Battery replacement vehicle and method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of new energy vehicles, in particular to a battery replacing vehicle and method. The battery replacing vehicle comprises a vehicle assembly, a locking assembly and a battery assembly. The locking assembly comprises a fixing unit and a locking unit; the fixing unit is elastically connected with at least part of the vehicle component; the battery assembly comprises a battery unit and a plugging unit; the plugging unit comprises a first plugging module and a second plugging module; the battery changing vehicle comprises a first mounting state and a second mounting state; in the first installation state, part of the first plug-in module is arranged in a space surrounded by the locking unit, and the second plug-in module and the locking unit are arranged at an interval; in the second installation state, the first plug-in module is located in a space surrounded by one locking unit, and the second plug-in module is located in a space surrounded by the other locking unit; therefore, the problem that when the battery box moves upwards from the bottom of the vehicle to be installed, the battery box is difficult to align with the vehicle body interface is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of new energy vehicle technology, and in particular to a battery-swapping vehicle and method. Background Art

[0002] At present, the installation method of electric vehicle power batteries mostly adopts the assembly method of inserting from the bottom of the vehicle upward. This technology usually relies on the bottom guide structure or manual auxiliary positioning, and guides the initial docking of the battery pack and the body interface through preset slide rails or simple limit devices. In order to improve the installation efficiency, some solutions add raised buckles or auxiliary marks to the battery shell, and use visual inspection equipment to make rough adjustments and alignments, so that the body interface on the vehicle and the plug-in components on the battery box are engaged with each other to complete the assembly.

[0003] However, during the long-term operation of the vehicle, the chassis frame structure will be affected by multiple factors such as road bumps, load pressure, temperature changes, etc., and will gradually deform. This deformation will cause the body interface on the frame used to plug in the battery box to shift, and the battery box of the battery swap station is not installed on the vehicle. Therefore, the plug-in components on the battery box will not deform with the frame, resulting in the inability to align the position of the non-deformed plug-in components with the deformed body interface when replacing the battery box, and the battery swap cannot be completed or the battery swap is difficult. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the problem that the battery box is difficult to align with the interface of the vehicle body when the battery box is moved upward from the bottom of the vehicle for installation, the present invention provides a battery-swap vehicle and method.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a battery-swapping vehicle, the battery-swapping vehicle comprising: Vehicle components; A locking assembly, the locking assembly comprising a fixing unit and a locking unit; the fixing unit is connected to the vehicle assembly; at least a portion of the connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle assembly is an elastic connection; the locking unit is connected to the fixing unit; A battery assembly, the battery assembly comprising a battery unit and a plug-in unit; the plug-in unit comprising a first plug-in module and a second plug-in module; the first plug-in module and the second plug-in module are respectively connected to the same side of the battery unit; the first plug-in module and the second plug-in module are arranged at intervals; the maximum distance between the first plug-in module and one end of the battery unit away from the battery unit is greater than the maximum distance between the second plug-in module and one end of the battery unit away from the battery unit; The battery-exchange vehicle includes a first installation state and a second installation state; the first installation state includes part of the first plug-in module being arranged in the space surrounded by the locking unit, and the second plug-in module being spaced apart from the locking unit; the second installation state includes the first plug-in module being located in the space surrounded by one locking unit, and the second plug-in module being located in the space surrounded by another locking unit; in the first installation state, the deformation amount of the elastic connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component is greater than the deformation amount of the elastic connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component in the second installation state.

[0006] In some embodiments, the fixing unit includes a fixing plate and a plurality of fixing holes; the fixing holes penetrate the fixing plate along the thickness direction of the fixing plate; the plurality of fixing holes are arranged at intervals; the locking assembly also includes a connecting unit; the connecting unit includes a connecting part and an elastomer; the connecting part passes through the vehicle component, the fixing holes, and the elastomer in sequence; the connecting part allows the fixing plate to apply pressure to the vehicle component through the elastomer; part of the elastomer is made of elastic material; the locking unit is connected to the fixing plate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the elastic body close to the first plug-in module is a first stiffness; the stiffness of the elastic body close to the second plug-in module is a second stiffness; and the first stiffness is smaller than the second stiffness.

[0008] In some embodiments, the locking unit includes a plurality of first locking modules and a plurality of second locking modules; the plurality of first locking modules are respectively connected to the two ends of the length direction of the vehicle component; the second locking module is connected to the position of the fixing plate away from the two ends of the length direction of the vehicle component; the plurality of second locking modules are sequentially spaced along the length direction of the vehicle component; The first installation state also includes that part of the first plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module, and the second plug-in module is spaced apart from the second plug-in module; the second installation state also includes that the first plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module, and the second plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the second locking module.

[0009] In some embodiments, the plurality of fixing holes are arranged at intervals along the first direction; the plurality of fixing holes are arranged at intervals along the second direction; the first direction is arranged perpendicular to the second direction; the center lines of the fixing holes in the first direction are arranged at intervals; the center lines of the fixing holes in the second direction are arranged at intervals; The stiffness of the elastomer close to the first locking module and close to the top end of the vehicle component is the third stiffness; the stiffness of the elastomer close to the first locking module and close to the bottom end of the vehicle component is the fourth stiffness; the fourth stiffness is smaller than the third stiffness; the third stiffness is smaller than the second stiffness.

[0010] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the multiple elastic bodies between the second plug-in module away from the two ends of the vehicle component and the first plug-in module gradually increases along the direction from the first plug-in module to the second plug-in module; the fixing unit is connected to the vehicle component; and part of the connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component is an elastic connection.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first locking module includes a first locking slot and a first locking pin; the first locking slot is connected to the fixing plate; the first locking pin is movably connected to the first locking slot; the locking unit also includes a driving part; the driving part is drivingly connected to the first locking pin; The first plug-in module comprises a first plug-in rod and a first plug-in hole; the first plug-in rod is connected to the battery unit; the first plug-in hole is recessed from the outer circumference of the first plug-in rod toward a direction away from the first plug-in rod; The first installation state also includes that part of the first plug-in rod is arranged in the space surrounded by the first locking groove, and the first locking pin is spaced apart from the first plug-in hole; the second installation state also includes that the first plug-in rod is arranged in the space surrounded by the first locking groove, and the first locking pin is located in the space surrounded by the first plug-in hole.

[0012] In some embodiments, the battery unit includes a first battery and a plurality of second batteries; the second battery is connected to one side of the first battery; the first battery is electrically connected to the second battery; the plurality of second batteries are arranged at intervals; the plug-in unit is connected to the first battery; the plug-in unit is arranged in a space adjacent to the second battery interval; The second installation state also includes a portion of the vehicle component being disposed in a space between two adjacent second battery compartments.

[0013] In some embodiments, the locking unit includes at least one first locking module and a plurality of second locking modules; the plurality of second locking modules are respectively connected to both ends of the length direction of the vehicle component; the first locking module is connected to a position on the fixing plate away from both ends of the length direction of the vehicle component; The first installation state also includes that part of the first plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module, and the second plug-in module is spaced apart from the second plug-in module; the second installation state also includes that the first plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module, and the second plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the second locking module.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a battery replacement method, which is applied to any of the battery replacement vehicles in the first aspect, and the battery replacement method includes: Step S10, based on the triggering of the battery replacement instruction, the battery assembly is moved to a set position; wherein the set position includes at least part of the first plug-in module being located in the area projected downward by the locking unit; Step S20, based on the battery assembly moving to the set position, the battery assembly moves toward the vehicle assembly; Step S30: based on the battery assembly moving to the first installation state, the battery assembly moves to the second installation state.

[0015] In order to solve the problem that the battery box is difficult to align with the vehicle body interface when the battery box is moved upward from the bottom of the vehicle for installation, the present invention has the following advantages: The battery-swap vehicle includes a first installation state and a second installation state. Since at least part of the connection between the fixed unit and the vehicle assembly is an elastic connection, when the first plug-in module moves from the bottom of the vehicle toward the locking unit in the first installation state, the elastic connection allows the locking unit to move relative to the beam. During the upward movement of the first plug-in module, the outer wall of the first plug-in module slides relative to the inner wall of the locking unit, and the first plug-in module drives the fixed unit to move relative to the vehicle assembly. The locking unit is fixedly connected to the fixed unit, so that the locking unit moves relative to the vehicle assembly, allowing the central axis of the first plug-in module to gradually approach the central axis of the locking unit, and then the first plug-in module smoothly enters the enclosed space of the locking unit. After the battery assembly is fully installed, the battery-swap vehicle is in the second installation state, and the second installation state includes the first plug-in module being located in the space enclosed by one locking unit, and the second plug-in module being located in the space enclosed by another locking unit. During the battery-swap process, the deformation amount of the elastic connection between the fixed unit and the vehicle assembly reduces the assembly error between the battery assembly and the vehicle assembly. As a result, the plug-in unit smoothly enters the enclosed space of the locking unit to complete the assembly of the battery assembly and the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery swapping vehicle according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 2 A side view of a battery swapping vehicle according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 3A schematic diagram of a locking assembly of a battery-swap vehicle according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a battery assembly of a battery-swap vehicle according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 5 A side view of a battery assembly of a battery swapping vehicle according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 6 A top view of a battery assembly of a battery-swap vehicle according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a locking unit of a battery-swap vehicle according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of Fig. 9 A schematic flow chart of a battery replacement method according to an embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure markings: vehicle component 1; beam unit 11; beam 111; mounting hole 112; wheel 12; locking assembly 2; fixing unit 21; fixing plate 211; fixing hole 212; connecting unit 22; connecting part 221; elastic body 222; locking unit 23; first locking module 231; first locking groove 2311; first locking pin 2312; second locking module 232; second locking groove 2321; second locking pin 2322; driving part 24; battery assembly 3; battery unit 31; first battery 311; second battery 312; plug-in unit 32; first plug-in module 321; first plug-in rod 3211; first plug-in hole 3212; second plug-in module 322. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and thus implement the present disclosure, rather than implying any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] As used herein, the term "including" and its variants are to be interpreted as open-ended terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" is to be interpreted as "based at least in part on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" are to be interpreted as "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" is to be interpreted as "at least one other embodiment". The orientation or position relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal" and the like is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are mainly for better describing the present application and its embodiments, and are not used to limit the indicated devices, elements or components to have a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. In addition, in addition to being used to indicate an orientation or position relationship, some of the above terms may also be used to indicate other meanings, such as the term "upper" may also be used to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship in some cases. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "install", "set", "provided with", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection between two devices, elements or components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are mainly used to distinguish different devices, elements or components (the specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not used to indicate or imply the relative importance and quantity of the indicated devices, elements or components. Unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0020] In this embodiment, current electric vehicles generally adopt a bottom plug-in battery installation solution, which mainly uses slide rails or positioning marks to guide the battery box to dock with the body interface. Although some solutions improve installation efficiency through shell protrusion structures or visual aids, after long-term use of the vehicle, the chassis beam 111 is easily deformed by vibration, load and temperature, causing the body interface on the vehicle for plugging in the battery box to shift. This deformation will cause the plug-in components on the battery box and the body interface to be misaligned and stuck when replacing the battery, making it impossible to complete the replacement of the battery box. Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a battery-swapping vehicle, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the battery-swap vehicle may include a vehicle component 1, a locking component 2, and a battery component 3.

[0021] The vehicle assembly 1 can be used for carrying and transporting people and goods.

[0022] The locking assembly 2 may include a fixing unit 21 and a locking unit 23. The fixing unit 21 may be connected to the vehicle assembly 1, and the fixing unit 21 and at least a portion of the vehicle assembly 1 may be elastically connected, and the locking unit 23 may be connected to the fixing unit 21, so that when the vehicle is replaced with electricity, the fixing unit 21 and at least a portion of the vehicle assembly 1 may be relatively displaced by the elastic connection.

[0023] The battery assembly 3 may include a battery cell 31 and a plug-in unit 32. The plug-in unit 32 may include a first plug-in module 321 and a second plug-in module 322. The first plug-in module 321 and the second plug-in module 322 are respectively connected to the same side of the battery cell 31, and the first plug-in module 321 and the second plug-in module 322 are arranged at intervals. The maximum distance between the end of the first plug-in module 321 away from the battery cell 31 and the battery cell 31 is greater than the maximum distance between the end of the second plug-in module 322 away from the battery cell 31 and the battery cell 31. The diameter of the first plug-in module 321 is along the direction from the bottom end of the battery cell 31 to the top end of the battery cell 31 (such as Figure 5 The diameter of the second plug-in module 322 decreases gradually along the direction from the bottom end of the battery cell 31 to the top end of the battery cell 31 (as shown in the figure). Figure 5 Thus, when the battery assembly 3 is assembled with the vehicle, a certain guiding effect can be exerted on the battery assembly 3.

[0024] The battery-swap vehicle may include a first installation state and a second installation state. The first installation state may include that part of the first plug-in module 321 is set in the space surrounded by the locking unit 23, and the second plug-in module 322 is spaced apart from the locking unit 23. Since the vehicle chassis beam 111 is easily deformed by vibration, load and temperature, the central axis of the locking unit 23 is spaced apart from or at an angle to the central axis of the first plug-in module 321, and the projection area of ​​the first plug-in module 321 toward the locking unit 23 only overlaps with part of the space surrounded by the locking unit 23, which will cause the first plug-in module 321 to move up and be unable to enter the space surrounded by the locking unit 23. Therefore, this solution allows the fixing unit 21 to be elastically connected to at least part of the vehicle component 1. When the first plug-in module 321 moves from the bottom of the vehicle toward the locking unit 23, the elastic connection allows the locking unit 23 to move relative to the beam 111. During the upward movement of the first plug-in module 321, when the outer wall of the first plug-in module 321 slides relative to the inner wall of the locking unit 23, the first plug-in module 321 can drive the fixing unit 21 to move relative to the vehicle component 1. The locking unit 23 is fixedly connected to the fixing unit 21, so that the locking unit 23 moves relative to the vehicle component 1, allowing the central axis of the first plug-in module 321 to gradually approach the central axis of the locking unit 23, so that the first plug-in module 321 can smoothly enter the enclosed space of the locking unit 23. After the battery assembly 3 is fully installed, the battery-swap vehicle is in the second installation state, and the second installation state can include the first plug-in module 321 being located in the space enclosed by one locking unit 23, and the second plug-in module 322 being located in the space enclosed by another locking unit 23. The deformation amount of the elastic connection between the fixing unit 21 and the vehicle component 1 in the first installation state is greater than the deformation amount of the elastic connection between the fixing unit 21 and the vehicle component 1 in the second installation state. During the battery replacement process, the deformation amount of the elastic connection between the fixing unit 21 and the vehicle component 1 can reduce the assembly error between the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1. The first plug-in module 321 has a longer length and contacts the locking unit 23 first. Through the deformation amount of the elastic connection between the fixing unit 21 and the vehicle component 1, when the first plug-in module 321 moves toward the locking unit 23, the distance or angle between the central axis of the locking unit 23 and the central axis of the first plug-in module 321 is large, and the locking unit 23 is moved relative to the beam 111 through the elastic connection. In this way, when the second plug-in module 322 enters the enclosed space of the locking unit 23, the position difference between the central axis of the second plug-in module 322 and the central axis of the locking unit 23 is small, so that the plug-in unit 32 can smoothly enter the enclosed space of the locking unit 23 to complete the assembly of the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1.

[0025] In this embodiment, if Figure 3As shown, the fixing unit 21 may include a fixing plate 211 and a plurality of fixing holes 212. The fixing hole 212 may penetrate the fixing plate 211 along the thickness direction of the fixing plate 211, and the plurality of fixing holes 212 are arranged at intervals. The locking assembly 2 may also include a connecting unit 22, the connecting unit 22 includes a connecting portion 221 and an elastic body 222, the connecting portion 221 sequentially passes through the vehicle component 1, the fixing hole 212, and the elastic body 222, the connecting portion 221 allows the fixing plate 211 to apply pressure to the vehicle component 1 through the elastic body 222, and part of the elastic body 222 is made of elastic material, and the locking unit 23 is connected to the fixing plate 211 to achieve elastic locking. The elastic body 222 may be a spring or a gasket. As a preferred solution of the elastomer 222, the gasket not only has a low manufacturing cost, but also can compensate for the assembly gap between the vehicle component 1 and the fixing plate 211 through the elastic deformation of the gasket, and at the same time, the contact area between the elastomer 222 and the fixing plate 211 and the vehicle component 1 is large, which can disperse local pressure and improve the connection stability. The elastomer 222 allows relative displacement between the fixing plate 211 and the vehicle component 1, and reduces the vibration transmitted from the vehicle component 1 to the fixing plate 211, further weakening the vibration transmitted to the battery unit 31 through the locking unit 23, thereby improving the convenience of battery replacement installation and the reliability of long-term use.

[0026] In this embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown, the stiffness of the elastic body 222 near the first plug-in module 321 is the first stiffness. The stiffness of the elastic body 222 near the second plug-in module 322 is the second stiffness. The first stiffness is less than the second stiffness. By reducing the stiffness of the elastic body 222 on the side of the first plug-in module 321, the elastic body 222 can produce elastic deformation when under pressure, so that the first plug-in module 321 and the locking unit 23 can have sufficient displacement, reducing the resistance of the first plug-in module 321 entering the locking unit 23 due to position deviation. The higher stiffness elastic body 222 of the second plug-in module 322 provides stable support to ensure that in the second state, that is, after the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1 are installed, the connection strength between the battery unit 31 and the vehicle assembly 1 can be guaranteed. Therefore, when the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1 are installed, the locking unit 23 and the vehicle assembly 1 have sufficient displacement, and after the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1 are installed, the displacement between the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1 is small, thereby improving the stability between the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1.

[0027] In this embodiment, if Figure 8As shown, the locking unit 23 may include a plurality of first locking modules 231 and a plurality of second locking modules 232. The plurality of first locking modules 231 are respectively connected to both ends of the length direction of the vehicle component 1. The second locking modules 232 are connected to the fixing plate 211 at positions away from both ends of the length direction of the vehicle component 1, and the plurality of second locking modules 232 are sequentially spaced along the length direction of the vehicle component 1.

[0028] The first installation state may also include that part of the first plug-in module 321 is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module 231, and the second plug-in module 322 is spaced from the second plug-in module 322. The second installation state may also include that the first plug-in module 321 is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module 231, and the second plug-in module 322 is located in the space surrounded by the second locking module 232. Since the wheels 12 are located at both ends of the vehicle component 1, the load on both ends of the length direction of the vehicle component 1 is large, which makes it easier for both ends of the vehicle component 1 to deform, making it difficult to align the first plug-in module 321 with the locking unit 23. To this end, the elastic body 222 of the first stiffness and the first plug-in module 321 are arranged at both ends of the length of the vehicle component 1, so that the elastic body 222 of the first stiffness can allow the first plug-in module 321 to generate adaptive displacement during the movement toward the surrounding space of the locking unit 23, thereby preferentially guiding the two ends of the fixing unit 21 to adjust their positions, reducing the difficulty of aligning the first plug-in module 321 with the first locking module 231. Since the two ends of the vehicle component 1 are usually easy to deform, the elastic body 222 near the two ends of the vehicle component 1 has a larger adjustment range, so that the first plug-in module 321 and the first locking module 231 can be aligned, while the deformation at the two ends away from the vehicle component 1 in the length direction is relatively small, so the height of the elastic body 222 at the two ends away from the length direction of the vehicle component 1 is higher. In this way, after the second plug-in module 322 completely enters the space surrounded by the second locking module 232, it can provide stable support, reduce the relative displacement between the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 during the driving process of the vehicle, and avoid structural damage to the battery component 3 caused by vibration. In this way, the plug-in efficiency of the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 is guaranteed, and the overall structural stability after the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 are finally fixed is ensured.

[0029] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of fixing holes 212 are arranged at intervals along the first direction. A plurality of fixing holes 212 are arranged at intervals along the second direction. The first direction is arranged perpendicular to the second direction. The center lines of the fixing holes 212 in the first direction are arranged at intervals, and the center lines of the fixing holes 212 in the second direction are arranged at intervals.

[0030] The stiffness of the elastomer 222 close to the first locking module 231 and close to the top of the vehicle component 1 is the third stiffness. The stiffness of the elastomer 222 close to the first locking module 231 and close to the bottom of the vehicle component 1 is the fourth stiffness. The fourth stiffness is less than the third stiffness, and the third stiffness is less than the second stiffness. When the battery assembly 3 moves toward the locking unit 23, the elastomer 222 close to the first locking module 231 and close to the bottom of the vehicle component 1 can produce a larger displacement due to its lower stiffness. In this way, when the first plug-in module 321 moves toward the first locking module 231, the elastomer 222 with the fourth stiffness can better guide the first locking module 231 to align with the first plug-in module 321. The elastic body 222 near the first locking module 231 and near the top of the vehicle component 1 has a high stiffness. The elastic body 222 provides a more stable support, which can cause a small displacement to guide the plugging of the first locking module 231 and the first plug-in module 321, and prevent the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 from being too large in relative displacement after the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 are assembled. During the driving process of the vehicle, the center of gravity of the vehicle changes continuously during driving, which has a negative impact on driving. In the second installation state, the high stiffness elastic body 222 near the first locking module 231 and near the top of the vehicle component 1 and the second locking module 232 further limit the relative displacement between the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1, ensuring the stability of the connection between the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 during driving, and preventing damage to the battery component 3 due to vibration.

[0031] In this embodiment, if Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the stiffness of the multiple elastic bodies 222 between the second plug-in module 322 and the first plug-in module 321 away from both ends of the vehicle component 1 gradually increases along the direction from the first plug-in module 321 to the second plug-in module 322. The fixing unit 21 is connected to the vehicle component 1, and the fixing unit 21 is partially connected to the vehicle component 1 as an elastic connection. In this way, the elastic body 222 in the area close to the first plug-in module 321 (away from the middle of the vehicle component 1) has a lower stiffness, allowing the elastic body 222 with lower stiffness to produce a larger deformation during the battery replacement process, so that the first plug-in module 321 can enter the enclosed space of the first locking module 231, while the stiffness of the elastic body 222 in the area close to the second plug-in module 322 (close to the middle of the vehicle component 1) gradually increases, and the higher stiffness of the elastic body 222 is used to ensure the stability of the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 during driving. In this way, the assembly requirements of the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 during battery replacement are met, and the stability between the vehicle component 1 and the battery component 3 during vehicle driving is ensured.

[0032] In this embodiment, if Figure 5 , Figure 8As shown, the first locking module 231 may include a first locking groove 2311 and a first locking pin 2312. The first locking groove 2311 is connected to the fixing plate 211. The first locking pin 2312 is slidably connected to the first locking groove 2311. The locking unit 23 also includes a driving part 24, which is drivingly connected to the first locking pin 2312.

[0033] The first plug-in module 321 includes a first plug-in rod 3211 and a first plug-in hole 3212. The first plug-in rod 3211 is connected to the battery unit 31. The first plug-in hole 3212 is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the first plug-in rod 3211 in a direction away from the first plug-in rod 3211. In the second installation state, the driving unit 24 can control the first locking pin 2312 to move toward the first plug-in hole 3212, so that the first locking pin 2312 is located in the enclosed space of the first plug-in hole 3212, thereby completing the locking action, so that the position of the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1 is relatively stable.

[0034] The first installation state may also include that part of the first plug rod 3211 is arranged in the space surrounded by the first locking groove 2311, and the first locking pin 2312 is arranged at intervals from the first plug hole 3212. The second installation state also includes that the first plug rod 3211 is arranged in the space surrounded by the first locking groove 2311, and the first locking pin 2312 is located in the space surrounded by the first plug hole 3212. After the first plug rod 3211 completely enters the first locking groove 2311, the driving unit 24 drives the first locking pin 2312 to move so that it is inserted into the internal space of the first plug hole 3212, completing the locking action of the first plug rod 3211 and the first locking pin 2312, so that the position of the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1 is relatively stable.

[0035] In this embodiment, if Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the battery unit 31 may include a first battery 311 and a plurality of second batteries 312. The second battery 312 is connected to one side of the first battery 311. The first battery 311 is electrically connected to the second battery 312, and the plurality of second batteries 312 are arranged at intervals. The plug-in unit 32 is connected to the first battery 311, and the plug-in unit 32 is arranged in the space between the adjacent second batteries 312.

[0036] The second installation state may also include that part of the vehicle assembly 1 is arranged in the space between two adjacent second batteries 312. In this way, the area between the two beams 111 is utilized, and the volume of the vehicle does not need to be increased, and the battery capacity is increased, thereby avoiding the additional occupation of vehicle space and improving the connection tightness between the battery unit 31 and the vehicle assembly 1, preventing the relative displacement of the vehicle assembly 1 and the battery assembly 3 during driving, thereby ensuring the stability of the battery unit 31 and the vehicle assembly 1.

[0037] In this embodiment, the locking unit 23 may include at least one first locking module 231 and a plurality of second locking modules 232. The plurality of second locking modules 232 are respectively connected to both ends of the length direction of the vehicle component 1. The first locking module 231 is connected to a position on the fixing plate 211 away from both ends of the length direction of the vehicle component 1.

[0038] The first installation state may also include that part of the first plug-in module 321 is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module 231, and the second plug-in module 322 is spaced apart from the second plug-in module 322. The second installation state also includes that the first plug-in module 321 is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module 231, and the second plug-in module 322 is located in the space surrounded by the second locking module 232. In the first installation state, the elastic body 222 close to the first plug-in module 321 can allow the first locking module 231 to move relative to the vehicle component 1. When the outer wall of the first plug-in module 321 slides relative to the inner wall of the locking unit 23, the first plug-in module 321 can drive the locking unit 23 to move relative to the vehicle component 1, so that the central axis of the first plug-in module 321 gradually approaches the central axis of the first locking module 231. In the second installation state, the first plug-in module 321 completely enters the space surrounded by the first locking module 231, and the second plug-in module 322 completely enters the space surrounded by the second locking module 232, forming a stable connection.

[0039] In other embodiments, the vehicle assembly 1 includes a beam unit 11 and a wheel 12. The beam unit 11 may include a beam 111 and a plurality of mounting holes 112. The plurality of mounting holes 112 pass through the thickness of the beam 111. The plurality of mounting holes 112 are arranged at intervals. The mounting holes 112 can reduce the weight of the beam 111, thereby being more conducive to the driving of the vehicle. The fixing unit 21 is connected to the beam 111, and at least part of the connection between the fixing unit 21 and the beam 111 is an elastic connection. The wheel 12 is connected to both ends of the beam 111 to enable the vehicle to drive normally on the road. The minimum distance from the bottom end of the wheel 12 to the bottom end of the beam 111 is greater than the height of the battery assembly 3, so that the battery assembly 3 can achieve battery replacement without a foundation pit.

[0040] The second locking module 232 may include a second locking slot 2321 and a second locking pin 2322 . The second locking slot 2321 is connected to the fixing plate 211 . The second locking pin 2322 is movably connected to the second locking slot 2321 . The locking unit 23 also includes a driving part 24 . The driving part 24 is drivingly connected to the second locking pin 2322 .

[0041] The second plug-in module 322 may include a second plug-in rod and a second plug-in hole. The second plug-in rod is connected to the battery unit 31. The second plug-in hole is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the second plug-in rod toward a direction away from the second plug-in rod. After the second plug-in rod completely enters the second locking groove 2321, the driving unit 24 drives the second locking pin 2322 to move so that it is inserted into the internal space of the second plug-in hole, completing the locking action of the second plug-in rod and the second locking pin 2322, thereby making the position of the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1 relatively stable.

[0042] In this embodiment, if Fig. 9 As shown, the present invention provides a battery replacement method, which can be applied to any battery replacement vehicle in the above embodiments. The battery replacement method includes steps S10 to S30, and steps S10 to S30 will be described in detail below.

[0043] Step S10, based on the trigger of the battery replacement instruction, the battery assembly 3 is moved to the set position. The set position includes at least part of the first plug-in module 321 being located in the area projected downward by the locking unit 23, providing basic alignment conditions for the subsequent movement and installation of the battery assembly 3 toward the vehicle assembly 1.

[0044] Step S20 , based on the battery assembly 3 moving to the set position, the battery assembly 3 moves toward the vehicle assembly 1 , and the locking unit 23 and the plug-in unit 32 are assembled by gradually reducing the distance between the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1 .

[0045] Step S30, based on the battery assembly 3 moving to the first installation state, the battery assembly 3 moves to the second installation state. When the first plug-in module 321 moves from the bottom of the vehicle toward the locking unit 23, the elastic connection can allow the locking unit 23 to move relative to the beam 111. During the upward movement of the first plug-in module 321, when the outer wall of the first plug-in module 321 and the inner wall of the locking unit 23 slide relative to each other, the first plug-in module 321 can drive the fixing unit 21 to move relative to the vehicle component 1. The locking unit 23 is fixedly connected to the fixing unit 21, so that the locking unit 23 moves relative to the vehicle component 1, allowing the central axis of the first plug-in module 321 to gradually approach the central axis of the locking unit 23, so that the first plug-in module 321 can smoothly enter the enclosed space of the locking unit 23. Subsequently, the battery assembly 3 further moves to the second installation state, at which time the plug-in unit 32 completely enters the corresponding locking unit 23, achieving a stable fixation between the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle component 1.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-mentioned embodiments are specific examples for implementing the present disclosure, and in actual applications, various changes may be made thereto in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery-swapping vehicle, characterized in that: The battery-swapping vehicle comprises: Vehicle components; A locking assembly, the locking assembly comprising a fixing unit and a locking unit; the fixing unit is connected to the vehicle assembly; at least a portion of the connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle assembly is an elastic connection; the locking unit is connected to the fixing unit; A battery assembly, the battery assembly comprising a battery unit and a plug-in unit; the plug-in unit comprising a first plug-in module and a second plug-in module; the first plug-in module and the second plug-in module are respectively connected to the same side of the battery unit; the first plug-in module and the second plug-in module are arranged at intervals; the maximum distance between the first plug-in module and one end of the battery unit away from the battery unit is greater than the maximum distance between the second plug-in module and one end of the battery unit away from the battery unit; The battery-exchange vehicle includes a first installation state and a second installation state; the first installation state includes part of the first plug-in module being arranged in the space surrounded by the locking unit, and the second plug-in module being spaced apart from the locking unit; the second installation state includes the first plug-in module being located in the space surrounded by one locking unit, and the second plug-in module being located in the space surrounded by another locking unit; in the first installation state, the deformation amount of the elastic connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component is greater than the deformation amount of the elastic connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component in the second installation state.

2. A battery-swap vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing unit includes a fixing plate and a plurality of fixing holes; the fixing holes penetrate the fixing plate along the thickness direction of the fixing plate; the plurality of fixing holes are arranged at intervals; the locking assembly also includes a connecting unit; the connecting unit includes a connecting part and an elastomer; the connecting part passes through the vehicle component, the fixing holes, and the elastomer in sequence; the connecting part allows the fixing plate to apply pressure to the vehicle component through the elastomer; part of the elastomer is made of elastic material; the locking unit is connected to the fixing plate.

3. A battery-swap vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The stiffness of the elastic body close to the first plug-in module is a first stiffness; the stiffness of the elastic body close to the second plug-in module is a second stiffness; and the first stiffness is smaller than the second stiffness.

4. A battery-swap vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking unit comprises a plurality of first locking modules and a plurality of second locking modules; the plurality of first locking modules are respectively connected to the two ends of the length direction of the vehicle component; the second locking module is connected to the position of the fixing plate away from the two ends of the length direction of the vehicle component; the plurality of second locking modules are sequentially spaced along the length direction of the vehicle component; The first installation state also includes that part of the first plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module, and the second plug-in module is spaced apart from the second plug-in module; the second installation state also includes that the first plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module, and the second plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the second locking module.

5. A battery-swap vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plurality of fixing holes are arranged at intervals along the first direction; the plurality of fixing holes are arranged at intervals along the second direction; the first direction is arranged perpendicular to the second direction; the center lines of the fixing holes in the first direction are arranged at intervals; the center lines of the fixing holes in the second direction are arranged at intervals; The stiffness of the elastomer close to the first locking module and close to the top end of the vehicle component is the third stiffness; the stiffness of the elastomer close to the first locking module and close to the bottom end of the vehicle component is the fourth stiffness; the fourth stiffness is smaller than the third stiffness; the third stiffness is smaller than the second stiffness.

6. A battery-swap vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: The stiffness of the multiple elastic bodies between the second plug-in module away from the two ends of the vehicle component and the first plug-in module gradually increases along the direction from the first plug-in module to the second plug-in module; the fixing unit is connected to the vehicle component; and part of the connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component is an elastic connection.

7. A battery-swap vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first locking module includes a first locking groove and a first locking pin; the first locking groove is connected to the fixing plate; the first locking pin is movably connected to the first locking groove; the locking unit also includes a driving part; the driving part is drivingly connected to the first locking pin; The first plug-in module comprises a first plug-in rod and a first plug-in hole; the first plug-in rod is connected to the battery unit; the first plug-in hole is recessed from the outer circumference of the first plug-in rod toward a direction away from the first plug-in rod; The first installation state also includes that part of the first plug-in rod is arranged in the space surrounded by the first locking groove, and the first locking pin is spaced apart from the first plug-in hole; the second installation state also includes that the first plug-in rod is arranged in the space surrounded by the first locking groove, and the first locking pin is located in the space surrounded by the first plug-in hole.

8. The battery-swap vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery unit includes a first battery and a plurality of second batteries; the second battery is connected to one side of the first battery; the first battery is electrically connected to the second battery; the plurality of second batteries are arranged at intervals; the plug-in unit is connected to the first battery; the plug-in unit is arranged in a space adjacent to the second battery interval; The second installation state also includes a portion of the vehicle component being disposed in a space between two adjacent second battery compartments.

9. The battery-swap vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking unit includes at least one first locking module and a plurality of second locking modules; the plurality of second locking modules are respectively connected to the two ends of the length direction of the vehicle component; the first locking module is connected to a position on the fixing plate away from the two ends of the length direction of the vehicle component; The first installation state also includes that part of the first plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module, and the second plug-in module is spaced apart from the second plug-in module; the second installation state also includes that the first plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module, and the second plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the second locking module.

10. A battery replacement method, characterized in that: The battery replacement method is applied to a battery replacement vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the battery replacement method comprises: Step S10, based on the triggering of the battery replacement instruction, the battery assembly is moved to a set position; wherein the set position includes at least part of the first plug-in module being located in the area projected downward by the locking unit; Step S20, based on the battery assembly moving to the set position, the battery assembly moves toward the vehicle assembly; Step S30: based on the battery assembly moving to the first installation state, the battery assembly moves to the second installation state.

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