Battery replacement device

Abstract

This application relates to a battery replacement device, including a fixed mounting housing, a moving mechanism, a storage mechanism, a lifting mechanism, and a pick-and-place mechanism. The moving mechanism drives the storage mechanism to move in a first direction, positioning it at a lifted position. At this position, the pick-and-place component and the flipping component in the pick-and-place mechanism remove and flip the battery, ensuring the removed battery faces inwards towards the fixed mounting housing, and then place the battery into the storage mechanism, which has been lifted by the lifting mechanism. The moving mechanism is then controlled to move the storage mechanism in the first direction, moving the storage mechanism containing the new battery to the lifted position. The pick-and-place component removes the new battery from the storage mechanism, and the flipping component flips the pick-and-place component so that the battery on the component faces into the vehicle battery compartment, allowing the new battery to be placed into the vehicle battery compartment. This device enables vehicle battery replacement in a simple and efficient manner, improving battery swapping efficiency and making it more convenient to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electric vehicle charging and swapping technology, specifically relating to a battery swapping device. Background Technology

[0002] In response to the supply and pollution issues of traditional fossil fuels, car owners and major manufacturers have begun to focus on new energy vehicles. Energy-saving and environmentally friendly electric vehicles have seen explosive growth in recent years. Currently, electric vehicles are limited by batteries, and the driving range of existing electric vehicle batteries is generally in the range of 200-500KM. The problem of long battery charging time is particularly prominent. To solve this problem, one of the mainstream power supply solutions is battery replacement.

[0003] However, the process of replacing a vehicle battery is currently quite complicated and time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a battery replacement device that simplifies the process of replacing a vehicle battery and makes the replacement process faster and more convenient.

[0005] This application provides a battery swapping device for vehicle battery swapping, the battery swapping device comprising:

[0006] A fixed mounting shell is a hollow structure with an opening in a first direction and a through groove in a second direction. The fixed mounting shell also has a lifting position, which corresponds to the through groove.

[0007] A moving mechanism, wherein the moving mechanism is disposed within the fixed mounting housing;

[0008] The storage mechanism is provided with a placement position for storing batteries. The storage mechanism is disposed on the moving mechanism and can move towards or away from the lifting position along the first direction under the drive of the moving mechanism.

[0009] A lifting mechanism is provided on the fixed mounting shell. When the storage mechanism moves to the lifting position, the storage mechanism can move towards or away from the through slot along the second direction under the action of the lifting mechanism.

[0010] A pick-and-place mechanism is provided on the outer wall of the through groove. The pick-and-place mechanism includes a pick-and-place component and a flipping component. The pick-and-place component is connected to the flipping component and corresponds to the through groove. The pick-and-place component can rotate when the flipping component performs linear motion.

[0011] The retrieval mechanism is capable of retrieving or removing the battery from the storage position after the storage mechanism is lifted by the lifting mechanism.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, the flipping assembly includes a lifting member, a fixing member, and a flipping component. The lifting member is disposed on the outer wall of the through groove and is connected to the flipping component through the fixing member. The flipping component can move in the second direction under the drive of the fixing member, and the pick-and-place assembly can rotate under the drive of the flipping component.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the flipping component includes a fixing frame, a rotating shaft, and a gear. In the third direction, the gear is disposed on both sides of the pick-and-place assembly and is connected to the pick-and-place assembly through the rotating shaft.

[0014] The rotating shaft extends upward from the third party and passes through the fixing member. The rotating shaft is connected to the lifting member through the fixing member. The fixing member is provided between the gear and the picking and placing assembly.

[0015] The inner wall of one side of the fixing frame is provided with a rack extending along the second direction. The gear can move along the rack when the fixing member moves, so as to drive the rotating shaft to rotate. The pick-and-place assembly can rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft when the rotating shaft rotates.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the pick-and-place assembly includes a pick-and-place plate and an adsorption member, the adsorption member being disposed on the pick-and-place plate, and the pick-and-place plate corresponding to the through slot; and / or

[0017] The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersect each other.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, in the third-party direction, the lifting mechanism is provided on the outer walls of both sides of the fixed mounting shell;

[0019] The lifting mechanism includes a lifting drive, a transmission component, and a lifting component. The transmission component, driven by the lifting drive, drives the lifting component to move linearly in the second direction.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the transmission component includes a first transmission member and a second transmission member spaced apart in the second direction. One end of the first transmission member is connected to the second transmission member via a first connector, and the other end of the first transmission member is connected to the lifting drive member via a second connector. The first connector is rotatable under the rotation of the lifting drive member.

[0021] The fixed mounting shell has a slot extending in a second direction. At least a portion of the lifting member passes through the slot. The lifting member located inside the fixed mounting shell abuts against the storage mechanism near the bottom wall of the fixed mounting shell. The lifting member located outside the fixed mounting shell is connected to the first connector, and the lifting member can move in the second direction when the first connector rotates.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the lifting component includes a movable frame and a fixed block. A portion of the movable frame passes through the slot and engages with the first connector. Another portion of the movable frame is disposed within the fixed mounting housing and is fixedly connected to the fixed block. The side of the fixed block away from the movable frame abuts against the side of the storage mechanism away from the through slot.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the storage mechanism includes a storage box and a storage component. The storage box has an opening on the side away from the bottom wall of the fixed mounting shell, and in the third direction, the storage box has movable grooves on both sides for the fixed block to slide, and the movable grooves on both sides are interconnected.

[0024] The storage component is located inside the storage box, and the storage component has the placement position. The side of the storage component near the moving mechanism abuts against the fixed block. The storage component can move along the second direction when the fixed block moves.

[0025] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the storage component includes a mounting base, a top plate, and an elastic member. The top plate has the placement position, the elastic member is provided between the mounting base and the top plate, and the side of the mounting base away from the top plate abuts against the fixing block.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the moving mechanism includes a moving drive, a rotating component, and a conveying component. The moving drive is provided on the outer wall of the fixed mounting housing on one side. The moving drive is connected to the rotating component through a third connector. The conveying component can rotate under the drive of the rotating component to move the storage mechanism closer to or away from the lifting position.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the rotating component includes a rotating shaft and a pulley. The rotating shaft extends upward from the third party and passes through the fixed mounting housing to connect with the third connector. The pulley is capable of rotating when the rotating shaft rotates.

[0028] The conveying component includes a pulley and a guide rail. The guide rail is disposed on the inner wall of the fixed mounting housing and extends along the first direction. The guide rail is located between adjacent pulleys. The pulley is disposed on the side of the storage mechanism near the bottom wall of the fixed mounting housing. The pulley is connected to the pulley and can move within the guide rail when the pulley rotates.

[0029] The proposed solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] This application includes a battery replacement device, comprising a fixed mounting housing, a moving mechanism, a storage mechanism, a lifting mechanism, and a pick-and-place mechanism. The moving mechanism drives the storage mechanism to move in a first direction, positioning it at a lifted position corresponding to a through slot. At this point, the pick-and-place component in the pick-and-place mechanism removes the battery from the vehicle's battery compartment. A flipping component controls the pick-and-place component to flip, so that the battery on the pick-and-place component faces inwards towards the fixed mounting housing, allowing the battery to be placed into the storage mechanism, which has been lifted by the lifting mechanism. The moving mechanism then drives the storage mechanism to move in the first direction, moving the storage mechanism containing the new battery to the lifted position. The pick-and-place component again removes the new battery from the storage mechanism, and the flipping component controls the pick-and-place component to flip, so that the battery in the pick-and-place component faces into the vehicle's battery compartment, allowing the new battery to be placed into the vehicle's battery compartment. This device simplifies the entire battery replacement process, improves battery swapping efficiency, and makes it more convenient to use.

[0031] Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part from practice of this application.

[0032] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery replacement device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the picking and placing mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0036] Figure 3This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application, which is disposed in a fixed shell.

[0037] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0038] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0039] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the connection between the storage mechanism and the moving mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0041] 1. Fixed mounting housing; 101. Fixed housing; 1011. Through groove; 102. Positioning housing; 2. Moving mechanism; 201. Moving drive component; 202. Rotating component; 2021. Rotating shaft; 2022. Pulley; 2031. Guide rail; 204. Positioning seat; 3. Storage mechanism; 301. Storage box; 302. Movable groove; 303. Mounting seat; 304. Elastic component; 305. Top plate; 4. Lifting mechanism; 401. Lifting drive component; 402. 403. First transmission component; 404. Second transmission component; 405. First connecting component; 406. Second connecting component; 407. Movable frame; 408. Fixed block; 509. Picking and placing mechanism; 5001. Lifting component; 5021. Fixed seat; 5022. Annular damping frame; 5031. Fixed frame; 5032. Rotating shaft; 5033. Gear; 5034. Rack; 5041. Picking and placing plate; 5042. Adsorption component; 6. Laser positioning device; 7. Base plate; 8. Universal wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this application more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0043] In this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0044] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this application can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, apparatuses, steps, etc., can be employed. In other instances, well-known methods, apparatuses, implementations, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of this application.

[0046] Electric vehicle batteries fall into two main categories: rechargeable batteries and fuel cells. Rechargeable batteries are suitable for pure electric vehicles and include lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, sodium-sulfur batteries, secondary lithium batteries, air batteries, and ternary lithium batteries. In pure electric vehicles equipped only with rechargeable batteries, the battery serves as the sole power source for the vehicle's drive system. When an electric vehicle battery malfunctions or its charge is insufficient for replacement, maintenance personnel need to lift the electric vehicle to replace the battery in the chassis.

[0047] However, due to the weight of the batteries themselves, workers will have to do a lot of work and manpower when moving them, resulting in low work efficiency.

[0048] Based on this, this embodiment provides a battery replacement device to solve the technical problems of inconvenient battery replacement and installation and low work efficiency in electric vehicles.

[0049] See Figure 1 As shown, the battery replacement device includes a fixed mounting housing 1, a moving mechanism 2, a storage mechanism 3, a lifting mechanism 4, and a pick-and-place mechanism 5.

[0050] The mounting housing 1 is a hollow structure with an opening in the first direction X, and a through groove 1011 for the battery to pass through in the second direction Y. The mounting housing 1 also has a lifting position (not shown in the figure), which corresponds to the through groove 1011.

[0051] For example, see Figure 1As shown, the fixed mounting housing 1 includes a fixed housing 101 and a positioning housing 102. In the first direction X, the positioning housing 102 is located on both sides of the fixed housing 101, that is, the positioning housing 102 is located on both sides of the opening of the fixed housing 101. In the second direction Y, the top wall of the fixed housing 101 is provided with the through groove 1011, and the position inside the fixed housing 101 corresponding to the through groove 1011 is the lifting position.

[0052] It should be noted that the mounting shell 1 can be designed according to the shape of different batteries, such as a square structure; wherein, the opening area of ​​the through groove 1011 on the mounting shell 101 should be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the battery, so as to avoid the battery from colliding with the mounting shell 101 and to facilitate the removal and storage of the battery.

[0053] Furthermore, the longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the positioning shell 102 is less than or equal to the longitudinal cross-sectional area of ​​the fixing shell 101, and the positioning shell 102 can be fixedly connected to the fixing shell 101 by welding, snap-fitting or screws.

[0054] It is understood that both the fixed shell 101 and the positioning shell 102 are hollow structures. Of course, depending on the different battery swapping vehicles, the through slot 1011 can also be opened on the left, right, bottom, front or rear side, and the specific position of the through slot 1011 can be changed according to different vehicles.

[0055] Further, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the pick-and-place mechanism 5 is located on the outer side wall of the fixed housing 101 and corresponds to the through groove 1011. In addition, the pick-and-place mechanism 5 includes a pick-and-place component (not shown in the figure) and a flipping component (not shown in the figure). The pick-and-place component and the flipping component are connected to each other. The flipping component can move linearly in the second direction Y, and when the flipping component moves linearly, it drives the pick-and-place component to flip. That is, the linear motion of the flipping component is converted into the rotational motion of the pick-and-place component.

[0056] An alternative embodiment is shown below. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the picking and placing mechanism 5 is located on the outer wall of the fixed housing 101 on the side where the through groove 1011 is provided. Furthermore, the flipping assembly includes a lifting member 501, a fixing member (not shown in the figure), and a flipping component (not shown in the figure). The lifting member 501 is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the fixed housing 101 where the through groove 1011 is provided, and is fixedly connected to the flipping component through the fixing member.

[0057] For example, see Figure 2As shown, the fixing member is fixedly installed on the side of the lifting member 501 away from the fixed housing 101. The fixing member is fixedly connected to the flipping member. In the third direction Z, the flipping member is provided on both sides of the pick-and-place assembly, and the flipping member is fixedly connected to the pick-and-place assembly. In this way, when the lifting member 501 rises or falls, it can drive the fixing member to move up and down in the second direction Y, and when the fixing member moves up and down, it can drive the flipping member to move linearly in the second direction Y, so that the pick-and-place assembly can flip when the flipping member moves up and down.

[0058] It should be noted that the lifting component 501 can be a single-acting piston cylinder or a double-acting piston cylinder.

[0059] In addition, see Figure 2 As shown, to facilitate battery placement and removal using the pick-and-place assembly, the assembly includes a pick-and-place plate 5041 and multiple suction components 5042. The pick-and-place plate 5041 can be a square plate structure, or it can be designed according to the specific shape of the battery. Furthermore, the multiple suction components 5042 adopt a vacuum suction cup structure and are detachably connected to the pick-and-place plate 5041 using screws, rivets, or other means, to facilitate replacement or removal of the vacuum suction cups. A drive component for controlling the suction force of the suction components 5042 is provided on the side of the pick-and-place plate 5041 away from the suction components 5042.

[0060] And see also Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in order to facilitate the lifting of the pick-up and place plate 5041 by the lifting component 501, four lifting components 501 are provided on the fixed shell 101 to support the pick-up and place plate 5041 and the battery more stably; of course, the fixed shell 101 can also use six or eight lifting components 501, etc., and the number of lifting components 501 is not specifically limited.

[0061] In order to drive the pick-and-place plate 5041 to flip, its flipping components include a fixing frame 5031, a rotating shaft 5032, a gear 5033 and a rack 5034.

[0062] For example, see Figure 2 As shown, in order to improve the fixing stability of the fixing component and the flipping component, the fixing component includes a fixing seat 5021 and an annular damping frame 5022. The fixing seat 5021 corresponds one-to-one with the lifting component 501, that is, the number of fixing seats 5021 and the number of lifting components 501 are the same. The fixing seat 5021 is snapped onto the side of the lifting component 501 away from the fixing shell 101, and each fixing seat 5021 is connected to the annular damping frame 5022, so that the rising and falling of each fixing seat 5021 is more stable. The fixing seat 5021 can be connected to the annular damping frame 5022 by means of screws, rivets or welding.

[0063] See Figure 2 As shown, the fixed base 5021 is snapped into the four corners of the annular damping frame 5022, and the aforementioned lifting member 501 is provided at the four corners of the annular damping frame 5022, so that the lifting member 501 can better drive the fixed base 5021 and the annular damping frame 5022 to move in the second direction Y. In addition, in the third direction Z, the rotating shaft 5032 can be fixed to both sides of the pick-up and put-down plate 5041 by snapping or welding, and the rotating shafts 5032 on both sides extend along the third direction Z respectively. When the rotating shafts 5032 on both sides extend in opposite directions, they pass through the annular damping frame 5022 and snap together with the gear 5033. The fixing frame 5031 is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the fixing shell 101, and a rack 5034 extending in the second direction Y is provided on the inner wall of one side of the fixing frame 5031. The rack 5034 can mesh with the gear 5033. When the gear 5033 moves on the rack 5034, it can drive the rotating shaft 5032 to rotate.

[0064] It is understandable that when the lifting component 501 moves up or down, it will drive the fixed seat 5021 and the annular damping frame 5022 on its top to move up or down. Since the rotating shaft 5032 in the flipping component is fixedly connected to the annular damping frame 5022, it will drive the rotating shaft 5032 to move up or down, thereby driving the gears 5033 on both sides of the rotating shaft 5032 to rotate on the rack 5034, thereby driving the rotating shaft 5032 to rotate, which in turn drives the pick-and-place plate 5041 to rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft 5032, thereby changing the orientation of the battery.

[0065] It should be noted that the rotating shaft 5032 can be a long cylindrical structure. This cylindrical structure is more conducive to the rotation of the pick-and-place plate 5041. Furthermore, the length of the rotating shaft 5032 can be greater than the length of the pick-and-place plate 5041, and the pick-and-place plate 5041 has a through hole for the rotating shaft 5032 to pass through. In other words, the rotating shaft 5032 can also be designed to pass through the pick-and-place plate 5041.

[0066] Understandably, using a segmented 5032 shaft structure facilitates overall assembly and disassembly, and also allows for adjustment of the rotation at both ends. Using a single-piece 5032 shaft structure, on the other hand, improves the smoothness of rotation at both ends.

[0067] It is worth mentioning that when the rotating shaft 5032 moves in the second direction Y, the annular damping frame 5022 can prevent the rotating shaft 5032 from shifting during rotation.

[0068] Furthermore, the racks 5034 on the fixing brackets 5031 located on both sides of the pick-and-place plate 5041 should be on the same side to ensure that the gears 5033 on both sides rotate in the same direction, thereby ensuring that the pick-and-place plate 5041 can be flipped. Moreover, the diameter of the gear 5033 should be smaller than the width of the fixing bracket 5031 in the first direction X to ensure that the gear 5033 can slide on the rack 5034.

[0069] The coverage area of ​​the rack 5034 in the second direction Y of the fixing frame 5031 can be equal to or less than the height of the side wall of the fixing frame 5031.

[0070] Optionally, see Figure 2 As shown, the rack 5034 on the fixing frame 5031 covers a height less than the side wall of the fixing frame 5031. The fixing frame 5031 includes a moving part and a rolling part. The width of the moving part in the third direction Z is less than the width of the rolling part in the third direction Z, and the moving part is located on the side of the rolling part away from the fixing housing 101. Furthermore, the rack 5034 is provided on the rolling part, and the moving part does not have the rack 5034. This saves on the design space of the rack 5034 and reduces production costs.

[0071] In addition, the rack 5034 can be fixed to the side wall of the bracket 5031 by means of screws or welding.

[0072] Among them, see Figure 2 As shown, to ensure the downward position of gear 5033, a first positioning block (not shown in the figure) is provided on the side of gear 5033 away from the pick-up and drop-off plate 5041, and a second positioning block (not shown in the figure) is provided on the outer wall of the fixed housing 101, extending upward along the second direction Y. The second positioning block corresponds to the first positioning block and is on the same vertical line. When gear 5033 descends to the corresponding position, the first positioning block contacts the second positioning block, and gear 5033 stops moving downward. Correspondingly, when gear 5033 slides upward along the second direction Y, the first positioning block can abut against the top frame of the moving part to limit the upward movement range of gear 5033.

[0073] It is worth mentioning that, in order to better limit the movement range of gear 5033, two or more first positioning blocks and second positioning blocks can be used.

[0074] It should be noted that the flipping component can also adopt other structures, as long as linear motion can be converted into rotational motion, such as crank-slider structure, chain structure, belt structure, etc.

[0075] Understandably, when the vehicle battery is removed, the moving mechanism 2 can control the empty storage mechanism 3 to move to the lifting position and stop, and the lifting mechanism 4 can lift the storage mechanism 3. At the same time, the lifting member 501 is controlled to move upward along the second direction Y. Under the drive of the fixing member, the rotating shaft 5032 moves upward along the second direction Y. The gear 5033 contacts the lower end of the rack 5034. The gear 5033 rotates on the rack 5034 to drive the rotating shaft 5032 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. This flips the pick-and-place plate 5041 with the adsorption member 5042 upward, so that the adsorption member 5042 faces the side away from the through slot 1011. Then, the adsorption member 5042 on the pick-and-place plate 5041 is used to adsorb and remove the battery in the vehicle battery compartment, so that the battery is placed on the pick-and-place plate 5041. Then, the lifting component 501 is controlled to move downward along the second direction Y, and the gear 5033 contacts the upper end of the rack 5034, causing the gear 5033 to rotate downward on the rack 5034, so as to drive the pick-and-place plate 5041 to flip counterclockwise or clockwise, thereby making the battery face the side of the through slot 1011 and placing the battery in the placement position of the storage mechanism 3, thus realizing the removal of the battery.

[0076] Correspondingly, when installing the vehicle battery, the moving mechanism 2 controls the storage mechanism 3 with the new battery to move to the lifting position and stop, and the lifting mechanism 4 controls the placement position with the new battery in the storage mechanism 3 to move upward; at the same time, the adsorption component 5042 on the pick-and-place plate 5041 is controlled to adsorb the battery in the placement position of the storage mechanism 3, and the lifting component 501 is controlled to move upward along the second direction Y, so as to drive the gear 5033 to rotate on the rack 5034, thereby driving the rotating shaft 5032 and the pick-and-place plate 5041 to flip, so that the pick-and-place plate 5041 with the battery corresponds to the vehicle battery compartment, and the battery is installed in the vehicle battery compartment to complete the battery installation.

[0077] It should be noted that, in order to prevent the battery from colliding with the fixing shell 101 during the flipping process, the distance between the bottom surface of the fixing member and the top surface of the fixing shell 101 is greater than the distance between the two sides of the battery adsorbed by the adsorption member 5042. This ensures that the distance between the bottom surface of the fixing member and the top surface of the fixing shell 101 is sufficient for the pick-and-place plate 5041 to rotate.

[0078] Furthermore, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z intersect each other and are perpendicular. The first direction X is the moving direction of the moving mechanism 2, and the second direction Y is the perpendicular direction.

[0079] Furthermore, see Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in order to ensure that the battery on the pick-up and drop plate 5041 can be stably placed on the placement position of the storage mechanism 3 and that the battery on the placement position of the storage mechanism 3 can be easily picked up, the lifting mechanism 4 can be used to raise the height of the storage mechanism 3 inside the fixed shell 101, thereby raising the height of the battery inside the fixed shell 101.

[0080] In an optional embodiment, the lifting mechanism 4 is located at the bottom of the storage mechanism 3. When the storage mechanism 3 is moved to the position corresponding to the through slot 1011 under the control of the moving mechanism 2, the lifting mechanism 4 pushes the storage mechanism 3 upward to raise the height of the battery. The lifting mechanism 4 can be implemented using a cylinder. To make the upward pushing of the storage mechanism 3 more stable, the lifting mechanism 4 can be arranged on opposite sides of the storage mechanism 3.

[0081] Another alternative embodiment, see Figure 3 As shown, in the third direction Z, lifting mechanisms 4 are provided on the outer walls of both sides of the fixed shell 101. See Figure 4 As shown, the lifting mechanism 4 includes a lifting drive 401, a transmission component (not shown in the figure), and a lifting component (not shown in the figure). The transmission component includes a first transmission component 402 and a second transmission component 403 spaced apart in the second direction Y. Both the first transmission component 402 and the second transmission component 403 are connected to the side wall of the fixed housing 101. The end of the first transmission component 402 near the fixed housing 101 is connected to the second transmission component 403 via a first connector 404, and the end of the first transmission component 402 away from the fixed housing 101 is connected to the lifting drive 401 via a second connector 405. In this way, the first transmission component 402 can rotate under the driving action of the lifting drive 401, thereby driving the second transmission component 403 to rotate. In addition, a part of the lifting component is located on the outside of the fixed housing 101 and connected to the first connector 404, and another part is located on the inside of the fixed housing 101 and abuts against the side of the storage mechanism 3 away from the through groove 1011. In this way, the lifting component can slide in the second direction Y when the first connecting member 404 rotates, so as to lift the storage mechanism 3.

[0082] It should be noted that the lifting mechanism 4 can also be located inside the fixed housing 101. Of course, having the lifting mechanism 4 located on the outside of the fixed housing 101 is more convenient for replacing and maintaining the lifting mechanism 4.

[0083] Furthermore, the lifting drive component 401 can be composed of a combination of a motor, a synchronous belt pulley, and other drive mechanisms; any other linkage structure capable of achieving the corresponding driving effect can be used. Both the first connecting component 404 and the second connecting component 405 can be chain structures, and the first transmission component 402 and the second transmission component 403 can be sprocket structures, which mesh with the first connecting component 404 and the second connecting component 405.

[0084] It is understandable that during the rotation of the first transmission member 402, the first connecting member 404 will be driven to rotate around the first transmission member 402 and the second transmission member 403.

[0085] To better elevate the storage mechanism 3, a slot (not shown in the figure) is provided on the side wall of the fixed shell 101 in the third direction Z, and this slot extends in the second direction Y, allowing a portion of the lifting component to pass through and slide along the slot. The lifting component includes a movable frame 406 and a fixed block 407. A portion of the movable frame 406 passes through the slot and engages with a first connecting member 404. When the first connecting member 404 rotates, it causes the movable frame 406 to slide upwards or downwards within the slot in the second direction Y. Furthermore, another portion of the movable frame 406 is located within the fixed shell 101 and is fixedly connected to the fixed block 407. When the movable frame 406 slides upwards or downwards within the slot in the second direction Y, it causes the fixed block 407 to move upwards or downwards. Since the fixed block 407 abuts against the bottom of the storage mechanism 3, it causes the storage mechanism 3 to move upwards or downwards.

[0086] It should be noted that when the movable frame 406 moves downward, the lifting drive 401 may not work, and the weight of the battery itself may be used to move the movable frame 406 downward. When the battery is placed on the storage mechanism 3, under the action of the battery's gravity, the storage mechanism 3 applies a downward pressure to the fixed block 407 to drive the movable frame 406 to move downward in the slot.

[0087] It is worth mentioning that the first connecting member 404 can be a belt, with the movable frame 406 snapped onto the belt, causing the movable frame 406 to move upward or downward during belt rotation. Of course, the first connecting member 404 and the movable frame 406 can also adopt other structures, as long as the first connecting member 404 can drive the movable frame 406 to move.

[0088] In addition, the fixing block 407 can be one, two or more blocks. For example, the fixing block 407 can be two blocks. In the first direction X, the two fixing blocks 407 are spaced apart on the movable frame 406 to lift the storage mechanism 3 more smoothly.

[0089] It is understandable that the lifting mechanisms 4 located on both sides of the fixed shell 101 can adopt the same structural configuration to ensure the smooth lifting of the storage mechanism 3.

[0090] In addition, the lifting mechanism 4 can also adopt a structure such as a cylinder, which can drive the storage mechanism 3 to move in the second direction Y.

[0091] Furthermore, the storage mechanism 3 can adopt a flat plate structure, with the battery placed on the plate-shaped storage mechanism; the storage mechanism 3 can also adopt a box structure, with the battery stored inside the box.

[0092] For example, see Figure 5 As shown, the storage mechanism 3 includes a storage box 301 and a storage component (not shown in the figure). The storage component is located inside the storage box 301 and has a placement position for holding the battery. The side of the storage box 301 away from the moving mechanism 2 is open so that the adsorption member 5042 can be put into the storage box 301 or the battery can be taken out of the storage box 301. Furthermore, the battery replacement device may include one, two or more storage mechanisms 3. When there are multiple storage mechanisms 3, the storage boxes 301 of adjacent storage mechanisms 3 are fixedly connected or can be distributed.

[0093] Optionally, see Figure 6 As shown, the battery replacement device includes two storage mechanisms 3, whose storage boxes 301 are fixedly connected by a connecting block. The storage mechanism 3 and the connecting block can be fixed together by screws or welding, or they can be integrally formed with the connecting block. The top and sides of the storage box 301 in the first direction X are open, allowing operators to place or retrieve batteries from the storage box 301. One storage mechanism 3 is used to hold batteries removed from the vehicle charging compartment, and the other storage mechanism 3 is used to hold new batteries. This shortens the interval between battery removal and replacement, simplifies the operation, and saves time during battery replacement.

[0094] Among them, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, on the third direction Z, the storage box 301 is provided with a movable groove 302 for the fixed block 407 to slide. The number of movable grooves 302 is the same as the number of fixed blocks 407. Furthermore, the fixed block 407 abuts against the side of the storage component near the moving mechanism 2 and can slide in the movable groove 302, so that when the fixed block 407 moves in the movable groove 302, it can drive the storage component to move in the storage box 301, thereby realizing the lifting or lowering of the battery.

[0095] It should be noted that the movable groove 302 has an opening on the side near the moving mechanism 2; alternatively, the movable grooves 302 on both sides of the storage box 301 can be interconnected, that is, the bottom of the storage box 301 is provided with a movable groove 302. In this way, providing an opening at the bottom of the movable groove 302 facilitates the removal of the fixing block 407 from the movable groove 302, so as to lift the stored components in the next storage box 301.

[0096] In addition, see Figure 5As shown, the storage component may include a mounting base 303, a top plate 305, and an elastic member 304. The top plate 305 has a mounting position for storing batteries, and the elastic member 304 is provided between the top plate 305 and the mounting base 303 to effectively reduce the impact force exerted on the battery and reduce the possibility of the battery being crushed or damaged. The elastic member 304 may be a structure such as a spring. The side of the mounting base 303 away from the top plate 305 abuts against a fixing block 407. When the fixing block 407 slides in the movable groove 302, it drives the mounting base 303 and the top plate 305 to move within the storage box 301 to receive or lift the battery.

[0097] Furthermore, see Figure 3 As shown, at least a portion of the moving mechanism 2 is disposed within the fixed mounting housing 1, ensuring transport space within the fixed mounting housing 1 and making battery transport more convenient.

[0098] It should be noted that the moving drive component 201 can also be located inside the positioning housing 102.

[0099] The moving mechanism 2 includes a moving drive 201, a rotating component 202, and a conveying component. The moving drive 201 is provided on one side of the positioning shell 102 and is fixed to the side wall of the positioning shell 102 by bolts or screws. The moving drive 201 is connected to the rotating component 202 through a third connector. The moving drive 201 can drive the rotating component 202 to rotate. The conveying component is connected to the rotating component 202. When the rotating component 202 rotates, it will drive the conveying component to move in the first direction X. The conveying component is connected to the side of the storage mechanism 3 away from the through groove 1011.

[0100] For example, see Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the moving drive component 201 can be composed of a combination of a motor, a synchronous pulley, and other drive structures that can achieve the corresponding driving effect. The third connecting component can be a belt structure. The rotating component 202 includes a rotating shaft 2021 and a pulley 2022. The rotating shaft 2021 passes through the positioning housing 102 to connect with the third connecting component. The moving drive component 201 drives the rotating shaft 2021 to rotate, thereby causing the pulley 2022 to rotate along with the rotating shaft 2021. The pulley 2022 can be located on both sides of the rotating shaft 2021 or in the middle of the rotating shaft 2021.

[0101] See Figure 6As shown, when the pulley 2022 is located on both sides of the rotating shaft 2021, in order to ensure that the fixed block 407 can disengage from the movable groove 302 in the storage box 301, the conveying component includes a pulley and a guide rail 2031. The guide rail 2031 is located on the bottom wall of the positioning shell 102 and the fixed shell 101 and extends along the first direction X. The pulley is located on the side of the storage box 301 away from the through groove 1011, and its pulley is connected to the pulley 2022. During the rotation of the pulley 2022, the pulley is driven to slide on the guide rail 2031, so as to drive the storage box 301 to slide in the first direction X. Furthermore, the use of pulleys and guide rails 2031 is beneficial to the transportation of the storage mechanism 3, and is smoother, saving time and effort.

[0102] It should be noted that the length of the guide rail 2031 can be greater than or equal to the length of the mounting housing 1. When the length of the guide rail 2031 is greater than the length of the mounting housing 1, it is convenient to place or remove the battery in the mounting position.

[0103] In addition, when the pulley is located at the bottom of the storage box 301, the distance between the storage box 301 and the pulley 2022 is higher than the height of the fixed block 407, so that the fixed block 407 can be completely disengaged from the movable groove 302, ensuring that the fixed block 407 can operate the next storage mechanism 3. The whole operation process is simpler and saves time and effort.

[0104] It is worth mentioning that two or more guide rails 2031 can be used; and the number of pulleys is the same as the number of guide rails 2031; or it can be a double number of guide rails 2031, with multiple pulleys on one guide rail 2031, and the number of pulleys on each guide rail 2031 is the same, so as to ensure the transportation of the storage mechanism 3.

[0105] See Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, in order to limit the displacement of the rotating shaft 2021, the moving mechanism 2 also includes a positioning seat 204, which is fixedly disposed on the inner bottom wall of the positioning shell 102. The rotating shaft 2021 is rotatably connected to the positioning seat 204.

[0106] It is understood that the lifting mechanism 4 and the pick-and-place mechanism 5 will only operate when the storage mechanism 3 is in the lifting position. When a new battery is placed into the storage mechanism 3 or an old battery is removed, the storage mechanism 3 can be moved to the positioning housing 102 position by the moving mechanism 2. Moreover, the storage box 301 has an opening on the outer side to facilitate the placement of new batteries or the removal of old batteries from the placement position.

[0107] In addition, see Figure 1As shown, the battery replacement device also includes a laser locator 6, which is mounted on the annular damping frame 5022; optionally, the laser locator 6 is located diagonally on the annular damping frame 5022 to facilitate the determination of the initial installation position of the battery by the battery replacement device.

[0108] See Figure 1 As shown, the battery replacement device further includes a base plate 7 and casters 8, with its fixed mounting shell 1 mounted on the base plate 7; optionally, the fixed shell 101 is detachably connected to the base plate 7 by bolts or screws, and the positioning shell 102 has a gap from the base plate 7 to ensure the stability of the moving mechanism 2.

[0109] See Figure 1 As shown, by integrating the fixed mounting shell 1, the moving mechanism 2, the storage mechanism 3, the lifting mechanism 4 and the picking and placing mechanism 5 onto the base plate 7, and by adding casters 8 to the base plate 7, it is easier for operators to transport the battery replacement device, saving time and effort.

[0110] The working principle of this application is as follows: the universal wheel 8 mechanism pushes the base plate 7 to move to the bottom of the lifted car chassis, the laser positioning instrument 6 locates the position, and then the moving mechanism 2 drives the storage mechanism 3 without the battery to move to the lifting position, and controls the lifting component 501 to start, lifting the fixed seat 5021 and the annular damping frame 5022, so that the adsorption component 5042 on the pick-up and put-down plate 5041 contacts the bottom surface of the battery. At this time, the battery fixing structure is removed, and the driving component controls the adsorption component 5042 to start and adsorb the battery.

[0111] Subsequently, the lifting component 501 descends, and during the descent of the fixed base 5021 and the annular damping frame 5022, the gear 5033 contacts the rack 5034, causing the battery-loaded plate 5041 to flip over, with the battery facing the inside of the fixed shell 101. The lifting mechanism 4 is activated, and the lifting drive component 401 drives the first transmission component 402, the second transmission component 403, and the first connecting component 404 to move, causing the movable frame 406 and the fixed block 407 to move upward along the slot and the movable groove 302. At this time, the fixed block 407 lifts the mounting base 303 until the top plate 305 contacts the bottom surface of the battery. The drive component controls the adsorption component 5042 to release, and the battery falls onto the placement position on the top plate 305. Using the battery's own weight, the lifting mechanism 4 is controlled to descend, storing the old battery in the storage box 301.

[0112] The fixed block 407 in the control lifting mechanism 4 moves downward along the movable groove 302, so that the fixed block 407 disengages from the movable groove 302 on the storage mechanism 3 where the old battery is placed.

[0113] When the moving mechanism 2 is activated, the moving drive component 201 drives the rotating shaft 2021 to rotate, and the pulley 2022 rotates synchronously. At this time, the old battery storage box 301 moves to one side, and the storage box 301 containing the new battery moves to the lifting position. The lifting mechanism 4 repeats the lifting process until the top surface of the battery contacts the adsorption component 5042 of the pick-and-place plate 5041. The adsorption component 5042 adsorbs the battery. After adsorption is completed, the lifting component 501 lifts the fixed seat 5021 and the annular damping frame 5022. The gear 5033 contacts the lower end of the rack 5034, and the rotating shaft 5032 drives the pick-and-place plate 5041 to flip. The battery gradually faces the bottom surface of the car chassis, and the new battery is placed into the vehicle battery compartment, thus realizing the replacement of the new battery.

[0114] When it is necessary to remove an old battery from the old battery storage box 301 or add a new battery to the new battery storage box 301, the storage box 301 is located in the positioning shell 102, and the maintenance personnel can operate it from one side of the positioning shell 102.

[0115] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "exemplarily," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0116] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application. Therefore, any changes or modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of this application should fall within the scope of this patent application.

Claims

1. A battery swapping device for vehicle battery swapping, characterized in that, The battery replacement device includes: A fixed mounting shell is a hollow structure with an opening in a first direction and a through groove in a second direction. The fixed mounting shell also has a lifting position, which corresponds to the through groove. A moving mechanism, wherein the moving mechanism is disposed within the fixed mounting housing; The storage mechanism includes a placement position for storing batteries. The storage mechanism is mounted on the moving mechanism and can move towards or away from the lifting position along the first direction under the drive of the moving mechanism. The storage mechanism includes two storage boxes, each of which contains a storage component. The placement position is located on the top side of the storage component. In the third direction, each of the storage boxes has movable slots on both sides, and the movable slots on both sides are interconnected. A lifting mechanism, mounted on the fixed mounting shell, allows the storage mechanism to move towards or away from the through slot along the second direction when the storage mechanism moves to the lifting position. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting component, which comprises a movable frame and a fixed block. A portion of the movable frame passes through a slot on the fixed mounting shell and engages with a first connecting member of the lifting mechanism. Another portion of the movable frame is located inside the fixed mounting shell and is fixedly connected to the fixed block. The fixed block extends into the movable slot and abuts against the storage component, pushing the storage component to move along the second direction. When the fixed block disengages from the movable slot of the current storage box, the moving mechanism drives the storage mechanism to move along the first direction, causing the fixed block to enter the movable slot of another storage box, thus pushing the storage component inside the other storage box. A pick-and-place mechanism is provided on the outer wall of the through groove. The pick-and-place mechanism includes a pick-and-place component and a flipping component. The pick-and-place component is connected to the flipping component and corresponds to the through groove. The pick-and-place component can rotate when the flipping component performs linear motion. The retrieval mechanism is capable of retrieving or removing the battery from the storage position after the storage mechanism is lifted by the lifting mechanism.

2. The battery replacement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flipping assembly includes a lifting component, a fixing component, and a flipping component. The lifting component is disposed on the outer wall of the through groove and is connected to the flipping component through the fixing component. The flipping component can move in the second direction under the drive of the fixing component, and the pick-and-place assembly can rotate under the drive of the flipping component.

3. The battery replacement device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flipping component includes a fixing frame, a rotating shaft, and gears. In the third direction, the gears are located on both sides of the picking and placing component and are connected to the picking and placing component through the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft extends upward from the third party and passes through the fixing member. The rotating shaft is connected to the lifting member through the fixing member. The fixing member is provided between the gear and the picking and placing assembly. The inner wall of one side of the fixing frame is provided with a rack extending along the second direction. The gear can move along the rack when the fixing member moves, so as to drive the rotating shaft to rotate. The pick-and-place assembly can rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft when the rotating shaft rotates.

4. The battery replacement device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The pick-and-place assembly includes a pick-and-place plate and an adsorption element, the adsorption element being disposed on the pick-and-place plate, and the pick-and-place plate corresponding to the through slot; and / or The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersect each other.

5. The battery replacement device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, In the third direction, the lifting mechanism is provided on the outer walls of both sides of the fixed mounting shell; The lifting mechanism includes a lifting drive, a transmission component, and a lifting component. Under the drive of the lifting drive, the transmission component drives the lifting component to move linearly in the second direction. One end of the lifting component abuts against the side of the storage mechanism near the bottom wall of the fixed mounting shell.

6. The battery replacement device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission component includes a first transmission member and a second transmission member spaced apart in the second direction. One end of the first transmission member is connected to the second transmission member through a first connector, and the other end of the first transmission member is connected to the lifting drive member through a second connector. The first connector is capable of rotating under the rotation of the lifting drive member. The fixed mounting shell has a slot extending in a second direction. At least a portion of the lifting member passes through the slot. The lifting member located inside the fixed mounting shell abuts against the storage mechanism near the bottom wall of the fixed mounting shell. The lifting member located outside the fixed mounting shell is connected to the first connector, and the lifting member can move in the second direction when the first connector rotates.

7. The battery replacement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage component includes a mounting base, a top plate, and an elastic element. The top plate has the placement position, and the elastic element is provided between the mounting base and the top plate. The side of the mounting base away from the top plate abuts against the fixing block.

8. The battery replacement device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The moving mechanism includes a moving drive, a rotating component, and a conveying component. The moving drive is provided on the outer wall of the fixed mounting shell on one side. The moving drive is connected to the rotating component through a third connector. The conveying component can rotate under the drive of the rotating component to move the storage mechanism closer to or away from the lifting position.

9. The battery replacement device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rotating component includes a rotating shaft and a pulley. The rotating shaft extends upward from the third party and passes through the fixed mounting housing to connect with the third connector. The pulley is capable of rotating when the rotating shaft rotates. The conveying component includes a pulley and a guide rail. The guide rail is disposed on the inner wall of the fixed mounting housing and extends along the first direction. The guide rail is located between adjacent pulleys. The pulley is disposed on the side of the storage mechanism near the bottom wall of the fixed mounting housing. The pulley is connected to the pulley and can move within the guide rail when the pulley rotates.

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