DE202011003345U1 - Energy storage unit, energy storage unit housing and changing station for energy storage units - Google Patents

Abstract

Energy storage unit for providing electrical energy for a drivable with electrical energy consumers, such as in particular an electric motor for an electrically powered vehicle, characterized in that the energy storage unit has at least one coupling region, by means of which the energy storage unit with another substantially structurally similarly constructed second energy storage unit connectable , and a power transfer area to facilitate power flow substantially from at least one of the energy storage units to the load.

Description

The present invention relates to an energy storage unit for providing electrical energy for a consumer that can be driven with electrical energy, and to an energy storage unit housing for arranging and locking energy storage units and also to a replacement station for exchanging the energy storage units preferably of the energy storage unit housing according to the preambles of claims 1, 12 and 14.

Electrically powered vehicles often have the disadvantage that they need to recharge their energy storage units, such as batteries, very long charging times, within which use of the electrically powered vehicle is not possible. In addition, such vehicles have a limited range, since the actual charging usually takes place almost exclusively at the parking space of the vehicle, which may be a garage on the dwelling place, and on the road is very inadequate a network of electrical charging stations available.

Are known, for example, electric vehicles, such as the so-called Tesla Roadster which has a range up to 450 km and a maximum speed of 210 km / h with an acceleration of 0-100 km / h in four seconds, but also a loading time of takes at least 3.5 hours to recharge a discharged battery permanently installed in the vehicle. Although such electric vehicles are competitive with conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines, they must be parked in one place for at least 3.5 hours each time they travel over a distance of about 450 km due to the charging time, even in the presence of a charging station.

In addition, such electrically powered vehicles have high initial costs, among other things, due to the high production costs of such usually designed individually for the vehicle developed in the vehicle accumulators. These cost-intensive batteries are also usually provided with a shorter life, since due to the very limited available network of charging stations for vehicle batteries charging not at the appropriate time depending on the instantaneous discharge of the battery, but after the return of the vehicle at his original location, where such a charging station is usually present, is charged. This can result in a limited life of the previous accumulators of about 500-1000 charging cycles. Subsequently, the purchase of a new battery is necessary, which is associated with significantly additional costs.

As a result, it is advantageous to replace batteries once they are discharged and by means of a new, d. H. to replace a charged accumulator. However, such rechargeable battery changing systems must take into account a variety of vehicle design and power consumption requirements of the various types and types of vehicles, since most vehicles that require a more powerful accumulator, such as the above sports car or transport vehicles, such as buses powered by electric motors or trucks, also in have the dimensions larger accumulator.

That is, vehicles, such as a passenger car, for example, which is operated mainly in the city, preferably also requires less electrical energy due to low power, as a similar passenger car, which is preferably used for long-distance travel on highways and / or highways.

Would now both vehicles have a constructively relatively large sized accumulator, it would not be advantageous for the city-powered vehicle, since the power provided by the accumulator is not or not fully utilized by this vehicle and thus the additional weight of the oversized accumulator also leads to increased consumption of electrical power. In addition, an increased cost factor is associated with a large-sized or designed accumulator.

Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a substantially standardized energy storage unit for providing electrical energy for a drivable with electrical energy consumers and an energy storage unit housing for placement and locking of energy storage units and also a change station for replacing the energy storage units from preferably the energy storage unit housing in order to individually and flexibly provide a required number of energy storage units to the consumer depending on the demanded or desired energy demand of the consumer, so that the energy supply and thus the energy source can be flexibly adjusted in time to the most diverse requirements of the consumer.

This object is achieved by the present invention by means of an energy storage unit, a Energy storage unit housing and a change station according to claims 1, 12 and 14.

Accordingly, an energy storage unit for providing electrical energy for a consumer driven with electrical energy, such as claimed in particular an electric motor for an electrically powered vehicle, wherein the energy storage unit at least one coupling region, by means of which the energy storage unit with another substantially structurally similarly constructed second energy storage unit connectable , and a power transfer area to enable power to flow substantially from at least one of the energy storage units to the load.

An energy storage unit according to the invention is preferably an accumulator which can be connected to a structurally similar accumulator in order, for example, to be able to provide an increased energy output as an accumulator device or energy storage device, as a single accumulator alone.

Preferably, however, the individual energy storage units are also discharged individually, so that a defined energy provided can be provided for a longer period of time.

It is also possible to connect a large number of rechargeable batteries or energy storage units with one another in such a way that the power obtainable from the energy storage units increases in order, for example, to make more power available to the consumer over the same period of time (series connection of the rechargeable batteries) or to the consumer previously able to provide the same performance over a longer period of time (parallel connection of the accumulators) or also in order to provide the consumer with increased power over a longer period of time (series connection in combination with parallel connection of the accumulators).

The control of how much power is supplied to the consumer, for example via a central control device, which is connected to the engine control device data transmission technology, or even a part of this. This central control unit coordinates, depending on the requirements of the consumer, whether electrical energy is to be obtained from only one energy storage unit, from a plurality of energy storage units connected in series, from a plurality of energy storage units connected in parallel, or from a plurality of energy storage units connected in parallel and in series. For this purpose, the central control unit can respond by connecting or disconnecting certain power lines or connections defined energy storage units defined or relate energy from these or regulate their energy reference and control.

It is conceivable that the one energy storage unit is arranged with a second energy storage unit in series, so that the individual coupling areas of the energy storage units interlock. In addition, it is possible for the first energy storage unit to be connected to the second energy storage unit in such a way that both energy storage units are connected in series. This is possible, for example, if the energy storage units z. B. can not be arranged within an energy storage unit housing, which accomplishes the coupling of the individual energy storage units for transmitting the electrical energy and the data streams.

The energy storage unit according to the invention is preferably constructed as a kind of plug-in principle, so that a plurality of energy storage units are preferably connected in series to either transfer electrical energy from an energy storage unit via another energy storage unit to the consumer, or merely a mechanical connection for locking allow each other, in which case the transmission of electrical energy is preferably realized via the energy storage unit housing.

Thus, it is also conceivable that individual energy storage units also connected to each other, d. H. plugged into each other or be coupled to each other, without an electrical connection of the individual energy storage units takes place with each other. This would be conceivable, for example, if the energy storage units are to be connected to each other by their structural design in order to form a mutually stable structure and thus a stable accumulator device from a plurality of accumulators.

Advantageously, the energy storage unit alone or in combination or connection with a second or a plurality of energy storage units forms a memory for preferably long-term storage of energy, which at least one electrically driven consumer, such. B. an electric motor provides this electrical energy available so that this electric motor, for example, a vehicle such as a passenger car, a truck, a two-wheel or the like can drive.

Each energy storage unit preferably has current-carrying lines or conductors for guiding the energy (positive and negative conductors) and / or a data line for transmitting relevant data from the respective energy storage unit to, for example, a control device or the central control device of the consumer and / or of the vehicle itself , such as B. the engine control device, on.

Relevant data can be, for example, the type or article number or designation of the respective energy storage unit, its charge state, the date of manufacture and other technical data.

In addition, it is conceivable that the energy storage unit has a preferably secured dynamic data unit, which, for example, information about the owner, the owner and CV events, such. B. a possible overheating, energy flow disturbances with the indication of time (date) and place (location), etc. contains.

The energy storage units according to the invention are preferably alternating energy storage unit. This means that they are simply replaced after a discharge, so that the consumer can always be charged charged energy storage units available.

However, it is also possible that the energy storage units according to the invention by the user of the vehicle, which is driven by the consumer, such as the electric motor, if necessary, recharged again and again by the energy storage units are connected to an external power supply network, from which the energy storage units electrical energy can relate.

Thus, it is conceivable that out of the plurality of energy storage units, preferably arranged within a substantially segmented energy storage unit housing, a number of energy storage units are used for continuous replacement and thus do not belong to the vehicle owner, while other energy storage units are not replaced, for example by the vehicle owner themselves, as needed, because these energy storage units are part of their ownership.

Preferably, each energy storage unit has a power between 4 to 15 kW and more preferably between 5 to 10 kW, so that there are, for example, energy storage unit with a power of 5.5 kW. In this case, the energy storage unit according to the invention should not be limited to the maximum power that can be provided by it.

Accordingly, it is also conceivable that the energy storage units, each can provide a different maximum power, so that ultimately with a preferably series-connectable energy storage units a defined and desired maximum power - taking into account the requirements of each consumer - can be provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the energy storage unit has a substantially cube-like shape which, on two substantially opposite sides, has essentially different coupling regions, which are designed to be substantially different from one another and preferably have a different configuration.

The shape of the energy storage unit is in this case not limited to only one shape, so that it is also conceivable that the energy storage unit has a rectangular or any other shape.

In the case of the cube-like or rectangular shape, in which the respective sides of the energy storage unit are substantially perpendicular to each other, the energy storage unit has at least six sides, wherein two sides of these six sides, which face each other, each have a coupling region. Thus, each energy storage unit has at least two coupling regions, which are formed opposite each other.

However, it is also conceivable that at least four sides of the six sides have a coupling region, so that two substantially identical pairs of couplings each having two mutually contrasting coupling regions. However, for example, the current-carrying lines and the data line are arranged only for a coupling pair to connect to the transmission with a structurally similar element such with this that the line ends of the lines touch each other or interlock, so as to the current or Energy flow and the flow of data between the individual energy storage units to the consumer to allow.

Consequently, the second pair of couplings serves only for locking or arranging a further energy storage unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, however, both coupling pairs have no Connections etc. of the live lines or the data line. These are then located on one side, which preferably has a groove-like recess in order to be able to connect to a corresponding device of the energy storage unit housing. Thus, the electrical energy and the data are transmitted directly from the individual energy storage units to the energy storage unit housing and from there via, for example, a central control device or directly to the consumer.

Accordingly, the energy transfer region is preferably arranged in the region of the groove-like recess.

The first side having a first coupling region preferably has at least three substantially planar surfaces, wherein at least a first of the surfaces of the first side is aligned substantially perpendicular to the sides adjoining the first side.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least a second and a third surface extend substantially obliquely sloping from the first surface toward edges of the first side, so that the first coupling region forms a projection.

Thus, it is also conceivable that a fourth and a fifth surface likewise extend in the direction of the edges of the first side, so that the entire first coupling region has a substantially truncated pyramid-like shape.

The edges of the energy storage unit or the sides or surfaces of the energy storage unit are preferably also rounded or bevelled.

Thus, the first coupling region is like a nose, i. H. as an engagement means adapted to engage in the corresponding counterpart.

In contrast, in a further preferred embodiment, the second side region having a second coupling region also has at least three substantially planar surfaces, wherein at least a first of the surfaces of the second side is oriented substantially perpendicular to the sides adjacent to the second side.

Preferably, a second and third surface extend substantially obliquely rising from the first surface toward edges of the second side, so that the second coupling region forms a recess.

Thus, it is also conceivable that a fourth and a fifth surface likewise extend in the direction of the edges of the second side.

Consequently, the second coupling region forms a recess, in which the first coupling region can engage or can be inserted.

Thus, the second coupling region is the pendent, i. H. the counterpart to the first coupling region of the energy storage unit.

The geometry or configuration of the coupling regions should not be limited to a defined shape here, so that other embodiments are possible.

As already mentioned above, a further third side of the energy storage unit preferably has a groove-like recess which extends substantially over the entire length of the third side from the edge of the first side to the edge of the second side.

This groove-shaped recess is preferably arranged centrally of the page.

In addition, an energy storage unit housing is claimed with at least one segment slot for receiving, arrangement and locking of at least one energy storage unit, wherein the energy storage unit housing is removably disposed on the vehicle.

The segment slot of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention preferably has a substantially quadrangular cross-sectional shape, wherein at least one substantially inner side has a locking means for mechanically locking the energy storage unit with the energy storage unit housing.

However, the shape of the segment shaft preferably depends on the shaping of the energy storage unit according to the invention and is therefore preferably adapted to its shape, so that insertion of the energy storage unit into the segment shaft can be made possible without jamming or blocking the energy storage unit. In addition, the energy storage unit during use, d. H. during use of the consumer and consequently during the movement of the vehicle from slipping, as well as from damage or even from extreme temperature influences (heat, cold) are protected from the outside.

Furthermore, a changing station for the exchange of energy storage units which removes substantially discharged energy storage units from an energy storage unit housing and / or arranges substantially charged or new energy storage units in the energy storage unit housing.

However, it is also conceivable that the energy storage units are not arranged in an energy storage unit housing, but otherwise connected to the vehicle or be arranged on this. Then either the changeover station removes the corresponding energy storage units to be replaced from the device or arrangement defined therefor or the energy storage units are manually, for. B. taken by the driver or a mechanic himself.

In addition, it is conceivable that the changeover station does not remove the individual energy storage units from the energy storage unit housing arranged on the vehicle, but instead removes the entire energy storage unit housing from the vehicle in order to exchange an entire energy storage unit housing with corresponding energy storage units or transports the energy storage unit housing to another location for exchanging the energy storage units there ,

Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Further advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be explained with reference to the appended drawing, in which exemplary embodiments of the energy storage unit according to the invention, embodiments of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention and embodiments of the change station according to the invention are shown.

Components which at least substantially coincide in the figures with respect to their function may in this case be identified by the same reference symbols, these components not having to be identified and explained in all figures.

In the figures show:

1 a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the energy storage unit according to the invention;

2 a schematic diagram of a possible arrangement of two embodiments of an inventive energy storage unit;

3a a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention;

3b a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention;

3c a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention;

3d a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention;

4a a schematic diagram of a possible arrangement of an embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention in a passenger car;

4b a schematic diagram of a possible arrangement of an embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention in a dolly;

4c a schematic diagram of a possible arrangement of an embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention in a truck;

4d a schematic diagram of a possible arrangement of an embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention in an area of a vehicle;

5 a schematic diagram for locking an embodiment of the energy storage unit in or with an embodiment of an energy storage unit housing according to the invention;

6 a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the Entriegelungswelle;

7 a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the unlocking mechanism;

8th a schematic diagram of a portion of an embodiment of the changing station according to the invention;

9 a schematic diagram of another area of an embodiment of the changing station according to the invention;

10 a schematic diagram of a charging area for energy storage units according to an embodiment of the changing station according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the energy storage unit according to the invention 1 with a first page 2 and a second page 3 and each having a coupling region K1 and K2. The second coupling region K2 of the second side 3 has a first surface 3a on which perpendicular to those on the second side 3 aligned with adjacent pages. To the first area 3a border two further areas 3b and 3c namely, the second surface 3b and the third area 3c slanting in one direction to a fourth surface 3d or a fifth surface 3e , in turn, parallel to the first surface 3a are aligned extend. The second 3b and the third area 3c thus extend from the first surface 3a away toward the outside of the energy storage unit 1 such that the second coupling region K2 essentially forms a recess into which the first coupling region K1 of a further energy storage unit 1 can intervene or can be arranged.

Such a standardized, ie constructively always identically designed energy storage unit 1 could therefore be used for any vehicle which is additionally or entirely operated with electrical energy, so that such energy storage units 1 from small cars to trucks or from motorcycles to boats or even on the plane.

A mass production of such standardized energy storage units 1 also leads to a reduction in production costs.

In addition, such energy storage units 1 also the advantage of a fast charge on, since they only have a substantially low energy performance and by an appropriate circuit with each other increased or longer can provide a defined energy output available. Thus, such energy storage units could 1 also be charged directly with electrical energy and a replacement of the individual energy storage units 1 would only be necessary if more or less energy is needed.

This would require the individual energy storage units 1 be provided with corresponding lines, which are so directed outwardly from the energy storage unit housing (not shown here) directed that charging individual energy storage units 1 can be enabled.

Furthermore, the shows 1 the arrangement of the current-carrying lines 4a and 4b as well as the data line 5 which each extend through the entire length of the energy storage unit 1 extend and therefore to both sides 2 and 3 that is to say that they have connections at both coupling areas K1 and K2 in order to be able to connect to the current-carrying lines or to the data line of a further energy storage unit in order to be able to transmit electrical energy to the consumer or to transmit data to the central control device.

This embodiment of the energy storage units 1 is preferably used when the energy storage units 1 not disposed within a segmented energy storage unit housing (not shown).

In the 2 is a schematic diagram of a possible arrangement of two embodiments of an energy storage units according to the invention 1a and 1b shown. It can be clearly seen that the first coupling region K1 of the second energy storage unit 1b , which in contrast to the embodiment of the 1 has a rounded portion, in the second coupling region K2 of the first energy storage unit 1a engages, so that z. As well as the current-carrying lines (not shown here) and the data line (not shown here), if they are arranged in the region of the coupling regions K1 and / or K2, are connected to each other for the transmission of corresponding energy or power.

The 3a shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention 10 for example, for small vehicles with a total of four energy storage units arranged therein 1 , There are two energy storage units each 1 arranged one after another by connecting them together in such a way that, as already in 2 shown, a first coupling region of an energy storage unit 1 in the second coupling region of another energy storage unit 1 protrudes or plugged or connected to this.

Indicates each energy storage unit 1 For example, an electric power of about 5.5 kW, the vehicle are now either four times 5.5 kW, twice 11 kW or even once 22 kW available, as controlled by the central control device, the individual energy storage units either individually can be used to deliver electrical energy or two energy storage units or four energy storage units can be connected in series, etc., to provide electrical energy to the consumer. In other words, when providing a total of 22 kW of power, the two rows arranged parallel to one another each consist of two energy storage units 1 via the energy storage unit housing 10 are connected together so that their energy flow is connected in series.

For this purpose, the energy storage unit housing 10 Electrical connections and outputs (not shown here), with the terminals and outputs (not shown here) of the energy storage units 1 connect and thus can turn them in series or parallel to each other.

In the 3b is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention 10 shown, which instead of in the 3a shown energy storage unit housing 10 not just two segment shafts 11 but a total of four segment shafts 11 having.

In every segment slot 11 According to the present figure, a total of two energy storage units can be used 1 be arranged in series. However, it is also conceivable that the segment shafts 11 have a larger sizing, thus more than two energy storage units 1 such as three, four or more energy storage units 1 to be able to order.

According to the 3b are not all four segment shafts 11 with corresponding energy storage units 1 stocked, leaving only two segment shafts 11 in each case a total of two energy storage units 1 have, because the vehicle, for example, due to current load situations no longer requires electrical energy.

However, those still can not do with energy storage units 1 occupied segment shafts 11 at a higher energy demand of the consumer of the vehicle with additional energy storage units 1 be equipped, which then as described above, can be connected in parallel, in series or in parallel and in series with each other, depending on what power the vehicle or its consumer or its electric motor is to apply.

A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention 10 is in the 3c shown a total of seven segment shafts 11 has, wherein two segment shafts 11 above the other five segment shafts 11 are arranged. Consequently, the energy storage unit housing has 10 two levels up. The arrangement and the length of the segment shafts depends on the one hand on the structure of the vehicle, so that the construction of the energy storage unit housing 10 to the construction of the vehicle or the vehicle floor (both not shown here) adapts. The number of segment slots 11 and their length training is determined by the maximum available energy from energy storage units (not shown here), by means of which the vehicle and in particular its electric motor can be operated without this example being overheated.

According to the 3c assign the segment shafts 11 a length for the arrangement of a total of three energy storage units arranged in series.

The 3d shows a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention 10 ; which in total about ten segment shafts 11 having individual segment shafts 11 also oblique to other segment shafts 11 can be arranged.

As mentioned above, the structural design of the energy storage unit housing depends 10 from the structure of the vehicle on which the energy storage unit housing 10 is attached so that the energy storage unit housing 10 takes up as little space on or in the vehicle and at the same time the largest possible number of energy storage units 1 can record.

The segmented energy storage unit housing 10 is designed in each case as simple as possible and has little to no electrical components, so that not only the individual energy storage units, but also the entire energy storage unit housing can be replaced if necessary.

The 4a shows a schematic diagram of a possible arrangement of an embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention 10 in a passenger car P. The energy storage unit housing 10 in this case preferably has two segment shafts 11 in which in each case two energy storage units (not shown here) may be arranged. The arrangement of the energy storage unit housing 10 is preferably in or on the vehicle floor area of the passenger vehicle P and thereby preferably on the outside of the vehicle floor of the passenger vehicle P, to the energy storage unit housing 10 or in the energy storage unit housing 10 arranged energy storage units to replace quickly.

A schematic diagram of a possible arrangement of an embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention 10 in or on, for example, a trolley T or a transport vehicle T is in the 4b shown, wherein the energy storage unit housing shown here 10 at least four segment shafts 11 for the arrangement of three energy storage units (not shown here), thus more Energy for the electric motor or electric motors (not shown here) to provide the transport vehicle T and the trolley T can.

In the 4c is also a schematic diagram of a possible arrangement of an embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention 10 shown in a truck L, wherein the energy storage unit housing 10 Here, a total of 10 segment shafts for the arrangement of two or three energy storage units (not shown here) to provide a sufficient amount of energy available.

According to the 4d which is a schematic diagram of a possible arrangement of an embodiment of the energy storage unit housing according to the invention 10 at a portion of a vehicle F, which is here shown only schematically, shows, the energy storage unit housing 10 preferably on the vehicle floor area 20 of the vehicle F arranged to an uncomplicated and quick replacement of the energy storage unit housing 10 or in the energy storage unit housing 10 arranged energy storage units (not shown here) to allow.

The energy storage unit housing 10 also shows a release mechanism 21 which is preferably standardized and a plurality of static anchor points 22 (prefers four static anchor points 22 ), in which a removal device of a change station, which will be described in more detail later, engages in order to be able to unlock and remove the energy storage unit housing from the vehicle.

However, it is also conceivable that the energy storage units without energy storage unit housing 10 at the vehicle floor area 20 of the vehicle F can be arranged and thus are attached only on a kind of sheet metal or mudguard. Or the energy storage units are individually connected via corresponding holding means on the vehicle floor area. In a defined embodiment will be omitted here.

The 5 shows in a plan view a schematic diagram for locking an embodiment of the energy storage unit 1 in or with an embodiment of an energy storage unit housing according to the invention (not directly shown here).

Because it is possible that the individual energy storage units 1 Preferably, the load is not discharged simultaneously by the consumer, but discharged one after the other, or discharged as desired by the consumer. The individual segment wells (not shown here) of the energy storage unit housing (not shown here) may be a rail system 30 or a docking rail 30 exhibit. This rail 30 is preferably arranged on the upper side of a segment shaft and thus extends from the entrance of the segment shaft to its output or from one end to the other end of the segment slot and is preferably used inter alia for mechanical locking of introduced into the energy storage unit housing energy storage units 1 ,

Ie. the energy storage units 1 , which have a groove-shaped, preferably centrally extending the upper side recess, are inserted into the segment slot of the energy storage unit housing such that the rail 30 of the segment shaft in the groove-shaped recess of the energy storage unit 1 can intervene.

The mechanical locking is preferably carried out by the change station (not shown here), so that the mechanics or the number of arrangement of mechanically acting elements on or in the energy storage unit can be kept as low as possible in order to avoid expensive production of the energy storage units and To obtain the interior of the energy storage units for storing the electrical energy.

The lock itself is activated by the activation of a magnetic switch 33 , which is arranged on or in the energy storage unit triggered. Activation and / or. Deactivation of the magnetic switch can be achieved by an input of a corresponding TAN, for example by the vehicle owner in a corresponding input device which is connected to a control unit for activating and deactivating the magnetic switch or by the transmission defined data signals to this control unit from an authorized transmission unit such , the change station itself, are triggered.

Upon activation of the magnetic switch 33 , which is preferably activated only when the example entered TAN is not correct or not suitable for the change station or a removal of the energy storage unit housing or the individual energy storage units is not desirable (theft), inter alia, for example, a locking mandrel 31 activated such that a movement of the respective energy storage unit 1 is no longer possible. Ie. the locking mandrel 31 remains in an extended and engaging in a corresponding recess of the energy storage unit position. About a wave 33 may be a gear mounted thereon 34 be turned so that a toothed rail 35 or a dental splint 35 , which on a connecting element 36 is arranged, preferably in translational direction is moved, so that the connecting element 36 also moved in the translational direction to the terminals of the current-carrying lines (not shown here) and the connection of the data line (not shown here) of the energy storage unit with the connecting element 36 connect in order to produce a transfer of electrical energy to the consumer or the data stream to the central control device can.

Preferably, at this connection element 36 also the locking pin 31 arranged, which consequently in a translational movement of the connecting element 36 likewise preferably moved in a translatory manner in order to intervene in or in areas of the energy storage unit such that the energy storage unit can no longer be removed.

The magnetic switch 33 itself can now be in an activation of the same in a recess of the shaft 32 engage and lock them in such a way that a rotational movement of the shaft about its central axis is no longer possible. Accordingly, there would be no movement of the connecting element 36 and / or the locking mandrel 31 more is possible.

A similar locking mechanism is also found on the outside of the energy storage unit housing to consequently lock it to the vehicle floor of the vehicle.

In addition, the rail system 30 even to the cable management of z. B. live lines and / or the data line serve.

To illustrate the unlocking mechanism is in the 6 a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the Entriegelungswelle 32 with the correspondingly arranged magnetic switch 33 shown. Ie. If the magnetic switch is activated, it penetrates into a defined recess or passage in the shaft 32 a, by which this is locked so that a movement of the energy storage unit is no longer possible. The wave 32 is either a component of the rail 30 if the magnetic switch is part of the energy storage unit or vice versa.

In addition, the shows 7 a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the release mechanism, by which it is made possible; To be able to remove a defined number of energy storage units from the energy storage unit housing.

Will the opening mechanism 37 for example, by a removal robot arm in a planned removal of an energy storage unit from the energy storage unit housing to the position 1 rotated, there is also a release of the first outer energy storage unit 1 because of a. a rotation of the shaft 32 which then, as described above, moves the connecting element with the locking mandrel such that the locking mandrel no longer engages in a corresponding region of the energy storage unit so that it can be removed. Will, however, the opening mechanism 37 to the position 2 rotated, for example, an activation of a first and a second wave 32 such that the second energy storage unit 1 unlocked, but the first energy storage unit 1 again with the second energy storage unit 1 is locked, so now the first and the second energy storage unit 1 can be taken together. Will the opening mechanism 37 now, however, to the position 3 moves, becomes the third energy storage unit 1 unlocked and the first and the second energy storage unit 1 are preferably locked to the third, so that all three energy storage units can be removed from the energy storage unit housing, etc.

The him the 7 shown mechanism 37 thus allows the removal of up to three arranged in a segment shaft of the energy storage unit housing energy storage units 1 , However, should more than three energy storage units 1 must be removed, the opening mechanism 37 a corresponding number of positions.

In the 8th is a schematic diagram of a portion of an embodiment of the changing station according to the invention 40 shown.

A change station is used to replace energy storage units 1 or energy storage unit housings 10 on an electrically operated or drivable vehicle, which enters the change station or a corresponding area of the change station, in which case the corresponding vehicle and / or energy storage unit housing type is read out via, for example, sensors in the ground in order to carry out an analysis of the vehicle and / or vehicle or to perform energy storage unit housing data. By such analyzes, for example, ownership and / or tenancy of the energy storage units or the energy storage unit housing can be clarified, for example.

For example, via a corresponding control panel in the vehicle, the driver gives his order, ie how many energy storage units, of which type, from which manufacturer he would like to have inserted into his energy storage unit housing and therefore rented. This information is then transmitted, for example, via Bluetooth or RFID to a control device of the changing station.

Thereby, the change station with the compilation of the ordered energy storage units, taking into account a corresponding energy storage unit management, the charging cycles, the maintenance of energy storage units and z. B. also causes the secondary use of the energy storage unit in the charging station, for example, as a buffer for regenerative energies, causes. That is, that z. B. stored longer in the exchange station energy storage units of a particular provider may be preferred, insofar as these energy storage units of this provider are required.

The vehicle is maneuvered, for example, by means of a stop signal over a defined bottom area of the change station, which is preferably composed of segmental areas, and stopped in a defined position, so that preferably only individual segments S or areas S of the change station below the vehicle 40 , which preferably lie directly below the vehicle, must be opened to allow replacement of the energy storage unit housing or the energy storage units.

These chain-like segments S can consequently be rolled up or peeled off as required, so that a defined area opens, while the other areas remain passably closed. In other words, opening segment areas S can also be entered while they are being rolled up, owing to the possibility that the floor area under the feet of the persons consequently does not move in a translatory or rotational manner. So it is possible to change the energy storage units of each vehicle, no matter what width and length this vehicle has and regardless of where the vehicle floor area, the energy storage unit housing 10 is arranged.

That is, it is possible to enter individual segments S while other segments S open to allow a change operation.

This makes it possible for the driver and passengers of the vehicle to leave the vehicle during the change process of the energy storage unit housing or the energy storage units.

Preferably, the vehicle is held by a level control at a defined distance to the change station or the floor area of the change station, so that, for example, a height differentiation due to the getting in and out of passengers of the vehicle in the vehicle or due to the removal or arrangement of the loaded energy storage unit housing 10 the change process is not negatively affected.

The energy storage unit housing 10 is using a sampling device 41 or a robot arm 41 taken, so that the removal device 41 under the accordingly to be taken out energy storage unit housing 10 is moved over example slides or by means of rollers, etc., so that a Entriegelungsdorn 42 , which on a removal head 43 is arranged so under the energy storage unit housing 10 can be moved, that the release mandrel 42 as well as intervention means 43a in the corresponding unlocking mechanism 21 of the energy storage unit housing 10 can engage to unlock the energy storage unit housing 10 from the vehicle floor, for example by a rotation of the removal head 43 to enable. D. h., That is preferably the engagement means 43a into the anchor points 22 of the energy storage unit housing, while the unlocking mandrel 42 in an opening mechanism 21a of the energy storage unit housing 10 engages to unlock it from the vehicle floor.

The removal head 42 can have a corresponding lifting system 44 , which is arbitrarily adjustable in the height direction, to the lower side of the energy storage unit housing 10 moved up to an intervention of the Entriegelungsdornes 42 in the unlocking mechanism 21 of the energy storage unit housing 10 to enable.

The removal head 43 is preferably movable over, for example, a corresponding ball-jointed (not shown here), so that an insertion of the unlocking mandrel 42 in the unlocking device 21 of the energy storage unit housing 10 can also be made possible at oblique or inclined vehicles.

Is the removal of the energy storage unit housing 10 From the vehicle, the removal head is adjusted 43 preferably again in its equilibrium position, so that the ball joint is stiffened such that a movement of the removal head 43 can be excluded to the centric axis.

Then the entire lifting system drives 44 with the energy storage unit housing 10 to down towards a transport shaft 45a the at least two transport shafts 45a . 45b vertically and horizontally movable robotic arms at their entrances 46a . 46b are arranged. The robot arm 46a of the first transport shaft 45a removes the energy storage units from the energy storage unit housing 10 and places these on a corresponding segmented first conveyor belt 52a which in turn is the discharged energy storage units 1 transported to a corresponding charging station (not shown here).

In another preferred embodiment, it is also possible that the entire energy storage unit housing 10 via appropriate conveyor belts 52a is transported to a charging station, there to deliver directly discharged energy storage units to be equipped with new charged energy storage units to another conveyor belt 52b to be transported back to the vehicle.

Thereafter, the entire lifting system drives 44 with the preferably empty energy storage unit housing 10 to a second transport shaft 45b with another robot arm 46b , which the over a corresponding second segmented conveyor belt 52b supplied charged energy storage units to the vehicle or the removal device 41 has delivered so that the transport arm 46b the charged or new energy storage units in the segment wells of the energy storage unit housing 10 can use.

Thereafter, the entire lifting system moves 44 with the reloaded energy storage unit housing 10 back in the direction of the vehicle to lock the loaded with energy storage units energy storage unit housing back to the vehicle floor of the vehicle or to order. By locking the energy storage unit housing 10 At the same time, the connection of the current-carrying conductors and the data line to the vehicle or to its corresponding inputs is produced on the vehicle floor.

The 9 shows a schematic diagram of another area of an embodiment of the changing station according to the invention 40 , Here it becomes clear that through a first transport shaft 45a the energy storage units removed from the energy storage unit housing (not shown here) (not shown here) via a first segmented conveyor belt 52a up to a distribution device 47 , which can be configured in the form of a mobile tablet or table, to be transported. The distribution device 47 then transports the discharged energy storage units to a charging station 50 ; which has a variety of charging slots 51 in which the discharged energy storage units are distributed and loaded.

In the charging bays 51 the charging station 50 become the energy storage units 1 to one within the respective charging shaft 51 extending charging rail (not shown here) and electrically conductively connected via this charging rail, so that the individual energy storage units 1 by means of an external power supply device (not shown here) can be loaded.

The segments of the segmented conveyor belt 52a and 52b stand for the different levels of the energy storage unit housing, so that when, for example, an energy storage unit housing has a level with three segment shafts to two energy storage units and a plane arranged above it with two segment shafts to two energy storage units, on a first segment of the conveyor belt 51a thus six energy storage units and on the subsequent second segment of the conveyor belt 52a Consequently, four energy storage units are stored.

In this case, a segmented storage of discharged energy storage units on the conveyor belt is used 52a preferably as buffering to the distributor 47 the possibility to give the corresponding energy storage units to the charging station 50 transport and into the appropriate charging slots 51 to be able to classify.

By contrast, such a segmented deposition of charged energy storage units on the conveyor belt is used 52b For example, to support or enable a defined arrangement of the energy storage units in the energy storage unit housing to be equipped.

Charged energy storage units are removed from the charging station as needed 50 or the loading shelf 50 comprising a plurality of successively arranged energy storage units per charging shaft 51 taken on the input side opposite removal side and preferably in a distribution box 54 Pass the individual charged energy storage units to the appropriate output bays 45b or transport shafts 45b supplies.

The charged energy storage units are already in such a way in the individual shafts 54a the distribution box 54 introduced as the arrangement is to take place within the energy storage unit housing.

The energy storage units are from the distribution box 54 preferably via a correspondingly arranged therein conveyor belt 54b to the appropriate conveyor belt 52b to hand over.

About the corresponding second segmented conveyor belt 52b Then, the charged energy storage units are transported in the direction of the vehicle, where they are used again in the corresponding energy storage unit housing.

It is also possible that the changing station has an additional second charging station 50b has, in which large accumulators 60 , Different design and storage capacity can be charged, thus also to allow replacement of these accumulators, in the case that vehicles not with the energy storage units according to the invention 1 are equipped.

In the 10 is a schematic diagram of a distribution box 54 for energy storage units 1 according to an embodiment of the changing station according to the invention (not shown here) shown.

The energy storage units 1 which, according to a preferred embodiment, corresponding connections for current-conducting lines 4a . 4b and / or the data line 5 in the region of the groove-shaped recess 6 be within the Verteilerbox 54 to the appropriate conveyor belt 52b transported.

A removal device (not shown here) then removes the charged energy storage units 1 and places them on the conveyor belt 52b from that per segment of the conveyor belt 52b the corresponding number of energy storage units 1 be arranged per level of the energy storage unit housing. This is the distributor box 54 preferably height adjustable, so that, for example, in the lower shafts 54a arranged energy storage units 1 to be arranged in the first level of the energy storage unit housing, the distribution box 54 aligned or extended in height so that the shafts 54a the bottom row essentially in the same plane as the conveyor belt 52a , lie, leaving the corresponding energy storage units 1 can be transferred to this.

Shall now the energy storage units 1 , which are provided for the second level of the energy storage unit housing on the conveyor belt 52b For example, the distribution box moves down one level (or high, depending on how the arrangement in the distribution box 54 is regulated), so that the shafts 54a the second level of the distribution box 54 on the same plane to the conveyor belt 52b aligned and now the energy storage units 1 for the second level of the energy storage unit housing on another segment of the conveyor belt 52b can be handed over.

That is, preferably, according to the various levels of the energy storage unit housing, the corresponding energy storage units 1 successively on the conveyor belt 52b be stored so that the energy storage units 1 one level on a segment of the conveyor belt 52b to be ordered.

Preferably, each shaft has 54a a separate conveyor belt 54b on, by means of which the energy storage units 1 to the segmented conveyor belt 52b be transported and passed to this. Accordingly, the removal device would be another conveyor belt 54b ,

The from the distribution box 54 removed, charged energy storage units 1 be using the segmented conveyor belt 52b transported to the energy storage unit housing (not shown here) and introduced there by means of a robot arm (not shown here) in the segment shafts of the energy storage unit housing or arranged. Thus, as required, a plurality of energy storage units 1 one behind the other or already connected to one another on the conveyor belt 52b transported to the individual segment shafts of the energy storage unit housing.

For this purpose, a robot element or a robot arm (not shown here) preferably conveys the charged energy storage units 1 into the corresponding segment shafts of the energy storage unit housing and locks them there.

The control of the loading of the segment shafts with the corresponding charged energy storage units 1 based on the communication between the energy storage unit, the vehicle controller, the driver and the charging station controller.

Because the energy storage units 1 can be accomplished by a defined unlocking of individual energy storage units targeted removal of energy storage units due to a locking mechanism already mentioned above with the energy storage unit housing.

The discharge of the energy storage units arranged in the energy storage unit housing preferably takes place always starting from the removal side of the energy storage unit housing in order to always be able to remove the discharged energy storage units when the energy storage units are replaced.

Preferably, before the change process in the claimed change station, a cleaning of the underbody of the vehicle in order to exclude an entry of contamination etc. in the system of the change station as far as possible.

In addition, it is conceivable that as an alternative or in addition to the claimed energy storage units, it is also possible to exchange very large accumulators known from the prior art via the same exchange system.

It is also possible that, in addition, other raw materials or materials can be exchanged or charged or filled in time or in order to replace the energy storage units, such as gases etc. for operating a vehicle heating device or the like.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Energy storage unit

1a

first energy storage unit

1b

second energy storage unit

2

first page

3

second page

3a

first surface of the second side

3b

second surface of the second side

3c

third surface of the second side

3d

fourth surface of the second page

3e

fifth surface of the second side

4a

current-carrying conductor / line plus pole

4b

current-carrying conductor / line negative pole

5

data line

6

groove-shaped recess

10

Energy storage unit housing

11

segment shaft

20

Vehicle floor area

21

unlocking

21a

opening mechanism

22

static anchor point

30

rail

31

locking tab

32

unlocking

33

magnetic switches

34

gear

35

dental splint

36

connecting element

37

opening mechanism

40

changing station

41

removal device

42

Entriegelungsdorn

43

removal head

43a

engagement means

44

Lifting system

45

transport shaft

45a

first transport shaft

45b

second transport shaft

46a

first robot arm

46b

second robot arm

47

distributor

50

charging station

50b

second charging station for large accumulators

51

charging slot

52

segmented conveyor belt

52a

first segmented conveyor belt

52b

second segmented conveyor belt

53

conveyor belt

54

Distribution

60

Accumulators - large (prior art)

A

Outside / outside environment

F

vehicle

K1

first coupling area

K2

second coupling area

L

Lorry

P

Passenger cars

S

segment

T

Dolly

Claims (15)

Energy storage unit for providing electrical energy for a drivable with electrical energy consumers, such as in particular an electric motor for an electrically powered vehicle, characterized in that the energy storage unit has at least one coupling region, by means of which the energy storage unit with another substantially structurally similarly constructed second energy storage unit connectable , and a power transfer area to facilitate power flow substantially from at least one of the energy storage units to the load. Energy storage unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy storage unit is connected in series with the at least one second energy storage unit. Energy storage unit according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the energy storage unit is connected in parallel with the at least one second energy storage unit. Energy storage unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy storage unit is disposed within a substantially segmented energy storage unit housing. Energy storage unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy storage unit preferably has a power of 4 to 15 kw and more preferably of 5-10 kW. Energy storage unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy storage unit has a substantially cube-like shape having on two substantially opposite sides substantially different from each other and formed preferably opposite to each other formed coupling regions. Energy storage unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the first coupling region having a first side at least three substantially planar surfaces, wherein at least a first of the surfaces of the first side is substantially perpendicular to the first side adjacent sides aligned. Energy storage unit according to claim 7, characterized in that a second and a third surface extending substantially obliquely sloping from the first surface towards edges of the first side, so that the first coupling region forms a projection. Energy storage unit according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the second coupling region having a second side at least three substantially planar surfaces, wherein at least a first of the surfaces of the second side is substantially perpendicular to the second side adjacent sides aligned. Energy storage unit according to claim 9, characterized in that a second and third surface extending substantially obliquely rising from the first surface toward edges of the second side, so that the second coupling region forms a recess. Energy storage unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further third side of the energy storage unit has a groove-like recess which extends over substantially the entire length of the third side from the edge of the first side to the edge of the second side. Energy storage unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the energy transfer area is arranged for transmitting electrical energy and / or data streams in the region of the groove-like recess. Energy storage unit housing having at least one segment slot for receiving, arrangement and locking of at least one energy storage unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy storage unit housing is removably mounted on the vehicle. Energy storage unit housing according to claim 13, characterized in that the segment slot has a substantially quadrangular cross-sectional shape, wherein at least one substantially inner side has a locking means for mechanically locking the energy storage unit with the energy storage unit housing. Changeover station for exchanging energy storage units according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the change station removes substantially discharged energy storage units from an energy storage unit housing and / or arranges substantially charged or new energy storage units in the energy storage unit housing.

Images