CA3131833A1 - Battery pod assembly for electric refuse vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, and a battery pod assembly. The body assembly defining a refuse compaitnient. The battery pod assembly is coupled to the body assembly. The battery pod assembly includes one or more batteries and a plurality of stress mitigation devices. The plurality of stress mitigation devices are each configured to mitigate one or more of a plurality of operating loads such that the refuse vehicle is capable of operating in a plurality of environments. The plurality of operating loads include a thermal cycle, a thermal event, a vibration load, a mechanical impact, and a chemical intrusion.

Description

BATTERY POD ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRIC REFUSE VEHICLE
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
63/084,334, filed September 28, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Refuse vehicles collect a wide variety of waste, trash, and other material from residences and businesses. Operators of the refuse vehicles transport the material from various waste receptacles within a municipality to a storage or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, an incineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.).
SUMMARY

[0003] One embodiment relates to a refuse vehicle. The refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, and a battery pod assembly coupled to the body assembly.
The body assembly defines a refuse compartment. The battery pod assembly includes one or more batteries and a plurality of stress mitigation devices. The plurality of stress mitigation devices are each configured to mitigate of a plurality of operating loads such that the refuse vehicle is capable of operating in a plurality of environments. The plurality of operating loads include a thermal cycle, a thermal event, a vibration load, a mechanical impact, and a chemical intrusion.

[0004] Another embodiment relates to a battery pod assembly for a refuse vehicle. The battery pod assembly includes a pod structure defining an internal volume and a door disposed on the pod structure and configured to provide access to the internal volume. One or more batteries are disposed within the internal volume. A plurality of dampers and/or isolators are disposed on the pod structure. One or more of the plurality of dampers and/or isolators is configured to couple Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23 the pod structure to a body of the refuse vehicle. Additionally, one or more of the plurality of dampers and/or isolators is configured to couple the one or more batteries to the pod structure.
The battery pod assembly also includes a thermal management system. The thermal management system includes a controller and temperature sensors coupled to the controller and disposed near pod structure. The temperature sensors are each configured to sense a temperature of the battery pod assembly. The thermal management system also includes a cooling assembly coupled to the controller. The cooling system is configured to reduce the temperature of the battery pod assembly. The thermal management system also includes a heating assembly coupled to the controller. The heating assembly is configured to increase the temperature of the battery pod assembly.

[0005] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refuse vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a side section view of a battery pod assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having a bottom mounted battery pod, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having a top mounted battery pod, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a side view of the refuse container of FIG. 1 having a centrally mounted battery pod, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23

[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the refuse container of FIG. 1 having a tailgate mounted battery pod, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of the refuse container of FIG. 1 having a frame mounted battery pod, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIGS. 8A-9B are the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having multiple battery pods, according to several exemplary embodiments.

[0014] FIGS. 10A-10B are the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having a top mounted battery pod, according to several exemplary embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery pod assembly for a refuse vehicle is disclosed herein. The battery pod assembly of the present disclosure provides many advantages over conventional systems. The battery pod assembly may include various stress mitigation devices to mitigate mechanical stress (e.g., tensile stress, compressive stress, shear stress, cyclic stress, etc.), thermal stress (e.g., thermal cycling, thermal events, etc.), and/or physical ingress (e.g., water ingress, debris ingress, chemical ingress, etc.) on the battery pod assembly and components thereof.

[0017] According to various exemplary embodiments, the battery pod assembly may be positioned in various locations on the refuse vehicle such that the battery pod assembly is readily accessible for regular maintenance. Additionally, components of the battery pod assembly may Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23 be modular such that the components can be swapped out or upgraded. For example, a battery cell may be upgraded to future battery cell chemistries not yet available.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle, shown as refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., a garbage truck, a waste collection truck, a sanitation truck, a recycling truck, etc.), is configured as a front-loading refuse truck. In other embodiments, the refuse vehicle 10 is configured as a side-loading refuse truck or a rear-loading refuse truck. In still other embodiments, the vehicle is another type of vehicle (e.g., a skid-loader, a telehandler, a plow truck, a boom lift, etc.).
As shown in FIG. 1, the refuse vehicle 10 includes a chassis, shown as frame 12; a body assembly, shown as body 14, coupled to the frame 12 (e.g., at a rear end thereof, etc.); and a cab, shown as cab 16, coupled to the frame 12 (e.g., at a front end thereof, etc.) forward of the body 14. The cab 16 may include various components to facilitate operation of the refuse vehicle 10 by an operator (e.g., a seat, a steering wheel, actuator controls, a user interface, switches, buttons, dials, etc.).

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the refuse vehicle 10 includes a prime mover, shown as electric motor 18, and an energy system, shown as a battery pod assembly 20. In other embodiments, the prime mover is or includes an internal combustion engine (e.g., a hybrid engine, etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the electric motor 18 is coupled to the frame 12 at a position beneath the cab 16. The electric motor 18 is configured to provide power to a plurality of tractive elements, shown as wheels 22 (e.g., via a drive shaft, axles, etc.). In other embodiments, the electric motor 18 is otherwise positioned and/or the refuse vehicle 10 includes a plurality of electric motors to facilitate independently driving one or more of the wheels 22. In still other embodiments, the electric motor 18 or a secondary electric motor is coupled to and configured to drive a hydraulic system that powers hydraulic actuators.
According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to the frame 12 beneath the body 14. In other embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is otherwise positioned (e.g., within a tailgate of the refuse vehicle 10, beneath the cab 16, along the top of the body 14, within the body 14, etc.).

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery pod assembly 20 is configured to receive, generate, and/or store power. The battery pod assembly 20 is also configured to provide electric power to the electric motor 18 to drive the wheels 22, electric actuators of the refuse vehicle 10 to facilitate operation thereof (e.g., lift actuators, tailgate actuators, packer actuators, grabber actuators, etc.), and/or other electrically operated accessories of the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., displays, lights, user controls, etc.). The battery pod assembly 20 may include one or more rechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, iron-ion batteries, etc.), capacitors, solar cells, generators, power buses, etc. In one embodiment, the refuse vehicle 10 is a completely electric refuse vehicle. In other embodiments, the refuse vehicle 10 includes an internal combustion generator that utilizes one or more fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas, hydrogen, etc.) to generate electricity. The electricity may be used to charge one or more batteries of the battery pod 20, power the electric motor 18, power the electric actuators, and/or power the other electrically operated accessories (e.g., a hybrid refuse vehicle, etc.). For example, the refuse vehicle 10 may have an internal combustion engine augmented by the electric motor 18 to cooperatively provide power to the wheels 22. The battery pod assembly 20 may thereby be charged via an on-board generator (e.g., an internal combustion generator, a solar panel system, etc.), from an external power source (e.g., overhead power lines, mains power source through a charging input, etc.), and/or via a power regenerative braking system. In these arrangements, the battery pod assembly 20 may include a power interface structure to facilitate charging the batteries of the battery pod assembly. The power interface may be configured to receive power from the on-board generator or the external power source. The battery pod assembly 20 may then provide power to the electrically operated systems of the refuse vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 provides the power to the to the electrically operated systems of the refuse vehicle 10 via the power interface. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 includes a heat management system (e.g., liquid cooling, heat exchanger, air cooling, etc.).

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, the refuse vehicle 10 is configured to transport refuse from various waste receptacles within a municipality to a storage and/or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, an incineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1, the body 14 includes a plurality of panels, shown as panels 32, a tailgate 34, and a cover 36. The panels 32, the tailgate 34, and the cover 36 define a collection chamber (e.g., hopper, etc.), shown as refuse compai ___________________________________________________ intent 30. Loose refuse may be placed into the refuse compai intent 30 where it may thereafter be compacted (e.g., by a packer system, etc.). The refuse compai intent 30 may provide temporary storage for refuse during transport to a waste disposal site and/or a recycling facility. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the body 14 and the refuse compai __ intent 30 extend above or in front of the cab 16. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the body 14 and the refuse compaitment 30 are positioned behind the cab 16. In some embodiments, the refuse compartment 30 includes a hopper volume and a storage volume.
Refuse may be initially loaded into the hopper volume and thereafter compacted into the storage volume. According to an exemplary embodiment, the hopper volume is positioned between the storage volume and the cab 16 (e.g., refuse is loaded into a position of the refuse compai intent 30 behind the cab 16 and stored in a position further toward the rear of the refuse compai intent 30, a front-loading refuse vehicle, a side-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). In other embodiments, the storage volume is positioned between the hopper volume and the cab 16 (e.g., a rear-loading

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the refuse vehicle 10 includes a lift mechanism/system (e.g., a front-loading lift assembly, etc.), shown as lift assembly 40, coupled to the front end of the body 14. In other embodiments, the lift assembly 40 extends rearward of the body 14 (e.g., a rear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). In still other embodiments, the lift assembly 40 extends from a side of the body 14 (e.g., a side-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). As shown in FIG.
1, the lift assembly 40 is configured to engage a container (e.g., a residential trash receptacle, a commercial trash receptacle, a container having a robotic grabber arm, etc.), shown as refuse container 60. The lift assembly 40 may include various actuators (e.g., electric actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, etc.) to facilitate engaging the refuse container 60, lifting the refuse container 60, and tipping refuse out of the refuse container 60 into the hopper volume of the Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23 refuse compai intent 30 through an opening in the cover 36 or through the tailgate 34. The lift assembly 40 may thereafter return the empty refuse container 60 to the ground.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a door, shown as top door 38, is movably coupled along the cover 36 to seal the opening thereby preventing refuse from escaping the refuse compai __ intent 30 (e.g., due to wind, bumps in the road, etc.).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to a portion 11 of the refuse vehicle 10. The battery pod assembly 20 includes a shell show as pod structure 60 and one or more energy storage devices shown as batteries 80. The pod structure 60 defines an internal volume 62 of the battery pod assembly 20. The pod structure 60 includes an portal shown as door 61. The door 61 allows a user to access the internal volume 62 from outside of the pod structure 60. The pod structure 60 is configured to mitigate the transmission of mechanical loads (e.g., vibrations, shock, stress, etc.) from outside the battery pod assembly 20 to the internal volume 62. Additionally, the pod structure 60 is configured to mitigate water, debris, or chemicals from entering the internal volume 62. In some embodiments, the pod structure 60 includes a thermal insulating layer configured to mitigate against thermal stress such as thermal cycling or thermal events. In other embodiments the pod structure 60 may also electrically couple the batteries 80 to each other and/or to the electrical systems of the refuse vehicle 10.

[0024] The battery pod assembly 20 includes one or more vehicle coupling devices shown as external dampers 65 (e.g., dampers and/or isolators). The external dampers 65 are disposed between the pod structure 60 and the refuse vehicle 10 and are configured to couple the battery pod assembly 20 to the portion 11 of the refuse vehicle 10. The dampers 65 are also configured to mitigate the transmission of active and/or passive mechanical loads from the refuse vehicle to the battery pod assembly 20 (e.g., to the pod structure 60). That is, the external dampers 65 are configured as mechanical dampers such as a mechanical dashpot, a fluid/hydraulic dashpot, a shock absorber, etc. In other embodiments, the battery pod assembly may include other coupling devices (e.g., pins, linkages, latches, etc.) to couple the pod structure 60 to the refuse vehicle 10.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23

[0025] The battery pod assembly 20 also includes one or more battery coupling devices shown as internal dampers 68 (e.g., dampers and/or isolators). The internal dampers 68 are disposed within the internal volume 62 and between the pod structure 60 and one or more of the batteries 80. The internal dampers 68 are configured to couple the batteries 80 to the pod structure 60. The internal dampers 68 are also configured to mitigate the transmission of active and/or passive mechanical loads from the pod structure 60 to the batteries 80. In some embodiments, the internal dampers 68 may be the same or substantially similar in structure to the external dampers 65. In other embodiments, the internal dampers 68 are configured as a different type of mechanical damper. For example, the external dampers 65 may be configured as fluid/hydraulic dashpots and the internal dampers 68 may be configured as mechanical dashpots.

[0026] In some embodiments, the external dampers 65 and/or the internal dampers 68 are also configured to capture energy from the active and/or passive mechanical loads.
For example, the external dampers 65 and/or the internal dampers 68 may utilize piezoelectric systems or other suitable systems to capture active and/or passive vibrations passing through the external dampers 65 and/or the internal dampers 68.

[0027] The battery pod assembly 20 also includes a thermal management system 70. The thermal management system is configured to mitigate against thermal stress such as thermal cycling or thermal events. The source of the thermal stress may come from within the battery pod assembly 20 (e.g., typical thermal energy generation from a conventional battery) or from an external source (e.g., a thermal event near the refuse vehicle 10). In some embodiments, the thermal management system is configured to actively control the temperature of the battery pod assembly 20 within a specified range. Accordingly, the thermal management system 70 may advantageously improve the operation of the refuse vehicle, for example, by keeping the batteries 80 within ideal operating temperatures thus increasing the lifespan of the batteries 80.

[0028] The thermal management system includes various sensing devices shown as external sensors 71 and internal sensors 72. The external sensors 71 are positioned on or near the pod structure 60 and are configured to sense an external temperature of the battery pod assembly 20.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23 The internal sensors 72 are positioned within the internal volume 62 and are configured to sense an internal temperature of the battery pod assembly 20.

[0029] According to various exemplary embodiments, the thermal management system 70 may include a cooling assembly configured to reduce the temperature of the battery pod assembly 20 and/or components thereof (e.g., the batteries 80). In some embodiments, the cooling assembly may utilize a liquid cooling system that includes a thermal transfer liquid, a cold plate, a pump, a radiator, and radiator fans. In other embodiments, the cooling assembly may utilize an air cooling system that includes a heatsink and fans. In still other embodiments, the cooling assembly may utilize other cooling systems including thermoelectric devices (e.g., Peltier), heat pumps, fans, radiators, etc.

[0030] In other exemplary embodiments, the thermal management 70 system includes a heating assembly configured to increase the temperature of the battery pod assembly 20 and/or components thereof (e.g., the batteries 80). The heating assembly may utilize an electric heating device or other heating systems such as a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier), heat pumps, etc.

[0031] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 70 includes a controller. In some embodiments, the controller 70 is part of a temperature control system of the refuse vehicle (e.g., a chassis temperature controller). In other embodiments, the controller 70 is a separate device coupled to the refuse vehicle 10. The controller may be coupled to one or more of the external sensors 71, the internal sensors 72, the cooling assembly, and the heating assembly. The controller may be configured to receive temperature data from one or more of the external sensors 71 and the internal sensors 72. The controller may also be configured to operate one or more of the cooling assembly and the heating assembly based on the temperature data. For example, one or more of the external sensors 71 and the internal sensors 72 may provide temperature data indicating that the battery pod assembly 20 is below ideal operating temperatures. The controller may operate the heating assembly to increase the operating temperature of the battery pod assembly 20.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23

[0032] Still referring to FIG. 2, the batteries 80 are configured to store and provide electrical energy. The batteries 80 may each have a single battery cell or multiple battery cells (e.g., a battery pack). Additionally, the batteries 80 may be configured to have a particular electrochemistry (e.g., lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, lithium-ion polymer, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, iron-ion, etc.).

[0033] In some embodiments, the batteries 80 may be removably coupled to the battery pod assembly 20 (e.g., coupled to the pod structure 60 via the internal dampers 68) such that the batteries 80 are replaceable and/or upgradable. For example, a user may access the internal volume 62 to add, remove, replace and/or upgrade the batteries 80. In still other embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 may be removably coupled to the refuse vehicle 10 such that a battery pod assembly 20 may be added, removed, replaced, and/or upgraded.

[0034] The battery pod assembly 20 may include an electric connection (e.g., a pantograph, a current collector, a high-voltage line, etc.) shown as power interface 81 to allow the battery pod assembly 20 to connect to external power sources (e.g., an overhead power line, the grid, a charging station, etc.). For example, the battery pod assembly 20 may include a charging port to allow the batteries 80 to be charged while the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., by a 220V charger). In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 includes an electrical bypass to power the refuse vehicle 10 from a charging source while the battery is being charged. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 connects to one or more power sources of refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., an internal combustion generator, a battery, etc.) to charge the batteries 80 of the battery pod assembly 20. For example, the battery pod assembly 20 may include a connection to an onboard diesel generator configured to provide power to the battery pod assembly 20 for charging the batteries 80. In these arraignments, the battery pod assembly 20 may connect to internal or external power supplies or components via the power interface 81.

[0035] The battery pod assembly 20 may be modular such that the components of the battery pod assembly 20 may be easily removed, replaced, added, or upgraded.
Additionally, the battery Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23 pod assembly 20 may be modular with itself such that two or more battery pods 20 may be coupled. For example, a particular refuse vehicle may require less power storage and therefore may include fewer batteries 80 within the batter pod assembly 20. Conversely, a refuse vehicle may require more power and include more batteries 80 and/or more battery pod assemblies 20. In these arrangements, the thermal management system may also be modular. For example, the thermal management 5y5temv70 may include a separate thermal management assembly (e.g., a heating assembly, a cooling assembly, etc.) for each of the batteries 80.
Alternatively, the thermal management system 70 may include modular thermal transfer devices (e.g., a cold plate, etc.) for each of the batteries 80. For example, the cooling assembly may be configured as a water cooling assembly having one or more cold plates for each of the batteries 80 and quick disconnect tubing to easily add or remove batteries. Alternatively, the thermal management system 70 may include a modular rack system configured to receive the batteries 80. The modular rack system may be configured to provide heating and/or cooling to the batteries 80.

[0036] Now referring generally to FIGS. 3-10, the battery pod assembly 20 may be positioned in various locations on the refuse vehicle 10. For example, the battery pod may be coupled to the frame 12, the body 14, the cab 15, or other parts of the refuse vehicle 10. In other embodiments, the refuse vehicle 10 may include more than one battery pod assembly 20. In these arrangements, each of the battery pod assemblies 20 may similarly be coupled to the frame 12, the body 14, the cab 15, or other parts of the refuse vehicle 10. The geometry of the pod structure 60 may change to suitably conform to the location of the battery pod assembly 20.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to the rearward top portion of the body 14. In other embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to the forward top portion of the body 14. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is removable/detachable from the body 14. Locating the battery pod assembly 20 on top of the body 14 allows easy access to the battery pod assembly 20. For example, a user may readily inspect and service the battery pod assembly 20 because it is located on an external surface of the refuse vehicle 10.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to the rearward bottom portion of the body 14. In other embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to the forward bottom portion of the body 14. As described above, battery pod assembly 20 may be removable/replaceable. For example, the refuse vehicle 10 may include a door on the side of the body 14 to allow removal and replacement of the battery pod assembly 20. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is located on a track such that the battery pod assembly 20 can be slid out from the body 14 similar to a drawer.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled between the cab 16 and the body 14. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to the frame 12.
Locating the battery pod assembly 20 between the cab 16 and the body 14 reduces a rear weight of the refuse vehicle 10, thereby reducing component stress of weight bearing members (e.g., a rear axle). Furthermore, centrally locating the battery pod assembly 20 protects the battery pod assembly 20 from damage in a mechanical impact event. Furthermore, centrally locating the battery pod assembly 20 allows easy modification/retrofitting of existing refuse vehicles to include the battery pod assembly 20. The battery pod assembly 20 may be easily accessed and/or removed from the refuse vehicle 10. For example, the battery pod assembly 20 may include forklift pockets so that a forklift may easily remove the battery pod assembly 20 from the refuse vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 includes one or more eyelet connectors to receive a lifting hook or similar hoisting attachment.
The battery pod assembly 20 may be configured to connect to an external rail system to quickly replace the battery pod assembly 20 by sliding it orthogonally off the refuse vehicle 10.

[0040] In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is configured to dynamically change position on the refuse vehicle 10 based on loading of the refuse vehicle 10. For example, the battery pod assembly 20 may translate horizontally along the frame 12 toward the cab 16 or toward the body 14 to change a weight distribution of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 includes one or more controllers to measure the weight distribution of the refuse vehicle 10 and adjust a position of the battery pod assembly 20 accordingly.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to the tailgate 34 of the refuse vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is positioned vertically along a rearward side of the refuse compai intent 30. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is positioned substantially near the base of the tailgate 34 or as part of the tailgate 34. The battery pod assembly 20 may be configured to be accessible via the tailgate 34. For example, a user could open the tailgate 34 to reveal battery pod assembly 20.
In some embodiments, the tailgate 34 includes one or more rotating elements (e.g., hinges, mechanical bearings) to facilitate rotation around a rearward corner of the refuse compat intent 30. For example, the tailgate 34 could include one or more hinging mechanisms on a side to allow a user to open the tailgate 34 like a door and gain access to the battery pod assembly 20 located along the frame 12 of the refuse vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the tailgate 34 is a double door.
Swinging the tailgate 34 open like a door requires less energy than lifting the tailgate 34.

[0042] In some embodiments, the tailgate 34 is fully integrated with the battery pod assembly 20 and is configured to be removable/replaceable. For example, a first tailgate 34 having a first battery pod assembly 20 could be replaced by a second tailgate 34 having a second battery pod assembly 20 when the batteries 80 of the first battery pod assembly 20 are depleted of energy.
Removing and replacing the tailgate 34 may limit loss of vehicle operation due to charging time because the tailgate 34 including the depleted battery pod assembly 20 may be charged separately of the refuse vehicle 10. Furthermore, swappable battery pod assemblies enable a smaller fleet of refuse vehicles to service the same area because the reduced downtime associated with battery charging enables the refuse vehicles to operate for longer periods of time. In some embodiments, a number of racks index one or more battery cells of the battery pod assembly 20.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled between the body 14 and the frame 12 (e.g., on a sub-frame). As described above, in some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 may be configured to translate horizontally along the frame 12 of the refuse vehicle 10. For example, the battery pod assembly 20 could move between a forward portion and a rearward portion of the body 14 of the refuse vehicle 10 such that the refuse vehicle 10 is evenly loaded. As described above, in some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is removable Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23 and/or replaceable. The battery pod assembly 20 may be accessed via a door on a side of the body 14 or via the tailgate 34. Similarly, the battery pod assembly 20 may be removed and/or replaced by another battery pod assembly. Alternatively, one or more individual battery cells (e.g., batteries 80 of FIG. 2) of the battery pod assembly 20 could be replaced. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 can be accessed by removing the refuse compai intent 30. For example, a refuse vehicle with a removable refuse compai ___________ intent (e.g., a container truck) may remove the refuse compai intent to reveal the battery pod assembly 20.
In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to the refuse compai ___ intent 30 itself and can be removed with the refuse compai intent 30. For example, a refuse vehicle could swap a first full refuse compai intent with a first battery pod assembly having depleted batteries for a second empty refuse compai intent with a second battery pod assembly having charged batteries.

[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-9B, several illustrations of an exemplary placement of the battery pod assembly 20 are shown, according to several exemplary embodiments.
In various embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to a rearward top portion of the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., above the refuse compai intent 30, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to a rearward portion of the refuse vehicle 10. For example, the battery pod assembly 20 may be coupled to the tailgate 34 and/or a rearward portion of the refuse compaament 30 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C). As another example, the battery pod assembly 20 may be coupled to a vertical rear surface of the refuse compaiiment 30. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 or components thereof are coupled to the wheel 22.
In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to a front and rear wheelset of the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C). In various embodiments, placement of the battery pod assembly 20 as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C facilitates shifting weight rearward on the refuse vehicle 10, thereby reducing strain on forward load bearing components (e.g., a front axle, etc.). In some embodiments, the placement of the battery pod assembly 20 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C is preferred for a rear-loading refuse vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 includes a different number and/or arrangement of components than shown explicitly in the FIGURES. For example, the battery pod assembly 20 may include a first Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23 component coupled to an exterior hub surface of the front wheels 22 electrically coupled to a second component integrated with the tailgate 34. In some embodiments, the placement of the battery pod assembly 20 shown in FIGS. 9A-9B is preferred for a front-loading refuse vehicle 10 and/or a side-loading refuse vehicle 10. For example, the battery pod assembly 20 may be positioned on the lift assembly 40. In various embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20, or components thereof, are detachable from the refuse vehicle 10 as described in detail above.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10B, several illustrations of another exemplary placement of the battery pod assembly 20 are shown, according to several exemplary embodiments. In various embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to a top portion of the refuse vehicle 10. For example, the battery pod assembly 20 may be coupled to a top portion of refuse compai __ intent 30 and/or above the cab 16 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 10A-10B).
In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to a canopy (or other structural element) located above the cab 16. Additionally or alternatively, the battery pod assembly 20, or components thereof, may be coupled to the wheels 22. For example, a first component of the battery pod assembly 20 (e.g., a battery cell, etc.) may be coupled to an exterior hub region of the wheels 22 and a second component of the battery pod assembly 20 (e.g., a power converter, etc.) may be coupled to a structural element (e.g., a portion of frame 12, etc.) above the cab 16. In some embodiments, the placement of the battery pod assembly 20 shown in FIGS.
10A-10B is preferred for a rear-loading refuse vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the placement of the battery pod assembly 20 as shown in FIGS. 10A-10B facilitates moving weight (e.g., battery weight, etc.) forward on the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., toward the cab 16 and away from the tailgate 34, etc.), thereby reducing stress on rear load-bearing components (e.g., a rear axle, etc.).

[0046] As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about,"
"substantially", and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23 interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0047] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0048] The term "coupled" and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If "coupled" or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of "coupled" provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., "directly coupled" means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of "coupled"
provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0049] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom,"
"above," "below") are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0050] The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23 general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A
general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.

[0051] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23 EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor.
Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media.
Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

[0052] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0053] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the refuse vehicle 10 and the systems and components thereof as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23

Claims (20)

CLAIMS:

1. A refuse vehicle comprising:
a chassis;
a body assembly coupled to the chassis, the body assembly defining a refuse compailment; and a battery pod assembly comprising:
a plurality of battery cells;
a power interface configured to provide power to and from the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of stress mitigation devices, each of the plurality of stress mitigation devices configured to mitigate against one or more of a plurality of operating loads such that the refuse vehicle is capable of operating in a plurality of environments.

2. The refuse vehicle of claim 1, wherein the battery pod assembly further comprises:
a shell defining an internal volume; and one or more battery coupling devices configured to couple at least one of the plurality of battery cells to the shell.

3. The refuse vehicle of claim 2, wherein the plurality of operating loads comprises at least one of a thermal cycle, a thermal event, a vibration load, a mechanical impact, and a chemical intrusion.

4. The refuse vehicle of claim 3, wherein the plurality of stress mitigation devices comprises at least one internal damper, the at least one internal damper configured to:
couple at least one battery of the plurality of battery cells to the shell;
and mitigate transmission of one or more of the plurality of operating loads from the shell to the at least one battery.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23

5. The refuse vehicle of claim 3, wherein the plurality of stress mitigation devices comprises a thermal management system configured to mitigate against of one or more of the plurality of operating loads.

6. The refuse vehicle of claim 3, wherein the battery pod assembly is coupled to the body assembly; and wherein the plurality of stress mitigation devices comprises at least one external damper structured to couple the battery pod assembly to the body assembly.

7. The refuse vehicle of claim 3, wherein the battery pod assembly is coupled to the chassis;
and wherein the plurality of stress mitigation devices comprises at least one external damper structured to couple the battery pod assembly to the chassis.

8. The refuse vehicle of claim 3, wherein the battery pod assembly further comprises a door disposed on the shell and configured to provide access to the internal volume.

9. The refuse vehicle of claim 1, wherein the power interface is configured to receive power from at least one of an on-board generator and on external power source.

10. A battery pod assembly for a vehicle, the battery pod assembly comprising:
a shell defining an internal volume;
one or more batteries disposed within the internal volume; and a plurality of stress mitigation devices, each of the plurality of stress mitigation devices configured to mitigate against one or more of a plurality of operating loads such that the vehicle is capable of operating in a plurality of environments.

11. The battery pod assembly of claim 10, wherein the plurality of stress mitigation devices comprises a plurality of dampers disposed on the shell, Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23 wherein a first set of dampers of the plurality of dampers is configured to couple the shell to the refuse vehicle such that the first set of dampers of the plurality of dampers is structured to mitigate transmission of one or more of the plurality of operating loads from the vehicle to the shell; and wherein a second set of dampers of the plurality of dampers is configured to couple the one or more batteries to the shell such that the second set of dampers of the plurality of dampers is structured to mitigate transmission of one or more of the plurality of operating loads from the shell to the one or more batteries.

12. The battery pod assembly of claim 10, wherein the plurality of stress mitigation devices comprises a thermal management system, the thermal management system comprising:
a controller;
one or more temperature sensors communicative coupled to the controller and configured to sense a temperature of the battery pod assembly;
a cooling assembly communicative coupled to the controller and configured to reduce the temperature of the battery pod assembly; and a heating assembly communicative coupled to the controller and configured to increase the temperature of the battery pod assembly.

13. The battery pod assembly of claim 10, wherein the plurality of operating loads comprises at least one of a thermal cycle, a thermal event, a vibration load, a mechanical impact, and a chemical intrusion.

14. The battery pod assembly of claim 10, wherein the battery pod assembly further comprises a door disposed on the shell and configured to provide access to the internal volume.

15. The battery pod assembly of claim 10, wherein the battery pod assembly further comprises a power interface, the power interface configured to provide power to and from the Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23 one or more batteries and to receive power from at least one of an on-board generator and on external power source.

16. A refuse vehicle comprising:
a chassis;
a body assembly coupled to the chassis, the body assembly defining a refuse compailment; and at least one battery pod assembly comprising:
a shell defining an internal volume;
a plurality of battery cells disposed within the internal volume; and a plurality of stress mitigation devices, each of the plurality of stress mitigation devices configured to mitigate against one or more of a plurality of operating loads such that the refuse vehicle is capable of operating in a plurality of environments.

17. The refuse vehicle of claim 16, wherein the plurality of operating loads comprises at least one of a thermal cycle, a thermal event, a vibration load, a mechanical impact, and a chemical intrusion.

18. The refuse vehicle of claim 17, wherein the plurality of stress mitigation devices comprises a plurality of dampers disposed on the shell, wherein a first set of dampers of the plurality of dampers is configured to couple the shell to the refuse vehicle such that the first set of dampers of the plurality of dampers is structured to mitigate transmission of one or more of the plurality of operating loads from the refuse vehicle to the shell; and wherein a second set of dampers of the plurality of dampers is configured to couple one or more batteries of the plurality of battery cells to the shell such that the second set of dampers of the plurality of dampers is structured to mitigate transmission of one or more of the plurality of operating loads from the shell to the one or more batteries.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23

19. The refuse vehicle of claim 16, wherein the plurality of stress mitigation devices comprises a thermal management system, the thermal management system comprising:
a controller;
one or more temperature sensors communicative coupled to the controller and configured to sense a temperature of the at least one battery pod assembly;
a cooling assembly communicative coupled to the controller and configured to reduce the temperature of the at least one battery pod assembly; and a heating assembly communicative coupled to the controller and configured to increase the temperature of the at least one battery pod assembly.

20. The refuse vehicle of claim 16, wherein the at least one battery pod assembly further comprises:
a door disposed on the shell and configured to provide access to the internal volume; and a power interface, the power interface configured to provide power to and from the plurality of battery cells and to receive power from at least one of an on-board generator and on external power source.

Date Recue/Date Received 2021-09-23