DE102010018698A1 - Energy supply system for mobile technology - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy supply system for mobile technology, in particular means of transport, in particular electric vehicles, with at least one container in which electrical energy cells can be inserted and fixed, and electrical contacts by means of which the energy cells can be electrically contacted, with at least one actuatable device by means of which the Energy cells can be released in such a way that they are available in bulk and are movable in the container in at least one spatial direction.

Description

This invention solves the standardization problems in battery replacement systems for the large-scale power supply of mobile technology, especially electric vehicles of different power classes.

description

Battery replacement systems for electrically powered handsets are well known. Cordless screwdrivers, cell phones and laptops are usually supplied with a reusable and replaceable electric battery. The performance of these devices is small enough that the removable batteries can be easily handled manually. This is different for devices of greater power. In particular, in electric vehicles, the drive battery is not as at z. B. to change a cordless screwdriver with a few simple steps, because this is much too big and too heavy. It is therefore common to leave the battery of an electric vehicle in all operating conditions, even during charging in the vehicle. However, the performance requirements of a modern electric vehicle make it necessary, in addition to charging at private and public charging stations, to think about practicable battery replacement systems. Battery replacement systems for electric vehicles are known from the prior art. DE 10 2007 032 210 . DE 196 21 668 and US 59 98 963 describe devices in which the battery on the underside of a vehicle to be assembled and disassembled.

A disadvantage of the prior art is the fact that the battery must be replaced as a contiguous block. As a result, a special replaceable battery has to be provided for virtually every vehicle class. Each type of replaceable battery must then also be stored in sufficient quantity by the exchange station, which has an increased and costly storage needs. The large inventories add to the amount of batteries not in use, which in general means that more batteries need to be manufactured than would be the case with a more efficient system. Overall, the well-known battery replacement systems, although tolerably solve the mobile energy problem, but they generate too much cost and too much standardization effort. It would be desirable to have a battery replacement system that can respond dynamically and meaningfully to the different power classes of mobile technology, especially of different power classes in vehicles, without having to stockpile a special battery for each vehicle class. Furthermore, it is desirable to manage the replacement process of large batteries with a simpler and less expensive technique than that described in the prior art.

This object is achieved with a device having the features of claim 1 and with a method according to claim 9. Further developments are described in the subclaims.

According to the invention, the drive battery of an electric vehicle no longer exists as a block hanging together but from a plurality of so-called energy cells. The term energy cell generally describes a mechanical body which is equipped with or consists of electrical energy storage elements. The power cell, if provided for storing electrical energy, also includes electrical contacts by means of which it can be charged and discharged. The mechanical formation of the energy cells is preferably standardized, and repeats uniformly in large numbers. The size and thus the energy content of a battery is determined by the number of energy cells that make up the battery. Depending on the size of the energy cells, a battery can be changed in terms of size and power in fine steps and adapted to the respective technical requirements. The energy cells are received to form a battery in a container which is in the mobile technology or intended for this. When the energy cells in the container are discharged, they can be replaced by charged energy cells. During the exchange process, the energy cells are movable in at least one spatial dimension. This means that the energy cells are fixed in the container during the normal operation of the mobile technology and are connected to the mobile technology energy system. However, for an inventive exchange process, the energy cells must be mobile. In order to make this temporarily possible for the replacement process, devices are provided for the mechanical fixing of the energy cells, as well as for the electrical contacting of the energy cells, which mechanically fix the energy cells in the mobile technology container as required and which emit the energy cells Connect or disconnect demand electrically with the on-board technology. It is also possibly provided one and the same device for both tasks, namely to use mechanical setting or release and electrical connection and release.

The mechanical setting of the energy cells is done for example by the boundary walls of the container itself, wherein the mechanical release of the energy cells z. B. a flap in the container opened, or a wall of the same is removed (see first embodiment), or by mechanical components introduced into the container by an operable device or changed in position in the container. (see second embodiment).

The electrical connection and disconnection of the energy cells with the on-board technology takes place, for example, individually or in groups on one or more movable components mounted electrical contacts, wherein the movable components for connecting or disconnecting the electrical connections brought by an actuatable device to the electrical contacts of the energy cells or be removed from them again. But other devices that can close and solve by pressing electrical contacts are provided with.

Preferably, such a device will produce electrical contact with several energy cells simultaneously. These electrical connections are made and solved in the z. B. a component that is equipped with multiple electrical contacts for multiple cells, mechanically brought to this or removed. The arrangement of the electrical contacts of said component is preferably based on the anticipated arrangement of the energy cells in the container. If necessary, devices for mechanically setting the energy cells can also be provided in this way. It is important that the above-mentioned devices are operable, meaning that they have the ability to generate and also release the mechanical and / or electrical connections to the energy cells by means of manual or automatic actuation.

For the release of the electrical and mechanical connections of the mobile technology to the energy cells, this allows their predetermined freedom of movement, which should preferably exist during the replacement process.

Because during an exchange process, the energy cells are not handled individually but as a loose amount. The term "loose amount" here describes a number of energy cells that are handled together, wherein the individual energy cells of this amount can change their relative position to each other with at least one degree of freedom. This means that it is intended that z. B. the energy cells have no mechanical connection to each other and in principle, as long as this is not limited by the handling devices, can move freely against each other, similar to the molecules of a liquid. The energy cells can touch each other, but they do not have to. However, mutual contact of the cells may be used to propel each other. It may also be provided, however, to connect the energy cells to one another mechanically movably, so that the quantity of energy cells can be handled like a movable chain. Such a chain can be manually or mechanically set in motion by pulling or pushing.

This makes it possible to push the quantity back and forth through differently limited spaces, to pull, to pump, or to set in motion by the acceleration of the earth and to make it flow, so to speak. The movement of the energy cells is facilitated by appropriate sliding and rolling devices, in particular on the mobile technology, on the power cells themselves, and on all other devices involved in the replacement process.

In the container, which receives the energy cells, there is at least one closable opening through which the energy cells are applied or discharged. Such an opening may be smaller in cross-sectional area than the smallest area of a container wall. However, it is at least so large that at least one energy cell can pass through this opening, so that the replacement of a battery takes place in the form of a partial flow of energy cells. In this way, even very large batteries through a small opening in the body z. B. a vehicle to be replaced.

With regard to the arrangement of the energy cells in the container, it is preferable to start from the densest packing, which is preferably brought about by the constriction of the space in the container. But also alternative facilities, such. B. certain shapes in the container (bulges and elevations), in which the energy cells arrive automatically or with mechanical help, are provided with. In the event that the energy cells have a one-dimensional freedom of movement, they will be arranged in a row in the mobile technology. In the event that the energy cells have a two-dimensional freedom of movement, they will arrange in a way that is similar to a 2-dimensional crystal lattice. In this way, the arrangement of the cells in the container is predictable according to their predetermined freedom of movement, so that devices for the generation of electrical connections to the energy cells can be provided at the corresponding locations in the mobile device or in the container. It is one of the above-mentioned actuatable devices.

Preferably, after the completion of the replacement process of the actuatable devices, the energy cells are mechanically fixed, and created the electrical contacts between on-board technology and energy cells. Then the mobile technology is ready for use again.

It is intended to vary the degree of filling of the container with energy cells and z. B. to adapt to the respective range claims of a vehicle user. For this purpose, it is provided the space of the container z. B. by sliding components such. B. slide (second embodiment) or artificially reduce one or more movable walls, so that even in a partially filled container, the energy cells can be fixed. If the fixing of the energy cells by other means but here are alternative devices, which, for. B. set the energy cells individually, conceivable.

It is intended to divide the container into at least two partitions of variable size, which may optionally be filled individually and independently. This should also z. B. done with sliding walls. But also with alternative methods, such. B. with devices for individual demand-dependent fixing individual energy cells or groups of energy cells take place. Such a partitioning can z. B. include a space for a set of energy cells, which remain in the vehicle and are loaded at private and public charging stations, and a second room, which may be rented with rented energy cells z. B. is filled by the energy supplier, if z. B. longer trips.

An advantage of the invention is that in the change stations (the places where the battery is replaced) now no special battery sizes need to be stored, because the exchange system can generate the most diverse battery sizes by just for a specific battery size just the right one Number of energy cells are provided.

Another advantage is that mechanically it is much easier to machine a larger number of smaller cells than a single contiguous block. Also can be regulated on the number of energy cells, the degree of filling of the container, so that the user of the mobile technology is not forced to be traveling with a always the same size battery. So he can adjust the battery size of his vehicle to his current range requirements and thus saves weight and energy.

Since the battery is replaced in the form of a partial flow of energy cells, the opening in the body of the device in question may turn out much smaller than was previously possible. This is an advantage in the design of bodies.

The exploitation of the gravitational acceleration for the replacement process has the additional advantage that expensive drives for handling the energy cells need not be provided either in the electric vehicle or in the replacement devices, because the supply of potential altitude energy in the energy cells can be done centrally and automatically at the charging devices of the changing stations.

But also from the point of view of the manufacturer of mobile technology, the invention has advantages, because this z. As advertise electric vehicles with long ranges, without having to deliver the correspondingly large and expensive battery immediately with, because the small battery can be added to a public change station in the short term needs. In this way, the purchase price for an electric vehicle is significantly reduced without having to forego a possible long range. This generally results in a similar comfort as the average motorist is used to from the conventional combustion system and gas stations, such. B. the immediate availability of energy, because the energy cells taken on board are preferably charged and can be used immediately. This will make it easier for a car driver to accept the new electrical system.

By the fact that with this invention many vehicles are equipped with a smaller battery than is necessary for a maximum range, generally the manufactured batteries are much better exploited. This saves resources on expensive materials, such. As lithium, and thus generally helps to limit the cost of the introduction of electric mobility.

embodiments

The invention will be described below by way of exemplary embodiments with reference to the characters in the figures.

1 schematically shows a horizontal section through an inventive electric vehicle 25 with an exchange device for energy cells 23 .

2 schematically shows a longitudinal vertical section through an inventive electric vehicle 25 with an exchange device for energy cells 23 with one-dimensional freedom of movement,

3 schematically shows a longitudinal vertical section through an inventive electric vehicle 25 with an exchange device for energy cells 23 while the discharged energy cells 20 out of the vehicle 25 on the exchange device 25 roll,

4 schematically shows a longitudinal vertical section through an inventive electric vehicle 25 with an exchange device for energy cells 23 while the charged energy cells 21 from the replacement device to the electric vehicle 25 roll,

5 shows a horizontal section through an inventive electric vehicle 25 with an exchange device for energy cells 23 with two-dimensional freedom of movement,

6 shows a horizontal section through an inventive electric vehicle 25 with an exchange device for energy cells 23 while the discharged energy cells 15 leave the electric vehicle,

7 shows a horizontal section through an inventive electric vehicle 25 with an exchange device for energy cells 23 while the charged energy cells 15 in the vehicle 25 be pressed

8th shows a schematic plan view of a cylindrical energy cell 15 with electrical contacts,

9 schematically shows a cross section through a battery container 6 with five cylindrical energy cells 15 and an actuatable device for establishing electrical connections, wherein the electrical connections to the energy cells 15 are solved,

10 schematically shows a cross section through a battery container 6 with five cylindrical energy cells 15 and an actuatable device for establishing electrical connections, wherein the electrical connections to the energy cells are closed,

11 shows a cuboid energy cell with rolling balls 17 , for one to two-dimensional freedom of movement,

12 shows a rhombic energy cell with rolling balls, for two-dimensional freedom of movement,

13 shows a cylindrical energy cell with rolling balls, for two-dimensional freedom of movement,

14 shows an energy cell in the form of a self-rolling roller, for one-dimensional freedom of movement,

15 shows a cuboid power cell with wheels, for one-dimensional freedom of movement,

16 shows a roller-shaped cell with roller-shaped ends for rolling on rails, for one-dimensional freedom of movement.

According to the invention, the batteries of mobile technical devices consist of a large number of energy cells (in short: cells). In the mobile device, a container is provided, which receives the cells. Since the size of the battery is changeable, this container does not necessarily have to be completely filled with cells. It may be necessary to divide the battery into at least two areas (see 5 - 7 ). One part could be z. B. be provided for the owner's battery. With owner battery are those energy cells 14 in the mobile device, which are the property of the device owner. In the case that the mobile technology is an electric vehicle, the owner's battery is 14 the energy storage is preferably provided for the daily range, and is loaded at public or private charging stations. The second, mostly larger part of the battery is for rented cells 15 intended. In an electric vehicle, this part is filled when a particularly long range is desired. Basically, however, the size of both parts can be chosen freely. So a customer can have the entire space for the owner's battery 14 and another customer provide the owner's battery 14 leave out completely, so that this is only with hired cells on the way. Both the owner's battery and the rented cells 15 are basically interchangeable, in order to renew the energy of the mobile technology in particular in an electric vehicle in a short time, without having to wait for the duration of the charging time of the energy cells.

The cells are similar in their housing form. These are preferably used across devices or vehicle types. It would be particularly welcome if one could even agree on a standard across companies, as this would increase the cost-effective effectiveness of the system. It would be conceivable to have a standard similar to the CD, the videocassette or generally like a returnable bottle system.

In general, the shape of the cells is chosen so that the necessary for the exchange process locomotion of the cells by means of sliding or rolling friction is facilitated. In the exemplary embodiments, rolling friction is preferably assumed. For this purpose z. B. a cylindrical shape of the cells themselves, (see 14 ) or parts of a cell (see 16 ) for a rolling movement of the cells in one dimension particularly advantageous, because so no special devices for rolling must be provided because the cells like a roller z. B. can roll down an inclined plane or rails. There are also provided cell shapes that have flat surfaces, z. B. cuboid ( 11 u. 15 ), Rhombus ( 12 ) and cylinders ( 13 ) with flat end surfaces. One or more surfaces of these cells are z. B. wheels 16 or bullets 17 equipped to allow rolling of the cells along one or more of their flat surfaces (see 11 . 12 . 13 . 15 ).

It is envisaged to handle the energy cells (short, cells) during the replacement process, preferably unsorted. They are mobile on a limited scale. The concrete placement of the cells in the mobile device happens, within limits of the respective freedom of movement, preferably random. Depending on how large the basic freedom of movement of the cells is in their handling, there is a 1-dimensional, 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional freedom of distribution in the container. It is envisaged to optimize the shape of the cells to the effect that this before setting in the container, for. B. by mechanical constriction of the space in the container, the cells automatically arrive in a uniformly repeating arrangement, the arrangement of the provided electrical contacts in the mobile technology is tuned to the expected arrangement of the cells and their electrical contacts. Thereafter, preferably all cells are mechanically fixed in the mobile device and made the intended electrical connections. Of course, the cells also have corresponding electrical contacts. Possibly. are provided at the cells devices for transmitting data z. B. variety of cells, voltage, capacity, age, state of charge of the cell in question u. s. w. for the course in the device to be operated corresponding receptors are provided.

The cells are introduced into the mobile device through at least one designated opening, with a plurality of cells passing through this opening, which corresponds to a partial flow of energy cells.

The movement of the cells is caused by a mechanical force on some cells, whereby the force effect continues via mutual contact from cell to cell on all cells to be moved. A movable connection of the cells with each other is possibly also provided, so that the amount of cells can be set as a chain by pulling on the same in motion. It is also intended to cause the movement of the cells by the action of gravitational pull, in which the cells move over an inclined plane 18 respectively. 19 roll or slide (see 3 u. 4 ). In mobile technology, and especially in large batteries, there is also a mechanical force on the cells in the container.

In the following, for better understanding, three embodiments will be described by way of example. The figures show schematically the principle of the device and do not represent true to scale constructions.

The first embodiment is an example of an energy cell exchange device in which the cells have 1-dimensional freedom of movement (see 1 - 4 ). The cells 20 have the shape of long rolls, for example, with a length of 600 mm and a diameter of 150 mm. These cells 20 / 21 can only roll back and forth in one direction. Meaning, they can not roll sideways to the left and right and not up and down. Since in this example only a single row of cells is provided in the mobile device, in this case an electric vehicle, and the cells in the loading and exchange stations are preferably handled in an unsorted manner, a random distribution of the cells occurs along a line, namely along the direction of movement the cells (one dimension). The direction of movement of the cells 20 / 21 corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, so the X-axis. The axis of rotation of the cells is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (x) of the vehicle.

At the rear of the vehicle, preferably below the trunk, is a closable opening 22 provided by which a cell fits through it in a rolling manner. During the replacement process, all cells involved in the replacement process happen 20 / 21 this opening 22 , which corresponds to a partial current of energy cells. The movement of the cells 20 / 21 happens by rolling. To the rolling motion of the cells in question 20 / 21 trigger those levels 18 . 19 , on which the cells to be moved are located, tilted.

On the part of the replacement station, the replacement device consists only of one with charged cells 21 equipped car 23 For example, by hand, like a shopping cart over a smooth surface 24 is moved. Of course, more complex and automated devices are also provided, but these are partially in US 59 98 963 and DE 10 2007 032 210 already described, so this need not be repeated. However, the devices described therein, as well as generally automated power cell machine replacement devices, are included in this application. For the initial establishment of the system is the handcart 23 certainly a cost-effective alternative. The lifting work, which has to be carried out beforehand in order to utilize the acceleration of gravity in the course of the replacement process, is carried out mechanically and if necessary centrally within the replacement station (also referred to above as the "change station"). performed, so that no further machine-driven devices on the devices that are responsible for the replacement process on the vehicle, no longer be provided. The following is an example of an exchange process of all cells in the vehicle 20 described:
After the vehicle 25 parked and shut off, all electrical connections to the cells in the container of the vehicle 20 solved. This is done by means of a device that is operated manually or automatically. Preferably, it consists of a displaceable component which contains the electrical contacts for the contacting of one or more cells. Upon actuation, this component moves toward or away from the cells and shoots or releases the electrical contacts to the cells. The electrical contact can also cause a sufficient mechanical fixing. In this example, however, a separate actuatable device is provided for this purpose:
So in this example all cells become 20 Mechanically released in the vehicle, so that they can roll, in which the rear opening 22 unlocked and opened. Since the opening extends over the entire container width, this corresponds to the omission of a container wall in a figurative sense.

Now the handcart 23 in x- and y-axis matching the opening 22 placed. The Z-axis is either a height adjustment on the trolley 23 For example, with the help of a foot-operated hydraulics or a height adjustment in the vehicle 25 , for example, by means of a mechanical, hydraulic or magnetic (Bose chassis) level control, adjusted accordingly. Because when changing the cells the total weight of the vehicle 25 changes significantly, it makes sense to fix the chassis of the vehicle during the replacement process so that vehicle 25 and handcart 23 always stay in the right amount to each other. The handcart 23 has two levels 19 . 26 on which cells are stored. An upper level 19 on the charged cells 21 lie and a lower level 26 on the discharged cells 20 to be transported away. Now, at the beginning of the replacement process, the lower level is 26 of the trolley 23 empty and the upper level 19 with charged cells 21 occupied. If vehicle 25 and handcart 23 are in position, first the discharged cells 20 out of the vehicle 25 removed and on the cart 23 stored. This happens in which the plane 18 in the vehicle 25 on the cells 21 store, one-sided lowered and skewed. The rotation axis 27 this level 18 is located as far away from the opening as possible 22 So here in the front part of the car. The other side of the plane 18 is lowered so low that it is about level with the lower level 26 of the trolley 23 arrives. This lowering creates an inclined plane 18 in the vehicle 25 which the cells 20 roll down (see 3 ). The cells 20 roll through the opening 22 out of the vehicle 25 out and land directly on the lower level 26 of the trolley 23 , When all the cells are discharged 20 on the handcart 23 arrived, the plane becomes 18 in the vehicle 25 again raised to its normal level and locked. As the level 18 not with cells at this time 20 is occupied, is the power around the plane 18 to raise again comparatively low. Next is the upper level 19 of the trolley 23 on the side of the opening 22 one-sided to the level of the vehicle level 18 lowered. This in turn creates an inclined plane 19 (please refer 4 ). This time, however, the charged cells are rolling 21 from the plane 19 of the trolley 23 down to the level 18 in the vehicle 25 , When all the cells are loaded 21 in the vehicle 25 are, the opening becomes 22 closed and locked. This is the cells 21 mechanically fixed in the vehicle. After that, the electrical connections between the vehicle 25 and the cells 21 produced. This completes the replacement process. The handcart 23 will be removed and the vehicle 25 can resume operation.

Note that the energy to move around the cells consists essentially of the level of energy that is mechanically supplied to the cells in the charging station. Because the discharged cells are in the exchange station from the trolley 23 removed and lifted mechanically to a level at least slightly higher than the upper level 19 of the trolley 23 , After that, all other movements of the cells can be used to load the cart 23 and those of the replacement process can be handled without additional drive technology.

The second embodiment is an example of an upright cylindrical power cell exchanging apparatus 15 that have 2-dimensional freedom of movement (see 5 - 7 ). Such a device may be useful if you want to use the space in the bottom of the vehicle more efficient, and at the same time would like to get the familiar design of a road vehicle, or would generally like to proceed more freely in the design of the design. For example, it is conceivable that between the front axle 28 and rear axle 29 of a vehicle 25 a big container 30 is available for energy cells, but a rear entrance 22 in this container 30 for example, by the subframe 31 is narrowed in the rear. In the example described above, the input port is 22 in the container 30 as wide as the containers 30 itself. This is no longer the case in this example. Here it is intended that the cells 15 not only on a line but on a surface can move and distribute. This can the entrance opening 22 be narrower than the container 30 , Below are the cells 15 move essentially to the left and to the right (x-axis) and back and forth (y-axis).

In this example, the cases have the cells 15 a form that is optimized for a 2-dimensional freedom of distribution. For this purpose, the upright cylindrical shape is proposed. The cells slide or roll along the flat cylinder end surfaces 32 the cells. To allow for rolling are in the cylinder end surfaces 32 z. B. balls 17 provided, which allow movement in two dimensions (see 13 ). But just as well can the surfaces on which the cells move (in the container 18 eg on the trolley 19 ) be equipped with appropriate rolling devices. The cells 15 have z. B. a diameter of 200 mm and a height of 140 mm, and are at the Zylinderendflächen 32 equipped with electrical contacts, in this example, both poles (plus and minus) are each concentric on the upper cylinder end face (see 8th and 13 ). 8th shows how the two poles are arranged concentrically to each other, so that the cell can be accommodated in the container at any angle of its axis of rotation, while still ensuring a secure electrical contact with the electrical system.

The cells 15 are preferably not handled individually when changing, but moved as a quantity. The cells touch each other 15 mutually on their cylindrical surfaces and push each other in a predetermined by the boundary surfaces of the exchange devices direction.

5 - 7 schematically represented a horizontal section through a road vehicle 25 The container 30 between the axes is wider than the entrance opening 22 although this is so wide and high that at least one cell 15 fits through.

The container 30 Its shape and dimensions are such that the narrowing of the same makes it possible for the cells in it to be located 15 automatically arrive in a uniformly repeating arrangement. The narrowing of the container 30 happens, for example, mechanically with the help of one or more slides 33 . 34 , In this example, in the vehicle are two slidable slides along the x-axis 33 . 34 provided, of which one, namely the slide 34 , which the owner cells 14 from the loan cells 15 separates, is also foldable, if necessary, the owner cells 14 if, as in this example, only one, namely the rear opening, is available. The displacement of the slider 33 . 34 regulates the size of the container 30 , or the size of its partitions.

The exchange procedure is essentially similar to that in the first example, except that here the cells 15 with the help of the slider 33 . 34 . 35 be moved mechanically or that rolling devices in the sliding planes of the container, the replacement devices or the cells themselves active in the transport of the cells 15 participate or facilitate this.

The vehicle 25 is parked and the landing gear in height (Z-axis) locked. In order to enable the movements of the cells in the vehicle, first the electrical connections of the cells to the on-board technology have to be released and the cells must be mechanically released. The release of the electrical contacts is done by means of an actuatable device, which by way of example hereinafter with reference to the 8th to 10 will be described in more detail. The cylindrical energy cells (see 13 ) slide on their lower cylinder end surfaces 32 , The upper cylinder end surface is with two electrical contacts 12 / 13 equipped (see 8th ). Since the cylindrical cells during the exchange process freely around its own axis 11 is not fixed at what angle of rotation they are in the container 6 electrically contacted and mechanically fixed. The electrical contact must therefore be independent of this angle of rotation. To make this possible, the electrical contacts are formed circular, with all the contacts a common center namely on the axis 11 own without touching each other. 8th shows a cell 15 in plan view with two contacts 12 / 13 , being a contact 12 is executed as a circle, and another as a ring 13 is arranged around the first. Had the cell 15 even more contacts would run this as a ring. From the densest packing of cells 15 in the container 6 starting, is the arrangement of the symmetry axes 11 the cells and thus their exact location in the container 6 predictable. Accordingly, there are electrical contacts 10 in the container 6 intended. These contacts 10 may be the same as those of the cells. But you can also, as in 9 and 10 differ from this form. The contacting of the cells is done individually or in groups, the latter is shown in the figures. Here are a lot of contacts 10 of the container 6 together on a moving component 8th mounted, which of coil springs 9 is pushed away from the cells. Nevertheless, determines a movable component 7 the position of the component 8th , Actuate the component 7 and push it to the left, the electrical contacts to the cells 15 in the container 6 solved (see 9 ). Actuate the component 7 and push it to the right will be the electrical contacts to the cells 15 in the container 6 closed (see 10 ).

The mechanical release of the cells 15 is also done by an actuatable device, which here, as in the first example, from a rear opening 22 consists. Is the opening 22 closed, the cells are trapped by the narrowness of space and can not move anymore. When the opening is opened, the cells may shift and exit the container. But there are, as already mentioned above, other solutions provided.

A handcart 23 , with charged cells 15 equipped, will fit on the vehicle 25 placed if the vehicle has not already been parked on an automatic replacement device. This handcart has two levels, as in the first example, where the discharged cells are picked up from one level and the charged cells are delivered to the vehicle in front of the other. The sliders 33 . 34 in the vehicle move towards the rear opening 22 and press the discharged cells 15 out of the vehicle 25 out. The discharged cells 15 be from the handcart 23 or received by the automatic exchange device. Thereafter, the lateral guide parts 36 on the handcart 23 or on the automatic changing device to the width of the rear opening 22 of the vehicle 25 adapted, if necessary, the height of the level of the cart, which contains the charged cells, adjusted accordingly. The sliders 33 . 34 in the vehicle drive back towards the front axle. With the help of the slider 35 now become the charged cells 15 from the handcart 23 or the automatic replacement device in the vehicle 25 pressed. Then the rear opening becomes 22 of the vehicle 25 closed. Possibly. another, unillustrated slide moves behind the rear opening 22 in the container 30 into it and push the cells 15 further into the interior of the container 30 , This narrows the container 30 and the cells 15 find themselves automatically in the predetermined closest packing. This also corresponds to a mechanical fixing of the cells. By removing this slide, the cells are released again. The electrical contacts to the cells 14 u. 15 be in the vehicle 25 made by the actuatable device and the vehicle is now ready for use again.

If an amount less than the maximum amount of cells in the vehicle is taken on board, a corresponding displacement of the slides in the container ensures 30 for a weight-favorable distribution of the battery mass in the vehicle.

In order to realize even more complex forms of containers a 3-dimensional freedom of movement of the cells is provided. This represents a third embodiment. Again, the cells are optimized in shape. The shape of the cells may, for. B. be spherical or be like a 3-dimensional symmetrical crystal, so that the cells automatically come in narrowing the space in the densest pack. Electrical contacts may now also take place between the cells to direct the energy to the limits of the container, where this is then taken up by further contacts and forwarded to the on-board technology. During the exchange process, the cells can move in three dimensions in the designated limited spaces. The movement of the cells is triggered by the change of the rooms or the spatial form or by movements on the space boundary surfaces.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

7

actuatable component

8th

movable component with electrical contacts

9

spiral spring

10

electrical contacts

11

Symmetry axis of a cell

12

circular electrical contact of a cell

13

annular electrical contact of a cell

14

Cells of the owner battery

15

Lending cells for two-dimensional freedom of movement

16

Wheel on a cell

17

Trackball on a cell

18

Level in the electric vehicle on which cells move

19

upper level on the trolley, on which the charged cells are transported

20

cylindrical cell

21

loaded cylindrical cell

22

Opening through which the cells leave the electric vehicle

23

Handcart as an exchange device for energy cells

24

Floor or parking lot

25

electric vehicle

26

lower level of the cart, on which the unloaded cells are transported

27

Axis of rotation of the plane 18 in the vehicle

28

Front axle of the electric vehicle

29

Rear axle of the electric vehicle

30

Container in the electric vehicle, which receives cells

31

Subframe of the electric vehicle

32

plane sliding surface of a cell

33

Foremost slider in the container of the electric vehicle

34

Slider that separates owner cells from loan cells

35

Slider which pushes cells into the electric vehicle

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007032210 [0002, 0049]
• DE 19621668 [0002]
• US 5998963 [0002, 0049]

Claims (9)

Energy supply system for mobile technology, in particular means of transport, in particular electric vehicles, with at least one container in which electrical energy cells can be introduced and fixed, and electrical contacts by means of which the energy cells are electrically contacted, characterized by at least one actuatable device by means of which the energy cells so releasable are that they are present as a loose amount and are movable in the container in at least one spatial direction. Energy supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuatable device contains means for fixing the energy cells, and / or for the production of electrical connections to the energy cells. Energy supply system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container and / or the energy cells contain rolling or sliding devices. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container and / or the energy cells contain devices for moving the energy cells. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy cells are loosely mutually propelled by mutual contact, or that the energy cells are movably connected to each other, being movable as a train train. Power supply system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile-powered technology, the replacement device and the energy cells are designed so that the movement of the energy cells is caused by the gravitational acceleration. Energy supply system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy cells are at least partially formed as a roller or ball. Method for filling a container with electric energy cells, wherein the energy cells are introduced into the container, the energy cells are fixed in the container, the energy cells are contacted electrically, characterized in that the energy cells are introduced as a loose amount in the container and are movable in this in at least one spatial direction. A method for filling a container with energy cells according to claim 9, characterized in that the energy cells are introduced in the form of a partial stream in the container.

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