Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a pair of opposed longitudinal outer rails, a plurality of cross beams, a pair of opposed longitudinal inner rails, a housing and a plurality of bushings. The cross beams extend in a transverse direction of the electric vehicle and include first and second cross beams secured to the pair of opposed longitudinal outer rails. The pair of opposed longitudinal inner rails are located inboard of the pair of opposed longitudinal outer rails and between the first and second cross beams. The pair of opposed longitudinal inner rails are secured to the first and second cross beams to form a box. The housing is connected to the box and is configured to be connected to the motor. The bushings are at least partially supported by the housing.

Abstract: A battery pack and an electric vehicle are provided. A plurality of lock shafts are mounted on an outer side of the battery pack, and each of the lock shafts includes a shaft seat and a shaft rod. The lock shaft is mounted to the outer side of the battery pack by the shaft seat. A concave positioning hole is arranged at an end of the shaft rod away from the shaft seat, and a first positioning steel magnet is mounted in the positioning hole.

Abstract: A locking device includes a lock base configured to provide a locking position, and including a lock body having a surface provided with a lock groove recessed towards the inside of the lock body, the lock body being provided with a lock tongue groove and a lock tongue movably mounted in the lock tongue groove that is communicated with the lock groove; and a lock connecting rod movably connected with the lock base through the lock tongue, and including a rod member configured to drive the lock tongue to move under the action of an external force, the rod member being provided with an unlocking block on a side facing the lock base, and the unlocking block being configured as an arc protrusion formed outwardly by the rod member.

Abstract: A locking method and an unlocking method are provided. The locking method is used to mount a battery to a fixing seat of an electric vehicle by a locking device. The locking device includes: a lock base including a lock body, a surface of the lock body being provided with a lock groove recessed towards the interior of the lock body, the lock body being internally provided with a lock tongue groove and a lock tongue movably mounted in the lock tongue groove, and the lock tongue groove being in connection with the lock groove; and a lock shaft including a shaft rod configured to be inserted into the lock groove of the lock base to perform unlocking and locking.

Abstract: Disclosed is an unlocking device, battery replacing platform and movable battery replacing platform. The unlocking device comprises: a guide rail; a movable seat mounted on the guide rail; an unlocking ejector rod vertically mounted on the movable seat; and a driving member to drive the movable seat to move horizontally along a plane of the guide rail, the driving member is a driving push rod; the movable seat mounted on the guide rail includes a fixing cylinder fixed vertically mounted direct on the movable seat, and the unlocking ejector rod is movably mounted inside of the fixing cylinder, and a second spring is provided in the fixing cylinder, the second spring is configured to apply an upward thrust to the unlocking ejector rod. The unlocking ejector rod can be controlled to move on the predetermined rail, and the battery locking mechanism on the electric vehicle can be automatically unlocked.

Abstract: A vehicle battery pack support device applicable to various classes of vehicles and allowing weight reduction and cost reduction. The vehicle battery pack support device suspends a battery pack at a side rail constituting a ladder frame of a vehicle and includes a frame-side bracket secured by bolts to an outer side face of the side rail at a plurality of bolt fastening parts thereof arrayed in a grid arrangement. An elastic coupling part elastically couples the battery pack and the frame-side bracket. A spacer is interposed between the outer side face of the side rail and the frame-side bracket. The spacer includes a plurality of columnar members corresponding to the plurality of bolt fastening parts and a connecting part that connects the plurality of columnar members.

Abstract: A locking device includes a lock base. The lock base includes a lock body, a surface of the lock body being provided with a lock groove recessed towards the interior of the lock body, the lock body being internally provided with a lock tongue groove and a lock tongue movably mounted in the lock tongue groove that is in connection with the lock groove; a lock connecting rod movably connected to the lock base through the lock tongue and including a rod member, the rod member driving the lock tongue to move in the lock tongue groove; and a lock shaft including a shaft seat and a shaft rod perpendicularly arranged to a surface of the shaft seat, the shaft rod being inserted into the lock groove of the lock base to perform locking. A fixing seat and an electric vehicle comprising the locking device are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for vehicle power exchange includes at least one power terminal disposable on a ground surface on which a vehicle drives. The power exchange terminal has at least a drop mechanism or a lift mechanism. The drop mechanism is associated with the power exchange terminal for releasing a depleted power cell from a vehicle during its power exchange. The lift mechanism is also associated with a power exchange terminal for inserting a charged power cell into the vehicle during power exchange.

Abstract: Embodiments and examples are disclosed for placement configurations of HVAC units for electric vehicles. For one embodiment, a vehicle includes a front compartment, a cabin compartment, a vehicle body, and a HVAC unit. The front compartment is at a front end of the vehicle. The cabin compartment is at a center of the vehicle to contain passengers. The body of the vehicle contains a dashwall separating the front compartment from the cabin compartment. The heat ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) unit is situated in the front compartment, separated from the cabin compartment by the dashwall, where the HVAC unit provides heat, ventilation, and air conditioning to the user in the cabin compartment.

Abstract: An energy storage housing for assembly on the lower face of a vehicle includes a first sub-housing which surrounds a first plurality of energy storage modules, a second sub-housing which surrounds a second plurality of electric energy storage modules, and a connection channel which connects the first sub-housing to the second sub-housing. The connection channel has a variable length. A vehicle is equipped with such an energy storage housing or a set of energy storage housings, wherein in a set all first sub-housings of the set are identical, all second sub-housings of the set are identical, and the connection channels of the energy storage housings of the set have different lengths.

Abstract: A battery pack lift system includes: a frame having nutrunners mounted thereon according to a battery pack fastener pattern for a vehicle; a lift configured to raise and lower the frame with regard to the vehicle; a first air bearing positioned between the frame and the lift, the first air bearing configured to allow relative movement between the frame and the lift; and a second air bearing positioned on the frame, the second air bearing configured to allow relative movement between a battery pack and the frame.

Abstract: An impact load reduction includes: a crash area that is disposed in a front section of the electrically-powered vehicle and configured to deform at a collision; a battery frame that is disposed rearward of the crash area and fixed to a vehicle body frame of the electrically-powered vehicle, the battery frame being configured to support the battery and be engaged with the vehicle body frame in accordance with an inertia force of the collision to be supported from frontward; a load reduction frame that extends in a front-rear direction on a front side of the battery frame and that is disposed in a substantially same plane as the battery frame, the load reduction frame having lower rigidity than the battery frame; and a load absorber that is disposed between the load reduction frame and the battery frame and that has lower rigidity than the battery frame.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for deploying batteries, for example in an electric vehicle, includes a battery belt for mechanically linking multiple batteries together, a conduit having one or more operational zones each with an output, the operational zones each establishing an electrical connection between the output and batteries in the operational zone, and an actuator for selectively moving batteries into and out of the operational zones. Resting zones may also be provided. The batteries can be connected in series or in parallel and can be individually removed and replaced by an exchanger.

Abstract: A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices. To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source. As demand at individual collection, charging and distribution machines increases or decreases relative to other collection, charging and distribution machines, a distribution management system initiates redistribution of portable electrical energy storage devices from one collection, charging and distribution machine to another collection, charging and distribution machine in an expeditious manner. Also, redeemable incentives are offered to users to return or exchange their portable electrical energy storage devices at selected collection, charging and distribution machines within the network to effect the redistribution.

Abstract: A system for exchanging an electrical energy storage system (EESS) of an electric vehicle includes. An EESS station is configured to position an electric vehicle in x and y directions. A vehicle lift raises the electric vehicle to a predetermined height. An EESS lift supports and lowers the EESS and replaces the EESS with a differing EESS. The vehicle lift may be an inboard lift and the EESS lift may be an outboard lift. The system may also include one or more rollers configured to guide the electric vehicle. The system may include a horizontal door having at least one tube positioned thereon for guiding the electric vehicle and/or at least one vehicle chock for positioning the electric vehicle in at least one of the x and y directions. The vehicle lift may include lifting arms to engage jack pads of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes a slidable bar, a connecting bar attached to the slidable bar, and a charging device carried by the connecting bar and movable with the slidable bar. The charging device may be automatically aligned to a receiving device of an electrified vehicle using motion of the electrified vehicle to move the charging device.

Abstract: A warehouse for items in the form of raw materials or basic components. The warehouse includes a plurality of item storage areas, at least one upper storage area and at least one lower storage area and at least one carrier able to move items from the upper storage area to the lower storage area. The warehouse further includes at least one manipulator robot able to transfer an item between the storage areas the carrier and a workstation. Each manipulator robot is able to move over a storage area during the transporting of an item.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery-driven traveling device including: a framework section disposed on at least a bottom part of a vehicle body for ensuring strength of the vehicle body; two slide rails being composed of a left slide rail and a right slide rail and being supported by the framework section and extending substantially horizontally; a battery supporting member that is mounted to be insertable into the vehicle body and extractable from the vehicle body by using the two slide rails; and a plurality of dampers disposed on a path through which vibration of the vehicle body is transmitted from each of the slide rails to the battery supporting member for relaxing the vibration transmitted from the vehicle body to the battery while the device travels, wherein the left slide rail is disposed on left side of the battery supporting member and the right slide rail is disposed on right side of the battery supporting member, and each of the dampers is disposed above or below the left slide rail or the r

Abstract: An exemplary securing method includes securing a battery pack relative to a portion of an electrified vehicle by engaging a retention feature inside a perimeter of a battery pack enclosure, and by fastening the battery pack enclosure to the portion with at least one fastener outside the perimeter. The perimeter is established by a plurality of sidewalls and endwalls of the battery pack enclosure.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and distributing side impact system for a vehicle includes: first and second side sills, each of the first and second sills comprising multiple longitudinal channels, at least an upper longitudinal channel positioned above a vehicle floor panel and at least a lower longitudinal channel positioned below the vehicle floor panel; a battery enclosure mounted between front and rear suspensions of the vehicle, the battery enclosure having a first side member attached to the first side sill, and a second side member attached to the second side sill; cross-members integrated into the battery enclosure; and one or more bolts each extending though a respective opening in one of the cross-members and extending to an opposite side of the vehicle floor panel from the cross-member.

Abstract: A large electric vehicle with a detachable high voltage isolation structure is provided. Due to the detachable high voltage isolation structure, the drawbacks of repairing the high voltage components of the large electric vehicle will be overcome. All of the high voltage components are integrated into the detachable high voltage isolation structure. Consequently, the maintenance worker can repair the large electric vehicle in a safe environment.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for a robotic charging station for charging a battery of an electric vehicle. A semi-autonomous portable robot is programmed to interchange depleted rechargeable batteries disposed in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Portable battery pod dispenses batteries to semi-autonomous portable robot for swap. Semi-autonomous portable robot uses navigational sensors to transport battery to predetermined position at the battery interchange location. Battery disposition and configuration data are wirelessly communicated by battery pod to semi-autonomous portable robot. Battery pod is also in electrical communication with vehicle for timely latching and unlatching of battery modules.

Abstract: A vehicle battery exchange system includes a base, a gripper, a retrieval actuator that retractably and extensibly connects the gripper to the base, and a vehicle alignment feature sensing apparatus that is operatively connected at least with the retrieval actuator and is configured to cause extension of the retrieval actuator to a battery-engaging position of the gripper in response to registration of a vehicle alignment feature to the vehicle alignment feature sensing apparatus, and to cause retraction of the retrieval actuator to a battery-removing position of the gripper in response to latching engagement of the gripper with a battery that is mounted in a vehicle at a pre-defined location relative to the vehicle alignment feature that is in registration to the alignment feature sensing apparatus.

Abstract: An electric vehicle (10) includes a power battery module (20) detachably installed at a predetermined installation position of the electric vehicle (10); the power battery module (20) includes a housing (21), a plurality of battery cells installed in the housing (21), rolling wheels (22) and a handle (23) installed on the housing, and an electric power output port. A lifting device capable of releasably holding the power battery module (20) and lifting the power battery module (20) from a ground proximity position on or near the ground to the predetermined installation position is installed at the electric vehicle. As the electric vehicle (10) is provided with the lifting device, installation and removal of the power battery thereof can be accomplished without using other installation equipment. Furthermore, the detachable power battery module (20) can be moved by a user without excessive effort.

Abstract: A method of exchanging an electrical energy storage system (EESS) in an electric vehicle includes: positioning an electric vehicle in x and y directions on an EESS exchange station; after positioning, raising the electric vehicle to a predetermined height using a first lift; after raising the electric vehicle, raising an EESS lift toward the electric vehicle until the EESS lift is correctly positioned relative to a first EESS; after raising the EESS lift, removing fasteners that secure a first EESS to the electric vehicle; placing an EESS conveyor underneath the EESS lift; after placing the EESS conveyor, lowering the first EESS onto the EESS conveyor using the EESS lift; after lowering the first EESS, removing the first EESS and instead placing a second EESS underneath the electric vehicle; after placing the second EESS underneath the electric vehicle, raising the second EESS toward the electric vehicle using the EESS lift until the second EESS is correctly positioned relative to the electric vehicle; after

Abstract: A battery pack protection system is provided for use with an electric vehicle in which the battery pack is mounted under the car. The system utilizes a bumper that is attached to the front of the battery pack enclosure and which is configured to (i) deflect debris striking the bumper and (ii) absorb impact energy due to the debris, thereby minimizing the transference of impact energy to the battery pack and the batteries contained within the pack.

Abstract: A medium-size electric vehicle with a detachable high voltage isolation structure is provided. Due to the detachable high voltage isolation structure, the drawbacks of repairing the high voltage components of the medium-size electric vehicle will be overcome. All of the high voltage components are integrated into the detachable high voltage isolation structure. Consequently, the maintenance worker can repair the medium-size electric vehicle in a safe environment.

Abstract: A supporting structure for transporting a traction battery of a vehicle having an electric power train. The supporting structure includes a frame on which a plate is mounted, whereby the plate can hold a traction battery in place by at least one first linking element that can geometrically align the traction battery in relation to the structure. The supporting structure is particularly suitable for managing the different batteries to be found at a battery exchange station.

Abstract: An apparatus for swappable battery packaging for electric vehicle, the apparatus is contributing for dual purpose of protecting the batteries and providing contribution to the overall structural performance of the vehicle. The apparatus offer self repairable battery packing system to even a novice user thereof, offering each of replacement or recharging operations.

Abstract: Provided is a hybrid storage cell that can prevent overcharge, despite lacking an expensive protection switch or other device adapted to deal with high current or high voltage, in order to proactively prevent rupture or ignition of lithium ion storage cells or other organic solution storage cells in the event of unforeseen overcharging. The cell comprises a plurality of series-connected virtual cells (32) of parallel-connected organic solution storage cells (24A) and aqueous solution storage cells (26A), the organic solution storage cells and the aqueous solution storage cells having closely approximating average discharge voltages. The overcharge threshold voltage of the organic solution storage cells is designed to be higher than the final discharge voltage of the aqueous solution storage cells, and the final discharge voltage of the organic solution storage cells to be lower than the final discharge voltage of the aqueous solution storage cells.

Abstract: A battery car 25 which supplies electrical power to a running motor 16 and a mower motor 15 is included, wheels 34, 38 for facilitating the movement is attached to the battery car 25, and the battery car 25 is connected to a rear portion of a chassis 11 in a freely attachable and detachable manner. Moreover, a bracket 50 for connecting the battery car 25 is included in the rear portion of the chassis 11, and a locking shaft 74 to be connected to the bracket 50 is included in the battery car 25.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided including a battery pack with an exhaust port, an air extractor spaced away from the exhaust port, and other vehicle components. A cargo tub and one or more trim panels are arranged to define a duct spanning from the exhaust port, across the vehicle and to an air extractor spaced away from the exhaust port. Air flows along the duct en route to outside the vehicle via the air extractor. The vehicle may also include a cabin and an inlet to the cabin spaced away from the exhaust port. The cargo tub and one or more trim panels may also be arranged to define a recirculation path from the duct to the inlet such that a portion of the air exiting the exhaust port flows along the recirculation path to the cabin via the inlet.

Abstract: A tugger cart that has a first side, a second side and a locking portion is provided. The first side and second side may include guide wheels aligned in an upward slant. The locking portion may include a rocking arm that is pivotally attached to the tugger cart. The rocking arm may include a lock pedal and an unlock pedal. A rider cart may include a first side and a second side. The first and second side may include wings that are slanted upward, similar to the guide wheels. The rider cart may be pushed onto the tugger cart and the wings may roll along the guide wheels. The rider cart may apply pressure to the lock pedal and the unlock pedal may pivot upward, locking the rider cart onto the tugger cart. To unlock the rider cart, the unlock pedal may be pushed downward, and the rider cart may be removed.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically assessing electricity provider detail information associated with providing electrical energy to one or more electric vehicle wireless electrical energy chargers configured for wirelessly charging one or more electric vehicles with electrical energy from the one or more electric vehicle wireless electrical energy chargers to the one or more electric vehicles, the one or more electric vehicles including one or more electric motors to provide motive force for directionally propelling the one or more electric vehicles. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically receiving electric vehicle prospective use information associated with aspects indicating one or more future travel plans involving prospective use of an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle including one or more wireless electrical energy transfer receiving devices and one or more electrical energy storage devices; and electronically obtaining electrical energy transfer aspect information regarding wireless electrical energy transfer from one or more wireless electrical energy transfer imparting stations to the one or more wireless electrical energy transfer receiving devices of the electric vehicle for storage by the one or more electrical energy storage devices of the electric vehicle. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Provided is an electric bus battery exchange station. The electric bus battery exchange station according to the present invention includes: an exchange station body having a battery exchange, wherein said battery exchange unit is projected out to be connected with a hole of; an imaging unit taking images of the electric bus moving toward said exchange station body; an entry process storing unit storing entry process information needed in order that the electric bus is positioned exactly below the battery exchange unit; an entry information output unit comparing an entry state of the electric bus obtained from images taken by said imaging unit with the entry information stored, and outputting entry information for modifying the entry state of the electric bus to make equal to said entry process information; and an entry information providing unit providing information outputted by said entry information output unit to the electric bus.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

Abstract: A scalable intelligent power-supply system and method capable of powering a defined load for a specified period of time is disclosed and claimed. Multiple external AC and DC inputs supply power to the system if available and required. An internal DC input from a back-up energy source is on board. The back-up energy source is scalable by adding additional energy cartridges such as batteries in racks mounted within frames of the system. The AC and DC inputs (including the internal DC input) are controlled, measured, sensed, and converted by circuitry controlled by the microprocessor into multiple AC and/or DC outputs. A microprocessor manages power input to, within, and output from the system. The performance of a Lithium-ion batteries used to power an automobile can be determined on the basis individual battery packs or individual battery cells within the packs.

Abstract: When it is determined that a charge controllable vehicle and a charge uncontrollable vehicle coexist are connected to a plurality of charging stations, available power X is distributed and supplied to the charge controllable vehicle or the charge uncontrollable vehicle so that total power derived from the charge controllable vehicle and the charge uncontrollable vehicle does not exceed the available power X of a power supply unit, and the available power X is distributed as time division and supplied to the charge controllable vehicle and the charge uncontrollable vehicle.

Abstract: A PC executes a program including a step of selecting an exchange electric storage device with the shortest charging history when a charging request is present, inventory of exchange electric storage devices with completed charging is available, the number of inventory days is equal to or less than A days, and the sufficient number of storage locations is ensured, a step of selecting an exchange electric storage device with the longest charging history when the sufficient number of storage locations is not ensured, and a step of executing charging control when the selected exchange electric storage device is connected to a charger.

Abstract: A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing a device for a railway vehicle, comprises a storage case having an opening at a front side, a tray accommodated into the storage case, the tray being movable forward and backward with the device mounted thereon, a lever disposed at an upper side of the tray to extend along a forward and backward direction, the lever being vertically pivotable around a pivot forward relative to a center of the tray in the forward and backward direction, an operation member coupled to a front end portion of the lever and disposed at a front side of the tray, an engagement portion provided at a rear end portion of the lever and protruding downward outside the tray, and a recess provided in the storage case, the engagement portion being fitted into the recess from above.

Abstract: A battery movement, storage, and charging system for large size batteries used in lift trucks includes spaced, parallel storage racks, each of which have multiple storage and charging bays. A battery transport tower is positioned in an aisle between the storage racks and is moveable horizontally between the two rows of racks. The tower includes an extendable fork lift mounted which may rotate around the axis of the tower as well as move vertically upwardly or downwardly on the tower. A battery exchanger loads a discharged battery from a lift truck, places it on a pallet and then transfers the pallet and battery to a transfer bay in a storage rack where the tower forklift moves a pallet and battery to a selected charging bay.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

Abstract: A system employing wheeled vehicles, such as strollers. A plurality of the wheeled vehicles is provided, each having a docking element. A vehicle station has a docking port for each of at least some of the wheeled vehicles. Each docking port has a charging device and is shaped to engage a docking element of an engaged wheeled vehicle. At least two display screens are provided on the wheeled vehicle, one for an occupant and one for an operator. One or more screen drivers is provided for the display screens.

Abstract: The system for moving and stabilizing (1) moves and stabilizes a mobile base (10), which is part of a robotic unit (100) for handling which is designed to move objects in an automated shop or an automated warehouse (200).

Abstract: A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A plurality of manually maneuverable battery bank modules are formed into a train and transported by a vehicle to the site of electrically operated equipment. At the site, the modules replace modules already connected to the equipment.

Abstract: A battery-changing vehicle includes a mobile carriage, a frame disposed above the mobile carriage, and a boom assembly connected to the frame. The mobile carriage defines a loading deck for receiving and transporting a battery. The boom assembly includes a lift hoist that lifts a battery to and from the loading deck. The lift hoist is capable of lateral movement between an extended disposition, at which the lift hoist is cantilevered away from the loading deck, and a withdrawn disposition, at which the lift hoist is disposed above the loading deck. The battery-changing vehicle may also include a transfer arm capable of transferring a battery to and from the loading deck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric public transit system, comprising electric driven buses with a cassette battery set and bus-mounted control system, a charge station and a loading and unloading apparatus. When said bus needs change the cassette battery set, said loading and unloading apparatus takes said cassette battery set from said bus and then replace with a charged cassette battery set. Both said charge station and said loading and unloading apparatus are equipped with their control systems, respectively, which can intercommunicate with said bus-mounted control system. In the present invention, the cassette battery sets are charged during power consumption valleys of the power grid, and therefore, the transit system can save energy and benefit the environment.