Automatic butt joint charging device, charging assembly and battery swap station

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic butt-joint charging device, a charging assembly and a battery swap station, and the device comprises a follow-up mechanism which is used for making contact with a battery pack and generating first displacement movement along with the battery pack in a first direction; the electric connector is used for being in butt joint with the battery pack so that the battery pack can be charged and discharged; the folding mechanism is respectively connected with the follow-up mechanism and the electric connector; the follow-up mechanism drives the folding mechanism to fold so as to drive the electric connector to generate second displacement movement in a second direction; the folding mechanism comprises a folding arm and a guide part which are hinged in a crossed mode, the upper side and the lower side of the folding arm are connected with the guide part and the electric connector in a sliding mode respectively, the upper side and the lower side of the folding arm slide on the guide part and the electric connector respectively at the same time under driving of the follow-up mechanism, and the folding mechanism generates linkage through changes of bearing of the follow-up mechanism. The charging device can respond in time and can be in butt joint with the battery pack without external driving, and the internal structure of the charging device is simplified.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of a Chinese invention patent with an application date of April 3, 2020, application number CN202010260641.6, and name “Automatic docking charging device, charging assembly and battery swap station”. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to an automatic docking charging device, a charging assembly and a battery swap station. Background Art

[0003] With the development of society and the advancement of science and technology, electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular among consumers. As the power source of electric vehicles, battery boxes need to be charged in time. Due to the requirements of driving range and power, the battery box power required by the car is getting higher and higher. The traditional charging method cannot meet the needs of some scenarios. The battery box needs to be replaced and charged on the charging rack so that the vehicle can be used normally during the charging time.

[0004] The charging rack is provided with an electrical connection plug that matches the electrical connection socket on the battery pack. When the battery pack on the electric vehicle is unloaded and placed on the charging rack for charging, the electrical connection plug on the charging rack and the electrical connection socket on the battery pack need to be docked. In the prior art, the electrical connection plug is generally driven by an external driving mechanism to approach the electrical connection socket on the battery pack to achieve docking. This results in complex and high cost connections for the equipment in the charging rack, and additional power needs to be provided to drive the electrical connection plug to move.

[0005] In addition, the electrical connection plug on the existing electric vehicle is generally set on the side of the space inside the car for placing the battery box to ensure the stability of the electrical connection of the vehicle during driving. If the electrical connection plug in the charging rack is also set on the side, the battery box needs to be rotated as a whole to achieve electrical plug-in. For battery boxes with larger dimensions, the rotation of the battery box will cause problems such as occupying a large space and cumbersome operation. Summary of the invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects in the prior art that the charging device has poor adaptability and cannot dock with battery packs with different charging port directions, resulting in cumbersome adjustment of the battery pack position, and to provide an automatic docking charging device, a charging assembly and a battery swap station.

[0007] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions:

[0008] An automatic docking charging device, the automatic docking charging device comprising:

[0009] a follower mechanism, the follower mechanism being used to contact the battery pack and follow the movement of the battery pack to generate a first displacement in a first direction;

[0010] an electrical connector, the electrical connector being used to dock with the battery pack to enable the battery pack to be charged and discharged;

[0011] A folding mechanism, wherein the folding mechanism is respectively connected to the follower mechanism and the electrical connector; the follower mechanism drives the folding mechanism to fold, thereby driving the electrical connector to move a second displacement in a second direction, so that the electrical connector is electrically connected to or disconnected from the battery pack; the folding mechanism includes a cross-hinged folding arm and a guide component, and the upper and lower sides of the folding arm are respectively slidably connected to the guide component and the electrical connector, wherein, driven by the follower mechanism, the upper and lower sides of the folding arm slide on the guide component and the electrical connector at the same time.

[0012] In this solution, the folding of the folding mechanism itself causes the electrical connector connected to the folding mechanism to move together. Since the folding mechanism is connected to different parts of the folding mechanism, the displacements of different connection points are different during folding. Among them, the connection point of the follower mechanism on the folding mechanism moves a first displacement, and the connection point of the electrical connector on the folding mechanism moves a second displacement.

[0013] Therefore, this solution sets a folding mechanism between the follower mechanism and the electrical connector, thereby driving the electrical connector to move toward the battery pack to form an electrical connection, and the guiding component can guide the folding arm to repeatedly fold along a fixed trajectory, thereby ensuring the stability of the action; that is, the electrical connection is automatically achieved by utilizing the movement generated when the follower mechanism contacts the battery pack, and no additional power is required to drive the electrical connector to move, and this linkage method can be applied to electrical connections of battery packs in various directions.

[0014] Preferably, the first direction is parallel to the second direction. Thus, the electrical connector and the follower mechanism move in the same parallel direction, and the movement relationship between the two in approaching and moving away from each other is simple, which is conducive to the stable operation of the mechanism.

[0015] Preferably, the follower mechanism includes a floating plate, which carries the battery pack in the direction of gravity of the battery pack, and the first direction is parallel to the direction of gravity of the battery pack, wherein when the battery pack is carried on the floating plate, the floating plate moves downward in the first direction with a first displacement under the action of the gravity of the battery pack.

[0016] This solution utilizes the gravity of the battery pack itself to achieve the movement of the floating plate, thereby ultimately driving the electric connector to move, and does not require additional power to drive the electric connector to move.

[0017] Preferably, the electrical connector is disposed above the floating plate, wherein when the battery pack is carried on the floating plate, the electrical connector is linked with the floating plate through the folding mechanism and moves downwardly in the second direction to generate a second displacement.

[0018] This solution uses the gravity of the battery pack to move the floating plate. By setting a linkage mechanism between the floating plate and the electrical connector, the electrical connector is driven to move toward the battery pack to form an electrical connection. That is, the battery pack's own gravity is used as the power to achieve the electrical connection, and no additional power is required to drive the electrical connector to move.

[0019] Preferably, the folding mechanism changes its first extension length in the second direction and the second extension length perpendicular to the second direction by folding, thereby driving the electrical connector to move in a second direction with a second displacement, and the first extension length decreases as the second extension length increases. The overall length of the folding mechanism is decomposed into the first extension length in the second direction and the second extension length in the direction perpendicular to the second direction. The first extension length and the second extension length are determined by the folding degree of the folding mechanism. In particular, as the folding mechanism itself contracts and expands in the second direction, the first extension length of the folding mechanism in the second direction contracts and expands.

[0020] Preferably, the second displacement changes with the change of the first extension length, and the first displacement is smaller than the second displacement. The first displacement is generated by the distance moved by the follower mechanism, and the second displacement is related to the change of the first extension length. By setting a suitable connection point, the second displacement can be made larger than the first displacement.

[0021] In this solution, by making the first displacement smaller than the second displacement, the distance between the electrical connector and the follower mechanism changes with different states. When the battery pack is moved in, the electrical connector must have a certain distance from the battery pack to avoid interference; after the battery pack is moved in, the electrical connector contacts the battery pack and charges. Therefore, by setting the second displacement larger than the first displacement, the electrical connector gradually approaches the battery pack during the movement of the battery pack, avoiding interference during movement.

[0022] Preferably, the guide component is provided with a first slide groove or a first slideway, the electrical connector is provided with a second slide groove or a second slideway, and the upper two ends and the lower two ends of the folding arm slide in the first slide groove or the first slideway and the second slide groove or the second slideway respectively, wherein the extension directions of the first slide groove or the first slideway and the second slide groove or the second slideway are parallel and different from the first direction or the second direction. The first slide groove or the first slideway and the second slide groove or the second slideway determine and limit the folding direction of the folding arm to ensure the stability of each folding.

[0023] The lengths of the first chute or the first slideway and the second chute or the second slideway, as well as the length of the folding arm itself, determine the folding adjustment range of the folding arm. At the innermost end of the first chute or the first slideway and the second chute or the second slideway, the angle between the folding arm and the second direction is the smallest, and at this time the first extension length of the folding mechanism is the largest. At the outermost end of the first chute or the first slideway and the second chute or the second slideway, the angle between the folding arm and the second direction is the largest, and at this time the first extension length of the folding mechanism is the largest.

[0024] Preferably, the first slide groove or the first slideway and the second slide groove or the second slideway extend in directions perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction. Thus, the folding arm can slide more smoothly between the first slide groove or the first slideway and the second slide groove or the second slideway, and the selection of the first slide groove and the second slideway can also prevent the folding arm from getting stuck when folding.

[0025] Preferably, the follower mechanism is connected to the folding arm. When the follower mechanism drives the folding arm to generate the first displacement, other positions on the folding arm (including the connection position of the electrical connector) are folded along with the folding arm as a whole. The folding arm is equivalent to swinging a certain angle (fan-shaped swing) in the first slide slot. At this time, the swing amplitude of the folding arm far away from the first slide slot is large, and the swing amplitude of the folding arm close to the first slide slot is small. Therefore, it can be arranged that the electrical connector connected to the folding arm at a farther position will generate a displacement greater than the first displacement.

[0026] Preferably, the follower mechanism is connected to the hinge of the folding arm. The hinge of the folding arm is relatively stable, and the hinge of the folding arm is stable after being connected, and will not concentrate on the folding arm on one side to generate unbalanced force, thereby avoiding failure of the folding mechanism.

[0027] Preferably, the follower mechanism further includes a reset element, which is connected to the floating plate and is used to generate an upward thrust on the floating plate in the first direction, wherein when the battery pack is separated from the floating plate, the reset element causes the floating plate to move relative to a first displacement in the first direction; and / or,

[0028] The electrical connector is connected with a reset element for generating an upward thrust on the electrical connector in the second direction; when the battery pack is separated from the floating plate, the reset element causes the electrical connector to move upward in the second direction relative to a second displacement; and / or,

[0029] A reset element is connected to the folding mechanism, which is used to generate an upward thrust on the folding mechanism in the second direction. When the battery pack is detached from the floating plate, the reset element reduces the first extension length of the folding mechanism, thereby driving the electrical connector to move upward in the second direction relative to a second displacement.

[0030] When rigidly connected, movement in any direction will cause the follower mechanism, the electrical connector and the folding mechanism to move together. Therefore, as long as there is a reset element in one of the three, the follower mechanism, the electrical connector and the folding mechanism can be reset.

[0031] When flexibly connected, the electrical connector and the folding mechanism will be driven together only when the follower mechanism moves along the first direction. Therefore, not only the follower mechanism needs a reset element, but at least one of the connector and the folding mechanism also needs a reset element.

[0032] Preferably, the reset element is an elastic member, and the elastic member generates an upward thrust by deformation.

[0033] Preferably, the automatic docking charging device includes a fixing frame, the first sliding groove is arranged on the fixing frame, and the fixing frame is slidably connected to the electrical connector along the second direction.

[0034] Preferably, the fixing frame is provided with a slider or a guide rail, and the electrical connector is provided with a guide rail or a slider that is slidably connected with the slider or the guide rail on the fixing frame. The slider moves along a fixed track on the guide rail. The slider can be arranged on the electrical connector to move with the electrical connector, or it can be arranged at a relatively fixed position to guide the movement of the electrical connector.

[0035] Preferably, the electrical connector includes a connecting seat and a charging head, the charging head is arranged on the connecting seat, the second slide groove or the second slide track is arranged on the connecting seat, the two lower end portions of the folding arm are slidably connected to the second slide groove or the second slide track, and the charging head is used to connect to the charging port of the battery pack.

[0036] Preferably, a floating element is provided between the connecting socket and the charging head to achieve a floating electrical connection between the electrical connector and the battery pack.

[0037] The floating element realizes the floating displacement of the charging head. Therefore, even if there is an error in the docking process with the charging port of the battery pack, the error can be corrected by the floating displacement of the charging head.

[0038] Preferably, the floating element is an elastic element, and a receiving cavity for receiving the charging head is provided in the connecting seat, and the charging head is arranged in the receiving cavity through the elastic element.

[0039] The elastic element can buffer the movement of the charging head through its own compression and extension. One end of the elastic element can abut the charging head and the other end can abut the inner wall of the accommodating cavity, so that the movement of the charging head relative to the inner wall of the accommodating cavity can be smoothly realized.

[0040] Preferably, the charging head is also provided with a positioning pin or a positioning hole for docking with a positioning hole or a positioning pin provided on the battery pack.

[0041] The present invention also discloses a charging assembly, which includes the automatic docking charging device.

[0042] The present invention also discloses a battery swap station, which comprises:

[0043] The vehicle platform is used to dock the electric vehicle for battery pack replacement;

[0044] A charging assembly, used to place the battery pack, including the automatic docking charging device;

[0045] Battery exchange equipment is used to remove, place and transfer batteries between electric vehicles and the various charging compartments of the charging assembly.

[0046] The positive and progressive effect of the present invention is that the movable electrical connector of the present invention does not need to be in the same direction as the transmission direction of the battery pack, and the orientation of the electrical connector can be any orientation. The folding mechanism generates linkage through the change of the load of the follower mechanism, so that the electrical connector can respond in time and dock with the battery pack. The power for the movement of the electrical connector comes from the gravity of the battery pack, and no external drive is required, which is conducive to simplifying the internal structure of the charging device, and the guide component can guide the folding arm to fold repeatedly along a fixed trajectory, thereby ensuring the stability of the action. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a charging assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of an automatic docking charging device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the automatic docking charging device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention without the fixing frame.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the automatic docking charging device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the fixing frame removed.

[0051] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism in the contracted state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of the expanded state of the folding mechanism of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a rear view of the automatic docking charging device of another embodiment of the present invention with the fixing frame removed.

[0054] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an automatic docking charging device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of an electrical connector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Fig.10 The figure is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery swap station according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The present invention is further described below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the examples.

[0058] like Figure 1-Figure 9 As shown, this embodiment provides a charging assembly 2, wherein a plurality of charging compartments D are provided in the charging assembly 2. Each charging compartment D is correspondingly provided with an automatic docking charging device 20.

[0059] like Figure 2-Figure 4 As shown, the automatic docking charging device 20 of this embodiment includes a follow-up mechanism 21, an electrical connector 22 and a folding mechanism 23. The follow-up mechanism 21 and the electrical connector 22 are connected to the folding mechanism 23 to achieve linkage.

[0060] The follower mechanism 21 is used to contact the battery pack and follow the movement of the battery pack to generate a first displacement m in a first direction A. Specifically, the follower mechanism 21 mainly includes a floating plate 211, and the floating plate 211 carries the battery pack in the gravity direction of the battery pack. The floating plate 211 can be a flat plate structure, a frame structure or other structural members that can be used to support the battery pack and can move along the first direction. Based on the floating plate 211 carrying the battery pack in the gravity direction of the battery pack, preferably, the first direction A is parallel to the gravity direction of the battery pack. In this way, when the floating plate 211 carries the battery pack, the floating plate 211 generates a first displacement m downward in the first direction A under the action of the gravity of the battery pack, and the movement of the floating plate 211 is completely achieved by the gravity of the battery pack itself, without relying on additional power drive.

[0061] The electrical connector 22 is used to dock with the battery pack to charge and discharge the battery pack. Preferably, the electrical connector 22 can be specifically arranged above the floating plate 211, for example, the electrical connector 22 can be directly arranged on the crossbeam of the charging rack through a mounting seat or a mounting seat. In this way, when the floating plate 211 carries the battery pack, the electrical connector 22 can be linked with the floating plate 211 through the folding mechanism 23, and move downward in the second direction B by a second displacement n, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 Of course, it is not excluded that the electrical connector 22 is disposed below the floating plate 211 or in other positions.

[0062] Specifically, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the electrical connector 22 of this embodiment includes a connection base 222 and a charging head 221. The charging head 221 is disposed on the connection base 222 and is used to connect to the charging port of the battery pack. The electrical connector 22 also includes a base 224, on which a slider 252 or a guide rail 251 is fixed, and is slidably connected to the corresponding guide rail 251 or slider 252. The connection base 222 extends in a direction away from the slider 252 and the guide rail 251.

[0063] A floating element 223 is provided between the connection base 222 and the charging head 221 to realize a floating electrical connection between the electrical connector 22 and the battery pack. The floating element 223 realizes the floating displacement of the charging head 221. Therefore, during the docking process with the charging port of the battery pack, even if there is an error, the error can be corrected by the floating displacement of the charging head 221. The floating element 223 is an elastic element, and a receiving cavity for accommodating the charging head 221 is provided in the connection base 222, and the charging head 221 is arranged in the receiving cavity through the elastic element. The elastic element here can be a spring or an element made of other materials that can produce deformation.

[0064] The elastic element can play a buffering role on the movement of the charging head 221 through its own compression and extension. The elastic element can abut the charging head 221 at one end and the inner wall of the accommodating cavity at the other end, so that the movement of the charging head 221 relative to the inner wall of the accommodating cavity can be smoothly realized.

[0065] The charging head 221 is also provided with a positioning pin 220 or a positioning hole for docking with the positioning hole or positioning pin 220 provided on the battery pack.

[0066] The folding mechanism 23 is respectively connected to the follower mechanism 21 and the electrical connector 22. When the follower mechanism 21 is loading or unloading the battery pack, it can drive the folding mechanism 23 to fold, thereby driving the electrical connector 22 to move in a second direction B with a second displacement n, so that the electrical connector 22 is electrically connected to or disconnected from the battery pack.

[0067] In order to simplify the movement relationship between the electrical connector 22 and the battery pack in approaching and moving away from each other, the first direction A and the second direction B in this embodiment are arranged in parallel, so that the two move in the same parallel direction, which is more conducive to the stable operation of the mechanism.

[0068] Specifically, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the folding mechanism 23 of the present embodiment folds to change its first extension length Y in the second direction B and the second extension length X perpendicular to the second direction B, thereby driving the electrical connector 22 to move a second displacement n in a second direction B, and the first extension length Y decreases as the second extension length X increases.

[0069] The overall length of the folding mechanism 23 is decomposed into a first extension length Y in the second direction B, and decomposed into a second extension length X in a direction perpendicular to the second direction B. The first extension length Y and the second extension length X are determined by the folding degree of the folding mechanism 23. Among them, as the folding mechanism 23 itself contracts and expands in the second direction B, the first extension length Y of the folding mechanism 23 in the second direction B contracts and expands. In other words, when the first direction A and the second direction B are both parallel to the gravity direction of the battery pack, when the extension length of the folding mechanism is shortened in the vertical direction, its extension length is increased in the horizontal direction, and vice versa, when the extension length of the folding mechanism is increased in the vertical direction, its extension length is shortened in the horizontal direction.

[0070] In addition, since the bottom of the battery pack is higher than the surface of the floating plate 211 during the process of the battery pack 4 entering the charging compartment D, the distance between the electrical connector 22 and the surface of the floating plate 211 must be greater than the height of the battery pack to avoid interference; therefore, after the battery pack 4 is placed on the floating plate 21, the distance moved by the electrical connector 22 must be greater than the distance moved by the floating plate 211 to achieve electrical connection between the electrical connector 22 and the battery pack. Therefore, it is required that the second displacement n in this embodiment changes with the change of the first extension length Y, and the first displacement m is smaller than the second displacement n.

[0071] The relationship between the aforementioned first displacement m and the second displacement n can be adjusted by changing the connection point between the electrical connector 22 and the folding mechanism 23, and by changing the connection point between the follower mechanism 21 and the folding mechanism 23. It can be chosen to change the position of only one of the connection points, or it can be chosen to change the positions of both connection points, which is determined by technical personnel in this field according to actual needs.

[0072] Specifically, the electrical connector 22 in this embodiment is connected to the outer edge of the folding portion of the folding mechanism 23 (taking the cross-type folding mechanism as an example, the electrical connector 22 is connected to the end of the cross), so the second displacement n of the electrical connector 23 is equal to the change of the first extension length Y of the entire folding mechanism in the second direction B. Of course, in other embodiments, if the electrical connector 22 is connected to the 2 / 3 position of the folding mechanism 23 from top to bottom, the second displacement n of the electrical connector 23 is equal to the change of 2 / 3 times the first extension length Y of the entire folding mechanism in the second direction B.

[0073] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, since the first displacement m is generated by the distance moved by the follower mechanism 21, the second displacement n is related to the change of the first extension length Y. By setting a suitable connection point, the second displacement n can be made greater than the first displacement m.

[0074] Therefore, this solution sets a folding mechanism 23 between the follower mechanism 21 and the electrical connector 22, thereby driving the electrical connector 22 to move toward the battery pack to form an electrical connection, that is, utilizing the movement generated when the follower mechanism 21 carries the battery pack to automatically achieve electrical connection, or driving the electrical connector 22 to move away from the battery pack, that is, utilizing the follower mechanism 21 to move following the unloading of the battery pack to achieve the purpose of disconnecting the electrical connection, without the need for additional power to drive the electrical connector 22 to move, and this linkage method can be applicable to electrical connections of battery packs in various directions.

[0075] Specifically, the folding mechanism 23 can adopt the following structure: Figure 4-Figure 6 As shown, the folding mechanism 23 includes a cross-hinged folding arm 231 and a guide component 28, wherein the upper and lower sides of the folding arm 231 are respectively slidably connected to the guide component 28 and the electrical connector 22, wherein, driven by the follower mechanism 21, the upper and lower sides of the folding arm 231 slide on the guide component 28 and the electrical connector 22 at the same time. The guide component 28 can guide the folding arm 231 to fold repeatedly according to a fixed trajectory, thereby ensuring the stability of the action.

[0076] The guide component 28 is provided with a first slide groove 281, and the electrical connector 22 is provided with a second slide groove 225, specifically, the second slide groove 225 is provided on the connecting seat 222, and the upper two ends and the lower two ends of the folding arm 231 slide on the first slide groove 281 and the second slide groove 225 respectively, wherein the extension directions of the first slide groove 281 and the second slide groove 225 are parallel and are different from the first direction A or the second direction B. The first slide groove 281 and the second slide groove 225 determine the folding direction of the folding arm 231.

[0077] The lengths of the first slide groove 281 and the second slide groove 225, as well as the length of the folding arm 231 itself, jointly determine the folding adjustment range of the folding arm 231. Among them, at the innermost end of the first slide groove 281 and the second slide groove 225, the angle between the folding arm 231 and the second direction B is the smallest, and at this time, the first extension length Y of the folding mechanism 23 is the largest. Figure 5 As shown, at the outermost end of the first sliding groove 281 and the second sliding groove 225 , the angle between the folding arm 231 and the second direction B is the largest, and at this time the first extension length Y of the folding mechanism 23 is the largest.

[0078] The extension directions of the first slide groove 281 and the second slide groove 225 are both perpendicular to the first direction A or the second direction B. Therefore, the folding arm 231 slides more smoothly between the first slide groove 281 and the second slide groove 225 and is not easily stuck on the first slide groove 281 and the second slide groove 225.

[0079] Preferably, if Figure 7 As shown, the second slide groove 225 can be a slideway (similar to a slide groove with an open upper edge), that is, only a long strip of convex strip is provided on the electrical connection seat 222, and the two ends of the lower side of the folding arm 231 abut against the upper side of the convex strip and can slide along the convex strip, so that the folding arm 231 is not easily stuck when folded. In addition, the first slide groove 281 can also be a slideway (similar to a slide groove with an open lower edge), that is, a long strip of convex strip is provided on the guide component 28, and the two ends of the upper side of the folding arm 231 abut against the lower side of the convex strip and can slide along the convex strip. The combination of the slide groove and the slideway here is not limited to this and can be interchangeable.

[0080] After adopting the structure of the folding mechanism 23, the follower mechanism 21 of this embodiment is preferably connected to the hinge of the folding arm 231. The hinge of the folding arm 231 is relatively stable, and the hinge of the folding arm 231 is stably stressed after being connected, and will not concentrate on the folding arm 231 on one side to generate unbalanced force, thereby avoiding failure of the folding mechanism 23.

[0081] The follower mechanism 21 and the folding arm 231 may be connected flexibly or rigidly. The so-called flexible connection may be that the follower mechanism 21 is connected to the folding arm 231 through a steel wire rope 27. The so-called rigid connection may be that the follower mechanism 21 is connected to the folding arm 231 through a steel plate, a connecting rod, etc.

[0082] When the follow-up mechanism 21 drives the folding arm 231 to generate the first displacement m, other positions on the folding arm 231 (including the connection position of the electrical connector 22) are folded as a whole along with the folding arm 231. The folding arm 231 is equivalent to rotating a certain angle α in the first slide slot 281. At this time, the swing amplitude of the folding arm 231 away from the first slide slot 281 is large, and the swing amplitude of the folding arm 231 close to the first slide slot 281 is small. Therefore, it is possible to arrange that the electrical connector 22 is connected to the farther position of the folding arm 231 to generate a displacement greater than the first displacement m. For example, the hinged position where the follow-up mechanism 21 is connected through the steel wire rope 27 is the center of the folding arm 231, and the position where the electrical connector 22 is connected is the bottom end of the folding arm 231. After the folding arm swings at an angle α, the first displacement m is only half of the second displacement n.

[0083] Based on the different connection modes adopted between the follower mechanism 21 and the folding arm 231 , the present embodiment may adopt different installation modes of the reset element.

[0084] For example, when flexibly connected, the electrical connector 22 and the folding mechanism 23 will be driven together only when the follower mechanism 21 moves along the first direction A. Therefore, not only the follower mechanism 21 needs a reset element, but at least one of the connector and the folding mechanism 23 also needs a reset element.

[0085] Specifically in this embodiment, a steel wire rope 27 is used to connect the follow-up mechanism 21 and the folding mechanism 23. Therefore, the follow-up mechanism 21 of this embodiment also includes a reset element 261, which is connected to the floating plate 211 and is used to generate an upward thrust on the floating plate 211 in the first direction A, wherein when the battery pack is separated from the floating plate 211, the reset element causes the floating plate 211 to move relative to the first displacement m in the first direction A. At the same time, a reset element 262 is connected to at least one of the electrical connector 22 or the folding mechanism 23. For example, a reset element 262 is connected to the electrical connector 22 to generate an upward thrust on the electrical connector 22 in the second direction B, so that when the battery pack is separated from the floating plate 211, the reset element 262 causes the electrical connector 22 and the folding mechanism 23 to move relative to the second displacement n upward in the second direction B. For another example, a reset element is connected to the folding mechanism 23 to generate an upward thrust on the folding mechanism 23 in the second direction B; when the battery pack is separated from the floating plate 211, the reset element reduces the first extension length Y of the folding mechanism 23, thereby driving the electrical connector 22 to move upward relative to the second displacement n in the second direction B. Since the electrical connector 22 is connected to the folding arm of the folding mechanism 23, no matter the electrical connector 22 or the folding mechanism 23 is subjected to a thrust in the second direction B, both will simultaneously move upward relative to the second displacement n in the second direction B. Therefore, reset elements may also be connected to both the electrical connector 22 and the folding mechanism 23.

[0086] For another example, when rigidly connected, the following mechanism 21, the electrical connector 22 and the folding mechanism 23 will move together in any direction of movement, so as long as there is a reset element in one of the three, the following mechanism 21, the electrical connector 22 and the folding mechanism 23 can be reset. The installation and operation principle of the reset element are the same as those of the flexible connection, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] The reset element here can be the same or different. The reset element is specifically an elastic member that generates an upward thrust by deformation, such as a common spring.

[0088] The automatic docking charging device 20 in this embodiment is described below by taking placing and unloading a battery pack on the floating plate 211 and making the floating plate 211 move up and down in the direction of gravity as an example:

[0089] 1. Place the battery pack on the floating plate 211 (the action of placing the battery pack usually requires the help of external force, such as a palletizer, etc.)

[0090] When the battery pack contacts the floating plate 211 and makes the floating plate 211 bear the gravity of the battery pack, the floating plate 211 starts to move vertically downward under the action of the gravity of the battery pack. At this time, the floating plate 211 generates a vertical downward pulling force on the folding mechanism 23, causing the folding mechanism 23 to fold (specifically, it can be folded in the horizontal direction). The folding of the folding mechanism 23 drives the electrical connector 22 to start moving vertically downward. When the floating plate 211 moves vertically downward by a first displacement m, the electrical connector 22 moves vertically downward by a second displacement n. When it stops moving, the electrical connector 22 is electrically connected to the battery pack so that the battery pack can be charged or discharged in the charging compartment D.

[0091] 2. Unloading the battery pack from the floating plate 211 (usually external force is required to remove the battery pack from the floating plate 211, such as a palletizer, etc.)

[0092] When the battery pack needs to be taken out of the charging compartment D, an external force is required to lift the battery pack. At this time, the force on the floating plate 211 is reduced. As the battery pack is lifted up, the floating plate 211 begins to move vertically upward. At the same time, the folding mechanism 23 is folded by a vertical upward thrust (specifically, it can be folded in the vertical direction). The folding of the folding mechanism 23 drives the electrical connector 22 to start moving vertically upward, so that the electrical connector 22 is separated from the battery pack. When the floating plate 211 moves vertically upward by a first displacement m, the electrical connector 22 moves vertically upward by a second displacement n, and finally returns to the initial state when the charging compartment D is empty.

[0093] The above description only focuses on the case where the electrical connector 22 is installed above the floating plate 211 , but the description can also be made for the case where the electrical connector 22 is installed below the floating plate 211 or in other positions.

[0094] In another embodiment, based on the previous embodiment, in order to better guide the electrical connector 22 to move stably, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the automatic docking charging device 20 further includes a fixing frame 24 , a first sliding groove 281 is disposed on the fixing frame 24 , and the fixing frame 24 is slidably connected to the electrical connector 22 along the second direction B.

[0095] Specifically, the fixing frame 24 is provided with a guide rail 251, and the electrical connector 22 is provided with a slider 252 that is slidably connected to the guide rail 251 on the fixing frame 24. The slider 252 moves along a fixed track on the guide rail 251. In actual use, the slider 252 can be set on the electrical connector 22 to move with the electrical connector 22, or can be set at a relatively fixed position to guide the movement of the electrical connector 22. In addition, the positions of the guide rail 251 and the slider 252 can be interchanged, that is, the guide rail 251 can be set on the electrical connector 22, and the slider 252 can be set on the fixing frame 24.

[0096] In this embodiment, the folding mechanism 23 itself is folded to make the electrical connector 22 connected to the folding mechanism 23 move together. In this case, due to the connection to different parts of the folding mechanism 23, the displacement of different connection points during folding is different. Figure 6 As shown, the connection point of the follower mechanism 21 on the folding mechanism 23 moves a first displacement m, while the connection point of the electrical connector 22 on the folding mechanism 23 moves a second displacement n.

[0097] This embodiment also provides a battery swap station.

[0098] like Fig.10 As shown, the battery swap station includes:

[0099] A vehicle loading platform, used for the electric vehicle 3 to dock and replace the battery pack 4;

[0100] A charging assembly 2 for placing a battery pack 4, including an automatic docking charging device 20;

[0101] The battery exchange equipment is used to take, place and transfer batteries between the electric vehicle and each charging compartment D of the charging assembly 2.

[0102] The movable electrical connector of the present invention does not need to be in the same direction as the transmission direction of the battery pack, and the orientation of the electrical connector can be any orientation. The folding mechanism generates linkage through the change of the load of the follower mechanism, so that the electrical connector can respond in time and dock with the battery pack. The power for the movement of the electrical connector comes from the gravity of the battery pack, and no external drive is required, which is conducive to simplifying the internal structure of the charging device.

[0103] 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. An automatic docking charging device, characterized in that: The automatic docking charging device comprises: a follower mechanism, the follower mechanism being used to contact the battery pack and follow the movement of the battery pack to generate a first displacement in a first direction; an electrical connector, the electrical connector being used to dock with the battery pack to enable the battery pack to be charged and discharged; A folding mechanism, wherein the folding mechanism is respectively connected to the follower mechanism and the electrical connector; the follower mechanism drives the folding mechanism to fold, thereby driving the electrical connector to move a second displacement in a second direction, so that the electrical connector is electrically connected to or disconnected from the battery pack; the folding mechanism includes a cross-hinged folding arm and a guide component, and the upper and lower sides of the folding arm are respectively slidably connected to the guide component and the electrical connector, wherein, driven by the follower mechanism, the upper and lower sides of the folding arm slide on the guide component and the electrical connector at the same time.

2. The automatic docking charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first direction is parallel to the second direction; And / or, the follower mechanism includes a floating plate, which carries the battery pack in the direction of gravity of the battery pack, and the first direction is parallel to the direction of gravity of the battery pack, wherein when the battery pack is carried on the floating plate, the floating plate moves downward in the first direction with a first displacement under the action of the gravity of the battery pack.

3. The automatic docking charging device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electrical connector is arranged above the floating plate; When the battery pack is carried on the floating plate, the electrical connector is linked with the floating plate through the folding mechanism and moves downward in the second direction to generate a second displacement; And / or, the folding mechanism changes its first extension length in the second direction and a second extension length perpendicular to the second direction by folding, thereby driving the electrical connector to move in a second direction with a second displacement, and the first extension length decreases as the second extension length increases; And / or, the second displacement changes following the change of the first extension length, and the first displacement is smaller than the second displacement.

4. The automatic docking charging device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide component is provided with a first slide groove or a first slide track, and the electrical connector is provided with a second slide groove or a second slide track, and the two upper ends and the two lower ends of the folding arm slide on the first slide groove or the first slide track and the second slide groove or the second slide track respectively, wherein the extension directions of the first slide groove or the first slide track and the second slide groove or the second slide track are parallel and are different from the first direction or the second direction.

5. The automatic docking charging device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The extension directions of the first chute or the first slideway and the second chute or the second slideway are both perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction; And / or, the automatic docking charging device includes a fixed frame, the first slide groove or the first slideway is arranged on the fixed frame, and the fixed frame is slidably connected to the electrical connector along the second direction.

6. The automatic docking charging device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The follower mechanism is connected to the folding arm; and / or, the follower mechanism is connected to a hinge of the folding arm; And / or, the follower mechanism further includes a reset element, the reset element is connected to the floating plate, and is used to generate an upward thrust on the floating plate in the first direction; when the battery pack is separated from the floating plate, the reset element causes the floating plate to move relative to the first displacement in the first direction; And / or, a reset element is connected to the electrical connector, for generating an upward thrust on the electrical connector in the second direction; When the battery pack is separated from the floating plate, the resetting element causes the electrical connector to move upward in the second direction relative to the second displacement; And / or, a reset element is connected to the folding mechanism; it is used to generate an upward thrust on the folding mechanism in the second direction; when the battery pack is detached from the floating plate, the reset element reduces the first extension length of the folding mechanism, thereby driving the electrical connector to move upward in the second direction relative to the second displacement.

7. The automatic docking charging device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The reset element is an elastic member, and the elastic member generates an upward thrust by deformation; and / or, the fixing frame is provided with a slider or a guide rail, and the electrical connector is provided with a guide rail or a slider that is slidably connected with the slider or the guide rail on the fixing frame; And / or, the electrical connector includes a connecting seat and a charging head, the charging head is arranged on the connecting seat, the second slide groove or the second slide track is arranged on the connecting seat, the two lower end portions of the folding arm are slidably connected to the second slide groove or the second slide track, and the charging head is used to connect to the charging port of the battery pack.

8. The charging device according to claim 7, characterized in that: A floating element is provided between the connection base and the charging head to realize a floating electrical connection between the electrical connector and the battery pack; And / or, a floating element is provided between the connecting base and the charging head, the floating element is an elastic element, a receiving cavity for receiving the charging head is provided in the connecting base, and the charging head is arranged in the receiving cavity through the elastic element; And / or, the charging head is also provided with a positioning pin or a positioning hole for docking with a positioning hole or a positioning pin provided on the battery pack.

9. A charging assembly, characterized in that: The charging assembly includes an automatic docking charging device as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A battery swap station, characterized in that: The battery swap station comprises: A vehicle loading platform, used to dock electric vehicles for battery pack replacement; A charging assembly for placing a battery pack, comprising an automatic docking charging device as described in claims 1-8; Battery exchange equipment is used to remove, place and transfer batteries between electric vehicles and the various charging compartments of the charging assembly.

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