DE102021125988B4 - 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 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) for a battery change ) and insert a charged battery (12) into the vehicle (100), the changing device (1) having at least one arm device (3) with at least two arm units (13, 23) accommodated on a column device (4), each with one relative coupling device (5) that can be positioned relative to the vehicle (100) for receiving at least one of the batteries (2, 12), so that at least one arm unit (13) for removing the discharged battery (2) from the vehicle (100) and at least one arm unit ( 23) are available for inserting the charged battery (12) into the vehicle (100), characterized in that the changing device (1) is suitable and designed to recognize a battery type from a group of battery types and the coupling devices (5) at least partially to independently adapt to the recording conditions of a specific battery type.

Description

The present invention relates to a battery changing system for an at least partially electrically powered vehicle and in particular a commercial vehicle. The battery changing system includes 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.

Such a battery changing system is from the US 9,827,865 B2 known. The system shown there includes an arm with a gripper through which the battery can be dismantled or assembled.

A generic battery changing system is from the CN 2 13 861 924 U known. The system shown there is designed for a watercraft.

The CN 1 12 622 731 A shows a battery changing system in which the battery is transferred through an arm structure which can slide up and down and back and forth on a frame.

From the EP 2 463 162 B1 a battery changing system with a robot hand attached to an articulated arm for holding the battery is known. The articulated arm can be moved along a linear guide.

From the WO 2011 / 161 471 A2 a system for replacing a battery of a tractor is known, in which a battery changing vehicle transports a discharged battery from the tractor to a battery storage or transports charged batteries from there to the tractor.

In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved option for changing a discharged battery for a charged one. The battery change should be able to be carried out 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 as possible.

This object is achieved by a battery changing system with the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the present invention emerge 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 powered vehicle and in particular for a commercial vehicle. 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 accommodated on the column device. The arm units each have at least one coupling device that can be positioned relative to the vehicle to accommodate at least one of the batteries. In particular, either the charged or the discharged battery can be accommodated. At least one arm unit of the at least two arm units is ready to remove the discharged battery from the vehicle. At least one arm unit of the at least two arm units is ready for inserting the charged battery into the vehicle. The arm units are particularly available at the same time. The changing device is suitable and designed to recognize a battery type from a group of battery types and to adapt the coupling devices at least partially independently to the recording conditions of a specific battery type.

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 significant advantage. This means that one arm unit can move the charged battery towards the vehicle while the other arm unit is still dismantling the discharged battery. This means that a discharged battery can be changed or exchanged particularly quickly for a charged battery. This means that the downtime of the commercial vehicle can be significantly reduced while the battery is being changed. 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 simple manner. For example, only a single attachment point on the floor is required for the column device. Another advantage is that neither the vehicle nor the changing device has to be moved to change the battery.

With the battery changing system according to the invention, it is also possible to change a defective or older or other battery for an intact or younger or other battery. With the present invention it is fundamentally possible and intended for a battery to be replaced by another battery.

The changing device is preferably suitable and designed to transport a discharged battery received on the coupling device of one arm unit from the vehicle by means of a rotational movement of the arm unit about a longitudinal axis of the column device and (in particular during this) a charged battery received on the coupling device of the other arm unit by means of a Rotary movement of the arm unit to bring a longitudinal axis of the column device towards 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 be able to position them relative to one of the batteries. In particular, the coupling devices (each) can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the column device (so-called rotation angle adjustment). The rotation angle adjustment 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 because 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 rotational 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 relative to the vehicle by means of rotational angle adjustment and axial adjustment and radial adjustment in such a way 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 particular, the vehicle remains stationary. The unequipped arm unit is then ready to receive the discharged battery the next time the battery is changed. For example, after the battery has been charged, the arm unit equipped with the discharged battery is ready for the next battery change and can be inserted into the vehicle.

For the rotation angle adjustment, the arm units are in particular each rotatably attached to the column device. In particular, the arm units can be rotated independently of one another. In particular, at least one controllable drive is provided in order to control a specific rotation 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 drive is provided in order to control a specific axial position. In particular, the arm units are attached one above the other to the column device. 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 fully encompass the column device at their attachment point.

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

According to the invention, the changing device is suitable and designed to recognize a battery type from a group of battery types. According to the invention, the changing device is suitable and designed to adapt the coupling devices at least partially independently to the recording 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 modification work, even with different battery types. In particular, at least one sensor device is provided for detecting battery types.

In a particularly preferred and advantageous development, at least one charging device is arranged on each arm unit. The charging device is used in particular for charging the battery while it is accommodated on the coupling device of the associated arm unit. This enables a particularly quick battery change, as the discharged battery does not have to be removed from the changing device and transported to a charging station. In particular, the battery is electrically contacted. The charging process can also be carried out contactlessly and, for example, by induction. It is possible that when the battery is coupled to the coupling device, electrical contact is also made at the same time. In particular, the charging process takes place depending on the recognized battery type.

The charging device is preferably suitable and designed to connect (independently) to the battery and to charge the battery while monitoring the charging process. The charging device is particularly suitable and designed to check and/or maintain the stored battery. In particular, the charging device can start and/or end the charging process independently. 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 selected 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 from the significantly increased level of pollution 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 intended service work. In particular, the service work includes maintenance work and/or repair work. In particular, the coupling device and the battery are coordinated with 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 weather influences. This is particularly advantageous when operating outside or in the open air, for example with tractors on arable land. In this way, the battery remaining in the changing device can be protected from 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 to also position the coupling devices depending on 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 changing 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 may 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 include at least three arm units. It is also possible for the arm device to comprise four or five or more arm units. It is possible for a storage device to be provided in which at least one (for example charged or discharged) battery is stored, in particular so that an arm unit with a free coupling device can be provided. In such an embodiment, the changing device is particularly suitable and designed to transfer the battery from the arm unit into the storage device and/or to take the battery from the storage device into the arm unit. This makes it possible to change the battery quickly and economically even if one or both or all arm units still have a battery. For example, one arm unit is equipped with a charged battery from the storage facility while the other arm unit dismantles the battery from the vehicle. The arm units extend in particular transversely Column setup. 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 has been transported away so that the other arm unit can be brought into an axial position which is aligned appropriately to the vehicle and for that Requires the battery to be inserted into the vehicle. Such a configuration is particularly provided when the arm units are attached one above the other to the column device and therefore cannot be in the same axial position or height position at the same time. In particular, the arm units are always in different axial positions.

The changing device in particular 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 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 establish at least one high-voltage connection for this purpose.

The batteries are designed in particular as electrical energy storage 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. In addition to common commercial vehicles such as trucks and tractors and the like, a commercial vehicle also includes self-propelled work machines, tractors or tugs, industrial trucks, construction machines, forestry machines and other types of such vehicles.

In all embodiments, 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 is to insert the charged battery into the vehicle. In particular, the changing device is suitable and designed to detect 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 to remove a battery from the vehicle. In particular, the arm units are designed identically.

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

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

Show in the figures:

• 1 a highly schematic representation of a battery changing 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. The changing device 1 can carry out a battery change automatically or independently and can do this by removing a battery 2 from a vehicle 100 and, in the meantime, bringing in a charged battery 12 and then installing it in the vehicle 100.

A vehicle 100 suitable for the battery changing system 10 is in the 2 shown. The vehicle 100 here is a commercial vehicle 101 and z. B. a tractor or tractor. The vehicle 100 is here equipped 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, travels to the changing device 1, where the battery change is also carried out autonomously.

The ones in the 1 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 attached 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). For this purpose, corresponding drives are provided here, 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 here equipped with a protective device 7. This extends like a roof over the pivoting range of the arm device 3 and is attached here, for example, to the column device 4.

The arm units 13, 23 are each equipped with a coupling device 5, to which a battery 2, 12 can be coupled. The coupling devices 5 are movably connected to the arms 33 of the arm units 13, 23. 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 loading devices 6 here. In addition, a coupled battery 2, 12 can be charged directly on the arm units 13, 23 so that it is ready for the next battery change. In addition, maintenance or 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 using the charging device 6. This battery 12 is 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 approaches the changing device 1 shown here. Then, for example, an automatic recognition of a vehicle type and/or battery type takes place. Now the coupling device 5 of the arm unit 13 is aligned with the vehicle 100 so 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 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 is displaced on the arm 33 of the arm unit 13 in its longitudinal direction.

After alignment, the battery 2 is connected to the coupling device 5 and moved using the previously described adjustment options so that the battery 2 can be removed from the vehicle 100. The arm unit 13 is then pivoted about the longitudinal axis of the column device 4 in order to transport the discharged battery 2 away.

Meanwhile, the charged battery 12 located in the other arm unit 23 is transported to the vehicle 100. The arm unit 23 is also pivoted accordingly for this purpose. The battery 12 is then inserted into the vehicle 100 using the adjustment options described and separated 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.

List of reference symbols:

1

Changing device

2

battery

3

Arm facility

4

Column setup

5

Coupling device

6

Loading facility

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

Claims (14)

Battery changing system (10) for an at least partially electrically driven vehicle (100) and in particular 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) for a battery change ) and insert a charged battery (12) into the vehicle (100), the changing device (1) having at least one arm device (3) with at least two arm units (13, 23) accommodated on a column device (4), each with one relative coupling device (5) that can be positioned relative to the vehicle (100) for receiving at least one of the batteries (2, 12), so that at least one arm unit (13) for removing the discharged battery (2) from the vehicle (100) and at least one arm unit ( 23) are available for inserting the charged battery (12) into the vehicle (100), characterized in that the changing device (1) is suitable and designed to recognize a battery type from a group of battery types and the coupling devices (5) at least partially to adapt independently to the recording conditions of a specific battery type. Battery changing system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the changing device (1) is suitable and designed to change a discharged battery (2) received on the coupling device (5) of one arm unit (13) by means of a rotational movement of the arm unit (13). The longitudinal axis of the column device (4) is to be transported away from the vehicle (100) and a charged battery (12) received on the coupling device (5) of the other arm unit (23) is attached by means of a rotational movement of the arm unit (23) about a longitudinal axis of the column device (4). to bring the vehicle (100). Battery changing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling devices (5) are rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the column device (4) (so-called rotation angle adjustment) and / or wherein the coupling devices (5) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the column device (4) ( so-called axial adjustment) and/or 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) relative to the vehicle (100) by means of the rotational angle adjustment and the axial adjustment and the radial adjustment, 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 the changing device (1) is suitable and designed for this purpose, one with a charged battery (2, 12) equipped coupling device (5) can be aligned relative to the vehicle (100) by the rotation angle adjustment and the axial adjustment and the radial adjustment in such a way that the battery (2, 12) can be inserted into the vehicle (100) and the battery (2, 12) is inserted as intended ( 2, 12) to decouple 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 attached to the column device (4) for the rotation angle adjustment. Battery changing system (10) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the arm units (13, 23) are each attached to the column device (4) in a linearly displaceable manner for the axial adjustment. Battery changing system (10) according to one of the four preceding claims, wherein for the radial adjustment the coupling devices (5) are each attached in a linearly displaceable manner to an arm (33) of the associated arm unit (13, 23) and/or wherein 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 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 recorded battery (2, 12). 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 intended service work. Battery changing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the changing device (1) comprises at least one protective device (7) for protection against weather influences. 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 also position the coupling devices (5) 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 driven 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).

Images