Battery swapping station and battery swapping method

Abstract

The application provides a battery replacement station and a battery replacement method, wherein the battery replacement station is used for replacing a battery pack of an electric vehicle and comprises a main frame and a top hoisting device, the top hoisting device is movably arranged on the main frame, a battery replacement area and a charging area are arranged below the main frame, and the electric vehicle is located in the battery replacement area; a mounting bracket is arranged on the upper portion of the electric vehicle, the battery pack is detachably fixed to the mounting bracket, and the top hoisting device is used for transferring the battery pack between the charging area and the mounting bracket of the electric vehicle. When the electric vehicle needs to be operated, the battery replacement station can install the battery pack from the upper portion of the vehicle to a position with a high distance from the ground, so that the operation efficiency of the electric vehicle and the safety of the battery are ensured, the service life of the battery is ensured, the battery replacement station is more suitable for the use scene of the electric agricultural operation vehicle, and the battery replacement station can also charge the replaced battery pack, so that the overall working efficiency of the battery replacement station is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual relates to the field of battery swapping technology, specifically to a battery swapping station and a battery swapping method. Background Technology

[0002] Electricity, as a clean energy source, plays a crucial role in green development. With the continuous development of battery technology, charging, and battery swapping technologies, various vehicles are using electricity as an alternative to traditional petroleum fuels in many fields such as production and transportation, including various electric agricultural vehicles. The main forms of power replenishment for electric agricultural vehicles include self-charging and battery swapping. Self-charging takes a relatively long time, and the vehicle cannot perform any operations while charging; while battery swapping involves replacing the battery, eliminating the need for prolonged downtime.

[0003] Agricultural operations are time-sensitive and often require continuous operation, especially during peak farming seasons. The downtime of agricultural vehicles severely impacts agricultural work. Therefore, battery swapping is a more suitable way to replenish electricity for agricultural operations. However, existing battery swapping solutions mostly involve swapping batteries from the side or below the electric vehicle. Since agricultural vehicles often operate in unpaved environments such as farmland and woodlands, batteries installed at lower positions are susceptible to damage from impacts from objects below or from water immersion, affecting their lifespan. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a battery swapping station and method more suitable for the usage scenarios of electric agricultural vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the problem in existing technologies where it is difficult to conveniently and efficiently replace battery packs mounted high on electric agricultural vehicles. It provides a battery swapping station and method, wherein the battery swapping station can replace the battery pack from above the electric agricultural vehicle, effectively protecting battery safety, ensuring battery lifespan, and is more suitable for the usage scenarios of electric agricultural vehicles.

[0005] This invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] A battery swapping station for replacing battery packs of electric vehicles includes a main frame and a top-mounted device. The top-mounted device is movably mounted on the main frame. A battery swapping area and a charging area are provided below the main frame, and the electric vehicle is located in the battery swapping area. A mounting bracket is disposed on the upper part of the electric vehicle, and the battery pack is detachably fixed to the mounting bracket. The top-mounted device is used to transfer the battery pack between the charging area and the mounting bracket of the electric vehicle.

[0007] In the above scheme, by setting up a main frame in the battery swapping station and placing the battery swapping area and charging area below the main frame, when an electric vehicle needs to perform a battery swap, the electric vehicle stops in the battery swapping area, and the overhead crane moves along the main frame to lift the battery pack to be swapped from the electric vehicle to the charging area for charging. Then, the available battery packs in the charging area are lifted onto the mounting brackets of the electric vehicle. The battery swapping station can respond to the electric vehicle's power replenishment needs by installing the battery packs at a higher position above the ground from above the vehicle, ensuring the electric vehicle's operating efficiency and battery safety, and ensuring the battery's lifespan. This is more suitable for the use scenarios of electric agricultural vehicles. In addition, the battery swapping station also charges the replaced battery packs, thereby improving the overall working efficiency of the battery swapping station.

[0008] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the charging area and the battery swapping area are arranged along the length of the battery swapping station.

[0009] In the above scheme, by arranging the charging area and the battery swapping area along the length of the battery swapping station, the main frame of the battery swapping station is in a straight line, which is conducive to the movement of the overhead crane equipment in a straight line and to shorten the moving distance of the overhead crane equipment during battery swapping operations, thereby reducing the battery swapping operation time and improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0010] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the charging area includes at least two charging stations, and the plurality of charging stations are respectively located on both sides of the battery swapping area.

[0011] In the above scheme, by setting up multiple charging stations on both sides of the battery swapping area, the overhead crane can select an available charging station from the charging stations on both sides to place the battery pack removed from the electric vehicle. In addition, during the battery swapping operation of multiple electric vehicles, the overhead crane can take turns using the charging stations on both sides to reduce the total travel distance and thus improve the overall battery swapping operation efficiency.

[0012] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the top-mounted equipment includes a first top-mounted equipment and a second top-mounted equipment, the first top-mounted equipment and the second top-mounted equipment are respectively located on both sides of the battery swapping area, and the top-mounted equipment located on the side with an idle charging station is the first top-mounted equipment;

[0013] The first overhead crane is used to transfer the battery pack to be replaced on the electric vehicle to the vacant charging station, and the second overhead crane is used to transfer the available battery pack in the charging station to the electric vehicle.

[0014] In the above scheme, by setting up two overhead cranes, one of which is responsible for removing the battery pack to be replaced from the electric vehicle and moving it to an empty charging station for charging, and the other is responsible for grabbing the available battery pack from the charging station and installing it onto the mounting bracket of the electric vehicle, the two overhead cranes work in sync, which can further improve the battery swapping efficiency.

[0015] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the battery swapping station also includes a maintenance area, which is located adjacent to the charging area and on the side of the charging area away from the battery swapping area.

[0016] In the above scheme, by setting up an independent maintenance area in the battery swapping station, a dedicated place is provided for the battery packs that need maintenance. The maintenance area is located far away from the battery swapping area, which ensures that the battery swapping operation and the maintenance operation will not affect each other. The maintenance operation is far away from the battery swapping area where electric vehicles travel, thus ensuring the safety of the maintenance operation.

[0017] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the charging area is also provided with the mounting bracket, and the top-mounted device is used to transfer the battery pack between the mounting bracket in the charging area and the mounting bracket on the electric vehicle.

[0018] In the above solution, by setting up a mounting bracket with the same structure as that on the electric vehicle in the charging area, the consistency and versatility of the structure are good. The usage scenario of the mounting bracket can be determined according to the usage requirements, which is conducive to the mass production of the mounting bracket and saves R&D time and production costs.

[0019] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the battery swapping station also includes a positioning device for positioning the electric vehicle so that the electric vehicle is aligned with the overhead crane equipment.

[0020] In the above scheme, a positioning device is set up to guide the electric vehicle to stop at a predetermined position in the battery swapping area, which facilitates the alignment of the electric vehicle with the overhead crane. When the electric vehicle is at the predetermined position, the overhead crane performs the lifting operation according to the preset lifting operation procedure, reducing the time for the overhead crane to adjust the relative position with the battery pack, thereby further improving the efficiency of the battery swapping operation.

[0021] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the positioning device includes at least one of a wheel positioning device, a vehicle body positioning device, a laser positioning device, and a visual positioning device.

[0022] The above solutions offer a wide range of options, including wheel alignment devices, vehicle body alignment devices, laser alignment devices, and visual alignment devices. Furthermore, the type and method of use of the alignment device can be flexibly selected based on different vehicle models and sizes to complete the vehicle alignment operation.

[0023] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the battery pack includes a battery pack bracket and a battery module; the battery module is fixedly disposed in the battery pack bracket, and a recess is provided in the lower center of the battery pack bracket, the lower surface of the recess being used to support the second battery pack in the mounting bracket.

[0024] In the above solution, a recessed portion is provided in the lower middle part of the battery pack bracket. The recessed portion is concave upward. When the battery pack is installed, the lower surface of the recessed portion is supported by the mounting bracket, and the opposite sides of the recessed portion are simultaneously clamped on both sides of the mounting bracket, thereby forming a stable support structure.

[0025] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the battery pack bracket includes a hanger and a battery mounting bracket installed at the bottom of the hanger. The hanger is used to connect with the top-mounted equipment. The battery mounting bracket is provided with a battery placement layer for placing battery modules. The battery placement layer contains battery modules.

[0026] In the above scheme, by setting up a hanger and a battery mounting bracket, the functions of the hanger and the battery mounting bracket are independent of each other. The hanger is located above to facilitate hoisting operations, while the battery mounting bracket is located below to help lower the center of gravity of the battery.

[0027] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the battery pack further includes a first electrical connector, the battery module is connected to the first electrical connector, the first electrical connector is disposed on the lower surface of the recess, and the upper surface of the mounting bracket is provided with a second electrical connector for mating with the first electrical connector.

[0028] In the above solution, by setting two mutually cooperating electrical connectors on the battery module and the mounting bracket, during the installation of the battery pack, when the recessed part of the battery pack is supported by the mounting bracket, the two electrical connectors complete the electrical connection without the need for other electrical connection operations, thereby further improving the efficiency of the battery swapping operation and shortening the battery swapping time.

[0029] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the second electrical connector in the mounting bracket of the electric vehicle is electrically connected to the power system of the electric vehicle.

[0030] And / or, the second electrical connector in the mounting bracket of the charging area is electrically connected to the charging device of the battery swapping station.

[0031] In the above scheme, by electrically connecting the second electrical connector to the power unit of the electric vehicle, the battery pack can supply power to the electric vehicle, and / or by electrically connecting the second electrical connector to the charging device in the battery swapping station, the battery pack can obtain the electrical energy required for charging from the battery swapping station.

[0032] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the battery swapping station further includes a floating component, on which the first electrical connector and / or the second electrical connector are disposed; the floating component is used to drive the electrical connector disposed thereon to move when the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are docked.

[0033] In the above scheme, by providing a floating component on at least one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector, when the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are connected to each other, the floating component can automatically adjust the relative position between the two electrical connectors, so that the two electrical connectors can be aligned and form a stable and reliable electrical connection.

[0034] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the battery pack further includes a liquid cooling device, which is connected to the liquid cooling pipeline of the battery module.

[0035] In the above solution, by setting up a liquid cooling device, the heat generated by the battery module during operation or charging is released, which helps to ensure the safety of the battery module and battery pack.

[0036] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the battery pack further includes a locking mechanism for locking the battery pack onto the mounting bracket. The top-mounted device is provided with an unlocking part, which is correspondingly provided with the locking mechanism of the battery pack. The unlocking part acts on the locking mechanism to switch the locking mechanism between an unlocked state and a locked state.

[0037] In the above scheme, the overhead crane is equipped with an unlocking part, and the battery pack is equipped with a locking mechanism corresponding to the unlocking part. When the overhead crane descends, the unlocking part acts on the locking mechanism on the battery pack, causing the locking mechanism to move from a predetermined locking position to a predetermined unlocking position to unlock the battery pack. When the overhead crane rises vertically, the unlocking part separates from the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism returns to the predetermined locking position, and the battery pack returns to the locked state. Through the above structural arrangement, the locking and unlocking actions of the battery pack are combined during the vertical movement of the overhead crane, improving the efficiency of battery swapping operations.

[0038] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the locking mechanism includes a pressure rod, a reversing plate, a pull rod, and a locking component, wherein the pressure rod, the reversing plate, the pull rod, and the locking component are connected in sequence;

[0039] When the top-mounted equipment releases the battery pack, and the pressure rod is not subjected to the force of the unlocking part, the pull rod drives the locking member to move into the locking position, so that the locking member is in the locked state;

[0040] When the overhead crane lifts the battery pack, the pressure rod is subjected to the force of the unlocking part. The pressure rod drives the reversing plate to rotate, thereby pulling the pull rod to move the locking member out of the locked position, so that the locking member is in the unlocked state.

[0041] In the above scheme, by setting up a linkage structure between the pressure rod, the reversing plate, the pull rod, and the locking component, the force state of the pressure rod is transmitted to the locking component. When the pressure rod is not subjected to external force, the pull rod drives the locking component to move into the locking position, thereby fixing the battery pack. When the pressure rod is subjected to external force, the first end of the pressure rod pushes against one end of the reversing plate, causing the reversing plate to rotate. The other end of the reversing plate drives the pull rod to move, causing the pull rod to move the locking component out of the locking position, thereby unlocking the battery pack. Through the above structural setting, the state of the pressure rod being pushed by external force is distinguished, causing the locking component to enter or move out of the locking position, thereby completing the locking and unlocking of the battery pack. The locking and unlocking method is simple, and the locking effect is stable and reliable.

[0042] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the mounting bracket further includes a locking engagement part, and when the locking member moves into the locking position, the upper surface of the locking member abuts against the lower surface of the locking engagement part to lock the battery pack onto the mounting bracket.

[0043] In the above solution, a locking engagement part that mates with the locking component is provided on the mounting bracket. When locked, the upper surface of the locking component abuts against the lower surface of the locking engagement part, making locking and unlocking convenient and the locking structure robust.

[0044] In the above technical solution, more preferably, the top-mounted equipment includes a moving mechanism, a lifting mechanism, and a hoisting mechanism;

[0045] The moving mechanism is slidably mounted on the track of the main frame to move along the track; the hoisting mechanism is movably mounted below the moving mechanism via the lifting mechanism, and the lifting mechanism drives the hoisting mechanism to move in a direction closer to or away from the moving mechanism.

[0046] In the above scheme, the moving mechanism, lifting mechanism and hoisting mechanism are independent in function but cooperate with each other. The moving mechanism and lifting mechanism can move the hoisting mechanism in the horizontal and vertical directions. The hoisting mechanism can easily grab and release the battery pack, thereby realizing the removal and / or installation of the battery pack from above the electric vehicle.

[0047] The present invention also provides a battery swapping method for use in any of the above-described battery swapping stations, comprising:

[0048] Control the overhead crane to lift the battery pack to be replaced from the mounting bracket of the electric vehicle;

[0049] The battery pack to be replaced is transferred to the charging area of ​​the battery swapping station;

[0050] Control the overhead crane to grab available battery packs from the charging area within the battery swapping station;

[0051] The available battery pack is hoisted onto the mounting bracket of the electric vehicle;

[0052] The available battery pack is a battery pack whose charge has reached a preset threshold.

[0053] In the above solution, the battery pack is disassembled and / or installed on the electric vehicle by hoisting. This not only makes the battery swapping operation convenient and quick, but also allows the battery pack to be installed above the electric vehicle, keeping it away from the ground. This protects the battery pack's safety and ensures its service life, making this installation method suitable for the use of electric agricultural vehicles.

[0054] In the above technical solution, more preferably, before the step of controlling the overhead crane to lift the battery pack to be replaced from the mounting bracket of the electric vehicle, the battery swapping method further includes:

[0055] Control the electric vehicle to enter the battery swapping area;

[0056] The electric vehicle is located;

[0057] The electric vehicle is aligned with the overhead crane mechanism based on the positioning results.

[0058] In the above scheme, by positioning the electric vehicles entering the battery swapping area, the electric vehicles stop at the predetermined positions in the battery swapping area, aligning the electric vehicles with the overhead crane equipment. This facilitates the overhead crane equipment to perform lifting operations, reduces the time required for the overhead crane equipment to adjust the relative position with the battery pack, and thus further improves the efficiency of the battery swapping operation.

[0059] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects that the at least one technical solution adopted by the present invention can achieve include at least the following:

[0060] This invention utilizes a mounting bracket fixed above the electric vehicle to mount the battery pack higher up on the ground. This design better suits the use of electric agricultural vehicles in complex environments such as unpaved roads for farming and other operations. The battery swapping station includes a main frame, overhead crane equipment, and battery swapping and charging areas located below the main frame. When the vehicle stops in the swapping area, the station can easily use the overhead crane to swap the battery pack from above. This involves grabbing the battery pack to be swapped from the mounting bracket and hoisting it to the charging area of ​​the station for charging, and grabbing a usable battery pack from the charging area and hoisting it to the mounting bracket on the electric vehicle. This battery swapping operation not only adapts to the needs of agricultural operations using electric vehicles, efficiently mounting the battery pack higher up on the ground to ensure battery safety, but also quickly completes the swapping operation, ensuring the electric vehicle's field operation time and efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0061] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of a charging station with a top-mounted device, representing one implementation method.

[0063] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a charging station with two overhead cranes as one embodiment.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a front view schematic diagram of a charging station with two overhead crane devices according to one implementation method;

[0065] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of a charging station with two overhead cranes, representing one implementation method.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an electric tractor equipped with a battery pack, representing one embodiment.

[0067] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a battery pack implementation method;

[0068] Figure 7 This is a side view of a battery pack according to one embodiment;

[0069] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a mounting bracket for one implementation method;

[0070] Figure 9 This is a top-view perspective view of a floating disk implementation method;

[0071] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a floating disk along the length of a connecting rod in one embodiment.

[0072] Figure 11 This is a side view schematic diagram of one embodiment of the ceiling-mounted equipment;

[0073] Figure 12 This is a bottom-view perspective view of a ceiling-mounted device in one implementation method;

[0074] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a hoisting mechanism according to one implementation method;

[0075] Figure 14 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the locking pin shaft in one embodiment;

[0076] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the locking pin shaft in one embodiment;

[0077] Figure 16 This is a bottom-view perspective view of a mounting bracket in one embodiment;

[0078] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of a battery swapping method;

[0079] Figure 18 This is a flowchart of a battery swapping method that includes a vehicle positioning process.

[0080] Among them, 10. Battery swapping station, 11. Track, 12. Ground support, 15. Main frame, 16. Battery swapping area, 17. Charging area, 170. Charging station, 18. Maintenance area, 20. Top-mounted equipment, 21. First top-mounted equipment, 210. Moving mechanism, 211. Second positioning part, 212. First central beam, 214. Second drive device, 215. Output end, 216. Second motor, 217. Second transmission device, 218. Track wheel, 2 2. Second top-mounted equipment; 220. Lifting mechanism; 227. Connecting rope; 230. Hoisting mechanism; 231. Hoisting frame; 232. Connecting component; 235. Unlocking part; 250. First guide device; 251. First guide surface; 30. Electric vehicle; 40. Battery pack; 401. Battery module; 402. Liquid cooling pipeline; 411. Second locking slope; 412. Locking pin; 413. Unlocking plate; 414. Slide groove; 46. First electrical connection. 48. First guide section; 481. First sliding guide surface; 49. First guide hole; 490. Battery pack bracket; 491. Hanger; 492. First waist-shaped hole; 493. Liquid cooling device; 495. Recess; 496. Battery mounting bracket; 497. Battery placement layer; 500. Locking mechanism; 51. Pressure rod; 52. Reversing plate; 53. Pull rod; 600. Mounting bracket; 60. Bracket body; 61. Frame (Q: None, beware of main frame 15) 610. Locking mating part; 611. First locking inclined surface; 62. Connecting column; 621. Connecting plate; 63. Support plate; 65. Floating component; 651. Floating platform; 652. Fixed frame; 653. Connecting rod; 654. Nut; 655. Spring; 656. Second oblong hole; 658. Ball bearing; 659. Screw hole; 66. Second electrical connector; 67. Second guide positioning cone pin; 68. First fixed guide surface; 69. First guide positioning cone pin. Detailed Implementation

[0081] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0083] It should be noted that various aspects of embodiments within the scope of the appended claims are described below. It will be apparent that the aspects described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, and any particular structure and / or function described herein is merely illustrative. Based on this application, those skilled in the art will understand that one aspect described herein can be implemented independently of any other aspect, and two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, any number and aspects set forth herein can be used to implement the device and / or practice the method. Additionally, this device and / or method can be implemented using structures and / or functionalities other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein.

[0084] It should also be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. The drawings only show the components related to this application and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0085] Furthermore, specific details are provided in the following description to facilitate a thorough understanding of the examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the described aspects can be practiced without these specific details.

[0086] Traditional vehicles using petroleum as fuel are causing increasingly serious air pollution. In order to reduce air pollution and with the continuous development of battery technology, charging and battery swapping technology, various vehicles are using electricity as an alternative energy source to traditional petroleum fuel in many fields such as production and transportation, including various electric agricultural vehicles.

[0087] Electric agricultural vehicles primarily rely on two methods for replenishing their power: self-charging and battery swapping. Self-charging takes a relatively long time, and the vehicle cannot perform any operations while charging. Battery swapping, on the other hand, involves replacing the battery, eliminating the need for prolonged downtime. Agricultural operations are time-sensitive and often require continuous work, especially during peak seasons. The downtime of agricultural vehicles would severely disrupt operations; therefore, battery swapping is a more suitable method for replenishing power to meet the demands of agricultural work.

[0088] Agricultural vehicles often operate in unpaved environments such as farmland and woodlands. If the battery pack and battery bracket are not securely fixed, relative slippage can occur, potentially causing the battery to detach. Conversely, if fully secured, battery pack replacement is inconvenient. Therefore, a detachable battery pack mounting system is necessary. Furthermore, during agricultural operations, batteries may be damaged by impacts from below or immersion in water. To protect the battery and extend its lifespan, it needs to be installed high off the ground. However, existing battery swapping solutions typically involve swapping batteries from the side or below the vehicle, which is inconvenient for swapping the battery pack from above or for mounting the battery at a high position. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an efficient battery swapping station and method that allows for swapping from above the vehicle.

[0089]

Example 1

[0090] This embodiment discloses a battery swapping station for replacing the battery pack of an electric vehicle. In this embodiment, the aforementioned electric vehicle is taken as an example of an electric tractor. Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the battery swapping station 10 includes a main frame 15 and a top-mounted device 20. The top-mounted device 20 is movably mounted on the main frame 15. A battery swapping area 16 and a charging area 17 are provided below the main frame 15. An electric vehicle 30 is located in the battery swapping area 16. A mounting bracket 600 is provided on the upper part of the electric vehicle 30. The battery pack 40 is detachably fixed to the mounting bracket 600. The top-mounted device 20 is used to transfer the battery pack 40 between the charging area 17 and the mounting bracket 600 of the electric vehicle 30.

[0091] The following examples illustrate this point:

[0092] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 4 The battery swapping station 10 shown has a main frame 15, which includes a ground support 12 and a track 11 installed above the ground support 12. The main frame 15 has a battery swapping area 16 and a charging area 17. The battery swapping area 16 is used to park the battery swapping vehicle 30 during the battery swapping operation. The charging area 17 has multiple mounting brackets 31 for storing the battery pack 40 and charging the battery pack 40.

[0093] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with a mounting bracket 600, and the lower center of the battery pack 40 is recessed upward to form a recessed portion 495, which matches the shape of the mounting bracket 600 so that the battery pack 40 is mounted on the electric vehicle 30.

[0094] like Figure 7As shown, the battery swapping station 10 also includes a top-mounted lifting device 20, which is slidably mounted on the track 11 and can move on the track 11. The top-mounted lifting device 20 is used to lift the battery pack 40 and transfer the battery pack 40 between the charging area 17 and the mounting bracket 600 of the electric vehicle 30. That is, during the battery swapping operation, the top-mounted lifting device 20 removes the battery pack 40 to be swapped from the electric vehicle 30 parked in the battery swapping area 16 and installs a usable battery pack 40 for the electric vehicle 30 parked below the track 11. The usable battery pack 40 is a battery pack in the battery swapping station 10 that has been charged beyond a preset power threshold.

[0095] It should be noted that multiple main frames 15 can be set up in the same battery swapping station 10 according to the number of electric vehicles and the scale of agricultural operations. Each main frame 15 is equipped with a battery swapping area 16 and a charging area 17 to perform battery swapping operations for multiple electric vehicles 30 at the same time.

[0096] It should also be noted that multiple battery swapping areas 16 and charging areas 17 can be set up under the same main frame 15. Multiple overhead cranes 20 are slidably installed on the main frame 15 to perform battery swapping operations for multiple electric vehicles 30 at the same time.

[0097] In the above scheme, by setting a main frame 15 in the battery swapping station 10 and placing the battery swapping area 16 and charging area 17 below the main frame 15, when the electric vehicle 30 needs to perform a battery swapping operation, the electric vehicle 30 stops in the battery swapping area 16, and the overhead crane 20 moves along the main frame 15 to lift the battery pack 40 to be swapped from the electric vehicle 30 to the charging area 16 for charging. Then, the available battery pack 40 in the charging area 16 is lifted onto the mounting bracket 600 of the electric vehicle 30. By setting up the battery swapping station 10, the battery pack 40 can be installed at a higher position above the ground in response to the battery swapping needs of the electric vehicle 40, ensuring the operating efficiency of the electric vehicle 30 and the safety of the battery pack 40, and ensuring the service life of the battery. This is more suitable for the use scenarios of electric agricultural vehicles. In addition, the battery swapping station 10 also charges the replaced battery pack 40, thereby improving the overall working efficiency of the battery swapping station 10.

[0098] In some other implementations, such as Figure 1 As shown in Figure 4, the main frame 15 is straight, that is, the battery swapping station 10 is built along the straight direction of the main frame 15. The battery swapping area 16 and the charging area 17 are located below the main frame 15. At this time, the charging area 17 and the battery swapping area 16 are arranged along the length of the battery swapping station 10.

[0099] In the above scheme, by arranging the charging area 17 and the battery swapping area 16 along the length of the battery swapping station 10, the main frame 15 of the battery swapping station 10 is in a straight line, which is conducive to the top-mounted equipment 20 moving in a straight line and to shortening the moving distance of the top-mounted equipment 20 during battery swapping operations, thereby reducing the battery swapping operation time.

[0100] It should be noted that the main frame 15 can also be set in other forms such as ring or curve to adapt to different site environments.

[0101] In some other implementations, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the battery swapping station 10 also includes a charging station 170 for charging the battery pack 40. The charging station is located in the charging area 17, and there are at least two charging stations 170. The battery swapping area 16 of the battery swapping station 10 is located in the middle, so that the charging area 17 is located on both sides of the battery swapping area 16, that is, the charging stations 170 are respectively located on both sides of the battery swapping area 16.

[0102] In the above scheme, by setting the charging stations 170 on both sides of the battery swapping area 16, and parking the electric vehicle 30 in the middle of the battery swapping station 10, the overhead crane 20 can select an available charging station 170 from the charging stations 170 on both sides to place the battery pack 40 removed from the electric vehicle 30, and then select an available battery pack 40 from the charging stations 170 on both sides to install on the electric vehicle 40. Furthermore, when multiple vehicles are swapping batteries, for a battery swapping station 10 with multiple charging stations 170, for example, in a specific embodiment where each side of the battery swapping area 16 has at least 10 charging stations 170, the overhead crane 20 can move back and forth between the sides of the battery swapping area 16, reducing the total distance traveled and thus improving the overall battery swapping efficiency.

[0103] Preferred, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in order to accommodate the multiple charging stations 170 set on both sides of the battery swapping area 16, the battery swapping station 10 is equipped with two overhead cranes 20, namely, the battery swapping station 10 is equipped with a first overhead crane 21 and a second overhead crane 22. With the battery swapping area 16 as the dividing line, the first overhead crane 21 and the second overhead crane 22 are respectively set on both sides of the battery swapping area 16.

[0104] By configuring the charging scheme of the battery swapping station 10, at least one charging station 170 is reserved as an idle state for placing the battery pack 40 removed from the electric vehicle 30 during the battery swapping process. The first lifting device 21 is a device that works in conjunction with the idle charging station 170 and is located within the battery swapping area 17 where the idle charging station 170 is located. The first lifting device 21 is used to lift the battery pack 40 onto the idle charging station 170. Working in conjunction with the first lifting device 21, a second lifting device 22 is used to lift the available battery pack 40 from the charging station 170 located on the other side of the battery swapping area onto the electric vehicle 30.

[0105] In the above scheme, by simultaneously setting up a first top-mounted device 21 and a second top-mounted device 22, the first top-mounted device 21 is specifically used to remove the battery pack 40 to be replaced and move it to an idle charging station 170 for charging operations, while the second top-mounted device 22 is responsible for grabbing the available battery pack 40 on the charging station and installing it onto the mounting bracket 600 of the electric vehicle 30. The two top-mounted devices work in sync, which can further improve the battery swapping efficiency.

[0106] In some other implementations, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the battery swapping station 10 also includes a maintenance area 18, which is adjacent to the charging area 17 and is located on the side of the charging area 17 away from the battery swapping area 16.

[0107] For example, when the battery swapping area 16 is set in the middle of the battery swapping station 15, that is... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the charging area 17 is located on both sides of the battery swapping area 16, and the maintenance area 18 is located at at least one end of the battery swapping station 15. Alternatively, when the battery swapping area 16 is set at one end of the battery swapping station 15 (not shown in the figure), the middle area of ​​the battery swapping station 15 is the charging area 17, and the other end of the battery swapping station 15 is the maintenance area 18.

[0108] In the above scheme, by setting up an independent maintenance area 18 in the battery swapping station 10, a dedicated place is provided for the battery pack 40 that needs to be repaired. The maintenance area 18 is located far away from the battery swapping area 16, ensuring that the battery swapping operation and the maintenance operation will not affect each other. The maintenance operation is far away from the battery swapping area where electric vehicles travel, ensuring the safety of the maintenance operation.

[0109] In some other implementations, such as Figures 2 to 4As shown, not only is there a mounting bracket 600 on the electric vehicle 30, but there is also a mounting bracket 600 in the battery swapping area 17 with the same structure as the mounting bracket 600 fixed to the electric vehicle 30. At this time, the overhead lifting device 20 is used to transfer the battery pack 40 between the mounting bracket 600 in the charging area 17 and the mounting bracket 600 on the electric vehicle 30, and to perform the hoisting operation of the battery pack 40 to be replaced and the available battery pack 40.

[0110] In the above solution, by setting up a mounting bracket 600 with the same structure as that on the electric vehicle 30 in the charging area 17, the consistency and versatility of the structure are good. The usage scenario of the mounting bracket 600 can be determined according to the usage requirements, which is conducive to the mass production of the mounting bracket 600 and saves R&D time and production costs.

[0111] In some other embodiments, the battery swapping station 10 also includes a positioning device installed in the battery swapping area 16 or at a position on the main frame 15 corresponding to the battery swapping area 16. The positioning device is used to position the electric vehicle 30. When the electric vehicle 30 enters the battery swapping area, the battery swapping vehicle 30 is aligned with the overhead crane 20 under the guidance of the positioning device.

[0112] In the above scheme, by setting a positioning device to guide the electric vehicle 30 to stop at a predetermined position in the battery swapping area 16, it is easy to align the electric vehicle 30 with the overhead crane 20. When the electric vehicle 30 is in the predetermined position, the overhead crane 20 performs the lifting operation according to the preset lifting operation procedure, reducing the time for the overhead crane 20 to adjust the relative position with the battery pack 40, thereby further improving the efficiency of the battery swapping operation.

[0113] Preferably, the positioning device includes at least one of the following: a wheel positioning device, a vehicle body positioning device, a laser positioning device, and a visual positioning device.

[0114] The positioning device can be a positioning device that uses physical contact, such as a wheel positioning device installed on the ground of the battery swapping area 16, which includes any one of the following: an impedance block with lifting function, a lifting column, or a downwardly recessed wheel groove, which completes the vehicle positioning by restricting the position of the wheel; another example is a body positioning device installed under the main frame 15, which includes a telescopic rod with a flexible end, which touches the front of the vehicle to complete the vehicle positioning.

[0115] The positioning device can also be a non-physical contact positioning device, such as a laser positioning device or a vision positioning device. By installing a laser probe or vision probe on the main frame 15, the position of the electric vehicle body or the position of the wheels can be scanned to determine whether the electric vehicle 30 is in the preset parking position. Furthermore, the positioning device can also be connected to an alarm device to alert the electric vehicle 30 that it has deviated from the preset parking position.

[0116] The above solutions offer a wide range of options, including wheel alignment devices, vehicle body alignment devices, laser alignment devices, and visual alignment devices. Furthermore, the type and method of use of the alignment device can be flexibly selected based on different vehicle models and sizes to complete the vehicle alignment operation.

[0117] In some other implementations, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the battery pack 40 includes a battery pack bracket 490 and a battery module 401; the battery module 401 is fixedly disposed in the battery pack bracket 490, and a recess 495 is provided in the lower middle part of the battery pack bracket 490. The lower surface of the recess 495 is used to support the second battery pack 40 on the mounting bracket 600.

[0118] Specifically, the battery pack bracket 490 is provided with a first bracket, an intermediate bracket, and a second bracket sequentially from one end to the other. The first bracket, the intermediate bracket, and the second bracket are interconnected by fixing flanges and high-strength bolts, or connected to the battery pack bracket 490 to form an integral structure. A battery module 401 is installed in at least one of the first bracket, the intermediate bracket, and the second bracket. The length of the intermediate bracket along the direction of travel of the electric vehicle 40 is greater than the length of the first bracket and the second bracket located on both sides along the direction of travel of the electric vehicle 40, and the length of the intermediate bracket along the vertical direction is less than the length of the first bracket and / or the second bracket along the vertical direction. With this structural arrangement, a recess 495 is formed in the middle of the battery pack bracket 490. The lower surface of the recess 495 rests on the mounting bracket 600 to mount the battery pack 40 on the mounting bracket 600.

[0119] In the above solution, a recessed portion 495 is provided in the lower middle part of the battery pack bracket 490. The recessed portion 495 is recessed upward. When the battery pack 40 is installed, the lower surface of the recessed portion 495 is supported by the mounting bracket 600, and the opposite sides of the recessed portion 495 are simultaneously clamped on both sides of the mounting bracket 600, thereby forming a stable support structure.

[0120] Preferred, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the battery pack bracket 490 includes a hanger 491 mounted on the upper part of the battery pack bracket 490 and a battery mounting bracket 496 mounted on the bottom of the hanger 491. The battery mounting bracket 496 includes a first bracket, an intermediate bracket, and a second bracket. The first bracket, intermediate bracket, and second bracket are sequentially connected from one end of the hanger 491 to the other. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the first bracket, intermediate bracket, and second bracket can be connected to the lower part of the hanger 491 via fixing flanges and high-strength bolts, thereby forming an integral structure. At least one of the first bracket, intermediate bracket, and second bracket is provided with a battery placement layer 497 for placing the battery module 401.

[0121] It should be noted that the length of the aforementioned intermediate bracket can be matched with the length of the mounting bracket 600 on the electric vehicle 30, and the length of the intermediate bracket is not limited to being greater than the length of the first and second brackets on both sides.

[0122] It should also be noted that in other specific embodiments, the battery pack 40 may also omit the intermediate bracket, with the first bracket and the second bracket fixed to the two ends of the hanger 491 respectively.

[0123] In the above scheme, by setting up the hanger 491 and the battery mounting bracket 496, the functions of the hanger 491 and the battery mounting bracket 496 are independent of each other. The hanger 491 is located above to facilitate hoisting operations, and the battery mounting bracket 496 is located below to help lower the center of gravity of the battery.

[0124] In some other implementations, such as Figure 8 As shown, the mounting bracket 600 includes a bracket body 60 and a support plate 63. The bracket body 60 further includes a frame 61 and a connecting column 62. The frame 61 is mounted on the electric vehicle via the connecting column 62, and the frame 61 is rectangular in shape. The support plate 63 is disposed on the frame and is located on the end face of the frame 61 facing the battery pack 40, i.e., the upper end face of the frame 61.

[0125] By setting a rectangular frame 61, not only can the structural strength be guaranteed, but the rectangular structure can also easily enter the recess 495 from below the battery pack 40, so that the battery pack 40 is stably supported by the mounting bracket 600.

[0126] It should be noted that, as Figure 8 As shown, a connecting plate 621 can also be provided at the lower end of the connecting column 62, that is, the end that connects to the electric vehicle 30. The connecting column 62 is connected to the electric vehicle 30 through the connecting plate 621. The specific shape of the connecting plate 621 can be set to match the shape of the installation position; the connecting plate can be installed on the electric vehicle by means of screwing, welding, snap-fitting, etc.

[0127] In some other implementations, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, a first guide portion 48 is provided at the lower edge of the battery pack 40. The first guide portion 48 has a plate-like structure and bends from top to bottom in a direction that gradually moves away from the battery pack 40, thereby forming a first sliding guide surface 481 at the end face of the first guide portion 48 near the battery pack 40. At the same time, a first fixed guide surface 68 is installed on the side of the mounting bracket 600. When the battery pack 40 is installed, the first fixed guide surface 68 slides in contact with the surface of the first sliding guide surface 681, guiding the battery pack 200 to move to a predetermined position on the battery pack mounting bracket 100.

[0128] The first fixed guide 68 slides into the first sliding guide surface 481 on the first guide part 48 of the battery pack, providing installation guidance for the battery pack through sliding contact. This guide structure has low guiding resistance and a simple guide structure.

[0129] Preferred, such as Figure 8 As shown, the bracket body 60 can also be provided with a first guide positioning cone pin 69 in the direction of the battery pack 40, and a first guide hole is provided below the battery pack 40. When the battery pack 40 is in place, the first guide positioning cone pin 69 enters the first guide hole.

[0130] In some other embodiments, the battery pack 40 is further provided with a first electrical connector 46 for electrical connection with the electric vehicle 40. Specifically, the first electrical connector 46 is disposed on the lower surface of the recess 495 and electrically connected to the battery module 401. To mate with the first electrical connector 46, such as... Figure 8 As shown, a second electrical connector 66 is provided on the upper surface of the mounting bracket 600. The second electrical connector 66 is provided in correspondence with the first electrical connector. During the process of the battery pack 40 descending and finally being installed in the mounting bracket 600, a stable electrical connection is formed between the two electrical connectors.

[0131] It should be noted that the number of the first electrical connector 46 and the second electrical connector 66 can be flexibly set according to the power demand of the electric vehicle 30 or the charging demand of the battery swapping station.

[0132] It should also be noted that a second guide positioning cone pin 67 can be provided on the upper surface of the mounting bracket 600 to provide horizontal guidance when the first electrical connector 46 and the second electrical connector 66 are mated.

[0133] In the above solution, by setting two mutually cooperating electrical connectors on the battery module 401 and the mounting bracket 600, during the installation of the battery pack 40, when the recessed part 495 of the battery pack 40 is supported by the mounting bracket 600, the two electrical connectors complete the electrical connection without the need for other electrical connection operations, thereby further improving the efficiency of the battery swapping operation and shortening the battery swapping operation time.

[0134] In some other embodiments, the second electrical connector 66 is disposed in the mounting bracket 600 on the electric vehicle 40, and the second electrical connector 66 is electrically connected to the power system of the electric vehicle 30 to provide electrical power to the electric vehicle 30.

[0135] In some other embodiments, a second electrical connector 66 is disposed in the mounting bracket 600 of the charging area 17, and the second electrical connector 66 is electrically connected to the charging device of the battery swapping station 10 to replenish the battery pack 40 with power through the charging device.

[0136] In the above scheme, by electrically connecting the second electrical connector 66 to the power unit of the electric vehicle 30, the battery pack 40 can supply power to the electric vehicle 30, and / or by electrically connecting the second electrical connector 66 to the charging device in the battery swapping station, the battery pack 40 can obtain the electrical energy required for charging from the battery swapping station.

[0137] In some other embodiments, the battery swapping station 10 also includes a floating component 65 disposed on the lower surface of the recess 495, and a first electrical connector 46 is mounted on the lower surface of the floating component 65.

[0138] Similarly, in some other implementations, such as Figure 8 As shown, the floating component 65 can also be disposed on the upper surface of the mounting bracket 600, and the second electrical connector 66 is mounted on the lower surface of the floating component 65.

[0139] Specifically, a specific structure for a floating disk is provided, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 10The floating disk 65 shown includes a fixed frame 652 and a floating platform 651. A second electrical connector 66 is mounted on the floating platform 651. The fixed frame 652 is fixed to the frame 61 by screws or riveting. The lower end of the floating platform 651 is recessed upwards to form a cavity that matches the contour shape of the fixed frame 652 and is slightly larger than that contour shape. The floating platform 651 is fitted onto the outside of the fixed frame 652 from above through this cavity and is interconnected by multiple sets of connecting components, thereby enabling the floating platform 651 to float horizontally relative to the fixed frame 652. To avoid interference between the second electrical connector 66 and the fixed frame 652, the fixed frame 652 has an opening for connecting the second electrical connector 66. In addition, the upper end face of the fixed frame 652, i.e., the side facing the floating platform 651, is provided with a ball bearing 658 that can rotate around its center to reduce the friction between the floating platform 651 and the fixed frame 652.

[0140] The aforementioned connecting components include a connecting rod 653, a nut 654, and a spring 655. The floating platform 656 has a second oblong hole 656 with its long axis horizontally arranged, and the connecting rod 653 passes through the second oblong hole 656. Furthermore, the two ends of the connecting rod 653 are respectively provided with a first thread and a second thread. The first thread is used to connect with a screw hole 659 provided on the side wall of the fixed frame 652. The spring 655 is sleeved on the outside of the connecting rod 653. The second end of the spring abuts against the nut 654 screwed to the second thread position, and the first end of the spring abuts against the inner side of the side wall of the floating platform 656, that is, the side side of the side wall away from the fixed frame 652.

[0141] To improve the stability of the floating platform 651 in the horizontal direction, each side wall of the fixed frame 652 is provided with the aforementioned second waist-shaped hole 656. Therefore, when the spring 655 abutting against one side wall is compressed, that is, when the floating platform 651 is pushed in the horizontal direction and floats in the horizontal direction, the connecting rods 653 in the other two side walls perpendicular to that side wall move in their respective second waist-shaped holes 656, and the balls 658 roll accordingly, thereby causing the floating platform 651 to undergo horizontal displacement relative to the fixed frame 652, thus achieving the effect of floating connection.

[0142] It should be noted that two floating components 65 can also be installed simultaneously on the lower surface of the recess 495 and the upper surface of the mounting bracket 600 to provide a floating connection between the first electrical connector 46 and the second electrical connector 66.

[0143] In the above scheme, by providing a floating component 65 on at least one of the first electrical connector 46 and the second electrical connector 66, when the first electrical connector 46 and the second electrical connector 66 are connected to each other, the floating component 65 can automatically adjust the relative position between the two electrical connectors, so that the two electrical connectors can be aligned and form a stable and reliable electrical connection.

[0144] In some other implementations, such as Figure 7 As shown, the battery pack 40 also includes a liquid cooling device 493, which is connected to the liquid cooling pipe 402 of the battery module 401. The liquid cooling device 493 can be installed in the middle bracket of the battery pack bracket 490, or it can be installed in the brackets on the left and right sides of the battery pack bracket 490 respectively.

[0145] In the above solution, by setting up a liquid cooling device 493, the heat generated by the battery module 401 in the working or charging state is released, which helps to ensure the safety of the battery module 401 and the battery pack 40.

[0146] In some other implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the battery pack 40 also includes a locking mechanism 500 for locking the battery pack 40 onto the mounting bracket 600. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in order to cooperate with the locking mechanism 500 in performing unlocking and locking actions, the ceiling-mounted device 20 is also provided with an unlocking part 235 corresponding to the locking mechanism 500, so that the locking mechanism 500 can switch between the unlocked state and the locked state. That is, when the ceiling-mounted device 20 descends, the unlocking part 235 acts on the locking mechanism 500 to put it into the unlocked state, and when the ceiling-mounted device 20 rises, the unlocking part 235 no longer acts on the locking mechanism 500, and the locking mechanism 500 returns to the locked state.

[0147] The unlocking part 235 and the locking mechanism 500 on the battery pack 40 can cooperate through physical contact, such as using a pressure plate or block for the unlocking part 235 to contact the locking mechanism 500. By contacting and separating from the locking mechanism 500, the locking mechanism 500 can switch between an unlocked state and a locked state. Similarly, the unlocking part 235 and the locking mechanism 500 can also cooperate through non-physical contact. For example, the locking mechanism 500 has a drive motor. Under the action of the drive motor, the locking mechanism 500 can switch between an unlocked state and a locked state. The locking mechanism 500 also includes a magnetic induction device, which is electrically connected to the drive motor. The unlocking part 235 is a permanent magnet. When the permanent magnet approaches the magnetic induction device, the drive motor drives the locking mechanism 500 to move in the unlocking direction to unlock the battery pack 40. When the permanent magnet leaves the magnetic induction device, the drive motor drives the locking mechanism 500 to move in the locking direction and fixes the locking mechanism 500 in the locked position to lock the battery pack 40. Of course, the locking mechanism 500 can also use a light sensor instead of a magnetic sensor, and the unlocking part 235 can be modified accordingly or a light baffle can be used. When the light baffle blocks the light sensor, the drive motor drives the locking mechanism 500 to move in the unlocking direction to unlock the battery pack 40; when the light sensor is not blocked, the drive motor drives the locking mechanism 500 to move in the locking direction and fixes the locking mechanism 500 in the locking position to lock the battery pack 40.

[0148] In the above scheme, the overhead crane 20 is equipped with an unlocking part 235, and the battery pack 40 is equipped with a locking mechanism 500 corresponding to the unlocking part 235. When the overhead crane 20 descends, the unlocking part 235 acts on the locking mechanism 500 on the battery pack 40, causing the locking mechanism 500 to move from a predetermined locking position to a predetermined unlocking position, thereby unlocking the battery pack 40. When the overhead crane 20 rises vertically, the unlocking part 235 separates from the locking mechanism 500, the locking mechanism 500 returns to the predetermined locking position, and the battery pack 40 returns to the locked state. Through the above structural arrangement, the locking and unlocking actions of the battery pack 40 are combined during the vertical movement of the overhead crane 20, thereby improving the efficiency of the battery swapping operation.

[0149] Preferably, the top-mounted lifting device 20 is also equipped with a first guiding device 250 for mutual positioning with the battery pack 40 during the lifting process. Specifically, for example... Figure 13 As shown, the first guide device 250 is located around the outer side of the hoisting mechanism 230. At the same time, the battery pack 40 is provided with a first positioning part, which is used to cooperate with the first guide device 250 to position and guide the hoisting mechanism 230 as it moves toward the battery pack 40.

[0150] In the above scheme, by setting up a first guiding device 250 and a first positioning part that cooperate with each other, a horizontal guiding function is provided during the process of the top-lifting equipment 20 descending to grab the battery pack 40, so that the top-lifting equipment 20 accurately reaches the preset position above the battery pack 40, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the grabbing operation.

[0151] Preferred, such as Figure 13 As shown, the first guiding device 250 includes a first guiding surface 251. The first guiding surface 251 is arranged in a direction toward the battery pack bracket 490 and is inclined to the outside of the battery pack bracket 490. When the overhead lifting device 20 descends to the battery pack 40, it can slide to contact the battery pack bracket 490 through the outwardly inclined first guiding surface 251 for positioning and guidance.

[0152] In the above scheme, when the top-mounted equipment 20 descends to grab the battery pack 40, it provides horizontal guidance by sliding contact between the battery pack bracket 490 and the first guide surface 251 on the first guide device 250, thereby adjusting the horizontal relative position of the top-mounted equipment 20 and the battery pack 40 and guiding the top-mounted equipment 20 to the predetermined hoisting position. Furthermore, this structure directly utilizes the structure of the battery pack bracket 490. By setting the first guide surface 251 that slides in contact with the battery pack bracket 490, horizontal guidance can be achieved. The structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0153] In some other embodiments, when the unlocking part 235 and the locking mechanism 500 are in physical contact for locking and unlocking operations, the locking mechanism 500 includes a pressure rod 51, a reversing plate 52, a pull rod 53, and a locking member, and the pressure rod 51, the reversing plate 52, the pull rod 53, and the locking member are connected in sequence to achieve the following movements:

[0154] When the top-mounted equipment 20 releases the battery pack 40, and the pressure rod 51 is not subjected to the force of the unlocking part 235, the pull rod 53 drives the locking part to move into the locking position so that the locking part is in the locked state.

[0155] When the overhead crane 20 lifts the battery pack 40, the pressure rod 51 is subjected to the force of the unlocking part 235. The pressure rod 51 drives the reversing plate 52 to rotate, thereby pulling the pull rod 53 to move the locking part out of the locked position, so that the locking part is in the unlocked state.

[0156] Specifically, such as Figure 6 , Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, the pressure rod 51, reversing plate 52, pull rod 53, and locking pin 412 are connected in sequence. The first end of the pressure rod 51 is movably connected to one end of the reversing plate 52, and the first end of the pull rod 53 is movably connected to the other end of the reversing plate 52. The reversing plate 52 is rotatably connected to the outside of the battery pack 40, so that the pressure rod 51, reversing plate 52, and pull rod 53 are linked together. The second end of the pull rod 53 is slidably connected to the locking pin 412 through the unlocking plate 413. That is, the unlocking plate 413 is provided with a sliding groove 414 inclined to the ground, and the sliding groove 414 gradually approaches the battery pack 40 from bottom to top. When the unlocking plate 413 moves with the pull rod 53, the second end of the locking pin 412 moves up and down in the sliding groove 414, thereby driving the first end of the locking pin 412 into or out of the locking position, thus completing the locking and unlocking operation of the battery pack 40 at the preset position of the mounting bracket 600.

[0157] In the above scheme, by setting up a linkage structure between the pressure rod 51, the reversing plate 52, the pull rod 53, and the locking component, the force state of the pressure rod 51 is transmitted to the locking component. When the pressure rod 51 is not pushed by an external force, the pull rod 53 drives the locking component to move into the locked position, thereby fixing the battery pack 40. When the pressure rod 51 is pushed by an external force, the first end of the pressure rod 51 pushes against one end of the reversing plate 52, causing the reversing plate 52 to rotate. The other end of the reversing plate 52 drives the pull rod 53 to move, causing the pull rod 53 to move the locking component out of the locked position, thereby unlocking the battery pack 40. Through the above structural setting, the state of the pressure rod 51 being pushed by an external force is distinguished, causing the locking component to enter or move out of the locked position, thereby completing the locking and unlocking of the battery pack 40. The locking and unlocking method is simple, and the locking effect is stable and reliable.

[0158] Preferred, such as Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown, the mounting bracket 600 also includes a locking engagement part 610. When the locking pin 412 moves into the locking position, the upper surface of the locking pin 412 abuts against the lower surface of the locking engagement part 610 to lock the battery pack 40 onto the mounting bracket 600.

[0159] More preferably, such as Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, a second locking slope 411 can also be provided at one end of the locking pin 412 facing the locking engagement part 610, and a first locking slope 611 can be provided at the position of the locking engagement part 610 relative to the second locking slope 411, so as to provide positioning guidance for the locking process of the locking pin 412.

[0160] In the above solution, by providing a locking engagement part 610 on the mounting bracket 600 to cooperate with the locking member, when locking, the upper surface of the locking member abuts against the lower surface of the locking engagement part 610, making locking and unlocking convenient and the locking structure robust.

[0161] In some other implementations, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 11 and 12 As shown, the overhead crane 20 includes a moving mechanism 210, a lifting mechanism 220, and a hoisting mechanism 230. The moving mechanism 210 is slidably installed on the track 11 of the main frame 15 to move along the track 11. The hoisting mechanism 230 is movably installed below the moving mechanism 210 through the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism 220 drives the hoisting mechanism 230 to move in a direction close to or away from the moving mechanism 210.

[0162] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 4 The battery swapping station 10 shown has a main frame 15, which includes a ground support 12 and a track 11 mounted above the ground support 12. Multiple mounting brackets 31 are located below the main frame 15 for storing battery packs 40 and charging the battery packs 40. A top-mounted crane 20 is slidably mounted on the track 11 and can move on the track 11 to remove battery packs 40 to be swapped from electric vehicles 30 parked below the track 11, and to install usable battery packs 40 on electric vehicles 30 parked below the track 11.

[0163] like Figure 11 and 12 As shown, the top-mounted equipment 20 of the battery swapping station includes a moving mechanism 210, a lifting mechanism 220, and a hoisting mechanism 230. The moving mechanism 210 includes a first drive device and a track wheel 217. The first drive device can be a motor, etc. The track wheel 217 is supported on an open track 11 or inside a closed track 11. The first drive device drives the moving mechanism 210 to move on the track 11, thereby moving the entire top-mounted equipment 20 of the battery swapping station. The lifting mechanism 220 is installed above the moving mechanism 210. The lifting mechanism 220 includes a second drive device and a connecting device. The connecting device can be a flexible connecting device, such as a rope or chain. The moving mechanism 210 has a hollow structure or a through-hole structure for the connecting device to pass through. One end of the connecting device is connected to the second drive device, and the other end is connected to the hoisting mechanism 230. The lifting mechanism 220 drives the hoisting mechanism 230 to move vertically upward or vertically downward under the drive of the second drive device.

[0164] The lifting mechanism 230 is used to lift the battery pack 40. That is, the lifting mechanism 230 can grab or release the battery pack 40. The lifting mechanism 230 can extend horizontally into the preset fixing hole in the battery pack 40 by setting a connecting rod, connecting pin or other device to perform the grabbing action of the battery pack 40, and release the battery pack 40 by using a hook, connecting pin or other device to exit the fixing hole. Similarly, the lifting mechanism 230 can be equipped with a hook that can rotate in the vertical direction. The hook can rotate toward the battery pack 40 and fix itself to the preset fixing part on the battery pack 40 to perform the grabbing action of the battery pack 40. The hook can rotate away from the battery pack 40 and disengage from the battery pack 40 to perform the releasing action of the battery pack 40. Similarly, the hoisting mechanism 230 can also be equipped with an angle lock device. The battery pack 40 has a waist-shaped hole structure at the position corresponding to the angle lock. After the angle lock device extends into the waist-shaped hole structure, it rotates in the horizontal direction to the locking position to perform the gripping action of the battery pack 40. The angle lock device rotates from the locking position to the initial position when it enters the waist-shaped hole structure and exits the waist-shaped hole structure, thereby performing the releasing action of the battery pack 40.

[0165] In some other implementations, such as Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the hoisting mechanism 230 includes a hoisting frame 231 and a connecting component 232. The hoisting frame 231 is used to connect with the lifting mechanism 220, and the connecting component 232 is disposed on the hoisting frame 231. The connecting component 232 is used to install the battery pack 40 onto the hoisting frame 231.

[0166] Specifically, the hoisting mechanism 230 includes a hoisting frame 231, which has connecting holes for movable connection with connecting ropes 227, so that the hoisting frame 231 is located below the moving mechanism 210. The hoisting frame 231 also has a connecting component 232, one end of which faces the battery pack 40, for mounting the battery pack 40 onto the hoisting frame 231. For example, the connecting component 232 can be detachably connected to the upper battery pack bracket 491 of the battery pack support 490 (e.g.,...). Figure 12 As shown), for example, the battery pack bracket 491 has a first oblong hole 492 at the position corresponding to the connecting component 232 (as shown). Figure 5 As shown, the connecting part 232 rotates into the first waist-shaped hole 492 to fix the battery pack 40.

[0167] Preferred, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the hoisting mechanism 230 is also provided with an unlocking part 235, and the battery pack 40 is provided with a locking mechanism 500 for detachably fixing the battery pack to a preset position on the electric vehicle 40. The unlocking part 235 is correspondingly provided with the locking mechanism 500. When the hoisting mechanism 230 descends, the unlocking part 235 acts on the locking mechanism 500 to make it enter the unlocked state, and when the hoisting mechanism 230 rises, the unlocking part 235 no longer acts on the locking mechanism 500, and the locking mechanism 500 returns to the locked state.

[0168] In the above scheme, the moving mechanism 210, the lifting mechanism 220 and the hoisting mechanism 230 are functionally independent but cooperate with each other. The moving mechanism 210 and the lifting mechanism 220 can move the hoisting mechanism in the horizontal and vertical directions. The hoisting mechanism can easily grab and release the battery pack 40, thereby realizing the removal and / or installation of the battery pack 40 from above the electric vehicle 30.

[0169] Based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment also provides a battery swapping method for the aforementioned battery swapping station, such as... Figure 17 As shown, the battery swapping method includes the following steps:

[0170] S1, control the overhead lifting equipment 20 to lift the battery pack 40 to be replaced from the mounting bracket 600 of the electric vehicle 30;

[0171] Specifically, in step S1 above, the top-mounted device 20 moves along the track 11 to above the electric vehicle 30, the top-mounted device 20 descends, and performs the action of grabbing the battery pack 40. This grabbing action can be an action of inserting a connecting rod, connecting pin, or other device into a preset fixing hole in the battery pack 40 in the horizontal direction, or it can be an action of rotating the hook in the locking direction and hooking the hook onto a preset fixing part in the battery pack 40. Then the top-mounted device 20 rises.

[0172] S2, transfer the battery pack 40 to be replaced to the charging area 17 of the battery swapping station 10;

[0173] Specifically, the overhead crane 20 moves along the track 11 from a position above the electric vehicle 30 to the position of an empty mounting bracket 600 in the charging area 17, then places the battery pack 40 on the mounting bracket 600, and releases the battery pack 40 by disengaging the connecting rod, connecting pin or turning the hook in the unlocking direction.

[0174] S3, control the overhead crane 20 to grab the available battery pack 40 from the charging area 17 within the battery swapping station 10;

[0175] Specifically, the overhead crane 20 moves along the track 11 to above the available battery pack 40, wherein the available battery pack 40 is a battery pack 40 whose charging amount has reached a preset threshold. The overhead crane 20 uses the same grasping action as in step S1 to grasp the available battery pack 40.

[0176] S4, hoist the available battery pack 40 onto the mounting bracket 600 of the electric vehicle 30;

[0177] Specifically, the overhead crane 20 moves along the track 11 to above the electric vehicle 30, lowers the available battery pack 400 onto the mounting bracket 600 of the electric vehicle 30, and releases the available battery pack 40 using the same release action as in step S2.

[0178] In the above scheme, the battery pack 40 is disassembled and installed on the electric vehicle 30 by hoisting. This not only makes the battery swapping operation convenient and quick, but also allows the battery pack 40 to be installed above the electric vehicle 30, keeping it away from the ground. This protects the safety of the battery pack and ensures its service life, making this installation method suitable for the use of electric agricultural vehicles.

[0179] In some other implementations, such as Figure 18 As shown, prior to the step of controlling the overhead crane 20 to lift the battery pack 40 to be replaced from the mounting bracket 600 of the electric vehicle 30, the battery swapping method further includes the following steps:

[0180] S10, controls electric vehicle 30 to enter battery swapping area 16;

[0181] Specifically, when the electric vehicle 30 is an unmanned vehicle, it enters the battery swapping area 16 through preset driving commands. The driving commands can be preset in the vehicle's storage device or transmitted to the vehicle's driving system via wireless data transmission.

[0182] S11, Positioning of electric vehicle 30;

[0183] Specifically, the electric vehicle 30 is guided to stop at a predetermined position in the battery swapping area 16 by using at least one of a positioning device, such as a wheel positioning device, a body positioning device, a laser positioning device, or a vision positioning device.

[0184] S12, based on the positioning result, control the electric vehicle 30 to align with the overhead crane mechanism 20.

[0185] Specifically, the electric vehicle 30 can be moved according to the positioning result so that it is aligned with the overhead crane 20; or the overhead crane 20 can be moved on the track 11 according to the positioning result so that it is aligned with the electric vehicle 30.

[0186] In the above scheme, by positioning the electric vehicle 30 entering the battery swapping area 16, the electric vehicle 30 stops at a predetermined position in the battery swapping area 16, aligning the electric vehicle with the overhead crane equipment, which facilitates the overhead crane equipment to perform hoisting operations, reduces the time required for the overhead crane equipment to adjust the relative position with the battery pack 40, and thus further improves the efficiency of the battery swapping operation.

[0187]

Example 2

[0188] Example 2 discloses another specific implementation of a battery swapping station. Based on Example 1, Example 2 includes a telescopic lifting frame in the top-mounted equipment 20 for hoisting battery packs 40 of different lengths. The lifting frame is a split structure. The frame beams on opposite sides along the length of the battery pack 40 each include a first frame beam and a second frame beam nested together. The first frame beam has a first connecting hole, and the second frame beam has multiple second connecting holes at different positions along the horizontal direction. The first connecting hole is bolted to any one of the aforementioned second connecting holes. By fixing the first connecting hole to the second connecting holes at different positions with bolts, the lengths of the first and second frame beams can be adjusted, making the length of the lifting frame 231 adjustable to accommodate battery packs 40 of different lengths. It should be noted that the length directions of the first and second frame beams are the same as the length direction of the battery pack 40.

[0189] In other specific embodiments, hydraulic telescopic devices can also be installed on the frame beams on opposite sides of the hoisting frame to adjust the length of the frame beams on both sides, which will not be elaborated here.

[0190] Based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment also provides a battery swapping method for the aforementioned battery swapping station. Before the control overhead crane 20 lifts the battery pack 40 to be swapped from the mounting bracket 600 of the electric vehicle 30, the battery swapping method includes the following steps:

[0191] S01, adjust the length of the hoisting frame according to the length of the battery pack 40;

[0192] Specifically, the length information of the battery pack 40 is obtained, and then the length of the hoisting frame is adjusted according to the obtained length information so that the position of the locking structure on the top-mounted equipment 20 for fixing the battery pack is adapted to the position of the fixing device of the battery pack 40.

[0193]

Example 3

[0194] Example 3 discloses another specific implementation of a battery swapping station. Based on Example 1 or 2, Example 3, in order to hoist battery packs 40 of different lengths, includes a hoisting frame in the top-mounted equipment 20. The width direction of the battery pack 40 also has a telescopic function. Specifically, the frame beams on opposite sides of the hoisting frame along the width direction of the battery pack 40 include a third frame beam and a fourth frame beam that are nested together. Similar to Example 2, the side length of the frame can be adjusted by a hydraulic telescopic device, bolts, and connecting holes respectively provided in the third frame beam and the fourth frame beam, thereby adapting to hoisting battery packs 40 of different widths.

[0195] Based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment also provides a battery swapping method for the aforementioned battery swapping station. Before the control overhead crane 20 lifts the battery pack 40 to be swapped from the mounting bracket 600 of the electric vehicle 30, the battery swapping method includes the following steps:

[0196] S02, adjust the length of the hoisting frame according to the width of the battery pack 40;

[0197] Specifically, the width information of the battery pack 40 is obtained, and then the width of the hoisting frame is adjusted according to the obtained width information so that the position of the locking structure on the top-mounted equipment 20 for fixing the battery pack is adapted to the position of the fixing device of the battery pack 40.

[0198] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the method embodiments described later are relatively simple in description because they correspond to a station; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the station embodiments.

[0199] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery swapping station for swapping battery packs of electric vehicles, characterized in that, The battery swapping station includes a main frame and a top-mounted crane. The top-mounted crane is movably mounted on the main frame. A battery swapping area and a charging area are located below the main frame. The electric vehicle is located within the battery swapping area. A mounting bracket is mounted on the upper part of the electric vehicle. The battery pack is detachably fixed to the mounting bracket. The top-mounted crane is used to transfer the battery pack between the charging area and the mounting bracket of the electric vehicle. The battery pack also includes a locking mechanism for locking the battery pack onto the mounting bracket. The top-mounted device is provided with an unlocking part, which is correspondingly provided with the locking mechanism of the battery pack. The unlocking part acts on the locking mechanism to switch the locking mechanism between an unlocked state and a locked state. The locking mechanism includes a pressure rod, a reversing plate, a pull rod, and a locking member, which are connected in sequence. When the overhead crane releases the battery pack, if the pressure rod is not subjected to the force of the unlocking part, the pull rod drives the locking member to move into the locking position, so that the locking member is in a locked state. When the overhead crane lifts the battery pack, if the pressure rod is subjected to the force of the unlocking part, the pressure rod drives the reversing plate to rotate, thereby pulling the pull rod to move the locking member out of the locked position, so that the locking member is in an unlocked state.

2. The battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The charging area and the battery swapping area are arranged along the length of the battery swapping station.

3. The battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The charging area includes at least two charging stations, and multiple charging stations are respectively located on both sides of the battery swapping area.

4. The battery swapping station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The overhead crane equipment includes a first overhead crane equipment and a second overhead crane equipment. The first overhead crane equipment and the second overhead crane equipment are respectively located on both sides of the battery swapping area. The overhead crane equipment located on the side with an available charging station is the first overhead crane equipment. The first overhead crane is used to transfer the battery pack to be replaced on the electric vehicle to the vacant charging station, and the second overhead crane is used to transfer the available battery pack in the charging station to the electric vehicle.

5. The battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery swapping station also includes a maintenance area, which is located adjacent to the charging area and on the side of the charging area away from the battery swapping area.

6. The battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The charging area is also provided with the mounting bracket, and the overhead lifting device is used to transfer the battery pack between the mounting bracket in the charging area and the mounting bracket on the electric vehicle.

7. The battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery swapping station also includes a positioning device for positioning the electric vehicle so that the electric vehicle is aligned with the overhead crane equipment.

8. The battery swapping station according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning device includes at least one of a wheel positioning device, a vehicle body positioning device, a laser positioning device, and a visual positioning device.

9. The battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a battery pack bracket and a battery module; the battery module is fixedly installed in the battery pack bracket, and a recess is provided in the lower center of the battery pack bracket, the lower surface of which is used to support the battery pack on the mounting bracket.

10. The battery swapping station according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery pack support includes a hanger and a battery mounting bracket installed at the bottom of the hanger. The hanger is used to connect to the top-mounted equipment. The battery mounting bracket has a battery placement layer for placing battery modules. The battery placement layer contains battery modules.

11. The battery swapping station according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a first electrical connector, the battery module is connected to the first electrical connector, the first electrical connector is disposed on the lower surface of the recess, and the upper surface of the mounting bracket is provided with a second electrical connector for mating with the first electrical connector.

12. The battery swapping station according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second electrical connector in the mounting bracket of the electric vehicle is electrically connected to the power system of the electric vehicle. And / or, the second electrical connector in the mounting bracket of the charging area is electrically connected to the charging device of the battery swapping station.

13. The battery swapping station according to claim 11, characterized in that, The battery swapping station also includes a floating component, on which the first electrical connector and / or the second electrical connector are disposed; the floating component is used to move the electrical connector disposed thereon when the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are mated.

14. The battery swapping station according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a liquid cooling device, which is connected to the liquid cooling pipeline of the battery module.

15. The battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting bracket also includes a locking engagement part. When the locking member moves into the locking position, the upper surface of the locking member abuts against the lower surface of the locking engagement part to lock the battery pack onto the mounting bracket.

16. The battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overhead crane equipment includes a moving mechanism, a lifting mechanism, and a hoisting mechanism; The moving mechanism is slidably mounted on the track of the main frame to move along the track; the hoisting mechanism is movably mounted below the moving mechanism via the lifting mechanism, and the lifting mechanism drives the hoisting mechanism to move in a direction closer to or away from the moving mechanism.

17. A battery swapping method, used in a battery swapping station according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, include: Control the overhead crane to lift the battery pack to be replaced from the mounting bracket of the electric vehicle; The battery pack to be replaced is transferred to the charging area of ​​the battery swapping station; Control the overhead crane to grab available battery packs from the charging area within the battery swapping station; The available battery pack is hoisted onto the mounting bracket of the electric vehicle; The available battery pack is a battery pack whose charge has reached a preset threshold.

18. The battery swapping method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Prior to the step of controlling the overhead crane to lift the battery pack to be replaced from the mounting bracket of the electric vehicle, the battery swapping method further includes: Control the electric vehicle to enter the battery swapping area; The electric vehicle is located; The electric vehicle is aligned with the overhead crane based on the positioning results.

Images