Caterpillar Inc.

Jonathan Matthew Baumann

David M Fee

Justin Dale Middleton

Perry G Cruce

Dustin Craig Selvey

Matthew W Dames

Alexander Cameron Crosman, Iii

Jason Lee Miller

Joseph D Tigue

Gregory T Austin

Timothy J Schlack

Thomas Michael Sopko, Jr

Satish Savant

Evan B Stumpges

Bradford Kough

Vance M Buatte

Rodwan Tarek Adra

Eric J Ruth

Carlos Eduardo Nino Baron

Edward Lee Zwilling

Christopher P Braet

Adam R Rosenberger

Trevor Neal Iund

Roy Wookey

Nathan Benjamin Russell

Jared Lamkin

Andrew Ellis Diecker

A machine includes a plurality of battery string modules that supply electric current to an inverter of the machine. The machine also includes a control system that opens at one contactor coupled to at least one battery string module of the plurality of battery string modules to disconnect the at least one battery string module. The other battery string modules of the plurality of battery string modules, apart from the at least one battery string module, continue supplying electric current to the inverter of the machine while the at least one battery string module is disconnected.

System and method for disengaging battery strings

A connector assembly for charging a work machine includes at least one charging cable and at least one connector arrangement. The connector arrangement includes a socket. The socket defines a plurality of first through-apertures extending radially relative to a first longitudinal axis and a first passage. The connector arrangement also includes a charging pin adapted to couple with the socket. The charging pin defines a plurality of second through-apertures extending radially relative to a second longitudinal axis and a second passage. Further, when the socket is connected with the charging pin, the second passage aligns with the first passage and the second passage is in fluid communication with the first passage. Moreover, when the socket is connected with the charging pin, a fluid flowing through the socket and the charging pin is adapted to at least one of cool and clean the connector assembly.

Connector assembly having a cable connected charging pin and socket in fluid communication with one another

A method for purging air from a cooling system including operating one or more pumps at a selected speed for a first time interval, waiting a second time interval with the one or more pumps off or at a reduced speed relative to the selected speed, and repeating the steps of operating and waiting multiple times.

Systems and methods for purging air from battery cooling systems

A system for charging a battery unit to power a work machine. The system includes a charger to charge the battery unit, charging receptacles, power supply connectors, and a charging controller. The power supply connectors are configured to be received into the charging receptacles to attain connections between the charger and the battery unit. The charging controller is communicably coupled to the charger and is configured to receive an input corresponding to a net charge capacity of the battery unit; determine a power to be supplied to the battery unit by the charger to charge the battery unit in response to the input; and supply the power to the battery unit from the charger through the connections. The power to be supplied to the battery unit corresponds to a maximum possible power that meets the net charge capacity of the battery unit in the shortest possible time.

System and method for charging battery units of work machines

An electric machine and method for powering the electric machine using interchangeable power modules that are configured to be interchangeably placed within power bays of the electric machine is disclosed. The electric machine includes an electrical module that is configured to receive power from one or more of the power modules placed in the power bays and transform, such as from DC to multi-phase alternating current (AC), and provide the power to one or more motors of the electric machine. The power modules may be of the same dimensions, same electrical interfaces, and/or same power output (e.g., type, magnitude) as each other to enable the interchangeability of the power modules. The power modules may be ones that generate power or ones that store energy. In some cases, the generating power modules may charge the energy storage power modules, while the energy storage power modules power the electric machine.

Electric machine with interchangeable power modules

A machine may a first high voltage interlocking loop (HVIL) system to provide power to one or more components of the machine, the first HVIL system comprising: a plurality of groups of batteries; a plurality of disconnect components connected to the plurality of groups of batteries; a plurality of sets of contactors, a set of contactors, of the plurality of sets of contactors, being connected to a group of batteries of the plurality of groups of batteries. The machine may a second HVIL system to receive power from a power source, the second HVIL system comprising: a port configured to receive a connector of the power source and receive power, from the power source via the connector, to charge the plurality of groups of batteries, wherein the second HVIL system is independent with respect to the first HVIL system.

Independent high voltage interlocking loop systems

Battery

A charging system for a battery-operated machine is disclosed. The charging system includes a charging receptacle having a power connection and a signal connection, with the charging receptacle configured to receive electrical current via the power connection from a power supply plug. The charging system further includes a heat rejection element thermally coupled to the charging receptacle, a temperature sensor, and a charging controller operatively coupled to the temperature sensor and the charging receptacle. The charging controller is configured to receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensor, the temperature signal being indicative of a charging-receptacle temperature. The charging controller is further configured to transmit, via the signal connection to the connected plug, a control signal to adjust (e.g., raise or lower) the electrical current supplied to the power connection.

Charging system for a battery operated machine

In some aspects, a method of monitoring a battery system of an industrial vehicle is disclosed. The battery system may include a first string of battery modules including at least two battery modules connected in series; a first contactor connected to a positive end of the first string of battery modules, a second contactor connector to a negative end of the first string of battery modules; a third contactor connected to the first contactor; a fourth contactor connected to the second contactor; and one or more controllers configured to monitor the first contactor and the second contactor. The method may include receiving, at the one or more controllers, an indication of a failure of one of the first contactor and the second contactor; and opening, via the one or more controllers, at least one of the third contactor or the fourth contactor.

Battery system

The disclosure describes technology that includes a charge-port capture detection mechanism, which has a mounting base and a capture gate. The mounting is connectable to a battery electric vehicle (BEV) at a location adjacent to a high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) charge-port. The capture gate is movably attached to the mounting base, the capture gate being moveable, relative to the mounting base, between a closed position in which the capture gate captures a charge connector of a charging cable engaged in the HVDC charge-port and an open position.

Charge-port capture detection mechanism for battery electric vehicle

A rotary electric machine includes a stator, a rotor, a plurality of coils, and a plurality of flow enhancement members. Each coil has a compound outer surface along major sections thereof with an insulating layer disposed therealong. The compound outer surfaces of each pair of adjacent coils define a channel extending along adjacent major sections of each adjacent pair of coils. One of the flow enhancement members is disposed within each channel between the adjacent major sections of each pair of adjacent coils, with each flow enhancement member defining a gap between the compound outer surface of one of the coils and the flow enhancement member through which cooling fluid may flow.

Cooling system for a rotary electric machine

A battery packaging assembly having safety features that reduce the risk of thermal propagation is disclosed. The battery packaging assembly may include a foam layer having a plurality of cutout trenches, the foam layer configured to engage battery cells in a press-fit relationship. In addition, the battery packaging assembly may include a tray configured to receive the foam layer, the tray enclosing a compartment configured for receiving a plurality of battery cells. Further, the battery packaging assembly may include a ventilation cavity in fluid communication with the plurality of trenches of the foam layer.

Battery packaging assembly with safety features to reduce thermal propagation

An electric drive work machine may include a body frame, a first electric power storage device mounted on the body frame, a second electric power storage device mounted on the body frame, and a junction box mounted on the body frame. The junction box may be operatively connected to the first electric power storage device by a first electric connection having a first inductance, and operatively connected to the second electric power storage device by a second electric connection having a second inductance. The first inductance may be equal to the second inductance such that power source charging power from the junction box is distributed equally to the first electric power storage device and the second electric power storage device, and power source output power to the junction box is drawn equally from the first electric power storage device and the second electric power storage device.

Configuration for battery powered electric drive load haul dump

A track-type tractor includes a frame housing defining an internal cavity extending to an outer bore, an electric motor module, and a final drive assembly. The electric motor module includes a motor housing having a flanged end portion, and a rotor shaft extending through the flanged end portion. The flanged end portion is mounted to a outer mounting surface of the frame housing surrounding the outer bore, such that the electric motor module extends through the outer bore and is retained within the frame housing internal cavity. The final drive assembly is mounted to the flanged end portion and includes a gear set in operative engagement with the rotor shaft for motorized operation of the final drive assembly.

Growing community of inventors

Peoria, IL, United States of America

Jonathan Matthew Baumann