Battery pack removal method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery pack placement method, wherein a push-pull device on a battery swapping device is used to place and take the battery pack from the battery compartment of an electric vehicle or a battery swapping station. The push-pull device includes a locking mechanism that cooperates with a battery-side locking portion on the battery pack. The battery swapping device includes an extension mechanism, a bracket, and a rotating mechanism disposed at the bottom of the bracket. The battery pack placement method includes the following steps: controlling the push-pull device to extend the locking mechanism; controlling the locking mechanism to engage and securely connect with the battery-side locking portion; controlling the push-pull device to retract the locking mechanism to pull the battery pack; controlling the extension mechanism to retract onto the bracket; and controlling the rotating mechanism to drive the bracket to drive the extension mechanism to synchronously rotate by a preset angle. The connection is strong and not easily disengaged, effectively improving the stability of the battery pack placement. The extension mechanism is effectively prevented from rotating when not retracted, greatly improving safety and stability.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with the application date of April 3, 2020, application number 2020102606435, and invention name “Battery Pack Removal and Placement Method”. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a battery pack taking and placing method. Background Art

[0003] Electric vehicles, which replace oil with electricity, achieve zero emissions and low noise levels, becoming a key tool in addressing energy and environmental challenges. They are gradually gaining popularity worldwide. However, the limited range of electric vehicle batteries necessitates constant recharging, which can take one or even several hours. This severely hinders their widespread adoption. To address this issue, quick-swap electric vehicles have emerged. When a battery runs low, the vehicle simply needs to be taken to a dedicated battery swap station, where the depleted battery can be removed and replaced with a fully charged one.

[0004] Currently, in battery swap stations, the battery pack replacement tray mechanism is used to replace the battery pack in an electric vehicle. It needs to pick up, place, and transfer the battery pack between the electric vehicle and the battery compartment. When the push-pull mechanism on the battery pack replacement tray mechanism picks up and places the battery pack, the push-pull mechanism and the battery pack's magnetic element attract, locking the battery pack. The battery pack is then dragged onto the tray to be extracted. The push-pull mechanism pushes the battery pack out of the tray, after which the magnetic force of the push-pull mechanism disappears, and the push-pull mechanism and battery pack can be separated. Because the push-pull mechanism and battery pack are magnetically attached, and the battery pack weighs several hundred kilograms, a two-kilogram magnetic element must be installed on the battery pack, resulting in a heavy weight for both the battery pack replacement tray mechanism and the battery pack. Furthermore, the use of magnetic attraction results in low connection stability, which can easily cause the battery pack to fall off. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for taking and placing a battery pack in order to overcome the defects of the existing method of using magnetic force to adsorb together, resulting in a large overall weight of the extraction device and the battery pack, low connection stability, and easy detachment of the battery pack.

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

[0007] A battery pack access method is provided, wherein the battery pack is accessed and placed from the battery compartment of an electric vehicle or a battery swap station by using a push-pull device on a battery swapping device, wherein the push-pull device includes a snap mechanism that cooperates with a battery-side snap mechanism on the battery pack, and the battery swapping device includes an extension mechanism, a bracket, and a rotating mechanism provided at the bottom of the bracket, wherein the extension mechanism is provided on the bracket and is configured to be telescopically movable relative to the bracket, and the push-pull device is provided on the extension mechanism and is configured to be telescopically movable relative to the extension mechanism. The battery pack access method includes the following steps:

[0008] controlling the extending mechanism to extend toward the battery pack;

[0009] Controlling the push-pull device to extend out of the engaging mechanism;

[0010] Controlling the clamping mechanism to be clamped and fixedly connected with the battery side clamping portion;

[0011] Controlling the push-pull device to retract the engaging mechanism to pull out the battery pack;

[0012] controlling the extending mechanism to retract onto the bracket;

[0013] The rotating mechanism is controlled to drive the bracket to drive the extending mechanism to rotate synchronously to a preset angle.

[0014] In this solution, the battery pack is pulled out by engaging the locking mechanism with the battery side locking portion, which is fixedly connected. The connection is strong and not easily disengaged, effectively improving the stability of battery pack removal and placement, improving the efficiency of removal and placement, and maintaining high stability during operation. Moreover, the present invention has a simple structure, and the movable locking mechanism is compatible with a variety of battery packs of different specifications. It is particularly suitable for side-swap battery replacement, that is, removing and placing the battery pack from the side of the electric vehicle, and effectively reducing the overall weight.

[0015] In addition, it effectively avoids operational errors, battery pack overturning, and falling caused by the locking mechanism not being locked and fixed in place, and effectively avoids the extension mechanism from rotating when it is not retracted into place, effectively avoiding damage to the battery swap system, and greatly improving the safety and stability of the battery swap system during the process of taking and placing the battery pack.

[0016] Preferably, the engaging mechanism has one of the following engaging parts: a connecting protrusion that can move relatively or oppositely, or a connecting groove that can move relatively or oppositely; the battery side engaging part has a connecting groove or a connecting protrusion that matches the engaging part;

[0017] Controlling the engaging mechanism to engage and fix the battery-side engaging portion includes:

[0018] Controlling the relative or opposite movement of the connecting protrusion of the engaging portion so as to engage with the connecting groove of the battery-side engaging portion that cooperates with the connecting protrusion;

[0019] Alternatively, the connecting groove of the engaging portion is controlled to move relative to or oppositely so as to engage with the connecting protrusion of the battery-side engaging portion that cooperates with the connecting groove.

[0020] In this solution, the connection and separation are achieved by connecting the protrusion and the connection groove, which has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and is lightweight. At the same time, it effectively prevents the battery pack from detaching and ensures a stable connection between the locking mechanism and the battery side locking part, resulting in higher connection stability.

[0021] Preferably, before controlling the push-pull device to retract the engaging mechanism to pull out the battery pack, the method further comprises: detecting whether the engaging mechanism is engaged and fixed in place;

[0022] If so, the engaging mechanism is retracted.

[0023] In this solution, by detecting whether the locking mechanism is locked and fixed in place, it effectively avoids the locking mechanism from moving backward when it is not locked and fixed, causing misoperation, and also avoids the battery pack from falling, greatly improving the safety and stability of the battery replacement system during the process of removing and placing the battery pack.

[0024] Preferably, before controlling the push-pull device to extend out of the engaging mechanism, the method further comprises: detecting whether the engaging mechanism is in a disengaged state;

[0025] If so, the engaging mechanism is extended.

[0026] In this solution, by detecting whether the locking mechanism is in a disengaged state, the locking mechanism is adjusted in advance to a state where it can be locked and connected with the locking part on the battery side, thereby ensuring the connection efficiency between the locking mechanism and the locking part on the battery side, and greatly improving the safety and stability of the battery replacement system during the process of removing and placing the battery pack.

[0027] Preferably, controlling the push-pull device to extend the locking mechanism includes: extending the locking mechanism to a first position at a first speed, and continuing to extend the locking mechanism to a fixed connection with the battery pack at a second speed, wherein the first speed is greater than the second speed.

[0028] In this solution, the working efficiency of the battery swap system in replacing the battery pack is improved by controlling the speed at which the push-pull device extends out of the locking mechanism.

[0029] Preferably, after the engaging mechanism continues to be extended at the second speed to a position where it is engaged and fixedly connected with the battery pack, the engaging mechanism is controlled to be engaged and fixedly connected with the battery side engaging portion.

[0030] In this solution, the stable connection between the snap mechanism and the battery-side snap portion is ensured, greatly improving the stability.

[0031] Preferably, after the step of controlling the push-pull device to retract the engaging mechanism to pull out the battery pack, the method further includes:

[0032] Detect whether the locking mechanism is locked and fixed in place, and if so, execute the step of controlling the extending mechanism to retract onto the bracket.

[0033] Preferably, after the step of controlling the extending mechanism to retract onto the bracket, the method further comprises:

[0034] Detect whether the extending mechanism is retracted into position; if so, execute the step of controlling the rotating mechanism to drive the bracket to drive the extending mechanism to rotate synchronously by a preset angle.

[0035] Preferably, the battery pack taking and placing method further includes the following steps:

[0036] The push-pull device is controlled to push the battery pack away from the extending mechanism.

[0037] In this solution, by controlling the push-pull device to move forward on the extending mechanism, the protrusion on the push-pull device will abut against the battery pack and detach from the battery replacement device, thereby realizing the pushing and placement of the battery pack.

[0038] Preferably, controlling the push-pull device to push the battery pack until it leaves the extending mechanism further comprises: controlling the engaging mechanism to disengage from the battery side engaging portion;

[0039] Controlling the push-pull device to retract the engaging mechanism;

[0040] The extending mechanism is controlled to retract onto the bracket.

[0041] In this solution, the extension mechanism is no longer exposed outside the bracket, making it more efficient to remove and place the battery pack. At the same time, it can be reset to facilitate the next battery replacement operation and is easy to use repeatedly.

[0042] Preferably, after controlling the engagement mechanism to disengage from the battery-side engagement portion, the method further comprises: detecting whether the engagement mechanism is in a disengaged state;

[0043] If so, the push-pull device is controlled to retract the locking mechanism.

[0044] In this solution, by detecting whether the locking mechanism is in a disengaged state, the phenomenon of the battery pack falling caused by the locking mechanism moving backward when it is not disengaged is effectively avoided, which greatly improves the safety and stability of the battery replacement system during the process of removing and placing the battery pack.

[0045] On the basis of conforming to the common sense in this field, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be arbitrarily combined to obtain the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] The positive progress effect of the present invention is:

[0047] The battery pack access method of the present invention utilizes a snap-fit ​​mechanism that engages and secures the battery pack with a snap-fit ​​portion on the battery side to pull the battery pack. This provides a strong, non-detachable connection, effectively improving the stability and efficiency of battery pack access. Furthermore, the present invention features a simple structure, and the removable snap-fit ​​mechanism is compatible with a variety of battery packs of varying specifications. This makes it particularly suitable for side-mounted battery swapping, i.e., accessing and placing the battery pack from the side of an electric vehicle, effectively reducing overall weight. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 This is a flow chart of a battery pack pick-and-place method according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the battery replacement system of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the push-pull device of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the battery pack according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the battery exchange equipment in embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the battery exchange device of Example 1 of the present invention after being flipped 90 degrees.

[0054] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the battery replacement system of Example 2 of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the top structure of the battery exchange equipment of Example 2 of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the battery exchange equipment of Example 2 of the present invention.

[0057] Description of reference numerals:

[0058] Push-pull device 10

[0059] Snap mechanism 101

[0060] First drive motor 102

[0061] The first extending mechanism 11

[0062] First conveying motor 111

[0063] First direction changer 112

[0064] First transmission shaft 113

[0065] The second extending mechanism 12

[0066] Second conveying motor 121

[0067] Second direction changer 122

[0068] Second transmission shaft 123

[0069] Flip mechanism 13

[0070] Flip motor 131

[0071] The third direction changer 132

[0072] The third transmission shaft 133

[0073] Input gear 134

[0074] Output gear 135

[0075] Second drive motor 14

[0076] Bracket 15

[0077] Extension mechanism 16

[0078] Base 17

[0079] Rotating mechanism 18

[0080] Battery Pack 20

[0081] Battery side engaging portion 201 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] The present invention will be described more clearly and completely below by way of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0083] Example 1

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses a battery pack access method, which is executed by the battery swap system in the battery swap station to realize the extraction and placement of the battery pack between the electric vehicle and the battery compartment of the battery swap station. The battery pack, as the power source of the electric vehicle, mainly encapsulates multiple battery cells in the battery pack and provides an electrical connector on the outside of the battery pack. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical connector on the electric vehicle to provide power.

[0085] like Figure 4The battery pack 20 is shown as a battery pack used in the battery pack removal method. The outer wall of the battery pack 20 is provided with at least one battery side engaging portion 201. In this figure, only part of the structure of the battery pack 20 is shown, and the battery cells inside the battery pack 20 are omitted.

[0086] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 The figure shows a battery exchange system used in the battery pack picking and placing method, which is used to extract and place the battery pack 20. The battery exchange system includes at least one battery exchange device, which includes a push-pull device 10.

[0087] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the battery pack placement method uses a push-pull device 10 to remove a battery pack 20 from a battery compartment of an electric vehicle or a battery swap station. The push-pull device 10 includes a snap mechanism 101 that cooperates with a battery-side snap portion 201 on the battery pack 20. The battery pack placement method includes the following steps:

[0088] Step 110 : Control the push-pull device 10 to extend the engaging mechanism 101 .

[0089] In this step 110, the battery exchange equipment includes a first extending mechanism 11 and a second drive motor 14. The push-pull device 10 can be telescopically moved on the top of the first extending mechanism 11. The second drive motor 14 drives the push-pull device 10 to move, thereby controlling the push-pull device 10 to move forward, so that the locking mechanism 101 moves in a direction close to the battery pack 20, that is, extending the locking mechanism 101.

[0090] Step 120 : Control the engaging mechanism 101 to engage with the battery-side engaging portion 201 for fixed connection.

[0091] In this step 120, the push-pull device 10 also includes a first drive motor 102, which is connected to the locking mechanism 101 and is used to drive the locking mechanism 101 to move, so that the locking mechanism 101 is locked and fixedly connected with the battery side locking portion 201 on the battery pack 20, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the push-pull device 10 and the battery pack 20.

[0092] Step 130 : Control the push-pull device 10 to retract the engaging mechanism 101 to pull out the battery pack 20 .

[0093] In this step 120, the second drive motor 14 will drive the push-pull device 10 to move, control the push-pull device 10 to move backward, so that the locking mechanism 101 moves backward and drives the battery pack 20 to move together, thereby realizing the battery pack 20 being lifted out and placed on the first extending mechanism 11, that is, the battery pack 20 is placed on the battery exchange device.

[0094] On the contrary, the above steps will push the battery pack 20 to be separated from the battery exchange equipment by controlling the push-pull device 10. The battery pack taking and placing method of the present invention uses the locking mechanism 101 to engage and fix the battery side locking portion 201 to pull the battery pack 20. The connection strength is high and not easy to disengage, which effectively improves the stability of taking and placing the battery pack 20, improves the efficiency of taking and placing, and has high stability during operation. Moreover, the present invention has a simple structure, and the movable locking mechanism 101 can also be compatible with a variety of different specifications of battery packs 20 for fixed connection, which is particularly suitable for side battery exchange, that is, taking and placing the battery pack 20 from the side of the electric vehicle; effectively reducing the overall weight.

[0095] The locking mechanism 101 may also have a locking portion: a connecting groove that can move relative or oppositely; the battery side locking portion 201 has a connecting protrusion that cooperates with the locking portion; controlling the locking mechanism 101 to be locked and fixedly connected with the battery side locking portion 201 includes: controlling the connecting groove of the locking portion to move relative or oppositely so that it and the connecting protrusion of the battery side locking portion 201 that cooperates with it are locked and connected with each other.

[0096] In step 120, the engaging mechanism 101 has a plurality of engaging portions, each of which has a connecting groove that can move relative to or in opposite directions. The connecting grooves correspond one-to-one with the connecting protrusions on the battery-side engaging portion 201. The first drive motor 102 is used to drive the connecting grooves to move in relative or opposite directions, so that the connecting grooves will enclose the connecting protrusions to achieve a fixed connection, or the connecting grooves will disengage from the connecting protrusions to achieve separation. The engaging connection or separation achieved by the connecting protrusions and the connecting grooves has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, is lightweight, and has high connection stability.

[0097] The multiple locking parts respectively have connecting grooves that can move relative to or opposite to each other, that is, the recessed directions of the multiple locking parts are opposite. Accordingly, the first drive motor 102 drives the multiple locking parts to move in relative or opposite directions. After the battery pack 20 and the push-pull device 10 are fixedly connected to each other, no relative displacement will occur in the recessed direction, which effectively avoids the battery pack from detaching; at the same time, it ensures the stable connection between the locking mechanism 101 and the battery side locking part 201, and the connection stability is higher.

[0098] In this embodiment, there are two engaging mechanisms 101 and two battery-side engaging portions 201. The first drive motor 102 drives the two engaging mechanisms 101 to move in opposite directions, and the two connecting protrusions on the battery-side engaging portion 201 extend in opposite directions. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of engaging mechanisms 101 and battery-side engaging portions 201 is not limited.

[0099] Of course, in other embodiments, the locking mechanism 101 may also have a locking portion: a connecting protrusion that can move relative or oppositely; the battery side locking portion 201 has a connecting groove that cooperates with the locking portion; controlling the locking mechanism 101 to be locked and fixedly connected with the battery side locking portion 201 includes: controlling the connecting protrusion of the locking portion to move relative or oppositely so that it and the connecting groove of the battery side locking portion 201 that cooperates with it are locked and connected with each other.

[0100] Before step 130 , step 125 is also included, that is, before controlling the push-pull device 10 to retract the locking mechanism 101 to pull the battery pack 20 , step 125 is also included: step 125 is to detect whether the locking mechanism 101 is locked and fixed in place; if so, retract the locking mechanism 101.

[0101] In step 120, the first drive motor 102 drives the two engaging mechanisms 101 to move in opposite directions, thereby connecting the two engaging mechanisms 101 to the two battery-side engaging portions 201. Then, in step 125, the push-pull device 10 includes multiple detection devices, each of which can be disposed on the engaging mechanism 101. The detection devices detect whether the connecting groove of the engaging mechanism 101 is encased in the connecting protrusion of the battery-side engaging portion 201.

[0102] When it is detected that the connecting protrusion of the battery side engaging portion 201 is not inserted into the connecting groove of the engaging mechanism 101, the detecting device transmits a non-positioned signal to the battery exchange system and controls the first drive motor 102 to continue to move until the engaging mechanism 101 is engaged and fixed in place; after the engaging mechanism 101 is engaged and fixed in place, the detecting device transmits a positioned signal to the battery exchange system and controls the first drive motor 102 to turn off and the second drive motor 14 to turn on, thereby implementing the operation of step 130 to ensure that the battery pack 20 is extracted to the battery exchange device. By using the detecting device to detect whether the engaging mechanism 101 is engaged and fixed in place, it is effectively avoided that the engaging mechanism 101 moves backward when it is not engaged and fixed, thereby causing misoperation, and also avoids the battery pack 20 from falling, thereby greatly improving the safety and stability of the battery exchange system during the process of taking and placing the battery pack. Among them, the detecting device can be a sensor for detecting whether the connecting protrusion of the battery side engaging portion 201 is inserted into and passes through the connecting groove of the engaging mechanism 101.

[0103] Before step 110 , step 100 is also included, that is, before controlling the push-pull device 10 to extend the locking mechanism 101 , step 100 is also included: step 100 is to detect whether the locking mechanism 101 is in a disengaged state; if so, the locking mechanism 101 is extended.

[0104] In step 100, a detection device is used to detect whether the engaging mechanism 101 is in a disengaged state; when the engaging mechanism 101 is not in a disengaged state, the detection device transmits a non-disengaged signal to the battery swap system and controls the opening of the first drive motor 102, thereby driving the engaging mechanism 101 to move to a disengaged state; when the engaging mechanism 101 is in a disengaged state, the detection device transmits a non-disengaged signal to the battery swap system and controls the first drive motor 102 to be turned off and the second drive motor 14 to be turned on, thereby implementing the operation of step 110. By detecting whether the engaging mechanism 101 is in a disengaged state, the engaging mechanism 101 is adjusted in advance to a state where it can be engaged and connected with the battery-side engaging portion 201, thereby ensuring the connection between the engaging mechanism 101 and the battery-side engaging portion 201, and greatly improving the safety and stability of the battery swap system during the process of taking and placing the battery pack.

[0105] Of course, in other embodiments, the step 110 of detecting whether the engaging mechanism 101 is in the disengaged state by using a detection device may also be detected and a corresponding operation performed simultaneously during the step 110 .

[0106] In step 110 , controlling the push-pull device 10 to extend the locking mechanism 101 includes: extending the locking mechanism 101 to a first position at a first speed, and continuing to extend the locking mechanism 101 to a fixed connection with the battery pack 20 at a second speed, wherein the first speed is greater than the second speed.

[0107] During the process of extending the locking mechanism 101, the battery swap system will control the second drive motor 14 to output a larger power, so that the push-pull device 10 extends the locking mechanism 101 forward at a first speed faster on the first extension mechanism 11, and sets a first position close to the battery pack 20. A position sensor can be set at the first position of the battery swap device to detect and control the speed of extending the locking mechanism 101. The push-pull device 10 is detected by the position sensor and transmitted to the battery swap system. The battery swap system will control the second drive motor 14 to output a smaller power, so that the push-pull device 10 extends the locking mechanism 101 forward at a second speed slower on the first extension mechanism 11. The battery swap device can accurately locate and control the distance between the locking mechanism 101 and the battery pack 20, so as to achieve a fixed connection between the locking mechanism 101 and the battery side locking part 201 in the subsequent steps. By controlling the speed control of the push-pull device 10 extending the locking mechanism 101, the working efficiency of the battery swap system in replacing the battery pack is improved.

[0108] In step 110 , after the engaging mechanism 101 is continuously extended at the second speed to the position where it is engaged and fixedly connected with the battery pack 20 , the engaging mechanism 101 is controlled to be engaged and fixedly connected with the battery-side engaging portion 201 .

[0109] A sensor is provided on the push-pull device 10, and the sensor is used to detect whether the distance between the battery pack 20 and the locking mechanism 101 is in place. In step 110, the locking mechanism 101 is continued to be extended at the second speed to the position where it is locked and fixedly connected with the battery pack 20. The sensor detects that the distance between the locking mechanism 101 and the battery pack 20 is in place. The sensor will send a signal to the battery replacement system and control the start of the first drive motor 102, thereby implementing the operation of step 120. The stable connection between the locking mechanism 101 and the battery side locking portion 201 is ensured, and the stability is greatly improved. Of course, in other embodiments, the start of the first drive motor 102 can also be controlled while the locking mechanism 101 is continued to be extended at the second speed, so that the locking mechanism 101 is locked and fixedly connected with the battery side locking portion 201 at the same time when it is extended and moved forward.

[0110] In step 110, the battery swap system is in the process of extracting the battery pack 20. Conversely, when the battery swap system is in the process of pushing the battery pack 20, after the battery pack 20 is pushed and placed in the battery compartment of the battery swap station or on the electric car, the speed of controlling the push-pull device 10 to retract the locking mechanism 101 can always be retracted backward at the highest speed without switching between the first speed and the second speed, that is, it can always be retracted backward at the first speed, thereby improving the efficiency of taking and placing the battery pack 20.

[0111] The battery exchange device also includes a base 17, a flipping mechanism 13, a first extending mechanism 11 and a second extending mechanism 12. The first extending mechanism 11 and the second extending mechanism 12 are fixed vertically and are configured to flip coaxially. The flipping mechanism 13 is used to drive the first extending mechanism 11 and the second extending mechanism 12 to flip synchronously. The push-pull device 10 is provided on the first extending mechanism 11 and is configured to be telescopically movable relative to the first extending mechanism 11. The bottom of the first extending mechanism 11 is telescopically movable relative to the base 17, and the first extending mechanism 11 is directly or indirectly driven by the first transmission motor 111. In this embodiment, the first transmission motor 111 is connected to the first transmission shaft 113 through the first inverter 112, thereby driving the first extending mechanism 11 to move. When the battery exchange device is in the initial state, the first extending mechanism 11 will be located on the flipping mechanism 13 and will not extend forward. It is only during the process of taking and placing the battery pack 20 that the first extending mechanism 11 is required to extend forward.

[0112] Before step 110 , step 105 is also included, that is, before controlling the push-pull device 10 to extend the locking mechanism 101 , step 105 is also included: step 105 is to control the first extending mechanism 11 to extend toward the battery pack 20 located in the electric vehicle.

[0113] In step 105, two proximity switches are provided at the front end of the first extending mechanism 11, one at each end of the first extending mechanism 11. Both proximity switches are used to measure the distance between themselves and the battery pack 20 in the electric vehicle. When the distances between the two proximity switches and the battery pack 20 are consistent, the front end of the first extending mechanism 11 is parallel to the battery pack 20, and the two proximity switches will send a signal to the battery swap system. The battery swap system will control the drive mechanism to open and control the first extending mechanism 11 to extend toward the battery pack 20 in the electric vehicle. The first extending mechanism 11 extends forward and partially extends outside the base 17, making the distance between the first extending mechanism 11 and the battery pack 20 very small, facilitating the extraction of the battery pack 20 and providing greater stability. A distance sensor can be provided at the front end of the first extending mechanism 11 to control the distance between the first extending mechanism 11 and the battery pack 20, further improving the stability of the battery pack 20 extraction.

[0114] After step 130 , step 140 is further included, that is, after controlling the push-pull device 10 to retract the locking mechanism 101 to pull out the battery pack 20 , step 140 is further included: step 140 is to control the first extending mechanism 11 to retract.

[0115] During the process of the push-pull device 10 extracting the battery pack 20 and moving and retracting on the first extending mechanism 11, the first extending mechanism 11 has already extended forward and part of the structure extends out of the base 17. In this step 140, the battery swap system will control the first extending mechanism 11 to retract so that the first extending mechanism 11 is no longer exposed outside the base 17 and is retracted onto the base 17, thereby improving the safety and stability of the battery swap equipment when taking and placing the battery pack.

[0116] After completing step 140, the battery swap system will completely extract the battery pack 20 of the electric vehicle, and then transport it to the battery compartment of the battery swap station and place the battery pack 20, thereby realizing the battery swap system's picking and placing operations on the battery pack 20.

[0117] In this embodiment, a flip mechanism 13 is mounted on the base 17. The first extension mechanism 11 and the second extension mechanism 12 are fixed perpendicularly and configured to flip coaxially. The flip mechanism 13 is used to drive the first extension mechanism 11 and the second extension mechanism 12 to flip synchronously. The push-pull device 10 is mounted on the first extension mechanism 11 and is configured to be telescopically movable relative to the first extension mechanism 11. The flip mechanism 13 enables the first extension mechanism 11 and the second extension mechanism 12 to flip synchronously by a certain angle.

[0118] The flipping mechanism 13 includes a flipping motor 131, which can directly or indirectly drive the output gear to rotate. This rotation of the gear drives the synchronous flipping of the first and second extending mechanisms 11, 12. In this embodiment, the flipping motor 131 is connected to the third transmission shaft 133 via a third inverter 132. This drives the input gear 134 to rotate, which in turn drives the output gear 135 to rotate. The rotation of the output gear 135 achieves the synchronous flipping of the first and second extending mechanisms 11, 12. The flipping mechanism 13 is capable of driving the first and second extending mechanisms 11, 12 to synchronously flip 90 degrees, although the specific degree of flipping is not limited.

[0119] Step 150 is also included after step 140, that is, step 150 is also included after the first extending mechanism 11 is retracted. Step 150 is to detect whether the battery pack 20 is retracted to abut against the second extending mechanism 12 as the first extending mechanism 11 is retracted. If so, the flipping mechanism 13 is controlled to drive the first extending mechanism 11 and the second extending mechanism 12 to flip.

[0120] In step 150, the battery exchange device is provided with a detection device, which is used to detect whether the battery pack 20 is retracted along with the first extending mechanism 11 to abut against the second extending mechanism 12. When the battery pack 20 does not retract along with the first extending mechanism 11 to abut against the second extending mechanism 12, the detection device will send an out-of-position signal to the battery exchange system and control the first transmission motor 111 to continue to drive the battery pack 20 to move until the battery pack 20 is completely retracted to abut against the second extending mechanism 12; when the battery pack 20 is retracted along with the first extending mechanism 11 to abut against the second extending mechanism 12, the detection device will send an in-position signal to the battery exchange system and control the first transmission motor 111 to turn off and the flipping motor 131 to turn on. This effectively prevents the battery pack 20 from flipping over in the unretracted state, greatly improving the safety and stability of the battery exchange system during the process of taking and placing the battery pack 20.

[0121] After step 150 , step 160 is also included, that is, after controlling the flipping mechanism 13 to drive the first extending mechanism 11 and the second extending mechanism 12 to flip, step 160 is also included: step 160 is to control the second extending mechanism 12 to extend to achieve the pushing and placement of the battery pack 20 .

[0122] The second transmission motor 121 directly or indirectly drives the second extending mechanism 12 . In this embodiment, the second transmission motor 121 is connected to the second transmission shaft 123 via a second direction changer 122 , thereby driving the second extending mechanism 12 to move.

[0123] In step 160, after driving the first extending mechanism 11 and the second extending mechanism 12 to flip into place, the flipping mechanism 13 will control the second extending mechanism 12 to extend to achieve the pushing and placement of the battery pack 20, effectively avoiding the battery pack 20 from tipping over, falling, etc., so that the battery pack 20 is placed in the battery compartment of the battery swap station, greatly improving the safety and stability of the battery swap system during the process of taking and placing the battery pack 20.

[0124] After step 160 , step 170 is further included, that is, after controlling the second extending mechanism 12 to extend to achieve the pushing and placement of the battery pack 20 , step 170 is further included, and step 170 is controlling the second extending mechanism 12 to retract.

[0125] In step 170, the battery swap system controls the second transfer motor 121 to turn on, causing the second extension mechanism 12 to retract, thus preventing part of the second extension mechanism 12 from extending outside the base 17 and improving the safety and stability of the battery swap system during the process of removing and placing the battery pack 20. After the battery pack 20 is transferred from the electric vehicle to the battery compartment, the second extension mechanism 12 is controlled to reset to facilitate the next battery swap operation, making it easy to reuse and improving the efficiency of removal and placement.

[0126] Example 2

[0127] The battery pack taking and placing method of this embodiment is the same as that of embodiment 1 and will not be repeated. Only the different parts will be described. In embodiment 1, the battery swapping device includes a flipping mechanism 13, a first extending mechanism 11 and a second extending mechanism 12. The flipping mechanism 13 is used to drive the synchronous flipping of the first extending mechanism 11 and the second extending mechanism 12. However, the battery swapping device in this embodiment does not include the flipping mechanism 13, the first extending mechanism 11 and the second extending mechanism 12. Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the battery exchange equipment of this embodiment includes a rotating mechanism 18, an extending mechanism 16 and a bracket 15. The extending mechanism 16 is provided on the bracket 15 and is configured to be telescopically movable relative to the bracket 15. The push-pull device 10 is provided on the extending mechanism 16 and is configured to be telescopically movable relative to the extending mechanism 16. The rotating mechanism 18 is installed on the base 17, and the rotating mechanism 18 is installed at the bottom of the bracket 15. The rotating mechanism 18 will drive the bracket 15 to rotate.

[0128] In this embodiment, the rotating mechanism 18 adopts a worm gear structure. The movement of the worm gear drives the worm gear to rotate. The worm gear is connected to the bracket 15 and drives the bracket 15 to rotate. Of course, in other embodiments, the rotating mechanism 18 can also adopt other rotating structures as long as it can drive the bracket 15 to rotate.

[0129] Before step 110 , step 105 is also included, that is, before controlling the push-pull device 10 to extend the engaging mechanism 101 , step 105 is also included: step 105 is to control the extending mechanism 16 to extend toward the battery pack 20 .

[0130] Step 105 of this embodiment is the same as step 105 of embodiment 1. It should be noted that in step 105, the battery pack 20 can be placed on the electric vehicle or in the battery compartment of the battery swap station; that is, the battery swap system will control the extension mechanism 16 to extend toward the battery pack 20 in the battery compartment of the electric vehicle or the battery swap station and be used to take and place the battery pack 20.

[0131] After step 130 , step 140 is also included, that is, controlling the push-pull device 10 to retract the locking mechanism 101 to pull the battery pack 20 , and then step 140 is also included: step 140 is to detect whether the locking mechanism 101 is locked and fixed in place. If so, the extending mechanism 16 is controlled to retract onto the bracket 15 .

[0132] In step 140, a detection device is used to detect whether the locking mechanism 101 is locked and fixed in place; when the locking mechanism 101 is not locked and fixed in place, the detection device will send a not in place signal to the battery exchange system and be used to control the first drive motor 102 to open until the locking mechanism 101 and the battery side locking part 201 are locked and fixed in place; when the locking mechanism 101 is locked and fixed in place, the detection device will send a in place signal to the battery exchange system and be used to control the first drive motor 102 to close and control the extending mechanism 16 to retract onto the bracket 15, effectively avoiding operational errors caused by the locking mechanism 101 not being locked and fixed in place, and the battery pack 20 being overturned or dropped, etc., greatly improving the safety and stability of the battery exchange system during the process of taking and placing the battery pack 20.

[0133] In this embodiment, after step 140, step 150 is further included to control the extending mechanism 16 to retract onto the bracket 15. Step 150 is further included: Step 150 is to detect whether the extending mechanism 16 is retracted into position; if so, the rotating mechanism 18 is controlled to drive the bracket 15 to synchronously rotate the extending mechanism 16 by a preset angle.

[0134] In step 150, by detecting whether the extension mechanism 16 is retracted, the extension mechanism 16 is effectively prevented from rotating when it is not retracted, effectively avoiding damage to the battery swap system, and greatly improving the safety and stability of the battery swap system during the process of removing and placing the battery pack 20. After detecting that the extension mechanism 16 is retracted, the rotation mechanism 18 is controlled to open, so that the rotation mechanism 18 drives the bracket 15 to drive the extension mechanism 16 to rotate a preset angle.

[0135] The battery pack placement method of this embodiment further includes the steps of placing the battery pack 20, that is, the battery pack placement method further includes the following steps:

[0136] Step 210 : Control the push-pull device 10 to push the battery pack 20 away from the extending mechanism 16 .

[0137] In this step 210, the battery exchange system will drive the push-pull device 10 to move forward on the extending mechanism 16, so that the protrusion on the push-pull device 10 will abut against the battery pack 20 and push the battery pack 20 to leave the extending mechanism 16. The battery pack 20 will be separated from the battery exchange equipment, realizing the pushing and placement of the battery pack 20.

[0138] After step 210, steps 220, 230, and 240 are also included. That is, after controlling the push-pull device 10 to push the battery pack 20 away from the extending mechanism 16, the following steps are also included:

[0139] Step 220 , controlling the engaging mechanism 101 to disengage from the battery-side engaging portion 201 ;

[0140] Step 230 , controlling the push-pull device 10 to retract the engaging mechanism 101 ;

[0141] Step 240 : Control the extending mechanism 16 to retract onto the bracket 15 .

[0142] After step 210, the battery exchange system will control the first drive motor 102 to turn on, thereby realizing the disengagement of the locking mechanism 101 from the battery side locking portion 201. Afterwards, the battery exchange system will control the first drive motor 102 to turn off and the second drive motor 14 to turn on, so that the push-pull device 10 moves backward and retracts, thereby realizing the retraction of the locking mechanism 101 of the push-pull device 10. After the push-pull device 10 retracts into place, the battery exchange system will control the second drive motor 14 to turn off and the extending mechanism 16 to retract onto the bracket 15, so that the extending mechanism 16 will move backward and retract onto the bracket 15, and the extending mechanism 16 will no longer be exposed outside the bracket 15, and the efficiency of taking and placing the battery pack 20 is high. At the same time, after the battery exchange system completes the pushing and placing of the battery pack 20, it controls the extending mechanism 16, the rotating mechanism 18 and the push-pull device 10 to reset, so as to facilitate the next battery exchange operation and facilitate repeated use.

[0143] Between step 220 and step 230 , step 225 is also included, that is, after controlling the locking mechanism 101 to disengage from the battery side locking portion 201 , step 225 is also included: step 225 is to detect whether the locking mechanism 101 is in a disengaged state; if so, control the push-pull device 10 to retract the locking mechanism 101.

[0144] In step 225, the detection device detects whether the engaging mechanism 101 is in a disengaged state; when the engaging mechanism 101 is not in a disengaged state, the detection device will send a non-disengaged signal to the battery exchange system and control the first drive motor 102 to open until the engaging mechanism 101 is disengaged from the battery-side engaging portion 201; when the engaging mechanism 101 is in a disengaged state, the detection device will send a disengagement signal to the battery exchange system and control the first drive motor 102 to turn off and the second drive motor 14 to turn on, thereby controlling the push-pull device 10 to retract the engaging mechanism 101. By detecting whether the engaging mechanism 101 is in a disengaged state, the phenomenon of the battery pack 20 falling due to the backward movement of the engaging mechanism 101 in a non-disengaged state is effectively avoided, which greatly improves the safety and stability of the battery exchange system during the process of taking and placing the battery pack 20.

[0145] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely illustrative and that the 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, and such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery pack removal method, wherein a push-pull device on a battery swapping device is used to remove a battery pack from a battery compartment of an electric vehicle or a battery swapping station. The push-pull device includes a snap mechanism that cooperates with a battery-side snap mechanism on the battery pack. It is characterized in that The battery swapping device includes an extension mechanism, a bracket, and a rotating mechanism provided at the bottom of the bracket. The extension mechanism is provided on the bracket and is configured to be telescopically movable relative to the bracket. The push-pull device is provided on the extension mechanism and is configured to be telescopically movable relative to the extension mechanism. The battery pack access method includes the following steps: controlling the extending mechanism to extend toward the battery pack; Controlling the push-pull device to extend out of the engaging mechanism; Controlling the clamping mechanism to be clamped and fixedly connected with the battery side clamping portion; Controlling the push-pull device to retract the engaging mechanism to pull out the battery pack; controlling the extending mechanism to retract onto the bracket; Controlling the rotating mechanism to drive the bracket to drive the extending mechanism to synchronously rotate by a preset angle; Before controlling the push-pull device to retract the engaging mechanism to pull out the battery pack, the method further includes: detecting whether the engaging mechanism is engaged and fixed in place; If so, the engaging mechanism is retracted.

2. The battery pack removal method according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping mechanism has one of the following clamping parts: a connecting protrusion that can move relatively or oppositely, or a connecting groove that can move relatively or oppositely; the battery side clamping part has a connecting groove or a connecting protrusion that matches the clamping part; Controlling the engaging mechanism to engage and fix the battery-side engaging portion includes: Controlling the relative or opposite movement of the connecting protrusion of the engaging portion so as to engage with the connecting groove of the battery-side engaging portion that cooperates with the connecting protrusion; Alternatively, the connecting groove of the engaging portion is controlled to move relative to or oppositely so as to engage with the connecting protrusion of the battery-side engaging portion that cooperates with the connecting groove.

3. The battery pack removal method according to claim 1, wherein: Before controlling the push-pull device to extend the locking mechanism, the method further includes: detecting whether the locking mechanism is in a disengaged state; if so, extending the locking mechanism.

4. The battery pack removal method according to claim 1, wherein: Controlling the push-pull device to extend the locking mechanism includes: extending the locking mechanism to a first position at a first speed, and continuing to extend the locking mechanism to a fixed connection with the battery pack at a second speed, wherein the first speed is greater than the second speed.

5. The battery pack removal method according to claim 4, wherein: After the engaging mechanism continues to be extended at the second speed to the position where it is engaged and fixedly connected with the battery pack, the engaging mechanism is controlled to be engaged and fixedly connected with the battery side engaging portion.

6. The battery pack removal method according to claim 1, wherein: After the step of controlling the push-pull device to retract the engaging mechanism to pull the battery pack, the method further includes: Detect whether the locking mechanism is locked and fixed in place, and if so, execute the step of controlling the extending mechanism to retract onto the bracket.

7. The battery pack removal method according to claim 6, wherein: After the step of controlling the extending mechanism to retract onto the bracket, the method further includes: Detect whether the extending mechanism is retracted into position; if so, execute the step of controlling the rotating mechanism to drive the bracket to drive the extending mechanism to rotate synchronously by a preset angle.

8. The battery pack removal method according to claim 1, wherein: The battery pack placement method further includes the following steps: The push-pull device is controlled to push the battery pack away from the extending mechanism.

9. The battery pack removal method according to claim 8, wherein: After controlling the push-pull device to push the battery pack away from the extending mechanism, the method further includes: controlling the engaging mechanism to disengage from the battery side engaging portion; Controlling the push-pull device to retract the engaging mechanism; The extending mechanism is controlled to retract onto the bracket.

10. The battery pack removal method according to claim 9, wherein: After controlling the engagement mechanism to disengage from the battery-side engagement portion, the method further includes: detecting whether the engagement mechanism is in a disengaged state; If so, the push-pull device is controlled to retract the locking mechanism.

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