A battery pack storage device, an electrical connection device, and a method for transferring battery packs within a battery compartment

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of new energy vehicles, and particularly relates to a battery pack storage device, an electrical connection device, and a method for transferring battery packs in a battery compartment. The battery pack storage device includes: a storage bracket, the storage bracket is provided with a compartment for storing battery packs, one end of the compartment forms an entrance end, wherein at least part of the compartment is set as a first compartment, the first compartment is provided with an electrical connection mechanism at the entrance end, and the height of the first compartment is set to allow the battery pack to pass above the electrical connection mechanism. The technical solution of the present invention simplifies the mechanism requirements and process requirements for the battery pack to turn by the battery swapping device, and improves the efficiency of battery swapping.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application CN2022115318647 with an application date of December 1, 2022. This application incorporates the entire text of the above-mentioned Chinese patent application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of new energy vehicles, and in particular, to a battery pack storage device, an electrical connection device, and a method for transferring a battery pack within a battery compartment. Background Art

[0003] With the popularization of new energy in the vehicle field, more and more commercial vehicles, such as heavy trucks, use new energy, which is beneficial to reducing the use cost of commercial vehicles. To solve the problem of the endurance of new energy vehicles, charging is generally adopted. However, the batteries of commercial vehicles are relatively large, and the required charging time is relatively long. For commercial vehicles, long charging time will reduce their operating time, which does not meet their commercial needs. Therefore, it is an effective means to quickly replace the vehicle battery through a battery swapping station to improve the operable time of the vehicle.

[0004] Existing commercial vehicle battery swapping stations include a driving lane and a battery swapping lane arranged on the same plane. During use, the vehicle drives in through the driving lane, and the battery swapping trolley moves to directly below the vehicle chassis through the battery swapping lane, disassembles the battery, and then the battery swapping trolley carries the whole battery out from under the vehicle.

[0005] When placing the replaced battery into the charging compartment, it is necessary to connect the connection mechanism of the battery with the connection mechanism in the compartment. Currently, the connection mechanisms of some battery packs are placed on their front and rear sides, and the connection mechanisms in the compartment are placed at the inner end of the compartment. During battery swapping of the vehicle, there is often a problem that the connection mechanism of the battery pack is not in the same direction as the electrical connection mechanism in the compartment to be placed after the battery pack is removed. As a result, when placing the battery pack into the compartment, it is necessary to adjust the battery pack so that its connection mechanism corresponds to the inner end of the compartment to be placed, which leads to a complex structure of the battery swapping equipment for moving the battery pack and increases the turning time. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the structure and process flow of battery pack storage during battery swapping of electric vehicles, and to provide a battery pack storage device, an electrical connection device, and a method for transferring a battery pack within a battery compartment.

[0007] The present invention solves the above technical problem by the following technical solutions: A battery pack storage device for storing battery packs is provided, including: a storage bracket, the storage bracket is provided with a compartment for storing battery packs, one end of the compartment forms an entrance end, wherein at least part of the compartment is set as a first compartment, the first compartment is provided with an electrical connection mechanism at the entrance end, and the height of the first compartment is set to allow the battery pack to pass above the electrical connection mechanism.

[0008] By providing an electrical connection mechanism at the entrance end of the first storage position, the battery pack can pass through the upper side of the electrical connection mechanism. In this way, when the connection mechanism of the battery pack to be charged is on the same side as the entrance end of the first storage position after being removed from the vehicle, the battery pack can be directly placed into the first storage position from the entrance end without the need to adjust the orientation of the battery pack, simplifying the requirements for the mechanism and various processes of the battery pack orientation in the battery swapping device and improving the efficiency of battery swapping.

[0009] Furthermore, the storage device includes two rows of the storage brackets arranged at intervals in the transverse direction. An up-and-down movement space for the vertical movement of the battery pack is formed between the two rows of the storage brackets, and the entrance ends of all the storage positions are correspondingly arranged with respect to this up-and-down movement space.

[0010] At least some of the storage positions are set as second storage positions, and the electrical connection mechanism is provided at the end corresponding to the entrance end.

[0011] By arranging the storage positions on both sides of the up-and-down movement space and setting the storage positions as the first storage position and the second storage position respectively, the present invention can efficiently utilize the up-and-down movement space to store a larger number of battery packs. Moreover, after the battery pack to be charged is removed from the vehicle, the battery pack can be placed into any storage position without adding complex mechanisms inside the storage position and / or on the battery swapping device, saving costs.

[0012] Furthermore, the storage position of the battery pack in each storage position is consistent with the position where the battery pack is installed on the battery swapping vehicle.

[0013] By setting it in this way, the battery pack does not need to be adjusted in orientation during the process of being removed from the vehicle and placed into the storage position and being taken out from the storage position and installed on the vehicle, simplifying the battery swapping process and improving the battery swapping efficiency.

[0014] Furthermore, the electrical connection mechanism is movably installed on the storage bracket, and the electrical connection mechanism can be switched between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the electrical connection mechanism can be connected to the battery pack. In the second position, at least a part of the electrical connection mechanism is separated from the currently corresponding storage position.

[0015] By setting the electrical connection mechanism to be switchable, when the battery pack is placed into the first storage position, the corresponding electrical connection mechanism can be switched to the second position, so that the electrical connection mechanism occupies less space in the corresponding storage position, and then the battery pack can enter more easily when entering, reducing the requirements for the height of the storage position and providing a basis for optimizing the storage position space.

[0016] Further, the electrical connection mechanism is foldably arranged on the storage bracket. When in the first position, the electrical connection mechanism is in a vertical state. When in the second position, the electrical connection mechanism is in a horizontal state. When the electrical connection mechanism is in the horizontal state, the height of the electrical connection mechanism in the storage compartment is lower than the height when the electrical connection mechanism is in the vertical state.

[0017] In the present invention, by setting the electrical connection mechanism to switch between horizontal and vertical states, when the electrical connection mechanism is switched to the horizontal state, the electrical connection mechanism can be substantially parallel to the battery pack entry and exit direction, which can reduce the height of the electrical connector and make the profile of the electrical connector as regular as possible in parallel, making it not easy to collide with the battery pack or the battery swapping device for transporting the battery pack.

[0018] Further, the electrical connection mechanism is rotatably mounted on the storage bracket.

[0019] In the present invention, the electrical connection mechanism can be rotatably arranged so that when the electrical connection mechanism is rotated, the electrical connection mechanism can approach or leave the battery pack, and the separation or connection between the electrical connection mechanism and the battery pack can be assisted to be completed during the rotation process.

[0020] Further, the electrical connection mechanism is vertically movably mounted on the storage bracket. In the present invention, by vertically movably arranging the electrical connection mechanism, by setting the vertical movement path of the electrical connection mechanism and guiding the electrical connection mechanism through a guiding mechanism such as a guide rail, the position of the electrical connection mechanism in the horizontal direction can be stabilized, and the smooth and stable connection between the battery pack and the electrical connection mechanism can be easily realized.

[0021] Further, the electrical connection mechanism is movably arranged along the direction in which the battery pack enters and exits the storage compartment to be connected to or separated from the battery pack.

[0022] In the present invention, by such an arrangement, the electrical connection or disconnection between the electrical connection mechanism and the battery pack can be quickly realized, the process of putting in or taking out the battery pack can be simplified, and the efficiency of taking in and out the battery pack can be improved.

[0023] The present invention also provides an electrical connection device, including: a mounting base and an electrical connection mechanism movably mounted on the mounting base. The mounting base has a battery pack mounting area. The electrical connection mechanism can be switched between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the electrical connection mechanism can be connected to the battery pack located in the battery pack mounting area. When in the second position, at least part of the electrical connection mechanism is separated from the battery pack mounting area.

[0024] In the present invention, by setting the electrical connection mechanism to be position-switchable, when the battery pack is placed in the battery pack installation area, the electrical connection mechanism can be switched to the second position, so that the space occupied by the electrical connection mechanism in the corresponding battery pack installation area is reduced, and thus the battery pack can enter more easily when entering, reducing the requirement for the height of the battery pack installation area, providing a basis for optimizing the space of the battery pack installation area.

[0025] Further, the electrical connection mechanism is foldably arranged on the mounting seat. When in the first position, the electrical connection mechanism is in a vertical state. When in the second position, the electrical connection mechanism is in a horizontal state. When the electrical connection mechanism is in a horizontal state, the height of the electrical connection mechanism is lower than the height when the electrical connection mechanism is in a vertical state.

[0026] In the present invention, by setting the electrical connection mechanism to be horizontally and vertically switchable, when the electrical connection mechanism is switched to the horizontal state, the electrical connection mechanism can be in a state substantially parallel to the battery pack entry and exit direction, which can reduce the height of the electrical connector and make the contour of the electrical connector as regular as possible in parallel, and it is not easy to collide with the battery pack or the battery swapping device for transporting the battery pack.

[0027] Further, the electrical connection mechanism is rotatably mounted on the mounting seat.

[0028] In the present invention, the electrical connection mechanism can be rotatably arranged, so that while the electrical connection mechanism is rotated, the electrical connection mechanism approaches or leaves the battery pack, and the separation or connection between the electrical connection mechanism and the battery pack is assisted to be completed through the rotation process.

[0029] Further, the electrical connection mechanism is vertically movably mounted on the mounting seat.

[0030] The vertically movable arrangement of the electrical connection mechanism in the present invention can set the vertical movement path of the electrical connection mechanism and guide the electrical connection mechanism through a guiding mechanism such as a guide rail, so that the electrical connection mechanism is stable in the horizontal direction and it is easy to realize the smooth and stable connection between the battery pack and the electrical connection mechanism.

[0031] Further, the electrical connection mechanism is slidably mounted on the mounting seat along its connection direction.

[0032] Through this setting in the present invention, the electrical connection or disconnection between the electrical connection mechanism and the battery pack can be quickly realized, simplifying the process of putting in or taking out the battery pack and improving the efficiency of taking in and out the battery pack.

[0033] The present invention also provides a method for transporting a battery pack in a battery compartment, which is used to realize the transportation of the battery pack relative to the battery compartment. The entrance end of the battery compartment is provided with an electrical connection mechanism, including the following steps:

[0034] Control the battery pack to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism;

[0035] Control the battery pack to enter or exit the battery compartment from above the electrical connection mechanism.

[0036] Further, this method transports the battery through a battery transfer device, and the battery transfer device includes a car that can be lifted and lowered along the height direction of the battery compartment and a carrying mechanism that can be telescopically arranged in the car.

[0037] In the step of controlling the battery pack to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism and the step of controlling the battery pack to enter or exit the battery compartment from above the electrical connection mechanism, control the lifting and moving of the car to drive the lifting and moving of the battery pack, and control the telescopic movement of the carrying mechanism to drive the battery pack to enter or leave the battery compartment.

[0038] Further, when storing the battery pack towards the battery compartment, the step of controlling the battery pack to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism includes:

[0039] Control the car to lift the battery pack to a height higher than the electrical connection mechanism.

[0040] The step of controlling the battery pack to enter the battery compartment from above the electrical connection mechanism includes:

[0041] Control the carrying mechanism to extend the battery pack towards the battery compartment to a position where the battery pack matches the battery compartment.

[0042] Further, after the step of controlling the battery pack to enter the battery compartment from above the electrical connection mechanism, it further includes:

[0043] Control the battery pack to descend until it is stored in place.

[0044] Further, the step of controlling the battery pack to descend until it is stored in place includes:

[0045] Control the car to lower the battery pack through the extended carrying mechanism until the battery pack detaches from the carrying mechanism.

[0046] Further, after the battery pack detaches from the carrying mechanism, it further includes:

[0047] Control the carrying mechanism to retract into the car.

[0048] Further, when taking the battery pack out of the battery compartment, before the step of controlling the battery pack to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism, it further includes:

[0049] Control the carrier mechanism to extend from the bottom of the battery pack into the battery compartment.

[0050] Furthermore, the step of controlling the battery pack to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism includes:

[0051] Control the car to rise with the carrier mechanism until the battery pack is transferred onto the carrier mechanism;

[0052] Control the car to rise with the battery pack to a height higher than the electrical connection mechanism.

[0053] The step of controlling the battery pack to leave the battery compartment above the electrical connection mechanism includes:

[0054] Control the carrier mechanism to retract the battery pack into the car.

[0055] The positive and progressive effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention provides a storage device, an electrical connection mechanism, and a battery pack transfer method, which simplify the mechanism requirements and process requirements for the battery pack turning of the battery swapping equipment and improve the efficiency of battery swapping. Description of the Drawings

[0056] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a storage device provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 2 For Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram in the A-A direction in

[0058] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electrical connection device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 4 For Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the electrical connection device after flipping in the shown embodiment.

[0060] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electrical connection device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electrical connection device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 7 It is a schematic flow diagram of the battery pack transfer method provided by the present invention.

[0063] Description of the Reference Numerals

[0064] Storage bracket 1; Electrical connection mechanism 101; Mounting seat 1011;

[0065] Battery pack 2;

[0066] Inlet end 301; Second bin 302; First bin 303;

[0067] Lifting space 4;

[0068] Battery transfer device 5; Carriage 501; Loading mechanism 502; Specific implementation manner

[0069] The present invention will be further described below by way of embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the described embodiments.

[0070] An embodiment of the present invention provides a battery pack storage device, as Figure 1-2 shown, for storing the battery pack 2, including: a storage bracket 1, the storage bracket 1 is provided with a bin for storing the battery pack 2, one end of the bin forms an inlet end 301, wherein at least part of the bin is set as a first bin 303, the first bin 303 is provided with an electrical connection mechanism 101 at the inlet end 301, and the height of the first bin 303 is set to allow the battery pack 2 to pass above the electrical connection mechanism 101.

[0071] In the storage device of the present invention, by providing the electrical connection mechanism 101 at the inlet end 301 of the first bin 303 and enabling the battery pack 2 to pass above the electrical connection mechanism 101, when the connection mechanism of the battery pack 2 to be charged is on the same side as the inlet end 301 of the first bin 303 after being removed from the vehicle, the battery pack 2 can be directly placed into the first bin 303 from the inlet end 301 without further turning and adjusting the battery pack 2, simplifying the mechanism requirements and process requirements for turning the battery pack 2 by the battery swapping device and improving the efficiency of battery swapping.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for the arrangement of the storage positions, preferably, the storage device includes two rows of the storage brackets 1 arranged at intervals in the transverse direction. A lifting space 4 for the vertical movement of the battery packs 2 is formed between the two rows of the storage brackets 1, and the inlet ends 301 of all the storage positions correspond to the lifting space 4; at least part of the storage positions are set as the second storage positions 302, and the electrical connection mechanism 101 is provided at the end corresponding to the inlet end 301 of the second storage position 302. As shown in the figure, by arranging the storage positions on both sides of the lifting space 4 and setting the storage positions as the first storage positions 303 and the second storage positions 302 respectively, the lifting space 4 can be utilized efficiently to store a larger number of battery packs. Moreover, after the battery pack 2 to be charged is removed from the vehicle, for the second storage position 302, the battery pack can be directly placed into it after alignment with the storage position; for the first storage position 303, the battery pack can be directly placed above the electrical connection mechanism 101 therein, realizing the placement of the battery pack into any storage position without adding complex mechanisms in the storage position and / or the battery swapping device, thus saving costs.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present invention, a further optimization lies in that the storage position of the battery pack 2 in each storage position is consistent with the position where the battery pack 2 is installed on the battery swapping vehicle. By setting it in this way, the battery pack 2 does not need to be turned and adjusted during the process of being removed from the vehicle and placed into the storage position and being taken out from the storage position and installed on the vehicle, simplifying the battery swapping process and improving the battery swapping efficiency.

[0074] For the arrangement of the storage positions, in the illustrated embodiment, specifically speaking, the first storage position 303 is arranged on one side of the lifting space 4, and the second storage position 302 is arranged on the other side. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the storage positions of the two rows of storage brackets are respectively set as the first storage position and the second storage position. Therefore, the battery packs can be directly taken and placed when the battery packs of the battery swapping vehicle face different directions, which is more convenient to use.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment, the first storage position 303 and the second storage position 302 can also be arranged on at least one side of the lifting space 4 at the same time. In this way, the layer height layout of the storage positions can be flexibly adjusted according to the on-site installation conditions of the storage brackets 1.

[0076] It should be noted that the improvement of the present invention is directed to the battery storage positions of the storage device, and there is no restriction on the lifting of the battery packs in the lifting space 4. Those skilled in the art can flexibly select the lifting form of the battery pack 2, such as using a chain elevator to drive the car 501 to move up and down.

[0077] In the embodiments of the present invention, a further optimization lies in that the electrical connection mechanism 101 is movably installed on the storage bracket 1, and the electrical connection mechanism 101 can be switched between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the electrical connection mechanism 101 can be connected to the battery pack 2. When in the second position, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is at least partially disengaged from the corresponding storage compartment currently. By setting the electrical connection mechanism 101 to be switchable, when the battery pack 2 is placed in the first storage compartment 303, the corresponding electrical connection mechanism 101 can be switched to the second position, so that the electrical connection mechanism 101 occupies less space in the corresponding storage compartment, and thus the battery pack 2 can enter more easily when entering, reducing the requirement for the height of the storage compartment, providing a basis for optimizing the storage compartment space.

[0078] Regarding the implementation manner of the movable installation of the electrical connection mechanism 101, in a preferred embodiment, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is foldably arranged on the storage bracket 1. When in the first position, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is in a vertical state. When in the second position, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is in a horizontal state. When the electrical connection mechanism 101 is in a horizontal state, the height of the electrical connection mechanism 101 in the storage compartment is lower than the height when the electrical connection mechanism 101 is in a vertical state. Thus, by setting the electrical connection mechanism 101 to switch between horizontal and vertical states, when the electrical connection mechanism 101 is switched to the horizontal state, the electrical connection mechanism 101 can be substantially parallel to the direction of entry and exit of the battery pack 2, as shown in the figure, the height of the electrical connector can be reduced, and the profile of the electrical connector can be made as regular as possible in parallel, making it not easy to collide with the battery pack 2 or the battery swapping device for transporting the battery pack 2.

[0079] Regarding the implementation manner of the movable installation of the electrical connection mechanism 101, in a preferred embodiment, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is rotatably installed on the storage bracket 1. As an implementable manner, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the electrical connection mechanism 101 can be rotatably arranged so that while the electrical connection mechanism 101 is rotated, the electrical connection mechanism 101 approaches or leaves the battery pack 2, and the separation or connection between the electrical connection mechanism 101 and the battery pack 2 is assisted to be completed through the rotation process.

[0080] Regarding the implementation manner of the movable installation of the electrical connection mechanism 101, in a preferred embodiment, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is vertically movable and installed on the storage bracket 1. The vertically movable setting of the electrical connection mechanism 101 can be in a preferred embodiment, as Figure 5As shown in the figure, set the vertical movement path of the electrical connection mechanism 101, and guide the electrical connection mechanism 101 through a guiding mechanism such as a guide rail, so that the electrical connection mechanism 101 is stable in the horizontal direction, and it is easy to realize the smooth and stable connection between the battery pack 2 and the electrical connection mechanism 101.

[0081] For the implementation method of the movable installation of the electrical connection mechanism 101, in a preferred embodiment, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is movably arranged along the direction in which the battery pack 2 enters and exits the storage position to be connected to or separated from the battery pack 2. By such a setting, as Figure 6 shown in the figure, the electrical connection or disconnection with the battery pack 2 is quickly realized through the movement of the electrical connection mechanism 101, simplifying the process of putting in or taking out the battery pack 2 and improving the efficiency of taking in and out the battery pack.

[0082] For the electrical connection mechanism 101 that can be movably arranged along the direction in which the battery pack 2 enters and exits the storage position, as a specific implementation, there can be the following several implementation methods. First, it is combined with the liftable implementation method of the electrical connection mechanism 101. For example, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is movably installed in the storage position through a vertical bracket and is horizontally moved and installed on the vertical bracket through a horizontal bracket. Second, as Figure 6 shown in the figure, it is combined with the rotatable implementation method of the electrical connection mechanism 101. For example, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is movably installed in the storage position through a horizontal bracket, and the electrical connection mechanism 101 is rotatably installed on the horizontal bracket. Or, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is provided with an inclined bracket and is movably installed in the storage position, and the electrical connection mechanism 101 moves obliquely to complete the movement in the storage position while completing the horizontal movement.

[0083] For the state switching driving method of the electrical connection mechanism 101 in the above embodiments, preferably, a motor can be selected to drive the electrical connection mechanism 101 to rotate, lift, and slide, or an electric telescopic rod, a pneumatic telescopic rod, a hydraulic telescopic rod can be used to drive, or it can be driven in a power-free manner, that is, the action of the electrical connection mechanism is driven by the self-weight of the battery pack.

[0084] The present invention also provides an electrical connection device, as Figure 4-6 shown in the figure, including: a mounting seat 1011, an electrical connection mechanism 101 movably installed on the mounting seat 1011. The mounting seat 1011 has a battery pack 2 installation area. The electrical connection mechanism 101 can be switched between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the electrical connection mechanism 101 can realize the connection with the battery pack 2 located in the battery pack 2 installation area. In the second position, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is at least partially separated from the battery pack 2 installation area.

[0085] By setting the electrical connection mechanism 101 to be position-switchable, when the battery pack 2 is placed in the battery pack 2 installation area, the electrical connection mechanism 101 can be switched to the second position, so that the space occupied by the electrical connection mechanism 101 in the corresponding battery pack 2 installation area is reduced, and thus the battery pack 2 can enter more easily when entering, reducing the requirement for the height of the battery pack 2 installation area, providing a basis for optimizing the space of the battery pack 2 installation area.

[0086] For the implementation method of the movable installation of the electrical connection mechanism 101, in a preferred embodiment, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is foldably arranged on the mounting seat 1011. In the first position, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is in a vertical state, and in the second position, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is in a horizontal state. When the electrical connection mechanism 101 is in a horizontal state, the height of the electrical connection mechanism 101 is lower than the height when the electrical connection mechanism 101 is in a vertical state. Thus, by setting the electrical connection mechanism 101 to switch between horizontal and vertical, when the electrical connection mechanism 101 is switched to the horizontal state, the electrical connection mechanism 101 can be approximately in a state parallel to the entry and exit direction of the battery pack 2, the height of the electrical connector can be reduced as shown in the figure, and the profile of the electrical connector can be made as regular as possible in parallel, making it not easy to collide with the battery pack 2 or the battery swapping device for transporting the battery pack 2.

[0087] For the implementation method of the movable installation of the electrical connection mechanism 101, in a preferred embodiment, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is rotatably installed on the mounting seat 1011. As an achievable way, as Figure 3-4 shown, the electrical connection mechanism 101 can be rotatably arranged, so that while the electrical connection mechanism 101 is rotated, the electrical connection mechanism 101 can be moved closer to or away from the battery pack 2, and the separation or connection between the electrical connection mechanism 101 and the battery pack 2 can be assisted to be completed through the rotation process.

[0088] For the implementation method of the movable installation of the electrical connection mechanism 101, in a preferred embodiment, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is vertically movable and installed on the mounting seat 1011. As Figure 5 shown, the electrical connection mechanism 101 can be vertically movable. In a preferred embodiment, a vertical movement path of the electrical connection mechanism 101 can be set, and the electrical connection mechanism 101 can be guided by a guiding mechanism such as a guide rail, so that the electrical connection mechanism 101 is stable in the horizontal direction, and it is easy to realize the smooth and stable connection between the battery pack 2 and the electrical connection mechanism 101.

[0089] For the implementation of the movable installation of the electrical connection mechanism 101, in a preferred embodiment, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is slidably installed on the mounting base 1011 along its connection direction. By this setting, the electrical connection or disconnection with the battery pack 2 can be quickly achieved through the movement of the electrical connection mechanism 101, simplifying the process of putting in or taking out the battery pack 2 and improving the efficiency of taking in and out the battery pack. When the battery pack 2 is connected to the electrical connection mechanism 101, it is not necessary or only a small amount of movement of the battery pack 2 is required.

[0090] In the embodiment where the electrical connection mechanism 101 is slidably installed on the mounting base 1011, as a specific implementation, there can be the following several implementation manners. First, it can be combined with the liftable implementation manner of the electrical connection mechanism 101. For example, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is movably installed on the mounting base 1011 through a vertical bracket and is horizontally moved and installed on the vertical bracket through a horizontal bracket. Second, as Figure 6 shown, it can be combined with the flipable implementation manner of the electrical connection mechanism 101. For example, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is movably installed on the mounting base 1011 through a horizontal bracket, and the electrical connection mechanism 101 is flipably installed on the horizontal bracket. Or, the electrical connection mechanism 101 is provided with an inclined bracket and is movably installed on the mounting base 1011, and the electrical connection mechanism 101 moves obliquely to complete the movement on the mounting base 1011 while completing the horizontal movement.

[0091] For the state switching driving manner of the electrical connection mechanism 101 in the above embodiments, as a preference, a motor can be selected to drive the electrical connection mechanism 101 to rotate, lift, and slide, or an electric telescopic rod, a pneumatic telescopic rod, a hydraulic telescopic rod can be used to drive, or it can be driven in a non-powered manner, that is, the action of the electrical connection mechanism is driven by the self-weight of the battery pack.

[0092] The present invention also provides a method for transporting a battery pack in a battery compartment for realizing the transportation of the battery pack 2 relative to the battery compartment. The entrance end 301 of the battery compartment is provided with an electrical connection mechanism 101, including the following steps:

[0093] Control the battery pack 2 to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism 101;

[0094] Control the battery pack 2 to enter and exit the battery compartment from above the electrical connection mechanism 101.

[0095] By raising the battery pack 2 to the upper side of the electrical connection mechanism 101 for entering and exiting the battery compartment, the connection mechanism of the battery pack 2 to be charged can be made on the same side as the entrance end 301 of the battery compartment after being removed from the vehicle. The battery pack 2 can be directly placed into the entrance end 301 of the battery compartment provided with the electrical connection mechanism 101 at a height higher than that of the electrical connection mechanism 101 without the need to turn and adjust the battery pack 2. The battery pack 2 can be directly taken out from the entrance end 301 of the battery compartment provided with the electrical connection mechanism 101 at a height higher than that of the electrical connection mechanism 101, and then directly installed at the battery pack installation position on the same side of the vehicle without the need to turn and adjust the battery pack 2. This simplifies the mechanism requirements and process requirements for the battery pack 2 to turn in the battery swapping device, and improves the efficiency of battery swapping.

[0096] In an embodiment of the battery pack transfer method provided by the present invention, a further optimization lies in that the battery is transferred by a battery transfer device 5, and the battery transfer device 5 includes a car body 501 that can be lifted and lowered along the height direction of the battery compartment and a carrying mechanism 502 that can be telescopically arranged in the car body 501.

[0097] In the steps of controlling the battery pack 2 to rise to a height position higher than that of the electrical connection mechanism 101 and the step of controlling the battery pack 2 to enter and exit the battery compartment above the electrical connection mechanism 101, the lifting and lowering movement of the car body 501 is controlled to drive the lifting and lowering movement of the battery pack 2, and the telescopic movement of the carrying mechanism 502 is controlled to drive the battery pack 2 to enter or leave the battery compartment. By providing the car body 501 and the telescopic carrying mechanism 502, when taking and placing the battery in the battery compartment, the carrying mechanism 502 moves the battery pack 2. When the car body 501 is at the lowest position in the lifting area to take in and take out the battery pack, the battery pack 2 can be moved or taken out by the contraction of the carrying mechanism 502.

[0098] In an embodiment of the battery pack transfer method provided by the present invention, a further optimization lies in that when storing the battery pack 2 towards the battery compartment, the step of controlling the battery pack 2 to rise to a height position higher than that of the electrical connection mechanism 101 includes: controlling the car body 501 to drive the battery pack 2 to rise to a height higher than that of the electrical connection mechanism 101, and the step of controlling the battery pack 2 to enter the battery compartment above the electrical connection mechanism 101 includes: controlling the carrying mechanism 502 to drive the battery pack 2 to extend towards the battery compartment to a position where the battery pack 2 matches the battery compartment.

[0099] For the placement method of the battery pack in the battery compartment, in the illustrated embodiment, two spaced support parts are provided to respectively support both ends of the battery pack, and the bearing structure supports near the middle position of the battery pack, and the battery pack is placed into the battery compartment.

[0100] Further optimization lies in that after the step of controlling the battery pack 2 to enter the battery compartment from above the electrical connection mechanism 101, the method further includes: controlling the battery pack 2 to descend until it is in place for storage.

[0101] In an embodiment of the battery pack transfer method provided by the present invention, further optimization lies in that the step of controlling the battery pack 2 to descend until it is in place for storage includes: controlling the car 501 to drive the battery pack 2 to descend through the extended bearing mechanism 502 until the battery pack 2 disengages from the bearing mechanism 502.

[0102] In an embodiment of the battery pack transfer method provided by the present invention, further optimization lies in that after the battery pack 2 disengages from the bearing mechanism 502, the method further includes: controlling the bearing mechanism 502 to retract into the car 501.

[0103] In an embodiment of the battery pack transfer method provided by the present invention, further optimization lies in that when taking the battery pack 2 out of the battery compartment, before the step of controlling the battery pack 2 to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism 101, the method further includes:

[0104] Controlling the bearing mechanism 502 to extend from the bottom of the battery pack 2 into the battery compartment.

[0105] In an embodiment of the battery pack transfer method provided by the present invention, further optimization lies in that the step of controlling the battery pack 2 to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism 101 includes: controlling the car 501 to drive the bearing mechanism 502 to rise until the battery pack 2 is transferred onto the bearing mechanism 502; controlling the car 501 to drive the battery pack 2 to rise to a height higher than the electrical connection mechanism 101. The step of controlling the battery pack 2 to leave the battery compartment from above the electrical connection mechanism 101 includes: controlling the bearing mechanism 502 to drive the battery pack 2 to retract into the car 501.

[0106] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that this is only for illustration purposes. The protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments, but these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery pack storage device for storing battery packs, characterized in that, it includes: Two rows of storage brackets arranged at intervals horizontally, and a lifting space for the vertical movement of the battery pack is formed between the two rows of storage brackets; Each of the storage brackets is provided with a position for storing the battery pack. One end of the position forms an entrance end, and the entrance ends of all the positions are arranged corresponding to the lifting space; At least part of the positions are set as the first positions. The first positions are provided with an electrical connection mechanism at their entrance ends, and the height of the first positions is set to allow the battery pack to pass above the electrical connection mechanism; At least part of the positions are set as the second positions. The second positions are provided with the electrical connection mechanism at the end opposite to their entrance ends; The storage position of the battery pack in the position is the same as the position where the battery pack is installed on the battery swapping vehicle.

2. The battery pack storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connection mechanism is movably installed on the storage bracket, and the electrical connection mechanism can be switched between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the electrical connection mechanism can be connected to the battery pack, and in the second position, at least part of the electrical connection mechanism is separated from the currently corresponding position.

3. The battery pack storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electrical connection mechanism is foldably arranged on the storage bracket. In the first position, the electrical connection mechanism is in a vertical state, and in the second position, the electrical connection mechanism is in a horizontal state. When the electrical connection mechanism is in the horizontal state, the height of the electrical connection mechanism in the position is lower than the height of the electrical connection mechanism in the vertical state.

4. The battery pack storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electrical connection mechanism is rotatably installed on the storage bracket.

5. The battery pack storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electrical connection mechanism is liftably installed on the storage bracket.

6. The battery pack storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electrical connection mechanism is movably arranged along the direction in which the battery pack enters and exits the position to be connected to or separated from the battery pack.

7. An electrical connection device, characterized in that, it includes: A mounting base and an electrical connection mechanism movably installed on the mounting base. The mounting base has a battery pack installation area. The electrical connection mechanism can be switched between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the electrical connection mechanism can be connected to the battery pack located in the battery pack installation area, and in the second position, at least part of the electrical connection mechanism is separated from the battery pack installation area.

8. The electrical connection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The electrical connection mechanism is foldably arranged on the mounting base. In the first position, the electrical connection mechanism is in a vertical state, and in the second position, the electrical connection mechanism is in a horizontal state. When the electrical connection mechanism is in the horizontal state, the height of the electrical connection mechanism is lower than the height of the electrical connection mechanism in the vertical state.

9. The electrical connection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: the electrical connection mechanism is flip - installable on the mounting base.

10. The electrical connection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: the electrical connection mechanism is lift - installable on the mounting base.

11. The electrical connection device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: the electrical connection mechanism is slidably installable on the mounting base along its connection direction.

12. A method for transferring battery packs within a battery compartment, used to realize the transfer of battery packs relative to the battery compartments in the battery pack storage device as described in claim 1. An electrical connection mechanism is provided at the entrance end of the battery compartment, characterized in that, it includes the following steps: controlling the battery pack to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism; controlling the battery pack to enter or exit the battery compartment from above the electrical connection mechanism.

13. The method for transferring battery packs within a battery compartment according to claim 12, characterized in that: this method uses a battery transfer device to transfer the battery. The battery transfer device includes a car that can be lifted and lowered along the height direction of the battery compartment and a carrying mechanism that can be telescopically arranged within the car. In the step of controlling the battery pack to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism and the step of controlling the battery pack to enter or exit the battery compartment from above the electrical connection mechanism, the lifting and lowering movement of the car is controlled to drive the lifting and lowering movement of the battery pack, and the telescopic movement of the carrying mechanism is controlled to drive the battery pack to enter or leave the battery compartment.

14. The method for transferring battery packs within a battery compartment according to claim 13, characterized in that: when storing the battery pack towards the battery compartment, the step of controlling the battery pack to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism includes: controlling the car to carry the battery pack to rise to a height higher than the electrical connection mechanism, the step of controlling the battery pack to enter the battery compartment from above the electrical connection mechanism includes: controlling the carrying mechanism to carry the battery pack and extend towards the battery compartment to a position where the battery pack matches the battery compartment.

15. The method for transferring battery packs within a battery compartment according to claim 14, characterized in that: after the step of controlling the battery pack to enter the battery compartment from above the electrical connection mechanism, it further includes: controlling the battery pack to descend to the storage position.

16. The method for transferring battery packs within a battery compartment according to claim 15, characterized in that: the step of controlling the battery pack to descend to the storage position includes: controlling the car to carry the battery pack through the extended carrying mechanism to descend until the battery pack detaches from the carrying mechanism.

17. The method for transferring battery packs within a battery compartment according to claim 16, characterized in that: after the battery pack detaches from the carrying mechanism, it further includes: controlling the carrying mechanism to retract into the car.

18. The method for transferring battery packs within a battery compartment according to claim 17, characterized in that: When taking out the battery pack from the battery compartment, before the step of controlling the battery pack to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism, the following steps are further included: Controlling the carrying mechanism to extend into the battery compartment from the bottom of the battery pack.

19. The method for transferring the battery pack in the battery compartment according to claim 18, characterized in that: The step of controlling the battery pack to rise to a height position higher than the electrical connection mechanism includes: Controlling the car to rise with the carrying mechanism until the battery pack is transferred onto the carrying mechanism; Controlling the car to rise with the battery pack to a height higher than the electrical connection mechanism, The step of controlling the battery pack to leave the battery compartment from above the electrical connection mechanism includes: Controlling the carrying mechanism to retract into the car with the battery pack.

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