BATTERY EXCHANGE SYSTEM FOR A BATTERY-DRIVEN INDUSTRIAL TRUCK

• US 20080006459A1
• Filed: 07/05/2007
• Published: 01/10/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jungheinrich AG
• Original Assignee: Jungheinrich AG
• Inventors: Niebuhr, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,712,563 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/068.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 1/04 of the electric storage means for propulsion exchanging batteries for electric propulsion of vehicles B60L53/80; for auxiliary purposes only B60R16/04; supplying batteries to, or removing batteries from, vehicles B60S5/06
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2001/0455 Removal or replacement of the energy storages
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2001/0461 from the side
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/64 Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/66 Arrangements of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/80 Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2200/15 Fork lift trucks, Industrial trucks
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 9/0754 Battery removal arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 9/07545 Overhead guards
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 Plug-in electric vehicles

Abstract

Battery exchange system for a battery-driven industrial truck, in which the chassis of the industrial truck comprises a battery compartment open to the side of the industrial truck for side installation and removal of a battery container, on the battery container on at least two opposing sides at least one respective laterally projecting support element being attached with a downwardly facing bearing surface and the battery compartment on opposing sides comprising horizontal support surfaces spaced apart from one another in parallel on which the support elements are supported with their bearing surfaces, when the battery container is inserted into the battery compartment.

Claims

1. Battery exchange system for a battery-driven industrial truck, in which the chassis of the industrial truck comprises a battery compartment open to the side of the industrial truck for side installation and removal of a battery container, characterized in that on the battery container (14, 28) on at least two opposing sides at least one respective laterally projecting support element (20, 22, 46, 48) is attached with a downwardly facing bearing surface and the battery compartment (14) on opposing sides comprises horizontal support surfaces (26) spaced apart from one another in parallel on which the support elements are supported with their bearing surfaces, when the battery container (16, 28) is inserted into the battery compartment (14).

2. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that the support elements are formed from support strips.

3. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that the support strips form a frame (20, 22) surrounding the battery container (28).

4. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that two U-shaped support elements (46, 48) are attached to the battery container (28) on opposing sides.

5. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that the support elements are attached in the upper region of the battery container and at the top approximately adjoin the upper edge thereof, or at least do not project over said upper edge.

6. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing surfaces are arranged between the upper and lower face of the battery container.

7. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of the battery compartment (14) is only slightly larger than the dimensions of the battery container (28) and the support surfaces (26) are laterally set back.

8. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that the battery container (28) on at least two opposing sides on the upper edge (8) comprises at least one eye (42) and the support elements (20) are fastened to the eyes (42).

9. Battery exchange system according to claim 8, characterized in that the support elements (20) comprise a pin-shaped projection (11), which may be passed through an eye (42).

10. Battery exchange system according to claim 9, characterized in that the pin-shaped projection may be secured by a split pin or the like.

11. Battery exchange system according to claim 9, characterized in that the pin-shaped projection (11) comprises a spring-biased detent catch (9), which lockingly engages behind the rear edge of the eye (42) when the pin-shaped projection (11) is inserted into the eye (42).

12. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that a casing for the battery compartment is attached to the support element facing the opening of the battery compartment (14).

13. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lateral opening of the battery compartment (14) may be sealed by a flap (80) which is attached either pivotably or fixedly to the chassis of the industrial truck (10).

14. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that in the battery compartment (14) at least one clamping element (7) is provided which laterally engages a received battery container.

15. Battery exchange system according to claim 14, characterized in that the clamping element is formed by a rubber wedge or a spring-loaded catch (7).

16. Battery exchange system according to claim 14, characterized in that the clamping element may be actuated electromechanically or hydraulically for selective engagement with the battery container.

17. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that the battery compartment (14) is open at the bottom to such an extent that the fork arms of a forklift may grip the battery container from below.

18. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that between the support element and the battery compartment a cooperating telescopic guide (1) is provided for removing the battery container (28) in the manner of a drawer from the battery compartment (14).

19. Battery exchange system according to claim 18, characterized in that a supporting device (36) is associated with the support elements and/or the vehicle, which laterally supports the industrial truck (10) when the battery container (28) is removed to the side.

20. Battery exchange system according to claim 19, characterized in that the supporting device is configured such that it is automatically moved into a support position, when the battery container (28) is removed.

21. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that the battery container (28) may be removably attached to the support elements (20) and/or to the telescope guide (26).

22. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that a lifting device (72 to 77) is arranged between the support elements (64) and the battery container (28).

23. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that a lifting device (60, 62) is arranged between the support surfaces (60) and the support frame (20).

24. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that the support elements comprise two insertion pockets (13) spaced apart from one another in parallel, the opening thereof facing the opening of the battery compartment (14) and a C-shaped hook (14) is provided with two arms (30) spaced apart from one another in parallel which may be inserted into the insertion pockets (14).

25. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that a support element comprises an integrated first contact arrangement (12) which cooperates with a second contact arrangement (11a) on the vehicle side when the battery container (28) is inserted into the battery compartment (14).

26. Battery exchange system according to claim 25, characterized in that the two contact arrangements (12, 11) form a rapid coupling system which carries out an automatic contact and disconnection of the contacts.

27. Battery exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that on the support element (48) first locking means (4) are provided which cooperate with second locking means (3) in the battery compartment (14).

28. Battery exchange system according to claim 27, characterized in that the locking means (4, 3) are configured and arranged such that they may be unlocked from outside.