Battery swap station or energy storage station

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery swap station or energy storage station, which is used to replace batteries for electric vehicles. The battery swap station or energy storage station is formed by at least two boxes spliced ​​together from top to bottom, and at least two boxes have a connecting part that communicates with each other from top to bottom; multiple charging positions of the battery swap station or energy storage station are arranged in the connecting part in the vertical direction; a guide mechanism is arranged in the connecting part; and a battery transfer device moves up and down along the guide mechanism to take and place batteries from multiple charging positions. With the present invention, the battery swap station or energy storage station is formed by at least two boxes spliced ​​together from top to bottom, which is convenient for transportation and on-site assembly. There is a connecting space between the boxes, and components such as battery compartments, guide mechanisms, and battery transfer devices can be arranged through the space, so as to fully utilize the longitudinal space and save the overall floor space. In addition, the battery transfer device can move up and down in the longitudinal space of the battery swap station or energy storage station under the guidance of the guide mechanism to take and place batteries from multiple charging positions.

Description

[0001] This application is a division of a Chinese invention patent with an application date of December 31, 2020, application number 202011634550.0, and name “Battery Swap Station or Energy Storage Station”. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a battery swap station or an energy storage station. Background Art

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

[0004] With the rapid popularization of new energy vehicles, more battery swap stations need to be built to meet the demand. However, the traditional construction method is mostly an integrated structure, which requires the relevant materials to be transported to the site before construction. The battery swap station itself has a large space and the corresponding construction materials are also large in specifications. It is not only inconvenient for transportation and high cost, but also has a long construction period and is not conducive to later expansion and upgrading of battery swap equipment.

[0005] The Chinese patent application with publication number CN106043247A discloses a modular and expandable battery swap station equipment and charging rack. The battery storage modules in the charging rack are stacked together in a building block manner, and the battery transfer device can travel through the battery storage modules. However, they are all splicing the charging compartments in the charging rack. When building a battery swap station, the charging compartments still need to be spliced ​​in sequence, and the battery swap station itself cannot be modularized. The Chinese patent application with publication number CN111717062A discloses a battery swap system for heavy trucks. The battery storage area is arranged on the side and / or above the vehicle's battery swap parking area. The battery storage area is increased in capacity and expanded in the horizontal direction, occupying a large area. Summary of the invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects of battery swap stations or energy storage stations in the prior art that are difficult to expand, have high costs, long construction periods and occupy a large area, and to provide a battery swap station or energy storage station.

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

[0008] A battery swap station or energy storage station for replacing batteries of electric vehicles, characterized in that the battery swap station or energy storage station is composed of at least two boxes spliced ​​together from top to bottom, and at least two of the boxes have a connecting part that communicates with each other from top to bottom;

[0009] The battery swap station or energy storage station also includes: charging positions, battery transfer equipment and a guiding mechanism, wherein a plurality of the charging positions are arranged vertically in the connecting part; the battery transfer equipment is used to transfer batteries between the plurality of the charging positions; the guiding mechanism is arranged in the connecting part; the battery transfer equipment is lifted and lowered along the guiding mechanism to take and place batteries from the plurality of the charging positions.

[0010] In this solution, the stacked box-shaped equipment is divided into two parts, upper and lower, and they are independent of each other. After the components in the box are installed, the stacked box-shaped equipment can be divided into the upper and lower parts and transported separately to meet the road transportation requirements and facilitate on-site installation and commissioning after transportation. The stacking of the lower box and the upper box can reduce the land area, improve the land utilization rate, and accommodate more battery packs under the same land area. The lower box is connected to the upper box, so that the battery exchange equipment or battery transfer equipment inside the stacked box-shaped equipment can move unimpeded along the height direction of the stacked box-shaped equipment. The extension of the stacked box-shaped equipment in the height direction can enable the battery exchange station or energy storage station or energy storage station to accommodate more battery packs and more types of battery packs, thereby improving the battery exchange efficiency and operation capacity of the battery exchange station or energy storage station or energy storage station. In addition, there is a connecting space between the boxes, through which components such as battery compartments, guide mechanisms, and battery transfer equipment can be arranged, so as to fully utilize the longitudinal space and save the overall floor space. In addition, the battery transfer equipment can be lifted and moved in the longitudinal space of the battery swap station or energy storage station under the guidance of the guide mechanism, so as to realize the taking and placing of batteries in multiple charging positions.

[0011] Preferably, at least two of the boxes are connected up and down at their respective battery storage areas to form the connecting portion, and the battery storage area is used to accommodate the charging compartment.

[0012] In this solution, the boxes are interconnected in the corresponding battery storage areas, so that the charging positions can extend in the longitudinal direction within the battery swap station or energy storage station, which facilitates the increase of charging positions in the height direction.

[0013] Preferably, the battery swap station or energy storage station comprises a first box body arranged at the bottom, both sides of the first box body are the battery storage area, and the middle of the first box body is the battery swap area;

[0014] The battery swap station or energy storage station also includes a second box, which is arranged at least above the battery storage area of ​​the first box.

[0015] In this solution, the two sides of the first box body are battery storage areas, and the middle is a battery replacement area, so that the battery can be installed and removed from both sides of the electric vehicle, improving the battery replacement efficiency, and also making use of the space on both sides to improve the utilization rate. In addition, the second box body is at least arranged above the battery storage area of ​​the first box body, which can achieve the expansion of the height direction of the charging position and save box body materials.

[0016] Preferably, at least one charging unit is provided in the battery storage area, and the charging unit comprises at least two rows of charging racks arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction, and the charging rack is formed by a plurality of the charging positions arranged in the vertical direction;

[0017] The guiding mechanism includes a transverse guiding unit and a longitudinal guiding unit, and the battery transporting equipment is guided horizontally and vertically respectively by the transverse guiding unit and the longitudinal guiding unit to take and place batteries from charging positions in any column of the charging rack.

[0018] In this solution, through the transverse guide unit and the longitudinal guide unit, the battery transfer equipment can take and place batteries from multiple charging racks in the same charging unit; and the same charging unit includes multiple charging racks arranged side by side, which is convenient for integrated layout and control, and can save battery transfer equipment resources.

[0019] Preferably, at least one row of charging racks is provided in the battery storage area, and the charging racks are formed by a plurality of charging positions arranged in a vertical direction;

[0020] The guiding mechanism is arranged in the vertical direction and corresponds to the charging position, so as to guide the vertical lifting of the battery transporting equipment to take and place the battery.

[0021] In this solution, the battery transfer equipment can be lifted and moved vertically, so as to take and place batteries in one row or two rows of charging racks arranged opposite to each other, which can improve the efficiency of battery taking and placing.

[0022] Preferably, the battery transfer device is located on one side of the entrance and exit of the charging compartments of a row of the charging racks;

[0023] The guiding mechanism includes at least two guide columns arranged in a vertical direction, wherein two of the guide columns are along the inlet and outlet directions of the charging position and are arranged at both ends of the battery transfer equipment; the two guide columns reuse two columns of the charging rack close to the battery transfer equipment.

[0024] In this solution, the guiding mechanism reuses the columns of the charging rack on one side. On the one hand, it can reduce space waste, make the space more compact, and reduce the floor space. On the other hand, the battery transfer equipment can be closer to the charging rack, reducing the pick-up and placement distance and improving the pick-up and placement efficiency.

[0025] Preferably, the battery transport device is located between two rows of charging racks that are arranged opposite to each other at a predetermined interval;

[0026] The guide mechanism includes four guide columns along the vertical direction, and the four guide columns are arranged one by one at the four end positions of the battery transport device, and the four guide columns reuse the four columns of the two rows of charging racks close to the battery transport device. In this scheme, the guide mechanism reuses the four columns of the charging racks on both sides, and the battery transport system can be directly operated between the two opposite charging racks without installing additional guide columns, which can improve the strength and reduce the cost. The structure is simple and compact, and the installation process saves manpower and material resources, which improves the operation efficiency of the entire system. In addition, the guidance is carried out from the four ends of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism, so that the movement stability of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism is maximized, and at the same time, the structure of the guide mechanism is simplified. The guidance is completely achieved by reusing the columns of the charging rack, and the optimal design of the structure of the transport device and the charging rack is obtained, which reduces the complexity of the structure, makes the overall structure more compact, has higher strength, and saves space resources; and it is convenient for the battery pick-up and placement mechanism to pick up and place batteries on the charging racks on both sides, which improves the efficiency of battery pick-up and placement.

[0027] Preferably, the battery transport equipment includes a battery pick-up and placement mechanism and at least one transmission mechanism, the reused column has a transmission surface that cooperates with the transmission mechanism, and / or the reused column has a guide surface that cooperates with the battery pick-up and placement mechanism.

[0028] In this solution, the column has a transmission surface that cooperates with the transmission mechanism. During the specific implementation, the transmission belt in the above-mentioned transmission mechanism can be fixed on the transmission surface, so as to cooperate with the driving wheel and transition wheel of the transmission mechanism for transmission. The column can also have a guide surface that cooperates with the battery pick-up and placement mechanism, so as to guide the lifting and lowering movement of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism, realize the installation of the transmission mechanism and the guidance of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism, simplify the overall structure, make the connection between the two more compact, and can improve the guiding strength and reduce costs. The installation process saves manpower and material resources and improves the operating efficiency of the entire system. Preferably, the battery transfer equipment includes a battery pick-up and placement mechanism and at least one transmission mechanism, the battery pick-up and placement mechanism is used to take and place batteries from the charging position; the transmission mechanism is used to drive the battery pick-up and placement mechanism to achieve vertical lifting and lowering movement along the guide mechanism;

[0029] At least one of the guide posts has a transmission contact surface that fits the transmission mechanism.

[0030] In this solution, the transmission mechanism has a transmission contact surface of a corresponding guide column, which enables the transmission mechanism to cooperate with the corresponding guide column to achieve lifting and lowering in the vertical direction.

[0031] Preferably, the number of the transmission mechanisms is four, and the four transmission mechanisms are respectively connected to the four ends of the battery taking and placing mechanism, and the transmission mechanisms are arranged to fit in with the transmission contact surfaces of the corresponding guide posts.

[0032] In this solution, transmission mechanisms are provided at the four ends of the battery picking and placing mechanism, and the transmission mechanisms are in contact with the corresponding transmission contact surfaces, so that the four ends of the battery picking and placing mechanism can be transmitted and guided. On the one hand, the stability of the overall lifting and lowering of the battery picking and placing mechanism can be improved, and on the other hand, the carrying capacity of the battery picking and placing mechanism can be correspondingly improved, and the demand for the carrying capacity of a single transmission mechanism can also be reduced.

[0033] Preferably, the transmission mechanism includes a driving wheel, a transition wheel, and a transmission belt fixed on the guide mechanism at both ends in the vertical direction. The driving wheel and the transition wheel are arranged on the battery picking and placing mechanism, and the transmission belt passes between the driving wheel and the transition wheel to drive the battery picking and placing mechanism to move up and down.

[0034] In this solution, the driving wheel and the transition wheel are arranged on the battery picking and placing mechanism, and drive the battery picking and placing mechanism to move up and down. The maximum movable distance of the car relative to the guide device can be extended by extending the length of the transmission belt, which is convenient for adjusting the moving distance of the car.

[0035] Preferably, at least one of the guide posts comprises a transmission contact surface and / or a guide contact surface, wherein the transmission contact surface is used to fit with the transmission belt, and the guide contact surface is used to abut against a guide roller fixed on the battery placement mechanism.

[0036] In this solution, the guide column has both transmission and guiding functions, which improves the utilization rate of different sides of the guide column and makes the overall structure of the equipment more compact.

[0037] Preferably, the transmission contact surface is the side surface of the guide column facing the battery pick-and-place mechanism, and the guide contact surface is the side surface adjacent to or opposite to the transmission contact surface.

[0038] In this solution, the guide contact surface may be a side surface adjacent to or opposite to the transmission contact surface, so that a suitable guide surface can be selected for guidance according to the formation of the guide column, thereby improving the stability of lifting.

[0039] Preferably, the transition wheel includes a first driven wheel and a second driven wheel, the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel are arranged on both sides of the driving wheel at a preset interval in the vertical direction, and the transmission belt passes between the first driven wheel and the driving wheel, and between the driving wheel and the second driven wheel in sequence.

[0040] In this solution, the first driven wheel, the second driven wheel and the driving wheel form an Ω-shaped structure, which can make the up and down movement stable. For the back, the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel are arranged on both sides of the driving wheel at a preset interval, which is also conducive to forming a relatively large wrap angle, so that the transmission is stable.

[0041] Preferably, the distances between the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel and the guide mechanism are set so that the transmission belt can be pressed onto the guide mechanism, and the wrap angle between the transmission belt and the driving wheel ranges from 120° to 230°.

[0042] In this solution, the cooperation between the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel can form a larger wrap angle, making the transmission more stable, and can also make the transmission belt press-fit the guide mechanism, making the guidance stable.

[0043] Preferably, the gap value between the bottom of the meshing teeth of the driving wheel and the transition wheel is between a first thickness value from the bottom of the meshing teeth of the transmission belt to the other side and a second thickness value from the top of the meshing teeth to the other side.

[0044] In this solution, the gap between the driving wheel and the transition wheel is larger than the thickness of the belt body and smaller than the thickness of the entire belt, thereby ensuring that the belt can fit between the driving wheel and the transition wheel during transmission to avoid tooth jumping.

[0045] Preferably, the transmission mechanism further comprises two limit plates which are arranged on both axial sides of the driving wheel and the transition wheel and connected to the driving wheel and the transition wheel, and the limit plates are used to limit the transmission belt from axially disengaging.

[0046] In this solution, limiting plates are connected to both sides of the driving wheel and the transition wheel, and both the driving wheel and the transition wheel are connected to the limiting plates. The limiting plates can not only serve as installation components for the driving wheel and the transition wheel, but also limit the transmission belt from disengaging from the driving wheel, and can also adjust the distance between the driving wheel and the transition wheel relative to the guide mechanism, serving as an adjustment component for the position of the transmission mechanism.

[0047] Preferably, the battery transport equipment further comprises a counterweight mechanism, which comprises a counterweight block and a counterweight rope; the counterweight rope is used to connect the counterweight block and the battery pick-and-place mechanism so that the counterweight block balances the lifting and lowering movement of the battery pick-and-place mechanism.

[0048] In this solution, the counterweight mechanism can balance the lifting and lowering movement of the battery picking and placing mechanism, while reducing the load-bearing requirements of the transmission mechanism during operation, reducing the motor torque and load size, and also enabling the battery transport equipment to be stably positioned relative to the battery compartment.

[0049] Preferably, the counterweight mechanism also includes a first pulley and a second pulley, the first pulley is arranged above the battery picking and placing mechanism, and the vertical section of the connection between the first pulley and the counterweight cable passes through the center of gravity of the battery picking and placing mechanism; the second pulley and the first pulley are on the same horizontal plane; the counterweight block is arranged below the second pulley, and the vertical section of the connection between the counterweight block and the counterweight cable passes through the center of gravity of the battery picking and placing mechanism; the counterweight cable is wound around the first pulley and the second pulley, and the two ends of the counterweight cable are respectively connected to the battery picking and placing mechanism and the counterweight block.

[0050] In this solution, the extension direction of the counterweight rope can be changed by the first pulley and the second pulley, thereby realizing the connection between the battery access mechanism and the counterweight block, facilitating the flexible adjustment of the setting position of the counterweight block and improving the design flexibility.

[0051] Preferably, the battery transport equipment also includes a top plate, which is arranged on the top of the guide mechanism; the counterweight mechanism also includes a pulley group, which includes a lifting pulley, a counterweight pulley and a transition pulley, the lifting pulley is connected to the battery picking and placing mechanism, the counterweight pulley is connected to the counterweight block, and the transition pulley is connected to the counterweight cable, and the transition pulley is used to change the extension direction of the counterweight cable so that the counterweight cable bypasses the lifting pulley and the counterweight pulley; both ends of the counterweight cable are respectively connected to the top plate, and the counterweight cable bypasses the lifting pulley, the transition pulley and the counterweight pulley in turn.

[0052] In the present solution, a lifting pulley is arranged at the bottom of the battery picking and placing mechanism, and the outer walls of the two side panels of the battery picking and placing mechanism are connected with the lifting pulleys; so that the counterweight rope can pass through the bottom of the battery picking and placing mechanism, and the side space of the battery picking and placing mechanism is utilized to arrange the lifting pulley, thereby saving the arrangement space of the lifting pulley on the lifting stroke of the battery picking and placing mechanism, and reducing the load of the counterweight rope, thereby improving safety; while balancing the lifting and lowering movement of the battery picking and placing mechanism, it can also play a certain insurance role when the transmission mechanism is abnormal.

[0053] The positive and progressive effect of the present invention is that the stacked box-shaped equipment is divided into two parts, upper and lower, and is independent of each other. After the components in the box are installed, the stacked box-shaped equipment can be divided into the upper and lower parts and transported separately to meet the road transportation requirements, and at the same time facilitate on-site installation and commissioning after transportation. The stacking arrangement of the lower box and the upper box can reduce the land area, improve the land utilization rate, and accommodate more battery packs under the same land area. The lower box is connected to the upper box, so that the battery exchange equipment or battery transfer equipment inside the stacked box-shaped equipment can move unimpeded along the height direction of the stacked box-shaped equipment. The extension of the stacked box-shaped equipment in the height direction can enable the battery exchange station or energy storage station or energy storage station to accommodate more battery packs and more types of battery packs, thereby improving the battery exchange efficiency and operation capacity of the battery exchange station or energy storage station or energy storage station. In addition, there is a connecting space between the boxes, through which components such as battery compartments, guide mechanisms and battery transfer equipment can be arranged, so as to fully utilize the longitudinal space and save the overall floor space. In addition, the battery transfer equipment can be lifted and moved in the longitudinal space of the battery swap station or energy storage station under the guidance of the guide mechanism, so as to realize the taking and placing of batteries in multiple charging positions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery swap station or energy storage station provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein an outer wall of one side of the battery swap station or energy storage station is removed;

[0055] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery transport device and a charging rack provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery transport device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery transport device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a limit plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of another battery transport device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 7 A structural schematic diagram of a counterweight mechanism and a battery pick-and-place mechanism in a battery transport device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 8 A structural schematic diagram of a counterweight mechanism and a battery pick-and-place mechanism in a battery transport device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Fig. 9 A schematic plan view of another counterweight mechanism and a battery placement mechanism in a battery transport device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Description of reference numerals:

[0064] Battery transport equipment1

[0065] Battery pick-and-place mechanism 110

[0066] Guide roller 111

[0067] Guide mechanism 120

[0068] Guide column 121, transmission contact surface 1211, guide contact surface 1212

[0069] Transmission mechanism 130

[0070] Driving wheel 131

[0071] Transition wheel 132, first driven wheel 1321, second driven wheel 1322

[0072] Transmission belt 133

[0073] Limiting plate 134, first mounting groove 1341, second mounting groove 1342

[0074] Top plate 160

[0075] Counterweight mechanism 170

[0076] Counterweight 171

[0077] Counterweight cable 172

[0078] Pulley block 173, lifting pulley 1731, counterweight pulley 1732, transition pulley 1733

[0079] First transition pulley 17331

[0080] Second transition pulley 17332

[0081] First pulley 1741

[0082] Second pulley 1742

[0083] Charging stand 2

[0084] Charging bay 210

[0085] Column 220

[0086] Battery swap station or energy storage station 3

[0087] First box 310

[0088] Second box 320

[0089] Communication portion 330 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] The present invention is further described below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the examples.

[0091] The embodiment of the present invention provides a battery swap station or energy storage station 3 for replacing batteries in electric vehicles. Specifically, electric vehicles can drive into the battery swap station or energy storage station 3, and the corresponding equipment in the battery swap station or energy storage station 3 can remove the depleted battery from the electric vehicle and transfer it to the corresponding charging warehouse for charging; and install the fully charged battery in the battery swap station or energy storage station 3 on the electric vehicle.

[0092] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery swap station or energy storage station 3 is composed of at least two boxes spliced ​​together from top to bottom, and a connecting portion 330 is provided between at least two boxes.

[0093] The battery swap station or energy storage station 3 also includes: charging positions 210, battery transfer equipment 1 and a guiding mechanism 120, wherein a plurality of charging positions 210 are arranged in a vertical direction in a connecting portion 330; the battery transfer equipment 1 is used to transfer batteries between a plurality of charging positions 210; the guiding mechanism 120 is arranged in the connecting portion 330; the battery transfer equipment 1 is lifted and moved along the guiding mechanism 120 to take and place batteries from a plurality of charging positions 210.

[0094] The stacked box-shaped equipment of the above-mentioned battery swap station or energy storage station 3 is divided into two parts, upper and lower, and is independent of each other. After the components in the box are installed, the stacked box-shaped equipment can be divided into the upper and lower parts and transported separately to meet the road transportation requirements, and at the same time facilitate on-site installation and commissioning after transportation. The stacking arrangement of the lower box and the upper box can reduce the land area, improve the land utilization rate, and accommodate more battery packs under the same land area. The lower box is connected to the upper box, so that the battery swap equipment or battery transfer equipment inside the stacked box-shaped equipment can move unimpeded along the height direction of the stacked box-shaped equipment. The extension of the stacked box-shaped equipment in the height direction can enable the battery swap station or energy storage station or energy storage station to accommodate more battery packs and more types of battery packs, thereby improving the battery swap efficiency and operation capacity of the battery swap station or energy storage station or energy storage station. There is a connecting space between the boxes, through which components such as the battery compartment, the guide mechanism 120 and the battery transfer equipment 1 can be arranged to fully utilize the longitudinal space. Furthermore, the battery transport equipment 1 can be lifted and moved in the longitudinal space of the battery swap station or energy storage station 3 under the guidance of the guide mechanism 120 to achieve the battery taking and placing of multiple charging positions 210 .

[0095] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 1As shown, at least two boxes are connected up and down at their respective battery storage areas to form a connecting portion 330, and the battery storage area is used to accommodate the charging compartment 210.

[0096] In specific implementation, there may be multiple connecting parts 330 between the boxes, for example, the boxes are connected to each other in the corresponding battery storage area as described above, so that the charging position 210 can extend in the longitudinal direction within the battery swap station or energy storage station 3, which is convenient for increasing the charging position 210 in the height direction. It can also be connected in other areas, such as the ventilation duct. Correspondingly, there are also unconnected areas between the boxes, which can be used as a maintenance platform for staff, and corresponding equipment can also be set up.

[0097] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 1 As shown, the battery swap station or energy storage station 3 includes a first box body 310 arranged at the bottom, both sides of the first box body 310 are battery storage areas, and the middle of the first box body 310 is a battery swap area; the battery swap station or energy storage station 3 also includes a second box body 320, and the second box body 320 is at least arranged above the battery storage area of ​​the first box body 310.

[0098] In the specific implementation, the two sides of the first box body 310 are battery storage areas, and the middle is a battery replacement area, so that the battery can be installed and removed from both sides of the electric vehicle, improving the battery replacement efficiency, and the space on both sides can be used to improve the utilization rate. In addition, the second box body 320 is at least arranged above the battery storage area of ​​the first box body 310, which can achieve the expansion of the height direction of the charging position 210 and save the box material. In addition, according to actual needs, more layers of boxes can also be set for expansion in the height direction.

[0099] As a preferred embodiment, at least one charging unit is provided in the battery storage area, and the charging unit includes at least two rows of charging racks 2 arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction, and the charging rack 2 is composed of a plurality of charging positions 210 arranged in the vertical direction;

[0100] The guiding mechanism 120 includes a transverse guiding unit and a longitudinal guiding unit, through which the battery transport device 1 is guided horizontally and vertically respectively, so as to take and place batteries from the charging positions 210 in any column of the charging rack 2.

[0101] In specific implementation, the battery storage area may have multiple charging units, and a single charging unit may be composed of multiple laterally adjacent charging racks 2, wherein laterally adjacent means that the access openings of the charging positions 210 in the charging racks 2 are in the same direction. Through the lateral guide unit and the longitudinal guide unit, the battery transport device 1 can access batteries from multiple charging racks 2 in the same charging unit; and the same charging unit includes multiple charging racks 2 arranged side by side, which is convenient for integrated layout and control, and can save resources of the battery transport device 1.

[0102] As a preferred embodiment, at least one row of charging racks 2 is provided in the battery storage area, and the charging racks 2 are composed of a plurality of charging positions 210 arranged in a vertical direction;

[0103] The guide mechanism 120 is arranged in the vertical direction and corresponds to the charging position 210 , so as to guide the vertical lifting of the battery transport device 1 to take and place the battery.

[0104] In this solution, the battery transport device 1 can be lifted and moved vertically, so as to take and place batteries in one row or two rows of charging racks 2 arranged opposite to each other, which can improve the efficiency of battery taking and placing.

[0105] As a specific embodiment, the battery transfer equipment 1 is located on one side of the entrance and exit of a charging position 210 of a row of charging racks 2; the guide mechanism 120 includes at least two guide columns 121 arranged in a vertical direction, wherein the two guide columns 121 are along the entrance and exit directions of the charging position 210 and are arranged at both ends of the battery transfer equipment 1; the two guide columns 121 reuse the two columns 220 of the charging rack 2 close to the battery transfer equipment 1.

[0106] As another specific implementation, Figure 2 As shown, the battery transport device 1 is located between two rows of charging racks 2 that are arranged opposite to each other at a predetermined interval.

[0107] The guiding mechanism 120 includes four guide columns 121 along the vertical direction. The four guide columns 121 are arranged one by one at the four end positions of the battery transfer equipment 1. The four guide columns 121 reuse the four columns 220 of the two rows of charging racks 2 close to the battery transfer equipment 1.

[0108] In specific implementation, the guide mechanism 120 can reuse the columns 220 of the charging rack 2 on one side or both sides, and the battery pick-and-place mechanism 110 can pick and place batteries on the charging rack 2 on one side or both sides, which can not only improve the pick-and-place efficiency, but also save the resources of the battery pick-and-place mechanism 110. In addition, the space between the charging rack 2 and the battery pick-and-place mechanism 110 is more compact, further reducing the floor space.

[0109] As a preferred embodiment, the battery transporting equipment 1 includes a battery picking and placing mechanism 110 and at least one transmission mechanism 130, and the reused column 220 has a transmission surface that cooperates with the transmission mechanism 130, and / or the reused column 220 has a guide surface that cooperates with the battery picking and placing mechanism 110.

[0110] In specific implementation, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the column 200 has a plurality of side walls, one or more of which can be used as a transmission surface or a guide surface. The transmission surface refers to a side wall surface used to fix the transmission mechanism 130, which is a transmission belt 230 in the embodiment of the present invention, and the guide surface refers to a side wall surface used for guiding the lifting of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110. This enables the installation of the transmission mechanism 130 and the guidance of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110, simplifies the overall structure, makes the connection between the two more compact, and can improve the guiding strength and reduce costs. The installation process saves manpower and material resources and improves the operating efficiency of the entire system.

[0111] As a preferred embodiment, the battery transport device 1 includes a battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110 and at least one transmission mechanism 130. The battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110 is used to pick up and place batteries from the charging position 210; the transmission mechanism 130 is used to drive the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110 to achieve vertical lifting and movement along the guide mechanism 120;

[0112] At least one guide column 121 has a transmission contact surface 1211 that fits with the transmission mechanism 130 .

[0113] Therefore, the transmission mechanism 130 has a transmission contact surface 1211 of the corresponding guide column 121, which enables the transmission mechanism 130 to cooperate with the corresponding guide column 121 for transmission to achieve lifting in the vertical direction.

[0114] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, there are four transmission mechanisms 130 , which are respectively connected to four ends of the battery pick-and-place mechanism 110 , and the transmission mechanisms 130 are arranged to fit in with the transmission contact surfaces 1211 of the corresponding guide pillars 121 .

[0115] The four ends of the battery pick-and-place mechanism 110 are each provided with a transmission mechanism 130, and the transmission mechanisms 130 are each in contact with the corresponding transmission contact surfaces 1211, so that the four ends of the battery pick-and-place mechanism 110 can be transmitted and guided. On the one hand, the stability of the overall lifting and lowering of the battery pick-and-place mechanism 110 can be improved, and on the other hand, the carrying capacity of the battery pick-and-place mechanism 110 can be correspondingly improved, or the demand for the carrying capacity of a single transmission mechanism 130 can be reduced.

[0116] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the transmission mechanism 130 may include a driving wheel 131, a transition wheel 132, and a transmission belt 133 fixed on the guide mechanism 120 at both ends along the vertical direction. The driving wheel 131 and the transition wheel 132 are arranged on the battery picking and placing mechanism 110, and the transmission belt 133 passes between the driving wheel 131 and the transition wheel 132 to drive the battery picking and placing mechanism 110 to move up and down.

[0117] Through the above-mentioned transmission mechanism 130, the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110 can be driven to move up and down along the guide mechanism 120. The guide mechanism 120 of the charging rack 2 is arranged along the vertical direction, so that the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110 can move to the corresponding charging position 210 to take and place the battery. The two ends of the transmission belt 133 are fixedly connected to the guide mechanism 120, and the driving wheel 131 arranged on the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110 moves relative to the transmission belt 133, thereby driving the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110 to move up and down; and the transition wheel 132 can make the transmission belt 133 wrapped around the driving wheel 131 for transmission; in addition, the lifting height of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110 can be adjusted by changing the length of the transmission belt 133. The transmission mechanism 130 has a simple structure, strong flexibility, a wide range of applications, and is also easy to expand the design.

[0118] As a preferred embodiment, at least one guide column 121 includes a transmission contact surface 1211 and / or a guide contact surface 1212, the transmission contact surface 1211 is used to fit with the transmission belt 133, and the guide contact surface 1212 is used to abut against the guide roller 111 fixed on the battery pick-and-place mechanism 110. Therefore, the guide column 121 has both transmission and guide functions, which improves the utilization rate of different sides of the guide column 121 and can also make the overall structure of the device more compact.

[0119] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 3 As shown, the transmission contact surface 1211 is the side surface of the guide column 121 facing the battery placement mechanism 110 , and the guide contact surface 1212 is the side surface adjacent to or opposite to the transmission contact surface 1211 .

[0120] In a specific implementation, the guide contact surface 1212 may be a side surface adjacent to or opposite to the transmission contact surface 1211 , so that a suitable guide surface can be selected for guidance according to the formation of the guide column 121 , thereby improving the stability of lifting.

[0121] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, the transition wheel 132 includes a first driven wheel 1321 and a second driven wheel 1322. The first driven wheel 1321 and the second driven wheel 1322 are arranged on both sides of the driving wheel 131 at a preset interval in the vertical direction, and the transmission belt 133 passes between the first driven wheel 1321 and the driving wheel 131, and between the driving wheel 131 and the second driven wheel 1322 in sequence.

[0122] In a specific implementation, the first driven wheel 1321 and the second driven wheel 1322 may be located between the driving wheel 131 and the guide mechanism 120, and the distance between the axis of the driving wheel 131 and the guide mechanism 120 is smaller than the diameter of the first driven wheel 1321 and the second driven wheel 1322. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the first driven wheel 1321 and the second driven wheel 1322 can be arranged on the upper and lower sides of the driving wheel 131. The transmission belt 133 passes through the gap between the first driven wheel 1321 and the driving wheel 131, and after being wrapped on the driving wheel 131, it passes through the gap between the second driven wheel 1322 and the driving wheel 131, so that the transmission belt 133 forms a shape similar to Ω, which can increase the wrap angle of the transmission belt 133 on the driving wheel 131 and improve the stability of the transmission. Correspondingly, by adjusting the distance between the first driven wheel 1321 and the second driven wheel 1322, the size of the wrap angle can also be adjusted. Specifically, the wrap angle value between the transmission belt 133 and the driving wheel 131 ranges from 120° to 230°.

[0123] In addition, the battery transfer equipment 1 needs to be raised and lowered during the process of taking and placing batteries. By respectively providing a first driven wheel 1321 and a second driven wheel 1322 on both sides, the transmission belt 133 and the driving wheel 131 can be accurately transmitted during the two movements of the battery transfer equipment 1, thereby improving the smoothness and accuracy of the movement.

[0124] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the distance between the first driven wheel 1321 and the second driven wheel 1322 and the guide mechanism 120 is set so that the transmission belt 133 can be pressed on the guide mechanism 120. Specifically, it can be pressed on the guide column 121. Therefore, the transmission belt 133 can be more stable during the movement.

[0125] As a preferred embodiment, the gap value between the driving wheel 131 and the transition wheel 132 is between the first thickness value from the bottom of the meshing teeth of the transmission belt 133 to the other side and the second thickness value from the top of the meshing teeth to the other side. The other side refers to the side corresponding to the non-transmission surface of the transmission belt 133. As a result, the gap between the driving wheel 131 and the transition wheel 132 is greater than the thickness of the belt body of the transmission belt 133, and less than the overall thickness of the transmission belt 133, ensuring that the transmission belt 133 can fit between the driving wheel 131 and the transition wheel 132 during the transmission process to avoid tooth jumping. Specifically, when the driving wheel 131 transitions to the transition wheel 132, or when the transition wheel 132 transitions to the driving wheel 131, the transmission belt 133 can be prevented from jumping teeth, which is more stable and improves transmission accuracy.

[0126] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the transmission mechanism 130 also includes two limit plates 134 disposed on both axial sides of the driving wheel 131 and the transition wheel 132 and connected to the driving wheel 131 and the transition wheel 132. The limit plates 134 are used to limit the transmission belt 133 from axially disengaging.

[0127] Both sides of the driving wheel 131 and the transition wheel 132 are connected to the limiting plate 134, and the driving wheel 131 and the transition wheel 132 are connected to the limiting plate 134. Specifically, Figure 5 As shown, the surface of the limiting plate 134 opposite to the driving wheel 131 and the transition wheel 132 has a first mounting groove 1341 and a second mounting groove 1342, the first mounting groove 1341 is used to install the driving wheel 131, and the first mounting groove 1341 is symmetrically provided with a second mounting groove 1342 above and below, and the second mounting groove 1342 is used to install the transition wheel 132, that is, the first driven wheel 1321 and the second driven wheel 1322. Therefore, the limiting plates 134 on both sides can not only serve as mounting components for the driving wheel 131 and the transition wheel 132, but also limit the disengagement of the transmission belt 133, and can also adjust the distance between the driving wheel 131 and the transition wheel 132 and the guide mechanism 120, as a position adjustment component of the transmission mechanism 130.

[0128] As a preferred implementation method, Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the battery transport equipment 1 also includes a top plate 160 and a counterweight mechanism 170, and the top plate 160 is arranged on the top of the guide mechanism 120; the counterweight mechanism 170 includes a counterweight block 171, a counterweight rope 172 and a pulley group, and the pulley group includes a lifting pulley 1731, a counterweight pulley 1732 and a transition pulley 1733, the lifting pulley 1731 is connected to the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110, the counterweight pulley 1732 is connected to the counterweight block 171, and the transition pulley 1733 is connected to the counterweight rope 172, and the transition pulley 1733 is used to change the extension direction of the counterweight rope 172 so that the counterweight block 171 is arranged in a suitable spatial area of ​​the overall structure; both ends of the counterweight rope 172 are respectively connected to the top plate 160, and the counterweight rope 172 passes around the lifting pulley 1731, the transition pulley 1733 and the counterweight pulley 1732 in sequence.

[0129] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in a specific implementation, the lifting pulley 1731 is arranged at the bottom of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110, and the outer walls of the two side plates 111 of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110 are connected with the lifting pulley 1731; so that the counterweight cable 172 can bypass from the bottom of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110, which can not only balance the lifting and lowering movement of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110, but also play a safety role. The counterweight pulley 1732 is connected to the top of the counterweight block 171; so that the counterweight cable 172 can bypass from the top of the counterweight block 171 to avoid interference with the counterweight block 171. In addition, the pulley block includes at least two transition pulleys 1733, namely a first transition pulley 17331 and a second transition pulley 17332. The first transition pulley 17331 is arranged above the lifting pulley 1731, and the counterweight cable 172 passes around the lifting pulley 1731 and then extends upward in the vertical direction to connect with the first transition pulley 17331; the second transition pulley 17332 is arranged above the counterweight pulley 1732; and the counterweight cable 172 passes around the second transition pulley 17332 and then extends downward in the vertical direction to connect with the counterweight pulley 1732. Thus, the counterweight cable 172 passes around the lifting pulley 1731, the transition pulley 1733 and the counterweight pulley 1732 in sequence, so that the counterweight block 171 is connected to the battery pick-and-place mechanism 110, so that the counterweight block 171 can balance the lifting and lowering movement of the battery pick-and-place mechanism 110.

[0130] The second transition pulley 17332 is preferably at the same horizontal position as the first transition pulley 17331, so as to avoid the height difference and waste of space. In addition, the transition pulley 1733 can also be fixedly connected to the top plate 160 to achieve the change of the direction of the counterweight cable 172.

[0131] As another preferred implementation, Fig. 9As shown, the first pulley 1741 is arranged above the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110, and the vertical section of the connection between the first pulley 1741 and the counterweight cable 172 passes through the center of gravity of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110; the second pulley 1742 and the first pulley 1741 are on the same horizontal plane; the counterweight block 171 is arranged below the second pulley 1742, and the vertical section of the connection between the counterweight block 171 and the counterweight cable 172 passes through the center of gravity of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110; the counterweight cable 172 is wound around the first pulley 1741 and the second pulley 1742, and the two ends of the counterweight cable 172 are respectively connected to the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110 and the counterweight block 171.

[0132] Through any of the above-mentioned counterweight mechanisms 170, the transmission mechanism 130 can be balanced and the load-bearing requirements of the transmission mechanism 130 during operation can be reduced. Through the mutual cooperation of the gear 132 and the rack 131, the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110 can be positioned at a certain position, usually a position opposite to a certain battery compartment. The counterweight mechanism 170 can enable the battery pick-up and placement mechanism 110 to be stably docked at this position.

[0133] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention are described above, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this is only for illustration and the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery replacement station for replacing batteries in electric vehicles, characterized in that: The battery swap station is formed by splicing at least two boxes up and down, and at least two of the boxes have a connecting part that communicates up and down; The battery swap station also includes: charging positions, battery transfer equipment and a guiding mechanism, wherein a plurality of the charging positions are arranged in the vertical direction within the connecting portion; the battery transfer equipment is used to transfer batteries between the plurality of the charging positions; the guiding mechanism is disposed within the connecting portion; the battery transfer equipment includes a battery picking and placing mechanism and at least one transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism includes a driving wheel, a transition wheel, and a transmission belt fixed on the guiding mechanism at both ends in the vertical direction, wherein the driving wheel and the transition wheel are disposed on the battery picking and placing mechanism, and the transmission belt passes between the driving wheel and the transition wheel to drive the battery picking and placing mechanism to move up and down so as to pick and place batteries from the plurality of the charging positions.

2. The battery swap station according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two of the boxes are connected up and down at their respective battery storage areas to form the connecting portion, and the battery storage area is used to accommodate the charging compartment.

3. The battery swap station according to claim 2, characterized in that: The battery swap station comprises a first box body arranged at the bottom, both sides of the first box body are the battery storage area, and the middle of the first box body is the battery swap area; The battery swap station further includes a second box, which is disposed at least above the battery storage area of ​​the first box.

4. The battery swap station according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least one charging unit is provided in the battery storage area, and the charging unit includes at least two rows of charging racks arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction, and the charging rack is formed by a plurality of charging positions arranged in the vertical direction; The guiding mechanism includes a transverse guiding unit and a longitudinal guiding unit, and the battery transporting equipment is guided horizontally and vertically respectively by the transverse guiding unit and the longitudinal guiding unit to take and place batteries from charging positions in any column of the charging rack.

5. The battery swap station according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least one row of charging racks is provided in the battery storage area, and the charging racks are formed by a plurality of charging positions arranged in a vertical direction; The guiding mechanism is arranged in the vertical direction and corresponds to the charging position, so as to guide the vertical lifting of the battery transporting equipment to take and place the battery.

6. The battery swap station according to claim 5, characterized in that: The battery transfer equipment is located on one side of the entrance and exit of the charging positions of a row of charging racks; The guiding mechanism includes at least two guide posts arranged in the vertical direction, wherein the two guide posts are along the inlet and outlet directions of the charging position and are arranged at both ends of the battery transport device; the two guide posts reuse the two upright posts of the charging rack close to the battery transport device; or, The battery transfer device is located between two rows of charging racks that are arranged opposite to each other at a predetermined interval; The guiding mechanism includes four guide columns along the vertical direction, and the four guide columns are arranged one by one at the four end positions of the battery transfer equipment. The four guide columns reuse the four columns of the two rows of charging racks close to the battery transfer equipment.

7. The battery swap station according to claim 6, characterized in that: At least one of the guide posts has a transmission contact surface that fits with the transmission mechanism; or, The reused column has a transmission surface that matches the transmission mechanism, and / or the reused column has a guide surface that matches the battery placement mechanism; or, At least one of the guide posts comprises a transmission contact surface and / or a guide contact surface, wherein the transmission contact surface is used to fit with the transmission belt, and the guide contact surface is used to abut against a guide roller fixed on the battery pick-and-place mechanism.

8. The battery swap station according to claim 7, characterized in that: The number of the transmission mechanisms is four, and the four transmission mechanisms are respectively connected to the four ends of the battery pick-and-place mechanism, and the transmission mechanisms are arranged in contact with the corresponding transmission contact surfaces of the guide columns; Preferably, the transmission contact surface is the side surface of the guide column facing the battery pick-and-place mechanism, and the guide contact surface is the side surface adjacent to or opposite to the transmission contact surface.

9. The battery swap station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transition wheel comprises a first driven wheel and a second driven wheel, wherein the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel are arranged at a preset interval on both sides of the driving wheel in a vertical direction, and the transmission belt passes between the first driven wheel and the driving wheel, and between the driving wheel and the second driven wheel in sequence; Preferably, the distances between the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel and the guide mechanism are set so that the transmission belt can be pressed onto the guide mechanism, and the wrap angle between the transmission belt and the driving wheel ranges from 120° to 230°; Preferably, the gap value between the bottom of the meshing teeth of the driving wheel and the transition wheel is between a first thickness value from the bottom of the meshing teeth of the transmission belt to the other side and a second thickness value from the top of the meshing teeth to the other side.

10. The battery swap station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism further comprises two limit plates arranged on both sides of the driving wheel and the transition wheel in the axial direction and connected to the driving wheel and the transition wheel, wherein the limit plates are used to limit the transmission belt from axial separation; and / or, The battery transport equipment further includes a counterweight mechanism, which includes a counterweight block and a counterweight rope; the counterweight rope is used to connect the counterweight block and the battery pick-up and placement mechanism so that the counterweight block balances the lifting and lowering movement of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism; Preferably, the counterweight mechanism further includes a first pulley and a second pulley. The first pulley is arranged above the battery pick-up and placement mechanism, and the vertical section of the connection between the first pulley and the counterweight cable passes through the center of gravity of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism; the second pulley and the first pulley are on the same horizontal plane; the counterweight block is arranged below the second pulley, and the vertical section of the connection between the counterweight block and the counterweight cable passes through the center of gravity of the battery pick-up and placement mechanism; the counterweight cable is wound around the first pulley and the second pulley, and the two ends of the counterweight cable are respectively connected to the battery pick-up and placement mechanism and the counterweight block; Preferably, the battery transport equipment also includes a top plate, which is arranged on the top of the guide mechanism; the counterweight mechanism also includes a pulley group, which includes a lifting pulley, a counterweight pulley and a transition pulley, the lifting pulley is connected to the battery picking and placing mechanism, the counterweight pulley is connected to the counterweight block, and the transition pulley is connected to the counterweight cable, and the transition pulley is used to change the extension direction of the counterweight cable so that the counterweight cable bypasses the lifting pulley and the counterweight pulley; both ends of the counterweight cable are respectively connected to the top plate, and the counterweight cable bypasses the lifting pulley, the transition pulley and the counterweight pulley in turn.

Images