Patent Description:
An overview of a sub-surface mine environment and general description of electric vehicles for mining is described in <CIT>, titled "System And Method For Providing Power To A Mining Operation,". The present invention relates to heavy duty electric powered machines or vehicles that may operate in a continuous work environment such as a sub-surface mine. The battery packs employed in electric mining machines are heavy-duty, high powered battery packs which are comprised of multiple battery modules contained in a pack housing. Each module is comprised of multiple cells. The modules are equipped with an array of operational sensors and are provided with electronic components to provide data from the sensors to a separate maintenance network. Sensors can include temperature sensors, timing devices, charge level detection devices, and other monitoring devices which can be employed to provide an operations center with accurate, real-time data regarding the performance of the module and its performance history. Details of exemplary battery packs and battery management systems and the associated data generation and monitoring can be found in commonly owned <CIT>, titled "Module Backbone System;" and <CIT>, titled "Module Maintenance System;". The document <CIT> describes a mining loader with a conventional removable battery on a frame.

Generally, a wide variety of known industrial vehicles include a tow hook assembly to enable easy towing of the vehicle when it becomes disabled. Such tow hook assemblies generally include a force-bearing tow hook to which the towing vehicle may attach, and a hydraulic brake release mechanism that triggers release of the parking brake on the disabled vehicle. Release of the parking brake is usually necessary to tow the industrial vehicle, as otherwise the wheels would remain locked and the disabled vehicle would drag. Oftentimes, the size and weight of the disabled industrial vehicle prevents the use of other mechanisms for working around an engaged parking brake - such as by loading the vehicle onto a flatbed, as may be done with common passenger vehicles.

Known towing brake release mechanisms therefore include a hydraulic actuator that is engaged when the tow hook is attached to a towing vehicle. The actuator is then hydraulically connected to a brake release mechanism, such that the hydraulic pressure actuates a brake piston to release the parking brake. In this way, a single hydraulic line generally connects an actuator at one end (at the tow hook) with the brake release mechanism usually located adjacent to the rear wheel axle.

However, such known towing brake release mechanisms may not be suitable for certain types of industrial vehicles. In particular, vehicles where a rear portion of the vehicle (that includes the tow hook) is separable from the rest of the vehicle may be unable to use such a hydraulic system. Namely, removing such a separable rear portion of the vehicle from the rest of the vehicle would require attaching and detaching a hydraulic liquid connection between the two sections of the vehicle. This would be a time-intensive and mechanically complex procedure, in view of the pressures and mechanical configurations used in hydraulic systems.

Accordingly, the problem of releasing a parking brake when a certain configuration of industrial vehicle needs to be towed remains.

Thus there is a need in the art for a separable vehicle tow hook brake release system that address these shortcoming in the art.

In one aspect, this invention provides a vehicle, comprising: a detachable portion including a tow hook and a first hydraulic system; a main body portion including a brake release mechanism and a second hydraulic system connected to the brake release mechanism; wherein the detachable portion is separable from the main body portion of the vehicle by mechanically disengaging a mounting and dismounting system; wherein the first hydraulic system and the second hydraulic system are mechanically connected to each other; and wherein actuation of the first hydraulic system mechanically causes actuation of the second hydraulic system, and actuation of the second hydraulic system causes the break release mechanism to release brakes on the vehicle.

In another aspect, this invention also provides an electric mining vehicle, comprising: a removable battery frame, the removable battery frame including a tow hook, a tow hook cylinder, and a transfer cylinder, the transfer cylinder being hydraulically connected to the tow hook cylinder; and a main body portion of the electric mining vehicle; wherein the main body portion of the electric mining vehicle includes a receiver cylinder hydraulically connected to a brake release mechanism; wherein the receiver cylinder is located on the main body portion of the electric mining vehicle in such a way as to be aligned with the transfer cylinder on the removable battery frame; and wherein the removable battery frame is separable from the main body portion of the electric mining vehicle by disengaging a mechanical mounting and dismounting system.

In a third aspect, this invention provides an electric mining vehicle, comprising a removable battery frame, the removable battery frame including a tow hook, a tow hook cylinder, and a transfer cylinder, the transfer cylinder being hydraulically connected to the tow hook cylinder; the transfer cylinder being located on a front side of the removable battery frame, and the tow hook and tow hook cylinder both being located on a rear side of the removable battery frame, opposite the front side of the removable battery frame; and a main body portion of the electric mining vehicle; wherein: (<NUM>) the removable battery frame reversibly attaches to a rear area of the main body portion; (<NUM>) the main body portion of the electric mining vehicle includes a receiver cylinder hydraulically connected to a brake release mechanism, the receiver cylinder being located on the rear area of the main body portion; (<NUM>) the tow hook cylinder is located on the removable battery frame such that the tow hook cylinder is mechanically actuated when a towing vehicle attaches to the tow hook; (<NUM>) the tow hook cylinder is configured to hydraulically actuate the transfer cylinder when the tow hook cylinder is actuated; (<NUM>) the receiver cylinder on the main body portion is aligned with the transfer cylinder on the removable battery frame, such that the transfer cylinder is configured to mechanically actuate the receiver cylinder when the transfer cylinder is actuated; and (<NUM>) the receiver cylinder is configured to hydraulically actuate the brake release mechanism when the receiver cylinder is actuated.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

Systems and related apparatuses to release a parking brake on an industrial vehicle are broadly disclosed. These systems enable a removable portion of an industrial vehicle to transfer a force, applied when a tow hook is engaged, across a mechanical connection. By using the mechanical connection, a first hydraulic system may transfer force to a second hydraulic system. The two hydraulic systems may therefore be separable from each other without disconnecting or otherwise interrupting a hydraulic connection, thereby allowing the removable portion of the vehicle to be easily removed from the main body of the vehicle.

A variety of terms are used in this invention. These terms are used with reference to the following definitions and descriptions, as well as the knowledge of a person having ordinary skill in the art of industrial vehicles.

Electric mining machines (also referred to herein as electric mining vehicles) are generally powered by onboard battery packs. The machines can be load-haul-dump (LHD) machines, scalers, graders, scoops, rock breakers, cutters, haulers or a combination. In general, electric mining machines are heavy duty vehicles engineered for the challenging subsurface environments and limited spaces powered by an onboard battery or other power source. The machines generally include a tool end, heavy-duty wheels and tires, an operator area, controls, and may include a removable power source mounted onboard the machine.

While this invention mainly describes an onboard, removable battery, it will be understood that variations on the energy sources are possible within the scope of this concept. That is the interchangeable energy device may be a battery, a different type of battery, a generator, a fuel engine, or an adaptor for any existing energy infrastructure. It will also be understood that the system may be employed with any combination of devices, such as batteries, adapters and the like. It will also be understood that the energy source is compatible with and in communication with the drive system and drive controller. The energy source, whether battery or trolley adapter, or another type of source would be compatible with the drive system and controller. As described herein, the OCS, overhead catenary system or rail may involve options for off-wire operation such as ground level power supply or on-board energy storage systems. While on-board power generation is a third option that has received less research, this may change with hydrogen fuel cell technology. Any combination of energy systems are also contemplated to within the scope of this invention. Ground level power supply can be contact or contactless. Contact ground level power supply essentially employs an embedded third rail as is typically used in subway systems and was used on some early streetcar systems. Much improved versions of this technology may offer advantages in challenging environments that have heavy loads from heating or cooling needs or the need to traverse steep inclines, all of which can quickly drain a stored power system.

Another type of infrastructure which may pre-exist is contactless ground level power supply using induction coils to power the vehicle. Typically this power transfer takes place only when the vehicle is directly above the coils, and the range of such a system may be extended by combining it with an on-board power storage, so that the coils do not need to be present along the entire length of the system. On-board energy storage offers an alternative or complement to ground level power supply. Storage mechanisms include batteries, capacitors, flywheels and in some cases, reclaiming kinetic energy from braking to increase system efficiency. A system that runs off wire for a limited segment can often recharge onboard power as runs on a wired segment. Longer spans of off wire operation may require a recharging station approach, which be attained by sufficient dwell time at a stop. For example, in some streetcar systems, a programed dwell time of contact at a station is sufficient to recharge the roof-mounted supercapacitors, charging in a short amount of time that is customary for its duty cycle.

In general, as used herein, "electric vehicle" refers to a vehicle that uses electrical power for propulsion purposes, at least in one mode of operation. Thus, electric vehicles include all-electric vehicles (e.g., a vehicle with a traction motor and only an onboard electrical energy storage device or mechanism for receiving electric energy from an off-board source, such as an overhead catenary or powered rail), hybrid-electric vehicles (e.g., a vehicle with a traction motor, an energy storage device, hydraulic propulsion, and a fuel engine, fuel cell, or the like for charging the energy storage device and/or directly generating power for running the traction motor), dual-mode vehicles (e.g., a vehicle with an engine-only mode of operation and an electricity-only mode of operation, or a vehicle with a first mode of operation where traction electricity is provided by an engine and a second mode of operation where traction electricity is provided by another source), diesel-electric and other engine-electric vehicles (e.g., a vehicle with an engine that generates electrical power for running a traction motor), and combinations and variants thereof. Electric vehicles may have one traction motor, or plural traction motors; "traction motor" refers to a motor of sufficient size and capacity to move a vehicle of sufficient size for the designated operation.

Also, the vehicle interface equipment of the wayside stations may comprise "plug in" modules, e.g., the vehicle plugs into a receptacle of the wayside station, for receiving electrical power from the station; a continuous power interface by which a vehicle can receive off-board power while moving, such as the aforementioned catenary line or third rail; or the like.

<FIG> shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a brake release system in accordance with this invention. In <FIG>, brake release system <NUM> is made up of two general sections: first section <NUM> and second section <NUM>.

First section <NUM> may include a first hydraulic cylinder <NUM>. As is generally known in the art, a hydraulic cylinder is an actuator that moves along a unidirectional stroke. First hydraulic cylinder <NUM> includes moveable portion <NUM>. Movable portion <NUM> is configured to receive a force <NUM>. Specifically, movable portion <NUM> may be spring biased outward such that it moves inward toward portion <NUM> when force <NUM> is applied.

As a hydraulic cylinder, cylinder <NUM> is configured to transmit force <NUM> along a hydraulic line <NUM>. Specifically, moveable portion <NUM> may be connected to a piston inside portion <NUM> that, when moved, pressurizes a hydraulic fluid within portion <NUM>. The pressurized hydraulic fluid may then be pressurized along hydraulic line <NUM>. Hydraulic line <NUM> may generally be any known type of hydraulic system used in industrial vehicles, and generally includes a fluid such as an oil. Hydraulic line <NUM> may be configured within first section <NUM> in any configuration that allows connections between first hydraulic cylinder <NUM> and second hydraulic cylinder <NUM>. For example, hydraulic line may traverse first section <NUM> in any horizontal and/or vertical direction.

Second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> is in hydraulic fluidic communication with first hydraulic cylinder <NUM> via hydraulic line <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may be deposed on a side of first section <NUM> opposite that of first hydraulic cylinder <NUM>. Second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may include movable portion <NUM>. In this instance, moveable portion <NUM> may be biased inward such that movable portion <NUM> moves outward away from first section <NUM> when a hydraulic force is applied to second hydraulic cylinder <NUM>. In this way, inward force <NUM> applied to first hydraulic cylinder <NUM> is hydraulically transmitted into an outward force <NUM> by second hydraulic cylinder <NUM>.

Together, first hydraulic cylinder <NUM>, hydraulic line <NUM> and second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may make up first hydraulic system <NUM> in first section <NUM>.

Second section <NUM> then includes a second hydraulic system <NUM>. Specifically, third hydraulic cylinder <NUM> is located within second section <NUM> in such a way as to be aligned with second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> on first section <NUM>. Specifically, when in use, second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may be in mechanical contact with third hydraulic cylinder <NUM>. Although shown as being separate from each other in <FIG>, first section <NUM> and second section <NUM> may be adjacent to each other when the brake release system according to the present embodiments is in use in a vehicle.

Third hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may include movable portion <NUM>. Movable portion <NUM> may be biased outwards, such that force <NUM> applied by second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> would move moveable portion <NUM> inward. In this way, second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> and third hydraulic cylinder <NUM> work together to transmit a force without a hydraulic connection between them. Specifically, second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> generates outward force <NUM> that mechanically pushes against moveable portion <NUM> of third hydraulic cylinder <NUM>, moving it inward.

Furthermore, moveable portion <NUM> of second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may include a first alignment structure <NUM>. Moveable portion <NUM> of third hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may similarly include a second alignment structure <NUM>. First alignment structure <NUM> and second alignment structure <NUM> may generally be any mechanical structure that ensures that second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> and third hydraulic cylinder <NUM> are physically aligned and located in the correct positions relative to each other to ensure that force <NUM> is properly transferred from second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> to third hydraulic cylinder <NUM>.

The two hydraulic cylinders (<NUM>, <NUM>) are therefore mechanically connected to each other. There is no hydraulic connection between second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> and third hydraulic cylinder <NUM>. Due to this arrangement, first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM> may be detached from each other without interrupting a hydraulic line or other part of a hydraulic system.

Third hydraulic cylinder <NUM> is then connected to hydraulic line <NUM>. Specifically, when moveable portion <NUM> of third hydraulic cylinder <NUM> is depressed by force <NUM>, the hydraulic fluid in third hydraulic cylinder <NUM> increases in pressure, and, correspondingly, so does the hydraulic fluid in hydraulic line <NUM>. This increase in pressure transmits a hydraulic force to brake release mechanism <NUM>. In response to receiving this hydraulic force from hydraulic line <NUM>, brake release mechanism <NUM> may release a parking brake on a vehicle.

Thus, brake release system <NUM> accepts a mechanical force <NUM> applied to first hydraulic cylinder <NUM>, then hydraulic cylinder generates a hydraulic force that is transmitted within first section <NUM> to second hydraulic cylinder <NUM>, then second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> generates a mechanical force <NUM> that is applied to third hydraulic cylinder <NUM>, which in turn generates a hydraulic force that is transmitted to brake release mechanism <NUM>. In total, the brake release system <NUM> therefore translates applied force <NUM> into brake release mechanism <NUM> to release a parking brake in a stationary vehicle.

As described above, one or more of hydraulic cylinders may include springs or other mechanisms used to bias the cylinders so that they may return to their pre-actuation or initial state. For example, as shown in <FIG>, at least first hydraulic cylinder <NUM> and third hydraulic cylinder <NUM> include a spring or other bias mechanism configured to return movable portion <NUM> (in the case of first hydraulic cylinder <NUM>) and moveable portion <NUM> (in the case of third hydraulic cylinder <NUM>) to their pre-actuation initial state once the applied force is removed. With this arrangement, the brake release system described may operate in reverse order to re-engage the brakes when the applied force is removed.

<FIG> shows one embodiment of a vehicle <NUM> that includes a brake release system in accordance with this invention. As shown in <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> is an electric mining vehicle. In one embodiment vehicle <NUM> is a load-haul-dump (LHD) machine with a hauling capacity of approximately <NUM> metric tons. In other embodiments, however, the techniques of the present embodiments for a brake release system may be applied to various brake release systems used in a wide variety of types of vehicles, including any type of electric mining machines or vehicles, industrial vehicles, or any other vehicles.

Vehicle <NUM> includes removable battery frame <NUM> and main body portion <NUM>. Removable battery frame <NUM> may be one embodiment of first portion <NUM>, as discussed above and shown in <FIG>. Main body portion <NUM> may be one embodiment of second portion <NUM>, as discussed above and shown in <FIG>. Main body portion <NUM> may also be referred to as "the body" or "the chassis" of vehicle <NUM>. Line <NUM> shows where removable battery frame <NUM> may be removed from main body portion <NUM>.

Generally, removable battery frame <NUM> is located at a rear of vehicle <NUM> behind first axle <NUM> and second axle <NUM>. Removable battery frame <NUM> attaches to main body portion <NUM> at a rear side <NUM> of main body portion <NUM>. Removable battery frame <NUM> then includes front side <NUM> that is adjacent to rear side <NUM> when removable battery frame <NUM> is attached to main body portion <NUM>. Removable battery frame <NUM> also includes rear side <NUM> opposite its front side <NUM>.

In this embodiment, rear side <NUM> of removable battery frame <NUM> includes tow hook <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> includes multiple tow hooks <NUM> disposed on rear side <NUM> of removable battery frame <NUM>. As is generally known in the art of industrial vehicles, a tow hook is a static attachment mechanism onto which a towing vehicle can attach itself for the purpose of towing the subject vehicle when it becomes disabled. In the particular embodiment of electric mining vehicles, tow hooks <NUM> may be used when vehicle <NUM> becomes trapped under accumulating rock and other debris in a mine. Mining presents a variety of spatial and safety concerns that must be taken into account when towing a vehicle, and therefore vehicle <NUM> includes multiple tow hooks <NUM> that are readily accessible on rear side <NUM> of removable battery frame <NUM>.

Also included in removable battery frame <NUM> is first hydraulic system <NUM>. First hydraulic system <NUM> may be an embodiment of first hydraulic system <NUM> discussed above with respect to <FIG>. First hydraulic system <NUM> includes tow hook cylinder <NUM> that is located adjacent to one of the plurality of tow hooks <NUM> on rear side <NUM>. Tow hook cylinder <NUM> includes movable portion <NUM> that may extend outward from removable battery frame <NUM> toward rear side <NUM>. Tow hook cylinder <NUM> may be actuated when a towing vehicle attaches to tow hook <NUM> for towing vehicle <NUM>.

Tow hook cylinder <NUM> is hydraulically connected to hydraulic line <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, hydraulic line <NUM> may wind through removable battery frame <NUM> in both vertical and horizontal directions as necessary to connect tow hook cylinder <NUM> with transfer cylinder <NUM>. Transfer cylinder <NUM> is located on front side <NUM> of removable battery frame <NUM>, and transfers the hydraulic force received via hydraulic line <NUM> into a mechanical force that is applied across a separation or gap at line <NUM> to receiver cylinder <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, movable portion <NUM> of transfer cylinder <NUM> may be contiguous with movable portion <NUM> of receiver cylinder <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, a small gap between the two may remain, for example, as long as the small gap is less than the distance moveable portion <NUM> of transfer cylinder <NUM> will move when it is actuated.

Receiver cylinder <NUM> is located on rear side <NUM> of main body portion <NUM> of electric mining vehicle <NUM>. Receiver cylinder <NUM> receives a mechanical force applied onto it by movable portion <NUM> of transfer cylinder <NUM>. Specifically, movable portion <NUM> of receiver cylinder <NUM> may be pushed inward toward main body portion <NUM> and away from rear side <NUM>.

As a result of receiving the force, receiver cylinder <NUM> increases pressure inside hydraulic line <NUM>. Hydraulic line <NUM> is then in fluidic communication with brake release mechanism <NUM>. As is known in the art of industrial vehicles, brake release mechanism <NUM> may be located near or adjacent to rear axle <NUM> so as to release a parking brake similarly located that would otherwise prevent vehicle <NUM> from being towed.

Collectively, receiver cylinder <NUM>, hydraulic line <NUM>, and brake release mechanism <NUM> may be referred to as second hydraulic system <NUM>. Thus, main body portion <NUM> of vehicle <NUM> includes second hydraulic system <NUM> in mechanical communication with first hydraulic system <NUM> in removable battery frame <NUM>. This occurs because transfer cylinder <NUM> is located on removable battery frame <NUM> so as to be aligned with receiver cylinder <NUM> on main body portion <NUM>. In this way, moveable portion <NUM> may extend outward towards main body portion <NUM> to actuate moveable portion <NUM> by compressing it inward.

Therefore, when vehicle <NUM> may need to be towed, a towing vehicle may first attach to plurality of tow hooks <NUM> on removable battery frame <NUM>. In so doing, towing vehicle may apply a mechanical force onto moveable portion <NUM> so as to actuate tow hook cylinder <NUM>. This mechanical force is translated into a hydraulic force by tow hook cylinder <NUM>, which is translated along line <NUM> to hydraulically actuate transfer cylinder <NUM>. Transfer cylinder <NUM> then mechanically actuates receiver cylinder <NUM>. Finally, receiver cylinder <NUM> hydraulically actuates brake release mechanism <NUM> to release the parking brake so that vehicle <NUM> may be towed away.

<FIG> shows a side view of a removable battery frame <NUM>, as detached from main body portion <NUM>. Vehicle <NUM> may be substantially similar to vehicle <NUM> as discussed above. Generally, removable battery frame <NUM> is completely separable from main body portion <NUM> as shown by line <NUM>.

<FIG> generally shows a mechanical mounting and dismounting system that allows removable battery frame <NUM> to attach and detach from main body portion <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. Broadly, this mounting and dismounting system allows the removable battery frame <NUM> to be easily and efficiently removed from the rest of vehicle <NUM> so that removable battery frame <NUM> may be serviced and/or any battery packs contained in removable battery frame <NUM> to be charged while separate from vehicle <NUM>. The mounting and dismounting system between removable battery frame <NUM> and main body portion <NUM> of vehicle <NUM> is, therefore, entirely mechanical, in that it does not require interrupting or disconnecting any hydraulic system.

In particular, removable battery frame <NUM> includes upper retaining element <NUM> and lower retaining element <NUM> on front side <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, front side <NUM> is opposite rear side <NUM>, where tow hook <NUM> is disposed. As shown, upper retaining element <NUM> is located adjacent to upper area <NUM> of removable battery frame <NUM>. Lower retaining element <NUM> is located adjacent to bottom side <NUM> of removable battery frame <NUM>.

In some embodiments, upper retaining element <NUM> and lower retaining element <NUM> may be static structures that do not move relative to the rest of removable battery frame <NUM>. Specifically, upper retaining element <NUM> and lower retaining element <NUM> may be solid metal bars oriented horizontally. However, in other embodiments not shown, upper retaining element <NUM> and lower retaining element <NUM> may be dynamic structures that move to facilitate a reversible mechanical connection between removable battery frame <NUM> and main body portion <NUM>.

On the main body portion <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>, the mounting and dismounting system may include upper hook mechanism <NUM> and lower hook mechanism <NUM>. Upper hook mechanism <NUM> and lower hook mechanism <NUM> may be located on rear side <NUM> of main body portion <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. Upper hook mechanism <NUM> is configured to engage with upper retaining element <NUM>, and lower hook mechanism <NUM> is configured to engage with lower retaining element <NUM>. In this way, front side <NUM> of removable battery frame <NUM> securely and reversibly mechanically attaches to the rear side <NUM> of main body portion <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>.

As further seen in <FIG>, removable battery frame <NUM> includes first hydraulic system <NUM>. First hydraulic system <NUM> is substantially as described above with respect to other figures and other brake release system embodiments. Of particular note in <FIG>, the location and orientation of two hook <NUM> and tow hook cylinder <NUM> are shown. Specifically, rear side <NUM> of removable battery frame <NUM> includes upper area <NUM> and lower area <NUM>. Lower area <NUM> is where tow hook <NUM> and tow hook cylinder <NUM> are disposed. Generally, a tow hook is most effective when it is below the vehicle's center of gravity. Therefore tow hook <NUM> is located adjacent to bottom side <NUM> of removable battery frame <NUM>, in lower area <NUM> of rear side <NUM>.

Also shown in <FIG> is the arrangement of tow hook <NUM> extending laterally outward from rear side <NUM> of removable battery frame <NUM>. In this embodiment, tow hook <NUM> is a static structure to which a towing vehicle may attach a towing mechanism, such as a hook. However, in other embodiments, a tow hook may be a dynamic mechanism that includes, for example, springs, hydraulics, and other components that would transmit a towing force in such a way as may be helpful to towing vehicle <NUM>.

Generally, a towing force will be applied to tow hook <NUM> in order to move vehicle <NUM> when it is disabled. As can clearly be seen from <FIG>, the mounting and dismounting system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) will therefore also be subject to the towing force. As the removable battery frame <NUM> makes up a substantial entirety of the rear of vehicle <NUM>, and tow hook <NUM> is located on removable battery frame <NUM>, removable battery frame <NUM>, therefore, is configured to handle the stress of a towing force applied by the towing vehicle to tow hook <NUM>. Namely, removable battery frame <NUM> is configured with such a design and made of such materials as to withstand a pulling tow force (and translate that force to main body portion <NUM>) so that vehicle <NUM> may be towed by rolling on its wheels. As a result, the mounting and dismounting system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is able to remain engaged when a lateral towing force is applied to tow hook <NUM>.

Generally, a towing force will exceed the weight of the vehicle being towed. In the case of the example embodiments of electric mining vehicles as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the weight of the vehicle may be at least about <NUM> metric tons, or at least about <NUM> metric tons, or at least about <NUM> metric tons, or at least about <NUM> metric tons, or at least about <NUM> metric tons. In the case of mining vehicles, a towing force might need to substantially exceed a weight of the mining vehicle when the mining vehicle has become buried in rock or other debris. Accordingly, tow hook <NUM> and the mounting and dismounting system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to withstand towing forces of at least the weights mentioned above. Namely, they should withstand a lateral towing force in these amounts without undergoing a substantial degree of deformation. In some embodiments, tow hook <NUM> and the mounting and dismounting system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) may undergo elastic deformation within predetermined safety standards, however, will not undergo plastic deformation.

As shown in <FIG>, tow hook cylinder <NUM> is oriented approximately horizontally with respect to removable battery frame <NUM>. It should be understood, however, that other orientations for tow hook cylinder <NUM> may be provided. For example, in other embodiments, tow hook cylinder <NUM> may be oriented approximately vertically with respect to removable battery frame <NUM> (i.e., rotated <NUM>° in a clockwise direction from the orientation shown in <FIG>). That is, in other embodiments, tow hook cylinder <NUM> may be facing towards the ground surface beneath removable battery frame <NUM>, such as is shown in <FIG> below.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of an electric mining vehicle <NUM>, and the mechanisms for attaching removable battery frame <NUM> to main body portion <NUM>, in greater detail.

Specifically, main body portion <NUM> includes upper hook mechanism <NUM> and lower hook mechanism <NUM> on rear side <NUM> of main body portion <NUM>. Of note, all of the attachment mechanisms are located behind both wheel axles <NUM>, <NUM>. This configuration allows removable battery frame <NUM> to be removed from main body portion <NUM> by laterally disengaging the two, without the need for substantial vertical movement which may be constrained in the operating environment of a mine.

Removable battery frame <NUM> includes tow hook <NUM> on lower area <NUM> of rear side <NUM>, adjacent to bottom side <NUM>, as described above. Upper retaining element <NUM> on removable battery frame <NUM> is shown in greater detail in <FIG>. Specifically, upper retaining element <NUM> and lower retaining element <NUM> are horizontally orientated bars that extend transversely across front side <NUM> of removable battery frame <NUM>. Also shown in <FIG> is first battery pack <NUM> and second battery pack <NUM>. Generally, removable battery frame <NUM> may include at least one battery pack.

Finally in <FIG>, also shown are embodiments of transfer cylinder <NUM> and receiver cylinder <NUM>. These cylinders are shown in greater detail in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an enlarged isometric view of the embodiment from <FIG>. Namely, in this embodiment, vehicle <NUM> includes main body portion <NUM> separated from removable battery frame <NUM>. The details of the mounting and dismounting system that connects the removable battery frame <NUM> to the main body portion <NUM> are shown in depth.

Specifically, on the removable battery frame <NUM> side, first bar <NUM> and second bar <NUM> make up an upper retaining element <NUM> located in upper region <NUM> of front side <NUM>. First bar <NUM> and second bar <NUM> are separated by vertical structure <NUM>. Vertical structure <NUM> also divides third bar <NUM> from fourth bar <NUM> which make up a lower retaining element. Also on front side <NUM> are first lateral alignment structure <NUM> and second lateral alignment structure <NUM>.

These structures on removable battery frame <NUM> variously engage with the mounting and dismounting structures on rear side <NUM> of main body portion <NUM>. Specifically, on upper region <NUM> of rear side <NUM> of main body portion <NUM> - upper hook mechanism <NUM> includes first downward hook <NUM>, second downward hook <NUM>, third downward hook <NUM>, fourth downward hook <NUM>, first upward hook <NUM>, and second upward hook <NUM>. First downward hook <NUM>, second downward hook <NUM>, and first upward hook <NUM> are configured to engage with second bar <NUM>. Third downward hook <NUM>, fourth downward hook <NUM>, and second upward hook <NUM> are configured to engage with first bar <NUM>.

Similarly, in lower region <NUM> of rear side <NUM>, lower hook mechanism includes fifth downward hook <NUM>, sixth downward hook <NUM>, seventh downward hook <NUM>, eighth downward hook <NUM>, third upward hook <NUM>, and fourth upward hook <NUM>. Fifth downward hook <NUM>, third upward hook <NUM>, and sixth downward hook <NUM> are configured to engage with fourth bar <NUM>. Seventh downward hook <NUM>, eighth downward hook <NUM>, and fourth upward hook <NUM> are configured to engage with third bar <NUM>. Main body <NUM> also includes third lateral alignment structure <NUM>, configured to engage with second lateral alignment structure <NUM>.

As a result of the above discussed mounting and dismounting system, the removable battery frame <NUM> is mechanically separable from main body portion <NUM>, but also nonetheless remains securely attached even when subjected to large lateral towing forces.

<FIG> also shows first battery pack <NUM> and second battery pack <NUM> disposed within removable battery frame <NUM>.

Finally with respect to <FIG>, also shown is transfer cylinder <NUM> and receiver cylinder <NUM>. Transfer cylinder <NUM> may be substantially similar as discussed above with respect to other transfer cylinders, and other second hydraulic cylinders, in a first hydraulic system on removable battery frame <NUM>. Receiver cylinder <NUM> may also be substantially similar as discussed above with respect to other embodiments of receiver cylinders, and other third hydraulic cylinders, in a second hydraulic system making up a brake release system across removable battery frame <NUM> and main body portion <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>.

In this particular embodiment, transfer cylinder <NUM> includes first alignment surface <NUM>. Similarly, receiver cylinder <NUM> includes second alignment surface <NUM>. As discussed above, first alignment surface <NUM> and second alignment surface <NUM> are configured to ensure that transfer cylinder <NUM> and receiver cylinder <NUM> properly align with each other such that a force created by transfer cylinder <NUM> is directed appropriately into receiver cylinder <NUM>.

Next, <FIG> shows an embodiment of a first hydraulic system <NUM>. First hydraulic system <NUM> may be found on a detachable portion of a vehicle such as a removable battery frame. Generally, first hydraulic system <NUM> includes first hydraulic cylinder <NUM> connected to second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> by hydraulic line <NUM>. First hydraulic cylinder <NUM> and second hydraulic cylinder <NUM> are therefore in fluidic communication with each other, such that they hydraulically transfer a force <NUM>.

Namely, force <NUM> is applied to moveable portion <NUM> of first hydraulic cylinder <NUM>. As discussed above, force <NUM> may be applied by a towing vehicle when it attaches to a subject vehicle containing a brake release system in accordance with this invention. Moveable portion <NUM> may extend outward from a detachable portion of a vehicle, by being mounted to the detachable portion with bracket portion <NUM> and bolts <NUM>. Moveable portion <NUM> would then be compressed inward into house portion <NUM> to compress hydraulic fluid therein.

Housing portion <NUM> is then connected at nozzle <NUM> to hydraulic line <NUM>. The hydraulic fluid in hydraulic line <NUM> is also pressurized by the inward movement of moveable portion <NUM>. This pressurization transfers to second hydraulic cylinder <NUM>, and causes moveable portion <NUM> to extend outward from second housing <NUM> creating mechanical force <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of a hydraulic cylinder <NUM> that can be used as a receiving cylinder on the main body portion of a vehicle containing a brake release system in accordance with this invention. Hydraulic cylinder <NUM> receives force <NUM> on surface <NUM> of moveable portion <NUM>. Movable portion <NUM> is compressed inward by force <NUM>, into housing portion <NUM>. This mechanical force on surface <NUM> therefore compresses a hydraulic fluid contained in housing portion <NUM>. The pressure is then hydraulically communicated along a hydraulic line (not shown) attached to hydraulic cylinder <NUM> at nozzle <NUM>. Hydraulic cylinder <NUM> also includes hydraulic inlet <NUM> and hydraulic outlet <NUM>, used to remove or add hydraulic fluid as may be necessary to disassemble or otherwise service hydraulic cylinder <NUM>.

Finally, <FIG> shows a method process of operating a brake release system as discussed above. Methods of operating and using the apparatuses discussed herein above are also within the scope of this invention.

Specifically, method <NUM> includes first step <NUM> wherein a towing vehicle attaches to a tow hook on a removable portion of a subject vehicle. The subject vehicle includes a brake release mechanism as discussed above. As a result of the attachment of the towing vehicle to the subject vehicle, in step <NUM> a first hydraulic cylinder is mechanically actuated. The first hydraulic cylinder then hydraulically engages with a second cylinder on the removable portion of the subject vehicle in step <NUM>.

In method step <NUM>, the second hydraulic cylinder then mechanically engages with a third hydraulic cylinder. The third hydraulic cylinder is located on a main body of the subject vehicle. Finally, in step <NUM> the third cylinder hydraulically engages with a brake release mechanism to release a parking brake on the subject vehicle.

As a result, this process involves a mechanical actuation (<NUM>, <NUM>), to a hydraulic actuation (<NUM>), to a mechanical actuation (<NUM>), and back to a hydraulic actuation (<NUM>).

Claim 1:
An electric mining vehicle (<NUM>), comprising:
a removable battery frame (<NUM>), the removable battery frame including:
a tow hook (<NUM>);
a tow hook cylinder (<NUM>); and
a transfer cylinder (<NUM>), the transfer cylinder being hydraulically connected to the tow hook cylinder; and
a main body portion (<NUM>) of the electric mining vehicle;
wherein the main body portion of the electric mining vehicle includes a receiver cylinder (<NUM>) hydraulically connected to a brake release mechanism (<NUM>);
wherein the receiver cylinder is located on the main body portion of the electric mining vehicle in such a way as to be aligned with the transfer cylinder on the removable battery frame; and
wherein the removable battery frame is separable from the main body portion of the electric mining vehicle by disengaging a mechanical mounting and dismounting system (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>).