BATTERY ASSEMBLY

ENSEMBLE BATTERIE D'ACCUMULATEURS

English Abstract

A device for mounting and connecting a battery assembly in one and the same
operation. The features of the device are that the battery assembly (1) is in
the form of a unit, preferably an essentially rectangular box having an
electrical terminal (3) on one side. The device is characterized in that the
electrically powered vehicle comprises a battery-assembly receiving
compartment which is open to one side, said compartment adapted both for
insertion therein of the battery assembly in such a manner that after the
insertion the side that is provided with the electric terminal (3) is turned
towards the opening, and for support of the battery assembly (1) at least
vertically, and in that at the opening of the battery-assembly receiving
compartment the electrically powered vehicle is formed with a movable securing
and connection means (8) which may be shifted between two positions, a first
open position, in which the means (8) allows the battery assembly (1) to be
introduced through the opening, and a second closed position, in which the
means (8) simultaneously both secures the battery assembly (1) at least
horizontally and connects the battery-assembly connector to the electrical
system of the electrically powered vehicle.

French Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif permettant de monter et de connecter en une seule opération un ensemble batterie d'accumulateurs. La principale caractéristique du dispositif est que l'ensemble batterie d'accumulateurs (1) se présente sous forme monobloc, de préférence un parallélépipède rectangle présentant sur un côté une borne électrique (3). Les principales caractéristiques du dispositif sont que le véhicule à moteur électrique est pourvu d'un compartiment à ensemble batterie s'ouvrant d'un côté; que ce compartiment est conçu, d'une part pour y introduire l'ensemble batterie d'accumulateurs de façon que le côté équipé de la borne électrique (3) soit orienté vers l'ouverture, et d'autre part pour soutenir l'ensemble batterie d'accumulateurs (1) au moins verticalement; qu'à l'ouverture du compartiment à ensemble batterie, le véhicule à moteur électrique présente un organe de fixation et de connexion (8) mobile entre une première position et une seconde position. Dans la première position, l'organe (8) permet l'introduction de l'ensemble batterie d'accumulateurs (1) par l'ouverture. Dans la seconde position, qui est la position fermée, l'organe (8) assure simultanément le verrouillage de l'ensemble batterie d'accumulateur (1) au moins horizontalement, et la connexion du connecteur de l'ensemble batterie d'accumulateurs au système électrique du véhicule à moteur électrique.

Claims

CLAIMS
1. A device for mounting and connecting a battery
assembly (1) in an electrically powered vehicle, wherein
the battery assembly (1) is in the shape of a unit,
preferably an essentially rectangular box having an
electrical terminal (3) on one side, c h a r a c t e r i s e d
in that the electrically powered vehicle comprises
a battery-assembly receiving compartment which is
open to one side, said compartment being adapted both for
insertion therein of the battery assembly in such a
manner that after the insertion, the battery assembly
side that is provided with the electrical terminal (3) is
turned towards the opening, and for support of the
battery-assembly (1) at least vertically, and in that at
the opening of the battery-assembly receiving compartment
the electrically powered vehicle is formed with a movable
securing and connection means (8) which may be shifted
between two positions, a first open position, in which
the means (8) allows the battery assembly (1) to be
inserted through the opening, and a second, closed
position, in which the means (8) simultaneously both
secures the battery assembly (1) in position at least
horizontally and connects the battery-assembly terminal
(3) to the electrical system of the electrically powered
vehicle.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i s e d
in that the battery assembly (1) has at
least two parallel sides having carrier members (4)
thereon, and in that the battery-receiving compartment of
the electrically powered vehicle is formed on its sides
with corresponding supports (7) arranged in such a manner
that the battery assembly (1), when received in said
battery-receiving compartment, is supported by the
carrier members (4), the latter resting on the supports
(7).

3. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the battery-receiving
compartment is at least partly open in the
downwards direction to allow introduction and removal of
the battery assembly (1) into and out of the battery-receiving
compartment with the aid of a vertically
movable trolley (17).
4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the movable
securing and connection means (8) consists of a pivotable
bar, one end of which is pivotally mounted at one side of
the battery-receiving compartment opening and the
opposite end of which is arranged to be secured to the
opposite side of said opening.
5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the movable
securing and connection means (8) has least two retaining
parts (12, 13) adapted to abut against the battery
assembly when the movable securing and connection means
(8) has been moved to its closed position, whereby in
this position the battery assembly (1) is held fast
horizontally, at least one of these retaining parts (12,
13) comprising second connection means (13) for simultaneously
effecting electric connection to the terminal
(3) of the battery assembly.
6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that a displaceable
locking member locks the movable securing and connections
means (8) in the closed position thereof.
7. A device as claimed in claim 6, c h a r a c t e r i s e d
in that the displaceable locking member
comprises a locking pin intended to be inserted in locking
apertures (10, 11) formed in the movable securing and
connection means and at the opening of the battery-receiving
compartment, respectively.
8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the battery-receiving

compartment is configured to present its
opening towards the rear face of the electrically powered
vehicle.
9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that on the side on
which the electrical terminal (3) is provided the battery
assembly (1) has second retaining parts (18) with which
the movable securing and connection means (8) engage in
its closed position, thus forcing the carrying members
(4) of the battery assembly against the supports (7) to
secure the battery assembly (1) in a vertical direction.

Description

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BATTERY ASSFMBLY
Technlcal fie1d
The present invention relates to a device for mount-
ing and connecting a battery assembly in an electrically
powered vehicle, wherein the battery assembly is in the
shape of a unit, preferably consisting of an essentially
rectangular box having an electrical connector on one
slde .
~3a ckground
As the demands for a cleaner environment increases
so does the demand for electrically powered vehicles.
Vehicles of this kind are particularly suitable for use
in urban environments where the driving distances are
short, the speeds are low, and the speed changes are
frequent. For instance in several places in Sweden, among
them in Stockholm, the Post-Office Services have started
to distribute the mail by electrically powered mopeds
with very good results. Electrically powered vehicles
improve not only the environment additionally, the
accessibility in cities increases and the operational
costs are reduced.
The central part of an electrically powered vehicle
is ~he battery assembly. This is the component that
weighs the most and which in addition plays a decisive
part as regards the performance of the vehicle. When
electrically powered vehicles are used, it is common to
drive only short distances during the daytime, and for
this reason travel distances seldom amount to more than a
total o~ 1~ km per day. For larger ranges, reload of the
battery and/or use of larger-capacity battery assemblies
are required. This latter type of battery assemblies are,
however, both heavier and more space-requiring. For this
reason it may be practical to simply replace the battery
assembly in a vehicle. Also in other connections, for

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instance ir the case of repairs and maintenance of the
vehicle, it is of interest to be able to remove or re-
attach the battery assembly in a simple manner.
To remove or attach the battery assembly in prior-
art electrically powered vehicles is, however, -a
comparatively complicated task. For the removal, the
electrical connection must be disconnected and, in
addition, the devices holding the assembly firmly to the
vehicle must be loosened. In addition, it is often
diffic~lt to lift the heavy and awkward battery assembly
out of the vehicle. To mount and connect the battery
assembly to the vehicle is, for obvious reasons, at least
equally complicated.
Further, another problem is that the mounting may be
performed in an erroneous manner, whereby the battery
assembly may be electrically connected but not secured
safely in position, which may lead to the battery
assembly being dropped while the vehicle is moving, which
not only constitute a safety risk but also may cause
serious and expensive damages to the vehicle and the
battery assembly.
Object of the Invention
Consequently, one object of the present invention is
to provide a device arranged to connect and to mount the
battery assembly to an electrically powered vehicle in a
safe and simple manner. This object is achieved by means
of a device in accordance with the appended claims.
~rief Description of the Drawings
For exemplifying purposes the invention will be
explained in the following by way of an embodiment. This
embodiment is also illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the battery assembly
to be connected and mounted to an electrically powered
vehicle in accordance with the invention;

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Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an opened battery
assembly compartment in an electrically powered vehicle
for reception of a battery assembly;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the battery assembly
in accordance with Fig. 1 while being inserted into the
battery compartment illustrated in Fig. 2; and
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a mounted and
connected battery assembly in an electrically powered
vehicle in accordance with the invention.
Description of a Preferred Embodimerlt
Fig. 1 illustrates a battery assembly 1 which for
reasons of easy handling preferably is configured as an
essentially rectangular box. A number of battery cells 2
are positioned inside the battery assembly, said cells
being interconnected in such a manner as to have one
common electric output terminal 3. This terminal, which
in accordance with the embodiment illustrated is designed
as a connector, advantageously is placed on one of the
end walls of the battery assembly. On the two walls that
extend perpendicularly to the wall on which the terminal
is provided, preferably the lengthwise walls of the
battery assembly, carrier members 4 are provided. In
accordance with the shown embodiment these carrier
members 4 are configured as edge members extending along
the entire extension of the lengthwise walls and they
could be formed for instance as elongate angle irons that
are attached to the walls by welding. To protect the
battery cells 2 against pollution and the like the box is
preferably provided with a simple lid that may be closed
and opened.
To mount the battery assembly 1 a battery compart-
ment preferably is provided for reception therein of the
battery assembly of the electrically powered vehicle.
Such a battery-receiving compartment is il7ustrated in
its opened position and without the battery assembly in
Fig. 2. This drawing Figure illustrates the lower part of
an e7ectrically powered vehicle, having an open battery-

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receiving compartment. In accordance with this embodi-
ment, the battery-receiving compartment is positioned at
a low level, below the platform 6 which is illustrated in
dash-and-dot lines, and it is open towards the rear end
of the electrically powered vehicle. Along the inner
faces of the battery-receiving compartment supports 7 are
provided, said supports in accordance with this
embodiment being horizontal abutment edges or ledges
extending along the entire lengthwise sides of the
~0 compartment on the inner face thereof. On the inner end
wall of the compartment stops (not shown) are provided in
order to prevent, in a predetermined position, the
battery assembly from being inserted deeper into the
compartment. At the other rearwardly facing end a movable
bar 8 is arranged to one side of the opening. According
to the shown embodiment this movable arm is mounted on a
pivot shaft 9 for pivotal movement in a horizontal plane
so as to allow it to be pivoted between two positions,
one opened position, wherein the bar is pivoted complete-
ly away from the opening of the compartment, and a closedposition, wherein the bar end opposite to the pivot shaft
is moved towards the other side of the opening. Because
the bar is formed at said other end with an aperture 11
and because a corresponding aperture 10 is provided at
the other side of the opening the bar may be secured in
the closed position in a simple manner by means of a
locking pin or the like.
Furthermore, the bar 8 is provided with two retain-
ing parts 12, 13 which in spaced relationship are
attached to the bar 8 in such a manner that in the closed
position of the bar 8 both parts are directed away from
the bar, horizontally inwards, towards the battery
compartment. The retaining part 12, which is closest to
the pivot shaft 9 of the bar, preferably is provided with
a slightly oblique front edge. The second retaining part
13 is provided in accordance with the shown embodiment
with connectors 14 corresponding to the electrical

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terminal 3, leads 16 connecting said connectors 14 to the
electrical system of the electrically powered vehicle. In
addition, a handle 15 is formed on said latter retaining
part in order to facilitate handling.
~n addition, it is advantageous if the battery
assembly as illustrated in Fig. 1 is formed with
projecting edges 18 at least on the end walls of the
battery assembly on which the electrical connectors are
placed.
In order to insert and to remove the battery
assembly preferably a vertically adjustable trolley 17 is
used as illustrated in Fig. 3. By means of this trolley
the battery assembly may be lifted slightly and there-
after be inserted into the battery-receiving compartment,
provided that the movable bar assumes its open position.
Once the battery assembly is inserted, the trolley is
lowered, the carrier members of the battery assembly then
being brought to rest against the supports 7 formed on
the inner faces of the compartment. In this manner the
battery assembly 1 of the electrically powered vehicle is
supported vertically. By now pivoting the movable bar to
the closed position thereof, the retaining parts 12, 13
will be pressed against the battery assembly 1, and
securing the bar by means of the locking pin results in
the battery assembly being locked in position in the
battery-receiving compartment of the electrically powered
vehicle. In addition, the pivotal movement of the bar 8
will cause the electrical terminals on the battery
assembly 1 and on the movable bar 8, respectively, to be
interconnected, thus connecting the battery assembly 1 tv
the electrical system of the electrically powered
vehicle. The oblique front end of the retaining part 12
thus permits the retaining part 12, in the inwards
pivoted closed position of the bar 8, to be moved closer
towards the battery assembly, securing the latter in a
more stable fashion. The retaining parts in conjunction
with the battery-receiving compartment thus co-operate to

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secure the battery assembly horizontally. By positioning
the projecting edges 18 on the battery assembly in such a
manner that they will assume a position immediately
underneath the retaining parts 12, 13 when the bar 8 has
been moved to its closed position, the battery assembly
is also prevented from vibrating as the electrically
powered vehicle is driven across uneven road surfaces or
the like.
The advantages inherent 1n this device for mounting
and connection of a battery assembly in an electrically
powered vehicle is the simplicity and speed with which
the battery assembly may be put in position since it is
inserted sideways, with the result that it need not be
lifted in position and that the connection and the
securement of the battery assembly are effected simultan-
eously as the bar 8 is being moved to its closed
position. Accordingly, when the locking mechanisms are
loosened the electrically connections of the electrically
powered vehicle are automatically disconnected, which
improves the safety of the vehicle.
Several modifications of the above described embodi-
ment are possible. For instance, the carrier members 4 of
the battery assembly and the supports 7 corresponding
thereto in the battery compartment may be configured
differently, for instance as hooks and loops, without
changing the function, and the movable bar 8 need not be
pivotable but could be displaceable for instance across
the direction of insertion of the battery assembly or
else be pivotable in another plane than the hori~ontal
plane, for instance in a vertical plane transversely to
the direction of insertion of the battery assembly. The
battery assembly need not be inserted from the rear but
could in principle be inserted from any side of the
electrically powered vehicle. The box of the battery
assembly need not have a rectangular shape, the movable
bar may be secured in its closed position in another way
than by means of a locking pin and so on. These and

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similar modifications must be considered to fall within
the scope of the subject invention as the latter is
defined and delimited by the appended claims.

Representative Drawing