BATTERY SYSTEM AND APPARATUS

摘要

The present invention provides an apparatus (1) for installation and/or removal of a battery pack for an electric vehicle or robot. The apparatus includes a battery pack (2) having a frame (3) for supporting at least one rechargeable battery (4), mobility means (7, 8, 9, 10) provided on the frame (3) enabling the battery pack to traverse or travel over a surface on which the battery pack (2) is located; and lifting means (14, 15) provided on said frame (3) and adapted to raise the battery pack (2) from its position on the surface to an installation position in the vehicle/robot above said surface. The lifting means (14, 15) is also adapted to lower the battery pack from the installation position in the vehicle/robot to a position on the surface. The invention also provides a system for maintaining operative capability in an electric vehicle or robot equipped with an on-board battery pack. The system includes: (i) maintaining a supply of charged battery packs ready for use in the vehicle at a depot at which the vehicle can be received in the course of its operation; (ii) removing a spent or depleted battery pack from the vehicle; (iii) installing one of said charged battery packs from the supply at said depot; and (iv) retaining said spent or depleted battery pack at said depot for recharging and reuse.