Battery transfer system for battery swap station and battery swap station

By using battery transfer and conveyor lines and detection components in battery swapping stations, the problems of complex structure and control of battery swapping equipment have been solved, and the accuracy and efficiency of battery transfer have been improved.

CN119705361BActive Publication Date: 2026-03-20AULTON NEW ENERGY AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-03-04
Publication Date
2026-03-20

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    Figure CN119705361B_ABST
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Abstract

The application discloses a transmission-to-position detection system and method for battery transfer of a battery swap station, and the transmission-to-position detection system for battery transfer of the battery swap station comprises a battery transfer conveying line, a detection part arranged at a corresponding position of the battery transfer conveying line, the detection part being used for cooperating with a trigger part on a battery of a battery swap vehicle, and transmission-to-position information being generated when the trigger part is detected by the detection part, and the battery transfer conveying line being used for transferring the battery between a battery swap area and a battery rack. The application simplifies the control complexity and precision of walking control, positioning control and the like of original battery swap equipment in the battery swap station, the battery is transferred by the battery transfer conveying line, the structure is simple, the overall control is simple and reliable, the positioning operation is easier to realize, and the equipment cost is reduced. Moreover, when the transmission-to-position information is generated when the trigger part is detected by the detection part during the battery transfer conveying process, the battery can be accurately detected whether the battery is transferred to the position, and the accuracy of battery transmission is improved.
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Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent with the application number 202110240788.3 and the name "Transmission-to-position detection system and method for battery transfer of battery swap station", the filing date of which is March 4, 2021. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The application belongs to the technical field of battery transfer, and particularly relates to a transmission-to-position detection system and method for battery transfer of a battery swap station. BACKGROUND

[0003] The battery installation mode of existing electric vehicles is generally divided into fixed type and replaceable type. The battery of the fixed type is generally fixed on the vehicle, and the vehicle is directly used as the charging object during charging. The battery of the replaceable type is generally installed in a movable manner, and the battery can be taken off at any time and placed in a battery rack for replacement or charging. After the replacement or charging is completed, the battery is installed on the vehicle body.

[0004] For the replaceable type of battery installation mode, the vehicle needs to travel to a battery swap station for automatic battery replacement because the battery is very heavy. In the battery swap station, a dedicated battery swap device is moved to the bottom of the vehicle and performs battery dismounting and installation. During the dismounting and installation process, the battery transfer is realized by controlling the movement of the battery swap device. During the control of the battery swap device, it is necessary to accurately control the battery swap device to drive into the bottom of the vehicle without colliding with the vehicle. Moreover, it is also necessary to control the battery swap device to accurately drive into the battery exchange area of the battery rack, so as to ensure accurate docking with the stacker to facilitate the stacker to place the battery into the warehouse. Moreover, during the movement of the battery swap device, an additional mechanism is needed to control the movement speed and stop. As can be seen, the battery swap device needs to have mechanisms with all the above functions, resulting in a complex structure and high cost. During the entire battery swap process, the control accuracy of each action of the battery swap device is very high, which will inevitably increase the complexity of control. SUMMARY

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to overcome the defects of the prior art that the transfer control process of battery transfer by the battery swap device is complex, the cost is high, and the in-place control is inconvenient for the battery. The present application provides a transmission-to-position detection system and method for battery transfer of a battery swap station.

[0006] The present application solves the above technical problems by the following technical solutions:

[0007] The application provides a transmission-to-position detection system for battery transfer of a battery swap station, the battery swap station comprising a battery swap area and a battery rack, the battery swap area being provided with a battery swap device for disassembling and assembling batteries of a battery swap vehicle, the transmission-to-position detection system comprising: a battery transfer conveying line, a detection part provided at a corresponding position of the battery transfer conveying line, the detection part being used for cooperating with a trigger part on the battery of the battery swap vehicle, and transmission-to-position information being generated when the detection part detects the trigger part, and the battery transfer conveying line being used for transferring the battery between the battery swap area and the battery rack.

[0008] In the scheme, the battery transfer conveying line is used for conveying the battery, and the battery swap device only needs to perform the battery disassembly and assembly operation in the battery swap area, so that the structure of the original battery swap device in the battery swap station is simplified, the equipment cost is greatly reduced, the control complexity and precision of corresponding walking control and positioning control are reduced, the battery is transferred by the battery transfer conveying line, the structure is simple, the overall control is simple and reliable, and the positioning operation is easy to implement; and in the battery transfer conveying process, when the detection part detects the trigger part and the transmission-to-position information is generated, the detection part and the trigger part arranged on the battery transfer conveying line and the battery are used for accurately detecting whether the battery is transferred to the position, and the accuracy of the battery transfer is improved.

[0009] Preferably, the battery transfer conveying line is provided with a battery swap position and an exchange position, the battery swap position is arranged at a corresponding position of the battery swap device, and the exchange position is arranged at a corresponding position of the battery rack.

[0010] In the scheme, the battery is disassembled and assembled at the corresponding position of the battery swap device, and the battery is exchanged at the corresponding position of the battery rack, the battery swap position corresponding to the battery swap device and the exchange position corresponding to the battery rack are arranged on the battery transfer conveying line, so that the battery conveying position is quickly and accurately controlled, and the battery conveying efficiency and stability are improved.

[0011] Preferably, the battery transfer conveying line extends to one side or both sides through the battery swap area, the battery swap device or the battery transfer conveying line is arranged to be liftable, and the detection part comprises a first detection part arranged at the battery swap position and corresponding to the battery swap device.

[0012] In the scheme, the battery swap device or the battery transfer conveying line is arranged to be liftable, so that the battery can be transferred to the battery swap device after the battery conveying is completed, and the battery swap is facilitated; further, the first detection part is arranged at the position corresponding to the battery swap device at the battery swap position, so that whether the battery reaches the battery swap position and the accurate transmission-to-position control can be accurately detected during the conveying of the battery towards the battery swap position.

[0013] Preferably, the detection part further comprises a second detection part arranged on the battery transfer conveying line at the exchange position.

[0014] In the scheme, a second detection member is arranged on the battery transfer conveying line at the exchange position, so that whether the battery reaches the exchange position and accurate transfer-in-place control can be accurately detected during the conveying of the battery towards the exchange position.

[0015] Preferably, the battery is provided with a trigger member corresponding to the first detection member and the second detection member.

[0016] In the scheme, the trigger member is arranged on the battery, and corresponds to the first detection member and the second detection member, so that the corresponding detection member generates the transfer-in-place information, thereby facilitating the transfer-in-place control during the conveying of the battery.

[0017] Preferably, the first detection member and the second detection member are respectively arranged at corresponding positions of the battery conveying direction of the exchange position and the exchange position.

[0018] In the scheme, the first detection member and the second detection member are respectively arranged at corresponding positions of the battery conveying direction of the exchange position and the exchange position, so that only one trigger member is arranged on the battery, and the detection of whether the battery reaches the exchange position and the exchange position can be completed, and the structure is simple.

[0019] Preferably, the battery transfer conveying line has a stop mechanism arranged on at least one side of the exchange position and / or the exchange position along the conveying direction, so as to limit the battery at the exchange position and / or the exchange position.

[0020] In the scheme, the stop mechanism is arranged to further limit the battery, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of the transfer-in-place of the battery.

[0021] Preferably, the detection part further comprises a third detection member arranged on the stop mechanism, and the third detection member is used for sensing the battery to generate state information for judging the state of the stop mechanism.

[0022] In the scheme, the third detection member is arranged on the stop mechanism, and can sense the battery to generate state information for judging the state of the stop mechanism, so as to control the stop mechanism and further ensure the transfer-in-place state of the battery.

[0023] The battery transfer conveying line is a conveying roller battery transfer conveying line, a belt battery transfer conveying line or a speed chain battery transfer conveying line.

[0024] In the scheme, the transfer-in-place detection system for the battery transfer of the battery swap station is suitable for the scenario of the battery pack conveying of the battery transfer conveying line, and can be used for conveying the battery by using the conveying roller battery transfer conveying line, the belt battery transfer conveying line or the speed chain battery transfer conveying line, and can accurately detect the transfer-in-place during the conveying of the battery, and can improve the stability and transfer efficiency of the battery conveying.

[0025] Preferably, the first detection member is arranged on the battery transfer conveying line.

[0026] In this solution, the first detection member is arranged on the battery transfer conveying line, the accuracy of the installation position of the first detection member is ensured, and the detection accuracy can be effectively improved.

[0027] The application also provides a transmission-to-position detection method for battery transfer in a battery swap station. The transmission-to-position detection method is applied in a battery swap process in the battery swap station. The battery swap station is provided with a battery transfer conveying line. The battery transfer conveying line is used to transfer batteries between a battery swap area and a battery rack in the battery swap station. The battery swap area is provided with a battery swap device for battery disassembly and assembly of a battery swap vehicle. The battery transfer conveying line is provided with a detection part, and the battery is provided with a triggering part. When the detection part detects the triggering part, transmission-to-position information is generated.

[0028] The transmission-to-position detection method comprises the following steps:

[0029] The battery transfer conveying line is started based on the battery swap instruction to transfer the battery.

[0030] The battery transfer conveying line is stopped based on the transmission-to-position information to convey the battery.

[0031] In this solution, the battery is transferred by the battery transfer conveying line. The structure is simple, the overall control is simple and reliable, the control complexity and accuracy of the original battery swap station are simplified, the equipment cost is reduced, the positioning operation is easier to implement, and specifically, the battery transfer conveying line is stopped based on the transmission-to-position information to convey the battery during the battery conveying process, which can improve the accuracy of the battery conveying.

[0032] Preferably, when the battery swap instruction is to transfer the battery with insufficient power, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to move the battery with insufficient power in a direction away from the battery swap area.

[0033] Or, when the battery swap instruction is to transfer the battery with sufficient power, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to move the battery with sufficient power towards the battery swap area.

[0034] In this solution, the conveying direction is reasonably set according to the insufficient power or sufficient power attribute information of the battery and the specific operation of the battery swap process, so that the battery can be accurately conveyed, and the flexibility of control is improved.

[0035] Preferably, when the battery transfer conveying line has battery racks on both sides, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to convey the battery with insufficient power to the battery rack on the other side opposite to the battery rack where the selected battery with sufficient power is located.

[0036] In the scheme, when the battery transfer conveying line has battery racks on both sides, the battery is conveyed based on ensuring that the full battery faces the direction of the battery replacement area, which facilitates the battery installation operation, and the battery improves the battery replacement efficiency while achieving accurate conveying of the battery.

[0037] Preferably, the battery replacement position and the exchange position are arranged on the battery transfer conveying line, the battery replacement position is arranged at the corresponding position of the battery replacement device, and the exchange position is arranged at the corresponding position of the battery rack.

[0038] In the battery conveying process, when the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed.

[0039] In the scheme, in the battery conveying process, when the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed, which can improve the stability of the battery conveying.

[0040] Preferably, the battery transfer conveying line extends to one side or both sides through the battery replacement area, the detection part includes a first detection member arranged at a position corresponding to the battery replacement device at the battery replacement position and a second detection member arranged on the battery transfer conveying line at the exchange position, and the battery transfer conveying line has a stopping mechanism arranged on at least one side of the battery replacement position and / or the exchange position in the conveying direction to limit the battery at the battery replacement position and / or the exchange position.

[0041] The transmission-to-position detection method further includes:

[0042] The transmission-to-position information generated by the first detection member or the second detection member is used to control the stopping mechanism to start to position the battery based on the battery replacement instruction.

[0043] In the scheme, at least one side of the front and rear sides in the battery conveying direction is provided with a stopping mechanism, which further ensures the transmission-to-position of the battery, and the transmission-to-position information generated by the first detection member or the second detection member is used to control the stopping mechanism to start to position the battery based on the battery replacement instruction, which can timely and effectively start the stopping mechanism to position the battery and improve the accuracy of the battery transmission.

[0044] Preferably, the battery replacement device or the battery transfer conveying line is arranged to be liftable.

[0045] The transmission-to-position detection method includes:

[0046] The battery replacement device is lifted or the battery transfer conveying line is lowered to enable the battery replacement device to obtain the battery at the battery replacement position and thus perform the battery installation operation, or the stacker is extended to obtain the depleted battery at the exchange position and thus place the depleted battery in the designated battery storage position.

[0047] In the present scheme, after the full battery is transported to the battery replacement position by the battery transfer conveying line, the battery replacement device can obtain the full battery by lifting or lowering the battery transfer conveying line, and the full battery is separated from the battery transfer conveying line, so that the battery replacement device can perform the battery installation operation, thereby simplifying the transfer process of the full battery before being placed in the installation position, and improving the battery replacement efficiency. In addition, after the battery is transported to the exchange position by the battery transfer conveying line, the battery can be obtained by extending the stacker, thereby performing the operation of placing the depleted battery in the specified battery storage position, simplifying the transfer process of the depleted battery into the battery storage position, and improving the battery transfer efficiency.

[0048] Preferably, the battery transfer position detection method further comprises:

[0049] In the process of lifting the battery replacement device or lowering the battery transfer conveying line to make the battery replacement device obtain the battery on the battery replacement position, the battery replacement device and the corresponding battery perform the positioning operation.

[0050] In the present scheme, in the process of transferring the battery from the battery transfer conveying line to the battery replacement device, the positioning operation between the battery replacement device and the battery is controlled synchronously, thereby further improving the battery replacement efficiency.

[0051] The positive progress effect of the present application is that the battery is transported by the battery transfer conveying line, and the battery replacement device only needs to perform the battery dismounting and installation operation in the battery replacement area, thereby simplifying the structure of the original battery replacement station, greatly reducing the equipment cost, and reducing the control complexity and precision of the corresponding walking control and positioning control. The battery transfer conveying line is used for transferring the battery, which has the advantages of simple structure, simple and reliable overall control, and easy positioning operation. In addition, when the detection part detects the trigger part to generate the transfer position information, the battery transfer accuracy can be accurately detected, and the battery transfer accuracy can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1 The structure diagram of the battery replacement device and the battery transfer conveying line of embodiment 1 of the present application, wherein the battery replacement device arranged below the battery transfer conveying line is in the state of lifting the battery.

[0053] Figure 2 The structure diagram of the battery transfer conveying line below the vehicle loading platform of embodiment 1 of the present application, wherein the battery replacement device arranged below the battery transfer conveying line is in the initial retracted state.

[0054] Figure 3 The structure diagram of the battery transfer conveying line below the vehicle loading platform of embodiment 1 of the present application, wherein the battery replacement device arranged below the battery transfer conveying line is in the lifting state.

[0055] Figure 4 The structure diagram of the battery replacement device and the battery transfer conveying line of the embodiment 1 of the present application, wherein the battery replacement device arranged below the battery transfer conveying line is in the retracted state.

[0056] Figure 5 The position relationship diagram between the battery transfer conveying line and the battery replacement area and the exchange area of the embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0057] Figure 6 The plane structure diagram of the battery transfer conveying line of the embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0058] Figure 7 The structure diagram of the stop mechanism of the battery transfer conveying line of the embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0059] Figure 8 The flow chart of the transmission positioning detection method for the battery transfer of the battery replacement station of the embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0060] Figure 9 The local structure diagram of the speed chain battery conveying line of the embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0061] Figure 10 The structure diagram of the battery transfer conveying line below the vehicle loading platform of the embodiment 2 of the present application, wherein the battery replacement device arranged below the battery transfer conveying line is in the retracted state.

[0062] Figure 11 The structure diagram of the battery transfer conveying line below the vehicle loading platform of the embodiment 2 of the present application, wherein the battery replacement device arranged below the battery transfer conveying line is in the raised state.

[0063] Figure 12 The local enlarged view of the battery replacement device and the speed chain battery conveying line of the embodiment 2 of the present application, wherein the battery replacement device is in the retracted state.

[0064] Figure 13 The structure diagram of the battery replacement device and the speed chain battery conveying line of the embodiment 2 of the present application, wherein the battery replacement device is in the raised state.

[0065] Figure 14 The position relationship diagram between the battery transfer conveying line and the battery replacement area and the exchange area of the embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0066] Figure 15 The sectional view of the battery transfer conveying line of the embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0067] Figure 16 The local enlarged view of Figure 15 the embodiment 3 of the present application. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0069] Example 1

[0070] This embodiment provides a battery transfer arrival detection system for battery transfer at a battery swapping station. (Refer to...) Figures 1-6 The battery swapping station includes a battery swapping area 880 and a battery rack 881. The battery swapping area is equipped with battery swapping equipment 60 for battery removal and installation of battery swapping vehicles. The transmission arrival detection system includes a battery transfer conveyor line 10 and a detection unit set at the corresponding position of the battery transfer conveyor line. The detection unit is used to cooperate with the trigger unit on the battery 70 of the battery swapping vehicle. When the detection unit detects the trigger unit, it generates transmission arrival information. The battery transfer conveyor line is used to transfer batteries between the battery swapping area and the battery rack.

[0071] The battery rack 881 is used to store batteries 70 and charge batteries 70 that are in a depleted state. The specific process is as follows: When a battery swapping vehicle enters the battery swapping area 880, the battery swapping equipment 60 performs a battery removal operation, removing the depleted battery from the vehicle and transferring it to the battery transfer conveyor line 10. The battery transfer conveyor line 10 transports the depleted battery to the corresponding position on the battery rack at the end, and finally, the palletizer inside the battery rack transfers the depleted battery to the battery compartment for charging. Similarly, fully charged batteries, after being removed from the battery compartment, are also transported via the battery transfer conveyor line 10 to the corresponding position on the battery swapping equipment 60, so that the battery swapping equipment 60 can install the fully charged battery onto the battery swapping vehicle.

[0072] Based on the above battery swapping process, in order to achieve accurate and efficient delivery of battery 70 (i.e., the aforementioned depleted or fully charged battery), during the delivery of battery 70, when the detection unit detects the trigger unit, delivery positioning information is generated. The generated delivery positioning information is used to control the delivery positioning of battery 70 to ensure that battery 70 is delivered to the accurate position.

[0073] Based on the transmission-to-position detection system, the battery is transported by the battery transfer conveying line, and the battery replacement device is fixed in the battery replacement area, only the battery dismounting or mounting operation needs to be performed, and the transmission-to-position is sensed by the detection part and the trigger part to facilitate the position control, the overall structure is simple, and the equipment cost is effectively reduced. In addition, through independent control of the battery transfer conveying line and the battery replacement device, the control complexity and precision of the walking control, positioning control and the like of the original battery replacement station are simplified, and the control is simple and reliable. Moreover, during the battery transfer conveying process, based on the detection part and the trigger part which are arranged on the corresponding positions of the battery transfer conveying line and the battery, when the detection part detects the trigger part, the transmission-to-position information is generated, the accurate detection and control of whether the battery is transmitted to the position can be realized, and the accuracy and conveying efficiency of the battery transmission are improved.

[0074] The battery transfer conveying line 10 is provided with a battery replacement position 8801 and an exchange position 8811. The battery replacement position 8801 is arranged at the corresponding position of the battery replacement device 60, and the exchange position 8811 is arranged at the corresponding position of the battery rack 881. Referring to Figure 2 , the battery transfer conveying line 10 extends to both sides through the battery replacement area 880. In another alternative embodiment, the battery transfer conveying line 10 extends to one side through the battery replacement area 880.

[0075] The battery is subjected to the battery dismounting or mounting operation at the corresponding position of the battery replacement device 60, and the battery exchange is performed at the corresponding position of the battery rack. By arranging the battery replacement position corresponding to the battery replacement device 60 and the exchange position corresponding to the battery rack on the battery transfer conveying line 10, the quick and accurate control of the battery conveying position is realized, and the battery conveying efficiency and stability are improved.

[0076] Referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , the battery replacement device can be arranged in a lifting manner. In another alternative embodiment, the battery transfer conveying line can also be arranged in a lifting manner.

[0077] The detection part includes a first detection member 91 arranged at the position corresponding to the battery replacement device 60 at the battery replacement position 8801. The detection part further includes a second detection member 94 arranged on the battery transfer conveying line 10 at the exchange position 8811. The first detection member 91 and the second detection member 94 are respectively arranged at the corresponding positions of the battery replacement position and the exchange position along the conveying direction of the battery. The trigger part includes a trigger member 92 corresponding to the first detection member 91 and the second detection member 94. The first detection member 91 can be at least one of an infrared sensor, a contact sensor, a proximity sensor and a vision sensor. The second detection member 94 can be at least one of an infrared sensor, a contact sensor, a proximity sensor and a vision sensor.

[0078] By setting the trigger 92 on the battery 70, and corresponding to the first detection piece 91 and the second detection piece 94, the corresponding detection piece is triggered to generate the transmission to position information, which facilitates the transmission to position control in the battery conveying process.

[0079] The first detection piece and the second detection piece are respectively arranged at the corresponding positions of the battery conveying direction of the battery exchange position and the exchange position, so that only one trigger is arranged on the battery, and the detection of whether the battery reaches the exchange position or the battery exchange position is completed, and the battery structure is simple.

[0080] The battery exchange equipment 60 or the battery transfer conveying line 10 can be arranged in a lifting manner, and after the battery conveying is completed, the battery can be transferred to the battery exchange equipment 60, thereby facilitating the battery exchange; further, the first detection piece is arranged at the position corresponding to the battery exchange equipment at the battery exchange position, and whether the battery reaches the battery exchange position can be accurately detected during the conveying process of the battery towards the battery exchange position, and the accurate transmission to position control is performed.

[0081] As an optional embodiment, the battery transfer conveying line is a conveying roller battery transfer conveying line. The conveying roller battery transfer conveying line comprises a roller 100, and the roller 100 is arranged in rotation along the transmission direction of the battery 70.

[0082] The conveying roller battery transfer conveying line also has an avoiding area, thereby avoiding the space for the lifting movement of the battery exchange equipment 60; when the battery exchange equipment 60 extends relative to the transmission surface of the roller 100, the battery 70 can be disassembled or assembled according to the working condition requirement; when the battery exchange equipment 60 is located below the transmission surface of the roller 100, the battery 70 can be transmitted to the specified position under the action of the roller 100.

[0083] In specific implementation, the battery transfer conveying line can have a plurality of rollers 100, the rollers 100 form a transmission surface in parallel with each other, and the battery 70 can be arranged on the roller 100; the roller 100 can rotate around the axis line thereof, and the battery 70 can move under the rotation of the roller 100; and the movement of the battery 70 can be controlled by controlling the rotation direction of the roller 100, thereby realizing the transmission of the battery 70 between the battery rack and the battery exchange area.

[0084] When the conveying roller battery transfer conveying line conveys the battery from the battery rack to the battery exchange area, when the first detection piece 91 detects the trigger 92, the transmission to position information is generated. The main control unit controls the battery transfer conveying line to stop conveying the battery according to the transmission to position information.

[0085] The battery transfer conveying line has a stopping mechanism arranged at least one side of the conveying direction of the battery exchange position and / or the exchange position, so as to limit the battery at the battery exchange position and / or the exchange position.

[0086] As an optional implementation, during the battery conveying process, when the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed. In specific implementation, the preset distance range can be reasonably set according to the length of the battery transfer conveying line. A corresponding sensor is arranged on the battery transfer conveying line. When the sensor senses the sensing part on the battery, it indicates that the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within the preset distance range. When the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within the preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed to ensure the stability and accuracy of the battery conveying. The sensor can be at least one of an infrared sensor, a contact sensor, a proximity sensor, and a visual sensor.

[0087] In this scheme, during the battery conveying process, when the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed, which can improve the stability of the battery conveying.

[0088] As a preferred implementation, the battery transfer conveying line further comprises a stopping mechanism, which is arranged relative to the battery replacement area 880 and is used to limit the movement of the battery 70 in the conveying direction, so that the battery 70 is located on the battery replacement area 880.

[0089] In specific implementation, the stopping mechanism can adopt various ways, such as using a device with a stop block for limiting, or limiting by detecting the position of the battery 70 and controlling the rotation of the roller 100; or limiting by simultaneously using a stop block and controlling the rotation speed of the roller 100.

[0090] As a preferred implementation, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 The stopping mechanism is a stopper 510, which is arranged on at least one side of the battery replacement area 880 in the conveying direction. In specific implementation, stoppers 510 can be arranged at both ends of the battery replacement area 880. In addition, the stopper 510 can be arranged on the side of the battery replacement area 880 away from the battery rack, or on the end of the battery rack. Specifically, it can be fixed on the battery transfer conveying line, or a separate rack can be arranged, and the position of the stopper 510 can realize the stopping of the battery 70.

[0091] When the battery transfer conveying line is in the condition of installing the battery 70, after the battery 70 is conveyed to the battery replacement area 880, the stopper 510 is raised to limit the movement of the battery 70;

[0092] When the battery transfer conveying line is in the condition of dismounting the battery 70, the stopper 510 is lowered to enable the battery 70 to move in transmission.

[0093] As a preferable implementation, the blocking mechanism further comprises a blocking connecting member, which is connected with the blocking device 510 and used to fix the blocking device 510 relative to the battery replacement area 880.

[0094] As shown in Figure 7 , the blocking device 510 comprises a lifting driving mechanism, a third detection member and a blocking unit 511, the third detection member is used to sense the battery 70 to generate state information for judging the state of the blocking mechanism. The first detection member 91 transmits the detected transmission-to-position information to the lifting driving mechanism; the blocking unit 511 is connected with the lifting driving mechanism, and the lifting driving mechanism is used to drive the blocking unit 511 to move up and down according to the state information. If the first detection member 91 does not detect the battery 70, the first detection member 91 sends the first state information, and the lifting driving mechanism drives the blocking unit to be in a lower position according to the first state information, without blocking the battery; if the first detection member 91 detects the battery 70, the first detection member 91 sends the transmission-to-position information, and the lifting driving mechanism drives the blocking unit to rise to block the battery according to the transmission-to-position information. The third detection member can be at least one of an infrared sensor, a proximity sensor and a vision sensor. The lifting direction of the blocking unit 511 can be a direction perpendicular to the transmission direction of the battery 70. When the third detection member senses the trigger 92 on the battery 70, it indicates that the battery has reached the position corresponding to the blocking mechanism, and the third detection member generates the second state information, so that the blocking mechanism is in the state of rising to block the battery; when the third detection member does not sense the trigger 92 on the battery 70, it indicates that the battery has not reached the position corresponding to the blocking mechanism, and the third detection member generates the third state information, so that the blocking mechanism is in the state of retracting to not block the battery.

[0095] As another preferable implementation, the blocking mechanism is a first sensor and a position-limiting detection element arranged on the battery 70. In specific implementation, the first sensor can be at least one of an infrared sensor, a contact sensor, a proximity sensor and a vision sensor.

[0096] When the first sensor detects the position-limiting detection element, the first sensor sends a signal to the driving unit of the roller 100, and the driving unit controls the roller 100 to stop rotating, so as to realize that the battery 70 stays on the battery replacement area 880.

[0097] As a preferable implementation, the battery transfer conveying line comprises a plurality of groups of roller conveying assemblies 110, each group of roller conveying assemblies 110 is arranged along the transmission direction, and the plurality of groups of roller conveying assemblies 110 are arranged in a spaced manner along a direction perpendicular to the transmission direction.

[0098] As shown in Figure 6As shown, the battery transfer conveying line comprises two groups of roller transmission assemblies 110, which are arranged in intervals and jointly form a transmission surface of the battery 70. When the battery 70 is transferred, the battery 70 is arranged above the two groups of roller transmission assemblies 110 and moves under the action of the two groups of roller transmission assemblies 110.

[0099] In a specific implementation, the battery transfer conveying line can also adopt one group of roller 100 transmission units, and the two ends of the battery 70 are beyond the two ends of the roller 100 in the roller 100 transmission unit.

[0100] As a preferred implementation, as shown in the drawings, Figure 6 As shown, a first avoiding area 210 is formed between the groups of roller transmission assemblies 110 arranged in intervals; and / or, a second avoiding area 220 is formed between the rollers 100 in the roller transmission assemblies 110. The first avoiding area 210 and the second avoiding area 220 can be used for the relative movement of the corresponding dismounting structure on the battery swap device 60 relative to the transmission surface of the battery 70, and provide a dismounting space for the battery 70.

[0101] The roller is arranged in the transmission direction of the battery, and the battery can be transferred between the battery rack and the battery swap area through the roller. In addition, the transfer device also has an avoiding area, so as to avoid the space for the lifting movement of the battery swap device; when the battery swap device extends relative to the transmission surface of the roller, the battery can be dismounted or mounted according to the working condition requirement; when the battery swap device is located below the transmission surface of the roller, the battery can be transferred to a specified position under the action of the roller.

[0102] In a specific implementation, the battery swap device 60 has a dismounting structure corresponding to the battery 70 mounting rack of the electric vehicle, through which the battery 70 can be dismounted from the electric vehicle or mounted on the electric vehicle. The corresponding avoiding area can be arranged according to the dismounting structure, so that the dismounting structure on the battery swap device 60 can pass through the avoiding area to dismount or mount the battery 70.

[0103] As a preferred implementation, as shown in the drawings, Figure 6 As shown,

[0104] The roller transmission assembly 110 comprises a first roller transmission unit 111 and a second roller transmission unit 112 arranged along the transmission direction; the first roller transmission unit 111 and the second roller transmission unit 112 are respectively driven by a first roller driving unit and a second roller driving unit; the first roller transmission unit 111 and the second roller transmission unit 112 are respectively arranged on the two sides of the battery swap area along the transmission direction.

[0105] The roller transmission assembly 110 further comprises a third roller transmission unit 114 arranged on the battery swap area, and the third roller transmission unit 114 is driven by a third roller driving unit.

[0106] The first roller transmission unit 111, the second roller transmission unit 112 and the third roller transmission unit 114 can be driven by corresponding driving mechanisms respectively, so that the old battery can be transmitted to the battery rack on one side of the battery replacement area, and the new battery in the battery rack on the other side of the battery replacement area can be transmitted to the battery replacement area, and the transmission speed of the new and old batteries can be controlled respectively, so as to avoid the interference of the movement of the two batteries and improve the battery replacement efficiency. The same driving mechanism can also be used for driving.

[0107] In a specific implementation, the single roller transmission assembly 110 can include the first roller transmission unit 111, the second roller transmission unit 112 and the third roller transmission unit 114 which have the same basic structure. The third roller transmission unit 114 can be located on the battery replacement area, and the first roller transmission unit 111 and the second roller transmission unit 112 can be located on both sides of the battery replacement area. Therefore, the battery 70 can be transmitted to the third roller transmission unit 114 under the action of the first roller transmission unit 111 or the second roller transmission unit 112, so as to be subjected to corresponding disassembly and assembly operations by the battery replacement device 60. When the corresponding operation is completed, for example, the battery 70 on the electric vehicle is disassembled on the third roller transmission unit 114, the third roller transmission unit 114 can also transmit the battery 70 to the first roller transmission unit 111 or the second roller transmission unit 112 and then to the battery rack.

[0108] The first roller transmission unit 111 and the third roller transmission unit 114 have a second avoiding area 220, and / or the second roller transmission unit 112 and the third roller transmission unit 114 have a third avoiding area 230. The second avoiding area 220 and the third avoiding area 230 are used for the battery replacement device 60 to lift and support the battery 70.

[0109] As a preferred implementation, the roller transmission assembly 110 includes the mounting bracket 113 and the roller 100. The two ends of the roller 100 are respectively mounted on the corresponding mounting bracket 113, and the surface of the roller 100 protrudes from the top surface of the mounting bracket 113.

[0110] In a specific implementation, the top surface of the outer mounting bracket 113 is higher than the surface of the roller 100, and the top surface of the inner mounting bracket 113 is lower than the surface of the roller 100, so that the roller 100 protrudes from the top surface of the mounting bracket 113. Alternatively, the top surfaces of the inner and outer mounting brackets 113 are both lower than the surface of the roller 100, so that the roller 100 protrudes from the top surface of the mounting bracket 113. The outer mounting bracket 113 refers to the mounting bracket 113 close to the end surface of the battery 70, and the inner mounting bracket 113 refers to the mounting bracket 113 covered by the battery 70.

[0111] As a preferable implementation, the plurality of rollers 100 are uniformly spaced, and the spacing between two adjacent rollers 100 is less than half the width of the battery 70.

[0112] The embodiment also provides a battery transfer delivery-in-place detection method. Referring to Figure 8 The battery transfer delivery-in-place detection method comprises the following steps:

[0113] In step S441, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to start based on the battery replacement instruction, so as to perform battery transfer.

[0114] In step S442, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to stop conveying the battery based on the delivery-in-place information.

[0115] The battery is transferred by the battery transfer conveying line, which has a simple structure and is simple and reliable to control. The control complexity and precision of the original battery replacement station are simplified, the equipment cost is reduced, and the positioning operation is easier to implement. Specifically, in the battery conveying process, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to stop conveying the battery based on the delivery-in-place information, which can improve the accuracy of battery conveying.

[0116] In specific implementation, when the battery replacement instruction is received, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to start, so as to perform battery transfer. When the battery replacement instruction is to transfer the depleted battery, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to move away from the battery replacement area. When the battery replacement instruction is to transfer the full battery, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to move towards the battery replacement area.

[0117] According to the depleted or full attribute information of the battery and the specific operation of the battery replacement process, the conveying direction is reasonably set, the battery can be accurately conveyed, and the flexibility of control is improved.

[0118] In an optional implementation, when both sides of the battery transfer conveying line have battery racks, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to convey the depleted battery to the battery rack on the other side opposite to the battery rack where the selected full battery is located.

[0119] When both sides of the battery transfer conveying line have battery racks, the full battery is conveyed in the direction towards the battery replacement area based on the guarantee, which facilitates the battery installation operation. The battery is accurately conveyed while improving the battery replacement efficiency.

[0120] Further, in order to improve the stability of the battery conveying, when the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within a preset distance range during the battery conveying, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed. For example, when the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed, so as to improve the accuracy of the battery conveying. When the distance between the battery and the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed, so as to improve the accuracy of the battery conveying.

[0121] In the battery conveying process, when the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed, which can improve the stability of the battery conveying.

[0122] As an optional implementation, in the battery conveying process, the stop mechanism is started to position the battery based on the battery replacement instruction and the transmission-to-position information generated by the first detection member or the second detection member.

[0123] For example, when the battery is conveyed to the battery replacement position, the first detection member detects the trigger member, and the transmission-to-position information is generated. The stop mechanism is started based on the transmission-to-position information to stop the battery, so as to limit the movement of the battery and position the battery. When the battery is conveyed to the exchange position, the second detection member detects the trigger member, and the transmission-to-position information is generated. The stop mechanism is started based on the transmission-to-position information to stop the battery, so as to limit the movement of the battery and position the battery.

[0124] At least one side of the front and back sides in the battery conveying direction is provided with the stop mechanism, which further ensures the transmission-to-position of the battery. The stop mechanism is started to position the battery based on the battery replacement instruction and the transmission-to-position information generated by the first detection member or the second detection member, so as to timely and effectively start the stop mechanism to position the battery and improve the accuracy of the battery transmission.

[0125] In an optional implementation, when the battery is conveyed to the battery replacement position, the battery replacement device is controlled to be lifted to obtain the battery on the battery replacement position, so as to perform the battery installation operation.

[0126] In another optional implementation, when the battery is conveyed to the battery replacement position, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to be lowered to obtain the battery on the battery replacement position, so as to perform the battery installation operation.

[0127] In an optional implementation, when the battery is conveyed to the exchange position, the stacker is controlled to be extended to obtain the depleted battery on the exchange position, so as to put the depleted battery into the designated battery position.

[0128] After the full battery is transported to the battery replacement position by the battery transfer conveying line, the battery replacement device can obtain the full battery by lifting or lowering the battery transfer conveying line, so that the full battery is separated from the battery transfer conveying line, and the battery replacement device can perform the battery installation operation, thereby simplifying the transfer process of the full battery before installation and improving the battery replacement efficiency.

[0129] Embodiment 2

[0130] The embodiment provides a battery transfer transmission-to-position detection system. The battery transfer transmission-to-position detection system of the embodiment is different from the battery transfer transmission-to-position detection system of embodiment 1 in that, in the embodiment, the battery transfer conveying line is a speed-increasing chain battery transfer conveying line.

[0131] Reference Figures 9-13 The speed-increasing chain battery transfer conveying line 11 is based on a speed-increasing chain structure. The speed-increasing chain can refer to a material conveying machine that uses a chain as a traction and bearing body. It belongs to a kind of conveyors and can convey bulky objects at one time. In the embodiment, the full battery or the depleted battery can be directly conveyed between the battery rack and the battery replacement area 880 on the speed-increasing chain battery transfer conveying line 11. The scheme reduces the number of electric control components, greatly reduces the cost, and simplifies the control process. In addition, the speed-increasing chain battery transfer conveying line can select the running speed of the chain. The speed-increasing chain is used to increase the speed, and the battery 70 supported thereon runs fast. The conveying capacity is large, and the battery with large load can be carried. The conveying speed is accurate and stable, and the accurate synchronous conveying of the battery can be ensured.

[0132] The speed-increasing chain battery transfer conveying line 11 is provided with a battery replacement position and an exchange position. The battery replacement position is arranged at the corresponding position of the battery replacement device, and the exchange position is arranged at the corresponding position of the battery rack 881. The speed-increasing chain battery transfer conveying line 11 is provided with a detection part, and the battery is provided with a trigger part. As an optional embodiment, the detection part includes a first detection member 91 and a second detection member 94. The first detection member and the second detection member are arranged at the corresponding positions of the battery replacement position and the exchange position along the battery conveying direction. The trigger part includes a trigger member 92 arranged on the battery. The first detection member can be at least one of an infrared sensor, a proximity sensor, and a vision sensor. The second detection member can be at least one of an infrared sensor, a proximity sensor, and a vision sensor.

[0133] As an optional implementation, during the battery conveying process, when the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to operate at a reduced speed. In a specific implementation, the preset distance range can be reasonably set according to the length of the battery transfer conveying line. A corresponding sensor is arranged on the battery transfer conveying line. When the sensor senses the sensing part on the battery, it indicates that the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within the preset distance range. When the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within the preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to operate at a reduced speed, so as to ensure the stability and accuracy of the battery conveying. The sensor can be at least one of an infrared sensor, a contact sensor, a proximity sensor, and a visual sensor.

[0134] In an optional implementation, the battery replacement device is liftable. In another optional implementation, the battery transfer conveying line is liftable.

[0135] The speed chain battery transfer conveying line 11 can include a stopping mechanism 12 arranged on the speed chain battery transfer conveying line 11, and the stopping mechanism 12 is used to limit the movement of the battery 70. The stopping mechanism 12 is arranged on the speed chain battery transfer conveying line 11 and can limit the movement of the battery 70 in the conveying direction along the speed chain battery transfer conveying line 11.

[0136] In an embodiment, the stopping mechanism 12 is arranged on the side of the battery replacement area 880 away from the battery rack. The stopping mechanism 12 arranged on the side of the battery replacement area 880 away from the battery rack can make the battery 70 stop on the battery replacement area 880, thereby facilitating subsequent replacement of the battery 70 on the battery replacement area 880.

[0137] In an embodiment, the stopping mechanism 12 can also be arranged at the end of the battery rack. The stopping mechanism 12 arranged at the end of the battery rack can make the battery 70 stop on the battery rack, thereby facilitating subsequent movement of the battery 70 to the battery rack.

[0138] In an embodiment, the blocking mechanism 12 has a driving part and a blocking part, the driving part is used to drive the blocking part to lift in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the battery transfer conveying line 11. Among them, by setting the blocking part to be liftable, on the one hand, it can block the full battery, on the other hand, it can avoid the need to continue to move the depleted battery (or battery tray and other components). For example, when in the state of installing the battery 70, that is, the full battery to be replaced with the depleted battery of the vehicle is carried on the battery transfer conveying line 11, the battery 70 is transported to the preset position of the battery replacement area 880, the driving part drives the blocking part to lift to stop the battery 70, and the installation process is completed; when in the state of disassembling the battery 70, that is, the battery 70 disassembled from the vehicle is located on the battery transfer conveying line 11, the driving part drives the blocking part to descend to avoid the depleted battery, so that the depleted battery continues to be conveyed to the battery rack.

[0139] It should be noted that in the embodiment, the blocking part blocks the battery 70 by lifting, and in other alternative embodiments, the blocking part can adopt other blocking modes. For example, the driving part is used to drive the blocking part to flip onto the battery transfer conveying line 11 or flip out of the battery transfer conveying line 11. Correspondingly, the blocking part is set to be flipable, when the blocking part is flipped to be higher than the contact surface of the battery transfer conveying line 11 and the battery 70, the battery 70 is limited to stop moving forward, and when the blocking part is flipped to be not higher than (flipped out of) the contact surface of the battery transfer conveying line 11 and the battery 70, the battery is avoided to continue to move forward. For example, flipping from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the battery transfer conveying line 11 to a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the battery transfer conveying line 11 can realize blocking the full battery and avoiding the need to continue to move the depleted battery.

[0140] In an embodiment, the battery transfer conveying line 11 is provided with a first detection piece 91 adjacent to the battery replacement area 880. The first detection piece 91 can be one or more of a weight sensor, a limit sensor, a contact sensor, etc. The first detection piece 91 is in communication connection with the control unit of the blocking mechanism 12, and the first detection piece 91 is used to send a signal to the control unit after detecting that the battery 70 is close, so that the control unit controls the driving part to drive the blocking part to lift or flip. By setting the first detection piece 91 and the control unit, when the battery 70 approaches or enters the battery replacement area 880, the driving part can be ensured to timely control the lifting or flipping of the blocking part.

[0141] In one embodiment, the second detection member 94 is arranged at the adjacent position of the battery rack of the speed chain battery transfer conveying line 11. The second detection member 94 is in communication connection with the control unit of the stop mechanism 12. When the second detection member 94 detects the approaching of the battery 70, it sends a signal to the control unit to control the driving part to drive the stop part to lift or flip. By arranging the second detection member 94 and the control unit, when the battery 70 approaches or enters the battery rack, the driving part can timely control the stop part to lift or flip.

[0142] As an optional embodiment, the stop mechanism is provided with a third detection member for sensing the battery 70 to generate state information for judging the state of the stop mechanism. When the third detection member senses the trigger member 92 on the battery 70, it indicates that the battery has reached the corresponding position of the stop mechanism, and the third detection member generates the second state information to indicate that the stop mechanism is in the state of lifting the battery for stopping. When the third detection member does not sense the trigger member 92 on the battery 70, it indicates that the battery has not reached the corresponding position of the stop mechanism, and the third detection member generates the third state information to indicate that the stop mechanism is in the state of retracting without stopping the battery.

[0143] The speed chain battery transfer conveying line 11 can include a guide positioning mechanism arranged on both sides of the speed chain battery transfer conveying line 11. The guide positioning mechanism is used for guiding and positioning the battery 70 to move along the preset path on the speed chain battery transfer conveying line 11. By arranging the guide positioning mechanism, the movement of the battery 70 can be guided. By arranging the guide positioning mechanism on both sides of the speed chain battery transfer conveying line 11, the battery 70 can be prevented from tilting relative to the conveying direction, thereby improving the stability during movement.

[0144] Specifically, the guide positioning mechanism includes two positioning plates 13 parallel to each other, and the two positioning plates 13 are respectively arranged on both sides of the speed chain battery transfer conveying line 11. The positioning plate 13 includes a main body part 131 and a guide part 132. The two ends of the main body part 131 are respectively provided with the guide part 132. The side of the guide part 132 close to the battery 70 forms an angle with the extension direction of the main body part 131. The distance between the two opposite guide parts 132 gradually increases in the direction away from the main body part 131 to guide the battery 70. By arranging the guide part 132, even if the battery 70 has a certain offset between the main body part 131 during transmission, the battery 70 can still enter the guide positioning mechanism through the guiding action of the guide part 132, thereby effectively avoiding the problem that the battery 70 cannot smoothly enter the guide positioning mechanism due to the inaccurate alignment between the battery 70 and the main body part 131.

[0145] The guiding positioning mechanism can include a first guiding positioning mechanism arranged at a position close to the battery replacement area 880 of the battery transfer conveying line 11. The first guiding positioning mechanism is arranged at a position close to the battery replacement area 880 of the battery transfer conveying line 11, and can guide the battery 70 when the battery 70 enters the battery replacement area 880, so as to ensure that the battery 70 smoothly enters the battery replacement area 880.

[0146] The first guiding positioning mechanism can also be arranged in the battery replacement area 880, and is used to correspond to the position of the battery 70 in the driving direction of the vehicle, which corresponds to the battery 70 replaced by the vehicle. The first guiding positioning mechanism is arranged in the battery replacement area 880, and is used to accurately position the battery 70, so that the battery 70 accurately enters the preset position corresponding to the battery 70 replaced by the vehicle, thereby facilitating subsequent replacement.

[0147] The guiding positioning mechanism can also include a second guiding positioning mechanism arranged along the path of the battery transfer conveying line 11. The second guiding positioning mechanism can guide the battery 70 during the transmission between the battery replacement area 880 and the battery rack, so as to avoid the battery 70 from deviating, and ensure the accuracy of the transportation path.

[0148] The battery transfer conveying line 11 can also include a driving mechanism 14 and a transmission mechanism 15. The input end of the transmission mechanism 15 is connected to the driving mechanism 14, and the output end of the transmission mechanism 15 is connected to the battery transfer conveying line 11. The driving mechanism 14 provides stable driving force to the transmission mechanism 15, so that the output of the transmission mechanism 15 is more stable, thereby making the movement of the battery transfer conveying line more stable, and improving the stability of the entire system. The driving mechanism 14 can flexibly select one of a motor, an air cylinder, a lead screw, and an electric push rod according to actual needs.

[0149] In an embodiment, the battery transfer conveying line 11 can include two battery conveying guide rails 181 arranged opposite to each other and on both sides of the battery replacement area 880 in a direction perpendicular to the driving direction of the vehicle. By arranging two battery conveying guide rails 181, the contact area between the battery 70 and the battery transfer conveying line 11 is increased, and the battery 70 is prevented from tilting relative to the battery conveying guide rail 181, thereby improving the stability during movement. Arranging the battery conveying guide rail 181 perpendicular to the driving direction of the vehicle can reduce the interference between the conveying path and the driving path of the vehicle, and simplify the structure of the entire system.

[0150] In another embodiment, the battery transfer conveyor line 11 can include four battery transfer rails 181 arranged in parallel, and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the vehicle travels in the battery swap area 880. By arranging four battery transfer rails 181, the stability of the battery 70 during movement is further improved.

[0151] The embodiment also provides a transmission-to-position detection method for battery transfer. In particular, when receiving a battery swap instruction, the battery transfer conveyor line is controlled to start battery transfer. When the battery swap instruction is to transfer a depleted battery, the battery transfer conveyor line is controlled to move away from the battery swap area; when the battery swap instruction is to transfer a full battery, the battery transfer conveyor line is controlled to move towards the battery swap area.

[0152] According to the depleted or full attribute information of the battery and the specific operation of the battery swap process, the conveying direction is reasonably set, accurate battery conveying is achieved, and the flexibility of control is improved.

[0153] In an alternative embodiment, when both sides of the battery transfer conveyor line have battery racks, the battery transfer conveyor line is controlled to convey the depleted battery to the battery rack on the other side opposite to the battery rack where the selected full battery is located.

[0154] When both sides of the battery transfer conveyor line have battery racks, based on ensuring that the full battery is conveyed in a direction towards the battery swap area, battery installation operations are facilitated, and the battery swap efficiency is improved while accurate battery conveying is achieved.

[0155] Further, in order to improve the stability of battery conveying, during battery conveying, when the distance between the battery and the battery swap position or the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveyor line is controlled to run at a reduced speed. For example, when the distance between the battery and the battery swap position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveyor line is controlled to run at a reduced speed to improve the accuracy of battery conveying. When the distance between the battery and the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveyor line is controlled to run at a reduced speed to improve the accuracy of battery conveying.

[0156] During battery conveying, when the distance between the battery and the battery swap position or the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveyor line is controlled to run at a reduced speed, which can improve the stability of battery conveying.

[0157] As an alternative embodiment, during battery conveying, based on the battery swap instruction and the transmission-to-position information generated by the first detection member or the second detection member, the stop mechanism is controlled to start to position the battery.

[0158] For example, when the battery is transported to the battery replacement position, the first detection member detects the trigger member, and generates a transmission-to-position information. The transmission-to-position information is used to start the stop mechanism to stop the battery, so as to limit the movement of the battery and to position the battery. When the battery is transported to the battery exchange position, the second detection member detects the trigger member, and generates a transmission-to-position information. The transmission-to-position information is used to start the stop mechanism to stop the battery, so as to limit the movement of the battery and to position the battery.

[0159] At least one side of the front and back sides along the battery transportation direction is provided with a stop mechanism. The stop mechanism is used to further ensure the transmission-to-position of the battery. The stop mechanism is started to position the battery based on the battery replacement instruction and the transmission-to-position information generated by the first detection member or the second detection member. The stop mechanism can be started in time to position the battery, and the accuracy of the battery transmission is improved.

[0160] In an optional embodiment, when the battery is transported to the battery replacement position, the battery replacement device is controlled to be lifted to obtain the battery on the battery replacement position, so as to perform the battery installation operation.

[0161] In another optional embodiment, when the battery is transported to the battery replacement position, the battery transfer transportation line is controlled to be lowered, and the battery replacement device is controlled to obtain the battery on the battery replacement position, so as to perform the battery installation operation.

[0162] In an optional embodiment, when the battery is transported to the battery exchange position, the stacker is controlled to be extended to obtain the depleted battery on the battery exchange position, so as to put the depleted battery into the designated battery storage position.

[0163] After the battery transfer transportation line transports the full battery to the battery replacement position and positions the full battery, the battery replacement device can obtain the full battery by being lifted or the battery transfer transportation line being lowered. At this time, the full battery is separated from the battery transfer transportation line, and the battery replacement device can perform the battery installation operation. The process of transferring the full battery before installation is simplified, and the battery replacement efficiency is improved.

[0164] Embodiment 3

[0165] The embodiment provides a transmission-to-position detection system for battery transfer. The transmission-to-position detection system for battery transfer in the embodiment is different from the transmission-to-position detection system for battery transfer in Embodiment 1. In the embodiment, the battery transfer transportation line is a belt battery transfer transportation line 1.

[0166] Reference Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16The belt-driven battery transfer conveyor 1 extends at least partially between the battery rack 881 and the battery swapping area 880, meaning the entire belt-driven battery transfer conveyor 1 extends between the battery rack 881 and the battery swapping area 880, or a portion of the belt-driven battery transfer conveyor 1 extends between the battery rack 881 and the battery swapping area 880. The belt-driven battery transfer conveyor 1 is used to carry and move the battery 70 between the battery rack 881 and the battery swapping area 880. The battery swapping area 880 is used for battery swapping operations on battery swapping vehicles, and the battery rack 881 is used to carry the battery 70 and / or charge the battery 70.

[0167] In use, the battery swapping vehicle is positioned in the battery swapping area 880. The depleted batteries from the vehicle are removed and placed on the belt-driven battery transfer conveyor 1. The belt-driven battery transfer conveyor 1 transports the depleted batteries to the battery rack 881 for storage. Fully charged batteries in the battery rack 881 are placed on the belt-driven battery transfer conveyor 1 and transported to the battery swapping area 880 via the belt-driven battery transfer conveyor 1, facilitating the installation of fully charged batteries into the battery swapping vehicle. This embodiment uses the belt-driven battery transfer conveyor 1 to transport batteries, enabling precise and low-cost battery transport.

[0168] A first detection element 91 is provided on the belt battery transfer conveyor line 1 to detect whether the battery 70 has reached the first arrival point P as it moves along the battery rack 881 towards the battery swapping area 880 on the belt battery transfer conveyor line 1. Figure 1 The dashed line indicates the state of battery 70 when it is at the first arrival point P. The first arrival point P refers to the position where battery 70 has moved to the battery swapping area 880 and is suitable for battery swapping. This position is below the battery swapping area 880. After a fully charged battery arrives at this position, it can be installed on the battery swapping vehicle. Alternatively, the first arrival point P refers to the position where battery 70 has moved to a suitable waiting position. This position is below or to the side of the battery swapping area 880. After a fully charged battery arrives at this position, its position can be further adjusted for positioning before being installed on the battery swapping vehicle. When the first detection element 91 detects the trigger element 92 set on the battery 70, it indicates that the battery 70 has reached the first arrival point P. The first detection element 91 generates transmission arrival information to stop battery transmission.

[0169] When in use, the test results of the first test piece 91 can be used as start / stop signals for relevant equipment in the battery swapping station, and can also be used as reference data for maintenance and repair by battery swapping station maintenance personnel.

[0170] As an optional implementation, a second detection element 94 is provided at the exchange position of the battery holder 881. When the second detection element 94 detects the trigger element 92 provided on the battery 70, it indicates that the battery 70 has reached the exchange position, and the first detection element 91 generates transmission arrival information to stop battery transmission.

[0171] As an optional implementation, during the battery conveying process, when the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to operate at a reduced speed. In a specific implementation, the preset distance range can be reasonably set according to the length of the battery transfer conveying line. A corresponding sensor is arranged on the battery transfer conveying line. When the sensor senses the sensing part on the battery, it indicates that the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within the preset distance range. When the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within the preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to operate at a reduced speed to ensure the stability and accuracy of the battery conveying. The sensor can be at least one of an infrared sensor, a contact sensor, a proximity sensor, and a visual sensor.

[0172] In an optional implementation, the battery replacement device is liftable. In another optional implementation, the battery transfer conveying line is liftable.

[0173] The belt battery transfer conveying line 1 further comprises a stopping mechanism 3 for stopping the battery 70 at a first arrival point P on the belt battery transfer conveying line 1. The stopping mechanism 3 can be arranged on the belt battery transfer conveying line 1 or the battery replacement area 880. The stopping mechanism 3 realizes positioning of the battery 70, improving the positioning accuracy of the battery 70.

[0174] The stopping mechanism 3 is liftable or reversible. In use, the stopping mechanism 3 can be lifted or reversed to stop the battery 70, and the stopping mechanism 3 can be reset to accommodate other components to leave space.

[0175] The third detection member is arranged on the stopping mechanism 3, which can improve the accuracy of the third detection member detection structure. If the third detection member does not detect the battery 70, the third detection member sends a first state information, and the stopping mechanism 3 is driven to a lower position according to the first state information, without stopping the battery. If the third detection member detects the battery 70, the third detection member sends a second state information, and the stopping mechanism 3 is lifted to stop the battery according to the second state information. The third detection member can be at least one of an infrared sensor, a proximity sensor, and a visual sensor.

[0176] When the first detection member 91 detects that the battery 70 reaches the first arrival point P, a first signal is generated for controlling the belt battery transfer conveying line 1 to stop. In other words, the first signal is used as a signal for stopping the belt battery transfer conveying line 1, ensuring the accurate position of the battery 70.

[0177] The outer side of the belt battery transfer conveying line 1 is also provided with a guide strip 5, the upper surface of the guide strip 5 is higher than the surface of the belt battery transfer conveying line 1 for bearing the battery 70, the guide strip 5 is used for guiding or bearing the battery 70, so that the battery 70 moves with the belt battery transfer conveying line 1, in other words, the guide strip 5 can guide the moving battery 70 to realize positioning in a direction, and the guide strip 5 can bear the gravity of the battery 70 transmitted by the belt.

[0178] The belt battery transfer conveying line 1 comprises a belt body 151 and at least two pulleys 152, the belt body 151 is provided with a plurality of connected L-shaped clamping seats 153 on the surface in contact with the battery 70, the L-shaped clamping seat 153 comprises a mounting surface 1031 and a clamping guide surface 1032 perpendicular to each other, the mounting surface 1031 is arranged on the surface of the belt body 151 and is used for connecting other devices for fixation, the clamping guide surface 1032 of the plurality of connected L-shaped clamping seats 153 is fixedly connected with the belt body 151, and it should be noted that the clamping guide surface 1032 can be a structure with a clamping groove, so as to realize positioning of the belt body 151 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the belt battery transfer conveying line 1.

[0179] The embodiment also provides a battery transfer conveying to position detection method. In specific implementation, when receiving the battery replacement instruction, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to start and transfer the battery. When the battery replacement instruction is to transfer the low-power battery, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to move away from the battery replacement area; when the battery replacement instruction is to transfer the full-power battery, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to move towards the battery replacement area.

[0180] According to the low-power or full-power attribute information of the battery and the specific operation of the battery replacement process, the conveying direction is reasonably set, the battery can be accurately conveyed, and the flexibility of control is improved.

[0181] In an optional embodiment, when both sides of the battery transfer conveying line have battery racks, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to convey the low-power battery to the battery rack on the other side opposite to the battery rack where the selected full-power battery is located.

[0182] When both sides of the battery transfer conveying line have battery racks, based on ensuring that the full-power battery is conveyed in the direction towards the battery replacement area, the battery installation operation is facilitated, the battery is accurately conveyed, and the battery replacement efficiency is improved.

[0183] Further, in order to improve the stability of the battery conveying, when the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within a preset distance range during the battery conveying, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed. For example, when the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed, so as to improve the accuracy of the battery conveying. When the distance between the battery and the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed, so as to improve the accuracy of the battery conveying.

[0184] In the battery conveying process, when the distance between the battery and the battery replacement position or the exchange position is within a preset distance range, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to run at a reduced speed, which can improve the stability of the battery conveying.

[0185] As an optional implementation, in the battery conveying process, the stop mechanism is started to position the battery based on the battery replacement instruction and the transmission-to-position information generated by the first detection member or the second detection member.

[0186] For example, when the battery is conveyed to the battery replacement position, the first detection member detects the trigger member, and the transmission-to-position information is generated. The stop mechanism is started based on the transmission-to-position information to stop the battery, so as to limit the movement of the battery and position the battery. When the battery is conveyed to the exchange position, the second detection member detects the trigger member, and the transmission-to-position information is generated. The stop mechanism is started based on the transmission-to-position information to stop the battery, so as to limit the movement of the battery and position the battery.

[0187] At least one side of the front and back sides in the battery conveying direction is provided with the stop mechanism, which further ensures the transmission-to-position of the battery. The stop mechanism is started to position the battery based on the battery replacement instruction and the transmission-to-position information generated by the first detection member or the second detection member, so as to timely and effectively start the stop mechanism to position the battery and improve the accuracy of the battery transmission.

[0188] In an optional implementation, when the battery is conveyed to the battery replacement position, the battery replacement device is controlled to be lifted to obtain the battery on the battery replacement position, so as to perform the battery installation operation.

[0189] In another optional implementation, when the battery is conveyed to the battery replacement position, the battery transfer conveying line is controlled to be lowered, and the battery replacement device is controlled to obtain the battery on the battery replacement position, so as to perform the battery installation operation.

[0190] In an optional implementation, when the battery is conveyed to the exchange position, the stacker is controlled to be extended to obtain the depleted battery on the exchange position, so as to put the depleted battery into the designated battery storage position.

[0191] After the full battery is transported to the battery replacing position by the battery transfer conveying line, the full battery is obtained by the battery replacing equipment through controlling the lifting of the battery replacing equipment or the descending of the battery transfer conveying line, so that the full battery is separated from the battery transfer conveying line, and the battery is convenient for the battery replacing equipment to perform the battery installation operation, the transfer process before the full battery is put into the installation is simplified, and the battery replacing efficiency is improved.

[0192] Although the specific embodiments of the present application are described above, those skilled in the art should understand that this is only an example, the protection scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present application, and these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery transfer system for a battery swapping station, the battery swapping station comprising a swapping area and battery racks, wherein the swapping area is equipped with battery swapping equipment for installing and removing batteries from battery swapping vehicles, characterized in that, The battery transfer system includes: a battery transfer conveyor line, wherein the battery transfer conveyor line is provided with a power exchange device and an exchange position, the power exchange device is located at the corresponding position of the power exchange equipment, and the exchange position is located at the corresponding position of the battery rack to transfer batteries between the power exchange area and the battery rack; The battery transfer system also includes a detection unit located at the corresponding position of the battery transfer conveyor line. The detection unit is used to cooperate with the trigger unit on the battery of the battery swapping vehicle. When the detection unit detects the trigger unit, it generates transmission arrival information and controls the battery transfer conveyor line to stop transporting batteries according to the transmission arrival information. The battery transfer conveyor line is provided with a clearance area, and / or the battery swapping equipment is provided with a clearance space, so that the battery swapping equipment and / or the battery transfer conveyor line can avoid each other after being raised and lowered; The battery swapping device has multiple split units spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the battery transport direction. The interval between two adjacent split units forms the clearance space to avoid the battery transfer conveyor line. At least one split unit is provided with a disassembly and assembly structure for removing or installing the battery. The disassembly and assembly structure can extend out of the clearance area when the battery swapping device rises or the battery transfer conveyor line descends.

2. The battery transfer system for a battery swapping station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The battery transfer conveyor line runs through the battery swapping area and extends to one or both sides, and / or the battery transfer conveyor line can be raised and lowered.

3. The battery transfer system for a battery swapping station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit includes a first detection element disposed at the switching potential and at a position corresponding to the battery switching equipment, and / or a second detection element disposed on the battery transfer conveyor line at the switching position.

4. A battery swapping station, characterized in that, The system includes a battery swapping device, a battery rack, and a battery transfer system for a battery swapping station as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the battery swapping device and / or the battery transfer conveyor line are vertically oriented such that at least a portion of the battery swapping device can extend out of the battery transfer conveyor line to contact the battery for removing or installing the battery.

5. The battery swapping station as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The battery transfer and conveying line includes at least two transmission components. The at least two transmission components are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the battery transport direction and together form the battery transport surface. The gap between two adjacent transmission components forms the avoidance area so that at least part of the battery swapping equipment can pass through.

6. The battery swapping station as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The battery transfer conveyor line has at least one of the avoidance areas along the battery transport direction for at least a portion of the battery swapping equipment to pass through.

Citation Information

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