Battery swapping method for electric vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a battery replacing method for an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle comprises two longitudinal beams, and 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. The top of the battery pack is provided with a groove for embedding the longitudinal beam. A plurality of locking members are arranged on the battery pack and located in the groove. The battery replacing method comprises the following steps: controlling a battery replacing device to move the battery pack to a battery replacing station below the longitudinal beam, so that the groove at the top of the battery pack is aligned with the longitudinal beam; controlling the battery replacing device to lift the battery pack to a preset height, so that the locking members on the battery pack are arranged in the locking mechanisms on the longitudinal beam, and the groove at the top of the battery pack is arranged on the longitudinal beam; and controlling the locking members and the locking mechanisms to be locked in place. The center of gravity of the battery pack is arranged below the longitudinal beam, the center of gravity of the battery pack is effectively reduced, and the stability of the battery pack is improved. The structure is compact, and the space utilization rate is high, especially in the vertical direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application No. 202111673991.6, filed on December 31, 2021, entitled "Battery replacement system of electric vehicle, electric vehicle and battery replacement method of electric vehicle". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of chassis battery replacement, in particular to a battery replacement method of an electric vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0003] In recent years, new energy vehicles have developed rapidly. Electric vehicles relying on storage batteries as driving energy have the advantages of zero emission and low noise. With the increasing market share and use frequency of electric vehicles, electric commercial vehicles such as electric heavy trucks and electric light trucks have begun to be widely used, and battery replacement technology has gradually been applied to the field of commercial vehicles.

[0004] At present, the battery pack on the electric truck is generally arranged above the vehicle body longitudinal beam. The direct charging battery pack or the quick replacement battery pack is installed above the longitudinal beam, and the longitudinal beam is used to support the battery pack. Since the vehicle body longitudinal beam is relatively high above the ground, and the battery pack is heavy, the center of gravity of the battery pack is high, the stability of the vehicle is poor, which affects the safety of the vehicle driving, and occupies a large space behind the driver, which is poor for the driving experience of the driver. In addition, since the battery pack is arranged above the longitudinal beam, the battery pack can only be replaced by a hoisting structure. However, the use of the hoisting structure makes the overall building of the battery replacement station high, occupies a large area, has high maintenance cost and poor safety. SUMMARY

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to overcome the defects in the prior art that the center of gravity of the battery pack is high, the stability of the vehicle is poor, a large space is occupied behind the driver, and the driving experience of the driver is poor. A battery replacement method of an electric vehicle is provided.

[0006] The present application solves the above technical problems by the following technical scheme:

[0007] A battery replacement method of an electric vehicle is applied to a battery replacement system of an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle comprises two longitudinal beams. The battery replacement system comprises a battery pack and a plurality of locking mechanisms. The plurality of locking mechanisms are arranged on the two longitudinal beams respectively. The top of the battery pack has a groove for embedding the longitudinal beam. The battery pack is provided with a plurality of locking pieces, and the plurality of locking pieces are located in the groove. The battery pack is locked in the plurality of locking mechanisms by the plurality of locking pieces to be connected to the longitudinal beams.

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

[0009] controlling the battery swapping device to move the battery pack to a position below the longitudinal beam, and aligning a groove on a top of the battery pack with the longitudinal beam;

[0010] controlling the battery swapping device to lift the battery pack to a preset height, so that a locking member on the battery pack enters a locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam, and the groove on the top of the battery pack is sleeved on the longitudinal beam;

[0011] controlling the locking member to be locked in place with the locking mechanism.

[0012] In the scheme, precise control is achieved, and safety and stability are high. Meanwhile, the bottom of the chassis of the electric vehicle is used for battery swapping, the risk of failure in the battery swapping process is reduced, safety is improved, and the bottom battery swapping system occupies a small area and has low promotion cost.

[0013] Preferably, the step of controlling the battery swapping device to lift the battery pack to a preset height further comprises a preliminary positioning step.

[0014] The preliminary positioning step comprises controlling the battery swapping device to lift the battery pack, and a plurality of preliminary positioning mechanisms on the inner wall of the groove preliminarily position and guide the battery pack, 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 the scheme, the plurality of preliminary positioning mechanisms preliminarily position and guide the battery pack, which facilitates accurate alignment of the longitudinal beam with the groove and smooth entry of the longitudinal beam into the groove, and improves safety and stability.

[0016] Preferably, the step of controlling the battery swapping device to lift the battery pack to a preset height further comprises a fine positioning step, and the fine positioning step is after the preliminary positioning step.

[0017] The fine positioning step comprises controlling the battery swapping device to continue to lift the battery pack, and a plurality of fine positioning mechanisms on the inner wall of the groove finely position and guide the battery pack, so that the groove is sleeved on the longitudinal beam to a preset position, so that the locking member on the battery pack enters the locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam.

[0018] In the scheme, the plurality of fine positioning mechanisms finely position and guide the battery pack, which has higher locking precision; meanwhile, the phenomenon of deviation and misplacement of the battery pack in use is effectively avoided, and safety and stability are greatly improved.

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

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

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

[0022] In this scheme, the above structure is adopted, the installation of the locking mechanism is diversified, and the position can be arbitrarily set according to the space. The connection is more stable.

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

[0024] In this scheme, the above structure is adopted, so that the cells in the battery pack are placed along the width direction of the electric vehicle, the battery pack can accommodate more cells and travel farther, and the replacement frequency of the battery pack is reduced. At the same time, the space utilization is higher.

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

[0026] In this scheme, the above structure is adopted, and the cells placed in the plurality of side cell receiving cavities will be distributed on the two opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams, so that the space utilization is higher, and the cell capacity of the battery pack is increased.

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

[0028] In this scheme, the above structure is adopted, and the plurality 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 cells placed in the middle cell receiving cavity, so as to further make full use of the space between the longitudinal beams of the electric vehicle, realize that the cells can be installed on both sides and in the middle of the longitudinal beams, realize higher space utilization, and further increase the cell capacity of the battery pack.

[0029] Preferably, the battery replacement system further includes a fixing support arranged on the side wall of the longitudinal beam or the bottom of the longitudinal beam, and the plurality of locking mechanisms are arranged on the fixing support.

[0030] In this scheme, the above structure is adopted, which is convenient for installing the plurality of locking mechanisms, and the installation precision is high. At the same time, the strength of the battery replacement system is improved, and the stability is higher.

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

[0032] In this scheme, the mounting of the plurality of locking mechanisms is achieved by using the above structure, which has high mounting precision. Meanwhile, the strength of the battery replacement system is improved, and the stability is higher.

[0033] Preferably, the battery replacement system further comprises a reinforcing member for mounting an electrical connector, the reinforcing member is located between the two longitudinal beams, and two ends of the reinforcing member are connected to the two longitudinal beams, respectively.

[0034] In this scheme, the mounting of the electrical connector is facilitated by using the above structure, and the reinforcing member has a reinforcing effect. By connecting the reinforcing member to the two longitudinal beams, the overall structural strength of the electric vehicle is effectively improved, and the safety and stability of the electric vehicle are improved.

[0035] Preferably, the reinforcing member comprises a connecting member and a mounting plate, the connecting member is connected to the two longitudinal beams and the mounting plate, respectively, and the mounting plate is used for mounting the electrical connector.

[0036] In this scheme, the connecting member is connected to the two longitudinal beams, which has a reinforcing effect on the structural connection strength. The electrical connector is mounted on the mounting plate, and the mounting of the electrical connector is facilitated by the mounting plate.

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

[0038] In this scheme, the two reinforcing plates have a reinforcing effect, which effectively improves the structural connection strength and improves the safety and stability of the electric vehicle.

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

[0040] In this scheme, the locking member is easily inserted into the locking slot by using the above structure, and the locking slot structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0041] Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a locking seat, the locking seat has an opening slot extending in the vertical direction and a locking slot extending in the horizontal direction, the locking member is a locking shaft, the locking slot is used for inserting the locking shaft for locking, the top of the opening slot is communicated with the locking slot, and the locking shaft enters the locking slot when it reaches the intersection position of the opening slot and the locking slot in the vertical direction from the bottom of the opening slot.

[0042] In the scheme, the battery pack is locked or unlocked by moving in the vertical and horizontal directions, which is very convenient for installation and disassembly, and the structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0043] Preferably, at least part of the locking seat is provided with a lock tongue, which is movably installed in the locking groove and can prevent the lock shaft from disengaging from the locking groove.

[0044] In the scheme, the lock tongue is used to stably insert the locking member into the locking groove, which is more reliable and improves the stability of the locking mechanism in the locked state.

[0045] Preferably, the locking mechanism further comprises a lock connecting rod, which is movably connected with the locking seat through the lock tongue.

[0046] In the scheme, the lock connecting rod will drive the lock tongue to close or open the locking groove under the action of external force, which is more reliable; at the same time, the lock connecting rod can realize synchronous unlocking or locking of multiple lock tongues, which is very convenient to use and reduces the cost.

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

[0048] In the scheme, the locking seat and the locking member are locked only in the vertical direction, which is diversified in installation and connection, more stable in connection, and high in space utilization.

[0049] Preferably, the battery swapping system further comprises a plurality of guide positioning mechanisms, which are arranged on the longitudinal beam or the battery pack to realize accurate positioning of the battery pack on the longitudinal beam.

[0050] In the scheme, the guide positioning mechanism has a guide positioning function, and the battery pack can be properly positioned under the action of the guide positioning mechanism, thereby realizing accurate positioning and making the installation and disassembly of the battery pack more stable.

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

[0052] In the scheme, the elastic positioning mechanism provides clamping force to the longitudinal beam, effectively preventing the battery pack from being greatly offset during use, and improving the safety and stability.

[0053] On the basis of common knowledge in the art, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be combined arbitrarily, i.e. to obtain each preferred example of the present application.

[0054] The positive progress effect of the present application is that:

[0055] The battery replacement system of the electric vehicle of the present application realizes chassis battery replacement by using two longitudinal beams of the electric vehicle, the battery pack is connected with the locking structure on the two longitudinal beams through the locking member in the top groove, so that the connection between the battery pack and the longitudinal beam is more stable, the center of gravity of the battery pack is below the longitudinal beam, which can effectively reduce the center of gravity of the battery pack and increase the stability of the battery pack, and the vehicle stability and safety are improved by a large space; at the same time, the structure is compact, the space utilization rate is high, especially in the vertical direction. In addition, by the chassis battery replacement, the failure risk in the battery replacement process is reduced, the 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 DRAWINGS

[0056] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the electric vehicle of the embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Figure 2 It is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the electric vehicle of the embodiment of the present application.

[0058] Figure 3 It is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the battery replacement system and the two longitudinal beams of the embodiment of the present application.

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

[0060] Figure 5 It is another perspective structural schematic diagram of the two longitudinal beams and the locking mechanism of the embodiment of the present application.

[0061] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the embodiment of the present application.

[0062] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of the battery replacement system of the embodiment of the present application before installation.

[0063] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of the battery replacement system of the embodiment of the present application when initially positioning.

[0064] Figure 9 It is a structural schematic diagram of the battery replacement system of the embodiment of the present application when fine positioning.

[0065] Figure 10 It is a structural schematic diagram of the battery replacement system of the embodiment of the present application after installation is completed.

[0066] Figure 11Flow chart of the battery replacement method of the electric vehicle of the embodiment of the present application.

[0067] Figure 12 Flow chart of the process of lifting the battery pack to the preset height by the battery replacement device of the embodiment of the present application.

[0068] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0069] Battery pack 1

[0070] Groove 11

[0071] Locking member 12

[0072] Side cell accommodating cavity 13

[0073] Middle cell accommodating cavity 14

[0074] Locking mechanism 2

[0075] Locking seat 21

[0076] Lock tongue 22

[0077] Lock connecting rod 23

[0078] Cell 3

[0079] Mounting beam 4

[0080] Reinforcing member 5

[0081] Mounting plate 51

[0082] Connecting member 52

[0083] Reinforcing plate 53

[0084] Electric connector 6

[0085] Primary positioning mechanism 7

[0086] Fine positioning mechanism 8

[0087] Longitudinal beam 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] The present application will be more clearly understood and more fully appreciated by the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

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

[0090] By arranging the groove 11 on the top of the battery pack 1, when the battery pack 1 is moved to the battery replacement station below the longitudinal beams 10, the battery pack 1 is moved upward, so that the longitudinal beams 10 are embedded in the groove 11, and the battery pack 1 is connected to the locking mechanisms on the two longitudinal beams 10 through the locking members 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 beams 10 is more stable. Conversely, the battery pack 1 is dismounted from the two longitudinal beams 10. The bottom plate of the electric vehicle is used for battery replacement by using the two longitudinal beams 10, and the gravity center of the battery pack 1 is below the longitudinal beams 10, which can effectively reduce the gravity center of the battery pack 1 and increase the stability of the battery pack 1, thereby greatly improving the stability and safety of the vehicle; at the same time, the structure is compact, the space utilization rate is high, and especially the space in the vertical direction is high.

[0091] The battery pack 1 comprises a plurality of battery cell accommodating cavities for placing battery cells 3, and at least part of the battery cell accommodating cavities are distributed on the side of the longitudinal beam 10. In the battery pack 1, the more the number of battery cells 3 placed, the more sufficient the power reserve, and the farther the electric vehicle can travel. By distributing at least part of the battery 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, instead of being placed along the height direction of the electric vehicle through the longitudinal beam 10, so that more battery cells 3 are accommodated in the battery pack 1, the travel distance is farther, and the replacement frequency of the battery pack 1 is reduced; at the same time, the space utilization rate is higher.

[0092] The plurality of battery cell accommodating cavities comprise a plurality of side battery cell accommodating cavities 13 distributed on the two 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 the two opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams 10, so that the space utilization rate is higher and the capacity of the battery cells 3 in the battery pack 1 is increased.

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

[0094] In the embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 7 , the battery pack 1 has two side cell accommodating cavities 13 and one middle cell accommodating cavity 14, the height of the middle cell accommodating cavity 14 is less than the height of the side cell accommodating cavity 13, and two grooves 11 are respectively located between the side cell accommodating cavities 13 and the middle cell accommodating cavity 14.

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

[0096] In the embodiment, the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 can be respectively arranged on the side walls of the two longitudinal beams 10. Of course, in other embodiments, the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 can also be respectively arranged on the bottoms of the two longitudinal beams 10. The installation forms of the locking mechanisms 2 are diversified, the positions can be arbitrarily arranged according to the space, and the connection is more stable.

[0097] In one embodiment, the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 can be directly installed on the side walls of the two longitudinal beams 10 and / or the bottoms of the longitudinal beams 10.

[0098] In another embodiment, the battery swapping system further includes a fixed support arranged on the side wall of the longitudinal beam 10 or the bottom of the longitudinal beam 10, and the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 are arranged on the fixed support. When the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 need to be installed on the longitudinal beam 10, the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 are arranged on the fixed support to form a whole, and then the fixed support is installed on the longitudinal beam 10, so as to facilitate the installation of the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 and improve the installation precision; at the same time, the strength of the battery swapping system is improved, and the stability is higher.

[0099] The fixing support comprises two mounting beams 4, one side of each of the two mounting beams 4 is connected to the opposite side of each of the two longitudinal beams 10, and a plurality of locking mechanisms 2 are connected to the other side of each of the two mounting beams 4. The plurality of locking mechanisms 2 are mounted on the two mounting beams 4, and the two mounting beams 4 are mounted on the opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams 10, thereby achieving the installation of the plurality of locking mechanisms 2 with high installation precision. At the same time, the strength of the battery replacement system is improved, and the stability is higher.

[0100] The locking mechanism 2 comprises a locking groove for inserting the locking piece 12, and the opening of the locking groove faces the outer side of the longitudinal beam 10. When locking, the groove 11 is sleeved on the longitudinal beam 10, and the locking piece 12 in the groove 11 is inserted into the locking groove through the opening of the locking groove, thereby achieving the locking of the locking piece 12 and the locking mechanism 2. When unlocking, the locking piece 12 is moved out of the locking groove, so that the battery pack 1 and the two longitudinal beams 10 can be separated from each other, thereby achieving the unlocking of the locking piece 12 and the locking mechanism 2. The locking piece 12 is convenient to insert into the locking groove, and the structure of the locking groove is simple and convenient to process and manufacture.

[0101] In the embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the locking mechanism 2 comprises a locking seat 21, and a plurality of locking seats 21 are arranged on the two side walls of the two longitudinal beams 10, as shown in Figure 3 , a plurality of locking pieces 12 are arranged on the inner wall surface of the groove 11, and the locking piece 12 is arranged opposite to the corresponding locking seat 21.

[0102] In other embodiments, a plurality of locking seats 21 are arranged on the bottom of the two longitudinal beams 10, and a plurality of locking pieces 12 are arranged on the groove bottom of the groove 11.

[0103] As shown in Figure 6 , the locking seat 21 has an opening groove extending in the vertical direction and a locking groove extending in the horizontal direction, the locking piece 12 is a locking shaft, the locking groove is used for inserting the locking piece 12 for locking, the top of the opening groove is communicated with the locking groove, and the locking piece 12 enters the locking groove when reaching the intersection position of the opening groove and the locking groove in the vertical direction from the bottom of the opening groove.

[0104] At least part of the locking seat 21 is provided with a locking tongue 22, the locking tongue 22 is movably mounted in the locking groove and can prevent the locking piece 12 from separating out of the locking groove. By extending the locking tongue 22 into the locking groove, the locking piece 12 can be prevented from separating out of the locking groove, the locking piece 12 is stably inserted into the locking groove, the locking is more reliable, and the stability of the locking mechanism 2 in the locked state is improved.

[0105] The locking mechanism 2 further comprises a locking link 23 movably connected with the locking tongue 22 through the locking seat 21. The locking link 23 will drive the locking tongue 22 to close or open the locking slot under the action of external force, and the locking is more reliable. Meanwhile, the locking link 23 can realize the synchronous unlocking or locking of multiple locking tongues 22, which is very convenient to use and reduces the cost.

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

[0107] In another embodiment, the locking seat 21 has a first opening extending in the vertical direction, and the first opening is provided with a first threaded part or a limiting part, and the locking member 12 has a second threaded part or a stop part matched with the first threaded part or the limiting part, and the locking seat 21 and the locking member 12 are vertically locked. By using the above locking structure, the locking seat 21 and the locking member 12 can be locked only along the vertical direction, the installation connection form is 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 are matched with each other by any one of screwing, clamping, buckling, inserting, hooking and mortise connection to realize the installation and connection of the battery pack on the longitudinal beam 10.

[0109] As shown in Figure 3 The battery swapping system further comprises a reinforcing member 5 for mounting the electrical connector 6, the reinforcing member 5 is located between the two longitudinal beams 10, and the two ends of the reinforcing member 5 are connected to the two longitudinal beams 10 respectively. The reinforcing member 5 has a reinforcing effect, and by connecting the reinforcing member 5 with the two longitudinal beams 10, the overall structural strength of the electric vehicle is effectively reinforced, and the safety and stability of the electric vehicle are improved.

[0110] The reinforcing member 5 comprises 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, and the mounting plate 51 is used for mounting the electrical connector 6. By connecting the connecting member 52 to the two longitudinal beams 10, the reinforcing structure has the effect of strengthening the 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 reinforcing member 5 further comprises two reinforcing plates 53, which are respectively connected to the two longitudinal beams 10 and connected with the connecting piece 52 and the mounting plate 51. The two reinforcing plates 53 have a reinforcing effect, effectively reinforcing the structural connection strength and improving the safety and stability of the electric vehicle. Among them, the mounting plate 51, the connecting piece 52 and the two reinforcing plates 53 form an accommodation space, and the electric connector 6 is arranged in the accommodation space. The reinforcing member 5 will have a shielding protection effect on the electric connector 6, and the safety and stability are higher.

[0112] The electric connector 6 comprises vehicle end electric connectors and battery end electric connectors which are detachably connected. The vehicle end electric connectors are arranged on the mounting plate 51, and the battery end electric connectors are arranged on the battery pack 1. Among them, the number of the vehicle end electric connectors and the battery end electric connectors is two and they are arranged in an upper and lower interval. The vehicle end electric connectors and the battery end electric connectors adopt two standard connectors, which improve the safety and carrying capacity, and at the same time, due to the standard parts, the cost is relatively low, which is more economical.

[0113] The battery swapping system further comprises a plurality of guiding and positioning mechanisms arranged on the longitudinal beam 10 or the battery pack 1 to realize accurate positioning of the battery pack 1 on the longitudinal beam 10. The guiding and positioning mechanisms have a guiding and positioning function, and through the guiding and positioning of the guiding and positioning mechanisms, the battery pack 1 can be properly positioned under the action of the force, thereby realizing accurate positioning and making the installation and removal of the battery pack 1 more stable.

[0114] In the embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 The plurality of guiding and positioning mechanisms comprises a plurality of primary positioning mechanisms 7, which are respectively arranged at intervals on the inner wall surface of the battery pack 1. The primary positioning mechanisms 7 are located on the same side as the locking members 12, and the primary positioning mechanisms 7 and the locking mechanisms 2 on the longitudinal beams 10 cooperate with each other to preliminarily position and guide the battery pack 1.

[0115] The plurality of guiding and positioning mechanisms comprises a plurality of fine positioning mechanisms 8, which are respectively arranged at intervals on the inner wall surface of the battery pack 1. The fine positioning mechanisms 8 are arranged opposite to the primary positioning mechanisms 7, and the plurality of fine positioning mechanisms 8 cooperate with the longitudinal beams 10 to finely position and guide the battery pack 1.

[0116] The guiding and positioning mechanism is an elastic positioning mechanism. The elastic positioning mechanism comprises a mounting shell, a positioning part and an elastic part. The mounting shell is fixed to the battery pack 1. The mounting shell has a receiving cavity inside. The outer side of the mounting shell is provided with a mounting opening in communication with the receiving cavity. The positioning part penetrates the mounting opening. The outer side of the positioning part extends out of the mounting opening and abuts against the side of the longitudinal beam 10. The elastic part acts on the inner side of the positioning part and transmits the changing force between the positioning part and the mounting shell to provide the outward clamping force to the longitudinal beam 10. The top of the outer side of the mounting shell has a first guide sliding surface. The top of the positioning part extending out of the mounting opening has a second guide sliding surface.

[0117] As shown in Figure 11 The embodiment also discloses a battery replacing method of an electric vehicle, which adopts the battery replacing system of the electric vehicle.

[0118] In step S100, the battery replacing equipment is controlled to move the battery pack 1 to the battery replacing station below the longitudinal beam 10, so that the groove 11 at the top of the battery pack 1 is aligned with the longitudinal beam 10.

[0119] In step S200, the battery replacing equipment is controlled to lift the battery pack 1 to a preset height, so that the locking part 12 on the battery pack 1 enters the locking mechanism 2 on the longitudinal beam 10, and the groove 11 at the top of the battery pack 1 is sleeved on the longitudinal beam 10.

[0120] In step S300, the locking part 12 is controlled to be locked with the locking mechanism 2.

[0121] The battery pack 1 is added to the bottom of the electric vehicle from the side of the electric vehicle. The walking movement of the battery replacing equipment drives the battery pack 1 to move to the battery replacing station below the electric vehicle, so that the groove 11 at the top of the battery pack 1 is aligned with the longitudinal beam 10, thereby realizing accurate control and high safety and stability. After the battery pack 1 approaches the longitudinal beam 10, the battery replacing equipment moves the battery pack 1 upward along the vertical direction by lifting the battery pack 1, realizes lifting movement of the battery pack 1 to a preset height, so that the locking part 12 moves to the intersection position of the opening slot and the locking slot through the opening slot; finally, the locking part 12 is controlled to enter the locking slot to realize locking with the locking mechanism 2. The bottom plate of the electric vehicle is used for battery replacement, the failure risk in the battery replacing process is reduced, the safety is improved, and the floor replacing system occupies a small area and has low promotion cost.

[0122] As shown in Figure 12 In the step of controlling the battery replacing equipment to lift the battery pack 1 to a preset height, an initial positioning step is further included.

[0123] Step 210, the initial positioning step includes controlling the battery pack 1 to be lifted by the battery swap device, and the plurality of initial positioning mechanisms 7 on the inner wall of the groove 11 initially position and guide 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 plurality of initial positioning mechanisms 7 and the locking mechanism 2 on the longitudinal beam 10 cooperate to initially position and guide the battery pack 1, so that the longitudinal beam 10 is accurately aligned with the groove 11 and smoothly enters the groove 11, and the safety and stability are improved.

[0125] The step of controlling the battery pack 1 to be lifted to a preset height also includes a fine positioning step, which is performed after the initial positioning step.

[0126] Step S220, the fine positioning step includes controlling the battery pack 1 to be continuously lifted by the battery swap device, and the plurality of fine positioning mechanisms 8 on the inner wall of the groove 11 fine position and guide the battery pack 1, so that the groove 11 is sleeved with the longitudinal beam 10 to a preset position, and the locking member 12 on the battery pack 1 enters the locking mechanism 2 on the longitudinal beam 10.

[0127] After the battery pack 1 is positioned by the initial positioning step, the longitudinal beam 10 enters the groove 11, and the fine positioning step is started. The plurality of fine positioning mechanisms 8 and the longitudinal beam 10 cooperate to fine position and guide the battery pack 1, so that the locking precision is higher. At the same time, the phenomenon of displacement of the battery pack 1 during use is effectively avoided, and the safety and stability are greatly improved.

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

[0129] By using the technical solutions in the above embodiments, the height space below the longitudinal beam is fully utilized. When the battery swap device dismounts the battery pack, the battery swap device in an empty state can directly enter the space below the battery pack without interfering with the bottom of the electric vehicle. When the battery swap device installs the battery pack, the battery swap device carrying the battery pack can also directly enter the space below the longitudinal beam for battery swap without interfering with the bottom of the electric vehicle. In the whole process, the vehicle body does not need to be lifted, and a sunken space or a pit does not need to be set for the battery swap device to enter and exit, thereby reducing the construction cost, time and difficulty of the battery swap station, reducing the requirements for the construction site, and improving the efficiency of battery swap.

[0130] Although the specific embodiments of the present application have been described above, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the present application is only illustrated by way of example, and the scope of protection of the present application is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to the embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present application, and such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery replacement method of an electric vehicle, applied to a battery replacement system of an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising two longitudinal beams, characterized in that, The battery replacement system comprises a battery pack and a plurality of locking mechanisms, the plurality of locking mechanisms are respectively arranged on the two longitudinal beams, the top of the battery pack is provided with a groove for embedding 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: Controlling the battery replacement equipment to move the battery pack to the battery replacement station below the longitudinal beam, so that the groove at the top of the battery pack is aligned with the longitudinal beam; Controlling the battery replacement equipment to lift the battery pack to a preset height, so that the locking member on the battery pack enters the locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam, and the groove at the top of the battery pack is sleeved on the longitudinal beam; Controlling the locking member and the locking mechanism to be locked in place.

2. The power exchange method for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The step of controlling the battery replacement equipment to lift the battery pack to a preset height further comprises a preliminary positioning step; The preliminary positioning step comprises controlling the battery replacement equipment to lift the battery pack, a plurality of preliminary positioning mechanisms on the inner wall of the groove perform preliminary positioning and guiding on the battery pack, 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 power exchange method of an electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein The step of controlling the battery replacement equipment to lift the battery pack to a preset height further comprises a fine positioning step, and the fine positioning step is after the preliminary positioning step; The fine positioning step comprises controlling the battery replacement equipment to continue to lift the battery pack, a plurality of fine positioning mechanisms on the inner wall of the groove perform fine positioning and guiding on the battery pack, so that the groove is sleeved on the longitudinal beam to a preset position, so that the locking member on the battery pack enters the locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam.

4. The power exchange method of an electric vehicle according to claim 3, wherein The plurality of preliminary 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.

5. The power exchange method of an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of locking mechanisms are respectively arranged on the side walls of the two longitudinal beams and / or the bottom of the longitudinal beam; And / or, the locking mechanism comprises a locking slot for inserting the locking member, and the opening of the locking slot faces the outside of the longitudinal beam; And / or, the locking mechanism comprises a locking seat, the locking seat has an opening extending in the vertical direction, the opening is provided with a first threaded portion or a limiting portion, and the locking member has a second threaded portion or a stop portion matched with the first threaded portion or the limiting portion.

6. The power exchange method of an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The battery pack comprises a plurality of cell accommodating cavities for placing cells, and at least part of the cell accommodating cavities are distributed on the side of the longitudinal beam; And / or, the battery replacement system further comprises a reinforcing member for mounting an electrical connector, the reinforcing member is located between the two longitudinal beams, and the two ends of the reinforcing member are respectively connected to the two longitudinal beams; And / or, the locking mechanism comprises a locking seat, the locking seat has an opening slot extending in the vertical direction and a locking slot extending in the horizontal direction, the locking member is a locking shaft, the locking slot is used for inserting and locking the locking shaft, the top of the opening slot is communicated with the locking slot, and the locking shaft enters the locking slot when the locking shaft reaches the intersection position of the opening slot and the locking slot in the vertical direction from the bottom of the opening slot.

7. The power exchange method of an electric vehicle according to claim 6, wherein The plurality of battery cell accommodating cavities comprises 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; The reinforcing member comprises a connecting member and a mounting plate, the connecting member is connected to the two longitudinal beams and the mounting plate respectively, and the mounting plate is used for mounting the electric connector; At least part of the locking seat is provided with a locking tongue, the locking tongue is movably installed in the locking groove and can prevent the locking shaft from being separated from the locking groove.

8. The power exchange method of an electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein The two longitudinal beams are connected with a plurality of cross beams, the plurality of battery cell accommodating cavities further comprises a middle battery cell accommodating cavity, the plurality of side battery cell accommodating cavities are distributed on two sides of the middle battery cell accommodating cavity, and the middle battery cell accommodating cavity is located below the cross beam; The reinforcing member further comprises two reinforcing plates, the two reinforcing plates are connected to the two longitudinal beams respectively, and the reinforcing plates are connected with the connecting member and the mounting plate; The locking mechanism further comprises a locking connecting rod, and the locking connecting rod is movably connected with the locking seat through the locking tongue.

9. The power exchange method of an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The battery replacement system further comprises a fixing support, the fixing support is arranged on a side wall of the longitudinal beam or a bottom of the longitudinal beam, and the plurality of locking mechanisms are arranged on the fixing support; The battery replacement system further comprises a plurality of guiding and positioning mechanisms, the plurality of guiding and positioning mechanisms are arranged on the longitudinal beam or the battery pack, so as to accurately position the battery pack on the longitudinal beam.

10. The power exchange method of an electric vehicle according to claim 9, wherein The fixing support comprises two mounting beams, one side of the two mounting beams is connected to opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams respectively, and the plurality of locking mechanisms are connected to the other side of the two mounting beams respectively; The guiding and positioning mechanism is an elastic positioning mechanism.

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