Connector anti-backout assembly, connection device, battery holder and battery swap station or energy storage station

Abstract

The application provides a connector anti-retreat assembly, a connecting device, a battery rack, and a battery swap station or an energy storage station. The anti-retreat assembly comprises a first swing lever, a second swing lever, and a driving mechanism. The first swing lever is rotationally connected with the second swing lever. The non-connection end of the first swing lever is rotationally arranged at a relatively fixed position. The non-connection end of the second swing lever is connected with the connector. The driving mechanism drives the connection point of the first swing lever and the second swing lever to move in a first direction, so as to drive the connector to move towards the battery in linkage. The movement path of the connection point comprises a dead point position. When the connection point reaches or exceeds the dead point position, the connector is located at the connection position with the battery. The dead point position is a position where the first swing lever and the second swing lever are collinear. Thus, the connector can be self-locked through the dead point position and will not retreat. The driving mechanism does not need to continuously apply force to keep the connector connected with the battery, thereby reducing the loss of the driving mechanism and improving the overall service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery swapping, and in particular to a connector anti-return component, a connection device, a battery rack, and a battery swapping station or energy storage station. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of new energy vehicles, battery swapping technology offers a solution to the range anxiety issue of electric vehicles. Existing battery swapping technologies are centered around a battery rack for charging the battery. During use, the battery is moved into the battery rack, and a connector drive assembly drives a connector to connect with the battery, thus charging it. This connector drive assembly consists of a drive mechanism and a transmission mechanism connecting the drive mechanism.

[0003] However, existing connector driver components have the following drawbacks:

[0004] Existing connectors are prone to retraction or displacement under external forces, affecting their connection with the battery. Therefore, to maintain a stable connection, a drive mechanism needs to continuously apply force to the connector. This increases the operating time and wear of the drive mechanism, reducing its overall lifespan and reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect that the drive mechanism of the prior art requires continuous force, and to provide a connector anti-retraction component, a connection device, a battery rack, and a battery swapping station or energy storage station.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0007] A connector anti-retraction component is disclosed. The connector is used to connect to a battery. The anti-retraction component includes a first swing arm, a second swing arm, and a drive mechanism. The first swing arm and the second swing arm are rotatably connected. The non-connection end of the first swing arm is rotatably disposed in a relatively fixed position. The non-connection end of the second swing arm is connected to the connector. The drive mechanism drives the connection point between the first and second swing arms to move along a first direction, thereby driving the connector to move closer to the battery. The movement path of the connection point includes a dead point position. When the connection point moves along the first direction to or beyond the dead point position, the connector is located at the connection position with the battery. The dead point position is the position where the first and second swing arms are collinear.

[0008] In this solution, since the limit position is located at or near the dead point, the connector can maintain a stable position at the limit position through the linkage without retraction. The drive mechanism does not need to apply continuous force to keep the connector connected to the battery, which reduces the wear of the drive mechanism, improves the overall service life, reduces energy consumption, and improves the reliability of the whole system.

[0009] Preferably, the movement path of the connection point includes a first limiting position. When the connection point moves along the first direction to the point where it passes the dead point and the angle between the first swing arm and the second swing arm reaches a preset angle, the connection point reaches the first limiting position. At this time, the connector is located at the connection position with the battery.

[0010] In this solution, the first limit position exceeds the dead point position. When the connection point is in the first limit position, even if the connector is subjected to external force, the connection point can still be restricted by the dead point position. The force on the connector will hardly be transmitted to the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can maintain the connection point in the first limit position by its own internal friction without continuously applying force to the connection point. Therefore, the drive mechanism can be closed when the connection point is driven to the first limit position, which reduces the wear of the drive mechanism and improves the reliability of the whole system.

[0011] Preferably, the preset angle ranges from 177° to 179°.

[0012] In this design, the preset angle is close to 180°, which ensures that the connection point is restricted by the dead point position when it is in the first limiting position, and also prevents the power consumption of the drive mechanism from increasing when the connector is separated from the battery due to the first limiting position being too far from the dead point position. Preferably, the connector anti-retraction component includes a first limiting mechanism, which is placed on the movement path of at least one of the first swing arm, the second swing arm, and the connection point, so as to limit the connection point to the first limiting position.

[0013] In this scheme, when the connection point moves to the first limit position, one of the first swing arm, the second swing arm, and the connection point abuts against the first limit mechanism to achieve the limit.

[0014] Preferably, the drive mechanism drives the connection point of the first and second rocker arms to move along the second direction, thereby driving the connector to move away from the battery. The movement path of the connection point includes a second limit position. When the connection point moves along the second direction to the second limit position, the connector is located in a position separated from the battery.

[0015] In this solution, by limiting the connection point to the second limit position, damage to the connecting rod due to excessive movement can be avoided, and the separation position of the connector can be prevented from being too far from the battery, thus reducing the battery swapping efficiency.

[0016] Preferably, the connector anti-retraction component includes a second limiting mechanism, which is positioned on the movement path of at least one of the first rocker arm, the second rocker arm, and the connection point to limit the connection point to a second limiting position.

[0017] In this scheme, when the connection point moves to the second limit position, at least one of the first swing arm, the second swing arm, and the connection point abuts against the second limit mechanism, thereby limiting the connection point to the second limit position.

[0018] Preferably, the driving mechanism includes a power source and a transmission rod, the power source drives the transmission rod to move, and the transmission rod is connected to the connection point between the first swing rod and the second swing rod.

[0019] In this design, the transmission rod can be driven by a power source to move the connection point.

[0020] Preferably, the first rocker arm and the second rocker arm are respectively provided with a first pin hole and a second pin hole, and the transmission rod is provided with a connector, which is provided with a third pin hole. The first pin hole, the second pin hole and the third pin hole are hinged to the connection point by a first pin shaft.

[0021] In this solution, the first swing arm, the second swing arm, and the connector are hinged and fixed.

[0022] Preferably, the power source is at least one of a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric motor.

[0023] Preferably, the direction of movement of the transmission rod is parallel to the first direction.

[0024] In this design, the transmission rod can drive the connection point to move along the first direction.

[0025] The present invention also provides a connecting device, including a connector, a bracket, and a connector anti-retraction component as described above. The bracket is used for a fixed connection between the connecting device and a battery holder, wherein the non-connecting end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the bracket. The connection and fixation with the battery are achieved through the connector.

[0026] Preferably, the bracket is also provided with a swing arm mounting bracket, the non-connecting end of the first swing arm is provided with a fourth pin hole, the swing arm mounting bracket is provided with a fifth pin hole, and the fourth pin hole and the fifth pin hole are hinged together by a second pin shaft.

[0027] In this design, a rotational connection is achieved between the first pendulum rod and the support.

[0028] Preferably, the connector includes a mounting base and a connector head, the connector head being fixedly mounted on the mounting base, and the mounting base being rotatably connected to the second rocker arm.

[0029] In this solution, the modularization of the connection device is achieved by setting up a mounting base, which helps to reduce production costs and improve compatibility and flexibility.

[0030] Preferably, the mounting base is also provided with a connecting frame, the non-connecting end of the second swing arm is provided with a sixth pin hole, the connecting frame is provided with a seventh pin hole, and the sixth pin hole and the seventh pin hole are hinged together by a third pin shaft.

[0031] In this solution, a hinged connection is achieved between the mounting base and the connecting bracket.

[0032] Preferably, the connecting device further includes a guide assembly, which includes a guide portion and a mating portion. The guide portion is disposed on a bracket, and the mating portion is disposed on a mounting base. The guide portion and the mating portion cooperate to limit the movement direction of the connector.

[0033] In this solution, the connector can move along a predetermined direction of movement by means of the constraint of the guide component, thereby enabling more accurate docking with the battery.

[0034] Preferably, the guide portion includes a guide rail, the mating portion includes a slider, and the mounting base and the bracket are slidably connected via the guide rail and the slider.

[0035] In this design, the sliding guide of the mounting base is achieved by the sliding of the slider on the guide rail.

[0036] Preferably, the connector is an electrical connector, with one end for electrical connection to the battery and the other end for electrical connection to the power supply system via a power supply line.

[0037] In this solution, the battery can be charged via an electrical connector.

[0038] Preferably, the connecting device further includes a wire support plate, which is disposed on the mounting base and is used to support the power supply wire.

[0039] In this solution, the cable trays accommodate the cable bundles, making the cable management neater and preventing the power supply cables from moving or getting tangled during use, which could lead to malfunctions.

[0040] Preferably, the connector is a liquid-cooled connector, one end of which is used for liquid-cooled connection with the battery, and the other end is connected to the cooling system through a liquid-cooling pipe.

[0041] In this solution, the battery can be cooled during charging via a liquid cooling connector.

[0042] Preferably, the liquid cooling pipe includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, and the liquid cooling connector includes an inlet connected to the inlet pipe and an outlet connected to the outlet pipe; the coolant enters the battery through the inlet pipe and the inlet, and then returns to the cooling system from the battery through the outlet and the outlet pipe.

[0043] In this design, the coolant enters the battery's cooling circuit through the inlet pipe to cool the battery, and the heated coolant returns to the cooling system through the outlet pipe, thereby removing the heat from the battery.

[0044] Preferably, the connecting device further includes a pipe bracket, which is mounted on the mounting base and is used to fix the liquid cooling pipe.

[0045] In this solution, the pipe rack can be used to constrain the cooling pipes, making the pipe routing neater and preventing the pipes from moving or getting tangled during connector operation, which could lead to leaks, blockages, or other malfunctions.

[0046] The present invention also provides a battery rack, characterized in that it includes a frame, a tray, a bracket, and a connecting device as described above, wherein the tray is used to support the battery, the tray is disposed on the frame, and the connecting device is fixed to the frame by the bracket.

[0047] In this solution, the battery rack is capable of charging the batteries that are moved into it.

[0048] Preferably, the battery can be moved onto the tray in a third direction, and the connecting device is located on at least one side of the battery movement path.

[0049] In this solution, by placing the electrical connector and the liquid cooling connector on opposite sides of the frame, the volume occupied by the battery rack in the battery movement direction can be reduced, and the overall layout of the battery rack can be made more reasonable.

[0050] Preferably, the third direction is parallel to the first direction.

[0051] Setting the drive mechanism to move along the battery movement direction can reduce the volume occupied by the drive mechanism on the battery holder in the direction perpendicular to the battery movement direction.

[0052] Preferably, the connecting device includes a first connecting device with an electrical connector and a second connecting device with a liquid-cooled connector, the first connecting device and the second connecting device being respectively disposed on both sides of the battery movement path.

[0053] This solution enables simultaneous charging and cooling of the battery.

[0054] Preferably, the battery rack includes multiple trays arranged along the fourth direction, and each tray should be equipped with a connecting device.

[0055] In this solution, by setting up a multi-layer frame, multiple batteries can be charged simultaneously, resulting in higher efficiency and a more compact structure.

[0056] Preferably, the fourth direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0057] The present invention also provides a battery swapping station or energy storage station, characterized in that it includes a battery rack as described in any of the above.

[0058] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0059] By utilizing the self-locking characteristic of the dead position of the linkage, the driver can keep the connector connected to the battery without continuous force, which reduces driver wear, reduces energy consumption, increases service life, and increases the reliability of the entire system. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of a connector driving component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a connector driving component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a connector driving component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a liquid-cooled connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a battery holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0067] Connector anti-return assembly 10

[0068] Connector 20

[0069] Mounting base 21

[0070] Connector 22

[0071] Connector 23

[0072] Seventh pin hole 24

[0073] Third pin 25

[0074] Battery holder 30

[0075] Frame 31

[0076] pallet 32

[0077] Drive mount 33

[0078] Drive mechanism 100

[0079] Power Source 110

[0080] Transmission rod 120

[0081] Third pin hole 121

[0082] First pin 122

[0083] First swing arm 210

[0084] First pin hole 211

[0085] Fourth pin hole 212

[0086] Second swing arm 220

[0087] Second pin hole 221

[0088] Sixth pin hole 222

[0089] Activity Points 230

[0090] First direction 240

[0091] Second direction 250

[0092] First limiting mechanism 260

[0093] Limiting bracket 261

[0094] Limit bolt 262

[0095] Second limiting mechanism 270

[0096] Connecting device 300

[0097] Bracket 310

[0098] 320 swing arm mounting bracket

[0099] Fifth pin hole 321

[0100] Second pin 322

[0101] Guide component 330

[0102] Guide rail 331

[0103] Slider 332

[0104] Electrical connector 400

[0105] Connector 410

[0106] Power line 420

[0107] Line tray 430

[0108] Liquid cooling connector 500

[0109] Pipe Interface 510

[0110] Liquid cooling pipe 520

[0111] Pipe rack 530

[0112] First connecting device 600

[0113] Second connecting device 700 Detailed Implementation

[0114] The present invention will be described more clearly and completely below with reference to a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings.

[0115] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A connector anti-retraction assembly 10, wherein the connector 20 is used to connect a battery, the anti-retraction assembly includes a first swing arm 210, a second swing arm 220 and a drive mechanism 100.

[0116] The first swing arm 210 and the second swing arm 220 are rotatably connected. This rotatable connection can be achieved through a hinge or a pivot. In this invention, a hinge connection is used. Specifically, the non-connecting end (i.e., the upper end) of the first swing arm 210 is rotatably positioned in a relatively fixed position, and the non-connecting end (i.e., the lower end) of the second swing arm 220 is connected to the connector 20. The connecting end (i.e., the lower end) of the first swing arm 210 and the connecting end (i.e., the upper end) of the second swing arm 220 are hinged together, thereby forming the connection point between the first swing arm 210 and the second swing arm 220.

[0117] The drive mechanism 100 can drive the connection point to move along a first direction 240, thereby causing the connector 20 to move closer to the battery. Specifically, the first direction 240 corresponds to... Figure 2 The horizontal direction is to the right; thus, under the drive of the drive mechanism 100, the angle between the first swing arm 210 and the second swing arm 220 gradually increases. At this time, the distance between the non-connected end (i.e., the lower end) of the second swing arm 220 and the non-connected end (i.e., the upper end) of the first swing arm 210 gradually increases, thereby driving the connector 20 to move downward and connect with the battery located below the connector 20.

[0118] The movement path of the connection point includes a dead point position. When the connection point moves along the first direction 240 to or beyond the dead point position, the connector 20 is located in the connection position with the battery. The dead point position is the position where the first swing arm 210 and the second swing arm 220 are collinear, that is, the position when the first swing arm 210 and the second swing arm 220 are kept vertical.

[0119] Since the limiting position is located at or near the dead point, the first rocker arm 210 and the second rocker arm 220 can achieve position locking through the dead point position, thereby limiting the connector 20 from retracting. The drive mechanism 100 does not need to apply continuous force to keep the connector 20 connected to the battery, which reduces the wear of the drive mechanism 100, improves the overall service life, reduces energy consumption, and improves the reliability of the whole system.

[0120] In this embodiment, the movement path of the connection point includes a first limiting position. When the connection point moves along the first direction 240 to pass through the dead point position and the angle between the first swing arm 210 and the second swing arm 220 reaches a preset angle, the connection point reaches the first limiting position, and at this time, the connector 20 is located in the connection position with the battery. By setting the first limiting position on the movement path of the connection point beyond the dead point position, when the connection point is located at the first limiting position, even if the connector is subjected to external force, the connection point can still be restricted by the dead point position. The force on the connector 20 is hardly transmitted to the drive mechanism 100. The drive mechanism 100 can maintain the connection point at the first limiting position with its own internal friction without continuously applying force to the connection point. At this time, the first swing arm 210 and the second swing arm 220 are locked, thereby restricting the connector 20 from retracting. The drive mechanism 100 can be closed when the connection point is driven to the first limiting position, reducing the wear of the drive mechanism 100 and improving the reliability of the entire system.

[0121] In this embodiment, the range of the preset angle is preferably 177° to 179°.

[0122] Meanwhile, since the preset angle is close to 180°, it can ensure that the connection point is restricted by the dead point position when it is in the first limit position, and it can also prevent the power consumption of the drive mechanism 100 from increasing when the connector 20 is separated from the battery because the first limit position is too far from the dead point position.

[0123] In this embodiment, the connector 20 anti-retraction assembly 10 further includes a first limiting mechanism 260, which is positioned on the movement path of at least one of the first rocker arm 210, the second rocker arm 220, and the connection point to limit the connection point to a first limiting position. During operation, one of the first rocker arm 210, the second rocker arm 220, and the connection point abuts against the first limiting mechanism 260 to achieve a stop, thereby limiting the connection point to the first limiting position.

[0124] Specifically, in this invention, the first limiting mechanism 260 is located on the moving path of the first swing arm 210. When the first swing arm 210 swings, it can stop by abutting against the first limiting mechanism 260, thereby stably limiting the connection point (i.e. the connection end of the first swing arm 210) to the first limiting position.

[0125] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 100 can also drive the connection point of the first rocker arm 210 and the second rocker arm 220 to move in a second direction 250 opposite to the first direction 240, i.e., horizontally to the left in the figure. The movement path of the connection point includes a second limiting position. When the connection point moves along the second direction 250 to the second limiting position, the connector 20 is in a separated position from the battery. Specifically, when the connection point moves along the second direction 250, the included angle between the first rocker arm 210 and the second rocker arm 220 increases, and the distance between the non-connecting end (i.e., the lower end) of the second rocker arm 220 and the fixed end (i.e., the upper end) of the first rocker arm 210 decreases, thereby driving the connector 20 to move upward, i.e., move away from the battery, thereby achieving separation from the battery.

[0126] By limiting the connection point to the second limit position, damage to the drive mechanism 100 or the connecting rod due to excessive movement can be avoided, and the separation position of the connector 20 can be prevented from being too far from the battery, thus reducing the battery swapping efficiency.

[0127] In this embodiment, the connector 20 anti-retraction assembly 10 further includes a second limiting mechanism 270, which is positioned on the movement path of at least one of the first swing arm 210, the second swing arm 220, and the connection point to limit the connection point to a second limiting position. Specifically, the first limiting mechanism 260 is located on the movement path of the first swing arm 210. When the first swing arm 210 swings, it can abut against the first limiting mechanism 260 and stop, thereby stably limiting the connection point (i.e., the connection end of the first swing arm 210) to the first limiting position.

[0128] Specifically, in this invention, the first limiting mechanism 260 and the second limiting mechanism 270 have essentially the same structure, both including a limiting bracket 261 installed in a relatively fixed position and a limiting bolt 262 screwed onto the limiting bracket 261. The end of the limiting bolt 262 facing the first rocker arm 210 has a limiting seat for abutting against the first rocker arm 210. With this structure, the first or second limiting position can be finely adjusted by rotating the limiting bolt 262, providing greater flexibility in use.

[0129] In other alternative embodiments, the first and second limiting positions of the connection point can be achieved by setting a limiting component on the movement path of the second rocker arm 220, or by setting a rotation angle limiting structure on the non-connecting end of the first rocker arm 210.

[0130] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 100 includes a power source 110 and a transmission rod 120. The power source 110 drives the transmission rod 120 to move, and the direction of movement of the transmission rod 120 is parallel to the first direction 240. The transmission rod 120 is connected to the connection point of the first swing arm 210 and the second swing arm 220. During operation, the power source 110 drives the transmission rod 120 to extend and retract, and the transmission rod 120 acts on the connection point of the first swing arm 210 and the second swing arm 220, thereby causing the first swing arm 210 and the second swing arm 220 to bend.

[0131] In this embodiment, the power source 110 can be at least one of a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or a motor. When the power source 110 is a cylinder, the transmission rod 120 can be a piston rod capable of extending and retracting relative to the cylinder barrel. When the power source 110 is a hydraulic cylinder, the transmission rod 120 can be a piston rod capable of extending and retracting relative to the cylinder barrel of the hydraulic cylinder. When the power source 110 is a motor, the transmission rod 120 can have a gear rail that meshes with a gear connected to the motor shaft, converting the rotation of the motor into the extension and retraction motion of the transmission rod 120 through the gear rail. Of course, the motor can also be a linear motor that directly drives the transmission rod 120 to move back and forth.

[0132] In this embodiment, a first pin hole 211 is provided on the connecting end (i.e., the lower end of the first rocker arm 210). A second pin hole 221 is provided on the connecting end (i.e., the upper end of the second rocker arm 220). The end of the transmission rod 120 is provided with a mounting joint, and a third pin hole 121 is provided on the mounting joint. The first pin hole 211, the second pin hole 221, and the third pin hole 121 are hinged at the connection point by a first pin 122. Thus, the first rocker arm 210, the second rocker arm 220, and the transmission rod 120 are hinged and fixed.

[0133] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 The present invention also provides a connection device 300, including a connector 20, a bracket 310, and a connector 20 anti-retraction component 10 as described above.

[0134] The bracket 310 may include a vertical plate with a central cutout, and bolts at its four corners for fixed connection to the battery holder 30 for placing batteries. The connector 20 anti-retraction assembly 10 is located on one side of the bracket 310, and the connector 20 is correspondingly located on the other side of the bracket 310. It is connected to the non-connecting end of the second swing arm 220 through a connector that passes through a notch in the middle of the bracket 310.

[0135] In this embodiment, a swing arm mounting bracket 320 is provided on the vertical plate of the bracket 310 used to house the anti-retraction component 10 of the connector 20. A fourth pin hole 212 is also provided at the non-connecting end (i.e. the upper end) of the first swing arm 210. A fifth pin hole 321 is provided on the swing arm mounting bracket 320. The fourth pin hole 212 and the fifth pin hole 321 are connected by a second pin 322, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the first swing arm 210 and the bracket 310.

[0136] In this embodiment, the connector 20 includes a mounting base 21 and a connector head 22. The connector head 22 is fixedly mounted on the mounting base 21, and the mounting base 21 is rotatably connected to the second rocker arm 220. By setting the mounting base 21, the connection device 300 is modularized, which helps to reduce production costs and improve compatibility and flexibility.

[0137] Specifically, the mounting base 21 is also equipped with a connecting bracket 23. The non-connecting end of the second rocker arm 220 has a sixth pin hole 222, and the connecting bracket 23 has a seventh pin hole 24. The sixth pin hole 222 and the seventh pin hole 24 are hinged together by a third pin 25. This achieves a hinged connection between the second rocker arm 220 and the connector 20.

[0138] In this embodiment, the connecting device 300 further includes a guide assembly 330, which includes a guide portion and a mating portion. The guide portion is disposed on a bracket 310 on one side of the corresponding connector 20, and the mating portion is disposed on the mounting base 21. The mating portion cooperates with the guide portion to limit the movement direction of the connector 20 on the mounting base 21. By constraining the movement direction of the connector 20 by the guide portion, the connector 20 can be more accurately connected to the battery.

[0139] Specifically, the guide portion may include a guide rail 331 extending vertically, and the mating portion includes a slider 332 with a groove disposed on the mounting base 21 at a position corresponding to the guide rail 421. The groove is embedded in the guide rail 331 so that the slider 332 can slide along the guide rail 331, thereby achieving sliding guidance of the connector 20 in the direction of movement. The number of guide rails 421 and sliders 422 can be determined according to actual needs; in this embodiment, two are preferred.

[0140] In this invention, there are two types of connectors 22, one of which is an electrical connector 400. The electrical connector 400 includes a connector 410 and a power supply line 420. The connector 410 is arranged downwards for connection with the battery. The power supply line 420 passes through the opening in the middle of the bracket 310 and extends horizontally outwards to connect with the power supply system of the battery swapping station or energy storage station.

[0141] During operation, the electrical connector 400 moves vertically upwards and downwards under the constraint of the guide assembly 330. When the electrical connector 400 descends to the first limit position corresponding to the connection point, the electrical connector 400 is in a position connected to the battery. When the electrical connector 400 rises to the second limit position corresponding to the connection point, it is in a position separated from the battery. Thus, the battery can be charged through the electrical connector 400.

[0142] In this embodiment, the connecting device 300 further includes a cable tray 430, which is disposed on the mounting base 21 and extends horizontally away from the mounting base 21 through the opening on the bracket 310. The cable tray 430 has baffles on both sides. The cable tray 430 is used to support the power supply cable 420. In use, the power supply cable 420 can be tied to the cable tray 430 with cable ties, or the cable ties can be omitted, and the constraint of the baffles alone can constrain the power supply cable 420.

[0143] By constraining the power supply line 420 with the cable tray 430, the wiring can be made neater, which is convenient for subsequent maintenance and repair. It can also prevent the power supply line 420 from moving or getting tangled during the operation of the connector 20, which could lead to malfunctions.

[0144] In this invention, another type of connector 22 is a liquid-cooled connector 500, which includes a pipe interface 510 and a liquid-cooling pipe 520. The pipe interface 510 is arranged downwards for connection to the battery. The liquid-cooling pipe 520 passes through an opening in the middle of the bracket 310 and extends horizontally outwards to connect to the cooling system. When the liquid-cooled connector 500 is lowered to the first limit position corresponding to the connection point, the liquid-cooled connector 600 is in a position connected to the battery. When the liquid-cooled connector 500 is raised to the second limit position corresponding to the connection point, the liquid-cooled connector 600 is in a position separated from the battery. Thus, the liquid-cooled connector 500 can cool the charging battery.

[0145] The liquid cooling pipe 520 includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The pipe interface 510 includes an inlet port communicating with the inlet pipe and an outlet port communicating with the outlet pipe. When the pipe interface 510 is connected to the battery, the coolant from the cooling system enters the cooling circuit in the battery through the inlet pipe. After flowing through the cooling circuit, the heated coolant flows back to the cooling system through the outlet port and the outlet pipe, thereby carrying away the heat from the battery and reducing the battery temperature during charging.

[0146] In this embodiment, the liquid-cooled connector 500 further includes a pipe bracket 530, which is mounted on the mounting base 21. The pipe interface 510 and the liquid-cooled pipe 520 pass through the mounting base 21, and the pipe bracket 530 and the mounting base 21 are elastically floatingly connected. This prevents damage to the pipe interface 510 caused by impacts when connecting the battery. In addition, the pipe bracket 530 can also be used to restrain the liquid-cooled pipe 520, making the pipe routing neater and preventing the pipes from moving or tangling during the operation of the connector 20, which could lead to leaks, blockages, or other malfunctions.

[0147] like Figure 6 As shown, the present invention also provides a battery rack 30, including a cubic frame 31, a tray 32 disposed on the frame 31, and a connecting device 300 fixed to the side of the frame 31 by a bracket 310, with the connector 22 of the connecting device 300 correspondingly located on the upper side of the tray 32.

[0148] The tray 32 is used to support the battery. In use, the battery is placed on the tray 32, at which point the connector 22 is positioned at the upper connection point of the battery. In this embodiment, when the battery is on the tray 32, its connection point is located on the upper surface of the battery. The connector 22 connects to and disconnects from the battery by lifting and lowering. This allows for charging and cooling operations on the battery moved into the battery rack 30.

[0149] In this embodiment, the battery can be moved onto the tray 32 by a pull-and-slide mechanism along a third direction via a battery transfer device in a battery swapping station or energy storage station. This third direction is parallel to the movement direction (i.e., the first direction 240) of the drive mechanism 100 in the connecting device 300.

[0150] By setting the running direction of the drive mechanism 100 to be consistent with the direction of battery movement, the lateral space requirement of the drive mechanism 100 during movement can be reduced. Compared with the existing structure, the volume occupied by the battery rack 30 in the direction perpendicular to the battery movement is lower, thereby reducing the overall width of the battery rack 30.

[0151] In this embodiment, the connecting device 300 includes a first connecting device 600 with an electrical connector 400 at its connector 22 and a second connecting device with a liquid-cooled connector 500 at its connector 22. The first connecting device 600 and the second connecting device 300 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the battery movement path. Specifically, the first connecting device 600 and the second connecting device 300 are respectively fixed to the frame 31 and are located above one side of the tray 32, such that the electrical connector 400 of the first connecting device 600 and the liquid-cooled connector 500 of the second connecting device 300 are positioned above the battery on the tray 32.

[0152] During operation, the electrical connector 400 and the liquid-cooled connector 500 descend vertically to connect to the battery, charging and cooling it. Setting the electrical connector 400 and the liquid-cooled connector 500 to rise and fall vertically firstly reduces the space occupied by the connector 20 in the horizontal direction, thereby reducing the volume of the battery holder 30. Secondly, it prevents the electrical connector 400 or the liquid-cooled connector 500 from impacting the battery during connection, thus avoiding battery displacement. This improves operational accuracy and reduces the probability of docking failure.

[0153] In this invention, the tray 32 is elongated and located on both sides of the inner surface of the frame 31, extending along a fourth direction. This fourth direction is parallel to the first direction 240 (i.e., the direction of battery movement or the direction of operation of the drive mechanism 100). Therefore, the overall weight of the battery holder 30 can be reduced while still allowing for battery placement.

[0154] In order to enable the battery rack 30 to charge multiple batteries, in this embodiment, the battery rack 30 preferably includes multiple layers of trays 32, which are stacked and arranged, and each layer of trays 32 is provided with a corresponding connecting device 300, and multiple connecting devices 300 are arranged at vertical intervals.

[0155] By setting up multiple trays 32, multiple batteries can be charged simultaneously, resulting in higher efficiency and a more compact structure.

[0156] To better secure the drive mechanism 100 of the connecting device 300, the battery rack 30 also includes a drive mounting bracket 33, which is a vertically arranged elongated strip connected and fixed to the frame 31. The drive mounting bracket 33 is connected to the non-moving end of the drive mechanism 100, i.e., the cylinder end of the hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder.

[0157] The present invention also provides a battery swapping station or energy storage station, including a battery rack 30 as described above. By using the battery rack 30, the connector can remain in a stable position when connected to the battery without retraction, and the drive mechanism can keep the connector connected to the battery without continuous force, reducing the wear of the drive mechanism, improving the overall service life, reducing energy consumption, and improving the reliability of the battery swapping station or energy storage station.

[0158] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector anti-reverse assembly, the connector being used to connect a battery, characterized in that: The anti-retraction component includes a first swing arm, a second swing arm, and a drive mechanism. The first swing arm and the second swing arm are rotatably connected. The non-connecting end of the first swing arm is rotatably disposed in a relatively fixed position. The non-connecting end of the second swing arm is connected to a connector. The drive mechanism drives the connection point of the first and second swing arms to move along a first direction, thereby driving the connector to move closer to the battery. The movement path of the connection point includes a dead point position. When the connection point moves along the first direction to or beyond the dead point position, the connector is located in the connection position with the battery. The dead point position is the collinear position of the first and second swing arms. The first and second swing arms achieve position locking through the dead point position to limit the connector from retraction. The drive mechanism does not need to continuously apply force to keep the connector connected to the battery. The movement path of the connection point includes a first limiting position. When the connection point moves along the first direction to pass through the dead point position and the angle between the first swing arm and the second swing arm reaches a preset angle, the connection point reaches the first limiting position. At this time, the connector is located at the connection position with the battery.

2. The connector anti-retraction assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The preset angle ranges from 177° to 179°.

3. The connector anti-retraction assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The connector anti-retraction component includes a first limiting mechanism, which is positioned on the movement path of at least one of the first swing arm, the second swing arm, and the connection point to limit the connection point to the first limiting position.

4. The connector anti-retraction assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism drives the connection point of the first swing arm and the second swing arm to move along a second direction, thereby driving the connector to move away from the battery, the movement path of the connection point includes a second limiting position, and when the connection point moves along the second direction to the second limiting position, the connector is located in a position separated from the battery.

5. The connector anti-retraction assembly as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The connector anti-retraction assembly includes a second limiting mechanism, which is positioned on the movement path of at least one of the first swing arm, the second swing arm, and the connection point to limit the connection point to the second limiting position.

6. The connector anti-retraction assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism includes a power source and a transmission rod. The power source drives the transmission rod to move. The transmission rod is connected to the connection point between the first swing rod and the second swing rod.

7. The connector anti-retraction assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The first rocker arm and the second rocker arm are respectively provided with a first pin hole and a second pin hole. The transmission rod is provided with a connector, and the connector is provided with a third pin hole. The first pin hole, the second pin hole and the third pin hole are hinged to the connection point by a first pin shaft.

8. The connector anti-retraction assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The power source is at least one of a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric motor.

9. The connector anti-retraction assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The direction of movement of the transmission rod is parallel to the first direction.

10. A connecting device, characterized in that: The device includes a connector, a bracket, and a connector anti-retraction assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the bracket is used for a fixed connection between the connecting device and a battery holder for placing the battery, and wherein the non-connecting end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the bracket.

11. The connecting device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The bracket is also provided with a swing arm mounting bracket. The non-connecting end of the first swing arm has a fourth pin hole, and the swing arm mounting bracket has a fifth pin hole. The fourth pin hole and the fifth pin hole are hinged together by a second pin shaft.

12. The connecting device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The connector includes a mounting base and a connector head. The connector head is fixedly mounted on the mounting base, and the mounting base is rotatably connected to the second rocker arm.

13. The connecting device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The mounting base is also provided with a connecting frame. The non-connecting end of the second swing arm is provided with a sixth pin hole, and the connecting frame is provided with a seventh pin hole. The sixth pin hole and the seventh pin hole are hinged together by a third pin shaft.

14. The connecting device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The connecting device further includes a guide assembly, which includes a guide portion and a mating portion. The guide portion is disposed on the bracket, and the mating portion is disposed on the mounting base. The guide portion and the mating portion cooperate to limit the movement direction of the connector.

15. The connecting device as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that: The guide portion includes a guide rail, the mating portion includes a slider, and the mounting base and the bracket are slidably connected via the guide rail and the slider.

16. The connecting device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The connector is an electrical connector, with one end for electrical connection to the battery and the other end for electrical connection to the power supply system via a power supply line.

17. The connecting device as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that: The connecting device also includes a cable tray, which is disposed on the mounting base and is used to support the power supply cable.

18. The connecting device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The connector is a liquid-cooled connector. One end of the liquid-cooled connector is used for liquid-cooled connection with the battery, and the other end is connected to the cooling system through a liquid-cooling pipe.

19. The connecting device as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that: The liquid cooling pipe includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, and the liquid cooling connector includes an inlet connected to the inlet pipe and an outlet connected to the outlet pipe; the coolant enters the battery through the inlet pipe and the inlet, and then returns to the cooling system from the battery through the outlet and the outlet pipe.

20. The connecting device as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that: The connecting device also includes a pipe bracket, which is mounted on the mounting base and is used to fix the liquid cooling pipe.

21. A battery holder, characterized in that: The device includes a frame, a tray, a bracket, and a connecting device as described in any one of claims 10 to 20, wherein the tray is used to carry the battery, the tray is disposed on the frame, and the connecting device is fixed to the frame by the bracket.

22. The battery rack as described in claim 21, characterized in that: The battery is movable to the tray in a third direction, and the connecting device is located on at least one side of the battery's movement path.

23. The battery rack as described in claim 22, characterized in that: The third direction is parallel to the first direction.

24. The battery rack as described in claim 22, characterized in that: The connecting device includes a first connecting device with an electrical connector and a second connecting device with a liquid-cooled connector, the first connecting device and the second connecting device being respectively disposed on both sides of the battery moving path.

25. The battery rack as described in claim 21, characterized in that: The battery rack includes multiple layers of trays arranged along a fourth direction, and each layer of trays should be equipped with the connecting device.

26. The battery rack as described in claim 25, characterized in that: The fourth direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

27. A battery swapping station, characterized in that: Includes the battery holder as described in any one of claims 21 to 26.

28. An energy storage station, characterized in that: Includes the battery holder as described in any one of claims 21 to 26.

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