Replaceable battery module for electric vehicle
First Claim
1. A battery module for engaging a battery compartment of a vehicle, comprising:
- a tray configured for holding one or more vehicle traction batteries thereon, the tray having a first end and a second end; and
at least two positive conductors opposed from each other and protruding from respective ends of the tray and at least two negative conductors opposed from each other and protruding from respective ends of the tray, the conductors being electrically connected to the traction batteries and movable with the tray, such that the tray can be advanced either end first into a battery compartment of an electric vehicle to thereby engage the conductors with complementarily-configured conductors on the vehicle, such that electrical connectivity is established between the traction batteries and an electric propulsion system on the vehicle.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for "refueling" an electric vehicle includes a traction battery on a tray that is slidably disposed in a battery compartment of the vehicle and that is electrically connected to the traction motor of the vehicle. When the battery is depleted, the vehicle stops at an energy replenishment center which stores charged replacement traction batteries. The traction battery is electrically disengaged from the motor and the tray in the vehicle is slid out of the vehicle onto a dolly or into a receptacle of a carousel. Then, the replacement battery tray, which is disposed on another dolly or in another receptacle of the carousel, is juxtaposed with the battery compartment and slid into the compartment. Next, the fresh battery is electrically engaged with the motor, and the vehicle quickly resumes its journey. The depleted battery is recharged at the energy replenishment center and reused on a subsequent vehicle.
198 Citations
17 Claims
-
1. A battery module for engaging a battery compartment of a vehicle, comprising:
-
a tray configured for holding one or more vehicle traction batteries thereon, the tray having a first end and a second end; and at least two positive conductors opposed from each other and protruding from respective ends of the tray and at least two negative conductors opposed from each other and protruding from respective ends of the tray, the conductors being electrically connected to the traction batteries and movable with the tray, such that the tray can be advanced either end first into a battery compartment of an electric vehicle to thereby engage the conductors with complementarily-configured conductors on the vehicle, such that electrical connectivity is established between the traction batteries and an electric propulsion system on the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. An electric vehicle, comprising:
-
an electric propulsion system; positive and negative traction battery connectors electrically connected to the electric propulsion system; a compartment including at least one guide; a battery tray slidably engaged with the guide; at least one traction battery supported by the battery tray; and positive and negative conductors supported by the tray and electrically connected to the traction battery. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
Specification