power supply assembly

Abstract

The application discloses a power supply assembly. The power supply assembly comprises a battery box, a supporting member and a protection device. The protection device comprises a base plate, a cover plate and a driving assembly. The base plate covers the supporting member and has a connecting port. The cover plate is movably arranged relative to the base plate to close or open the connecting port. The driving assembly comprises a bracket, a sliding member and a flexible connecting member. The bracket is arranged on the base plate and has a sliding groove extending in a height direction. The sliding member is movably arranged in the sliding groove. The first end of the flexible connecting member is connected with the sliding member. The second end of the flexible connecting member is connected with the cover plate. In the connecting state, the sliding member is pressed at the bottom end of the sliding groove by the battery box. The flexible connecting member drives the cover plate to move and open the connecting port. In the disconnecting state, the sliding member is separated from the battery box, and the cover plate is reset. The automatic opening of the connecting port is realized by the lowering action of the battery box, the cover plate is automatically reset after the battery box is removed, the electrical components in the connecting port are prevented from being polluted by impurities, and the stability of the battery replacement system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery swapping equipment technology, and in particular to a power supply component. Background Technology

[0002] Electric excavators, due to their separate power battery design, can achieve continuous operation by replacing the power battery. The connector socket is a crucial component of the electric excavator's battery swapping system, connecting the battery box to the vehicle's wiring harness and serving to transmit high-voltage, high-current signals and communication signals. In existing battery swapping systems, the battery box is separated from the socket during the swapping process, allowing contaminants such as water droplets or dust to easily enter the socket, potentially causing electrical system malfunctions and posing a certain risk.

[0003] It should be noted that the statements in this background section only provide background information relevant to this application and do not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a power supply component to improve the stability of a battery swapping system.

[0005] This application provides a power supply assembly, including a battery box, a support member, and a protection device. The battery box includes a housing, a battery disposed within the housing, and a first connecting portion disposed at the bottom of the housing. The support member includes a second connecting portion for electrical connection with the first connecting portion. The battery box has a connected state and a disconnected state. In the connected state, the battery box is supported on the support member, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are electrically connected. In the disconnected state, the battery box detaches from the support member, thus disconnecting the first connecting portion from the second connecting portion. The protection device includes a base plate, a cover plate, and a drive assembly. The base plate covers the support member and has a connection port. The connection port extends through the thickness direction of the base plate. The connection port corresponds to the position of the second connecting portion. The cover plate is movably disposed relative to the base plate to close or open the connection port. The drive assembly includes a bracket, a slider, and a flexible connector. The bracket is disposed on the base plate. The bracket has a groove extending in the height direction. The slider is movably disposed in the groove. A first end of the flexible connector is connected to the slider. A second end of the flexible connector is connected to the cover plate. In the connected state, the sliding element is pressed against the bottom end of the groove by the housing. The flexible connector moves the cover plate and opens the connection port. In the disconnected state, the sliding element disengages from the housing, the cover plate resets, and closes the connection port.

[0006] In some embodiments, the power supply assembly further includes a resilient element. The resilient element is connected to the cover plate and applies a spring force to the cover plate to prevent it from moving away from the connection port. In the connected state, the weight of the battery compartment overcomes the spring force to move the cover plate away from the connection port. In the disconnected state, the resilient element returns the cover plate to its original position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the elastic element includes a spring. A first end of the spring is fixedly disposed, and a second end of the spring is connected to a cover plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the power supply assembly further includes a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket extends parallel to the direction of movement of the cover plate. A first end of the mounting bracket is connected to the substrate. A second end of the mounting bracket is bent. A first end of a spring is connected to the bent portion of the second end of the mounting bracket.

[0009] In some embodiments, the drive assembly further includes a pulley assembly. The pulley assembly is disposed on the bracket. The pulley assembly is used to change the extension direction of the first end of the flexible connector so that when the slider moves in the height direction, the cover plate moves in the horizontal direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the pulley assembly includes a first pulley and a second pulley. The first pulley is disposed at the bottom of the bracket. The second pulley is disposed at the top of the bracket. A first end of the flexible connector extends around the first and second pulleys to connect with the sliding member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the power supply assembly further includes a plurality of spaced-apart support wheels. The plurality of support wheels are rotatably mounted on a substrate. A cover plate rests on at least a portion of the plurality of support wheels. The cover plate is configured to move relative to the substrate under the support of the plurality of support wheels.

[0012] In some embodiments, the power supply assembly further includes two bent plates. The two bent plates are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart on a substrate. Each bent plate has a first extension and a second extension. The first extension extends in the height direction. A first end of the first extension is connected to the substrate. A second extension is connected to a second end of the first extension and extends horizontally toward the spaced-apart bent plates. A plurality of support wheels are disposed inside the bent plates. A cover plate is defined in the height direction within the region between the second extension of the bent plate and the substrate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the power supply assembly further includes a guide rail and a sliding portion. The guide rail is connected to the substrate. The sliding portion is connected to the cover plate. The sliding portion is movably disposed along the guide rail to drive the cover plate to move relative to the substrate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sliding part includes a sliding frame or a sliding roller.

[0015] Based on the technical solution provided in this application, the power supply assembly includes a battery box, a support member, and a protection device. The battery box includes a box body, a battery disposed within the box body, and a first connecting portion disposed at the bottom of the box body. The support member includes a second connecting portion for electrical connection with the first connecting portion. The battery box has a connected state and a disconnected state. In the connected state, the battery box is supported on the support member, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are electrically connected. In the disconnected state, the battery box detaches from the support member, causing the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion to disconnect. The protection device includes a base plate, a cover plate, and a drive assembly. The base plate covers the support member and has a connection port. The connection port extends through the thickness direction of the base plate, and the connection port corresponds to the position of the second connecting portion. The cover plate is movably disposed relative to the base plate to close or open the connection port. The drive assembly includes a bracket, a slider, and a flexible connector. The bracket is disposed on the base plate. The bracket has a groove extending in the height direction. The slider is movably disposed in the groove. A first end of the flexible connector is connected to the slider. A second end of the flexible connector is connected to the cover plate. In the connected state, the sliding component is pressed against the bottom of the groove by the housing. The flexible connector moves the cover and opens the connection port. In the disconnected state, the sliding component disengages from the housing. The cover returns to its original position and closes the connection port. During battery box installation, the connection port automatically opens as the battery box is lowered, and automatically returns to its original position after the battery box is removed. No additional control of the cover is required, ensuring that the second connection part is not exposed to the external environment when not in contact with the battery box, reducing contamination from impurities in the working environment. This simple and reliable method ensures the safety of the power supply components and improves the stability of the battery swapping system.

[0016] Other features and advantages of this application will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery box and base in a conventional battery swapping system.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of the plug at the bottom of the battery compartment.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of the socket on the base.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a protective device according to some embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Front view of the protective device.

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Side view of the protective device in the middle.

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the cover plate connected to the sliding member via a flexible connector.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the cover plate and the sliding part in the protective device of some embodiments of this application.

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified view of the fit between the guide rail and the sliding part.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the cover plate and the guide rail and the sliding part in some other embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing that the elastic element in the protective device of some embodiments of this application is a gas spring. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this application or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0031] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways, and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0032] refer to Figures 1 to 4 In existing battery swapping systems for construction machinery, when a new power battery needs to be replaced, the new battery box 201 is placed on the base tray 301, so that the plug 201a at the bottom of the battery box 201 mates with the socket 301a on the base tray. However, the socket 301a is directly exposed when not mated with the plug 201a. When the construction machinery operates in harsh environments, contaminants such as water droplets and dust can easily fall into the socket. The entry of water droplets can cause short circuits, and dirt or dust entering the socket can accumulate, forming an insulating layer or creating tiny gaps, leading to poor contact and damaging the entire vehicle's electrical system.

[0033] To solve the above problems, refer to Figures 4 to 7This application provides a power supply assembly, including a battery box, a support member, and a protection device. The battery box includes a box body, a battery disposed inside the box body, and a first connecting portion disposed at the bottom of the box body. The support member includes a second connecting portion for electrical connection with the first connecting portion. The battery box has a connected state and a disconnected state. In the connected state, the battery box is supported on the support member, and the first connecting portion is electrically connected to the second connecting portion. In the disconnected state, the battery box is detached from the support member to disconnect the first connecting portion from the second connecting portion. The protection device 100 includes a base plate 1, a cover plate 2, and a drive assembly. The base plate 1 covers the support member and has a connection port A. The connection port A extends through the thickness direction of the base plate 1, and the connection port A corresponds to the position of the second connecting portion. The cover plate 2 is movably disposed relative to the base plate 1 to close or open the connection port A. The drive assembly includes a bracket 31, a slider 32, and a flexible connector 33. The bracket 31 is disposed on the base plate 1. The bracket 31 has a groove B extending in the height direction. The slider 32 is movably disposed in the groove B. The first end of the flexible connector 33 is connected to the sliding member 32. The second end of the flexible connector 33 is connected to the cover plate 2. In the connected state, the sliding member 32 is pressed against the bottom end of the slide groove B by the housing. The flexible connector 33 drives the cover plate 2 to move and open the connection port A. In the disconnected state, the sliding member 32 is disengaged from the housing. The cover plate 2 resets and closes the connection port A. During the installation of the battery box, the connection port A is automatically opened by the lowering action of the battery box. After the battery box is removed, the cover plate 2 automatically resets without additional control of the cover plate 2. This prevents the second connection part from being exposed to the external environment when not in contact with the battery box, reducing contamination from impurities in the working environment. This simple and reliable method ensures the safety of the power supply components and improves the stability of the battery swapping system.

[0034] The power supply component described in this application embodiment can be applied to the battery swapping system of electrically driven or hybrid-driven engineering machinery. Specifically, the first connecting part can be a plug, and the second connecting part can be a socket. When the battery box is supported on the support, the plug and socket are electrically connected to enable the battery to provide power. When the old battery box is depleted, a new battery box needs to be replaced. At this time, the old battery box is removed, and the cover plate 2 automatically resets after separating from the old battery box to close the connection port A. When the new battery box is placed, the cover plate 2 moves with the sliding member 32 to open the connection port, allowing the plug to connect to the socket. During the removal and installation process, the cover plate 2 automatically opens or closes the connection port A to protect the socket and reduce water or dust contamination of the socket in the environment.

[0035] In some embodiments, a first mounting point is provided on one edge of the cover plate 2 near the drive assembly, so that the second end of the flexible connector 33 can be connected to the first mounting point. The flexible connector 33 may be a rope.

[0036] refer to Figures 4 to 6In some embodiments, the support 31 is a pair of vertical plates extending in the height direction and spaced apart, with a sliding groove A disposed on the vertical plates. The sliding member 32 is a sliding rod extending through the two vertical plates. The first end of the flexible connector 33 is connected to the sliding rod. The two ends of the sliding rod cooperate with components at the bottom of the battery box. This component can be a plate located at the bottom of the box to enhance the frame rigidity of the box, or it can be a structural component specially configured for the structural characteristics of the sliding rod, ensuring that during the lowering of the battery box, this structural component can contact and press the sliding member 32.

[0037] In some embodiments, the power supply assembly further includes an elastic element 4. The elastic element 4 is connected to the cover plate 2 and applies a spring force to the cover plate 2 to prevent it from moving away from the connection port A. In the connected state, the weight of the battery box overcomes the spring force to move the cover plate 2 away from the connection port A. In the disconnected state, the elastic element 4 returns the cover plate 2 to its original position. Specifically, when the battery box is in the disconnected state, the cover plate 2 closes the connection port A, and the plug is blocked. The elastic element 4 can be configured to have a certain initial spring force at this time to prevent the cover plate 2 from moving away from the connection port and to reduce the risk of the cover plate 2 moving due to accidental shaking, causing the connection port A to partially open. When installing the battery box, the components at the bottom of the battery box contact the slide bar and press the slide bar downwards, stretching the elastic element 4. When the slide bar moves to the bottom of the slide groove B, the cover plate 2 reaches its maximum stroke, and the spring force increases to its maximum. When the battery box is removed, the part at the bottom of the box that contacts the sliding rod will gradually rise. Under the action of the elastic element 4, the cover plate 2 will pull the sliding rod to move upward in the slide groove B. When the rising height of the battery box is the same as the length of the slide groove B, the sliding rod reaches the top of the slide groove B. At this time, the cover plate 2 covers the connection port A.

[0038] refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the elastic element 4 includes a spring 4a. A first end of the spring 4a is fixedly disposed, and a second end of the spring 4a is connected to the cover plate 2. Specifically, a second mounting point is provided on an edge of the cover plate 2 away from the drive assembly, and the second mounting point is used to connect to the second end of the spring 4a. Further, multiple springs 4a can be provided. Providing multiple springs can reduce the risk of accidental opening of the cover plate 2 and accelerate the resetting action of the cover plate 2 after the battery box is removed. After the battery box is installed, all multiple springs 4a are stretched, and the sum of the elastic forces of the multiple springs 4a should be less than the weight of the battery box.

[0039] refer to Figure 11 In other implementations, the elastic element 4 includes a gas spring 4b.

[0040] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5In some embodiments, the power supply assembly further includes a mounting bracket 5. The extension direction of the mounting bracket 5 is parallel to the movement direction of the cover plate 2. A first end of the mounting bracket 5 is connected to the substrate 1. A second end of the mounting bracket 5 is bent. A first end of the spring 4a is connected to the bent portion of the second end of the mounting bracket 5. The mounting bracket 5 provides a connection point for the first end of the spring 4a.

[0041] In some embodiments, the drive assembly further includes a pulley assembly 34. The pulley assembly 34 is mounted on the bracket 31. The pulley assembly 34 is used to change the extension direction of the first end of the flexible connector 33 so that when the slider 32 moves in the height direction, the cover plate 2 moves in the horizontal direction. The pulley assembly 34 can simply and efficiently guide the flexible connector 33, change the direction of the battery box's own weight, and make the cover plate 2 move horizontally when the battery box is lowered.

[0042] refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the pulley assembly 34 includes a first pulley 34a and a second pulley 34b. The first pulley 34a is disposed at the bottom of the bracket 31. The second pulley 34b is disposed at the top of the bracket 31. The first end of the flexible connector 33 extends to connect with the sliding member 32 after passing around the first pulley 34a and the second pulley 34b. Specifically, the first pulley 34a and the second pulley 34b can be rotatably disposed between a pair of upright plates by means of bolts, nuts, pins, etc. During the movement of the flexible connector with the sliding rod, the first pulley 34a and the second pulley 34b rotate to reduce friction. Furthermore, the flexible connector 33 separates the first pulley 34a and the second pulley 34b on both sides to keep the flexible connector 33 taut.

[0043] To reduce friction during the movement of cover plate 2 and make its movement smoother, refer to Figure 7 In some embodiments, the power supply assembly further includes a plurality of spaced-apart support wheels 61. The plurality of support wheels 61 are rotatably mounted on the substrate 1. A cover plate 2 rests on at least a portion of the plurality of support wheels 61. The cover plate 2 is configured to move relative to the substrate 1 under the support of the plurality of support wheels 61. Specifically, the plurality of support wheels 61 are spaced apart in the direction of movement of the cover plate 2, such that the cover plate 2 is supported by support wheels 61 at different positions during movement, ensuring that the cover plate 2 always maintains rolling contact with the support wheels 61 to reduce friction.

[0044] Based on the above embodiments, two bending plates 7 can also be provided in the power supply assembly. The two bending plates 7 are arranged parallel to each other on the substrate 1. The bending plate 7 has a first extension section and a second extension section. The first extension section extends in the height direction. The first end of the first extension section is connected to the substrate 1. The second extension section is connected to the second end of the first extension section and extends horizontally toward the bending plates 7 arranged at intervals. A plurality of support wheels 61 are provided on the inner side of the bending plate 7. The cover plate 2 is confined in the height direction within the area between the second extension section of the bending plate 7 and the substrate 1. The second extension section of the bending plate 7 limits the cover plate 2 in the height direction, reducing the risk of displacement of the cover plate 2 in the height direction. In addition, the first extension section also limits the cover plate 2 laterally, preventing the cover plate 2 from shifting laterally during movement and ensuring that the movement trajectory of the cover plate 2 is straight.

[0045] In some embodiments, the power supply component includes two sets of support wheels, which are spaced apart, and each set of support wheels includes a plurality of spaced support wheels 61. This arrangement can improve the smoothness of the movement of the cover plate 2.

[0046] In other embodiments, the power supply assembly further includes a guide rail 62 and a sliding portion 63. The guide rail 62 is connected to the substrate 1. The sliding portion 63 is connected to the cover plate 2. The sliding portion 63 is movably disposed along the guide rail 62 to move the cover plate 2 relative to the substrate 1. The sliding portion is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, or a low coefficient of friction coating is sprayed onto the surface of the sliding portion 63 to reduce sliding friction between the sliding portion 63 and the guide rail 62.

[0047] refer to Figures 7 to 10 In some embodiments, the sliding part 63 includes a sliding frame 63a or a sliding roller 63b. Specifically, the sliding frame 63a or the sliding roller 63b is connected to the side edge of the cover plate 2 and supports the cover plate 2, so that there is a gap between the bottom surface of the cover plate 2 and the substrate 1, so that the cover plate 2 does not contact the substrate 1 during the reciprocating movement of the cover plate 2, thereby further reducing friction.

[0048] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and not to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this application or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of this application, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A power supply component, characterized in that, include: A battery box includes a box body, a battery disposed inside the box body, and a first connecting part disposed at the bottom of the box body; The support includes a second connection for electrical connection with the first connection, the battery box having a connected state and a disconnected state; in the connected state, the battery box is supported on the support, and the first connection is electrically connected to the second connection; in the disconnected state, the battery box is detached from the support to disconnect the first connection from the second connection. as well as Protective device (100), including A substrate (1) is covered on the support member and has a connection port (A). The connection port (A) penetrates through the thickness direction of the substrate (1) and the connection port (A) corresponds to the position of the second connection part. The cover plate (2) is movably disposed relative to the substrate (1) to close or open the connection port (A); The driving assembly includes a bracket (31), a slider (32), and a flexible connector (33). The bracket (31) is disposed on the substrate (1) and has a groove (B) extending in the height direction. The slider (32) is movably disposed in the groove (B). A first end of the flexible connector (33) is connected to the slider (32), and a second end of the flexible connector (33) is connected to the cover plate (2). In the connected state, the slider (32) is pressed against the bottom end of the groove (B) by the housing, and the flexible connector (33) drives the cover plate (2) to move and open the connection port (A). In the disconnected state, the slider (32) disengages from the housing, and the cover plate (2) resets and closes the connection port (A). An elastic element (4) is connected to the cover plate (2) and applies a spring force to the cover plate (2) to prevent the cover plate (2) from moving away from the connection port (A). In the connected state, the weight of the battery box overcomes the spring force to move the cover plate (2) away from the connection port (A). In the disconnected state, the elastic element (4) resets the cover plate (2). The elastic element (4) includes a spring (4a), the first end of which is fixedly disposed, and the second end of which is connected to the cover plate (2).

2. The power supply component according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting bracket (5), the extension direction of which is parallel to the movement direction of the cover plate (2), the first end of which is connected to the base plate (1), the second end of which is bent, and the first end of the spring (4a) is connected to the bent portion of the second end of the mounting bracket (5).

3. The power supply component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly also includes a pulley assembly (34) which is disposed on the bracket (31). The pulley assembly (34) is used to change the extension direction of the first end of the flexible connector (33) so that when the slider (32) moves in the height direction, the cover plate (2) moves in the horizontal direction.

4. The power supply component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pulley assembly (34) includes a first pulley (34a) and a second pulley (34b). The first pulley (34a) is disposed at the bottom of the bracket (31), and the second pulley (34b) is disposed at the top of the bracket (31). The first end of the flexible connector (33) extends around the first pulley (34a) and the second pulley (34b) and then connects to the sliding member (32).

5. The power supply component according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a plurality of spaced support wheels (61), which are rotatably disposed on the substrate (1), and the cover plate (2) rests on at least a portion of the plurality of support wheels (61), and the cover plate (2) is configured to move relative to the substrate (1) under the support of the plurality of support wheels (61).

6. The power supply component according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes two bending plates (7) arranged parallel to each other on the substrate (1). The bending plates (7) have a first extension and a second extension. The first extension extends in the height direction and a first end of the first extension is connected to the substrate (1). The second extension is connected to a second end of the first extension and extends in the horizontal direction toward the bending plates (7) arranged at intervals. A plurality of support wheels (61) are arranged inside the bending plates (7). The cover plate (2) is defined in the height direction in the area between the second extension of the bending plate (7) and the substrate (1).

7. The power supply component according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a guide rail (62) and a sliding part (63), the guide rail (62) being connected to the substrate (1), and the sliding part (63) being connected to the cover plate (2). The sliding part (63) is movably disposed along the guide rail (62) to drive the cover plate (2) to move relative to the substrate (1).

8. The power supply component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sliding part (63) includes a sliding frame (63a) or a sliding roller (63b).

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