Connector driving assembly, connecting device, battery holder and battery swapping station or energy storage station

Abstract

The application discloses a connector driving assembly, a connecting device, a battery rack and a battery replacement station or an energy storage station, comprising a driving mechanism and a transmission mechanism; the transmission mechanism has a fixed end, a driving end and a moving point between the fixed end and the driving end; the fixed end is rotatably arranged at a relatively fixed position; the driving end is connected with the connector; the driving mechanism drives the moving point to move in a first direction, so as to drive the connector to move in a second direction; the moving path of the moving point comprises a first limiting position; when the moving point reaches the first limiting position, the connector is connected with the battery; the driving assembly further comprises a first limiting mechanism arranged on the moving path of the connecting rod, so as to limit the connector at the first limiting position; and / or, the moving path of the moving point comprises a second limiting position; when the moving point reaches the second limiting position, the connector is separated from the battery; the connector driving assembly further comprises a second limiting mechanism arranged on the moving path of the connecting rod, so as to limit the connector at the second limiting position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent filed on December 2, 2021, with application number 202111463415.9 and titled "Connector drive assembly, connection device, battery rack and battery swapping station or energy storage station". Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery swapping, and in particular to a connector drive assembly, a connection device, a battery rack, and a battery swapping station or energy storage station. Background Technology

[0003] With the increasing popularity of new energy vehicles, battery swapping technology offers a solution to the range anxiety problem of electric vehicles. Existing battery swapping technologies are centered around a battery rack for charging the battery. During use, the battery is moved into the battery rack, and a connector drive assembly activates a connector to connect with the battery, thus charging it.

[0004] However, existing connector driver components have the following drawbacks:

[0005] In existing connector drive assemblies, the drive mechanism generally drives the connector directly, which can easily cause the connector to move beyond its limits, resulting in damage to components such as the battery, connector, or drive mechanism. When the battery is separated from the connector, the separation position of the connector is also easily too far from the battery, reducing the battery swapping efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects of the prior art that are prone to component damage and low battery swapping efficiency, and to provide a connector drive assembly, a connection device, a battery rack, and a battery swapping station or energy storage station.

[0007] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0008] A connector driving assembly is provided for driving a connector to connect to a battery located on a battery holder. The connector driving assembly includes a driving mechanism and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism has a fixed end, an actuating end, and a movable point located between the fixed end and the actuating end. The fixed end is rotatably disposed in a relatively fixed position. The actuating end is connected to the connector. The driving mechanism drives the movable point to move along a first direction, thereby driving the connector to move along a second direction.

[0009] The movement path of the active point includes a first limiting position. When the active point reaches the first limiting position, the connector is located at the connection position with the battery. The drive assembly also includes a first limiting mechanism, which is disposed on the movement path of the connecting rod to limit the connector to the first limiting position.

[0010] And / or, the movement path of the active point includes a second limiting position, and when the active point reaches the second limiting position, the connector is located in a position separated from the battery; the connector drive assembly further includes a second limiting mechanism, which is disposed on the movement path of the link to limit the connector to the second limiting position.

[0011] In this solution, by setting a first limiting mechanism, the movement path of the active point is limited to the first position connected to the battery, which can prevent the connector from moving too far and causing damage to the battery or connector. By setting a second limiting mechanism, the movement path of the active point is limited to the second limiting position away from the battery, which can prevent the drive mechanism from being damaged due to the connector moving too far, and can also prevent the connector from separating from the battery too far away, thus reducing the battery swapping efficiency.

[0012] Preferably, the first direction is not parallel to the second direction.

[0013] In this solution, by setting the running paths of the driving end and the actuating end in two different directions with an included angle, at least one of the width, length, and height of the battery rack space occupied by the connector driving assembly can be shortened, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the connector driving assembly and improving the flexibility of connector installation.

[0014] Preferably, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0015] In this solution, a vertical steering drive structure is adopted, which can minimize the volume occupied by the connector drive component.

[0016] Preferably, the transmission mechanism is a connecting rod, one end of which is the fixed end and the other end is the actuating end, and the hinge point of the connecting rod is the movable point.

[0017] In this solution, the drive mechanism acts on the movable point to cause the connecting rod to bend, shortening the straight distance between the fixed end and the actuating end, causing the actuating end to move towards the fixed end, thereby giving the connector connected to the fixed end and the drive mechanism different directions of movement.

[0018] Preferably, the driving mechanism includes a power source and a driving rod, the power source driving the driving rod to move, and the driving rod being connected to the hinge point of the connecting rod.

[0019] In this design, the power source drives the drive rod to extend and retract, and the drive rod acts on the hinge point of the connecting rod, thereby causing the connecting rod to bend.

[0020] Preferably, the connecting rod includes a first rod body and a second rod body. The non-connecting end of the first rod body is the fixed end, and the non-connecting end of the second rod body is the actuating end. The first rod body and the second rod body are respectively provided with a first pin hole and a second pin hole. The driving rod is provided with a connector head, and the connector head is provided with a third pin hole. The first pin hole, the second pin hole, and the third pin hole are hinged to the hinge point by a first pin shaft.

[0021] In this design, a hinged connection is achieved between the first rod, the second rod, and the drive rod.

[0022] Preferably, the power source is at least one of a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric motor.

[0023] Preferably, the first rod is rotatably mounted in a relatively fixed position via a first mounting bracket, a fourth pin hole is provided at the non-connecting end of the first rod, a fifth pin hole is provided on the first mounting bracket, and the fourth pin hole and the fifth pin hole are hinged together by a second pin.

[0024] In this design, a hinged connection is achieved between the first rod and the first mounting bracket.

[0025] Preferably, the actuating end is connected to the connector via a second connecting frame, the non-connecting end of the second rod is provided with a sixth pin hole, the second connecting frame is provided with a seventh pin hole, and the sixth pin hole and the seventh pin hole are hinged together by a third pin shaft.

[0026] In this solution, a hinged connection is achieved between the second rod and the connector.

[0027] Preferably, the movement path of the active point includes a first limiting position, and when the active point reaches the first limiting position, the connector is located at the connection position with the battery; the drive component further includes a first limiting mechanism, which is disposed on the movement path of the connecting rod to limit the connector to the first limiting position.

[0028] In this solution, by setting a first limiting mechanism, the movement path of the active point is limited to the first position connected to the battery, which can prevent the connector from moving beyond the limit and causing damage to the battery or connector.

[0029] Preferably, the movement path of the active point includes a second limiting position, and when the active point reaches the second limiting position, the connector is located in a position separated from the battery; the drive assembly further includes a second limiting mechanism, which is disposed on the movement path of the connecting rod to limit the connector to the second limiting position.

[0030] In this solution, by setting a second limiting mechanism, the movement path of the active point is limited to a second limiting position far away from the battery. This can prevent damage to the connecting rod or drive mechanism due to excessive movement of the connector, and can also prevent the connector separation position from being too far from the battery, thus reducing the battery swapping efficiency.

[0031] Preferably, the transmission mechanism is a rope assembly, one end of which is a fixed end and the other end is an actuating end, and the connection point between the drive mechanism and the rope assembly is the movable point.

[0032] Preferably, a movable pulley is wound around the rope assembly, the movable pulley is connected to the drive mechanism, and the movable pulley constitutes the movable point. This structure allows for smoother operation of the transmission mechanism.

[0033] The present invention also provides a connection device, including a connector, a bracket, and a connector drive assembly as described in any one of the above, wherein the bracket is used for a fixed connection between the connection device and a battery holder for placing batteries, and the fixed end is rotatably connected to the bracket.

[0034] In this solution, the connector is fixed to the battery holder using a bracket to achieve the connection between the connector and the battery.

[0035] Preferably, the connector includes a mounting base and a connector head, the connector head being fixedly disposed on the mounting base, and the mounting base being connected to the actuating end.

[0036] In this solution, a mounting base is provided to accommodate different types of connectors, making installation more flexible.

[0037] Preferably, the connecting device further includes a guide assembly, which includes a guide portion and a mating portion. The guide portion is disposed on the bracket, and the mating portion is disposed on the mounting base. The guide portion and the mating portion cooperate to limit the movement direction of the connector.

[0038] In this solution, the direction of connector movement is constrained by the guide, enabling the connector to dock with the battery more precisely.

[0039] Preferably, the guide portion includes a guide rail, the mating portion includes a slider, and the mounting base and the bracket are slidably connected via the guide rail and the slider.

[0040] In this solution, the sliding guide of the connector is achieved through the sliding engagement between the slider and the slide rail.

[0041] Preferably, the connector is an electrical connector, one end of which is used for electrical connection with the battery, and the other end is electrically connected to the power supply system via a power supply line.

[0042] In this solution, the battery is charged via an electrical connector.

[0043] Preferably, the connecting device further includes a cable tray, which is disposed on the mounting base and is used to support the power supply cable.

[0044] In this solution, the cable tray can be used to constrain the cable routing, making it neater and easier for subsequent maintenance. It also prevents problems such as cable movement or tangling during connector operation that could lead to malfunctions.

[0045] Preferably, the connector is a liquid-cooled connector, one end of which is used for liquid-cooled connection with the battery, and the other end is connected to the cooling system through a liquid-cooling pipe.

[0046] In this solution, the battery is cooled during charging via a liquid-cooled connector.

[0047] Preferably, the liquid cooling pipe includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, and the liquid cooling connector includes an inlet connected to the inlet pipe and an outlet connected to the outlet pipe; the coolant enters the battery through the inlet pipe and the inlet, and then returns to the cooling system from the battery through the outlet and the outlet pipe.

[0048] In this design, the coolant enters the battery's cooling circuit through the inlet pipe to cool the battery, and the heated coolant returns to the cooling system through the outlet pipe, thereby removing the heat from the battery.

[0049] Preferably, the connecting device further includes a pipe bracket, which is disposed on the mounting base and is used to fix the liquid cooling pipe.

[0050] In this solution, the pipe rack can be used to constrain the cooling pipes, making the pipe routing neater and preventing the pipes from moving or getting tangled during connector operation, which could lead to leaks, blockages, or other malfunctions.

[0051] The present invention also provides a battery rack, including a frame, a tray, and the above-mentioned connecting device. The tray is used to support the battery and is disposed on the frame. The connecting device is fixed to the frame by the bracket.

[0052] In this solution, the battery rack is capable of charging the batteries that are moved into it.

[0053] Preferably, the battery is movable to the tray in a third direction, and the connecting device is located on at least one side of the battery's movement path.

[0054] In this solution, by placing the connecting device on one side of the battery movement path, the volume occupied by the battery rack in the battery movement direction can be reduced.

[0055] Preferably, the third direction is parallel to the first direction.

[0056] In this solution, the drive mechanism is configured to move along the battery movement direction, which reduces the volume occupied by the drive mechanism on the battery holder in the direction perpendicular to the battery movement direction.

[0057] Preferably, the connecting device includes a first connecting device with an electrical connector and a second connecting device with a liquid-cooled connector, the first connecting device and the second connecting device being respectively disposed on both sides of the battery movement path.

[0058] This solution enables simultaneous charging and cooling of the battery.

[0059] Preferably, the battery rack includes multiple layers of trays arranged along a fourth direction, and each layer of trays should be provided with the connecting device.

[0060] In this solution, by setting up a multi-layered frame, multiple batteries can be charged simultaneously, resulting in higher efficiency and a more compact structure.

[0061] Preferably, the fourth direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0062] The present invention provides a battery swapping station or energy storage station, characterized in that it includes a battery rack as described in any one of the above descriptions.

[0063] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0064] By making the drive mechanism and the connector move in opposite directions through a transmission mechanism, at least one of the width, length, and height of the battery rack space occupied by the connector drive assembly can be reduced, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the connector drive assembly and improving the flexibility of connector installation. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of a connector driving assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a connector driving component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 3 This is another perspective view of the connector driving assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 5This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a liquid-cooled connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a battery holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0072] Connector drive assembly 10

[0073] Connector 20

[0074] Mounting base 21

[0075] Connector 22

[0076] Battery holder 30

[0077] Frame 31

[0078] pallet 32

[0079] Drive mechanism 100

[0080] Power Source 110

[0081] Drive lever 120

[0082] Third pin hole 122

[0083] First pin 123

[0084] Transmission mechanism 200

[0085] Fixed end 210

[0086] Make 220 on the mobile end

[0087] Activity Points 230

[0088] First direction 240

[0089] Second direction 250

[0090] Link 300

[0091] First rod 310

[0092] First pin hole 311

[0093] Fourth pin hole 312

[0094] Second rod 320

[0095] Second pin hole 321

[0096] Sixth pin hole 322

[0097] First mounting bracket 330

[0098] Fifth pin hole 331

[0099] Second pin 332

[0100] Second connecting bracket 340

[0101] Seventh pin hole 341

[0102] Third pin 342

[0103] First limiting seat 350

[0104] Limit bracket 351

[0105] Second limit seat 360

[0106] Connecting device 400

[0107] Bracket 410

[0108] Guide component 420

[0109] Guide rail 421

[0110] Slider 422

[0111] Electrical connector 500

[0112] Connector 510

[0113] Power line 520

[0114] Line tray 530

[0115] Liquid cooling connector 600

[0116] Pipe Interface 610

[0117] Liquid cooling pipe 620

[0118] Pipe rack 630

[0119] First connecting device 700

[0120] Second connecting device 800 Detailed Implementation

[0121] The present invention will be described more clearly and completely below with reference to a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings.

[0122] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a connector driving assembly 10 is used to drive a connector 20 to connect to a battery located on a battery holder 30. The connector driving assembly 10 includes a driving mechanism 100 and a transmission mechanism 200. The transmission mechanism 200 has a fixed end 210, an actuating end 220, and a movable point 230 located between the fixed end 210 and the actuating end 220. The fixed end 210 is rotatably disposed in a relatively fixed position. The actuating end 220 is connected to the connector 20. The driving mechanism 100 drives the movable point 230 to move along a first direction 240 to drive the connector 20 to move along a second direction 250. The first direction 240 and the second direction 250 are not parallel.

[0123] The transmission mechanism 200 enables the drive mechanism 100 and the connector 20 to move in different directions. Compared to the existing connector drive assembly 10 where the connector 20 and the drive mechanism 100 are on the same axis, this reduces at least one of the width, length, and height of the space occupied by the connector drive assembly, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the connector drive assembly 10 and improving the flexibility of connector 20 installation. Therefore, when this connector drive assembly 10 is applied to the battery holder 30, it can reduce the overall volume of the battery holder 30, resulting in a more compact structure.

[0124] Specifically, in this invention, the first direction 240 is perpendicular to the second direction 250, the first direction 240 is horizontal, and the second direction 250 is vertical, thereby minimizing the volume occupied by the connector drive assembly 10. Of course, this invention is not limited to making the first direction 240 and the second direction 250 perpendicular; in other embodiments, the first direction 240 and the second direction 250 may also have other included angles between 0° and 180°.

[0125] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 100 includes a power source 110 and a drive rod 120. The power source 110 is used to drive the drive rod 120 to move. The drive rod 120 is connected to the hinge point of the connecting rod 300. The power source 110 drives the drive rod 120 to extend and retract. The drive rod 120 acts on the hinge point of the connecting rod 300, thereby causing the connecting rod 300 to bend.

[0126] In this embodiment, the power source 110 can be at least one of a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or a motor. When the power source 110 is a cylinder, the drive rod 120 can be a piston rod capable of extending and retracting relative to the cylinder barrel. When the power source 110 is a hydraulic cylinder, the drive rod 120 can be a piston rod capable of extending and retracting relative to the cylinder barrel of the hydraulic cylinder. When the power source 110 is a motor, the drive rod 120 can have a gear rail meshing with a gear connected to the motor shaft, converting the rotation of the motor into the extension and retraction motion of the drive rod 120 through the gear rail. Of course, the motor can also be a linear motor that directly drives the drive rod 120 to move back and forth.

[0127] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 200 is a connecting rod 300, with one end of the connecting rod 300 being a fixed end 210 and the other end being an actuating end 220. The hinge point of the connecting rod 300 is a movable point 230. During operation, the drive mechanism 100 acts on the movable point 230 to cause the connecting rod 300 to bend, shortening the straight-line distance between the fixed end 210 and the actuating end 220, causing the actuating end 220 to move closer to the fixed end 210. This allows the connector 20 connected to the actuating end 220 to have a different direction of movement than the drive mechanism 100.

[0128] Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the above structure. For a link 300 with multiple hinge points (e.g., a three-bar linkage), the movable point 230 can also be located on the rod between the multiple hinge points.

[0129] In other alternative embodiments, the transmission mechanism 200 can also be a rope assembly, with one end being a fixed end 210 and the other end being an actuating end 220. The connection point between the drive mechanism 100 and the rope assembly is a movable point 230. During operation, the drive mechanism 100 acts on the movable point 230 to shorten the straight-line distance between the fixed end 210 and the actuating end 220, causing the actuating end 220 to move closer to the fixed end 210. This allows the connector 20 connected to the actuating end 220 to have a different direction of movement than the drive mechanism 100. More preferably, a movable pulley can also be wound around the rope assembly, connected to the drive mechanism 100, and the movable pulley forms the movable point 230. This structure allows for smoother operation of the rope assembly.

[0130] In this embodiment, the connecting rod 300 is a double connecting rod 300 extending vertically (i.e., in the second direction 250), comprising a first rod body 310 and a second rod body 320. The non-connecting end of the first rod body 310 (i.e., the upper end of the first rod body 310) is a fixed end 210. The non-connecting end of the second rod body 320 (i.e., the lower end of the second rod body 320) is an actuating end 220. A first pin hole 311 is provided on the connecting end of the first rod body 310 (i.e., the lower end of the first rod body 310). A second pin hole 321 is provided on the connecting end of the second rod body 320 (i.e., the upper end of the second rod body 320). The end of the drive rod 120 is provided with a connecting portion, on which a third pin hole 122 is provided. The first pin hole 311, the second pin hole 321, and the third pin hole 122 are hinged at the hinge point by a first pin 123. This achieves a hinged connection between the connecting rod 300 and the drive rod 120.

[0131] In this embodiment, the non-connecting end of the first rod 310 is rotatably connected to a first mounting bracket 330 disposed at a relatively fixed position, thereby forming the fixed end 210. The first mounting bracket 330 can be disposed on a structure such as a battery holder to achieve relative fixation of the position of the fixed end 210. Specifically, a fourth pin hole 312 is provided on the non-connecting end of the first rod 310, and a fifth pin hole 331 is provided on the first mounting bracket 330. The fourth pin hole 312 and the fifth pin hole 331 are hinged together by a second pin 332. This achieves a hinged connection between the first rod 310 and the first mounting bracket 330.

[0132] In this embodiment, the non-connecting end of the second rod 320 is rotatably connected to the second connecting frame 340 connected to the connector 20. This constitutes the actuating end 220. Specifically, a sixth pin hole 322 is provided on the non-connecting end of the second rod 320, and a seventh pin hole 341 is provided on the second connecting frame 340. The sixth pin hole 322 and the seventh pin hole 341 are hinged together by a third pin 342. This achieves a hinged connection between the second rod 320 and the connector 20.

[0133] To prevent damage to the battery, connector 20, or connecting rod 300 due to excessive movement of connector 20, the movement path of the movable point 230 preferably includes a first limiting position and a second limiting position, and the movable point 230 can be limited when it reaches the first limiting position and the second limiting position. When the movable point 230 is at the first limiting position, the connector 20 is in a position connected to the battery. When the movable point 230 is at the second limiting position, the connector 20 is in a position disconnected from the battery.

[0134] Limiting the movable point 230 to the first limit position prevents the connector 20 from moving too far and impacting the battery, thus avoiding damage to the battery or connector 20. Limiting the movable point 230 to the second limit position prevents the connecting rod 300 connected to the connector 20 from being damaged by excessive stress due to the connector 20 moving too far, and also prevents the separation position of the connector 20 from being too far from the battery, reducing the battery swapping efficiency. By setting the first and second limit positions, the structural reliability and safety of the connector drive assembly 10 can be improved.

[0135] The movable point 230 is confined to the first and second limit positions as follows: a first limit seat 350 and a second limit seat 360 are respectively provided on the movement path of the first rod 310. The first limit seat 350 can correspondingly limit the non-connecting end (i.e., movable point 230) of the first rod 310 to the first limit position. The second limit seat 360 can correspondingly limit the non-connecting end (i.e., movable point 230) of the first rod 310 to the second limit position. Both the first limit seat 350 and the second limit seat 360 can be bolts screwed onto the limit bracket 351. The axial position of the bolt can be adjusted by rotating the bolt. This allows for fine adjustment of the first and second limit positions. This structure reduces the requirements for installation accuracy and processing costs, and also provides greater flexibility in use.

[0136] In other alternative embodiments, the first and second limiting positions of the moving point 230 can be achieved by setting a limiting component on the moving path of the second rod 320, or by setting an angle limiting structure between the first rod 310 and the first mounting bracket 330.

[0137] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The present invention also provides a connection device 400, including a connector 20, a bracket 410 and the connector drive assembly 10 described above.

[0138] The bracket 410 may include a vertical plate with a central cutout, and bolts at its four corners for fixed connection to a battery holder 30 for placing batteries. The connector drive assembly 10 is located on one side of the bracket 410, and the connector 20 is located on the other side of the bracket 410. The connector 20 is connected to the actuating end 220 (i.e., the non-connecting end of the second rod 320) of the connector drive assembly 10 through a second connecting bracket 340 passing through a notch in the middle of the bracket 410.

[0139] The connector drive assembly 10 can drive the connector 20 to move relative to the battery holder 30, thereby enabling the connector 20 to connect to and disconnect from the battery.

[0140] In this embodiment, the connector 20 includes a mounting base 21 and a connector head 22. The connector head 22 is fixedly mounted on the mounting base 21, and the mounting base 21 is connected to the actuating end 220 (i.e., the non-connecting end of the second rod 320). By setting the mounting base 21 to accommodate different models of connector heads 22, the drive component can be modularized, reducing manufacturing costs and making installation more flexible.

[0141] In this embodiment, the connecting device 400 further includes a guide assembly 420, which includes a guide portion and a mating portion. The guide portion is disposed on a bracket 410 on one side of the corresponding connector 20, and the mating portion is disposed on the mounting base 21. The mating portion cooperates with the guide portion to limit the movement direction of the connector 20 on the mounting base 21. By constraining the movement direction of the connector 20 by the guide portion, the connector 20 can be more accurately connected to the battery.

[0142] Specifically, the guide portion may include a guide rail 421 extending in a vertical direction, and the mating portion includes a slider 422 with a groove located on the mounting base 21 corresponding to the guide rail 421. The groove is embedded in the guide rail 421 so that the slider 422 can slide along the guide rail 421, thereby achieving sliding guidance of the connector 20 in the direction of movement. The number of guide rails 421 and sliders 422 can be determined according to actual needs; in this embodiment, two are preferred.

[0143] In this invention, there are two types of connectors 22, one of which is an electrical connector 500. The electrical connector 500 includes a connector 510 and a power supply line 520. The connector 510 is arranged downwards for connection with the battery. The power supply line 520 passes through the opening in the middle of the bracket 410 and extends horizontally outwards to connect with the power supply system of the battery swapping station or energy storage station.

[0144] During operation, the electrical connector 500 moves vertically upwards and downwards under the constraint of the guide assembly 420. When the electrical connector 500 descends to the first limit position at the corresponding movable point 230, it is in a position connected to the battery. When the electrical connector 500 rises to the second limit position at the corresponding movable point 230, it is in a position separated from the battery. This allows the battery to be charged via the electrical connector 500.

[0145] In this embodiment, the connecting device 400 further includes a cable tray 530, which is disposed on the mounting base 21 and extends horizontally away from the mounting base 21 through the opening on the bracket 410. The cable tray 530 has baffles on both sides. The cable tray 530 is used to support the power supply cable 520. In use, the power supply cable 520 can be tied to the cable tray 530 with cable ties, or the cable ties can be omitted, and the constraint of the baffles alone can constrain the power supply cable 520.

[0146] By constraining the power supply line 520 with the cable tray 530, the wiring can be made neater, which is convenient for subsequent maintenance and repair. It can also prevent the power supply line 520 from moving or getting tangled during the operation of the connector 20, which could lead to malfunctions.

[0147] In this invention, another type of connector 22 is a liquid-cooled connector 600, which includes a pipe interface 610 and a liquid-cooled pipe 620. The pipe interface 610 is arranged downwards for connection to the battery. The liquid-cooled pipe 620 passes through an opening in the middle of the support 410 and extends horizontally outwards to connect to the cooling system in the battery swapping station or energy storage station. When the liquid-cooled connector 600 is lowered to the corresponding movable point 230 at the first limit position, the liquid-cooled connector 600 is in a position connected to the battery. When the liquid-cooled connector 600 is raised to the corresponding movable point 230 at the second limit position, the liquid-cooled connector 600 is in a position separated from the battery. This allows the liquid-cooled connector 600 to cool the battery during charging.

[0148] The liquid cooling pipe 620 includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The pipe interface 610 includes an inlet port communicating with the inlet pipe and an outlet port communicating with the outlet pipe. When the pipe interface 610 is connected to the battery, the coolant from the cooling system enters the cooling circuit in the battery through the inlet pipe. After flowing through the cooling circuit, the heated coolant flows back to the cooling system through the outlet port and the outlet pipe, thereby carrying away the heat from the battery and reducing the battery temperature during charging.

[0149] In this embodiment, the liquid-cooled connector 600 further includes a pipe support 630, which is mounted on the mounting base 21. The pipe interface 610 and the liquid-cooled pipe 620 pass through the mounting base 21, and the pipe support 630 and the mounting base 21 are elastically floatingly connected. This prevents damage to the pipe interface 610 caused by impacts when connecting the battery. In addition, the pipe support 630 can also be used to constrain the liquid-cooled pipe 620, making the pipe routing neater and preventing the pipes from moving or tangling during the operation of the connector 20, which could lead to leaks, blockages, or other malfunctions.

[0150] like Figure 6 As shown, the present invention also provides a battery rack 30, including a frame 31, a tray 32 disposed on the frame 31, and a connecting device 400 fixed to the side of the frame 31 by a bracket 410, with the connector 22 of the connecting device 400 correspondingly located on the upper side of the tray 32.

[0151] The tray 32 is used to support the battery. In use, the battery is placed on the tray 32, at which point the connector 22 is positioned corresponding to the connection portion on the battery. In this embodiment, when the battery is on the tray 32, its connection portion is located on the upper surface of the battery. The connector 22 connects to and disconnects from the battery by lifting and lowering. This allows for charging and cooling operations on the battery moved into the battery rack 30.

[0152] In this embodiment, the battery can be moved onto the pallet 32 ​​along a third direction via battery transfer equipment in a battery swapping station or energy storage station. This third direction is parallel to the movement direction (i.e., the first direction 240) of the drive mechanism 100 in the connecting device 400.

[0153] By setting the running direction of the drive mechanism 100 to be consistent with the direction of battery movement, the lateral space requirement of the drive mechanism 100 during movement can be reduced. Compared with the existing structure, the volume occupied by the battery rack 30 in the direction perpendicular to the battery movement is lower, thereby reducing the overall width of the battery rack 30.

[0154] In this embodiment, the connecting device 400 includes a first connecting device 700 with an electrical connector 500 at its connector 22 and a second connecting device 800 with a liquid-cooled connector 600 at its connector 22. The first connecting device 700 and the second connecting device 800 are respectively disposed on both sides of the battery movement path. Specifically, the first connecting device 700 and the second connecting device 800 are respectively fixed to the frame 31 and are located above one side of the tray 32, such that the electrical connector 500 of the first connecting device 700 and the liquid-cooled connector 600 of the second connecting device 800 are positioned above the battery on the tray 32.

[0155] During operation, the electrical connector 500 and the liquid-cooled connector 600 descend vertically to connect to the battery, charging and cooling it respectively. Setting the electrical connector 500 and the liquid-cooled connector 600 to rise and fall vertically firstly reduces the space occupied by the connector 20 in the horizontal direction, thereby reducing the volume of the battery holder 30. Secondly, it also prevents the electrical connector 500 or the liquid-cooled connector 600 from impacting the battery during connection, thus avoiding battery displacement. This improves operational accuracy and reduces the probability of docking failure.

[0156] In this invention, the tray 32 is elongated and located on both sides of the inner surface of the frame 31, extending along a fourth direction. This fourth direction is parallel to the first direction 240 (i.e., the direction of battery movement or the direction of operation of the drive mechanism 100). Therefore, the overall weight of the battery holder 30 can be reduced while still allowing for battery placement.

[0157] In order to enable the battery rack 30 to charge multiple batteries, in this embodiment, the battery rack 30 preferably includes multiple layers of trays 32, which are stacked and arranged, and each layer of trays 32 is provided with the connecting device 400, and multiple connecting devices 400 are arranged at vertical intervals.

[0158] By setting up multiple trays 32, multiple batteries can be charged simultaneously, resulting in higher efficiency and a more compact structure.

[0159] To better secure the drive mechanism 100 of the connecting device 400, the battery rack 30 also includes a drive mounting bracket, which is a vertically arranged elongated strip connected and fixed to the frame 31. This drive mounting bracket is connected to the non-moving end of the drive mechanism 100, i.e., the cylinder end of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

[0160] The present invention also provides a battery swapping station or energy storage station, including a battery rack 30 as described above. By using the battery rack 30, the flexibility of connector arrangement in the battery rack 30 can be improved, the space occupation of the battery rack 30 can be reduced, and the space utilization rate of the battery swapping station or energy storage station can be improved.

[0161] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention 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 invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector drive assembly for driving a connector to connect a battery located on a battery holder, characterized by: The connector driving assembly comprises a driving mechanism and a transmission mechanism; the transmission mechanism has a fixed end, a working end and a moving point between the fixed end and the working end; the fixed end is rotatably arranged at a relatively fixed position; the working end is connected with the connector; the driving mechanism drives the moving point to move in a first direction, so as to drive the connector to move in a second direction; The moving path of the moving point comprises a first limiting position; when the moving point reaches the first limiting position, the connector is located at a connecting position with the battery; the driving assembly further comprises a first limiting mechanism arranged on the moving path of the connecting rod, so as to limit the connector at the first limiting position; The moving path of the moving point comprises a second limiting position; when the moving point reaches the second limiting position, the connector is located at a separating position with the battery; the connector driving assembly further comprises a second limiting mechanism arranged on the moving path of the connecting rod, so as to limit the connector at the second limiting position.

2. The connector drive assembly of claim 1 : wherein: The first direction is not parallel to the second direction; The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

3. The connector drive assembly of claim 1, wherein: The transmission mechanism is a connecting rod; one end of the connecting rod is the fixed end, and the other end is the working end; the hinge point of the connecting rod is the moving point; The driving mechanism comprises a power source and a driving rod; the power source drives the driving rod to move; the driving rod is connected to the hinge point of the connecting rod; The power source is at least one of a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder or a motor.

4. The connector drive assembly of claim 3, wherein: The connecting rod comprises a first rod body and a second rod body; the non-connection end of the first rod body is the fixed end; the non-connection end of the second rod body is the working end; the first rod body and the second rod body are respectively provided with a first pin hole and a second pin hole; the driving rod is provided with a connecting part; the connecting part is provided with a third pin hole; the first pin hole, the second pin hole and the third pin hole are hingedly connected to the hinge point through a first pin shaft; The first rod body is rotatably arranged at a relatively fixed position through a first mounting bracket; the non-connection end of the first rod body is provided with a fourth pin hole; the first mounting bracket is provided with a fifth pin hole; the fourth pin hole and the fifth pin hole are hingedly connected through a second pin shaft; And / or, the working end is connected with the connector through a second connecting bracket; the non-connection end of the second rod body is provided with a sixth pin hole; the second connecting bracket is provided with a seventh pin hole; the sixth pin hole and the seventh pin hole are hingedly connected through a third pin shaft.

5. The connector drive assembly of claim 1, wherein: The transmission mechanism is a rope assembly; one end of the rope assembly is the fixed end, and the other end is the working end; the connection point of the driving mechanism and the rope assembly is the moving point; The rope assembly is provided with a movable pulley; the movable pulley is connected with the driving mechanism; the movable pulley constitutes the moving point.

6. A connection device, characterized by: The connector driving assembly comprises a connector, a bracket and a connector driving assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5; the bracket is used for fixed connection between the connector and a battery rack on which a battery is placed; the fixed end is rotatably connected with the bracket.

7. The connection device of claim 6, wherein: The connector comprises a mounting seat and a connecting head fixedly arranged on the mounting seat, and the mounting seat is connected with the driving end; The connecting device further comprises a guide assembly, the guide assembly comprises a guide part and a matching part, the guide part is arranged on the bracket, and the matching part is arranged on the mounting seat, the guide part and the matching part are matched to limit the moving direction of the connector; The guide part comprises a guide rail, the matching part comprises a sliding block, and the mounting seat and the bracket are connected through the sliding connection of the guide rail and the sliding block; And / or, the connecting head is an electric connecting head, one end of the electric connecting head is used for electrically connecting with the battery, and the other end is electrically connected with the power supply system through a power supply line; The connecting device further comprises a wire supporting plate, the wire supporting plate is arranged on the mounting seat, and the wire supporting plate is used for bearing the power supply line.

8. The connection device of claim 7, wherein: The connecting head is a liquid cooling connecting head, one end of the liquid cooling connecting head is used for liquid cooling connection with the battery, and the other end is connected with the cooling system through a liquid cooling pipe; The liquid cooling pipe comprises an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, the liquid cooling connecting head comprises an inlet port connected with the inlet pipe and an outlet port connected with the outlet pipe; cooling liquid enters the battery through the inlet pipe and the inlet port, and then returns to the cooling system through the outlet port and the outlet pipe; And / or, the connecting device further comprises a pipe rack, the pipe rack is arranged on the mounting seat, and the pipe rack is used for fixing the liquid cooling pipe.

9. A battery holder characterized by: The battery rack comprises a frame, a supporting plate and the connecting device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, the supporting plate is used for bearing the battery, the supporting plate is arranged on the frame, and the connecting device is fixed on the frame through the bracket.

10. The battery holder of claim 9, wherein: The battery can move to the supporting plate along a third direction, and the connecting device is arranged on at least one side of the moving path of the battery; The third direction is parallel to the first direction; And / or, the connecting device comprises a first connecting device with an electric connecting head and a second connecting device with a liquid cooling connecting head, and the first connecting device and the second connecting device are arranged on both sides of the moving path of the battery respectively.

11. The battery holder of claim 9, wherein: The battery rack comprises a plurality of layers of the supporting plates, the plurality of layers of the supporting plates are arranged along a fourth direction, and each layer of the supporting plates is provided with the connecting device; The fourth direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

12. A battery swap station, characterized by: The battery rack comprises the battery rack as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. An energy storage station, characterized by: The battery rack comprises the battery rack as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11.

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