A charging method and a battery swapping method for a battery swapping station

Abstract

This invention discloses a charging method and a battery swapping method for a battery swapping station. The charging method includes: the battery swapping station separately counting the number M of battery box bases installed inside the box for installing battery boxes and the number N of chargers installed outside the box; when the number M of battery box bases is greater than the number N of chargers, the battery swapping station divides the M battery box bases into groups according to the number N of chargers, resulting in L battery box base groups; the battery swapping station controls the N chargers to charge the battery boxes in each battery box base group sequentially; wherein, M / N = L, and M, N, and L are all positive integers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery swapping technology, and in particular to a charging method for a battery swapping station and a battery swapping method. Background Technology

[0002] In response to the global call for energy conservation and emission reduction, fuel-powered machinery has been gradually replaced by electric machinery in recent years. However, problems such as short battery life, slow charging, and rapid battery degradation in electric machinery have limited its application. To address this issue, battery swapping stations have emerged in the market, providing direct battery replacement for electric equipment and enabling rapid energy replenishment.

[0003] We previously provided two types of battery swapping stations. The first type consisted of two chambers: one for storing the battery box and the other for housing the swapping robot. These two chambers were arranged horizontally, resulting in a large footprint and increased costs. The second type of station had only one chamber, which simultaneously housed the battery box and the swapping robot. Since there was no passageway for the battery box to move within the chamber, one long side of the chamber needed to be completely open to meet the swapping requirements. This prevented fixed-point swapping, and when multiple electric vehicles were swapping batteries sequentially, each vehicle needed to stop at a different swapping station, increasing the difficulty of operation. Furthermore, the long open side of the chamber resulted in poor sealing and low safety.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a charging method for a battery swapping station and a battery swapping method.

[0006] This application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] The primary objective of this application is to provide a charging method for a battery swapping station, comprising:

[0008] The number of battery box bases (M) installed inside the battery box for installing the battery box and the number of chargers (N) installed outside the battery box are counted separately for each battery swapping station.

[0009] When the number of battery box bases M is greater than the number of chargers N, the battery swapping station divides the M battery box bases into groups according to the number of chargers N, resulting in L battery box base groups.

[0010] The battery swapping station controls the N chargers to charge the battery boxes in each battery box base group in sequence.

[0011] Where M / N = L, and M, N and L are all positive integers.

[0012] Preferably, it further includes:

[0013] When the number of battery box bases M is equal to the number of chargers N, the battery swapping station controls each charger to charge the battery box on its corresponding battery box base.

[0014] Preferably, the battery swapping station controls the N chargers to charge the battery boxes in each battery box base group sequentially, including:

[0015] The battery swapping station obtains the power information of each battery box in each battery box base group in real time to determine whether there are any depleted battery boxes among the multiple battery boxes in each battery box base group.

[0016] When it is determined that there is a depleted battery box among the multiple battery boxes in each battery box base group, the battery swapping station searches for the charger corresponding to the battery box base of the depleted battery box according to the pre-established first charging relationship table, and determines whether the charger is in the charging working state.

[0017] When it is determined that the charger is in a non-charging working state, the battery swapping station controls the charger to charge the depleted battery box;

[0018] When the charger is determined to be in charging mode, the battery swapping station monitors the charger's operating status in real time, and controls the charger to charge the depleted battery box when it detects that the charger is in non-charging mode.

[0019] Preferably, the pre-established first charging relationship table includes:

[0020] The battery swapping station obtains a first charging relationship table by establishing a one-to-many correspondence between the charger and the battery box base in each battery box base group.

[0021] Preferably, the battery swapping station controls the N chargers to charge the battery boxes in each battery box base group sequentially, including:

[0022] When the battery swapping station detects multiple depleted battery boxes inside the enclosure, it sets a dynamic charging priority for each depleted battery box on each battery box base according to the arrangement order of the battery box bases used to install the battery boxes, and controls the charger to charge the depleted battery box according to the dynamic charging priority of each battery box base.

[0023] Preferably, the charger is a high-power charger.

[0024] The second objective of this application is to provide a charging method for a battery swapping station, including:

[0025] The battery swapping station determines whether each charger is a low-power charger by monitoring the charging power of each charger installed outside the enclosure.

[0026] When each charger is determined to be a low-power charger, the battery swapping station counts the number of chargers installed outside the enclosure and groups them according to the number of chargers and the charging power of each charger to obtain multiple charging groups.

[0027] The battery swapping station controls multiple chargers in each charging unit to charge a battery box simultaneously.

[0028] Preferably, the battery swapping station controls the chargers in each charging unit to simultaneously charge one battery box, including:

[0029] The battery swapping station determines whether there are any battery boxes with low power levels by acquiring the power information of each battery box in real time.

[0030] When a battery box with low power is identified, the battery swapping station searches for the charging unit corresponding to the base of the battery box with low power according to the pre-established second charging relationship table, and determines whether multiple chargers in the charging unit are all in the charging working state.

[0031] When it is determined that multiple chargers in the charging unit are in a non-charging working state, the battery swapping station controls multiple chargers in the charging unit to charge the depleted battery box simultaneously.

[0032] When it is determined that multiple chargers in the charging unit are in a charging working state, the battery swapping station monitors the working status of multiple chargers in the charging unit in real time, and controls multiple chargers in the charging unit to charge the depleted battery box simultaneously when it detects that multiple chargers in the charging unit are in a non-charging working state.

[0033] Preferably, the pre-established second charging relationship table includes:

[0034] The battery swapping station obtains a second charging relationship table by establishing a one-to-many correspondence between the charging units and the battery box base of the battery box.

[0035] Preferably, the battery swapping station controls multiple chargers within each charging unit to simultaneously charge a battery box, including:

[0036] When the battery swapping station detects multiple depleted battery boxes inside the battery box, it sets a dynamic charging priority for each depleted battery box on the battery box base according to the arrangement order of the battery box bases used to install the battery boxes, and controls multiple chargers in the charging unit to charge the depleted battery boxes simultaneously according to the dynamic charging priority of each depleted battery box.

[0037] The third objective of this application is to provide a charging method for a battery swapping station, including:

[0038] When a battery swapping station receives a battery swapping request from one or more battery swapping vehicles, it obtains the current power level of each battery box by monitoring the power information of each battery box.

[0039] The battery swapping station determines the charging method of the charger installed outside the battery box based on the battery swapping request of the one or more battery swapping vehicles and the current power of each battery box.

[0040] The battery swapping station controls the charger to charge the battery box according to the charging method.

[0041] Preferably, the charging method includes:

[0042] A one-to-one charging method where one charger charges one battery box, and this one-to-one charging method is set as the default charging method; or

[0043] A many-to-one charging method in which multiple chargers simultaneously charge a single battery box.

[0044] Preferably, the battery swapping station determines the charging method of the charger installed outside the battery box based on the battery swapping requests of the one or more battery swapping vehicles and the current power level of each battery box, including:

[0045] The battery swapping station predicts the battery swapping time period of the battery swapping vehicle based on the battery swapping request of the vehicle.

[0046] The battery swapping station determines the target battery box based on the battery swapping time period of the battery swapping vehicle, and predicts whether the target battery box is a fully charged battery box during the battery swapping time period of the battery swapping vehicle.

[0047] When it is predicted that the target battery box will be fully charged during the battery swapping period of the battery swapping vehicle, the battery swapping station maintains a one-to-one charging mode for the target battery box.

[0048] When it is predicted that the target battery box is a depleted battery box during the battery swapping period of the battery swapping vehicle, the battery swapping station will determine the charging method of the target battery box as a many-to-one charging method.

[0049] Preferably, the battery swapping station determines the charging method of the charger installed outside the battery box based on the battery swapping requests of the one or more battery swapping vehicles and the current power level of each battery box, including:

[0050] The battery swapping station predicts the battery swapping time period for each battery swapping vehicle based on the battery swapping requests of the multiple battery swapping vehicles, and predicts the target battery box corresponding to each battery swapping vehicle.

[0051] The battery swapping station predicts whether the target battery box of each battery swapping vehicle is fully charged during its battery swapping period based on the battery swapping time period of each vehicle and the power of its corresponding target battery box.

[0052] When it is predicted that the target battery box of the battery swapping vehicle is fully charged during the battery swapping period, the battery swapping station maintains a one-to-one charging mode for the target battery box.

[0053] When it is predicted that the target battery box of the battery swapping vehicle is a depleted battery box during the battery swapping period, the battery swapping station will determine the charging method of the target battery box as a many-to-one charging method.

[0054] Preferably, the battery swapping station controls the charger to charge the battery box according to the charging method, including:

[0055] When the charging method is determined to be a one-to-one charging method, the battery swapping station controls one charger to charge one of its corresponding battery boxes;

[0056] When the charging method is determined to be a many-to-one charging method, the battery swapping station controls multiple chargers to charge one battery box simultaneously.

[0057] The fourth objective of this application is to provide a battery swapping method for a battery swapping station, including:

[0058] When a battery swapping station receives a battery swapping request from a battery swapping vehicle, it determines the temporary storage location for storing the depleted battery box and the target fully charged battery box located in the first cavity of the battery box.

[0059] After determining the temporary storage seat and the target fully charged battery box, the battery swapping station controls the battery swapping robot located in the second cavity of the battery box to grab the depleted battery box on the battery swapping vehicle to the temporary storage seat, and grab the target fully charged battery box in the first cavity to the battery swapping vehicle.

[0060] Preferably, it further includes:

[0061] The battery swapping station controls the battery swapping robot to grab the depleted battery box on the temporary storage seat and place it onto the battery box base corresponding to the target fully charged battery box, and determines one or more chargers corresponding to the battery box base;

[0062] The battery swapping station controls the one or more chargers to charge the depleted battery box;

[0063] The chargers are all located outside the enclosure.

[0064] Preferably, there is at least one temporary storage seat, which is disposed in the first cavity or the second cavity of the housing.

[0065] By adopting the above technical solution, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0066] The battery swapping station of this application features a first and second chamber arranged longitudinally, resulting in a small footprint and space saving. The second chamber creates a moving channel for the battery box, enabling point-to-point battery swapping and improving the box's sealing, thus enhancing the station's safety. Furthermore, by placing multiple chargers outside the box, the number of chargers, their power type (low-power and high-power), and the charging method for each charger can be selected according to user needs, further reducing the cost of the battery swapping station.

[0067] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0068] 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:

[0069] Figure 1 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 2 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the upper casing of the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 3 This paper shows a bottom view of the upper casing of the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 4 This paper shows a partial structural diagram of the upper casing of the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 5 This paper shows another partial structural diagram of the upper casing of the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 6 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a temporary storage seat installed inside the upper casing of a battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0075] Figure 7 A partial view of the upper casing of the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application is shown from a bottom angle.

[0076] Figure 8This paper shows a schematic diagram of the lower casing of the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 9 This paper shows a partial structural diagram of the lower casing of the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 10 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery box base mounted on the lower casing of a battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0079] Figure 11 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower housing and upper support frame of the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 12 This paper shows a state diagram of the battery swapping robot transporting the battery box at the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0081] Figure 13 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the telescopic arm assembly of the battery swapping robot in the battery swapping station provided in this embodiment of the application in an extended state;

[0082] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of the battery swapping robot frame in the battery swapping station provided in this embodiment of the application is shown;

[0083] Figure 15 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the first telescopic arm of the battery swapping robot in the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 16 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the second telescopic arm of the battery swapping robot in the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 17 A bottom view schematic diagram of the second telescopic arm of the battery swapping robot of the battery swapping station provided in the embodiment of this application is shown;

[0086] Figure 18 A partial structural schematic diagram of the second telescopic arm of the battery swapping robot in the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0087] Figure 19 This paper shows a state diagram of the battery swapping robot in the battery swapping station provided in this embodiment of the application after the motor and gearbox have been removed from the second telescopic arm.

[0088] Figure 20 This paper shows a state diagram of the battery swapping robot in the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application after the motor, gearbox and drum have been removed from the second telescopic arm.

[0089] Figure 21 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the gripper structure of the battery swapping robot in the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 22 A flowchart of a battery swapping station charging method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application is shown;

[0091] Figure 23 A schematic diagram of the charger and battery box base of the battery swapping station provided in Embodiment 1 of this application is shown;

[0092] Figure 24 A flowchart of a battery swapping station charging method provided in Embodiment 2 of this application is shown;

[0093] Figure 25 A schematic diagram of the charger and battery box base of the battery swapping station provided in Embodiment 2 of this application is shown;

[0094] Figure 26 A flowchart of a battery swapping station charging method provided in Embodiment 3 of this application is shown;

[0095] Figure 27 A schematic diagram of the charger and battery box base of the battery swapping station provided in Embodiment 3 of this application is shown;

[0096] Figure 28 A flowchart of a battery swapping method at a battery swapping station provided in Embodiment 4 of this application is shown.

[0097] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 11. Lower Housing; 110. Top Lifting Port; 111. First Cavity; 112. Battery Box Base; 113. Limiting Beam; 114. Guide Component; 1141. Upper Inclined Plate; 1142. Lower Inclined Plate; 115. Lower Long Beam; 116. Adapter; 117. Support Frame; 118. Control Cabinet Installation Area; 119. Wiring Port; 12. Upper Housing; 121. Second Cavity; 122. Battery Box Inlet / Outlet; 123. Temporary Storage Seat; 1231. Second Connecting Seat; 124. Slide Rail; 125. Track; 127. 1. Door drive device; 128. Upper long beam; 1281. Recess; 129. Maintenance platform; 1291. Support frame; 12911. First connecting seat; 12912. Main support beam; 1292. Plate; 1293. Passageway; 13. Door; 2. Battery swapping robot; 21. Frame; 211. Fixed seat; 2111. Lower extension arm; 2112. First track bar; 21121. First roller; 212. Walking mechanism; 22. Telescopic arm assembly; 221. First telescopic arm; 2211. Mounting seat; 2212. Second track bar; 22121, Second roller; 2214, Limiting component; 22141, Limiting part; 22142, Connecting part; 222, Second telescopic arm; 2221, Guide part; 2222, Vertical mounting plate; 22221, Middle plate; 22222, Side plate; 22223, Guide bevel; 22224, First arc segment; 22225, Second arc segment; 22226, Upper support arm; 22227, Lower support arm; 223, First transmission mechanism; 2231, First transmission bar; 2232, Second transmission bar 2233, First steering component; 224, Drive unit; 2241, Motor; 2242, Second transmission mechanism; 22421, Third transmission bar; 22422, Second steering component; 2243, Gearbox; 23, Lifting device; 231, Winding device; 2311, Drum; 2312, Motor; 2313, Gearbox; 232, Lifting rope; 24, Grab; 241, Conical guide; 3, Charger; a, Battery box; b, Driving assistance device; c, Laser positioning component; d, Electromechanical; e, Bracket.

[0098] 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

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] Example 1

[0103] Figure 22 A flowchart of a battery swapping station charging method provided in this application is shown, such as... Figure 22 As shown, it includes:

[0104] Step S101: The battery swapping station counts the number M of battery box bases installed inside the box for installing the battery box and the number N of chargers installed outside the box.

[0105] Step S102: When the number of battery box bases M is greater than the number of chargers N, the battery swapping station divides the M battery box bases into groups according to the number of chargers N, resulting in L battery box base groups.

[0106] Step S103: The battery swapping station controls the N chargers to charge the battery boxes in each battery box base group in sequence; where M / N = L, and M, N and L are all positive integers.

[0107] Furthermore, this application also includes: when the number of battery box bases M is equal to the number of chargers N, the battery swapping station controls each charger to charge the battery box on its corresponding battery box base.

[0108] Specifically, the battery swapping station controlling the N chargers to sequentially charge the battery boxes in each battery box base group includes: the battery swapping station acquiring real-time power information of each battery box in each battery box base group to determine if there is a depleted battery box among the multiple battery boxes in each battery box base group; when it is determined that there is a depleted battery box among the multiple battery boxes in each battery box base group, the battery swapping station searches for the charger corresponding to the battery box base of the depleted battery box according to a pre-established first charging relationship table, and determines whether the charger is in a charging working state; when it is determined that the charger is in a non-charging working state, the battery swapping station controls the charger to charge the depleted battery box; when it is determined that the charger is in a charging working state, the battery swapping station monitors the working state of the charger in real time, and controls the charger to charge the depleted battery box when it detects that the charger is in a non-charging working state. For example, such as Figure 23 As shown, when the battery swapping station determines that all battery boxes on battery box bases 1-4 are depleted, the station uses the first charging relationship table to find that the charger corresponding to battery box base 1 and battery box base 4 is charger 1. However, at this time, charger 1 is charging the battery box on battery box base 1, so it is determined that charger 1 is in charging operation mode. When the battery box on battery box base 1 is detected to be fully charged, the station controls charger 1 to charge the battery box on battery box base 4. The station uses the first charging relationship table to find that the charger corresponding to battery box base 2 is charger 2, but at this time, charger 2 is not in charging operation mode, so the station controls charger 2 to charge the battery box on battery box base 2. The station uses the first charging relationship table to find that the charger corresponding to battery box base 3 is charger 3, but at this time, charger 3 is not in charging operation mode, so the station controls charger 3 to charge the battery box on battery box base 3.

[0109] Preferably, the pre-established first charging relationship table includes: the battery swapping station obtaining the first charging relationship table by establishing a one-to-many correspondence between the charger and the battery box base in each battery box base group. For example, as Figure 23 As shown, charger 1 establishes a one-to-many correspondence with battery box base 1 and battery box base 4 respectively, charger 2 establishes a one-to-many correspondence with battery box base 2 and battery box base 5 respectively, and charger 3 establishes a one-to-many correspondence with battery box base 3 and battery box base 6 respectively, resulting in the first charging relationship table as shown in Table 1.

[0110] Table 1: First Charging Relationship Table

[0111]

[0112] Preferably, the method of the battery swapping station controlling the N chargers to charge the battery boxes in each battery box base group sequentially includes: when the battery swapping station detects multiple depleted battery boxes inside the battery box, it sets a dynamic charging priority for each depleted battery box on each battery box base according to the arrangement order of the battery box bases used to install the battery boxes, and controls the charger to charge the depleted battery boxes according to the dynamic charging priority of each battery box base. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, when the battery swapping station determines that all battery boxes on battery bases 1-4 are depleted, if the swapping is performed according to the arrangement of the battery bases, the battery box on base 1 was replaced earlier than the battery box on base 4. Therefore, the battery box on base 1 will be swapped first during the next swapping session. Consequently, the battery box on base 1 has a higher dynamic charging priority than the battery box on base 4, and the swapping station will prioritize charging the battery box on base 1. Similarly, if all battery boxes on battery bases 4-6 and 1 are depleted, the battery box on base 4 was replaced earlier than the battery box on base 1. Therefore, the battery box on base 4 will be swapped first during the next swapping session. Consequently, the battery box on base 4 has a higher dynamic charging priority than the battery box on base 1, and the swapping station will prioritize charging the battery box on base 4.

[0113] Preferably, the charger is a high-power charger. A high-power charger refers to a charger with common charging power, a charger with higher than common charging power, or a charger with higher charging power than a low-power charger.

[0114] Example 2

[0115] Figure 24 A flowchart of a battery swapping station charging method provided in this application is shown, such as... Figure 24 As shown, it includes:

[0116] Step S201: The battery swapping station determines whether each charger is a low-power charger by monitoring the charging power of each charger installed outside the enclosure;

[0117] The low-power charger refers to a charger with a charging power lower than that of a high-power charger, and multiple low-power chargers can be used simultaneously to charge a battery box on a battery box base.

[0118] Step S202: When it is determined that each charger is a low-power charger, the battery swapping station counts the number of chargers set outside the box, and groups them according to the number of chargers and the charging power of each charger to obtain multiple charging groups;

[0119] Step S203: The battery swapping station controls multiple chargers in each charging unit to charge a battery box simultaneously.

[0120] Preferably, the method of the battery swapping station controlling the chargers in each charging unit to simultaneously charge a battery box includes: the battery swapping station acquiring the power information of each battery box in real time to determine if there is a depleted battery box; when a depleted battery box is determined, the battery swapping station searching for the charging unit corresponding to the base of the depleted battery box according to a pre-established second charging relationship table, and determining whether multiple chargers in the charging unit are all in a charging working state; when it is determined that multiple chargers in the charging unit are all in a non-charging working state, the battery swapping station controlling multiple chargers in the charging unit to simultaneously charge the depleted battery box; when it is determined that multiple chargers in the charging unit are in a charging working state, the battery swapping station monitoring the working state of multiple chargers in the charging unit in real time, and controlling multiple chargers in the charging unit to simultaneously charge the depleted battery box when it detects that multiple chargers in the charging unit are all in a non-charging working state. For example, as... Figure 25 As shown, when the battery swapping station determines that all battery boxes on battery box bases 11-13 are depleted, the station uses the second charging relationship table to find that the charging units corresponding to battery box bases 11 and 13 are both the first charging units. However, at this time, chargers 11, 12, and 13 in the first charging unit are charging the battery boxes on battery box base 11. Therefore, it is determined that chargers 11, 12, and 13 in the first charging unit are in a charging working state. When the battery boxes on battery box base 11 are detected to be fully charged, the station controls the first charging unit to charge the battery boxes on battery box base 13. Similarly, when the station uses the second charging relationship table to find that the charger corresponding to battery box base 12 is the second charging unit, but at this time, chargers 21, 22, and 23 in the second charging unit are not in a charging working state, the station controls chargers 21, 22, and 23 in the second charging unit to charge the battery boxes on battery box base 12.

[0121] Preferably, the pre-established second charging relationship table includes: the battery swapping station obtaining the second charging relationship table by establishing a one-to-many correspondence between the charging units and the battery box bases of the battery boxes. For example, as Figure 25As shown, chargers 11, 12, and 13 form the first charging unit, and each of the first charging units establishes a one-to-many correspondence with the battery box base 11, battery box base 13, and battery box base 15, respectively; chargers 21, 22, and 23 form the second charging unit, and each of the first charging units establishes a one-to-many correspondence with the battery box base 12, battery box base 14, and battery box base 16, respectively, resulting in the second charging relationship table shown in Table 2.

[0122] Table 2: Second Charging Relationship Table

[0123]

[0124] Preferably, the method of the battery swapping station controlling multiple chargers within each charging unit to simultaneously charge a battery box includes: when the battery swapping station detects multiple depleted battery boxes within the box, it sets a dynamic charging priority for each depleted battery box on each battery box base according to the arrangement order of the battery box bases used to install the battery boxes, and controls multiple chargers within the charging unit to simultaneously charge the depleted battery box according to the dynamic charging priority of each depleted battery box. For example, as... Figure 25 As shown, when the battery swapping station determines that all battery boxes on battery bases 11-13 are depleted, if the swapping is performed according to the arrangement of the battery bases, the battery box on base 11 was replaced earlier than the battery box on base 13. Therefore, the battery box on base 11 will be swapped first during the next swapping session, and thus has a higher dynamic charging priority than the battery box on base 13. The battery swapping station will prioritize charging the battery box on base 11. Similarly, if the battery boxes on battery bases 15-16 and 11 are all depleted, the battery box on base 15 was replaced earlier than the battery box on base 11. Therefore, the battery box on base 15 will be swapped first during the next swapping session, and thus has a higher dynamic charging priority than the battery box on base 11. The battery swapping station will prioritize charging the battery box on base 15.

[0125] Example 3

[0126] Figure 26 A flowchart of a battery swapping station charging method provided in this application is shown, such as... Figure 26 As shown, it includes:

[0127] Step S301: When the battery swapping station receives a battery swapping request from one or more battery swapping vehicles, it obtains the current power level of each battery box by monitoring the power information of each battery box.

[0128] Step S302: The battery swapping station determines the charging method of the charger installed outside the battery box based on the battery swapping request of the one or more battery swapping vehicles and the current power of each battery box;

[0129] Step S303: The battery swapping station controls the charger to charge the battery box according to the charging method.

[0130] Preferably, the charging method includes: a one-to-one charging method where one charger charges one battery box, and the one-to-one charging method is set as the default charging method; or a multi-to-one charging method where multiple chargers charge one battery box simultaneously. For example, ... Figure 27 As shown, the one-to-one charging method means that charger 101 charges the battery box on the battery box base 101, charger 102 charges the battery box on the battery box base 102, and so on. The multiple-to-one charging method means that chargers 101-103 charge the battery boxes on the battery box base 101 at the same time, chargers 104-106 charge the battery boxes on the battery box base 102 at the same time, and so on.

[0131] Preferably, the battery swapping station determines the charging method of the external charger based on the battery swapping requests of one or more battery swapping vehicles and the current power level of each battery box, including: the battery swapping station predicts the battery swapping time period of the battery swapping vehicle based on the battery swapping request; the battery swapping station determines the target battery box based on the battery swapping time period and predicts whether the target battery box is fully charged during the battery swapping time period; when the target battery box is predicted to be fully charged during the battery swapping time period, the battery swapping station maintains a one-to-one charging method for the target battery box; when the target battery box is predicted to be depleted during the battery swapping time period, the battery swapping station determines the charging method of the target battery box to be a many-to-one charging method. For example, as... Figure 27 As shown, when the battery swapping station receives a battery swapping request from a vehicle at 2 PM and predicts the vehicle's arrival time to be 3 PM, it determines that the target battery box 103 is being charged by a charger 103. If it is predicted that the target battery box 103 will be fully charged before 3 PM, the target battery box 103 will continue to be charged using a one-to-one charging method with the charger 103. If it is predicted that the target battery box 103 will not be fully charged before 3 PM, and if chargers 105-106 that are not in a charging working state are found, then chargers 105-106 and 103 that are not in a charging working state will simultaneously charge the target battery box 103.

[0132] Preferably, the battery swapping station determines the charging method of the external charger based on the battery swapping requests of the one or more battery swapping vehicles and the current power level of each battery box, including: the battery swapping station predicts the battery swapping time period of each battery swapping vehicle based on the battery swapping requests of the multiple battery swapping vehicles, and predicts the target battery box corresponding to each battery swapping vehicle; the battery swapping station predicts whether the target battery box corresponding to each battery swapping vehicle is a fully charged battery box during the battery swapping time period based on the battery swapping time period of each battery swapping vehicle and the power level of its corresponding target battery box; when it is predicted that the target battery box corresponding to the battery swapping vehicle is a fully charged battery box during the battery swapping time period, the battery swapping station maintains a one-to-one charging method for the target battery box; when it is predicted that the target battery box corresponding to the battery swapping vehicle is a depleted battery box during the battery swapping time period, the battery swapping station determines the charging method of the target battery box to be a many-to-one charging method.

[0133] Preferably, the battery swapping station controls the charger to charge the battery box according to the charging method, including: when the charging method is determined to be a one-to-one charging method, the battery swapping station controls one charger to charge one corresponding battery box; when the charging method is determined to be a many-to-one charging method, the battery swapping station controls multiple chargers to charge one battery box simultaneously.

[0134] Example 4

[0135] Figure 28 A flowchart of a battery swapping method for a battery swapping station provided in this application is shown, such as... Figure 28 As shown, it includes:

[0136] Step S401: When the battery swapping station receives a battery swapping request from a battery swapping vehicle, it determines the temporary storage seat for storing the depleted battery box and the target fully charged battery box located in the first cavity of the box.

[0137] Step S402: After determining the temporary storage seat and the target fully charged battery box, the battery swapping station controls the battery swapping robot set in the second cavity of the box to grab the depleted battery box on the battery swapping vehicle to the temporary storage seat, and grab the target fully charged battery box in the first cavity to the battery swapping vehicle.

[0138] Preferably, the method further includes: the battery swapping station controlling the battery swapping robot to grab the depleted battery box on the temporary storage seat and place it onto the battery box base corresponding to the target fully charged battery box, and determining one or more chargers corresponding to the battery box base; the battery swapping station controlling the one or more chargers to charge the depleted battery box; wherein, all the chargers are located outside the box.

[0139] Preferably, there is at least one temporary storage seat, which is disposed in the first cavity or the second cavity of the housing.

[0140] Example 5

[0141] See Figures 1 to 21 As shown in Embodiment 5 of this application, a battery swapping station is provided, comprising: a housing 1 and a battery swapping robot 2. The housing has a first cavity 111 and a second cavity 121, which are arranged sequentially along the height direction of the housing. The first cavity 111 is used to accommodate a battery box a. The battery swapping robot 2 is disposed in the second cavity 121. The battery swapping robot 2 has a battery swapping mechanism, which has a gripper 24. The battery swapping mechanism can move up and down along the height direction of the housing, driving the gripper 24 to move between the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 121. The battery swapping mechanism can also move along the width direction of the housing, driving the gripper 24 to extend out of the housing or retract into the second cavity 121, so as to transfer the battery box a between the first cavity 111 and the outside of the housing. The first cavity 111 and the second cavity 121 of the battery swapping station of this application are arranged longitudinally, which occupies a small area and saves space. By setting the second cavity 121, a moving channel for battery box a is formed, which enables the battery swapping station to swap batteries at fixed points, improves the sealing of the box, and enhances the safety of the battery swapping station.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the first cavity 111 may contain multiple battery box bases 112 for mounting battery boxes a. The battery box bases 112 are arranged sequentially along the length of the cavity. The battery swapping robot 2 is movably mounted in the second cavity 121 and can translate along the length of the cavity. After grabbing an old battery from the electromechanical device d, the battery swapping robot 2 can unload battery boxes a into either the first or second cavity. When loading a fully charged battery box a from the first cavity 111 into the electromechanical device d, the battery swapping robot 2 can translate along the second cavity 121 to above the corresponding battery box a, and then grab the corresponding battery box a using the gripper 24.

[0143] The battery swapping mechanism includes a horizontal telescopic arm assembly 22 and a lifting device 23 connected to the horizontal telescopic arm assembly 22. The gripper 24 is connected to the lifting device 23. The horizontal telescopic arm assembly 22 can extend and retract along the width direction of the housing to drive the gripper 24 to extend out of the second cavity 121 or retract into the second cavity 121. The lifting device 23 can drive the gripper 24 to move up and down along the height direction of the housing 1.

[0144] The gripper 24 can be connected to the lifting device 23. The lifting device 23 drives the gripper 24 to move up and down, enabling the gripper 24 to move between the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 121, lifting or lowering the battery box a, and realizing the vertical transfer of the battery box a. The horizontal telescopic arm assembly 22 can extend and retract along the width of the box, which can drive the battery box a to extend out of the battery box inlet / outlet 122 on the box that connects to the second cavity 121, or retract from the battery box inlet / outlet 122 into the second cavity 121, realizing the horizontal transfer of the battery box a.

[0145] The battery swapping robot 2 has a frame 21, and the horizontal telescopic arm assembly 22 includes at least two telescopic arms, each of which is arranged sequentially and adjacent telescopic arms are movably connected. The first telescopic arm is connected to the frame 21, and the lifting device 23 is connected to the last telescopic arm.

[0146] The housing is provided with a battery box inlet / outlet 122 that connects to the second cavity 121. The battery swapping robot 2 can move to the battery box inlet / outlet 122 and control the battery swapping mechanism to extend out of the battery box inlet / outlet 122 or retract from the battery box inlet / outlet 122 into the second cavity 121. The width of the battery box inlet / outlet 122 is much smaller than the length of the corresponding side of the battery box a, and only needs to be slightly larger than the width of the battery box a, so that the housing still has good sealing performance.

[0147] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, at least one battery box storage seat 123 is provided in the second cavity 121, and the battery swapping robot 2 can temporarily store the grabbed battery box a in the battery box storage seat 123.

[0148] The design of the battery box temporary storage seat 123 facilitates the battery swapping process. After the battery swapping robot 2 grabs the depleted battery box a on the electromechanical device d, it first temporarily stores the depleted battery box a in the battery box a temporary storage position, and then grabs the fully charged battery box a in the first cavity 111 and puts it into the electromechanical device d. This allows more battery positions to be arranged in the first cavity 111, making full use of the internal space of the box.

[0149] Multiple battery box bases 112 are disposed within the first cavity 111, and each battery box base 112 and the temporary storage seat 123 are staggered. If the temporary storage seat 123 is located directly above the battery box base 112, it will obstruct the battery box base 112, preventing the battery swapping robot 2 from grasping the battery box a on the battery box base 112. Therefore, each battery box base 112 needs to be staggered from the temporary storage seat 123. Additionally, see... Figure 10As shown, a control cabinet installation area 118 is provided on the first cavity 111 at the position corresponding to the temporary storage seat 123. An electrical control cabinet is installed in the installation area, so as not to waste the space below the temporary storage seat 123. Thus, the parts of the first cavity 111 that are offset from the temporary storage seat 123 can be used to arrange the battery box base 112.

[0150] The temporary storage seat 123 is located at the end of the second cavity 121 along the length of the housing 1. This does not affect the battery swapping robot 2's movement to different battery box bases 112. Similarly, the electrical control cabinet is also located at the end of the first cavity 111 along the length of the housing, facilitating the installation of a maintenance door on the housing 1 that connects to the control cabinet installation area 118, allowing maintenance personnel to easily access the control cabinet installation area 118 for maintenance.

[0151] A track 125 is disposed within the second cavity 121, extending along the length of the housing and passing through the temporary storage seat 123. The battery swapping robot 2 can move along the track 125 to the temporary storage seat 123 and temporarily store the depleted battery box a it has grasped on the temporary storage seat 123.

[0152] The track 125 includes two rails, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the box body along the width direction. The temporary storage seat 123 is located between the two rails and extends in a direction perpendicular to the rails. The temporary storage seat 123 does not affect the arrangement of the rails.

[0153] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a maintenance platform 129 is provided inside the second cavity 121, and the temporary storage seat 123 is installed on the maintenance platform 129. Workers can climb to the maintenance platform 129 to perform maintenance on the battery swapping robot 2. A maintenance ladder can be provided, mainly located in the first cavity 111. A passageway 1293 can be provided on the maintenance platform 129, and the maintenance ladder extends to this passageway 1293. Maintenance workers can climb to the passageway 1293 inside the first cavity 111 via the maintenance ladder, and then enter the area above the maintenance platform 129 through the passageway 1293.

[0154] The housing 1 has two upper long beams 128 on each side along its width. The maintenance platform 129 includes a support frame 1291 and a plate 1292. The support frame 1291 is connected to the two upper long beams 128. Multiple first connecting seats 12911 are provided on the support frame, and the plate 1292 covers the support frame. A temporary storage seat 123 is supported on the plate 1292, and multiple second connecting seats 1231 are provided on the temporary storage seat 123. Each first connecting seat 12911 is connected and fixed to a corresponding second connecting seat 1231 by fasteners. The fasteners can be screws, and they penetrate the plate 1292.

[0155] The upper long beam 128 has a web and flanges disposed on both sides of the web, and a recess 1281 is formed between the web and the flanges. The support frame includes a main support beam 12912, which extends into the recess 1281, and the main support beam 12912 is welded and fixed to the web and / or flanges.

[0156] The enclosure has a lower enclosure 11 and an upper enclosure 12. The upper enclosure 12 is mounted on top of the lower enclosure 11. The lower enclosure 11 forms at least a portion of the first cavity 111, and the second enclosure forms the second cavity 121. The enclosure has a large longitudinal height, and the stacking of the upper enclosure 12 and the lower enclosure 11 facilitates the transport and installation of the enclosure.

[0157] A track 125 is provided on the side of the upper housing 12 near the lower housing 11, and the battery swapping robot 2 is movably connected to the track 125. The battery swapping robot 2 can translate along the track 125.

[0158] The lower housing 11 has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall around the bottom wall. Multiple battery box bases 112 are provided on the bottom wall. Each battery box base 112 has a guide structure and a locking mechanism. The guide structure guides the battery box a as it falls onto the battery box base 112, so that the battery box a is stably and neatly supported on the battery box base 112. The locking mechanism locks the position of the battery box a to prevent the battery box a from shaking.

[0159] In this embodiment, the temporary storage seat 123 can also be disposed within the first cavity 111. The temporary storage seat 123 and each battery box base 112 are arranged sequentially along the length of the box, with the temporary storage seat 123 located at one end of each battery box base 112. It should be noted that the appendix to this application... Figure 12 and attached Figure 13 The frames 21 of the two battery swapping robots shown are slightly different. The frame 21 includes two side supports, which are arranged alternately along the length of the battery swapping robot. Each side support includes two columns. A reinforcing beam may or may not be provided between the opposing columns of the two side supports.

[0160] When the temporary storage seat is arranged in the second cavity, the battery swapping robot can adopt the vehicle frame 21 of the battery swapping robot as shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 . In the vehicle frame 21, the cross beam arranged between at least one pair of opposite columns of the two side brackets is higher than the battery box. After the battery swapping robot loads the battery box into the temporary storage seat 123, since the cross beam is higher than the battery box, there is no interference between the battery box and the vehicle frame 21, and the battery swapping robot can move backward smoothly to move to the top position of the fully charged battery box in the second cavity, which is convenient for grasping the fully charged battery box. Of course, the cross beam may not be arranged between the opposite columns of the two side brackets. When the temporary storage seat is arranged in the first cavity, a cross beam may be connected between the opposite columns of the two side brackets, and the height of the cross beam may be set lower.

[0161] Embodiment Six

[0162] Refer to Figures 1 to 21 . Embodiment Six of the present application further describes the battery swapping station in detail. The battery swapping station further includes a charging device, and the charging device is arranged outside the box body. The charging device is used for electrically connecting the battery box a located in the first cavity 111 to charge the battery box a.

[0163] The charging device includes a plurality of chargers 3, and each charger 3 corresponds to the position of each battery box a one by one. One charger 3 charges one battery box a.

[0164] Each of the chargers 3 is arranged in sequence along the circumferential side of the box body. A battery box inlet / outlet 122 is arranged on the box body, and the battery box inlet / outlet 122 is located on one side of the box body along the width direction. Each of the chargers 3 is located on one side of the box body 1背离 the battery box inlet / outlet 122 and / or each of the chargers 3 is located on one or both sides of the box body along the length direction, so as to avoid affecting the electric machinery d from traveling to the battery box inlet / outlet 122.

[0165] A battery box base 112 is arranged in the first cavity 111, a power connection seat is arranged on the outer wall of the box body, the power connection seat is electrically connected to the battery box base 112, the charging device has a charging cable, and the charging cable is electrically connected to the power connection seat. This charging device can select a third-party charging pile

[0166] Alternatively, refer to Figure 8 . A wire passing port 119 communicating with the first cavity 111 is arranged on the box body 1, the charging device has a charging cable, and the charging cable passes through the wire passing port 119 and is connected to the battery box base 112. This charging device can be a charger 3 supporting the battery swapping station.

[0167] Embodiment Seven

[0168] See Figures 2 to 5 As shown in Embodiment Seven of this application, the battery swapping station is further described in detail. The battery swapping station also includes a door 13, and the housing 1 has a battery box inlet / outlet 122 communicating with the second cavity 121. The battery swapping robot 2 is disposed within the second cavity 121. The door 13 is connected to the housing, and the door 13 is used to open or close the battery box inlet / outlet 122.

[0169] A track 125 is disposed in the housing, located in the second cavity 121, and extends along the length of the housing. The battery swapping robot 2 is slidably connected to the track 125 to move closer to or further away from the battery box inlet / outlet 122.

[0170] The track 125 includes rails disposed on both sides of the housing along its width. Limit seats (not shown) are respectively provided at both ends of each rail within the housing. When the battery swapping robot 2 moves to the end of a rail, it abuts against the limit seat. An elastic buffer may be provided on the limit seat. When the battery swapping robot 2 moves to the end along the track 125, it contacts the elastic buffer, which cushions and protects the robot 2, preventing rigid collisions that could cause local structural deformation or damage.

[0171] The housing 1 has a top wall, two long side walls, and two short side walls. The two long side walls are spaced apart, and the two short side walls are located at both ends of the long side walls along their length, and are connected to the two long side walls respectively. The top wall is located at the top of each long and short side wall. A battery box inlet / outlet 122 is provided on one of the long side walls. The width of the battery box inlet / outlet 122 is slightly larger than the battery box a, but much smaller than the long side wall. During battery swapping, the door 13 opens the battery box inlet / outlet; after swapping, the door 13 closes to seal the battery box inlet / outlet 122. This housing has good sealing performance and high safety.

[0172] See Figure 2 As shown, the battery box inlet / outlet 122 is located at the middle of the long sidewall along its length. Two sets of driving assistance devices b are installed on the long sidewall, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the long sidewall with the battery box inlet / outlet 122 as the center. Each driving assistance device b includes any one or more combinations of a display screen, a speaker, a warning sign, and indicator lights. By setting two sets of driving assistance devices b, regardless of the direction the electric motor d travels to the battery box inlet / outlet 122 (from the first end of the box to the second end, or from the second end to the first end), the position of the driving assistance device b remains unchanged relative to the electric motor d. This helps cultivate the driver's driving habits and reduces the difficulty of driving.

[0173] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a slide rail 124 is provided on the long side wall, and the door body 13 is slidably connected to the slide rail 124. The door body 13 can be translated along the slide rail 124 to open or close the battery box inlet / outlet 122.

[0174] The door 13 may consist of only one door. However, to improve opening efficiency, the door 13 may include two sub-doors, both of which are slidably connected to the slide rail 124. A door drive device 127 is provided on the housing, and the door drive device 127 is kinetically connected to the two sub-doors. The door drive device 127 can drive the two sub-doors to move towards each other to close the battery compartment inlet / outlet 122, and the door drive device 127 can also drive the two sub-doors to move away from each other to open the battery compartment inlet / outlet 122. The door drive device 127 can drive both sub-doors simultaneously, improving the opening and closing efficiency of the door 13.

[0175] The door drive device 127 includes two telescopic components, both of which are mounted on the long side wall and located on opposite sides of the battery box inlet / outlet 122. The telescopic ends of the two components are respectively connected to corresponding sub-door bodies. The telescopic components can be telescopic hydraulic cylinders or electric push rods, and their ends can be hinged to the sub-door bodies.

[0176] The enclosure is equipped with multiple exhaust vents, and fans are installed on at least some of these vents. Activating the fans accelerates the exchange of air between the inside and outside of the enclosure, which helps regulate the temperature inside the enclosure.

[0177] The inner wall of the box is covered with an insulation layer, which can reduce heat loss in winter, protect battery box a, and enable battery box a to maintain good working condition.

[0178] See Figure 3 As shown, the enclosure also includes a protective cover, on which a laser positioning component c is installed. The protective cover is connected to the enclosure and covers the laser positioning component c. The laser positioning component c is used to monitor the travel position of the electric machinery d and, in conjunction with the driving assistance device b, prompts the driver to drive the vehicle, enabling the electric machinery d to accurately stop at the battery swapping station.

[0179] Example 8

[0180] Embodiment 8 of this application provides a detailed description of the structure of the horizontal telescopic arm assembly 22 of the robot.

[0181] See Figures 12 to 21As shown, the battery swapping robot 2 includes: a frame 21, a fixed base 211, a battery gripper 24, and a horizontal telescopic arm assembly 22. The horizontal telescopic arm assembly 22 includes a first telescopic arm 221, a second telescopic arm 222, a first transmission mechanism 223, and a drive device 224. The frame 21 has a walking mechanism 212. The fixed base 211 is mounted on the frame 21 (or can be considered as part of the frame 21). The first telescopic arm 221 is movably connected to the fixed base 211, and the second telescopic arm 222 is movably connected to the first telescopic arm 221. The first transmission mechanism 223 includes two steering components and a transmission bar. The two steering components are respectively disposed on the first telescopic arm 221, and the transmission bar is sleeved on the two steering components. The segment of the transmission bar located on one side of the rotating component is connected to the fixed base 211, and the segment of the transmission bar located on the other side of the rotating component is connected to the second telescopic arm 222. The battery gripper 24 is connected to the second telescopic arm 222. The driving device 224 is disposed on the fixed base 211. The driving device 224 and the first telescopic arm 221 are connected in a transmission manner to drive the first telescopic arm 221 to translate. The translation of the first telescopic arm 221 drives the second telescopic arm 222 to translate.

[0182] The first telescopic arm 221 can be driven by a drive device 224. When the drive device 224 drives the first telescopic arm 221 to move at a first speed, the first telescopic arm 221 drives the second telescopic arm 222 to move at a second speed, which is twice the first speed, through a first transmission mechanism 223. During the translation of the first telescopic arm 221, the second telescopic arm 222 gradually extends beyond the first telescopic arm 221. The total length of the extended second telescopic arm 222 and the first telescopic arm 221 meets the battery swapping distance requirements.

[0183] In this application, the telescopic boom assembly 22 (short for horizontal telescopic boom assembly) does not have a drive mechanism between the first telescopic boom 221 and the second telescopic boom 222. Instead, it has a non-powered first transmission mechanism 223. When the first telescopic boom 221 is driven to translate, the first telescopic boom 221 can simultaneously drive the second telescopic boom 222 to translate. There is no need to set a telescopic cylinder between the first telescopic boom 221 and the second telescopic boom 222, which reduces costs and simplifies the structure of the telescopic boom assembly 22.

[0184] The drive unit 224 may include any one of a telescopic cylinder, an electric push rod, a chain drive mechanism, and a transmission belt drive mechanism.

[0185] The telescopic mechanism of this application only requires one drive device 224. There is no need to set a drive mechanism between the first telescopic arm 221 and the second telescopic arm 222. Instead, a non-powered first transmission mechanism 223 is set. When driving the first telescopic arm 221 to translate, the drive device 224 drives the first telescopic arm 221 to translate. The first telescopic arm 221 can simultaneously drive the second telescopic arm 222 to translate. There is no need to set a drive device 224 between the first telescopic arm 221 and the second telescopic arm 222, which reduces costs and simplifies the structure of the telescopic mechanism.

[0186] See Figure 15 As shown, the transmission bar includes a first transmission bar 2231 and a second transmission bar 2232. The first transmission bar 2231 passes around a first steering component 2233, and its fixed end is connected to the fixed base 211. The second transmission bar 2232 passes around another first steering component 2233, and its fixed end is connected to the fixed base 211. The movable ends of both the first transmission bar 2231 and the second transmission bar 2232 are connected to the second telescopic arm 222.

[0187] The fixed base 211 has a lower extension arm 2111, and the movable ends of the first transmission bar 2231 and the second transmission bar 2232 are respectively connected to both sides of the lower extension arm 2111 along the moving direction of the first telescopic arm 221. Specifically, the lower extension arm 2111 has two support plates, which are spaced apart and form a clamping cavity between them. The movable ends of the first transmission bar 2231 and the second transmission bar 2232 are each connected to a pull ring. The pull ring is accommodated in the clamping cavity, and a connecting member passes through the support plate and the pull ring to connect and fix the pull ring and the support plate.

[0188] The telescopic arm assembly 22 includes two first transmission mechanisms 223, both of which are disposed on the first telescopic arm 221. The two first transmission mechanisms 223 are arranged sequentially along the direction of movement perpendicular to the first telescopic arm 221. The two first transmission mechanisms 223 are symmetrically arranged along the width direction of the first telescopic arm 221, so that the first telescopic arm 221 can apply a balanced driving force to the second telescopic arm 222 through the first transmission mechanisms 223, and the second telescopic arm 222 can extend and retract smoothly without easily tilting.

[0189] See Figure 14 As shown, the driving device 224 includes a motor 2241 and a second transmission mechanism 2242. The motor 2241 is connected to the first telescopic arm 221 through the second transmission mechanism 2242 to drive the first telescopic arm 221 to translate along the fixed base 211.

[0190] The second transmission mechanism 2242 includes a third transmission bar 22421 and two second steering components 22422. Both second steering components 22422 are mounted on the fixed base 211. The third transmission bar 22421 is sleeved on the two second steering components 22422. The third transmission bar 22421 is connected to the first telescopic arm 221. The motor 2241 is connected to one of the second steering components 22422, driving the second steering component 22422 to rotate and thus move the third transmission bar 22421. In the first transmission mechanism 223, the third transmission bar 22421 can be a chain, and the second steering component 22422 can be a sprocket. The first transmission mechanism 223 uses a chain drive mechanism, which is simple in structure and low in cost. Furthermore, the sprocket, in conjunction with the motor 2241, can drive the telescopic arm assembly 22 to extend and retract, further simplifying the overall structure, ensuring stable transmission, and significantly reducing costs.

[0191] The drive unit 224 further includes a gearbox 2243. The output shaft of the motor 2241 is parallel to the translational direction of the first telescopic arm 221. The input shaft of the gearbox 2243 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 2241, and the output shaft of the gearbox 2243 is perpendicular to the translational direction of the first telescopic arm 221. A second steering component 22422 is connected to the output shaft of the gearbox 2243. The gearbox 2243 reduces the rotational speed of the motor 2241, which facilitates the drive unit 224 in driving the first telescopic arm 221 to move at a low speed and stably.

[0192] The first telescopic arm 221 has mounting bases 2211 at both ends. Each mounting base 2211 has two support arms spaced apart. The first steering component 2233 is located between the two support arms and is rotatably connected to the mounting base 2211.

[0193] The first steering component 2233 can be in the shape of a wheel. A groove is formed on the peripheral end face of the first steering component 2233, and the drive bar is embedded in the groove. This prevents the drive bar from detaching from the first steering component 2233.

[0194] See Figure 15 As shown, a limiting member 2214 is connected to the mounting base 2211, and the limiting member 2214 extends to the peripheral end face near the first steering component. The limiting member 2214 has the function of restricting the drive bar on the first steering component and preventing the drive bar from disengaging from the groove of the first steering component.

[0195] The limiting member includes a limiting part 22141 and a connecting part 22142. The limiting part 22141 extends along the rotation axis of the first steering component and is close to the peripheral end face of the first steering component 2233. The connecting part 22142 connects the limiting part 22141 and the mounting base 2211.

[0196] The connecting part 22142 may have the limiting part 22141 provided at both ends. When the connecting part 22142 is connected to the mounting base 2211, the two limiting parts 22141 are respectively located on both sides of the peripheral end face of the first steering component.

[0197] See Figures 12 to 21 As shown, the fixed base 211 includes two first track bars 2112 spaced apart. The first track bars 2112 have a first track groove. The first telescopic arm 221 has two second track bars 2212. The two second track bars 2212 are movably connected to the corresponding first track grooves.

[0198] A first roller 21121 is provided at the end of the first track bar 2112 near the extended end of the first telescopic arm 221. The first roller 21121 is located at the end of the first track groove and is rotatably connected to the first track bar 2112. The second track bar 2212 has a second roller 22121, which is accommodated in the first track groove and supported on the first roller 21121. During the translation of the first telescopic arm 221 along the first track bar 2112, the first roller 21121 remains supported on the second track bar 2212, providing a fulcrum for the first telescopic arm 221 and facilitating the first telescopic arm 221 to maintain a horizontal state.

[0199] The second track bar 2212 has a second track groove, and third rollers are respectively provided on both sides of the second telescopic arm 222, the third rollers being accommodated in the second track groove. The second telescopic arm 222 can translate along the first telescopic arm.

[0200] Example 9

[0201] See Figures 16 to 21 As shown, Embodiment Nine of this application provides a detailed description of the lifting device 23. The lifting device 23 is mounted on the second telescopic arm 222.

[0202] The lifting device 23 includes a winding device 231, a suspension rope 232, and a battery gripper 24. The second telescopic arm 222 has a cable passage hole. The winding device 231 is disposed on the second telescopic arm 222. The suspension rope 232 passes through the cable passage hole, and one end of the suspension rope 232 is wound around the winding device 231. The battery gripper 24 is connected to the other end of the suspension rope 232.

[0203] The battery box a hoisting mechanism of this application uses a winding device 231 to wind or release the hoisting rope 232 to achieve the lifting or lowering of the battery gripper 24. Compared with the hydraulic cylinder extension method used in the prior art, the structure is simplified and the lifting stroke of the battery gripper 24 is increased.

[0204] The winding device 231 includes a drum 2311 and a motor 2312. The drum 2311 is rotatably mounted on the second telescopic arm 222. The drum 2311 has a winding groove, and the lifting rope 232 is wound around the winding groove. The motor 2312 is mounted on the second telescopic arm 222. The motor 2312 and the drum 2311 are connected in a transmission relationship to drive the drum 2311 to rotate and wind or release the lifting rope 232.

[0205] The winding device 231 also includes a reduction gearbox 2313, which is mounted on the second telescopic arm 222. The reduction gearbox 2313 has an input shaft and two output shafts, which are located on opposite sides of the reduction gearbox 2313. The output shaft of the motor 2312 is connected to the input shaft of the reduction gearbox 2313. The two output shafts of the reduction gearbox 2313 are each connected to a drum 2311. The two drums 2311 allow for the extension of more lifting ropes 232, providing more lifting points for the gripper and facilitating smooth lifting or lowering of the gripper.

[0206] The motor 2312 is fixed to the housing of the gearbox 2313, and the output shaft of the motor 2312 is perpendicular to the second telescopic arm 222. The motor 2312 is set perpendicular to the second telescopic arm 222, which occupies less area of ​​the second telescopic arm 222 and avoids interference with the suspended battery box a.

[0207] The second telescopic arm 222 has a vertical mounting plate 2222 at one end along its length, and the winding device 231 is mounted on the vertical mounting plate 2222. The winding device 231 is located on the side of the vertical mounting plate 2222 opposite to the battery gripper 24. The vertical mounting plate 2222 facilitates the installation of the winding device 231 and isolates the winding device 231 from the battery gripper 24, thus improving safety.

[0208] The lower edge of the vertical mounting plate 2222 is provided with a guide bevel 22223 that is inclined toward the motor 2312. The guide bevel 22223 is provided to protect the winding device 231. When the battery box a is tilted toward the winding device 231, the guide bevel 22223 can guide the battery box a during the lifting process, so that the battery box a can be naturally lifted to the side away from the winding device 231, avoiding collision and interference with the winding device 231.

[0209] The vertical mounting plate 2222 includes a central plate 22221 and side plates 22222 disposed on both sides of the central plate 22221. The two side plates 22222 are respectively provided with the drums 2311. The gearbox 2313 is mounted on the central plate 22221, and the two output shafts of the gearbox 2313 are respectively connected to the drums 2311 on both sides.

[0210] The vertical mounting plate 2222 is provided with a collar portion, which is fitted onto the drum 2311. The drum 2311 can rotate around the collar portion. The inner ring of the collar portion extends into the winding groove, and the collar portion has a clearance opening to avoid the lifting rope 232. The collar portion is not a closed ring; the clearance opening facilitates the winding or unwinding of the lifting rope 232 by the drum 2311. The inner ring of the collar portion extending into the winding groove restricts the position of the lifting rope 232, preventing the lifting rope 232 from detaching from the winding groove.

[0211] The vertical mounting plate 2222 is provided with an upper support arm 22226 and a lower support arm 22227. The collar portion includes a first arc segment 22224 and a second arc segment 22225. The first arc segment 22224 is fixed to the upper support arm 22226, and the second arc segment 22225 is fixed to the lower support arm 22227. The clearance opening is formed between the first arc segment 22224 and the second arc segment 22225.

[0212] The second telescopic arm 222 is provided with a steering component corresponding to each of the cable holes. The steering component includes a steering wheel, and the suspension rope 232 is wound around the steering wheel. The steering wheel provides stable support for the suspension rope 232, facilitates the smooth sliding of the suspension rope 232 along the steering wheel, and reduces sliding resistance.

[0213] The second telescopic arm 222 is provided with a guide portion 2221, which includes a conical sleeve. The battery gripper 24 is provided with a conical guide member 241. When the battery gripper 24 is close to the second telescopic arm 222, the conical guide member 241 is inserted into the conical sleeve. The guide portion 2221 guides the battery gripper 24, so that the battery box a can be smoothly positioned in the preset position after being lifted.

[0214] Example 10

[0215] See Figures 8 to 11 As shown in Embodiment 10 of this application, the structure of the lower housing 11 of the battery swapping station is described in detail.

[0216] The lower housing 11 has a first cavity 111 and a top lifting port 110 communicating with the first cavity 111. Each of the limiting beams 113 is disposed on the lower housing 11, and the limiting beams 113 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the lower housing 11, forming a battery box limiting space between two adjacent limiting beams 113.

[0217] The battery swapping station of this application has a top lifting port 110 on the lower housing 11, which allows the battery box a inside the lower housing 11 to be lifted by lifting equipment. The setting of each limiting beam 113 plays a guiding and limiting role. There is a storage position for a battery box a between two adjacent limiting beams 113. During the process of lifting or lowering the battery box a by the lifting equipment, the two limiting beams 113 limit the position of the battery box a, preventing the battery box a from shaking too much and colliding with other surrounding structures, causing local structural damage, and facilitating the smooth and safe transfer of the battery box a.

[0218] The lower housing 11 has a bottom wall, on which multiple battery box bases 112 are provided. Each battery box base 112 is spaced apart along the length of the lower housing 11. Each battery box base 112 is located at the bottom of the corresponding battery box a's limiting space. A battery position is provided below two adjacent limiting beams 113. During the lowering of the battery box a, the two limiting beams 113 limit the battery box a to its sides, preventing the battery box a from shaking and failing to accurately fall into the battery position.

[0219] The lower housing 11 has a bottom wall, and a guide component 114 is provided on the limiting beam 113. The guide component 114 has two upper guide ramps and two lower guide ramps. In the direction from the top hoisting port 110 to the bottom wall, the two upper guide ramps gradually move away from each other, and the two lower guide ramps gradually move closer together.

[0220] The two upper guide ramps are positioned lower than the two lower guide ramps. In the upward direction, the two upper guide ramps of the same guide component gradually separate. As a result, the space between the two upper guide ramps of the guide components 114 on the two adjacent limiting beams 113 gradually narrows in the upward direction. This helps to gradually adjust the position of the battery box a during the lifting process. Even when the battery box a sways or deviates, the battery box gradually stabilizes under the constraint of the two upper guide ramps of the two guide components 114 on the two limiting beams 113, which facilitates a smooth ascent. Similarly, in the downward direction, the two lower guide ramps on the same guide component 114 gradually separate, and the space between the two lower guide ramps of the guide components 114 on the two adjacent limiting beams 113 gradually narrows in the downward direction, which plays a role in gradually adjusting the position of the battery box a. Even when the battery box a shakes and deviates, it gradually stabilizes under the constraint of the lower guide ramps of the two guide components 114 on the two limiting beams 113, which is conducive to a smooth fall.

[0221] The guide component 114 has two upper inclined plates 1141 and two lower inclined plates 1142. Both upper inclined plates 1141 are fixed to the limiting beam 113, and each upper inclined plate 1141 has an upper guide slope. Both lower inclined plates 1142 are fixed to the limiting beam 113, and each lower inclined plate 1142 has a lower guide slope.

[0222] Both the upper inclined plate 1141 and the lower inclined plate 1142 are fixed to the limiting beam 113 by fasteners. Alternatively, the upper inclined plate 1141 and the lower inclined plate 1142 can be fixed to the limiting beam 113 by adhesive bonding.

[0223] Both the upper inclined plate 1141 and the lower inclined plate 1142 are provided with connecting holes. One end of the fastener passes through the connecting hole and is connected to the limiting beam 113. The other end of the fastener is confined within the connecting hole and does not protrude from the outer surface of the guide component 114. The fastener is not exposed and will not contact the battery box a, causing frictional interference. For example, the fastener can be a bolt, with the bolt shank passing through the connecting hole and connected to the threaded hole of the limiting beam 113, and the bolt nut confined within the connecting hole.

[0224] The limiting beam 113 has four side planes arranged sequentially along its circumference, and the upper inclined plate 1141 and the lower inclined plate 1142 are respectively attached to the corresponding side planes. An edge is formed between adjacent planes. When the limiting beam 113 is installed in the lower housing 11, one of the two opposite edges of the limiting beam 113 faces the top lifting opening 110, and the other faces the bottom wall. The cross-section of the limiting beam 113 can be square or rhomboid. During installation, one edge faces upwards and the other edge faces downwards.

[0225] The lower housing 11 has lower long beams 115 on both sides along its width. A connector 116 is connected to the end of the limiting beam 113, and the connector 116 is fixed to the lower long beam 115. For example, the connector 116 can be connected to the lower long beam 115 by fasteners or welding. The connector 116 and the limiting beam 113 can be connected by welding or fasteners.

[0226] See Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the lower housing 11 includes a battery box base 112. A support frame 117 is provided on the bottom wall of the lower housing 11, and the battery box base 112 is mounted on the support frame 117. There is a gap between the battery box base 112 and the bottom wall. The battery box base 112 is higher than the bottom wall, and the gap area formed between them facilitates the arrangement of power supply lines. An electrical connector is provided on the battery box base 112, and the power supply line is connected to the electrical connector to supply power to the electrical connector, thereby enabling the charging of the battery box a supported on the battery box base 112.

[0227] The lower housing 11 has a cable pass-through port on its side wall, through which the power supply cable passes to connect to the external charger 3.

[0228] 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 charging method for a battery swapping station, characterized in that, include: When a battery swapping station receives a battery swapping request from one or more battery swapping vehicles, it obtains the current power level of each battery box by monitoring the power information of each battery box. The battery swapping station determines the charging method of the external charger based on the battery swapping requests of one or more battery swapping vehicles and the current power level of each battery box. This includes: the station predicting the battery swapping time period of a battery swapping vehicle based on its request; determining the target battery box based on the battery swapping time period and predicting whether the target battery box will be fully charged during the battery swapping time period; maintaining a one-to-one charging method when the target battery box is predicted to be fully charged during the battery swapping time period; and setting a multiple-to-one charging method when the target battery box is predicted to be depleted during the battery swapping time period. The charging method includes: a one-to-one charging method where one charger charges one battery box, and this one-to-one charging method is set as the default charging method; or a multiple-to-one charging method where multiple chargers simultaneously charge one battery box. The battery swapping station controls the charger to charge the battery box according to the charging method.

2. The charging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery swapping station determines the charging method of the external charger based on the battery swapping requests of the one or more battery swapping vehicles and the current battery level of each battery box, including: The battery swapping station predicts the battery swapping time period for each battery swapping vehicle based on the battery swapping requests of the multiple battery swapping vehicles, and predicts the target battery box corresponding to each battery swapping vehicle. The battery swapping station predicts whether the target battery box of each battery swapping vehicle is fully charged during its battery swapping period based on the battery swapping time period of each vehicle and the power of its corresponding target battery box. When it is predicted that the target battery box of the battery swapping vehicle is fully charged during the battery swapping period, the battery swapping station maintains a one-to-one charging mode for the target battery box. When it is predicted that the target battery box of the battery swapping vehicle is a depleted battery box during the battery swapping period, the battery swapping station will determine the charging method of the target battery box as a many-to-one charging method.

3. The charging method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery swapping station controls the charger to charge the battery box according to the charging method, including: When the charging method is determined to be a one-to-one charging method, the battery swapping station controls one charger to charge one of its corresponding battery boxes; When the charging method is determined to be a many-to-one charging method, the battery swapping station controls multiple chargers to charge one battery box simultaneously.

Images