System for connecting batteries for an electric vehicle and associated set of batteries

• US 8,939,245 B2
• Filed: 02/04/2011
• Issued: 01/27/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Renault Sas (Renault)
• Original Assignee: Renault Sas (Renault)
• Inventors: Jaffrezic, Xavier
• Primary Examiner(s): VANAMAN, FRANK BENNETT
• Application Number:
  US13/577,102
• Publication Number:
  US 20120298435A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,453 Days
• Field of Search: 180/65.29, 180/68.5, 320/109, 320/112
• US Class Current: 180/68.5
• 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: B60L 3/0046 relating to electric energy storage systems, e.g. batteries or capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/16 with provision for separate direct mechanical propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/80 Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/425 Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing printed circuits H05K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/48 Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte constructional details of current conducting connections for detecting conditions inside cells or batteries, e.g. details of voltage sensing terminals, H01M50/569
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2010/4278 Systems for data transfer from batteries, e.g. transfer of battery parameters to a controller, data transferred between battery controller and main controller
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/20 Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles

Abstract

A system for connecting a set of batteries configured to supply at least one electric motor for powering a motor vehicle and configured to be accommodated inside a compartment provided on the vehicle. Each battery includes a logic processing unit, a communication module, and a mechanism for connecting to the motor. The vehicle includes a logic processing unit connected to a stationary auxiliary battery, a communication module capable of communicating with the communication module of each battery, and a mechanism for locking and blocking the batteries in position.

Claims

1. A connection system for a battery pack configured to power at least one electric motor for propelling a motor vehicle and configured to be accommodated in a compartment provided on the vehicle;

the battery pack including at least one battery, the battery comprising a logical processing unit, a communication module, and connection means for connection to the motor; and

the vehicle comprising a logical processing unit connected to a fixed auxiliary battery, a communication module capable of communicating with the communication module of the battery, and means for locking and immobilizing the battery in position;

the system comprising

means for locking and closing the compartment; and

a first detection means associated with the vehicle, the first detection means being configured to detect the state of the means for locking and closing the compartment and, when the compartment is locked and closed, the first detection means sends a signal to the communication module of the vehicle indicating that the compartment is locked and closed;

a second detection means associated with the battery, the second detection means being configured to detect a state of the means for locking and immobilizing the battery in position and, when the battery is locked and immobilized, the second detection means sends a signal to the communication module of the battery indicating that the battery is locked and immobilized, wherein

when the communication module of the vehicle receives the signal from the first detection means indicating that the compartment is locked and closed, the communication module of the vehicle sends a signal to the communication module of the battery indicating that the compartment is locked and closed, and

when the communication module of the battery receives the signal from the communication module of the vehicle indicating that the compartment is locked and closed and receives the signal from the second detection means that the battery is locked and immobilized, the communication module of the battery activates the connection means to connect the battery to the motor.

2. The connection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection means comprises a mechanical actuating device configured to connect the battery to the electric motor of the vehicle.

3. The connection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection means comprises an electric actuating device capable of connecting the battery to the electric motor of the vehicle.

4. The connection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication modules of the battery and of the vehicle comprise optical data interchange means.

5. The connection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication modules of the battery and of the vehicle comprise radiowave receiving and transmitting means.