Locking base, locking device and electric vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of electric vehicles, and provides a locking base, a locking device and an electric vehicle, wherein the locking base is arranged on the electric vehicle, the locking base comprises a base body, a locking part and a driving assembly, the base body is provided with a locking groove for the locking part of a battery pack to enter, the driving assembly is in meshing connection with the locking part, the driving assembly drives the locking part to move, so that the locking part moves into or out of the locking groove, and the battery pack on the electric vehicle is unlocked or locked. In the application, the driving assembly drives the locking part in the meshing mode, the situation that the driving assembly and the locking part shake or displace and the like to cause locking abnormity is avoided, the locking of the locking base of the electric vehicle is more stable and reliable, and therefore the safety of battery replacement and the safety of electric vehicle operation are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric vehicle technology, and in particular to a locking base, locking device, and electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular with consumers. In this era of widespread electric vehicle adoption, battery swapping, as a feasible solution to the range anxiety problem, offers the advantages of convenience and speed and is now widely used.

[0003] Electric vehicles are divided into direct-charging and battery-swapping types. Direct-charging electric vehicles are charged by an external power source when the electric vehicle is out of power. The electric vehicle needs to be stopped for a period of time to wait for the battery to be fully charged. Battery-swapping electric vehicles, on the other hand, can obtain a fully charged battery pack by replacing the battery pack at a battery swapping station, without having to stop for a long time to wait for the battery pack to be fully charged.

[0004] The battery swapping process for battery-swapping electric vehicles is as follows: At the battery swapping station, a battery swapping device unlocks and removes the depleted battery pack from the electric vehicle's quick-swap bracket, and then installs and locks the fully charged battery pack onto the quick-swap bracket. Both unlocking and locking of the battery pack relative to the quick-swap bracket require locking devices. Existing locking devices typically employ a linkage-type drive system, where pivoting components drive the locking mechanism to slide or rotate, thus achieving locking and unlocking.

[0005] During use and operation of electric vehicles, the linkage-type drive component of this locking device is prone to shaking or displacement, leading to abnormal locking and low stability and safety. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect of unstable locking of the locking device of electric vehicle in the prior art, and to provide a locking base, locking device and electric vehicle.

[0007] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0008] A locking base is provided on an electric vehicle. The locking base includes a base body, a locking part, and a drive assembly. The base body has a locking groove for a locking member on a battery pack to enter. The drive assembly is engaged with the locking part and drives the locking part to move so that the locking part moves into or out of the locking groove to unlock or lock the battery pack on the electric vehicle.

[0009] In this solution, the drive assembly drives the locking part in an engaging manner, avoiding any shaking or displacement between the drive assembly and the locking part that could lead to locking abnormalities. This makes the locking base of the electric vehicle more stable and reliable, thereby ensuring that the battery pack will not fall off during battery swapping or electric vehicle operation, thus ensuring the safety of battery swapping and electric vehicle operation.

[0010] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a gear, and the locking portion is provided with a first rack on the side facing the drive assembly, the first rack being meshed with the gear.

[0011] In this solution, a first rack is provided on the side of the locking part, and the first rack cooperates with a gear. When the gear rotates, it can drive the first rack to move. With the above structure, the drive component controls the movement of the locking part to switch between the unlocked state and the locked state. The structure is simple and reliable.

[0012] Preferably, the drive assembly further includes a drive unit, and a second rack is provided on the side of the drive unit facing the gear, the second rack being meshed with the gear; the drive unit is used to drive the gear to rotate, thereby moving the locking part.

[0013] In this solution, a second rack is provided on the side of the drive unit, so the gear can be rotated by the movement of the drive unit. With the above structure, the drive unit can be driven by an external power exchange device, thereby driving the gear to rotate, and then driving the locking part to move into or out of the lock groove. Moreover, the locking part is driven by the meshing structure of the gear and rack, and the power transmission is accurate and reliable.

[0014] Preferably, the locking part and the driving part are disposed on opposite sides of the gear, and the moving directions of the locking part and the driving part are opposite.

[0015] In this design, the locking part and the driving part move in opposite directions on both sides of the gear. The locking part and the driving part will not block or interfere with each other, ensuring that the locking part has a sufficiently large stroke to move into or out of the lock groove.

[0016] Preferably, the drive assembly further includes a limiting member that cooperates with at least one of the gear, the locking part, and the drive part to limit the movement path of the locking part and / or the drive part.

[0017] In this solution, the movement path of the locking part and / or the driving part can be restricted, preventing the first rack and / or the second rack from disengaging from the gear, ensuring that the gear can always engage with the first rack and / or the second rack, so as to ensure that the locking part and / or the driving part moves along the set path, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the power transmission of the driving assembly.

[0018] Preferably, the limiting member includes a first limiting post, and the gear has a first limiting hole in the middle, and the gear is rotatably sleeved on the first limiting post through the first limiting hole.

[0019] In this design, the gear is rotatably connected to the base body via a first limit stop, resulting in a simple structure and low manufacturing cost.

[0020] Preferably, the limiting member further includes a second limiting post, and a second limiting hole is provided in the middle of the locking part, and the locking part is movably sleeved on the second limiting post through the second limiting hole;

[0021] And / or, the limiting member further includes a third limiting post, and the driving part has a third limiting hole in the middle, and the driving part is movably sleeved on the third limiting post through the third limiting hole.

[0022] In this design, the locking part can move along a set locking path under the constraint of the second limiting hole and the second limiting post, and the driving part can move along a set driving path under the constraint of the third limiting hole and the third limiting post. This structure is simple, reliable, and has low manufacturing cost.

[0023] Preferably, the second limiting hole is an oblong hole, and the length direction of the second limiting hole is parallel to the moving direction of the locking part;

[0024] And / or, the third limiting hole is an oblong hole, and the length direction of the third limiting hole is parallel to the moving direction of the driving part.

[0025] In this solution, the direction and stroke of the moving path of the locking part and / or the driving part are restricted by the oblong hole.

[0026] Preferably, the drive assembly further includes a reset part connected to the drive part; when the locking part is in the unlocked state, the reset part applies a force to the drive part, driving the gear to rotate and move the locking part, so that the locking part returns to the locked state.

[0027] In this solution, when the locking component of the battery pack enters the locking slot and the external battery swapping equipment releases control of the drive unit, the reset unit applies force to the drive unit, which can restore the locking component to the locked state, prevent the locking component from leaving the locking slot, keep the battery pack locked on the electric vehicle, and prevent the battery pack from accidentally slipping off.

[0028] Preferably, the reset part includes a first elastic element, and when the locking part is in the unlocked state, the driving part causes the first elastic element to be in an elastic deformation state.

[0029] In this solution, the locking part is in the unlocked state, and the first elastic element has an elastic restoring force. Therefore, when the external power swapping equipment releases its control over the drive part, the elastic restoring force of the first elastic element can cause the drive part to automatically reset, thereby driving the locking part to return to the locked state.

[0030] Preferably, the base body has a receiving cavity inside, and both the driving component and the locking part are at least partially located within the receiving cavity.

[0031] In this solution, by setting a receiving cavity in the base body, the drive component is placed in the receiving cavity. The base body protects the internal drive component and locking part from external damage, and also makes the structure of the locking base more compact and smaller in size, without occupying extra space.

[0032] Preferably, the receiving cavity has a first opening, the receiving cavity is connected to the locking groove through the first opening, and the locking part moves into or out of the locking groove through the first opening.

[0033] In this design, the locking part is moved into or out of the locking groove from the receiving cavity through the first opening, which facilitates the movement of the locking part and allows it to move within the receiving cavity of the base body without increasing the overall size of the base body.

[0034] Preferably, the locking groove includes a first locking groove arranged in a vertical direction and a second locking groove arranged in a horizontal direction; one end of the first locking groove is a second opening for the locking member of the battery pack to enter, and the other end is connected to the second locking groove;

[0035] The first opening is located in the first lock groove; or, the first opening is located in the second lock groove; or, the first opening is located at the connection between the first lock groove and the second lock groove.

[0036] In this solution, when the locking member of the battery pack is in the second locking groove and in a locked state, the force applied by the locking member of the battery pack to the locking base is perpendicular to the inner wall of the second locking groove. Compared with when the second locking groove is tilted, the locking member of the battery pack is less likely to shift, and the locking state is more stable.

[0037] Preferably, the second opening is provided with a guide surface, which is inclined outward in a direction away from the locking groove.

[0038] In this design, the inclined guide surface guides the locking component of the battery pack into the second opening, restricts the relative position of the locking component and the second opening, and ensures that the locking component of the battery pack enters the second opening quickly and accurately.

[0039] Preferably, a buffer portion is provided at the end of the second locking groove away from the first locking groove.

[0040] In this design, when the locking member of the battery pack slides from the first locking groove into the second locking groove, the end wall of the second locking groove that is far from the first locking groove may be subjected to a large impact force. Providing a buffer part on this end wall can protect the end wall of the second locking groove from damage and play a role in protecting the locking base.

[0041] Preferably, the buffer portion includes a second elastic element and a fixing element, and a fixing hole is provided on the base body. The fixing element passes through the fixing hole to fix the second elastic element to the base body.

[0042] In this design, after the battery pack locking component enters the second locking groove, it comes into contact with and collides with the second elastic component. The second elastic component undergoes elastic deformation, thus providing a buffering effect and preventing the battery pack locking component from directly contacting the end wall of the second locking groove. This protects both the locking component and the second locking groove. The second elastic component is securely installed by a fastener that passes through the base body.

[0043] Preferably, the receiving cavity has a third opening, and when the locking part is in the locked state, the end of the driving part extends at least partially through the third opening beyond the base body.

[0044] In this solution, the external power swapping equipment can easily operate the end of the drive unit outside the base body to control the movement of the drive unit, thereby controlling the unlocking or locking of the base.

[0045] Preferably, at least one side of the locking part and / or the driving part cooperates with the sidewall of the receiving cavity to restrict the movement path of the locking part and / or the driving part.

[0046] In this solution, the cooperation between the side wall of the receiving cavity and the locking part and / or the driving part guides the movement of the locking part and / or the driving part within the receiving cavity, ensuring that the locking part and / or the driving part moves along the path defined by the side wall of the receiving cavity, thereby ensuring accurate and effective meshing transmission between the locking part and / or the driving part and the gear.

[0047] The present invention also provides a locking device, which is disposed on an electric vehicle. The locking device includes a plurality of lock bases, which are disposed corresponding to a plurality of locking components on a battery pack. The plurality of lock bases include lock grooves with the same path, wherein at least one lock base is the locking base.

[0048] In this solution, the locking device includes multiple one-to-one corresponding locking components and locking bases. On the one hand, this increases the load-bearing capacity of the locking device. On the other hand, when a problem occurs with a certain locking base or locking component, the other locking bases or locking components share the stress, thus enhancing the risk resistance.

[0049] Preferably, the multiple locking bases of the locking device are all locking bases as described above. When the locking part is in the locked state, the end of the driving component extends at least partially beyond the base body. The locking device also includes a linkage rod, which is connected to the ends of the driving components of the multiple locking bases that extend beyond the base body. The linkage rod is used to drive the driving components of the multiple locking bases to move under the action of an external power swapping device.

[0050] In this solution, the linkage rod can simultaneously drive the extensions of multiple locking bases to move, that is, simultaneously control the locking parts of the locking bases to switch between the unlocked and locked states, making the locking or unlocking operation faster and more convenient.

[0051] Preferably, the linkage rod includes a rod body and a connecting part, and the connecting part is connected to the rod body and the drive assembly respectively;

[0052] The connecting part is movably connected to the rod body via a first rotating shaft; and / or the connecting part is movably connected to the drive assembly via a second rotating shaft.

[0053] In this design, a direct rigid connection between the pole body and the drive assembly is avoided, thus improving the stability of unlocking or locking. If a direct rigid connection is made between the pole body and the drive assembly, it is essential to ensure that the movement direction of the external power swapping equipment is completely consistent with the movement direction of the drive assembly; otherwise, the drive assembly may become stuck and unable to move, or even lead to damage to the drive assembly or other components within the base body.

[0054] The present invention also provides an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle including the aforementioned locking device.

[0055] In this solution, the aforementioned locking device is installed in the electric vehicle to lock the battery pack. Furthermore, because the driving component in the locking device uses an engaging mechanism to drive the locking part, it prevents any shaking or displacement between the driving component and the locking part that could lead to locking malfunctions. This makes the locking base of the electric vehicle more stable and reliable, ensuring that the battery pack will not fall off during battery swapping or electric vehicle operation, thus guaranteeing the safety of both battery swapping and electric vehicle operation.

[0056] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0057] The drive assembly uses an engaging mechanism to drive the locking part, preventing any shaking or displacement between the drive assembly and the locking part that could lead to locking abnormalities. This makes the locking base of the electric vehicle more stable and reliable, ensuring that the battery pack will not fall off during battery swapping or electric vehicle operation, thus ensuring the safety of battery swapping and electric vehicle operation. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 2 This is another perspective structural diagram of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the battery pack has been removed.

[0060] Figure 3A This is a front view of a locking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking device is in an unlocked state.

[0061] Figure 3B This is a front view of a locking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking device is in a locked state.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the locking device and the locking member of the battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the locking device in a locked state.

[0063] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the connecting portion of the linkage rod in the locking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 6A This is an internal structural diagram of the locking base according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking part is in a locked state.

[0065] Figure 6B This is an internal structural diagram of the locking base according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking part is in the unlocked state.

[0066] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the connection between the locking part and the driving assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the base body according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the base body according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the base body according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Enlarged view of the central locking component.

[0072] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0073] Electric vehicles 100

[0074] Battery Pack 101

[0075] Locking component 111

[0076] Body frame 102

[0077] Mounting base 103

[0078] Locking device 104

[0079] support body 105

[0080] Linkage rod 120

[0081] Rod body 121

[0082] Connecting part 122

[0083] Weight reduction hole 123

[0084] Second pivot 124

[0085] First pivot 125

[0086] Locking base 130

[0087] Base body 131

[0088] Reception cavity 1310

[0089] Buffer section 132

[0090] Fastener 133

[0091] Elastic pad 134

[0092] Locking part 135

[0093] Second limiting hole 1350

[0094] First rack 1351

[0095] Second limiting post 1352

[0096] Gear 136

[0097] First limiting post 1362

[0098] Drive Unit 137

[0099] Third limiting hole 1370

[0100] Second rack 1371

[0101] Third limiting post 1372

[0102] Reset Unit 138

[0103] Extension 139

[0104] Lock slot 140

[0105] First lock slot 141

[0106] Second opening 1410

[0107] Second lock slot 142

[0108] Guide surface 143

[0109] Fixing hole 144

[0110] Third opening 145

[0111] First opening 146 Detailed Implementation

[0112] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0113] like Figure 1 This embodiment provides an electric vehicle 100. The electric vehicle 100 includes two parallel body beams 102, a quick-change bracket mounted on the body beams 102, and a battery pack 101 mounted on the quick-change bracket. A locking device may be provided on the body beams 102 and / or the quick-change bracket.

[0114] like Figure 2 As shown, the quick-change bracket includes bracket bodies 105 respectively disposed on both sides of the vehicle body beam 102. Each bracket body 105 includes two mounting seats 103 arranged opposite each other in the length direction of the vehicle body. Each mounting seat 103 is equipped with a locking device 104 for locking the battery pack 101. The locking device 104 is installed at least one of the side, bottom or interior of the mounting seat 103.

[0115] In other embodiments, the two bracket bodies 105 can be connected to each other by a crossbeam. Alternatively, the bracket body 105 can be a frame structure, and alternatively, the locking device 104 can be disposed on a longitudinal beam extending along the length of the vehicle body of the bracket body 105.

[0116] Depending on the specific structure of the battery pack 101, multiple locking devices 104 can be provided on the electric vehicle 100 relative to the battery pack 101 to achieve effective locking of the battery pack 101. For example, one or more locking devices 104 can be provided on each of the four sides of the electric vehicle 100 relative to the battery pack 101, or one or more locking devices 104 can be provided on two opposing sides of the electric vehicle 100 relative to the battery pack 101.

[0117] Preferably, locking devices 104 are provided on two sides of the electric vehicle 100 relative to the battery pack 101 (e.g., Figure 1 The battery pack 101 shown has two sides in the front-rear direction of the electric vehicle for locking in the width direction of the electric vehicle. This locking structure is relatively simple and can effectively lock the battery pack 101.

[0118] In other alternative embodiments, the locking device 104 may also be arranged along the length of the vehicle body to lock the battery pack 101 in the length direction of the electric vehicle.

[0119] Referring to Figure 3, the locking device 104 includes a plurality of lock bases, which are positioned corresponding to the positions of the plurality of locking elements 111 described below on the battery pack 101. Each lock base includes a lock groove with the same path. All lock bases in the locking device 104 may be the locking base 130 described below. In other embodiments, some lock bases may also include a support base, etc., which only provides vertical support and does not restrict the horizontal displacement of the battery pack. This support base may not have a latch (as described below) in the lock groove.

[0120] The structure of the locking base 130 is described in detail below.

[0121] Reference Figures 4 to 10 The locking base 130 includes a base body 131, a locking part 135, and a drive assembly. The base body 131 is provided with a locking groove 140 for the locking member 111 (described in detail below) on the battery pack 101 to enter. The drive assembly is used to drive the locking part 135 to move so that the locking part 135 moves into or out of the locking groove 140, thereby preventing or releasing the locking member 111 on the battery pack 101 from leaving the locking groove 140, so as to unlock or lock the battery pack 101.

[0122] In this embodiment, the base body 131 is a plate-shaped body with a certain thickness. A receiving cavity 1310 is provided inside the base body 131. The locking part 135 and the driving assembly are at least partially located within the receiving cavity 1310, thereby protecting the internal driving assembly and locking part 135 from external damage through the base body 131. The receiving cavity 1310 has a first opening 146, which connects to the locking groove 140. The locking part 135 moves into or out of the locking groove 140 through the first opening 146, making the overall structure of the locking base 130 more compact.

[0123] In other alternative embodiments, the base body 131 may not have a hollow structure, and the locking part 135 and the driving assembly are both mounted on the outer surface of the base body 131.

[0124] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 10 The locking groove 140 includes a first locking groove 141 arranged vertically and a second locking groove 142 arranged horizontally. One end of the first locking groove 141 is a second opening 1410 for the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 to enter, and the other end is connected to the second locking groove 142. The first locking groove 141 is located at the top of the base body 131, and the second opening 1410 faces upward. Therefore, the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 can move from top to bottom, first entering the first locking groove 141, and then sliding into the second locking groove 142, which is connected to the first locking groove 141, at the connection between the first locking groove 141 and the second locking groove 142.

[0125] To facilitate locking and unlocking between the locking groove 140 and the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 in this embodiment, the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 is specifically a locking shaft. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, multiple locking elements 111 are installed on the side of the battery pack 101. The battery pack 101 is locked and supported by the cooperation of the multiple locking elements 111 with the multiple locking bases on the locking device 104. Corresponding to the structure of the electric vehicle 100 with one locking device 104 on each of the front and rear sides of the battery pack 101, multiple locking elements 111 are provided on both the front and rear sides of the battery pack 101, corresponding to the multiple locking bases of the locking device 104, to cooperate with each locking base in the locking device 104 on the electric vehicle 100.

[0126] In this embodiment, the second opening 1410 of the locking base 130 faces upward, and the battery pack 101 is installed from top to bottom onto the quick-change bracket (mounting base 103) through the second opening 1410. This avoids interference between the battery pack 101 and the bottom components of the electric vehicle 100 caused by the battery pack 101 moving upward during installation, as is common in the prior art. However, the invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the second opening 1410 can also face downward, that is, the locking base 130 can be reversed on the mounting base 103 to allow the battery pack 101 to move upward and be installed onto the quick-change bracket.

[0127] Since the drive assembly can move the locking part 135, the drive assembly can be manipulated to move the locking part 135 into or out of the lock slot 140. When the locking part 135 moves into the lock slot 140 through the first opening 146, the locking part 135 blocks the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 that has moved into the lock slot 140, thereby locking the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101. When the locking part 135 moves out of the lock slot 140 through the first opening 146, the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 is unlocked, and the locking part 135 is released from the lock slot 140.

[0128] Furthermore, since the first locking groove 141 and the second locking groove 142 are perpendicular to each other, when the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 is located in the second locking groove 142 and forms a locked state, the force applied by the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 to the locking base 130 is perpendicular to the inner wall of the second locking groove 142. Compared with the second locking groove 142 being tilted, the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 is less likely to shift, and the locking state is more stable.

[0129] The connection between the first opening 146 and the locking groove 140 can be located at multiple positions within the locking groove 140. For example, the first opening 146 can be located in the first locking groove 141, the first opening 146 can be located in the second locking groove 142, or the first opening 146 can be located at the connection between the first locking groove 141 and the second locking groove 142. When the locking member 111 on the battery pack 101 enters the second locking groove 142, the locking part 135 can pass through the first opening 146 at any of the above positions, thus blocking the locking member 111 on the battery pack 101 and achieving locking. However, it should be noted that when the locking member 111 on the battery pack 101 enters the second locking groove 142, the locking member 111 must be located on the side of the first opening 146 away from the second opening 1410 to ensure that the locking part 135 passes through the first opening 146 and blocks the locking member 111.

[0130] In this embodiment, since the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 enters the second locking groove 142 and is locked by the locking part 135, and since the first locking groove 141 is located near the top of the base body 131, in order to facilitate the installation of the drive assembly in the receiving cavity 1310 of the base body 131, it is preferable to set the first opening 146 at the second locking groove 142, or at the connection between the first locking groove 141 and the second locking groove 142, so that the locking part 135 moves laterally into the second locking groove 142.

[0131] To ensure that the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 can smoothly slide from the first locking groove 141 into the second locking groove 142, the connection between the first locking groove 141 and the second locking groove 142 adopts an arc transition or a slope transition.

[0132] When the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 enters the first locking groove 141 through the second opening 1410, in order to ensure that the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 can smoothly enter the second opening 1410, a guide surface 143 is provided at the second opening 1410. The guide surface 143 is inclined outward in the direction away from the locking groove 140, thus forming a guide structure that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom at the second opening 1410. This restricts the relative position of the locking member 111 and the second opening 1410 when the locking member 222 enters the second opening 1410, so that the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 can quickly and accurately enter the second opening 1410.

[0133] When the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 enters the second locking groove 142, in order to prevent the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 from colliding with the end wall of the second locking groove 142 and generating a large impact force that could cause deformation or even damage to the locking member 111 and the second locking groove 142, a buffer part 132 is provided at the end of the second locking groove 142 away from the first locking groove 141. (See Figure 6.) Figure 8 and 10 The buffer portion 132 includes a second elastic element and a fixing element 133. In this embodiment, the second elastic element is specifically an elastic pad 134. The elastic pad 134 is located at the end wall of the second locking groove 142 away from the first locking groove 141. When the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 enters the second locking groove 142, it will come into contact with the elastic pad 134. The elastic pad 134 plays a buffering role, preventing the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 from directly contacting the end wall of the second locking groove 142, thereby protecting the locking member 111 and the second locking groove 142. A fixing hole 144 is provided on the base body 131 corresponding to the buffer portion 132. The fixing element 133 passes through the fixing hole 144 to fix the elastic pad 134 to the base body 131, so as to achieve a firm installation of the elastic pad 134.

[0134] Refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7The drive assembly includes a gear 136, and a first rack 1351 is provided on the side of the locking part 135 facing the gear 136. The first rack 1351 is meshed with the gear 136, so the first rack 1351 can be moved by the rotation of the gear 136, so that the locking part 135 can move into or out of the locking groove 140.

[0135] Because the drive assembly drives the locking part 135 in an engaging manner, it avoids the situation where the drive assembly and the locking part 135 shake or shift, which could lead to abnormal locking. This makes the locking base 130 of the electric vehicle 100 more stable and reliable, thereby ensuring that the battery pack will not fall off during the battery swapping process or the operation of the electric vehicle, thus ensuring the safety of the battery swapping and the operation of the electric vehicle.

[0136] The drive assembly also includes a drive unit 137 for driving the gear 136 to rotate. A second rack 1371 is provided on the side of the drive unit 137 facing the gear 136. The second rack 1371 is meshed with the gear 136. Therefore, the movement of the drive unit 137 can drive the second rack 1371 to move synchronously, thereby driving the gear 136 to rotate.

[0137] To avoid interference or obstruction when the first rack 1351 and the second rack 1371 move, the first rack 1351 and the second rack 1371 are respectively meshed on both sides of the gear 136, and the moving directions of the first rack 1351 and the second rack 1371 are parallel to each other. Therefore, the first rack 1351 and the second rack 1371 can move in opposite directions on both sides of the gear 136 without affecting each other, ensuring that the locking part 135 has a sufficiently large stroke so that the locking part 135 can move into or out of the locking groove 140.

[0138] To prevent the first rack 1351 and the second rack 1371 from disengaging from the gear 136 when the gear 136 rotates, the drive assembly also includes a limiting member, which is used to restrict the movement path of the locking part 135 and the drive part 137.

[0139] The limiting component includes a first limiting post 1362, which extends axially along the thickness direction of the base body 131. Both ends of the first limiting post 1362 are fixed within the receiving cavity 1310 of the base body 131. A first limiting hole is provided in the middle of the gear 136, allowing the gear 136 to be rotatably mounted on the first limiting post 1362 through the first limiting hole. Therefore, the gear 136 can rotate in place, driving the first rack 1351 to move along a predetermined path. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the gear 136 can be connected to the first limiting post 1362 via a key, with the first limiting post 1362 rotatably connected within the receiving cavity 1310 of the base body 131, also enabling the gear 136 to rotate in place.

[0140] The limiting component also includes a second limiting post 1352, which is fixed to the side wall of the receiving cavity 1310 of the base body 131. A second limiting hole 1350 is provided in the middle of the locking part 135. The locking part 135 is movably sleeved on the second limiting post 1352 through the second limiting hole 1350. Therefore, the shape and size of the second limiting hole 1350 can limit the direction and stroke of the moving path of the locking part 135, so that the locking part 135 moves along the set locking path and prevents the locking part 135 from disengaging from the gear 136. Preferably, the second limiting hole 1350 is an oblong hole, and the length direction of the second limiting hole 1350 is parallel to the moving direction of the locking part 135. The outer peripheral surface of the second limiting post 1352 is in contact with the hole wall of the second limiting hole 1350. Therefore, through the cooperation between the second limiting post 1352 and the second limiting hole 1350, the movement of the locking part 135 can also be guided to a certain extent, ensuring that the locking part 135 maintains a relatively stable movement. To reduce the friction between the second limiting post 1352 and the second limiting hole 1350, a sliding surface with a low coefficient of friction can also be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second limiting post 1352 and / or the hole wall of the second limiting hole 1350.

[0141] The limiting component also includes a third limiting post 1372, which is fixed to the side wall of the receiving cavity 1310 of the base body 131. A third limiting hole 1370 is provided in the middle of the driving part 137. The driving part 137 is movably sleeved on the third limiting post 1372 through the third limiting hole 1370. Therefore, the shape and size of the third limiting hole 1370 can limit the direction and stroke of the moving path of the driving part 137, so that the driving part 137 moves along the set driving path and prevents the driving part 137 from disengaging from the gear 136. Preferably, the third limiting hole 1370 is an oblong hole, and the length direction of the third limiting hole 1370 is parallel to the moving direction of the driving part 137. The outer peripheral surface of the third limiting post 1372 is in contact with the hole wall of the third limiting hole 1370. Therefore, through the cooperation between the third limiting post 1372 and the third limiting hole 1370, the movement of the driving part 137 can also play a certain guiding role, ensuring that the driving part 137 maintains a relatively stable movement. To reduce the friction between the third limiting post 1372 and the third limiting hole 1370, a sliding surface with a low coefficient of friction can also be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the third limiting post 1372 and / or the hole wall of the third limiting hole 1370.

[0142] In other embodiments, the limiting member can also be a limiting plate or a limiting block, as long as it can be used to limit the movement path of the locking part 135 and the driving part 137, so as to ensure that the locking part 135 and the driving part 137 will not disengage from the gear 136 when moving, and is not limited to the structure of the limiting post in this embodiment.

[0143] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a gear 136 is provided between the driving part 137 and the locking part 135. When the driving part 137 moves, the first rack 1351 is driven to move through the cooperation of the second rack 1371, the gear 136 and the first rack 1351, thereby moving the locking part 135 into or out of the locking groove 140. In other embodiments, the driving part 137 and the locking part 135 can also mesh with multi-stage gears, and the driving part 137 can also be driven to move the locking part 135 into or out of the locking groove 140 through multi-stage gear transmission. This is not limited to this embodiment.

[0144] To facilitate driving the drive unit 137 from outside the base body 131, so that the drive unit 137 can perform linear reciprocating motion, the drive unit 137 also includes an extension 139 (see reference). Figures 5 to 7 The extension 139 can extend downward beyond the base body 131. (See Figure 6 and...) Figure 9 Corresponding to the extension 139, the base body 131 has a third opening 145. The extension 139 extends partially out of the base body 131 through the third opening 145. It should be understood that as long as the drive unit 137 is at its maximum upward stroke and a portion of the extension 139 remains outside the base body 131, the extension 139 can be driven by a power-swapping device outside the base body 131 to move both the extension 139 and the drive unit 137. Alternatively, the drive unit 137 can be made long enough to ensure that a portion of its end remains outside the base body 131 during linear reciprocating motion, allowing it to be driven by a power-swapping device outside the base body 131.

[0145] To ensure that the locking part 135 and the driving part 137 move along a fixed path within the receiving cavity 1310 of the base body 131, the side of the locking part 135 relative to the first rack 1351 can fit against the side wall of the receiving cavity 1310, and the side of the driving part 137 relative to the second rack 1371 can fit against the side wall of the receiving cavity 1310. Therefore, the side wall of the receiving cavity 1310 can guide the locking part 135 and the driving part 137. The locking part 135 and the driving part 137 move along a set path within the receiving cavity 1310 through the side wall of the receiving cavity 1310 and the action of the gear 136. To reduce friction between the locking part 135 and the driving part 137 and the side wall of the receiving cavity 1310, a sliding surface with a small coefficient of friction may be provided on the side wall of the locking part 135 and / or the receiving cavity 1310, and a sliding surface with a small coefficient of friction may also be provided on the side wall of the driving part 137 and / or the receiving cavity 1310.

[0146] Referring to Figure 6, the drive assembly further includes a reset unit 138 for resetting the drive unit 137, and the reset unit 138 is connected to the drive unit 137. When the locking unit 135 is in the unlocked state ( Figure 3B and Figure 6B (The image shows the unlocked state of the locking part 135). The reset part 138 applies a force to the drive part 137, and the drive gear 136 rotates, causing the locking part 135 to move, so that the locking part 135 returns to the locked state. Figure 3A and Figure 6A (The locked state of the locking part is shown). When the external battery swapping device controls the drive unit 137 to move upward, it causes the locking part 135 to move downward and out of the lock groove 140, thereby unlocking the battery pack. After the old battery pack 101 is removed and the new battery pack 101 is installed, the locking member 111 of the new battery pack 101 enters the second lock groove 142. When the external battery swapping device releases control of the drive unit 137, the reset unit 138 applies force to the drive unit 137, causing the drive unit 137 to move downward and reset, causing the locking part 135 to re-enter the lock groove 140. The locking part 135 prevents the locking member 111 of the battery pack 101 from leaving the second lock groove 142, keeping the battery pack 101 locked on the electric vehicle and preventing the battery pack 101 from accidentally slipping out.

[0147] Specifically, the reset part 138 includes a first elastic element, one end of which is fixed to the drive part 137, and the other end is fixed to the top wall of the receiving cavity 1310 of the base body 131. The extension and retraction direction of the first elastic element is consistent with the movement direction of the drive part 137. Of course, the extension and retraction direction of the elastic element and the movement direction of the drive part 137 can also have a certain angle, which does not affect the elastic element 138 applying an elastic force to the drive part 137 to reset the drive part 137. In this embodiment, the first elastic element is preferably a compression spring, which can be a cylindrical spring or a conical spring, etc. When the external power exchange device causes the drive part 137 to move upward, the compression spring can be compressed and have an elastic restoring force. Therefore, when the drive of the drive part 137 is released, the drive part 137 can move downward to reset under the action of the elastic restoring force of the compression spring. In other optional embodiments, the first elastic element can also be a tension spring or other elastic components.

[0148] Since the locking base 130 of this embodiment is installed at the bottom of the electric vehicle 100, the locking base 130 preferably has the reset part 138 above the drive part 137 so that the external battery swapping equipment can operate the drive part 137 from below.

[0149] Refer to Figure 3 to Figure 5The locking device 104 also includes a linkage rod 120, which is movably connected to the locking base 130 via a drive assembly. The linkage rod 120 can connect the drive assemblies of multiple locking bases 130. Under the action of an external battery swapping device, the linkage rod 120 can drive the drive assemblies of multiple locking bases 130 to move synchronously, thereby causing the multiple locking parts 135 of the locking device 104 to move synchronously, improving the locking and unlocking efficiency of the battery pack 101.

[0150] Specifically, the linkage 120 includes a rod body 121 and a connecting part 122, which is connected to both the rod body 121 and the drive assembly. The rod body 121 is a rod-shaped structure, with locking bases 130 arranged sequentially along the length of the rod body 121. To reduce the weight of the rod body 121, several weight-reducing holes 123 are provided on the rod body 121. The connecting part 122 is movably connected to the rod body 121 via a first rotating shaft 125, and the connecting part 122 is movably connected to the drive assembly 137 via a second rotating shaft 124.

[0151] When the external power swapping equipment pushes the pole body 121 upward, the pole body 121 drives each drive part 137 to move upward through each connecting part 122, thereby unlocking the locking part 135.

[0152] The rod body 121 and the drive unit 137 are movably connected through the connecting part 122, which avoids a direct rigid connection between the rod body 121 and the drive unit 137, making the process of the rod body 121 driving the drive unit 137 to move more smoothly and less prone to jamming, thus improving the stability of unlocking or locking.

[0153] The following is a brief description of how the locking base works in this embodiment.

[0154] When the electric vehicle 100 needs to replace the battery pack 101, firstly, the depleted battery pack needs to be removed from the electric vehicle 100. The external battery swapping device is then moved to the corresponding position on the bottom of the electric vehicle 100, and the battery tray of the external battery swapping device rises until the unlocking device on the external battery swapping device, such as the unlocking lever, presses against the lever body 121 of the linkage lever 120, thus lifting the lever body 121. The lever body 121 then drives the connecting part 122 to move upwards. (See [reference]). Figure 6A and 6BThe connecting part 122 drives the driving part 137 to move upward against the elastic force of the reset part 138. Through the cooperation of the driving part 137 and the gear 136, the locking part 135 moves downward, causing the second lock groove 142 to open. Then, the battery tray drives the battery pack 101 to move in the width direction of the electric vehicle 100, thereby causing the locking member 111 to leave the second lock groove 142. After that, the external battery swapping equipment continues to lift the battery pack 101 upward, causing the locking member 111 to leave the first lock groove 141 from the second opening 1410. At this time, the battery pack 101 is unlocked. Then, the battery tray drives the battery pack 101 to continue to move in the width direction of the horizontal electric vehicle 100 until the locking member 111 is misaligned with the locking base 130 in the width direction of the electric vehicle 100. Then, the external battery swapping equipment carries the removed battery pack 101 back to the battery compartment of the battery swapping station for charging.

[0155] When installing a fully charged battery pack 101 onto an electric vehicle, the external battery swapping device transports the fully charged battery pack 101 to the corresponding position at the bottom of the electric vehicle 100 and lifts the battery pack 101 upwards. At this time, the position of the battery pack 101 should be such that the locking member 111 on the battery pack 101 is misaligned with the locking base 130 in the width direction of the electric vehicle 100, thereby moving the locking member 111 above the locking base 130. During the lifting of the battery pack 101, the unlocking device on the external battery swapping device, such as the unlocking rod, presses against the rod body 121 of the linkage rod 120 and lifts the rod body 121. The rod body 121 drives the connecting part 122 to move upwards. See [link to documentation]. Figure 6A and 6B The connecting part 122 drives the driving part 137 to move upward against the elastic force of the reset part 138. Through the cooperation of the driving part 137 and the gear 136, the locking part 135 is driven to move downward, causing the second locking groove 142 to open. Then, the battery pack is moved in the width direction of the electric vehicle 100 until the locking member 111 is aligned with the second opening 1410. Then, the battery pack 101 is lowered, so that the locking member 111 enters 141. At this time, the second locking groove 142 has been opened, and the locking member 111 and the second locking groove 142 are aligned. When the slot 142 is aligned, the descent of the battery pack 101 stops, and the battery pack 101 is moved in the width direction of the electric vehicle 100 so that the locking member 111 enters the second locking slot 142. Then, the external battery swapping equipment descends, and at the same time, the unlocking rod also descends, no longer pressing against the rod body 121 of the linkage rod 120. The drive unit 137 moves downward under the elastic force of the reset unit 138, driving the locking part 135 to move upward, thereby the locking part 135 closes the second locking slot 142, completing the locking of the battery pack 101.

[0156] In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "link," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "link" can be 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 the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0157] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the application.

[0158] In this specification, the term "an embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the claims. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0159] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of the application. For those skilled in the art, the application embodiments can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the application embodiments should be included within the protection scope of the application embodiments.

Claims

1. A locking base, characterized in that, The locking base is used on electric vehicles. The locking base includes a base body, a locking part, and a drive assembly. The base body has a locking groove for a locking element on the battery pack to enter. The drive assembly is engaged with the locking part and drives the locking part to move, causing the locking part to move into or out of the locking groove, thereby unlocking or locking the battery pack on the electric vehicle. The drive assembly includes a gear, and the locking part has a first rack on one side facing the drive assembly. The first rack is engaged with the gear. The drive assembly also includes a drive part on one side facing the gear. A second rack is provided, which meshes with the gear. The driving unit drives the gear to rotate, thereby moving the locking part. The driving assembly also includes a limiting member, which cooperates with at least one of the gear, the locking part, and the driving unit to restrict the movement path of the locking part and / or the driving unit. The driving assembly also includes a reset unit connected to the driving unit. When the locking part is in the unlocked state, the reset unit applies a force to the driving unit, driving the gear to rotate and moving the locking part, so that the locking part returns to the locked state.

2. The locking base as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The locking part and the driving part are disposed on opposite sides of the gear, and the moving directions of the locking part and the driving part are opposite.

3. The locking base as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting component includes a first limiting post, and the gear has a first limiting hole in the middle, through which the gear is rotatably sleeved on the first limiting post.

4. The locking base as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting member further includes a second limiting post, and a second limiting hole is provided in the middle of the locking part. The locking part is movably sleeved on the second limiting post through the second limiting hole. And / or, the limiting member further includes a third limiting post, and the driving part has a third limiting hole in the middle, and the driving part is movably sleeved on the third limiting post through the third limiting hole.

5. The locking base as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second limiting hole is an oblong hole, and the length direction of the second limiting hole is parallel to the moving direction of the locking part; And / or, the third limiting hole is an oblong hole, and the length direction of the third limiting hole is parallel to the moving direction of the driving part.

6. The locking base as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reset part includes a first elastic element. When the locking part is in the unlocked state, the driving part causes the first elastic element to be in an elastic deformation state.

7. The locking base as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base body has an internal cavity, and the drive assembly and the locking part are both located at least partially within the cavity.

8. The locking base as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The receiving cavity has a first opening, and the receiving cavity is connected to the locking groove through the first opening. The locking part moves into or out of the locking groove through the first opening.

9. The locking base as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The locking groove includes a first locking groove arranged in a vertical direction and a second locking groove arranged in a horizontal direction; one end of the first locking groove is a second opening for the locking member of the battery pack to enter, and the other end is connected to the second locking groove; The first opening is located in the first lock groove; or, the first opening is located in the second lock groove; or, the first opening is located at the connection between the first lock groove and the second lock groove.

10. The locking base as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The second opening is provided with a guide surface, which is inclined outward in a direction away from the lock groove.

11. The locking base as described in claim 9, characterized in that, A buffer section is provided at the end of the second locking groove that is away from the first locking groove.

12. The locking base as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The buffer portion includes a second elastic element and a fixing element. A fixing hole is provided on the base body, and the fixing element passes through the fixing hole to fix the second elastic element to the base body.

13. The locking base as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The receiving cavity has a third opening, and when the locking part is in the locked state, the end of the driving part extends at least partially through the third opening to the outside of the base body.

14. The locking base as described in claim 7, characterized in that, At least one side of the locking part and / or the driving part cooperates with the side wall of the receiving cavity to restrict the movement path of the locking part and / or the driving part.

15. A locking device, characterized in that, The locking device is provided on an electric vehicle. The locking device includes a plurality of lock bases, which are arranged to correspond to the positions of a plurality of locking elements on the battery pack. The plurality of lock bases include lock grooves with the same path, wherein at least one of the lock bases is a locking base as described in any one of claims 1-14.

16. The locking device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The locking device comprises multiple locking bases as described in any one of claims 1-14. When the locking portion is in the locked state, the end of the drive assembly extends at least partially beyond the base body. The locking device further comprises a linkage rod, which is connected to the ends of the drive assemblies of the multiple locking bases that extend beyond the base body. The linkage rod is used to drive the drive assemblies of the multiple locking bases to move under the action of an external power swapping device.

17. The locking device as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, The linkage includes a rod body and a connecting part, and the connecting part is connected to the rod body and the drive assembly respectively. The connecting part is movably connected to the rod body via a first rotating shaft; and / or the connecting part is movably connected to the drive assembly via a second rotating shaft.

18. An electric vehicle, characterized in that, The electric vehicle includes the locking device as described in any one of claims 15 to 17.

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