Battery replacement station and battery replacement method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery swap station and a battery swap method thereof, the battery swap station includes at least one parking position, a battery compartment, a first battery swap device and a second battery swap device, the battery compartment at least stores a first battery pack for a first electric vehicle and a second battery pack for a second electric vehicle, the first battery pack is installed on the first electric vehicle through a first locking mechanism, and the second battery pack is installed on the second electric vehicle through a second locking mechanism; the first battery swap device and the second battery swap device are used to travel back and forth between the parking position and the battery compartment to replace the battery pack of the first electric vehicle or the second electric vehicle, wherein the first battery swap device is used to lock and unlock the first locking mechanism, and the second battery swap device is used to lock and unlock the second locking mechanism. The above-mentioned battery swap station and the battery swap method thereof can replace battery packs of various types and different locking types, can adapt to the battery swap of various electric vehicles, and the battery swap station has higher compatibility and a wider range of applications.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 2020104515801, filed on May 25, 2020. This application cites the entire text of the above Chinese Patent Application. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery swap station and a battery swap method thereof. Background Art

[0003] With the supply pressure and exhaust pollution brought by the consumption of traditional fossil energy, the development of traditional fuel vehicles has entered a sluggish period. Favored by the prospect of green energy, electric vehicles have shown a blowout development in recent years with their advantages of energy saving and environmental protection. The shortcomings of electric vehicles in terms of battery charging time have led to the emergence of quick-swap electric vehicles, that is, quickly replacing the battery pack on the electric vehicle, removing the depleted battery pack and installing a fully charged battery pack. The battery pack of electric vehicles is very heavy due to the range requirements. Therefore, the replacement of the battery pack needs to rely on proprietary equipment. Therefore, battery swap stations have emerged as a professional service place for replacing electric vehicle battery packs.

[0004] However, current battery swap stations are only tailored to the different models and battery pack specifications of each automobile manufacturer. That is to say, a battery swap station can only replace battery packs of the same specifications and the same locking method, which greatly limits the development prospects of battery swap stations. Summary of the invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect in the prior art that battery swap stations can only replace battery packs of one specification, and to provide a battery swap station and a battery swap method thereof.

[0006] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions:

[0007] The present invention provides a battery swap station, which is used to replace battery packs for electric vehicles. The battery swap station includes:

[0008] at least one parking space;

[0009] A battery compartment storing at least a first battery pack for a first electric vehicle and a second battery pack for a second electric vehicle, wherein the first battery pack is mounted on the first electric vehicle via a first locking mechanism, and the second battery pack is mounted on the second electric vehicle via a second locking mechanism;

[0010] A first battery exchange device and a second battery exchange device, wherein the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device are used to travel back and forth between the parking position and the battery compartment to replace the battery pack of the first electric vehicle or the second electric vehicle, wherein the first battery exchange device is used to lock and unlock the first locking mechanism, and the second battery exchange device is used to lock and unlock the second locking mechanism.

[0011] In the present technical solution, by placing the first battery pack and the second battery pack in the battery compartment and configuring the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device that can lock and unlock the first battery pack and the second battery pack, the battery exchange station can replace at least two types of battery packs, thereby being compatible with the battery exchange of at least the first electric vehicle and the second electric vehicle.

[0012] Preferably, the battery swap station further comprises a vehicle identification device, which is used to identify the battery pack type and locking mechanism type of the electric vehicle to be replaced.

[0013] The vehicle identification device is further used to send a first battery-changing signal to the first battery-changing device when the locking mechanism type is the first locking mechanism, and send a second battery-changing signal to the second battery-changing device when the locking mechanism type is the second locking mechanism;

[0014] The first battery replacement device and the second battery replacement device perform battery pack replacement operations according to the first battery replacement signal and the second battery replacement signal respectively.

[0015] In the present technical solution, by setting up a vehicle identification device, the battery pack type and locking mechanism type of the electric vehicle entering the parking position can be identified, thereby controlling the corresponding battery replacement equipment to execute the subsequent battery replacement process.

[0016] Preferably, the battery swap station further comprises a vehicle carrying platform, which is used to lift or lower the first electric vehicle located at the parking position to a first height; the vehicle carrying platform is also used to lift or lower the second electric vehicle located at the parking position to a second height.

[0017] In this technical solution, the vehicle loading platform can adjust the parking position to different heights according to the type of electric vehicle parked at the parking position, that is, lift the electric vehicle to different heights, so as to adapt to the height space requirements for disassembling and installing battery packs during the battery replacement process of different types of battery packs.

[0018] Preferably, the battery compartment is located on one side of the parking position, and the battery swap station is provided with an avoidance area, which is located between the battery compartment and the parking position or on the other side of the parking position relative to the battery compartment, and the avoidance area is used to allow the first battery swap device and the second battery swap device to avoid each other during walking.

[0019] In this technical solution, by setting an avoidance area, the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device can be prevented from interfering with each other during the movement.

[0020] Preferably, the battery compartment has a battery access opening, and the avoidance area is arranged on any one side or both sides of a walking path between the parking position and the battery access opening.

[0021] In the present technical solution, when the battery compartment has only one battery access port, the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device have overlapping walking paths, and the avoidance area is set on any one side or both sides of the walking path, so that the first battery exchange device or the second battery exchange device can avoid the other battery exchange device.

[0022] Preferably, the battery compartment has two battery access ports, and the avoidance area of ​​one of the battery access ports is a walking path between the other battery access port and the parking position.

[0023] In the present technical solution, when the battery compartment has two battery access ports, the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device can be respectively designed with a separate non-overlapping walking path, so that the walking path corresponding to one of the battery access ports and the parking position can be used as an avoidance area between the other battery access port and the parking position.

[0024] Preferably, the battery compartments are distributed on both sides of the parking position, namely the first battery compartment and the second battery compartment, the first battery compartment is used to place the first battery pack, the second battery compartment is used to place the second battery pack, the first battery exchange device travels back and forth between the first battery compartment and the parking position to replace the battery pack of the first electric vehicle, and the second battery exchange device travels back and forth between the second battery compartment and the parking position to replace the battery pack of the second electric vehicle.

[0025] In this technical solution, the first battery pack is placed in the first battery compartment, and the second battery pack is placed in the second battery compartment. The first battery compartment and the second battery compartment are arranged on both sides of the parking position, so that the two types of battery packs have independent storage areas, and the first battery exchange equipment is on the same side as the first battery compartment, and the second battery exchange equipment is on the same side as the second battery compartment, which optimizes the structure of the battery exchange station and the battery pack placement process design.

[0026] Preferably, the first battery compartment and the second battery compartment respectively have a battery access port, and the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device respectively exchange battery packs through the corresponding battery access port.

[0027] In this technical solution, by providing a battery access port for the first battery compartment and the second battery compartment respectively, the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device can exchange battery packs through the corresponding battery access ports, so that the battery exchange process of the first battery pack and the battery exchange process of the second battery pack are independent of each other, further optimizing the design of the battery exchange station and the battery exchange process.

[0028] Preferably, the first power exchange device is also used to lock and unlock the second locking mechanism, and the second power exchange device is also used to lock and unlock the first locking mechanism.

[0029] In this technical solution, the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device can lock and unlock the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism, so that the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device can be compatible with the replacement of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, thereby improving the battery exchange efficiency.

[0030] Preferably, the number of the parking spaces is multiple, and the number of the first battery exchange devices and the second battery exchange devices is also multiple.

[0031] In this technical solution, the number of parking positions, first battery exchange equipment, and second battery exchange equipment can be designed according to actual battery exchange needs.

[0032] The present invention provides a battery replacement method. The battery replacement station used in the battery replacement method is as described in the above technical solution. The battery replacement method comprises the following steps:

[0033] Obtain the type of the electric vehicle that enters the parking position and the type of the locking mechanism of the battery pack;

[0034] Control the first battery exchange device or the second battery exchange device that matches the locking mechanism type to remove the depleted battery pack of the electric vehicle.

[0035] In the present technical solution, through the above-mentioned battery replacement method, after obtaining the electric vehicle type and the corresponding battery pack locking mechanism type, the matching battery replacement equipment can be controlled to remove the old battery pack of the electric vehicle, so that the battery replacement station can be compatible with the removal of battery packs of different types of battery replacement vehicles.

[0036] Preferably, the battery replacement method further includes the following steps: controlling the first battery replacement device or the second battery replacement device to install a fully charged battery pack onto the electric vehicle.

[0037] In this technical solution, the battery pack of an electric vehicle can be replaced by the above-mentioned battery replacement method. The first battery replacement device and the second battery replacement device can be compatible with the disassembly and installation of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, which can further improve the efficiency of battery replacement and the flexibility of the battery replacement process.

[0038] On the basis of being in accordance with the common sense in the art, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be arbitrarily combined to obtain the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] The positive and progressive effects of the present invention are:

[0040] The above-mentioned battery swap station and battery swap method, by placing various types of battery packs in the battery compartment and configuring battery swap equipment that can lock and unlock various types of battery packs, enable the battery swap station to replace various types of battery packs and adapt to the battery swap of various electric vehicles. Compared with the existing battery swap station that can only replace one type of battery pack, this battery swap station has higher compatibility and a wider range of applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of a battery swap station according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of a battery swap station according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of a battery swap station according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of a battery swap station according to embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of a battery swap station according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of a battery swap station according to Example 6 of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the battery swap station according to Example 7 of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of a battery swap station according to Example 8 of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the battery swap station according to Example 9 of the present invention.

[0050] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the steps of the battery replacement method at the battery replacement station according to embodiment 10 of the present invention.

[0051] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of the steps of the battery replacement method of the battery replacement station according to embodiment 11 of the present invention.

[0052] Description of Reference Numerals

[0053] Parking platform 1

[0054] Parking space 11

[0055] First parking space 111

[0056] Second parking space 112

[0057] Battery compartment 2

[0058] Battery access port 21

[0059] First access port 211

[0060] Second access opening 212

[0061] The third access port 213

[0062] Fourth access port 214

[0063] First battery compartment 22

[0064] Second battery compartment 23

[0065] First battery replacement equipment 3

[0066] Second battery replacement equipment 4

[0067] Vehicle identification device 5

[0068] Walking Path 6

[0069] First walking path 61

[0070] Second walking path 62

[0071] Third walking path 63

[0072] Fourth walking path 64

[0073] Avoidance Zone 7

[0074] First avoidance area 71

[0075] Second avoidance area 72

[0076] Palletizer 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The present invention is further described below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the examples.

[0078] Example 1

[0079] Figure 1The embodiment 1 of the battery swap station of the present invention is shown. The battery swap station is used to replace the battery pack of an electric vehicle. There are two types of electric vehicles that can be replaced, namely, a first electric vehicle and a second electric vehicle; there are also two types of battery packs used for battery replacement, namely, a first battery pack and a second battery pack. The first battery pack is installed on the first electric vehicle through a first locking mechanism, and the second battery pack is installed on the second electric vehicle through a second locking mechanism.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery swap station includes a parking platform 1 and a battery compartment 2 located on one side of the parking platform 1. A parking position 11 is provided on the parking platform 1. A first battery pack and a second battery pack are stored in the battery compartment 2. The battery swap station also includes a first battery swap device 3 and a second battery swap device 4.

[0081] The first battery exchange device 3 is used to travel back and forth between the parking position 11 and the battery compartment 2 to replace the battery pack of the first electric vehicle, and the first battery exchange device 3 is also used to lock and unlock the first locking mechanism. Specifically, the first battery exchange device 3 can take the first battery pack out of the battery compartment 2 and move it to the first electric vehicle, lock the first locking mechanism, and fix the first battery pack to the first electric vehicle; at the same time, the first battery exchange device 3 can also unlock the first locking mechanism, so that the first battery pack is separated from the first electric vehicle, and then the first battery pack is moved to the battery compartment 2.

[0082] The second battery exchange device 4 is used to travel back and forth between the parking position 11 and the battery compartment 2 to replace the battery pack of the second electric vehicle, and the second battery exchange device 4 is also used to lock and unlock the second locking mechanism. Specifically, the second battery exchange device 4 can take the second battery pack out of the battery compartment 2 and move it to the second electric vehicle, lock the second locking mechanism, and fix the second battery pack to the second electric vehicle; at the same time, the second battery exchange device 4 can also unlock the second locking mechanism, so that the second battery pack is separated from the second electric vehicle, and then the second battery pack is moved to the battery compartment 2.

[0083] By setting up a battery compartment 2 for storing two types of battery packs, and respectively configuring corresponding battery exchange equipment (i.e., a first battery exchange equipment 3 and a second battery exchange equipment 4) for the two types of battery packs, the battery exchange station can exchange batteries for battery packs of two types of electric vehicles (i.e., a first electric vehicle and a second electric vehicle), thereby being compatible with the battery exchange functions of the two types of battery packs and improving the compatibility of the battery exchange station.

[0084] In order to improve the battery exchange efficiency, the first battery exchange device 3 is also used to lock and unlock the second locking mechanism, that is, the first battery exchange device 3 can lock the second locking mechanism to allow the second battery pack to be installed on the second electric vehicle. At the same time, the first battery exchange device 3 can also unlock the second locking mechanism to allow the second battery pack to be detached from the second electric vehicle.

[0085] Similarly, in order to improve the battery replacement efficiency, the second battery replacement device 4 is also used to lock and unlock the first locking mechanism, that is, the second battery replacement device 4 can lock the first locking mechanism to allow the first battery pack to be installed on the first electric vehicle. At the same time, the second battery replacement device 4 can also unlock the first locking mechanism to allow the first battery pack to be detached from the first electric vehicle.

[0086] In order to make the first battery exchange device 3 compatible with the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism, and to achieve the purpose of compatible replacement of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, the first battery exchange device 3 is provided with a first disassembly and assembly mechanism and a second disassembly and assembly mechanism. When the first battery pack needs to be replaced, the first disassembly and assembly mechanism on the first battery exchange device 3 is used to lock and unlock the first locking mechanism; when the second battery pack is replaced, the second disassembly and assembly mechanism on the first battery exchange device 3 is used to lock and unlock the second locking mechanism.

[0087] Similarly, in order to make the second battery exchange device 4 compatible with the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism, and to achieve the purpose of compatible replacement of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, the second battery exchange device 4 is also provided with a first disassembly and assembly mechanism and a second disassembly and assembly mechanism. When the first battery pack needs to be replaced, the first disassembly and assembly mechanism on the second battery exchange device 4 is used to lock and unlock the first locking mechanism; when the second battery pack needs to be replaced, the second disassembly and assembly mechanism on the second battery exchange device 4 is used to lock and unlock the second locking mechanism.

[0088] Since the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4 is provided with a first disassembly and assembly mechanism and a second disassembly and assembly mechanism, it is also possible to complete the battery exchange of the first battery pack and the second battery pack using only one battery exchange device (the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4).

[0089] In other embodiments, there may be multiple types of battery packs, and correspondingly, there may be multiple battery swapping devices, each of which corresponds to the battery swapping of one type of battery pack. One battery swapping device corresponds to the battery swapping of at least one type of battery pack. In order to improve the compatibility and efficiency of the battery swapping device, one battery swapping device may also correspond to the battery swapping of multiple types of battery packs.

[0090] There can be multiple parking positions 11, and multiple parking positions 11 can park multiple electric vehicles to improve the efficiency of battery replacement. Correspondingly, there can be multiple first battery replacement devices 3 and second battery replacement devices 4, and each parking position 11 is equipped with a first battery replacement device 3 and a second battery replacement device 4. Of course, the first battery replacement device 3 or the second battery replacement device 4 is provided with a first disassembly and assembly mechanism, and only one battery replacement device (the first battery replacement device 3 or the second battery replacement device 4) can be used to complete the battery replacement of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, that is, each parking position 11 is equipped with a battery replacement device. In the case where the space of the battery replacement station is relatively tight or the frequency of battery replacement is low, one battery replacement device can also be used to correspond to multiple parking positions 11. The number of battery replacement equipment and parking positions is set according to the actual battery replacement needs of the battery replacement station.

[0091] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery swap station also includes a vehicle identification device 5, which is used to identify the battery pack type and locking mechanism type of the electric vehicle to be replaced.

[0092] The vehicle identification device 5 is also used to send a first battery replacement signal to the first battery replacement device 3 when the locking mechanism type is the first locking mechanism, that is, the electric vehicle parked in the parking position 11 is the first electric vehicle, and the battery pack to be replaced is the first battery pack. The first battery replacement device 3 performs a battery pack replacement operation according to the first battery replacement signal, that is, replaces the first battery pack of the first electric vehicle. At this time, if the second battery replacement device 4 is also compatible with the function of replacing the first battery pack, the vehicle identification device 5 can also send a first battery replacement signal to the second battery replacement device 4, and the second battery replacement device 4 performs a battery pack replacement operation according to the first battery replacement signal, that is, replaces the first battery pack of the first electric vehicle.

[0093] The vehicle identification device 5 is also used to send a second battery replacement signal to the second battery replacement device 4 when the locking mechanism type is the second locking mechanism, that is, the electric vehicle parked in the parking position 11 is the second electric vehicle, and the battery pack to be replaced is the second battery pack. The second battery replacement device 4 performs a battery pack replacement operation according to the second battery replacement signal, that is, replaces the second battery pack of the second electric vehicle. At this time, if the first battery replacement device 3 is also compatible with the function of replacing the second battery pack, the vehicle identification device 5 can also send a second battery replacement signal to the first battery replacement device 3, and the first battery replacement device 3 performs a battery pack replacement operation according to the second battery replacement signal, that is, replaces the second battery pack of the second electric vehicle.

[0094] By setting up the vehicle identification device 5, the battery pack type and locking mechanism type of the electric vehicle entering the parking position 11 can be identified, so as to determine the subsequent battery replacement process. The vehicle identification device 5 can be set at the entrance of the parking platform 1. In this way, when the electric vehicle enters the parking platform 1, the battery pack type and locking mechanism type of the electric vehicle can be immediately identified.

[0095] The height of the disassembly or installation position of the battery pack of different models of electric vehicles is different. During the battery replacement process, the height of the electric vehicle needs to be adjusted according to the different models of electric vehicles (i.e., the battery pack type and the locking mechanism type). Therefore, the battery replacement station also includes a vehicle-carrying platform, and the parking position 11 is located on the upper surface of the vehicle-carrying platform. The height position of the parking position 11 can be achieved by lifting and moving the vehicle-carrying platform. Specifically, the height of the parking position 11 can be adjusted by the lifting mechanism set at the bottom of the vehicle-carrying platform during the lifting or lowering process. The lifting mechanism can adjust the parking position 11 to different heights according to the type of electric vehicle parked at the parking position 11, that is, lift the electric vehicle to different heights. For example, when the electric vehicle located at the parking position 11 is a first electric vehicle, the lifting mechanism lifts the first electric vehicle located at the parking position 11 to a first height, and the first height can adapt to the battery replacement process of the first battery pack; for another example, when the electric vehicle located at the parking position 11 is a second electric vehicle, the lifting mechanism lifts the second electric vehicle located at the parking position 11 to a second height, and the second height can adapt to the battery replacement process of the second battery pack; wherein, the battery replacement process includes battery removal and battery installation processes.

[0096] In another embodiment, the first height may include a first sub-height, a second sub-height, a third sub-height, and a fourth sub-height, which respectively correspond to the four height positions corresponding to the vehicle-carrying platform during the removal or installation of the battery, and the four height positions realize the adjustment of the height position of the parking position 11. Specifically: the first sub-height is the initial height position of the electric vehicle when it enters the vehicle-carrying platform; the second sub-height is the height position at which the vehicle-carrying platform lifts the electric vehicle to enable the unloaded battery exchange equipment to enter and exit the bottom of the electric vehicle; the third sub-height is the height position at which the vehicle-carrying platform lowers the electric vehicle to enable the battery exchange equipment to remove the battery from the bottom of the electric vehicle or install the battery to the bottom of the electric vehicle; the fourth sub-height is the height position at which the vehicle-carrying platform lifts the electric vehicle to enable the battery exchange equipment loaded with the battery to enter and exit the bottom of the electric vehicle. Similarly, the second height may also include four sub-heights.

[0097] In another embodiment, the first height and / or the second height may be the initial height position of the electric vehicle entering the vehicle loading platform, and the electric vehicle removes or installs the battery at this initial height position. During the battery removal or installation process, the position change of the battery exchange device and the bottom of the electric vehicle is achieved by adjusting the height position of the corresponding battery exchange device.

[0098] In other embodiments, there may be multiple models of electric vehicles (i.e., battery pack types and locking mechanism types). Correspondingly, the lifting mechanism may also be adjusted to a corresponding height according to the battery replacement requirements of different electric vehicles.

[0099] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery compartment 2 has a battery rack for placing battery packs, and the battery compartment 2 has a battery access port 21 on the side facing the parking platform 1. A palletizer 8 is provided in the battery compartment 2. The palletizer 8 is used to move the battery packs in the battery compartment 2 between the battery access port 21 and the battery rack, and the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4 takes out or puts in the battery pack from the battery access port 21. Specifically, when taking out the old battery pack from the electric vehicle, the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4 passes the old battery pack from the battery access port 21 to the palletizer 8, and the palletizer 8 places the old battery pack on the battery rack; when installing a new battery pack on the electric vehicle, the palletizer 8 takes the new battery pack from the battery rack and moves it to the battery access port 21, and the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4 takes out the new battery pack on the palletizer 8 from the battery access port 21, and the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4 moves to the parking position 11 to install the new battery pack on the electric vehicle.

[0100] A walking path 6 is formed between the parking position 11 and the battery access port 21 of the battery compartment 2, and the walking path 6 is used for the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 to travel back and forth between the parking position 11 and the battery access port 21. In order to avoid mutual interference between the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 during walking on the walking path 6, an avoidance area 7 is also provided between the battery compartment 2 and the parking position 11. The avoidance area 7 does not overlap with the walking path 6 and is connected to the avoidance area 7. The avoidance area 7 is used to park the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4.

[0101] The avoidance area 7 is used to allow the first power exchange device 3 and the second power exchange device 4 to avoid each other during walking. For example, during the movement of the first power exchange device 3, the second power exchange device 4 can be moved to the avoidance area 7, so that the first power exchange device 3 can walk on the walking path 6 without obstacles. And during the movement of the second power exchange device 4, the first power exchange device 3 can be moved to the avoidance area 7, so that the second power exchange device 4 can walk on the walking path 6 without obstacles. In this embodiment, there are two avoidance areas 7, and the avoidance area 7 is set on one side of the walking path 6.

[0102] Example 2

[0103] Figure 2 The second embodiment of the battery swap station of the present invention is shown. Most of the structure of the battery swap station of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that two avoidance areas 7 are arranged on the opposite side of the walking path 6 to the first embodiment.

[0104] Example 3

[0105] Figure 3The third embodiment of the battery swap station of the present invention is shown. Most of the structures of the battery swap station of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, except that two avoidance areas 7 are respectively arranged on both sides of the walking path 6, and the two avoidance areas 7 are staggered with each other, that is, the intersection points of the two avoidance areas 7 and the walking path 6 are at two positions of the walking path 6.

[0106] Example 4

[0107] Figure 4 The example 4 of the battery swap station of the present invention is shown. Most of the structures of the battery swap station of the example 4 are the same as those of the example 1, except that two avoidance areas 7 are respectively arranged on both sides of the walking path 6, and the two avoidance areas 7 are aligned, that is, the intersections of the two avoidance areas 7 and the walking path 6 converge at one position of the walking path 6.

[0108] Example 5

[0109] Figure 5 The embodiment 5 of the battery swap station of the present invention is shown. Most of the structures of the battery swap station of the embodiment 5 are the same as those of the embodiment 1, except that the walking path 6 passes through the parking position 11 to the side of the parking position 11 away from the battery compartment 2, that is, the first battery swap device 3 and the second battery swap device 4 can pass through the bottom of the electric car and move to the side of the parking position 11 away from the battery compartment 2. The two avoidance areas 7 are the first avoidance area 71 and the second avoidance area 72, respectively. The first avoidance area 71 is located between the battery compartment 2 and the parking position 11 and is set on one side of the walking path 6; and the second avoidance area 72 is located on the side of the parking position 11 away from the battery compartment 2 and is set at the end of the walking path 6.

[0110] The position of the avoidance area 7 described in the above embodiments 1 to 5 can be selected according to the moving paths of the first battery swapping device 3 and the second battery swapping device 4 during the battery swapping process of the battery swapping station. The reasonable design of the avoidance area 7 can simplify the battery swapping process and save battery swapping time.

[0111] Example 6

[0112] Figure 6The example 6 of the battery swap station of the present invention is shown. Most of the structures of the battery swap station of the example 6 are the same as those of the example 1, except that: the battery compartment 2 has two battery access ports 21, which are respectively the first access port 211 and the second access port 212; there are also two walking paths 6, which are respectively the first walking path 61 and the second walking path 62. The first walking path 61 connects the parking position 11 and the first access port 211, and the second walking path 62 connects the parking position 11 and the second access port 212. The first battery swap device 3 walks on the first walking path 61, and the second battery swap device 4 walks on the second walking path 62. Since the first walking path 61 and the second walking path 62 do not overlap with each other, the first walking path 61 is an avoidance area relative to the second battery swap device 4, and the second walking path 62 is an avoidance area relative to the first battery swap device 3.

[0113] By providing two battery access ports 21, the movement of the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 can be relatively independent, so that the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 do not need to avoid each other, thereby improving the battery exchange efficiency.

[0114] Example 7

[0115] Figure 7 The figure shows the embodiment 7 of the battery swap station of the present invention. The structure of the parking platform and the structure of the battery compartment of the battery swap station of the embodiment 7 are the same as those of the embodiment 1, except that:

[0116] There are two battery compartments 2, which are the first battery compartment 22 and the second battery compartment 23. The first battery compartment 22 and the second battery compartment 23 are distributed on both sides of the parking position 11. The first battery compartment 22 is used to place the first battery pack, and the second battery compartment 23 is used to place the second battery pack. The first battery exchange device 3 travels back and forth between the first battery compartment 22 and the parking position 11 to replace the battery pack of the first electric vehicle, and the second battery exchange device 4 travels back and forth between the second battery compartment 23 and the parking position 11 to replace the battery pack of the second electric vehicle.

[0117] The first battery compartment 22 and the second battery compartment 23 respectively have a battery access port 21, and the two battery access ports 21 are respectively a third access port 213 and a fourth access port 214, that is, the first battery compartment 22 has a third access port 213, and the second battery compartment 23 has a fourth access port 214. The first battery exchange device 3 exchanges the battery pack through the third access port 213, and the second battery exchange device 4 exchanges the battery pack through the fourth access port 214.

[0118] Correspondingly, there are two walking paths 6, namely the third walking path 63 and the fourth walking path 64. The third walking path 63 extends from the third access port 213 to the parking position 11; the first battery exchange device 3 walks on the third walking path 63, and travels back and forth between the third access port 213 of the first battery compartment 22 and the parking position 11. The fourth walking path 64 extends from the fourth access port 214 to the parking position 11; the second battery exchange device 4 walks on the fourth walking path 64, and travels back and forth between the fourth access port 214 of the second battery compartment 23 and the parking position 11.

[0119] Since the first battery compartment 22 and the second battery compartment 23 are distributed on both sides of the parking position 11, the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 will not interfere with each other during the battery exchange process, and there is no need to set up an avoidance area, which improves the battery exchange efficiency and simplifies the battery exchange process.

[0120] Example 8

[0121] Figure 8 The eighth embodiment of the battery swap station of the present invention is shown. Most structures of the battery swap station of the eighth embodiment are the same as those of the seventh embodiment, except that:

[0122] There are two parking positions 11, which are the first parking position 111 and the second parking position 112. The third walking path 63 extends from the third access port 213 to the first parking position 111; the first battery exchange device 3 walks on the third walking path 63, and travels back and forth between the third access port 213 of the first battery compartment 22 and the first parking position 111. The fourth walking path 64 extends from the fourth access port 214 to the second parking position 112; the second battery exchange device 4 walks on the fourth walking path 64, and travels back and forth between the fourth access port 214 of the second battery compartment 23 and the second parking position 112.

[0123] When the electric vehicle entering the parking platform 1 is a first electric vehicle, the first electric vehicle is parked at the first parking position 111, and the first battery exchange device 3 is used to exchange the battery; when the electric vehicle entering the parking platform 1 is a second electric vehicle, the second electric vehicle is parked at the second parking position 112, and the second battery exchange device 4 is used to exchange the battery.

[0124] By designing the corresponding first parking position 111 and second parking position 112 for the first electric car and the second electric car, the parking positions can be individually designed according to the battery replacement requirements of different electric vehicles, such as the height and area of ​​the parking positions.

[0125] For example, in another embodiment, the first parking position 111 and the second parking position 112 may be arranged side by side, that is, different from Figure 8The first battery compartment 22 and the second battery compartment 23 are arranged side by side on the vehicle platform, not in the front and back manner as shown in the figure, but are arranged side by side on the left and right between the first battery compartment 22 and the second battery compartment 23. Correspondingly, the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 can respectively travel back and forth between the third access port 213 of the first battery compartment 22 and the first parking position 111, and the fourth access port 214 of the second battery compartment 23 and the second parking position 112. In addition, the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 can also walk on the same walking path, which extends from the third access port 213 of the first battery compartment 22 to the first parking position 111, the second parking position 112 and the fourth access port 214 of the second battery compartment 23 in sequence. The avoidance area of ​​the first battery exchange device 3 and / or the second battery exchange device 4 can be set on the walking path to ensure that the other battery exchange device can walk normally.

[0126] In other embodiments, the number of parking spaces 11 may be more than two to accommodate the battery replacement needs of battery packs of various types of electric vehicles.

[0127] In other embodiments, the battery swapping equipment does not necessarily correspond to the parking positions one by one. One parking position may correspond to multiple battery swapping equipment, and multiple battery swapping equipment may correspond to one parking position. The number of battery swapping equipment and parking positions can be adjusted according to the actual battery swapping demand.

[0128] Example 9

[0129] Fig. 9 The figure shows the embodiment 9 of the battery swap station of the present invention. Most structures of the battery swap station of the embodiment 9 are the same as those of the embodiment 8, except that:

[0130] The third walking path 63 extends from the third access port 213 through the first parking position 111 to the fourth access port 214, and the fourth walking path 64 extends from the fourth access port 214 through the second parking position 112 to the third access port 213. The third walking path 63 and the fourth walking path 64 are connected end to end to form a circular route. The first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 can walk on the circular route and can reach the third access port 213, the first parking position 111, the fourth access port 214, and the second parking position 112, so that the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 can be compatible with the battery exchange of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, thereby improving the battery exchange efficiency.

[0131] Example 10

[0132] Fig.10 Embodiment 10 of the present invention is shown, which provides a battery replacement method at a battery replacement station, and the battery replacement method includes the following steps:

[0133] S1, obtaining the type of the electric vehicle entering the parking position 11 and the type of the locking mechanism of the battery pack;

[0134] S2. Control the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4 that matches the locking mechanism type to dismantle the depleted battery pack of the electric vehicle.

[0135] In step S2, if the electric vehicle is a first electric vehicle, the first battery exchange device 3 is controlled to remove the deficient first battery pack of the first electric vehicle; if the electric vehicle is a second electric vehicle, the second battery exchange device 4 is controlled to remove the deficient second battery pack of the second electric vehicle.

[0136] When the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 are compatible with the disassembly of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, if the electric vehicle is a first electric vehicle, the second battery exchange device 4 can also be controlled to disassemble the deficient first battery pack of the first electric vehicle; if the electric vehicle is a second electric vehicle, the first battery exchange device 3 can also be controlled to disassemble the deficient second battery pack of the second electric vehicle.

[0137] The battery replacement method of the battery replacement station can realize the disassembly of the old battery pack of the electric vehicle. The first battery replacement device 3 and the second battery replacement device 4 can be compatible with the disassembly of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, which can further improve the battery replacement efficiency and the flexibility of the battery replacement process.

[0138] Embodiment 11

[0139] Fig.11 Embodiment 11 of the present invention is shown, which provides a method for exchanging power at an exchange station, and the method for exchanging power includes the following steps:

[0140] S1, obtaining the type of the electric vehicle entering the parking position 11 and the type of the locking mechanism of the battery pack;

[0141] S2, controlling the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4 that matches the locking mechanism type to dismantle the low-power battery pack of the electric vehicle;

[0142] S3. Control the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4 to install the fully charged battery pack on the electric vehicle.

[0143] If the electric vehicle is the first electric vehicle, in step S2, the first battery exchange device 3 is controlled to remove the depleted first battery pack of the first electric vehicle, and in step S3, the first battery exchange device 3 is controlled to install the fully charged first battery pack on the first electric vehicle.

[0144] If the electric vehicle is the second electric vehicle, in step S2, the second battery exchange device 4 is controlled to remove the depleted second battery pack of the second electric vehicle, and in step S3, the second battery exchange device 4 is controlled to install the fully charged second battery pack on the second electric vehicle.

[0145] In the case where the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 are compatible with the disassembly and installation of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, in step S2, if the electric vehicle is the first electric vehicle, the second battery exchange device 4 can be controlled to disassemble the first battery pack of the first electric vehicle that is depleted; if the electric vehicle is the second electric vehicle, the first battery exchange device 3 can be controlled to disassemble the second battery pack of the second electric vehicle that is depleted. In step S3, if the electric vehicle is the first electric vehicle, the second battery exchange device 4 can be controlled to install the fully charged first battery pack on the first electric vehicle; if the electric vehicle is the second electric vehicle, the first battery exchange device 3 can be controlled to disassemble the second battery pack of the second electric vehicle that is depleted.

[0146] The battery replacement method of the battery replacement station can realize the battery replacement of the battery pack of the electric vehicle. The first battery replacement device 3 and the second battery replacement device 4 can be compatible with the disassembly and installation of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, which can further improve the battery replacement efficiency and the flexibility of the battery replacement process.

[0147] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention are described above, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this is only for illustration and the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery swap station, which is used to replace battery packs for electric vehicles, characterized in that: The battery swap station comprises: at least one parking space; A battery compartment storing at least a first battery pack for a first electric vehicle and a second battery pack for a second electric vehicle, wherein the first battery pack is mounted on the first electric vehicle via a first locking mechanism, and the second battery pack is mounted on the second electric vehicle via a second locking mechanism; a first battery-swapping device and a second battery-swapping device, wherein the first battery-swapping device and the second battery-swapping device are used to travel back and forth between the parking position and the battery compartment to replace the battery pack of the first electric vehicle or the second electric vehicle, wherein the first battery-swapping device is used to lock and unlock the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism, and the second battery-swapping device is used to lock and unlock the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism; The battery compartment is located on one side of the parking position, and the battery swap station is provided with an avoidance area, which is located between the battery compartment and the parking position or on the other side of the parking position relative to the battery compartment, and the avoidance area is used to allow the first battery swap device and the second battery swap device to avoid each other during walking.

2. The battery swap station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery swap station also includes a vehicle identification device, which is used to identify the battery pack type and locking mechanism type of the electric vehicle to be replaced. The vehicle identification device is further used to send a first battery-changing signal to the first battery-changing device when the locking mechanism type is the first locking mechanism, and send a second battery-changing signal to the second battery-changing device when the locking mechanism type is the second locking mechanism; The first battery replacement device and the second battery replacement device perform battery pack replacement operations according to the first battery replacement signal and the second battery replacement signal respectively.

3. The battery swap station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery swap station also includes a vehicle loading platform, which is used to lift or lower the first electric vehicle located at the parking position to a first height; the vehicle loading platform is also used to lift or lower the second electric vehicle located at the parking position to a second height.

4. The battery swap station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery compartment has a battery access opening, and the avoidance area is arranged on any one side or both sides of a walking path between the parking position and the battery access opening.

5. The battery swap station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery compartment has two battery access ports, wherein the avoidance area of ​​one of the battery access ports is a walking path between the other battery access port and the parking position.

6. The battery swap station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the parking locations is multiple, and / or the number of the first battery exchange devices and the second battery exchange devices is also multiple.

7. A battery replacement method, wherein the battery replacement station used in the battery replacement method is as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The battery replacement method comprises the following steps: Obtain the type of the electric vehicle that enters the parking position and the type of the locking mechanism of the battery pack; Control the first battery exchange device or the second battery exchange device that matches the locking mechanism type to remove the depleted battery pack of the electric vehicle.

8. The battery replacement method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The battery replacement method further comprises the following steps: Control the first battery exchange device or the second battery exchange device to install a fully charged battery pack on the electric vehicle.

Images