A locking mechanism and an electric vehicle

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of electric vehicle battery replacement, and discloses a locking mechanism and an electric vehicle. The locking mechanism comprises a locking body assembly, a lock core assembly, an elastic element and a protective cover. The locking body assembly is provided with a locking cavity and a lock hole communicated with the locking cavity. The lock core assembly is located in the locking cavity and is configured to lock a locking pin extending into the locking cavity. The elastic element is arranged outside the locking body assembly and surrounds the lock hole. The protective cover is arranged outside the elastic element and is movably connected to the locking body assembly. The protective cover is provided with a cover hole communicated with the lock hole. The electric vehicle comprises the above locking mechanism. In the application, the protective cover is arranged outside the elastic element to protect the elastic element, so that the elastic element is not directly contacted with the outside world, and the elastic element is prevented from being stuck by foreign matters such as stones and sand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric vehicle battery swapping technology, and more particularly to a locking mechanism and an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In electric vehicles powered by rechargeable batteries, the excessively long charging time of the batteries hinders the widespread application of electric vehicles. To address this issue, existing technologies integrate the batteries in electric vehicles into battery packs, which are designed to be replaceable. When the driving range of an electric vehicle is insufficient, the existing battery pack can be replaced with another battery pack that has been fully charged, thereby effectively saving charging time.

[0003] Existing battery packs are detachably mounted on electric vehicles via locking mechanisms. However, in these mechanisms, the elastic element controlling the locking stroke is exposed, making it susceptible to jamming by foreign objects such as stones and mud, which affects battery pack replacement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a locking mechanism and an electric vehicle that can protect elastic elements.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A locking mechanism, comprising:

[0007] A locking body assembly, wherein the locking body assembly is provided with a locking cavity and a locking port communicating with the locking cavity;

[0008] A lock cylinder assembly, located within the locking cavity, is configured to lock a locking pin extending into the locking cavity;

[0009] An elastic element is disposed on the outside of the locking body assembly, surrounding the lock opening;

[0010] A protective cover is provided on the outside of the elastic element and is movably connected to the locking body assembly. The protective cover has a cover opening that communicates with the lock opening.

[0011] Preferably, the device also includes a guide member, through which the cover is slidably connected to the locking body assembly.

[0012] Preferably, the guide member is connected to the protective cover, and a groove is provided on the outer side of the locking body assembly, in which the guide member is slidably disposed.

[0013] Preferably, multiple guide members are provided, and the multiple guide members are evenly distributed along the circumference of the protective cover, and each guide member is provided with a groove.

[0014] Preferably, the end of the slide groove facing the lock opening is provided with a stop surface, and the elastic element drives the guide member to abut against the stop surface.

[0015] Preferably, the inner wall of the protective cover is provided with a reinforcing ridge, and the guide is disposed on the reinforcing ridge.

[0016] Preferably, the length direction of the reinforcing rib is parallel to the length direction of the groove.

[0017] Preferably, the reinforcing rib is provided with a plurality of mounting holes spaced apart along its length, one of which is used to detachably install the guide member, and the remaining mounting holes are used to detachably install plugs.

[0018] Preferably, the outer side of the locking body assembly is provided with an annular boss, the annular boss is arranged around the lock opening and can abut against the protective cover, and the elastic element is arranged around the annular boss.

[0019] An electric vehicle includes the aforementioned locking mechanism.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] Covering the elastic element with a protective cover can protect the elastic element, preventing it from direct contact with the outside world and avoiding the jamming of the elastic element by foreign objects such as stones and mud. In addition, the elastic element is limited and fixed by the protective cover, so there is no need to set up a structure to fix the elastic element on the locking body assembly, reducing interference with the elastic element and making fuller use of the elastic energy of the elastic element. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in one orientation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism from another direction according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism without a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism described in an embodiment of the present invention, omitting the protective cover and elastic element;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the lock body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the lock body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the lock cylinder assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base in one orientation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the base from another direction according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the base described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the locking pin structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In the picture:

[0036] 1. Locking body assembly;

[0037] 11. Lock body; 111. Slide groove; 112. Annular boss; 113. Locking groove; 1131. First pre-tightening surface; 12. Base; 121. Adjustment port; 122. Receiving groove; 123. Sensor mounting hole; 124. Fastening hole;

[0038] 2. Lock cylinder assembly;

[0039] 21. Cage; 211. Second preload surface; 22. Preload element; 23. Reset elastic element; 24. Suction plate;

[0040] 3. Elastic elements;

[0041] 4. Protective cover; 41. Reinforcing ridge;

[0042] 5. Guide components;

[0043] 6. Lock the sensor;

[0044] 100. Locking pin; 101. Annular locking groove. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0046] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0048] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0049] like Figures 1-13 As shown, the present invention provides a locking mechanism, including a locking body assembly 1, a lock cylinder assembly 2, an elastic element 3, and a protective cover 4. The locking body assembly 1 has a locking cavity and a locking port communicating with the locking cavity. The lock cylinder assembly 2 is located within the locking cavity and is configured to lock a locking pin 100 extending into the locking cavity. The elastic element 3 is disposed on the outside of the locking body assembly 1, surrounding the locking port. The protective cover 4 covers the outside of the elastic element 3 and is movably connected to the locking body assembly 1. The protective cover 4 has a cover opening communicating with the locking port.

[0050] In the locking mechanism of the present invention, a protective cover 4 is provided on the outside of the elastic element 3 to protect the elastic element 3, so that the elastic element 3 does not come into direct contact with the outside world, and to prevent foreign objects such as stones and mud from jamming the elastic element 3. In addition, the elastic element 3 is limited and fixed by the protective cover 4, so that there is no need to set a structure for fixing the elastic element 3 on the locking body assembly 1, reducing interference to the elastic element 3 and making fuller use of the elastic energy of the elastic element 3.

[0051] Specifically, the locking body assembly 1 includes a lock body 11 and a base 12. The lock body 11 is provided with a locking groove 113. The base 12 covers the groove of the locking groove 113 to form a locking cavity. The locking opening is provided on the lock body 11 and communicates with the bottom of the locking groove 113. The base 12 is provided with an adjustment port 121 that communicates with the groove of the locking groove 113.

[0052] In this embodiment, an annular locking groove 101 is provided on the side wall of the locking pin 100, and the lock cylinder assembly 2 can lock the locking pin 100 by engaging the annular locking groove 101.

[0053] More specifically, the lock cylinder assembly 2 includes a retainer 21, a preload member 22, and a reset elastic member 23. The retainer 21 is provided with a locking groove and a pre-tightening port that connects to the locking groove. The opening of the locking groove is directly opposite the lock opening. The side wall of the locking groove 113 is provided with a first pre-tightening surface 1131 at the end facing the lock opening. The retainer 21 is provided with a pre-tightening head at the end facing the lock opening. The side wall of the pre-tightening head is provided with a second pre-tightening surface 211. The pre-tightening port is opened on the second pre-tightening surface 211. The end of the retainer 21 away from the lock opening can extend out from the adjustment port 121. The pre-tightening member 22 is placed in the pre-tightening port. The reset elastic member 23 is clamped between the pre-tightening head and the base 12 and can drive the second pre-tightening surface 211 to stop against the first pre-tightening surface 1131. When the first pre-tightening surface 1131 abuts against the second pre-tightening surface 211, the first pre-tightening surface 1131 pushes the pre-tightening member 22 into the locking groove and engages with the annular locking groove 101, locking the locking pin 100 that extends into the locking groove.

[0054] In this embodiment, the pre-tightening element 22 is a steel ball, and multiple steel balls are evenly distributed around the pre-tightening head in a one-to-one correspondence with the pre-tightening opening. The reset elastic element 23 is a spring. The first pre-tightening surface 1131 and the second pre-tightening surface 211 are mutually cooperating frustoconical surfaces. By setting the narrow opening, the steel ball is pressed against the annular locking groove 101 of the locking pin 100.

[0055] Specifically, the lock cylinder assembly 2 also includes a suction plate 24, which is located on the outside of the locking cavity and connected to the end of the retainer 21 away from the lock opening. It can be attracted by an external unlocking magnetic field. The suction plate 24 is made of steel and can effectively increase the electromagnetic attraction during unlocking. The suction plate 24 is fixed to the retainer 21 by bolts.

[0056] In this embodiment, the elastic element 3 includes a wave spring. One or more wave springs can be provided, and when multiple wave springs are provided, they are coaxially stacked. The elastic element 3 is a component arranged between the electric vehicle body and the battery pack, mainly serving a tolerance function during battery replacement. It also ensures that the battery pack has a certain preload during electric vehicle operation, preventing it from detaching from the vehicle body. Since the space between the vehicle body and the battery pack is limited, this embodiment uses wave springs, which, compared to existing helical spring solutions, effectively reduce the space occupied while ensuring preload.

[0057] Specifically, the locking mechanism also includes a guide 5, and the cover 4 is slidably connected to the locking body assembly 1 via the guide 5. The slidable connection between the cover 4 and the locking body assembly 1 can guide the locking action of the locking pin 100.

[0058] More specifically, the guide member 5 is connected to the protective cover 4, and a slide groove 111 is provided on the outer side of the locking body assembly 1, in which the guide member 5 is slidably disposed. The cooperation between the guide member 5 and the slide groove 111 results in a simple structure and is safe and reliable.

[0059] Specifically, multiple guide members 5 are provided, and the multiple guide members 5 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the protective cover 4. Each guide member 5 is equipped with a sliding groove 111. The above arrangement makes the force on the protective cover 4 more balanced.

[0060] In this embodiment, the guide 5 is a pin, installed in the countersunk hole on the outer wall of the cover 4, protruding from the inner wall of the cover 4, and the slide groove 111 is provided on the outer wall of the lock body 11. In addition to the above arrangement, the guide 5 can also be provided on the lock body 11, and the slide groove 111 can be provided on the inner wall of the cover 4.

[0061] Specifically, a stop surface is provided at the end of the slide groove 111 facing the lock opening, and the elastic element 3 drives the guide 5 to abut against the stop surface. By setting the stop surface, the position of the cover 4 in the free state can be more precisely controlled, thereby enabling more precise control of the axial dimension of the elastic element 3 according to actual needs.

[0062] More specifically, a reinforcing rib 41 is protruding on the inner wall of the protective cover 4, and the guide member 5 is disposed on the reinforcing rib 41. By providing the reinforcing rib 41, the axial strength of the protective cover 4 can be strengthened, its service life can be increased, and the guide member 5 can be supported more reliably. In addition, because the reinforcing rib 41 is provided, the contact area between the protective cover 4 and the lock body 11 and between the protective cover 4 and the elastic element 3 is reduced, the frictional resistance is reduced, and a gap is formed between the inner wall of the protective cover 4 and the outer wall of the lock body 11, so that the internal and external pressure of the protective cover 4 is more balanced.

[0063] Specifically, the length direction of the reinforcing rib 41 is parallel to the length direction of the slide groove 111. In addition to the above configuration, the reinforcing rib 41 can also be configured to extend in a spiral shape, thereby increasing the circumferential strength in addition to increasing the axial strength, and preventing foreign objects from entering the protective cover 4 from the gap between the inner wall of the protective cover 4 and the outer wall of the lock body 11.

[0064] More specifically, the reinforcing rib 41 has multiple mounting holes spaced apart along its length. A guide 5 is detachably mounted in one mounting hole, and plugs, either ordinary bolts or rubber plungers, are detachably mounted in the remaining holes. This arrangement allows the protective cover 4 to confine the elastic element 3 to different axial lengths according to specific requirements.

[0065] In this embodiment, an annular boss 112 is provided on the outer side of the locking body assembly 1. The annular boss 112 surrounds the lock opening and can abut against the protective cover 4. The elastic element 3 is arranged around the annular boss 112. The annular boss 112 is specifically provided on the lock body 11. By providing the annular boss 112, the elastic element 3 and the lock cylinder assembly 2 can be protected, and the protective cover 4 can be prevented from pressing the elastic element 3 excessively.

[0066] Specifically, the locking mechanism also includes a locking sensor 6, which is mounted on the base 12. When the locking pin 100 is inserted into the locking groove, the first pre-tightening surface 1131 abuts against the second pre-tightening surface 211, and the pre-tightening member 22 extends into the locking groove. As a result, the locking pin 100 will drive the retainer 21 to move toward the adjustment port 121, and the second pre-tightening surface 211 will move away from the first pre-tightening surface 1131. The suction plate 24 will move accordingly, and the locking pin 100 will drive the pre-tightening member 22 to exit the locking groove. Then, the reset elastic member 23 will drive the second pre-tightening surface 211 to move toward the first pre-tightening surface 1131, causing the pre-tightening member 22 to be engaged in the annular locking groove 101. In the initial state, the suction plate 24 does not trigger the locking sensor 6. During the locking process, the movement of the suction plate 24 triggers the locking sensor 6. The trigger signal of the locking sensor 6 can more reliably determine that the locking is complete.

[0067] In this embodiment, the locking sensor 6 is a proximity sensor, which is triggered by the blocking and separation of the suction plate 24. The effective measurement range of the proximity sensor is 0-1.5mm. It cannot measure beyond this range. The suction plate 24 is designed in the form of a step. When locking is successful, the distance from the suction plate 24 to the receiving end of the proximity sensor is 2mm. Since the sensor has no signal for a measurement range greater than 1.5mm, the suction plate 24 moves down during the locking process. The distance between the step on the suction plate 24 and the sensor is 0.5mm. At this time, the proximity sensor can be blocked and triggered. The presence of a signal from the proximity sensor proves that the locking was not successful. Therefore, the locking is determined by judging the two inversions, i.e., the process of having a signal and then no signal, through the proximity sensor.

[0068] To accommodate the installation requirements of the locking sensor 6, the base 12 is provided with a receiving groove 122, and an adjustment port 121 is located at the bottom of the receiving groove 122. A sensor mounting hole 123 communicating with the outside is provided on the wall of the receiving groove 122, and a fastening hole 124 communicating with the outside is provided on the wall of the sensor mounting hole 123. During locking and unlocking, the suction plate 24 is located in the receiving groove 122, the locking sensor 6 is installed in the sensor mounting hole 123, and a fastener is provided in the fastening hole 124 to secure the locking sensor 6. In this embodiment, the fastening hole 124 is a threaded hole, and the fastener is a limiting bolt that abuts against the locking sensor 6.

[0069] The present invention also provides an electric vehicle including the locking mechanism described above.

[0070] Specifically, of the electric vehicle's body and battery pack, one is equipped with a locking mechanism, and the other with a locking pin 100, facilitating the installation and removal of the battery pack. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism is installed on the battery pack, and the locking pin 100 is installed on the vehicle body.

[0071] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lock mechanism, characterized in that The application relates to a lock mechanism, which comprises a lock body assembly (1) provided with a lock cavity and a lock hole communicating with the lock cavity; a lock core assembly (2) located in the lock cavity and configured to lock a lock pin (100) extending into the lock cavity; an elastic element (3) arranged outside the lock body assembly (1) and surrounding the lock hole; a shroud (4) covering the elastic element (3) and movably connected to the lock body assembly (1), the shroud (4) being provided with a shroud hole communicating with the lock hole; a guide piece (5) movably connecting the shroud (4) to the lock body assembly (1); the guide piece (5) being connected to the shroud (4) and provided with a sliding groove (111) on the outside of the lock body assembly (1); the sliding groove (111) being provided with a stop face at one end facing the lock hole, and the elastic element (3) driving the guide piece (5) to abut against the stop face; the shroud (4) being provided with a reinforcing rib (41) on the inner wall, and the guide piece (5) being arranged on the reinforcing rib (41). The guide piece (5) is provided with a plurality of sliding grooves (111) arranged along the circumference of the shroud (4). The reinforcing rib (41) is parallel to the sliding groove (111) in the length direction. The reinforcing rib (41) is provided with a plurality of mounting holes arranged at intervals in the length direction, one of the mounting holes being used to detachably mount the guide piece (5), and the remaining mounting holes being used to respectively detachably mount plugs. The lock body assembly (1) is provided with an annular boss (112) surrounding the lock hole and capable of abutting against the shroud (4), and the elastic element (3) surrounds the annular boss (112). The application further relates to a lock mechanism comprising the lock mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1-5. ​ ​ ​ 2. The lockup mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by ​ 3. The lockup mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by ​ 4. The lockup mechanism according to claim 3, characterized by ​ 5. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein ​ 6. An electric vehicle, characterized by ​

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