초록 ▼

A battery transfer and charging system for electrically powered vehicles includes a conveyor loop for conveying batteries from a battery receiving station to a battery delivery station. A displacement assembly removes spent batteries of electric vehicles by placing charged batteries into position wi

A battery transfer and charging system for electrically powered vehicles includes a conveyor loop for conveying batteries from a battery receiving station to a battery delivery station. A displacement assembly removes spent batteries of electric vehicles by placing charged batteries into position within the vehicles so as to laterally displace spent batteries. Spent batteries displaced from vehicles are received by the receiving station, where the batteries are tested both electrically and by comparing battery status data against predetermined criteria. Batteries which fail the battery test are automatically removed from the conveyor loop by a elevator assembly. Batteries are automatically charged as they pass through the conveyor loop in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries are conveyed to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles. In one embodiment of the system, vehicles are processed through the system in sequential order, stopping at a specified location for battery installation/removal.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A method of rapidly exchanging a battery of an electrically powered two-wheel vehicle, said vehicle having a battery compartment which extends through at least a portion of the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:providing a battery charging and transfer station comp

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A method of rapidly exchanging a battery of an electrically powered two-wheel vehicle, said vehicle having a battery compartment which extends through at least a portion of the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:providing a battery charging and transfer station comprising:a drive through bay including a vehicle securing station equipped with a positioning and support structure for maintaining the vehicle in an upright position; anda continuous battery transfer conveyor within the transfer station, the conveyor having a battery receiving end which receives a partially discharged battery from a first end of the battery compartment, and having a battery delivery end which delivers a charged battery to a second end of the battery compartment, the conveyor having multiple battery positions to store and recharge multiple batteries between the receiving and delivery ends;positioning and supporting the vehicle in an upright position within the vehicle securing station such that the battery compartment is aligned with the battery receiving and delivery ends of the conveyor, the battery compartment containing the discharged battery; andexchanging the discharged battery with the charged battery by advancing the conveyor to shift the charged battery from the delivery end of the conveyor into the compartment and moving the discharged battery from the compartment to the receiving end of the conveyor.