Battery replacement method of electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a battery replacing method of an electric automobile, the electric automobile comprises two longitudinal beams, a battery replacing system comprises a battery pack and a plurality of locking mechanisms, the plurality of locking mechanisms are arranged on the two longitudinal beams respectively, a groove is formed in the top of the battery pack, the groove is used for embedding the longitudinal beams, a plurality of locking pieces are arranged on the battery pack, and the locking pieces are used for locking the battery pack. The plurality of locking pieces are positioned in the groove; the battery replacing method comprises the following steps that the battery replacing equipment is controlled to move the battery pack to a battery replacing station below the longitudinal beam, so that a groove in the top of the battery pack is aligned with the longitudinal beam; the battery replacing equipment is controlled to lift the battery pack to a preset height, so that a locking piece on the battery pack enters a locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam, and a groove in the top of the battery pack is arranged on the longitudinal beam in a sleeving mode; and the locking piece and the locking mechanism are controlled to be locked in place. The gravity center of the battery pack is located below the longitudinal beams, the gravity center of the battery pack is effectively lowered, and the stability of the battery pack is improved; the structure is compact, and the space utilization rate is high, especially the space in the vertical direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a division of a Chinese invention patent with an application date of December 31, 2021, application number 202111673991.6, and name “Battery replacement system for electric vehicle, electric vehicle, and battery replacement method for electric vehicle”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of chassis battery replacement, and in particular to a battery replacement method for an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, new energy vehicles have developed rapidly. Electric vehicles that rely on batteries as driving energy have the advantages of zero emissions and low noise. As the market share and frequency of use of electric vehicles are increasing, electric commercial vehicles, such as electric heavy trucks and electric light trucks, are gradually being widely used, and battery replacement technology is also gradually being applied to the commercial vehicle field.

[0004] At present, the battery packs on electric trucks are generally installed above the longitudinal beams of the vehicle body, and the direct-charging battery packs or quick-change battery packs are installed above the longitudinal beams, using the longitudinal beams to support the battery packs. Since the longitudinal beams of the vehicle body on electric trucks are located higher than the ground and the battery packs are heavy, the center of gravity of the battery packs is higher and the stability relative to the vehicle is poor, which affects the safety of the vehicle and occupies a large space behind the driver, which provides a poor driving experience for the driver. In addition, since the battery packs are installed above the longitudinal beams, the battery packs can only be replaced through a hoisting structure. With a hoisting structure, the overall building of the battery swap station is relatively high, occupies a large area, has high maintenance costs and poor safety. Summary of the invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery replacement method for an electric vehicle in order to overcome the defects in the prior art that the battery pack has a high center of gravity, poor stability relative to the vehicle, occupies a large space behind the driver, and provides a poor driving experience for the driver.

[0006] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions:

[0007] A battery replacement method for an electric vehicle, applied to a battery replacement system of an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising two longitudinal beams, the battery replacement system comprising a battery pack and a plurality of locking mechanisms, the plurality of locking mechanisms being respectively arranged on the two longitudinal beams, the top of the battery pack having a groove, the groove being used to embed the longitudinal beam, the battery pack being provided with a plurality of locking members, the plurality of locking members being located in the groove, the battery pack being locked in the plurality of locking mechanisms by the plurality of locking members so as to be connected to the longitudinal beam;

[0008] The battery replacement method comprises the following steps:

[0009] Control the battery swapping equipment to move the battery pack to the battery swapping station below the longitudinal beam so that the groove on the top of the battery pack is aligned with the longitudinal beam;

[0010] Control the battery exchange equipment to lift the battery pack to a preset height, so that the locking piece on the battery pack enters the locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam, and the groove on the top of the battery pack is sleeved on the longitudinal beam;

[0011] The locking member and the locking mechanism are controlled to be locked in place.

[0012] In this solution, precise control is achieved, and safety and stability are high. At the same time, the chassis battery replacement using the two longitudinal beams of the electric vehicle is realized, which reduces the risk of failure during the battery replacement process, improves safety, and the chassis battery replacement system occupies a small area, and the promotion cost of the battery replacement station is low.

[0013] Preferably, the step of controlling the battery exchange equipment to lift the battery pack to a preset height also includes an initial positioning step;

[0014] The initial positioning step includes controlling the battery exchange equipment to lift the battery pack, and multiple initial positioning mechanisms on the inner wall of the groove guide the battery pack for initial positioning, so that the opening of the groove is aligned with the longitudinal beam, and the longitudinal beam enters the opening of the groove.

[0015] In this solution, the battery pack is initially positioned and guided by multiple initial positioning mechanisms, so that the longitudinal beam can be accurately aligned with the groove and smoothly enter the groove, thereby improving safety and stability.

[0016] Preferably, the step of controlling the battery exchange device to lift the battery pack to a preset height also includes a fine positioning step, and the fine positioning step is performed after the initial positioning step;

[0017] The precise positioning step includes controlling the battery exchange equipment to continue lifting the battery pack, and the multiple precise positioning mechanisms on the inner wall of the groove guide the battery pack for precise positioning, so that the groove is sleeved on the longitudinal beam to a preset position, so that the locking part on the battery pack enters the locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam.

[0018] In this solution, the battery pack is precisely positioned and guided through multiple precision positioning mechanisms, and the locking accuracy is higher; at the same time, the battery pack is effectively prevented from being offset and misaligned during use, greatly improving safety and stability.

[0019] Preferably, the plurality of initial positioning mechanisms and the plurality of fine positioning mechanisms abut against the longitudinal beam and limit the displacement of the longitudinal beam in the groove.

[0020] In this solution, the tilt displacement of the longitudinal beam in the horizontal direction is effectively limited, and the safety and stability are higher.

[0021] Preferably, a plurality of the locking mechanisms are respectively arranged on the side walls of the two longitudinal beams and / or the bottom of the longitudinal beams.

[0022] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted to realize diversified installation and setting forms of the locking mechanism, and the position can be set arbitrarily according to the space, and the connection is more stable.

[0023] Preferably, the battery pack comprises a plurality of battery cell accommodating cavities for placing battery cells, and at least part of the battery cell accommodating cavities are distributed on the side of the longitudinal beam.

[0024] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted so that the cells in the battery pack are accommodated and placed along the width direction of the electric vehicle, so that the battery pack can accommodate more cells, the range is longer, and the number of times the battery pack is replaced is reduced; at the same time, higher space utilization is achieved.

[0025] Preferably, the plurality of battery cell accommodating cavities include a plurality of side battery cell accommodating cavities, and the plurality of side battery cell accommodating cavities are distributed on opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams.

[0026] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the battery cells placed in the multiple side battery cell accommodating cavities will be distributed on the two opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams, thereby achieving higher space utilization and increasing the battery cell capacity of the battery pack.

[0027] Preferably, a plurality of cross beams are connected between the two longitudinal beams, the plurality of battery cell accommodating cavities further include a middle battery cell accommodating cavity, a plurality of the side battery cell accommodating cavities are distributed on both sides of the middle battery cell accommodating cavity, and the middle battery cell accommodating cavity is located below the cross beams.

[0028] In this solution, the above structure is adopted, and a number of cross beams are connected between the two longitudinal beams, which effectively strengthens the overall structural strength and improves the safety and stability of the electric vehicle. At the same time, the middle battery cell accommodating cavity is used to place the battery cells, thereby further making full use of the space between the longitudinal beams of the electric vehicle, so that the battery cells can be installed on both sides and the middle of the longitudinal beams, achieving higher space utilization and further increasing the battery cell capacity of the battery pack.

[0029] Preferably, the battery exchange system further comprises a fixed bracket, wherein the fixed bracket is arranged on the side wall of the longitudinal beam or the bottom of the longitudinal beam, and a plurality of the locking mechanisms are arranged on the fixed bracket.

[0030] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, which facilitates the installation of several locking mechanisms with high installation accuracy; at the same time, the strength of the battery replacement system is improved and the stability is higher.

[0031] Preferably, the fixing bracket comprises two mounting beams, one side of the two mounting beams is respectively connected to the opposite side surfaces of the two longitudinal beams, and a plurality of locking mechanisms are respectively connected to the other side of the two mounting beams.

[0032] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted to realize the installation of several locking mechanisms with high installation accuracy; at the same time, the strength of the battery replacement system is improved and the stability is higher.

[0033] Preferably, the battery exchange system further includes a reinforcement member for installing an electrical connector, wherein the reinforcement member is located between the two longitudinal beams, and two ends of the reinforcement member are respectively connected to the two longitudinal beams.

[0034] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted to facilitate the installation of the electrical connector. The reinforcement member has a reinforcing effect. By connecting the reinforcement member with the two longitudinal beams, the overall structural strength of the electric vehicle is effectively enhanced, thereby improving the safety and stability of the electric vehicle.

[0035] Preferably, the reinforcement member includes a connecting member and a mounting plate, the connecting member is respectively connected to the two longitudinal beams and the mounting plate, and the mounting plate is used to mount the electrical connector.

[0036] In this solution, the above structure is adopted, and the two longitudinal beams are connected by a connecting piece, which has the function of strengthening the structural connection strength. The electrical connector is installed on the mounting plate, and the mounting plate is convenient for the installation of the electrical connector.

[0037] Preferably, the reinforcement member further includes two reinforcement plates, the two reinforcement plates are respectively connected to the two longitudinal beams, and the reinforcement plates are connected to the connecting member and the mounting plate.

[0038] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the two reinforcing plates have a reinforcing effect, which effectively strengthens the structural connection strength and improves the safety and stability of the electric vehicle.

[0039] Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a locking groove for inserting the locking member, and the opening of the locking groove faces the outer side of the longitudinal beam.

[0040] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted to realize that the locking member is easy to insert into the lock slot, and the lock slot has a simple structure and is easy to process and manufacture.

[0041] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a locking seat, which has an opening groove extending in the vertical direction and a locking groove extending in the horizontal direction. The locking member is a locking shaft, and the locking groove is used for the locking shaft to be inserted and locked. The top of the opening groove is connected to the locking groove, and the locking shaft enters the locking groove when it reaches the intersection of the opening groove and the locking groove from the bottom of the opening groove in the vertical direction.

[0042] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the battery pack can be locked or unlocked by moving in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The installation and disassembly are very convenient, and the structure is simple and easy to process and manufacture.

[0043] Preferably, at least a portion of the locking seat is provided with a locking tongue, and the locking tongue is movably mounted in the locking groove and can prevent the locking shaft from escaping from the locking groove.

[0044] In the present solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the locking member is stably inserted into the locking groove through the locking tongue, so that the locking is more reliable, thereby improving the stability of the locking mechanism in the locked state.

[0045] Preferably, the locking mechanism further comprises a locking link, and the locking link is movably connected to the locking seat via the locking tongue.

[0046] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the lock link will drive the lock tongue to close or open the locking groove under the action of external force, making the locking more reliable; at the same time, the lock link can realize the synchronous unlocking or locking of multiple lock tongues, which is very convenient to use and reduces costs.

[0047] Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a locking seat, the locking seat has an opening extending in a vertical direction, a first threaded portion or a limiting portion is provided in the opening, and the locking member has a matching second threaded portion or a stop portion.

[0048] In this solution, the above-mentioned locking structure is adopted, and locking between the locking seat and the locking member can be achieved only along the vertical direction, the installation and connection forms are diversified, the connection is more stable and the structural space utilization rate is high.

[0049] Preferably, the battery exchange system further includes a plurality of guiding and positioning mechanisms, and the plurality of guiding and positioning mechanisms are arranged on the longitudinal beam or the battery pack to achieve precise positioning of the battery pack on the longitudinal beam.

[0050] In the present solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the guiding and positioning mechanism has a guiding and positioning function. The battery pack can be straightened under the guiding and positioning force of the guiding and positioning mechanism, thereby achieving precise positioning, and the installation and removal of the battery pack are more stable.

[0051] Preferably, the guiding and positioning mechanism is an elastic positioning mechanism.

[0052] In this solution, the elastic positioning mechanism will provide clamping force to the longitudinal beam, effectively preventing the battery pack from being significantly offset and misaligned during use, thereby improving safety and stability.

[0053] On the basis of being in accordance with the common sense in the art, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be arbitrarily combined to obtain the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] The positive and progressive effects of the present invention are:

[0055] The battery replacement system of the electric vehicle of the present invention utilizes the two longitudinal beams of the electric vehicle to realize chassis battery replacement. The battery pack is connected to the locking structure on the two longitudinal beams through the locking piece in the top groove, so that the connection between the battery pack and the longitudinal beam is more stable, and the center of gravity of the battery pack is placed below the longitudinal beam, which can effectively lower the center of gravity of the battery pack, increase the stability of the battery pack, and improve the stability and safety of the vehicle by a larger space; at the same time, the structure is compact and the space utilization rate is high, especially the space in the vertical direction. In addition, through chassis battery replacement, the risk of failure during the battery replacement process is reduced, safety is improved, and the chassis battery replacement system occupies a small area, and the promotion cost of the battery replacement station is low. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery replacement system and two longitudinal beams according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of two longitudinal beams and a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of two longitudinal beams and a locking mechanism from another perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the locking mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery replacement system of an embodiment of the present invention before installation.

[0063] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery replacement system of an embodiment of the present invention during initial positioning.

[0064] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery replacement system during precise positioning according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery replacement system of an embodiment of the present invention after installation.

[0066] Fig.11This is a flow chart of a battery replacement method for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Fig.12 This is a flow chart of controlling the battery swap equipment to lift the battery pack to a preset height according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Description of reference numerals:

[0069] Battery Pack 1

[0070] Groove 11

[0071] Locking member 12

[0072] Side battery cell accommodating chamber 13

[0073] Middle battery cell accommodating chamber 14

[0074] Locking mechanism 2

[0075] Locking seat 21

[0076] Lock tongue 22

[0077] Lock link 23

[0078] Battery 3

[0079] Mounting beam 4

[0080] Reinforcement 5

[0081] Mounting plate 51

[0082] Connector 52

[0083] Reinforcement plate 53

[0084] Electrical connector 6

[0085] Initial positioning mechanism 7

[0086] Precision positioning mechanism 8

[0087] Stringer 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] The present invention will be described more clearly and completely below by way of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0089] like Figures 1 to 10As shown, the present embodiment discloses an electric vehicle, which is a commercial vehicle such as a heavy truck or a light truck. The electric vehicle includes a battery replacement system of the electric vehicle and two longitudinal beams 10. The battery replacement system of the electric vehicle includes a battery pack 1 and a plurality of locking mechanisms 2, and the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 are respectively arranged on the two longitudinal beams 10. The top of the battery pack 1 has a groove 11, and the groove 11 is used to embed the longitudinal beam 10. The battery pack 1 is provided with a plurality of locking members 12, and the plurality of locking members 12 are located in the groove 11. The battery pack 1 is locked in the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 through the plurality of locking members 12 to be connected to the longitudinal beam 10.

[0090] By setting a groove 11 on the top of the battery pack 1, the battery pack 1 is moved to the battery replacement station below the longitudinal beam 10, and the battery pack 1 is moved upward, so that the longitudinal beam 10 is embedded in the groove 11, and the battery pack 1 is connected to the locking structure on the two longitudinal beams 10 through the locking piece 12 in the groove 11, so that the battery pack 1 is installed on the two longitudinal beams 10, and the connection between the battery pack 1 and the longitudinal beam 10 is more stable. Otherwise, the battery pack 1 is removed from the two longitudinal beams 10. The chassis of the two longitudinal beams 10 of the electric vehicle is used for battery replacement, and the center of gravity of the battery pack 1 is located below the longitudinal beam 10, which can effectively lower the center of gravity of the battery pack 1, increase the stability of the battery pack 1, and improve the stability and safety of the vehicle by a larger space; at the same time, the structure is compact and the space utilization rate is high, especially the space in the vertical direction.

[0091] The battery pack 1 includes a plurality of cell accommodating cavities for placing the battery cells 3, and at least some of the cell accommodating cavities are distributed on the side of the longitudinal beam 10. In the battery pack 1, the more battery cells 3 are placed, the more sufficient the power reserve is, and the longer the electric vehicle can travel. By distributing at least some of the cell accommodating cavities on the side of the longitudinal beam 10, the battery cells 3 in the battery pack 1 are accommodated and placed along the width direction of the electric vehicle, rather than just placing the battery cells 3 on the longitudinal beam 10 along the height direction of the electric vehicle, so that more battery cells 3 can be accommodated in the battery pack 1, the travel is longer, and the number of replacement times of the battery pack 1 is reduced; at the same time, higher space utilization is achieved.

[0092] The plurality of battery cell accommodating cavities include a plurality of side battery cell accommodating cavities 13, and the plurality of side battery cell accommodating cavities 13 are distributed on opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams 10. The battery cells 3 placed in the plurality of side battery cell accommodating cavities 13 will be distributed on opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams 10, achieving higher space utilization and increasing the battery cell 3 capacity of the battery pack 1.

[0093] There are several cross beams connected between the two longitudinal beams 10, and the several battery cell accommodating chambers also include a middle battery cell accommodating chamber 14. A plurality of side battery cell accommodating chambers 13 are distributed on both sides of the middle battery cell accommodating chamber 14. The middle battery cell accommodating chamber 14 is located below the cross beam and between the two longitudinal beams 10. By connecting the two longitudinal beams 10 with several cross beams, the overall structural strength is effectively strengthened, and the safety and stability of the electric vehicle are improved. At the same time, the battery cells 3 placed in the middle battery cell accommodating chamber 14 further make full use of the space between the two longitudinal beams 10 of the electric vehicle, so that the battery cells 3 can be installed on both sides and the middle of the longitudinal beams 10, respectively, to achieve higher space utilization, especially the space in the vertical direction, and further increase the capacity of the battery cells 3 of the battery pack 1.

[0094] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the battery pack 1 has two side battery cell accommodating chambers 13 and one middle battery cell accommodating chamber 14, the height of the middle battery cell accommodating chamber 14 is smaller than the height of the side battery cell accommodating chamber 13, and the two grooves 11 are respectively located between the side battery cell accommodating chamber 13 and the middle battery cell accommodating chamber 14.

[0095] In other embodiments, the battery pack 1 has two side battery cell accommodating cavities 13 , and the groove is located between the two side battery cell accommodating cavities 13 .

[0096] In this embodiment, several locking mechanisms 2 can be respectively arranged on the side walls of the two longitudinal beams 10. Of course, in other embodiments, several locking mechanisms 2 can also be respectively arranged on the bottom of the two longitudinal beams 10. The locking mechanisms 2 can be installed in a variety of ways, and can be set at any position according to the space, and the connection is more stable.

[0097] In one embodiment, a plurality of locking mechanisms 2 may be directly mounted on the side walls of the two longitudinal beams 10 and / or the bottom of the longitudinal beam 10 .

[0098] In another embodiment, the battery exchange system further includes a fixed bracket, which is arranged on the side wall of the longitudinal beam 10 or the bottom of the longitudinal beam 10, and a plurality of locking mechanisms 2 are arranged on the fixed bracket. When it is necessary to install a plurality of locking mechanisms 2 on the longitudinal beam 10, the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 are first arranged on the fixed bracket to form a whole, and then the fixed bracket as a whole is installed on the longitudinal beam 10, so that the installation of the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 is facilitated and the installation accuracy is high; at the same time, the strength of the battery exchange system is improved, and the stability is higher.

[0099] The fixing bracket includes two mounting beams 4, one side of the two mounting beams 4 is respectively connected to the opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams 10, and a plurality of locking mechanisms 2 are respectively connected to the other sides of the two mounting beams 4. The plurality of locking mechanisms 2 are installed on the two mounting beams 4, and the two mounting beams 4 are respectively installed on the opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams 10, so that the installation of the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 is realized with high installation precision; at the same time, the strength of the battery exchange system is improved, and the stability is higher.

[0100] The locking mechanism 2 includes a lock groove for inserting a locking member 12, and the opening of the lock groove faces the outside of the longitudinal beam 10. When locking, the groove 11 will be sleeved on the longitudinal beam 10, and the locking member 12 in the groove 11 will be inserted into the lock groove through the opening of the lock groove, thereby locking the locking member 12 and the locking mechanism 2. When unlocking, the locking member 12 will move out of the lock groove, so that the battery pack 1 and the two longitudinal beams 10 can be separated from each other, thereby unlocking the locking member 12 and the locking mechanism 2. The locking member 12 is easy to insert into the lock groove, and the lock groove structure is simple and easy to process and manufacture.

[0101] In this embodiment, if Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the locking mechanism 2 includes a locking seat 21, and a plurality of locking seats 21 are respectively arranged on two side walls of the two longitudinal beams 10 that are away from each other, such as Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of locking members 12 are respectively disposed on the inner wall surface of the groove 11 , and the locking members 12 are disposed opposite to the corresponding locking seats 21 .

[0102] In other embodiments, a plurality of locking seats 21 are respectively disposed at the bottom of the two longitudinal beams 10 , and a plurality of locking members 12 are disposed at the bottom of the groove 11 .

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown, the locking seat 21 has an opening groove extending in the vertical direction and a locking groove extending in the horizontal direction. The locking member 12 is a locking shaft. The locking groove is used for the locking member 12 to be inserted and locked. The top of the opening groove is connected to the locking groove. The locking member 12 enters the locking groove when it reaches the intersection of the opening groove and the locking groove from the bottom of the opening groove in the vertical direction.

[0104] At least part of the locking seat 21 is provided with a locking tongue 22, which is movably installed in the locking groove and can prevent the locking member 12 from escaping from the locking groove. The locking tongue 22 extends into the locking groove, thereby preventing the locking member 12 from escaping from the locking groove, and realizing that the locking member 12 is stably inserted into the locking groove, and the locking is more reliable, thereby improving the stability of the locking mechanism 2 in the locked state.

[0105] The locking mechanism 2 also includes a locking link 23, which is movably connected to the locking seat 21 through the locking tongue 22. The locking link 23 will drive the locking tongue 22 to close or open the locking groove under the action of external force, making the locking more reliable; at the same time, the locking link 23 can realize synchronous unlocking or locking of multiple locking tongues 22, which is very convenient to use and reduces costs.

[0106] When locking, the locking member 12 moves upward in the vertical direction, from the bottom of the opening slot to the intersection of the opening slot and the locking slot, and then the locking member 12 moves horizontally and enters the locking slot, so that the locking member 12 is inserted and locked into the locking slot to achieve the locking of the locking member 12 and the locking mechanism 2. When unlocking, the locking member 12 will move horizontally to the intersection of the opening slot and the locking slot, and then the locking member 12 moves downward in the vertical direction, so that the locking member 12 is separated from the locking seat 21 from the bottom of the opening slot, so as to achieve the unlocking of the locking member 12 and the locking mechanism 2. The battery pack 1 can be locked or unlocked by moving in the vertical and horizontal directions, which is very convenient to install and disassemble, and has a simple structure and is easy to process and manufacture.

[0107] In another embodiment, the locking seat 21 has a first opening extending in the vertical direction, a first threaded portion or a limiting portion is provided in the first opening, the locking member 12 has a second threaded portion or a stopper portion matched therewith, and the locking seat 21 and the locking member 12 are vertically locked up and down. With the above locking structure, the locking seat 21 and the locking member 12 can be locked only in the vertical direction, the installation connection forms are diversified, the connection is more stable, and the structural space utilization rate is high.

[0108] Of course, in other embodiments, the locking seat 21 and the locking member 12 cooperate with each other through any one of screw connection, snap connection, buckle connection, plug connection, hook connection, and mortise and tenon connection to achieve the installation and connection of the battery pack on the longitudinal beam 10.

[0109] like Figure 3 As shown, the battery exchange system also includes a reinforcement member 5 for installing an electrical connector 6, the reinforcement member 5 is located between the two longitudinal beams 10, and the two ends of the reinforcement member 5 are respectively connected to the two longitudinal beams 10. The reinforcement member 5 has a reinforcing function, and by connecting the reinforcement member 5 with the two longitudinal beams 10, the overall structural strength of the electric vehicle is effectively strengthened, thereby improving the safety and stability of the electric vehicle.

[0110] The reinforcement member 5 includes a connecting member 52 and a mounting plate 51. The connecting member 52 is connected to the two longitudinal beams 10 and the mounting plate 51 respectively. The mounting plate 51 is used to install the electrical connector 6. The connecting member 52 is connected to the two longitudinal beams 10 to strengthen the structural connection strength. The electrical connector 6 is mounted on the mounting plate 51, and the mounting plate 51 facilitates the installation of the electrical connector 6.

[0111] The reinforcement member 5 also includes two reinforcement plates 53, which are respectively connected to the two longitudinal beams 10, and the reinforcement plates 53 are connected to the connecting member 52 and the mounting plate 51. The two reinforcement plates 53 have a reinforcement effect, effectively strengthen the structural connection strength, and improve the safety and stability of the electric vehicle. Among them, an accommodation space is formed between the mounting plate 51, the connecting member 52 and the two reinforcement plates 53, and the electrical connector 6 will be arranged in the accommodation space. The reinforcement member 5 will have a shielding and protective effect on the electrical connector 6, and the safety and stability are higher.

[0112] The electrical connector 6 includes a vehicle-end electrical connector and a battery-end electrical connector that are detachably electrically connected. The vehicle-end electrical connector is arranged on the mounting plate 51, and the battery-end electrical connector is arranged on the battery pack 1. There are two vehicle-end electrical connectors and two battery-end electrical connectors, which are arranged at intervals up and down. The vehicle-end electrical connector and the battery-end electrical connector use two standard connectors, which improves safety and carrying capacity. At the same time, due to standard parts, the cost is relatively low and it is more economical.

[0113] The battery swap system also includes a plurality of guide positioning mechanisms, which are arranged on the longitudinal beam 10 or the battery pack 1 to achieve accurate positioning of the battery pack 1 on the longitudinal beam 10. The guide positioning mechanism has a guide positioning function, and the battery pack 1 can be straightened under the guide positioning force of the guide positioning mechanism, thereby achieving accurate positioning, and the installation and removal of the battery pack 1 are more stable.

[0114] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of guiding and positioning mechanisms include a plurality of initial positioning mechanisms 7, and the plurality of initial positioning mechanisms 7 are respectively arranged at intervals on the inner wall surface of the battery pack 1, and the plurality of initial positioning mechanisms 7 and the locking member 12 are located on the same side, and the plurality of initial positioning mechanisms 7 cooperate with the longitudinal beam 10 or the locking mechanism 2 on the longitudinal beam 10 to perform initial positioning and guiding on the battery pack 1.

[0115] The plurality of guiding and positioning mechanisms include a plurality of precision positioning mechanisms 8 , which are spaced apart on the inner wall surface of the battery pack 1 , and are arranged opposite to the initial positioning mechanism 7 . The plurality of precision positioning mechanisms 8 cooperate with the longitudinal beam 10 to precisely position and guide the battery pack 1 .

[0116] The guide positioning mechanism is an elastic positioning mechanism. The elastic positioning mechanism includes a mounting shell, a positioning portion and an elastic component. The mounting shell is fixed to the battery pack 1. The mounting shell has an accommodating cavity inside. The outer side of the mounting shell is provided with a mounting opening connected to the accommodating cavity. The positioning portion is passed through the mounting opening, and the outer side of the positioning portion extends out of the mounting opening and abuts against the side of the longitudinal beam 10. The elastic component acts on the inner side of the positioning portion and transmits a variable force between the positioning portion and the mounting shell to provide an outward clamping force to the longitudinal beam 10. Among them, the top of the outer side of the mounting shell has a first guide sliding surface. The top of the positioning portion extending out of the mounting opening has a second guide sliding surface.

[0117] like Fig.11 As shown, this embodiment also discloses a battery replacement method for an electric vehicle, using the battery replacement system for the electric vehicle as described above, and the battery replacement method includes the following steps:

[0118] Step S100, control the battery swapping equipment to move the battery pack 1 to the battery swapping station below the longitudinal beam 10, so that the groove 11 on the top of the battery pack 1 is aligned with the longitudinal beam 10.

[0119] Step S200, control the battery exchange equipment to lift the battery pack 1 to a preset height, so that the locking piece 12 on the battery pack 1 enters the locking mechanism 2 on the longitudinal beam 10, and the groove 11 on the top of the battery pack 1 is mounted on the longitudinal beam 10.

[0120] Step S300: Control the locking member 12 and the locking mechanism 2 to be locked in place.

[0121] The battery pack 1 is added to the bottom of the electric vehicle from the side, and the battery swapping equipment moves the battery pack 1 to the battery swapping station below the electric vehicle, so that the groove 11 on the top of the battery pack 1 is aligned with the longitudinal beam 10, thereby achieving precise control and high safety and stability. After the battery pack 1 approaches the longitudinal beam 10, the battery swapping equipment lifts the battery pack 1 to move the battery pack 1 upward in the vertical direction, so that the battery pack 1 is lifted and moved to a preset height, so that the locking member 12 moves through the opening groove to the intersection of the opening groove and the locking groove; finally, the locking member 12 is controlled to enter the locking groove to be locked in place with the locking mechanism 2. The chassis battery swapping using the two longitudinal beams 10 of the electric vehicle reduces the risk of failure during the battery swapping process and improves safety. In addition, the chassis battery swapping system occupies a small area and the promotion cost of the battery swapping station is low.

[0122] like Fig.12 As shown, the step of controlling the battery exchange equipment to lift the battery pack 1 to a preset height also includes an initial positioning step;

[0123] Step 210, the initial positioning step includes controlling the battery exchange equipment to lift the battery pack 1, and multiple initial positioning mechanisms 7 on the inner wall of the groove 11 perform initial positioning guidance on the battery pack 1, so that the opening of the groove 11 is aligned with the longitudinal beam 10, and the longitudinal beam 10 enters the opening of the groove 11.

[0124] The battery pack 1 is initially positioned and guided by multiple initial positioning mechanisms 7 cooperating with the longitudinal beam 10 or the locking mechanism 2 on the longitudinal beam 10, so that the longitudinal beam 10 can be accurately aligned with the groove 11 and smoothly enter the groove 11, thereby improving safety and stability.

[0125] The step of controlling the battery replacement device to lift the battery pack 1 to a preset height also includes a fine positioning step, which is performed after the initial positioning step;

[0126] Step S220, the precise positioning step includes controlling the battery exchange equipment to continue lifting the battery pack 1, and the multiple precise positioning mechanisms 8 on the inner wall of the groove 11 perform precise positioning and guidance on the battery pack 1, so that the groove 11 is sleeved on the longitudinal beam 10 to a preset position, so that the locking piece 12 on the battery pack 1 enters the locking mechanism 2 on the longitudinal beam 10.

[0127] After the battery pack 1 passes the initial positioning step, the longitudinal beam 10 will enter the groove 11, and the fine positioning step will begin. Multiple fine positioning mechanisms 8 will cooperate with the longitudinal beam 10 to precisely position and guide the battery pack 1, and the locking accuracy is higher. At the same time, it effectively avoids the displacement and dislocation of the battery pack 1 during use, greatly improving safety and stability.

[0128] In this embodiment, the multiple initial positioning mechanisms 7 and the multiple fine positioning mechanisms 8 are against the longitudinal beam 10 and limit the displacement of the longitudinal beam 10 in the groove 11. The multiple initial positioning mechanisms 7 and the multiple fine positioning mechanisms 8 are respectively against the two sides of the longitudinal beam 10, thereby effectively limiting the tilt displacement of the longitudinal beam 10 in the horizontal direction, and the safety and stability are higher.

[0129] By adopting the technical solution in the above embodiment, the height space under the longitudinal beam is fully utilized. When the battery swapping equipment disassembles the battery pack, the unloaded battery swapping equipment can directly enter the space under the battery pack without interfering with the bottom of the electric vehicle; when the battery swapping equipment installs the battery pack, the battery swapping equipment carrying the battery pack can also directly enter the bottom of the longitudinal beam for battery swapping without interfering with the bottom of the electric vehicle. During the whole process, there is no need to lift the vehicle body, set up a sunken space or dig a pit for the battery swapping equipment to enter and exit, which reduces the cost, time and difficulty of building a battery swapping station, reduces the requirements for the site of the station, and improves the efficiency of battery swapping.

[0130] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention are described above, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this is only for illustration and the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery replacement method for an electric vehicle, applied to a battery replacement system of an electric vehicle, wherein the electric vehicle comprises two longitudinal beams, characterized in that: The battery replacement system includes a battery pack and a plurality of locking mechanisms, wherein the plurality of locking mechanisms are respectively arranged on the two longitudinal beams, the top of the battery pack has a groove, the groove is used to embed the longitudinal beam, the battery pack is provided with a plurality of locking members, the plurality of locking members are located in the groove, and the battery pack is locked in the plurality of locking mechanisms through the plurality of locking members to be connected to the longitudinal beam; The battery replacement method comprises the following steps: Control the battery swapping equipment to move the battery pack to the battery swapping station below the longitudinal beam so that the groove on the top of the battery pack is aligned with the longitudinal beam; Control the battery exchange equipment to lift the battery pack to a preset height, so that the locking piece on the battery pack enters the locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam, and the groove on the top of the battery pack is sleeved on the longitudinal beam; The locking member and the locking mechanism are controlled to be locked in place.

2. The battery replacement method of an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of controlling the battery exchange equipment to lift the battery pack to a preset height also includes an initial positioning step; The initial positioning step includes controlling the battery exchange equipment to lift the battery pack, and multiple initial positioning mechanisms on the inner wall of the groove guide the battery pack for initial positioning, so that the opening of the groove is aligned with the longitudinal beam, and the longitudinal beam enters the opening of the groove.

3. The battery replacement method of an electric vehicle as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The step of controlling the battery replacement equipment to lift the battery pack to a preset height also includes a fine positioning step, and the fine positioning step is after the initial positioning step; The precise positioning step includes controlling the battery exchange equipment to continue lifting the battery pack, and the multiple precise positioning mechanisms on the inner wall of the groove guide the battery pack for precise positioning, so that the groove is sleeved on the longitudinal beam to a preset position, so that the locking part on the battery pack enters the locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam.

4. The battery replacement method of an electric vehicle as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of initial positioning mechanisms and the plurality of fine positioning mechanisms are both against the longitudinal beam and limit the displacement of the longitudinal beam in the groove.

5. The battery replacement method of an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of locking mechanisms are respectively arranged on the side walls of the two longitudinal beams and / or the bottom of the longitudinal beams; And / or, the locking mechanism comprises a locking groove for inserting the locking member, and the opening of the locking groove faces the outer side of the longitudinal beam; And / or, the locking mechanism includes a locking seat, the locking seat has an opening extending in the vertical direction, a first threaded portion or a limiting portion is provided in the opening, and the locking member has a matching second threaded portion or a stop portion.

6. The battery replacement method of an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cell accommodating cavities for accommodating battery cells, and at least part of the battery cell accommodating cavities are distributed on the side of the longitudinal beam; And / or, the power exchange system further comprises a reinforcement member for installing an electrical connector, the reinforcement member is located between the two longitudinal beams, and two ends of the reinforcement member are respectively connected to the two longitudinal beams; And / or, the locking mechanism includes a locking seat, the locking seat has an opening groove extending in the vertical direction and a locking groove extending in the horizontal direction, the locking member is a locking shaft, the locking groove is used for the locking shaft to be inserted and locked, the top of the opening groove is connected to the locking groove, and the locking shaft enters the locking groove when it reaches the intersection of the opening groove and the locking groove from the bottom of the opening groove in the vertical direction.

7. The battery replacement method of an electric vehicle as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The plurality of battery cell accommodating cavities include a plurality of side battery cell accommodating cavities, and the plurality of side battery cell accommodating cavities are distributed on two opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams; And / or, the reinforcement member includes a connecting member and a mounting plate, the connecting member is respectively connected to the two longitudinal beams and the mounting plate, and the mounting plate is used to mount the electrical connector; And / or, at least part of the locking seat is provided with a locking tongue, which is movably mounted in the locking groove and can prevent the locking shaft from escaping from the locking groove.

8. The battery replacement method of an electric vehicle as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: A plurality of cross beams are connected between the two longitudinal beams, the plurality of battery cell accommodating chambers further include a middle battery cell accommodating chamber, the plurality of side battery cell accommodating chambers are distributed on both sides of the middle battery cell accommodating chamber, and the middle battery cell accommodating chamber is located below the cross beams; And / or, the reinforcement member further comprises two reinforcement plates, the two reinforcement plates are respectively connected to the two longitudinal beams, and the reinforcement plates are connected to the connecting member and the mounting plate; And / or, the locking mechanism further comprises a locking link, and the locking link is movably connected to the locking seat via the locking tongue.

9. The battery replacement method of an electric vehicle as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The battery replacement system further includes a fixed bracket, which is arranged on the side wall of the longitudinal beam or the bottom of the longitudinal beam, and a plurality of locking mechanisms are arranged on the fixed bracket; And / or, the battery exchange system also includes a plurality of guiding and positioning mechanisms, and a plurality of the guiding and positioning mechanisms are arranged on the longitudinal beam or the battery pack to achieve precise positioning of the battery pack on the longitudinal beam.

10. The battery replacement method of an electric vehicle as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The fixing bracket comprises two mounting beams, one side of the two mounting beams is respectively connected to the opposite side surfaces of the two longitudinal beams, and a plurality of locking mechanisms are respectively connected to the other side of the two mounting beams; And / or, the guiding and positioning mechanism is an elastic positioning mechanism.

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