Electric vehicle battery replacement system, locking and unlocking mechanism and battery replacement method

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking and unlocking mechanism of a battery replacement system of an electric vehicle. The locking and unlocking mechanism is arranged on battery supporting plates, the battery supporting plates are installed on all layers of a battery rack and comprise a first-layer plate and a second-layer rack, and the first-layer plate is installed above the second-layer rack. The locking and unlocking mechanism comprises a Y-direction lock head and an X-Y-direction lock head which penetrate through the first layer plate. An electric cylinder III, a guide rail III, an electric cylinder IV and a guide rail IV are arranged on the back face of the first-layer plate, and the X-Y-direction lock head is pushed by the electric cylinder IV to slide along the guide rail IV; the device further comprises an electric cylinder VIII, a guide rail VIII and a Y-direction push plate, and the Y-direction lock head is pushed by the electric cylinder VIII to slide along the guide rail VIII. The technical problems that in the prior art, a locking and unlocking mechanism cannot adapt to batteries of different sizes, and a multi-direction accurate control function is lacked are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of electric vehicle battery replacement, and in particular, relates to an electric vehicle battery replacement system, a locking and unlocking mechanism, and a battery replacement method. Background Art

[0002] With the popularity of electric vehicles, the application of electric vehicle battery replacement systems is becoming more and more widespread. At present, there are many types of batteries used in electric vehicles on the market, and the battery sizes and specifications vary, which brings many challenges to the locking and unlocking operations during battery replacement. Existing locking and unlocking mechanisms are usually only applicable to batteries of specific sizes, and cannot take into account the installation and removal requirements of batteries of different sizes, resulting in low replacement efficiency, poor equipment versatility, and difficulty in meeting diverse market needs.

[0003] In the existing system, it is impossible to achieve precise control of the locking and unlocking mechanism in multiple directions. Especially when locking and unlocking large-sized batteries, the common one-way movement mechanism cannot ensure that the locking and unlocking lock head can accurately reach the specified position, further exacerbating the inconvenience and complexity of the replacement operation. Therefore, the prior art urgently needs a locking and unlocking mechanism that can adapt to batteries of different sizes and has a multi-directional precise control function to improve the versatility, stability and operating efficiency of the battery replacement system. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings existing in the related art, the present invention provides an electric vehicle battery replacement system and a locking and unlocking mechanism, which solves the technical problems in the prior art that the locking and unlocking mechanism is difficult to adapt to batteries of different sizes and cannot perform precise control in multiple directions.

[0005] In a possible implementation, a locking and unlocking mechanism of an electric vehicle battery replacement system is provided, wherein the locking and unlocking mechanism is arranged on a battery support plate, and the battery support plate is arranged on each layer of a battery rack. The battery support plate includes a first layer plate and a second layer rack, and the first layer plate is installed above the second layer rack.

[0006] In a possible implementation, the locking and unlocking mechanism includes a Y-axis lock and an XY-axis lock that pass through a layer of plates. An electric cylinder III, a guide rail III, an electric cylinder IV, and a guide rail IV are arranged on the back of a layer of plates. The output shaft of the electric cylinder IV is connected to the XY-axis lock, and the XY-axis lock is connected to the guide rail IV and can slide along the guide rail IV under the push of the electric cylinder IV. An electric cylinder VIII, a guide rail VIII, and a Y-axis push plate are also arranged on the back of a layer of plates. The Y-axis lock is connected to the guide rail VIII through the Y-axis push plate, and the output shaft of the electric cylinder VIII is connected to the Y-axis push plate, and can push the Y-axis push plate and the Y-axis lock connected thereto to slide along the guide rail VIII.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the electric vehicle battery replacement system includes the above-mentioned locking and unlocking mechanism, and also includes a battery rack, which is a multi-layer structure. A water-electricity joint margin mechanism corresponding to the battery charging port is installed between or on the layers of the battery rack, and the water-electricity joint margin mechanism is installed on the battery rack column.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the water-electricity joint margin mechanism includes a guide rail V mounted on a battery rack column, and the guide rail V slides up and down along the battery rack column. The guide rail VI is connected to the guide rail V and is arranged horizontally. The water-electricity joint is mounted on the guide rail VI and can slide horizontally along the guide rail VI.

[0009] In a possible implementation, a slider III is installed on the guide rail V, and the guide rail VI is installed on the slider III through the upper and lower slides of the water and electricity connector. The guide rail VI is horizontally arranged, and the water and electricity connector is installed on the guide rail VI through the slider IV. The driving mechanism drives the upper and lower slides of the water and electricity connector or the slider III to slide up and down along the guide rail V. The slider III is connected to the horizontally arranged cam positioning member, and the other end of the cam positioning member is placed in the displacement groove of the water and electricity connector displacement column through a pin shaft. The displacement groove includes two sections of connected grooves, and the spacing between the two sections of the groove and the guide rail V is different, and the different spacings correspond to two battery charging ports of different sizes.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the electric vehicle battery replacement system further includes a plurality of battery positioning devices. A battery positioning device and a battery pad are provided on each layer of the battery rack. The battery positioning device includes a large battery positioning shaft and a small battery positioning shaft, which are respectively adapted to large batteries and small batteries of different sizes or specifications.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the battery pad is installed on the battery rack and is arranged corresponding to the battery positioning device to support the battery.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the water-electricity joint margin mechanism further includes a proximity switch I and a sensor sheet I. The proximity switch I is mounted on the column of the battery rack, and the sensor sheet I is mounted on the upper and lower slide seats of the water-electricity joint. The sensor sheet I slides up and down along the guide rail V along with the upper and lower slide seats of the water-electricity joint. When the sensor sheet I contacts the proximity switch I, the proximity switch I is triggered and sends a signal to the control system.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the water and electricity connector is provided corresponding to the charging port of the large battery or the small battery.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the locking and unlocking mechanism further includes a Z-direction lock head passing through a layer of plates. The Z-direction lock head is mounted on an I-shaped Z-direction lifting plate on the back of a layer of plates. An electric cylinder V is mounted on the back of a layer of plates through an electric cylinder mounting seat, and an output shaft of the electric cylinder V is connected to the Z-direction lifting plate, driving the Z-direction lifting plate and the Z-direction lock head thereon to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the layer of plates.

[0015] In a possible embodiment, the electric vehicle battery replacement system also includes a palletizer arranged corresponding to the battery rack. The palletizer includes a palletizer lifting frame and an adjustment frame, a support fork, an electric cylinder I, a guide rail VII, and a support fork telescopic motor reducer assembly installed on the lifting frame. Two support forks are installed on the adjustment frame, and the adjustment frame is installed on the palletizer lifting frame through the guide rail VII. The support fork telescopic motor reducer assembly is installed on the adjustment frame to drive the support fork to telescope. The push rod of the electric cylinder I is connected to the adjustment frame to drive the adjustment frame to move horizontally to adjust the position of the two support forks. The electric cylinder I is installed on the palletizer lifting frame through the electric cylinder mounting seat, and its push rod is connected to the adjustment frame through the push rod connecting block.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, the palletizer further includes a palletizer bracket. The palletizer lifting frame is installed on the palletizer bracket through a lifting mechanism, and the lifting mechanism drives the lifting frame to move up and down along the bracket. It also includes a fall arrester, which is installed on the palletizer lifting frame through a mounting seat. The anti-fall guide rail is installed on the column of the palletizer bracket and extends along the movement direction of the lifting frame. There is a gap in the middle of the fall arrester, and the anti-fall guide rail is placed in the gap. When the lifting frame reaches the set position, the gap clamps the anti-fall guide rail to prevent the lifting frame from falling.

[0017] In a possible implementation, a battery replacement method using the above electric vehicle battery replacement system includes the following steps:

[0018] Control the feeding battery to move between or on the layers of the battery rack, and control the large battery positioning axis or the small battery positioning axis to position the feeding battery according to the feeding battery model; control the Z-axis lock, the Y-axis lock and the XY-axis lock to lock the feeding battery; according to the feeding battery model, control the driving mechanism to drive the slider III or the upper and lower slide seats of the water-electricity connector to remain stationary or move downward, so that the water-electricity connector is connected to the charging port of the feeding battery.

[0019] Based on the above technical solution, the locking and unlocking mechanism of the electric vehicle battery replacement system of the present invention realizes the stable locking and unlocking of the battery tray in multiple directions by setting the Y-direction and XY-direction locks. The electric cylinder drives each lock for precise control, and the battery locking and unlocking operations can be automatically completed during the battery replacement process, greatly improving the efficiency and safety of battery replacement. The system is particularly suitable for multi-layer battery racks, which makes more efficient use of space and can adapt to batteries of different sizes, further improving the automation and applicability of electric vehicle battery replacement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this application. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the battery rack assembly structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 1a It is a structural schematic diagram of the battery rack assembly positioning device of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the palletizer of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustment frame of the palletizer of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of the anti-falling mechanism of the palletizer lifting mechanism of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anti-fall device of the palletizer lifting mechanism of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the side scissor assembly of the locking and unlocking mechanism;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the drag chain structure of the locking and unlocking mechanism;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the locking and unlocking mechanism of the present invention, showing the direction of movement of the locking and unlocking lock head in a top view;

[0030] Fig. 9 The back side layout of the top plate of the locking and unlocking mechanism of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9a This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the locking and unlocking mechanism of the present invention;

[0032] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the double-layer electric cylinder on the back side of the top plate of the locking and unlocking mechanism of the present invention;

[0033] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the middle four locks of the locking and unlocking mechanism of the present invention;

[0034] Fig.11a This is a partial enlarged view of the locking and unlocking mechanism of the present invention;

[0035] Fig.11b It is a schematic diagram of the two-layer frame structure of the present invention;

[0036] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of the water-electricity joint margin mechanism of the present invention;

[0037] Fig.12a It is a schematic diagram of the water-electricity joint margin mechanism of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 12b It is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the proximity switch of the water-electricity joint margin mechanism of the present invention.

[0039] In the figure:

[0040] 1. Battery rack; 11. Large battery; 12. Small battery; 21. Large battery positioning axis; 22. Small battery positioning axis; 3. Battery pad; 4. Palletizer; 41. Palletizer lifting frame; 42. Adjustment frame; 43. Support fork; 441. Electric cylinder I; 442. Electric cylinder mounting seat; 443. Push rod connecting block; 45. Guide rail VII; 46. Support fork telescopic motor reducer assembly; 47. Palletizer bracket; 49. Anti-drop device; 491. Anti-drop device mounting seat; 492. Anti-drop guide rail; 6. Locking and unlocking mechanism; 61. First layer board; 62. Second layer rack; 63. Z-axis lock; 64. Y-axis lock; 65. XY-axis lock; 66. Z-axis lifting plate; 67. Electric cylinder V; 671. Electric cylinder mounting seat; 68. Guide shaft ;69, electric cylinder III;610, guide rail III;611, electric cylinder IV;612, guide rail IV;613, electric cylinder VIII;614, guide rail VIII;615, Y-axis push plate;616, electromagnet;617, side scissors fork;618, fixed seat;619, sliding seat;620, guide rail VII;621, pin shaft II;622, drag chain;623, channel;7, water and electricity joint margin mechanism;71, guide rail V;72, slider III;73, guide rail VI;74, water and electricity joint upper and lower slide seats;75, water and electricity joint;76, slider IV;77, driving mechanism;78, cam positioning member;79, pin shaft I;710, water and electricity joint displacement column;711, displacement groove;712, proximity switch I;713, sensor sheet I. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following will be combined with the drawings in the examples of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0043] The terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first", "second", and "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0045] In order to solve the technical problem that the locking and unlocking mechanism in the prior art is difficult to adapt to batteries of different sizes and cannot be precisely controlled in multiple directions, the present application provides an electric vehicle battery replacement system, a locking and unlocking mechanism, and a battery replacement method.

[0046] See also Figure 1-Figure 1a In a possible embodiment, a battery rack assembly of an electric vehicle battery replacement system includes a battery rack 1 and a plurality of battery positioning devices. The battery rack 1 is a multi-layer structure, and a battery positioning device and a battery pad 3 are provided on each layer. The battery positioning device includes a large battery positioning shaft 21 and a small battery positioning shaft 22, which are respectively adapted to batteries 11 and 12 of different sizes or specifications and are installed on the battery rack 1. The battery pad 3 is installed on the battery rack 1, and is arranged corresponding to the battery positioning device, and is used to support the large battery 11 and the small battery 12.

[0047] The electric vehicle battery replacement system includes a battery rack 1 and a plurality of battery positioning devices. The battery rack 1 adopts a multi-layer structure, and each layer is provided with a battery positioning device and a battery pad 3. The battery positioning device is composed of a large battery positioning shaft 21 and a small battery positioning shaft 22, which are respectively suitable for batteries 11 and batteries 12 of different sizes or specifications. The battery positioning shafts 21 and 22 are installed on the battery rack 1 so that the battery can be stably installed and positioned. The battery pad 3 is installed on the battery rack 1 and is arranged corresponding to the battery positioning device to support the battery and ensure the stability of the battery during use.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the multi-layer structure design of the battery rack 1 enables the system to accommodate multiple batteries and adapt batteries of different sizes through different positioning devices. The large battery positioning axis 21 and the small battery positioning axis 22 are adapted to the battery according to their sizes, ensuring that the battery is stably fixed on the battery rack 1. The cooperation between the battery pad 3 and the battery positioning device can effectively support the battery, prevent the battery from shaking or shifting during use, and ensure the safety and stability of the battery in the operation of the electric vehicle.

[0049] The system design can adapt to batteries of various specifications, improving the convenience and adaptability of electric vehicle battery replacement. In addition, through the support of the battery pad 3, the stability of battery installation is further enhanced, the damage to the battery caused by vibration or impact is reduced, and the service life of the battery is extended.

[0050] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 In a possible embodiment, a palletizer 4 is further included. The palletizer 4 is arranged corresponding to the battery rack 1, and includes a palletizer lifting frame 41, an adjustment frame 42 installed on the palletizer lifting frame 41, a support fork 43, an electric cylinder I 441, a guide rail VII 45, and a support fork telescopic motor reducer assembly 46. Two support forks 43 are respectively installed on two adjustment frames 42, and the two adjustment frames 42 are respectively installed on the palletizer lifting frame 41 through the guide rail VII 45. The support fork telescopic motor reducer assembly 46 and the push rod of the electric cylinder I 441 are respectively connected to the two adjustment frames 42 through the push rod connecting block 443 to drive the two adjustment frames 42 to move toward or in the opposite direction to adjust the distance between the two support forks 43. The electric cylinder I 441 is installed on the palletizer lifting frame 41 through the electric cylinder mounting seat 442, and the push rod is connected to the adjustment frame 42 through the push rod connecting block 443.

[0051] The electric vehicle battery replacement system also includes a palletizer 4. The palletizer 4 is arranged corresponding to the battery rack 1, and specifically includes a palletizer lifting frame 41, an adjustment frame 42, a support fork 43, an electric cylinder I 44, a guide rail VII 45, and a support fork telescopic motor reducer assembly 46. Two support forks 43 are provided, which are installed on the adjustment frame 42, and the adjustment frame 42 is installed on the palletizer lifting frame 41 through the guide rail VII 45. The support fork telescopic motor reducer assembly 46 is installed on the adjustment frame 42 to drive the support fork 43 to be telescopic. The electric cylinder I 44 is connected to the adjustment frame 42 through the push rod connecting block 443, thereby driving the adjustment frame 42 to move horizontally to adjust the horizontal position of the two support forks 43. The electric cylinder I 44 is installed on the palletizer lifting frame 41 through the electric cylinder mounting seat 442, and the push rod is connected to the adjustment frame 42 through the push rod connecting block 443 to achieve the position adjustment of the support fork 43.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the palletizer 4 can be flexibly moved between different heights of the battery rack 1 through its lifting frame 41. The electric cylinder I 441 pushes the movement of the adjustment frame 42 through the push rod connecting block 443 to adjust the horizontal position of the fork. The fork telescopic motor reducer assembly 46 is installed on the adjustment frame 42 to drive the fork 43 to telescope so as to adjust the distance of the fork to extend; the structural arrangement of the electric cylinder I 441, the fork telescopic motor reducer assembly 46, the adjustment frame 42 and the fork 43 enables the system to accurately adjust the position of the fork and the distance of the fork to extend, so as to adapt to batteries or battery packs of different sizes.

[0053] The flexibility and precision of the palletizer system significantly improves the efficiency of battery replacement. By adjusting the spacing between the pallet forks, it can quickly adapt to batteries of different sizes, reducing the need for manual intervention and the risk of misoperation when installing or removing batteries.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the palletizer 4 further includes a palletizer support 47, and the palletizer lifting frame 41 is installed on the palletizer support 47 through a palletizer lifting mechanism, and the palletizer lifting mechanism drives the palletizer lifting frame 41 to move up and down along the palletizer support 47. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The anti-drop device 49 is installed on the palletizer lifting frame 41 through the anti-drop device mounting seat 491, and the anti-drop guide rail 492 is installed on the column of the palletizer bracket 47, which is consistent with the movement direction of the palletizer lifting frame 41 and extends along the column. When the palletizer lifting frame 41 reaches the set position below, the gap in the anti-drop device 49 will clamp the anti-drop guide rail 492 to prevent the palletizer lifting frame 41 from falling.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the palletizer lifting frame 41 can be freely adjusted at different heights through the palletizer lifting mechanism to ensure the convenience and accuracy of battery replacement. The anti-fall device 49 is designed to automatically lock when the lifting frame 41 reaches the set position to avoid accidental falling, thereby ensuring the safety of operation.

[0056] The system effectively prevents the lifting frame from accidentally falling through the anti-fall device, ensuring the safety of the operator. At the same time, the precise control of the lifting mechanism enables the palletizer 4 to efficiently replace batteries in various complex scenarios.

[0057] See also Figure 1 and Figure 6-Figure 9aThe electric vehicle battery replacement system also includes a locking and unlocking mechanism 6, which is arranged on the battery tray 56. The battery tray 56 includes a first layer plate 61 and a second layer frame 62, and the first layer plate 61 is installed above the second layer frame 62; the locking and unlocking mechanism 6 includes a Z-direction lock head 63, a Y-direction lock head 64 and an XY-direction lock head 65 passing through the first layer plate 61; wherein the Z-direction lock head 63 is installed on the second layer frame 62 on the back of the first layer plate 61 through an I-shaped Z-direction lifting plate 66, and an electric cylinder V 67 is installed on the back of the first layer plate 61 or the second layer frame 62, and the output shaft of the electric cylinder V 67 is connected to the Z-direction lifting plate 66, driving the Z-direction lifting plate 66 and the Z-direction lock head 63 thereon to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first layer plate 61; a guide shaft 68 is arranged on the Z-direction lifting plate 66, which passes through the first layer plate 61, and the Z-direction lifting plate 66 and the Z-direction lock head 63 thereon move along the guide shaft 68 Move up and down; an electric cylinder III 69, a guide rail III 610, an electric cylinder IV 611 and a guide rail IV 612 are arranged on the back of a layer plate 61, the output shaft of the electric cylinder IV 611 is connected to the XY direction lock head 65, the XY direction lock head 65 is connected to the guide rail IV 612 and can slide along the guide rail IV 612 under the push of the electric cylinder IV 611; the output shaft of the electric cylinder III 69 is connected to the guide rail IV 612, the guide rail IV 612 is installed on the guide rail III 610 and can be moved by the electric cylinder Pushed by Ⅲ69, it slides along guide rail Ⅲ610, and guide rail Ⅳ612 is perpendicular to guide rail Ⅲ610; an electric cylinder Ⅷ613, a guide rail Ⅷ614 and a Y-direction push plate 615 are arranged on the back of a layer plate 61, and the Y-direction lock head 64 is connected to the guide rail Ⅷ614 through the Y-direction push plate 615, and the output shaft of the electric cylinder Ⅷ613 is connected to the Y-direction push plate 615 and can push the Y-direction push plate 615 and the Y-direction lock head 64 connected thereto to slide along the guide rail Ⅷ614.

[0058] The locking and unlocking mechanism 6 realizes the automatic locking and unlocking function of the battery tray 56 through the lock heads in three directions (Z direction, Y direction and XY direction) and their corresponding electric cylinders and guide rail systems. The Z-direction lock head 63 moves up and down along the guide shaft 68 through the action of the electric cylinder V 67 to ensure that the battery tray 56 is locked or released in the vertical direction. The Y-direction lock head 64 and the XY-direction lock head 65 are pushed by the electric cylinder VIII 613 and the electric cylinder IV 611 respectively, and slide on the corresponding guide rails VIII 614 and IV 612 to achieve the locking or release of the battery tray 56 in the Y direction and XY direction. Through this multi-directional locking and unlocking design, the battery tray 56 can be firmly fixed in three-dimensional space, ensuring the safety and stability of the battery during the replacement process.

[0059] The locking and unlocking mechanism provides a multi-directional locking method to ensure the safety and reliability of the battery during installation and replacement. The multi-directional locking design not only enhances the battery fixation effect, but also improves the operating efficiency of the entire system.

[0060] In a possible implementation, there are four Z-direction locks 63, which are respectively arranged at the four ends of the I-shaped Z-direction lifting plate 66. The first layer plate 61 and the second layer frame 62 are connected by adsorption through electromagnets 616, and four electromagnets 616 are arranged.

[0061] In the above embodiment, there are four Z-direction locks 63, which are arranged at the four ends of the I-shaped Z-direction lifting plate 66, respectively, to ensure that the battery is locked at multiple points and improve the stability of the fixation. The electromagnet 616 provides additional adsorption force, and the first layer plate 61 and the second layer frame 62 are tightly connected together by electromagnetic adsorption, further enhancing the stability and safety of the overall structure.

[0062] This design effectively improves the fixing performance and operational safety of the system by increasing the number of Z-axis lock heads 63 and introducing electromagnetic adsorption connection. In particular, in application scenarios requiring higher strength and reliability, this design can provide a more stable and reliable battery fixing effect.

[0063] See also Figure 6 In a possible implementation, a set of side scissor fork components is provided between the first layer board 61 and the second layer frame 62, and the component includes two side scissor forks 617, two fixed seats 618, two sliding seats 619 and two guide rails 620. The two side scissor forks 617 cross in an X shape, and are fixed to the first layer board 61 and the second layer frame 62 through the fixed seats 618 respectively, and the other ends are connected to the guide rails 620 through the sliding seats 619, and the guide rails 620 are installed on the first layer board 61 and the second layer frame 62.

[0064] The side scissor assembly provides additional support and adjustment functions for the first layer plate 61 and the second layer frame 62 through an X-shaped structure. During the installation and removal of the first layer plate of the battery, the side scissor assembly can withstand the gravity of the first layer plate and guide it to move smoothly. Through the sliding of the sliding seat 619 on the guide rail 620, the side scissor assembly can achieve flexible adjustment of the first layer plate to ensure stability and precise positioning during the battery replacement process.

[0065] In another embodiment, the number and size of the side scissor assembly can be adjusted according to the weight and size of a layer of battery plates. The design of the guide rail 620 and the sliding seat 619 can also be optimized as needed, and more durable or corrosion-resistant materials can be selected to adapt to applications in harsh environments.

[0066] In a possible implementation, two sets of side scissor fork assemblies are provided, which are respectively arranged in parallel on opposite sides of the first layer plate 61 and the second layer frame 62. The two sets of side scissor fork assemblies can provide support and adjustment functions for the battery tray at different positions, thereby achieving stable movement and locking of the first layer plate of the battery.

[0067] Two sets of side scissor fork assemblies are installed on opposite sides of the battery tray. This parallel setting further increases the stability and load-bearing capacity of the tray. During the battery replacement process, the side scissor fork assembly can not only support the tray, but also adjust the height and position of the tray in both vertical and horizontal directions to ensure that the first layer of the battery can be locked or unlocked smoothly.

[0068] In a possible implementation, the two side scissor forks 617 are connected at the X-shaped center by a pin II 621. The pin 621 enables the side scissor forks 617 to be flexibly extended and adjusted through the rotation function of the center point, thereby enhancing the mobility of the support plate.

[0069] The X-shaped structure of the side scissor fork 617 is connected by a pin 621, allowing the side scissor fork to rotate around the pin, providing stable adjustment capability in the up and down direction of a layer of plate. During the battery replacement process, when a layer of plate moves up and down, the pin 621 allows the side scissor fork assembly to automatically adjust according to the height change of a layer of plate, maintaining the balance and stability of a layer of plate.

[0070] See also Figure 7 In a possible implementation, the locking and unlocking mechanism further includes a drag chain 622, which is disposed between the first layer board 61 and the second layer frame 62 and is used to lay cables of the motor and the switchgear. A hole 623 is provided in the drag chain 622, and the cables are laid and protected through the hole 623 to ensure the safety and reliability of the cables during the movement of the first layer board.

[0071] The drag chain 622 connects the first layer board 61 and the second layer frame 62 through its flexible design, and the channel 623 is used to accommodate the cables of the motor and the switchgear. During the movement of the first layer board of the battery, the drag chain 622 moves with the movement of the first layer board to ensure that the cables will not be damaged or broken due to the movement of the first layer board. At the same time, the channel 623 provides good cable protection to prevent the external environment from damaging the cables.

[0072] See also Fig.12 and Fig.12a In a possible implementation, it also includes a water-electric connector margin mechanism 7 installed between or on the layers of the battery rack 1 corresponding to the battery charging port, the water-electric connector margin mechanism 7 includes a guide rail V71 installed on the column of the battery rack 1, a slider III72 installed on the guide rail V71, and a guide rail VI73 installed on the slider III72 through a water-electric connector upper and lower slide seat 74. The guide rail VI73 is horizontally arranged, and the water-electric connector 75 is installed on the guide rail VI73 through a slider IV76. The driving mechanism 77 drives the water-electric connector upper and lower slide seat 74 or the slider III72 to slide up and down along the guide rail V71.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the water-electricity connector margin mechanism 7 realizes the precise positioning of the water-electricity connector 75 through the guide rail system installed on the column of the battery rack 1. The combined design of the slider III 72, the guide rail V 71 and the guide rail VI 73 enables the water-electricity connector 75 to slide freely in both the up and down and horizontal directions, so as to accurately dock with the charging port of the battery. The driving mechanism 77 realizes the precise adjustment of docking by controlling the movement of the upper and lower slide seat 74 or the slider III 72 of the water-electricity connector.

[0074] This design effectively improves the efficiency and reliability of battery charging by precisely controlling the position of the water-electricity connector. The multi-directional sliding function of the water-electricity connector margin mechanism ensures a smooth docking process, reduces errors, and improves the automation of the system.

[0075] See also Figure 12b In a possible implementation, the water-electricity joint margin mechanism 7 further includes: a proximity switch I 712, mounted on a column of the battery rack 1; a sensor sheet I 713, mounted on upper and lower slide seats 74 of the water-electricity joint, and sliding up and down along the guide rail V 71 with the slide seat.

[0076] When the induction sheet I713 contacts the proximity switch I712, the proximity switch I712 is triggered and sends a signal to the control system to confirm that the water and electricity connector 75 is aligned with the battery charging port.

[0077] The induction sheet I 713 moves on the guide rail V 71 along with the water and electricity connector slide 74. When it contacts the predetermined position, the induction sheet I 713 cooperates with the proximity switch I 712 to trigger the control system to stop the sliding operation. This design ensures that the water and electricity connector 75 is accurately docked with the battery charging port to avoid docking errors.

[0078] In a possible embodiment, the electric vehicle battery replacement system also includes a water-electric connector margin mechanism corresponding to the battery charging port installed between or on the battery rack layers. The margin mechanism includes a guide rail V installed on the battery rack column, a slider III installed on the guide rail V, and a guide rail VI installed on the slider III through an upper and lower slide seat of the water-electric connector. The guide rail VI is horizontally arranged, and the water-electric connector is installed on the guide rail VI through a slider IV. The driving mechanism drives the upper and lower slide seats of the water-electric connector or the slider III to slide up and down along the guide rail V. The slider III is connected to a horizontally arranged cam positioning member, and the other end of the cam positioning member is placed in the displacement groove of the water-electric connector displacement column through a pin shaft. The displacement groove includes two sections of connected grooves, and the spacing between the two sections of the connected grooves and the guide rail V is different. The different spacings of the two sections of the grooves correspond to the charging ports of two batteries of different sizes.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the slider III is connected to the horizontally arranged cam positioning member, and through the operation of the driving mechanism, the slider III slides up and down along the guide rail V. As the slider III moves, the cam positioning member pushes the water-electricity connector displacement column to move in the displacement groove through the pin shaft, and the two-section connected groove design of the displacement groove enables the water-electricity connector to automatically adjust its position according to the different sizes of the battery, thereby achieving accurate docking with the charging port of batteries of different sizes.

[0080] The design uses the two-stage structure of the displacement slot to achieve automatic adaptability of the water-electric connector to batteries of different sizes, greatly improving the versatility and compatibility of the system. Regardless of the size of the battery, the system can be accurately docked, avoiding the tedious steps of manual adjustment and improving charging efficiency and safety.

[0081] In a possible implementation, a method for charging electric vehicle batteries of different specifications is provided, using any electric vehicle replacement battery system. The method comprises the following steps:

[0082] Control the feeding battery to move between or on the layers of the battery rack, and control the large battery positioning axis or the small battery positioning axis to position the feeding battery according to the model of the feeding battery.

[0083] Control the Z-axis lock, the Y-axis lock and the XY-axis lock to lock the feed battery.

[0084] According to the model of the feeding battery, the control driving mechanism drives the slider III or the upper and lower slide seats of the water-electricity connector to keep it stationary or move it downward, so that the water-electricity connector is docked with the charging port of the feeding battery.

[0085] The battery replacement method is based on the above-mentioned electric vehicle battery replacement system and includes the following steps:

[0086] Control the movement of the feed battery:

[0087] The system moves the battery that needs to be replaced to the interlayer or a certain layer of the battery rack. The models of different batteries are identified by the control system.

[0088] Battery Positioning and Locking:

[0089] According to the model of the feeding battery, the system controls the large battery positioning axis 21 or the small battery positioning axis 22 to adapt the battery to ensure that the battery is accurately positioned. After positioning, the Z-axis lock 63, the Y-axis lock 64 and the XY-axis lock 65 lock the feeding battery in turn to achieve multi-directional fixation of the battery.

[0090] Slide docking charging port:

[0091] According to the battery model and the position requirements of the charging port, the driving mechanism 77 drives the slider III 72 or the upper and lower slide seats 74 of the water and electricity connector to move to the appropriate position along the guide rail V 71. After the sliding is completed, the water and electricity connector 75 is accurately docked with the battery charging port.

[0092] Charging status detection and feedback:

[0093] When the water and electricity connector 75 is successfully connected to the battery charging port, the induction sheet I 713 contacts the proximity switch I 712 as the slide seat 74 slides, triggering the control system to send a signal to confirm the connection status. At this time, the system can start charging or replacing the feed battery according to the feedback information.

[0094] This method achieves accurate positioning and charging docking of batteries of different specifications through automated control, effectively reducing the errors and time of manual operation, improving charging efficiency and the intelligence of the system. At the same time, the multi-directional locking design ensures the safety of the charging process and reduces the risk of charging failure caused by vibration or unstable connection of the battery.

[0095] Some other embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

[0096] 1. Battery rack

[0097] 1. The battery rack is equipped with two battery positioning devices. The positions of different batteries are adjusted by the palletizer, so that the batteries are placed on two positioning shafts. The positioning shafts are installed on the battery rack by screws, so that the battery rack can be compatible with both large and small batteries and charge the batteries. Figure 1 .

[0098] 2. Palletizer

[0099] 1. The palletizer's fork is equipped with a fork displacement mechanism. During the process of lifting the fork, the electric cylinder pushes the fork on the adjustment frame to achieve displacement adjustment of the fork perpendicular to the extension direction and the vertical direction. The entire extension mechanism of the two forks is placed on the adjustment frame, and the electric cylinder pushes the adjustment frame to ensure that the spacing between the forks remains unchanged while achieving short-distance movement. Figure 2 and Figure 3 By adjusting the rack displacement, the two types of batteries are placed so that their charging ports are in the same position, distinguishing the 5.1 water-electricity joint margin mechanism. This solution is to adapt the mobile battery to the fixed water-electricity joint position.

[0100] 2. The palletizer lifting mechanism is equipped with a new anti-fall device. An anti-fall guide rail is installed on the palletizer column and placed in the middle gap of the anti-fall device. If the lifting mechanism fails and falls due to synchronous belt breakage or other reasons, the anti-fall device clamps the anti-fall guide rail to prevent the lifting frame from falling, thus improving the safety of the palletizer operation and the emergency handling capability. Figure 4 Figure 5 .

[0101] 3. Unlock

[0102] 1. The locking and unlocking mechanism can adapt to two types of batteries of different sizes. The locking and unlocking lock head is pushed by the electric cylinder to move, so as to realize the locking and unlocking operation for two types of batteries of different sizes. When removing and installing a small battery, the locking and unlocking joint moves inward under the push of the electric cylinder. When removing and installing a large battery, the locking and unlocking joint moves to the outer edge. Figure 8 The back side of the unlocking layer is equipped with an electric cylinder to drive the guide rail slider mechanism, which is connected to the unlocking lock head through a push plate. It is suitable for loading and unloading two types of batteries, large and small. At the same time, four electromagnets are arranged to ensure that the unlocking top layer will not deviate during operation. Fig. 9 At the same time, in order to realize the removal and installation of the large battery, the two corner locks move in the "L" direction (XY direction), and two layers of electric cylinders are arranged to push and control their movement in two directions and reach the specified position. Fig.10 .

[0103] When the locking and unlocking lock is working, the lock moves to a position suitable for the corresponding battery and is lifted by the electric cylinder. The four middle locks are lifted at the same time by the electric cylinder connected to the Z-axis lifting plate, saving internal space for locking and unlocking. Then the 12 locks are used for locking and unlocking operations.

[0104] 2. The four locking and unlocking heads are connected through an "I"-shaped Z-direction lifting plate. The Z-direction lifting plate determines the Z-direction movement direction through two guide shafts, and is connected to the top plate through the electric cylinder and the electric cylinder mounting seat. The electric cylinder is used to realize the lifting of the four locking and unlocking heads. Fig.11 .

[0105] 4. Water and electricity joint margin mechanism

[0106] 1. The water and electricity joint is equipped with a margin mechanism. Fig.12 and Fig.12a When charging, by controlling the falling distance of the water and electricity connector and the extending distance of the water and electricity connector, it can be suitable for charging the two batteries placed on the battery rack. This solution is suitable for the case where the palletizer mobile adjustment rack is not included, that is, case 2.1, and the position of the water and electricity connector is moved to adapt to the two sizes of batteries.

[0107] As another implementation method, the battery swapping process and mechanism of the battery swapping station are described as follows;

[0108] The battery swapping system of the battery swapping station of the present invention is used to reduce the occupied volume of the battery swapping station without reducing the battery swapping time. The prior art includes:

[0109] 1. The battery swap station is equipped with a cache position for the removed batteries. After the feed battery removed from the vehicle is placed in the cache position, the fully charged battery is moved from the docking position to the RGV, and then the fully charged battery is installed on the vehicle. It is best to move the cache position battery to the battery compartment.

[0110] Disadvantages of prior art 1: The cache position temporarily takes up more space, and the box of the power station also needs to be larger;

[0111] 2. Cancel the docking position, put the checked batteries into the battery compartment, and then move a new battery to the RGV;

[0112] Disadvantages of existing technology 2: The battery replacement time is too long. After the battery on the car is disassembled, it needs to be sent to the battery compartment first, and then another battery is moved, which adds more time and is not good for the customer experience.

[0113] The present invention describes a battery replacement process and mechanism, which eliminates the cache position, reduces the area occupied by the battery replacement station and the size of the box, and adopts a double-layer design from the docking position to the RGV transportation mechanism. Before the battery replacement, a fully charged battery is prepared on the lower layer, and the removed feeding battery is moved from the RGV to the upper layer, and the feeding battery is transported from the upper layer to the docking position, and the fully charged battery is transported from the lower layer to the RGV.

[0114] A1 and A2, B1 and B2 are two groups of battery lifting mechanisms, with upper and lower layers, which reciprocate left and right on the slide rails through belts;

[0115] A1 and A2 are responsible for transporting the dismantled old batteries, while B1 and B2 are responsible for transporting the fully charged new batteries to be installed.

[0116] First, place the fully charged new battery on B1B2, move A1 and A2 to the removed feeding battery, lift the battery, then move A1A2 to the right and B1B2 to the left synchronously; the two sets of lifting mechanisms move synchronously to reduce the time of transportation; after the battery replacement is completed, move the A1A2 battery to the battery rack, A1A2 to the left, and B1B2 to the right to return to the origin.

[0117] 1. This solution adopts a two-layer conveying mechanism design, which reduces the cache space without reducing the battery replacement speed, reducing the cost of the battery replacement station while retaining the battery replacement experience; a double-layer conveying mechanism is adopted, and the conveying mechanism is in the form of a battery replacement cart instead of a double-layer conveyor belt; the battery is transported by lifting and moving.

[0118] Finally, it should be noted that: the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0119] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present application rather than to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, ordinary technicians in the relevant field should understand that the specific implementation methods of the present application can still be modified or some technical features can be replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit of the technical solution of the present application, which should be included in the scope of the technical solution requested for protection in the present application.

Claims

1. A locking and unlocking mechanism for an electric vehicle battery replacement system, characterized in that: The locking and unlocking mechanism (6) is arranged on a battery support plate, and the battery support plate is arranged on each layer of the battery rack (1); the battery support plate comprises a first layer plate (61) and a second layer rack (62), and the first layer plate (61) is installed above the second layer rack (62); The locking and unlocking mechanism (6) comprises a Y-direction locking head (64) and an XY-direction locking head (65) passing through a layer of plate (61); An electric cylinder III (69), a guide rail III (610), an electric cylinder IV (611) and a guide rail IV (612) are arranged on the back of a layer plate (61); the output shaft of the electric cylinder IV (611) is connected to an XY-direction lock head (65); the XY-direction lock head (65) is connected to the guide rail IV (612) and can slide along the guide rail IV (612) under the push of the electric cylinder IV (611); An electric cylinder VIII (613), a guide rail VIII (614) and a Y-direction push plate (615) are arranged on the back of a layer plate (61); the Y-direction lock head (64) is connected to the guide rail VIII (614) through the Y-direction push plate (615); the output shaft of the electric cylinder VIII (613) is connected to the Y-direction push plate (615) and can push the Y-direction push plate (615) and the Y-direction lock head (64) connected thereto to slide along the guide rail VIII (614).

2. An electric vehicle battery replacement system, comprising the locking and unlocking mechanism of the electric vehicle battery replacement system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A battery rack (1), the battery rack (1) is a multi-layer structure; A water-electricity joint margin mechanism (7) corresponding to the battery charging port is installed between or on the layers of the battery rack (1), and the water-electricity joint margin mechanism (7) is installed on a column of the battery rack (1); The water-electricity joint margin mechanism (7) comprises: a guide rail V (71) mounted on a battery rack column, the guide rail V (71) slides up and down along the battery rack column; a guide rail VI (73) connected to the guide rail V (71), the guide rail VI (73) is arranged horizontally, and the water-electricity joint (75) is mounted on the guide rail VI (73) and can slide horizontally along the guide rail VI (73).

3. The electric vehicle battery replacement system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The slider III (72) is mounted on the guide rail V (71), the guide rail VI (73) is mounted on the slider III (72) through the upper and lower slide seats (74) of the water and electricity joint, the guide rail VI (73) is arranged horizontally, and the water and electricity joint (75) is mounted on the guide rail VI (73) through the slider IV (76); the driving mechanism (77) drives the upper and lower slide seats (74) of the water and electricity joint or the slider III (72) to slide up and down along the guide rail V (71); the slider III (72) is connected to a horizontally arranged cam positioning member (78), the other end of the cam positioning member (78) is placed in a displacement groove (711) of a water and electricity joint displacement column (710) through a pin shaft (79), and the displacement groove (711) includes two sections of connected grooves, the two sections of the connected grooves have different spacings to the guide rail V (71), and the different spacings at the two ends correspond to charging ports of two batteries of different sizes.

4. The electric vehicle battery replacement system according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a plurality of battery positioning devices, with each layer of the battery rack (1) being provided with a battery positioning device and a battery cushion block (3); The battery positioning device comprises a large battery positioning shaft (21) and a small battery positioning shaft (22). The large battery positioning shaft (21) and the small battery positioning shaft (22) are mounted on the battery rack (1) and are respectively adapted to large batteries (11) and small batteries (12) of different sizes or specifications.

5. The electric vehicle battery replacement system according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: The battery cushion block (3) is mounted on the battery rack (1) and is arranged corresponding to the battery positioning device, and is used to support the battery.

6. The electric vehicle battery replacement system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The water and electricity joint margin mechanism (7) also includes: A proximity switch I (712) is mounted on a column of the battery rack (1); Induction sheet I (713), mounted on upper and lower slide seats (74) of the water and electricity joint; When the induction sheet I (713) slides up and down along the guide rail V (76) along with the water and electricity joint upper and lower slide seat (74) until it contacts the proximity switch I (712), the proximity switch I (712) is triggered to send a signal to the control system.

7. The electric vehicle battery replacement system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water and electricity connector (75) corresponds to the charging port of the large battery or the small battery.

8. The electric vehicle battery replacement system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The locking and unlocking mechanism (6) also includes a Z-direction locking head (63) passing through a layer of plates (61); wherein the Z-direction locking head (63) is mounted on an I-shaped Z-direction lifting plate (66) on the back of the layer of plates (61); an electric cylinder V (67) is mounted on the back of the layer of plates (61) via an electric cylinder mounting seat (671); an output shaft of the electric cylinder V (67) is connected to the Z-direction lifting plate (66), driving the Z-direction lifting plate (66) and the Z-direction locking head (63) thereon to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the layer of plates (61).

9. A battery replacement method, using the electric vehicle battery replacement system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The steps include: Control the feed battery to move between or on the battery rack layers, and control the large battery positioning axis or the small battery positioning axis to position the feed battery according to the model of the feed battery; Control the Z-axis lock, Y-axis lock and XY-axis lock to lock the feed battery; According to the model of the feeding battery, the control driving mechanism drives the slider III or the upper and lower slide seats of the water-electricity connector to remain stationary or move downward, so that the water-electricity connector is connected to the charging port of the feeding battery.

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