DE102021125988A1 - Battery changing system for an at least partially electrically powered vehicle and in particular a commercial vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Battery changing system (10) for an at least partially electrically driven vehicle (100) and in particular a commercial vehicle (101), comprising a changing device (1) which is suitable and designed to remove a discharged battery (2) from the vehicle (100) for a battery change. to remove and insert a charged battery (12) into the vehicle (100). The changing device (1) comprises an arm device (3) with two arm units (13, 23) accommodated on a column device (4), each with a coupling device (5) which can be positioned relative to the vehicle (100) for accommodating one of the batteries (1, 12) so that an arm unit (13) for removing the discharged battery (2) from the vehicle (100) and an arm unit (23) for inserting the charged battery (12) into the vehicle (100) are available.

Description

The present invention relates to a battery changing system for an at least partially electrically driven vehicle and in particular a commercial vehicle. The battery changing system comprises at least one changing device, with which a discharged battery can be removed from the vehicle and a charged battery can be inserted into the vehicle for a battery change.

A generic battery replacement system is from US9827865B2 known. The system shown there includes an arm with a gripper through which the battery can be disassembled or assembled.

From the WO 2011/161471 A2 a system for exchanging a battery of a tractor is known, in which a battery exchange vehicle transports a discharged battery from the tractor to a battery store or transports charged batteries from there to the tractor.

In contrast, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved possibility for changing a discharged battery for a charged one. The battery change should be able to take place particularly quickly and at the same time be able to be implemented with as little design effort as possible and with as little space or installation space required.

This object is achieved by a battery changing system having the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the present invention result from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

The battery changing system according to the invention is intended for an at least partially electrically driven vehicle and in particular for commercial vehicles. The battery changing system comprises at least one changing device which is suitable and designed to remove a (in particular at least partially discharged) battery from the vehicle for a battery change and to insert a (in particular at least partially) charged battery into the vehicle. The changing device comprises at least one arm device and at least one column device. The arm device comprises at least two arm units received on the column device. The arm units each have at least one coupling device, which can be positioned relative to the vehicle, for receiving at least one of the batteries. In particular, either the charged or the discharged battery can be recorded. At least one arm unit of the at least two arm units stands by for removing the discharged battery from the vehicle. At least one arm unit of the at least two arm units stands by for loading the charged battery into the vehicle. In particular, the arm units are available at the same time.

The present invention offers many advantages. The changing device with the two arm units and their coupling devices that can be positioned relative to the vehicle offers a considerable advantage. In this way, one arm unit can already move the charged battery in the direction of the vehicle, while the other arm unit is still dismantling the discharged battery. As a result, a discharged battery can be exchanged or exchanged for a charged battery particularly quickly. In this way, the standstill of the commercial vehicle during the battery change can be significantly reduced. At the same time, such a changing device requires a particularly small amount of space or installation space. It is also advantageous that such a changing device can be implemented in a structurally uncomplicated manner. For example, only a single attachment point on the floor is required for the column set-up. Another advantage is that neither the vehicle nor the changing device have to be moved to change the battery.

With the battery replacement system according to the invention, it is also possible to replace a defective or older or other battery with an intact or younger or other battery. With the present invention, it is fundamentally possible and provided that one battery is exchanged for another battery.

The changing device is preferably suitable and designed to transport a discharged battery held on the coupling device of one arm unit away from the vehicle by means of a rotary movement of the arm unit about a longitudinal axis of the column device and (in particular during this time) a charged battery held on the coupling device of the other arm unit by means of a Rotational movement of the arm unit about a longitudinal axis of the column means to approach the vehicle. In particular, the arm units can be positioned at a rotation angle between 0° and 360°. Preferably, the arm units can be rotated through more than 360° and in particular endlessly around the longitudinal axis of the column device. However, it is also possible for the arm units to be rotated back in the other direction after a certain angle of rotation.

In particular, the coupling devices are designed to be adjustable in order to each relative to to position one of the batteries. In particular, the coupling devices are (each) rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the column device (so-called rotational angle adjustment). The adjustment of the angle of rotation includes, in particular, a rotary movement. In particular, the coupling devices are (each) adjustable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the column device (so-called axial adjustment or height adjustment). The axial adjustment includes in particular a vertical movement. The axial adjustment is particularly advantageous since commercial vehicles and tractors, for example, often have the battery arranged above their (already high) axles. In particular, the coupling devices are (each) adjustable transversely to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the column device (so-called radial adjustment). The radial adjustment includes in particular a horizontal movement.

The changing device is preferably suitable and designed to align a free coupling device relative to the vehicle by means of rotary angle adjustment and axial adjustment and radial adjustment, so that its battery can be coupled to the coupling device. The changing device is particularly suitable and designed to remove and relocate the coupled battery from the vehicle. In particular, the changing device is suitable and designed to align a coupling device equipped with the charged battery by means of rotary angle adjustment and axial adjustment and radial adjustment relative to the vehicle such that the battery can be inserted into the vehicle. In particular, the changing device is suitable and designed to decouple the battery used as intended from the coupling device.

In this case, the vehicle remains in particular stationary. The empty arm unit is then ready to receive the discharged battery the next time the battery is changed. The arm unit fitted with the discharged battery is ready for the next battery change, for example after the battery has been charged, so that it can be used in the vehicle.

In order to adjust the angle of rotation, the arm units are in particular rotatably fastened to the column device. In particular, the arm units are rotatable independently of each other. In particular, at least one controllable drive is provided in order to control a specific rotational angle position.

For the axial adjustment, the arm units are each attached to the column device in a linearly displaceable manner. In particular, at least one controllable drive and preferably a rack and pinion drive is provided in order to control a specific axial position. In particular, the arm units are attached to the column means one above the other. In particular, the arm units cannot be in the same position at the same time. However, it is also possible for the arm units to be attached to the column device in such a way that they can be in the same height position at the same time. For example, the arm units then do not completely encompass the column device at their attachment point.

For the radial adjustment, it is preferred that the coupling devices are each fastened in a linearly displaceable manner to an arm of the associated arm unit. It is also possible for the arm units to each have at least one arm that can be extended and retracted for the radial adjustment. In particular, the arm is designed to be telescopic or telescopic. In particular, a controllable drive is provided in order to control a specific radial position.

In an advantageous development, the changing device is suitable and designed to recognize one battery type from a group of battery types. The changing device is preferably suitable and designed to adapt the coupling devices at least partially independently to the receiving conditions of a specific battery type. In particular, a tool-free adjustment of the coupling devices is provided. This means that the battery can be changed quickly and without any conversion work, even with different battery types. In particular, at least one sensor device is provided for recognizing battery types.

In a particularly preferred and advantageous development, at least one charging device is arranged on each of the arm units. The charging device serves in particular to charge the battery while it is held on the coupling device of the associated arm unit. This enables a particularly quick battery change, since the discharged battery does not first have to be removed from the changing device and transported to a charging station. In particular, the battery is electrically contacted. However, the charging process can also take place without contact and, for example, by induction. It is possible for electrical contact to be made at the same time as the battery is coupled to the coupling device. In particular, the charging process takes place depending on the detected battery type.

The charging device is preferably suitable and designed to (independently) connect to the battery and charge the battery while monitoring the charging process. The charging device is particularly suitable and designed to charge the recorded battery check and/or maintain. In particular, the charging device can independently start and/or end the charging process. In particular, the charged battery remains in the coupling device on the arm unit until the next battery change. The charged battery is then ready for the next change. In particular, when charging, an elevated axial position is chosen for the arm unit with the battery to be charged, for example in the upper quarter of the column device. In this way, critical systems are reliably protected against the significantly increased degree of contamination in the commercial vehicle sector.

In an advantageous embodiment, the battery is accommodated in the coupling device in such a way that the battery is accessible for service work that is intended as intended. In particular, the service work includes maintenance work and/or repair work. In particular, the coupling device and the battery are matched to one another. For example, the coupling device does not extend in the area of maintenance openings or the like.

In a preferred and advantageous development, the changing device comprises at least one protective device for protection against the effects of the weather. This is particularly advantageous when operating outdoors or in the open air, for example with tractors on a field. In this way, the battery remaining in the changing device can be protected from the sun (UV, heat), rain or other influences. In particular, the protective device also offers protection against dust and other contaminants.

It is preferred and advantageous that the changing device is suitable and designed to recognize a vehicle type from a group of vehicle types and also to position the coupling devices as a function of the recognized vehicle type. In particular, at least one sensor device is provided for this purpose.

In particular, the changing device is suitable and designed to detect a vehicle position and to position the coupling devices at least as a function of the detected vehicle position. In particular, at least one sensor device is provided for this purpose.

It is possible for the battery replacement system to include at least one at least partially electrically powered vehicle. The vehicle preferably includes at least two interchangeable batteries. In particular, at least one of the at least two batteries can be accommodated in the vehicle, while the at least one other battery can remain in the changing device. The battery changing system can also include at least two vehicles or a fleet of vehicles. The battery changing system can also include at least two or more changing devices. In particular, the battery changing system is designed as an autonomous system. In particular, the vehicle is designed to drive and/or work autonomously. In particular, the changing device can carry out the battery change autonomously.

In all configurations it is preferred that the column device is firmly anchored on a floor structure. In particular, the column device is designed as a column or at least includes one. However, it is also possible for the column device to be accommodated on a rotatable and/or mobile support frame.

The arm device can also comprise at least three arm units. It is also possible that the arm device comprises four or five or more arm units. It is possible that a storage device is provided in which at least one (for example charged or discharged) battery is stored, in particular so that an arm unit can be provided with a free coupling device. In such a configuration, the changing device is particularly suitable and designed to transfer the battery from the arm unit to the storage device and/or to transfer the battery from the storage device to the arm unit. This means that a quick and economical battery change is possible even if one or both or all arm units are still occupied by a battery. For example, one arm unit is loaded with a charged battery from the storage facility, while the other arm unit detaches the battery from the vehicle. In particular, the arm units extend transversely to the column means. In particular, the arm units are designed in the manner of a cantilever arm.

In particular, the changing device is suitable and designed to adjust the arm unit in the longitudinal direction of the column device (i.e. axially) during or after the battery is being transported away so that the other arm unit can be brought into an axial position which is aligned with the vehicle and for the inserting the battery into the vehicle. Such a configuration is provided in particular when the arm units are fastened one above the other on the column device and as a result cannot be in the same axial position or vertical position at the same time. In particular, the arm units are always in different axial positions.

In particular, the changing device comprises at least one control device. In particular, at least one algorithm for carrying out the battery change described here is stored in the control device. In particular, the control device is suitable and designed to communicate with a control device of the vehicle. In particular, the vehicle also includes at least one control device. In particular, a sensor device is provided to monitor the position of the vehicle and the battery and other parameters of the battery change. In particular, the vehicle remains stationary during the battery change.

The changing device is particularly suitable and designed to gain access to a battery mounted in the vehicle and in particular to decouple the battery from the vehicle and preferably to disconnect at least one high-voltage connection. The changing device is suitable and designed to attach the battery to the coupling device and to remove it from the vehicle. It is also possible that access to the battery is at least partially provided by the vehicle. For example, the vehicle automatically opens a flap or hood or the like. In particular, communication with the vehicle is provided for this purpose. In particular, the changing device is suitable and designed to insert a battery into the vehicle and in particular to couple the battery to the vehicle and particularly preferably to produce at least one high-voltage connection for this purpose.

The batteries are designed in particular as electrical energy stores for supplying energy to a traction drive and/or at least one other useful function of the vehicle. In particular, the batteries can be referred to as traction batteries. The batteries are preferably designed as high-voltage batteries. A commercial vehicle is understood to mean, in particular, in addition to conventional commercial vehicles such as trucks and tractors and the like, also self-propelled working machines, tractors or tractors, industrial trucks, construction machines, forest machines and other types of such vehicles.

In all configurations, it is preferred that the changing device is suitable and designed to independently decide which of the at least two arm units is used to remove the discharged battery and which of the at least two arm units inserts the charged battery into the vehicle. In particular, the changing device is suitable and designed to recognize which of the at least two arm units is free and/or whether a battery located in the changing device can be used at all. In particular, each of the at least two arm units is suitable and designed to insert a battery into the vehicle and remove a battery from the vehicle. In particular, the arm units are identical.

Further advantages and features of the present invention result from the exemplary embodiments which are explained below with reference to the enclosed figures.

• 1 eine stark schematisierte Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Batteriewechselsystems; und
• 2 ein Fahrzeug für das Batteriewechselsystem.

In the figures show:

• 1 a highly schematic representation of a battery replacement system according to the invention; and
• 2 a vehicle for the battery changing system.

The 1 shows a changing device 1 of a battery changing system 10 according to the invention.

A vehicle 100 suitable for the battery replacement system 10 is in FIG 2 shown. The vehicle 100 is a commercial vehicle 101 and z. B. a tractor or tractor. The vehicle 100 is equipped here with a battery 2 which can be replaced by the changing device 1 of the battery changing system 10 . For example, the vehicle 100 can drive or work autonomously and, if necessary, drives to the changing device 1, where the battery change then also takes place autonomously.

The one in the 1 The changing device 1 shown comprises a column device 4 firmly anchored to a floor structure 14 . An arm device 3 with two movable arm units 13 , 23 is fastened to the column device 4 . The arm units 13, 23 can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the column device 4 (so-called rotation angle adjustment). In addition, the arm units 13, 23 can be moved up and down in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the column device 4 (so-called axial adjustment). Corresponding drives are provided for this purpose, which are designed, for example, electrically and/or hydraulically.

In order to offer protection against the effects of the weather and dirt when used outdoors, the changing device 1 is equipped with a protective device 7 here. This extends roof tig over the pivoting range of the arm device 3 and is fastened to the column device 4 here by way of example.

The arm units 13, 23 are each equipped here with a coupling device 5 to which a battery 2, 12 can be coupled. The coupling devices 5 are connected to the arms 33 of the arm units 13, 23 so that they can be moved. As a result, the coupling devices 5 can be adjusted transversely to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the column device 4 (so-called radial adjustment).

The arm units 13, 23 are equipped with charging devices 6 here. A connected battery 2, 12 can also be charged directly on the arm units 13, 23 so that it is available for the next battery change. In addition, maintenance and repair work on the battery can be carried out directly in the changing device.

In the situation shown here, a battery 12 is accommodated in the upper arm unit 23 which is already charged or is currently being charged by means of the charging device 6 . This battery 12 is therefore now or soon ready to be used in a vehicle 100 .

The lower arm unit 13 is here equipped with a discharged battery 2 which has just been removed from a vehicle 100 not shown here. For example, the charging device 6 is still in a rest position here. For example, the charging device 6 is pivoted downwards in order to be able to charge the battery 2 .

To change the battery, the vehicle 100 drives up to the changing device 1 shown here. Then, for example, a vehicle type and/or battery type is automatically detected. The coupling device 5 of the arm unit 13 is now aligned with the vehicle 100 in such a way that its battery 2 can be removed. For this purpose, for example, an axial adjustment takes place, in which the arm unit 13 is moved up or down by means of a rack and pinion drive shown here as an example. For example, a rotation angle adjustment can take place in which the arm unit 13 is rotated about the column device 4 . For the radial adjustment, the coupling device 5 on the arm 33 of the arm unit 13 is displaced in its longitudinal direction.

After the alignment, the battery 2 is connected to the coupling device 5 and moved with the adjustment options described above in such a way that the battery 2 can be removed from the vehicle 100 . Then the arm unit 13 is pivoted about the longitudinal axis of the column device 4 in order to transport the discharged battery 2 away.

Meanwhile, the charged battery 12 in the other arm unit 23 is transported to the vehicle 100 . For this purpose, too, the arm unit 23 is pivoted accordingly. The battery 12 is then inserted into the vehicle 100 using the adjustment options described and disconnected from the coupling device 5 . The vehicle 100 is now again equipped with a charged battery 12 and can continue its work. After the battery has been changed, the discharged battery 2 remains in the coupling device 5 and is charged or serviced there by the charging device 6 .

reference list

1

changing device

2

battery

3

arm setup

4

column setup

5

coupling device

6

loading device

7

protective device

10

battery changing system

12

battery

13

arm unit

14

soil structure

23

arm unit

33

poor

100

vehicle

101

commercial vehicle

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• US 9827865 B2 [0002]
• WO 2011161471 A2 [0003]

Claims (15)

Battery changing system (10) for an at least partially electrically driven vehicle (100) and in particular a commercial vehicle (101), comprising at least one changing device (1) which is suitable and designed to remove a discharged battery (2) from the vehicle (100 ) and to insert a charged battery (12) into the vehicle (100), characterized in that the changing device (1) has at least one arm device (3) with at least two arm units (13, 23) accommodated on a column device (4). each with a coupling device (5) that can be positioned relative to the vehicle (100) for receiving at least one of the batteries (1, 12), so that at least one arm unit (13) for removing the discharged battery (2) from the vehicle (100) and at least an arm unit (23) for inserting the charged battery (12) into the vehicle (100). Battery changing system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the changing device (1) is suitable and designed to move a discharged battery (2) received on the coupling device (5) of one arm unit (13) by means of a rotary movement of the arm unit (13) by one longitudinal axis of the column device (4) away from the vehicle (100) and a charged battery (12) accommodated on the coupling device (5) of the other arm unit (23) by rotating the arm unit (23) about a longitudinal axis of the column device (4). to fetch the vehicle (100). Battery changing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling devices (5) can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the column device (4) (so-called rotation angle adjustment) and/or wherein the coupling devices (5) are in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the column device (4) ( so-called axial adjustment) and/or can be adjusted transversely to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the column device (4) (so-called radial adjustment). Battery changing system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the changing device (1) is suitable and designed to align a free coupling device (5) by the rotational angle adjustment and the axial adjustment and the radial adjustment relative to the vehicle (100), so that its battery (2, 12) can be coupled to the coupling device (5) and the coupled battery (2, 12) can be removed from the vehicle (100) and relocated and/or wherein the changing device (1) is suitable and designed for this purpose, with a charged battery (2, 12) equipped coupling device (5) by adjusting the angle of rotation and the axial adjustment and the radial adjustment relative to the vehicle (100) in such a way that the battery (2, 12) can be inserted into the vehicle (100) and the battery ( 2, 12) from the coupling device (5). Battery changing system (10) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the arm units (13, 23) are each rotatably fastened to the column device (4) for the rotation angle adjustment. Battery changing system (10) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein for the axial adjustment the arm units (13, 23) are each attached to the column device (4) in a linearly displaceable manner. Battery changing system (10) according to one of the four preceding claims, wherein for the radial adjustment the coupling devices (5) are each fixed in a linearly displaceable manner on an arm (33) of the associated arm unit (13, 23) and/or wherein for the radial adjustment the arm units (13 , 23) each have at least one retractable and extendable arm (33). Battery changing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the changing device (1) is suitable and designed to recognize a battery type from a group of battery types and to adapt the coupling devices (5) at least partially independently to the receiving conditions of a specific battery type. Battery changing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a charging device (6) for charging the battery (2, 12) accommodated on the coupling device (5) of the associated arm unit (13, 23) is arranged on the arm units (13, 23). is. Battery changing system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the charging device (6) is suitable and designed to connect to the battery (2, 12) and to charge the battery (2, 12) while monitoring the charging process and/or wherein the Charging device (6) is suitable and designed to check and/or maintain the battery (2, 12) that is accommodated. Battery changing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery (2, 12) is accommodated in the coupling device (5) in such a way that the battery (2, 12) is accessible for the intended service work. Battery changing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the change before direction (1) comprises at least one protective device (7) for protection against the effects of the weather. Battery changing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the changing device (1) is suitable and designed to recognize a vehicle type from a group of vehicle types and to position the coupling devices (5) also depending on the recognized vehicle type. Battery changing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one at least partially electrically powered vehicle (100) with at least two interchangeable batteries (2, 12) for driving the vehicle (100). Battery changing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the column device (4) is firmly anchored on a floor structure (14).

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