 512A and 512B) can be provided with positive connections 520A and negative connections 522A to one or more inverters (e.g., to the first inverter 524A, and positive connections 520B and negative connections 522B to the second inverter 524B). The positive connection from the distribution block (e.g., 1x6 distribution block 512B) to the corresponding inverter (e.g., positive connection 520A and positive connection 520B) may include a corresponding intermediate circuit breaker (e.g., circuit breaker 526A and circuit breaker 526B) to provide protection against overcurrent.

[0045] In the current embodiment, inverters 524A and 524B are 2000 W inverters; however, other inverters may be used in other embodiments. One or more of inverters 524A and 524B may have a fan (e.g., power housing fan 527) and both may be grounded to the frame, door, and / or housing junction 528. The outputs of the inverters (e.g., inverters 524A and 524B) can be connected to the corresponding ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) (e.g., GFCI 530A and GFCI 530B, using the outputs of GFCI 530A and GFCI 530B).For example, as shown in FIG6, the live and neutral wire connections of each inverter 524A and inverter 524B are connected to the corresponding terminal block 620. Terminal block 620 is connected to the live wire side of the corresponding GFCI module 622A and GFCI module 622B. The load side of GFCI module 622A and GFCI module 622B is connected to the corresponding terminal block 624.

[0046] GFCI (e.g., GFCI 530A and GFCI 530B) are connected to the corresponding through-type terminal blocks (e.g., terminal blocks 532A and 532B that provide live wire input terminals 533A and 533B to the outlet (e.g., channels 534A and 534B of the 19-pin connection terminal in FIG5 and / or AC outlet 536A and / or AC outlet 536B and weatherproof lockable top outlet 628 of FIG6)). Neutral outputs (e.g., neutral outputs 538A and 538B) and ground outputs (e.g., ground outputs 540A and 540B) for outlets (e.g., outlets 536A and 536B, respectively) can be provided via connections to housing, door, and / or frame junction 542 and / or one or more ground modular terminal blocks (e.g., one or more terminal blocks 544A or 544B and / or one or more through-hole terminal blocks 546A or 546B). As shown in FIG6, in some embodiments, the inverter status light may be powered by GFCI modules (e.g., GFCI modules 622A and 622B) to provide an inverter OK status indication when illuminated.

[0047] As mentioned above, in pin output embodiments (e.g., 19-pin embodiments), an additional channel 534C may be used to provide power from other stacked modular energy trays 200. As shown, the inlets (e.g., inlets 548A and 548B) are supplied with corresponding live wire connection terminals (e.g., live wire connection terminals 550A and 550B), neutral wire connection terminals (e.g., neutral wire connection terminals 552A and 552B), and ground wire connection terminals (e.g., ground wire connection terminals 554A and 554B). Live wire connection terminals 550A and 550B are supplied to the corresponding through-hole terminal blocks 556A and 556B, respectively. Neutral wire connection terminals 552A and 552B are supplied to the corresponding through-hole terminal blocks 558A and 558B, respectively. Ground wire connection terminals 554A and 554B are supplied to the corresponding ground modular terminal blocks 560A and 560B, respectively. Through-hole terminal blocks 556A, 556B, 558A and 558B, as well as ground modular terminal blocks 560A and 560B, are connected to channel 534C, which provides through-hole power from the stacked modular energy trays 200.

[0048] Returning to the discussion of selective component activation, power distribution blocks (e.g., 1x6 power distribution blocks 512A and 512B) can selectively distribute power from battery 216 to other components. For example, in the depicted embodiment, power distribution blocks (e.g., 1x6 power distribution blocks 512A and 512B) can provide direct DC power to panel-mount socket 562 by connecting the positive and negative output terminals of a circuit breaker (e.g., circuit breaker 564A) to a contactor (e.g., contactor 566), respectively. Contactor 566 can provide a positive output terminal 568 (e.g., 51 V, matching battery 216) and a negative output terminal 570 (e.g., 51 V, matching battery 216) to panel-mount socket 562, thus providing a direct DC power connection from battery 216.

[0049] The toggle switch can also selectively supply power to other components. For example, a power distribution block (e.g., 1x6 power distribution block 512A) can provide a negative output to a through-type terminal block 572, which supplies access point negative output 574 to the DC-DC converter 576A that supplies power to the onboard wireless access point 578. The 1x6 power distribution block 512B can supply a positive output from the battery 216 to the circuit breaker 564B connected to the through-type terminal block 580. When activated, the access point toggle switch 582 supplies a positive access point output 584 from the through-type terminal block 580 to the DC-DC converter 576A, which provides a positive access point output 584 to the onboard wireless access point 578, thus enabling access point communication via the antenna array 586.

[0050] Other components, such as the LED work light 588, the connector work light 590, and / or the control and wiring panel work light 592 (hereinafter referred to as "work light"), may also be selectively enabled. For example, as shown, the positive output 594 and negative output 596 of the work light can be supplied with power from the battery 216 via through-terminal blocks 580 and 572, respectively. Signal flow from through-terminal blocks 580 and 572 passes through a DC-DC converter 576B for voltage stabilization to power the work light. A work light toggle switch 597 controls whether power is supplied to the work light, which causes the work light to turn off by blocking power flow when off. Additionally, terminal block 572 can provide a neutral DC status output for the DC output status light 626. The positive output for the DC output status lamp 626 can be supplied by the contactor 566 based on the output of the circuit breaker 564C (e.g., 2 A) supplied from the circuit breaker 564A to the contactor 566.

[0051] An external auxiliary switch signal 598 and / or a DC toggle switch 600 may be connected to the contactor 566.Signals from these components indicate whether DC power is supplied by contactor 566 (e.g., via positive output 568 (e.g., 51V, matching battery 216) and negative output 570 (e.g., 51V, matching battery 216) supplied to panel mount socket 562). When activated, these components indicate that power should flow to panel mount socket 562.

[0052] External auxiliary switch signal 602 and external inverter switch signal 604 provide activation status for DC toggle switch 600 and inverter toggle switch 606, respectively. These status indications are provided via panel mount socket 562 for use by other modular energy trays 200.

[0053] Inverter toggle switch 606 and / or external inverter switch signal 608 selectively control whether inverters 524A and 524B are activated. Activation and / or stop signals can be provided via through-type terminal block 610 (via connection to inverters 524A and 524B), as shown.

[0054] Although only certain features of the invention are shown and described herein, many modifications and variations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0055] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to specific examples of material objects and practical properties that clearly improve the technical field, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as “device for (performing) (function)…” or “step for (performing) (function)…”, such elements are intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other way, such elements are not intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f).Instruction manual, page 9 / 9, 13 CN 121038989 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual, Figure 1 / 9, page 14 CN 121038989 A, Figure 2; Instruction manual, Figure 2 / 9, page 15 CN 121038989 A, Figure 3A; Instruction manual, Figure 3 / 9, page 16 CN 121038989 A, Figure 3B; Instruction manual, Figure 4 / 9, page 17 CN 121038989 A, Figure 4; Instruction manual, Figure 5 / 9, page 18 CN 121038989 A, Figure 5A; Instruction manual, Figure 6 / 9, page 19 CN 121038989 A, Figure 5B; Instruction manual, Figure 7 / 9, page 20 CN 121038989 A, Figure 6A; Instruction manual, Figure 8 / 9, page 21 CN 121038989 A, Figure 6B; Instruction manual, Figure 9 / 9, page 22 CN 121038989 A.

Claims

1. A modular energy tray, comprising: Battery; One or more selectively enabled outlets, which, when selectively enabled, provide power from the battery via said outlet; as well as The enclosure system includes: One or more sliding guides are disposed at the base of the housing system.

2. The modular energy tray according to claim 1, wherein the battery comprises a 51-volt (V), 150-ampere-hour (Ah) battery.

3. The modular energy tray of claim 1, comprising one or more inverters configured to convert DC power from the battery to AC power.

4. The modular energy tray of claim 3, wherein the one or more selectively enabled outlets comprise: An AC outlet provides the AC power.

5. The modular energy tray of claim 4, wherein the AC outlet includes a weatherproof 19-pin output terminal, the weatherproof 19-pin output terminal using a first subset of the available channels of the 19-pin output terminal for supplying the AC power.

6. The modular energy tray of claim 5, configured to receive additional AC power from the second stackable modular energy tray and deliver the additional AC power through one or more open channels of the available channels to provide the additional AC power through the AC outlet.

7. The modular energy tray of claim 1, wherein the one or more selectively enabled outlets include a first DC outlet configured to provide direct power from the battery.

8. The modular energy tray according to claim 1, comprising: A selectively activated access point, powered by the battery, is configured to connect to a component powered by the modular energy tray when activated.

9. The modular energy tray according to claim 1, comprising: One or more selectively activated work lights, powered by the battery, wherein the one or more selectively activated work lights include: The first working light is configured to illuminate the control and wiring panel of the modular energy tray; A second working light, configured to illuminate one or more selectively activated exits; or Both.

10. The modular energy tray of claim 1, wherein the one or more sliding rails are disposed at the base of the housing system in such a manner that they generate one or more forks for one or more forks of the forklift device.

11. The modular energy tray according to claim 1, comprising: A battery confinement system is disposed within the housing system, wherein the battery fastening system is configured to secure the battery within the modular energy tray.

12. The modular energy tray according to claim 1, comprising: Onboard battery management system; as well as An onboard charger configured to charge the battery according to a scheme of the onboard battery management system.

13. A modular energy tray system, comprising: A first modular energy tray, configured to supply power from an onboard battery via a first or more selectively enabled outlet, wherein the first modular energy tray includes: one or more first sliding rails disposed at the base of the first modular energy tray; and The second modular energy tray is configured to receive the one or more first sliding rails and supplemental power via a second or more selectively activated outlet at its top.

14. The modular energy tray system of claim 13, wherein the shape and size of the one or more first sliding rails are designed such that the forks of the fork lifting device can engage within the one or more first sliding rails and the forks can be removed after the second modular energy tray receives the one or more first sliding rails.

15. The modular energy tray system of claim 13, wherein the first or more selectively activated outlets and the second or more selectively activated outlets comprise: An AC output is provided by an inverter that converts DC power to AC power; The AC outlet includes weatherproof 19-pin outputs that utilize a first subset of the available channels of the 19-pin outputs used for supplying the AC power.

16. The modular energy tray system of claim 15, wherein the first modular energy tray is configured as follows: The AC power of the first modular energy tray is supplied to the powered component via a single 19-pin connection between the powered component and the first modular energy tray. AC power is received and delivered from the second modular energy tray via the single 19-pin connection as a supplement to the AC power from the first modular energy tray.

17. The modular energy tray system of claim 16, comprising: A third modular energy tray, wherein the first modular energy tray is configured to receive the AC power of the third modular energy tray and deliver the AC power of the third modular energy tray to the powered component via the single 19-pin connector using the AC power of the first modular energy tray and the AC power of the second modular energy tray.

18. The modular energy tray system of claim 13, wherein the first modular energy tray, the second modular energy tray, or both comprise: Selectively enabled access points, when enabled, are configured to connect via through-plate connectors to devices powered by the modular energy tray system.

19. A method comprising: The site components are powered by DC power via a modular energy tray in the following ways: Selectively enable the DC outlet of the modular energy tray; and The DC-powered attraction component is connected to a selectively enabled DC outlet of the modular energy tray, wherein DC power is supplied directly from the onboard battery of the modular energy tray to the DC-powered attraction component. as well as The attraction components that supply power to the AC are powered via the modular energy tray in the following manner: Selectively enable the AC outlet of the modular energy tray; and The AC-powered attraction component is connected to a selectively enabled AC outlet of the modular energy tray, wherein AC power is supplied to the AC-powered attraction component from the onboard battery via one or more inverters.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: The DC-powered attraction component, the AC-powered attraction component, or both are wirelessly controlled via a wireless access point connected to an access point of the controller, wherein the controller is the controller of the DC-powered attraction component, the AC-powered attraction component, or both.

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