A method and system for swapping batteries in an electric vehicle is disclosed. The method includes dismounting a first battery assembly, moving to a second battery assembly and mounting the second battery assembly onto the vehicle. Mounting and dismounting are accomplished by an onboard mounting and dismounting system. The method can be used in a zero infrastructure environment such as an underground mine since mounting and dismounting are accomplished by components on the vehicle itself. An auxiliary battery pack powers the vehicle during between dismounting a battery pack and mounting another battery pack.

A device includes a battery case (42) that stores a battery (62A or 62B), a lock mechanism (133) that is capable of fixing and holding the stored battery (62A or 62B) in the battery case (42), and an operation member (44) that is capable of performing switching operation of the lock mechanism (133) between a battery-fixed state and a non-battery-fixed state. The lock mechanism (133) includes a movable block (160) which is supported by the battery case (42) in a displaceable manner. The movable block (160) has a battery restriction portion (160b or 160c) which restricts displacement of the battery (62A or 62B) in a separation direction in a state of being displaced to a battery fixing position, and a holding force receiving portion (160d) which receives a holding force for maintaining the movable block (160) at the battery fixing position from the operation member (44) in a state where the operation member (44) is operated within a predetermined positional range.

A mounting and dismounting system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system may be located onboard of an electric vehicle powered by a battery pack disposed in the battery assembly. The system includes a pair of four-bar linkages that can be used to raise and lower the battery assembly. Each four-bar linkage includes a pair of hooks with different vertical positions. The hooks are positioned to grasp horizontal mounting bars that are disposed on the battery assembly. Using vertically displaced hooks ensures the battery can be raised and lowered without rocking.

A vehicle includes a chassis, tractive elements coupled to the chassis, an electric motor coupled to the chassis and coupled to the tractive elements such that the electric motor drives the tractive elements to propel the vehicle, an accessory module coupled to the chassis and coupled to an output of the electric motor. The accessory module is configured to receive mechanical energy provided by the electric motor and provide at least one of electrical energy or fluid energy.

A battery system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The battery system includes a tray having a plurality of battery receptacles. A plurality of batteries are also provided, each battery in the plurality of batteries being received in a battery receptacle. A conductive layer in electrical communication with the plurality of batteries and a terminal for electrically coupling to a vehicle are also provided in the battery system. A cover interlocks with the tray. The cover carries a computer and a diagnostic identification system for the plurality of batteries. A housing for a battery system and a vehicle including a battery system are also disclosed.

A rechargeable battery may include a housing and a plurality of rechargeable battery cells accommodated in an internal volume of the housing. The housing may include a first housing part and a second housing part. A tension rod may undoably couple the first housing part and the second housing part. The tension rod may include a bolt and a bolt head. The bolt may be guided through the internal volume and may include a structure configured to form an undoable connection with a counter-structure arranged on the first housing part. The second housing part may include a feed-through orifice open to the internal volume and a surrounding environment of the housing. A plug may, when in an open position, open up a fluidic drain path from the internal volume to the surrounding environment of the housing. The plug may also, when in a closed position, shut off the drain path.

A vehicle battery cradle has first and second side beams. Each side beam has a first and second end. The first and second side beams are spaced from one another and positioned substantially parallel to one another. A center beam, with a first and second end, is positioned between the first and second side beams. A cross beam is secured with a first end of the first, second and center beams. The cross beam, with a first and second end, is substantially transverse to the first, second and center beams. A truss is coupled with the cross beam. The truss stabilizes the cradle. The second ends of the first and second side beams include a mechanism to secure the cradle with the vehicle body. The first and second ends of the cross beam include a mechanism to secure the cradle with the vehicle.

This disclosure provides a battery accommodating device for a vehicle. The battery accommodating device comprises a tray, a cover, a support connecting the tray and the cover, at least one first fastener, and a plug disposed at the lower surface of the tray. The tray has a cavity for accommodating a battery assembly. The cover is disposed above the tray and used for sealing the cavity. The first fastener connects, below the cover, the support to the tray. The plug is configured to be engaged with a base on a vehicle component to connect a circuit of the battery assembly. The present disclosure also provides a battery system and a vehicle comprising a battery accommodating device.

A vehicle battery cradle has first and second side beams. Each side beam has a first and second end. The first and second side beams are spaced from one another and positioned substantially parallel to one another. A center beam, with a first and second end, is positioned between the first and second side beams. A cross beam is secured with a first end of the first, second and center beams. The cross beam, with a first and second end, is substantially transverse to the first, second and center beams. A truss is coupled with the cross beam. The truss stabilizes the cradle. The second ends of the first and second side beams include a mechanism to secure the cradle with the vehicle body. The first and second ends of the cross beam include a mechanism to secure the cradle with the vehicle.

This disclosure relates to an energy storage arrangement for a vehicle. In particular, the energy storage arrangement includes a battery unit provided in an intermediate space between adjacent fluid tanks. Relative to the above-discussed prior art, this disclosure provides an improved energy storage arrangement which uses the otherwise unused intermediate space between two adjacent fluid tanks. Thus, this disclosure provides a space-saving, efficient, and cost-effective arrangement.