A guiding and locking system for an electrical energy storage pack

The guiding and locking system for electrical energy storage packs addresses inefficiencies in conventional charging by ensuring stable and secure engagement, reducing mechanical stress and downtime, and maintaining connectivity, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in heavy-duty vehicle operations.

WO2026047542A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-03-05SUN MOBILITY PTE LTD
View PDF 8 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/IB2025/058602
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-08-28
Filing Date
2025-08-26
Publication Date
2026-03-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional charging methods for electrical energy storage packs in heavy-duty vehicles face inefficiencies such as lengthy charging times, queue congestion, and risks of disconnection due to vibrations, leading to potential damage and increased maintenance costs.

Method used

A guiding and locking system comprising a base plate with parallel rails and clamps that ensure precise alignment and secure engagement of the energy storage packs, using guide and load tracks to stabilize movement and prevent wobbling, with lock mechanisms to maintain connection integrity during transit and operation.

Benefits of technology

The system ensures stable and vibration-resistant positioning, reduces mechanical stress, minimizes downtime, and maintains uninterrupted electrical and thermal connectivity, enhancing safety and efficiency in energy storage pack handling.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure IB2025058602_05032026_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure IB2025058602_05032026_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a guiding and locking system for an electrical energy storage pack cassette comprising a base plate on which a guidance system is mounted. The guidance system includes a plurality of rails arranged in a spaced-apart and parallel configuration. Each rail includes a guide track oriented vertically and a load track oriented horizontally, wherein the load track is perpendicular to the guide track. The load track serves as a path for load rollers on the cassette, and the guide track provides guidance for guide rollers to maintain alignment. A locking system is also mounted on a base plate, wherein the base plate comprises a lock plate receiver at the operational front of the base plate, a set of front clamps at the front of the base plate, and a plurality of rear clamps at the rear of the base plate.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

A guiding and locking system for an electrical energy storage packCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONThis application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application IN202441065105, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to securing an electrical energy storage packs (also referred to herein as a cassette), and more particularly to a guiding and locking system for secure and efficient insertion and extraction of the cassette at a charging and interchange station and / or in a vehicle.BACKGROUND

[0002] The global transition towards electric vehicles, particularly in the realm of heavy- duty transportation like trucks and buses, underscores the numerous advantages they offer over traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. However, as the demand for electrical energy storage pack operated heavy electric vehicles rises, so do the challenges associated with their operation, especially regarding electrical energy storage pack management.

[0003] One prominent issue lies in the inefficiencies of conventional charging methods, including lengthy charging times, queue congestion at charging stations, and limited driving range. To address these concerns, the concept of electrical energy storage pack interchange has emerged as a promising alternative. Electrical energy storage pack interchange entail the rapid exchange of depleted electrical energy storage packs with fully charged ones, thereby minimizing vehicle downtime, and enhancing operational efficiency.

[0004] Yet, the successful implementation of swappable electrical energy storage pack systems hinges on the development of robust and efficient mechanisms to handle the bulky cassettes required for heavy vehicles. This entails the creation of specialized machinery and infrastructure capable of safely and seamlessly removing and inserting these bulky electrical energy storage packs into vehicles or charging / interchange stations.

[0005] One critical aspect of this process involves ensuring an efficient guiding system to seamlessly direct the movement of electrical energy storage packs within the interchange station and the vehicle's electrical energy storage pack holding compartment.

[0006] Further, the bulky electrical energy storage packs are to be held securely within the vehicle's electrical energy storage pack dock or interchange infrastructure. Given the dynamic nature of heavy vehicle operation, the electrical energy storage packs are subjected to significant vibrations and movement, which could potentially lead to disconnections of electrical and cooling plugs. Such disruptions not only pose risks to the integrity of the electrical energy storage pack cells, electric circuits, and associated components but also incur considerable repair costs.

[0007] Therefore, the incorporation of reliable locking mechanisms is imperative to safeguard against these risks and ensure the uninterrupted operation of electrical energy storage pack powered heavy vehicles. These mechanisms must be engineered with precision to withstand the rigours of transportation while maintaining a secure connection between the electrical energy storage pack and the vehicle or charging infrastructure.

[0008] Hence, there is a need in the art for solutions which will overcome the above mentioned drawback(s), among othersOBJECTS

[0009] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose systems and methods for guiding and locking of an electrical energy storage pack at a charging and interchange station and / or a vehicle.

[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to ensure stable, rigid, and vibrationresistant positioning of the electrical energy storage pack during transit and operation.

[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to prevent disconnections of electrical and cooling interfaces by maintaining secure engagement between the electrical energy storage pack and system connectors.

[0012] Another object of embodiments herein is to improve operational safety and reliability of electrical energy storage pack handling in dynamic heavy vehicle environments.

[0013] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide compact and modular guiding and locking systems suitable for space-constrained applications in vehicles and stations.

[0014] Another object of embodiments herein is to reduce investment and maintenance costs associated with energy storage pack handling mechanisms and infrastructure.

[0015] Another object of embodiments herein is to support scalable deployment of electrical energy storage pack interchange systems for various vehicle sizes and operational contexts.

[0016] Another object of embodiments herein is to enable user-friendly and automated operation of guiding and locking mechanisms with minimal human intervention.

[0017] Another object of embodiments herein is to enhance compatibility and interoperability between electrical energy storage packs, vehicles, and charging or interchange infrastructure.

[0018] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating at least one embodiment and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.SUMMARY

[0019] A guiding and locking system for an electrical energy storage pack cassette comprises a base plate on which a guidance system is mounted. The guidance system includes a plurality of rails arranged in a spaced-apart and parallel configuration. The rails are mounted along the length of the base plate, allowing the load and guide rollers to roll smoothly during insertion and extraction. The rails provide stability to the cassette, preventing wobbling and misalignment during insertion and extraction within a vehicle dock or a compartment of a charging and interchange station. Each rail includes a guide track oriented vertically and a load track oriented horizontally, wherein the load track is perpendicular to the guide track. The load track serves as a path for load rollers on the cassette, and the guide track provides guidance for guide rollers to maintain alignment.

[0020] A locking system is also mounted on a base plate, wherein the base plate comprises a lock plate receiver at the operational front of the base plate, a set of front clamps at the front of the base plate, and a plurality of rear clamps at the rear of the base plate. The lock plate receiver is designed to receive a lock plate of a cassette arrestor, mounted on the cassette’s front panel, to prevent any back and forth motion, once the cassette has been inserted. Each front clamp includes a vertical body and a horizontal projection facing the operationalfront, which engages with a front clamp receiver on the cassette during insertion and disengages during extraction. Similarly, each rear clamp includes a vertical body and a projection facing the operational front that engages a rear clamp receiver on the cassette. The front and rear clamps are positioned in a parallel, and offset manner along the base plate’s length, creating a staggered arrangement. This prevents over-insertion of the cassette and ensures stability by locking it against unwanted rotational movement or wobbling.

[0021] The guidance and locking systems are configured to work together to ensure precise alignment, reduce risk of damage, and maintain a secure connection of the cassette throughout the interchange process. The entire system is engineered to withstand the rigors of transportation while ensuring seamless guidance and stable engagement of the electrical energy storage pack within the vehicle or station compartment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0022] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the following illustrative drawings. Embodiments herein are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a system for guiding and locking of an electrical energy storage pack (hereinafter referred to as a cassette) at a charging and interchange station and / or a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0024] FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a system for guiding and locking of an electrical energy storage pack at a charging and interchange station and / or a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0025] FIG. 2B illustrates a magnified view of a guidance system and a locking system (detail A), according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0026] FIG. 3 A illustrates a side view of a system for guiding and locking of electrical energy storage pack at an electrical energy storage pack a charging and interchange station and / or a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0027] FIG. 3B illustrates a magnified view of a rear clamp of a locking system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0028] FIG. 3C illustrates a sectional right-side view of a magnified view of a front clamp of a locking system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0029] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a system for guiding and locking of an electrical energy storage pack at a charging and interchange station and / or a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0030] FIG. 4B illustrates a magnified view of a rear clamp of the locking system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0031] FIG. 4C illustrates a magnified sectional view of a front clamp of the locking system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0032] FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of a system for guiding and locking of an electrical energy storage pack at a charging and interchange station and / or a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0033] FIG. 5B illustrates a magnified sectional view of a rear clamp of a locking system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0034] FIG. 5C illustrates a magnified view of a rear clamp of a locking system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0035] FIG. 6 A illustrates a side view of a cassette base plate with a locking system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0036] FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of a cassette arrestor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0037] FIG. 7 A illustrates a sectional side view of a cassette base plate with a locking system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and

[0038] FIG. 7B illustrates a sectional side view of a cassette arrestor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0040] For the purposes of interpreting this specification, the definitions (as defined herein) will apply, and whenever appropriate, the terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” are to be construed as open-ended terms unless otherwise noted.

[0041] The words / phrases "exemplary", “example”, “illustration”, “in an instance”, “and the like”, “and so on”, “etc.”, “etcetera”, “e.g.,”, “i.e.,” are merely used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein using the words / phrases "exemplary", “example”, “illustration”, “in an instance”, “and the like”, “and so on”, “etc.”, “etcetera”, “e.g.,”, “i.e.,” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0042] Embodiments herein may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as managers, units, modules, hardware components or the like, are physically implemented by analogue and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by a firmware. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like. The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform otherfunctions of the block. Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0043] It should be noted that elements in the drawings are illustrated for the purposes of this description and ease of understanding and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts / sequence diagrams illustrate the method in terms of the steps required for understanding aspects of the embodiments as disclosed herein. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, in terms of the system, one or more components / modules which comprise the system may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0044] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any modifications, equivalents, and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding description. Usage of words such as first, second, third etc., to describe components / elements / steps is for the purposes of this description and should not be construed as sequential ordering / placement / occurrence unless specified otherwise.

[0045] The embodiments herein achieve systems and methods for guiding and locking of an electrical energy storage pack at a charging and interchange station and / or a vehicle that ensure precise alignment, secure engagement, and stability of the pack during insertion, operation, and removal. These systems facilitate quick and reliable interchange, while minimizing mechanical stress, reducing downtime, and maintaining uninterrupted electrical and thermal connectivity, thereby enhancing the overall safety, efficiency, and usability of the energy storage infrastructure..

[0046] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 7B, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.

[0047] Embodiments herein disclose an efficient guiding system to seamlessly direct the movement of electrical energy storage packs within the interchange station and / or the vehicle's electrical energy storage pack holding compartment. Embodiments herein ensure precise alignment and connection, minimizing the risk of damage and optimizing workflow during the interchange process. Embodiments herein ensure secure locking mechanisms to firmly hold the bulky electrical energy storage packs within the vehicle's electrical energy storage pack dock or interchange infrastructure. Embodiments herein are engineered with precision to withstand the rigours of transportation while maintaining a secure connection between the electrical energy storage pack and the vehicle or charging infrastructure.

[0048] The following terms and reference numerals have been referred to herein:100 - Guidance and Locking System102 - Dock Base Plate110 - Guidance System112 - Rail114 - Guide Track116 - Load Track120 - Lock Plate Receiver130 - Front Clamp132 - Body134 - Projection140 - Rear Clamp142 - Body144 - Projection150 - Cassette Base Plate152 - Cassette Arrestor154 - Lock Plate156 - Front Clamp Receiver158 - Rear Clamp Receiver

[0049] FIGs. 1-7 discloses a system 100 for guiding and locking of electrical energy storage pack or cassette at a charging and interchange station and / or a vehicle. The system 100 comprises a base plate 102, a guidance system 110, a lock plate receiver 120, a plurality of front clamps 130, and a plurality of rear clamps 140. These components work together to provide a secure and efficient mechanism for inserting and extracting an electrical energy storage pack cassette within a vehicle dock or an electrical energy storage pack compartment of a charging and interchange station.

[0050] The base plate 102 serves as the foundation for the mobility system 100. It is a flat, sturdy platform that supports and connects all other components of the system. The base plate 102 can be made of various materials (such as, but not limited to, metal, metal alloys, reinforced plastic, composite materials, and so on), depending on the specific requirements of the application to ensure longevity and reliability. The base plate 102 may also include one or more mounting points or attachment mechanisms (not shown) to secure it to the vehicle dock or charging station.

[0051] The base plate 102 could be designed with additional features to enhance its functionality. For instance, it could incorporate cooling channels (not shown), wherein the cooling channel can help regulate the temperature of the electrical energy storage pack during charging or operation. Alternatively, it could be equipped with sensors (not shown), wherein the sensors can monitor the position and status of the cassette, providing real-time data to the vehicle's or charging station's control systems.

[0052] The guidance system 110 is mounted on the base plate 102 and can assist in directing the movement of the cassette. The guidance system 110 is provided with a plurality of rails 112 placed in a spaced apart configuration and parallel to each other. The rails 112 extend along the length of the base plate 102 and provide stability to the cassette during insertion and extraction processes. The rails 112 prevent the cassette from wobbling and misalignment during insertion and extraction of the cassette from the vehicle dock or electrical energy storage pack compartment of the charging and interchange station.

[0053] Each rail 112 in the guidance system 110 is configured with two distinct tracks: a guide track 114 and a load track 116. The guide track 114 and load tracks 116 are configuredto be substantially perpendicular to each other. The load track 116 is configured to be horizontally mounted, wherein the load track 116 can provide a path for the plurality of load rollers mounted on the cassette. The load rollers roll on the load track 116 during insertion or extraction, and support the weight of the cassette and facilitating smooth movement. The guide track 114 is substantially vertically mounted, wherein the guide track 114 can provide guidance to a plurality of guide rollers mounted on the cassette. As the cassette is inserted or extracted, these guide rollers roll along the guide track 114, ensuring proper alignment and preventing lateral movement.

[0054] In an embodiment herein, the guide and load tracks 114, 116 are manufactured out of a single piece of sheet metal. In an example herein, the guide and load tracks 114, 116 are manufactured out of a single piece of sheet metal using the process of bending.

[0055] In an embodiment herein, the guide track and load track are manufactured out of individual sheet metal and fused together using a process of j oining (such as, but not limited to, welding, brazing, and so on).

[0056] The system 100 can be adapted for various sizes and types of electrical energy storage pack cassettes. For instance, the spacing between the rails 112 could be adjustable to accommodate different cassette widths. The guide track 114 and load track 116 could be made from different materials depending on the expected load and frequency of use. For example, the guide track 114 and load track 116 could be constructed from high-grade steel for heavy- duty applications. For example, the guide track 114 and load track 116 could be constructed from reinforced polymers for lighter loads.

[0057] The lock plate receiver 120 is positioned on the base plate 102 at the operational front of the system 100. The lock plate receiver 120 is designed to receive a lock plate 154 of a cassette arrestor 152 mounted on the front panel of the cassette. When the cassette is fully inserted, the lock plate 154 engages with the lock plate receiver 120, securing the cassette in place and preventing any unintended 'back and forth' motion (as shown in FIGs. 6A and 6B). This locking mechanism (comprising the lock plate receiver 120 and the lock plate 154) ensures that the cassette remains firmly in position within the vehicle dock or the charging station compartment.

[0058] Alternative embodiments of the locking system could include additional security features. For example, an electronic locking mechanism (not shown) could be integrated with the lock plate receiver 120, requiring a specific code or signal to release thecassette. This would add an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized removal of the electrical energy storage pack.

[0059] The plurality of front clamps 130 are mounted substantially at the operational front of the base plate 102. Each front clamp 130 comprises a vertical body 132 and a projection 134. The projection 134 extends horizontally outward towards the operational front of the front clamp 130, and is designed to engaging the front clamp receiver 156 provided on the cassette base plate 150 during insertion and disengage during extraction (as shown in FIGs. 4 A, 4B, 4C, 5 A, 5B & 5C). This engagement helps to secure the front portion of the cassette and prevent unwanted rotational movement or wobbling of the cassette.

[0060] The plurality of rear clamps 140 are mounted substantially at the operational rear of the base plate 102. The rear clamp 140 is provided with a vertical body 142 and a projection 144. The projection 144 extends horizontally outward towards the operational front of the rear clamp 140 and engages the rear clamp receiver 158 provided on the cassette base plate 150 during insertion of the cassette, and disengages during extraction of the cassette (as shown in FIGs. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B & 5C).

[0061] The positions of the front clamps 130 and rear clamps 140 are parallel to each other, but offset with respect to each other along the length of the base plate, creating a staggered arrangement. The staggered arrangement of the front and rear clamps 130, 140 serves multiple purposes. Firstly, the staggered arrangement locks the cassette from unwanted rotational movement or wobbling. Secondly, the staggered positions of these clamps prevent over-insertion of the cassette, which could potentially damage electrical and fluid connectors (not shown). This design ensures that the cassette is securely held in place while allowing for easy insertion and extraction.

[0062] In an embodiment herein, the plurality of front clamps 130 and the plurality of rear clamps 140 are configured to be an integrated component of the system 100.

[0063] In an embodiment herein, the plurality of front clamps 130 and the plurality of rear clamps 140 are individual components respectively and are aligned with each other and maintain a consistent distance apart, forming a parallel arrangement. However, the clamps can also be placed at an offset (as per requirements).

[0064] When inserting the cassette within the dock of a vehicle or within the compartment of the charging and interchange station, the guide rollers and load rollers engage the guide track 114 and load track 116 respectively and provide guidance to the cassetteinsertion within the dock or compartment. At the final stage of insertion, the plurality of front clamps 130 and the plurality of rear clamps 140 engage with the front clamp receiver 156 and the rear clamp receiver 158 provided on the cassette base plate 150 respectively, thereby locking the cassette from unwanted rotational movement or wobbling. Further, the positions of the front clamp 130 and the rear clamp 140 also prevent the cassette from over insertion, wherein over insertion can cause damage to an electrical and fluid connector (not shown). Once the cassette is fully inserted as intended, the lock plate 154 of the cassette arrestor 152 engages the lock plate receiver 120 provided on the base plate 102 and locks the cassette from a ‘back and forth’ motion; i.e., the cassette slipping out of the dock of the vehicle or the compartment of the charging and interchange station.

[0065] The guiding mechanism provides easy insertion and extraction of the electrical energy storage pack cassette from the dock of the vehicle or the electrical energy storage pack compartment of the charging and interchange station, while the locking mechanism secures the cassette in place in the dock of the vehicle or the electrical energy storage pack compartment of the charging and interchange station and prevents the unwanted motion of the cassette within the dock or compartment.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the guidance system 110 may incorporate additional sensors or electronic components to provide real-time feedback (not shown) on the position and alignment of the cassette during insertion and extraction. This could include proximity sensors, optical sensors, or RFID technology to enhance the precision and safety of the process.

[0067] The system 100 can be adapted for various sizes and types of electrical energy storage pack cassettes by adjusting the dimensions and positioning of the components. For instance, the spacing between the rails 112 can be modified to accommodate wider or narrower cassettes, and the positioning of the clamps can be adjusted to suit different cassette designs.

[0068] The system 100 with its guidance and locking components provides an efficient, secure, and versatile solution for managing electrical energy storage pack cassettes in vehicle docks and charging stations. Its design ensures precise alignment, prevents damage during insertion and extraction, and maintains a secure connection between the cassette and the vehicle or charging infrastructure.

[0069] In alternative embodiments, the number and positioning of the rails, clamps, and locking mechanisms can be adjusted to accommodate different cassette designs or to enhancethe stability and security of the system. For instance, additional guide tracks could be incorporated for larger or heavier cassettes, or the locking mechanism could be further reinforced for high-vibration environments.

[0070] The embodiments described herein have several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a guiding and locking system for an electrical energy storage pack, that: ensures stable and vibration-free positioning of the cassettes during operation and transit, thereby improving system reliability; facilitates smooth and aligned insertion and extraction of the cassettes, reducing mechanical wear and operational errors; provides secure locking to prevent unintended displacement or movement of the cassettes under dynamic vehicle conditions; minimizes the risk of damage to electrical and fluid connectors by preventing overinsertion of the cassettes; enhances modularity and scalability, enabling compatibility with varying sizes and configurations of cassettes; improves safety by reducing chances of misalignment or incomplete engagement during the interchange process; supports ease of operation and maintenance due to its simplified and effective guiding and locking arrangement; reduces downtime associated with cassette interchange, leading to higher system uptime and operational efficiency; allows integration with sensors or feedback systems for enhanced precision and automation of the docking process; improves the overall durability and longevity of the interface system by using structurally robust and adaptable components; and supports cost-effective implementation and maintenance due to its design flexibility and adaptability to various applications.

[0071] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge,readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

STATEMENT OF CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A guiding and locking system (100) for an electrical energy storage pack cassette comprising: a base plate (102); a guidance system (110) mounted on the base plate (102), wherein the guidance system (110) includes a plurality of rails (112) placed in a spaced apart configuration and parallel to each other, wherein each rail (112) of the plurality of rails (112) includes: a guide track (114) configured substantially vertically; and a load track (116) configured substantially horizontally and perpendicular to the guide track (11 ); a locking system mounted on the base plate (102), wherein the locking system includes: a lock plate receiver (120) provided on the base plate (102) at an operational front; a plurality of front clamps (130) mounted substantially at the operational front of the base plate (102); and a plurality of rear clamps (140) mounted substantially at an operational rear of the base plate (102).

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of rails (112) are mounted on the base plate (102) along its length, and are configured to prevent the cassette from wobbling and misalignment during insertion and extraction of the cassette from a vehicle dock or electrical energy storage pack compartment of a charging and interchange station.

3. The mobility system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load track (116) is configured to provide a path for a plurality of load rollers mounted on an electrical energy storage pack cassette, wherein the load rollers are configured to roll on the load track (116) when inserting or extracting a cassette within a vehicle dock or an electrical energy storage pack compartment of a charging and interchange station.

4. The mobility system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide track (114) is configured to provide guidance to a plurality of guide rollers mounted on a cassette, wherein the guide rollers are configured to roll on the guide track (114) when inserting or extracting a cassettewithin a vehicle dock or an electrical energy storage pack compartment of a charging and interchange station.

5. The mobility system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each front clamp (130) of the plurality of front clamps (130) includes: a vertical body (132); and a projection (134) projecting horizontally outward towards operational front of the front clamp (130), wherein the projection (134) is configured to engage a front clamp receiver (156) provided on a cassette base plate (150) during insertion of the cassette and disengage from the front clamp receiver (156) during extraction of the cassette.

6. The mobility system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each rear clamp (140) of the plurality of rear clamps (140) includes: a vertical body (142); and a projection (144) projecting horizontally outwardly towards the operational front, wherein the projection (144) is configured to engage a rear clamp receiver (158) provided on a cassette base plate (150) during insertion of the cassette and disengage from the rear clamp receiver (158) during extraction of the cassette.

7. The mobility system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of front clamps (130) and the plurality of rear clamps (140) are in a staggered arrangement, wherein the plurality of front clamps (130) are parallel with respect to the plurality of rear clamps (140), and the plurality of front clamps (130) and the plurality of rear clamps (140) are offset with each other along a length of the base plate (102).

8. The mobility system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock plate receiver (120) is configured to receive a lock plate (154) of a cassette arrestor (152), wherein the cassette arrestor (152) is mounted on a front panel of a cassette over a cassette base plate (150).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Quick mounting-demounting mechanism

    CN104228783A

  • Electric vehicle battery replacement positioning system and method

    CN110962809A

  • Quick assembling and disassembling device and rapid assembling and disassembling method for vehicle power device

    CN113022372A

  • Battery replacing device

    CN113752812A

  • Electric truck battery replacement bracket and battery box

    CN115742717A