A power supply module for replacing counterweights in construction machinery, incorporating a frame to support the battery pack and a device for installing / removing the battery pack.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power supply module (10, 10') intended to replace inertial mass forming a counterweight of a construction machine, the module comprising a frame (11) fixed to a structural part of the construction machine and configured to support a battery pack and to supply power to at least one electric motor of the construction machine, and a device (13) for installing / removing the battery pack configured to remove the battery pack from a position mounted on the frame to a position removed from the frame, or vice versa.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a power supply module configured to be installed on a construction machine in place of a conventional counterweight. This module can house a battery pack configured to supply power to at least one electric motor that drives the machine's hydraulic unit and / or transmission. The battery pack can also be used as a generator set for powering other hardware, regardless of whether the pack is housed within the module.

[0003] The intended main application fields are construction machines with counterweights that use combustion, electricity, and / or hydrogen as energy sources, particularly earthmoving machines, particularly backhoes, loaders, bulldozers, and compactors.

[0004] The present invention is particularly suitable for converting or retrofitting a construction machine equipped with a combustion engine into an electric device.

[0005] In the context of the present invention, the expression "construction machine" is used particularly to refer to machines for carrying out civil engineering, handling operations, railway work and / or river work.

Background Art

[0006] There is a trend towards using construction machines equipped with electric motors instead of machines equipped with combustion engines, or converting existing machines equipped with combustion engines into machines equipped with electric motors, also called retrofitting, mainly to help achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

[0007] In addition, conversion is also an economic solution for electrifying a fleet of machines equipped with combustion engines.

[0008] However, electric construction machinery that uses electrochemical batteries as a power source has, to date, been subject to certain operational limitations. Therefore, the operating time of electric construction machinery is limited by the available volume and weight of the battery. Battery pack sizes are often insufficient to fully meet user needs, especially for continuous use during full-day operations. In addition, managing battery charging can be a significant constraint, particularly in situations where direct access to the power grid is unavailable, as is common on construction sites. In such cases, construction machinery must be transported to a power grid access point using appropriate means of transport, or a mobile charging solution, such as a generator set or power bank, must be provided in place.

[0009] These constraints complicate the use and management of fleets of construction machinery equipped with electric motors.

[0010] Some known models of construction machinery equipped with electric motors include replaceable battery packs to partially mitigate the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0011] For example, Limach offers a construction machine (Model E88.1) equipped with an electric motor having two sets of accumulators that can be attached or detached independently of each other using mechanical arms. This allows at least one battery pack to be permanently installed on the construction machine and the packs to be swapped. For example, one battery pack can be charged while the other two battery packs are installed on the construction machine and operating.

[0012] Patent application EP1770223 A1 relates to a construction machine, particularly a backhoe, equipped with an electric motor powered by a replaceable battery. However, replacing the battery is impractical.

[0013] Existing solutions for converting construction machinery to an electrical system are not entirely satisfactory. In fact, these solutions typically require significant modifications to the structure and / or configuration of the construction machinery during the conversion, which makes these operations complex and expensive.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need to facilitate the use of electric construction machinery, and in particular, to simplify the conversion of machines equipped with combustion engines to machines equipped with electric motors. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] Patent Application No. EP1770223 A1 Specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0016] The objective of the present invention is to satisfy this requirement at least partially.

[0017] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a power supply module intended to replace the inertial mass forming a counterweight of a construction machine, the module being - A frame fixed to a structural part of a construction machine, configured to support a battery pack having a weight equal to at least a portion of the weight of the counterweight, and configured to supply power to at least one electric motor of the construction machine, - A device for installing / removing a battery pack, configured to remove the battery pack from a position mounted on the frame to a position removed from the frame, or vice versa. It is equipped with.

[0018] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a power supply module that directly incorporates a frame to be fixed to a construction machine, supporting a battery pack, typically having a mass between several kilograms and several tons, and a device for reversibly mounting / removing the pack from the frame. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] The module according to the present invention facilitates the replacement of battery packs that power construction machinery. In fact, since the battery pack can be removed by a device built into the module, only the battery pack removed from the module needs to be transported, eliminating the need to move the construction machinery to a charging station. This transport can be carried out using a standard trailer, or a specially designed trailer to receive the pack, which is towed by a standard vehicle on a conventional road / highway network to facilitate transport.

[0020] The present invention also enables the functional swapping of several battery packs. This solves the operational problems of construction machinery, for example, by swapping two battery packs, each capable of powering the construction machinery for 4 hours, allowing the construction machinery to be used continuously for 8 hours, or even without time limitations, even if one pack is removed and recharged while the other is mounted on the module frame and powering the construction machinery.

[0021] Advantageously, the main components of the module according to the invention are sized to replace the counterweight of a construction machine. The module and the battery pack are preferably sized to have a combined weight that is 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 75%, 100%, or 150% or more of the weight of the counterweight, and / or 100%, 75%, 50%, 30%, 20% or less of the weight of the counterweight. In particular, the pack may be sized to have a weight that is 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, or 150% or more of the weight of the counterweight, and / or 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% or less of the weight of the counterweight. According to an advantageous feature, the module may comprise inertial mass to increase its weight.

[0022] Furthermore, the stand-alone module according to the invention significantly simplifies the electrical conversion / retrofitting of a construction machine equipped with a combustion engine, both mechanically and electrically. In fact, the module directly replaces the normal counterweight together with its frame fixed directly to the structural part of the machine, and incorporates handling devices for installing / removing the battery pack to / from the frame, so that no significant structural modification of the machine is required.

[0023] According to an advantageous feature, the module includes a protective cover configured to be at least partially disposed around a battery pack that is fixed to the frame and in a mounting position on the frame. The protective cover preferably includes at least one door configured to allow the battery pack to be removed using a device when in an open position.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment, the protective cover or a part of the protective cover is fixed to the battery pack, whereby the removal operation of the installation / removal device causes the doors of the protective cover to open and close respectively.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the module includes a hydraulic unit configured to supply hydraulic oil to the installation / removal device, and the module preferably includes an auxiliary battery configured to supply power to the hydraulic unit.

[0026] The hydraulic unit may include a hydraulic oil reservoir, a hydraulic pump capable of pumping hydraulic oil, and an electric motor capable of supplying power to the hydraulic pump.

[0027] The module may also include an installation / removal device and, optionally, an auxiliary battery configured to supply power to the hydraulic unit.

[0028] According to an advantageous feature, the module includes a guide configured to guide when the battery pack is mounted to the frame.

[0029] Advantageously, the installation / removal device includes two articulated arms configured to be attached to the battery pack at two different lifting positions. The articulated arms are preferably fixed to the frame of the module.

[0030] According to a preferred modification, the installation / removal device comprises two articulated arms each including a hydraulic cylinder and a handling rod fixed to the frame at one end thereof.

[0031] The contraction and extension of the cylinder cause the handling rod to rotate around the axis of rotation. The battery pack can be connected, at the free end of the handling rod, to the free end of the articulated arm, particularly using a chain arranged around two lifting positions on the opposite surface, preferably the side surface, of the battery pack and fixed to the arm.

[0032] Other configurations of the installation / removal device are possible. For example, the device may comprise a single articulated arm as described above that can be connected to the connection point on the upper surface of the battery pack.

[0033] According to an alternative embodiment, the installation / removal device may preferably include a single articulated arm fixed to the module frame and configured to attach to the battery pack in a lifted position, the lifted position preferably configured to be located at the center of gravity of the battery pack.

[0034] Advantageously, in the event of a failure of the installation / removal device, the power module may be configured so that the battery pack can be removed and / or mounted on the frame using lifting means located outside the machine (such as a hoist, industrial truck, crane, truck crane, or other machinery).

[0035] The present invention also relates to a power supply kit, which - Power supply modules as described above, - A battery pack configured to be supported by the module frame and Includes.

[0036] Preferably, the overall shape of the battery pack is a rectangular parallelepiped having a volume protruding from one face, preferably with an L-shaped cross-section. Advantageously, at least one face of the pack, preferably the face facing the protruding volume, has a concave shape. However, the shape of the battery pack is not limited to this embodiment and may particularly depend on the desired operating time.

[0037] Preferably, the battery pack also includes an onboard telematics device, which is used to remotely provide information about the battery pack, such as geographic location data, the charge level of the pack, and monitoring of the pack's proper operation.

[0038] Advantageously, the onboard telematics device communicates bidirectionally, i.e., both transmitting and receiving, and the battery pack can be remotely controlled, in particular to start or stop the battery pack, perform safety procedures, especially anti-theft procedures, and perform self-diagnosis or remote diagnosis.

[0039] This makes monitoring battery packs easier, which is particularly advantageous when managing banks of battery packs.

[0040] The battery pack may, advantageously, comprise at least one battery module, preferably at least one battery pack.

[0041] Since the battery pack is portable, it can be charged outside the power module in standalone operation mode. It can also have an electrical outlet, allowing it to be used as a generator set to power other hardware.

[0042] The present invention also relates to construction machinery in which the inertial mass forming the counterweight is replaced by a module as described above. This construction machinery may originally be electrically powered, or it may be the result of a construction machine equipped with a combustion engine or hydrogen engine being converted to electric power. The construction machinery may be, in particular, construction machinery for performing civil engineering works, such as backhoes, bulldozers, loaders, compactors, material handling machines, railway construction machinery, or river construction machinery.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a method for electrifying construction machinery, which a) A step of removing the inertial mass that forms the counterweight of the construction machine, b) Instead of counterweights, the step of mounting a power supply module as described above by fixing the module frame to the structural part of the construction machine, c) The step of electrically connecting the power supply module and the electric motor. Includes.

[0044] The electrical connection between the power supply module and the electric motor may be indirect, and may be through an intermediate device such as a power controller.

[0045] Construction machinery can be machines designed and manufactured to be equipped with electric motors, combustion engines, or hydrogen engines.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a method for converting a construction machine equipped with a combustion engine into an electric machine, which a2) The step of replacing the combustion engine of construction machinery with an electric motor, b2) A step of removing the inertial mass that forms the counterweight of the construction machine, c2) Instead of counterweights, the step of mounting the power supply module as described above by fixing the module frame to the structural part of the construction machine, d2) The step of electrically connecting the power supply module and the electric motor. Includes.

[0047] The electrical connection between the power supply module and the electric motor may be indirect, and may be through an intermediate device such as a power controller.

[0048] The present invention also relates to a method for removing and charging a battery pack of a construction machine according to the present invention, which a1) The step of removing the battery pack using a module installation / removal device and placing it on a suitable trailer, b1) Steps to move the trailer to the charging station, c1) The step of electrically connecting the battery pack to the charging station and charging it. Includes.

[0049] Finally, the present invention relates to a collection of kits according to the present invention, which are adaptable to multiple different models of construction machinery, and each of the models is fitted with the same battery pack and multiple power supply modules, wherein only the frame is specific to each model, and which is to be fixed to the structural part of the corresponding model of the construction machinery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0050] [Figure 1] This figure shows a power supply module according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of the power supply module according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the module according to the present invention, with the battery pack in a mounting position on the module frame. [Figure 4] This figure shows the module according to the present invention when the battery pack has been removed from the module. [Figure 5] This figure shows a construction machine including a module according to the present invention with a battery pack installed. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a construction machine configured to allow the battery pack to be removed. [Figure 7] This figure shows the construction machine in Figure 5 with the battery pack removed. [Figure 8] This is a diagram of a construction machine including a power supply module according to the present invention, with the battery pack removed. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing existing construction machinery equipped with a combustion engine. [Figure 10] This figure shows the construction machine in Figure 9 with the counterweight removed. [Figure 11] This figure shows a construction machine in which the counterweight has been replaced by a power supply module according to the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows a wheel loader including a power supply module according to the present invention. [Figure 13]This figure shows a bulldozer including a power supply module according to the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows a compactor including a power supply module according to the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a side view of a construction machine including a power supply module according to the present invention, which has an alternative embodiment of an installation / removal device in which the battery pack is located in the mounting position. [Figure 16] Figure 15 is a top view of the construction machinery. [Figure 17] Figure 15 is a side view of the construction machine with the battery pack removed. [Figure 18] Figure 15 is a top view of the construction machine with the battery pack removed. [Figure 19] This is a side view of a construction machine including a power supply module according to the present invention, which has an alternative embodiment of a protective cover. [Figure 20] This is a side view of a construction machine including a power supply module according to the present invention, which has an alternative embodiment of a protective cover. [Figure 21] This is a side view of a construction machine including a power supply module according to the present invention, which has an alternative embodiment of a protective cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] Throughout this application, the terms “vertical,” “lower,” “upper,” “bottom,” “top,” “lower,” and “higher” should be understood in reference to the power supply module when installed on a construction machine. The terms “front” and “rear” should be understood in reference to the orientation of the construction machine. For example, in the case of a backhoe, the bucket is positioned in front of the machine and the power supply module is positioned at the rear.

[0052] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary power supply module 10 according to the present invention.

[0053] Module 10 includes a frame 11 intended to be mounted and secured to the structural part of the construction machine in place of a counterweight.

[0054] The frame 11 is configured to support the battery pack 12.

[0055] Module 10 also includes a device 13 for installing / removing the battery pack. In the illustrated embodiment, this device preferably includes two articulated mechanical arms 14 fixed to a frame 11 and configured to mount the pack 12 onto the frame and precisely place it on a receiving surface away from the module. The receiving surface can be a floor, a stand, a dedicated pedestal, a transport trailer, or a battery pack charging station.

[0056] Module 10 includes a protective cover 15 that protects the battery pack 12 on three sides in the illustrated example. To allow the battery pack to be replaced, the protective cover 15 has two doors 16 on its rear side, which, when open, allow the battery pack 12 to be inserted and removed using an arm 14.

[0057] The protective cover 15 advantageously limits the risk of damage to the battery pack 12 when using construction machinery, especially in the event of impacts and falling objects.

[0058] Advantageously, the battery pack 12 is sized to standard dimensions, and the frame 11 is sized to accept and support a battery pack of standard size. Standardized battery packs can be swapped between different construction machines of different brands and models to facilitate the management of battery pack banks and optimize their use. For this purpose, the battery pack receiving section on the frame 11 is sized to match the standard dimensions of the pack. The frame 11, preferably its lower portion, is also configured according to the specific dimensions of the construction machine to which it is intended to be fixed, providing an interface between the standardized battery pack and the construction machine having model-specific dimensions.

[0059] Preferably, the battery pack 12 has sufficient capacity to power a construction machine that operates for several hours. For example, for a construction machine such as a large backhoe, and especially for a 25-ton backhoe, the battery pack 12 may have a mass between 1 ton and 8 tons, and / or a length between 1.5 m and 3.5 m, and / or a width between 0.3 m and 2.5 m, and / or a height between 0.5 m and 2.5 m. The capacity of the battery pack 12 may be between 80 kWh and 500 kWh.

[0060] The battery pack 12 may have an essentially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Advantageously, the rear vertical surface of the battery pack may have a concave shape, i.e., curve outward. This helps optimize the volume available for arranging and configuring the accumulator within the battery pack. According to one advantageous modification, the battery pack 12 further includes a protruding volume 27 along its upper surface, preferably projecting forward. The volume 27 extends along the entire length of the battery pack 12 in a direction perpendicular to the forward direction and may have a height between 30 cm and 100 cm and a width between 30 cm and 200 cm, i.e., dimensions in the forward direction.

[0061] As illustrated in Figure 8, the volume 27 advantageously helps to increase the available space for the battery pack without affecting its height, thereby optimizing the number of batteries that can be installed. Advantageously, the corners of the volume 27 can be chamfered to facilitate contact between the volume 27 and the module 10 when the battery pack 12 is installed.

[0062] However, the shape of the battery pack may vary, and may depend particularly on the desired operating time.

[0063] Advantageously, the battery pack 12 can be configured to be used as an independent power source, whether or not it is attached to the power supply module 10. Thus, the pack 12 can power hardware other than machinery, particularly at construction sites.

[0064] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the power supply module 10' according to the present invention. The module 10' in Figure 2 differs from the module 10 in Figure 1 in that it also includes an upper portion 17 configured such that a protective cover 15 protects the top surface of the battery pack 12.

[0065] As illustrated in Figure 2, the power supply module according to the present invention may include a guide 18 configured to be positioned on the frame 11 inside the protective cover 15. The guide 18 is configured to facilitate the insertion of the battery pack 12 into the module 10 and its positioning on the frame 11. Preferably, the guide 18 includes two lateral portions 19 rigidly connected by a central portion 20, which is optional. The lateral portions 19 are configured to guide the battery pack 12 when it is mounted in the module and may include chamfered ends in particular to facilitate the guiding of the battery pack. In particular, the guiding can begin when the chamfered corners of the volume 27 of the battery pack contact the chamfered ends of the lateral portions 19.

[0066] This guide helps compensate for uneven terrain. In fact, construction site conditions typically involve uneven ground. Construction machinery may then be slightly tilted when installing or removing battery packs. This guide allows the battery pack to be mounted to the module even if the construction machinery and / or the pack is tilted at the start of the installation process.

[0067] Advantageously, the guide 18 may include a locking device configured to lock the pack to the frame, i.e., prevent it from moving. In a particular embodiment, the locking device includes one or more pins that are movable between an unlocked position in which the entire pin is positioned within a receiving opening of the guide 18, and a locked position in which the pin protrudes from the receiving opening and enters a complementary opening in the battery pack.

[0068] As illustrated in Figure 2, the power supply module according to the present invention may advantageously include one or more auxiliary batteries 21. The auxiliary batteries 21 enable the module to provide a standalone power supply to the battery pack installation / removal device 13 and / or to the hydraulic unit 22 that supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder 28, thereby enabling installation and removal by moving the pack 12.

[0069] The hydraulic unit 22 may include, in particular, an electric motor, a hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic reservoir. Optionally, it may include an auxiliary battery configured to supply power for operation. In this case, the auxiliary battery 21 may or may not be configured to supply power to the hydraulic unit 22.

[0070] Alternatively, the hydraulic unit and / or cylinder may be pneumatically or electrically operated.

[0071] Advantageously, the protective cover door 16 can be opened and closed by an electric motor powered by an auxiliary battery 21.

[0072] Alternatively, the power supply modules 10, 10' do not include a secondary battery. In this case, advantageously, the device 13 and / or hydraulic unit 22 may be connected to the construction machine's starting battery so that they are powered by electricity from this starting battery.

[0073] The module according to the present invention also preferably includes a control unit 23 that controls the opening of the device 13 and / or the door 16 and / or the locking device of the battery pack. The control unit 23 is preferably located outside the protective cover 15 and is configured to be easily accessible to an operator. It may also be incorporated within a hydraulic unit 22.

[0074] Figures 3, 4, and 5 through 7 illustrate the process of removing the battery pack 12 from the frame.

[0075] Figures 3 and 4 show parts of the power supply module 10. For clarity, some elements, such as protective covers, are not shown.

[0076] As illustrated in Figure 3, when the construction machine is in operation, the battery pack 12 is configured to be located within the module 10. The articulated arms 14 of the device 13, each having a hydraulic cylinder 28 and a handling rod 29, are connected to the battery pack via the free ends of the two rods 29. To remove the pack 12, the articulated hydraulic cylinders 28 are actuated by a hydraulic unit 22. In one preferred embodiment, the device 13 may comprise two articulated arms 14.

[0077] As illustrated in Figure 3, each of the two articulated arms 14 of the battery pack 12 includes two elements: a hydraulic cylinder 28 and a handling rod 29. These elements are connected by joints and fixed to the frame 11 by one of their ends. The cylinder 28 can be extended or retracted using pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical means. The handling rod 29 is a fixed-length rod.

[0078] The arm 14 is configured such that when the cylinder 28 is extended, the handling rod 29 rotates around a pivot axis located on the fixed frame 11.

[0079] The battery pack 12 can be connected to the arm 14 at the free end of the handling rod 29.

[0080] As shown in Figures 2 and 8, the connection between the installation / removal device 13 and the battery pack 12 can be made using two chains 25 attached to a lifting position 26 configured on the opposite side of the battery pack 12 and fixed to the free end of a handling rod 29.

[0081] Therefore, the handling rod 29 is rotated to move the battery pack between a position mounted on module 10 and a position precisely placed on a receiving surface that is not part of module 10.

[0082] Advantageously, attaching the battery pack 12 to the mounting / removal device 13 in at least two positions (lifting position 26) limits the untimely movement of the pack during mounting or removal. This limits the risk of the pack falling or colliding with other elements.

[0083] Preferably, the cylinder 28 is equipped with a fall prevention safety valve configured to block the position of the arm in the event of a hydraulic failure.

[0084] Figure 4 shows the configuration for removing the battery pack 12, in which the cylinder 28 is extended to precisely place the pack 12 on the receiving surface.

[0085] A method for mounting the pack 12 to the power supply module 10 includes the steps of connecting the handling rod 29 to the battery pack 12 when the cylinder 28 is extended, and rotating the handling rod 29 by retracting the cylinder 28 to mount the pack 12 to the frame 11 of the power supply module 10.

[0086] Figures 5 to 7 illustrate a method for removing the battery pack 12 when module 10 is installed on construction machine 1.

[0087] In the configuration shown in Figure 5, the battery pack 12 is initially in its mounting position on the frame of module 10, and the door 16 of the protective cover 15 is closed.

[0088] As illustrated in Figure 6, the door 16 is then opened to allow the pack 12 to be removed. This can be done manually by the operator 24 or automatically by an electric motor.

[0089] After the door is opened, operator 24 can use control unit 23 to begin removing the battery pack. The installation / removal device 13 can remove the pack 12 as shown in Figure 7.

[0090] Figure 8 shows a construction machine 1 including module 10 according to the present invention. In the illustrated configuration, the pack 12 is removed by an installation / removal device 13. As illustrated, in this embodiment, the pack 12 is connected to an arm 14 by a chain attached to the end of a handling rod 29 and mounted around a lifting position 26 configured to be located on the side wall of the battery pack 12. The chain 25 is used to act on the lifting position 26 and lift the pack 12. The movement of the articulated arm 14 then removes the pack from the frame or installs it onto the frame, respectively.

[0091] Figures 9 to 11 illustrate how to incorporate a power supply module into construction machinery 1, for example, in the context of converting a construction machine equipped with a combustion engine to an electric type.

[0092] As illustrated in Figure 9, in its initial configuration, the construction machine 1 includes an inertial mass that forms a counterweight 2 located at the rear of the machine. This counterweight balances the weight carried by the construction machine's shovel 3.

[0093] In the first step illustrated in Figure 10, the counterweight 2 is removed from the construction machine 1.

[0094] In the second step illustrated in Figure 11, the power supply module 10 according to the present invention is installed in place of the counterweight 2.

[0095] Advantageously, the main components of the power supply module 10 are sized to replace the counterweight 2. In addition, it incorporates all the components necessary for the installation and removal of the battery pack. This eliminates the need to modify the structure of the construction machine to power it, in particular to allow the installation of a battery pack to power an electric motor that replaces the original combustion engine. Thus, the present invention simplifies the conversion of a machine with a combustion power source to an electric one by minimizing the structural and / or functional modifications made to such a machine.

[0096] The present invention also utilizes the large mass of the battery pack 12 to enable module 10 in the operational configuration of the construction machine, i.e., module 10 when the battery pack 12 is mounted on module 10, to perform at least substantially a counterweight function for the construction machine.

[0097] Other modifications and improvements may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although described with reference to a backhoe, the present invention is applicable to any construction machinery, in particular to construction machinery for carrying out civil engineering, cargo handling, railway construction and / or river construction. Figures 12, 13, and 14 illustrate a wheel loader, bulldozer, and compactor equipped with a power supply module according to the present invention, respectively.

[0098] Figures 15, 16, 17, and 18 illustrate a construction machine 1 that includes a power module 10 with an installation / removal device 13 that includes a single articulated arm 30 for installing and removing a battery pack 12.

[0099] The articulated arm 30 is fixed to the module frame at one end and has a free end for connecting to the battery pack 12. The articulated arm 30 is advantageously configured to be mounted to the center of gravity of the battery pack to improve the stability of the mounting / removal device 13. In this case, the battery pack 12 is advantageously provided with a central groove on its front that allows the articulated arm 30 to be received when it is in a mounting position on the frame.

[0100] Figures 15 and 16 are side and top views, respectively, of the battery pack mounted on the frame of module 10. Figures 17 and 18 are side and top views, respectively, of the battery pack in a detached state.

[0101] Figures 19, 20, and 21 illustrate alternative embodiments of the protective cover 15.

[0102] In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, the protective cover 15 includes a single door 16 fixed to the upper end of the protective cover and configured to pivot upward and open. In the open configuration, the door allows for the installation and removal of the battery pack.

[0103] In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the protective cover 15 includes a single door 16 fixed to the lower end of the protective cover and configured to pivot downward and open. In the open configuration, the door allows for the installation and removal of the battery pack.

[0104] In the embodiment shown in Figure 21, the protective cover 15 includes a rear guard 31 fixed to the rear surface of the battery pack 12. The rear guard 31 is not rigidly connected to the rest of the protective cover 15. Nevertheless, when the battery pack is in its mounting position on the frame, the rear guard 31, together with the rest of the protective cover 15, forms a continuous guard around the entire battery pack. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1. Construction machinery 3 Shovels 10 Power supply modules 10" Power supply module 11 frames 12 Battery Packs 13 devices 14. Multi-jointed arm 15 Protective cover 16 doors 17 Upper part 18 Guide 19 Lateral part 20 center part 21 Auxiliary battery 22 Hydraulic Unit 23 Control Unit 24 Operator 25 chain 26 Lifting position 27 Projection volume 28. Multi-joint hydraulic cylinder 29 Handling Rod 30 Multi-jointed arms 31 Rear guard

Claims

1. A power supply module (10, 10') intended to replace the inertial mass that forms the counterweight of a construction machine, - A frame (11) fixed to a structural part of the construction machine, configured to support a battery pack having a weight equal to at least a portion of the weight of the counterweight, and configured to supply power to at least one electric motor of the construction machine, - A device (13) for installing / removing the battery pack, configured to remove the battery pack from a position mounted on the frame to a position removed from the frame, or vice versa, A power supply module (10, 10') equipped with the following.

2. The module according to claim 1, comprising a protective cover (15) fixed to the frame and configured to be at least partially positioned around the battery pack in a mounting position on the frame, wherein the protective cover preferably comprises at least one door (16) configured to allow the battery pack to be removed using the device when in an open position.

3. The module according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a hydraulic unit (22) configured to supply hydraulic oil to the device, wherein the module preferably comprises at least one auxiliary battery (21) configured to supply power to the hydraulic unit.

4. The module according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one auxiliary battery (21) configured to supply power to the installation / removal device.

5. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a guide (18) configured to guide the battery pack when it is mounted on the frame.

6. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mounting / removal device includes two articulated arms (14) configured to be attached to the battery pack in two lifting positions (26).

7. It is a power supply kit, - A power supply module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, - A battery pack configured to be supported by the frame of the module, preferably including an onboard telematics device. A power supply kit equipped with the following features.

8. The power supply kit according to claim 7, wherein the overall shape of the battery pack is a rectangular parallelepiped, and it preferably has a volume protruding from one face of the rectangular parallelepiped having an L-shaped cross-section.

9. The construction machine (1) wherein the inertial mass forming the counterweight (2) is replaced by the module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A method for electrifying construction machinery, a) A step of removing the inertial mass that forms the counterweight of the construction machine, b) The step of mounting the power supply module according to any one of claims 1 to 6 by fixing the frame of the module to the structural part of the construction machine instead of the counterweight, c) The step of electrically connecting the power supply module to the electric motor. A method that includes this.

11. A method for removing and charging a battery pack mounted on the power supply module of the construction machine described in claim 9, a1) The step of removing the battery pack using the installation / removal device of the module and placing it on a suitable trailer, b1) The step of moving the trailer to the charging station, c1) The step of electrically connecting the battery pack to the charging station and charging it. A method that includes this.

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