A battery swapping system

Abstract

The application provides a battery replacing system and relates to the technical field of new energy vehicles. The lifting mechanism of the battery replacing device is used for driving the lifting movement of the battery replacing platform relative to the fixed platform. The lifting mechanism comprises a cross lifting support, a sliding piece and a driven piece. The cross lifting support is connected with the battery replacing platform and the fixed platform at two ends, respectively. The sliding piece is in sliding connection with the fixed platform. The sliding piece has a first inclined surface extending towards the upper oblique direction. The inclination angle of the first inclined surface is greater than the included angle between the cross lifting support and the fixed platform when the cross lifting support is in the lowest position. The driven piece is connected with the cross lifting support and is in contact with the first inclined surface of the sliding piece. The driven piece is arranged to move along the first inclined surface when the sliding piece slides, so as to drive the lifting movement of the cross lifting support. The above technical scheme can drive the cross lifting support to lift when the cross lifting support is in the low position through the sliding of the driven piece on the sliding piece, so as to improve the jacking force when the cross lifting support is in the low position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of new energy vehicle technology, and in particular to a battery swapping system. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, a battery swapping mechanism is required to replace a vehicle's battery pack. The battery pack is placed on the swapping mechanism, which then moves the battery pack up or down to remove the old battery pack or install a new one into the vehicle.

[0003] The battery swapping mechanism's lifting and lowering motion is mainly achieved through a cross-lifting bracket. Specifically, the drive unit drives the cross-lifting bracket to lift and lower. When the cross-lifting bracket is in a low position, the angle between the support arm of the cross-lifting bracket and the horizontal plane is small, which can lead to insufficient lifting force, thus affecting the lifting and lowering motion of the cross-lifting bracket and the lifting and lowering of the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery swapping system that solves the technical problem in the prior art where insufficient lifting force of the battery swapping mechanism affects the lifting and lowering of the battery pack.

[0005] According to the purpose of this invention, a battery swapping system is provided, including a battery swapping device. The battery swapping device includes at least one lifting mechanism, a fixed platform, and a battery swapping platform disposed above the fixed platform for supporting a vehicle battery pack. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the battery swapping platform to move up and down relative to the fixed platform. The lifting mechanism includes:

[0006] The cross-lifting bracket is connected at both ends to the battery swapping platform and the fixed platform, respectively.

[0007] A sliding member is slidably connected to the fixed platform. The sliding member has a first inclined surface extending obliquely upward. The inclination angle of the first inclined surface is greater than the angle between the cross lifting bracket and the fixed platform when the cross lifting bracket is in its lowest position.

[0008] The driven member is connected to the cross lifting bracket and contacts the first inclined surface of the sliding member. The driven member is configured to move along the first inclined surface when the sliding member slides, so as to drive the cross lifting bracket to perform lifting and lowering movements.

[0009] Optionally, the driven member is configured to have rollers, such that the rollers roll along the first inclined plane, thereby driving the cross lifting bracket to perform lifting movements; or

[0010] The driven member is configured to have a second inclined surface that engages with the first inclined surface, so that the second inclined surface slides along the first inclined surface, thereby driving the cross lifting bracket to perform lifting and lowering movements.

[0011] Optionally, the cross lifting bracket includes a first cross arm and a second cross arm arranged in a cross configuration, and the driven member is connected at the intersection of the first cross arm and the second cross arm.

[0012] Optionally, the first cross arm has a first slide at the top and a second support at the bottom, the second cross arm has a first support at the top and a second slide at the bottom, the first support is fixedly connected to the battery swapping platform, the second support is fixedly connected to the fixed platform, the first slide is slidably connected to the battery swapping platform, and the second slide is slidably connected to the fixed platform.

[0013] Optionally, the battery swapping device further includes:

[0014] The first slide rail is installed on the fixed platform;

[0015] The connecting plate is configured to be slidably connected to the first slide rail and to the second slide block;

[0016] The sliding member is configured to slide along the first slide rail. When it moves the driven member to the top of the first inclined surface, it abuts against the connecting plate, thereby causing the connecting plate to slide along the first slide rail and thus causing the cross lifting bracket to perform lifting and lowering movements.

[0017] Optionally, the battery swapping device further includes:

[0018] At least one auxiliary lifting component is provided, with its two ends connected to the fixed platform and the battery swapping platform, respectively. The auxiliary lifting component is configured to move along with the cross lifting bracket when it moves up and down, so as to assist in supporting the battery swapping platform.

[0019] Optionally, the battery swapping device further includes:

[0020] A drive mechanism is mounted on the fixed platform and connected to the slider, for driving the slider to slide relative to the fixed platform.

[0021] Optionally, the battery swapping platform includes:

[0022] A lifting platform is connected to the cross lifting bracket, and the lifting platform is provided with multiple positioning holes and multiple through holes;

[0023] A floating platform is located below the lifting platform and connected to the lifting platform via a chain. The floating platform is provided with multiple positioning pins and multiple support blocks, so that the multiple positioning pins and multiple support blocks pass through the multiple positioning holes and multiple through holes respectively, thereby positioning and supporting the vehicle battery pack.

[0024] Optionally, the lifting platform is provided with two through slots, and the battery swapping system further includes:

[0025] The conveying mechanism has two plate chain conveyor belts, which are respectively arranged at two through slots. The conveying mechanism is configured to move up and down relative to the lifting platform to drive the vehicle battery pack to rise and detach from the support block, or to drive the vehicle battery pack to fall and abut against the support block.

[0026] Optionally, it also includes:

[0027] A rail transport mechanism is disposed at the bottom of the fixed platform, the fixed platform being configured to move along the rail transport mechanism to transport the vehicle battery pack.

[0028] The battery swapping device of this invention includes at least one lifting mechanism, a fixed platform, and a battery swapping platform mounted above the fixed platform for supporting the vehicle battery pack. The lifting mechanism drives the battery swapping platform to move up and down relative to the fixed platform. The lifting mechanism includes a cross lifting bracket, a sliding member, and a driven member. The cross lifting bracket is connected at both ends to the battery swapping platform and the fixed platform, respectively. The sliding member is slidably connected to the fixed platform and has a first inclined surface extending upwards. The inclination angle of the first inclined surface is greater than the angle between the cross lifting bracket and the fixed platform when the cross lifting bracket is in its lowest position. The driven member is connected to the cross lifting bracket and contacts the first inclined surface of the sliding member. The driven member is configured to move along the first inclined surface when the sliding member slides, thereby driving the cross lifting bracket to move up and down. This technical solution improves the lifting force of the cross lifting bracket when it is in its lowest position by having the driven member slide on the sliding member, thus avoiding insufficient lifting force.

[0029] Furthermore, the battery swapping platform in this invention includes a lifting platform and a floating platform. The lifting platform is connected to a cross-lifting bracket and has multiple positioning holes and multiple through holes. The floating platform is located below the lifting platform and is connected to it via a chain. The floating platform has multiple positioning pins and multiple support blocks, allowing the positioning pins and support blocks to pass through the positioning holes and through holes respectively, thereby positioning and supporting the vehicle battery pack. This technical solution, by providing a floating platform that can float horizontally relative to the battery swapping platform, facilitates the positioning of the battery pack, allowing it to be placed more smoothly on the battery swapping platform.

[0030] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in a detailed manner by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery swapping system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic connection diagram of the cross-lifting bracket and driven components in the battery swapping system shown.

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the cross-lifting bracket shown;

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the sliding component and the drive mechanism in the battery swapping system.

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the spaced arrangement of the sliding parts and the connecting plate in the battery swapping system.

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0038] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the contact position between the sliding component and the connecting plate in the battery swapping system.

[0039] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0040] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the rail transport mechanism in the battery swapping system shown.

[0041] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the battery swapping platform in the battery swapping system shown.

[0042] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0043] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the conveying mechanism in the battery swapping system shown.

[0044] Figure 13 yes Figure 12A schematic enlarged view of point D in the middle.

[0045] Figure label:

[0046] 100-Battery swapping system, 10-Fixed platform, 20-Rail transport mechanism, 30-Conveying mechanism, 40-Drive mechanism, 11-Battery swapping platform, 12-First slide rail, 13-Cross lifting bracket, 14-Sliding component, 15-Driven component, 16-Auxiliary lifting assembly, 111-Lifting platform, 112-Floating platform, 113-Chain, 114-Through groove, 115-Support block, 116-Positioning pin, 21-Rail, 22-Gear, 23-Rack, 24-Walking wheel, 25-Mounting plate, 26-First drive motor 27-Guide wheel, 31-Plate chain conveyor belt, 32-Guide shaft, 33-Guide bearing, 34-Guide plate, 35-Electric cylinder, 36-Lifting connecting plate, 37-Second drive motor, 38-Reducer, 39-Transmission shaft, 131-First cross arm, 132-Second cross arm, 133-Second support, 134-First slide, 135-Second slide, 136-First support, 137-Connecting plate, 141-First inclined surface, 142-Tail plate, 143-Notch, 41-Ball screw mounting seat, 42-Ball screw. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0048] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0049] 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 at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically stated, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0050] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. That is, in the description of this embodiment, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," or "beneath" the second feature can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0052] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the description of these embodiments have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery swapping system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic connection between the cross lifting bracket 13 and the driven member 15 in the battery swapping system 100. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The schematic structural diagram of the cross-lifting bracket 13 shown is as follows. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic connection between the sliding member 14 and the drive mechanism 40 in the battery swapping system 100. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in one specific embodiment, the battery swapping system 100 includes a battery swapping device, which includes at least one lifting mechanism, a fixed platform 10, and a battery swapping platform 11 disposed above the fixed platform 10 and used to support the vehicle battery pack. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the battery swapping platform 11 to move up and down relative to the fixed platform 10. The lifting mechanism includes a cross lifting bracket 13, a sliding member 14, and a driven member 15. The two ends of the cross lifting bracket 13 are respectively connected to the battery swapping platform 11 and the fixed platform 10. The sliding member 14 is slidably connected to the fixed platform 10 and has a first inclined surface 141 extending obliquely upward. The inclination angle of the first inclined surface 141 is greater than the angle between the cross lifting bracket 13 and the fixed platform 10 when the cross lifting bracket 13 is in its lowest position. The driven member 15 is connected to the cross lifting bracket 13 and contacts the first inclined surface 141 of the sliding member 14. The driven member 15 is configured to move along the first inclined surface 141 when the sliding member 14 slides, so as to drive the cross lifting bracket 13 to move up and down. Here, there are two lifting mechanisms. In other embodiments, the number of lifting mechanisms can be set according to specific design requirements, such as the size and weight of the battery swapping platform 11.

[0054] In this embodiment, when the cross lifting bracket 13 is in a low position, the driven member 15 slides on the sliding member 14, thereby driving the cross lifting bracket 13 to rise and fall. This can improve the lifting force of the cross lifting bracket 13 when it is in a low position and avoid the situation of insufficient lifting force.

[0055] In this embodiment, the follower 15 is configured to have rollers so that the rollers roll along the first inclined plane 141, thereby driving the cross lifting bracket 13 to perform lifting and lowering movements.

[0056] In another embodiment, the follower 15 is configured to have a second inclined surface that engages with the first inclined surface 141, such that the second inclined surface slides along the first inclined surface 141, thereby driving the cross lifting bracket 13 to perform lifting and lowering movements.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the cross lifting bracket 13 includes a first cross arm 131 and a second cross arm 132 arranged in a cross configuration, and a follower 15 is connected at the intersection of the first cross arm 131 and the second cross arm 132. It can be understood that the roller is located at the intersection of the cross lifting bracket 13 and is connected to the cross lifting bracket 13 via a rotating shaft.

[0058] Specifically, the first cross arm 131 has a first slide block 134 at the top and a second support 133 at the bottom, and the second cross arm 132 has a first support 136 at the top and a second slide block 135 at the bottom. The first slide block 134 is slidably connected to the battery swapping platform 11, the second support 133 is fixedly connected to the fixed platform 10, the first support 136 is fixedly connected to the battery swapping platform 11, and the second slide block 135 is slidably connected to the fixed platform 10. Specifically, a second slide rail is provided below the battery swapping platform 11, and the first slide block 134 of the first cross arm 131 of the cross lifting bracket 13 is slidably connected to the second slide rail, and is configured to slide along the second slide rail when the cross lifting bracket 13 performs lifting movements.

[0059] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the schematic arrangement of the sliding member 14 and the connecting plate 137 in the battery swapping system 100, with the arrows indicating the forward sliding direction. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic enlarged view of point A in the middle. Figure 7 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic position of the sliding member 14 abutting against the connecting plate 137 in the battery swapping system 100. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic enlarged view of point B in the middle. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the battery swapping device further includes a first slide rail 12, a connecting plate 137, and a sliding member 14. The first slide rail 12 is mounted on the fixed platform 10. The connecting plate 137 is configured to slide along the first slide rail 12 and is connected to the second slide block 135. The sliding member 14 is configured to slide along the first slide rail 12. When it drives the driven member 15 to move to the top of the first inclined surface 141, it abuts against the connecting plate 137, thereby driving the connecting plate 137 to slide along the first slide rail 12, thereby driving the cross lifting bracket 13 to perform lifting and lowering movements.

[0060] This can be understood as follows: the connecting plate 137 is connected to the second slide block 135 of the second cross arm 132 of the cross lifting bracket 13, and can slide along the first slide rail 12, thereby driving the second slide block 135 to slide, so as to adjust the height of the cross lifting bracket 13. Here, the connecting plate 137 and the sliding member 14 share the first slide rail 12.

[0061] See Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 A notch 143 is provided below the slider 14, and a connecting plate 137 is located at the notch 143. A first inclined surface 141 is located in front of the slider 14, and the slider 14 also has a tail plate 142. Figure 8As can be seen, the first slide rail 12 is located below the connecting plate 137.

[0062] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 When the slider 14 slides forward along the first slide rail 12, the driven member 15 can move upward along the first inclined plane 141. During this movement, the tail plate 142 of the slider 14 and the connecting plate 137 always maintain a gap. That is, the slider 14 cannot directly drive the connecting plate 137 to slide forward along the first slide rail 12. It can be understood that the slider 14 cannot directly drive the second slide block 135 in the cross lifting bracket 13 to slide forward. It can only drive the cross lifting bracket 13 to move upward by the driven member 15 moving upward along the first inclined plane 141, so that the second slide block 135 drives the connecting plate 137 to slide forward along the first slide rail 12. When the driven member 15 moves along the first inclined plane 141 to the top of the first inclined plane 141, the sliding member 14 slides to the position where the tail plate 142 abuts against the connecting plate 137. The sliding member 14 directly drives the connecting plate 137 to continue sliding forward along the first slide rail 12. During the process of continuing to slide forward, the driven member 15 continues to rise, thereby disengaging from the sliding member 14. The second slide block 135 is directly driven to slide forward by the sliding member 14, thereby causing the cross lifting bracket 13 to continue to move upward.

[0063] When the slider 14 slides backward along the first slide rail 12, the slider 14 slides to the position where the side wall of the notch 143 abuts against the connecting plate 137, directly driving the connecting plate 137 to slide backward along the first slide rail 12 until the cross lifting bracket 13 descends to the lowest position.

[0064] See Figure 2 The battery swapping device also includes at least one auxiliary lifting assembly 16. The two ends of the auxiliary lifting assembly 16 are connected to the fixed platform 10 and the battery swapping platform 11, respectively. The auxiliary lifting assembly 16 is configured to move along with the cross lifting bracket 13 during its lifting motion to assist in supporting the battery swapping platform 11. Specifically, the auxiliary lifting assembly 16 is V-shaped. When the cross lifting bracket 13 moves upward, the included angle of the auxiliary lifting assembly 16 gradually increases to better support the battery swapping platform 11; when the cross lifting bracket 13 moves downward, the included angle of the auxiliary lifting assembly 16 gradually decreases. In this embodiment, there are four auxiliary lifting assemblies 16. Two auxiliary lifting assemblies 16 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the battery swapping platform 11, and the auxiliary lifting assemblies 16 and the cross lifting bracket 13 are arranged in the vertical direction, which can save installation space and reduce the space occupied by the battery swapping system 100.

[0065] In this embodiment, the battery swapping device further includes a drive mechanism 40, which is mounted on the fixed platform 10 and connected to the sliding member 14 for driving the sliding member 14 to slide relative to the fixed platform 10. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 40 employs a ball screw 42 device. The ball screw 42 device includes a motor, a ball screw 42, and a ball screw mounting base 41.

[0066] Specifically, see Figure 2 and Figure 4 There are two lifting mechanisms, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the drive mechanism 40. The tail plates 142 of the two sliding parts 14 are connected to the ball screw 42 so that they move simultaneously when the ball screw 42 rotates.

[0067] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the rail transport mechanism 20 in the battery swapping system 100 shown. Figure 9 As shown, and see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the battery swapping system 100 further includes a track transport mechanism 20, which is disposed at the bottom of the fixed platform 10. The fixed platform 10 is configured to move along the track transport mechanism 20 to transport the vehicle battery pack. Specifically, the track transport mechanism 20 includes a track 21, a gear 22, a rack 23, wheels 24, multiple guide wheels 27, a mounting plate 25, and a first drive motor 26. The track 21 is disposed on the mounting plate 25, the wheels 24 are mounted on the bottom of the fixed platform 10, the first drive motor 26 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the fixed platform 10, the gear 22 is mounted at the output end of the first drive motor 26, and the rack 23 is disposed on the mounting plate 25. Multiple guide wheels 27 are disposed at the bottom of the fixed platform 10, and guide bars are disposed on the mounting plate 25. Both sides of the guide bars contact the guide wheels 27, providing guidance for the track transport mechanism 20. The wheels 24 contact the track 21, and the gear 22 contacts the rack 23. Driven by the first drive motor 26, the fixed platform 10 can reciprocate on the track 21.

[0068] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic structural diagram of the battery swapping platform 11 in the battery swapping system 100. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic enlarged view of point C in the middle. (See diagram below.) Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the battery swapping platform 11 includes a lifting platform 111 and a floating platform 112. The lifting platform 111 is connected to a cross-lifting bracket 13, and has multiple positioning holes and multiple through holes. The floating platform 112 is located below the lifting platform 111 and is connected to the lifting platform 111 via a chain 113. The floating platform 112 has multiple positioning pins 116 and multiple support blocks 115, so that the multiple positioning pins 116 and multiple support blocks 115 pass through the multiple positioning holes and multiple through holes, thereby positioning and supporting the vehicle battery pack. It can be understood that the floating platform 112 is suspended below the lifting platform 111 via the chain 113, and the floating platform 112 can float horizontally relative to the lifting platform 111. The lifting platform 111 is connected to the fixed platform 10 via the cross-lifting bracket 13, and under the action of the cross-lifting bracket 13, the lifting platform 111 can be vertically raised and lowered relative to the fixed platform 10.

[0069] Specifically, the floating platform 112 is equipped with a positioning pin 116 and a support block 115. Because the floating platform 112 can float horizontally, when the battery swapping platform 11 rises, the positioning pin 116 can engage with the positioning sleeve on the vehicle battery pack for accurate positioning. The support block 115 is higher than the lifting platform 111. When the vehicle is swapping batteries, the bottom surface of the battery pack contacts the upper surface of the support block 115. The support block 115 is made of nylon, which reduces wear on the battery pack contact surface. In addition, the floating platform 112 is also equipped with a battery blocking mechanism and an unlocking mechanism. The unlocking mechanism works with the lock on the battery pack to unlock the battery pack from the vehicle or lock and secure the battery pack to the vehicle.

[0070] This embodiment, by setting a floating platform 112 that can float horizontally relative to the battery swapping platform 11, facilitates the positioning of the battery pack, making it easier to place the battery pack on the battery swapping platform 11.

[0071] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the conveying mechanism 30 in the battery swapping system 100 shown. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A schematic enlarged view of point D in the middle. (See diagram below.) Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, and see Figure 1 In this embodiment, the lifting platform 111 is provided with two through slots 114, and the battery swapping system 100 also includes a conveying mechanism 30. The conveying mechanism 30 has two plate chain conveyor belts 31, which are respectively arranged at the two through slots 114. The conveying mechanism 30 is configured to move up and down relative to the lifting platform 111 to drive the vehicle battery pack to rise and disengage from the support block 115, or drive the vehicle battery pack to fall and abut against the support block 115.

[0072] Specifically, the conveying mechanism 30 includes a plate chain conveyor belt 31, a guide shaft 32, a guide bearing 33, a guide plate 34, an electric cylinder 35, a lifting connecting plate 36, a second drive motor 37, a reducer 38, and a transmission shaft 39. There are two plate chain conveyor belts 31, both connected to the reducer 38 via the transmission shaft 39. The second drive motor 37 drives the two plate chain conveyor belts 31 to rotate synchronously, thus conveying the battery pack and preventing it from deviating during transport. The plate chain conveyor belts 31 are connected to the guide plate 34, the guide bearing 33 is mounted on the guide plate 34, and the guide shaft 32 is fixed to the bottom of the lifting platform 111 and slidably connected to the guide bearing 33. The electric cylinder 35 is fixedly mounted to the bottom of the lifting platform 111, and its extension rod is connected to the lifting connecting plate 36, which is connected to the plate chain conveyor belt 31. Under the action of the electric cylinder 35, the plate chain conveyor belt 31 can be vertically raised and lowered relative to the lifting platform 111. When the plate chain conveyor belt 31 is in the descending position, its upper surface is lower than the support block 115 and does not contact the battery pack. When the plate chain conveyor belt 31 rises, its upper surface is higher than the support block 115, which can lift the battery pack off the support block 115 of the battery swapping platform 11 and disengage the battery pack from the positioning pin 116 and the unlocking mechanism.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the cross lifting bracket 13 is in a lower position, the motor drives the ball screw 42, and the sliding member 14 can move linearly in the horizontal direction under the drive of the ball screw 42. The driven member 15 rises along the first inclined surface 141 of the sliding member 14, driving the cross lifting bracket 13 to rise. When the driven member 15 is about to complete the stroke of the first inclined surface 141, the tail plate 142 of the sliding member 14 begins to contact the second slide block 135 of the cross lifting bracket 13, continuing to drive the cross lifting bracket 13 to rise. At this time, the driven member 15 gradually disengages from the first inclined surface 141. The auxiliary lifting assembly 16 is installed on one side of the cross lifting bracket 13 and connected to the lifting platform 111 of the battery swapping platform 11. When the cross lifting bracket 13 rises, it increases the overall structural rigidity of the cross lifting bracket 13 and reduces the swaying of the lifting platform 111 during the lifting process.

[0074] When the cross-lifting bracket 13 is in a low position, the angle between the first cross arm 131 and the second cross arm 132 of the cross-lifting bracket 13 and the horizontal plane is small, that is, the angle between it and the fixed platform 10 is small. If the second slide block 135 is directly driven to slide, the lifting force of the cross-lifting bracket 13 in the vertical direction is small. In this embodiment, by setting a sliding member 14 and a driven member 15, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 141 of the sliding member 14 is large, which can increase the lifting force of the cross-lifting bracket 13 in the vertical direction. When the cross-lifting bracket 13 rises, the angle between the first cross arm 131 and the second cross arm 132 and the horizontal plane increases, and at this time, driving the second slide block 135 can provide sufficient lifting force. With this setting, on the one hand, the lifting force of the cross-lifting bracket 13 when it is in a low position can be improved, avoiding the problem of insufficient lifting force caused by the first cross arm 131 and the second cross arm 132 having too small an angle with the horizontal plane. On the other hand, the height of the cross-lifting bracket 13 can be reduced, thereby reducing the required lifting height of the vehicle lifting mechanism.

[0075] When a vehicle enters the battery swapping station, the battery swapping device is located in the charging compartment. The vehicle moves to the swapping position in the compartment, and the vehicle lifting mechanism lifts it. Driven by the rail transport mechanism 20, the battery swapping device moves from the charging compartment to the swapping compartment, positioning it below the vehicle's battery. The cross lifting bracket 13 begins to lift, and the lifting platform 111 rises along with the floating platform 112. The positioning pin 116 on the floating platform 112 accurately positions the battery. The unlocking mechanism contacts and engages with the battery lock of the vehicle's battery pack, and the support block 115 contacts the bottom surface of the vehicle's battery pack. The unlocking mechanism unlocks the battery lock, and the cross lifting bracket 13 begins to descend, detaching the depleted battery from the vehicle. The rail transport mechanism 20 drives the battery swapping device from the swapping compartment to the charging compartment. The cross lifting bracket 13 rises, lifting the vehicle's battery pack to an empty space in the battery rack. The plate chain conveyor belt 31 rises under the action of the electric cylinder 35, lifting the vehicle's battery pack away from the positioning pin 116 and the unlocking mechanism. The plate chain conveyor belt 31 operates, transporting the vehicle's battery pack to the empty battery rack level. The battery swapping device rises and falls to the level where the fully charged batteries are located on the battery rack. The fully charged batteries are transported onto the plate chain conveyor belt 31, which descends, positioning the fully charged batteries with the positioning pins 116 and placing them on the support block 115. The battery swapping device continues to descend into position, and the rail transport mechanism 20 drives the device from the charging compartment to the battery swapping compartment. Once in position, the fully charged batteries rise under the action of the cross lifting brackets 13, docking with the vehicle. The locking and unlocking mechanism then engages, locking the fully charged batteries onto the vehicle. The battery swapping device descends again, returning to the charging compartment under the drive of the rail transport mechanism 20. The vehicle lifting mechanism lowers the vehicle, and the vehicle drives away from the battery swapping station, completing the battery swapping process.

[0076] In this embodiment, the battery swapping device is mounted on the rail transport mechanism 20, and the conveying mechanism 30 is mounted on the battery swapping device, enabling the battery swapping device to move between the charging compartment and the battery swapping compartment. With this configuration, the battery swapping device can pick up and put down batteries from the vehicle when it is in the battery swapping compartment, and can pick up and put down batteries from the battery rack when it is in the charging compartment. This eliminates the need for a stacker crane and simplifies the conveying device of the battery swapping system 100.

[0077] This embodiment designs a battery swapping device that can move on track 21, simultaneously realizing battery loading and unloading functions for both the battery swapping compartment and the charging compartment. It features high integration and low cost for the battery swapping station. The battery swapping device designed in this embodiment has a low overall height, which helps reduce the vehicle lifting height of the vehicle lifting mechanism. Furthermore, the device has a large lifting force when at a low position, facilitating its ascent.

[0078] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A battery replacement system, characterized by, The device includes a battery swapping unit, comprising at least one lifting mechanism, a fixed platform, and a battery swapping platform disposed above the fixed platform for supporting a vehicle battery pack. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the battery swapping platform to move up and down relative to the fixed platform. The lifting mechanism includes: The cross-lifting bracket is connected at both ends to the battery swapping platform and the fixed platform, respectively. A sliding member is slidably connected to the fixed platform. The sliding member has a first inclined surface extending obliquely upward. The inclination angle of the first inclined surface is greater than the angle between the cross lifting bracket and the fixed platform when the cross lifting bracket is in its lowest position. The driven member is connected to the cross lifting bracket and contacts the first inclined surface of the sliding member. The driven member is configured to move along the first inclined surface when the sliding member slides, so as to drive the cross lifting bracket to perform lifting motion. The cross lifting bracket includes a first cross arm and a second cross arm arranged in a cross manner, and the driven member is connected at the intersection of the first cross arm and the second cross arm; The first cross arm has a first slide at the top and a second support at the bottom, the second cross arm has a first support at the top and a second slide at the bottom, the first support is fixedly connected to the battery swapping platform, the second support is fixedly connected to the fixed platform, the first slide is slidably connected to the battery swapping platform, and the second slide is slidably connected to the fixed platform; The battery swapping device also includes: The first slide rail is installed on the fixed platform; The connecting plate is configured to be slidably connected to the first slide rail and to the second slide block; The sliding member is configured to slide along the first slide rail. When it moves the driven member to the top of the first inclined surface, it abuts against the connecting plate, thereby causing the connecting plate to slide along the first slide rail and thus causing the cross lifting bracket to perform lifting and lowering movements.

2. The battery swapping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driven member is configured to have rollers, such that the rollers roll along the first inclined plane, thereby driving the cross lifting bracket to perform lifting and lowering movements; or The driven member is configured to have a second inclined surface that engages with the first inclined surface, so that the second inclined surface slides along the first inclined surface, thereby driving the cross lifting bracket to perform lifting and lowering movements.

3. The battery replacement system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The battery swapping device also includes: At least one auxiliary lifting component is provided, with its two ends connected to the fixed platform and the battery swapping platform, respectively. The auxiliary lifting component is configured to move along with the cross lifting bracket when it moves up and down, so as to assist in supporting the battery swapping platform.

4. The battery replacement system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The battery swapping device also includes: A drive mechanism is mounted on the fixed platform and connected to the slider, for driving the slider to slide relative to the fixed platform.

5. The battery replacement system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The battery swapping platform includes: A lifting platform is connected to the cross lifting bracket, and the lifting platform is provided with multiple positioning holes and multiple through holes; A floating platform is located below the lifting platform and connected to the lifting platform via a chain. The floating platform is provided with multiple positioning pins and multiple support blocks, so that the multiple positioning pins and multiple support blocks pass through the multiple positioning holes and multiple through holes respectively, thereby positioning and supporting the vehicle battery pack.

6. The battery replacement system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lifting platform is provided with two through slots, and the battery swapping system also includes: The conveying mechanism has two plate chain conveyor belts, which are respectively arranged at two through slots. The conveying mechanism is configured to move up and down relative to the lifting platform to drive the vehicle battery pack to rise and detach from the support block, or to drive the vehicle battery pack to fall and abut against the support block.

7. The battery replacement system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A rail transport mechanism is disposed at the bottom of the fixed platform, the fixed platform being configured to move along the rail transport mechanism to transport the vehicle battery pack.

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