An oscillation bearing arrangement (1) of a mobile mining machine, the oscillation bearing arrangement (1) comprising: an inner frame structure (2), an outer frame structure (3), a first bearing structure and a second bearing structure arranged between the inner frame structure (2) and the outer frame structure (3). The oscillation bearing arrangement is arranged to allow a relative tilting movement between the inner frame structure (2) and the outer frame structure (3). The first bearing structure is a tapered plain bearing comprising a first bushing (15), and/or the second bearing structure is a tapered plain bearing comprising a second bushing (23). The invention relates also to a mobile mining machine.
F16C 17/10 - Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement for both radial and axial load
F16C 17/18 - Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement characterised by features not related to the direction of the load with floating brasses or bushes, rotatable at a reduced speed
F16C 33/08 - Attachment of brasses, bushes, or linings to the bearing housing
F16C 33/12 - Structural compositionUse of special materials or surface treatments, e.g. for rust-proofing
F16C 33/16 - Sliding surface consisting mainly of graphite
F16C 33/20 - Sliding surface consisting mainly of plastics
F16C 33/28 - BrassesBushesLinings with embedded reinforcements shaped as frames or meshed materials
2.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONNECTING AND DISCONNECTING BATTERIES FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
An automated connection and disconnection system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system may be implemented by a first component of an electric vehicle and a second component of the battery assembly. The first component includes a linear actuator that is configured to push a set of electrical connectors associated with the electric vehicle outward and establish a connection with a corresponding set of electrical connectors associated with the battery assembly. The process of connecting or docking the battery assembly to the electric vehicle is thereby automated and the time needed to exchange batteries is reduced. The system further includes provisions for ensuring the two components remain aligned relative to one another during docking.
An automated connection and disconnection system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system may be implemented by a first component of an electric vehicle and a second component of the battery assembly. The first component includes a linear actuator that is configured to push a set of electrical connectors associated with the electric vehicle outward and establish a connection with a corresponding set of electrical connectors associated with the battery assembly. The process of connecting or docking the battery assembly to the electric vehicle is thereby automated and the time needed to exchange batteries is reduced. The system further includes provisions for ensuring the two components remain aligned relative to one another during docking.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
H01M 50/50 - Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
H01R 13/62 - Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
B60L 53/16 - Connectors, e.g. plugs or sockets, specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
H01M 50/249 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains
H01M 50/262 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders with fastening means, e.g. locks
H01M 50/289 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders characterised by spacing elements or positioning means within frames, racks or packs
H01M 50/296 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders characterised by terminals of battery packs
H01M 50/502 - Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteriesInterconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
A hydraulic power distribution system and method for an electric mining machine is described. In one embodiment, the electric mining machine includes a first pump motor configured to drive a first hydraulic pump and a second pump motor configured to drive a second hydraulic pump. The electric mining machine further includes a first battery pack supplying electric power to the first pump motor and a second battery pack supplying electric power to the second pump motor. A hydraulic control system in communication with at least the first battery pack, the first pump motor, the first hydraulic pump, the second battery pack, the second pump motor, and the second hydraulic pump is configured to independently control each of the first hydraulic pump and the second hydraulic pump so that a combined hydraulic power output satisfies 100% of a hydraulic power output demand for the electric mining machine.
B60L 58/12 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries responding to state of charge [SoC]
A mechanical stabilization system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system includes an actuator and a stabilizer that are configured to work in concert. The actuator and stabilizer are disposed in a housing of the battery assembly. The system may be implemented by depression of the actuator disposed in the housing, which causes the stabilizer to retract a support post into the housing. The depression can occur during a docking operation of the battery assembly with a lift mechanism for an electric vehicle. When the actuator is released, the support post automatically reverts to its previous, deployed state. The support post is configured to maintain the battery assembly in a stable configuration when the battery assembly is separated from the electric vehicle.
A mechanical stabilization system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system includes an actuator and a stabilizer that are configured to work in concert. The actuator and stabilizer are disposed in a housing of the battery assembly. The system may be implemented by depression of the actuator disposed in the housing, which causes the stabilizer to retract a support post into the housing. The depression can occur during a docking operation of the battery assembly with a lift mechanism for an electric vehicle. When the actuator is released, the support post automatically reverts to its previous, deployed state. The support post is configured to maintain the battery assembly in a stable configuration when the battery assembly is separated from the electric vehicle.
In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an articulated vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) may include a device processor (200) and a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions stored thereon and executable by the device processor for controlling articulation of the vehicle (100) by performing the following steps: utilizing the front drive system to apply drive power to the pair of front wheels (205; 210); actuating brakes associated with the second front wheel (210) to counteract the application of drive power to the second front wheel (210); utilizing the rear drive system to apply drive power to the pair of rear wheels (215; 220); and actuating brakes associated with the first rear wheel (215) to counteract the application of drive power to the first rear wheel (215).
B62D 12/00 - Steering specially adapted for vehicles operating in tandem or having pivotally connected frames
B62D 11/02 - Steering non-deflectable wheelsSteering endless tracks or the like by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides
8.
BATTERY LOAD MECHANISM FOR ELECTRIC LHD MINING MACHINE
A mounting and dismounting system for replaceable power sources is disclosed. The mounting and dismounting system is integrated into a vehicle. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle and the replaceable power source may include at least one battery. The mounting and dismounting system includes a lift rack assembly that engages shafts on the replaceable power source to raise and lower the replaceable power source. The mounting and dismounting system also includes a set of retaining members to help keep the shafts in place. The lift rack assembly includes rack members that move in a substantially vertical direction to limit swinging and tilting.
A brake release system for a vehicle is described to transfer mechanical movement between two hydraulic actuators. The system includes a first hydraulic system on a removable portion of the vehicle and a second hydraulic system on a main chassis of the vehicle. The two hydraulic systems are mechanically engaged with each other where the removable portion of the vehicle attaches to the main chassis. In this way, a force applied to the removable portion of the vehicle when the vehicle's tow hook is engaged may be transferred to release the parking brake on the main chassis without a hydraulic connection between the removable portion and the main chassis. This may be useful when a removable battery frame with a tow hook makes up a separable rear portion of an electric vehicle, allowing the battery frame to be quickly and efficiently removed from the main chassis of the vehicle.
B60T 11/10 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator without power assistance or drive or where such assistance or drive is irrelevant transmitting by fluid means, e.g. hydraulic
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
10.
INTERCHANGEABLE ENERGY DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE
An interchange energy device for an electric vehicle enables an electric vehicle to be compatible with existing power lines such as overhead catenary system with little to no modification necessary to a modem electric vehicle. The interchangeable energy device has the same form factor as a battery pack, and is fully compatible with the drive system of the vehicle. The interchangeable device enables a battery pack to be swapped for an adapter to take advantage of existing power systems such as an overhead catenary system.
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 58/18 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries of two or more battery modules
11.
INTERCHANGEABLE ENERGY DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE
An interchange energy device for an electric vehicle enables an electric vehicle to be compatible with existing power lines such as overhead catenary system with little to no modification necessary to a modem electric vehicle. The interchangeable energy device has the same form factor as a battery pack, and is fully compatible with the drive system of the vehicle. The interchangeable device enables a battery pack to be swapped for an adapter to take advantage of existing power systems such as an overhead catenary system.
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 58/18 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries of two or more battery modules
An electric vehicle may include a frame, a set of wheels, and a bucket. In addition, the vehicle may include an electric propulsion system comprising one or more electric motors and one or more electric power sources configured to deliver power to the one or more electric motors. Further, the vehicle may have a payload capacity, the payload capacity being a weight of material that can be loaded into the bucket and transported by the electric vehicle; and the payload capacity may be at least approximately 10 metric tons.
An electric power distribution system and method for an electric mining machine is described. In one embodiment, a method for electric power distribution includes receiving information associated with a state of charge of a first battery pack that supplies electric power to a front electric motor configured to drive a front axle of an electric mining machine. The method also includes receiving information associated with a state of charge of a second battery pack that supplies electric power to a rear electric motor configured to drive a rear axle of the electric mining machine. The method includes comparing the state of charge of the first battery pack and the second battery pack and, upon determining that the state of charge of the second battery pack is greater than the state of charge of the first battery pack, increasing electric power to the rear electric motor of the electric mining machine.
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 58/18 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries of two or more battery modules
An electric vehicle may include a frame, a set of wheels, and a bucket. In addition, the vehicle may include an electric propulsion system comprising one or more electric motors and one or more electric power sources configured to deliver power to the one or more electric motors. Further, the vehicle may have a payload capacity, the payload capacity being a weight of material that can be loaded into the bucket and transported by the electric vehicle; and the payload capacity may be at least approximately 10 metric tons.
An alignment and locking 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 set of receiving members fixed to the chassis. The battery assembly includes a cage with mounting bars. When the mounting bars are received in the receiving members they may be locked into place against the chassis. The system can also include a set of v-blocks that engage vertically oriented bars in the cage to help with horizontal alignment of the battery assembly.
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
H01M 50/249 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains
H01M 50/262 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders with fastening means, e.g. locks
A zero emissions electrically powered haul truck is disclosed. The haul truck has a 40 metric ton hauling capacity and a form factor that allows the truck to travel through underground mines. The truck also includes a primary battery assembly that is externally mounted along the front and sides of the truck.
B60L 50/64 - Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 58/18 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries of two or more battery modules
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
H01M 2/10 - Mountings; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
17.
ALIGNMENT AND LOCKING MECHANISM FOR REMOVEABLE BATTERY ASSEMBLY
An alignment and locking 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 set of receiving members fixed to the chassis. The battery assembly includes a cage with mounting bars. When the mounting bars are received in the receiving members they may be locked into place against the chassis. The system can also include a set of v-blocks that engage vertically oriented bars in the cage to help with horizontal alignment of the battery assembly.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
H01M 2/10 - Mountings; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
18.
MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING SYSTEM FOR A BATTERY ASSEMBLY
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.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
H01M 2/10 - Mountings; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
19.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING BATTERIES IN A VEHICLE
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.
B60L 53/80 - Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
B60L 58/18 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries of two or more battery modules
B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
B60L 50/64 - Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
H01M 2/10 - Mountings; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
A battery module having a plurality of battery cells is described. The battery module includes a head unit with corresponding conical positive and negative terminals that allow additional battery modules to mate together and be electrically coupled in an end-to-end relationship. A plurality of battery modules can be combined together into rows of modules that are the electrically coupled to form a multi-modular battery system. The multi-modular battery system uses interchangeable individual battery modules for ease of replacement. Battery modules of a multi-modular battery system can communicate with each other using optical communication methods, including via line-of-sight and/or optical cables.
A flexible connector a battery system and a method for assembling in a battery assembly. The apparatus can include a plurality of pads that are secured to a central spine. The flexible connector may be a single piece connector. The flexible connector can include monitors that are mounted to the flexible connector to gather data regarding battery cells.
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
A modular cover for a battery system and a method for assembling the modular cover are disclosed. The apparatus can include a first modular segment and a second modular segment that are interconnected. The modular cover can be expanded in size for use with different types of battery systems and housings.
The disclosed battery management system generally includes at least one bi-directional balancing circuit and a power supply including a first battery module and a second battery module, each having at least one battery cell. The balancing circuit may be configured to transfer excess charge from one or more battery cells of the first battery module to one or more battery cells of the second battery module. By redistributing the level of charge within one or more battery cells, the balancing circuit can cause the overall charge of a power supply to last longer by taking advantage of excess charge found within one or more battery cells. Additionally, the balancing circuit may be connected to a bus bar that may be utilized to power additional accessories within a vehicle.
A flexible connector a battery system and a method for assembling in a battery assembly. The apparatus can include a plurality of pads that are secured to a central spine. The flexible connector may be a single piece connector. The flexible connector can include monitors that are mounted to the flexible connector to gather data regarding battery cells.
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
H01M 2/20 - Current-conducting connections for cells
H01M 2/10 - Mountings; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
25.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POWER TO A MINING OPERATION
A system for employing gravity to provide electrical power for mining operations in a mine includes a battery configured to power an electric vehicle. The vehicle includes a kinetic energy capture system that can charge the battery as the vehicle conveys a loaded vehicle down a ramp from an ore face to a chamber. Traveling down the ramp produces a surplus charge in the battery due to a weight differential between a loaded vehicle traveling down a ramp producing more energy via the kinetic energy capture system than energy used by the vehicle to convey the empty vehicle up the ramp to the ore face. A discharging device disposed in the chamber is configured to discharge the surplus energy out of the battery and into the mine's power grid. One or multiple trips between the ore face and the chamber may fully charge the battery.
patents
