An automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors and a battery rack

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic docking device, or battery rack, for battery pack connectors. The docking device includes a flipping mechanism and a lifting frame. The battery pack is placed on the lifting frame, and the connector assembly is connected to the lifting frame via the flipping mechanism. When the battery pack is installed on the lifting frame, it presses down on the lifting frame, driving the flipping mechanism to flip the connector assembly from a horizontal to a vertical position. When the connector assembly is not engaged with the battery pack, it is horizontal, thus reducing its overall height and facilitating the battery pack's passage over it. When the battery pack is installed on the lifting frame, its larger size allows it to press down on the lifting frame under its own weight, further reducing the frame's height. This reduction in the lifting frame's height also lowers the battery pack's height, thus solving the problem of the battery pack occupying a large vertical space during charging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of battery swapping, specifically relating to an automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors and a battery rack. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of environmental issues and new energy technologies, heavy-duty trucks are gradually changing from their original fuel-powered operation to using battery packs as their driving energy source. This has the advantages of zero emissions and low noise. However, the battery packs of heavy-duty trucks need to be recharged after the electricity is used up. The battery packs can be removed for individual replacement and charging. After the replaced battery pack is fully charged, it is then installed back on the heavy-duty truck. Therefore, battery swapping stations have been built to match heavy-duty trucks.

[0003] For battery swapping stations for heavy-duty trucks, the battery packs removed from heavy-duty trucks are relatively large, and the battery packs used as driving energy are also relatively large to meet the needs of heavy-duty trucks. Therefore, when setting up the battery swapping station, due to the large size of the battery packs, the battery packs need to be moved a long distance in the vertical direction when transferred to the electrical connector for charging, so that the battery packs and electrical connectors do not interfere with each other. Therefore, a large space needs to be left for the movement of the battery packs, which greatly affects the number of battery packs that can be stored. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art in the charging process of battery packs for heavy-duty trucks and other battery swapping vehicles, which are too large and affect the number of battery packs that can be stored, thus failing to meet the storage requirements of battery packs. The present invention provides an automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors and a battery rack.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] An automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors includes a flipping mechanism and a lifting frame. The battery pack is placed on the lifting frame, and the electrical connector assembly is connected to the lifting frame via the flipping mechanism. When the battery pack is installed on the lifting frame, the battery pack presses down on the lifting frame, driving the flipping mechanism to flip the electrical connector assembly from a horizontal setting to a vertical setting.

[0007] In this solution, when the electrical connector assembly is not in contact with the battery pack, it is horizontally positioned, thus reducing the overall height of the electrical connector assembly and facilitating the battery pack to pass over it. When the battery pack is installed on the lifting frame, its large size allows it to press down on the lifting frame under its own weight, thereby reducing the height of the lifting frame without requiring additional power to move it. Since the battery pack is located on the lifting frame, the height of the battery pack also decreases as the height of the lifting frame decreases, thus solving the problem of the battery pack occupying a large amount of space in the vertical direction during charging.

[0008] Preferably, the lifting frame includes a first lifting frame, and when the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame to a first height, the electrical connector assembly is flipped from a horizontal setting state to a first position of a vertical setting state.

[0009] In this solution, the battery pack can be lowered to the first lifting frame to a first height, thereby reducing the height of the electrical connector assembly and the battery pack at the first lifting frame while the electrical connector assembly is switching states, optimizing the layout of the battery swapping station and allowing for the storage of more battery packs.

[0010] Preferably, the flipping mechanism includes a linkage assembly, one end of which is connected to the first lifting frame and the other end of which is connected to the electrical connector assembly. The first lifting frame drives the electrical connector assembly to flip from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state through the linkage assembly.

[0011] In this solution, the electrical connector assembly is rotated by a linkage assembly, which is simple in structure and more stable.

[0012] Preferably, the linkage assembly includes a first linkage and a second linkage;

[0013] One end of the first link is connected to the electrical connector assembly, and the other end is connected to the second link.

[0014] One end of the second link is connected to the first link, and the other end is connected to the first lifting frame. The second link is hinged to the first link.

[0015] In this design, the battery pack acts on the first lifting frame during placement, so the first link and the second link are hinged together. After the battery pack is placed on the first lifting frame, the first lifting frame moves down and pulls the first link through the second link, so that the first link can rotate at the tilt guide assembly. The flipping of the electrical connector assembly is completed by the weight of the battery pack itself, without the need for additional power.

[0016] Preferably, the lifting frame also includes a second lifting frame. The height of the first lifting frame is higher than that of the second lifting frame. When the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame and then presses down on the second lifting frame to a second height, the electrical connector assembly moves from a first position in a vertical setting state to an electrical connection position with the battery pack. The second height is lower than the first height.

[0017] In this solution, due to the large overall size of the battery pack, when the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame, the weight of the battery pack acts on the first lifting frame. When the first lifting frame is pressed down until the battery pack simultaneously presses down on the second lifting frame, the weight of the battery pack is also distributed to the second lifting frame. Thus, the battery pack is supported by the first and second lifting frames at the same time, making the battery pack more stable and facilitating the battery pack to cooperate with the electrical connector assembly to achieve charging.

[0018] Preferably, the flipping mechanism includes a tilting guide assembly connected to an electrical connector assembly, the electrical connector assembly having a first link that engages with the tilting guide assembly, and the tilting guide assembly forming a tilting guide groove for the first link to rotate.

[0019] In this solution, when the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame, the first connecting rod can rotate in the inclined guide groove. Since the first connecting rod is the structure of an electrical connector assembly, the rotation of the first connecting rod will cause the electrical connector assembly to rotate as a whole, thereby realizing the flipping of the electrical connector assembly from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state.

[0020] Preferably, the first link includes a guide post located within an inclined guide groove.

[0021] In this design, the guide post rotates more smoothly within the inclined guide groove, the battery pack is not obstructed during installation, and the electrical connector assembly flips more smoothly.

[0022] Preferably, the electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector plate and an electrical connector disposed on the electrical connector plate, and a first link is connected to the electrical connector plate;

[0023] When the electrical connector assembly is flipped from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state, the first link is located at the top of the inclined guide groove and rotates relative to the inclined guide groove; when the first position of the vertical setting state moves to the electrical connection position with the battery pack, the first link slides from the top of the inclined guide groove to the bottom of the inclined guide groove.

[0024] In this design, the electrical connector is used to cooperate with the battery pack to realize the charging function, while the electrical connector plate supports the electrical connector and can be flipped under the action of the first connecting rod to change the position of the electrical connector.

[0025] Preferably, the electrical connector assembly moves toward the battery pack as the first link slides from the top of the inclined guide groove to the bottom of the inclined guide groove.

[0026] In this solution, the battery pack's own gravity not only drives the electrical connector assembly to rotate, but also, after rotating to a vertical position, it continues to move the electrical connector assembly toward the battery pack, completing the automatic docking of the electrical connector and the battery pack, thus improving charging efficiency.

[0027] Preferably, the flipping mechanism further includes a horizontal guide component, and the electrical connector assembly further includes a limiting component. The limiting component has a limiting groove that cooperates with the horizontal guide component. When the electrical connector assembly is flipped from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state, the limiting groove engages with the horizontal guide component.

[0028] In this solution, the flipping component drives the electrical connector assembly to rotate from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state. When the electrical connector assembly is flipped to the vertical setting state, further rotation of the electrical connector assembly should be avoided. Therefore, by setting a limiting component and a limiting groove, the electrical connector assembly is in the vertical setting state. The limiting component and the limiting groove cooperate to limit the further rotation of the electrical connector assembly, so that the electrical connector assembly is kept in the vertical setting state and cooperates with the battery pack.

[0029] Preferably, the horizontal guide assembly is located on the second lifting frame.

[0030] In this design, the second lifting frame is located outside the first lifting frame. Therefore, a horizontal guide component is set at the second lifting frame, and a limiting groove that cooperates with the horizontal guide component is also formed on the outside of the electrical connector assembly to avoid the limiting groove and the flipping mechanism being too tight, which would affect the flipping of the electrical connector assembly.

[0031] Preferably, the electrical connector assembly can slide along the extension direction of the horizontal guide assembly via the limiting component.

[0032] In this solution, when the limiting component slides along the extension direction of the horizontal guide component, the limiting groove of the horizontal guide component and the limiting component can also be limited, ensuring that the limiting component will not deviate from the horizontal guide component, thereby improving the accuracy of automatic matching between the electrical connector assembly and the battery pack.

[0033] Preferably, the lifting frame is also provided with a vertical guide component, which can guide the lifting frame as it moves along its height direction.

[0034] In this solution, since the battery pack will press down on the lifting frame after being placed on it, causing the lifting frame to move in its height direction, by setting up a vertical guide component, it is ensured that the battery pack located on the lifting frame will not be displaced when the lifting frame moves up and down, thereby improving the accuracy of the fit between the battery pack and the electrical connector assembly.

[0035] Preferably, the vertical guide assembly includes a first vertical guide member connected to the first lifting frame and a second vertical guide member connected to the second lifting frame;

[0036] The first vertical guide includes a first slider connected to the first lifting frame, and the first vertical guide also includes a first guide rail for sliding the first slider, or the first vertical guide also includes a first slide groove for sliding the first slider.

[0037] The second vertical guide includes a second slider connected to the second lifting frame, and the second vertical guide also includes a second guide rail for sliding the second slider, or the second vertical guide also includes a second slide groove for sliding the second slider.

[0038] In this design, the vertical guide assembly can simultaneously guide the first lifting component and the second lifting frame, ensuring that the first and second lifting frames move more accurately up and down.

[0039] Preferably, the second lifting frame is a three-sided frame, and the position of the first lifting frame is set inside the frame of the second lifting frame.

[0040] In this design, the second lifting frame surrounds the first lifting frame. When the battery pack comes into contact with the second lifting frame from the first lifting frame, the second lifting frame can provide more stable support for the battery pack and prevent it from tipping over.

[0041] Preferably, the lifting frame further includes a support frame for supporting the first lifting frame and the second lifting frame, wherein the first lifting frame is connected to the support frame via a first elastic element, and the second lifting frame is connected to the support frame via a second elastic element.

[0042] In this solution, by setting a first elastic element and a second elastic element, the first elastic element and the second elastic element are compressed when the first lifting frame and the second lifting frame move downward. Therefore, after the battery pack is removed, the first elastic element and the second elastic element can automatically reset and drive the first lifting frame and the second lifting frame to move upward, so that the electrical connector assembly can automatically flip from the vertical setting state to the horizontal setting state.

[0043] Preferably, the two ends of the first elastic member connected to the first lifting frame and the support frame are provided with first limiting bushings to restrict the movement of the first elastic member in the horizontal direction.

[0044] In this design, the first limiting bushing can prevent the first elastic element from shifting during deformation, and the first lifting frame can be positioned more accurately when it moves back and forth in the vertical direction.

[0045] Preferably, the two ends of the second elastic member connected to the second lifting frame and the support frame are provided with second limiting bushings to restrict the movement of the second elastic member in the horizontal direction.

[0046] In this design, the second limiting bushing prevents the second elastic element from shifting during deformation, and the second lifting frame moves more accurately in the vertical direction.

[0047] The present invention also provides a battery rack including the above-mentioned docking device. The battery rack includes a frame for placing a battery pack, and an electrical connector is disposed on the frame.

[0048] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows: When the electrical connector assembly is not engaged with the battery pack, it is horizontally positioned, thus reducing the overall height of the connector assembly and facilitating the battery pack's passage over it. When the battery pack is installed on the lifting frame, its larger size allows it to press down on the lifting frame under its own weight, further reducing the frame's height without requiring additional power. Since the battery pack is located on the lifting frame, its height decreases accordingly, thus solving the problem of the battery pack occupying a large vertical space during charging. This invention solves the height problem of battery pack storage and, by employing a non-powered automatic docking device, increases the number of battery packs that can be stored and achieves automatic docking of the battery pack's electrical connectors, improving charging efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the horizontally positioned state of the electrical connector in this invention;

[0050] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the vertically positioned electrical connector in this invention;

[0051] Figure 3 Another perspective schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the vertically positioned electrical connector in this invention;

[0052] Figure 4 A top view schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the vertically arranged state of the electrical connector in this invention;

[0053] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention in which the electrical connector is in the electrical connection position;

[0054] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the tilting guide component in this invention.

[0055] Figure label:

[0056] Battery holder 100

[0057] Electrical connector board 201

[0058] Electrical connector 202

[0059] Limiting component 203

[0060] Limiting groove 2031

[0061] First lifting frame 21

[0062] Second lifting frame 22

[0063] Tilt guide assembly 231

[0064] Inclined guide groove 2311

[0065] First link 232

[0066] Second link 233

[0067] Horizontal guide assembly 234

[0068] First slider 241

[0069] First chute 242

[0070] Second slider 251

[0071] Second chute 252

[0072] First elastic element 26

[0073] First limiting bushing 261

[0074] Second elastic element 27

[0075] Second limiting bushing 271 Detailed Implementation

[0076] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0077] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention provides an automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connector 202, including a flipping mechanism and a lifting frame. The battery pack is placed on the lifting frame, especially for battery packs required for heavy trucks. The electrical connector assembly is connected to the lifting frame through the flipping mechanism. When the battery pack is installed on the lifting frame, the battery pack presses down on the lifting frame, driving the flipping mechanism to flip the electrical connector assembly from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state.

[0078] For battery packs required by heavy-duty trucks, when transporting the battery packs to the battery swapping station for charging, due to their relatively large size, the electrical connector assembly is horizontally positioned when not in contact with the battery pack. This reduces the overall height of the electrical connector assembly, making it easier for the battery pack to pass over it. When the battery pack is installed on the lifting frame, its large size allows it to press down on the lifting frame under its own weight, thus reducing the height of the lifting frame without requiring additional power to move it. Since the battery pack is located on the lifting frame, the height of the battery pack also decreases as the height of the lifting frame decreases, thereby solving the problem of the battery pack occupying a large space in the vertical direction during charging.

[0079] Meanwhile, when the battery pack is pressed down on the lifting frame, the lifting frame and the electrical connector assembly are connected through a flipping mechanism. When the lifting frame is pressed down by the battery pack, the lifting frame will move, thereby causing the electrical connector assembly to flip from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state. The electrical connector assembly in the vertical setting state can charge the battery pack.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, when the battery pack is not placed on the lifting frame, the electrical connector 202 is in an unconnected state. At this time, the electrical connector 202 is in a horizontal setting state, that is, the electrical connector 202 does not occupy a high space in the vertical direction. When the battery pack crosses the electrical connector assembly and moves to the lifting frame with the electrical connector 202 in a horizontal setting state, the battery pack moves downward under its own weight, thereby pressing down on the lifting frame. At this time, the electrical connector 202 flips from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state and cooperates with the battery pack.

[0081] In this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the lifting frame includes a first lifting frame 21. When the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame 21 to a first height, the electrical connector assembly flips from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state at a first position. The battery pack can press down on the first lifting frame 21 to the first height, thereby reducing the height of the electrical connector assembly and the battery pack at the first lifting frame 21 while the state of the electrical connector assembly changes, optimizing the layout of the battery swapping station and allowing for the storage of more battery packs.

[0082] In this embodiment, the lifting frame also includes a second lifting frame 22. The height of the first lifting frame 21 is higher than that of the second lifting frame 22. When the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame 21 and then on the second lifting frame 22 to a second height, the electrical connector assembly moves from a first position in a vertical setting to a position for electrical connection with the battery pack. The second height is lower than the first height. Since the overall size of the battery pack is relatively large, when the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame 21, the weight of the battery pack acts on the first lifting frame 21. When the first lifting frame 21 is pressed down until the battery pack simultaneously presses down on the second lifting frame 22, the weight of the battery pack is also distributed to the second lifting frame 22. Thus, the battery pack is supported by both the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22, making the battery pack more stable and facilitating the connection between the battery pack and the electrical connector assembly for charging.

[0083] Specifically, the first lifting frame 21 is relatively high, so when the battery pack is placed, it will first contact the first lifting frame 21 and press down on the first lifting frame 21 under its own weight. When the first lifting frame 21 descends to be level with the second lifting frame 22, the battery pack will simultaneously press down on the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22 to lower to the second height. At this time, the first lifting frame 21 will also descend to the second height. The first height is the height of the first lifting frame 21 when the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame 21 and the electrical connector assembly flips from the horizontal setting state to the vertical setting state.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first height is the height of the first lifting frame 21 when the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame 21 and the first lifting frame 21 is still above the second lifting frame 22; or, the first height is the height of the first lifting frame 21 when the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame 21 and the battery pack simultaneously presses down on the second lifting frame 22; or, the first height is the height of the first lifting frame 21 when the battery pack simultaneously presses down on the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22, and at the first height, the battery pack will continue to press down on the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22 to the second height.

[0085] In this embodiment, as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the second lifting frame 22 is a three-sided frame, and the first lifting frame 21 is positioned within the frame of the second lifting frame 22. The second lifting frame 22 surrounds the first lifting frame 21. When the battery pack comes into contact with the second lifting frame 22 from the first lifting frame 21, the second lifting frame 22 can provide more stable support for the battery pack and prevent the battery pack from tipping over.

[0086] Specifically, since the electrical connector assembly flips from a horizontal to a vertical position when the battery pack is placed, the battery pack has a first side corresponding to the electrical connector assembly, a second side opposite to the first side, and a third and fourth side adjacent to the first side. Since the second lifting frame 22 is a three-sided frame, the second, third, and fourth sides of the battery pack will all correspond to the second lifting frame 22, so that the second lifting frame 22 can support the battery pack to the greatest extent.

[0087] In this embodiment, the three frames of the second lifting frame 22 correspond to the second side, the third side, and the fourth side of the battery pack, respectively.

[0088] In another embodiment, the second lifting frame 22 has a single-frame structure, and the second lifting frame 22 corresponds to any one of the second, third, and fourth sides of the battery pack.

[0089] In another embodiment, the second lifting frame 22 has a double-frame structure, and the two frames of the second lifting frame 22 can be separately set to correspond to the third side and the fourth side of the battery pack respectively; or, the second lifting frame 22 has an L-shaped structure to correspond to the second side and the third side of the battery pack respectively, or to correspond to the second side and the fourth side of the battery pack respectively.

[0090] In this embodiment, the flipping mechanism includes a linkage assembly. One end of the linkage assembly is connected to a first lifting frame, and the other end is connected to an electrical connector assembly. The first lifting frame drives the electrical connector assembly to flip from a horizontal position to a vertical position via the linkage assembly. Using the linkage assembly to drive the flipping of the electrical connector assembly results in a simpler and more stable structure.

[0091] In this embodiment, the linkage assembly includes a first linkage and a second linkage;

[0092] One end of the first link is connected to the electrical connector assembly, and the other end is connected to the second link.

[0093] One end of the second link is connected to the first link, and the other end is connected to the first lifting frame. The second link is hinged to the first link.

[0094] When the battery pack is placed, it acts on the first lifting frame. Therefore, the first link and the second link are hinged together. After the battery pack is placed on the first lifting frame, the first lifting frame moves down and pulls the first link through the second link, so that the first link can rotate at the tilt guide assembly. The flipping of the electrical connector assembly is completed by the weight of the battery pack itself, without the need for additional power.

[0095] In this embodiment, as Figures 3 to 6As shown, the flipping mechanism includes an inclined guide assembly 231 connected to the electrical connector assembly. The electrical connector assembly has a first connecting rod 232 that cooperates with the inclined guide assembly 231. The inclined guide assembly 231 forms an inclined guide groove 2311 for the first connecting rod 232 to rotate. When the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame 21, the first connecting rod 232 can rotate within the inclined guide groove 2311. Since the first connecting rod 232 is part of the electrical connector assembly, its rotation causes the entire electrical connector assembly to rotate, thereby flipping the electrical connector assembly from a horizontal to a vertical position.

[0096] In another embodiment, the electrical connector assembly has a hinged end and a free end opposite to the hinged end. A flipping mechanism is connected to the first lifting frame 21 and the free end. When the first lifting frame 21 moves downward under the action of the battery pack, the first lifting frame 21 will drive the free end to rotate around the hinged end through the flipping mechanism, so as to flip the electrical connector assembly from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state.

[0097] In this embodiment, the flipping mechanism further includes a second link 233 connecting the first lifting frame 21 and the first link 232, with the second link 233 hinged to the first link 232. When the battery pack is placed, it acts on the first lifting frame 21; therefore, the first link 232 and the second link 233 are hinged. After the battery pack is placed on the first lifting frame 21, the first lifting frame 21 moves downward, and the second link 233 pulls the first link 232, allowing the first link 232 to rotate at the tilting guide assembly 231. The flipping of the electrical connector assembly is completed by the weight of the battery pack itself, without the need for additional power.

[0098] In other embodiments, the composition of the flipping mechanism may be preferably selected such that when the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame 21, the flipping mechanism is driven to flip the electrical connector assembly from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state.

[0099] In this embodiment, the first link 232 includes a guide post located within the inclined guide groove 2311. The first link 232 rotates within the inclined guide groove 2311 via the guide post. The guide post has a cylindrical structure with a circular cross-section, thus allowing for smoother rotation within the inclined guide groove 2311. This prevents obstruction during battery pack placement and facilitates smoother flipping of the electrical connector assembly.

[0100] In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the guide post can be preferably selected to ensure that the guide post can rotate within the inclined guide groove 2311.

[0101] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 5As shown, the electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector plate 201 and an electrical connector 202 disposed on the electrical connector plate 201. A first connecting rod 232 is connected to the electrical connector plate 201. The electrical connector 202 is used to cooperate with the battery pack to realize the charging function, while the electrical connector plate 201 supports the electrical connector 202 and can be rotated under the drive of the first connecting rod 232 to realize the change of position of the electrical connector 202.

[0102] Specifically, when the electrical connector assembly is flipped from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state, the first link 232 is located at the top of the inclined guide groove 2311 and rotates relative to the inclined guide groove 2311; when the first position of the vertical setting state moves to the position of electrical connection with the battery pack, the first link 232 slides from the top of the inclined guide groove 2311 to the bottom of the inclined guide groove 2311.

[0103] In this embodiment, when the first connecting rod 232 slides from the top to the bottom of the inclined guide groove 2311, the electrical connector assembly moves toward the battery pack. The battery pack's own gravity not only causes the electrical connector assembly to flip, but also, after flipping to a vertical position, it continues to move toward the battery pack, completing the automatic docking of the electrical connector 202 with the battery pack and improving charging efficiency.

[0104] When the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22, since the first connecting rod 232 is located in the inclined guide groove 2311, it will also move downward during the gradual pressing process. However, since the inclined guide groove 2311 is inclined, the first connecting rod 232 is restricted within the inclined guide groove 2311, so that the first connecting rod 232 can only move along the extension direction of the inclined guide groove 2311, that is, it moves at an angle. Therefore, the first connecting rod 232 will not only move downward, but also move towards the battery pack. At the same time, the first connecting rod 232 is connected to the electrical connector plate 201. Therefore, when the first connecting rod 232 moves towards the battery pack, it will also drive the electrical connector plate 201 to move towards the battery pack, so that the electrical connector 202 reaches the electrical connection position.

[0105] In this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 5As shown, the flipping mechanism also includes a horizontal guide component 234, and the electrical connector assembly also includes a limiting component 203. The limiting component 203 has a limiting groove 2031 that cooperates with the horizontal guide component 234. When the electrical connector assembly flips from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state, the limiting groove 2031 engages with the horizontal guide component 234. The flipping component drives the electrical connector assembly to rotate from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state. When the electrical connector assembly is flipped to a vertical setting state, further rotation of the electrical connector assembly should be avoided. Therefore, by setting the limiting component 203 and the limiting groove 2031, the electrical connector assembly is in a vertical setting state. The limiting component 203 and the limiting groove 2031 cooperate to limit the further rotation of the electrical connector assembly, keeping the electrical connector assembly in a vertical setting state for cooperation with the battery pack.

[0106] In this embodiment, the horizontal guide component 234 is disposed on the second lifting frame 22. The second lifting frame 22 is located outside the first lifting frame 21. Therefore, the horizontal guide component 234 is disposed on the second lifting frame 22. The limiting groove 2031 that cooperates with the horizontal guide component 234 is also formed on the outside of the electrical connector assembly to avoid the limiting groove 2031 and the flipping mechanism being too tight, which would affect the flipping of the electrical connector assembly.

[0107] In this embodiment, the horizontal guide component 234 has an arc-shaped cross section along the vertical direction, and the limiting groove 2031 is located in the arc-shaped groove that mates with the horizontal guide component 234. The inner diameter of the circumference of the limiting groove 2031 is equal to the outer diameter of the circumference of the horizontal guide component 234.

[0108] In other embodiments, the structure of the horizontal guide component 234 and the limiting groove 2031 can be preferably selected to ensure that the limiting groove 2031 can cooperate with the horizontal guide component 234 when the electrical connector assembly is in a vertical setting state, so as to prevent the electrical connector assembly from continuing to rotate.

[0109] In this embodiment, the electrical connector assembly can slide along the extension direction of the horizontal guide assembly 234 via the limiting component 203. When the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22, the electrical connector assembly can move from a first position in a vertical setting state to a position for electrical connection with the battery pack, i.e., the electrical connector assembly moves toward the battery pack. When the electrical connector assembly is in a vertical setting state, the limiting groove 2031 of the electrical connector assembly engages with the horizontal guide assembly 234 at the second lifting frame 22. Therefore, when the electrical connector assembly moves, the limiting component 203 moves synchronously along the extension direction of the horizontal guide assembly 234 via the limiting groove 2031, i.e., toward the battery pack.

[0110] When the limiting component 203 slides along the extension direction of the horizontal guide component 234, the limiting groove 2031 of the limiting component 203 can also be limited, ensuring that the limiting component 203 will not deviate from the horizontal guide component 234, thereby improving the accuracy of automatic matching between the electrical connector assembly and the battery pack.

[0111] Specifically, when the battery pack is at the first height, the electrical connector assembly flips to a vertical position. At this time, the limiting groove 2031 engages with the horizontal guide assembly 234. When the battery pack continues to move downward to the second height, the electrical connector assembly moves toward the battery pack, and the first connecting rod 232 slides along the inclined guide groove 2311. Since the position of the inclined guide assembly 231 is fixed, when the electrical connector assembly moves downward toward the battery pack, the second lifting frame 22 also moves downward under the pressure of the battery pack, ensuring that the limiting assembly 203 and the horizontal guide assembly 234 remain relatively stationary in the height direction, avoiding jamming, so that the limiting assembly 203 slides more smoothly along the horizontal guide assembly 234.

[0112] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a vertical guide assembly is also provided at the lifting frame, which guides the lifting frame as it moves along its height. Since the battery pack presses down on the lifting frame after being placed on it, causing the lifting frame to move in its height direction, the vertical guide assembly ensures that the battery pack located at the lifting frame will not shift during its vertical movement, thus improving the accuracy of the mating between the battery pack and the electrical connector assembly.

[0113] In this embodiment, the vertical guide assembly includes a first vertical guide member connected to the first lifting frame 21 and a second vertical guide member connected to the second lifting frame 22. The vertical guide assembly can simultaneously guide the first lifting member and the second lifting frame 22, ensuring that the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22 move more accurately when moving up and down.

[0114] In this embodiment, the first vertical guide includes a first slider 241 connected to the first lifting frame 21. The first vertical guide also includes a first guide rail for sliding the first slider 241. A groove is formed in the first slider 241 to cooperate with the first guide rail. The first guide rail is limited by the side wall of the groove, thereby stabilizing the up and down movement of the first lifting frame 21.

[0115] In another embodiment, the first vertical guide further includes a first groove 242 for sliding the first slider 241. The sidewall of the first groove 242 limits the movement of the first slider 241, thereby stabilizing the vertical movement of the first lifting frame 21.

[0116] Specifically, the first slider 241 is connected to the first lifting frame 21. The first slider 241 is located on the upper side of the first slide groove 242, and the first slider 241 has a protrusion that extends into the first slide groove 242. The first slider 241 and the first slide groove 242 are matched and limited by sliding up and down through the protrusion.

[0117] In this embodiment, the second vertical guide includes a second slider 251 connected to the second lifting frame 22, and also includes a second guide rail for sliding the second slider 251. A groove is formed in the second slider 251 to mate with the second guide rail. The sidewall of the groove limits the movement of the second guide rail, thereby stabilizing the vertical movement of the second lifting frame 22.

[0118] In another embodiment, the second vertical guide further includes a second slide groove 252 for the second slider 251 to slide. The sidewall of the second slide groove 252 limits the movement of the second slider 251, thereby stabilizing the vertical movement of the second lifting frame 22.

[0119] Specifically, the second slider 251 is connected to the second lifting frame 22, and the second slide groove 252 is formed by sliding members disposed on both sides of the second lifting frame 22. The second slider 251 is engaged with the second slide groove 252.

[0120] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the lifting frame also includes a support frame supporting the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22. The first lifting frame 21 is connected to the support frame via a first elastic element 26, and the second lifting frame 22 is connected to the support frame via a second elastic element 27. When the battery pack is placed, the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22 move downwards to allow the electrical connector assembly to flip to a vertical position. After the battery is removed, the electrical connector assembly needs to flip back to a horizontal position to reduce its height. This requires the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22 to move upwards. By using the first elastic element 26 and the second elastic element 27, when the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22 move downwards, the first elastic element 26 and the second elastic element 27 are compressed. Therefore, after the battery pack is removed, the first elastic element 26 and the second elastic element 27 can automatically reset and drive the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22 to move upwards, thus automatically flipping the electrical connector assembly from a vertical position to a horizontal position.

[0121] Specifically, when the battery pack is placed at the first lifting frame 21, the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame 21. As the first lifting frame 21 moves downward, it compresses the first elastic element 26. When the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame 21 to the first height, the electrical connector assembly flips from the horizontal setting state to the first position of the vertical setting state. At this time, the battery pack continues to move downward and directly contacts the second lifting frame 22. The battery pack simultaneously presses down on the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22 to the second height, so that the electrical connector assembly moves from the first position of the vertical setting state to the position of electrical connection with the battery pack. As the second lifting frame 22 moves downward, it compresses the second elastic element 27.

[0122] After the battery pack is fully charged and removed, the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22 are no longer pressed down by the battery pack. Therefore, the first lifting frame 21 and the second lifting frame 22 both rise under the action of the first elastic member 26 and the second elastic member 27. When the electrical connector assembly moves from the electrical connection position to the first position, the first connecting rod 232 slides from the bottom of the inclined guide groove 2311 to the top of the inclined guide groove 2311. When the first lifting frame 21 continues to move upward, the first connecting rod 232 located at the top of the inclined guide groove 2311 rotates in the opposite direction relative to the inclined guide groove 2311, so that the electrical connector assembly flips from the vertical setting state to the horizontal setting state, reducing the height of the electrical connector assembly and facilitating the subsequent removal of the battery pack.

[0123] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the first elastic element 26 is provided with first limiting bushings 261 at both ends where it connects to the first lifting frame 21 and the support frame, which restrict the horizontal movement of the first elastic element 26. The first limiting bushings 261 prevent the first elastic element 26 from shifting during deformation, and make the position of the first lifting frame 21 more accurate when it reciprocates in the vertical direction.

[0124] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the two ends of the second elastic element 27 connected to the second lifting frame 22 and the support frame are provided with second limiting bushings 271 to restrict the horizontal movement of the second elastic element 27. The second limiting bushings 271 can prevent the second elastic element 27 from shifting when deformed, and the position of the second lifting frame 22 is more accurate when it reciprocates in the vertical direction.

[0125] In another embodiment, by increasing the inner diameter of the first elastic member 26 and the second elastic member 27, it is also possible to limit the displacement of the first elastic member 26 and the second elastic member 27 during deformation.

[0126] In other embodiments, a first limiting sleeve 261 may be provided at the first elastic member 26 and a second limiting sleeve 271 may be provided at the second elastic member 27; for example, the first limiting sleeve 261 may be provided only at the first elastic member 26, or the second limiting sleeve 271 may be provided only at the second elastic member 27.

[0127] The present invention also provides a battery rack 100, including the above-mentioned docking device. The battery rack includes a frame for placing a battery pack, and an electrical connector assembly is disposed on the frame and is capable of charging the battery pack.

[0128] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors, characterized in that, The device includes a flipping mechanism and a lifting frame. The battery pack is placed on the lifting frame, and the electrical connector assembly is connected to the lifting frame via the flipping mechanism. When the battery pack is installed on the lifting frame, the battery pack presses down on the lifting frame, causing the flipping mechanism to flip the electrical connector assembly from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

2. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting frame includes a first lifting frame. When the battery pack presses down the first lifting frame to a first height, the electrical connector assembly is flipped from a horizontal setting state to a first position of a vertical setting state.

3. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flipping mechanism includes a linkage assembly, one end of which is connected to the first lifting frame and the other end of which is connected to the electrical connector assembly. The first lifting frame drives the electrical connector assembly to flip from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state through the linkage assembly.

4. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 3, characterized in that, The linkage assembly includes a first linkage and a second linkage; One end of the first link is connected to the electrical connector assembly, and the other end is connected to the second link. One end of the second link is connected to the first link, and the other end is connected to the first lifting frame. The second link is hinged to the first link.

5. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting frame also includes a second lifting frame. The height of the first lifting frame is higher than that of the second lifting frame. When the battery pack presses down on the first lifting frame and then presses down on the second lifting frame to a second height, the electrical connector assembly moves from a first position in a vertical setting state to an electrical connection position with the battery pack. The second height is lower than the first height.

6. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flipping mechanism includes an inclined guide assembly connected to the electrical connector assembly. The electrical connector assembly is provided with a first link that cooperates with the inclined guide assembly. The inclined guide assembly forms an inclined guide groove for the first link to rotate.

7. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 6, wherein the first connecting rod includes a guide post located in the inclined guide groove.

8. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 6, characterized in that, The electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector plate and an electrical connector disposed on the electrical connector plate, wherein the first connecting rod is connected to the electrical connector plate; When the electrical connector assembly is flipped from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state, the first link is located at the top of the inclined guide groove and rotates relative to the inclined guide groove; when the first position of the vertical setting state moves to the electrical connection position with the battery pack, the first link slides from the top of the inclined guide groove to the bottom of the inclined guide groove.

9. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 8, characterized in that, As the first link slides from the top of the inclined guide groove to the bottom of the inclined guide groove, the electrical connector assembly moves toward the battery pack.

10. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flipping mechanism further includes a horizontal guide component, and the electrical connector assembly further includes a limiting component. The limiting component is provided with a limiting groove that cooperates with the horizontal guide component. When the electrical connector assembly is flipped from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state, the limiting groove is engaged with the horizontal guide component.

11. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 10, characterized in that, The horizontal guide assembly is disposed on the second lifting frame.

12. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 10, characterized in that, The electrical connector assembly is slidable along the extension direction of the horizontal guide assembly via the limiting assembly.

13. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lifting frame is also equipped with a vertical guide component, which can guide the lifting frame as it moves along its height direction.

14. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 13, characterized in that, The vertical guide assembly includes a first vertical guide member connected to the first lifting frame and a second vertical guide member connected to the second lifting frame; The first vertical guide includes a first slider connected to the first lifting frame, and the first vertical guide also includes a first guide rail for sliding the first slider, or the first vertical guide also includes a first slide groove for sliding the first slider. The second vertical guide includes a second slider connected to the second lifting frame, and the second vertical guide also includes a second guide rail for sliding the second slider, or the second vertical guide also includes a second slide groove for sliding the second slider.

15. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second lifting frame is a three-sided frame, and the position of the first lifting frame is set inside the frame of the second lifting frame.

16. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a support frame that supports the first lifting frame and the second lifting frame, wherein the first lifting frame is connected to the support frame via a first elastic element, and the second lifting frame is connected to the support frame via a second elastic element.

17. The automatic docking device for battery pack electrical connectors according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first elastic element is provided with first limiting bushings at both ends where it is connected to the first lifting frame and the support frame, which restrict the movement of the first elastic element in the horizontal direction. And / or, the two ends of the second elastic member connected to the second lifting frame and the support frame are provided with second limiting bushings to restrict the movement of the second elastic member in the horizontal direction.

18. A battery holder, characterized in that, The device includes the docking device as described in any one of claims 1-17, wherein the battery rack includes a frame for placing a battery pack, and the electrical connector is disposed on the frame.

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