Charging bin and battery swap station

Abstract

The invention discloses a charging bin and a battery swap station, the charging bin comprises a charging rack, a first transmission device, a second transmission device and a lifting mechanism, and the charging rack is provided with a charging station; the first conveying device is used for conveying the batteries between the battery replacing station and the charging rack, the lifting mechanism is used for transferring the batteries between the charging station of the charging rack and the first conveying device, and the second conveying device is used for conveying the batteries to leave the charging station or enter the charging station. With the adoption of the battery charging device, the battery on the lifting mechanism can be conveyed to the charging station through the second conveying device, or the battery in the charging station can be conveyed to the lifting mechanism; therefore, the battery is transmitted between the battery changing station and the charging station, the second transmission device is located in the charging station, the battery can be transmitted and the position of the battery can be adjusted in the charging station, the flexibility of battery transmission is improved, the accuracy of butt joint of the battery and an electric connector in a charging bin can be improved, and the charging efficiency is improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a division of a Chinese invention patent with an application date of March 4, 2021, application number CN202110242115.1, and name “Charging Warehouse and Battery Swap Station”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of battery replacement, and in particular to a charging warehouse and a battery replacement station. Background Art

[0003] New energy vehicles are becoming more and more popular among consumers. The energy used by new energy vehicles is basically electricity. New energy vehicles need to be charged after the electricity is used up. Due to the limitations of current battery technology and charging technology, it takes a long time to fully charge new energy vehicles, which is not as simple and fast as refueling cars directly. Therefore, in order to reduce the waiting time of users, replacing the battery when the power of new energy vehicles is running out is an effective means.

[0004] Currently, the batteries of electric vehicles are replaced at battery swap stations. If the battery needs to be replaced quickly, the battery swap equipment will remove the low-charged battery from the electric vehicle and transport it to the lifting mechanism in the charging area, and the lifting mechanism will then transport the battery to be replaced to the battery charging rack; the lifting mechanism will take the fully charged battery from the battery charging rack and place it on the battery swap equipment, and the battery swap equipment will transport the fully charged battery from the charging area to the predetermined position in the battery swap area and install it on the electric vehicle.

[0005] The existing lifting mechanism usually includes a protruding portion, the battery is placed above the protruding portion, and the protruding portion can extend into the battery compartment, so as to transfer the battery into the battery compartment. However, when the battery is transferred in this way, the final placement position of the battery in the battery compartment often deviates, resulting in the inability to accurately align the electrical connection device in the battery compartment with the battery, and also causing the protruding portion to be difficult to accurately match the battery when the lifting mechanism takes the battery out of the battery compartment, thereby reducing the battery replacement efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect in the prior art that the placement position of the battery in the charging bin is easily deviated from the preset position, resulting in the inability to accurately align the electrical connector with the battery, and to provide a charging bin and a battery swap station.

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

[0008] A charging warehouse, characterized in that the charging warehouse comprises a charging rack, a first transmission device, a second transmission device and a lifting mechanism, and the charging rack has a charging station;

[0009] The first transmission device is used to transmit the battery between the battery replacement station and the charging rack, the lifting mechanism is used to transfer the battery between the charging station of the charging rack and the first transmission device, and the second transmission device is used to transmit the battery away from the charging station or into the charging station.

[0010] In this solution, the first transmission device can be used to transfer the battery removed from the electric vehicle or the battery to be installed on the electric vehicle between the battery swap station and the charging rack; the lifting mechanism can transfer the battery between the corresponding charging station of the charging rack and the first transmission device; and the second transmission device can be used to transfer the battery on the lifting mechanism to the charging station, or transfer the battery in the charging station to the lifting mechanism; thus, the battery can be transferred between the battery swap station and the charging station, and the second transmission device is located in the charging station, which can transfer and adjust the position of the battery in the charging station, improve the flexibility of battery transmission, and also improve the accuracy of the connection between the battery and the electrical connector in the charging compartment, thereby improving the charging efficiency. At the same time, it can be applied to the charging positioning of multiple types of batteries.

[0011] Preferably, the second transmission device is a roller transmission unit, which is used to move the battery into the charging station for charging along a second transmission direction, or to move the battery out of the charging station along a direction opposite to the second transmission direction. The second transmission direction refers to the direction in which the battery enters the charging station from the entrance of the charging station, and the direction opposite to the second transmission direction refers to the direction in which the battery moves from the charging station to the entrance of the charging station.

[0012] In this solution, the roller transfer unit can transfer the battery from the inlet and outlet of the charging station to the charging station, or transfer the battery in the charging station to the inlet and outlet, and then transfer it to the first transfer device through the lifting mechanism.

[0013] Preferably, a deceleration control mechanism is provided on the charging station, for controlling the moving speed of the battery to decrease to a first deceleration threshold after the battery moves a preset distance on the charging station along the second transmission direction.

[0014] In this solution, the deceleration control mechanism can control the moving speed of the battery according to the moving distance of the battery on the charging station, so that the battery is decelerated to a first deceleration threshold, so that the battery can be stably docked in the charging station.

[0015] Preferably, the deceleration control mechanism is a first sensor, a first detection element is provided on the battery, and the first sensor is used to detect the first detection element and send a detection signal to a control unit to control the roller transmission unit to reduce the rotation speed.

[0016] Preferably, a limit control mechanism is provided on the charging station, and the limit control mechanism is used to limit the movement of the battery beyond a preset position along the second transmission direction on the charging station.

[0017] In this solution, the limit position of the battery along the second transmission direction at the charging station can be controlled by the limit control mechanism, so that the battery can be docked at a preset position for easy alignment with the electrical connector or alignment with the electrical connector through adjustment.

[0018] Preferably, the limit control mechanism is a stopper or a limit control sensor.

[0019] Preferably, a first in-place detection sensor is provided on the charging station, and the first in-place detection sensor is used to send an in-place signal to the control unit to stop the rotation of the roller transmission unit after the battery moves into position along the second transmission direction on the second transmission device.

[0020] In this solution, the first in-position detection sensor can detect whether the battery has moved into position on the second transmission device in the second transmission direction, thereby controlling the roller transmission unit to stop rotating, so that the battery stops moving and is located in the charging station for subsequent charging operations.

[0021] Preferably, a position detection sensor is provided on the charging station, and the position detection sensor is used to obtain a position signal of the battery and send the position signal to a control unit to adjust the roller transmission unit so that the battery is aligned with the electrical connector.

[0022] In this solution, the position of the battery on the charging station can be detected by a position detection sensor, so that adjustments can be made according to the actual position of the battery and the position of the electrical connector, so that the charging port on the battery is aligned with the electrical connector, thereby improving the accuracy of the fit and the charging efficiency.

[0023] Preferably, the roller transmission unit comprises a mounting bracket and a roller, both ends of the roller are mounted on the mounting bracket, and the transmission surface of the roller is higher than the surface of the mounting bracket. The transmission surface of the roller refers to the surface formed when the battery is arranged on the roller and the roller transmits the battery.

[0024] In this solution, the roller can be installed on the mounting bracket, and the transmission surface of the roller is higher than the surface of the mounting bracket, so that the battery can be set on the roller and move with the rotation of the roller, and the surface of the bottom of the battery in contact with the roller is higher than the surface of the mounting bracket, thereby avoiding wear of the bottom of the battery by the mounting bracket during the movement of the battery.

[0025] Preferably, the plurality of rollers are evenly spaced, and a distance between two adjacent rollers is less than half of a width of the battery.

[0026] In this solution, the transmission stability and safety of the battery are improved, and the battery can be prevented from tipping over and falling from the area between the rollers during the transmission process.

[0027] Preferably, the charging station is provided with a third transmission device, the third transmission device is used to move the battery along a third transmission direction until it docks with the electrical connector, and the third transmission direction is perpendicular to the second transmission direction. The third transmission direction refers to the direction in which the battery moves toward the electrical connector to dock with the electrical connector.

[0028] In this solution, the battery is moved along the third transmission direction by the third transmission device so that the battery and the electrical connector are docked for charging; the battery can also be moved in a direction opposite to the third transmission direction so that the battery and the electrical connector are disconnected. The third transmission direction can be a direction perpendicular to the second transmission direction, so that the position of the battery in the charging station is adjusted in two directions so that the battery and the electrical connector can be accurately docked for charging.

[0029] Preferably, a second in-place detection sensor is provided on the electrical connector, and a second in-place detection element is provided on the battery, and the second in-place detection sensor is used to stop the movement of the third transmission device when the battery moves into position along the third transmission direction.

[0030] In this solution, the moving position of the battery can be detected by the second in-position detection sensor, so that when the battery is moved to a position such as a position docking with an electrical connector, the battery can be stopped from moving further.

[0031] Preferably, the third transmission device is respectively arranged on both sides of the second transmission device along the second transmission direction.

[0032] In this solution, along the second transmission direction, there are third transmission devices on both sides of the second transmission device, so that both ends of the battery can be supported and moved for transmission, thereby improving the stability of battery movement.

[0033] Preferably, the second transmission device has an avoidance area, and the third transmission device is arranged in the avoidance area.

[0034] In this solution, an avoidance area is provided in the second transmission device, so as to facilitate the lifting and lowering of the third transmission device in the avoidance area, so that the second transmission device and the third transmission device can respectively transport and move the battery, and adjust the position of the battery in the charging station along the second transmission direction and the third transmission direction.

[0035] Preferably, when the battery moves along the second transmission direction or moves out in the direction opposite to the second transmission direction, the transmission surface of the third transmission device is lower than or equal to the transmission surface of the second transmission device. The transmission surface of the third transmission device and the transmission surface of the second transmission device refer to the surfaces formed by the third transmission device and the second transmission device when transmitting the battery, respectively.

[0036] In this solution, the transmission surface of the third transmission device is not higher than the transmission surface of the second transmission device, so that the battery can be located on the transmission surface of the second transmission device and move under the action of the second transmission device, thereby avoiding the third transmission device interfering with the movement of the battery when the battery moves on the surface of the second transmission device.

[0037] Preferably, the third transmission device has a lifting part, which is used to lift the battery in a vertical direction until it is aligned with the electrical connector; after the battery stops moving on the second transmission device, the third transmission device drives the battery to move in a horizontal or vertical direction until it docks with the electrical connector.

[0038] In this solution, the third transmission device has a lifting part, through which the horizontal transmission component on the third transmission device can be lifted and lowered, thereby driving the battery to be lifted and lowered; therefore, when the second transmission device is needed to transmit the battery, the third transmission device can be located below the second transmission device; when the third transmission device is needed to transmit the battery, the horizontal transmission component of the third transmission device is vertically moved to the height aligned with the electrical connector under the action of the lifting part, and then the battery is transmitted to the electrical connector for docking through the horizontal transmission component of the third transmission device.

[0039] Therefore, the horizontal transmission components and the lifting parts of the second transmission device and the third transmission device can realize the movement of the battery in three dimensions in the charging station, thereby improving the docking accuracy between the battery and the electrical connector.

[0040] Preferably, the third transmission device is a belt transmission device or a chain transmission device.

[0041] Preferably, the charging station is provided with a position adjustment mechanism for the electric connector, and the position adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the position of the electric connector in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

[0042] In this solution, the position of the electrical connector can be adjusted by the position adjustment mechanism, so that the electrical connector can be aligned with the battery.

[0043] Preferably, the position adjustment mechanism is one or more of an electric drive component, a pneumatic drive component, a hydraulic drive component, a lead screw and an airbag.

[0044] Preferably, a retaining member is provided on the charging station, and the retaining member is used to limit the battery from moving in a direction opposite to the third transmission direction when the battery is docked with the electrical connector.

[0045] In this solution, by providing a stopper on the charging station, it is possible to prevent the battery from retreating due to an instantaneous impact when docking with the electrical connector in the third transmission direction, thereby preventing the electrical connection effect from being affected.

[0046] Preferably, the stop member is a stopper.

[0047] Preferably, the battery transfer unit is provided on the lifting mechanism, and the battery transfer unit is a roller transmission unit or an extension mechanism, and the battery transfer unit is used to move the battery into or out of the lifting mechanism.

[0048] In the present solution, the battery transfer unit can enable the lifting mechanism to transfer batteries between the first transmission device and the second transmission device. Specifically, when the lifting mechanism moves in the vertical direction to a horizontal position relative to the first transmission device, the battery transfer unit can move the batteries transferred from the first transmission device to the lifting mechanism, and move the batteries vertically along with the lifting mechanism to the corresponding charging station; when the lifting mechanism moves to the corresponding charging station, the battery transfer unit can transfer the batteries to the second transmission device in the corresponding charging station, and move the batteries to the charging station through the transmission of the second transmission device.

[0049] Preferably, the first transmission device is a roller transmission unit, which is used to transmit the battery along the second transmission direction or the first transmission direction, and the first transmission direction is opposite to the second transmission direction.

[0050] In this solution, the second transmission direction refers to the direction in which the battery enters the charging station from the entrance and exit of the charging station, and the first transmission direction refers to the direction in which the battery moves from the battery replacement station to the charging rack. Depending on the position of the charging rack relative to the lifting mechanism, the first transmission direction is opposite to the second transmission direction, or it can be the same; thus making the transmission path simpler and the transmission more efficient.

[0051] Preferably, the charging warehouse also includes a control unit, which is used to control at least one of the first transmission device, the second transmission device, the lifting mechanism and the third transmission device to perform corresponding actions.

[0052] Preferably, the first sensor, the limit control sensor, the first in-place detection sensor, the position detection sensor and the second in-place detection sensor are at least one of an infrared sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a visual sensor or a fiber optic sensor.

[0053] A battery swap station, characterized in that the battery swap station comprises a battery swap warehouse, a battery swap device and a charging warehouse as described above;

[0054] The charging warehouse includes a first transmission device and a second transmission device. A battery exchange station is provided in the battery exchange warehouse. The first transmission device transmits the battery between the charging warehouse and the battery exchange station. The battery exchange equipment is used to install the battery located at the battery exchange station on the electric vehicle, or to remove the battery from the electric vehicle.

[0055] In this solution, the battery on the electric vehicle can be disassembled and assembled through the battery exchange equipment in the battery exchange station, and the battery removed from the electric vehicle or the battery to be installed on the electric vehicle can be transferred between the battery exchange station and the charging rack through the first transmission device; the lifting mechanism can transfer the battery between the corresponding charging station of the charging rack and the first transmission device; and, the battery on the lifting mechanism can be transferred into the charging station, or the battery in the charging station can be transferred to the lifting mechanism through the second transmission device; thereby realizing the transmission of the battery between the battery exchange station and the charging station, and the second transmission device is located in the charging station, and can transfer and adjust the position of the battery in the charging station, thereby improving the flexibility of battery transmission, and can also improve the accuracy of the connection between the battery and the electrical connector in the charging compartment, thereby improving the charging efficiency.

[0056] Preferably, the battery replacement station has the first transmission device on both sides along the first transmission direction;

[0057] The first transmission device on one side is used to transfer the disassembled low-charge battery to the charging warehouse; the first transmission device on the other side is used to transfer the fully charged battery to be installed to the battery replacement station, so that the battery replacement equipment can install the fully charged battery on the electric vehicle.

[0058] The positive and progressive effects of the present invention are: the first transmission device can be used to transmit the battery removed from the electric vehicle or the battery to be installed on the electric vehicle between the battery swap station and the charging rack; the lifting mechanism can transfer the battery between the corresponding charging station of the charging rack and the first transmission device; and the second transmission device can be used to transmit the battery on the lifting mechanism into the charging station, or the battery in the charging station can be transmitted to the lifting mechanism; thus, the battery can be transmitted between the battery swap station and the charging station, and the second transmission device is located in the charging station, which can transmit and adjust the position of the battery in the charging station, improve the flexibility of battery transmission, and also improve the accuracy of the connection between the battery and the electrical connector in the charging compartment, and improve the charging efficiency. At the same time, it can be applied to the charging positioning of multiple models of batteries. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the structure of a charging bin provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of a second transmission device in a charging compartment provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a structure in a charging station provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the charging station has a second transmission device, a third transmission device and an electrical connector;

[0062] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A top view of the charging station;

[0063] Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of a battery swap station is provided for an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Description of reference numerals:

[0065] Battery swap station 1

[0066] Charging Case 10

[0067] Charging stand 100

[0068] Charging station 110

[0069] Electrical connector 111

[0070] Backstop 112

[0071] First transmission device 200

[0072] First transmission direction 210

[0073] Second transmission device 300

[0074] Roller transfer unit 310

[0075] Roller 311

[0076] Mounting bracket 312

[0077] Second transmission direction 320

[0078] Avoidance zone 330

[0079] Lifting mechanism 400

[0080] The third transmission device 500

[0081] Belt conveyor 510

[0082] The third transmission direction 520

[0083] Battery replacement station 600

[0084] Battery replacement equipment 700

[0085] Battery 900

[0086] Car platform 30

[0087] Ramp 40 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] The present invention is further described below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the examples.

[0089] The embodiment of the present invention provides a charging compartment 10, such as Figure 5 As shown, the charging compartment 10 can be used in the battery swap station 1 to charge and discharge the battery 900 of the electric vehicle; the battery swap station 1 has a battery swap compartment, and when the electric vehicle enters the battery swap compartment and is located on the vehicle loading platform 30 above the battery swap station 600, the battery swap equipment 700 at the battery swap station 600 replaces the battery pack 900 of the electric vehicle. The charging compartment 10 may include a charging rack 100, a first transmission device 200, a second transmission device 300 and a lifting mechanism 400. Figure 1 As shown, along the vertical direction, a plurality of charging stations 110 may be provided on the charging rack 100, and each charging station 110 may accommodate a battery 900 for charging; the charging compartment 10 may have a plurality of charging racks 100, and an elevator may be arranged between two charging racks 100, and may be lifted and lowered between the two charging racks 100, and the entrances and exits of the charging stations 110 of the two charging racks 100 are arranged relatively to each other.

[0090] like Figure 1As shown, the first transmission device 200 is used to transmit the battery 900 between the battery replacement station 600 and the charging rack 100, the lifting mechanism 400 is used to transfer the battery 900 between the charging station 110 of the charging rack 100 and the first transmission device 200, and the second transmission device 300 is used to transmit the battery 900 away from the charging station 110 or into the charging station 110. Thus, the battery 900 removed from the electric vehicle or the battery 900 to be installed on the electric vehicle can be transferred between the battery swap station 600 and the charging rack 100 through the first transmission device 200; the lifting mechanism 400 can transfer the battery 900 between the corresponding charging station 110 of the charging rack 100 and the first transmission device 200; and the battery 900 on the lifting mechanism 400 can be transferred into the charging station 110 through the second transmission device 300, or the battery 900 in the charging station 110 can be transferred to the lifting mechanism 400; thereby realizing the transmission of the battery 900 between the battery swap station 600 and the charging station 110, and the second transmission device 300 is located in the charging station 110, and can transfer and adjust the position of the battery 900 in the charging station 110, thereby improving the flexibility of the battery 900 transmission, and can also improve the accuracy of the battery 900 and the electrical connector 111 in the charging compartment 10, and improve the charging efficiency. At the same time, it can be applied to the charging positioning of multiple models of batteries.

[0091] In specific implementation, Figure 5 As shown, the first transmission device 200 can be arranged above the battery exchange equipment 700 at the battery exchange station 600, and can be located at the bottom position in the charging rack 100. When the lifting mechanism 400 moves to the bottom position of the charging rack 100, it can be connected with the first transmission device 200, so that the battery 900 transmitted from the battery exchange station 600 via the first transmission device 200 can be moved to the lifting mechanism 400, and the battery 900 on the lifting mechanism 400 can also be transmitted to the battery exchange station 600 via the first transmission device 200. Both ends of the first transmission device 200 can be located at the bottom positions in the two charging racks 100 respectively.

[0092] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 1-4 As shown, the second transmission device 300 is a roller transmission unit 310, which can be arranged at the bottom of the charging station 110, and is used to move the battery 900 into the charging station 110 for charging along the second transmission direction 320, or to move the battery 900 out of the charging station 110 along the direction opposite to the second transmission direction 320. The second transmission direction 320 refers to the direction in which the battery 900 enters the charging station 110 from the entrance of the charging station 110, and the direction opposite to the second transmission direction 320 is the direction in which the battery 900 moves from the charging station 110 to the entrance of the charging station 110.

[0093] In specific implementation, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the roller transmission unit 310 may include a plurality of rollers 311, and the plurality of rollers 311 are arranged in parallel along the second transmission direction 320. The roller 311 may rotate around its own axis, and the battery 900 located on the roller 311 may move with the rotation of the roller 311. By controlling the rotation direction of the roller 311, the battery 900 may move along the second transmission direction 320 or in a direction opposite to the second transmission direction 320. The charging station 110 may have a plurality of roller transmission units 310, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, along a direction perpendicular to the second transmission direction 320 , two roller transmission units 310 are spaced apart in the charging station 110 .

[0094] As a preferred embodiment, a deceleration control mechanism is provided on the charging station 110 for controlling the moving speed of the battery 900 to be reduced to a first deceleration threshold after the battery 900 moves a preset distance on the charging station 110 along the second transmission direction 320 .

[0095] As a preferred embodiment, the deceleration control mechanism is a first sensor, a first detection element is provided on the battery 900, and the first sensor is used to detect the first detection element and send a detection signal to the control unit to control the roller transmission unit 310 to reduce the rotation speed. The first sensor is an infrared sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a visual sensor or an optical fiber sensor.

[0096] As a preferred embodiment, a limit control mechanism is provided on the charging station 110 , and the limit control mechanism is used to limit the battery 900 from moving beyond a preset position along the second transmission direction 320 on the charging station 110 .

[0097] As a preferred implementation, the limit control mechanism is a stopper or a limit control sensor. The limit control sensor is an infrared sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a visual sensor or a fiber optic sensor.

[0098] As a preferred embodiment, a first in-place detection sensor is provided on the charging station 110, and the first in-place detection sensor is used to send an in-place signal to the control unit to stop the rotation of the roller transmission unit 310 after the battery 900 moves to the position along the second transmission direction 320 on the second transmission device 300. The first in-place detection sensor is an infrared sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a visual sensor or an optical fiber sensor.

[0099] Through the above implementation, the battery 900 can be moved from the lifting mechanism 400 to the charging station 110 of the charging rack 100 and stop at a suitable position in the charging station 110 to facilitate subsequent alignment and connection with the electrical connector 111.

[0100] As a preferred embodiment, a position detection sensor is provided on the charging station 110, and the position detection sensor is used to obtain the position signal of the battery 900, and send the position signal to the control unit to adjust the roller transmission unit 310 so that the battery 900 is aligned with the electrical connector 111. Thereby, the accuracy of the matching is improved and the charging efficiency is improved. The position detection sensor is an infrared sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a visual sensor or an optical fiber sensor.

[0101] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the roller transmission unit 310 includes a mounting bracket 312 and a roller 311, and both ends of the roller 311 are mounted on the mounting bracket 312, and the transmission surface of the roller 311 is higher than the surface of the mounting bracket 312. The transmission surface of the roller 311 refers to the surface formed when the battery 900 is set on the roller 311 and the roller 311 transmits the battery 900. Therefore, the battery 900 can be set on the roller 311 and move with the rotation of the roller 311. In addition, the surface of the bottom of the battery 900 that contacts the roller 311 is higher than the surface of the mounting bracket 312, which avoids the mounting bracket 312 from causing wear to the bottom of the battery 900 during the movement of the battery 900.

[0102] As a preferred embodiment, the plurality of rollers 311 are evenly spaced, and the distance between two adjacent rollers 311 is less than half the width of the battery 900. Thus, the transmission stability and safety of the battery 900 are improved, and the battery 900 can be prevented from tipping over and falling from the area between the rollers 311 during the transmission process.

[0103] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the charging station 110 is provided with a third transmission device 500, which is used to move the battery 900 along a third transmission direction 520 until it is docked with the electrical connector 111, and the third transmission direction 520 is perpendicular to the second transmission direction 320. The third transmission direction 520 refers to the direction in which the battery 900 moves toward the electrical connector 111 to dock with the electrical connector 111.

[0104] Thus, the battery 900 is moved along the third transmission direction 520 by the third transmission device 500, so that the battery 900 is docked with the electrical connector 111 for charging; the battery 900 can also be moved in a direction opposite to the third transmission direction 520, so that the battery 900 is disconnected from the electrical connector 111. The third transmission direction 520 can be a direction perpendicular to the second transmission direction 320, so that the position of the battery 900 in the charging station 110 is adjusted in two directions, so that the battery 900 and the electrical connector 111 can be accurately docked for charging.

[0105] As a preferred embodiment, a second in-place detection sensor is provided on the electrical connector 111, and a second in-place detection element is provided on the battery 900. The second in-place detection sensor is used to stop the movement of the third transmission device 500 when the battery 900 moves to a position along the third transmission direction 520. The second in-place detection sensor is an infrared sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a visual sensor or an optical fiber sensor.

[0106] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the third transmission device 500 is respectively arranged on both sides of the second transmission device 300 along the second transmission direction 320. Along the second transmission direction 320, both sides of the second transmission device 300 are provided with the third transmission device 500, so that both ends of the battery 900 can be supported and moved for transmission, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the battery 900.

[0107] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 4 As shown, the second transmission device 300 has an avoidance area 330, and the third transmission device 500 is disposed in the avoidance area 330. Therefore, the third transmission device 500 is convenient to be lifted and lowered in the avoidance area 330, so that the second transmission device 300 and the third transmission device 500 can respectively transmit and move the battery 900, and adjust the position of the battery 900 in the charging station 110 along the second transmission direction 320 and the third transmission direction 520.

[0108] As a preferred embodiment, when the battery 900 moves along the second transmission direction 320 or moves out in the direction opposite to the second transmission direction 320, the transmission surface of the third transmission device 500 is lower than or equal to the transmission surface of the second transmission device 300. The transmission surface of the third transmission device 500 and the transmission surface of the second transmission device 300 refer to the surfaces formed by the third transmission device 500 and the second transmission device 300 transmitting the battery 900. Thus, the battery 900 can be located on the transmission surface of the second transmission device 300 and move under the action of the second transmission device 300.

[0109] As a preferred embodiment, the third transmission device 500 has a lifting portion, which is used to lift the battery 900 in a vertical direction until it is aligned with the electrical connector 111; after the battery 900 stops moving on the second transmission device 300, the third transmission device 500 drives the battery 900 to move in a horizontal or vertical direction until it docks with the electrical connector 111.

[0110] The horizontal transmission component on the third transmission device 500 can be raised and lowered by the lifting part, thereby driving the battery 900 to rise and fall; therefore, when the second transmission device 300 is needed to transmit the battery 900, the third transmission device 500 can be located below the second transmission device 300; when the third transmission device 500 is needed to transmit the battery 900, the horizontal transmission component of the third transmission device 500 is vertically moved to the height aligned with the electrical connector 111 under the action of the lifting part, and then the battery is transmitted by the horizontal transmission component of the third transmission device 500 to move toward the electrical connector 111 for docking.

[0111] Thus, the horizontal transmission components and the lifting parts of the second transmission device 300 and the third transmission device 500 can realize the movement of the battery 900 in three dimensions within the charging station 110, thereby improving the docking accuracy between the battery 900 and the electrical connector 111.

[0112] As a preferred implementation, the third transmission device 500 is a belt transmission device 510 or a chain transmission device.

[0113] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the third transmission device 500 is a belt transmission device 510, which can be raised and lowered under the action of the lifting part. When the roller transmission unit 310 is needed to transmit the battery 900, the belt transmission device 510 can be lowered to the bottom of the roller transmission unit 310, so that the battery 900 is moved into or out of the charging station 110 through the roller transmission unit 310; when the belt transmission unit is needed to transmit the battery 900, for example, when the belt transmission unit is needed to dock the battery 900 with the electrical connector 111, the belt transmission unit can be raised to a preset height to align with the electrical connector 111, and then the battery 900 is moved toward the electrical connector 111 through the belt to dock with the electrical connector 111; or when the belt transmission unit is needed to disconnect the battery 900 from the electrical connector 111, the belt transmission unit can rotate in the opposite direction to drive the battery 900 to disconnect from the electrical connector 111.

[0114] As a preferred implementation, a position adjustment mechanism for the electrical connector 111 is provided on the charging station 110 , and the position adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the position of the electrical connector 111 in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

[0115] As a preferred embodiment, the position adjustment mechanism is one or more of an electric drive member, a pneumatic drive member, a hydraulic drive member, a lead screw and an airbag.

[0116] As a preferred embodiment, a retaining member 112 is provided on the charging station 110 , and the retaining member 112 is used to limit the battery 900 from moving in a direction opposite to the third transmission direction 520 when the battery 900 is docked with the electrical connector 111 .

[0117] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 3 As shown, the stopper 112 is a stopper. In a specific implementation, the stopper is arranged on the other side of the charging station 110 opposite to the electrical connector 111, so as to stop the battery 900 from being withdrawn.

[0118] As a preferred embodiment, a battery transfer unit is provided on the lifting mechanism 400. The battery transfer unit is a roller transmission unit 310 or an extension mechanism. The battery transfer unit is used to move the battery 900 into the lifting mechanism 400 or out of the lifting mechanism 400.

[0119] The battery transfer unit can enable the lifting mechanism 400 to transfer the battery 900 between the first transmission device 200 and the second transmission device 300. Specifically, when the elevator moves in the vertical direction to a horizontal position relative to the first transmission device 200, the battery transfer unit can move the battery 900 transferred from the first transmission device 200 onto the elevator and move it vertically with the elevator to the corresponding charging station 110; when the elevator moves to the corresponding charging station 110, the battery transfer unit can transfer the battery 900 to the second transmission device 300 in the corresponding charging station 110, and move the battery 900 to the charging station 110 through the transmission of the second transmission device 300.

[0120] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the first transport device 200 is a roller transport unit 310 for transporting the battery 900 along a second transport direction 320 or a first transport direction 210 , wherein the first transport direction 210 is opposite to the second transport direction 320 .

[0121] The second transmission direction 320 refers to the direction in which the battery 900 enters the charging station 110 from the entrance and exit of the charging station 110, and the first transmission direction 210 refers to the direction in which the battery 900 moves from the battery replacement station 600 to the charging rack 100. According to the position of the charging rack 100 relative to the lifting mechanism 400, the first transmission direction 210 is opposite to the second transmission direction 320, or can be the same; thereby making the transmission path simpler and the transmission more efficient.

[0122] As a preferred embodiment, the charging warehouse 10 also includes a control unit, which is used to control at least one of the first transmission device 200, the second transmission device 300, the lifting mechanism 400 and the third transmission device 500 to perform corresponding actions.

[0123] The present invention also provides a battery swap station 1, such as Figure 5 As shown, the battery swap station 1 includes a battery swap warehouse, a battery swap device 700 and a charging warehouse 10 as described above;

[0124] The charging warehouse 10 includes a first transmission device 200 and a second transmission device 300. A battery exchange station 600 is provided in the battery exchange warehouse. The first transmission device 200 transmits the battery 900 between the charging warehouse 10 and the battery exchange station 600. The battery exchange equipment 700 is used to install the battery 900 located at the battery exchange station 600 on the electric vehicle, or to remove the battery 900 on the electric vehicle. Thus, the battery 900 packages on the electric vehicle can be disassembled and assembled through the battery exchange equipment 700 in the battery exchange station 1, and the battery 900 removed from the electric vehicle or the battery 900 to be installed on the electric vehicle can be transmitted between the battery exchange station 600 and the charging rack 100 through the first transmission device 200; the lifting mechanism 400 can transfer the battery 900 between the corresponding charging station 110 of the charging rack 100 and the first transmission device 200; and the battery 900 on the lifting mechanism 400 can be transported by the second transmission device 300. The battery 900 is transferred into the charging station 110, or the battery 900 in the charging station 110 is transferred to the lifting mechanism 400; thereby realizing the transmission of the battery 900 between the battery swap station 600 and the charging station 110, and the second transmission device 300 is located in the charging station 110, and the battery 900 can be transferred and the position can be adjusted in the charging station 110, thereby improving the flexibility of the battery 900 transmission, and also improving the accuracy of the connection between the battery 900 and the electrical connector 111 in the charging bin 10, thereby improving the charging efficiency.

[0125] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the battery swap station 1 has a vehicle loading platform 30, which has a certain height, and ramps 40 are arranged on both sides of the vehicle loading platform 30 for electric vehicles to drive in and out. The first transmission device 200 can be located below the vehicle loading platform 30 and extend in a direction perpendicular to the driving direction of the electric vehicle. The first transmission device 200 can be provided with a battery swap station 600 at a position corresponding to the vehicle loading platform 30, so that when the electric vehicle drives onto the vehicle loading platform 30, it can park above the battery swap station 600 and disassemble and assemble the battery 900 through the battery swap equipment 700 below the battery swap station 600.

[0126] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the battery exchange station 600 has a first transmission device 200 on both sides along the first transmission direction 210; the first transmission device 200 on one side is used to transfer the disassembled low-charge battery 900 to the charging compartment 10; the first transmission device 200 on the other side is used to transfer the fully charged battery 900 to be installed to the battery exchange station 600, so as to allow the battery exchange equipment 700 to install the fully charged battery 900 on the electric vehicle.

[0127] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention are described above, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this is only for illustration and the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging compartment, characterized in that: The charging compartment comprises a charging rack, a second transmission device and a third transmission device, and the charging rack has a charging station; The second transmission device is used to move the battery into the charging station for charging along a second transmission direction, or to move the battery out of the charging station along a direction opposite to the second transmission direction; The third transmission device is disposed on the charging station and is used to move the battery along a third transmission direction until it is docked with the electrical connector. The third transmission direction is perpendicular to the second transmission direction.

2. The charging bin according to claim 1, characterized in that: The charging station is provided with a deceleration control mechanism, which is used to control the moving speed of the battery to decrease to a first deceleration threshold after the battery moves a preset distance on the charging station along the second transmission direction; Preferably, the second transmission device is a roller transmission unit, the deceleration control mechanism is a first sensor, a first detection element is provided on the battery, and the first sensor is used to detect the first detection element and send a detection signal to the control unit to control the roller transmission unit to reduce the rotation speed.

3. The charging bin according to claim 1, characterized in that: The charging station is provided with a limit control mechanism, and the limit control mechanism is used to limit the movement of the battery beyond a preset position along the second transmission direction at the charging station; Preferably, the limit control mechanism is a stopper or a limit control sensor.

4. The charging bin according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second transmission device is a roller transmission unit; The charging station is provided with a first in-position detection sensor, which is used to send an in-position signal to the control unit to stop the rotation of the roller transmission unit after the battery moves to the in-position on the second transmission device along the second transmission direction; And / or, a position detection sensor is provided on the charging station, and the position detection sensor is used to obtain a position signal of the battery and send the position signal to a control unit to adjust the roller transmission unit so that the battery is aligned with the electrical connector; And / or, the roller transmission unit includes a mounting bracket and a roller, both ends of the roller are mounted on the mounting bracket, the transmission surface of the roller is higher than the surface of the mounting bracket, preferably, the plurality of rollers are evenly spaced, and the distance between two adjacent rollers is less than half the width of the battery.

5. The charging bin according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connector is provided with a second in-place detection sensor, the battery is provided with a second in-place detection element, and the second in-place detection sensor is used to stop the movement of the third transmission device when the battery moves to a position along the third transmission direction; And / or, the third transmission device is respectively arranged on both sides of the second transmission device along the second transmission direction; And / or, the second transmission device has an avoidance area, and the third transmission device is arranged in the avoidance area; and / or, when the battery moves along the second transport direction or moves out in a direction opposite to the second transport direction, the transport surface of the third transport device is lower than or equal to the transport surface of the second transport device; And / or, the third transmission device has a lifting part, and the lifting part is used to lift the battery in a vertical direction until it is aligned with the electrical connector; after the battery stops moving on the second transmission device, the third transmission device drives the battery to move in a horizontal or vertical direction until it is docked with the electrical connector; And / or, the third transmission device is a belt transmission device or a chain transmission device.

6. The charging bin according to claim 1, characterized in that: The charging station is provided with a position adjustment mechanism for the electric connector, and the position adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the position of the electric connector in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction; Preferably, the position adjustment mechanism is one or more of an electric drive component, a pneumatic drive component, a hydraulic drive component, a lead screw and an airbag.

7. The charging bin according to claim 1, characterized in that: A stopper is provided on the charging station, and the stopper is used to limit the battery from moving in a direction opposite to the third transmission direction when the battery is docked with the electrical connector; Preferably, the stop member is a stopper.

8. The charging bin according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transmission device is used to transmit the battery between the battery replacement station and the charging rack, and the lifting mechanism is used to transfer the battery between the charging station of the charging rack and the first transmission device; Preferably, the battery transfer unit is provided on the lifting mechanism, and the battery transfer unit is a roller transfer unit or an extension mechanism, and the battery transfer unit is used to move the battery into or out of the lifting mechanism; and / or, the first transmission device is a roller transmission unit, which is used to transmit the battery along the second transmission direction or the first transmission direction, and the first transmission direction is opposite to the second transmission direction; and / or, the charging warehouse also includes a control unit, which is used to control at least one of the first transmission device, the second transmission device, the lifting mechanism and the third transmission device to perform corresponding actions.

9. The charging compartment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The first sensor, the limit control sensor, the first in-place detection sensor, the position detection sensor, and the second in-place detection sensor are at least one of an infrared sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a visual sensor, or an optical fiber sensor.

10. A battery swap station, characterized in that: The battery swap station comprises a battery swap warehouse, a battery swap device and a charging warehouse as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The charging warehouse includes a first transmission device and a second transmission device. A battery-changing station is provided in the battery-changing warehouse. The first transmission device transmits the battery between the charging warehouse and the battery-changing station. The battery-changing equipment is used to install the battery located at the battery-changing station on the electric vehicle, or to remove the battery from the electric vehicle. Preferably, the battery replacement station has the first transmission device on both sides along the first transmission direction; The first transmission device on one side is used to transfer the disassembled low-charge battery to the charging warehouse; the first transmission device on the other side is used to transfer the fully charged battery to be installed to the battery replacement station, so that the battery replacement equipment can install the fully charged battery on the electric vehicle.

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