A battery pack unlocking mechanism, battery swapping device and unlocking method

Abstract

The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the technical field of battery replacement. The application provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, an unlocking method and a battery replacing device, and relates to the

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery swapping technology, and in particular to a battery pack unlocking mechanism, battery swapping equipment, and unlocking method. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing use of electric vehicles, the battery packs of electric vehicles are quite heavy. In order to prevent accidents caused by the battery pack moving or falling during vehicle operation, the battery pack needs to be fixed and locked to the crossbeams of the electric vehicle body. This provides a stable fixation during vehicle operation and a convenient unlocking method during battery swapping, ensuring a smooth battery swapping operation.

[0003] In the prior art, Chinese patent document (publication number: CN110001596B, patent name: unlocking device for battery pack and locking mechanism and battery swapping equipment including the same) discloses a solution that includes "a first unlocking mechanism for unlocking a first-level locking mechanism; a second unlocking mechanism for unlocking a second-level locking mechanism; and a linkage mechanism connected to the first and second unlocking mechanisms, such that the second unlocking mechanism can unlock the second-level locking mechanism under the drive of the first unlocking mechanism; the linkage mechanism includes: a first linkage unit connected to the first unlocking mechanism; and a second linkage unit connected to the second unlocking mechanism; wherein the second linkage unit is slidably disposed on the first linkage unit."

[0004] Based on the description and drawings in the patent document, when unlocking, the unlocking rod is moved to contact the lower protrusion of the lock rod. However, the force of the unlocking rod is insufficient, so the corresponding mechanism on the battery swapping platform is needed to act on the battery pack, so that the first-level lock tongue is no longer tightly engaged with the first-level lock shaft. This allows the force of the unlocking rod to make the lock rod move upward to unlock. The unlocking rod structure is complex, and the unlocking method is not quick or convenient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and provides a battery pack unlocking mechanism, unlocking method and battery swapping equipment, optimizing the complexity of the unlocking lever structure and making unlocking quick and convenient.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A battery pack unlocking mechanism, unlocking method, and battery swapping device are disclosed, comprising a base plate; an unlocking lever rotatably connected to the base plate at its center; and an unlocking drive assembly comprising a first telescopic component and a second telescopic component, wherein the first telescopic component abuts against the unlocking lever, and the second telescopic component is rotatably connected to the bottom of the unlocking lever; the first telescopic component is used to push the unlocking lever to a position to avoid a locking lever, and the second telescopic component is used to pull the unlocking lever to rotate toward a position to lift the locking lever.

[0008] Furthermore, the unlocking lever has an upwardly extending inclined surface, through which the locking lever is moved.

[0009] Furthermore, the first telescopic component is used to push the unlocking lever to rotate toward the avoidance position; the second telescopic component is used to drive the unlocking lever to rotate to the top position when the first telescopic component is in the retracted position.

[0010] Furthermore, the first telescopic assembly includes a first telescopic member, which is connected to a telescopic member A. A rolling member is rotatably connected to the end of the telescopic member A, and the rolling member corresponds to the lower end of the middle of the unlocking lever.

[0011] Furthermore, a fixed seat is provided on the base plate, and the ends of the first telescopic member and the second telescopic assembly are fixedly mounted on the fixed seat.

[0012] Furthermore, the telescopic component A is connected to a sliding component, and a track is provided on the base plate, with the sliding component slidably connected to the track.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a telescopic detection element, which is connected to the unlocking lever and is used to detect the rotational position of the unlocking lever.

[0014] Furthermore, the unlocking lever is rotatably connected to the base plate via a mounting base, and a first sensor detection component is provided below the mounting base. The first sensor detection component is triggered when the unlocking lever rotates to the avoidance position. It also includes a second sensor detection component, which is triggered when the locking lever is in the locked position.

[0015] A battery swapping device includes a vehicle body for carrying a battery pack, the vehicle body being provided with a battery pack unlocking mechanism as described in any one of the above descriptions.

[0016] A method for unlocking a battery pack, applied to the battery pack unlocking mechanism, includes the following steps:

[0017] S1. The lifting platform descends to the battery picking layer, and the vehicle and battery pack descend to the battery swapping equipment. At this time, the battery pack's locking block will fall into the U-shaped moving slot of the battery swapping equipment, and the battery pack will fall onto the conveyor belt of the side-moving mechanism of the battery swapping equipment. The unlocking lever is pressed down by the locking lever of the battery pack's locking mechanism, and feedback is given through the telescopic detection component that the unlocking lever has been pressed down.

[0018] S2. The conveyor belt of the side-shifting mechanism drives the battery pack to move in the locking direction of the locking mechanism through the moving U-shaped moving slot (this action is referred to as the unlocking action), unlocking the locked state of the locking mechanism. At this time, the pressed unlocking lever will automatically spring up because it is hinged to the second telescopic component, pushing open the locking lever of the vehicle locking mechanism. The telescopic detection component detects whether the unlocking lever springs up normally. If the unlocking lever does not spring up normally, the secondary unlocking process is entered.

[0019] S3. After the unlock lever pops up, the telescopic detection component will show a signal change, indicating that the unlocking is successful. Then, the lateral movement mechanism will drive the conveyor belt to move the battery pack out of the locking mechanism's lock slot.

[0020] S4. The lifting platform is raised to the detection layer, and the battery swapping equipment checks whether the battery pack has been properly placed on the battery swapping equipment. Once the battery pack is detected to have been placed on the battery swapping equipment, the lifting platform is raised to a safe height to complete the unlocking process.

[0021] S5. When entering the secondary unlocking process, considering that the vehicle locking mechanism may be blocked by foreign objects during vehicle driving, which may prevent normal unlocking, the side-shifting mechanism will perform the second "unlocking action". Each time the "unlocking action" is performed, the status of the unlocking lever will be judged by the telescopic detection component to determine whether the unlocking is successful.

[0022] S6. When the state of the telescopic detection element changes, i.e. the unlocking lever pops up, the unlocking is complete; if the state of the telescopic detection element does not change afterward, the unlocking is determined to be a failure and an alarm is triggered.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0024] The unlocking mechanism optimizes the complexity of the unlocking lever structure and achieves switching between the unlocked state and the battery-storage avoidance state through the first telescopic component and the second telescopic component. This allows the unlocking mechanism to complete the unlocking or avoidance action on the battery swapping equipment, and unlocking does not require manual unlocking, making it quick and convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and are used together with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention. They do not constitute a limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is an overall diagram of the battery pack unlocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocking lever and mounting base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first telescopic component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second telescopic component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the battery pack locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the battery pack unlocking according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a battery swapping device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 It is in a locked state;

[0033] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view of circle A of the battery swapping equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a battery swapping device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is currently in the process of being unlocked.

[0035] Figure 10 This is an enlarged view of circle B of the battery swapping equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a battery swapping device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 It is in the unlocked state;

[0037] Figure 12 This is an enlarged view of circle C of the battery swapping equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the unlocking process of the battery swapping equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] In the diagram: 1-Battery pack, 2-Base plate, 3-First telescopic assembly, 301-First telescopic component, 302-Telescopic component A, 303-Rolling component, 4-Second telescopic assembly, 5-Unlocking lever, 501-Sloping surface, 6-Locking lever, 7-Lock tongue, 8-Locking base, 801-Locking groove, 9-Mounting base, 10-Fixed seat, 11-Sliding component, 12-Railway, 13-First sensor detection assembly, 14-Telescopic detection component, 15-Second sensor detection assembly, 16-Vehicle body, 17-U-shaped moving slot, 18-Conveyor belt. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a battery pack unlocking mechanism, unlocking method, and battery swapping device include a base plate 2. An unlocking lever 5 is rotatably connected to the center of the base plate 2. An unlocking drive assembly is disposed beside the unlocking lever 5. The unlocking drive assembly includes a first telescopic component 3 and a second telescopic component 4. The first telescopic component 3 abuts against the unlocking lever 5, and the second telescopic component 4 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the unlocking lever 5. The first telescopic component 3 is used to push the unlocking lever 5 to rotate to a position that avoids a locking lever 6, and the second telescopic component 4 is used to pull the unlocking lever 5 to rotate towards a position that lifts the locking lever 6. This optimizes the structural complexity of the unlocking lever 5. The first telescopic component 3 and the second telescopic component 4 enable switching between the unlocked state and the battery-storing avoidance state, allowing the unlocking mechanism to complete either the unlocking or avoidance action on the battery swapping device.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first telescopic component 3 includes a first telescopic member 301, which is connected to a telescopic member A302. A rolling member 303 is rotatably connected to the end of the telescopic member A302. The rolling member 303 corresponds to the lower middle part of the unlocking lever 5. The telescopic member A302 is connected to a sliding member 11. A track 12 is provided on the base plate 2. The sliding member 11 is slidably connected to the track 12. The first telescopic component 3 is initially in a retracted state. The telescopic member A302 has an L-shaped structure, which can avoid obstacles in a limited space, making it convenient for the unlocking lever 5 to swing and switch to the unlocked state. The first telescopic member 301 is a cylinder or hydraulic cylinder. When the first telescopic member 301 extends, it will drive the telescopic member A302 to make a translational movement on the track 12 through the sliding member 11, causing the rolling member 303 to push the unlocking lever 5 to move, causing the unlocking lever 5 to swing and switch to the avoidance state. The rolling structure of the rolling member 303 can push the unlocking lever 5 more smoothly.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the first telescopic component 3 is used to push the unlocking lever 5 to rotate toward the avoidance position; the second telescopic component 4 is used to drive the unlocking lever 5 to rotate to the top position when the first telescopic component 3 is in the retracted position. A fixed seat 10 is provided on the base plate 2. The ends of the first telescopic component 301 and the second telescopic component 4 are fixedly installed on the fixed seat 10. The unlocking lever 5 is provided with an upwardly extending inclined surface 501, which moves the locking lever 6 by pushing it through the inclined surface 501.

[0044] The second telescopic component 4 is a gas spring, which plays a certain buffering role. When the rolling element 303 pushes the unlocking lever 5 to switch to the avoidance state, the second telescopic component 4 will also be stretched as the lower end of the unlocking lever 5 rotates. When the rolling element 303 retracts and the unlocking lever 5 switches to the unlocking state, the second telescopic component 4 rebounds and pulls the unlocking lever 5, causing the upper end of the unlocking lever 5 to rotate upward and abut against the locking rod 6. The locking rod 6 slides on the inclined plane 501 and drives the locking rod 6 to push upward to complete the unlocking action.

[0045] It also includes a telescopic detection component 14, which is connected to the unlocking lever 5 and is used to detect the rotation position of the unlocking lever 5. During unlocking, it ensures that the second telescopic component 403 does not extend or retract by a large amount, and that the unlocking lever 5 does not deviate from the locking lever 6 to complete the unlocking action.

[0046] The unlocking lever 5 is rotatably connected to the base plate 2 via the mounting base 9. A first sensor detection component 13 is provided below the mounting base 9. The first sensor detection component 13 is used to be triggered when the unlocking lever 5 is rotated to the avoidance position. It also includes a second sensor detection component 15, which is used to be triggered when the locking lever 6 is in the locked position.

[0047] like Figures 5 to 12 As shown, a battery swapping device includes a vehicle body 16 for carrying a battery pack 1. The vehicle body 16 is provided with a battery pack unlocking mechanism. The battery pack unlocking mechanism cooperates with a locking component installed on the vehicle body 16 to unlock the battery pack 1. The locking component in this embodiment can refer to the "locking device" disclosed in Chinese patent application CN106427514A. Specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, the locking assembly includes a locking lever 6, at least one latch 7, and at least one lock base 8. Specifically, there are three latches 7 and three lock bases 8, with each latch 7 and lock base 8 corresponding to the other. The latch 7 is rotatably mounted on the lock base 8. The lock base 8 has a lock groove 801 for the locking shaft mounted on the battery pack 1 to enter. Under external force, the locking lever 6 drives the latch 7 to rotate, allowing the latch 7 to rotate relative to the lock base 8 to change between an unlocked state and a locked state. When the latch 7 is in the locked state, it prevents the locking shaft from leaving the lock groove 801. Figure 6 As shown, the unlocking lever 5 cooperates with the locking lever 6 and acts on the locking lever 6 to change the locking shaft of the battery pack 1 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0048] Working principle: When the battery pack is in such a state Figure 7 When in the locked state as shown, the unlock lever 5 will... Figure 9The lock lever 6 is rotated to the unlocked position, causing it to contact the inclined surface 501 of the unlocking lever 5. This action on the lock lever 6 pushes it upward, causing it to rotate the latch 7 relative to the lock base 8 and disengage it from the lock groove 801. This allows the battery pack's lock shaft to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state. Figure 11 The unlocked state shown facilitates the removal of the depleted battery pack 1; when a battery swapping device is needed to store a new battery in the vehicle, the first telescopic component 301 drives the telescopic component A302 to push forward, causing the unlocking lever 5 to rotate at a certain angle, so that the head of the unlocking lever 5 hangs down to avoid the locking rod 6 of the locking assembly.

[0049] like Figure 13 As shown, the battery swapping equipment also includes a lateral movement mechanism. During unlocking, the battery swapping vehicle is raised and lowered on the lifting platform, which works in conjunction with the unlocking mechanism and the lateral movement mechanism of the battery swapping equipment.

[0050] A method for unlocking a battery pack, applied to the battery pack unlocking mechanism, includes the following steps:

[0051] S1. The lifting platform descends to the battery picking layer, and the vehicle and battery pack 1 descend to the battery swapping equipment. At this time, the locking block of battery pack 1 will fall into the U-shaped moving slot 17 of the battery swapping equipment, and battery pack 1 will fall onto the conveyor belt 18 of the side-moving mechanism of the battery swapping equipment. The unlocking lever 5 is pressed down by the locking lever 6 of the locking mechanism of battery pack 1, and feedback is given through the telescopic detection component 14 that the unlocking lever 5 has been pressed down.

[0052] S2. The conveyor belt 18 of the side-shifting mechanism drives the battery pack 1 to move in the locking direction of the locking mechanism through the moving U-shaped moving slot 17 (this action is referred to as the unlocking action), unlocking the locked state of the locking mechanism. At this time, the pressed unlocking lever 5 will automatically spring up because it is hinged to the second telescopic component 4, pushing open the locking lever 6 of the vehicle locking mechanism. The telescopic detection component 14 detects whether the unlocking lever 5 springs up normally. If the unlocking lever 5 does not spring up normally, the secondary unlocking process is entered.

[0053] S3. After the unlocking lever 5 pops up, the telescopic detection component 14 will show a signal change, indicating that the unlocking is successful. Then, the side-shifting mechanism will drive the conveyor belt 18 to move the battery pack 1 out of the locking groove 801 of the locking mechanism.

[0054] S4. The lifting platform is raised to the detection layer, and the battery swapping equipment detects whether battery pack 1 has been properly placed on the battery swapping equipment. Once battery pack 1 is detected to have been placed on the battery swapping equipment, the lifting platform is raised to a safe height to complete the unlocking process.

[0055] S5. When entering the secondary unlocking process, considering that the vehicle-mounted locking mechanism may be blocked by foreign objects during vehicle driving, which may prevent normal unlocking, the side-shifting mechanism will perform 3 "unlocking actions". Each time the "unlocking action" is performed, the telescopic detection component 14 will determine the status of the unlocking lever 5 and whether the unlocking is successful.

[0056] S6. When the state of the telescopic detection element 14 changes, i.e. the unlocking lever 5 pops up, the unlocking is completed; if the state of the telescopic detection element 14 does not change after 3 times, the unlocking is determined to be a failure and an alarm is triggered.

[0057] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. However, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery pack unlocking mechanism, characterized by, Comprise: A base plate (2); An unlocking swing rod (5) is rotatably connected to the base plate (2); An unlocking drive assembly, comprising a first telescopic assembly (3) and a second telescopic assembly (4), the first telescopic assembly (3) abuts the unlocking swing rod (5), and the second telescopic assembly (4) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the unlocking swing rod (5); the first telescopic assembly (3) is used to push the unlocking swing rod (5) to rotate to an avoiding position of the lock rod (6), and the second telescopic assembly (4) is used to pull the unlocking swing rod (5) to rotate towards a jacking position of the lock rod (6); The unlocking swing rod (5) is provided with an upwardly extending inclined surface (501), and the lock rod (6) is moved by the inclined surface (501); The first telescopic assembly (3) is used to push the unlocking swing rod (5) to rotate towards the avoiding position; and the second telescopic assembly (4) is used to drive the unlocking swing rod (5) to rotate to the jacking position when the first telescopic assembly (3) is in a retracted position. The first telescopic assembly (3) comprises a first telescopic member (301), the first telescopic member (301) is connected with a telescopic member A (302), the telescopic member A (302) is rotatably connected with a rolling member (303) at an end, and the rolling member (303) corresponds to the lower end of the middle part of the unlocking swing rod (5).

2. The battery pack unlock mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The base plate (2) is provided with a fixing seat (10), and the first telescopic member (301) and the second telescopic assembly (4) are fixedly arranged on the fixing seat (10).

3. The battery pack unlock mechanism of claim 2, wherein, The telescopic member A (302) is connected with a sliding member (11), the base plate (2) is provided with a track (12), and the sliding member (11) is slidably connected with the track (12).

4. The battery pack unlock mechanism of claim 3, wherein, Further comprising a telescopic detection member (14), the telescopic detection member (14) is connected with the unlocking swing rod (5) and is used to detect the position of the unlocking swing rod (5) rotating.

5. The battery pack unlock mechanism of claim 4, wherein, The unlocking swing rod (5) is rotatably connected to the base plate (2) through a mounting base (9), a first sensor detection assembly (13) is arranged below the mounting base (9), the first sensor detection assembly (13) is used to be triggered when the unlocking swing rod (5) rotates to the avoiding position; further comprising a second sensor detection assembly (15), the second sensor detection assembly (15) is used to be triggered when the lock rod (6) is in a locking position.

6. A battery replacing device characterized by comprising: Comprise a vehicle body (16) for carrying a battery pack, the vehicle body (16) is provided with a battery pack unlocking mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1-5.

7. A battery pack unlocking method for battery swap, characterized in that, Applied to the battery pack unlocking mechanism as claimed in claim 5, comprising the following steps: S1. The lifting platform is lowered to the battery taking layer, the vehicle and the battery pack (1) are lowered to the battery replacing equipment, at this time the clamping block of the battery pack (1) falls into the U-shaped moving clamping groove (17) of the battery replacing equipment, the battery pack (1) falls on the conveying belt (18) of the side moving mechanism of the battery replacing equipment, the unlocking swing rod (5) is pressed down by the lock rod (6) of the locking mechanism of the battery pack (1), and the telescopic detection member (14) feeds back that the unlocking swing rod (5) has been pressed down; S2. The conveying belt (18) of the side shift mechanism drives the battery pack (1) to move in the locking direction of the locking mechanism, thereby releasing the locked state of the locking mechanism. At this time, the unlocked swing lever (5) that is pressed down will automatically pop up because it is hingedly connected to the second telescopic component (4), thereby pushing open the locking rod (6) of the vehicle locking mechanism. The telescopic detection piece (14) detects whether the unlocked swing lever (5) normally pops up. If the unlocked swing lever (5) does not normally pop up, the secondary unlocking process is entered; S3. After the unlocked swing lever (5) pops up, the telescopic detection piece (14) will have a signal change, indicating that the unlocking is successful. Then the side shift mechanism moves the conveying belt (18) to translate the battery pack (1) out of the locking slot (801) of the locking mechanism; S4. The lifting platform rises to the detection layer, and the battery swap equipment detects whether the battery pack (1) normally falls on the battery swap equipment. After the battery pack (1) is detected to fall on the battery swap equipment, the lifting platform rises to a safe height, completing the unlocking process; S5. When the secondary unlocking process is entered, foreign matter may be inserted into the vehicle locking mechanism during driving, causing the vehicle locking mechanism to fail to be normally unlocked. At this time, the side shift mechanism will perform the "unlocking action" three times. Each time the "unlocking action" is performed, the telescopic detection piece (14) judges the state of the unlocked swing lever (5) to determine whether the unlocking is successful; S6. When the telescopic detection piece (14) changes state, i.e., the unlocked swing lever (5) pops up, the unlocking is completed. After three times, if the telescopic detection piece (14) still has no state change, it is determined that the unlocking fails and an alarm is given.

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