Chassis components, vehicles, battery swapping stations, and battery swapping methods

Abstract

This invention discloses a vehicle frame assembly, a vehicle, a battery swapping station, and a battery swapping method. The vehicle frame assembly includes a frame, a battery frame, two lateral connecting devices, and a locking mechanism. The battery frame has a space for accommodating a power battery. The two lateral connecting devices are spaced apart along the length of the frame, and cooperate to define mounting positions on opposite sides of the frame, each mounting position holding a battery frame. The locking mechanism connects the lateral connecting devices and the battery frame, and has a locked state and a disengaged state. In the locked state, the battery frame is fixed to the mounting position; in the disengaged state, the battery frame can detach from the mounting position. This invention symmetrically arranges the battery frame on both sides of the vehicle frame, with the power battery arranged within the battery frame to form an integrated module. This increases the cargo capacity of heavy-duty commercial vehicles, improves their operational capabilities and profitability, and enhances their competitiveness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle battery swapping technology, and in particular to a chassis assembly, a vehicle, a battery swapping station, and a battery swapping method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the electrification of heavy-duty commercial vehicles focuses on two routes: pure electric and battery swapping. Battery swapping is a rapid charging method for new energy vehicles. It involves using centralized battery swapping stations to centrally store, charge, and distribute large quantities of batteries, and then swapping batteries in the vehicles at these stations. Like gas stations, battery swapping addresses customers' range anxiety. However, for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the current approach primarily involves rear-mounted battery swapping. This utilizes the space behind the cab and above the chassis to stack power batteries for swapping. Rear-mounted battery swapping results in a high center of gravity and heavy weight, reducing the vehicle's climbing ability and top speed. Furthermore, the bulky rear-mounted batteries encroach on cargo space, reducing the amount of cargo a customer can carry, thus lowering operational capacity and profitability, even while adhering to regulations on overall vehicle length. For medium- and long-distance freight transport where volume is critical, this economic dilemma is particularly pronounced, significantly reducing the competitiveness of this configuration. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a vehicle frame assembly that offers a scheme in which the battery frame is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the vehicle frame, and the power battery is arranged in the battery frame to form an integral module, which can increase the cargo capacity of heavy commercial vehicles, improve the operational capabilities and profitability of heavy commercial vehicles, and enhance their competitiveness.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a vehicle frame assembly comprising:

[0005] Frame;

[0006] The battery frame has a space for housing the power battery;

[0007] Two lateral connecting devices are spaced apart along the length of the vehicle frame, and the two lateral connecting devices cooperate to define a mounting position on each opposite side of the vehicle frame, with one mounting position housing a battery frame; and

[0008] A locking mechanism is provided for connecting the lateral connection device and the battery frame. The locking mechanism has a locked state and a disengaged state. In the locked state, the battery frame is fixed to the mounting position; in the disengaged state, the battery frame can be detached from the mounting position.

[0009] Optionally, the battery frame includes a frame body and an accessory frame disposed on the side of the frame body near the vehicle frame. When the frame body is placed in the mounting position, the accessory frame is located below the vehicle frame and between the two longitudinal beams of the vehicle frame.

[0010] Optionally, the accessory frame includes a first sub-frame, a second sub-frame, and a third sub-frame that are spaced apart along the length of the main frame body. The first sub-frame is used to install a high-voltage electrical control box, the second sub-frame is used to install a water connector, and the third sub-frame is used to install an electrical connector.

[0011] Optionally, the first subframe is located between the second subframe and the third subframe, and the first subframe is larger than the second subframe and the third subframe.

[0012] Optionally, the first subframe, the second subframe, and the third subframe are configured to open upwards.

[0013] Optionally, the highest point of the battery frame does not exceed the highest point of the vehicle frame.

[0014] Optionally, the lateral connection device includes:

[0015] Support beam assembly; and

[0016] The lateral connection mechanism is provided at both ends of the support beam assembly. A part of the lateral connection mechanism is connected to the vehicle frame, and another part is connected to the support beam assembly. The part of the support beam assembly connected to the lateral connection mechanism is located below the vehicle frame.

[0017] Optionally, the support beam assembly includes:

[0018] Buffer mechanism; and

[0019] The beam body has a buffer mechanism at each end, and the two ends of the beam body are respectively connected to a lateral connection mechanism and are located below the vehicle frame.

[0020] Optionally, the lateral connection mechanism includes:

[0021] Mounting components for connection to the battery frame; and

[0022] The lateral arm includes a connecting section extending along the length of the frame and a support section extending along the width of the frame. The connecting section and the support section are fixed together. The connecting section is used to connect to the longitudinal beam of the frame. The support section and the mounting member are provided with a pre-positioning structure and a fixing structure. After the mounting member is pre-positioned on the support section by the pre-positioning structure, it is connected and fixed to the support section by the fixing structure.

[0023] Optionally, the locking mechanism includes:

[0024] A fixed rod includes a rod head for tool rotation and a rod body connected to the rod head. The rod body includes a first connecting portion and a first guide portion arranged sequentially along its extending direction, the first guide portion being located at the free end of the rod body.

[0025] A socket joint has an installation opening for the rod body to pass through. The inner wall of the socket joint is provided with a second guide portion and a second connecting portion in sequence along the passing direction. The second guide portion is located at the installation opening. The fixing rod passes through the socket joint from the installation opening. The first guide portion and the second guide portion cooperate to make the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion relative to each other to fix the socket joint and the fixing rod.

[0026] Optionally, the locking mechanism includes:

[0027] A fastening bolt includes a bolt head for rotation of a tool and a threaded rod connected to the bolt head, the threaded rod having an external thread.

[0028] A fastening nut, wherein the inner wall of the fastening nut is provided with a connecting internal thread;

[0029] A bolt sleeve, used to connect to one of the workpieces to be fixed, and fitted over the fastening bolt, the bolt sleeve serving to prevent the fastening bolt from disengaging; and

[0030] A nut sleeve is used to connect to one of the workpieces to be fixed and is sleeved on the outside of the fastening nut. The fastening nut has an axial range of movement within the nut sleeve. An anti-rotation structure is provided between the nut sleeve and the fastening nut to prevent the fastening nut from rotating circumferentially.

[0031] The present invention also proposes a vehicle comprising the frame assembly described above.

[0032] The present invention also proposes a battery swapping station for swapping batteries in vehicles as described above. The battery swapping station includes a battery loading and unloading unit, a battery storage unit, and a vehicle carrying platform.

[0033] The present invention also proposes a vehicle battery swapping method for use in the battery swapping station described above, the vehicle battery swapping method comprising:

[0034] The battery loading and unloading unit separates the battery module to be replaced from the vehicle. The battery module to be replaced includes a battery frame and a power battery installed in the battery frame.

[0035] Optionally, the vehicle battery swapping method includes:

[0036] The vehicle carrying platform receives the vehicle's docking signal;

[0037] The vehicle carrier platform interacts with the vehicle to determine whether the vehicle meets preset conditions.

[0038] If the preset conditions are met, the vehicle carrying platform issues a battery swapping operation command;

[0039] The battery loading and unloading unit receives the battery swapping operation command and unlocks the locking mechanism of the battery module to be replaced in the vehicle.

[0040] The battery loading and unloading unit transports the battery module to be replaced to the battery storage unit;

[0041] The battery loading and unloading unit removes the fully charged battery module from the battery storage unit and installs it into the mounting position on the vehicle.

[0042] The battery loading and unloading unit locks the locking mechanism to fix the replaced battery module in the mounting position.

[0043] This invention employs a vehicle frame, battery frame, two lateral connecting devices, and a locking mechanism. The battery frames are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the vehicle frame, with the power battery housed within the battery frame as an independent integrated module. The two lateral connecting devices reduce the torque exerted by the battery frame on the vehicle frame, improving the structural stability of the frame and the load-bearing reliability of the battery mounting bracket. The battery frame is fixed to the lateral connecting devices by the locking mechanism. During battery swapping, simply unlock the locking mechanism, replace the integrated module consisting of the battery frame and power battery with a new battery frame and power battery module, and then lock the locking mechanism back in place. The independent battery frames on both sides allow for simultaneous or separate replacements as needed, significantly improving swapping efficiency and reducing steps, thus facilitating automation. This independent battery frame arrangement on both sides of the heavy-duty commercial truck frame allows for the placement of the power battery, increasing driving range, alleviating customer range anxiety, improving operational capabilities and profitability, and enhancing competitiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the frame assembly of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a structural embodiment of the battery frame;

[0047] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the main frame;

[0048] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a structure of an embodiment of the middle frame opening limiting member;

[0049] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the lateral connection device;

[0050] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the middle lateral arm;

[0051] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the central support beam assembly;

[0052] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the central beam body;

[0053] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the locking mechanism;

[0054] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locking mechanism;

[0055] Figure 11 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the locking mechanism;

[0056] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locking mechanism;

[0057] Figure 13 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the fixed rod;

[0058] Figure 14 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the intermediate socket.

[0059] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0060]

[0061]

[0062]

[0063] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0065] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0066] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this invention is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0067] Currently, the electrification of heavy-duty commercial vehicles focuses on two main routes: pure electric and battery swapping. Battery swapping is a rapid charging method for new energy vehicles. It involves using centralized battery swapping stations to centrally store, charge, and distribute large quantities of batteries, and then swapping batteries in new energy vehicles at these stations.

[0068] Battery swapping, in conjunction with battery swapping stations, addresses customers' range anxiety, much like gas stations. However, for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the current primary method is rear-mounted battery swapping. This involves stacking power batteries in the space behind the cab and above the chassis to achieve battery swapping. Rear-mounted battery swapping results in a high center of gravity and heavy weight, weakening the vehicle's climbing ability and reducing its top speed. Furthermore, the bulky rear-mounted batteries encroach on cargo space, reducing the amount of cargo a customer can carry, thus lowering operational capacity and profitability, even while adhering to vehicle length regulations. For medium- and long-distance freight transport where volume is critical, this economic dilemma becomes particularly pronounced, significantly reducing the competitiveness of this configuration.

[0069] Therefore, this invention proposes a vehicle. This vehicle utilizes a configuration where the power battery is positioned on the opposite side of the vehicle frame, enabling battery swapping.

[0070] The vehicle proposed in this invention will be described below.

[0071] Reference Figure 1 In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle includes a frame assembly 1000, which includes a frame 100, a battery frame 200, two lateral connecting devices 300, and a locking mechanism. The battery frame 200 has a receiving space 211 for placing a power battery. The two lateral connecting devices 300 are spaced apart along the length direction of the frame 100, and the two lateral connecting devices 300 cooperate to define a mounting position on opposite sides of the frame 100, with one mounting position for placing one battery frame 200. The locking mechanism is used to connect the lateral connecting devices 300 and the battery frame 200. The locking mechanism has a locked state and a disengaged state. In the locked state, the battery frame 200 is fixed to the mounting position; in the disengaged state, the battery frame 200 can be detached from the mounting position.

[0072] The battery frame 200 houses the power battery and fixes the power battery to the battery frame 200 to form an integral module. The battery frame 200 is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the vehicle frame 100; when replacement is needed, the unlocking and locking mechanism separates the battery frame 200 from the lateral connecting device 300 to realize dual-pack battery swapping, thus achieving independent separation of vehicle and battery and improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0073] Currently, heavy-duty commercial vehicles commonly use a rear-mounted battery swapping system, utilizing the space between the cab and the cargo box, above the chassis 100, to house the power battery and enable battery swapping. However, the rear-mounted battery encroaches on cargo box space, reducing the cargo capacity and operational efficiency while maintaining vehicle length compliance with regulations. For medium- and long-distance freight transport where volume is critical, this economic dilemma is particularly pronounced, significantly reducing the competitiveness of this configuration. This proposed solution symmetrically arranges the battery frames 200 on both sides of the vehicle chassis 100, integrating the power batteries into a single module. This increases the cargo capacity, operational efficiency, and profitability of the heavy-duty commercial vehicle, thereby enhancing its competitiveness.

[0074] On the other hand, heavy-duty commercial vehicles with rear-mounted battery packs have a shorter driving range on a single charge due to the limited capacity relative to the energy consumption requirements of heavy trucks. To improve this range, the battery packs need to be stacked, resulting in a high center of gravity and a significant increase in tilting and lateral moments due to their large mass. This greatly increases the risk of rollover and seriously affects driving safety. Furthermore, if the battery pack tilts forward, the cab is at risk of being crushed, endangering the safety of the occupants. Moreover, the high center of gravity and low coefficient of friction in rear-mounted battery packs lead to poor braking performance, causing brake dive and affecting ride comfort. In the worst-case scenario, the proximity of the battery pack to the front axle increases the axle load, especially on downhill sections, impacting front axle reliability and braking safety. Due to these critical drawbacks, rear-mounted battery packs typically only accommodate a single battery pack, resulting in a short driving range on a single charge relative to the energy consumption requirements of heavy trucks.

[0075] This solution symmetrically arranges the battery frames 200 on both sides of the vehicle frame 100, placing the power batteries within the battery frames 200 to form an integrated module. This eliminates the need for rear-mounted battery swapping to encroach on the vehicle's cargo space, increasing the cargo capacity of heavy-duty commercial vehicles, improving their operational capabilities and profitability, and enhancing their competitiveness. Furthermore, it lowers the center of gravity of the power batteries. By independently installing the battery frames 200 on both sides of the heavy-duty commercial vehicle's frame 100, the power batteries can be housed, resolving the safety and performance issues caused by the high center of gravity of rear-mounted battery swapping, as mentioned above. It also addresses the issue of shorter driving range caused by rear-mounted battery swapping, alleviating customer range anxiety, improving operational capabilities and profitability, and enhancing competitiveness.

[0076] In existing technologies, there are solutions that place the power battery at the bottom of the chassis 100 to lower the center of gravity of the power battery and increase the load capacity. However, because the power battery is placed at the bottom of the chassis 100, the risk of collision with the power battery increases, which also limits the application scenarios of commercial vehicles using this solution and cannot meet the medium and long-distance freight needs of heavy commercial vehicles. Furthermore, placing the power battery at the bottom makes it difficult to replace the battery due to limited space, low battery swapping efficiency, high cost of supporting equipment, and low economic benefits.

[0077] In pure electric mode, there is also a solution that places the power battery on the side of the frame 100. However, due to the limitations of charging technology and facilities, the charging time is long and cannot meet the operational needs of customers, resulting in great difficulties in commercial promotion. A very small number of battery swapping modes also use the method of placing the power battery on the side of the frame 100. However, in these solutions, the side-mounted power battery frame 200 is mainly fixedly connected, and the battery frame 200 is directly suspended on both sides of the frame 100. As a result, after the power battery is placed on the battery frame 200, it will generate a large bending moment on the frame 100, affecting the structural stability of the frame 100 and the load-bearing reliability of the battery frame 200. In addition, each battery swap requires removing the power battery from the battery frame 200 before replacement. The installation and removal of the power battery are troublesome and difficult, which greatly wastes assembly and replacement time. Furthermore, the troublesome installation and removal of the power battery from the battery frame 200 increases the battery swapping time, resulting in low battery swapping efficiency and making it difficult to implement the solution. This is because the operation involves many steps, is cumbersome, requires a lot of manual intervention, and has high labor costs. Moreover, the corresponding automated supporting equipment is difficult to design, has high costs, and low economic benefits.

[0078] This solution symmetrically arranges battery frames 200 on both sides of the vehicle frame 100, with the power battery housed within the battery frames 200 to form an independent integrated module. Two lateral connecting devices 300 reduce the torque exerted by the battery frames 200 on the frame 100, improving the structural stability of the frame 100 and the load-bearing reliability of the battery mounting bracket. The battery frames 200 are fixed to the lateral connecting devices 300 by a locking mechanism. During battery swapping, simply unlock the locking mechanism, replace the integrated module consisting of the battery frames 200 and the power battery with a new battery frame 200 and power battery module, and then lock the locking mechanism back in place. The independent arrangement of the battery frames 200 on both sides allows for simultaneous or separate replacements as needed, significantly improving swapping efficiency and reducing steps, thus facilitating automation. In this way, the independently arranged battery frames 200 on both sides of the heavy-duty commercial truck frame 100 can house the power battery, increasing the driving range, alleviating customers' range anxiety, improving operational capabilities and profitability, and enhancing competitiveness.

[0079] In one scenario, if a vehicle discovers that its battery module has malfunctioned or is low on power and needs to be replenished while driving, the battery module can be replaced at a battery swapping station. Here, the battery module includes a battery frame and a power battery installed in the battery frame.

[0080] The battery swapping process for a vehicle at a battery swapping station is as follows: The battery swapping station includes a battery loading and unloading unit, a battery storage unit, and a vehicle carrying platform. The vehicle carrying platform receives the vehicle's docking signal. First, the vehicle parks itself on the vehicle carrying platform at the swapping station using sensors such as images and radar, and the vehicle carrying platform receives the vehicle's docking signal. Then, the vehicle and the vehicle carrying platform interact with each other through a battery swapping controller. Specifically, the vehicle carrying platform interacts with the vehicle to determine whether the vehicle meets preset conditions. Determining whether the vehicle meets preset conditions can include whether the vehicle is ready for basic battery swapping operations, such as whether the vehicle is powered off, whether the vehicle is parked properly, or whether the vehicle's information matches the vehicle information pre-set in the battery swapping station. The vehicle carrying platform confirms that the vehicle is ready for battery swapping and issues a battery swapping command. The battery swapping station performs the battery swapping operation, which includes: the battery loading and unloading unit receiving the battery swapping command and unlocking the locking mechanism of the depleted battery module of the vehicle; battery loading and unloading units are arranged on both sides of the vehicle carrying platform, and the battery loading and unloading units of the battery swapping station unlock the vehicle's locking mechanism using robotic arms; the battery loading and unloading units begin to lift the battery module to be replaced from the vehicle using robotic arms, and transport the depleted battery module to the battery storage unit; and the detached battery module is placed into the battery storage unit of the battery swapping station for recharging using a transport device. Next, the battery loading and unloading unit removes a fully charged battery module from the battery storage unit and installs it onto the vehicle's mounting position. The battery loading and unloading unit uses a robotic arm to install a fully charged or partially charged battery module onto the vehicle's mounting position. The battery loading and unloading unit then lifts the fully charged battery module and places it onto the mounting position on the vehicle where the battery module has been removed, specifically the mounting position defined by the two lateral connection devices 300. The connectors in the battery module are then aligned. Finally, the battery loading and unloading unit locks the locking mechanism to secure the battery module to the mounting position. The battery loading and unloading unit of the battery swapping station uses a robotic arm to lock the locking mechanism to secure the battery module to the mounting position. Once the locking mechanism is engaged, the vehicle's sensors send feedback to the battery swapping controller, indicating that the battery swapping is complete. The vehicle can then start and drive out of the battery swapping station.

[0081] The preceding text introduced how this solution achieves vehicle-battery separation through the battery frame 200, lateral connection device 300, and locking mechanism, enabling rapid dual-pack battery swapping and improving swapping efficiency. The following will primarily describe the specific structure of the frame assembly 1000 through examples. Specifically, the form and structure of the battery frame 200 will be introduced first, followed by descriptions of the lateral connection device 300, the locking mechanism, and the connection relationships between the three.

[0082] Reference Figures 2 to 4 First, let's introduce the specific structure of the battery frame 200:

[0083] This solution mounts the power battery of the heavy-duty commercial vehicle on the side of the frame 100. To facilitate the installation of the power battery and improve its safety, as well as the battery swapping efficiency and range of the heavy-duty commercial vehicle, the following improvements have been made to the battery frame 200.

[0084] Battery frame 200, including:

[0085] Frame opening limit component 290;

[0086] A frame body 210, having a receiving space 211, wherein the frame opening limiting member 290 is detachably connected to the opening of the frame body 210; and

[0087] The central support member 250 is detachably disposed within the frame body 210. The central support member 250 divides the accommodating space 211 into a first accommodating cavity 212 and a second accommodating cavity 213. Both the first accommodating cavity 212 and the second accommodating cavity 213 are used to place the power battery.

[0088] The frame opening limiter 290 limits the opening of the frame body 210. The frame opening limiter 290 can be a plate component, frame component, etc., such as multiple openings that span the frame body 210 and are connected to the connecting plate of the frame body 210, or a cover that covers the opening of the frame body 210.

[0089] The frame opening limiting member 290 can be detachably connected to the frame body 210 by bolts, pins, or snap-fits. In this embodiment, the opening of the accommodating space 211 of the frame body 210 faces upwards because the power battery is heavy, making it easier to install by hoisting it in from above and using more convenient tools. In other embodiments, the opening of the accommodating space 211 of the frame body 210 can also face other directions, allowing the power battery and frame body 210 to be replaced as a whole after the power battery is installed into the frame body 210.

[0090] The central support member 250 is detachably disposed within the frame body 210. The central support member 250 can be connected by fasteners, such as bolts. The central support member 250 divides the accommodating space 211 into a first accommodating cavity 212 and a second accommodating cavity 213, which are used to house the power battery.

[0091] In one embodiment, the central support 250 may be divided along the length direction from the middle of the receiving space 211 to form a first receiving cavity 212 and a second receiving cavity 213.

[0092] In another embodiment, the central support 250 may be divided along the height direction from the middle of the receiving space 211 to form a first receiving cavity 212 and a second receiving cavity 213.

[0093] The central support member 250 divides the accommodating space 211 into a first accommodating cavity 212 and a second accommodating cavity 213. Both the first accommodating cavity 212 and the second accommodating cavity 213 are used to house the power battery, thereby increasing the driving range. The casing of the power battery located in the first accommodating cavity 212 is fixed to the frame body 210 through a detachable connection. The power battery located in the second accommodating cavity 213 is placed on the central support member 250 and is detachably connected to the central support member 250 to ensure the stability of the power battery and prevent shaking. The frame opening limit member 290 and the frame body 210 are detachably connected to facilitate the insertion of the power battery and ensure its safety. The aforementioned detachable connection method can be a low-cost and stable solution such as bolts or pins, or a solution that uses a structure such as clips for fixation.

[0094] It's easy to understand that the battery frame 200 is not limited to side-mounted battery swapping. It can be used in vehicles with the power battery positioned to the side, facilitating the subsequent battery swapping process. Alternatively, the battery frame 200 can be used in vehicles with the power battery mounted on the rear, avoiding the tipping risk associated with stacked rear-mounted batteries and improving the range of commercial vehicles. Or, the battery frame 200 can be used in vehicles with the power battery positioned at the bottom of the frame 100, increasing its load-bearing capacity and ensuring the safety of the power battery.

[0095] The battery frame 200 solution adopts a frame opening limiting member 290, a frame main body 210, and a middle support member 250. The frame main body 210 has an accommodation space 211. The middle support member 250 is detachably disposed within the frame main body 210. The middle support member 250 divides the accommodation space 211 to form a first accommodation cavity 212 and a second accommodation cavity 213. Both the first accommodation cavity 212 and the second accommodation cavity 213 are used for placing power batteries. The frame opening limiting member 290 is detachably connected to the opening of the frame main body 210, and can stably and safely install large-volume and heavy power batteries onto the light truck frame 100. By the middle support member 250 dividing the accommodation space 211 of the frame main body 210 into the first accommodation cavity 212 and the second accommodation cavity 213, and by arranging two power batteries in the first accommodation cavity 212 and the second accommodation cavity 213 and making the power batteries and the battery frame 200 connected as a whole, the battery frame 200 can bear heavy and large power batteries, ensuring the stable installation of the power batteries, thus ensuring the stability of the vehicle during driving and improving the endurance of commercial vehicles.

[0096] Furthermore, to avoid interference with the cargo box and affect the installation of the cargo box, the highest point of the battery frame 200 does not exceed the highest point of the longitudinal beam 110 of the vehicle frame 100.

[0097] Specifically, in an embodiment, to ensure the structural stability of the frame main body 210 and facilitate the support of the power battery, the frame main body 210 includes a lower bottom frame 220 and a plurality of side frames 230. The lower bottom frame 220 is fixed to the plurality of side frames 230. An intermediate beam 240 is provided at the middle position of the side frame 230 in the height direction. The middle support member 250 is detachably disposed on the intermediate beam 240 to define the first accommodation cavity 212 and the second accommodation cavity 213 in the accommodation space 211.

[0098] An intermediate beam 240 is provided at the middle position of the side frame 230 in the height direction. The intermediate beam 240 divides the accommodation space 211 into the first accommodation cavity 212 and the second accommodation cavity 213. By the arrangement of the intermediate beam 240, the strength of the frame main body 210 is enhanced, and it is convenient for the installation of the middle support member 250 and the support of the middle support member 250 and the frame main body 210 for the power battery in the second accommodation cavity 213.

[0099] To further strengthen the structural stability of the frame main body 210, a strengthening structure 260 is provided in the lower bottom frame 220 and at least one of the side frames 230.

[0100] Specifically, in this embodiment, the strengthening structure 260 is in a "rice" character structure.

[0101] In other embodiments, the reinforcing structure 260 can also be in other forms, such as being vertically arranged, horizontally arranged, vertically and horizontally arranged, etc. along the length direction, or being vertically arranged, horizontally arranged, vertically and horizontally arranged, etc. along the height direction.

[0102] Specifically, in this embodiment, the side frame 230 includes a front side frame 231, a rear side frame 232, a left side frame 233 and a right side frame 234. The front side frame 231 and the rear side frame 232 are symmetrically arranged, and the left side frame 233 and the right side frame 234 are symmetrically arranged. Taking the installation on the side of the vehicle frame 100 as an example, the one connected to the vehicle frame 100 is the front side frame 231, and the rear side frame 232 is opposite to the front side frame 231; the left side frame 233 faces the head direction of the vehicle, and the right side frame 234 is opposite to the left side frame 233. A plurality of connecting reinforcing beams are provided in the lower bottom frame 220, the front side frame 231 and the rear side frame 232. The plurality of reinforcing beams form a "rice" character structure in the lower bottom frame 220, the front side frame 231 and the rear side frame 232, thereby enhancing the strength of the reinforcing frame body 210.

[0103] The reinforcing beams can also be arranged in other ways. In one embodiment, for example, in the lower bottom frame 220, a plurality of longitudinally extending reinforcing beams can be connected to a transversely extending reinforcing beam. In another embodiment, in the lower bottom frame 220, a plurality of transversely extending reinforcing beams can be connected to a longitudinally extending reinforcing beam.

[0104] In addition, the arrangements of the front side frame 23l and the rear side frame 232 and the lower bottom frame 220 can be the same or different. The same setting is convenient for processing.

[0105] Specifically, in this embodiment, in order to further improve the structural stability of the frame body 210, the battery frame 200 further includes a plurality of support beams 271. The side frame 230 includes a front side frame 231, a rear side frame 232, a left side frame 233 and a right side frame 234. A plurality of the support beams 271 are provided at intervals along the length direction of the battery frame 200 in the lower bottom frame 220, the front side frame 231 and the rear side frame 232.

[0106] Specifically, in order to reduce the weight of the frame, the transverse surface of the support beam 271 is U-shaped. Without loss of generality, in other embodiments, the support beam 271 can also be the same as the reinforcing beam, or the same as the main beam of the frame body 210, etc.

[0107] In this embodiment, both ends of the support beam 271 extend along the height direction, and three support beams 271 are arranged at intervals along the length direction between the front side frame 231, the rear side frame 232 and the bottom frame. The middle support member 250 is installed at the intersection position of the support beam 271 and the middle beam 240.

[0108] In other embodiments, the number of the support beams 271 can also be two or more.

[0109] Specifically, to ensure structural stability, the front frame 231, lower bottom frame 220, rear frame 232, left side frame 233, and right side frame 234 are fixed by welding.

[0110] Furthermore, in one embodiment, to ensure the structural stability of the front frame 231, lower bottom frame 220, rear frame 232, and left side frame 233, diagonal reinforcing beams are provided at the inner corners of the front frame 231, lower bottom frame 220, rear frame 232, and left side frame 233. These diagonal reinforcing beams, together with the inner corners of the front frame 231, lower bottom frame 220, rear frame 232, and left side frame 233, form a triangle. The diagonal reinforcing beams ensure the strength of the frame structure and improve the load-bearing capacity of the frame body 210.

[0111] Specifically, to ensure the lateral stability of the battery frame 200, the battery frame 200 further includes multiple support columns 272 extending along the height direction. These support columns 272 are spaced apart along the width direction of the frame body 210 on the left side frame 233 and the right side frame 234. In this embodiment, four support columns 272 are provided, forming a grid structure with the intermediate beam 240 within the left side frame 233 and the right side frame 234. In one embodiment, the number of support columns 272 can also be other; in another embodiment, where the width of the left side frame 233 and the right side frame 234 is not limited, support columns 272 can be omitted, and the same arrangement as the front side frame 231 and the rear side frame 232 can be used, which facilitates processing and ensures structural stability.

[0112] Furthermore, to ensure the structural strength of the corner connections of the front frame 231, lower bottom frame 220, rear frame 232, and left side frame 233, in this embodiment, the frame body 210 also includes corner protectors 273, which are located at the corners of the frame body 210. The corner protectors 273 provide corner protection for the frame body 210, ensuring the strength of the welded connections of the front frame 231, lower bottom frame 220, rear frame 232, left side frame 233, and right side frame 234. The corner protectors 273 can be fixed to the frame body 210 by riveting or welding, and their material can be the same metal as the frame body 210, such as steel. To improve strength and reduce weight, the frame opening limiter 290 and the frame body 210 can be made of aluminum alloy.

[0113] Furthermore, to facilitate the installation of the connector and the connection for battery swapping, in one embodiment, an accessory frame 280 is provided on one side of the frame body 210 along its length. The accessory frame 280 is used to install accessories for the power battery.

[0114] Specifically, in this embodiment, the accessory frame 280 includes a first sub-frame 281, a second sub-frame 282, and a third sub-frame 283 that are spaced apart along the length of the frame body 210. The first sub-frame 281 is used to install a high-voltage electrical control box, the second sub-frame 282 is used to install a water connector, and the third sub-frame 283 is used to install an electrical connector.

[0115] In other embodiments, the first subframe 281, the second subframe 282, and the third subframe 283 may also be configured as a whole.

[0116] Specifically, the first sub-frame 281 is used to install the high-voltage distribution box; when the frame body 210 is connected to the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100, the front side frame 231 is close to the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100, and the first sub-frame 281 is located below the frame 100 and between the longitudinal beams 110 of the two frames 100. The high-voltage distribution box, abbreviated as PDU (Power Distribution Unit), is the high-voltage power distribution unit in the high-voltage system solution for new energy vehicles. It electrically connects high-voltage components through busbars and wiring harnesses, providing functions such as charging and discharging control, high-voltage component power-on control, circuit overload and short-circuit protection, high-voltage sampling, and low-voltage control for the high-voltage system of new energy vehicles, protecting and monitoring the operation of the high-voltage system. The PDU can also integrate functions such as BMS main control, charging module, DC module, and PTC control module. Compared with traditional PDUs, it has more vehicle function modules, is more integrated in function, and has a more complex structure, with heat dissipation structures such as water cooling or air cooling. The PDU configuration is flexible and can be customized according to customer requirements, meeting the needs of different customers and different vehicle models.

[0117] In one embodiment, the frame body 210 contains a storage space 211 for placing a power battery. The first sub-frame 281 has an opening at the top, through which a high-voltage distribution box is inserted. Both the frame body 210 and the first sub-frame 281 are frame structures, facilitating wiring connections between the power battery and the high-voltage distribution box. The first sub-frame 281 is located in the first receiving cavity 212 of the front frame 231. Thus, when the frame body 210 is placed beside the longitudinal beams 110 of the frame 100, the first sub-frame 281 is positioned between the longitudinal beams 110 of the two frames 100, making efficient use of the frame 100's space and ensuring a stable center of gravity.

[0118] In other embodiments, the first subframe 281 can also be located on the side where the main frame is connected to the lateral connecting device 300. Compared to the side closer to the frame 100, the weight imbalance on both sides during the battery swapping process will also have a certain impact on the installation and disassembly process. Alternatively, if it is located on the side away from the frame 100, although it avoids affecting the battery swapping process, it will increase the outer dimensions of the vehicle, which is not only unsightly but also poses potential hazards.

[0119] Specifically, the first sub-frame 281 is located between the second sub-frame 282 and the third sub-frame 283, and the first sub-frame 281 is larger than the second sub-frame 282 and the third sub-frame 283. The second sub-frame 282 is used to install either a water connector or an electrical connector, while the other is installed in the third sub-frame 283. The water connector and electrical connector serve as power battery connectors. The main function of the electrical connector is to facilitate current transmission, while the main function of the water connector is heat exchange. The safety and reliability of the power battery connector are paramount during operation, and this is a key component ensuring the normal operation of the electric vehicle's power system. In one embodiment, the second sub-frame 282 and the third sub-frame 283, along with the first sub-frame 281, are all open at the top for easy installation. In other embodiments, the first sub-frame 281, the second sub-frame 282, and the third sub-frame 283 may also be open in other directions. In addition, the first subframe 281, the second subframe 282 and the third subframe 283 are arranged with upward openings. The first subframe 281, the second subframe 282 and the third subframe 283 are placed below the frame 100 and between the longitudinal beams 110 of the two frames 100. The cargo box is installed above the longitudinal beams 110 to cover the openings, which can ensure the safety of the water connector, the electrical connector and the high-voltage distribution box.

[0120] The battery frame 200 is a double-layer rectangular frame structure. As mentioned above, after the power battery is installed into the frame body 210, the power battery located in the first receiving cavity 212 is fixed to the lower bottom frame 220 by bolts. If a second power battery needs to be installed, the middle support 250 needs to be installed at the position of the middle beam 240, and then the second power battery is placed on the middle support 250.

[0121] In one embodiment, the central support member 250 can be integral, such as an integral rectangular frame.

[0122] In other embodiments, the central support member 250 may be a separate component, such as a strip or column arranged along the length or width of the frame body 210.

[0123] In this embodiment, for ease of installation and stability of support, the central support member 250 includes multiple sub-support frames, which are spaced apart on the intermediate beam 240. The intermediate beam 240 surrounds the frame body 210, and the multiple sub-support frames are detachably connected to the intermediate beam 240.

[0124] Specifically, the sub-support frames are L-shaped and bolted to the intermediate beam 240. Three sub-support frames are provided on each of the front and rear frames 231 and 232, and two are provided on each of the left and right frames 233 and 234. The sub-support frames on the front and rear frames 231 and 232 are located at the intersection of the support beam 271 and the intermediate beam 240. Each support frame has pre-drilled mounting holes 722 for fixing the power battery bolts, facilitating the installation of the upper-level power battery. The arrangement of multiple sub-support frames divides the accommodating space 211 into a first accommodating cavity 212 and a second accommodating cavity 213. The second power battery is placed on the multiple sub-support frames. To ensure the stability of the second power battery, it is connected to the frame body 210 via a frame opening limiter 290 to ensure the stability of the power battery in the accommodating space 211.

[0125] In one embodiment, the frame opening limiting member 290 is an integral directional frame, corresponding to the bottom frame 220 covering the upper opening of the frame body 210.

[0126] In other embodiments, the frame opening limiting member 290 may also be a plurality of connecting beams extending along the length direction of the frame body 210 and spaced apart along the width direction of the frame body 210.

[0127] In one embodiment, the frame opening limiting member 290 includes a frame body and a plurality of connecting beams disposed within the frame body. These connecting beams are spaced apart along the length of the frame body 210 and extend along the width of the frame body 210. In another embodiment, the frame opening limiting member 290 is composed of multiple connecting beams, each with a sub-support frame at both ends. Mounting holes 722 are provided on the frame crossbeam at the opening of the frame body 210. The sub-support frames are fixed to the crossbeam of the frame body 210 with bolts, thereby securing the connecting beams. In this embodiment, the connecting beams correspond to the sub-support frames on the intermediate beam 240, meaning three frame opening limiting members 290 are provided along the length of the frame body 210. In other embodiments, the number of frame opening limiting members 290 may also be different. The battery frame 200, with its frame limiting component 290, main frame 210, and central support component 250, facilitates the installation of multiple power batteries and provides protection for them. It also facilitates battery replacement. The battery frame 200 can meet the installation needs of various battery swapping solutions, such as rear-mounted, side-mounted, or chassis-mounted battery swapping. Because the power batteries carried by heavy commercial vehicles are large and heavy, the battery frame 200 proposed in this solution has a stable structure and high strength, ensuring the safety of the power batteries.

[0128] Reference Figures 2 to 6 Secondly, the specific structure of the lateral connection device 300 and how the battery frame 200 is fixed to both sides of the frame 100 through the lateral connection device 300 to achieve fast battery swapping will be introduced.

[0129] To facilitate the installation of the battery frame 200, the lateral connection device 300 includes:

[0130] Support beam assembly 700; and

[0131] A lateral connection mechanism 400 is provided at each end of the support beam assembly 700. A part of the lateral connection mechanism 400 is connected to the frame 100, and another part is connected to the support beam assembly 700. The part of the support beam assembly 700 connected to the lateral connection mechanism 400 is located below the frame 100.

[0132] The lateral connection device 300 can buffer the torque transmitted from the outermost side of the power battery to the bottom of the lateral arm 600 due to gravity, ensuring the stability of the support. A part of the lateral connection mechanism 400 is connected to the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100, and another part is connected to the support beam assembly 700. Both ends of the support beam assembly 700 are connected to the lateral connection mechanism 400. Through the buffering of the support beam assembly 700, the vibration impact force and the rotational bending moment inertial force around the X-axis transmitted from the power battery boxes on both sides to the lateral connection mechanism 400 can be partially buffered by the support beam assembly 700, ensuring that the lateral connection mechanism 400 does not break due to excessive instantaneous stress. At the same time, it constrains the bending displacement of the lateral connection mechanisms 400 on both sides, thereby reducing the sway amplitude of the power battery box and reducing the deformation of the frame 100.

[0133] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The lateral connection mechanism 400 includes:

[0134] Mounting component 500 is used to connect to battery frame 200; and

[0135] The lateral arm 600 includes a connecting section 610 extending along the length of the frame 100 and a support section 620 extending along the width of the frame 100. The connecting section 610 and the support section 620 are fixed together. The connecting section 610 is used to connect to the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100. A pre-positioning structure 630 and a fixing structure 640 are provided between the support section 620 and the mounting member 500. After the mounting member 500 is pre-positioned on the support section 620 by the pre-positioning structure 630, it is connected and fixed to the support section 620 by the fixing structure 640.

[0136] In one embodiment, four lateral connection mechanisms 400 allow battery frames 200 of different sizes to be mounted on the side of the vehicle frame 100. Two lateral arms 600 are respectively mounted on the longitudinal beam 110 of the vehicle frame 100. The lateral arms 600 can be connected by fasteners or fixed by welding. The battery frame 200 can be the battery frame 200 described above or other battery frames 200. The distance between the two lateral arms 600 on the same side is adjusted on the longitudinal beam 110 according to the size of the battery frame 200. Two mounting pieces 500 are respectively installed at both ends of a battery frame 200. The battery frame 200 is fixed by the pre-positioning structure 630 and the fixing structure 640 between the mounting pieces 500 and the lateral arms 600. The lateral connection mechanism 400 facilitates the fixing of the battery frame 200 to the side of the vehicle frame 100, ensuring the stability of the fixation. It also facilitates the convenience and safety of battery swapping installation, can adapt to battery frames 200 of different sizes, provides a more stable fixation, and has greater versatility.

[0137] In one embodiment, to reduce the torque generated by the battery frame 200 on the vehicle frame 100 and improve the structural stability of the vehicle frame 100 and the load-bearing reliability of the battery mounting bracket, the connecting sections 610 of the two lateral arms 600 located on opposite sides of the vehicle frame 100 are partially connected to the vehicle frame 100, and the other part is connected through a support beam assembly 700. That is, both ends of the support beam assembly 700 are connected to one lateral arm 600, and the support beam assembly 700 is located below the vehicle frame 100. In this way, the torque generated on the outermost side of the power battery is dispersed through the support beam assembly 700, thereby reducing the impact of the power battery on the structure of the vehicle frame 100 and improving the structural stability of the vehicle frame 100. The support beam assembly 700 here may be different from the support beam assembly 700 described later. The specific structure of the support beam assembly 700 will be described later and will not be repeated here.

[0138] In another embodiment, the mounting member 500 in the lateral connection mechanism 400 can be integrally set with the battery frame 200. The lateral connection mechanism 400 only includes the lateral arm 600, and the lateral connection device 300 is composed of a support beam assembly 700 and two lateral arms 600 located at both ends of the support beam assembly 700.

[0139] The lateral arm 600 can be a rod, column, or other shape. The mounting bracket 500 is fixedly installed on opposite sides of the battery frame 200, and the fixing connection method can be welding, riveting, or a combination of other fixing connection methods.

[0140] By employing mounting component 500 and side arm 600, power batteries of different sizes can be mounted on the side of the vehicle via battery frame 200. Mounting component 500 is used to connect to battery frame 200. Side arm 600 includes a connecting section 610 extending along the length direction of frame 100 and a support section 620 extending along the width direction of frame 100. The connecting section 610 and the support section 620 are fixed together. The connecting section 610 is used to connect to the longitudinal beam 110 of frame 100. A pre-positioning structure 630 and a fixing structure 640 are provided between the support section 620 and mounting component 500. After the mounting component 500 is pre-positioned on the support section 620 via the pre-positioning structure 630, it is connected and fixed to the support section 620 via the fixing structure 640. By installing a mounting piece 500 on each side of a battery frame 200 and two lateral arms 600 on the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100, the two mounting pieces 500 fix the battery frame 200 to the two lateral arms 600, so that the power battery and its battery frame 200 can be arranged on the side. The distance between the two lateral arms 600 can be adjusted to accommodate battery frames 200 of different sizes, thus adapting to power batteries of different sizes and having strong versatility.

[0141] The pre-fixed structure 640 and the fixed structure 640 improve the accuracy of installing the battery frame 200 onto the side arm 600, and increase the efficiency of battery frame 200 installation and removal, thereby improving battery swapping efficiency. Furthermore, compared to installing the battery frame 200 directly to the vehicle frame 100, the side arm 600 offers better load-bearing capacity and strength, while occupying less space and having a simpler and more reliable structure. Compared to requiring overall modifications to the battery frame 200, this method is less costly, involves fewer installation steps, and improves battery swapping efficiency.

[0142] After the mounting component 500 is pre-positioned on the support section 620 via the pre-positioning structure 630, it is connected and fixed to the support section 620 via the fixing structure 640. The pre-positioning structure 630 can be a snap-fit ​​structure, a plug-in structure, etc. The pre-positioning structure 630 pre-fixes the mounting component 500 to the side arm 600, which on the one hand prevents the battery frame 200 from shaking after being placed on the two side walls, and on the other hand, makes the fixing structure 640 relatively aligned, which facilitates the installation and fixing of the mounting component 500 and the side arm 600. At present, in the field of battery swapping, the fixing method is generally to use fastening devices, such as bolts, or quick-release fixing devices used in the field of battery swapping. Without the pre-positioning structure 630, one or more fastening devices need to be installed before fixing, and when the fastening devices are not installed, the machine needs to be operated continuously to assist in fixing the battery frame 200, which takes a long time and results in low battery swapping efficiency, which is not conducive to the automation development of battery swapping mode. By pre-positioning the pre-fixed structure 640 before fixing, the alignment steps and operation process are reduced. Only the fastening device needs to be connected to fix the mounting part 500 and the side arm 600, which improves the installation efficiency and battery swapping efficiency. Since only the fastening device needs to be locked and fixed, it is easy to automate the related battery swapping equipment.

[0143] Specifically, the pre-positioning structure 630 includes a positioning pin 631 provided on the support section 620 and a positioning slot 510 provided on the mounting member 500, wherein the positioning pin 631 is inserted into the positioning slot 510 for positioning.

[0144] To facilitate the alignment of the positioning pin 631 with the positioning slot 510, a chamfer is provided at the free end of the positioning pin 631. The positioning pin 631 can be a post, block, etc.

[0145] By setting a positioning slot 510 at the lower end of the mounting component 500 and a positioning pin 631 at the upper end of the support section 620, the positioning pin 631 is placed in the positioning slot 510 during installation. Under the action of gravity, the mounting component 500 can be placed on the support section 620 to achieve pre-positioning. At this time, it can be fixed by the fixing structure 640.

[0146] To ensure effective positioning, in this embodiment, the positioning pin 631 is positioned at the middle of the extending direction of the support segment 620. Thus, only one positioning pin 631 and one positioning slot 510 are needed to achieve the alignment of the fixing structure 640.

[0147] In other embodiments, the positioning pins 631 may also be located at both ends of the support segment 620 in the direction of extension.

[0148] Specifically, the fixing structure 640 includes a first mounting hole 641 on the support section 620 and a second mounting hole 520 on the mounting member 500. After the mounting member 500 is pre-positioned on the support section 620 by the pre-positioning structure 630, the first mounting hole 641 and the second mounting hole 520 are directly opposite each other so that fasteners can be sequentially inserted and fixed.

[0149] In this embodiment, for the sake of stability, the first mounting hole 641 is provided with a plurality of holes spaced apart along the extension direction of the support section 620.

[0150] In other embodiments, the first mounting holes 641 may be multiple, spaced apart in the width direction of the support segment 620.

[0151] Specifically, a plurality of first mounting holes 641 are provided at intervals along the extension direction of the support section 620, and the number of second mounting holes 520 is set corresponding to the number of first mounting holes 641.

[0152] In this embodiment, four first mounting holes 641 are provided along the extension direction of the support section 620, and the positioning pin 631 is provided in the middle of the four first mounting holes 641, that is, two first mounting holes 641 are provided on both sides of the positioning pin 631 respectively.

[0153] Furthermore, the lateral connection mechanism 400 also includes a limiting structure, which is provided at the first mounting hole 641 and the second mounting hole 520. Specifically, the limiting structure includes a limiting boss 650 and a limiting hole. The limiting boss 650 is provided on the edge of the first mounting hole 641, and the mounting member 500 is provided with a limiting hole corresponding to the limiting boss 650. The limiting boss 650 is provided on opposite sides of the first mounting hole 641 along the extending direction of the support section 620. The limiting boss 650 can be elongated, semi-cylindrical, etc. The limiting boss 650 extends along the width of the support section 620, and its extension length is greater than the diameter of the first mounting hole 641. The limiting boss 650 strengthens the first mounting hole 641 and, through its cooperation with the limiting hole of the mounting component 500, further ensures accurate alignment, facilitating the installation and fixing of the side arm 600 and the mounting component 500. It also facilitates the installation of fasteners; if there is a gap between the mounting component 500 and the support section 620, fasteners may get stuck in the gap during installation. The limiting boss 650 facilitates the installation of fasteners. The limiting hole and the second mounting hole 520 on the mounting component 500 can be independently set, or they can be connected.

[0154] Specifically, to enhance the structural strength of the lateral arm 600, in this embodiment, the support section 620 is provided with a first upper reinforcing plate 661, which is located between the battery frame 200 and the connecting section 610. The support section 620 is also provided with a second upper reinforcing plate 662, which is located on the side of the support section 620 away from the battery frame 200.

[0155] When the battery frame 200 is installed on the support section 620, the second upper reinforcing plate 662 is located on the outermost side of the mounting member 500. In addition to strengthening the connection section 610 and the support section 620 like the first upper reinforcing plate 661, the second upper reinforcing plate 662 can also guide the installation of the mounting member 500, making it easier to install the mounting member 500 and the side arm 600.

[0156] Specifically, to further enhance the structural strength of the lateral arm 600, the support section 620 is provided with a lower reinforcing plate 663, which is located below the battery frame 200. The lower reinforcing plate 663 is disposed below the support section 620 corresponding to the first upper reinforcing plate 661 and the second upper reinforcing plate 662, located on both sides of the support section 620 along the length direction of the frame 100.

[0157] To reduce the overall weight of the lateral arm 600, a weight-reducing hole is provided between the second upper reinforcing plate 662 and the lower reinforcing plate 663. Multiple weight-reducing holes are provided on the second upper reinforcing plate 662 and the lower reinforcing plate 663 along the extension direction of the lateral arm 600. The shock-absorbing holes can be regular shapes, such as circles or squares, or irregular shapes.

[0158] The lateral arm 600 is fixed to the frame 100 via the connecting section 610. In order to ensure the structural strength of the connection between the connecting section 610 and the frame 100, a reinforcing structure 670 is provided between the first upper reinforcing plate 661 and the lower reinforcing plate 663 and the connecting section 610.

[0159] Specifically, in this embodiment, the connecting segment 610 is provided with a plurality of fixing holes 611 for connecting to the frame 100 in the height direction, and the reinforcing structure 670 includes reinforcing ribs 671. The reinforcing ribs 671 and the fixing holes 611 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the height direction of the connecting segment 610.

[0160] In other embodiments, the connecting section 610 may also be welded and fixed to the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100.

[0161] In one embodiment, the reinforcing rib 671 can be integrally formed; in this embodiment, the reinforcing rib 671 is provided in multiple segments at intervals at the connection between the first upper reinforcing plate 661 and the lower reinforcing plate 663 and the connecting segment 610. The reinforcing rib 671 is triangularly arranged between the first upper reinforcing plate 661 and the lower reinforcing plate 663 and the connecting segment 610, and is distributed at intervals along the height direction, thereby improving the structural strength of the connection.

[0162] Furthermore, to facilitate installation with the frame 100, the connecting section 610 is provided with multiple fixing holes 611, and the reinforcing ribs 671 and the fixing holes 611 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the height direction on the connecting section 610. This arrangement not only strengthens the connection between the support section 620 and the connecting section 610, but also improves the strength of the fixing holes 611 of the connecting section 610, ensuring the connection effect.

[0163] In this embodiment, the second upper reinforcing plate 662 is tapered toward the extension direction of the support section 620, that is, the second upper reinforcing plate 662 and the lower reinforcing plate 663 are triangular in shape.

[0164] Furthermore, after the lateral arm 600 is connected to the frame 100, due to the large weight of the power battery, the torque at the free end to the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100 is large. In order to ensure the structural stability of the connection between the lateral arm 600 and the frame 100, a support beam assembly 700 and the mounting component 500 can be provided between the two opposing lateral arms 600 to form the lateral connection device 300 mentioned above. Specifically, the connection section 610 includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper and lower sections of the connection section 610 are divided by the first upper reinforcing plate 661 and the lower reinforcing plate 663. The upper section is used to connect with the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100, and the lower section is used to connect with the support beam assembly 700.

[0165] The upper section of the support segment 620 is connected to the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100, and the lower section is located below the longitudinal beam 110. The two ends of the support beam assembly 700 are fixedly connected to the lower sections of the two connecting segments 610 through fixing holes 611. The support beam assembly 700 is located below the frame 100. In this way, the torque from the free end to the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100 is large, and the support beam assembly 700 acts as a buffer to ensure the structural stability of the connection between the lateral arm 600 and the frame 100.

[0166] Furthermore, to enhance the structural strength of the side arm 600, it is designed as a single piece. Specifically, the entire side arm 600 is cast as a single unit, resulting in a more robust structure.

[0167] In summary, the lateral connection mechanism 400 proposed in this solution enables lateral battery swapping in vehicles by adjusting the distance between the two lateral arms 600 on the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100 according to the size of the battery frame 200 to be installed. If a heavy power battery is located between the two lateral arms 600 on opposite sides of the frame 100, a support beam assembly 700 can be set to prevent the heavy power battery from affecting the frame 100. Two mounting pieces 500 are set on opposite sides of the battery frame 200. The mounting pieces 500 and the lateral arms 600 are positioned and pre-fixed by the pre-positioning structure 630 of the mounting pieces 500 and the lateral arms 600, and the fixing structure 640 is positioned relative to each other, which facilitates fixing with fasteners. Compared with installing the battery frame 200 directly to the frame 100, the lateral arms 600 have better load-bearing capacity and higher strength, and occupy less space and have a simple and reliable structure. Compared to the overall improvement of the battery frame 200, the cost is lower; the installation steps are fewer, which can improve the battery swapping efficiency. Furthermore, the use of the lateral arm 600 reduces the alignment steps and operation process. Only the locking mechanism needs to be connected and fixed to the mounting piece 500 and the lateral arm 600, which can improve the installation efficiency and battery swapping efficiency. Since only the locking mechanism needs to be locked and fixed, it is also convenient to automate the related battery swapping equipment.

[0168] The locking mechanism can be locked onto the lateral connecting device 300 or the lateral connecting mechanism 400. That is, the lateral connecting device 300 includes the support beam assembly 700, while the lateral connecting mechanism 400 does not include the support beam assembly 700.

[0169] When introducing the lateral connection mechanism 400 above, it was mentioned that a support beam assembly 700 can be set between the two lateral arms 600. The specific structure and application scenarios of the support beam assembly 700 are introduced below.

[0170] Reference Figures 5 to 8 Specifically, the support beam assembly 700 is used to support the two side-swap battery modules, which are respectively mounted on the side of the frame 100, as shown in the figure. Figure 7 The support beam assembly 700 includes:

[0171] Buffer mechanism; and

[0172] The beam body 720 has a buffer mechanism at each end, and the two ends of the beam body 720 are respectively connected to a side-swappable battery module and are located below the vehicle frame 100.

[0173] In the prior art, to facilitate the installation of the power batteries on both sides, a through beam is used for connection. The through beam extends from below the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100 to both ends and then connects to the battery frame 200. However, because the two ends of the through beam are rigidly connected to the battery frame 200, the outermost part of the power battery is subjected to gravity or bumpy road surfaces, making the through beam prone to breakage under the impact of large loads and torques, resulting in reliability failure. Therefore, this application provides a support beam assembly 700.

[0174] In one embodiment, the support beam assembly 700 may support the battery frame 200 of the side-switch battery module, with the support beam assembly 700 positioned between the battery frames 200 on both sides of the vehicle frame 100; alternatively, it may support the lateral support mechanism 400 of the side-switch battery module. The lateral connection mechanism 400 may be the lateral arm 600 mentioned above, or other forms of support members.

[0175] In this embodiment, the side-switch battery module is the lateral arm 600 in the lateral connection mechanism 400 mentioned above. Specifically, both ends of a support beam assembly 700 are connected to one lateral arm 600, and the battery frame 200 is connected to both lateral arms 600 through mounting parts 500.

[0176] The connection between the support beam assembly 700 and the side battery swapping module is such that, in one embodiment, the end of the beam body 720 is connected to the buffer mechanism and then fixed together with the side battery swapping module.

[0177] In another embodiment, after the end of the beam body 720 is fixed with a buffer mechanism, the beam body 720 is then fixed to the side battery swapping module.

[0178] In other embodiments, after the end of the beam body 720 is fixed with a buffer mechanism, it is fixed to the side battery swapping module through the buffer mechanism.

[0179] In one embodiment, in the scheme of using the support beam assembly 700 for the lateral mounting of the power battery, the power battery is fixed to both sides of the frame 100 by two lateral arms 600. Because the power battery is heavy, the torque transmitted from the outermost side of the power battery to the bottom of the lateral arm 600 due to gravity is large. In order to ensure the stability of the support, a part of the lateral arm 600 is connected to the longitudinal beam 110 of the frame 100, and the other part is connected to the support beam assembly 700. Both ends of the support beam assembly 700 are connected to one lateral arm 600 respectively. Through the buffer mechanism, the shaking amplitude of the power battery box is reduced, and the deformation of the frame 100 is reduced.

[0180] In another embodiment, the support beam assembly 700 can also be connected to the battery frame 200 of the power battery. That is, the two ends of the support beam assembly 700 are respectively connected to a battery frame 200. Through the buffering mechanism, the vibration impact force and the rotational bending moment inertial force around the X-axis transmitted from the battery frames 200 on both sides to the support arm can be buffered and damped by the buffering mechanism, thereby constraining the bending displacement of the battery frames 200 on both sides, thereby reducing the sway amplitude of the power battery frame 200 and reducing the deformation of the frame 100.

[0181] In this embodiment, the support beam assembly 700 is fixed in conjunction with the lateral arms 600 of the lateral connection mechanism 400. Both ends of the support beam assembly 700 are connected to the lower ends of one lateral arm 600, and the upper end of the lateral arm 600 is fixed to the vehicle frame 100. The vibration and impact forces, as well as the rotational bending moment and inertial force around the X-axis, transmitted from the battery frames 200 on both sides to the support arms can be buffered and damped by the buffer mechanism before being transmitted to the central beam 240 body. This ensures that the support beam assembly 700 does not break due to excessive instantaneous stress, while also constraining the bending displacement of the lateral arms 600 on both sides, thereby reducing the sway amplitude of the power battery frame 200 and the deformation of the vehicle frame 100. The combined use of the lateral connection mechanism 400 and the support beam assembly 700 can accommodate the heavy power batteries of various heavy-duty commercial vehicles, achieving lateral battery swapping and demonstrating strong versatility.

[0182] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 By employing a buffer mechanism and a beam body 720, each end of the beam body 720 is provided with a buffer mechanism, and each end of the beam body 720 is connected to a side-swap battery module and is located below the vehicle frame 100. The support beam assembly 700 can be used to connect to the two side arms 600, and the support beam assembly 700 can also be used to connect to the battery frame 200 of the power battery. Because the power battery is heavy, the torque transmitted from the outermost side of the power battery to the bottom of the side arm 600 due to gravity is large. Through the buffer mechanism, the vibration impact force and the rotational bending moment inertial force around the X-axis transmitted from the two battery frames 200 to the support beam assembly 700 can be buffered and damped before being transmitted to the beam body 720. This ensures that the support beam assembly 700 does not break due to excessive instantaneous stress, while reducing the sway amplitude of the power battery frame 200 and reducing the deformation of the vehicle frame 100. By combining the lateral connection mechanism 400 and the support beam assembly 700, it can be adapted to the heavy power batteries of various heavy commercial vehicles to achieve the purpose of lateral battery swapping, and has strong versatility.

[0183] Specifically, in order to ensure the load-bearing capacity and rigidity requirements of the support beam assembly 700, the beam body 720 is made of metal, such as metal steel or aluminum alloy.

[0184] To ensure the integrity and structural reliability of the beam body 720, the beam body 720 is integrally formed. This can be achieved through methods such as integral stamping, integral casting, or high-strength aluminum alloy hot forming.

[0185] Furthermore, the buffer mechanism is configured as an elastomer assembly 710, or the buffer mechanism is configured as a shock absorber assembly.

[0186] Specifically, in the configuration of the elastomer assembly 710, the elastomer assembly 710 and the beam body 720 can be detachably connected, such as by screw fastening or snap-fit ​​fixing; or they can be fixedly connected, such as by welding or riveting.

[0187] In this embodiment, the elastomer assembly 710 includes an elastic body 712, a first fixing part 711 and a second fixing part 713 for fixing the elastic body 712, and both ends of the beam body 720 are respectively connected to one of the first fixing parts 711. The elastic body 712 can be configured as rubber, silicone, etc. Specifically, the elastic body 712 can be prismatic or cylindrical.

[0188] In this embodiment, the elastic body 712 is configured as a rubber block.

[0189] In a shock absorber assembly, it can be a mechanical shock absorber or an airbag shock absorber, etc.

[0190] Specifically, in order to facilitate the installation of the buffer mechanism, in one embodiment, the first fixing part 711 is detachably connected to the beam body 720.

[0191] In another embodiment, the first fixing part 711 is welded to both ends of the beam body 720 as a whole.

[0192] Specifically, to ensure the vibration reduction effect, both ends of the beam body 720 are provided with mounting flanges 721, each with mounting holes 722. The first fixing part 711 and the second fixing part 713 are each provided with fixing flanges 714, each with assembly holes. The mounting flanges 721 and 714 are directly opposite each other, aligning the mounting holes 722 with the assembly holes. Fasteners pass through the mounting holes and the two assembly holes in sequence to connect with the side-mounted battery module. The elastic body 712 is positioned between the first fixing part 711 and the second fixing part 713 to ensure balanced force distribution on the elastic body 712, thereby guaranteeing the vibration reduction effect.

[0193] To ensure the structural stability of the support beam assembly 700, the support beam assembly 700 also includes a reinforcing connector 723, which is disposed between the mounting flange 721 and the beam body 720.

[0194] In one embodiment, the reinforcing connector 723 may be a support rib, a reinforcement, or the like.

[0195] In another embodiment, the reinforcing connector 723 may also be a structure formed by the beam body 720 itself that can improve the strength of the connection.

[0196] Specifically, since most of the torque from the power battery is transmitted below the beam body 720, to ensure the load-bearing stability of the first fixing part 711, the second fixing part 713, and the beam body 720, the reinforcing connector 723 is located below the mounting flange 721 and the beam body 720. The reinforcing connector 723 is triangular between the mounting flange 721 and the beam body 720 to ensure the structural strength below the first connecting part 821 and the second connecting part 863. The reinforcing connector 723 can be a plate, column, block, rib, etc. The reinforcing connector 723 can be integrally formed with the beam body 720, or it can be separately formed and then welded together.

[0197] The battery frames 200 on both sides of the vehicle are supported by two lateral connecting mechanisms 400. The battery frames 200 are fixed and separated from the lateral connecting mechanisms 400 or lateral connecting devices 300 by a locking mechanism. The ability of the locking mechanism to quickly lock and separate, and to install quickly, affects the efficiency of replacing the battery frames 200. The structure of the first locking mechanism scheme is described below.

[0198] Reference Figures 9 to 10 A locking mechanism for connecting two workpieces to be fixed includes:

[0199] The fastening bolt 910 includes a bolt head 911 for tool rotation, a screw 914 connected to the bolt head 911, and the screw 914 having an external thread; a fastening nut 920, the inner wall of which has an internal thread; a bolt sleeve 930 for connecting to one of the workpieces to be fixed and fitted over the fastening bolt 910, the bolt sleeve 930 preventing the fastening bolt 910 from disengaging; and a nut sleeve 960 for connecting to one of the workpieces to be fixed and fitted over the fastening nut 920, the fastening nut 920 having an axially movable range within the nut sleeve 960, and an anti-rotation structure between the nut sleeve 960 and the fastening nut 920 to prevent the fastening nut 920 from rotating circumferentially.

[0200] The two components to be secured can be a battery swapping device and a battery swapping connection mechanism; or other scenarios where a similar need to prevent the locking mechanism from falling off is required. In one application scenario, the locking mechanism is mainly used to secure the battery frame 200 to the vehicle frame 100. For example, if the vehicle uses a rear-mounted battery swapping solution, the locking mechanism can secure the battery frame 200 to the rear of the vehicle frame 100, or, as in this solution, secure the battery frame 200 to the lateral connection mechanism 400.

[0201] The anti-rotation structure can be a limiting mechanism between locking blocks, or it can be a mechanism such as a one-way ratchet. The bolt sleeve 930 has an installation clearance port 941 on the side near the bolt head 911 to facilitate operation of the fastening bolt 910.

[0202] As mentioned above, the battery frame 200 is mounted on the lateral connecting mechanism 400. The fastening bolt 910 is fixed to either the battery frame 200 or the lateral connecting mechanism 400 via a bolt sleeve 930. The bolt sleeve 930 prevents the fastening bolt 910 from coming loose, avoiding it from falling off during disassembly. It also avoids the need to pick up the fastening bolt 910 again for each installation, shortening the installation steps and improving installation efficiency. To further shorten the installation steps and improve battery swapping efficiency, the fastening nut 920 is fixed to the other of the battery frame 200 or the lateral connecting mechanism 400 via a nut sleeve 960. It is easy to understand that the battery frame 200 and the lateral connecting mechanism 400 have corresponding mounting holes 722. The fastening bolt 910 and the fastening nut 920 are respectively set corresponding to the mounting holes 722, and the fastening nut 920 is secured to the nut sleeve 960. The device has a certain range of motion, and the head of the fastening bolt 910 can be adjusted by pushing the nut to facilitate the connection between the external thread and the internal thread. Furthermore, because an anti-rotation structure is provided between the nut sleeve 960 and the fastening nut 920, the fastening nut 920 will not rotate. Thus, fixing and installation can be completed simply by rotating the fastening bolt 910. Compared to traditional installation methods, this greatly shortens the installation steps, improves installation efficiency, and thus increases battery swapping efficiency. Moreover, there is no risk of the fastening bolt 910 and the fastening nut 920 falling off or detaching; installation and disassembly only require rotating the fastening bolt 910, facilitating the automation and implementation of battery swapping equipment.

[0203] Furthermore, to facilitate the installation of the fastening bolt 910 and the fastening nut 920, a guide structure is provided at the free end of the screw 914 and at the opening of the fastening nut 920 facing the screw 914.

[0204] Specifically, the guide structure includes a tapered guide surface 915 at the free end of the screw 914 and a guide groove 962 at the orifice of the fastening nut 920 facing the screw.

[0205] In threaded connections, the concentricity of the first thread can easily deviate during contact and engagement, leading to poor locking performance, thread wear, and hindering automated operation. To address the reliability issues of threaded connections and improve battery swapping efficiency, save costs, and reduce component maintenance frequency, a matching guide structure is provided at the free end of the screw 914 and the threaded hole of the fastening nut 920. In one embodiment, the guide structure is configured as a tapered guide surface 915 at the end of the screw 914 and a guide groove 962 at the threaded hole of the fastening nut 920. In other embodiments, a guide block can be used with a tenon and mortise joint. Thus, when the tightening mechanism at the battery swapping station end rotates the fastening bolt 910 toward the fastening nut 920, the tapered guide surface 915 of the fastening bolt 910... First, the guide groove 962 of the fastening nut 920 is contacted. During the continuous upward movement, the fastening bolt 910 and the fastening nut 920 gradually achieve concentric alignment. During this process, the fastening nut 920 has a certain displacement adjustment within the nut sleeve 960, which can compensate for concentricity deviations caused by assembly dimensional errors. This ensures that when the fastening bolt 910 wants to mate with the fastening nut 920, it can be quickly guided and engaged. The rotation of the fastening nut 920 is restricted by the nut sleeve 960, requiring operation of the fastening bolt 910, further simplifying the installation process and improving the battery swapping efficiency.

[0206] Specifically, to ensure that the fastening bolt 910 and the fastening nut 920 can be quickly engaged, the locking mechanism further includes a first elastic return member 970, which is located between the nut sleeve 960 and the fastening nut 920. The nut sleeve 960 is fitted over the fastening nut 920, and the fastening nut 920 can move within the nut sleeve 960. The first elastic return member 970, located between the nut sleeve 960 and the fastening nut 920, allows the fastening nut 920 to move towards the fastening bolt 910 during installation, facilitating their engagement. After disassembly, the first elastic return member 970 can drive the fastening nut 920 back to its original position, facilitating subsequent engagement.

[0207] Specifically, in one embodiment, the first elastic reset member 970 is configured as a nut spring, one end of which abuts against the bottom wall of the nut sleeve 960 and the other end abuts against the end of the fastening nut 920.

[0208] In other embodiments, the first elastic reset member 970 may also be a metal spring or elastic rubber, etc.

[0209] Furthermore, in order to limit the rotation of the fastening nut 920 during installation and disassembly and simplify the installation process, the anti-rotation structure includes a limiting rib 921 on the outer periphery of the fastening nut 920 and a limiting groove 961 in the nut sleeve 960 that is adapted to the limiting rib 921. The limiting rib 921 and the limiting groove 961 are in clearance fit, and the limiting rib 921 moves axially within the limiting groove 961.

[0210] Specifically, in order to compensate for the concentricity deviation caused by assembly size error, the limiting rib 921 and the limiting groove 961 are fitted with a clearance, so that the fastening nut 920 can be adaptively adjusted under the guide structure, ensuring that when the fastening bolt 910 wants to cooperate with the fastening nut 920, it can be quickly guided and engaged.

[0211] Specifically, in order to ensure the alignment of the fastening nut 920, the limiting ribs 921 are symmetrically arranged on the outer periphery of the fastening nut 920.

[0212] In one embodiment, the fastening nut 920 is circular, and the limiting rib 921 is symmetrically arranged with the outer periphery of the circle; in another embodiment, the fastening nut 920 is square, and the limiting rib 921 can be configured as the four sides of the outer periphery of the square, or it can be set separately.

[0213] Furthermore, to facilitate the rotation of the fastening bolt 910, the locking mechanism further includes a second elastic reset member 980. The bolt sleeve 930 includes a bolt sleeve 940 and a bolt head 950. The fastening bolt 910 is placed inside the bolt sleeve 940. The bolt head 950 is movably sleeved on the bolt head 911 and can drive the bolt head 911 to rotate. The bolt sleeve 940 has a relief opening 941. A portion of the bolt head 950 extends out from the relief opening 941, and the edge of the relief opening 941 blocks the bottom edge of the bolt head 950. The second elastic reset member 980 is placed between the bottom of the bolt head 950 and the workpiece to be fixed. The fastening bolt 910 passes through the middle of the second elastic reset member 980.

[0214] The fit between the bolt sleeve 940 and the bolt head 950 prevents the fastening bolt 910 from falling off, and the bolt head 950 facilitates the rotation of the fastening bolt 910.

[0215] The bolt head 911 is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion 913, and the sleeve head 951 is provided with a matching snap-fit ​​portion 954. The snap-fit ​​portion 954 extends along the insertion direction of the screw 914, and the snap-fit ​​portion 913 can slide along the snap-fit ​​portion 954. Through the engagement of the snap-fit ​​portion 913 and the snap-fit ​​portion 954, the sleeve head 951 drives the bolt head 911 to rotate. The bolt head 911 of the fastening bolt 910 is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion 913, and the bolt sleeve head 950 is provided with a matching snap-fit ​​portion 954. The snap-fit ​​portion 913 and the snap-fit ​​portion 954 can be splined or otherwise. The second elastic reset member 980 is provided so that, in the free state, due to the elastic force of the second elastic member, the bolt sleeve head 950 extends out of the bolt sleeve 940 for easy operation. During installation, the bolt sleeve 950 is pressed along the axis by a tightening tool, and the fastening screw 914 is inserted into the fastening nut 920. Through the guide structure, the axis of the fastening bolt 910 and the fastening nut 920 is pre-aligned, and the threaded parts of the fastening bolt 910 and the fastening nut 920 begin to contact. The tightening tool is screwed in, and the fastening bolt 910 and the fastening nut 920 clamp the workpiece to achieve locking. After the tightening tool is retracted, the elastic force of the second elastic element causes the bolt sleeve 950 to return to its original position, which facilitates subsequent operations.

[0216] Furthermore, to prevent the fastening bolt 910 and the fastening nut 920 from loosening, an anti-rotation structure is provided between the bolt sleeve 940 and the bolt head 950. After the tightening tool is retracted, the second elastic element causes the bolt sleeve 940 and the bolt head 950 to abut against each other. The anti-rotation structure between the bolt sleeve 940 and the bolt head 950 restricts the rotation of the bolt head 950 relative to the bolt sleeve 940. At the same time, the bolt head 950 restricts the rotation of the fastening bolt 910, so that the fastening bolt 910 cannot rotate after installation, thereby achieving the purpose of preventing loosening.

[0217] Specifically, the bolt sleeve 950 includes a sleeve head 951 and an outer extension 952 connected to the sleeve head 951. The anti-rotation structure includes a first conical tooth 953 disposed between the outer extension 952 and the sleeve head 951, and a second conical tooth 942 disposed on the inner wall of the clearance opening 941 of the bolt sleeve 940. The cooperation of the first conical tooth 953 and the second conical tooth 942 stops the relative rotation of the bolt sleeve 950 and the bolt sleeve 940. The first conical tooth 953 is disposed between the outer extension 952 and the sleeve head 951, and the second conical tooth 942 is disposed on the inner wall of the clearance opening 941 of the bolt sleeve 940. The cooperation of the first conical tooth 953 and the second conical tooth 942 achieves mechanical locking, thereby achieving the purpose of preventing loosening.

[0218] Furthermore, to provide greater frictional torque on the support surface when the bolt 910 is tightened, the bolt head 911 is also provided with a bolt edge 912, the upper edge of which stops the lower edge of the outer extension edge 952. The bolt edge 912 can both increase the frictional torque when it comes into contact with the workpiece and restrict the movement of the bolt sleeve 950 along the screw 914, facilitating the engagement of the bolt sleeve 950 and the bolt head 911.

[0219] Furthermore, to ensure a good reset and locking effect for the bolt sleeve 940, the second elastic reset member 980 includes a bolt spring 981 and spring retaining rings 982 disposed at both ends of the bolt spring 981. One spring retaining ring 982 abuts against the workpiece, and the other spring retaining ring 982 abuts against the outer extension edge 952 of the bolt sleeve 940. The fastening bolt 910 passes through the middle of the two spring retaining rings 982 without interfering with the connection of the fastening bolt 910.

[0220] Specifically, the fastening bolt 910 is fixed to the battery end bracket by the bolt sleeve 930, and the fastening nut 920 is fixed to the end support frame of the vehicle frame 100 by the nut sleeve 960. The fastening bolt 910 and the fastening nut 920 will not fall off. The fastening nut 920 is covered by the nut sleeve 960 and can only move within a small range inside the nut sleeve 960. The fastening bolt 910 cannot pass through the bolt sleeve 930. During installation or disassembly, the fastening bolt 910 is locked or disengaged by the bolt head 950. Locking principle: When the battery end bracket and the vehicle frame end bracket are attached, as shown by the lateral arm 600 and mounting part 500 in the lateral connection mechanism 400 mentioned above, the fastening bolt 910 is moved by the bolt sleeve 950 under the control of the tightening mechanism at the matching swapping station end. The tapered guide surface 915 of the free end of the fastening bolt 910 first contacts the guide groove 962 of the fastening nut 920. In the process of continuous upward movement, through the tapered guide surface 915 and the guide groove 962, the fastening bolt 910 and the fastening nut 920 gradually achieve concentric alignment. During this process, the fastening nut 920 is placed in the nut sleeve 960 and has a certain displacement adjustment amount, which can compensate for the concentricity deviation caused by assembly size error. When the fastening bolt 910 and the fastening nut 920 begin to engage, the nut sleeve 960 prevents the fastening nut 920 from rotating and also restrains the fastening nut 920, ensuring that it can be well maintained within the set position area. This ensures that when the fastening bolt 910 wants to engage with the fastening nut 920, it can be quickly guided and engaged, thus simplifying the installation process and improving the efficiency of battery swapping.

[0221] In battery swapping solutions, rapid battery pack replacement within the swapping vehicle becomes particularly important. Currently, the main methods of battery swapping locking systems for heavy-duty trucks are pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic pin- and snap-lock structures. Their core drawbacks are: firstly, pneumatic and hydraulic power units encroach on battery placement space, affecting battery capacity and consequently reducing the vehicle's driving range; secondly, the numerous components increase cost and increase susceptibility to electrical failures; and finally, gap-locking systems are prone to rapid wear of the locking head, leading to locking failure and posing a safety risk of significant battery movement or even falling out during swapping. To improve battery swapping efficiency, [further details are needed]. Figures 11 to 14 This solution also provides a locking mechanism, which is not only simple in structure and enables quick replacement of battery packs, but also has high compatibility, can effectively improve the installation accuracy of battery packs, and is easy to match with battery swapping accessories to achieve battery swapping automation.

[0222] Reference Figures 11 to 14 The locking mechanism, used to connect two workpieces to be fixed, includes:

[0223] A fixed rod 810 includes a rod head 811 for tool rotation and a rod body 820 connected to the rod head 811. The rod body 820 includes a first connecting portion 821 and a first guide portion 822 arranged sequentially along its extending direction. The first guide portion 822 is located at the free end of the rod body 820.

[0224] A socket 860 has an installation opening 861 through which the rod body 820 passes. The inner wall of the socket 860 is provided with a second guide portion 862 and a second connecting portion 863 in sequence along the insertion direction. The second guide portion 862 is located at the installation opening 861. The fixing rod 810 passes through the socket 860 through the installation opening 861. The first guide portion 822 and the second guide portion 862 cooperate to make the first connecting portion 821 and the second connecting portion 863 be connected to fix the socket 860 and the fixing rod 810.

[0225] The two components to be secured can be a battery swapping device and a battery swapping connection mechanism; or other scenarios where a similar need to prevent the locking mechanism from falling off is required. In one application scenario, the locking mechanism is mainly used to secure the battery frame 200 to the vehicle frame 100. For example, if the vehicle uses a rear-mounted battery swapping solution, the locking mechanism can secure the battery frame 200 to the rear of the vehicle frame 100, or, as in this solution, secure the battery frame 200 to the lateral connecting device 300 or the lateral connecting mechanism 600.

[0226] In the conventional installation method of battery swapping, it generally includes a fixing rod 810 and a socket 860. After the fixing rod 810 and the socket 860 are inserted vertically, they are connected and fixed by the first connecting part 821 and the second connecting part 863 of the fixing rod 810. The first connecting part 821 and the second connecting part 863 can be threaded, snap-fit, etc. During the connection process of the fixing rod 810 and the socket 860, due to processing errors or low alignment accuracy, it is often necessary to spend time aligning them during installation. Even if some fixing rods 810 have chamfers at the ends, it is still impossible to avoid the problem of concentricity deviation. Especially in the threaded connection scheme, the problem of concentricity deviation between the two threads when the first thread contacts and engages cannot be solved.

[0227] Reference Figures 12 to 14 In this solution, the locking mechanism is guided by the first guide part 822 and the second guide part 862, which improves the ground alignment and concentricity of the locking mechanism.

[0228] In one embodiment, the first guide portion 822 may be a chamfer located at the free end of the rod portion 820, and the second guide portion 862 may be a guide groove located at the mounting opening 861 of the sleeve 860. By providing matching chamfers and guide grooves to the fixing rod 810 and the sleeve 860, the double guidance of the chamfer and guide groove after the fixing rod 810 passes through the sleeve 860 allows the rod portion 820 and the sleeve 860 to be better concentric, which facilitates the subsequent cooperation of the first connecting portion 821 and the second connecting portion 863. This also helps to realize the automated operation of the locking mechanism and improve the battery swapping efficiency.

[0229] In another embodiment, the first guide portion 822 and the second guide portion 862 can be guide blocks, and the two guide blocks are engaged by tenon and mortise. In other embodiments, the first guide portion 822 and the second guide portion 862 can also be additional guide components added to the entrance of the rod portion 820 and the sleeve 860.

[0230] To facilitate processing and reduce costs, the first connecting part 821 is configured with an external thread and the second connecting part 863 is configured with an internal thread, achieved by providing a tapered guide surface and guide groove 962 on the fixing member. The tapered guide surface 915 of the fixing member first contacts the end of the guide groove 962 of the sleeve 860. As it continues to move upward, the centers of the fixing member and the sleeve 860 gradually achieve concentricity alignment, thereby ensuring smooth engagement of the external and internal threads and reducing wear.

[0231] Furthermore, in the installation of battery swapping devices, the batteries are typically mounted on a support mechanism. For example, in the lateral configuration mentioned above, the battery frame 200 is placed on two lateral connecting mechanisms 400 and fixed by a locking mechanism. During installation and disassembly, the fixing rod 810 and the socket 860 require manipulation. For automated battery swapping, a vertical clamping mechanism is needed before installation or disassembly. After disassembly, the fixing rod 810 and the socket 860 may fall out of the workpiece holes. The locking mechanism has low installation efficiency, resulting in low battery swapping efficiency and hindering automated battery swapping.

[0232] To simplify the installation process, prevent the parts from falling out of the workpiece holes during disassembly, save tightening time, and thus improve battery swapping efficiency, the locking mechanism further includes a stop 870. The rod body 820 includes an upper rod 830 near the free end of the rod body 820, a middle rod 840 near the middle of the rod body 820, and a lower rod 850 near the rod head 811. The stop 870 is movably disposed on the lower rod 850 and is stopped by the rod head 811 and the first connecting part 821. The stop 870 is used to fix one of the two workpieces to be fixed.

[0233] In this embodiment, the stop 870 is fixed to the mounting part 500 of the battery frame 200, or alternatively, to the side arm 600. The stop 870 is located at the lower rod portion 850 and is movable relative to it. This ensures that regardless of whether the stop 870 is facing upwards or downwards during installation, it is stopped by the rod head 811 and the first connecting part 821, preventing it from falling out of the workpiece hole during disassembly. In other words, the stop 870 is confined to the lower rod portion 850. In one embodiment, the diameter of the middle rod portion 840 may be larger than that of the lower rod portion 850; in another embodiment, the first connecting part 821 may protrude outwards from the lower rod portion 850.

[0234] Specifically, the stop 870 is configured as a gasket, and the diameter of the opening of the gasket is smaller than the outer diameter of the first connecting part 821. The stop 870 is a gasket or a plate. On the one hand, the stop 870 can prevent the fixing rod 810 from falling off, and on the other hand, it can increase the contact area between the fixing rod 810 and the surface of the workpiece, prevent the surface of the part from being worn, and also play an anti-loosening role.

[0235] To further simplify the installation process, save tightening time, and thus improve battery swapping efficiency, the locking mechanism also includes a limiting member 880, which is sleeved outside the socket 860. The limiting member 880 is used to fix the other of the two workpieces to be fixed, and the limiting member 880 limits the axial displacement range of the socket 860.

[0236] In this embodiment, the stop 870 is fixed to the mounting member 500 of the battery frame 200, and the limiting member 880 is fixed to the lateral arm 600. In one embodiment, the limiting member 880 is a limiting plate. In another embodiment, the limiting member 880 is a sleeve.

[0237] Specifically, the limiting member 880 includes a limiting section 881 and mounting ears 883 located on both sides of the limiting section 881. The limiting section 881 has a limiting opening 882 through which the socket 860 passes. The mounting opening 861 of the socket 860 is provided with a skirt 864 extending along the outer periphery of the mounting opening 861. The bottom edge of the limiting opening 882 stops the skirt 864. The mounting ears 883 are used to connect with either the battery swapping device or its support mechanism. The connection method can be bolting, riveting, welding, etc.

[0238] Specifically, to enable the fixing rod 810 and the socket 860 to be quickly aligned and engaged, a step is formed between the mounting ear 883 and the limiting section 881. The height distance between the limiting section 881 and the part to be fixed is a displacement range of 3mm-4mm. A 3mm-4mm displacement adjustment in the height direction between the limiting section 881 and the skirt 864 of the socket 860 compensates for concentricity misalignment caused by assembly dimensional errors.

[0239] Furthermore, in order to further simplify the installation process, save tightening operation time, and thus improve battery swapping efficiency, a limiting structure is provided between the limiting member 880 and the socket 860. The limiting structure includes a limiting part 884 provided in the limiting passage 882 and a stop part 865 provided on the outer surface of the socket 860. The limiting part 884 and the stop part 865 are clearance-fitted to restrict the circumferential rotation of the socket 860 relative to the limiting member 880.

[0240] In one embodiment, the limiting member 880 is a limiting plate with a square opening in the middle. The outer surface of the socket 860 has a hexagonal nut edge. The square opening fits onto the hexagonal nut edge, restricting the circumferential rotation of the socket 860 relative to the limiting member 880. The bottom of the socket 860 is stopped by the lower edge of the square opening, thereby restricting the axial movement of the socket 860 relative to the limiting member 880. This also ensures that the socket 860 has a certain displacement adjustment range to compensate for concentricity deviations caused by assembly dimensional errors, making assembly more convenient. The clearance fit between the square opening and the hexagonal nut edge prevents the socket 860 from rotating during installation and disassembly, and also constrains the socket 860 to remain well within the set position area, ensuring that the fixing rod 810 can be quickly guided and engaged when it wants to mate with the socket 860.

[0241] In another embodiment, the limiting member 880 is a sleeve, the limiting part 884 is configured with a guide groove 962 inside the sleeve, and the stop part 865 is configured as a guide rib protruding outward from the sleeve joint 860. The guide rib can move along the guide groove 962 and is limited by the end of the sleeve. When rotating axially, the guide rib and the guide groove 962 limit each other, thereby constraining the rotation of the sleeve joint 860 during installation and disassembly.

[0242] Furthermore, to ensure smooth assembly, the gap between the limiting part 884 and the stop part 865 is between 3mm and 8mm, thereby ensuring smooth installation and the effectiveness of the stop.

[0243] Specifically, for ease of installation and to ensure locking effectiveness, the first connecting part 821 is configured with an external thread, and the second connecting part 863 is configured with an internal thread.

[0244] Furthermore, to ensure the locking effect, the length of the external thread is greater than the length of the internal thread.

[0245] Specifically, in order to ensure the guiding effect, the first guide part 822 is configured as a tapered guide surface 915, and the second guide part 862 is configured as a guide groove 962.

[0246] Furthermore, in order to ensure the fixing effect, the rod head 811 is provided with a flange edge 812, the outer diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the rod head 811.

[0247] Furthermore, in order to ensure the fixing effect of the fixing rod 810 and the socket 860, the rod head 811 is located on the flange edge 812, which is larger than the rod head 811, so as to provide a larger support surface friction torque when the fixing rod 810 is tightened, making the connection more reliable.

[0248] Specifically, in one embodiment, the flange face has a dimension of Ф52-60, the middle shank 840 is threaded with a thread size of M24, and the unthreaded shank 35 has a dimension of Ф20. The thread size is larger than the unthreaded shank size, which prevents the bolt from falling out of the workpiece hole during disassembly, further simplifying the installation process and improving battery swapping efficiency. The upper part of the inner hole of the socket 860 is threaded with a thread size of M24 and a thread length of 39mm-43mm. Compared to ordinary nuts, it has a larger thread length, maximizing the dispersion of axial tensile force on the thread, better protecting the thread, and maximizing the thread friction torque, which also has a certain benefit in preventing loosening.

[0249] Specifically, the socket 860 is fixed to the battery end bracket by the limiting member 880, and the fixing rod 810 is fixed to the end support frame of the vehicle frame 100 by the stop member 870. If the limiting member 880 is fixed to the battery end bracket plate by bolts or welding, the socket 860 is enclosed by the limiting plate frame and can only move within the opening range in the middle of the limiting plate. The fixing rod 810 and the stop member 870 are both located below the end support frame of the vehicle frame 100. The stop member 870 is fixed to the end support frame of the vehicle frame 100. The diameter of the center hole of the stop member 870 is smaller than the outer diameter of the middle thread of the fixing rod 810. Therefore, when the fixing rod 810 falls under gravity, the fixing rod 810 cannot pass through the stop member 870 and remains in its position. Locking Principle: When the battery end bracket and the vehicle frame end bracket are fitted together, the lateral arm 600 and mounting part 500 in the lateral connection mechanism 400 mentioned above, and the fixing rod 810 will move upward under the control of the tightening mechanism at the matching battery swapping station end. The tapered guide structure at the free end of the fixing rod 810 first contacts the socket 860. During the continuous upward movement, through the first guide part 822 of the fixing rod 810 and the second guide part 862 of the socket 860, the fixing rod 810 and the socket 860 gradually achieve concentric alignment. During this process, there is an appropriate displacement adjustment between the socket 860 and the limiting part 880, which can compensate for the concentricity deviation caused by assembly size errors. This is the significance of setting the first guide part 822 at the fixing rod 810 and the guide groove 962 at the socket 860. When the first connecting part 821 and the second connecting part 863 begin to engage with the threads, the limiting member 880 can prevent the sleeve 860 from rotating. The limiting plate can not only prevent the sleeve 860 from rotating, but also constrain the sleeve 860 to be well kept in the set position area, that is, at the mounting hole 722 of the sleeve 860 and the through hole of the battery end bracket. This ensures that when the fixing rod 810 wants to cooperate with the sleeve 860, it can be quickly guided and engaged. This simplifies the installation process and improves the battery swapping efficiency.

[0250] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle frame assembly, characterized in that, include: Frame; The battery frame has a space for housing the power battery; Two lateral connecting devices are provided, which are spaced apart along the length of the frame, and the two lateral connecting devices cooperate to define a mounting position on opposite sides of the frame, and a battery frame is placed in one of the mounting positions. as well as A locking mechanism is provided for connecting the lateral connecting device and the battery frame. The locking mechanism has a locked state and a disengaged state. In the locked state, the battery frame is fixed to the mounting position; in the disengaged state, the battery frame can be detached from the mounting position. The battery frame includes a frame body and an accessory frame disposed on the side of the frame body near the vehicle frame. When the frame body is placed in the mounting position, the accessory frame is located below the vehicle frame and between the two longitudinal beams of the vehicle frame. The highest point of the battery frame does not exceed the highest point of the vehicle frame.

2. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The accessory frame includes a first sub-frame, a second sub-frame, and a third sub-frame that are spaced apart along the length of the main frame body. The first sub-frame is used to install a high-voltage electrical control box, the second sub-frame is used to install a water connector, and the third sub-frame is used to install an electrical connector.

3. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The first sub-frame is located between the second sub-frame and the third sub-frame, and the first sub-frame is larger than the second sub-frame and the third sub-frame; And / or, the first subframe, the second subframe, and the third subframe are configured with upward openings.

4. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The lateral connection device includes: Support beam assembly; and The lateral connection mechanism is provided at both ends of the support beam assembly. A part of the lateral connection mechanism is connected to the vehicle frame, and another part is connected to the support beam assembly. The part of the support beam assembly connected to the lateral connection mechanism is located below the vehicle frame.

5. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The support beam assembly includes: Buffer mechanism; and The beam body has a buffer mechanism at each end, and the two ends of the beam body are respectively connected to a lateral connection mechanism and are located below the vehicle frame.

6. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The lateral connection mechanism includes: Mounting components for connection to the battery frame; and The lateral arm includes a connecting section extending along the length of the frame and a support section extending along the width of the frame. The connecting section and the support section are fixed together. The connecting section is used to connect to the longitudinal beam of the frame. The support section and the mounting member are provided with a pre-positioning structure and a fixing structure. After the mounting member is pre-positioned on the support section by the pre-positioning structure, it is connected and fixed to the support section by the fixing structure.

7. The frame assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes: A fixed rod includes a rod head for tool rotation and a rod body connected to the rod head. The rod body includes a first connecting portion and a first guide portion arranged sequentially along its extending direction, the first guide portion being located at the free end of the rod body. A socket joint has an installation opening for the rod body to pass through. The inner wall of the socket joint is provided with a second guide portion and a second connecting portion in sequence along the passing direction. The second guide portion is located at the installation opening. The fixing rod passes through the socket joint from the installation opening. The first guide portion and the second guide portion cooperate to make the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion relative to each other to fix the socket joint and the fixing rod.

8. The frame assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes: A fastening bolt includes a bolt head for rotation of a tool and a threaded rod connected to the bolt head, the threaded rod having an external thread. A fastening nut, wherein the inner wall of the fastening nut is provided with a connecting internal thread; A bolt sleeve, used to connect to one of the workpieces to be fixed, and fitted over the fastening bolt, the bolt sleeve serving to prevent the fastening bolt from disengaging; and A nut sleeve is used to connect to one of the workpieces to be fixed and is sleeved on the outside of the fastening nut. The fastening nut has an axial range of movement within the nut sleeve. An anti-rotation structure is provided between the nut sleeve and the fastening nut to prevent the fastening nut from rotating circumferentially.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the frame assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A battery swapping station, characterized in that, The battery swapping station is used to swap batteries for the vehicle as described in claim 9, and the battery swapping station includes a battery loading and unloading unit, a battery storage unit, and a vehicle carrying platform.

11. A vehicle battery swapping method, used in a battery swapping station as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The vehicle battery swapping method includes: The battery loading and unloading unit separates the battery module to be replaced from the vehicle. The battery module to be replaced includes a battery frame and a power battery installed in the battery frame.

12. The vehicle battery swapping method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The vehicle battery swapping method includes: The vehicle carrying platform receives the vehicle's docking signal; The vehicle carrier platform interacts with the vehicle to determine whether the vehicle meets preset conditions. If the preset conditions are met, the vehicle carrying platform issues a battery swapping operation command; The battery loading and unloading unit receives the battery swapping operation command and unlocks the locking mechanism of the battery module to be replaced in the vehicle. The battery loading and unloading unit transports the battery module to be replaced to the battery storage unit; The battery loading and unloading unit removes the fully charged battery module from the battery storage unit and installs it into the mounting position on the vehicle. The battery loading and unloading unit locks the locking mechanism to fix the replaced battery module on the mounting position.

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