Battery swapping station

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery swapping station, a battery compartment, an explosion-proof compartment and battery swapping equipment. An overturning device driven by a thermally runaway battery is provided in the explosion-proof compartment. The overturning device includes an overturning frame whose bottom is hinged to the bottom of the explosion-proof compartment and rotates towards the battery outlet under the action of gravity in a free state, and a limiting component that is driven by the thermally runaway battery moving into the explosion-proof compartment to release the horizontal limit on the overturning frame and make the overturning frame in a free state. The beneficial effect of the present invention is that after the thermally runaway battery moves to a certain position in the explosion-proof compartment, it drives the contact plate to move synchronously, so that the limiting plate connected to the contact plate no longer limits the overturning frame. The overturning frame overturns towards the battery outlet under the action of gravity to achieve the purpose of discharging the battery. The mechanical overturning structure is adopted, without an electric control structure, with high reliability and simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of battery swapping equipment, and particularly relates to a battery swapping station. Background Art

[0002] With the development of new energy technologies, more and more vehicles use batteries as power sources. To save battery charging time, most new energy commercial vehicles such as logistics vehicles, light trucks, and electric vehicles such as heavy trucks adopt the form of tail-pushing and pulling battery swapping to achieve rapid energy replenishment. The driver drives the vehicle to a nearby battery swapping station for battery swapping.

[0003] The battery swapping station includes a battery bin for storing batteries and charging the batteries, a battery swapping device for swapping the batteries of power-deficient new energy vehicles, a centering device for centering and positioning the new energy vehicles with battery swapping, and also includes equipment such as an electrical control cabinet and a worker operation room. To facilitate the handling of thermally out-of-control batteries, an explosion-proof bin is also provided in the battery bin. When a thermally out-of-control battery is detected, the battery swapping device will transfer the thermally out-of-control battery in the battery bin to the explosion-proof bin, and the flipping device in the explosion-proof bin will flip to discharge the battery through the battery outlet into the fire box outside the explosion-proof bin.

[0004] In the prior art, the flipping device often adopts a flipping mechanism under electro-mechanical control. Such a design has poor stability. Once the control unit is damaged or the driving unit of the flipping device is damaged due to a fire caused by a thermally out-of-control battery, it will lead to the situation where the battery cannot be discharged, which will have a significant impact on the entire battery swapping station. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery swapping station. When it is monitored that a battery in the battery bin is thermally out of control, the battery swapping device is used to transfer the thermally out-of-control battery to the explosion-proof bin. During the process of the thermally out-of-control battery moving towards the inside of the explosion-proof bin, the mechanical flipping device will contact the thermally out-of-control battery to release the mechanical limit, so that the flipping frame will drive the thermally out-of-control battery to flip towards the battery outlet and be discharged under the action of gravity.

[0006] To solve the above technical problem, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a battery swapping station, including

[0007] A battery bin for storing batteries and charging the batteries;

[0008] An explosion-proof bin, which is arranged inside the vertical bin wall of the battery bin and has a battery outlet communicating with the explosion-proof bin on the bin wall;

[0009] A battery swapping device for taking out the batteries in the battery bin and installing them on the vehicle, taking out the batteries on the vehicle and pushing them into the battery bin, and pushing the thermally out-of-control batteries into the explosion-proof bin;

[0010] The key lies in that: a turnover device driven by the thermal runaway battery is provided in the explosion-proof bin, and the turnover device includes a turnover frame whose bottom is hinged to the bottom of the explosion-proof bin and rotates towards the battery outlet under the action of gravity in the free state, and a limit component that is driven by the thermal runaway battery moving into the explosion-proof bin to release the horizontal limit on the turnover frame and make the turnover frame in the free state.

[0011] Further, the turnover frame limit component includes one or more limit plates arranged along the length direction of the turnover frame, a sliding rod connected to the limit plate, a limit sleeve fixed on the inner side wall of the explosion-proof bin and limiting the sliding rod, and a contact plate connected to the sliding rod and in contact with the thermal runaway battery. An avoidance groove cooperating with the limit plate is provided on the turnover frame.

[0012] Further, a fluent strip is provided on the top surface of the turnover frame, and a sliding frame for carrying the thermal runaway battery is provided above the fluent strip.

[0013] Further, a bin door is provided at the battery outlet, the bottom of the bin door is hinged to the explosion-proof bin, and a bin door limit component for limiting the top of the bin door is provided on the explosion-proof bin. The bin door limit component includes a lock tongue cooperating with a lock catch on the bin door, and a push plate that moves along the length direction of the explosion-proof bin after contacting the thermal runaway battery entering the turnover frame through the battery inlet of the explosion-proof bin to make the lock tongue leave the lock catch. The push plate is connected to the lock tongue and is slidably limited on the explosion-proof bin.

[0014] Further, a bin door opening component is provided between the push plate and the explosion-proof bin. The bin door opening component includes a driving rod hinged to the push plate and an outer push rod respectively hinged to the driving rod and the explosion-proof bin. The outer push rod rotates outwards by the driving force of the push plate to make the free end move outwards and push the bin door that has been released from the limit. After the bin door opens outwards, a channel is formed inside for the thermal runaway battery to move downwards through the inner side of the bin door to the fire box.

[0015] Further, a sliding rack is provided on one side of the fire box, and the free end of the opened bin door is lapped on the sliding rack.

[0016] Further, the battery swapping device includes a battery swapping device and a displacement device for driving the battery swapping device to move between the vehicle battery swapping position and the battery bin. The battery swapping device includes a battery swapping bracket provided with a battery temporary storage position and a battery push-pull component provided on the battery swapping bracket and supporting each battery temporary storage position. The battery swapping bracket is connected to the execution end of the displacement device.

[0017] Further, the execution end of the displacement device is connected to the power swapping bracket and suspends the power swapping bracket. The displacement device includes two parallel suspension rails, a suspension rail mounting bracket arranged between the suspension rails and the ground, a translation bracket limited on the two suspension rails, and a translation driving assembly for driving the translation bracket to move along the suspension rails. The power swapping bracket is connected to the translation bracket.

[0018] Further, a position adjustment device is provided between the translation bracket and the power swapping bracket. The position adjustment device includes two groups of position adjustment components symmetrically arranged on both sides in the width direction of the power swapping bracket. Each group of position adjustment components includes a first lifting driving component and a second lifting driving component that are sequentially arranged along the length direction of one side of the power swapping bracket and whose execution ends are movably connected to the power swapping bracket.

[0019] Further, a first movable connection assembly is provided between the execution end of the first lifting driving component and the power swapping bracket, and a second movable connection assembly is provided between the execution end of the second lifting driving component and the power swapping bracket. The first connection assembly includes a first fixed seat hinged on the power swapping bracket, a second fixed seat fixed on the execution end of the first lifting driving component, and a connecting rod hinged to the first fixed seat and the second fixed seat respectively. The second connection assembly includes a first connection seat hinged to the power swapping bracket, a second connection seat fixed on the execution end of the second lifting driving component, a first hinge seat hinged to the first connection seat, and a second hinge seat whose two ends are respectively hinged to the first hinge seat and the second connection seat;

[0020] Or

[0021] A bidirectional movable connection assembly is provided between the execution end of the first lifting driving component and the power swapping bracket and between the execution end of the second lifting driving component and the power swapping bracket. The bidirectional movable connection assembly includes a first limiting block fixed on the power swapping bracket, a second limiting block fixed on the execution end of the first lifting driving component or the execution end of the second lifting driving component, a limiting rod whose two ends respectively pass through the first limiting block and the second limiting block, a first spherical crown movable block sleeved on the end of the limiting rod and located in the limiting cavity of the first limiting block, a first nut threadedly connected to the limiting rod and limiting the first spherical crown movable block on the limiting rod, a second spherical crown movable block sleeved on the end of the limiting rod and located in the limiting cavity of the second limiting block, and a second nut threadedly connected to the limiting rod and limiting the second spherical crown movable block on the limiting rod.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. After the thermal runaway battery moves to a certain position inside the explosion-proof bin, it drives the contact plate to move synchronously, so that the limiting plate connected to the contact plate no longer limits the flipping frame. The flipping frame flips towards the battery outlet under the action of gravity to achieve the purpose of discharging the battery. A mechanical flipping structure is adopted, without an electric control structure, with high reliability and simple structure; 2. A flow strip and a sliding carriage are designed on the flipping frame to facilitate the rapid movement of the thermal runaway battery towards the battery outlet after flipping a certain angle; 3. A mechanical bin door limiting component is designed. During the process of the thermal runaway battery moving into the explosion-proof bin, it drives the push plate to move together, so that the locking tongue leaves the lock buckle to release the limit on the bin door. The mechanical bin door unlocking structure has stable performance and high reliability; 4. A bin door opening component is designed between the push plate and the explosion-proof bin to realize the linkage of releasing the limit on the bin door and opening the bin door under the drive of the push plate, as well as releasing the limit on the flipping frame and flipping, which is convenient for the thermal runaway battery to quickly move out from the battery outlet and improves the structural compactness of the entire device; 5. The battery swapping device is suspended above the ground and moves between several workstations such as battery swapping, battery access, and battery emergency handling through a displacement device, avoiding the need to set tracks for the movement of the battery swapping device on the ground, making the battery swapping channel simple and orderly, and facilitating the entry of new energy commercial vehicles into the battery swapping channel; 6. When a new energy commercial vehicle enters the battery swapping channel, the front and rear centering devices in the battery swapping channel can pre-position the new energy commercial vehicle, that is, correct the position of the new energy commercial vehicle through the centering device to fix the new energy commercial vehicle at a specified position; 7. Through the lifting adjustment of the four positions of the battery swapping bracket in the height direction and the angle adjustment within a certain range, the battery swapping device is accurately docked with the new energy commercial vehicle, the battery bin on the battery storage rack or the explosion-proof bin, which is convenient for pushing and pulling the battery; height and angle adjustments are made for the situation where the self-weight of the new energy commercial vehicle changes due to the extraction or insertion of the battery during the battery swapping process, resulting in the vehicle body rising or falling; 8. The battery swapping bracket is movably connected to the position adjustment device, which is convenient for ensuring that the battery swapping bracket and the battery can naturally maintain a horizontal state under their own gravity, thus ensuring the stability of the pushing and pulling process.

[0023] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the battery swapping station of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a three-dimensional structural diagram of

[0026] Figure 3 is an installation schematic diagram of the explosion-proof bin and the battery bin in the battery swapping station of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a partial enlarged view of part A in

[0028] Figure 5 It is a schematic installation diagram of the flipping device, the door limit component and the explosion-proof bin in the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a partial enlarged view at position B in

[0030] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram after removing the battery bin in

[0031] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a battery swapping device with a first movable connection component and a second movable connection component;

[0032] Figure 9 is Figure 8 a partial enlarged view at position B in

[0033] Figure 10 is Figure 8 a partial enlarged view at position C in

[0034] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a battery swapping device with a bidirectional movable connection component;

[0035] Figure 12 is Figure 10 a connection schematic diagram of the bidirectional movable connection component in

[0036] In the drawings,

[0037] 100. Battery bin,

[0038] 110. Explosion-proof bin, 111. Battery outlet, 112. Door, 113. Lock catch, 114. Lock tongue, 115. Push plate, 116. Driving rod, 117. Outer push rod, 118. Fire box, 119. Sliding rack, 120. Connecting rod, 121. Limiting plate, 121-1. Limiting groove, 122. Guide pin, 123. Guide rod, 124. Sliding bracket, 125. Pushed plate,

[0039] 200. Flipping frame, 200-1. Avoidance groove, 201. Limiting plate, 202. Slide bar, 203. Limiting sleeve, 204. Contact plate, 205. Flow bar, 206. Slide frame, 206-1. Limiting groove, 207. Buffer block,

[0040] 300, Battery replacement bracket, 301, Battery push-pull assembly, 302, Suspension rail, 303, Suspension rail mounting bracket, 304, Translation bracket, 305, Gear, 306, Rack, 307, Translation drive motor, 308, First fixed seat, 309, Second fixed seat, 310, Link rod, 311, First connection seat, 312, Second connection seat, 313, First hinge seat, 314, Second hinge seat, 315, First limit block, 316, Second limit block, 317, Limit rod, 318, First spherical crown movable block, 319, First nut, 320, Second spherical crown movable block, 321, Second nut, 322, Chain storage box, 323, Gear drive motor, 324, Connection bracket, 325, Bottom connection frame, 326, Cushion block

[0041] A, New energy commercial vehicle, B, Battery replacement channel, C, Front wheel centering device, D, Rear wheel centering device Detailed implementation method

[0042] See the appendix Figures 1 - 12 In this invention, a battery replacement station is provided, including a battery storage bin 100 with multiple battery storage compartments for storing batteries and charging them; an explosion-proof bin 110 provided inside the vertical bin wall of the battery storage bin 100 and having a battery outlet 111 communicating with the explosion-proof bin 110 on the bin wall; a battery replacement device for taking out the batteries in the battery storage bin 100 and installing them on the vehicle, taking out the batteries on the vehicle and pushing them into the battery storage bin 100, and pushing the thermally out-of-control battery into the explosion-proof bin 110; a flipping device provided inside the explosion-proof bin 110 and driven by the thermally out-of-control battery to discharge the thermally out-of-control battery from the battery outlet 111

[0043] Among them, the battery inlet and outlet of the battery storage bin 100 and the battery inlet of the explosion-proof bin 110 are on the same side, which enables the battery replacement device to move the thermally out-of-control battery out of the battery storage bin 100 and push it into the explosion-proof bin 110 when a thermally out-of-control battery is found

[0044] The battery replacement device is located on one side of the battery inlet and outlet of the battery storage bin 100. A battery replacement channel B is provided on one side of the battery storage bin 100. A front wheel centering device C and a rear wheel centering device D are provided inside the battery replacement channel B to position the new energy commercial vehicle A, facilitating the battery replacement operation of the commercial vehicle by the battery replacement device

[0045] Example 1: See the appendix Figure 3 And 5 In this embodiment, the flipping device includes a flipping frame 200 whose bottom is hinged to the bottom of the explosion-proof bin 110 and rotates towards the battery outlet 111 under the action of gravity in the free state, and a limit component that is driven by the thermally out-of-control battery moving into the explosion-proof bin 110 to release the horizontal limit of the flipping frame 200 and make the flipping frame 200 in the free state

[0046] A hinge seat is provided at the bottom of the explosion-proof bin 110, and the turnover frame 200 is connected to the hinge seat through a hinge shaft. The center of gravity of the turnover frame 200 is located between the hinge seat and the battery outlet 111 so that the turnover frame 200 can rotate towards the battery outlet 111 under the action of gravity after the limit is released.

[0047] The above-mentioned turnover frame limit assembly includes one or more limit plates 201 arranged along the length direction of the turnover frame 200, a slide rod 202, a limit sleeve 203 fixed on the inner side wall of the explosion-proof bin 110 and limiting the slide rod 202, and a contact plate 204 connected to the slide rod 202 and contacting the thermal runaway battery and moving together with the thermal runaway battery. An avoidance groove 200-1 cooperating with the limit plate 201 is provided on the turnover frame 200. Since a plurality of limit plates 203 are provided, a plurality of slide rods 202 are also provided. Two ends of the slide rod 202 are respectively connected to two adjacent limit plates 201 or are respectively connected to the limit plate 201 and the contact plate 204.

[0048] At least two sets of the slide rod 202 and the limit sleeve 203 are arranged along the height direction of the limit plate 201 to ensure the stable connection of the limit plate 201, and the contact plate 204 is connected to the corresponding slide rod 202 in the height direction. When the battery contacts the contact plate 204 and drives the contact plate 204 to move into the bin together, the limit plate 201 is driven to move synchronously through the slide rod 202. When the thermal runaway battery moves in place into the explosion-proof bin 110, the limit plate 201 enters the avoidance groove 200-1 or is located outside the turnover frame 200, thereby releasing the limit on the turnover frame 200. Under the action of gravity, the turnover frame 200 rotates towards the battery outlet 111. The thermal runaway battery on the top surface of the turnover frame 200 slides downwards and is discharged from the explosion-proof bin 110 through the battery outlet 111 and enters the fire box 118. The control of the turnover frame 200 adopts a mechanical structure and is driven by the thermal runaway battery. Such a design has high safety and strong reliability.

[0049] Embodiment 2: Refer to the appendix Figures 3 - 5, in this embodiment, to facilitate the rapid sliding of the thermal runaway battery from the flipping frame 200 to the battery outlet 111. A fluent strip 205 is provided on the top surface of the flipping frame 200, and a sliding frame 206 for carrying the thermal runaway battery and limited on the fluent strip 205 is provided above the fluent strip 205. By designing the fluent strip 205, the resistance during the movement of the sliding frame 206 and the battery towards the battery outlet 111 can be reduced. Multiple groups of fluent strips 205 are arranged along the length direction of the flipping frame 200, and a plurality of limiting grooves 206-1 are provided in a matching manner at the bottom of the sliding frame 206. Both sides of the fluent strip 205 are located within the limiting grooves 206-1 to limit the sliding frame 206, and the pulleys thereon support the sliding frame 206 to ensure that the sliding frame 206 will not move along with the battery when the battery moves onto the sliding frame 206 and does not restrict the movement of the sliding frame 206 towards the battery outlet 111 after the flipping frame 16 flips. The process of the thermal runaway battery entering the explosion-proof chamber 110 is the process of entering the sliding frame 206. The fluent strip 205 forms a rolling fit with the rollers on the fluent strip 205 during the flipping process of the flipping frame 200, so that the sliding frame 206 and the thermal runaway battery thereon quickly slide towards the battery outlet 111 and are discharged together through the battery outlet 111 and into the fire box 118.

[0050] Embodiment Three: Refer to the appendix Figure 5 , in this embodiment, a buffer block 207 matching the flipping frame 200 is provided at the bottom of the explosion-proof chamber 110, which plays a role in buffering and limiting when one side of the flipping frame 200 rotates to the bottom of the chamber.

[0051] Embodiment Four: Refer to the appendix Figures 1 - 6 , in this embodiment, a chamber door 112 is provided at the battery outlet 111 to close the battery outlet 111 when there is no thermal runaway battery, making the entire battery chamber 100 beautiful. The bottom of the chamber door 112 is hinged to the explosion-proof chamber 110 through a hinge, and a chamber door limiting component for limiting the top of the chamber door 112 and driven by the thermal runaway battery is provided on the explosion-proof chamber 110.

[0052] The chamber door limiting component includes a lock tongue 114 matching the lock catch 113 on the chamber door 112 and a push plate 115 that moves along the length direction of the explosion-proof chamber 110 after contacting the thermal runaway battery entering the flipping frame 200 from the battery inlet of the explosion-proof chamber 110, causing the lock tongue 114 to leave the lock catch 113. The push plate 115 is connected to the lock tongue 114 and is slidably limited on the explosion-proof chamber 110.

[0053] Multiple groups of lock catches 113 and the matching lock tongues 114 are arranged along the length direction of the chamber door 112, and all the lock tongues 114 are connected to a connecting rod 120 limited on the explosion-proof chamber 110. One end of the connecting rod 120 extends to a position close to the battery inlet to facilitate pulling the connecting rod 120 when the chamber door 112 resets, so that the lock tongue 114 moves to re-impose the limit on it.

[0054] To enable the stable horizontal movement of the locking tongue 114, a limiting plate 121 with a guiding limiting groove 121-1 is provided on the explosion-proof bin 110. The locking tongue 114 is located outside the limiting plate 121 and is connected to a connecting rod 120 located inside the limiting plate 121 by means of a guiding pin 122 passing through the guiding limiting groove 121-1.

[0055] To enable the stable movement of the pushing plate 115, a guiding rod 123 and a sliding bracket 124 slidably limited on the guiding rod 123 are provided inside the explosion-proof bin 110. The pushing plate 115 is fixed on the sliding bracket 124, and the connecting rod 120 is connected to the sliding bracket 124.

[0056] In this embodiment, the limiting and release of the limiting of the bin door 112 adopt a mechanical structure. When the battery swapping device pushes the thermally out-of-control battery into the bin through the battery inlet 111, after the battery moves a certain distance, it will contact the pushing plate 115 and push the pushing plate 115 to move in place together with the battery. During this process, the locking tongue 114 moves horizontally and leaves the lock catch 113, thereby realizing the release of the limiting of the bin door 112.

[0057] The driving of the bin door limiting component and the flipping device by the thermally out-of-control battery can be synchronous driving or first driving to release the limiting of the bin door 112 and then driving to release the limiting of the flipping frame 200. After the bin door 112 is pushed open by the thermally out-of-control battery sliding towards the battery outlet 111, it flips outwards to open the battery outlet, and then the thermally out-of-control battery slides from the battery outlet 111 into the fire protection box 118 filled with water.

[0058] Example Five: Refer to the appendix Figure 5 and 6 , in this embodiment, a bin door opening component is further provided between the pushing plate 115 and the explosion-proof bin 110. The bin door opening component includes a driving rod 116 hinged to the pushing plate 115 and an outer pushing rod 117 hinged to the driving rod 116 and the explosion-proof bin 110 respectively. The outer pushing rod 117 rotates outwards by the driving force of the pushing plate 115 to move the free end outwards and push the bin door 112 whose limiting has been released. After the bin door 112 opens outwards, a passage is formed inside the bin door 112 for the thermally out-of-control battery to move downwards to the fire protection box 118. A receiving plate 125 in contact with the outer end of the outer pushing rod 117 is provided on the bin door 112.

[0059] A sliding rack 119 is provided on one side of the fire protection box 118. After the bin door 112 opens, the free end is lapped on the sliding rack 119. Smooth strips are provided on both the inner side of the bin door 112 and the sliding rack 119 to facilitate the battery to enter the fire protection box 12 through the bin door 112 and the sliding rack 119.

[0060] After the thermally out-of-control battery is removed from the explosion-proof bin 110, the bin door limiting component and the flipping device are reset manually.

[0061] Embodiment Six: Refer to the appendix Figure 1 and 2 Figs. 7 and 8. In this embodiment, the battery swapping device includes a battery swapping unit and a displacement unit for driving the battery swapping unit to move between the vehicle battery swapping position and the battery compartment 100. The battery swapping unit includes a swapping bracket 300 provided with battery temporary storage positions and battery pushing and pulling assemblies 301 arranged on the swapping bracket 300 and provided for each battery temporary storage position. The swapping bracket 300 is connected to the execution end of the displacement unit.

[0062] The swapping bracket 300 is provided with 2 battery temporary storage positions, and each battery temporary storage position is provided with a battery pushing and pulling assembly 301. During battery swapping, one battery temporary storage position is used to store fully charged batteries, and the other is empty to store discharged batteries.

[0063] The execution end of the above displacement unit is connected to the swapping bracket 300 and suspends the swapping bracket 300. The displacement unit includes two parallel suspension rails 302, a suspension rail mounting frame 303 arranged between the suspension rails 302 and the ground, a translation bracket 304 limited on the two suspension rails 302, and a translation driving assembly for driving the translation bracket 304 to move along the suspension rails 302. The swapping bracket 300 is connected to the translation bracket 304. The translation driving assembly includes a translation driving motor 307 fixed on the translation bracket 304, a gear 305 fixed on the driving end of the translation driving motor 307, and a rack 306 fixed on the suspension rail 302 and meshing with the gear 305. A slide rail is arranged on the suspension rail 302, and a slider matching with the slide rail is arranged on the translation bracket 304 to realize the stable movement of the translation bracket 304.

[0064] By suspending the swapping bracket 300, it is possible to avoid the damage to the battery swapping channel caused by the design of a conventional guide rail walking structure and the deformation of the guide rail walking structure after long-term use, and it also facilitates the passage of vehicles and the layout and installation of each device.

[0065] Embodiment Seven: Refer to the appendix Figures 7 - 10 , which is different from Embodiment Six. In this embodiment, a position adjustment device is provided between the translation bracket 304 and the swapping bracket 300. The position adjustment device includes two groups of position adjustment components symmetrically arranged on both sides in the width direction of the swapping bracket 300. Each group of position adjustment components includes a first lifting driving component and a second lifting driving component arranged in sequence along the length direction of one side of the swapping bracket 300, and the execution ends of both are movably connected to the swapping bracket 300. Among them, the first lifting driving component is close to the battery entrance and exit of the battery compartment 100, and the second lifting driving component is far from the battery entrance and exit of the battery compartment 100.

[0066] A first movable connection component is provided between the execution end of the first lifting driving component and the swapping bracket 300, and a second movable connection component is provided between the execution end of the second lifting driving component and the swapping bracket 300.

[0067] The first connection component includes a first fixed seat 308 hinged to the battery swapping support 300, a second fixed seat 309 fixed to the execution end of the first lifting drive component, and a connecting rod 310 hinged to the first fixed seat 308 and the second fixed seat 309 respectively.

[0068] The second connection component includes a first connection seat 311 hinged to the battery swapping support 300, a second connection seat 312 fixed to the execution end of the second lifting drive component, a first hinge seat 313 hinged to the first connection seat 311, and a second hinge seat 314 with two ends respectively hinged to the first hinge seat 313 and the second connection seat 312.

[0069] In the two connection components of this embodiment, the structures of the first fixed seat 308 and the first connection seat 311, and the second fixed seat 309 and the second connection seat 312 are the same. The difference lies in the connection manner formed by the connecting rod 310, the first hinge seat 313 and the second hinge seat 314. Such a design can not only make the battery swapping support 300 lift, swing left and right, and pitch forward and backward within a preset angle range under the drive of the lifting drive component, so that the battery temporary storage position on the battery swapping support 300 is aligned with the commercial vehicle or the battery storage bin; but also reduce the relative position movement between the battery swapping support 300 and the lifting drive component when the battery enters the battery swapping support 300, making the process of the battery entering and leaving the battery swapping support 300 stable.

[0070] Both the above-mentioned first lifting drive component and the second lifting drive component include a rigid chain, a chain storage box 322 for storing the rigid chain, a drive gear arranged on the chain storage box 322 and driving the rigid chain to move, and a supporting gear drive motor 323. The battery swapping support 300 is located below the drive end of the rigid chain and is movably connected to the drive end. By using a rigid chain drive, the characteristics of strong load-bearing of the rigid chain are utilized, and the chain storage box 322 of the rigid chain can also be used as the column of the entire adjustment device, reducing the components. The above-mentioned lifting drive component can also adopt a gear-rack structure driven by a motor, an electric cylinder, a chain and other devices that can achieve linear drive. The tops of all the chain storage boxes 322 are connected to the translation support 304. A connection bracket 324 is provided between two chain storage boxes 322 in the same group of position adjustment components to realize the connection and positioning between the two. A bottom connection frame 325 is provided at the bottom of the two groups of position adjustment components. The four lifting drive components are connected through the translation support 304, the connection bracket 324 and the bottom connection frame 325 to form an integral structure.

[0071] Embodiment Eight: Refer to the appendix Figures 11 - 12, different from the seventh embodiment, to achieve active connection, in this embodiment, a bidirectional active connection component is provided between the execution end of the first lifting drive component and the power exchange support 300, and between the execution end of the second lifting drive component and the power exchange support 300. The bidirectional active connection component includes a first limit block 315 fixed on the power exchange support 300, a second limit block 316 fixed on the execution end of the first lifting drive component or the execution end of the second lifting drive component, a limit rod 317 with both ends passing through the first limit block 315 and the second limit block 316 respectively, a first spherical crown movable block 318 sleeved on the end of the limit rod 317 and located in the limit cavity of the first limit block 315, a first nut 319 threadedly connected to the limit rod 317 and limiting the first spherical crown movable block 318 on the limit rod 317, a second spherical crown movable block 320 sleeved on the end of the limit rod 317 and located in the limit cavity of the second limit block 316, and a second nut 321 threadedly connected to the limit rod 317 and limiting the second spherical crown movable block 320 on the limit rod 317.

[0072] A cushion block 326 that cooperates with the first spherical crown movable block 318 or the second spherical crown movable block 320 is provided in both the limit cavity of the first limit block 315 and the limit cavity of the second limit block 316. The cushion block 326 is limited in the cavity by a snap ring for hole.

[0073] In this embodiment, a four-bar linkage structure is formed among the power exchange support 300, the two limit rods 317 in each group of position adjustment components, and the lifting drive component, and the connections are all spherical hinge structures that can rotate within a certain range. Through the drive of 4 lifting drive components, the power exchange support 300 can be lifted within the height range and swing left and right and pitch forward and backward within the preset angle range, so that the battery temporary storage position on the power exchange support 300 is aligned with the commercial vehicle or the battery storage bin.

[0074] Taking the eighth embodiment as an example, the power exchange process of the power exchange station of the present invention is as follows.

[0075] In the initial state, the power exchange device is located on one side of the battery entrance and exit of the battery bin 100 so that the new energy commercial vehicle A to be power-exchanged can drive into the power exchange channel B and stop at the power exchange position.

[0076] One of the battery temporary storage positions of the power exchange device stores a fully charged battery, and the other has no battery. When the commercial vehicle travels to the designated area in the channel, the front wheel centering device C and the rear wheel centering device D will push and clamp the front and rear wheels of the vehicle to automatically fix the commercial vehicle at the power exchange position required by the power exchange device for subsequent power exchange.

[0077] While the front wheel alignment device C and the rear wheel alignment device D fix the commercial vehicle during the front wheel pair, the displacement device drives the battery swapping device to move to the tail of the new energy commercial vehicle A, and automatically scans the tail of the commercial vehicle after the commercial vehicle is fixed. It calculates and adjusts the vertical height and the left-right, front-back deflection angles of the battery swapping device through the displacement device and the position adjustment device so that the battery temporary storage position without a battery is flush with the bottom of the battery compartment of the commercial vehicle. The supporting battery push-pull assembly 301 pulls the depleted battery in the commercial vehicle into the current battery temporary storage position; then, by adjusting the height of the battery swapping device up or down, the fully charged battery is aligned with the battery compartment of the commercial vehicle, and the supporting battery push-pull assembly 301 pushes the fully charged battery into the battery compartment of the commercial vehicle, thus completing the battery swapping.

[0078] After the battery swapping is completed, the front wheel alignment device C and the rear wheel alignment device D that receive the signal release the vehicle limit, and the vehicle can drive out of the channel. The displacement device and the position adjustment device drive the battery temporary storage position with the depleted battery in the battery swapping device to move to one side of the battery storage bin without a battery in the battery compartment 100. The supporting battery push-pull assembly 301 pushes the depleted battery into the battery storage bin for charging. At this time, all the battery temporary storage positions in the battery swapping device have no batteries; then, the displacement device and the position adjustment device drive any battery temporary storage position in the battery swapping device to move to the side of the battery compartment entrance and exit of the battery compartment 100 with fully charged batteries, and the supporting battery push-pull assembly 301 pulls the fully charged battery into the battery temporary storage position to prepare for the next battery swapping.

[0079] During the battery swapping process, due to the change in the self-weight of the new energy commercial vehicle A caused by the extraction or insertion of the battery of the new energy commercial vehicle A, which makes the vehicle body rise or fall, the position adjustment device can adjust the height and / or angle of the battery swapping bracket 300 to ensure the smooth progress of the battery swapping.

[0080] The battery emergency handling process of the battery swapping station of the present invention is as follows: When it is found that the battery has a thermal runaway, the displacement device and the position adjustment device drive the battery swapping device to quickly move to one side of the thermally runaway battery. Then, the battery push-pull assembly 301 pulls the thermally runaway battery out of the battery compartment 100 and into the empty battery temporary storage position; the displacement device and the position adjustment device drive the battery swapping device to quickly move to the battery entrance side of the explosion-proof bin 110. Then, the battery push-pull assembly 301 pushes the thermally runaway battery into the explosion-proof bin 110. After the thermally runaway battery moves a certain distance into the bin, it will push the push plate 115 and the contact plate 204 to move inward synchronously and move into place. During this process, the limit on the bin door 112 will be released, and the top of the bin door 112 will be pushed outward by the outer push rod 117 to quickly open the battery outlet 111 and then rest on the sliding rack 119. The limit on the flipping rack 200 will be released, causing it to flip towards the battery outlet 111. The thermally runaway battery and the sliding rack 206 below it will quickly move towards the battery outlet 111 and finally fall into the fire box 118.

[0081] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: it is still possible to modify the specific implementation manners of the present invention or perform equivalent replacements for some technical features; without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention, they should all be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery swapping station, comprising a battery compartment (100) for storing batteries and charging the batteries; an explosion-proof compartment (110) provided inside the vertical compartment wall of the battery compartment (100) and having a battery outlet (111) communicating with the explosion-proof compartment (110) on the compartment wall; a battery swapping device for taking out the batteries in the battery compartment (100) and installing them on the vehicle, taking out the batteries on the vehicle and pushing them into the battery compartment (100), and pushing the thermally out-of-control battery into the explosion-proof compartment (110); It is characterized in that: a flipping device driven by the thermally out-of-control battery is provided in the explosion-proof compartment (110), the flipping device includes a flipping frame (200) whose bottom is hinged to the bottom of the explosion-proof compartment (110) and rotates towards the battery outlet (111) under the action of gravity in the free state, and a limiting component driven by the thermally out-of-control battery moving into the explosion-proof compartment (110) to release the horizontal limit of the flipping frame (200) and make the flipping frame (200) in the free state; The limiting component includes one or more limiting plates (201) arranged along the length direction of the flipping frame (200), a sliding rod (202), a limiting sleeve (203) fixed on the inner side wall of the explosion-proof compartment (110) and limiting the sliding rod (202), and a contact plate (204) connected to the sliding rod (202) and contacting the thermally out-of-control battery. An avoidance groove (200-1) cooperating with the limiting plate (201) is provided on the flipping frame (200), and both ends of the sliding rod (202) are respectively connected to two adjacent limiting plates (201) or are respectively connected to the limiting plate (201) and the contact plate (204); A compartment door (112) is provided at the battery outlet (111), the bottom of the compartment door (112) is hinged to the explosion-proof compartment (110), and a compartment door limiting component for limiting the top of the compartment door (112) is provided on the explosion-proof compartment (110). The compartment door limiting component includes a locking tongue (114) cooperating with a lock catch (113) on the compartment door (112), and a push plate (115) that moves along the length direction of the explosion-proof compartment (110) after contacting the thermally out-of-control battery entering the flipping frame (200) through the battery inlet of the explosion-proof compartment (110) to make the locking tongue (114) leave the lock catch (113). The push plate (115) is connected to the locking tongue (114) and is slidably limited on the explosion-proof compartment (110); A compartment door opening component is provided between the push plate (115) and the explosion-proof compartment (110). The compartment door opening component includes a driving rod (116) hinged to the push plate (115) and an outer push rod (117) respectively hinged to the driving rod (116) and the explosion-proof compartment (110). The outer push rod (117) rotates outwards by means of the driving force of the push plate (115) to move the free end outwards and push the released compartment door (112) outwards. After the compartment door (112) is opened outwards, a channel is formed inside the compartment door (112) for the thermally out-of-control battery to move downwards to the fire box (118) through the inner side of the compartment door (112).

2. The swapping station according to claim 1, wherein: A flow bar (205) is provided on the top surface of the turnover rack (200), and a carriage (206) for carrying the thermal runaway battery and limited to the flow bar (205) is provided above the flow bar (205).

3. The battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sliding rack (119) is provided on one side of the fire box (118), and the free end of the warehouse door (112) is lapped on the sliding rack (119) after being opened.

4. The battery swapping station according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The battery swapping device includes a battery swapping device and a displacement device for driving the battery swapping device to move between the vehicle battery swapping position and the battery compartment (100). The battery swapping device includes a battery swapping bracket (300) provided with a battery temporary storage position and a battery push-pull assembly (301) provided on the battery swapping bracket (300) and configured for each battery temporary storage position. The battery swapping bracket (300) is connected to the execution end of the displacement device.

5. The battery swapping station according to claim 4, wherein: The execution end of the displacement device is connected to the battery swapping bracket (300) and suspends the battery swapping bracket (300). The displacement device includes two parallel suspension rails (302), a suspension rail mounting frame (303) provided between the suspension rails (302) and the ground, a translation bracket (304) limited on the two suspension rails (302), and a translation driving assembly for driving the translation bracket (304) to move along the suspension rails (302). The battery swapping bracket (300) is connected to the translation bracket (304).

6. The battery swapping station according to claim 5, wherein: A position adjustment device is provided between the translation bracket (304) and the battery swapping bracket (300). The position adjustment device includes two groups of position adjustment components symmetrically arranged on both sides in the width direction of the battery swapping bracket (300). Each group of position adjustment components includes a first lifting driving component and a second lifting driving component that are sequentially arranged along the length direction of one side of the battery swapping bracket (300) and whose execution ends are movably connected to the battery swapping bracket (300).

7. The battery swapping station according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first movable connection assembly is provided between the execution end of the first lifting driving component and the battery swapping bracket (300), and a second movable connection assembly is provided between the execution end of the second lifting driving component and the battery swapping bracket (300). The first movable connection assembly includes a first fixed seat (308) hinged to the battery swapping bracket (300), a second fixed seat (309) fixed to the execution end of the first lifting driving component, and a connecting rod (310) respectively hinged to the first fixed seat (308) and the second fixed seat (309). The second movable connection assembly includes a first connection seat (311) hinged to the battery swapping bracket (300), a second connection seat (312) fixed to the execution end of the second lifting driving component, a first hinge seat (313) hinged to the first connection seat (311), and a second hinge seat (314) whose two ends are respectively hinged to the first hinge seat (313) and the second connection seat (312); Or A two-way movable connection assembly is provided between the execution end of the first lifting drive component and the power exchange support (300), and between the execution end of the second lifting drive component and the power exchange support (300). The two-way movable connection assembly includes a first limit block (315) fixed on the power exchange support (300), a second limit block (316) fixed on the execution end of the first lifting drive component or the execution end of the second lifting drive component, a limit rod (317) with two ends respectively passing through the first limit block (315) and the second limit block (316), a first spherical crown movable block (318) sleeved on the end of the limit rod (317) and located in the limit cavity of the first limit block (315), a first nut (319) threadedly connected to the limit rod (317) and limiting the first spherical crown movable block (318) on the limit rod (317), a second spherical crown movable block (320) sleeved on the end of the limit rod (317) and located in the limit cavity of the second limit block (316), and a second nut (321) threadedly connected to the limit rod (317) and limiting the second spherical crown movable block (320) on the limit rod (317).

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