Locking mechanism for electric vehicles

Abstract

The present invention discloses a locking mechanism for an electric vehicle, comprising a first main body, a first lock column, a first receiving groove, a second main body, a second lock column, a second receiving groove, and a lock column control unit. The first main body is arranged on the chassis or battery pack of the vehicle and is provided with a first receiving groove for accommodating the first lock column. The first lock column is arranged in the first main body. The lock column control unit is arranged on one side of the first main body and is used to control the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism. The second main body is arranged on the battery pack or chassis of the vehicle and is provided with a second receiving groove for accommodating the second lock column. The second lock column is arranged in the second main body. The locking mechanism has a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking mechanism for an electric vehicle can realize the rapid fixing and disassembly of the vehicle battery pack and the vehicle chassis, thereby improving the efficiency of battery replacement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the automotive field, in particular to a locking mechanism for an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] New energy vehicles are developing rapidly and are increasingly used in daily life. However, they generally suffer from insufficient battery life and require frequent charging. The current limited availability of charging stations, coupled with low power, slow charging speeds, and long charging times, present significant inconvenience for new energy vehicle owners. Automakers are currently implementing two approaches: one is to improve charging efficiency by installing fast-charging ports in vehicles and high-power charging stations; the other is to replace the vehicle's battery. The latter approach significantly saves time and costs. Therefore, a locking mechanism that allows for quick locking and unlocking of the battery and the vehicle chassis is particularly important.

[0003] The information disclosed in this background technology section is only intended to enhance understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of suggestion that the information constitutes the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a locking mechanism for an electric vehicle, which can realize the rapid fixation and disassembly of a vehicle battery pack and a vehicle chassis.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a locking mechanism for an electric vehicle, comprising a first body, a first lock post, a first receiving groove, a second body, a second lock post, a second receiving groove, and a lock post control unit. The first body is disposed on the vehicle's chassis or battery pack. The first lock post is disposed within the first body and defines a first receiving groove for accommodating the first lock post and a first support post for supporting the first lock post. The lock post control unit is disposed on one side of the first body and controls the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism. The second body is disposed on the vehicle's battery pack or chassis. The second lock post is disposed within the second body and defines a second receiving groove for accommodating the second lock post and a second support post for supporting the second lock post. The locking mechanism has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, the first body and the second body abut against each other, a portion of the first lock post enters the second receiving groove, and a portion of the second lock post enters the first receiving groove. When the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the first lock post exits the second receiving groove. When the second lock post exits the first receiving groove, the first and second bodies separate.

[0006] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, an arc-shaped hole is formed on the side wall of the first accommodating groove, and a protrusion is provided on the side wall of the first locking column, and the protrusion is locked in the arc-shaped hole.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the protrusion has a first working position and a second working position. When the protrusion is in the first working position, a portion of the first lock column enters the second accommodating groove; when the protrusion is in the second working position, the first lock column is located in the first accommodating groove.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the lock column control portion includes a connecting rod assembly, one end of the connecting rod assembly is rotatably connected to the first lock column, and the other end of the connecting rod assembly is slidably connected to the piston cavity, and the piston cavity is used to control the first lock column to withdraw from the second accommodating groove.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, one end of the connecting rod assembly is rotatably connected to the protruding portion.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the piston chamber is provided with a gas nozzle, and the gas nozzle is used to supply gas to the piston chamber.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the other end of the connecting rod assembly is connected to a reset cavity, and the reset cavity is used to reset the first locking cylinder.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a fixing column is provided on the lower surface of the first body, and a fixing hole is opened on the upper surface of the second body. When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the fixing column is inserted into the fixing hole.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a positioning hole is formed on the lower surface of the first body, and a positioning pin is provided on the upper surface of the second body. When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning hole.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, a locking mechanism for electric vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a locking column control mechanism that can realize automatic locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism adopts two locking columns, which improves the stability of the locking mechanism in the locked state. At the same time, the locking mechanism can realize the rapid fixation and disassembly of the battery pack and the vehicle chassis, thereby improving the efficiency of battery replacement. From a safety perspective, the locking mechanism has three directions of XYZ locked, and under the action of the battery gravity, the locking mechanism realizes direct locking. Due to the setting of the piston chamber, only when the battery needs to be replaced can the gravity of the battery be offset by using a lift to achieve rapid unlocking by pneumatically offsetting the spring force. At the same time, the first lock column and the second lock column of the locking mechanism have the same rotation direction and run in the same direction, which is fast and saves operating space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1is a perspective view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state where the first body and the second body are separated and the first lock cylinder and the second lock cylinder are both extended;

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the middle locking mechanism;

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Internal schematic diagram of the center locking mechanism;

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Rear view of the center locking mechanism;

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the locking mechanism in a locked state and the first body in conflict with the second body;

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the locking mechanism in the locked state;

[0021] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unlocked state, with the first body and the second body separated;

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Front view of the middle locking mechanism;

[0023] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Rear view of the center locking mechanism;

[0024] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the interior of the middle locking mechanism when the first locking cylinder and the second locking cylinder are not provided;

[0025] Figure 11 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the locking mechanism being in an unlocked state and the first body and the second body being in conflict with each other;

[0026] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the internal structure.

[0027] Description of main reference numerals:

[0028] 1-first body, 11-first lock column, 111-protrusion, 1111-first working position, 1112-second working position, 12-first accommodating groove, 121-arc-shaped hole, 13-fixing column, 14-positioning hole, 15-first support column, 2-second body, 21-second lock column, 22-second accommodating groove, 23-fixing hole, 24-positioning pin, 25-second support column, 3-lock column control part, 31-connecting rod assembly, 32-piston chamber, 321-air nozzle, 33-reset chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it should be understood that the protection scope of the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments.

[0030] Unless expressly stated otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" or variations such as "include" or "comprising", etc., will be understood to include the stated elements or components but not to exclude other elements or other components.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 12 As shown, a locking mechanism for an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a first body 1, a first lock column 11, a first receiving groove 12, a second body 2, a second lock column 21, a second receiving groove 22, and a lock column control unit 3. The first body 1 is arranged on the chassis or battery pack of the automobile. The first lock column 11 is arranged in the first body 1, and the first body 1 is provided with a first receiving groove 12 for accommodating the first lock column 11 and a first support column 15 for supporting the first lock column 11. The lock column control unit 3 is arranged on one side of the first body 1, and is used to control the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism. The second body 2 is arranged on the battery pack or chassis of the automobile. The second lock column 21 is arranged in the second body 2, and the second body 2 is provided with a second receiving groove 22 for accommodating the second lock column 21 and a second support column 25 for supporting the second lock column 21. The locking mechanism has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, the first body 1 and the second body 2 contact each other, a portion of the first lock column 11 enters the second receiving groove 22, and a portion of the second lock column 21 enters the first receiving groove 12. When the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the first lock column 11 exits the second receiving groove 22. The second lock column 21 exits the first receiving groove 12, and the first body 1 and the second body 2 are separated.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first support column 15 is used to support the first lock column 11 so that the first lock column 11 can rotate, and at the same time ensure the stability of the first lock column 11 in the first receiving groove 12 when it is in the unlocked and locked states. The second support column 25 is used to support the second lock column 21 so that the second lock column 21 can rotate, and also ensure the stability of the second lock column 21 in the second receiving groove 22 when it is in the unlocked and locked states, thereby improving the reliability of the locking mechanism.

[0033] In one embodiment, if Figure 1-4 As shown, the sidewalls of the first receiving groove 12 are provided with an arc-shaped hole 121, and the sidewalls of the first lock column 11 are provided with a protrusion 111, which is disposed in the arc-shaped hole 121. When the first lock column 11 slides around the first support column 15 in the first receiving groove 12, the protrusion 111 slides in the arc-shaped hole 121. Preferably, both sidewalls of the first receiving groove 12 are provided with an arc-shaped hole 121, and both sidewalls of the first lock column 11 are also provided with a protrusion 111.

[0034] like Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion 111 has a first working position 1111 and a second working position 1112. When the protrusion 111 is in the first working position 1111, a portion of the first lock post 11 enters the second receiving groove 22, and the locking mechanism is in a locked state. When the protrusion 111 is in the second working position 1112, a portion of the first lock post 11 exits the second receiving groove 22, and the first lock post 11 is located in the first receiving groove 12, and the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state.

[0035] like Figure 7-8 As shown, to achieve automatic unlocking of the locking mechanism, the lock column control unit 3 includes a connecting rod assembly 31. One end of the connecting rod assembly 31 is rotatably connected to the first lock column 11. Preferably, the connecting rod assembly 31 is rotatably connected to the protrusion 111 of the first lock column 11. The other end of the connecting rod assembly 31 is connected to the piston chamber 32, which controls the first lock column 11 through air pressure. Preferably, the piston chamber 32 is provided with an air nozzle 321. An external air source or an air source installed on the vehicle supplies air to the piston chamber 32 through the air nozzle 321. After the piston chamber 32 is inflated, the piston in the piston chamber 32 is displaced, thereby driving the connecting rod assembly 31 to move. The connecting rod assembly 31 then drives the protrusion 111 to slide in the arcuate groove. The protrusion 111 moves from the first working position 1111 to the second working position 1112, and a portion of the first lock column 11 returns from the second receiving groove 22 to the first receiving groove 12.

[0036] At the other end of the connecting rod assembly 31, opposite the piston chamber 32, a reset chamber 33 is provided. An elastic member is disposed in the reset chamber 33. After being compressed, the elastic member tends to recover its deformation. When the piston chamber 32 releases air pressure, the elastic member recovers its deformation, and the reset chamber 33 is able to reset the first lock column 11. When the locking mechanism is locked, the gas in the piston chamber 32 is discharged from the air nozzle 321, and the compressed elastic member in the reset chamber 33 recovers, thereby pushing the connecting rod assembly 31 again. The connecting rod assembly 31 then drives the protrusion 111 to move from the second working position 1112 to the first working position 1111, and a portion of the first lock column 11 enters the second receiving groove 22 from the first receiving groove 12.

[0037] like Figure 10 As shown, in one embodiment, a fixing post 13 is provided on the lower surface of the first body 1, and a fixing hole 23 is provided on the upper surface of the second body 2. When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, the fixing post 13 is inserted into the fixing hole 23. Preferably, two fixing posts 13 are symmetrically provided on the lower surface of the first body 1, and two fixing holes 23 are provided on the upper surface of the second body 2. The fixing posts 13 can be rubber posts or spring posts.

[0038] In one embodiment, a positioning hole 14 is provided on the lower surface of the first body 1, and a positioning pin 24 is provided on the upper surface of the second body 2. When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, the positioning pin 24 is inserted into the positioning hole 14. Preferably, two positioning holes 14 are provided on the lower surface of the first body 1, and two positioning pins 24 are provided on the upper surface of the second body 2.

[0039] During use, the first body 1 of the locking mechanism is set on the chassis of the car, and the second body 2 is set on the battery pack. According to the weight of the battery pack and the actual use requirements, multiple locking mechanisms may be set. When the battery pack needs to be installed on the chassis of the car, such as Figure 12 As shown, the positioning hole 14 on the first body 1 is aligned with the positioning pin 24 on the second body 2, and the fixing column 13 on the first body 1 is aligned with the fixing hole 23 on the second body 2. Then the gas in the piston chamber 32 is released through the air nozzle 321, and the spring in the reset chamber 33 recovers its deformation. While the reset chamber 33 is reset, it drives the connecting rod assembly 31 to drive the first lock column 11 and the protrusion 111. Figure 4-6As shown, the protrusion 111 moves from the second working position 1112 to the first working position 1111 under the drive of the connecting rod assembly 31, and a portion of the first lock post 11 rotates around the first support post 15 and enters the second receiving groove 22 from the first receiving groove 12. As the first lock post 11 enters the second receiving groove 22, a portion of the second lock post 21 rotates around the second support post 25 and is pushed out by the first lock post 11 into the first receiving groove 12. Finally, the first lock post 11 and the second lock post 21 are connected end to end in the first receiving groove 12 and the second receiving groove 22 to form a closed loop, thereby locking the battery pack to the vehicle chassis.

[0040] When the car needs to be replaced with a battery, an external air source or an air source installed on the car can simultaneously inflate the piston chambers 32 of multiple locking mechanisms through the air nozzle 321. The piston chamber 32 overcomes the elastic force of the reset chamber 33 through air pressure to push the connecting rod assembly 31 in the opposite direction. The connecting rod assembly 31 drives the protrusion 111 to move from the first working position 1111 to the second working position 1112, and the part of the first lock column 11 that enters the second accommodating groove 22 exits the second accommodating groove 22 with the movement of the protrusion 111. The part of the second lock column 21 that enters the first accommodating groove is pushed out again by the first lock column 11, so that the second lock column 21 returns to the second accommodating groove 22. Finally, the positioning pin 24 and the positioning hole 14 are disengaged, and the fixing hole 23 is disengaged from the fixing column 13. The battery pack is separated from the vehicle chassis for battery replacement.

[0041] The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention are for purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it is apparent that many variations and modifications are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments have been selected and described for the purpose of explaining the specific principles of the invention and their practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to realize and utilize a variety of exemplary embodiments of the invention and various options and modifications. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for an electric vehicle, characterized in that: include: The first body is used to be installed on the chassis or battery pack of the vehicle; a first lock cylinder disposed in the first body, wherein the first body is provided with a first receiving groove for receiving the first lock cylinder and a first supporting column for supporting the first lock cylinder; A lock column control unit, provided on one side of the first body, for controlling the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism; The second body is used to be installed on the battery pack or chassis of the vehicle; a second lock cylinder disposed in the second body, the second body being provided with a second receiving groove for receiving the second lock cylinder and a second supporting column for supporting the second lock cylinder; In which, the locking mechanism has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, the first body and the second body are in conflict, a part of the first lock column enters the second receiving groove, and a part of the second lock column enters the first receiving groove; when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the first lock column exits the second receiving groove, the second lock column exits the first receiving groove, and the first body and the second body are separated.

2. The locking mechanism for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: An arc-shaped hole is formed on the side wall of the first accommodating groove, and a protrusion is provided on the side wall of the first locking column. The protrusion is locked in the arc-shaped hole.

3. The locking mechanism for an electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The protrusion has a first working position and a second working position. When the protrusion is in the first working position, a portion of the first lock column enters the second accommodating groove; when the protrusion is in the second working position, the first lock column is located in the first accommodating groove.

4. The locking mechanism for an electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The lock column control part includes a connecting rod assembly, one end of the connecting rod assembly is rotatably connected to the first lock column, and the other end of the connecting rod assembly is slidably connected to the piston cavity, and the piston cavity is used to control the first lock column to withdraw from the second accommodating groove.

5. The locking mechanism for an electric vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: One end of the connecting rod assembly is rotatably connected to the protrusion.

6. The locking mechanism for an electric vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: The piston chamber is provided with an air nozzle, and the air nozzle is used to supply air to the piston chamber.

7. The locking mechanism for an electric vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: The other end of the connecting rod assembly is connected to a reset cavity, and the reset cavity is used for resetting the first lock cylinder.

8. The locking mechanism for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: A fixing column is provided on the lower surface of the first body, and a fixing hole is opened on the upper surface of the second body. When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the fixing column is inserted into the fixing hole.

9. The locking mechanism for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: A positioning hole is formed on the lower surface of the first body, and a positioning pin is provided on the upper surface of the second body. When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning hole.

Images