Robot assisted modular battery interchanging system

• US 9,868,421 B2
• Filed: 06/17/2016
• Issued: 01/16/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ample, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Ample, Inc.
• Inventors: Hassounah, Khaled
• Primary Examiner(s): Momper, Anna
• Assistant Examiner(s): HAGEMAN, MARK C
• Application Number:
  US15/185,986
• Publication Number:
  US 20160368464A1
• Time in Patent Office: 578 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/80 Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable 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 90/16 Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles

Abstract

Systems and apparatus for a robotic charging station for charging a battery of an electric vehicle. A semi-autonomous portable robot is programmed to interchange depleted rechargeable batteries disposed in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Portable battery pod dispenses batteries to semi-autonomous portable robot for swap. Semi-autonomous portable robot uses navigational sensors to transport battery to predetermined position at the battery interchange location. Battery disposition and configuration data are wirelessly communicated by battery pod to semi-autonomous portable robot. Battery pod is also in electrical communication with vehicle for timely latching and unlatching of battery modules.

Claims

1. A portable exchange robot for exchanging a battery module in a vehicle, said robot comprising:

a microprocessor;

a battery tray configured to hold a modular battery unit;

a lift in mechanical communication with said battery tray, said lift to raise and lower said battery tray;

a motor in mechanical communication with said lift and in electrical communication with said microprocessor, said motor to raise and lower said lift;

a plurality of wheels that propel said portable exchange robot;

a navigation system in electrical communication with said microprocessor and at least one of said plurality of wheels to drive the dispensary robot between a modular battery dispensary and a vehicle;

a memory in electrical communication with said microprocessor, said memory storing instructions for;

positioning said robot under said modular battery in said vehicle;

unloading a depleted battery module from said modular battery in said vehicle, wherein said instructions for unloading said depleted battery further comprise;

raising said battery tray to engage said depleted battery module;

monitoring a weight on said battery tray during said raising, said weight sensed by a weight sensor on or proximal to said battery tray;

stopping said raising when said monitored weight reaches a threshold value; and

after said stopping, sending a message to said vehicle that said battery tray has engaged said depleted battery module; and

returning said depleted battery module to said modular battery dispensary; and

a wireless communication system operable to be in electrical communication with said modular battery dispensary and said vehicle.

2. The portable exchange robot of claim 1, wherein said instructions for unloading said depleted battery further comprise:

receiving an unlock message from said vehicle, said unlock message indicating that said vehicle has unlocked said depleted battery from said modular battery;

measuring said weight on said battery tray after receiving said unlock message; and

lowering said battery tray if said weight on said battery tray after receiving said unlock message is greater than a second threshold value.

3. The portable exchange robot of claim 1, wherein said navigation system of said portable exchange robot includes ultrasonic radar or LiDAR.

4. The portable exchange robot of claim 3 wherein said navigation system further includes an optical system having an image sensor.

5. The portable exchange robot of claim 1, wherein said battery tray includes male conical fitments that mate to corresponding female conical fitments disposed on an underside of said modular battery unit.

6. The portable exchange robot of claim 1, wherein said lift includes an elevation trellis.