Battery carrier

Abstract

A battery carrying vehicle is used for carrying a battery to a target position of a battery cabinet and comprises a rail part, a first end and a second end which are opposite to each other in the first direction, and the rail part is used for unidirectionally moving the battery located at the first end to the second end; the track part is supported on the moving part, the moving part is used for driving the track part to move at least between a first position and a second position, the first end of the track part located at the first position is aligned with the initial position of the battery so as to receive the battery, and the second end of the track part located at the second position is aligned with the initial position of the battery. The second end of the track part at the second position is aligned with the target position; and the control module is used for controlling the moving part to drive the track part to move between the first position and the second position. According to the technical scheme, the battery carrying vehicle can flexibly and efficiently complete the cabinet entering work of the batteries.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular to a battery transport vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy industry, energy storage technology has been widely used. As an important energy storage device, the installation, stacking and replacement of internal batteries (usually "lithium battery packs") in battery cabinets (also called "energy storage cabinets") are complicated and arduous. Traditional manual operations are not only inefficient, but also pose safety risks. During the production process of battery cabinets, the produced batteries need to be pushed into the battery cabinets. Batteries of different models vary in size and weight. Manual operation is labor-intensive and improper operation can easily damage the batteries, which is dangerous.

[0003] For example, some large lithium battery packs used for industrial energy storage may weigh more than hundreds of kilograms or even more than one ton because they contain a large number of battery cells and necessary cooling and management systems. In such a scenario, the traditional manual handling method is very risky. Even if multiple people work together, the battery pack may be damaged or even cause a safety accident due to uneven strength or improper operation. Although the use of cranes for lifting is theoretically feasible, there are many inconveniences in actual operation. First, the operation of the crane requires professional technicians, and the lifting process requires precise control and coordination, which greatly increases the difficulty and time cost of operation. Secondly, the crane needs to repeatedly adjust its position and height during the lifting process to adapt to battery cabinets at different positions and heights, which not only wastes a lot of time, but also reduces work efficiency. More importantly, the flexibility of the crane is relatively poor and it is difficult to adapt to the complex and changeable battery installation environment.

[0004] Based on the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, there is an urgent need for a battery transport vehicle that can flexibly and efficiently complete the battery cabinet operation. Summary of the invention

[0005] The technical problem solved by the invention is to provide a battery transport vehicle which can flexibly and efficiently complete the work of placing batteries into a cabinet.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a battery transporter for transporting batteries to a target position in a battery cabinet, comprising: a rail portion having a first end and a second end relative to each other along a first direction, the rail portion being used to unidirectionally move the battery located at the first end to the second end; a moving portion, the rail portion being carried by the moving portion, the moving portion being used to drive the rail portion to move at least between a first position and a second position, the first end of the rail portion located at the first position being aligned with an initial position of the battery to receive the battery, and the second end of the rail portion located at the second position being aligned with the target position; and a control module being used to control the moving portion to drive the rail portion to move between the first position and the second position.

[0007] Optionally, the battery transporter further includes: a propulsion mechanism, disposed on the track portion, for pushing the battery along the first direction so that the battery completely enters the battery cabinet.

[0008] Optionally, the propulsion mechanism is capable of switching between a first state and a second state, wherein the propulsion mechanism in the first state avoids the transportation journey of the battery on the rail portion, and wherein at least a portion of the propulsion mechanism in the second state moves from the rear of the battery along the first direction toward the battery cabinet to push the battery.

[0009] Optionally, in response to detecting that the battery is transported to a first preset position on the track portion, the control module drives the propulsion mechanism to switch from the first state to the second state.

[0010] Optionally, along a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the track portion has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and the propulsion mechanism in the first state is accommodated in the first side and / or the second side.

[0011] Optionally, the propulsion mechanism includes: at least one push rod assembly, arranged on at least one of the first side and the second side; a driving unit, connected to the push rod assembly, the driving unit being used to drive the push rod assembly to switch between the first state and the second state, and / or to drive the push rod assembly to move along the first direction in the second state.

[0012] Optionally, the push rod assembly includes: a connecting rod having a connecting end and a free end relative to each other along an extension direction, wherein the connecting end is hinged to one of the first side and the second side; a propulsion portion arranged at the free end, wherein the propulsion portion in the second state contacts and pushes the battery.

[0013] Optionally, the propulsion mechanism includes: a pressure sensor for collecting the force between the propulsion mechanism and the battery, the pressure sensor communicating with the control module, and in response to the collected value of the force being greater than a preset threshold, the control module controlling the propulsion mechanism to stop moving.

[0014] Optionally, the propulsion mechanism further includes: a position detection module, which communicates with the control module, and the position detection module is used to obtain the position of the battery, and the control module controls the working state of the track part according to the detection result of the position detection module.

[0015] Optionally, in response to the detection result indicating that the battery reaches a second preset position on the track portion, the control module controls the track portion to stop working, wherein, along the direction of gravity, the projection of the battery located at the second preset position falls within the projection range of the transport surface of the track portion 1.

[0016] Optionally, a limiting mechanism is further provided on the track portion, and the limiting mechanism is used to limit the relative movement of the battery and the track portion when the track portion moves between the first position and the second position.

[0017] Optionally, the track portion moves between the first position and the second position along a horizontal plane and / or a gravity direction.

[0018] Optionally, the moving part includes: a lifting structure for lifting or lowering the track part along the gravity direction; and a translation structure for moving the track part along a horizontal plane, and the lifting structure and the track part are supported by the translation structure.

[0019] Optionally, the lifting structure includes: a gantry structure, supported by the translation structure and capable of moving along a horizontal plane with the translation structure, the gantry structure including a pair of support walls arranged opposite to each other, at least one side of the track portion along the second direction is movably connected to an adjacent support wall, and the first direction, the second direction and the direction of gravity are perpendicular to each other.

[0020] Optionally, the lifting structure also includes: a guide portion, which is arranged on at least one of the pair of support walls; a sliding portion, which is movably connected to the guide portion, and the sliding portion can reciprocate along the direction of gravity under the guidance of the guide portion, and the track portion is connected to the gantry structure through the sliding portion.

[0021] Optionally, the lifting structure further includes: a bearing portion, which is arranged between the pair of supporting walls, the bearing portion is used to bear the track portion, and the bearing portion is connected to the sliding portion and moves with the sliding portion.

[0022] Optionally, the moving part also includes: a telescopic structure for moving the track part along the first direction to reduce the gap between the track part located at the second position and the target position and / or reduce the gap between the track part located at the first position and the initial position.

[0023] Optionally, the translation structure includes: a body, used to carry the lifting structure and the track portion; and a wheel assembly, arranged on a side of the body away from the lifting structure.

[0024] Optionally, the battery transport vehicle further includes: an alignment module, which is arranged at least at one end of the track portion facing the battery cabinet, and the alignment module is used to obtain the alignment status of the target position of the track portion and the battery cabinet. In response to the track portion being aligned with the target position, the control module controls the moving portion to stop moving.

[0025] Optionally, it also includes: a leveling mechanism, which is arranged on the track part, and the leveling mechanism is used to adjust the angle of the transmission surface of the track part relative to the horizontal plane, so that the transmission surface of the track part located at the first position is flush with the surface where the initial position of the battery is located and / or the transmission surface of the track part located at the second position is flush with the surface where the target position of the battery cabinet is located.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] According to the technical solution of the present application, the battery transporter is provided with a track portion and a moving portion, wherein the track portion is used to receive and transfer the battery, and the moving portion is used to drive the track portion to move the battery from the initial position to the target position of the battery cabinet, thereby completing the battery cabinet entry operation. During the entire transport operation, the battery only moves relative to the track portion in the first direction, minimizing the movement range of the battery, thereby enabling the battery transporter to be more integrated so as to more flexibly adapt to different operation scenarios.

[0028] Furthermore, when the moving part drives the track part to move, it preferably moves along the first direction and / or the second direction without a rotation stroke in the horizontal plane, which is conducive to simplifying the movement stroke between the first position and the second position. The first direction, the second direction and the gravity direction are perpendicular to each other, and the horizontal plane is the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction.

[0029] Furthermore, during the movement of the track portion driven by the moving portion, the second end of the track portion is always closer to the battery cabinet than the first end. Accordingly, the battery is placed on the track portion from the first end, and then the second end of the track portion is kept facing the battery cabinet. The moving portion drives the track portion as a whole to move in the first direction and / or the second direction to the front of the battery cabinet and aligns the second end with the target position. Then the track portion drives the battery to move in the first direction until the battery enters the target position. As a result, the battery transporter does not have a steering operation during the entire transport operation, which greatly improves the operation efficiency.

[0030] Furthermore, the battery transporter also includes a propulsion mechanism. The propulsion mechanism is designed to push the battery to ensure that the battery is fully inserted into the battery cabinet. In a scenario where most of the battery has been inserted into the cabinet, due to the reduced contact area between the battery and the track portion, the thrust provided by the track portion may not be able to resist the friction between the cabinet and the battery, resulting in slippage between the track portion and the battery. At this time, the propulsion mechanism can assist in pushing the battery so that the battery continues to move toward the battery cabinet until the final entry task is completed.

[0031] Furthermore, the propulsion mechanism also includes a pressure sensor. The provision of the pressure sensor can prevent excessive thrust from damaging the battery, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the handling process.

[0032] Furthermore, through the coordination of the lifting structure and the translation structure, especially by providing a gantry structure for lifting batteries on the main body of the translation structure, the load capacity of the battery transporter can be effectively increased, so that the battery transporter can be more widely used in the transportation of heavy and large-size batteries. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery transport vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle rail section carrying the battery;

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the middle track section;

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the propulsion mechanism;

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0039] Figure 7yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the lifting structure;

[0040] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0041] Fig. 9 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the telescopic structure;

[0042] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0043] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the mid-translation structure;

[0044] Fig.12 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the mid-wheel assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] As mentioned in the background art, the installation, stacking and replacement of batteries (usually "lithium battery packs") inside battery cabinets in the prior art are complicated and arduous. The use of cranes and other transportation methods has poor flexibility and is difficult to adapt to different working environments.

[0046] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a battery transporter for transporting batteries to a target position in a battery cabinet, comprising: a rail portion having a first end and a second end relative to each other along a first direction, the rail portion being used to unidirectionally move the battery located at the first end to the second end; a moving portion, the rail portion being carried by the moving portion, the moving portion being used to drive the rail portion to move at least between a first position and a second position, the first end of the rail portion located at the first position being aligned with an initial position of the battery to receive the battery, and the second end of the rail portion located at the second position being aligned with the target position; and a control module being used to control the moving portion to drive the rail portion to move between the first position and the second position.

[0047] According to the technical solution of the present application, the battery transporter includes a track portion and a moving portion. The track portion is used to receive and transfer the battery, and the moving portion is used to drive the track portion to move the battery from the initial position to the target position of the battery cabinet, thereby completing the battery cabinet entry operation. As a result, the battery transporter can be more integrated so as to more flexibly adapt to different operation scenarios.

[0048] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and beneficial effects of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a battery transport vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 The battery transporter 100 is used to transport the battery 200 to a target position of a battery cabinet (not shown in the figure). The battery transporter 100 includes: a track portion 1 having a first end 11 and a second end 12 relative to each other along a first direction D1, and the track portion 1 is used to unidirectionally move the battery 200 located at the first end 11 to the second end 12; a moving portion 2, the track portion 1 is carried by the moving portion 2, and the moving portion 2 is used to drive the track portion 1 to move at least between a first position and a second position, the first end 11 of the track portion 1 located at the first position is aligned with the initial position of the battery 200 to receive the battery 200, and the second end 12 of the track portion 1 located at the second position is aligned with the target position; a control module 3, used to control the moving portion 2 to drive the track portion 1 to move between the first position and the second position.

[0051] Specifically, the battery 200 may be, for example, a single battery cell with a large volume or a large weight. Alternatively, the battery 200 may also be, for example, a battery pack, which may generally include a plurality of battery cells, which may be connected in series, for example. Compared with a single battery cell, a battery pack generally has a larger volume and a larger weight.

[0052] In practical applications, the weight of the battery 200 may be, for example, 100-1300 kg (kilograms).

[0053] Furthermore, the first end 11 of the rail portion 1 can be aligned with the initial position of the battery 200 .

[0054] In some embodiments, the track portion 1 may start to operate after the first end 11 is aligned with the initial position to receive the battery 200 located at the initial position.

[0055] Furthermore, after receiving the battery 200, the track portion 1 continues to transport the battery 200 toward the second end 12 along the first direction D1. In other words, during the entire process of the battery transporter 100 transporting the battery 200, the battery 200 moves unidirectionally from the first end 11 to the second end 12 of the track portion 1 under the transportation of the track portion 1.

[0056] Furthermore, the track portion 1 can move between a first position and a second position. When the track portion 1 is in the first position, the first end 11 is aligned with the initial position of the battery 200, and the battery 200 is received by the track portion 1 from the first end 11. When the track portion 1 is in the second position, the second end 12 is aligned with the target position on the battery cabinet, and the battery 200 enters the battery cabinet through the second end 12.

[0057] In some embodiments, the battery transport vehicle 100 is further provided with an electrical control cabinet 9 for supplying power to the moving part 2. Furthermore, the electrical control cabinet 9 can be integrated with the moving part 2 (specifically, the translation structure 22 of the moving part 2). Thus, the battery transport vehicle 100 can be further integrated, occupy a smaller area, and be more adaptable to complex battery transport operation environments.

[0058] In some embodiments, the control module 3 may be integrated into the electrical control cabinet 9 or the translation structure 22 .

[0059] In other embodiments, the control module 3 may also be disposed independently of the main body of the battery transporter 100 , for example, integrated into a remote controller.

[0060] Furthermore, the control module 3 is at least used to control the track portion 1 to move between the first position and the second position when a preset condition is met.

[0061] For example, in response to the battery 200 being placed at the initial position, the control module 3 can control the rail portion 1 to move to the first position, with the first end 11 of the rail portion 1 aligned with the initial position. For another example, in response to the battery 200 being transferred to the rail portion 1, the control module 3 can control the rail portion 1 to move to the second position, with the second end 12 of the rail portion 1 aligned with the target position of the battery cabinet.

[0062] In some embodiments, in combination Figures 1 to 6 The battery transport vehicle 100 may further include a propulsion mechanism 4. The propulsion mechanism 4 is disposed on the track portion 1. The propulsion mechanism 4 may be used to push the battery 200 along the first direction D1 so that the battery 200 completely enters the battery cabinet.

[0063] Further, in response to detecting that the battery 200 is transported to the first preset position on the track portion 1, the control module 3 drives the propulsion mechanism 4 to switch from the first state to the second state. In the first direction D1, the battery 200 at the first preset position is closer to the second end 12 than the first end 11.

[0064] Furthermore, along the first direction D1, the battery 200 at the first preset position is located in front of the propulsion mechanism 4. When the propulsion mechanism 4 switches from the first state to the second state, the projection of the propulsion mechanism 4 along the first direction D1 and the projection of the battery 200 along the first direction D1 at least partially overlap.

[0065] In a typical application scenario, when most of the battery 200 has been put into the cabinet, the thrust power provided by the track portion 1 gradually decreases due to the decrease in the contact area between the remaining part of the battery 200 and the track portion 1, until it is less than or equal to the resistance encountered by the battery 200 when entering the battery cabinet. At this time, since the thrust cannot overcome the resistance, slippage may occur between the battery 200 and the track portion 1, so that the battery 200 cannot completely enter the target position of the battery cabinet. Among them, the thrust provided by the track portion 1 can be, for example, the friction between the track portion 1 and the battery 200. The resistance encountered by the battery 200 when entering the battery cabinet can be, for example, the friction between the battery 200 and the cabinet body (for example, a partition) at the target position of the battery cabinet. As the battery 200 leaves the track portion 1 and enters the target position of the battery cabinet, the pressure on the track portion 1 from the battery 200 gradually decreases, and the friction between the battery 200 and the track portion 1 also decreases. Correspondingly, the pressure on the battery 200 from the battery 200 to the cabinet body at the target position of the battery cabinet gradually increases, and the friction between the battery 200 and the cabinet body also increases. When the friction between the battery 200 and the rail portion 1 is insufficient to overcome the friction between the battery 200 and the cabinet body, the battery 200 cannot continue to be inserted into the cabinet.

[0066] In the above application scenario, the propulsion mechanism 4 can continue to provide thrust to the battery 200 to ensure that the battery 200 is completely placed in the cabinet, to prevent the battery 200 from accidentally falling and being damaged due to a local area still being located outside the battery cabinet after the second rail 21 is evacuated.

[0067] In some embodiments, the propulsion mechanism 4 can switch between a first state and a second state, wherein the propulsion mechanism 4 in the first state avoids the transportation journey of the battery 200 on the rail portion 1, and at least a portion of the propulsion mechanism 4 in the second state moves from the rear of the battery 200 along the first direction D1 toward the battery cabinet to push the battery 200.

[0068] Furthermore, along a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 , the rail portion 1 has a first side 101 and a second side 102 opposite to each other, and the propulsion mechanism 4 in the first state is accommodated at the first side 101 and / or the second side 102 .

[0069] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The propulsion mechanism 4 can be respectively disposed on the first side 101 and the second side 102. Thus, when the battery 200 is pushed into the cabinet, the thrust applied to the battery 200 is more uniform, thereby preventing the movement direction of the battery 200 from deviating from the first direction D1.

[0070] further, Figure 4Schematic diagrams of the propulsion mechanism 4 in the first state and the second state are exemplarily shown in FIG. Among them, the propulsion mechanism 4 arranged on the first side 101 is in the first state, and the propulsion mechanism 4 arranged on the second side 102 is in the second state. It should be understood that Figure 4 The state of the propulsion mechanism 4 in the figure is only exemplary. In a common usage scenario, the propulsion mechanism 4 located on the first side 101 and the propulsion mechanism 4 located on the second side 102 maintain the same state.

[0071] further, Figure 5 The propulsion mechanism 4 is in the first state, Figure 6 The propulsion mechanism 4 is in the second state.

[0072] Further, combined with Figure 5 and Figure 6 The propulsion mechanism 4 includes: at least one push rod assembly 41, which is arranged on at least one side of the first side 101 and the second side 102; a moving part 42, which is connected to the push rod assembly 41, and the moving part 42 is used to drive the push rod assembly 41 to switch between the first state and the second state.

[0073] In some embodiments, the moving portion 42 may also be used to drive the push rod assembly 41 to move along the first direction D1 in the second state.

[0074] In some non-limiting embodiments, the moving part 42 may include a driving motor to simultaneously drive the push rod assembly 41 to switch between the first state and the second state, and to drive the push rod assembly 41 to move along the first direction D1 in the second state.

[0075] In some embodiments, the moving part 42 may also include two independent driving motors, which respectively drive the push rod assembly 41 to switch between the first state and the second state, and drive the push rod assembly 41 to move along the first direction D1 in the second state.

[0076] Further, the push rod assembly 41 may include: a connecting rod 411, having a connecting end 4111 and a free end 4112 relative to each other along the extension direction, wherein the connecting end 4111 is hinged to one of the first side 101 and the second side 102; a propulsion portion 412, arranged at the free end 4112, and the propulsion portion 412 in the second state contacts and pushes the battery 200.

[0077] In some embodiments, the propulsion mechanism 4 may further include a first slide portion 44 extending along the first direction D1 and a first travel portion 45 movably connected to the first slide portion 44. Further, the connecting end 4111 of the connecting rod 411 may be hinged to the first travel portion 45. Further, the first travel portion 45 may move along the first direction D1 under the guidance of the first slide portion 44.

[0078] In some embodiments, the connecting rod 411 in the first state may extend in a direction parallel to the gravity direction G, extending from the first traveling portion 45 in a direction opposite to the gravity direction G. The propulsion portion 412 may extend in a direction parallel to the first direction D1. Thus, the push rod assembly 41 may be prevented from interfering with the transportation of the battery 200 on the track portion 1.

[0079] In some embodiments, the propulsion portion 412 may also be in the shape of a rod. Thus, under the premise that the length of the first slide portion 44 remains unchanged, the propulsion mechanism 4 can push the battery 200 to move a greater distance.

[0080] Furthermore, under the drive of the moving part 42 , the connecting rod 411 can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the first direction with the connecting end 4111 as the center to switch to the second state.

[0081] Further, the propulsion mechanism 4 in the second state can refer to Figure 6 The extending direction of the connecting rods 411 in each set of push rod assemblies 41 may be parallel to the second direction D2.

[0082] Furthermore, in the propulsion mechanism 4 in the second state, the end of the propulsion portion 412 away from the connecting rod 411 can be abutted against the end surface of the battery 200 that is away from the first direction D1. Furthermore, as the moving portion 42 drives the first moving portion 45 to continue to move in the first direction D1 along the first slide portion 44, the propulsion portion 412 pushes the battery 200 to move in the first direction D1.

[0083] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The propulsion mechanism 4 may further include: a pressure sensor 43, for collecting the force between the propulsion mechanism 4 and the battery 200, the pressure sensor 43 communicates with the control module 3, and in response to the collected value of the force being greater than a preset threshold, the control module 3 controls the propulsion mechanism 4 to stop moving.

[0084] In some embodiments, the preset threshold may be, for example, 3000-10000 N (Newton).

[0085] In practical applications, the pressure sensor 43 can be provided at the push rod assembly 41. More specifically, the pressure sensor 43 can be provided at one end of the push portion 412 close to the connecting rod 411. Further, in the process of the push mechanism 4 pushing the battery 200 in the second state, the pressure sensor 43 can collect the real-time reaction force of the push portion 412 on the battery 200, and determine the travel state of the battery 200 by the numerical value of the reaction force. For example, the battery 200 may be stuck in the process of entering the battery cabinet. At this time, the reaction force value of the battery 200 acting on the push portion 412 collected by the pressure sensor 43 increases. If the battery 100 is continued to be pushed, it may cause damage to the battery 100. At this time, it is necessary to stop pushing the battery 200 first, manually adjust the position or direction of the battery 200, and then continue to push the battery 200, and finally complete the battery 200 into the cabinet. Therefore, through the real-time detection of the pressure sensor 43, the battery 200 can be effectively protected to avoid being squeezed and damaged by the battery 200 due to jamming and other situations during the transportation process.

[0086] In some embodiments, reference Figure 4 The battery transport vehicle 100 may further include: a position detection module 5 communicating with the control module 3 , wherein the position detection module 5 is used to obtain the position of the battery 200 , and the control module 3 controls the working state of the track portion 1 according to the detection result of the position detection module 5 .

[0087] In a specific embodiment, in response to the detection result indicating that the battery 200 reaches a second preset position on the track portion 1, the control module 3 controls the track portion 1 to stop working, wherein the projection of the battery 200 located at the second preset position falls within the projection range of the transport surface of the track portion 1.

[0088] Further, when the actual position of the battery 200 obtained by the position detection module 5 is at the second preset position, the track portion 1 stops working and the battery 200 remains at the second preset position. Further, the track portion 1 can move from the first position to the second position. During the movement of the track portion 1 between the first position and the second position, the transport components of the track portion 1 (such as tracks, chains, etc.) always remain stationary to prevent the battery 200 from accidentally falling off and causing damage.

[0089] Further, along the gravity direction G, the projection of the battery 200 at the second preset position is located on the transport surface of the track portion 1 .

[0090] In some embodiments, a limiting mechanism 13 is further provided on the track portion 1 , and the limiting mechanism 13 is used to limit the relative movement of the battery 200 and the track portion 1 when the track portion 1 moves between the first position and the second position.

[0091] Furthermore, the limiting mechanism 13 may be disposed at at least one end of the rail portion 1 along the first direction D1 .

[0092] In some non-limiting embodiments, the number of the limiting mechanisms 13 can be two, respectively disposed near the first end 11 and the second end 12. After the battery 200 is completely received by the track portion 1, the limiting mechanisms 13 can at least partially extend out of the transport surface of the track portion 1. Along the first direction D1, the two limiting mechanisms 13 can be located on both sides of the battery at the second preset position. In this way, the battery 200 can be prevented from accidentally falling during the movement of the track portion 1 between the first position and the second position.

[0093] In some embodiments, the track portion 1 moves between the first position and the second position along a horizontal plane and / or a gravity direction G. The horizontal plane refers to a plane perpendicular to the gravity direction G.

[0094] It should be understood that the actual movement of the track portion 1 along the horizontal plane can be decomposed into movement along the first direction D1 and movement along the second direction D2. Therefore, the actual movement direction of the track portion 1 herein can be the first direction D1, the second direction D2, or other directions in the horizontal plane that can be decomposed and synthesized from the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the track portion 1 may first move along the first direction D1 and then move along the second direction D2 to move from the first position to the second position, or the track portion may first move along the second direction D2 and then move along the first direction D1 to move from the first position to the second position. Thus, the movement stroke of the track portion 1 from the first position to the second position can be simplified, and the efficiency of carrying the battery 200 can be improved.

[0096] For example, when the target position on the battery cabinet and the transport surface of the first rail 11 are at the same height, the track portion 1 can move along the horizontal plane without moving along the gravity direction G. When there is a height difference between the target position on the battery cabinet and the transport surface of the first rail 11, the track portion 1 also needs to move along the gravity direction G to achieve movement between the first position and the second position.

[0097] Further, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The moving part 2 includes: a lifting structure 21, which is used to lift or lower the track part 1 along the gravity direction G; a translation structure 22, which is used to move the track part 1 along a horizontal plane, and the lifting structure 21 and the track part 1 are supported by the translation structure 22. Therefore, through the cooperation of the lifting structure 21 and the translation structure 22, the battery transporter 100 can adapt to different types of battery cabinets and realize the operation of putting the battery 200 into the cabinet more flexibly.

[0098] Further, refer to Figure 7 The lifting structure 21 includes: a gantry structure 211, which is supported by the translation structure 22 and can move along the horizontal plane with the translation structure 22, the gantry structure 211 includes a pair of supporting walls 2111 arranged opposite to each other, at least one side of the track part 1 along the second direction D2 is movably connected to the adjacent supporting wall 2111, and the first direction D1, the second direction D2 and the gravity direction G are perpendicular to each other.

[0099] In some embodiments, an assembly flange is formed at one end of the support wall 2111 facing the gravity direction G. The assembly flange can be fixedly connected to the translation structure 22 by a fixing member. The fixing member can be, for example, a bolt, a screw, etc.

[0100] In some embodiments, the lifting structure 21 also includes: a guide portion 212, which is arranged on at least one of the pair of support walls 2111; a sliding portion 213, which is movably connected to the guide portion 212, and the sliding portion 213 can reciprocate along the gravity direction G and the opposite direction under the guidance of the guide portion 212, and the track portion 1 is connected to the gantry structure 211 through the sliding portion 213.

[0101] Continue to refer Figure 7 A pair of supporting walls 2111 of the gantry structure 211 may be provided with a first guide portion 212 and a sliding portion 213. Thus, it is possible to ensure that the track portion 1 is more stable during the lifting process.

[0102] Furthermore, the first guide portion 212 may be disposed on surfaces of the pair of support walls 2111 that are opposite to each other.

[0103] Furthermore, the sliding portion 213 may move up and down along the gravity direction G under the guidance of the first guide portion 212 .

[0104] In some non-limiting embodiments, the movement states of the two sliding portions 213 disposed on a pair of supporting walls 2111 are the same.

[0105] In some non-limiting embodiments, the sliding portion 213 may be, for example, in the form of a flat plate, thereby increasing the contact area between the track portion 1 and the sliding portion 213 and improving the stability of the connection.

[0106] In some embodiments, in combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10The lifting structure 21 may further include: a bearing portion 214 disposed between the pair of supporting walls 2111 , the bearing portion 214 being used to bear the track portion 1 , the bearing portion 214 being connected to the sliding portion 213 and moving with the sliding portion 213 .

[0107] Furthermore, the bearing portion 214 includes a support frame 2142 , and the rail portion 1 can be supported on the support frame 2142 .

[0108] Furthermore, the bearing portion 214 may further include a plurality of connecting members (not shown in the figure), which are dispersedly disposed on two sides of the support frame 2142 along the second direction D2. The bearing portion 214 is connected to the corresponding sliding portion 213 through the connecting members.

[0109] In some embodiments, the lifting structure 21 may further include a second power unit 215 , and the second power unit 215 may drive the sliding unit 213 to move up and down along the gravity direction G through a transmission structure such as a chain or a crawler track.

[0110] In some embodiments, in combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figures 8 to 10 The moving part 2 may further include: a telescopic structure 8 for moving the track part 1 along the first direction D1 to reduce the gap between the track part 1 at the second position and the target position and / or reduce the gap between the track part 1 at the first position and the initial position.

[0111] In a typical application scenario, when the lifting structure 21 and the translation structure 22 cooperate to align the track portion 1 along the second direction D2 and the gravity direction G with the initial position of the battery 200, the telescopic structure 8 can drive the track portion 1 to further move along the first direction D1 toward the first rail 11 to reduce the distance between the initial position and the first end 11, ensuring that the track portion 1 can smoothly receive the battery 200. With the movement of the track portion 1, when the lifting structure 21 and the translation structure 22 cooperate to align the track portion 1 along the second direction D2 and the gravity direction G with the target position of the battery cabinet, the telescopic structure 8 can drive the track portion 1 to further move along the first direction D1 toward the target position to reduce the distance between the second end 12 and the target position, ensuring that the battery 200 can be smoothly inserted into the cabinet.

[0112] Furthermore, the telescopic structure 8 may be disposed between the rail portion 1 and the bearing portion 214 .

[0113] In a specific embodiment, the telescopic structure 8 may include a second slide portion 81 and a second travel portion 82 that can move relative to the second slide portion 81 .

[0114] Furthermore, the carrying portion 214 may include a coupling portion 87 , and the coupling portion 87 is used to connect with the second traveling portion 82 so that the carrying portion 214 and the second traveling portion 82 move synchronously.

[0115] Furthermore, the second traveling portion 82 may include, for example, a plurality of sliders, which are respectively connected to the coupling portion 87. This helps to increase the connection area between the coupling portion 87 and the second traveling portion 82, thereby dispersing the force.

[0116] Furthermore, the telescopic structure 8 may further include a third power unit 83. The third power unit 83 may include a rotatable output shaft 84, and the output shaft 84 may extend along the first direction D1.

[0117] Furthermore, the track portion 1 has a support frame on one side facing the gravity direction G, for increasing the structural strength of the track portion 1. Both ends of the output shaft 84 along the first direction D1 are fixed to the support frame of the track portion 1 respectively.

[0118] Furthermore, the telescopic structure 8 further includes a connecting slider 85 movably disposed on the output shaft 84 . Along the first direction D1 , the connecting slider 85 can move along the first direction D1 under the driving of the output shaft 84 .

[0119] Furthermore, the connecting slider 85 is fixedly connected to the matching portion 86 on the bearing portion 214. Thus, through the output shaft 84 and the connecting slider 85, the track portion 1 can move relative to the bearing portion 214 along the first direction D1 to get closer to the first rail 11 or the battery cabinet.

[0120] In some embodiments, in combination Figures 8 to 10 , along the first direction D1, the two ends of the second slideway portion 81 may further be provided with limiting portions 88. The limiting portions 88 are used to limit the maximum displacement of the second traveling portion 82 relative to the second slideway portion 81, that is, the maximum displacement of the track portion 1 relative to the bearing portion 214.

[0121] In some embodiments, in combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 The translation structure 22 may include: a body 221, used to carry the lifting structure 21 and the track portion 1; and a wheel assembly 222, which is disposed on a side of the body 221 away from the lifting structure 21. Thus, through the wheel assembly 222, the translation structure 22 can move more flexibly along the horizontal plane to drive the track portion 1 to move from the first position to the second position.

[0122] In some embodiments, along a horizontal plane, the translation structure 22 may move along a first direction D1 , a second direction D2 , or other directions that can be decomposed into the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 .

[0123] In some embodiments, reference Fig.11 , the electrical control cabinet 9 can be supported on the main body 221.

[0124] In some embodiments, a safety edge 223 may be provided on the lower edge of the body 221 along the gravity direction G. Along the horizontal plane, the safety edge 223 extends outward from the lower edge of the body 221. Thus, the safety edge 223 can prevent the body 221 from colliding with the surrounding environment during the movement of the translation structure 22, or provide a buffer for the collision, thereby improving the safety of the battery 200 during transportation.

[0125] In some embodiments, the body 221 may also be provided with a laser navigation device 224. The laser navigation device 224 may be used to obtain environmental information and communicate with the control module 3. The control module 3 determines the travel trajectory of the translation structure 22 according to the environmental information obtained by the laser navigation device 224.

[0126] In some embodiments, a display panel 225 may be integrated on the body 221 , and the display panel 225 may be used to display the working status of the battery transport vehicle 100 , such as startup, shutdown, power level, travel direction and other information.

[0127] In some embodiments, a lateral lifting ring 226 may be further provided on the side wall of the body 221. Thus, when the battery transport vehicle 100 is in a non-working state, the battery transport vehicle 100 may be moved to a target position through the lateral lifting ring 226.

[0128] In some embodiments, reference Fig.12 The wheel assembly 222 may include a pair of front wheels 2221 and a pair of rear wheels 2222. The pair of front wheels 2221 may be connected by a connecting beam 2223 and are respectively located at both ends of the connecting beam 2223 along the extension direction. Further, the pair of front wheels 2221 may be connected to the bottom wall of the body 221 along the gravity direction G by the connecting beam 2223. The pair of rear wheels 2222 may be respectively connected to the bottom wall of the body 221 along the gravity direction G. Further, the front wheels 2221 and the rear wheels 2222 may both be universal wheels, whereby the battery transport vehicle 100 may achieve omnidirectional movement through the wheel assembly 222.

[0129] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The battery transport vehicle 100 further includes: an alignment module 6, which is at least arranged at one end of the track portion 1 facing the battery cabinet, and the alignment module 6 is used to obtain the alignment status of the target position of the track portion 1 and the battery cabinet. In response to the track portion 1 being aligned with the target position, the control module 3 controls the moving portion 2 to stop moving.

[0130] In some embodiments, the alignment module 6 may also be disposed at one end (ie, the first end 11 ) of the track portion 1 facing the initial position of the battery 200 to obtain the alignment status of the initial positions of the track portion 1 and the battery 200 .

[0131] In some embodiments, the alignment module 6 can be, for example, a 2D camera, which completes the precise docking of the initial position or target position of the rail part 1 and the battery 200 through processes such as 2D camera photography, optical imaging, digital image processing, and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) control program feedback.

[0132] In some embodiments, in combination Figure 2 and Fig. 9 The battery transport vehicle 100 may further include: a leveling mechanism 7, which is arranged on the track portion 1, and the leveling mechanism 7 is used to adjust the angle of the transmission surface of the track portion 1 relative to the horizontal plane, so that the transmission surface of the track portion 1 located at the first position is flush with the surface where the initial position of the battery 200 is located and / or the transmission surface of the track portion 1 located at the second position is flush with the surface where the target position of the battery cabinet is located.

[0133] Specifically, the leveling mechanism 7 may include a first connecting member 71 and a second connecting member 72, wherein the first connecting member 71 may be used to connect the sliding portion 213, and the second connecting member 72 may be used to connect the bearing portion 214. The connection position of the second connecting member 72 and the bearing portion 214 may refer to Fig. 9 Indicated by the dotted line.

[0134] In some non-limiting embodiments, the leveling mechanism 7 can be respectively disposed at the four corners of the bearing portion 214. The angle between the plane where the bearing portion 214 is located and the horizontal plane is adjusted by adjusting the height of one or several corners of the bearing portion 214, so that the transmission surface of the track portion 1 at the first position is flush with the surface where the initial position of the battery 200 is located and / or the transmission surface of the track portion 1 at the second position is flush with the surface where the target position of the battery cabinet is located.

[0135] From the above, the battery transporter 100 adopts the technical solution of the present application and is provided with a track portion 1 and a moving portion 2. The track portion 1 is used to receive and transmit the battery 200, and the moving portion 2 is used to drive the track portion 1 to move the battery 200 from the initial position to the target position of the battery cabinet, thereby completing the operation of placing the battery 200 into the cabinet. During the entire transport operation, the battery 200 only has relative movement in the first direction D1 relative to the track portion 1, which can minimize the movement range of the battery 200. As a result, the battery transporter 100 can be more integrated so as to more flexibly adapt to different operation scenarios.

[0136] Furthermore, when the moving part 2 drives the track part 1 to move, it is preferred that the moving part 2 moves along the first direction D1 and / or the second direction D2 without a rotation stroke in the horizontal plane, which is conducive to simplifying the movement stroke between the first position and the second position. The first direction D1, the second direction D2 and the direction of gravity G are perpendicular to each other, and the horizontal plane is the plane formed by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0137] Furthermore, during the movement of the track portion 1 driven by the moving portion 2, the second end 12 of the track portion 1 is always closer to the battery cabinet than the first end 11. Accordingly, the battery 200 is placed on the track portion 1 from the first end 11, and then the second end 12 of the track portion 1 is kept facing the battery cabinet. The moving portion 2 drives the track portion 1 to move in the first direction D1 and / or the second direction D2 to the front of the battery cabinet and aligns the second end 12 with the target position. Then the track portion 1 drives the battery 200 to move in the first direction D1 until the battery 200 enters the target position. As a result, the battery transport vehicle 100 does not have a steering operation during the entire transport operation, which greatly improves the operation efficiency.

[0138] Furthermore, the battery transporter 100 also includes a propulsion mechanism 4. The propulsion mechanism 4 is designed to push the battery 200 to ensure that the battery 200 completely enters the battery cabinet. For example, in a scenario where most of the battery 200 has been placed in the cabinet, since the contact area between the battery 200 and the track portion 1 becomes smaller, the thrust provided by the track portion 1 may not be able to resist the friction between the cabinet and the battery 200, resulting in slippage between the track portion 1 and the battery 200. At this time, the propulsion mechanism 4 can assist in pushing the battery 200 so that the battery 200 continues to move toward the battery cabinet until the final cabinet entry task is completed.

[0139] Furthermore, the propulsion mechanism further includes a pressure sensor 43. The provision of the pressure sensor 43 can prevent the battery from being damaged by excessive thrust, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the handling process.

[0140] Furthermore, through the coordination of the lifting structure 21 and the translation structure 22, especially by setting a gantry structure 211 for lifting the battery 200 on the main body 221 of the translation structure 22, the load capacity of the battery transporter 100 can be effectively increased, so that the battery transporter 100 can be more widely used in the transportation of heavy and large-sized batteries 100.

[0141] It should be understood that the term "and / or" herein is merely an association relationship describing associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist, for example, A and / or B, which may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " herein indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. As used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "or" covers all possible combinations unless it is not feasible. For example, if a component is stated to include A or B, then unless otherwise expressly stated or not feasible, the component may include A, or B, or A and B. As a second example, if a component is stated to include A, B, or C, then unless otherwise expressly stated or not feasible, the component may include A, or B, or C, or A and B, or A and C, or B and C, or A and B and C. The "multiple" appearing in the embodiments of the present application refers to two or more.

[0142] The relational terms appearing in the embodiments of the present application, such as first, second, etc., are only used to distinguish an entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. In addition, the words "include", "have" and "comprise" and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning, and are open-ended, and one or more items behind any of these words are not meant to be an exhaustive list of such one or more items, or mean to be limited to one or more items listed. In the accompanying drawings and the specification, exemplary embodiments have been disclosed. However, many changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments. Therefore, although specific terms have been adopted, they are only used in a general and descriptive sense, not for the purpose of limitation.

[0143] Although the present invention is disclosed as above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A battery transport vehicle for transporting batteries to a target location in a battery cabinet, characterized in that: include: A track portion having a first end and a second end opposite to each other along a first direction, wherein the track portion is used to unidirectionally move the battery located at the first end to the second end; a moving part, the track part being carried by the moving part, the moving part being used to drive the track part to move at least between a first position and a second position, the first end of the track part located at the first position being aligned with an initial position of the battery to receive the battery, and the second end of the track part located at the second position being aligned with the target position; The control module is used to control the moving part to drive the track part to move between the first position and the second position.

2. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The propulsion mechanism is arranged on the track portion and is used to push the battery along the first direction so that the battery completely enters the battery cabinet.

3. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The propulsion mechanism can switch between a first state and a second state, wherein the propulsion mechanism in the first state avoids the transportation journey of the battery on the rail portion, and at least a portion of the propulsion mechanism in the second state moves from the rear of the battery along the first direction toward the battery cabinet to push the battery.

4. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: In response to detecting that the battery is transported to a first preset position on the track portion, the control module drives the propulsion mechanism to switch from the first state to the second state.

5. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rail portion has a first side and a second side opposite to each other along a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the propulsion mechanism in the first state is accommodated at the first side and / or the second side.

6. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The propulsion mechanism comprises: at least one push rod assembly disposed on at least one of the first side and the second side; A driving unit is connected to the push rod assembly, and is used to drive the push rod assembly to switch between the first state and the second state, and / or to drive the push rod assembly to move along the first direction in the second state.

7. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: The push rod assembly comprises: a connecting rod having a connecting end and a free end opposite to each other along an extending direction, wherein the connecting end is hinged to one of the first side and the second side; The propulsion part is arranged at the free end, and the propulsion part in the second state contacts and pushes the battery.

8. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The propulsion mechanism comprises: A pressure sensor is used to collect the force between the propulsion mechanism and the battery. The pressure sensor communicates with the control module. In response to the collected value of the force being greater than a preset threshold, the control module controls the propulsion mechanism to stop moving.

9. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A position detection module is in communication with the control module, and the position detection module is used to obtain the position of the battery. The control module controls the working state of the track part according to the detection result of the position detection module.

10. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that: In response to the detection result indicating that the battery reaches a second preset position on the track portion, the control module controls the track portion to stop working, wherein, along the direction of gravity, the projection of the battery located at the second preset position falls within the projection range of the transport surface of the track portion 1.

11. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting mechanism is also provided on the track portion, and the limiting mechanism is used to limit the relative movement between the battery and the track portion when the track portion moves between the first position and the second position.

12. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The track portion moves between the first position and the second position along a horizontal plane and / or a gravity direction.

13. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that: The sports unit includes: A lifting structure, used to lift or lower the track portion along the direction of gravity; The translation structure is used to move the track portion along a horizontal plane, and the lifting structure and the track portion are supported by the translation structure.

14. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 13, characterized in that: The lifting structure comprises: A gantry structure is supported by the translation structure and can move along the horizontal plane with the translation structure, the gantry structure includes a pair of supporting walls arranged opposite to each other, at least one side of the track portion along the second direction is movably connected to the adjacent supporting wall, and the first direction, the second direction and the direction of gravity are perpendicular to each other.

15. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 14, characterized in that: The lifting structure further includes: a guide portion disposed on at least one of the pair of support walls; The sliding part is movably connected to the guiding part. The sliding part can reciprocate along the gravity direction under the guidance of the guiding part. The track part is connected to the gantry structure through the sliding part.

16. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 15, characterized in that: The lifting structure further includes: a bearing part, which is arranged between the pair of supporting walls, the bearing part is used to bear the track part, and the bearing part is connected to the sliding part and moves with the sliding part.

17. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 13 or 16, characterized in that: The sports unit also includes: A telescopic structure is used to move the track portion along the first direction to reduce the gap between the track portion located at the second position and the target position and / or reduce the gap between the track portion located at the first position and the initial position.

18. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 13, characterized in that: The translation structure comprises: A main body, used for carrying the lifting structure and the track portion; The wheel assembly is arranged on a side of the body away from the lifting structure.

19. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: An alignment module is provided at least at one end of the track portion facing the battery cabinet, and is used to obtain the alignment status of the target position of the track portion and the battery cabinet. In response to the track portion being aligned with the target position, the control module controls the moving portion to stop moving.

20. The battery transport vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A leveling mechanism is arranged on the track portion, and the leveling mechanism is used to adjust the angle of the transmission surface of the track portion relative to the horizontal plane, so that the transmission surface of the track portion located at the first position is flush with the surface where the initial position of the battery is located and / or the transmission surface of the track portion located at the second position is flush with the surface where the target position of the battery cabinet is located.

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