WO2023043634A1

WO2023043634A1 - Battery cartridge attachment mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2023043634A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/042484
Authority: WO
Inventors: Irfan K. ALI
Original assignee: Balico Llc
Priority date: 2021-09-20
Filing date: 2022-09-02
Publication date: 2023-03-23

Abstract

A battery system for an electric vehicle includes a battery frame mounted within the electric vehicle and a battery cartridge having a locking collar embedded therein at a mounting location. A mounting assembly associated with the battery frame is receivable within the locking collar to couple the battery cartridge to the battery frame. The mounting assembly includes a shaft having a plunger mounted therein and at least one detent movable relative to the shaft between a retracted position and an extended position. The at least one detent is movable from the retracted position to the extended position in response to movement of the plunger.

Description

BATTERY CARTRIDGE ATTACHMENT MECHANISM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional application number 63/246,094, filed September 20, 2021, and having the same title herein, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Exemplary embodiments relate to the field of electric vehicles, and more particularly, to an assembly for removably mounting a battery cartridge within a battery bank of an electric vehicle.

[0003] Various types of automotive vehicles, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are equipped with an energy storage system that requires periodic charging. Typically, this energy storage system may be charged by connecting it to a power source, such as an alternating current (AC) supply line. While it may be advantageous to recharge the vehicle's energy storage system before or after each vehicle use, current systems require the vehicle operator to manually plug the power supply line into the vehicle. Such manual operation may not always be convenient for the vehicle operator, which may result in missed charging instances and/or subsequently degraded vehicle performance.

[0004] Further, the current batteries that are used in such electric vehicles typically require several hours to recharge. This extended down-time in combination with the limited driving range provided by the energy storage system makes such vehicles less desirable to some consumers. One method of increasing the range of electric vehicles that has been considered is to have batteries of the vehicles rapidly swapped out. such as at a service station. This has proven to be cumbersome and limited to specific vehicles. The use of prepacked battery cartridges is aimed at eliminating this challenge and will allow all vehicle types to take advantage of the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0005] According to an embodiment, a battery system for an electric vehicle includes a battery frame mounted within the electric vehicle and a battery cartridge having a locking collar embedded therein at a mounting location. A mounting assembly associated with the battery frame is receivable within the locking collar to couple the battery cartridge to the battery frame. The mounting assembly includes a shaft having a plunger mounted therein and at least one detent movable relative to the shaft between a retracted position and an extended position. The at least one detent is movable from the retracted position to the extended position in response to movement of the plunger.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the mounting assembly further comprising a movement mechanism operably coupled to the plunger to translate the plunger along an axis of the shaft between an unlocked position and a locked position.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the plunger is directly driven by the movement mechanism.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the plunger is indirectly driven by the movement mechanism.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the plunger is a portion of the movement mechanism.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the movement mechanism is integrated into the electric vehicle.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments when the shaft is inserted into the locking collar, the at least one detent in the extended position is engaged with a surface of the locking collar to couple the locking collar to the mounting assembly.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the locking collar has a stepped configuration.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the locking collar has a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being greater than the first inner diameter.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments co

rising a transition arranged between the first portion and the second portion, the transition having a diameter that gradually increases from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments when the plunger is in an unlocked position, the at least one detent is movable to the retracted position in response to engagement between the transition and the at least one detent [0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the battery cartridge further comprises a housing, and an upper surface of the housing at the mounting location is offset from a remainder of the housing.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments wherein an internal cavity is defined by the upper surface at the mounting location, the locking collar being at least partially arranged within the internal cavity.

[0018] According to an embodiment, a battery system for an electric vehicle includes a battery frame and a battery cartridge removably mountable within the battery frame via a quick connect assembly. The quick connect assembly includes a female portion embedded within an interior of a housing of the battery cartridge and a male portion extending from the battery frame. The male portion has at least one detent movable to engage and couple with the female portion.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the male portion further comprises a shaft, the at least one detent being associated with the shaft and a plunger operably coupled to the at least one detent, the at least one detent is movable to engage and couple with the female portion in response to movement of the plunger.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments comprising a movement mechanism operably coupled to the plunger to translate the plunger between an unlocked position and a locked position.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the plunger is a portion of the movement mechanism.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the movement mechanism is integrated into the electric vehicle.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the female portion further comprises a locking collar.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the locking collar is arranged at a mounting location relative to the battery cartridge and an upper surface of the housing at the mounting location is offset from a remainder of the housing.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments an internal cavity is defined by the upper surface at the mounting location, the locking collar being at least partially arranged within the internal cavity. [0026] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the locking collar has a stepped configuration.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the locking collar has a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being greater than the first inner diameter.

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments comprising a transition arranged between the first portion and the second portion, the transition having a diameter that gradually increases from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cartridge and a mounting assembly for mounting the battery cartridge to a battery housing according to an embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of mounting assembly inserted within a battery cartridge at a mounting location, the mounting assembly according to an embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery cartridge having a mounting assembly coupled to the battery cartridge according to an embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting assembly coupled to the battery cartridge according to an embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of separating a battery cartridge from the battery housing according to an embodiment; and

[0036] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of attaching a battery cartridge to the battery housing via at least one mounting assembly according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. [0038] With reference now to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an example of an electric vehicle 20 is illustrated according to an embodiment. The chassis or body 22 of the electric vehicle 20 may be substantially similar to that of an existing vehicle, however, as shown, the electric vehicle 20 is powered by an energy storage system, also referred to herein as a battery system 30. The battery system 30 includes a battery bank 32 having at least one battery cartridge 34 in the form of an electrical energy storage unit or battery and a battery controller 36 operably coupled to the battery bank 32. Although the battery bank 32 is illustrated in the figure as being located adjacent to a lower region or underside 24 of the chassis 22, also referred to herein as the undercarriage of the electric vehicle 20, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the battery bank 32 may be located at another suitable location. In an embodiment, the battery bank 32 includes a plurality of battery cartridges 34, such as ten battery cartridges 34 (two rows of five battery cartridges 34) as shown in FIG. 1. However, embodiments of a battery bank 32 having any suitable number of battery cartridges 34 including two battery cartridges, three battery cartridges, four battery cartridges, five battery cartridges, six battery cartridges, seven battery cartridges, eight battery cartridges, nine battery cartridges, eleven battery cartridges, twelve battery cartridges, or more than twelve battery cartridges for example, are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0039] As shown, the battery system 30 is operably coupled to one or more electrical loads 40 of the electric vehicle 20, such as an electric drive motor, an electrical accessory, or another load. Accordingly, power in the form of at least one of voltage and current may be delivered from the battery system 30 to one or more electrical loads 40 of die electric vehicle 20 via a power bus 42. In an embodiment, data, signal measurements, instructions, and/or command signals, represented by the dotted lines shown in FIG. 1, may be shared between various components of the electric vehicle 20, such as between one or more loads 40 and the battery controller 36. Further, the battery controller 36 may be configured to control or vary the power being delivered to an electrical load 40 in response to such communication.

[0040] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the at least one battery cartridge 34 is positioned within a battery housing or frame 44 mounted to or within the electric vehicle 20. In an embodiment, the at least one battery cartridge 34 not only contains one or more prepackaged battery cells, but also has a full electronic interface that is connected to the battery controller 36 when installed within the battery bank 32. In embodiments where the battery bank 32 includes a plurality of battery cartridges 34, each of the plurality of battery cartridges 34 may be mounted at a specific location, such as within a respective compartment for example, formed in the battery frame 44. Embodiments where the battery frame 44 has a single compartment for receiving more than one battery cartridge 34, or alternatively, embodiments where the battery frame 44 has a single compartment configured to receive the plurality of battery cartridges 34 are also within the scope of the disclosure.

[0041] A battery cartridge 34 as described herein is “depleted” and therefore requires charging or recharging when the available energy in the battery cartridge 34 is at some level less than the maximum energy that can be stored by the battery cartridge 34. Further, the available energy of the battery cartridge 34 is typically equal to the maximum energy that can be stored by the battery cartridge 34 when the battery cartridge 34 is “fully charged.” To eliminate the downtime of the electric vehicle 20 associated with charging one or more of the battery cartridges 34, one or more of the depleted battery cartridges 34 within the battery bank 32 may be replaced with a fully charged battery cartridge 34. Accordingly, the down-time of the electric vehicle 20 will be determined by the time required to replace the one or more depleted battery cartridges 34 within the battery bank 32 rather than the time required to charge the one or more battery cartridges 34.

[0042] In embodiments where one or more of the plurality of battery cartridges 34 within the battery bank 32 are replaceable or can be swapped out, at least one battery cartridge 34 of the plurality of battery cartridges 34 is removably mountable within the battery frame 44. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cartridges 34 is removably mounted within the battery frame 44.

[0043] With reference now to FIGS. 2-5, various views of a mounting assembly 50 for removably mounting a battery cartridge 34 within the battery frame 44 are illustrated. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a mounting assembly 50 is connectable to the battery cartridge 34 at a mounting location. Although the mounting location is illustrated as being arranged at an upper surface 52 of the battery' cartridge 34, it should be understood that a mounting location may be arranged at another surface, such as a side surface of the battery cartridge 34. In an embodiment, the battery cartridge 34 includes a plurality of mounting locations, each mounting location being arranged adjacent to a comer of the battery- cartridge 34. Accordingly, four mounting assemblies 50 may be used to associate die rectangularly shaped battery cartridge 34 with the battery frame 44. However, it should be understood that a battery cartridge 34 having any number of mounting locations at any position about die battery cartridge 34 is within the scope of the disclosure. For example, a first mounting location configured to receive a first mounting assembly 50 may be located centrally near a first end of the battery cartridge 34 and a second mounting location configured to receive a second mounting assembly 50 may be located centrally near a second, opposite end of the battery cartridge 34. [0044] A mounting location of the battery cartridge 34 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3-5. As shown, the mounting location includes an opening 54 extending through a housing 56 of the battery cartridges 34. A locking collar 58 is embedded within tlie housing 56 at the mounting location and has a bore 60 axially aligned with the opening 54. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the upper surface 52 of the housing 56 of the battery cartridge 34 at the mounting location is raised relative to the surrounding areas or the remainder of the housing 56. This vertical offset between the upper surface 52 at the mounting location and the upper surface 52 of the other areas of the housing 56 is indicated by 0 (see FIG. 4). In embodiments where the surface 52 of the housing 56 at the mounting location is raised, an internal cavity 62 is defined by the raised surface 52 of the housing 56 at the mounting location. In such embodiments, at least a portion of the locking collar 58 is arranged within the internal cavity 62 defined by the raised surface 52. In an embodiment, the substantial entirety of the locking collar 58 is received within the internal cavity 62, and does not extend beyond the internal cavity 62 into the interior of the of battery cartridge 34 defined by the portion of the housing 56 having relatively lower surface 52.

[0045] In an embodiment, the locking collar 58 has a stepped configuration. As shown, a first portion 64 of the locking collar 58 has a first inner and outer diameter and a second portion 66 of the locking collar 58 has a second inner and outer diameter, the second inner and outer diameter being greater than tlie first inner and outer diameter, respectively. However, embodiments where the first and second outer diameters are substantially identical and only the second inner diameter is greater than the first inner diameter are also contemplated herein. In an embodiment, a transition 68 extends between an edge of the first inner diameter and the adjacent edge of the second inner diameter. As shown, the transition 68 has a diameter that gradually increases from the first diameter to the second diameter. Accordingly, the transition 68 has a generally sloped or angled surface that forms a smooth interface between the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter.

[0046] In an embodiment, the first portion 64 of the locking collar 58 is arranged closest to the upper surface 52 of the housing 56. The first portion 64 may abut an underside of the housing 56, or alternatively, may be arranged within the opening 54 such that an end 70 of the locking collar 58 is substantially flush with tlie adjacent surface 52 of the housing 56 at the mounting location. In embodiments where the locking collar 58 is arranged within the opening 54, the outer diameter of the first portion 64 of the locking collar 58 may be substantially equal to the inner diameter of the opening 54. In an embodiment, the outer diameter of the first portion 64 of the locking collar 58 may be slightly greater than the inner diameter of the opening 54 such that the locking collar 58 is retained in position within the opening 54 via an interference fit.

[0047] In an embodiment, the second portion 66 of the locking collar 58 is arranged further within the interior of the batten- cartridge 34 than the first portion 64, at a location offset from the housing 56. By forming the further recessed second portion 66 of the locking collar 58 with a greater diameter, outward movement of the locking collar 58 towards the housing 56 is restricted, such as by the interference between a surface of the second portion 66 and a surface of the housing 56.

[0048] A mounting assembly 50 extending from a portion of the electric vehicle 20, such as from a surface of the battery frame 44 for example, is configured to cooperate with the locking collar 58 at a mounting location to couple the battery cartridge 34 to the battery frame 44. A mounting assembly 50, best shown in FIGS. 3-5, includes a detent pin 72 receivable within the bore 60 of the locking collar 58 at a mounting location. In an embodiment, the detent pin 72 includes a shaft 74 having an outer diameter that is generally equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first portion 64 of the locking collar 58. The shaft 74 has one or more openings 76 formed therein, such as near a first distal end 77 thereof for example.

[0049] One or more detents 78, such as balls for example, are operably coupled to the shaft 74. The at least one detent 78 is movable relative to the opening 76 between a first, retracted position (FIG. 3) and a second, extended position (FIGS. 4 & 5). In the retracted position, the one or more detents 78 are arranged generally within the interior of the shaft 74 and therefore do not extend beyond the outer diameter of the shaft 74. However, in the extended position, the at least one detent 78 protrudes outwardly through an opening 76 in the shaft 74. In an embodiment, the total number of detents 78 and the positioning of the detents 78 and the respective openings 76 corresponds to the configuration of the second portion 66 of the locking collar 58.

[0050] A movable member 80, such as a plunger for example, is arranged within the shaft 74 of the detent pin 72 and is operably coupled to each of the one or more detents 78 such that the detents 78 are movable in unison or simultaneously from the retracted position to the extended position. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the plunger 80 is configured to translate within the hollow interior 82 of the shaft 74 along the axis X of the detent pin 72 between an unlocked position (FIG. 3) and a locked position (FIG. 5). This translation of the plunger 80 may occur automatically, such as via a movement mechanism 84 mounted to the battery frame 44 or at another location within the electric vehicle 20. In an embodiment, the movement mechanism 84 is a linear actuator that drives axial movement of the plunger 80 in response to operation of a motor. The plunger 80 may be coupled to a portion of the linear actuator, or alternatively, may be integrally formed with the linear actuator 84. However, it should be understood that any suitable type of actuator or other mechanism that is operable to directly or indirectly drive the plunger 80 within the interior 82 of the shaft 74 is within the scope of the disclosure.

[0051] With continued reference to FIGS. 2-5 and further reference to FIG. 6, a method 100 of separating a battery cartridge 34 from the battery frame 44 is described in more detail. As shown, the actuator or movement mechanism 84 operably coupled to the plunger 80 is operated to move the plunger 80 relative to shaft 74, away from the at least one detent 78 (see block 102), towards the unlocked position. In an embodiment, the plunger 80 is translated away from the first end 77 towards a second, opposite end 83 of the shaft 74.

[0052] As shown in block 104, with the plunger 80 in the unlocked position, the at least one detent 78 is then retracted into the interior 82 of the shaft 74. This transition of the at least one detent 78 from the extended position to the retracted position may occur automatically in response to this movement of the plunger 80. For example, in an embodiment, a biasing mechanism (not shown) may be configured to bias the at least one detent 78 inwardly. In other embodiments, the at least one detent 78 does not automatically retract in response to movement of the plunger 80. Rather, as the battery cartridge 34 is lowered or moved vertically away from the battery frame 44 and the mounting assembly 50, the locking collar 58 applies a force to the detent 78 causing the detent 78 to retract into the shaft 74. In an embodiment, the engagement between the angled transition 68 of the locking collar 58 and the detent 78 will cause the at least one detent 78 to gradually move inwardly through the opening 76. With the detents 78 arranged within the interior of the shaft 74, the shaft 74 may be separated from the locking collar 58 (block 106). Once the mounting assembly 50 is isolated from the battery cartridge 34, the battery cartridge 34 can be removed from the battery frame 44, as shown in block 108, and taken to another location, such as to be charged for example.

[0053] Similarly, a method 120 of attaching a battery cartridge 34 to the battery frame 44 via at least one mounting assembly 50, shown in FIG. 7, includes manipulating a position of the battery cartridge 34 relative to the mounting assembly 50 such that the shaft 74 of the mounting assembly 50 is received within the bore 60 of the locking collar 58 (block 122). The at least one detent 78 is arranged in the retracted position when the shaft 74 is inserted into the locking collar 58. Once the shaft 74 is fully inserted into the locking collar 58, the movement mechanism 84 is operated, as shown in block 124, causing the plunger 80 to translate within the shaft 74 to a locked position. This axial movement applies a force to the at least one detent 78 causing the detent 78 to move laterally through the at least one opening 76 to the extended position, see block 126. In the extended position, the one or more detent 78 protrude outwardly through an opening 76 in the shaft 74 and abut an inner surface of the second portion 66 of the locking collar 58. Because the inner diameter of the second portion 66 is greater than the inner diameter of the first portion 64, the engagement between the detent 78 and the inner surface of the locking collar 58 restricts movement of the detent pin 72 relative to the locking collar 58. Accordingly, this engagement couples the locking collar 58 of the battery cartridge 34 to the mounting assembly 50 extending from the battery frame 44.

[0054] In an embodiment, the locking collar 58 and the mounting assembly 50 in combination form a quick connect assembly for selectively coupling and decoupling a battery cartridge 34 to a battery frame 44. In such embodiments, the locking collar 58 may be considered the female portion of the quick connect assembly and the mounting assembly 50 may be considered the male portion of the quick connect assembly.

[0055] A battery system for an electric vehicle, can comprise a battery frame mounted within the electric vehicle; a battery cartridge having a locking collar embedded therein at a mounting location; and a mounting assembly associated with the battery frame, the mounting assembly being receivable within the locking collar to couple the battery cartridge to the battery frame, the mounting assembly can comprise: a shaft having a plunger mounted therein; and at least one detent movable relative to the shaft between a retracted position and an extended position, the at least one detent being movable from the retracted position to the extended position in response to movement of the plunger. The mounting assembly can further comprise a movement mechanism operably coupled to the plunger to translate the plunger along an axis of the shaft between an unlocked position and a locked position. The lunger can be directly driven by the movement mechanism. The plunger can be indirectly driven by the movement mechanism. The plunger can be a portion of the movement mechanism. The movement mechanism can be integrated into the electric vehicle. The shaft can be inserted into the locking collar, the at least one detent in the extended position can be engaged with a surface of the locking collar to couple the locking collar to the mounting assembly. The locking collar can have a stepped configuration. The locking collar can have a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being greater than the first inner diameter. The battery system can further comprise a transition arranged between the first portion and the second portion, the transition having a diameter that gradually increases from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter. The plunger can be in an unlocked position, the at least one detent can be movable to the retracted position in response to engagement between the transition and the at least one detent. The battery cartridge can further comprise a housing, and an upper surface of the housing at the mounting location can be offset from a remainder of the housing. An internal cavity can be defined by the upper surface at the mounting location, the locking collar being at least partially arranged within the internal cavity.

[0056] A battery system for an electric vehicle, can comprise: a battery frame; a battery cartridge removably mountable within the battery frame via a quick connect assembly, the quick connect assembly can comprise: a female portion embedded within an interior of a housing of the battery cartridge; and a male portion extending from the battery frame, the male portion having at least one detent movable to engage and couple with the female portion. The male portion can further comprise: a shaft, the at least one detent being associated with the shaft; and a plunger operably coupled to the at least one detent, the at least one detent can be movable to engage and couple with the female portion in response to movement of the plunger. The battery system can further comprise a movement mechanism operably coupled to the plunger to translate the plunger between an unlocked position and a locked position. The plunger can be a portion of the movement mechanism. The movement mechanism can be integrated into the electric vehicle. The female portion can further comprise a locking collar. The locking collar can be arranged at a mounting location relative to the battery cartridge and an upper surface of the housing at the mounting location can be offset from a remainder of the housing. An internal cavity can be defined by the upper surface at the mounting location, the locking collar being at least partially arranged within the internal cavity. The locking collar can have a stepped configuration. The locking collar can have a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter can be greater than the first inner diameter. The battery system can further comprise a transition arranged between the first portion and the second portion, the transition can have a diameter that gradually increases from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter.

[0057] This disclosure further encompasses the following embodiments.

[0058] Embodiment 1: A battery system for an electric vehicle, comprising a battery frame mounted within the electric vehicle; a battery cartridge having a locking collar embedded therein at a mounting location; and a mounting assembly associated with the battery frame, the mounting assembly being receivable within the locking collar to couple the battery cartridge to the battery frame, the mounting assembly comprising: a shaft having a plunger mounted therein; and at least one detent movable relative to the shaft between a retracted position and an extended position, the at least one detent being movable from the retracted position to the extended position in response to movement of the plunger.

[0059] Embodiment 2: The battery system of embodiment 1, the mounting assembly further comprising a movement mechanism operably coupled to the plunger to translate the plunger along an axis of the shaft between an unlocked position and a locked position.

[0060] Embodiment 3: The battery system of embodiment 2, wherein the plunger is directly driven by the movement mechanism.

[0061] Embodiment 4: The battery system of embodiment 2, wherein the plunger is indirectly driven by the movement mechanism.

[0062] Embodiment 5: The battery system of embodiment 2, wherein the plunger is a portion of the movement mechanism.

[0063] Embodiment 6: The battery system of embodiment 2, wherein the movement mechanism is integrated into the electric vehicle.

[0064] Embodiment 7: The battery system of any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein when the shaft is inserted into the locking collar, the at least one detent in the extended position is engaged with a surface of the locking collar to couple the locking collar to the mounting assembly.

[0065] Embodiment 8: The battery system of any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the locking collar has a stepped configuration.

[0066] Embodiment 9: The battery system of any of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the locking collar has a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being greater than the first inner diameter.

[0067] Embodiment 10: The battery system of embodiment 9, further comprising a transition arranged between the first portion and the second portion, the transition having a diameter that gradually increases from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter.

[0068] Embodiment 11: The battery system of embodiment 10, wherein when the plunger is in an unlocked position, the at least one detent is movable to the retracted position in response to engagement between the transition and the at least one detent.

[0069] Embodiment 12: The battery system of any of embodiments 1-11, wherein the battery cartridge further comprises a housing, and an upper surface of the housing at the mounting location is offset from a remainder of the housing.

[0070] Embodiment 13: The battery system of any of embodiments 1-12, wherein an internal cavity is defined by the upper surface at the mounting location, the locking collar being at least partially arranged within the internal cavity. [0071] Embodiment 14: A battery system for an electric vehicle, comprising: a battery frame; a battery cartridge removably mountable within the battery frame via a quick connect assembly, the quick connect assembly comprising: a female portion embedded within an interior of a housing of the battery cartridge; and a male portion extending from the battery frame, the male portion having at least one detent movable to engage and couple with the female portion.

[0072] Embodiment 15: The battery system of embodiment 14, wherein the male portion further comprises: a shaft, the at least one detent being associated with the shaft; and a plunger operably coupled to the at least one detent, the at least one detent is movable to engage and couple with the female portion in response to movement of the plunger.

[0073] Embodiment 16: The battery system of embodiment 15, further comprising a movement mechanism operably coupled to the plunger to translate the plunger between an unlocked position and a locked position.

[0074] Embodiment 17: The battery system of embodiment 16, wherein the plunger is a portion of the movement mechanism.

[0075] Embodiment 18: The battery system of embodiment 16, wherein the movement mechanism is integrated into the electric vehicle.

[0076] Embodiment 19: The battery system of any of embodiments 14-18, wherein the female portion further comprises a locking collar.

[0077] Embodiment 20: The battery system of embodiment 19, wherein the locking collar is arranged at a mounting location relative to the battery cartridge and an upper surface of the housing at the mounting location is offset from a remainder of the housing.

[0078] Embodiment 21: The battery system of embodiment 20, wherein an internal cavity is defined by the upper surface at the mounting location, the locking collar being at least partially arranged within the internal cavity.

[0079] Embodiment 22: The battery system of any of embodiments 19-21, wherein the locking collar has a stepped configuration.

[0080] Embodiment 23: The battery system of any of embodiments 19-22, wherein the locking collar has a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being greater than the first inner diameter.

[0081] Embodiment 24: The battery system of embodiment 23, further comprising a transition arranged between the first portion and the second portion, the transition having a diameter that gradually increases from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter. [0082] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.

[0083] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

[0084] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A battery system for an electric vehicle, comprising a battery frame mounted within the electric vehicle; a battery cartridge having a locking collar embedded therein at a mounting location; and a mounting assembly associated with the battery frame, the mounting assembly being receivable within the locking collar to couple the battery cartridge to the battery frame, the mounting assembly comprising: a shaft having a plunger mounted therein; and at least one detent movable relative to the shaft between a retracted position and an extended position, the at least one detent being movable from the retracted position to the extended position in response to movement of the plunger.

2. The battery system of claim 1, the mounting assembly further comprising a movement mechanism operably coupled to the plunger to translate the plunger along an axis of the shaft between an unlocked position and a locked position.

3. The battery system of claim 2, wherein the plunger is directly driven by the movement mechanism.

4. The battery system of claim 2, wherein the plunger is indirectly driven by the movement mechanism.

5. The battery system of claim 2, wherein the plunger is a portion of the movement mechanism.

6. The battery system of claim 2, wherein the movement mechanism is integrated into the electric vehicle.

7. The battery system of claim 1, wherein when the shaft is inserted into the locking collar, the at least one detent in the extended position is engaged with a surface of the locking collar to couple the locking collar to the mounting assembly.

8. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the locking collar has a stepped configuration and preferably has a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being greater than the first inner diameter.

9. The battery system of claim 8, further comprising a transition arranged between the first portion and the second portion, the transition having a diameter that gradually increases from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter.

10. The battery system of claim 9, wherein when the plunger is in an unlocked position, the at least one detent is movable to the retracted position in response to engagement between the transition and the at least one detent.

11. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the battery cartridge further comprises a housing, and an upper surface of the housing at the mounting location is offset from a remainder of the housing, preferably wherein an internal cavity is defined by the upper surface at the mounting location, the locking collar being at least partially arranged within the internal cavity.

12. A battery system for an electric vehicle, comprising: a battery frame; a battery cartridge removably mountable within the battery frame via a quick connect assembly, the quick connect assembly comprising: a female portion embedded within an interior of a housing of the battery cartridge; and a male portion extending from the battery frame, the male portion having at least one detent movable to engage and couple with the female portion.

13. The battery system of claim 12, wherein the male portion further comprises: a shaft, the at least one detent being associated with the shaft; and a plunger operably coupled to the at least one detent, the at least one detent is movable to engage and couple with the female portion in response to movement of the plunger.

14. The battery system of claim 13, further comprising a movement mechanism operably coupled to the plunger to translate the plunger between an unlocked position and a locked position.

15. The battery system of claim 14, wherein the plunger is a portion of the movement mechanism.

16. The battery system of claim 14, wherein the movement mechanism is integrated into the electric vehicle.

17. The battery system of claim 12, wherein the female portion further comprises a locking collar.

18. The battery system of claim 17, wherein the locking collar is arranged at a mounting location relative to the battery cartridge and an upper surface of the housing at the mounting location is offset from a remainder of the housing, preferably wherein an internal cavity is defined by the upper surface at the mounting location, the locking collar being at least partially arranged within the internal cavity.

19. The battery system of claim 18, wherein the locking collar has a stepped configuration and preferably has a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being greater than the first inner diameter.

20. The battery system of claim 19, further comprising a transition arranged between the first portion and the second portion, the transition having a diameter that gradually increases from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter.