Battery pack for electric vehicle and electric vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a battery pack for electric vehicles and an electric vehicle, which is detachably installed on a longitudinal beam of the electric vehicle, and the battery pack comprises a battery pack body, wherein the battery pack body comprises a box body and a box cover, the top of the box body is provided with an opening, the box cover is arranged at the opening of the box body and covers the opening, and a battery module for external charging and discharging is arranged in the box body; and a hanging piece is arranged at the top of the box cover and at a position corresponding to a locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam. The battery pack for electric vehicles is locked on the longitudinal beam through cooperation of the hanging piece and the locking mechanism, the battery pack is located below the longitudinal beam, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be lowered, the stability of the electric truck during driving can be improved, and the battery pack body seat does not need to be grooved and processed, so that the processing technology of the battery pack body is simplified.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent filed on December 31, 2021, with application number 2021116679648 and title "Battery Pack for Electric Vehicle and Electric Vehicle". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of battery swapping, and more particularly to a battery pack for electric vehicles and an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, new energy vehicles have developed rapidly. Electric vehicles, which rely on batteries as their driving energy, have the advantages of zero emissions and low noise. As the market share and usage frequency of electric vehicles are increasing, electric commercial vehicles, such as electric heavy-duty trucks and electric light-duty trucks, are gradually appearing in their respective application scenarios. At the same time, battery swapping stations for replacing battery packs of electric trucks have been built.

[0004] Currently, the battery packs on electric trucks are all located above the longitudinal beams, and the battery packs can weigh up to 3 tons. Due to their heavy weight, the center of gravity of electric trucks with battery packs installed is high, which affects the stability of the electric truck and occupies a large space behind the driver, resulting in a poor driving experience for the driver. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, which is that the installation of battery packs results in a high center of gravity, affecting the stability of electric trucks, and that the battery pack occupies a large space behind the driver, resulting in a poor driving experience for the driver. The present invention provides a battery pack for electric vehicles and an electric vehicle.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0007] A battery pack for an electric vehicle is detachably mounted on the longitudinal beam of the electric vehicle, the battery pack comprising:

[0008] The battery pack body includes a housing and a cover. The top of the housing has an opening, and the cover is disposed at the opening of the housing and covers the opening. The housing contains a battery module that can be charged and discharged externally.

[0009] A mounting bracket is provided on the top of the box cover at a position corresponding to the locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam.

[0010] In this solution, the aforementioned structural form is adopted. A hook-and-mount device corresponding to the locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam is installed on the top of the battery pack. When the battery pack moves to the battery swapping station below the longitudinal beam, it moves upwards, allowing the hook-and-mount device and locking mechanism to engage and connect, thus installing the battery pack on the longitudinal beam. At this point, the battery pack is positioned below the longitudinal beam, lowering the electric vehicle's center of gravity and improving its stability. Furthermore, the battery pack does not occupy significant space behind the driver, enhancing the driver's experience. The area above the longitudinal beam can be used to carry more cargo. This solution eliminates the need for slotting in the battery pack body, simplifying its manufacturing process. On the other hand, an opening at the top of the enclosure facilitates the installation of the battery modules inside. The enclosure cover then conceals the battery modules, improving the battery pack's electrical safety. Because the hook-and-mount device connects to the top of the enclosure cover, this solution allows for battery swapping via a chassis-based method.

[0011] Preferably, the battery pack for electric vehicles further includes: a mounting bracket disposed on the top of the cover, at least one end of the hook being connected to the mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket and the hook together forming a locking area for locking.

[0012] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted. The locking area is used for the locking mechanism to extend into. The mounting bracket is used to connect the hanger to the top of the box cover, so that the connection stability between the hanger and the box cover is better.

[0013] Preferably, a reinforcing member is provided inside the housing at a position corresponding to the lower part of the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket is connected to the reinforcing member, and the housing cover is sandwiched between the reinforcing member and the mounting bracket.

[0014] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and a reinforcing member is added to the battery pack body to connect the mounting bracket. As a result, the force on the mounting bracket is more evenly transmitted to the battery pack body through the reinforcing member, thereby avoiding damage to the connection between the mounting bracket and the cover due to excessive force, improving the overall strength of the battery pack for electric vehicles, and increasing the service life of the battery pack.

[0015] Preferably, the battery pack body has an unlocking guide hole through which the unlocking mechanism of the battery swapping device passes. The unlocking guide hole passes through the housing and the cover in sequence, and at least part of the hook is located above the unlocking guide hole. The space below the battery pack body is connected to the locking area through the unlocking guide hole.

[0016] In this solution, the above-mentioned structure is adopted. When the unlocking mechanism of the battery swapping equipment unlocks the locking mechanism, the unlocking mechanism passes through the unlocking guide hole and acts on the locking mechanism to achieve unlocking, thereby realizing the chassis battery swapping of the battery pack.

[0017] Preferably, the battery pack body has a positioning guide hole through which the positioning component of the battery swapping device passes. The positioning guide hole passes through the housing and the cover in sequence, and part of the hook is located above the positioning guide hole. The space below the battery pack body is connected to the locking area through the positioning guide hole.

[0018] In this solution, the above-mentioned structure is adopted. Before unlocking, the positioning component on the battery swapping device cooperates with the positioning guide hole to align the battery swapping device with the battery pack and the battery swapping device with the locking mechanism, thereby reducing the possibility of the unlocking mechanism failing to unlock due to misalignment with the unlocking guide hole.

[0019] Preferably, the mounting bracket extends along the length of the longitudinal beam.

[0020] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, which makes the connection between the hanger set on the mounting bracket and the longitudinal beam more stable, and the structure is compact with high space utilization.

[0021] Preferably, the mounting element is a locking shaft, and there are multiple locking shafts, which are arranged along the length of the longitudinal beam on the end face of the mounting bracket near the longitudinal beam.

[0022] In this design, the aforementioned structural form increases the number of connection points between the longitudinal beam and the battery pack body after the locking shaft is attached to the locking mechanism of the longitudinal beam, resulting in a more stable connection. Furthermore, the locking shaft is positioned on the end face of the mounting bracket near the longitudinal beam, making the structure more compact after the battery pack body and the longitudinal beam are connected.

[0023] Preferably, the mounting bracket includes a first upright plate, which is erected on top of the box cover, and one end of the locking shaft is connected to the first upright plate.

[0024] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted so that the locking shaft can extend along the length of the box cover, making it easy to insert the locking shaft into the locking mechanism.

[0025] Preferably, the battery pack for electric vehicles further includes a coarse positioning mechanism disposed on the end face of the first upright plate near the longitudinal beam.

[0026] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted. As the battery pack gradually rises to allow the locking mechanism to enter the locking area, the coarse positioning mechanism is used to coarsely position the longitudinal beam in the horizontal direction, so that the locking mechanism and the hanger can achieve more precise alignment.

[0027] Preferably, the coarse positioning mechanism includes a first guide block, which is elastically disposed on the end face of the first upright plate near the longitudinal beam. The first guide block has a first clamping surface for abutting against the side of the longitudinal beam.

[0028] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, which improves the positioning ability of the battery pack relative to the longitudinal beam after the battery pack is installed on the longitudinal beam, avoids shaking when the battery pack is locked on the electric vehicle, and improves safety and stability.

[0029] Preferably, the first guide block has a first guide surface at the end away from the box cover, and the first guide surface gradually approaches the first upright plate along the vertical direction from bottom to top.

[0030] In this design, the aforementioned structural form allows the longitudinal beam to be guided by the first guide surface, enabling the locking mechanism to smoothly extend into the locking area and lock with the connecting piece, thus improving safety and stability. When the first guide surface is curved, wear between the first guide block and the longitudinal beam can be reduced, increasing service life.

[0031] Preferably, there are multiple first guide blocks, and the multiple first guide blocks and the multiple locking shafts are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the longitudinal beam.

[0032] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and multiple first guide blocks are distributed at intervals on the mounting bracket to further improve the positioning capability of the battery pack relative to the longitudinal beam; at the same time, the first guide blocks and the locking shaft are arranged at intervals so that the first guide blocks avoid the locking mechanism and prevent interference between the first guide blocks and the locking mechanism.

[0033] Preferably, the mounting bracket further includes a second upright plate, which is erected on the top of the box cover, and the locking shaft and the coarse positioning mechanism are both located between the first upright plate and the second upright plate. The first upright plate, the second upright plate, and the locking shaft together constitute the locking area.

[0034] In this solution, the above-mentioned structure is adopted. When the locking shaft is hung on the locking mechanism, the second vertical plate can limit the horizontal displacement of the locking mechanism, thereby reducing the risk of the locking mechanism falling off the locking shaft and causing damage to the battery pack.

[0035] Preferably, the battery pack for electric vehicles further includes: a fine positioning mechanism, wherein the fine positioning mechanism is provided on the end face of the second upright plate near the first upright plate, and the coarse positioning mechanism and the fine positioning mechanism are used to abut against the two sides of the longitudinal beam along its width direction, respectively.

[0036] In this solution, the above-mentioned structure is adopted. When the locking mechanism and the hanger are locked, the coarse positioning mechanism and the fine positioning mechanism will clamp the two sides of the same longitudinal beam together, which effectively avoids the battery pack from shifting or misaligning during use and improves the stability of the battery pack connected to the longitudinal beam.

[0037] Preferably, the distance between the end of the coarse positioning mechanism away from the lid and the lid is greater than the distance between the end of the fine positioning mechanism away from the lid and the lid.

[0038] In this scheme, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted. The longitudinal beam gradually extends from top to bottom between the first and second vertical plates. It first contacts the coarse positioning mechanism to achieve coarse positioning of the longitudinal beam in the horizontal direction, and then contacts the fine positioning mechanism at a lower position to achieve fine positioning of the longitudinal beam in the horizontal direction, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the locking mechanism and the hook during the locking process.

[0039] Preferably, the precision positioning mechanism includes a second guide block, which is elastically disposed on the end face of the second upright plate near the first upright plate. The second guide block has a second clamping surface for abutting against the side of the longitudinal beam.

[0040] In this solution, the above-mentioned structure is adopted. When the locking mechanism enters the locking area of ​​the mounting bracket, the second guide block provides an outward clamping force to the longitudinal beam, thereby achieving the same position clamping of the longitudinal beam together with the coarse positioning mechanism. Therefore, after the battery pack is installed on the longitudinal beam, the connection between the battery pack and the longitudinal beam is more stable.

[0041] Preferably, the second guide block has a second guide surface at an angle at the end away from the box cover, and the second guide surface gradually approaches the second upright plate along the vertical direction from bottom to top.

[0042] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted. After the first guide block performs coarse positioning and guidance, the second guide surface of the second guide block can further position and guide the battery pack body, thereby enabling the hook to be aligned with the locking mechanism with higher alignment accuracy and improving safety and stability.

[0043] Preferably, there are multiple precision positioning mechanisms, and these multiple precision positioning mechanisms are spaced apart along the length direction of the longitudinal beam on the second vertical plate.

[0044] In this solution, the aforementioned structural form is adopted, utilizing multiple precision positioning mechanisms spaced apart on the mounting bracket to further improve the positioning capability of the battery pack relative to the longitudinal beam, resulting in more accurate positioning. Furthermore, the precision positioning mechanisms are positioned along the length of the longitudinal beam on the second vertical plate, allowing for a closer fit between the mechanisms and the sides of the longitudinal beam, thus enhancing positioning accuracy and improving safety and stability.

[0045] Preferably, the mounting bracket further includes a base plate that fits against the top of the box cover, the first upright plate and the second upright plate are both erected on the base plate, the first upright plate and the second upright plate are both connected to the top of the box cover through the base plate, and the first upright plate, the second upright plate, the base plate and the locking shaft together constitute the locking area.

[0046] In this design, the aforementioned structural form allows the force at the locking shaft to be transmitted more evenly to the battery pack body via the first upright plate and the bottom plate, thus improving the structural stability of the battery pack body. Simultaneously, the bottom plate, positioned between the first and second upright plates and the top of the cover, increases the connection area, making the connection between the mounting bracket and the battery pack body more secure.

[0047] Preferably, the mounting bracket includes a pair of connecting mounting plates disposed opposite each other, the pair of connecting mounting plates being disposed on the top of the cover, and the two ends of the locking shaft being respectively connected to the connecting mounting plates on the corresponding sides, the pair of connecting mounting plates constituting the locking area.

[0048] In this design, the aforementioned structural form is adopted, with two spaced-apart connecting mounting plates fixing both ends of the locking shaft. This improves the connection strength between the locking shaft and the mounting bracket, enhances the stability of the locking shaft connection, and allows the locking shaft to withstand greater forces. Furthermore, the weight of the battery pack body acting on the connecting mounting plates is in the same direction as the plates' extension, making them less prone to deformation under stress and resulting in a longer service life.

[0049] Preferably, the connecting mounting plate includes a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate that are perpendicular to each other, the second mounting plate is connected to the top of the box cover, and the two first mounting plates are symmetrically arranged.

[0050] In this design, the aforementioned structural form ensures that the force at the locking shaft is transmitted more evenly to the battery pack housing via the first and second mounting plates, resulting in better overall structural stability of the battery pack. Furthermore, the second mounting plate mounts the first mounting plate to the top of the housing cover, increasing the connection area and making the connection between the mounting bracket and the battery pack body more secure.

[0051] Preferably, a third guide block is elastically provided on the end face of the first mounting plate near the longitudinal beam, the third guide block having a third clamping surface for abutting against the side of the longitudinal beam.

[0052] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted. The third guide block provides clamping force to the longitudinal beam, thereby realizing the positioning of the battery pack body in the horizontal direction by the longitudinal beam. After the battery pack is installed on the longitudinal beam, the positioning capability of the battery pack relative to the longitudinal beam is improved, avoiding shaking after the battery pack is locked on the electric vehicle, and improving the stability of the battery pack during use.

[0053] Preferably, there are multiple third guide blocks, and the multiple third guide blocks are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the longitudinal beam on the first mounting plate.

[0054] In this design, the aforementioned structural form, utilizing multiple third guide blocks spaced apart on the first mounting plate, allows for multi-point positioning of the longitudinal beam, resulting in more accurate positioning. Furthermore, the third guide blocks are positioned along the length of the longitudinal beam on the first mounting plate, allowing for a closer fit between the third guide blocks and the sides of the longitudinal beam, thus improving positioning accuracy and safety stability.

[0055] Preferably, the third guide block has a third guide surface at the end away from the box cover, and the third guide surface gradually approaches the first mounting plate along the vertical direction from bottom to top.

[0056] In this design, the aforementioned structural form allows the battery pack to gradually rise as it locks against the longitudinal beam. This, in turn, guides the longitudinal beam horizontally under the guidance of the third guide surface, enabling the locking mechanism to smoothly extend into the locking area and lock with the mounting bracket, thus improving safety and stability. Furthermore, when the third guide surface is curved, it reduces wear between the third guide block and the longitudinal beam, increasing service life.

[0057] Preferably, the housing includes a plurality of battery housing cavities for accommodating the battery modules, and the reinforcing member has a cable routing groove, with adjacent battery housing cavities connected through the cable routing groove.

[0058] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, which enables the battery modules in adjacent battery housings to be electrically connected through cables, making installation and connection very convenient.

[0059] Preferably, a lifting mechanism is provided inside the housing at the position corresponding to the locking mechanism. The lifting mechanism includes a push rod for lifting the locking linkage of the locking mechanism. The push rod is vertically arranged and can move along the vertical direction.

[0060] In this solution, the above-mentioned structure is adopted. During the process of unlocking the battery pack, the locking rod is pushed upward to drive the locking linkage of the locking mechanism to move, thereby realizing the unlocking of the locking mechanism. This solution has a simple and compact structure and makes full use of the space of the box.

[0061] Preferably, the lifting mechanism further includes a guide seat disposed in the housing, the guide seat having a guide hole, the push rod passing through the guide hole and the upper end of the push rod passing through the housing cover and extending into the locking area, and the housing having a lifting hole at the position corresponding to the push rod.

[0062] In this design, the aforementioned structural form allows the upward movement of the push rod to lift the locking linkage, thus unlocking the mechanism. Simultaneously, the guide seat guides the push rod, improving its stability during vertical movement and preventing it from deviating from its intended path.

[0063] Preferably, the lifting mechanism further includes an elastic element, and a limiting flange is provided around the lower end of the lifting rod. The two ends of the elastic element are respectively connected to the guide seat and the limiting flange, and a force is applied to the limiting flange toward the bottom of the box.

[0064] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the push rod is automatically reset by applying force to the limiting flange through the elastic element.

[0065] Preferably, the elastic element is sleeved on the top rod and the first end of the elastic element abuts against the limiting flange, and the second end of the elastic element abuts against the guide seat.

[0066] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted so that after the push rod is pushed upward, the elastic element is compressed between the limiting flange and the guide seat, thereby improving the installation stability.

[0067] Preferably, a limiting member is provided at a position near the guide hole of the housing, and a limiting hole is provided on the limiting member. The limiting hole is coaxially arranged with the top rod, and the radial dimension of the limiting hole is smaller than the radial dimension of the end of the top rod near the housing.

[0068] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted to prevent the push rod from falling out of the box after reset, thereby improving the safety and stability of the push rod mechanism.

[0069] Preferably, there are two mounting brackets, which are symmetrically arranged on the top of the cover with respect to the battery pack body.

[0070] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and two mounting brackets are connected to the locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam respectively, which increases the connection points between the battery pack body and the longitudinal beam and improves the stability of the battery pack connection on the longitudinal beam.

[0071] An electric vehicle includes a longitudinal beam and an electric vehicle battery pack as described in any of the above, wherein the longitudinal beam is provided with a locking mechanism, and the electric vehicle battery pack is detachably connected to the longitudinal beam via the hook-and-mount mechanism.

[0072] In this solution, the battery pack for electric vehicles is locked via a top mounting bracket and a locking mechanism on the longitudinal beams, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the electric vehicle and making the vehicle more stable. Furthermore, the battery pack does not occupy a large amount of space behind the driver, improving the driver's driving experience, and the area above the longitudinal beams can be used to carry more cargo. This solution eliminates the need for slotting in the battery pack body, simplifying the manufacturing process. On the other hand, by providing an opening at the top of the enclosure, it is easy to install the battery modules inside the enclosure, which are then covered by a cover, improving the electrical safety of the battery pack. Since the mounting bracket for the electric vehicle in this solution is connected to the top of the enclosure cover, a chassis-based battery swapping method can be used for battery swapping.

[0073] Preferably, the locking mechanism is disposed on the side wall of the longitudinal beam or at the bottom of the longitudinal beam.

[0074] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form allows for the installation of a locking mechanism based on the space available at the longitudinal beams, resulting in high space utilization.

[0075] Preferably, the locking mechanism has a through slot through which the hook-and-mount member passes.

[0076] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted. When the battery pack for electric vehicles is installed on the longitudinal beam, the hanger is locked to the locking mechanism through the through slot of the locking mechanism, resulting in good connection stability.

[0077] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a primary lock, the primary lock includes at least two primary lock bases, at least two primary lock tongues and a locking link, the through groove includes a primary lock groove, the primary lock base has a horizontally through and inverted L-shaped primary lock groove, and the primary lock base and the primary lock tongue are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence;

[0078] The primary lock base is disposed on the side wall of the longitudinal beam, the first end of the primary lock tongue is rotatably connected to the primary lock base, and the second end of the primary lock tongue is rotatably connected to the lock connecting rod;

[0079] At least a portion of the mounting brackets of the electric vehicle battery pack are inserted into the primary lock slot;

[0080] When the locking link is subjected to the unlocking mechanism of the battery swapping equipment, the locking link drives the first-level locking tongue to rotate and open the opening of the first-level locking groove, and the hook-on piece enters and exits the first-level locking groove through the opening of the first-level locking groove.

[0081] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and a single-level lock is used to connect the longitudinal beam and the battery pack for electric vehicles, resulting in high stability and robustness in the connection between the longitudinal beam and the battery pack.

[0082] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a secondary lock, the secondary lock includes a secondary lock base and a secondary lock tongue, the through slot also includes a secondary lock groove, and the secondary lock base has a horizontally through secondary lock groove in the shape of an inverted L;

[0083] The secondary lock base is disposed on the side wall of the longitudinal beam, the first end of the secondary lock tongue is rotatably connected to the secondary lock base, and the second end of the secondary lock tongue is a free end;

[0084] The electric vehicle's mounting brackets are partially inserted into the secondary lock groove;

[0085] When the second end of the secondary locking tongue is subjected to the force of the positioning component of the battery swapping equipment, the secondary locking tongue rotates to open the opening of the secondary locking groove, and the hook-on component enters and exits the secondary locking groove through the opening of the secondary locking groove.

[0086] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and a two-stage lock is used to connect the longitudinal beam and the battery pack of electric vehicles. Compared with only a single-stage lock to connect the battery pack to the longitudinal beam, the addition of a second-stage lock makes the connection between the battery pack and the longitudinal beam more stable.

[0087] Preferably, the locking mechanism further includes a support base, and the through slot further includes a support groove. The support base has a horizontally penetrating, inverted L-shaped support groove, and part of the mounting member of the electric vehicle battery pack passes through the support groove.

[0088] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted to increase the connection points between the battery pack and the locking mechanism, so that the battery pack is more stably connected to the electric vehicle.

[0089] Preferably, the primary lock, secondary lock, and support base are all at the same height as the connection points of their respective hooks and are all located above the lower end of the longitudinal beam.

[0090] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted to increase the height of the battery pack connected to the locking mechanism, which facilitates the battery swapping equipment to swap batteries. This further increases the lower height space after the battery pack is connected to the longitudinal beam, leaving more height space for the battery swapping equipment to swap batteries.

[0091] Preferably, the electric vehicle further includes: a fixed bracket, the fixed bracket being disposed on the longitudinal beam, and the locking mechanism being disposed on the fixed bracket.

[0092] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted to increase the connection area between the locking mechanism and the longitudinal beam, so that the force on the locking mechanism is transmitted to the longitudinal beam more evenly.

[0093] Preferably, there are two longitudinal beams, and each longitudinal beam is correspondingly arranged with a locking mechanism, with the locking mechanism disposed on the opposite sidewalls of the two longitudinal beams.

[0094] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the stability of the battery pack connected to the longitudinal beam is improved by the locking mechanism and the multi-point connection of the battery pack.

[0095] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0096] This invention relates to a battery pack for electric vehicles and an electric vehicle. The battery pack has a mounting bracket on its top that corresponds to a locking mechanism on a longitudinal beam. When the battery pack moves to the battery swapping station below the longitudinal beam, it moves upwards, allowing the mounting bracket and locking mechanism to engage and connect, thus mounting the battery pack on the longitudinal beam. At this point, the battery pack is positioned below the longitudinal beam, lowering the electric vehicle's center of gravity and improving the stability of the electric truck. Furthermore, the battery pack does not occupy a large space behind the driver, improving the driver's experience. The area above the longitudinal beam can be used to carry more cargo. This solution eliminates the need for slotting in the battery pack body, simplifying the manufacturing process. On the other hand, an opening at the top of the housing facilitates the installation of the battery modules inside the housing. The housing cover then conceals the battery modules, improving the battery pack's electrical safety. Because the mounting bracket is connected to the top of the housing cover, this solution allows for battery swapping of the electric vehicle using a chassis-based battery swapping method. Attached Figure Description

[0097] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0098] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of its decomposed structure.

[0099] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack for an electric vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0100] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure.

[0101] Figure 5 for Figure 3A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0102] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal beam, fixed bracket, and locking mechanism of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0103] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the primary lock of the locking mechanism.

[0104] Figure 8 for Figure 7 An explosion diagram.

[0105] Figure 9 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the primary lock base, primary lock tongue, and primary lock groove.

[0106] Figure 10 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the secondary lock of the central locking mechanism.

[0107] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery pack for electric vehicles according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0108] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the mounting bracket.

[0109] Figure 13 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the locking mechanism corresponding to the battery pack for electric vehicles.

[0110] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0111] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Detailed Implementation

[0112] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0113] Example 1

[0114] like Figures 1-2As shown, this embodiment discloses an electric vehicle 200, which includes two longitudinal beams 201 and an electric vehicle battery pack 100. Locking mechanisms 3 are provided on the opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams 201, i.e., the locking mechanisms 3 are disposed on the side walls of the longitudinal beams 201. The electric vehicle battery pack 100 is detachably connected to the longitudinal beams 201 via a hook-and-mount device 2 that cooperates with the locking mechanism 3. In this embodiment, the electric vehicle 200 is a commercial vehicle such as a heavy-duty truck or a light-duty truck; in other embodiments, the electric vehicle 200 can also be a passenger vehicle such as a sedan.

[0115] The battery pack 100 for electric vehicles is detachably mounted on the longitudinal beam 201 of the electric vehicle 200, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the battery pack 100 for electric vehicles includes: a battery pack body 1, which includes a housing 11 and a cover 12. The top of the housing 11 has an opening, and the cover 12 is disposed at the opening of the housing 11 and covers the opening. A battery module for external charging and discharging is disposed inside the housing 11; and a mounting bracket 2, which is disposed at the top of the cover 12 at a position corresponding to the locking mechanism 3 on the longitudinal beam 201. In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 2 is a locking shaft.

[0116] By providing a hook 2 on the top of the battery pack 100 that corresponds to the locking mechanism 3 on the longitudinal beam 201, when the battery pack 100 moves to the battery swapping station below the longitudinal beam 201, the hook 2 and the locking mechanism 3 cooperate to connect as the battery pack 100 moves upward, thus installing the battery pack 100 on the longitudinal beam 201. At this time, the battery pack 100 is located below the longitudinal beam 201, which lowers the center of gravity of the electric vehicle 200, improving its stability. Furthermore, the battery pack 100 does not occupy a large space behind the driver, improving the driver's driving experience. The area above the longitudinal beam 201 can be used to carry more cargo. This solution eliminates the need for slotting the battery pack body 1, simplifying its manufacturing process. On the other hand, by providing an opening at the top of the housing 11, the battery modules can be easily installed inside the housing 11. The housing cover 12 then covers the battery modules inside the housing 11, improving the electrical safety of the battery pack 100. Since the battery pack 100 in this solution is connected to the top of the cover 12 by the mounting bracket 2, the battery pack 100 can be swapped using the chassis battery swapping mode for the electric vehicle 200.

[0117] like Figure 3As shown, the battery pack 100 for electric vehicles also includes two mounting brackets 4, which are symmetrically arranged on the top of the cover 12. At least one end of the hook 2 is connected to the mounting bracket 4. The mounting bracket 4 and the hook 2 together form a locking area for locking. The locking area formed by the mounting bracket 4 and the hook 2 is used for the locking mechanism 3 to extend into. The hook 2 is connected to the top of the cover 12 by the mounting bracket 4, which improves the connection stability between the hook 2 and the cover 12. In this embodiment, one end of the hook 2 is connected to the inner wall of the mounting bracket 4, and the other end extends from the inner wall of the mounting bracket 4 towards the center. The extended part of the hook 2 is inserted into the locking mechanism 3 of the longitudinal beam 201 to achieve locking.

[0118] In this embodiment, there are multiple hangers 2, which makes the connection between the battery pack 100 and the longitudinal beam 201 more stable. Specifically, during installation, multiple hangers 2 are first set on the mounting bracket 4 to form a whole, and then the whole mounting bracket 4 is installed on the cover 12 of the battery pack body 1, which facilitates the installation of multiple hangers 2 and ensures high installation accuracy.

[0119] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the mounting bracket 2 is a locking shaft, and there are multiple locking shafts. The mounting bracket 4 extends along the length of the longitudinal beam 201. The mounting bracket 4 is configured as a long strip structure adapted to the structure of the longitudinal beam 201, so that the locking shafts are arranged on the end face of the mounting bracket 4 near the longitudinal beam 201 along the length of the longitudinal beam 201. The locking shafts are spaced apart along the length of the longitudinal beam 201, so that when the locking shafts are engaged with the locking mechanism 3 of the longitudinal beam 201, there are more connection points between the longitudinal beam 201 and the battery pack body 1, thus making the connection between the longitudinal beam 201 and the battery pack body 1 more stable.

[0120] like Figure 3 As shown, the mounting bracket 4 includes a first upright plate 41, which is erected on top of the cover 12. One end of the locking shaft is connected to the first upright plate 41. At this time, the locking shaft extends along the length of the cover 12, making it easy to insert the locking shaft into the locking mechanism 3. Thus, the weight of the battery pack body 1 on the first upright plate 41 is in the same direction as its extension, making it less prone to deformation due to stress and resulting in a longer service life.

[0121] like Figure 3 As shown, in order to achieve coarse positioning of the longitudinal beam 201 in the horizontal direction and make the locking mechanism 3 and the hanger 2 more accurately aligned in the horizontal direction, the battery pack 100 for electric vehicles also includes a coarse positioning mechanism 6, which is disposed on the end face of the first upright plate 41 near the longitudinal beam 201.

[0122] Specifically, the coarse positioning mechanism 6 includes a first guide block 61, which is elastically disposed on the end face of the first upright plate 41 near the longitudinal beam 201. The first guide block 61 has a first clamping surface. When the battery pack 100 is installed on the longitudinal beam 201, the first clamping surface abuts against the side of the longitudinal beam 201. The first guide block 61 is elastically disposed on the first upright plate 41 by a spring. When the locking mechanism 3 enters the locking area of ​​the mounting bracket 4, the first guide blocks 61 on the two mounting brackets 4 will apply force from the outside to the corresponding side of the longitudinal beam 201, thereby clamping the longitudinal beam 201 from the opposite sides of the two longitudinal beams 201, achieving coarse positioning of the battery pack body 1. After the battery pack 100 is installed on the longitudinal beam 201, the positioning capability of the battery pack 100 relative to the longitudinal beam 201 is improved, avoiding shaking when the battery pack 100 is locked on the electric vehicle 200, and improving safety and stability.

[0123] To further enhance the guiding function of the first guide block 61 during the locking of the battery pack 100 onto the longitudinal beam 201, a first guide surface 611 is inclined at the end of the first guide block 61 away from the cover 12. Along the vertical direction from bottom to top, the first guide surface 611 gradually approaches the first upright plate 41. The first guide surface 611 is arc-shaped, allowing the longitudinal beam 201 to be guided by the first guide surface 611, enabling the locking mechanism 3 to smoothly extend into the locking area and lock with the hook 2, thus improving safety and stability. Simultaneously, when the first guide surface 611 is arc-shaped, wear between the first guide block 61 and the longitudinal beam 201 is reduced. In other specific embodiments, the first guide surface 611 can also be flat.

[0124] In this embodiment, there are three first guide blocks 61. The three first guide blocks 61 and multiple locking shafts are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the longitudinal beam 201, and the first guide blocks 61 and the locking shafts are arranged at intervals so that the first guide blocks 61 avoid the locking mechanism 3. By using the three first guide blocks 61 arranged sequentially on the first upright plate 41 of the mounting bracket 4, the positioning capability of the battery pack 100 relative to the longitudinal beam 201 is further improved.

[0125] Furthermore, to reduce the risk of the locking shaft detaching from the locking mechanism 3, the mounting bracket 4 also includes a second upright plate 42. The second upright plate 42 is erected on the top of the cover 12, and both the locking shaft and the coarse positioning mechanism 6 are located between the first upright plate 41 and the second upright plate 42. The first upright plate 41, the second upright plate 42, and the locking shaft together constitute the locking area. When the locking shaft is attached to the locking mechanism 3, the second upright plate 42 can limit the horizontal displacement of the locking mechanism 3, thereby reducing the risk of the locking mechanism 3 detaching from the locking shaft and causing damage to the battery pack 100.

[0126] like Figure 3As shown, in order to achieve static positioning of the longitudinal beam 201 in the horizontal direction and make the locking mechanism 3 and the hook 2 more accurately aligned in the horizontal direction, the battery pack 100 for electric vehicles also includes: a fine positioning mechanism 7. The fine positioning mechanism 7 is provided on the end face of the second vertical plate 42 near the first vertical plate 41. The coarse positioning mechanism 6 and the fine positioning mechanism 7 are used to abut against the two sides of the longitudinal beam 201 along its width direction, respectively.

[0127] When the locking mechanism 3 is locked to the hook 2, the coarse positioning mechanism 6 and the fine positioning mechanism 7 will clamp the two sides of the same longitudinal beam 201 together, effectively preventing the battery pack 100 from shifting or misaligning during use and improving the stability of the battery pack 100 connected to the longitudinal beam 201.

[0128] The precision positioning mechanism 7 includes a second guide block 71, which is elastically disposed on the end face of the second upright plate 42 near the first upright plate 41. The second guide block 71 has a second clamping surface, which abuts against the side of the longitudinal beam 201 when the battery pack 100 is locked onto the longitudinal beam 201. The second guide block 71 is elastically disposed on the second upright plate 42 by a spring. When the locking mechanism 3 enters the locking area, the first guide block 61 and the second guide block 71 on the same mounting bracket 4 clamp the same longitudinal beam 201 from both sides.

[0129] The second guide block 71 has a second guide surface 711 at its end away from the cover 12, which is inclined and gradually approaches the second upright plate 42 along the vertical direction from bottom to top. The second guide surface 711 is arc-shaped. After being coarsely positioned and guided by the first guide block 61, the second guide surface 711 of the second guide block 71 can further position and guide the battery pack body 1, thereby enabling the hook 2 to align with the locking mechanism 3 with higher alignment accuracy and improved safety and stability. At the same time, when the second guide surface 711 is arc-shaped, the arc reduces the wear between the second guide block 71 and the longitudinal beam 201, increasing its service life. In other specific embodiments, the second guide surface 711 can also be flat.

[0130] The distance between the end of the coarse positioning mechanism 6 furthest from the cover 12 and the cover 12 is greater than the distance between the end of the fine positioning mechanism 7 furthest from the cover 12 and the cover 12. That is, the distance between the upper end of the first guide block 61 and the cover 12 is greater than the distance between the upper end of the second guide block 71 and the cover 12. This is so that during the process of installing the battery pack 100 on the longitudinal beam 201, the longitudinal beam 201 gradually extends from top to bottom between the first vertical plate 41 and the second vertical plate 42, first contacting the coarse positioning mechanism 6 to achieve coarse positioning of the longitudinal beam 201 in the horizontal direction, and then contacting the lower-positioned fine positioning mechanism 7 to achieve fine positioning of the longitudinal beam 201 in the horizontal direction.

[0131] Even better, there are three precision positioning mechanisms 7, which are spaced apart on the second vertical plate 42 along the length of the longitudinal beam 201. By using the three precision positioning mechanisms 7 evenly distributed on the mounting bracket 4, the positioning capability of the battery pack 100 relative to the longitudinal beam 201 is further improved.

[0132] like Figure 3 As shown, the mounting bracket 4 also includes a base plate 43 that fits against the top of the cover 12. The first upright plate 41 and the second upright plate 42 are both erected on the base plate 43. The first upright plate 41 and the second upright plate 42 are connected to the top of the cover 12 via the base plate 43, and the first upright plate 41, the second upright plate 42, the base plate 43, and the locking shaft together form the locking area. The first upright plate 41 and the second upright plate 42 are perpendicular to the base plate 43, and the force at the locking shaft is transmitted more evenly to the battery pack body 1 through the first upright plate 41 and the base plate 43, improving the structural stability of the battery pack body 1. Furthermore, compared to the first upright plate 41 and the second upright plate 42 being directly connected to the top of the cover 12, the base plate 43 is placed between the first upright plate 41, the second upright plate 42, and the top of the cover 12, increasing the connection area and making the connection between the mounting bracket 4 and the battery pack body 1 more stable.

[0133] like Figure 4 As shown, a reinforcing member 5 is provided inside the housing 11 at a position corresponding to the lower part of the mounting bracket 4. The mounting bracket 4 is connected to the reinforcing member 5, and the housing cover 12 is sandwiched between the reinforcing member 5 and the mounting bracket 4. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 5 is a reinforcing plate, which plays a role in strengthening the structural strength of the housing 11. The mounting bracket 4 is attached to the upper surface of the housing cover 12, and the mounting bracket 4, housing cover 12, and reinforcing member 5 are connected by a connector. Thus, the force on the mounting bracket 4 is more evenly transmitted to the battery pack body 1 through the reinforcing member 5, thereby avoiding damage to the connection between the mounting bracket 4 and the housing cover 12 due to excessive force, improving the overall strength of the electric vehicle battery pack 100, and increasing the service life of the battery pack 100.

[0134] Furthermore, a seal is provided between the mounting bracket 4 and the cover 12 of the battery pack body 1. Since the battery pack 100 inevitably comes into contact with water while the electric vehicle 200 is in motion, a seal is provided at the connection between the mounting bracket 4 and the cover 11 to enhance the sealing effect and effectively prevent water from flowing into the cover 11, thus improving the airtightness of the battery pack 100. Specifically, the seal can be a sealing ring, sealing strip, sealing gasket, etc.

[0135] like Figure 5As shown, the battery pack body 1 has an unlocking guide hole 14 through which the unlocking mechanism of the battery swapping device passes. The unlocking guide hole 14 passes through the housing 11 and the cover 12 in sequence, and at least part of the hook 2 is located above the unlocking guide hole 14. The space below the battery pack body 1 is connected to the locking area through the unlocking guide hole 14. In this embodiment, the unlocking guide hole 14 passes through the aforementioned reinforcing member 5. When the unlocking mechanism of the battery swapping device unlocks the locking mechanism 3, the unlocking mechanism passes through the unlocking guide hole 14 and acts on the locking mechanism 3 to achieve unlocking, thereby realizing the battery swapping of the chassis of the battery pack 100. In this embodiment, the battery swapping device is a battery swapping trolley.

[0136] Furthermore, the battery pack body 1 has a positioning guide hole 15 through which the positioning component of the battery swapping device passes. The positioning guide hole 15 passes through the housing 11 and the cover 12 in sequence, and part of the hook 2 is located above the positioning guide hole 15. The space below the battery pack body 1 is connected to the locking area through the positioning guide hole 15. In this embodiment, the positioning guide hole 15 passes through the aforementioned reinforcing member 5. Before unlocking, the positioning component on the battery swapping device cooperates with the positioning guide hole 15 to align the battery swapping device with the battery pack 100 and with the locking mechanism 3, thereby reducing the possibility of the unlocking mechanism failing to unlock due to misalignment with the unlocking guide hole 14.

[0137] like Figure 4 As shown, the housing 11 includes several battery housing cavities 8 for accommodating battery modules. The reinforcing member 5 has cable routing grooves 9, and adjacent battery housing cavities 8 are connected through these grooves. The reinforcing member 5 divides the housing 11, and the cable routing grooves 9 on the reinforcing member 5 allow cables to pass through, enabling electrical connection between battery modules in adjacent battery housing cavities 8 via cables, making installation and connection very convenient.

[0138] The locking mechanism 3 has a through slot for the hook-and-mount member 2 to pass through. Specifically, the through slot extends along the width direction of the locking mechanism 3, which is... Figure 8 In the Y direction, since the locking mechanism 3 provides a through slot for the hook 2 to pass through, the hook 2 can pass through the locking mechanism 3 and extend out of both sides of the locking mechanism 3, thus the connection stability between the hook 2 and the locking mechanism 3 is better and the service life is longer.

[0139] The locking mechanism 3 will be described in detail below.

[0140] like Figures 6-10As shown, the locking mechanism 3 includes a primary lock 31, which comprises three primary lock bases 311, three primary lock tongues 312, and a locking link 313. The through slot includes a primary lock groove 314. The primary lock bases 311 are horizontally through and inverted L-shaped. The primary lock bases 311 and primary lock tongues 312 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The primary lock bases 311 are set on the side wall of the longitudinal beam 201. The first end of the primary lock tongue 312 is rotatably connected to the primary lock base 311, and the second end of the primary lock tongue 312 is rotatably connected to the locking link 313. The three mounting brackets 2 on each mounting bracket 4 of the electric vehicle battery pack 100 pass through the primary lock grooves 314.

[0141] When the locking rod 313 is subjected to the unlocking mechanism of the battery swapping equipment, the locking rod 313 drives the first-level locking tongue 312 to rotate and open the opening of the first-level locking groove 314, and the hook 2 enters and exits the first-level locking groove 314 through the opening of the first-level locking groove 314.

[0142] Specifically, the primary lock groove 314 is recessed upward from the bottom surface of the primary lock base 311 and is used for the insertion of the hook 2 installed on the battery pack 100. The primary lock base 311 is provided with a lock tongue groove 315 for installing the primary lock tongue 312. The lock tongue groove 315 is recessed downward from the top surface of the primary lock base 311. The lock tongue groove 315 and the primary lock groove 314 are connected. One end of the primary lock tongue 312 passes through the lock tongue groove 315 and is axially connected to the locking rod 313. The locking rod 313 is located above each primary lock base 311. The primary lock tongue 312 is axially connected to the primary lock base 311. Thus, the lifting and lowering of the locking rod 313 can drive the primary lock tongue 312 to rotate around the axial connection point inside the primary lock base 311, thereby realizing the entry or exit of the primary lock tongue 312 into the primary lock groove 314, and thus realizing the switching between the two states of the hook 2 being engaged in the primary lock groove 314 and exiting the primary lock groove 314.

[0143] This embodiment utilizes a single locking link 313 to simultaneously control the primary locking tongues 312 of multiple primary locking bases 311, thereby achieving synchronous unlocking and locking functions of multiple primary locking bases 311, improving the unlocking process of the battery pack 100, and accelerating the replacement efficiency of the battery pack 100.

[0144] The inverted L-shaped primary lock groove 314 includes an opening 3141 extending vertically and a locking hole 3142 extending horizontally. The top of the opening 3141 communicates with the locking hole 3142. The hook 2 first moves vertically from the bottom of the opening 3141 to the junction of the opening 3141 and the locking hole 3142, and then enters the locking hole 3142. After that, the hook 2 is locked in the locking hole 3142 of the primary lock groove 314 by the lifting lock linkage 313.

[0145] In practical use, the battery pack 100 enters the longitudinal beam 201 from the bottom of the electric vehicle 200. The unlocking mechanism pushes the locking link 313 upward, causing the primary locking tongue 312 to open the primary locking groove 314. The mounting piece 2 of the battery pack 100 is inserted into the primary locking groove 314 from the bottom surface of the corresponding primary locking base 311. Then, the battery pack 100 moves towards the locking hole 3142 of the primary locking groove 314 under the push of the battery swapping equipment until the mounting piece 2 enters the locking hole 3142. Then, the mounting piece 2 of the battery pack 100 moves away from the opening hole 3141 towards the locking hole 3142. The unlocking mechanism of the battery swapping equipment no longer acts on the locking link 313, so the primary locking tongue 312 is reset, completing the suspension process of the battery pack 100. During the locking process of the connector 2, the locking linkage 313, driven by the unlocking mechanism, rotates the primary locking tongue 312, making the opening hole 3141 of the primary locking groove 314 connected to the locking hole 3142. When the connector 2 enters the locking hole 3142, the primary locking tongue 312 rotates under the gravity of the locking linkage 313, thus blocking the retraction path of the connector 2. At this time, the battery pack 100 is completely locked onto the electric vehicle 200. When the battery needs to be replaced, the unlocking mechanism pushes the locking linkage 313 upward, causing the primary locking tongue 312 to rotate and the opening hole 3141 to connect with the locking hole 3142. Then, the battery pack 100 is moved to allow the connector 2 to exit from the primary locking groove 314, thus completing the removal process of the battery pack 100.

[0146] The locking mechanism 3 also includes an elastic reset component 316. The elastic reset component 316 applies force to the locking link 313, causing the primary latches 312 to return to the locked position within the primary lock groove 314. The elastic reset component 316 applies force to the locking link 313 and exerts a downward force on it. This causes the locking link 313 to rotate and swing downwards, extending the primary latches 312 into the primary lock groove 314, thus locking the primary latches 312 and further improving the stability of the locking mechanism 3 in the locked state. Unlocking can only be achieved by applying an upward force to the locking link 313 through the unlocking mechanism, causing the primary latches 312 to rotate and swing upwards to leave the primary lock groove 314. In this embodiment, the elastic reset component 316 is a spring.

[0147] like Figure 6 , Figure 10As shown, the locking mechanism 3 also includes a secondary lock 32, which includes a secondary lock base 321 and a secondary lock tongue. The through groove also includes a secondary lock groove 324. The secondary lock base 321 has a horizontally penetrating, inverted L-shaped secondary lock groove 324. The secondary lock base 321 is located on the side wall of the longitudinal beam 201. The first end of the secondary lock tongue is rotatably connected to the secondary lock base 321, and the second end of the secondary lock tongue is a free end. Part of the connecting piece 2 of the electric vehicle 200 passes through the secondary lock groove 324. When the second end of the secondary lock tongue is subjected to the force of the positioning component of the battery swapping equipment, the secondary lock tongue rotates and opens the opening of the secondary lock groove 324, and the connecting piece 2 enters and exits the secondary lock groove 324 through the opening. It should be noted that... Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the hook-and-mount component 2 is blocked by the secondary locking tongue.

[0148] The inverted L-shaped secondary locking groove 324 has the same structure as the primary locking groove 314, and will not be described again.

[0149] The secondary bolt is rotatable relative to the secondary lock base 321 to switch between an unlocked and a locked state. The secondary bolt includes a bolt body 322 and a bolt extension 323 fixedly connected to each other. The bolt extension 323 is located outside the secondary lock base 321. When the secondary bolt is in the locked state, the bolt body 322 prevents the hook 2 from leaving the secondary lock slot 324. Rotation of the bolt body 322 can be achieved by acting on the bolt extension 323 located outside the secondary lock base 321, facilitating unlocking.

[0150] The locking mechanism 3 also includes a reset component 325. The reset component 325 is disposed on the secondary lock base 321 and acts on the secondary lock tongue. The reset component 325 can undergo elastic deformation, which facilitates the reset of the secondary lock tongue from the unlocked state to the locked state. This makes the installation and locking of the battery pack 100 convenient, and under the action of the reset component 325, the secondary lock tongue will not easily change to the unlocked state, making the locking more reliable. In this embodiment, the reset component 325 is a spring.

[0151] Locking process of secondary lock 32: The lock shaft moves upward under the action of external force and enters through the opening hole 3141 of the secondary lock groove 324. The lock shaft acts on the lock tongue body 322 to make the secondary lock tongue rotate. After the secondary lock tongue rotates to a certain angle, a channel for the hook 2 to pass through is formed in the secondary lock groove 324. The lock shaft can enter the locking hole 3142 from the opening hole 3141. Until the lock shaft no longer contacts the lock tongue body 322, the secondary lock tongue rotates under the action of the reset component 325 and resets to the locked state.

[0152] Unlocking process of secondary lock 32: The positioning component of the power swapping equipment applies an upward force to the extension part 323 of the lock tongue, causing the secondary lock tongue to rotate. After the secondary lock tongue rotates to a certain angle, a channel is formed in the secondary lock groove 324 for the lock shaft to pass through. The lock shaft can enter the opening hole 3141 from the locking hole 3142, and then move downward through the opening of the opening hole 3141, leaving the locking mechanism 3.

[0153] The primary lock 31, secondary lock 32, and support base 33 are all at the same height as the connection points of their corresponding mounting brackets 2 and are all located above the lower end of the longitudinal beam 201. This increases the height of the battery pack 100 connected to the locking mechanism 3, facilitating battery swapping and further increasing the vertical space below the battery pack 100 after it is connected to the longitudinal beam 201, leaving more height space for battery swapping.

[0154] like Figure 6 As shown, the locking mechanism 3 also includes a support base 33, and the through groove also includes a support groove. The support base 33 has a horizontally penetrating, inverted L-shaped support groove, and part of the hanging part 2 of the electric vehicle battery pack 100 passes through the support groove. After the battery pack 100 is connected to the longitudinal beam 201 by using a primary lock 31, a support base 33 with an inverted L-shaped through groove is set around the primary lock 31. The support groove of the support base 33 is used to hook the hanging part 2, thereby increasing the connection points between the battery pack 100 and the locking mechanism 3, making the battery pack 100 more stably connected to the electric vehicle 200.

[0155] like Figure 6 As shown, in order to more evenly transmit the force on the locking mechanism 3 to the longitudinal beam 201, the electric vehicle 200 also includes a fixed bracket 202, which is disposed on the longitudinal beam 201, and the locking mechanism 3 is disposed on the fixed bracket 202. Specifically, there are two fixed brackets 202, which are respectively disposed on the opposite side walls of the two longitudinal beams 201, so that the locking mechanism 3 is disposed in a one-to-one correspondence with the longitudinal beam 201. Compared with the locking mechanism 3 being directly connected to the longitudinal beam 201, the connection area between the locking mechanism 3 and the longitudinal beam 201 is increased by connecting the locking mechanism 3 to the longitudinal beam 201 through the fixed bracket 202, so that the battery pack 100 is more stably connected to the electric vehicle 200.

[0156] In his specific implementation, the locking mechanism 3 can also be set at the bottom of the longitudinal beam 201, which will not be elaborated here.

[0157] Example 2

[0158] Example 2 discloses another battery pack 100 for electric vehicles. The battery pack 100 for electric vehicles in Example 2 has a basically the same structure as the battery pack 100 for electric vehicles in Example 1, except that, as Figures 11-12 As shown, the mounting bracket 4 on top of the battery pack 100 for electric vehicles in Embodiment 2 includes a pair of oppositely arranged connecting mounting plates 44. The pair of connecting mounting plates 44 are positioned on the top of the cover 12, and both ends of the locking shaft are connected to the corresponding connecting mounting plates 44. The pair of connecting mounting plates 44 constitute the locking area. The two connecting mounting plates 44 are spaced apart and perpendicular to the top of the cover 12. By fixing both ends of the locking shaft with the two spaced connecting mounting plates 44, the connection strength between the locking shaft and the mounting bracket 4 is improved compared to single-sided fixing, thus increasing the stability of the locking shaft connection and allowing the locking shaft to withstand greater forces. Furthermore, the weight of the battery pack body 1 acting on the connecting mounting plate 44 is in the same direction as its extension, making it less prone to deformation under stress and resulting in a longer service life.

[0159] Furthermore, the connecting mounting plate 44 includes a first mounting plate 441 and a second mounting plate 442 that are perpendicular to each other. The second mounting plate 442 is connected to the top of the cover 12, and the two first mounting plates 441 are symmetrically arranged. Specifically, the two first mounting plates 441 are symmetrically arranged and have the same height, which makes it more stable and convenient to connect the locking shaft using the two first mounting plates 441. At the same time, the second mounting plate 442 is attached to the top of the cover 12, and the two first mounting plates 441 are vertically connected to the second mounting plate 442. Therefore, the force on the locking shaft is transmitted more evenly to the battery pack 100 housing 11 through the two first mounting plates 441 and the second mounting plate 442, resulting in better overall structural stability of the battery pack 100.

[0160] In this embodiment, the second mounting plate 442 of the pair of connecting mounting plates 44 is integrally formed, thereby integrating the two connecting mounting plates 44 into a whole, thereby improving the overall structural strength.

[0161] In other preferred embodiments, a third guide block (not shown in the figure) is elastically provided on the end face of the first mounting plate 441 near the longitudinal beam 201. The third guide block has a third clamping surface for abutting against the side of the longitudinal beam 201. The third guide block is elastically provided on the end face of the first mounting plate 441 near the longitudinal beam 201, so that when the locking mechanism 3 enters the locking area of ​​the mounting bracket 4, the third guide block provides a clamping force to the longitudinal beam 201, thereby realizing the horizontal positioning of the longitudinal beam 201 on the battery pack body 1. Thus, after the battery pack 100 is installed on the longitudinal beam 201, the positioning capability of the battery pack 100 relative to the longitudinal beam 201 is improved, avoiding shaking when the battery pack 100 is locked on the electric vehicle 200, and improving the stability of the battery pack 100 during use.

[0162] The third guide block has a third guide surface at its end away from the cover 12, and it gradually approaches the first mounting plate 441 along a vertical direction from bottom to top. The third guide surface is arc-shaped. During the process of locking the battery pack 100 onto the longitudinal beam 201, as the battery pack 100 gradually rises and the locking mechanism 3 gradually enters the locking area of ​​the mounting bracket 4, the third guide surface of the third guide block can position and guide the battery pack body 1 in the horizontal direction. This allows the locking mechanism 3 on the longitudinal beam 201 to smoothly extend into the locking area and lock with the hook 2, improving safety and stability. In other specific embodiments, the third guide surface can also be a plane.

[0163] Furthermore, there are multiple third guide blocks, which are spaced apart on the first mounting plate 441 along the length of the longitudinal beam 201.

[0164] like Figure 13 As shown, the locking mechanism 3 in this embodiment has the same structure as the primary lock 31 and support base 33 in the locking mechanism 3 in embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0165] Example 3

[0166] Example 3 discloses another battery pack 100 for electric vehicles. Example 3 has a structure that is basically the same as Example 1 or Example 2, except that, as... Figures 14-15 As shown, in embodiment 3, a lifting mechanism 10 is provided in the housing 11 at the position corresponding to the locking mechanism 3. The lifting mechanism 10 includes a top rod 101 for lifting the locking rod 313 of the locking mechanism 3. The top rod 101 is vertically arranged and can move along the vertical direction.

[0167] Specifically, the lifting mechanism 10 also includes a guide seat 102 disposed within the housing 11. The guide seat 102 has a guide hole 1021 that matches the shape of the lifting rod 101. The lifting rod 101 passes through the guide hole 1021, and its upper end passes through the housing cover 12 and extends into the locking area. The housing 11 has a lifting hole 103 at the position corresponding to the lifting rod 101. The top of the lifting rod 101 passes through the top of the housing cover 12 and extends into the locking area, so that the lifting rod 101 can move upward to lift the locking linkage 313 and thus unlock. The guide seat 102 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the housing 11 and extends upward from the bottom. The guide seat 102 is sleeved on the outside of the lifting rod 101. The lifting rod 101 moves up and down inside the guide seat 102. The guide seat 102 plays a guiding role for the lifting rod 101, so that the lifting rod 101 has better stability during up and down movement and avoids the lifting rod 101 from deviating.

[0168] The lifting mechanism 10 also includes an elastic element 104 for automatically resetting the lifting rod 101. In this embodiment, the elastic element 104 is a spring. A limiting flange 105 is provided around the lower end of the lifting rod 101. The elastic element 104 is sleeved on the lifting rod 101, and both ends of the elastic element 104 abut against the guide seat 102 and the limiting flange 105, respectively, applying a force toward the bottom of the housing 11 to the limiting flange 105. Since the elastic element 104 is located between the guide seat 102 and the limiting flange 105, during the process of lifting the lifting rod 101 using the unlocking mechanism, the elastic element 104 is gradually compressed further. After unlocking is completed or the force of the unlocking mechanism is removed from the lifting rod 101, the elastic element 104 will apply forces in opposite directions to the limiting flange 105 and the guide seat 102. The lifting rod 101 is automatically reset by applying a force to the limiting flange 105 through the elastic element 104.

[0169] Furthermore, a limiting member 106 is provided at the position of the housing 11 near the guide hole 1021. In this embodiment, the limiting member 106 is a straight plate with a limiting hole. This limiting hole is coaxially arranged with the push rod 101, and the radial dimension of the limiting hole is smaller than the radial dimension of the end of the push rod 101 near the housing 11. Since the force applied by the elastic body is uncontrollable, in order to prevent the push rod 101 from falling out of the housing 11 after resetting, a limiting member 106 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 11 at the position corresponding to the guide hole 1021, thereby improving the safety and stability of the lifting mechanism 10. At the same time, the limiting hole with a radial dimension smaller than that of the push rod 101 on the limiting member 106 ensures safety and stability while also allowing the unlocking mechanism to pass through the limiting hole, making reasonable use of space.

[0170] In other specific methods, the locking mechanism 3 and the hook 2 can also be replaced by other locking methods, such as T-type locking or threaded locking. The following is a brief introduction to the two methods.

[0171] First type: T-type locking method

[0172] The locking mechanism 3 includes a locking seat with a first opening extending vertically. The first opening has a first threaded portion, which is an internal thread. The connector 2 includes a mounting base and an unlocking rod. The mounting base has a second opening extending vertically. The unlocking rod is vertically positioned in the second opening. The unlocking rod can move vertically relative to the mounting base and has a second threaded portion that engages with the first threaded portion. The second threaded portion can mesh with the first threaded portion, thereby realizing the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism and the locking engagement mechanism.

[0173] The second method: threaded locking

[0174] The locking mechanism 3 includes a locking seat with a first opening extending vertically. A limiting part is provided in the first opening. The first opening is a square hole and the limiting part is formed above the first opening. The hook 2 includes an unlocking rod with a stop at the upper end. The stop includes a locking rod extending horizontally. The locking rod is a columnar body and is horizontally set on the top of the unlocking rod. The locking rod and the unlocking rod together form a T-shaped structure.

[0175] When the locking rod is at the first angle, it can pass through the first opening and enter the limiting part of the locking seat. When the locking rod rotates to the second angle, it can be restricted within the limiting part, thereby fixing the locking mechanism and the locking engagement mechanism relatively.

[0176] The above embodiment fully utilizes the height space below the longitudinal beam 201. When the battery swapping equipment disassembles the battery pack 100, the unloaded equipment can directly enter the space below the battery pack 100 without interfering with the bottom of the electric vehicle 200. Similarly, when the battery swapping equipment installs the battery pack 100, the equipment carrying the battery pack 100 can also directly enter the space below the longitudinal beam 201 for battery swapping without interfering with the bottom of the electric vehicle 200. Throughout the process, there is no need to lift the vehicle body, nor is it necessary to create a sunken space or dig a pit for the battery swapping equipment to enter and exit, thus reducing the construction cost, time, and difficulty of the battery swapping station, lowering the requirements for the construction site, and improving the efficiency of battery swapping.

[0177] 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 battery pack for an electric vehicle, detachably mounted on the longitudinal beam of the electric vehicle, characterized in that, The battery pack for electric vehicles includes: The battery pack body includes a housing and a cover. The top of the housing has an opening, and the cover is disposed at the opening of the housing and covers the opening. The housing contains a battery module that can be charged and discharged externally. A hook-on component is provided on the top of the box cover at a position corresponding to the locking mechanism on the longitudinal beam. The hook-on component is a locking shaft, and there are multiple locking shafts. The battery pack body has an unlocking guide hole through which the unlocking mechanism of the battery swapping device passes. The unlocking guide hole passes through the housing and the cover in sequence, and at least part of the hook is located above the unlocking guide hole. The space below the battery pack body is connected to the locking area through the unlocking guide hole.

2. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack for electric vehicles further includes: a mounting bracket, which is disposed on the top of the cover, and at least one end of the hook is connected to the mounting bracket, wherein the mounting bracket and the hook together form a locking area for locking.

3. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The interior of the housing is provided with a reinforcing member at a position corresponding to the lower part of the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket is connected to the reinforcing member and the housing cover is sandwiched between the reinforcing member and the mounting bracket; and / or, the mounting bracket extends along the length direction of the longitudinal beam; and / or, there are two mounting brackets, and the two mounting brackets are symmetrically arranged on the top of the housing cover with respect to the symmetrical face of the battery pack body.

4. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack body has a positioning guide hole through which the positioning component of the battery swapping device passes. The positioning guide hole passes through the housing and the cover in sequence, and part of the hanging component is located above the positioning guide hole. The space below the battery pack body is connected to the locking area through the positioning guide hole.

5. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The locking shaft is arranged along the length of the longitudinal beam on the end face of the mounting bracket near the longitudinal beam. The mounting bracket includes a first upright plate, which is erected on the top of the box cover. One end of the locking shaft is connected to the first upright plate.

6. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The battery pack for electric vehicles further includes a coarse positioning mechanism, which is disposed on the end face of the first upright plate near the longitudinal beam.

7. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The coarse positioning mechanism includes a first guide block, which is elastically disposed on the end face of the first upright plate near the longitudinal beam. The first guide block has a first clamping surface for abutting against the side of the longitudinal beam.

8. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first guide block has a first guide surface at an angle at one end away from the box cover, and the first guide surface gradually approaches the first upright plate along the vertical direction from bottom to top; and / or, there are multiple first guide blocks, and multiple first guide blocks and multiple locking shafts are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the longitudinal beam.

9. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting bracket also includes a second upright plate, which is erected on the top of the box cover. The locking shaft and the coarse positioning mechanism are both located between the first upright plate and the second upright plate. The first upright plate, the second upright plate, and the locking shaft together constitute the locking area.

10. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The battery pack for electric vehicles further includes a precision positioning mechanism, which is provided on the end face of the second upright plate near the first upright plate. The coarse positioning mechanism and the precision positioning mechanism are used to abut against the two sides of the longitudinal beam along its width direction, respectively.

11. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The distance between the coarse positioning mechanism and the box cover at the end away from the box cover is greater than the distance between the fine positioning mechanism and the box cover at the end away from the box cover; and / or, the fine positioning mechanism includes a second guide block, the second guide block being elastically disposed on the end face of the second upright plate near the first upright plate, the second guide block having a second clamping surface for abutting against the side of the longitudinal beam; the end of the second guide block away from the box cover is provided with a second guide surface at an angle, and along the vertical direction from bottom to top, the second guide surface gradually approaches the second upright plate; and / or, there are multiple fine positioning mechanisms, and the multiple fine positioning mechanisms are spaced apart on the second upright plate along the length direction of the longitudinal beam.

12. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The mounting bracket also includes a base plate that fits against the top of the box cover. The first upright plate and the second upright plate are both erected on the base plate. The first upright plate and the second upright plate are both connected to the top of the box cover through the base plate. The first upright plate, the second upright plate, the base plate, and the locking shaft together constitute the locking area.

13. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting bracket includes a pair of connecting mounting plates arranged opposite each other. The pair of connecting mounting plates are disposed on the top of the box cover. The two ends of the locking shaft are respectively connected to the connecting mounting plates on the corresponding sides. The pair of connecting mounting plates constitute the locking area.

14. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The connecting mounting plate includes a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate that are perpendicular to each other. The second mounting plate is connected to the top of the box cover, and the two first mounting plates are arranged symmetrically.

15. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 14, characterized in that, A third guide block is elastically provided on the end face of the first mounting plate near the longitudinal beam. The third guide block has a third clamping surface for abutting against the side of the longitudinal beam.

16. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 15, characterized in that, There are multiple third guide blocks, which are spaced apart on the first mounting plate along the length of the longitudinal beam; and / or, the end of the third guide block away from the box cover is provided with a third guide surface at an angle, and the third guide surface gradually approaches the first mounting plate along the vertical direction from bottom to top.

17. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The housing includes several battery housing cavities for accommodating the battery modules. The reinforcing member has a cable routing groove, and adjacent battery housing cavities are connected through the cable routing groove.

18. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a lifting mechanism at the position corresponding to the locking mechanism. The lifting mechanism includes a push rod for lifting the locking linkage of the locking mechanism. The push rod is vertically arranged and can move along the vertical direction.

19. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism further includes a guide seat disposed in the housing, the guide seat having a guide hole, the push rod passing through the guide hole and the upper end of the push rod passing through the housing cover and extending into the locking area, and the housing having a lifting hole at the position corresponding to the push rod.

20. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism further includes an elastic element, and a limiting flange is provided around the lower end of the push rod. The two ends of the elastic element are respectively connected to the guide seat and the limiting flange, and a force is applied to the limiting flange toward the bottom of the housing; and / or, a limiting element is provided at the position of the housing near the guide hole, and a limiting hole is provided on the limiting element. The limiting hole is coaxially arranged with the push rod, and the radial dimension of the limiting hole is smaller than the radial dimension of the end of the push rod near the housing.

21. The battery pack for electric vehicles as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The elastic element is sleeved on the top rod, with its first end abutting against the limiting flange and its second end abutting against the guide seat.

22. An electric vehicle, characterized in that, It includes a longitudinal beam and a battery pack for electric vehicles as described in any one of claims 1-21, wherein the longitudinal beam is provided with a locking mechanism, and the battery pack for electric vehicles is detachably connected to the longitudinal beam through the hook and the locking mechanism.

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