A battery arrangement for a vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle A vehicle has a modular battery arrangement (210) positionable within a volume bound by a wheel rim (201). The modular battery arrangement comprises two or more stackable batteries (211, 212, 213) that can be selectively supported by the rim. The modular battery arrangement may provide an additional source of electrical power for the vehicle, which may be electrically driven. The vehicle may be an agricultural vehicle and the modular battery arrangement may be used to provide ballast in place of wheel weights.

Description

A BATTERY ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of vehicles, including agricultural vehicles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In modem agricultural environments, there is an ever-increasing use and reliance upon agricultural vehicles, such as a tractors, (combine) harvesters or mowers.

[0004] There is an ongoing demand to reduce a reliance upon and / or consumption of fossil fuels, particularly petroleum-derived products such as gasoline or diesel, to drive agricultural vehicles. One approach to achieving this goal is to switch to an alternative energy supply, such as electric power. Typically, this comprises adding a battery to the agricultural vehicle for providing the electric power.

[0005] There is therefore a desire to provide a vehicle with one or more batteries for providing electrical power.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0007] According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising at least one wheel comprising: a rim configured to rotate with forward and rearward motion of the vehicle; and a modular battery arrangement positioned at least partially within a volume bound by the rim, wherein the modular battery arrangement comprises two or more batteries that are removably supported by the rim.

[0008] The two or more batteries of the modular battery arrangement may be stackable with respect to one another.

[0009] Each of the two or more batteries may comprise a battery coupler configured to electrically couple said battery to another battery stacked on said battery.

[0010] Each of the two or more batteries of the modular battery arrangement may have an annular cross-sectional shape.

[0011] In some examples, the vehicle further comprises an axle coupled to the rim, wherein the modular battery arrangement is positioned around the axle.

[0012] The vehicle may comprise a first set of one or more electrical connectors configured to extend through the axle and connect to the modular battery arrangement.

[0013] Each battery may comprise a battery housing and a plurality of battery cells enclosed by the battery housing.

[0014] In some examples, each battery comprises a coupling element configured to facilitate structural coupling of the battery to another battery and / or the rim.

[0015] In some examples, each battery comprises one or more fluid passages for carrying coolant to cool the battery.

[0016] In some examples, each battery comprises a coolant connector configured to connect to a coolant system for controlling coolant flow within the one or more fluid passages of the battery.

[0017] The vehicle may comprise the coolant system.

[0018] The two or more batteries may comprise three or more batteries, e.g., four or more batteries.

[0019] The modular battery arrangement may be entirely positioned within the volume bound by the rim.

[0020] The vehicle may further comprise a ground engaging member on the rim.

[0021] In some examples, the ground engaging member defines a ground engaging member volume, being a volume having bounds defined by the ground engaging member; and the modular battery arrangement is located entirely within the ground engaging member volume.

[0022] The ground engaging member may be a tire defining a tire volume, being a volume having bounds defined by the tire; and the modular battery arrangement is located entirely within the tire volume.

[0023] The ground engaging member may be a track defining a track volume, being a volume having bounds defined by the track; and the modular battery arrangement is located entirely within the track volume.

[0024] The vehicle may comprise a plurality of wheels, wherein the plurality of wheels comprises the at least one wheel, wherein at least one set of the plurality of wheels are coupled by a respective track.

[0025] The vehicle may be an electrical vehicle comprising an electric drivetrain for powering at least one wheel, wherein the modular battery arrangement provides electrical power for the electric drivetrain.

[0026] The at least one wheel may comprise two wheels located on opposite sides of the vehicle on a common axle.

[0027] The vehicle may be an agricultural vehicle and may be an agricultural tractor.

[0028] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an existing agricultural vehicle;

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a wheel for a proposed agricultural vehicle;

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a battery for a proposed approach;

[0033] FIG. 4 is an alternative view of the battery; and

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a coupling element for a battery.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The invention will be described with reference to the figures.

[0036] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0037] There is provided a vehicle having a modular battery arrangement positionable within a volume bound by a rim of a wheel. The modular battery arrangement comprises two or more batteries that can be selectively supported by the rim. The vehicle may be an agricultural vehicle.

[0038] The term vertical, as used herein, means substantially parallel to the direction of gravity when the agricultural vehicle is located on a flat surface perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Terms describing positioning or location (such as above, below, top,bottom, etc.) are to be construed in conjunction with the orientation of the structures illustrated in the diagrams.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an existing agricultural vehicle 110. In the illustrated example, the agricultural vehicle 110 is a tractor, but other suitable agricultural vehicles will be apparent to the skilled person (e.g., (combine) harvesters, mowers, or sprayers and the like).

[0040] The agricultural vehicle 110 comprises a chassis 120 and a wheel 130. The wheel 130 comprises a rim 131. The rim is configured to rotate with forward and rearward motion of the agricultural vehicle 110, i.e., operate as a wheel.

[0041] In practice, a wheel 130 will typically comprise a rim 131 and a ground engaging member in the form of a tire 132 mounted to the rim. The rim 131 and tire 132 together rotate together with forward and rearward motion of the agricultural vehicle. Alternative, ground engaging members that may be associated with the wheel 130 include an endless track.

[0042] A typical agricultural vehicle 110 comprises a plurality of wheels. In some examples, one or more sets of wheels are driven by a wheel driving arrangement configured to control and drive a rotation of the rim and tire. Similarly, in some examples, one or more sets of wheels are steered by a wheel steering arrangement. The operation of the wheel driving arrangement and the wheel steering arrangement may be user-defined, automated or semiautomated, as is well known in the art.

[0043] In alternative embodiments, the rim 131 may be part of a wheel in a track drive arrangement for the vehicle 110 in which the wheel is at least partly surrounded by an endless ground engaging track which propels the vehicle along the ground when driven. The wheel 130 in this case may be one of several wheels supporting and / or driving the track. The vehicle may have multiple track drive arrangements, e.g., at least one on either side. The vehicle 110 may have a combination of track drives having wheels 130 with a rim 131 and wheels 130 with a rim 131 and ground engaging tire 132.

[0044] It is known for an agricultural vehicle to further comprise a weight 133 positioned within a volume bounded by the rim 131 of the wheel 130. The volume bounded by the rim is generally cylindrical, and defines a space, region, or zone between different portions of the rim. A common label for such a weight 133 is awheel weight. The weight 133 is typically directly secured to the rim 131 using one or more securing elements 134, such as bolts, screws, or other fixtures.

[0045] In one aspect, the present invention proposes to fully or partially replace the weight 133 with a modular battery arrangement, comprising two or more batteries. This approach advantageously provides (e.g., additional) battery functionality to an agriculturalvehicle. In particular, it has been recognized that a modular battery arrangement can perform the function of a (wheel) weight, as well as providing electrical storage for the agricultural vehicle. By providing a modular battery arrangement, the amount of electrical storage and / or the mass of the weight can be controlled, defined or otherwise chosen by an operator of the agricultural vehicle. In particular, one or more of the batteries may be removed or added to change the electrical storage capacity and / or mass of the modular battery arrangement.

[0046] In this way, a modular battery arrangement is used for a dual purpose, to act as the wheel weight(s) for the agricultural vehicle and to provide or contribute to the provision of electrical power for the agricultural vehicle. This advantageously avoids the need to, whilst attempting to increase the electrical storage capacity of the agricultural vehicle, provide additional space and / or weight for providing a battery for the agricultural vehicle. In particular, the modular battery arrangement may supplement any existing electrical storage capacity of the agricultural vehicle.

[0047] It will be understood that the use of the proposed modular battery arrangement does not, of course, exclude the possibility that one or more further additional or auxiliary batteries can also be provided. In particular, the or each proposed modular battery arrangement may act to supplement the electrical storage provided by a larger, main battery arrangement.

[0048] A proposed approach is hereafter described in the context of a single wheel for an agricultural vehicle. However, the skilled person will readily appreciate that the agricultural vehicle may comprise a plurality of wheels each having a modular battery arrangement as hereafter described. However, it is not essential that all wheels of the agricultural vehicle comprise a modular battery arrangement.

[0049] Thus, the vehicle may comprise one or more wheels comprising a modular battery arrangement (as herein disclosed) and, optionally, one or more additional wheels not comprising a modular battery arrangement. Various configurations for the selection of wheels of an agricultural vehicle are later described.

[0050] A different instance of the proposed modular battery arrangement may be provided in any wheel of the agricultural vehicle, e.g., a front, rear or middle wheel (if present).

[0051] FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of a wheel 200 of an agricultural vehicle according to a proposed approach. The wheel is a ground-contacting wheel of the agricultural vehicle.

[0052] The wheel 200 comprises a rim 201 having a tire 202 mounted thereon. The tire may be omitted or replaced with another element, such as a track, in some variations. Aspreviously mentioned, the rim (and therefore tire and wheel) is configured to rotate with a forward and rearward motion of the agricultural vehicle.

[0053] The wheel 200 further comprises a modular battery arrangement 210 comprising a plurality of batteries 211, 212, 213. In the illustrated example, the modular battery arrangement 210 comprises a first 211, second 212 and third 213 battery. However, the skilled person will appreciate that the modular battery arrangement may comprise any number of batteries, e.g., at least two, e.g., three or more, e.g., five or more.

[0054] In the context of the present invention, a battery is any suitable component or arrangement that is able to act as a source of electrical power, e.g., comprising one or more battery cells or electrochemical cells. Examples are well known to the skilled person. In some circumstances, an alternative label for a battery is a battery pack, particularly if the battery comprises a plurality of battery cells.

[0055] The batteries 211, 212, 213 of the modular battery arrangement 210 are releasably supported by and / or secured to the rim 201. In other words, each battery is able to be structurally supported by the rim (e.g., via one or more other components) without being permanently fixed or secured thereto.

[0056] The number of batteries in the modular battery arrangement 210 is changeable. Thus, each battery is configured to be releasably connected or formed in the modular battery arrangement, such that the choice and number of batteries in the modular battery arrangement can be changed. This allows for post-production changing of the electrical storage capacity and / or mass of the modular battery arrangement. This approach also allows batteries to be swapped or replaced, e.g., for maintenance, (re)charging, repair and / or analysis.

[0057] The batteries 211, 212, 213 of the modular battery arrangement 210 may be stackable on top of one another, e.g., so as to form a stack of batteries. This provides a compact mechanism for providing a modular battery arrangement 210 that can be easily coupled together. The use of stackable batteries also ensures that a balance of the wheel can be maintained, e.g., as the stack of batteries can maintain a weight distribution about the area of the wheel.

[0058] In particular, the batteries 211, 212, 213 of the modular battery arrangement may be stackable in an axial direction of the wheel. This helps to maintain a balance of the wheel.

[0059] More particularly, the batteries 211, 212, 213 of the modular battery arrangement may be stacked and secured to one another, to form a secure stack of batteries (e.g., in which separation of the batteries, e.g., by the force of gravity alone, is not possible).

[0060] Each battery may comprise a plurality of battery cells 215. Each battery may, for instance, comprise a battery housing 216 configured to house and / or enclose the plurality of battery cells. The number of battery cells 215 may, for instance, depend upon an available space for the battery within the volume of the rim.

[0061] In some embodiments, the wheel 200 is mounted to an axle 220, which may be coupled to the rim (e.g., for a driven wheel). Thus, rotation of the axle causes rotation of the rim (and vice versa). In other examples, the wheel 200 is configured to rotate about the axle 220, e.g., if the wheel is a non-driven wheel.

[0062] In embodiments, each battery may be located around the axle 220. For instance, each battery may have an annular cross-sectional shape, such that the battery is able to encircle the axle 220, e.g., be positioned concentrically with respect to the axle 220. This improves a weight distribution of the wheel when comprising the modular battery arrangement.

[0063] In some examples, each battery comprises a battery coupler (not visible) configured to electrically couple said battery to another battery, e.g., stacked on said battery. The battery coupler may, for instance, comprise an electrical connector for electrically connecting the battery to another battery, e.g., so that the batteries can be connected in series and / or parallel. Thus, the modular battery arrangement may comprise a set of batteries connected in series or parallel via the battery coupler(s).

[0064] The agricultural vehicle may comprise an electrical arrangement configured to be at least partially powered by the battery. In particular, the electrical arrangement may comprise any component that is positioned away from the wheel, i.e., outside the volume bound by the rim, such as a driving arrangement for a wheel and / or any other electrical component of the agricultural vehicle, such as lighting, control circuitry or components for performing an agricultural task, e.g., a thresher or harvester for a combine harvester. The electrical arrangement may, for instance, comprise a main battery for the agricultural vehicle.

[0065] More particularly, in preferred examples, a drivetrain of the agricultural vehicle is at least partially electrically powered. The modular battery arrangement may be configured to at least partially power the drivetrain. Of course, the agricultural vehicle may comprise one or more other batteries (e.g., a main battery not housed in any wheel) for providing additional electrical storage for powering the drivetrain. In such examples, the proposed approach provides additional electrical capacity for the agricultural vehicle, e.g., to extend the range of the agricultural vehicle or to provide additional power for high power demand, e.g., if a high level of torque is required for moving the vehicle within a field.

[0066] In more advantageous examples, the agricultural vehicle is an electric agricultural vehicle (e.g., absent a combustion engine for moving the agricultural vehicle). Proposed embodiments are particularly advantageous in these circumstances for additional electrical power.

[0067] The modular battery arrangement may be electrically connected to the electrical arrangement of the agricultural vehicle.

[0068] In one example, the axle 220 may carry one or more electrical conductors for connecting to the modular battery arrangement 210. In particular, the axle may comprise a hollow pipe or passage through which one or more electrical conductors are positioned. The axle may comprise an electrical connector for connecting the electrical conductor to the modular battery arrangement, e.g., to one or each battery of the modular battery arrangement. In examples in which each battery is connected to another battery via a battery coupler, e.g., so that the two or more batteries are connected to one another, then the electrical connector need only connect to one of the batteries (e.g., one of the battery couplers) of the modular battery arrangement.

[0069] The agricultural vehicle may comprise, for each modular battery arrangement, a rotary electrical connection for electrically connecting the modular battery arrangement to the electrical arrangement of the agricultural vehicle. The rotary electrical connection allows the modular battery arrangement to spin with the wheel whilst still facilitating the storage of electrical energy for the agricultural vehicle.

[0070] For a driven wheel (i.e., one that rotates with the axle), the rotary connection may be positioned between the axle and some other component statically mounted to the chassis of the agricultural vehicle, such as an axle housing. Thus, the rotary electrical connection could be inboard from the wheel. For a non-driven wheel (i.e., one that rotates about the axle), the rotary electrical connection may be between the wheel and the axle.

[0071] Alternative approaches for connecting the modular battery arrangement to the electrical arrangement of the agricultural vehicle will be apparent to the skilled person, and further examples are described later in this document.

[0072] The modular battery arrangement 210 may be mountable to the rim 201 via a support element 230. In particular, the support element 230 may be structurally connectable to one or more of the batteries in order to structurally support the modular battery arrangement 210. Approaches for coupling a support element to a battery are later described.

[0073] If used, the support element 230 may be mounted to the rim 201, e.g., using one or more bolts or fixedly secured thereto.

[0074] FIG. 3 illustrates a battery 211 for use in a modular battery arrangement according to a proposed approach.

[0075] The battery 211 has an annular cross-sectional shape or area, e.g., for fitting or accommodating at least an axle for a wheel. In other words, each battery may be annular. Thus, the battery 211 may comprise a central aperture or hole 305 configured to fit around an axle for the wheel.

[0076] However, an annular cross-sectional area is not essential, e.g., if there is no axle positioned within the volume bound by the rim. In such examples, the battery may have a circular cross-sectional shape. In other words, each battery may be circular.

[0077] The battery 211 comprises one or more, e.g., a plurality, of battery cells 215 that are housed within a battery housing 216 of the battery 211. The number of battery cells may, for instance, depend upon an available space within the battery housing 216 of the battery and / or a size of the battery.

[0078] Any suitable or known battery cell may be used, including cylindrical cells (e.g., the 18650 battery cell, the 21700 battery cell or, preferably, the 4680 battery cell), prismatic cells and / or pouch cells. The selection and / or choice of battery cell may depend upon the desired electrical storage capability, material availability, power demand, and / or design of the battery.

[0079] In examples in which the battery is circular and / or annular, the outside diameter of the battery may be a standard industry size for an inner part of the rim. Known rims for use with agricultural vehicles vary in diameter from 32 inches to 46 inches. For instance, known rim diameters include: 32 inches, 38 inches, 42 inches and 46 inches.

[0080] The battery further comprises at least one coupling element 320 configured to facilitate structural coupling of the battery to another battery and / or the rim. Here, the battery comprises a plurality of coupling elements.

[0081] FIG. 4 provides a partial cross-sectional view of the battery 211 for use in a modular battery arrangement according to a proposed approach. FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged view of the coupling element 320 of a battery for improved contextual understanding. Reference will also be made to FIG. 2.

[0082] FIGS. 4 and 5 more clearly illustrate an example structure of the least one coupling element 320 configured to facilitate structural coupling of the battery to another battery and / or the rim. Here, the battery comprises a plurality of coupling elements.

[0083] Each coupling element may comprise a battery mounting hole 410 through which a bolt or other mounting element (e.g., a screw) can be passed, e.g., to couple the batteryto another battery and / or support element. In particular, a mounting element may pass through the battery mounting hole of each battery and engage with (the sidewall of) a support mounting hole positioned on a support element. The mounting element may thereby contact the support element and the (sidewall of the) most distant battery mounting hole from the support element to secure the batteries of the modular battery arrangement together and to the support element.

[0084] The battery 211 may further comprise one or more centering members 420 each configured to engage with a respective centering aperture 430 of another battery and / or support element 320. The centering member 420 will be received within the centering aperture 430 to align the battery mounting holes. It will be appreciated that the support element 230 may also comprise one or more centering members 231 configured to engage with a centering aperture 430 of a battery and / or one or more centering apertures for receiving a centering member.

[0085] The centering member 420 may, for instance, comprise a protrusion having a frustum or conical outer shape to be received with a correspondingly shaped centering aperture 430 (e.g., having a frustum or conical shape). This facilitates improved ease of installing or mounting the battery 211 to another battery and / or support element. The centering member(s) of the support element may be configured and / or structured in a same / similar way.

[0086] In the illustrated example, the support element comprises one or more centering members 420 each configured to be received in a respective centering aperture 430 of a battery. In alternative examples, the support element comprises one or more centering apertures each configured to receive a respective centering member of a battery. Of course, in some examples, the support element comprises a combination of one or more centering members 420 and one or more centering apertures.

[0087] In some examples, each centering member 420 (and centering aperture) of the battery is associated with a different battery mounting hole. In particular, the centering member 420 may comprise or define the battery mounting hole 410 (e.g., passing therethrough). The centering member will thereby provide additional structural support in the vicinity of the battery mounting hole. This approach also increases the amount of space available for battery cells within the batteries, e.g., compared to separate centering members and battery mounting holes.

[0088] In particular, each centering member 420 (as illustrated) or centering aperture of the battery may define a surface 425 against which a bolt 510 or other securing element can rest in order to secure a stack of two or more batteries together, to define the modular battery arrangement. In particular, the centering member 320 of one of the batteries may also comprise a recess for receiving a bolt head of a bolt 510.

[0089] In other examples, the centering members of the battery and the battery mounting holes are positioned in different locations.

[0090] The support element may comprise a corresponding number of centering members and / or apertures, shaped similarly to those of the battery / batteries. This facilitates stacking of the batteries on the top of the support element, by aligning the centering members / apertures of the batteries with one another and with the corresponding centering members / aperture of the support element.

[0091] To assemble the modular battery arrangement, a stack of batteries may be formed, with each centering member of each battery (and optionally support element) fitting into a centering aperture of another battery (and optionally support element), forming one or more sets of stacked centering members. The battery mounting hole(s) of each stack of batteries are thereby aligned, forming one or more sets of aligned battery mounting holes. To secure the stack of batteries a respective bolt (or other securing member) is passed through each set of aligned battery mounting holes, and engaged with the support element. The support element may thereby comprise a bolt receiving aperture for receiving the bolt. The bolt and the bolt receiving aperture may be threaded to facilitate engagement of the two elements together.

[0092] The bolt may abut the exterior of the outermost battery mounting hole to thereby secure the modular battery arrangement to the support element, e.g., engage with the surface 425 of a centering member 420 or centering aperture that receives the bolt.

[0093] In this way, each battery can be fastened, secured or attached to another battery and / or a support element of the wheel of the agricultural vehicle. This provides a mechanism for forming a modular battery arrangement and for structurally supporting the modular battery arrangement to the rim of an agricultural vehicle.

[0094] The centering member(s) also serve to provide a frictional retaining force between the batteries and / or the support element. This can aid during installation, e.g., to temporarily hold the modular battery assembly together and / or to the support element, e.g., whilst the mounting element(s) are installed.

[0095] In some examples, each battery comprises one or more fluid passages for carrying coolant to cool the battery. The configuration of the one or more fluid passages will depend upon the structure and layout of the battery, as will be readily apparent to the appropriately skilled person. Examples of fluid passages include hoses, pipes, canals, apertures or other examples of fluid passages.

[0096] In some examples, each battery further comprises a coolant connector configured to connect to a coolant system for controlling coolant flow within the one or morefluid passages of the battery. The coolant connector may be configured to receive coolant from the coolant system (and pass this coolant to the fluid passage(s)) and output (heated) coolant (from the fluid passage(s)) to the coolant system.

[0097] The coolant system may correspondingly comprise a coolant connection element for connecting to the coolant connector of the / each battery. The coolant connection element may be configured to close or shut off (e.g., in a failsafe closed position) if not connected to the coolant connector of a battery, to avoid or reduce coolant leakage.

[0098] In some examples, each battery comprises an output coolant connector for connecting to a coolant connector of another battery. This effectively means that the (coolant) fluid passages of different batteries can be daisy-chained together for improved efficiency.

[0099] The agricultural vehicle may comprise the coolant system, e.g., located separately from the wheel(s). In particular, the coolant system may be the (only) coolant system of the agricultural vehicle, to integrate the modular battery arrangement into the coolant system thereof. This approach avoids a need for a self-contained coolant system on the or each battery (although this is an alternative embodiment), thereby providing additional room or space for greater electrical storage of the battery.

[0100] In one example, the axle may carry one or more coolant conduits for connecting to the modular battery arrangement. In particular, the axle may comprise one or more hollow pipes or passages through which coolant may flow. The axle may comprise a coolant system connector for connecting to the coolant connector of a battery, e.g., to one or each battery of the modular battery arrangement. In examples in which each battery is connected to another battery via an output coolant coupler, e.g., so that the two or more batteries are connected to one another, then the coolant system connector need only connect to one of the batteries (e.g., one of the coolant connectors) of the modular battery arrangement.

[0101] In a similar manner to the use of one or more rotary electrical connections, the agricultural vehicle may comprise, for each modular battery arrangement, a rotary coolant connection for connecting the fluid passage(s) to the coolant system of the agricultural vehicle. The rotary coolant connection allows the modular battery arrangement to spin with the wheel whilst still facilitating the provision of coolant to the modular battery arrangement.

[0102] In another example, the agricultural vehicle may comprise a coolant system positioned within the rim volume of the rim, e.g., having an annular cross-sectional shape. The coolant system may be powered, for instance, by the modular battery arrangement.

[0103] In yet other examples, each battery may comprise its own self-contained coolant system, e.g., powered by the battery cells of the battery.

[0104] The wheel of the agricultural vehicle may further comprise one or more (wheel) weights. In particular, each wheel weight may be similarly structured to a battery, but absent any battery cells (e.g., replacing the battery cells with ballast). This facilitates a modular weighting system that is able to control or define the weight of the wheel. As an example, each weight may comprise a corresponding number and configuration of centering elements and / or apertures as a battery. In use a combination of batteries and non-battery wheel weights may be mounted to the wheel rim.

[0105] In versions of any above-described embodiments, the wheel comprises a tire that defines a tire volume, being a volume having bounds defined by the tire; and the modular battery arrangement is located entirely within the tire volume. This avoids the modular battery arrangement from reaching outside the horizontal extend of the tire, reducing a likelihood of damaging the modular battery arrangement through impact with external elements such as walls or other obstructions.

[0106] In other versions of any above-described embodiments, the wheel is part of a track drive arrangement and is at least partially surrounded by an endless, ground engaging track that defines a track volume, being a volume having bounds defined by the track; and the modular battery arrangement is located entirely within the track volume. This avoids the modular battery arrangement from reaching outside the horizontal extend of the track, reducing a likelihood of damaging the modular battery arrangement through impact with external elements such as walls or other obstructions.

[0107] In some examples, the modular battery arrangement is entirely positioned within the volume bound by the rim. This further reduces a likelihood of damage to the modular battery arrangement.

[0108] The skilled person will readily appreciate that the agricultural vehicle may comprise one or more other elements that have not been described for the sake of completeness, e.g., a cabin, a combustion engine, control circuitry, sensing circuitry and so on.

[0109] Preferably, a drivetrain of the agricultural vehicle is at least partially electrically powered. Such embodiments are particularly advantageous as the proposed modular battery system can be used to power and / or drive the agricultural vehicle.

[0110] In preferred examples, the agricultural vehicle comprises at least one set of two wheels (each comprising a modular battery arrangement), each wheel in a same set being positioned on opposite (e.g., left and right) sides of the agricultural vehicle. This advantageously maintains a balance of the agricultural vehicle about a roll axis (i.e., an axis lying in a direction of travel) of the agricultural vehicle. In particular, the wheels in a same setmay be positioned to lie along a transverse axis of the agricultural vehicle. A transverse axis is an axis that is perpendicular to a forward and rearward direction of the agricultural vehicle.[oni] In one example, at least one set of two wheels (each comprising a modular battery arrangement) is the rearmost set of wheels of the agricultural vehicle. One advantage of this approach is that the rearmost set of wheels are usually the largest, providing additional space for batteries.

[0112] In one example, at least one set of two wheels (each comprising a modular battery arrangement) is the foremost set of wheels of the agricultural vehicle. One advantage of this approach is to increase a ballast at the front of the vehicle, e.g., to act as a counterweight to an implement being towed by the agricultural vehicle (where relevant).

[0113] Other suitable positions for wheels comprising modular battery arrangements will be readily apparent to the skilled person.

[0114] In some embodiments, each driven wheel of the agricultural vehicle comprises a modular battery arrangement. A driven wheel is a wheel having a rim coupled to an axle that rotates with the rim and controls the rotation of the rim. Thus, the at least one wheel (each comprising a modular battery arrangement) may comprise at least the driven wheels of the agricultural vehicle.

[0115] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. For example, whilst embodiments of the invention have been described in which the vehicle is an agricultural vehicle and where the modular battery arrangement can be used to fully or partially replace conventional wheel weight(s) to increase the electrical power storage capacity of the vehicle without increasing its overall weight, the concept of a modular battery arrangement mountable within the rim of a wheel can be adopted in any type of vehicle. For example, in some applications, the additional weight may be acceptable to provide additional electrical power storage capacity. This may be particularly true for other types of utility vehicle, especially for utility vehicles used in the construction industry, such as excavators and bulldozers, where additional weight on the wheels may be acceptable or even advantageous.

[0116] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "arrangement" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0117] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0118] All references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entireties. If there is a conflict between definitions herein and in an incorporated reference, the definition herein shall control.

Claims

CLAIMS:What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle (110) comprising at least one wheel comprising: a rim (201) configured to rotate with forward and rearward motion of the vehicle; and a modular battery arrangement (210) positioned at least partially within a volume bound by the rim, wherein the modular battery arrangement comprises two or more batteries (211, 212, 213) that are removably supported by the rim, wherein the two or more batteries of the modular battery arrangement are stackable with respect to one another.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein each of the two or more batteries comprises a battery coupler configured to electrically couple said battery to another battery stacked on said battery.

3. The vehicle of any of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the two or more batteries of the modular battery arrangement have an annular cross-sectional shape.

4. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the vehicle further comprises an axle (220) coupled to the rim of the wheel, wherein the modular battery arrangement is positioned around the axle.

5. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the vehicle comprises a respective first set of one or more electrical connectors configured to extend through the axle and connect to the modular battery arrangement.

6. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each battery comprises a battery housing (216) and a plurality of battery cells (215) enclosed by the battery housing.

7. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each battery comprises a coupling element (320) configured to facilitate structural coupling of the battery to another battery and / or the rim.

8. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each battery comprises one or more fluid passages for carrying coolant to cool the battery.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein each battery comprises a coolant connector configured to connect to a coolant system for controlling coolant flow within the one or more fluid passages of the battery.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the vehicle comprises the coolant system.

11. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the two or more batteries comprises three or more batteries.

12. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the modular battery arrangement is entirely positioned within the volume bound by the rim.

13. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the vehicle is an electrical vehicle comprising an electric drivetrain for powering at least one wheel, wherein the modular battery arrangement provides electrical power for the electric drivetrain.

14. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the vehicle is an agricultural vehicle and wherein, optionally, the vehicle is an agricultural tractor.

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