阅读说明：本技术 用于安装车辆的牵引电池的系统和方法 (System and method for installing traction battery of vehicle ) 是由 克里斯特·安德松 罗格·赫德伦 吉列尔梅·泽尔巴赫 于 2019-04-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于安装车辆的牵引电池的系统,该车辆具有包括至少一个承载框架构件的底盘。前支架构件和后支架构件适于固定到车辆的框架构件并从框架构件突出,用于在前支架构件和后支架构件之间接收牵引电池。该系统还包括适于分别连接到牵引电池的前侧和后侧的第一滑块和第二滑块。滑块适于在滑块已经连接到牵引电池之后与支架构件配合,从而使得牵引电池能够通过连接的滑块被支架构件接收并朝向车辆的框架构件移动。(The invention relates to a system for mounting a traction battery of a vehicle having a chassis comprising at least one load-bearing frame member. The front and rear frame members are adapted to be secured to and project from frame members of the vehicle for receiving a traction battery therebetween. The system also includes first and second slides adapted to be coupled to the front and rear sides of the traction battery, respectively. The slider is adapted to cooperate with the bracket member after the slider has been connected to the traction battery, such that the traction battery can be received by the bracket member through the connected slider and moved towards the frame member of the vehicle.)

1. A system (10) for mounting a traction battery of a vehicle (2), the vehicle (2) having a chassis including at least one load-bearing frame member (6), the system (10) comprising:

-a front carrier member (12), said front carrier member (12) being adapted to be fixed to a frame member (6) of the vehicle (2) and to protrude from the frame member (6) of the vehicle (2),

-a rear carrier member (14), the rear carrier member (14) being adapted to be fixed to the frame member (6) of the vehicle (2) and to protrude from the frame member (6) of the vehicle (2) such that the rear carrier member (14) is spaced apart from the front carrier member (12) for receiving a traction battery (16, 16a, 16b) between the front carrier member (12) and the rear carrier member (14), wherein each of the front carrier member (12) and the rear carrier member (14) comprises a respective sliding surface (34), characterized in that,

-a first slider (40), said first slider (40) being adapted to be connected to a front side (42) of a traction battery (16, 16a), and

-a second slider (44), the second slider (44) being adapted to be connected to an opposite rear side (46) of the traction battery (16, 16a), wherein the first slider (40) is adapted to cooperate with the sliding surface (34) of the front carrier member (12) and the second slider (44) is adapted to cooperate with the sliding surface (34) of the rear carrier member (44) after the first and second sliders (40, 44) have been connected to the traction battery (16, 16a), such that the traction battery (16, 16a) can be received by the front and rear carrier members (12, 14) through the connected sliders (40, 44) and moved towards the frame member (6) of the vehicle (2).

2. The system (10) according to claim 1, comprising a receiving structure (26), wherein the receiving structure (26) comprises the front carrier member (12), the rear carrier member (14) and a stabilizing element (22), wherein the front carrier member (12) and the rear carrier member (14) are spaced apart and interconnected by the stabilizing element (22), wherein the receiving structure (26) is adapted to be fixed to a frame member (6) of the vehicle (2) and to receive a traction battery (16, 16a, 16b) between the front carrier member (12) and the rear carrier member (14).

3. The system (10) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein each of the front and rear shelf members (12, 14) includes:

-a fixing portion (28) for fixing the bracket member (12, 14) to a frame member (6) of the vehicle (2), and

-at least one arm (30, 32), said at least one arm (30, 32) protruding from said fixed portion (28).

4. System (10) according to claim 3, wherein each of the front and rear carrier members (12, 14) comprises two vertically spaced arms (30, 32), a lower arm (30) and an upper arm (32), both protruding from the fixed portion (28), wherein each of the lower arm (30) and the upper arm (32) is provided with the sliding surface (34).

5. System (10) according to claim 4, wherein the lower arm (30) of the front carrier member (12) and the lower arm (30) of the rear carrier member (14) are adapted to slidingly receive a first traction battery (16a) to which the first slider (40) and the second slider (44) have been connected,

the system (10) further comprises a third slider (70) and a fourth slider (74), wherein the upper arm (32) of the front carrier member (12) and the upper arm (32) of the rear carrier member (14) are adapted to slidably receive a second traction battery (16b) to which the third slider (70) and the fourth slider (74) have been connected.

6. The system (10) according to any one of claims 3-5, comprising an impact protection structure (100), the impact protection structure (100) being adapted to be mounted to a free end of at least one arm (30, 32) of each of the front and rear carrier members (12, 14) when a traction battery (16, 16a, 16b) is received between the front and rear carrier members (12, 14) such that the traction battery (16, 16a, 16b) is enclosed by the frame member (6), the front carrier member (12), the rear carrier member (14) and the impact protection structure (100) of the vehicle (2).

7. The system (10) of claim 6,

wherein each arm (30, 32) has a longitudinal extension projecting from the fixed portion (28) to a free end thereof,

wherein, when the impact protection structure (100) is mounted to the free ends of the arm portions (30, 32), a main extension of the impact protection structure (100) lies in a geometrical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the arm portions (30, 32).

8. The system (10) according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a protective bottom plate (60) adapted to be connected to the underside of the traction battery (16, 16 a).

9. The system (10) of claim 8 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the protective bottom plate (60) is adapted to be coupled to an underside of the first traction battery (16a), the system further comprising a horizontal side impact protective plate (90) adapted to be coupled to an underside of the second traction battery (16 b).

10. The system (10) according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising a bushing (48), wherein the first slider (40) is adapted to be connected to the front side (42) of the traction battery (16, 16a) via the bushing.

11. System (10) according to claim 10 when depending on claim 5, comprising two bushings, wherein the bushing is a first bushing (48) for connecting the first traction battery (16a) to the first slider (40), the system (10) further comprising a second bushing for connecting the second traction battery (16b) to the third slider (70).

12. A battery device (20) comprising:

-a system (10) for mounting a traction battery according to any one of claims 1-11, and

-a traction battery (16, 16a, 16b),

wherein the first slider (40) is connected or adapted to be connected to a front side (42) of the traction battery (16, 16a), and

wherein the second slider (44) is connected or adapted to be connected to an opposite rear side (46) of the traction battery (16, 16 a).

13. A vehicle (2) comprising:

-a chassis comprising at least one load-bearing frame member (6), and

-a system (10) for mounting a traction battery according to any of claims 1-11, or

-a battery device (20) according to claim 12,

wherein the front carrier member (12) is fixed to the frame member (6) and protrudes from the frame member (6), and the rear carrier member (14) is fixed to the frame member (6) and protrudes from the frame member (6), spaced apart from the front carrier member (12).

14. A method (200) for mounting a traction battery to a vehicle having a chassis including at least one load-bearing frame member, a front carrier member and a rear carrier member secured to and projecting from the load-bearing frame member, the rear carrier member being spaced apart from the front carrier member for receiving a traction battery therebetween, wherein each of the front carrier member and the rear carrier member includes a respective sliding surface, the method comprising the steps of:

-connecting (S1) the first slider to the front side of the traction battery,

-connecting (S2) a second slider to the opposite rear side of the traction battery,

-mating (S3) the first slider with the sliding surface of the front carrier member and the second slider with the sliding surface of the rear carrier member after the first and second sliders have been connected to the traction battery,

-moving (S4) the traction battery towards the frame member of the vehicle through the connected slider.

15. The method (200) according to claim 14, wherein the front carrier member, the rear carrier member, the first slider and the second slider are comprised in a system (10) according to any one of claims 1-11.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a system for mounting a traction battery of a vehicle having a chassis comprising at least one load-bearing frame member. The invention also relates to a battery device comprising such a system. The invention further relates to a vehicle and a method of mounting a traction battery.

The invention is applicable to heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses and construction equipment. Although the invention will be described in relation to a truck, the invention is not limited to this particular vehicle, but may also be used in other vehicles, such as passenger cars.

Background

Today, most trucks are driven by internal combustion engines. However, there is an increasing development of high voltage traction batteries for replacing internal combustion engines and providing all-electric trucks.

WO 2017/207970 a1 discloses a mounting device for mounting a range extender or a battery to a vehicle. The mounting means comprises a mounting bracket for securing the battery to the cage frame. The battery may be placed in the frame, which may then be slid along the two bracket members. Thus, the cage-like frame functions like a drawer attached to a drawer cabinet by means of rails. The battery must be lowered into the frame and the frame with the battery can then be slid into place. When the battery is to be replaced, the battery must be lifted from the cage frame.

It is desirable to provide a simpler solution for mounting a battery to a vehicle, which is advantageous for both mass production and service/after market situations.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system which alleviates the drawbacks of the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a system for mounting a traction battery of a vehicle having a chassis comprising at least one load-bearing frame member according to claim 1. The system comprises:

a front carrier member adapted to be fixed to and project from a frame member of a vehicle,

a rear carrier member adapted to be fixed to and project from a frame member of a vehicle such that the rear carrier member is spaced from the front carrier member for receiving a traction battery between the front carrier member and the rear carrier member, wherein each of the front carrier member and the rear carrier member comprises a respective sliding surface,

a first slider adapted to be connected to the front side of the traction battery, an

A second slider adapted to be connected to an opposite rear side of the traction battery, wherein the first slider is adapted to cooperate with the sliding surface of the front carrier member and the second slider is adapted to cooperate with the sliding surface of the rear carrier member after the first and second sliders have been connected to the traction battery, such that the traction battery can be received by the front and rear carrier members through the connected sliders and can be moved (e.g., slid) towards the frame members of the vehicle.

By providing a system according to the invention, a simple installation of the traction battery can be achieved. The operator can simply use a pallet lift or the like to install or remove the battery from the system. It is worth noting that contrary to the prior art, according to the invention the first slider and the second slider are attached to the traction battery and only after that they will cooperate with the sliding surface of the bracket member.

It should be understood that in this disclosure, terms such as front and rear relate to the directional configuration of the vehicle. Thus, the front portion is oriented in the normal running direction, and the rear portion is oriented in the direction in which the vehicle runs when running in the reverse direction. The cab of the truck is usually located at the front of the truck.

It should also be understood that directional terms, such as up and down, are defined with respect to normal operating conditions. For example, the term "upper" generally refers to a direction farther from the ground on which the vehicle stands, while the term "lower" refers to a direction closer to the ground. In other words, the term "upper" means a vertically higher level with respect to the ground than the term "lower".

According to at least one example embodiment, the system includes a receiving structure, wherein the receiving structure includes the front carrier member, the rear carrier member, and a stabilizing element, wherein the front carrier member and the rear carrier member are spaced apart and interconnected by the stabilizing element, wherein the receiving structure is adapted to be secured to a frame member of the vehicle and to receive the traction battery between the front carrier member and the rear carrier member. The provision of the stabilizing element makes the system itself more robust and allows a safer holding of the traction battery.

According to at least one example embodiment, each of the front carrier member and the rear carrier member includes a fixing portion for fixing the carrier member to a frame member of the vehicle, and at least one arm portion protruding from the fixing portion. The arms are advantageous because they provide fore/aft restraint for the traction battery and provide a degree of protection for the traction battery in addition to the guiding function. The stabilising element may suitably extend between the fixed parts of the bracket member. In some exemplary embodiments, the stabilizing element may be used to secure the receiving structure to a frame member of the vehicle similar to the securing portion. It is also conceivable to have an intermediate fixing bracket between the fixing portions of the front and rear carrier members, which intermediate fixing bracket can be used for connecting the stabilizing element to the frame member of the vehicle. In some exemplary embodiments, the stabilizing element may extend between the arms.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, each of the front and rear carrier members comprises two vertically spaced arms, a lower arm and an upper arm, both projecting from the fixed part, wherein each of the lower and upper arms is provided with said sliding surface. This is advantageous as it allows more traction batteries to be received, which is further reflected in the exemplary embodiments below.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the lower arm of the front carrier member and the lower arm of the rear carrier member are adapted to slidingly receive a first traction battery to which said first slider and said second slider have been connected, the system further comprising a third slider and a fourth slider, wherein the upper arm of the front carrier member and the upper arm of the rear carrier member are adapted to slidingly receive a second traction battery to which said third slider and said fourth slider have been connected. By providing two pairs of vertically separated arms, two traction batteries can be provided, one above the other. The batteries can be easily mounted to the respective pair of arms, for example by a pallet lift. Thus, each brace member will have a generally U-shaped configuration, wherein the fixed portion will form the central base of the U-shape and the arms will form the legs of the U-shape. In any exemplary embodiment, the one or more arms of the bracket member may suitably have a substantially horizontal extension and may suitably project substantially perpendicular to the frame member to which the bracket member is to be attached (and thus it may also project substantially perpendicular to a surface of the fixed portion of the bracket member that is configured to mate with the frame member).

According to at least one example embodiment, the system includes an impact protection structure adapted to be mounted to a free end of at least one arm of each of the front and rear carrier members when the traction battery has been received between the front and rear carrier members such that the traction battery is enclosed by the frame members, the front carrier members, the rear carrier members and the impact protection structure of the vehicle. This is advantageous because it provides additional protection for the traction battery, particularly against lateral shock loads.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, each arm portion has a longitudinal extension projecting from the fixed portion to a free end thereof, wherein, when the impact protection structure is mounted to the free end of the arm portion, a main extension of the impact protection structure lies in a geometrical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the arm portion. This provides additional protection for the traction battery, particularly against lateral shock loads, similar to that described above.

According to at least one example embodiment, the system includes a protective base plate adapted to be coupled to an underside of the traction battery. This is advantageous because it protects the traction battery from below.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the protective bottom plate is adapted to be coupled to an underside of a first traction battery, the system further comprising a horizontal side impact protection plate adapted to be coupled to an underside of a second traction battery. This is advantageous as it provides additional protection in the event of a lateral collision. Suitably, in at least some example embodiments, one or both of the protective floor and the horizontal side impact protection panel may have a curved upwardly extending edge on a side configured to be furthest from the frame member of the vehicle (and thus furthest from the fixed portion of the frame member). Such a curved upwardly extending edge (which may form an L-shaped cross-section with the horizontally extending main portion of the panel) may be used to further secure the impact protection structure. For example, the impact protection structure may be fixed to such curved upwardly extending edges of the protection floor and/or the horizontal side impact protection panel by fastening means (e.g. bolts, rivets, etc.).

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a bushing, wherein the first slider is adapted to be connected to the front side of the traction battery via said bushing. This is advantageous because it provides a degree of resilience/flexibility.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the system comprises two bushings, wherein the bushing is a first bushing for connecting the first traction battery to the first slider, and a second bushing for connecting the second traction battery to the third slider. This provides a degree of resilience/flexibility similar to the above.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a battery device is provided. The battery device comprises the system according to the first aspect (including any embodiment thereof) and a traction battery, wherein the first slider is connected or adapted to be connected to a front side of the traction battery, and wherein the second slider is connected or adapted to be connected to an opposite rear side of the traction battery. These advantages are substantially similar to those mentioned in connection with the discussion of the first aspect of the invention (including any embodiment thereof).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a chassis (which comprises at least one load bearing frame member) and a system according to the first aspect (including any embodiment thereof) and a battery apparatus according to the second aspect (including any embodiment thereof), wherein a front frame member is fixed to and projects from the frame member and a rear frame member is fixed to and projects from the frame member, spaced apart from the front frame member. The advantages are substantially similar to those mentioned in connection with the discussion of the first and second aspects of the invention (including any embodiments thereof).

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for mounting a traction battery to a vehicle, the vehicle having a chassis comprising at least one load-bearing frame member to which and from which a front carrier member and a rear carrier member are fixed and project, the rear carrier member being spaced from the front carrier member for receiving the traction battery therebetween, wherein each of the front carrier member and the rear carrier member comprises a respective sliding surface, the method comprising the steps of:

-connecting the first slider to the front side of the traction battery,

-attaching a second slider to the opposite rear side of the traction battery,

-engaging the first slider with the sliding surface of the front carrier member and engaging the second slider with the sliding surface of the rear carrier member after the first slider and the second slider have been connected to the traction battery,

moving (e.g. sliding) the traction battery towards the frame member of the vehicle by means of the connected slider.

By this means a simple and effective mounting with e.g. a pallet lift is possible. Thus, there is no need (as in the prior art) to carefully lower and install the battery into the cage before the cage with the battery is pushed into place. Instead, the traction battery can be placed smoothly in the correct position by a substantially horizontal movement. If desired, the peripheral protection provided by the cage may be achieved by thereafter securing the crash protection structure, as mentioned above in connection with the discussion of the first aspect of the invention. Indeed, any of the features and embodiments of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention may be suitably implemented in conjunction with the method of the fourth aspect of the present invention.

For example, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect, a front carrier member, a rear carrier member, a first slider and a second slider are comprised in the system according to the first aspect (including any embodiment thereof).

Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

Drawings

The following is a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings by way of example.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle including a system for mounting a traction battery in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

figure 2 illustrates a portion of a system for mounting a traction battery in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

figure 3 shows a further part of the system according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a first traction battery to which the further part can be connected,

figure 4 shows the first traction battery after the further part in figure 3 has been connected to the first traction battery,

figure 5 shows a further part of the system according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a second traction battery to which the further part can be connected,

figure 6 shows the second traction battery after the further part in figure 5 has been connected to the second traction battery,

figures 7-14 show the sequence in which the first traction battery and the second traction battery are installed in the vehicle,

fig. 15-16 show a sequence in which the first traction battery and the second traction battery are removed from the vehicle, for example replaced by new traction batteries, and

fig. 17 illustrates a flow chart of a method of installing a traction battery in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle 2 including a system 10 according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Although the vehicle 2 is shown in the form of a truck, other types of vehicles, such as buses or construction equipment, may also be used with the system 10 of the present invention.

The truck (vehicle) comprises a cab 4 in which cab 4a driver can operate the vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 has a chassis comprising at least one load-bearing frame member 6. The longitudinal frame members 6 are here shown extending in a direction from the rear 7 to the front 8 of the vehicle 2. Suitably, the vehicle 2 may have two or more such frame members extending in parallel.

The system 10 of the present invention includes a front carrier member 12 and a rear carrier member 14, the front carrier member 12 and the rear carrier member 14 having been fixed to the frame member 6 of the vehicle 2 and protruding from the frame member 6 of the vehicle 2. The front carrier member 12 and the rear carrier member 14 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 2. In other words, the front carrier member 12 is closer to the front 8 of the vehicle 2 than the rear carrier member 14. In contrast, the rear carrier member 14 is closer to the rear 6 of the vehicle 2 than the front carrier member 12.

The traction battery 16 has been received by the front and rear carrier members 12, 14 and extends between the front and rear carrier members 12, 14. According to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the traction battery 16 forms part of a battery arrangement 20 with the system 10.

Further details of the system 10, its components, and the interaction of the components with the traction battery will be discussed in conjunction with other figures. It should be noted, however, that although two traction batteries are shown in the other figures, the system 10, battery arrangement 20, vehicle 2, and method of the present invention may be implemented with one traction battery as well. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1, only one traction battery 16 is shown, however in other exemplary embodiments (as in the other figures), the present invention may use two (or even more) traction batteries. Similarly, it should be noted that although other figures show front and rear support members having vertically spaced upper and lower arm portions, the system 10, battery apparatus 20, vehicle 2, and method of the present invention may have front and rear support members having only one arm portion for receiving only one traction battery. For example, in the exemplary embodiment represented by the schematic diagram in fig. 1, the front carrier member 12 and the rear carrier member 14 may each have a fixing portion for fixing the carrier member to the frame member 6 of the vehicle 2 and an arm portion protruding from the fixing portion. In other exemplary embodiments, similar to the other figures, the front and rear support members 12, 14 may each have two vertically spaced arms (or even more).

Fig. 2 illustrates a portion of a system for mounting a traction battery in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises a front carrier member 12 and a rear carrier member 14, both the front carrier member 12 and the rear carrier member 14 being adapted to be fixed to a frame member 6 of the vehicle chassis. In fig. 2, the front and rear carrier members 12, 14 are shown in a fixed state, i.e. the front and rear carrier members 12, 14 have been securely fastened to the frame member 6.

The front carrier member 12 is spaced from the rear carrier member 14 to define a space 18 in which the traction battery may be received. The separation distance, i.e. the extension of the space 18 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, corresponds substantially to the length of the traction battery to be received.

The front and rear frame members 12, 14 are interconnected by a stabilizing element 22 to provide additional strength and rigidity to the system. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the stabilization element 22 may be omitted. The three components 12, 14, 22 form part of a receiving structure 26. The receiving structure 26 is adapted to (and has been in fig. 2) be fixed to the frame member 6. Thus, the receiving structure 26 is adapted to receive the traction battery between the front support member 12 and the rear support member 14.

Each of the front and rear carrier members 12, 14 includes a fixed portion 28 for fixing the bracket to the frame member 6 and two arms 30, 32 projecting from the fixed portion 28. However, as previously described, in other exemplary embodiments, only one arm projects from the fixed portion 28.

The two arms 30, 32 are vertically spaced apart, presenting a lower arm 30 and an upper arm 32. Both the lower arm portion 30 and the upper arm portion 32 project away from the fixed portion 28. Each arm has a sliding surface 34. In the present exemplary embodiment, the sliding surface 34 is a top surface of the respective arm portion 30, 32. However, in other embodiments it is envisaged that there may be sliding surfaces that are not on top of the arm, for example the sliding surfaces may be formed on the flange.

In an exemplary embodiment, such as shown in fig. 2, the fixing portion 28 is fixed to the frame member 6 by fastening means (e.g., bolts, rivets). In other embodiments, the fixing portion 28 may be welded to the frame member 6. In some exemplary embodiments, the intermediate fixing bracket 36 may be connected to the stabilization element 22 (as shown in fig. 2). Similar to the fixed portion 28, the intermediate fixing bracket 36 may be fixed to the frame member 6, for example, by fastening means (such as bolts, rivets, etc.) or by welding.

Fig. 3 illustrates a further portion of a system according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention and a first traction battery 16a to which the further portion may be connected. Fig. 4 shows the first traction battery 16a after the other part in fig. 3 has been connected to the first traction battery 16 a.

Fig. 3 shows a first skid 40 adapted to be connected to a front side 42 of the traction battery 16a and a second skid 44 adapted to be connected to an opposite rear side 46 of the traction battery 16 a. After the first and second sliders 40, 44 have been connected to the first traction battery 16a, the first slider 40 is configured to mate with the sliding surface 34 of the front carrier member 12 in fig. 2, and the second slider 44 is configured to mate with the sliding surface 34 of the rear carrier member 14 in fig. 2. Thus, the first traction battery 16a can be received by the front and rear carrier members 12, 14 through the connected first and second sliders 40, 44 and moved (e.g., slid) toward the frame member 6 of the vehicle. It should be appreciated that while the system includes the slides 40, 44 and the sliding surface 34, it is not mandatory that the first traction battery 16a slide into place, as, for example, the first traction battery 16a (with the slides 40, 44 mounted thereto) may be lifted onto the sliding surface 34 of the front and rear frame members 12, 14.

Continuing with fig. 3, the first slider 40 is adapted to be connected to the front side 42 of the traction battery 16a by means of a bushing 48, which bushing 48 may for example comprise two rubber parts 50 and a profiled element 52. The two rubber members 50 and the first slider 40 may be connected to each other by a screw connection. The profiled element 52 may in turn also have a threaded connection to the rubber component 50 and is additionally fixed (for example by screwing) to a mounting plate 54 connected to the traction battery 16 a. The mounting plate 54a is illustrated here as being located on opposite lateral sides 56, 58 of the first traction battery 16 a. Fig. 3 further illustrates that the system may include a protective base plate 60, the protective base plate 60 being adapted to be coupled to the underside of the first traction battery 16a by the first slider 40 and the second slider 44. The first slider 40 has a portion 62, and the portion 62 may be screwed to the protective base plate 60. Thus, as can be seen in fig. 4, when the first slider 40 has been fixed to the first traction battery 16a, the first slider 40 will be clamped at least partially between the protective bottom plate 60 and the rubber component 50 below the profiled element 52. This will provide a degree of cushioning and resiliency/flexibility to the first slider 40.

Returning to fig. 3, the second slider 44 is adapted to be rigidly connected to the protective base 60 and to the mounting plate 54. However, in other exemplary embodiments, similar to the first slider 40, it is contemplated to flexibly connect the second slider 44 to the first traction battery 16 a.

Fig. 5 illustrates a further portion of a system according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention and a second traction battery 16b to which the further portion may be connected. Fig. 6 shows the second traction battery 16b after the other part in fig. 5 has been connected to the second traction battery 16 b. Said further parts substantially correspond to the further parts discussed in connection with fig. 3 and 4. Thus, the system also includes a third slider 70 connected to a front side 72 of the second traction battery 16b and a fourth slider 74 connected to an opposite rear side 76 of the second traction battery 16 b. The third slider 70 is connected to the second traction battery 16b by means of two rubber parts 80 and a profiled element 82, while the fourth slider 74 is rigidly connected to the second traction battery 16 b. However, the difference is that, instead of the protective bottom plate 60 in fig. 3 and 4, a horizontal side collision protective plate 90 is provided in fig. 5 and 6, and the third slider 70 and the fourth slider 74 may be screwed to the horizontal side collision protective plate 90.

Fig. 7-14 illustrate a sequence in which the first traction battery 16a and the second traction battery 16b are installed in the vehicle.

Starting from fig. 7, after the first slider 40 and the second slider 44 have been mounted to the first traction battery 16a, it can be brought to the receiving structure 26 already fixed to the frame member 6.

The first slider 40 and the second slider 44 have downward facing surfaces that are urged to engage the sliding surfaces 34 of the lower arm portions 30 of the front carrier member 12 and the lower arm portions 30 of the rear carrier member 14, respectively, and move into position (e.g., slide into position) adjacent to the frame member 6. This is shown in fig. 8. The fixed portion 28 and/or the intermediate fixed bracket 36 of the front and rear frame members 12, 14 may provide an abutment surface that limits lateral movement. Suitably, once in the correct position, the first slider 40 may be secured to the sliding surface 34 of the front carrier member 12 and the second slider 44 may be secured to the sliding surface 34 of the rear carrier member 14, such as by a threaded connection.

Continuing with fig. 9, after the third and fourth sliders 70, 74 have been mounted to the second traction battery 16b, it may be brought to the receiving structure 26 which has been secured to the frame member 6.

The third and fourth sliders 70, 74 have downwardly facing surfaces that are urged to mate with the sliding surfaces 34 of the upper arm 32 of the front and rear carrier members 12, 32, respectively, and move into position (e.g., slide into position) adjacent the frame member 6. This is shown in fig. 10.

Fig. 11 illustrates that in an exemplary embodiment, the system may include two vertical connectors 92, each having an upper connecting portion 94 and a lower connecting portion 96, the upper and lower connecting portions 94, 96 being configured and dimensioned to mate with lateral ends 98 of the upper and lower arms 32, 30, respectively, of one of the front and rear carrier members 12, 14. The connecting portions 94, 96 may be suitably secured to the arm portions 30, 32 by a threaded connection.

Fig. 12 shows that the vertical connector 92 has been secured to the arms 30, 32. As can be seen, for example, in fig. 12, in some exemplary embodiments, the length of the vertical connector 92 substantially corresponds to the vertical extension of the two installed traction batteries (i.e., substantially the thickness of the first traction battery 16a plus the thickness of the second traction battery 16 b).

Fig. 13 illustrates that in some exemplary embodiments, the system may include an impact protection structure 100 adapted to be mounted to the free ends of the arm portions 30, 32. It should be noted that the free end refers to the end of the arm portion that is not fixed or integral with the fixed portion 28. In other words, the free end may receive other components, such as the vertical connector 92 in the form of the lateral end 98 (fig. 11) as exemplified above. The impact protection structure 100 may thus be connected to the lateral ends by the vertical connectors 92. In other exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated that the impact protection structure 100 is directly connected to the lateral ends. The impact protection structure 100 has been illustrated as a substantially planar fence, grille or door. However, other configurations of the impact protection structure 100 are also conceivable, such as a sheet metal structure with or without perforations.

As can be seen in fig. 14, when the collision protection structure 100 has been properly installed and the first and second traction batteries 16a, 16b have been received between the front and rear bracket members 12, 14, the traction batteries 16a, 16b are surrounded by the frame member 6 (on the lateral side), the front bracket member 12 (on the front side), the rear bracket member 14 (on the rear side), and the collision protection structure 100 (on the opposite lateral side) of the vehicle.

Thus, each arm portion 30, 32 has a longitudinal extension projecting from the fixed portion 28 to its free end, wherein the main extension of the impact protection structure 100 lies in a geometrical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the arm portions 30, 32 when the impact protection structure 100 is mounted to the free ends of the arm portions 30, 32.

In addition to being secured to the arm portions 30, 32 (either directly or indirectly via the vertical connectors 92), the impact protection structure 100 may, in at least some example embodiments (see fig. 3, 5, and 13), be connected to an upwardly curved edge 102 of the protective floor 60 and/or an upwardly curved edge 104 of the horizontal side impact protection plate 90. Such curved upwardly extending edges 102, 104 may, for example, be provided with threaded holes for receiving screws, bolts, or the like, to secure the impact protection structure 100. However, other fastening means are also conceivable, such as a snap connection. Further, it should be understood that, in some exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated that a snap-fit connection may be used instead of a threaded connection to interconnect other components of the system.

Fig. 15-16 illustrate a sequence in which the first traction battery 16a and the second traction battery 16b are removed from the vehicle, for example replaced by new traction batteries. As shown in fig. 15, after the crash protection structure and the vertical connector have been removed, the first traction battery 16a is suitably removed from the lower arm portion 30. This can be achieved, for example, by a sliding movement. Next, as shown in fig. 16, the second traction battery 16b is removed from the upper arm portion 32. This may be achieved, for example, by a sliding motion. However, a lifting movement is also conceivable. Removal of the first and second traction batteries 16a, 16b may be performed, for example, by means of a pallet lift, a forklift, or any other suitable tool or device.

Fig. 17 illustrates a flowchart representation of a method 200 of installing a traction battery in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the flow chart represents a method 200 for mounting a traction battery to a vehicle having a chassis including at least one load-bearing frame member to which and from which a front carrier member and a rear carrier member are fixed and protrude, the rear carrier member being spaced apart from the front carrier member for receiving the traction battery therebetween, wherein each of the front carrier member and the rear carrier member includes a respective sliding surface, the method comprising the steps of:

-in a first step S1, attaching a first slider to the front side of the traction battery,

-in a second step S2, attaching a second slider to the opposite rear side of the traction battery,

in a third step S3, after the first slider and the second slider have been connected to the traction battery, engaging the first slider with the sliding surface of the front carrier member and engaging the second slider with the sliding surface of the rear carrier member,

in a fourth step S4, the traction battery is moved towards the frame member of the vehicle by means of the attached slider.

The first step S1 and the second step S2 may be performed in reverse order or may be performed simultaneously. The third step S3 and the fourth step S4 may be performed in reverse order. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the traction battery may be lifted toward the frame member and then engaged with the bracket member. However, in other embodiments, the traction battery may first engage the bracket member and then slide toward the frame member.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings; rather, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the appended claims.