A battery swapping system

Abstract

This invention discloses a battery swapping system, comprising: an electric vessel, a battery swapping station, a telescopic bridge, and several battery vehicles. The battery swapping station and the telescopic bridge are both located at the dock, with the telescopic bridge having an extended state and a retracted state. In the extended state, the telescopic bridge connects the electric vessel and the dock. Each battery vehicle has a traveling mechanism, allowing it to travel between the battery swapping station and the electric vessel. A battery vehicle on the electric vessel with a depleted battery can travel from the vessel to the battery swapping station for charging, while a fully charged battery vehicle at the battery swapping station can travel from the station to the vessel to supply power. The battery vehicles provided by this application have traveling mechanisms, allowing them to travel from the dock's battery swapping station via the telescopic bridge to the deck to supply power to the electric vessel. This eliminates the need for transport vehicles and cranes, making battery swapping safe and convenient. Depleted and fully charged battery vehicles can move bidirectionally, resulting in short swapping times and high efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Existing electric vessels primarily rely on charging, which is time-consuming. After depletion, they require extended recharging at the dock, hindering cargo transport efficiency and increasing labor costs. Other electric vessels require battery swapping. At the swapping station, robotic arms or tower cranes lift fully charged batteries onto a transport vehicle, which then carries them to the vessel's deck. The robotic arms or tower cranes on deck then lift the batteries and place them onto the vessel to supply power. Simultaneously, the same robotic arms or tower cranes on deck lift depleted batteries onto the transport vehicle, which then transports them to the swapping station for charging. This process involves transfers, is complex, and requires frequent battery removal and installation. Tower cranes typically use wire rope structures, which are heavily affected by weather. In strong winds, batteries sway significantly during lifting, requiring manual intervention, impacting swapping efficiency, and posing safety hazards.

[0003] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a battery swapping system.

[0005] This application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] This application provides a battery swapping system, including:

[0007] Electric ships;

[0008] A battery swapping station is located at the dock.

[0009] A telescopic bridge is installed at a dock and has an extended state and a retracted state. In the extended state, the telescopic bridge can connect the electric vessel and the dock.

[0010] Several battery vehicles, each of which has a walking mechanism, and each of which can travel between battery swapping stations and electric ships;

[0011] A battery vehicle with a depleted battery on an electric vessel can travel from the electric vessel to the battery swapping station for charging, while a fully charged battery vehicle in the battery swapping station can travel from the station to the electric vessel to supply power to the vessel.

[0012] Optionally, at least one of the electric vessel and the battery swapping station is provided with a battery-operated structure;

[0013] The battery vehicle has a locking engagement groove;

[0014] When the battery vehicle is traveling to a battery swapping station or an electric ship, the battery engagement structure can lock the battery vehicle.

[0015] When the battery vehicle receives a driving command, the battery engagement structure can unlock the battery vehicle.

[0016] Optionally, both the electric vessel and the battery swapping station include a body, which has a support plate;

[0017] The battery mating structure includes a limiting part and a locking mechanism;

[0018] The limiting part is disposed on the support plate, and the limiting part has a limiting groove for the battery vehicle to drive into. The locking mechanism is disposed inside the main body, and the locking mechanism has a lifting column and a locking member. The locking member is disposed on the lifting column and has a movable locking tongue.

[0019] When the battery vehicle is inside the limiting groove, the lifting column can extend out of the support plate and pass through the locking groove, and the movable locking tongue can extend in a direction perpendicular to the lifting column to lock on the side of the battery vehicle away from the support plate.

[0020] Optionally, a first lifting device is provided inside the body;

[0021] The body has a guide groove that extends in a direction perpendicular to the support plate;

[0022] The lifting column is slidably connected to the guide groove;

[0023] The first lifting device and the lifting column are connected by a transmission to drive the lifting column to move up and down along the guide groove.

[0024] Optionally, the body has a guide sleeve;

[0025] The guide sleeve is located inside the main body, and one end of the guide sleeve is fixed to the support plate;

[0026] The guide sleeve has the guide groove.

[0027] Optionally, the battery swapping system may also include a wear-resistant layer;

[0028] The wear-resistant layer is attached to the inner wall of the guide groove.

[0029] Optionally, the lifting column has a cavity, and a hinge seat is provided protruding from the inner wall of the cavity;

[0030] One end of the first lifting device is hinged to the body, and the other end of the first lifting device extends into the cavity. The first lifting device and the hinge seat are hinged together.

[0031] Optionally, the lifting column has a cavity and a telescopic hole communicating with the cavity;

[0032] The locking element is disposed in the cavity, and the locking element can drive the movable locking tongue to extend out of the telescopic hole or retract from the telescopic hole into the cavity.

[0033] Optionally, a first mounting seat is provided inside the cavity;

[0034] The locking element is mounted on the first mounting base, and the locking element includes an electric push rod;

[0035] The movable locking tongue and the electric push rod are connected by a transmission.

[0036] The electric push rod drives the movable locking tongue to extend out of the telescopic hole or retract into the cavity through the telescopic hole.

[0037] Optionally, the inner wall of the cavity is provided with a block;

[0038] The block is provided with a sliding groove that connects to the telescopic hole;

[0039] The movable locking tongue is slidably connected to the slide groove;

[0040] The electric push rod and the movable locking tongue are hinged together.

[0041] Optionally, the limiting part includes two side stops and one end stop;

[0042] The two side baffles are spaced apart;

[0043] The end stop is disposed at one end of the side stop, and the end stop connects the two side stops;

[0044] The two side barriers form an entry point away from the end barriers.

[0045] Optionally, the electric vessel is equipped with a first electrical connector and a second lifting device;

[0046] The first electrical connector is electrically connected to the drive system of the electric ship;

[0047] The second lifting device is disposed within the body of the electric vessel, and the first electrical connector is connected to the second lifting device;

[0048] The battery vehicle has a second electrical connector;

[0049] When the battery vehicle is moving into the limiting groove, the second lifting device can drive the first electrical connector to extend out of the support plate to make an electrical connection with the second electrical connector.

[0050] Optionally, the battery swapping station is equipped with a third electrical connector and a third lifting device;

[0051] The third electrical connector is electrically connected to the charging equipment of the battery swapping station;

[0052] The third lifting device is installed inside the body of the battery swapping station, and the third electrical connector is connected to the third lifting device;

[0053] The battery vehicle has a second electrical connector;

[0054] When the battery vehicle is moving into the limiting groove, the third lifting device can drive the third electrical connector to extend out of the support plate to make electrical connection with the second electrical connector.

[0055] Optionally, a second mounting base is provided on the support plate;

[0056] The second mounting base is equipped with multiple linear bearings;

[0057] Both the first and third electrical connectors are connected to multiple guide rods;

[0058] Each of the guide rods is slidably connected to the linear bearing.

[0059] Optionally, the battery vehicle includes:

[0060] The trolley has a walking mechanism and a second electrical connector is provided on the trolley;

[0061] A battery box is fixedly installed on the trolley, and the battery box is electrically connected to the second electrical connector.

[0062] Optionally, the vehicle has a body, the body has two side end faces, and the two side end faces are respectively disposed on both sides of the body along the width direction;

[0063] Multiple rolling balls are provided on both of the side end faces;

[0064] Each of the rolling balls on each side end face is arranged at intervals along the length of the vehicle body;

[0065] The ball and the vehicle body are rotatably connected.

[0066] Optionally, the vehicle body has two end faces;

[0067] The two end faces are respectively located on both sides of the vehicle body along its length;

[0068] The end face and the side face are connected by a chamfered surface;

[0069] Rolling balls are provided on the chamfered surface.

[0070] Optionally, the vehicle is equipped with a vision camera and a lidar.

[0071] Optionally, the battery swapping system further includes a guide section, which includes a first guide section, a second guide section, and a third guide section. The first guide section is located at the dock, the second guide section is located at the telescopic bridge, and the third guide section is located at the electric vessel.

[0072] In the extended state, the second guide portion can connect the first guide portion and the third guide portion;

[0073] The battery vehicle can travel along the extension direction of the guide section.

[0074] By adopting the above technical solution, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0075] The battery swapping system described in this application provides a battery vehicle with a walking mechanism, which can travel from the dockside battery swapping station to the deck via a retractable bridge to supply power to electric boats. No transport vehicle or tower crane is required, so battery swapping is less affected by strong winds, and the process is safe and convenient. The depleted and fully charged battery vehicles can operate in both directions, resulting in short swapping times and high efficiency.

[0076] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0077] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0078] Figure 1 A top view of the battery swapping system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 2 A side view of the battery swapping system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 3 A top view of the battery swapping station and the battery vehicle of the battery swapping system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0081] Figure 4A schematic diagram of the battery vehicle assembly structure and the battery vehicle separation state of the battery swapping system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0082] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of D;

[0083] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the battery vehicle mating structure and the battery vehicle in a mating state of the battery swapping system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0084] Figure 7 A front view of the battery vehicle mating structure and the battery vehicle in the mating state of the battery swapping system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0085] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Sectional view along the middle AA direction;

[0086] Figure 9 A side view of the battery vehicle mating structure and the battery vehicle in the mating state of the battery swapping system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0087] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Sectional view along the BB direction;

[0088] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of E in the middle;

[0089] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the battery vehicle assembly structure of the battery swapping system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0090] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the exterior of the battery vehicle for the battery swapping system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0091] Figure 14 This is a bottom-view diagram of the battery vehicle of the battery swapping system provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0092] In the diagram: 1. Battery vehicle; 11. Car; 111. Vehicle body; 1111. Side end face; 1111a. Rolling ball; 1112. End face; 1113. Chamfered surface; 112. Walking mechanism; 113. Second electrical connector; 114. Locking groove; 115. Extension; 116. Vision camera; 117. LiDAR; 12. Battery box; a. Electric boat; a1. First electrical connector; a2. Second lifting device; b. Battery swapping station; b1. Third electrical connector; 3. Main body; 31. Support plate; 311. Limiting part; 3111. Limiting groove; 3112. Side stop; 3113. 3114. End stop; 32. Entrance; 33. First lifting device; 34. Guide sleeve; 35. Block; 36. Second mounting base; 37. Linear bearing; 38. Guide rod; 4. Locking mechanism; 49. Lifting column; 40. Cavity; 412. Telescopic hole; 413. First mounting base; 414. Hinge seat; 42. Locking element; 421. Movable locking tongue; 422. Electric push rod; 5. Telescopic bridge; 51. Fixed section; 52. Movable section; 6. Guide section; 61. First guide section; 62. Second guide section; 621. Fixed guide section; 622. Movable guide section; 63. Third guide section; 7. Dock.

[0093] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0094] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0095] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", 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 component 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.

[0096] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0097] See Figures 1 to 14 As shown, this application provides a battery swapping system, including: an electric vessel a, a battery swapping station b, a telescopic bridge 5, and several battery vehicles 1. The battery swapping station b is located at a dock 7, and the telescopic bridge 5 is also located at the dock 7. The telescopic bridge 5 has an extended state and a retracted state. In the extended state, the telescopic bridge 5 connects the electric vessel a and the dock 7. Each battery vehicle 1 has a traveling mechanism 112, and each battery vehicle 1 can travel between the battery swapping station b and the electric vessel a. A battery vehicle 1 on the electric vessel a with a depleted battery can travel from the electric vessel a to the battery swapping station b for charging, and a fully charged battery vehicle 1 in the battery swapping station b can travel from the battery swapping station b to the electric vessel a to supply power. A fully charged battery vehicle 1 can travel from the battery swapping station b at the dock 7 to the deck via the telescopic bridge 5 to supply power to the electric vessel a, without the need for a transport vehicle or tower crane, making battery swapping safe and convenient. Depleted and fully charged battery vehicles 1 can move bidirectionally, resulting in short swapping time and high swapping efficiency.

[0098] In one possible implementation, see Figure 1 and Figure 13 As shown, at least one of the electric vessel a and the battery swapping station b is equipped with a battery mating structure. The battery vehicle 1 has a locking mating groove 114. When the battery vehicle 1 is traveling to the battery swapping station b or the electric vessel a, the battery mating structure can lock the battery vehicle 1. When the battery vehicle 1 receives a travel command, the battery mating structure can unlock the battery vehicle 1. When the battery vehicle 1 is traveling to the battery swapping station b or the electric vessel a, it can be fixed by the locking mechanism 4. The battery swapping process does not require a transport vehicle and does not require frequent removal and installation of the battery from the battery vehicle 1, making battery swapping on the electric vessel a safe and convenient process.

[0099] In one possible implementation, see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 12 As shown, both the electric vessel a and the battery swapping station b include a body 3, and the body 3 has a support plate 31. The battery mating structure includes a limiting part 311 and a locking mechanism 4. The limiting part 311 is disposed on the support plate 31, and the limiting part 311 has a limiting groove 3111 for the battery vehicle 1 to enter. The locking mechanism 4 is disposed inside the body 3, and the locking mechanism 4 has a lifting column 41 and a locking member 42. The locking member 42 is disposed on the lifting column 41, and the locking member 42 has a movable locking tongue 421.

[0100] When the main body 3 is part of the electric vessel a, the support plate 31 can be the deck of the electric vessel a. When the main body 3 is part of the structure of the battery swapping station b, the support plate 31 can be a support platform on the battery swapping station b for supporting the battery vehicle 1. When the battery vehicle 1 is traveling into the limiting groove 3111, the lifting column 41 can extend out of the support plate 31 and pass through the locking engagement groove 114. The movable locking tongue 421 can extend in a direction perpendicular to the lifting column 41 to lock onto the side of the battery vehicle 1 away from the support plate 31, that is, the extension 115 of the body 111 of the battery vehicle 1, to fix the battery vehicle 1 and prevent the battery vehicle 1 from shaking or even shifting relative to the electric vessel a due to the bumps during the electric vessel a's travel.

[0101] In one possible implementation, see Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, a first lifting device 32 is provided inside the main body 3. The main body 3 has a guide groove that extends in a direction perpendicular to the support plate 31, and the lifting column 41 is slidably connected to the guide groove. The first lifting device 32 and the lifting column 41 are connected in a transmission manner to drive the lifting column 41 to move up and down along the guide groove. The guide groove has a limiting effect on the lifting column 41, preventing the lifting column 41 from tilting as it moves up and down along the direction of the guide groove. The first lifting device 32 can be a telescopic hydraulic cylinder.

[0102] In one possible implementation, see Figure 12 As shown, the main body 3 has a guide sleeve 33. The guide sleeve 33 is located inside the main body 3, and one end of the guide sleeve 33 is fixed to the support plate 31. The guide sleeve 33 has the guide groove. The end of the guide sleeve 33 has a flange, which is fixed to the support plate 31 by bolts. The guide sleeve 33 guides the lifting movement of the lifting column 41.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the battery swapping system further includes a wear-resistant layer. The wear-resistant layer is fitted to the inner wall of the guide groove. The design of the wear-resistant layer can reduce wear between the guide sleeve 33 and the lifting column 41, extending the service life of both. The wear-resistant layer can be a nylon guide sleeve.

[0104] In one possible implementation, see Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the lifting column 41 has a cavity 411, and a hinge seat 414 protrudes from the inner wall of the cavity 411. One end of the first lifting device 32 is hinged to the body 3, and the other end of the first lifting device 32 extends into the cavity 411, and the first lifting device 32 and the hinge seat 414 are hinged together. The lifting column 41 has a tapered tip, and when the lifting column 41 moves up and down along the guide groove, the tapered tip of the lifting column 41 has a guiding function, facilitating the insertion of the lifting column 41 into the locking groove 114.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the lifting column 41 has a cavity 411 and a telescopic hole 412 communicating with the cavity 411, the locking member 42 is disposed in the cavity 411, and the locking member 42 can drive the movable locking tongue 421 to extend out of the telescopic hole 412 or retract from the telescopic hole 412 into the cavity 411.

[0106] In one possible implementation, see Figure 11 As shown, a first mounting base 413 is disposed within the cavity 411. The locking member 42 is mounted on the first mounting base 413. The locking member 42 includes an electric push rod 422, and the movable locking tongue 421 and the electric push rod 422 are kinetically connected. The electric push rod 422 drives the movable locking tongue to extend out of the telescopic hole 412 or retract into the cavity 411 through the telescopic hole 412.

[0107] When the battery vehicle 1 is within the limiting groove 3111, the electric push rod 422 drives the movable locking tongue 421 to extend out of the telescopic hole 412, thereby locking it into the extension 115 of the vehicle body 111 and securing the battery vehicle 1. When the battery vehicle 1 is to leave the limiting groove 3111, the electric push rod 422 drives the movable locking tongue 421 to retract from the telescopic hole 412 into the cavity 411, unlocking the battery vehicle 1.

[0108] In one possible implementation, see Figure 5 and Figure 11 As shown, a block 34 is provided on the inner wall of the cavity 411. A groove is provided on the block 34 that connects to the telescopic hole 412, and the movable locking tongue 421 is slidably connected to the groove. The electric push rod 422 and the movable locking tongue 421 are hinged together. The groove guides and limits the extension and retraction of the movable locking tongue 421, allowing it to extend horizontally along the groove and retract horizontally, preventing the movable locking tongue 421 from tilting.

[0109] In one possible implementation, see Figure 6 and Figure 13As shown, the limiting part 311 includes two side stops 3112 and one end stop 3113. The two side stops 3112 are spaced apart, and the end stop 3113 is disposed at one end of the side stops 3112 and connects the two side stops 3112. The ends of the two side stops 3112 opposite to the end stop 3113 form an entry 3114. When the battery vehicle 1 moves into the limiting part 311, the lidar 117 of the battery vehicle 1 can detect that the distance between the battery vehicle 1 and the side stop 3112 and the end stop 3113 of the limiting part 311 is the set required distance, the battery vehicle 1 stops, the lifting column 41 extends out of the support plate 31 and passes through the locking groove 114, and the electric push rod 422 drives the movable locking tongue 421 to extend out of the telescopic hole 412 to lock onto the extension part 115 of the body 111 of the battery vehicle 1 to fix the battery vehicle 1.

[0110] In one possible implementation, see Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the electric vessel a is equipped with a first electrical connector a1 and a second lifting device a2. The first electrical connector a1 is electrically connected to the drive system of the electric vessel a. The second lifting device a2 is disposed within the body 3 of the electric vessel a, and the first electrical connector a1 is connected to the second lifting device a2. The battery vehicle 1 has a second electrical connector 113. When the body 3 is part of the structure of the electric vessel a, when the battery vehicle 1 is traveling within the limiting groove 3111, the second lifting device a2 can drive the first electrical connector a1 to extend out of the support plate 31 to electrically connect with the second electrical connector 113 to supply power to the electric vessel a.

[0111] In one possible implementation, see Figure 3 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the battery swapping station b is equipped with a third electrical connector b1 and a third lifting device. The third electrical connector b1 is electrically connected to the charging equipment of the battery swapping station b. The third lifting device is disposed within the body 3 of the battery swapping station b, and the third electrical connector b1 is connected to the third lifting device. The battery vehicle 1 has a second electrical connector 113. When the body 3 is part of the structure of the battery swapping station b, when the battery vehicle 1 is traveling into the limiting groove 3111, the third lifting device can drive the third electrical connector b1 to extend out of the support plate 31 to electrically connect with the second electrical connector 113 to charge the battery vehicle 1.

[0112] The structure of the third lifting device and the second lifting device a2 can be the same, only the installation location is different. The third lifting device is installed at the battery swapping station b, and the second lifting device a2 is installed at the electric ship a.

[0113] In one possible implementation, see Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, a second mounting base 37 is provided on the support plate 31. Multiple linear bearings 38 are provided on the second mounting base 37. Multiple guide rods 39 are connected to either the first electrical connector a1 or the third electrical connector b1, and each guide rod 39 is slidably connected to one of the linear bearings 38. Each guide rod 39 can move up and down along the linear bearing 38, limiting the movement of the first electrical connector a1 or the third electrical connector b1 and preventing it from tilting during its vertical movement.

[0114] In one possible implementation, see Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the battery vehicle 1 includes a trolley 11 and a battery box 12. The trolley 11 has a walking mechanism 112, and a second electrical connector 113 is provided on the trolley 11. The battery box 12 is fixedly installed on the trolley 11, and the battery box 12 and the second electrical connector 113 are electrically connected. The walking mechanism 112 can be multiple steering wheels, driven by servo motors, capable of straight-line movement, backward movement, and turning in place. This technology is mature prior art and will not be described in detail in this application. The battery box 12 and the trolley 11 can be fixed with bolts, and generally the battery box 12 and the trolley 11 are an integral unit and do not need to be disassembled. The trolley 11 has an extension 115 extending out of the battery box 12. Each of the locking grooves 114 is provided on the extension 115. The locking grooves 114 are provided on the extension 115 to prevent interference between the locking grooves 114 on the trolley 11 and the locking mechanism 4 on the support plate 31 when they are in limiting engagement with the battery box 12.

[0115] In one possible implementation, see Figure 13 As shown, the trolley 11 has a body 111, which has two side end faces 1111. The two side end faces 1111 are respectively disposed on both sides of the body 111 along the width direction, and a plurality of rolling balls 1111a are provided on each of the two side end faces 1111. The rolling balls 1111a on each side end face 1111 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the body 111, and the rolling balls 1111a are rotatably connected to the body 111. When the trolley 11 travels to the limiting part 311, the rolling balls 1111a can prevent rigid collision between the body 111 and the limiting part 311 on the support plate 31.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the vehicle body 111 has two end faces 1112, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the vehicle body 111 along its length. The end faces 1112 and the side faces 1111 are connected by a chamfered surface 1113, on which a ball bearing 1111a is disposed. The ball bearing 1111a on the chamfered surface 1113 serves as a guide when the vehicle 11 travels to the limiting part 311.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the vehicle 11 is equipped with a vision camera 116 and a lidar sensor 117. The vehicle 11 has a control system, with the vision camera 116, lidar sensor 117, and control system connected. The control system controls the driving trajectory of the vehicle 11 based on the information collected by the vision camera 116 and lidar sensor 117. The control system can be installed on the vehicle 11 or be a remote terminal, allowing for automatic control via a server or manual control by a user.

[0118] In one possible implementation, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the battery swapping system also includes a guide section 6, which comprises a first guide section 61, a second guide section 62, and a third guide section 63. The first guide section 61 is located at the dock 7, the second guide section 62 is located at the telescopic bridge 5, and the third guide section 63 is located at the electric vessel a. In the extended state of the telescopic bridge 5, the second guide section 62 connects the first guide section 61 and the third guide section 63. The battery vehicle 1 can travel along the extension direction of the guide section 6. The design of the guide section 6 allows the trolley 11 to move along the extension direction of the guide section 6, facilitating its journey to the battery swapping station b or the electric vessel a. The guide section 6 can utilize existing electromagnetic rail technology to establish its path, with the electromagnetic rail affixed to the dock 7, the telescopic bridge 5, and the electric vessel a. The guide section 6 can also be a colored coating. The trolley 11 is equipped with a vision camera 116, allowing the trolley 11 to move precisely along the trajectory of the guide section 6.

[0119] The first guide section 61 extends from the battery swapping station b to the telescopic bridge 5 on the dock 7, the second guide section 62 extends along the telescopic bridge 5, and the third guide section 63 extends from the edge of the electric vessel a to the position of the limiting section 311 of the electric vessel a.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the second guide portion 62 includes a fixed guide portion 621 and a movable guide portion 622. The telescopic bridge 5 includes a fixed section 51 and a movable section 52. The fixed guide portion 621 is disposed on the fixed section 51, and the movable guide portion 622 is disposed on the movable section 52. The fixed guide portion 621 is connected to the first guide portion 61. In the extended state, the movable guide portion 622 connects the fixed guide portion 621 and the third guide portion 63. The trajectories of the movable guide portion 622 and the fixed guide portion 621 transition smoothly.

[0121] This application also provides a battery swapping method for the battery swapping system, including:

[0122] Step S1: Control the telescopic bridge 5 to be in the extended state. When the telescopic bridge 5 is in the extended state, the second guide section 62 can connect the first guide section 61 and the third guide section 63. The battery vehicle 1 can travel along the extension direction of the guide section 6 to the battery swapping station b or the electric boat a.

[0123] Step S2: Control the electric vessel a to travel to the connecting telescopic bridge 5. The fixed guide part 621 is connected to the first guide part 61. In the extended state, the movable guide part 622 connects the fixed guide part 621 and the third guide part 63. The trajectories of the movable guide part 622 and the fixed guide part 621 transition smoothly.

[0124] Step S3: Control the depleted battery vehicle 1 on electric vessel a to travel to battery swapping station b for charging, and control the fully charged battery vehicle 1 in battery swapping station b to travel from battery swapping station b to electric vessel a to supply power to electric vessel a.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the battery vehicle 1 is equipped with a vision camera 116 and a lidar 117, and both the electric boat a and the battery swapping station b have battery-operated structures. When the battery vehicle 1 receives a travel command, the battery-operated structures can unlock the battery vehicle 1. When the battery vehicle 1 has traveled to the battery swapping station b or the electric boat a, it can be secured by a locking mechanism 4.

[0126] Step S3 includes:

[0127] In step S31, the battery vehicle 1 acquires environmental information through the vision camera 116 and obstacle distance information through the lidar 117. Based on the environmental and distance information, the battery vehicle 1 controls its travel path to reach the battery-operated structure of the electric vessel a or the battery swapping station b. The battery vehicle 1 can move along the extension direction of the guide section 6 to facilitate its journey to the battery swapping station b or the electric vessel. The guide section 6 can utilize existing electromagnetic rail technology to establish its travel path, with the electromagnetic rail affixed to the dock 7, the telescopic bridge 5, and the electric vessel a. The guide section 6 can also be a colored coating. The battery vehicle 1 is equipped with the vision camera 116, allowing the vehicle 11 to precisely move along the trajectory of the guide section 6 to the battery-operated structure of the electric vessel a or the battery swapping station b.

[0128] Step S32: The battery cooperation structure in the battery swapping station b locks the battery vehicle 1, and the battery cooperation structure in the battery swapping station b electrically connects the battery vehicle 1 to charge the battery vehicle 1; or, the battery cooperation structure in the electric vessel a locks the battery vehicle 1, and the battery cooperation structure in the electric vessel a electrically connects the battery vehicle 1 to supply power to the electric vessel a.

[0129] When the main body 3 is part of the structure of the electric vessel a, when the battery vehicle 1 is traveling within the limiting groove 3111, the first lifting device 32 can drive the lifting column 41 to extend out of the support plate 31 and pass through the locking groove 114. The electric push rod 422 drives the movable locking tongue 421 to extend out of the telescopic hole 412 to lock into the extension 115 of the body 111 of the battery vehicle 1, thereby fixing the battery vehicle 1. The second lifting device a2 can drive the first electrical connector a1 to extend out of the support plate 31 to electrically connect with the second electrical connector 113 to supply power to the electric vessel a.

[0130] When the main body 3 is part of the structure of the battery swapping station b, when the battery vehicle 1 is traveling into the limiting groove 3111, the lifting column 41 extends out of the support plate 31 and passes through the locking groove 114. The electric push rod 422 drives the movable locking tongue 421 to extend out of the telescopic hole 412 to lock into the extension 115 of the body 111 of the battery vehicle 1, thereby fixing the battery vehicle 1. The third lifting device can drive the third electrical connector b1 to extend out of the support plate 31 to electrically connect with the second electrical connector 113 to charge the battery vehicle 1.

[0131] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery swapping system, characterized in that, include: An electric vessel, wherein a first electrical connector is provided on the electric vessel; A battery swapping station is located at the dock, and a third electrical connector is installed on the battery swapping station. A telescopic bridge is installed at a dock and has an extended state and a retracted state. In the extended state, the telescopic bridge can connect the electric vessel and the dock. A plurality of battery-powered vehicles, each including a trolley and a battery box, the trolley having a walking mechanism, a second electrical connector being provided on the trolley, the battery box being fixedly installed on the trolley, the battery box and the second electrical connector being electrically connected, the battery box and the trolley being an integral unit and not disassembled, the second electrical connector being used to connect with a first electrical connector or a third electrical connector, the battery-powered vehicle having a locking groove, the trolley having a body, the body having two side end faces, the two side end faces being respectively located on both sides of the body along the width direction, the body having two end faces, the two end faces being respectively located on both sides of the body along the length direction, the end faces and the side end faces being connected by a chamfered surface, ball bearings being provided on the chamfered surface, multiple ball bearings being provided on each of the two side end faces, the ball bearings on each side end face being sequentially spaced along the length direction of the body, the ball bearings being rotatably connected to the body; At least one of the electric vessel and the battery swapping station is provided with a battery engaging structure. When the battery vehicle is traveling to the battery swapping station or the electric vessel, the battery engaging structure can lock the battery vehicle to prevent the battery vehicle from shaking due to the bumps during the electric vessel's travel. Each of the battery vehicles can travel between the battery swapping station and the electric ship. A battery vehicle with a depleted battery on the electric ship can travel from the electric ship to the battery swapping station for charging, and a fully charged battery vehicle in the battery swapping station can travel from the battery swapping station to the electric ship to supply power to the electric ship. Both the electric vessel and the battery swapping station include a main body, which has a support plate. The battery mating structure includes a limiting part and a locking mechanism. The limiting part is disposed on the support plate and has a limiting groove for the battery vehicle to enter. The limiting part includes two side stops and one end stop. The two side stops are spaced apart, and the end stop is disposed at one end of the side stops and connects the two side stops. The ends of the two side stops opposite to the end stop form an entry point. The locking mechanism is disposed inside the main body and has a lifting column and a locking member. The locking member is disposed on the lifting column and has a movable locking tongue. When the battery vehicle enters the limiting groove, the lifting column can extend out of the support plate and pass through the locking mating groove. The movable locking tongue can extend in a direction perpendicular to the lifting column to lock the side of the battery vehicle opposite to the support plate.

2. The battery swapping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body is provided with a first lifting device. The body has a guide groove that extends in a direction perpendicular to the support plate. The lifting column is slidably connected to the guide groove. The first lifting device and the lifting column are connected in a transmission connection to drive the lifting column to move up and down along the guide groove.

3. The battery swapping system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The body includes a wear-resistant layer, and has a guide sleeve located inside the body. One end of the guide sleeve is fixed to the support plate. The guide sleeve has a guide groove, and the wear-resistant layer is attached to the inner wall of the guide groove.

4. The battery swapping system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting column has a cavity and a telescopic hole communicating with the cavity, and a hinge seat is provided protruding from the inner wall of the cavity. One end of the first lifting device is hinged to the body, and the other end of the first lifting device extends into the cavity, and the first lifting device and the hinge seat are hinged together. The locking element is disposed in the cavity, and the locking element can drive the movable locking tongue to extend out of the telescopic hole or retract from the telescopic hole into the cavity.

5. The battery swapping system according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first mounting base is provided in the cavity, and the locking member is mounted on the first mounting base. The locking member includes an electric push rod, and the movable locking tongue is induced to extend out of the telescopic hole or retract into the cavity through the telescopic hole.

6. The battery swapping system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the cavity is provided with a block, and a groove is provided on the block to communicate with the telescopic hole. The movable locking tongue is slidably connected to the groove, and the electric push rod and the movable locking tongue are hinged together.

7. The battery swapping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric vessel is equipped with a first electrical connector and a second lifting device. The first electrical connector is electrically connected to the drive system of the electric vessel, and the second lifting device is disposed in the body of the electric vessel. The first electrical connector is connected to the second lifting device. The battery vehicle has a second electrical connector. When the battery vehicle is traveling in the limiting groove, the second lifting device can drive the first electrical connector to extend out of the support plate to electrically connect with the second electrical connector.

8. The battery swapping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery swapping station is equipped with a third electrical connector and a third lifting device. The third electrical connector is electrically connected to the charging equipment of the battery swapping station, and the third lifting device is located inside the body of the battery swapping station. The third electrical connector is connected to the third lifting device. The battery vehicle has a second electrical connector. When the battery vehicle moves into the limiting groove, the third lifting device can drive the third electrical connector to extend out of the support plate to electrically connect with the second electrical connector.

9. The battery swapping system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The support plate is provided with a second mounting base, and the second mounting base is provided with multiple linear bearings. The first electrical connector or the third electrical connector is connected to multiple guide rods, and each guide rod is slidably connected to the linear bearing.

10. The battery swapping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle has a body, the walking mechanism and the first electrical connector are both located at the bottom of the body, the battery box is fixed at the top of the body, and the body is provided with multiple locking grooves.

11. The battery swapping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a guide section, which comprises a first guide section, a second guide section and a third guide section. The first guide section is disposed at the dock, the second guide section is disposed at the telescopic bridge, and the third guide section is disposed at the electric vessel. In the extended state, the second guide portion can connect the first guide portion and the third guide portion; The battery vehicle can travel along the extension direction of the guide section.

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