Battery replacing device and battery replacing system

Abstract

The application relates to a battery replacing device and a battery replacing system. The battery replacing device comprises a moving base used for carrying a battery, the battery having a connector used for transmitting electric energy; a protection device arranged on the moving base and used for protecting the connector, the protection device comprising a driving mechanism and a cover, the driving mechanism being used for driving the cover to move so as to cover or open the connector. In the process of transfer, the cover realizes automatic protection of the connector of the battery under the action of the driving mechanism, and the safety of the battery and the service life of the connector are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery swapping technology for electrical equipment, and more specifically, to a battery swapping device and a battery swapping system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of new energy technologies, more and more devices are using batteries. When these devices run out of power, they are often recharged by connecting to a charging device. Alternatively, batteries can be replaced for faster power replenishment; however, this typically requires specialized battery swapping equipment.

[0003] Battery swapping equipment removes depleted batteries (i.e., batteries awaiting charging) from the user equipment and transports them to a charging device to replenish their power, while transporting fully charged batteries (i.e., fully charged batteries) to the user equipment for installation. During the transportation process, the batteries are exposed to the elements, making them susceptible to damage and reducing their safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to provide a battery swapping device and system to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0005] The embodiments of this application are implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery swapping device, which includes:

[0007] A movable base for carrying a battery, the battery having a connector for transmitting electrical energy;

[0008] A protective device is disposed on the movable base and used to protect the connector. The protective device includes a drive mechanism and a cover. The drive mechanism is used to drive the cover to move to cover or open the connector.

[0009] In this application's technical solution, a protective device is installed on the mobile base. During the battery transfer process, the drive mechanism of the protective device drives a cover to cover the battery connector, protecting the connector from dust and water ingress. After the battery is in place, the drive mechanism drives the cover to remove from the connector, allowing the battery to leave the mobile base. During the transfer process, the cover, under the action of the drive mechanism, automatically protects the battery connector, effectively improving battery safety and connector lifespan.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the protective device has an extended state and a retracted state. In the extended state, the cover extends out of the movable base to cover the connector; in the retracted state, the cover retracts to the movable base.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the drive mechanism drives the cover to leave the battery connector and drives the cover to retract to the moving base, which makes the overall space occupied by the battery swapping equipment smaller.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the movable base has a receiving space, and in the retracted state, at least a portion of the cover is located within the receiving space.

[0013] In the above technical solution, when the cover is retracted, at least part of it is in the accommodating space, with only a portion or no portion exposed to the outside of the mobile base. This makes the battery swapping equipment structure more compact, reducing the space occupied by the battery swapping equipment, and also protecting the cover from interference and damage from external objects.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, in the retracted state, the cover is located on the side of the movable base; in the extended state, the cover is located above the movable base.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the cover is folded up to the side of the mobile base, without occupying the space above the mobile base. When placing the battery on the mobile base, there is no need to consider avoiding the cover, and this design does not affect battery placement or removal. In addition, when the battery is installed upwards onto the device, the side-mounted cover is less likely to interfere with the device.

[0016] In one embodiment of this application, one end of the drive mechanism is mounted on the movable base, and the cover is connected to the other end of the drive mechanism.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the cover is directly connected to the mobile base through the drive mechanism, and the connection structure is simple.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, the driving mechanism includes a driving member, a first connecting rod, and a second connecting rod. One end of the first connecting rod and one end of the second connecting rod are respectively hinged to the movable base, and the other end of the first connecting rod and the other end of the second connecting rod are respectively hinged to the cover. The driving member is used to drive the first connecting rod to rotate around the hinge point between the first connecting rod and the movable base.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the movable base, the first link, the cover, and the second link are hinged in sequence to form a four-bar linkage mechanism. The simple structure ensures that the cover moves smoothly along the set path and that the cover covers the connector.

[0020] In one embodiment of this application, the driving mechanism further includes a first rotating shaft, one end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the movable base via the first rotating shaft, the first rotating shaft is fixed to the first connecting rod, the driving mechanism further includes a meshing gear and a rack, the gear is fixed to the first rotating shaft, and the driving member is used to drive the rack to move so as to drive the first connecting rod to swing through the gear.

[0021] In the above technical solution, linear motion is converted into rotation through gears and racks, which in turn drive the first connecting rod to swing and drive the cover. Ordinary cylinders or electric cylinders can be used to achieve the drive, without the need for high-torque rotation drive equipment, and the requirements for drive equipment are low.

[0022] In one embodiment of this application, the driving mechanism further includes a sliding rail and a slider that cooperate with each other, the slider being fixedly connected to the movable base, and the rack being fixedly connected to the sliding rail.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the slide rail and slider work together to guide the rack and pinion, ensuring stable rack and pinion movement and guaranteeing the driving effect.

[0024] In one embodiment of this application, the cover is a hood-shaped member for covering the connector.

[0025] In the above technical solution, the cover-like structure fully shields the connector, achieving comprehensive protection and high safety.

[0026] In one embodiment of this application, the cover includes a top plate, an end plate, and two side plates. The two side plates are connected to opposite sides of the top plate. The end plate is disposed at one end of the top plate and connected to the top plate and the two side plates. The side of the cover opposite to the top plate and the side opposite to the end plate are both in an open state.

[0027] In the above technical solution, the cover structure has an opening opposite the top plate and an opening opposite the end plate. During the process of the cover extending from the movable base to cover the connector, the side opposite the end plate needs to pass over the connector to reach the other side. By providing an opening on this side, interference between the cover structure and the connector is avoided. Because there is no interference, the movement path of the cover can be set relatively close to the movable base, and the working space required for the protective device is relatively small, facilitating work under the confined space of the vehicle.

[0028] In one embodiment of this application, the battery swapping device further includes:

[0029] A first detection unit is configured to output a first signal when the protective device is in the extended state; and / or

[0030] The second detection unit is configured to output a second signal when the protective device is in the retracted state.

[0031] In the above technical solution, by setting up a first detection unit and a second detection unit, the status information of the cover can be obtained so as to eliminate abnormalities in a timely manner and ensure the safety of the battery during transportation.

[0032] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery swapping system, which includes:

[0033] Battery swapping platform;

[0034] Battery loading and unloading device;

[0035] The battery swapping device provided in the first aspect of this application moves between the battery swapping platform and the battery pick-and-place device to transport batteries.

[0036] The battery swapping system provided in this application has a protective device that protects the connector during the swapping process, making the battery less susceptible to damage. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery swapping system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power swapping device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover covering the battery connector of a battery swapping device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 For this Figure 3 AA cross-section view;

[0042] Figure 5 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the protective device in the retracted state;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a front view diagram of the protective device in the retracted state.

[0044] Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the protective device in the extended state;

[0045] Figure 8 A front view diagram showing the protective device in the extended state;

[0046] Figure 9 A top-view diagram showing the protective device in the retracted position;

[0047] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of simulated links for the first and second links when the protective device is extended;

[0048] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the transformation of the protective device from a parallelogram linkage mechanism to a triangular linkage mechanism.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a simulated schematic diagram of the first and second links when the protective device is retracted.

[0050] Figure 13 This is a structural schematic diagram of the cover component;

[0051] Figure 14 This is an exploded view of the trigger state structure of the first detection device;

[0052] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the trigger status of the second detection device.

[0053] Icons: 1000 - Battery swapping equipment; 2000 - Battery; 2001 - Connector; 3000 - Battery swapping platform; 3001 - Clearance opening; 4000 - Battery loading and unloading equipment; 4001 - Forklift; 100 - Moving base; 110 - Base body; 120 - Accommodation space; 130 - Third link; 131 - Limiting boss; 140 - Elastic reset component; 200 - Protective device; 210 - Drive component; 211 - Connector ; 2121-First connecting rod; 2122-Second connecting rod; 2123-First rotating shaft; 2131-Rack; 2132-Gear; 2133-Slide rail; 2134-Slider; 220-Cover; 221-Top plate; 222-End plate; 223-Side plate; 224-First opening; 225-Second opening; 300-First detection unit; 400-Second detection unit; α-Clockwise direction; β-Counterclockwise direction. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0056] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0057] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0058] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0059] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0060] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" 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 the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 the embodiments of this application.

[0061] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" 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. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0062] With the development of new energy technologies, more and more devices are using batteries. When these devices run out of power, they are often recharged by connecting to charging equipment, such as charging stations for electric vehicles. Compared to connecting to charging stations, battery swapping offers a faster way to replenish power. Currently, there are dedicated battery swapping systems, which consist of battery pick-and-place equipment and movable swapping devices. The battery pick-and-place equipment is used to place batteries on the swapping device or remove batteries from the swapping device and transfer them to the charging equipment. The swapping device carries the battery and moves between the device and the battery pick-and-place equipment, transferring the battery between them and installing or removing it from the device. When the battery is installed on the device, its connector engages with the device's connector to output power. When the battery is charging, its connector engages with the charging device's connector to output power to the battery.

[0063] Sometimes, short circuits occur when batteries are connected to electrical devices, and short circuits also occur when batteries are connected to charging devices, leading to safety risks. Sometimes, poor electrical connections with electrical devices and charging devices also occur, causing the battery to fail to output or input electrical energy normally. The inventors discovered that these phenomena are mostly caused by water or dust ingress into the battery connectors. The inventors noted that during battery transport in battery swapping equipment, the battery connectors are generally exposed, making them susceptible to dust or water ingress. Dust ingress can easily lead to poor electrical connections, water ingress can easily lead to short circuits, and water ingress also makes it easier for dust to adhere to the connectors, affecting connection stability and reducing battery safety and current transmission stability.

[0064] In view of this, this application provides a battery swapping device, which includes a movable base and a protective device. The protective device is disposed on the movable base and is used to protect the connector. The protective device includes a drive mechanism and a cover. The drive mechanism drives the cover to move, thereby covering or opening the connector. During battery transfer, the drive mechanism drives the cover to cover the connector to prevent dust and water from entering. After transfer, for example, when the battery swapping device and battery arrive at the battery installation location of the user device, the drive mechanism drives the cover to leave the battery, exposing the connector again so that the battery connector can be connected to the current input port of the user device. Thus, during the transfer process, the cover of the battery swapping device of this application automatically protects the battery connector under the action of the drive mechanism, effectively mitigating the problem of water and dust ingress into the connector and improving battery safety and current transmission stability.

[0065] It should be noted that a battery mounting location refers to a space formed in an electrical device to accommodate a battery. For example, an upwardly recessed groove formed in the chassis of a vehicle serves as a battery mounting location to accommodate a battery. The connector of the electrical device is located in the battery mounting location.

[0066] The battery swapping equipment and system disclosed in this application can be used, but are not limited to, for swapping vehicle batteries. They can also be used for swapping batteries in other electrical equipment such as ships, aircraft, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, and spacecraft. Electric toys can be stationary or mobile, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys; power tools can be stationary or mobile, such as electric motorized tools and electric sweepers; and spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft.

[0067] The following explanation uses a vehicle as an example to illustrate battery swapping equipment and systems.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 1 The battery swapping system includes a battery swapping device 1000 and a battery pick-and-place device 4000.

[0069] The battery swapping system also includes charging equipment (not shown in the figure), which is used to store and charge the batteries 2000. The battery pick-and-place device 4000 can be a robot, stacker crane, or other device. The battery pick-and-place device 4000 is equipped with forks 4001 (the forks 4001 can also be replaced by a robotic arm). The forks 4001 are used to remove the depleted batteries 2000 from the battery swapping device 1000 and put them into the charging device for recycling, and to remove the fully charged batteries 2000 from the charging device and place them on the battery swapping device 1000.

[0070] The battery swapping device 1000 moves between the vehicle and the battery pick-and-place device 4000. The battery swapping device 1000 removes the depleted battery 2000 from the vehicle and transports it to the battery pick-and-place device 4000. The battery pick-and-place device 4000 removes the depleted battery 2000 from the battery swapping device 1000 and places it into the charging device. It then takes a fully charged battery 2000 from the charging device and places it onto the battery swapping device 1000. The battery swapping device 1000 then transfers the fully charged battery 2000 to the vehicle and installs it in the vehicle.

[0071] When the electrical equipment is mobile, such as a vehicle, the battery swapping system may also include a battery swapping platform 3000 for parking the vehicle. The battery swapping device 1000 moves between the battery swapping platform 3000 and the battery pick-and-place device 4000. The battery swapping platform 3000 is used to lift the vehicle as a whole, with the vehicle positioned above the battery swapping platform 3000. The battery swapping platform 3000 has a clearance opening 3001, and the vehicle's battery 2000 mounting position (not shown in the figure) corresponds to the clearance opening 3001. The battery swapping device 1000 is parked below the vehicle's clearance opening 3001. The battery 2000 on the battery swapping device 1000 passes through the clearance opening 3001 and is installed to the vehicle's battery 2000 mounting position, or the battery 2000 on the vehicle's battery 2000 mounting position is removed and passes through the clearance opening 3001 to fall onto the battery swapping device 1000.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery swapping device 1000 includes a movable base 100 and a protective device 200. The movable base 100 carries a battery 2000, which has a connector 2001 for transmitting electrical energy. The protective device 200 is disposed on the movable base 100 and protects the connector 2001. The protective device 200 includes a drive mechanism and a cover 220. The drive mechanism drives the cover 220 to move, thereby covering or opening the connector 2001.

[0073] The mobile base 100 is a device for moving between the battery pick-and-place device 4000 and the vehicle, and also for carrying the battery 2000 during transport. In other words, the mobile base 100 moves between the battery pick-and-place device 4000 and the vehicle to transport the battery 2000. The mobile base 100 can be a motor-driven trolley that moves along a set path between the battery pick-and-place device 4000 and the vehicle. A track can be set between the battery pick-and-place device 4000 and the vehicle to define the path, and the trolley is mounted on the track and moves along the track.

[0074] When the battery 2000 is located on the movable base 100, the connector 2001 of the battery 2000 is usually facing upwards so as to connect with the connector 2001 of the battery 2000 mounting position on the vehicle chassis.

[0075] The protective device 200 is a device used to protect the connector 2001 of the battery 2000, and the protective device 200 is disposed on the movable base 100. When the movable base 100 carries the battery 2000 and moves between the battery loading and unloading device 4000 and the vehicle, the protective device 200 protects the connector 2001 of the battery 2000 from contamination by external dust, water and other substances.

[0076] Cover 220 is a component of protective device 200 used to cover connector 2001. Covering connector 220 means that protective device 200, through cover 220, at least shields the upper end face of connector 2001 to prevent the end of connector 2001 used for connecting electrical equipment and charging equipment from contacting water. For example, in rainy weather, cover 220 protects connector 2001 from getting wet. When the upper end face of connector 2001 has an opening, it prevents water from entering the interior of connector 2001 through the opening. Covering connector 220 opening connector 2001 means that cover 220 is moved away from above connector 2001 to allow connector 2001 to connect electrical equipment and charging equipment.

[0077] The drive mechanism is a component used to provide power to the cover 220, enabling the cover 220 to switch between the position of covering the connector 2001 and the position of opening the connector 2001.

[0078] In this application's technical solution, a protective device 200 is provided on the mobile base 100. The drive mechanism of the protective device 200 drives a cover 220 to cover the connector 2001 of the battery 2000. During the transfer of the battery 2000 by the mobile base 100, the cover 220 protects the connector 2001 to prevent dust and water from entering the connector 2001. After the transfer is completed, the drive mechanism drives the cover 220 to remove from the connector 2001, so that the battery 2000 can be removed from the mobile base 100. During the transfer process, the cover 220, under the action of the drive mechanism, automatically protects the connector 2001 of the battery 2000, effectively improving the safety of the battery 2000 and the service life of the connector 2001.

[0079] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the protective device 200 has an extended state and a retracted state. In the extended state, the cover 220 extends out of the movable base 100 to cover the connector 2001; in the retracted state, the cover 220 retracts into the movable base 100.

[0080] In other words, the drive mechanism can extend or retract the cover 220. After the battery 2000 is placed on the movable base 100, the drive mechanism drives the cover 220 to extend to cover the connector 2001 of the battery 2000; after the movable base 100 transfers the battery 2000 into place, the drive mechanism drives the cover 220 to retract to the movable base 100, making room for the battery 2000 to leave the movable base 100.

[0081] In the above technical solution, the drive mechanism drives the cover 220 away from the connector 2001 of the battery 2000 and drives the cover 220 to retract into the movable base 100, so that the overall space occupied by the battery swapping device 1000 is smaller.

[0082] This application does not limit the number of protective devices 200. In one embodiment, one protective device 200 is provided on the mobile base 100; in another embodiment, two protective devices 200 are provided on the mobile base 100. The two protective devices 200 can be symmetrically arranged about the mobile base 100 to protect the two batteries 2000 carried on the mobile base 100 respectively, or to protect the two connectors 2001 of one battery 2000.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the movable base 100 has a receiving space 120, and in the retracted state, at least a portion of the cover 220 is located in the receiving space 120.

[0084] The aforementioned accommodating space 120 is the space within the outer contour of the movable base 100. When the movable base 100 is located within the accommodating space 120, the cover 220 is embedded in the movable base 100.

[0085] In the above technical solution, when the cover 220 is retracted, it is at least partially inside the accommodating space 120, with only a portion exposed or not exposed to the outside of the movable base 100. The structure of the power swapping device 1000 is more compact, which reduces the space occupied by the power swapping device 1000 and also protects the cover 220, preventing the cover 220 from being damaged by interference with external objects.

[0086] In one embodiment of this application, combined with Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, in the extended state, the cover 220 is positioned above the movable base 100; combined with Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, in the retracted state, the cover 220 is located on the side of the movable base 100.

[0087] The mobile base 100 typically includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface. The top and bottom surfaces are opposite each other in the direction of gravity. The top surface is used to hold the battery 2000, the bottom surface is equipped with wheels, and the side surface is located between and connects the top and bottom surfaces. In the retracted state, the drive mechanism retracts the cover 220 to the side of the mobile base 100. In the extended state, the drive mechanism raises the cover 220 above the battery 2000 and covers the connector 2001 of the battery 2000 from above.

[0088] In the above technical solution, the cover 220 is folded up to the side of the mobile base 100, without occupying the space above the mobile base 100. When the battery 2000 is placed on the mobile base 100, there is no need to consider avoiding the cover 220, and this arrangement does not affect the placement and removal of the battery 2000. In addition, when the battery 2000 is installed upwards onto the power-consuming equipment, the cover 220 located on the side is less likely to interfere with the power-consuming equipment.

[0089] In other embodiments, the cover 220 may also be located on the top or bottom surface of the movable base 100 in the retracted state, and this application does not limit this.

[0090] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, one end of the drive mechanism is mounted on the movable base 100, and the cover 220 is connected to the other end of the drive mechanism.

[0091] In the above technical solution, the drive mechanism is similar to a robotic arm, and the cover 220 is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism, which enables the cover 220 to complete multiple degrees of freedom of movement under the drive of the drive mechanism, so as to cover and open the connector 2001.

[0092] like Figure 9 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the driving mechanism includes a driving member 210, a first connecting rod 2121 and a second connecting rod 2122. One end of the first connecting rod 2121 and one end of the second connecting rod 2122 are respectively hinged to the movable base 100, and the other end of the first connecting rod 2121 and the other end of the second connecting rod 2122 are respectively hinged to the cover member 220. The driving member 210 is used to drive the first connecting rod 2121 to rotate around the hinge point between the first connecting rod 2121 and the movable base 100.

[0093] In the above technical solution, the movable base 100, the first connecting rod 2121, the cover 220 and the second connecting rod 2122 are hinged in sequence. The first connecting rod 2121 is the driving member, which drives the cover 220 and the second connecting rod 2122 to rotate. The first connecting rod 2121 and the second connecting rod 2122 constrain the cover 220, ensuring the smooth movement of the cover 220 and ensuring the consistency of the position of the cover 220 each time it covers, without interfering with the connector 2001.

[0094] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this application, combined with Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 As shown, the movable base 100 includes a base body 110, a third link 130, and an elastic reset member 140. The third link 130 and the first link 2121 are both hinged to the base body 110 and their hinge axes are collinear. One end of the second link 2122 is hinged to the cover 220, and the other end of the second link 2122 is hinged to the third link 130. The elastic reset member 140 is used to hold the third link 130 in its initial position.

[0095] like Figure 10 As shown, during the movement of the protective device 200 from the extended state to the retracted state, the first link 2121, the cover 220, the second link 2122, and the third link 130 first form a parallelogram linkage mechanism. During the clockwise rotation of the first link 2121, the angle of the cover 220 remains unchanged; the cover 220 only translates and does not rotate. Figure 11 As shown, when the first link 2121 rotates clockwise until it abuts against the third link 130, the first link 2121 drives the third link 130 to rotate clockwise against the elastic force of the elastic reset member 140. At this time, the linkage mechanism degenerates from a parallelogram linkage mechanism to a triangular linkage mechanism, as shown. Figure 12 As shown, the linkage mechanism as a whole rotates around the hinge axis between the third link 130 and the base body 110, and the angle of the cover 220 changes.

[0096] In this embodiment, clockwise refers to the clockwise direction α shown in the figure. During the movement of the protective device 200 from the retracted state to the extended state, the first link 2121 rotates in the counterclockwise direction β, and the linkage mechanism is transformed from a triangular linkage mechanism to a parallelogram linkage mechanism.

[0097] Furthermore, a limiting boss 131 is provided on the third link 130. When the first link 2121 rotates clockwise to abut against the limiting boss 131, the first link 2121 drives the third link 130 to rotate clockwise over the elastic force of the elastic reset member 140. At this time, the linkage mechanism degenerates from a parallelogram linkage mechanism to a triangular linkage mechanism.

[0098] Furthermore, the elastic reset member 140 can be a torsion spring, with one end abutting against the third link 130 and the other end abutting against the base body 110, thereby holding the third link 130 in its initial position.

[0099] In one embodiment of this application, the drive mechanism further includes a first rotating shaft 2123, one end of the first connecting rod 2121 is hinged to the movable base 100 through the first rotating shaft 2123, the first rotating shaft 2123 is fixed to the first connecting rod 2121, the drive mechanism further includes a gear 2132 and a rack 2131 that mesh with each other, the gear 2132 is fixed to the first rotating shaft 2123, and the drive member 210 is used to drive the rack 2131 to move so as to drive the first connecting rod 2121 to swing through the gear 2132.

[0100] The first rotating shaft 2123 can be fixed to the first connecting rod 2121 by welding or integral molding. The gear 2132 can be fixed to the first rotating shaft 2123 by interference fit or integral molding. The rack 2131 meshes with the gear 2132. When the driving member 210 drives the rack 2131 to move along its extension direction, the rack 2131 drives the gear 2132 to rotate, so that the first connecting rod 2121 swings, thereby driving the cover 220 to move.

[0101] In the above technical solution, linear motion is converted into rotation by gear 2132 and rack 2131, which in turn drives the first connecting rod 2121 to swing and drive the cover 220. Ordinary cylinders or electric cylinders can be used to achieve the drive, without the need for a high-torque rotating drive component 210, and the requirements for the drive component 210 are low.

[0102] Furthermore, the drive mechanism also includes a connector 211, and the output end of the drive unit 210 is connected to the rack 2131 through the connector 211.

[0103] In one embodiment of this application, the drive mechanism further includes a slide rail 2133 and a slider 2134 that cooperate with each other. The slider 2134 is fixedly connected to the movable base 100, and the rack 2131 is fixedly connected to the slide rail 2133.

[0104] In the above technical solution, the slider 2134 is fixed to the movable base 100, and the slide rail 2133 extends along the extension direction of the rack 2131 and forms a sliding engagement with the slider 2134. When the driving component 210 drives the rack 2131 to move, the slide rail 2133 and the slider 2134 slide relative to each other. Through the cooperation of the slide rail 2133 and the slider 2134, the rack 2131 moves stably, ensuring the driving effect.

[0105] like Figure 13 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the cover 220 is a cover-shaped member for covering the connector 2001.

[0106] The aforementioned cover-shaped component refers to a component having a receiving space 120 and an opening communicating with the receiving space 120. In the above technical solution, the cover-shaped structure provides all-round protection for the connector 2001, achieving comprehensive protection and high safety.

[0107] In one embodiment of this application, the cover 220 includes a top plate 221, an end plate 222 and two side plates 223. The two side plates 223 are connected to opposite sides of the top plate 221. The end plate 222 is disposed at one end of the top plate 221 and connected to the top plate 221 and the two side plates 223. The side of the cover 220 opposite to the top plate 221 and the side opposite to the end plate 222 are both in an open state.

[0108] In the above technical solution, in addition to the first opening 224 opposite to the top plate 221, the cover structure also has a second opening 225 opposite to the end plate 222. During the process of the cover 220 extending out of the movable base 100 to cover the connector 2001, the side opposite to the end plate 222 needs to pass over the connector 2001 to reach the other side of the connector 2001. By providing an opening on this side, interference between the cover structure and the connector 2001 is avoided. Since there is no interference, the movement path of the cover 220 can be set relatively close to the movable base 100, and the working space required for the protective device 200 is relatively small, facilitating operation in the confined space under the vehicle.

[0109] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the battery swapping device 1000 further includes: a first detection unit 300 configured to output a first signal when the protective device 200 is in an extended state; and / or a second detection unit 400 configured to output a second signal when the protective device 200 is in a retracted state.

[0110] like Figure 14 As shown, when the protective device 200 switches to the extended state, the first detection unit 300 detects that the protective device 200 has extended into place and outputs a first signal to the control system to indicate that the cover 220 has covered the connector 2001 and the transfer of the battery 2000 can begin. Figure 15 As shown, when the protective device 200 is switched to the retracted state, the second detection unit 400 detects that the protective device 200 has been retracted into place, and then outputs a second signal to feedback to the control system that the cover 220 has been removed from the connector 2001 and the battery 2000 can be removed from the movable base 100.

[0111] Specifically, the first detection unit 300 and the second detection unit 400 can be position sensors, and both are mounted on the base body 110. The first detection unit 300 is used to detect the connector 211. When the connector 211 moves to a position corresponding to the extended state of the protective device 200, the connector 211 triggers the first detection unit 300 to output a first signal. The second detection unit 400 is used to detect the second link 2122. When the second link 2122 moves to a position corresponding to the retracted state of the protective device 200, the second link 2122 triggers the second detection unit 400 to output a second signal.

[0112] In the above technical solution, by setting up a first detection unit 300 and a second detection unit 400, the status information of the cover 220 is obtained so as to eliminate abnormalities in a timely manner and ensure the safety of the battery 2000 during the transportation process.

[0113] This application also provides a battery swapping system, which includes a battery swapping platform 3000, a battery pick-and-place device 4000, and a battery swapping device 1000 according to this application embodiment.

[0114] The battery swapping platform 3000 is used to carry electrical equipment with batteries 2000 to be swapped. The battery swapping device 1000 moves between the battery swapping platform 3000 and the battery pick-and-place device 4000 to transport the batteries 2000. The battery pick-and-place device 4000 can be a robot, a stacker crane, or other devices. The battery pick-and-place device 4000 is equipped with forks 4001 (the forks 4001 can also be replaced by a robotic arm). The forks 4001 are used to remove the depleted batteries 2000 from the battery swapping device 1000 and place them into the charging device for recycling. Fully charged batteries 2000 are taken out of the charging device and placed on the battery swapping device 1000.

[0115] According to some embodiments of this application, see Figures 2-15As shown, this application provides a battery swapping device 1000, which includes a movable base 100 and a protective device 200. The protective device 200 is disposed on the movable base 100 and is used to protect a connector 2001. The protective device 200 includes a drive mechanism and a cover 220. The drive mechanism is used to drive the cover 220 to move, so as to cover or open the connector 2001. The drive mechanism includes a drive member 210, a first rotating shaft 2123, a gear 2132, a rack 2131, a slide rail 2133, a slider 2134, a first connecting rod 2121, and a second connecting rod 2122. The movable base 100 includes a base body 110, a third connecting rod 130, and an elastic reset member 140. One end of the first connecting rod 2121 and one end of the third connecting rod 130 are both hinged to the base body 110, and their hinge axes are collinear. The other end of the first connecting rod 2121 is hinged to the cover 220. One end of the second connecting rod 2122 is hinged to the cover 220, and the other end of the second connecting rod 2122 is hinged to the third connecting rod 130. The elastic reset member 140 is a torsion spring, one end of which abuts against the fourth connecting rod, and the other end abuts against the base body 110, thereby holding the fourth connecting rod in its initial position. The first rotating shaft 2123 is fixed to the first connecting rod 2121. The gear 2132 is fixed to the first rotating shaft 2123, and the rack 2131 meshes with the gear 2132. The driving member 210 is a cylinder, and the output end of the cylinder is connected to the rack 2131 through the connecting member 211. The slider 2134 is fixedly connected to the base body 110, and the rack 2131 is fixedly connected to the slide rail 2133. The sliders 2134 and 2134 cooperate with each other. The cover 220 includes a top plate 221, an end plate 222, and two side plates 223. The two side plates 223 are connected to opposite sides of the top plate 221. The end plate 222 is located at one end of the top plate 221 and is connected to the top plate 221 and the two side plates 223. The side of the cover 220 opposite to the top plate 221 and the side opposite to the end plate 222 are both in an open state.

[0116] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery swapping device, characterized in that, include: A mobile base for carrying and moving a battery between a battery loading / unloading device and a vehicle, the battery having a connector for transmitting electrical energy; A protective device is disposed on the movable base and used to protect the connector. The protective device includes a drive mechanism and a cover. The drive mechanism is used to drive the cover to move to cover or open the connector, thereby protecting the connector during the transfer of the battery on the movable base, and removing the cover from the connector after the battery is transferred into place so that the battery can leave the movable base.

2. The battery swapping equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective device has an extended state and a retracted state. In the extended state, the cover extends out of the movable base to cover the connector; in the retracted state, the cover retracts into the movable base.

3. The battery swapping equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable base has a receiving space, and in the retracted state, at least a portion of the cover is located within the receiving space.

4. The battery swapping equipment according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, In the retracted state, the cover is located on the side of the movable base; in the extended state, the cover is located above the movable base.

5. The battery swapping equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the drive mechanism is mounted on the movable base, and the cover is connected to the other end of the drive mechanism.

6. The battery swapping equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving mechanism includes a driving member, a first connecting rod, and a second connecting rod. One end of the first connecting rod and one end of the second connecting rod are respectively hinged to the movable base, and the other end of the first connecting rod and the other end of the second connecting rod are respectively hinged to the cover. The driving member is used to drive the first connecting rod to rotate around the hinge point between the first connecting rod and the movable base.

7. The battery swapping equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive mechanism further includes a first rotating shaft, one end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the movable base through the first rotating shaft, the first rotating shaft is fixed to the first connecting rod, the drive mechanism further includes a meshing gear and a rack, the gear is fixed to the first rotating shaft, and the drive member is used to drive the rack to move so as to drive the first connecting rod to swing through the gear.

8. The battery swapping equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive mechanism also includes a sliding rail and a slider that cooperate with each other. The slider is fixedly connected to the movable base, and the rack is fixedly connected to the sliding rail.

9. The battery swapping equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover is a hood-shaped component used to cover the connector.

10. The battery swapping equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cover includes a top plate, an end plate, and two side plates. The two side plates are connected to opposite sides of the top plate. The end plate is disposed at one end of the top plate and connected to the top plate and the two side plates. The side of the cover opposite the top plate and the side opposite the end plate are both in an open state.

11. The battery swapping equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery swapping equipment also includes: A first detection unit is configured to output a first signal when the protective device is in the extended state; and / or The second detection unit is configured to output a second signal when the protective device is in the retracted state.

12. A battery swapping system, characterized in that, include: Battery swapping platform; Battery loading and unloading device; The battery swapping device as described in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the battery swapping device moves between the battery swapping platform and the battery pick-and-place device to transport batteries.

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