A battery swapping vehicle and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of new energy vehicles, and more particularly, to a battery swapping vehicle and method. The battery swapping vehicle includes a vehicle component, a locking component, and a battery component. The locking component includes a fixing unit and a locking unit; the fixing unit is elastically connected to at least a part of the vehicle component; the battery component includes a battery unit and a plugging unit; the plugging unit includes a first plugging module and a second plugging module; the battery swapping vehicle includes a first installation state and a second installation state; the first installation state includes that part of the first plugging module is disposed in the space surrounded by the locking unit, and the second plugging module is spaced apart from the locking unit; the second installation state includes that the first plugging module is located in the space surrounded by one locking unit, and the second plugging module is located in the space surrounded by another locking unit; thus, the problem that it is difficult to align the battery box with the vehicle body interface when the battery box is moved upward from the bottom of the vehicle for installation is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of new energy vehicles, and more particularly, to a battery swapping vehicle and method. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the installation method of electric vehicle power batteries mostly adopts an assembly method of inserting from the bottom of the vehicle upward. This technology usually relies on a bottom guiding structure or manual auxiliary positioning, and initially docks the battery pack with the vehicle body interface through a preset slide rail or a simple limiting device. To improve the installation efficiency, some solutions add raised buckles or auxiliary marks on the battery shell, and use a vision detection device for rough alignment, 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 beam structure of the chassis will be affected by multiple factors such as road surface bumps, load pressure, and temperature changes, and gradually deform. This deformation will cause the body interface for plugging the battery box on the beam to shift. Since the battery box in the battery swapping station is not installed on the vehicle, the plug-in components on the battery box will not deform with the beam. Therefore, when replacing the battery box, the positions of the undeformed plug-in components and the deformed body interface cannot be aligned, and thus the battery swapping operation cannot be completed or the battery swapping is difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the problem that it is difficult to align the battery box with the vehicle body interface when the battery box is installed by moving upward from the bottom of the vehicle, the present invention provides a battery swapping vehicle and method.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a battery swapping vehicle, which includes:

[0006] A vehicle component;

[0007] A locking component, the locking component includes a fixing unit and a locking unit; the fixing unit is connected to the vehicle component; at least part of the connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component is an elastic connection; the locking unit is connected to the fixing unit;

[0008] A battery component, the battery component includes a battery unit and a plug-in unit; the plug-in unit includes 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 end of the first plug-in module far from the battery unit and the battery unit is greater than the maximum distance between the end of the second plug-in module far from the battery unit and the battery unit;

[0009] The battery swapping vehicle includes a first installation state and a second installation state; in the first installation state, part of the first plugging module is disposed within the space surrounded by the locking unit, and the second plugging module is spaced apart from the locking unit; in the second installation state, the first plugging module is located within the space surrounded by one of the locking units, and the second plugging module is located within the space surrounded by another locking unit; the deformation amount of the elastic connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component in the first installation state is greater than that in the second installation state.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fixing unit includes a fixing plate and a plurality of fixing holes; the fixing holes penetrate through the fixing plate along the thickness direction of the fixing plate; the plurality of fixing holes are spaced apart; the locking assembly further includes a connecting unit; the connecting unit includes a connecting portion and an elastic body; the connecting portion sequentially passes through the vehicle component, the fixing hole, and the elastic body; the connecting portion enables the fixing plate to apply pressure to the vehicle component through the elastic body; part of the elastic body is made of an elastic material; the locking unit is connected to the fixing plate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the elastic body near the first plugging module is a first stiffness; the stiffness of the elastic body near the second plugging module is a second stiffness; the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness.

[0012] 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 both ends of the vehicle component in the length direction; the second locking modules are connected to positions on the fixing plate away from both ends of the vehicle component in the length direction; the plurality of second locking modules are sequentially spaced apart along the length direction of the vehicle component;

[0013] The first installation state further includes that part of the first plugging module is located within the space surrounded by the first locking module, and the second plugging module is spaced apart from the second plugging module; the second installation state further includes that the first plugging module is located within the space surrounded by the first locking module, and the second plugging module is located within the space surrounded by the second locking module.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of fixing holes are spaced apart along a first direction; the plurality of fixing holes are spaced apart along a second direction; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; the midlines of the fixing holes in the first direction are spaced apart; the midlines of the fixing holes in the second direction are spaced apart;

[0015] The stiffness of the elastomer near the first locking module and near the top end of the vehicle component is the third stiffness; the stiffness of the elastomer near the first locking module and near the bottom end of the vehicle component is the fourth stiffness; the fourth stiffness is less than the third stiffness; the third stiffness is less than the second stiffness.

[0016] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the plurality of elastomers between the second plugging module and the first plugging module away from both ends of the vehicle component gradually increases in the direction from the first plugging module to the second plugging module; the fixing unit is connected to the vehicle component; a part of the connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component is an elastic connection.

[0017] In some embodiments, 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 further includes a driving part; the driving part is drivingly connected to the first locking pin;

[0018] The first plugging module includes a first plugging rod and a first plugging hole; the first plugging rod is connected to the battery unit; the first plugging hole is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the first plugging rod in a direction away from the first plugging rod;

[0019] The first installation state further includes that part of the first plugging rod is arranged in the space surrounded by the first locking groove, and the first locking pin and the first plugging hole are arranged at intervals; the second installation state further includes that the first plugging 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 plugging hole.

[0020] In some embodiments, the battery unit includes a first battery and a plurality of second batteries; the second batteries are connected to one side of the first battery; the first battery is electrically connected to the second batteries; the plurality of second batteries are arranged at intervals; the plugging unit is connected to the first battery; the plugging unit is arranged in the space between adjacent second batteries at intervals;

[0021] The second installation state further includes that part of the vehicle component is arranged in the space between adjacent two second batteries at intervals.

[0022] 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 in the length direction of the vehicle component; the first locking module is connected to a position on the fixing plate away from both ends in the length direction of the vehicle component;

[0023] The first installation state further 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 arranged at an interval from the second plug-in module; the second installation state further 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.

[0024] Second, the present invention provides a battery swapping method, which is applied to the battery swapping vehicle in any one of the first aspects. The battery swapping method includes:

[0025] Step S10, triggered by a battery swapping instruction, move the battery assembly to a set position; wherein, the set position includes that at least part of the first plug-in module is located in the area projected downward by the locking unit;

[0026] Step S20, based on the battery assembly moving to the set position, the battery assembly moves towards the vehicle assembly;

[0027] Step S30, based on the battery assembly moving to the first installation state, the battery assembly moves to the second installation state.

[0028] To solve the problem that it is difficult to align the battery box with the vehicle body interface when the battery box is moved upward and installed from the bottom of the vehicle, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0029] The battery swapping vehicle includes a first installation state and a second installation state. Since at least part of the connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle assembly is elastically connected, when the first plug-in module moves from the bottom of the vehicle towards the locking unit in the first installation state, the elastic connection allows the locking unit to move relative to the crossbeam. 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 fixing unit to move relative to the vehicle assembly. The locking unit is fixedly connected to the fixing unit, so that the locking unit moves relative to the vehicle assembly, making the central axis of the first plug-in module gradually approach the central axis of the locking unit, and then the first plug-in module smoothly enters the space surrounded by the locking unit. After the battery assembly is completely installed, the battery swapping vehicle is in the second installation state, and the second installation state includes that the first plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by one locking unit, and the second plug-in module is located in the space surrounded by the other locking unit. During the battery swapping process, the deformation of the elastic connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle assembly reduces the assembly error between the battery assembly and the vehicle assembly. Thus, the plug-in unit smoothly enters the space surrounded by the locking unit to complete the assembly of the battery assembly and the vehicle. Description of the Drawings

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery swapping vehicle showing an embodiment is presented;

[0031] Figure 2 Shows a side view of a battery swapping vehicle of an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 3 Shows a schematic diagram of a locking assembly of a battery swapping vehicle of an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 4 Shows a schematic diagram of a battery assembly of a battery swapping vehicle of an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 5 Shows a side view of a battery assembly of a battery swapping vehicle of an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 6 Shows a top view of a battery assembly of a battery swapping vehicle of an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 7 Shows a schematic diagram of a locking unit of a battery swapping vehicle of an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 a partial enlarged view of;

[0038] Figure 9 Shows a schematic flow diagram of a battery swapping method of an embodiment.

[0039] Reference numerals: vehicle assembly 1; beam unit 11; girder 111; mounting hole 112; wheel 12; locking assembly 2; fixing unit 21; fixing plate 211; fixing hole 212; connecting unit 22; connecting portion 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 portion 24; battery assembly 3; battery unit 31; first battery 311; second battery 312; plugging unit 32; first plugging module 321; first plugging rod 3211; first plugging hole 3212; second plugging module 322. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0040] Now, the present disclosure will be described with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to better understand and thus implement the present disclosure, rather than to imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its variants are to be construed as open-ended terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" is to be construed as "at least partially based on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" are to be construed as "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" is to be construed as "at least one other embodiment". The orientation or positional relationships indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings. These terms are mainly used to better describe the present application and its embodiments, and are not used to limit that the indicated devices, elements or components must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Moreover, in addition to being used to represent orientation or positional relationships, some of the above terms may also be used to represent other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to represent a certain attachment relationship or connection relationship in some cases. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "installed", "set up", "provided with", "connected", "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or there may be internal communication between two devices, elements or components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to 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, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more.

[0042] In this embodiment, the current electric vehicles generally adopt a bottom-inserted battery installation scheme, mainly guiding the docking of the battery box and the vehicle body interface through slide rails or positioning marks. Although some schemes improve the installation efficiency through the shell convex structure or visual assistance, after long-term use of the vehicle, the chassis girder 111 is prone to deformation under the influence of vibration, load and temperature, resulting in displacement of the vehicle body interface for plugging the battery box. This deformation will cause the plugging components on the battery box and the vehicle body interface to be misaligned and jammed during battery swapping, and the replacement of the battery box cannot be completed. Therefore, to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a battery swapping vehicle, as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 shown, the battery swapping vehicle may include a vehicle component 1, a locking component 2, and a battery component 3.

[0043] The vehicle component 1 can be used for carrying and transporting people and goods.

[0044] 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 component 1, and at least part of the connection between the fixing unit 21 and the vehicle component 1 is an elastic connection. The locking unit 23 may be connected to the fixing unit 21, so that at least part of the fixing unit 21 and the vehicle component 1 can have relative displacement during vehicle battery swapping through the elastic connection.

[0045] The battery assembly 3 may include a battery unit 31 and a plugging unit 32. The plugging unit 32 may include a first plugging module 321 and a second plugging module 322. The first plugging module 321 and the second plugging module 322 are respectively connected to the same side of the battery unit 31, and the first plugging module 321 and the second plugging module 322 are arranged at intervals. The maximum distance between the end of the first plugging module 321 far from the battery unit 31 and the battery unit 31 is greater than the maximum distance between the end of the second plugging module 322 far from the battery unit 31 and the battery unit 31. The diameter of the first plugging module 321 gradually decreases along the direction from the bottom end to the top end of the battery unit 31 (such as Figure 5 the upward direction shown). The diameter of the second plugging module 322 gradually decreases along the direction from the bottom end to the top end of the battery unit 31 (such as Figure 5 the upward direction shown). Thus, when the battery assembly 3 is assembled with the vehicle, a certain guiding effect can be exerted on the battery assembly 3.

[0046] The battery swapping vehicle may include a first installation state and a second installation state. The first installation state may include that part of the first plugging module 321 is disposed in the space surrounded by the locking unit 23, and the second plugging module 322 is disposed at an interval from the locking unit 23. Since the vehicle chassis girder 111 is prone to deformation under the influence of vibration, load and temperature, the central axis of the locking unit 23 is spaced apart from or has an included angle with the central axis of the first plugging module 321, and the projection area of the first plugging module 321 towards the locking unit 23 only coincides with part of the space surrounded by the locking unit 23, which may cause the first plugging module 321 to move upward and unable to enter the space surrounded by the locking unit 23. Therefore, in this solution, the fixing unit 21 is elastically connected to at least part of the vehicle component 1. When the first plugging module 321 moves from the bottom of the vehicle towards the locking unit 23, the elastic connection allows the locking unit 23 to move relative to the girder 111. During the upward movement of the first plugging module 321, when the outer wall of the first plugging module 321 slides relative to the inner wall of the locking unit 23, the first plugging 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, and the central axis of the first plugging module 321 gradually approaches the central axis of the locking unit 23, so that the first plugging module 321 can smoothly enter the space surrounded by the locking unit 23. After the battery component 3 is completely installed, the battery swapping vehicle is in the second installation state. The second installation state may include that the first plugging module 321 is located in the space surrounded by one locking unit 23, and the second plugging module 322 is located in the space surrounded 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 swapping 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 length of the first plugging module 321 is longer and it 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 plugging module 321 moves towards the locking unit 23, the distance between the central axis of the locking unit 23 and the central axis of the first plugging module 321 or the included angle is relatively large. Through the elastic connection, the locking unit 23 moves relative to the girder 111. In this way, when the second plugging module 322 enters the space surrounded by the locking unit 23, the position difference between the central axis of the second plugging module 322 and the central axis of the locking unit 23 is relatively small, so that the plugging unit 32 can smoothly enter the space surrounded by the locking unit 23 to complete the assembly of the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1.

[0047] In this embodiment, as Figure 3As shown, the fixing unit 21 may include a fixing plate 211 and a plurality of fixing holes 212. The fixing holes 212 may penetrate through 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 further 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 assembly 1, the fixing holes 212, and the elastic body 222. The connecting portion 221 enables the fixing plate 211 to apply pressure to the vehicle assembly 1 through the elastic body 222. Part of the elastic body 222 is made of an elastic material. 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 elastic body 222, the gasket not only has a low manufacturing cost, but also can compensate for the assembly gap between the vehicle assembly 1 and the fixing plate 211 through the elastic deformation of the gasket. At the same time, the contact area between the elastic body 222 and the fixing plate 211 and the vehicle assembly 1 is large, which can disperse the local pressure and improve the connection stability. The elastic body 222 enables relative displacement between the fixing plate 211 and the vehicle assembly 1, and reduces the vibration transmitted from the vehicle assembly 1 to the fixing plate 211, further weakening the vibration transmitted to the battery unit 31 through the locking unit 23, thereby improving the installation convenience of battery swapping and the reliability of long-term use.

[0048] In this embodiment, as Figure 8 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 generate elastic deformation when compressed, 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 caused by position deviation. The elastic body 222 with a higher stiffness 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. Thus, when the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1 are installed, the locking unit 23 and the vehicle assembly 1 can 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.

[0049] In this embodiment, as 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 vehicle component 1 in the length direction. The second locking module 232 is connected to the fixing plate 211 at a position away from both ends of the vehicle component 1 in the length direction, and the plurality of second locking modules 232 are arranged at intervals in sequence along the length direction of the vehicle component 1.

[0050] The first installation state may further include that part of the first plugging module 321 is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module 231, and the second plugging module 322 is arranged at intervals from the second plugging module 322. The second installation state may further include that the first plugging module 321 is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module 231, and the second plugging 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 loads received at both ends of the vehicle component 1 in the length direction are relatively large, resulting in the two ends of the vehicle component 1 being more prone to deformation, making it difficult to align the first plugging module 321 with the locking unit 23. For this reason, the elastomer 222 with the first stiffness and the first plugging module 321 are arranged at both ends of the vehicle component 1 in the length direction. In this way, the elastomer 222 with the first stiffness can allow the first plugging module 321 to generate an adaptive displacement during the movement towards the surrounded space of the locking unit 23, thereby preferentially guiding the position adjustment of both ends of the fixing unit 21 and reducing the alignment difficulty between the first plugging module 321 and the first locking module 231. Since the two ends of the vehicle component 1 are usually prone to deformation, the adjustment range of the elastomer 222 near both ends of the vehicle component 1 is relatively large, enabling the first plugging module 321 to be aligned with the first locking module 231. While the deformation amount at positions away from both ends of the vehicle component 1 in the length direction is relatively small, the height of the elastomer 222 away from both ends of the vehicle component 1 in the length direction is relatively high. In this way, after the second plugging module 322 completely enters the surrounded space of the second locking module 232, it can provide a stable support, reduce the relative displacement between the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 during vehicle driving, and avoid the structural damage of the battery component 3 caused by vibration. Thus, both the plugging efficiency between the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 and the overall structural stability after the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 are finally fixed are ensured.

[0051] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, a plurality of fixing holes 212 are arranged at intervals along the first direction. The plurality of fixing holes 212 are arranged at intervals along the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicularly arranged. 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.

[0052] The stiffness of the elastomer 222 near the first locking module 231 and near the top end of the vehicle component 1 is the third stiffness. The stiffness of the elastomer 222 near the first locking module 231 and near the bottom end 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 component 3 moves towards the locking unit 23, the elastomer 222 near the first locking module 231 and near the bottom end of the vehicle component 1 can generate a larger displacement due to its lower stiffness. In this way, when the first plugging module 321 moves towards the first locking module 231, the elastomer 222 with the fourth stiffness can better guide the alignment of the first locking module 231 and the first plugging module 321. The elastomer 222 near the first locking module 231 and near the top end of the vehicle component 1 has a higher stiffness, and the elastomer 222 provides a more stable support. It can not only have a small displacement to guide the plugging of the first locking module 231 and the first plugging module 321, but also prevent the relative displacement between the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 from being too large during vehicle driving after the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 are assembled, which may cause the center of gravity of the vehicle to change continuously during vehicle driving and have a negative impact on driving. In the second installation state, the elastomer 222 near the first locking module 231 and near the top end of the vehicle component 1 and the high-stiffness elastomer 222 of the second locking module 232 further limit the relative displacement between the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1, ensuring the connection stability between the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 during vehicle driving and preventing damage to the battery component 3 caused by vibration.

[0053] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 , Figure 7 shown, the stiffness of the multiple elastomers 222 between the second plugging module 322 far from both ends of the vehicle component 1 to the first plugging module 321 gradually increases along the direction from the first plugging module 321 to the second plugging module 322. The fixing unit 21 is connected to the vehicle component 1, and part of the connection between the fixing unit 21 and the vehicle component 1 is an elastic connection. In this way, the elastomer 222 in the area near the first plugging module 321 (far from the middle of the vehicle component 1) has a lower stiffness, allowing the elastomer 222 with a lower stiffness to generate a larger deformation during the battery swapping process, facilitating the first plugging module 321 to enter the surrounding space of the first locking module 231. The stiffness of the elastomer 222 in the area near the second plugging module 322 (close to the middle of the vehicle component 1) gradually increases, and the higher stiffness of the elastomer 222 is used to ensure the stability between the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 during vehicle driving. Thus, it not only meets the assembly requirements of the battery component 3 and the vehicle component 1 during battery swapping, but also ensures the stability between the vehicle component 1 and the battery component 3 during vehicle driving.

[0054] In this embodiment, as 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 further includes a driving portion 24, and the driving portion 24 is drivingly connected to the first locking pin 2312.

[0055] The first plugging module 321 includes a first plugging rod 3211 and a first plugging hole 3212. The first plugging rod 3211 is connected to the battery unit 31. The first plugging hole 3212 is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the first plugging rod 3211 in a direction away from the first plugging rod 3211. In the second installation state, the driving portion 24 can control the first locking pin 2312 to move toward the first plugging hole 3212, so that the first locking pin 2312 is located within the surrounding space of the first plugging hole 3212, thereby completing the locking action and making the positions of the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1 relatively stable.

[0056] The first installation state may further include that a part of the first plugging rod 3211 is disposed within the space surrounded by the first locking groove 2311, and the first locking pin 2312 and the first plugging hole 3212 are arranged at intervals. The second installation state further includes that the first plugging rod 3211 is disposed within the space surrounded by the first locking groove 2311, the first locking pin 2312 is located within the surrounding space of the first plugging hole 3212. After the first plugging rod 3211 completely enters the first locking groove 2311, the driving portion 24 drives the first locking pin 2312 to move so that it inserts into the inner space of the first plugging hole 3212, completing the locking action between the first plugging rod 3211 and the first locking pin 2312, thereby making the positions of the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1 relatively stable.

[0057] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 、 Figure 5 shown, the battery unit 31 may include a first battery 311 and a plurality of second batteries 312. The second batteries 312 are connected to one side of the first battery 311. The first battery 311 is electrically connected to the second batteries 312, and the plurality of second batteries 312 are arranged at intervals. The plugging unit 32 is connected to the first battery 311, and the plugging unit 32 is disposed within the space between adjacent second batteries 312.

[0058] The second installation state may further include that a part of the vehicle assembly 1 is disposed within the space between two adjacent second batteries 312. In this way, the area between the two girders 111 is utilized, without increasing the volume of the vehicle, the battery capacity is increased, thereby avoiding additional occupation of the vehicle space, improving the connection tightness between the battery unit 31 and the vehicle assembly 1, preventing relative displacement between the vehicle assembly 1 and the battery assembly 3 during driving, and thus ensuring the stability of the battery unit 31 and the vehicle assembly 1.

[0059] 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 vehicle component 1 in the length direction. The first locking module 231 is connected to a position on the fixing plate 211 away from both ends of the vehicle component 1 in the length direction.

[0060] The first installation state may further include that part of the first plugging module 321 is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module 231, and the second plugging module 322 is arranged at intervals from the second plugging module 322. The second installation state further includes that the first plugging module 321 is located in the space surrounded by the first locking module 231, and the second plugging module 322 is located in the space surrounded by the second locking module 232. In the first installation state, the elastomer 222 close to the first plugging module 321 can allow the first locking module 231 to move relative to the vehicle component 1. When the outer wall of the first plugging module 321 slides relative to the inner wall of the locking unit 23, the first plugging module 321 can drive the locking unit 23 to move relative to the vehicle component 1, so that the central axis of the first plugging module 321 gradually approaches the central axis of the first locking module 231. In the second installation state, the first plugging module 321 completely enters the space surrounded by the first locking module 231, and the second plugging module 322 completely enters the space surrounded by the second locking module 232 to form a stable connection.

[0061] In some other embodiments, the vehicle component 1 includes a beam unit 11 and wheels 12. The beam unit 11 may include a girder 111 and a plurality of mounting holes 112. The plurality of mounting holes 112 penetrate through the thickness of the girder 111 along the length. The plurality of mounting holes 112 are arranged at intervals. The mounting holes 112 can reduce the weight of the girder 111, which is more conducive to the driving of the vehicle. The fixing unit 21 is connected to the girder 111, and at least part of the connection between the fixing unit 21 and the girder 111 is an elastic connection. The wheels 12 are connected to both ends of the girder 111 to realize the normal driving of the vehicle on the road surface. The minimum distance from the bottom end of the wheel 12 to the bottom end of the girder 111 is greater than the height of the battery component 3, so that the battery component 3 can realize pitless battery swapping.

[0062] The second locking module 232 may include a second locking groove 2321 and a second locking pin 2322. The second locking groove 2321 is connected to the fixing plate 211, and the second locking pin 2322 is movably connected to the second locking groove 2321. The locking unit 23 further includes a driving part 24. The driving part 24 is drivingly connected to the second locking pin 2322.

[0063] The second plugging module 322 may include a second plugging rod and a second plugging hole. The second plugging rod is connected to the battery unit 31. The second plugging hole is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the second plugging rod in a direction away from the second plugging rod. After the second plugging rod completely enters the second locking groove 2321, the driving portion 24 drives the second locking pin 2322 to move so that it inserts into the internal space of the second plugging hole, completing the locking action between the second plugging rod and the second locking pin 2322, thereby making the positions of the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1 relatively stable.

[0064] In this embodiment, as Figure 9 shown, the present invention provides a battery swapping method, which can be applied to any of the battery swapping vehicles in the above embodiments. The battery swapping method includes steps S10 to S30, and the following can elaborate on steps S10 to S30 in detail.

[0065] Step S10, triggered by a battery swapping instruction, move the battery assembly 3 to a set position. Among them, the set position includes that at least part of the first plugging module 321 is located within the area projected downward by the locking unit 23, providing a basic alignment condition for the subsequent movement and installation of the battery assembly 3 towards the vehicle assembly 1.

[0066] Step S20, based on the battery assembly 3 moving to the set position, the battery assembly 3 moves towards the vehicle assembly 1. By gradually reducing the distance between the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1, the locking unit 23 and the plugging unit 32 are assembled.

[0067] 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 plugging module 321 moves from the bottom of the vehicle towards the locking unit 23, the elastic connection allows the locking unit 23 to move relative to the crossbeam 111. During the upward movement of the first plugging module 321, when the outer wall of the first plugging module 321 slides relative to the inner wall of the locking unit 23, the first plugging module 321 can drive the fixing unit 21 to move relative to the vehicle assembly 1. The locking unit 23 is fixedly connected to the fixing unit 21, so that the locking unit 23 moves relative to the vehicle assembly 1, making the central axis of the first plugging module 321 gradually approach the central axis of the locking unit 23, so that the first plugging module 321 can smoothly enter the surrounding space of the locking unit 23. Subsequently, the battery assembly 3 further moves to the second installation state. At this time, the plugging unit 32 completely enters the corresponding locking unit 23, realizing the stable fixation between the battery assembly 3 and the vehicle assembly 1.

[0068] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that the above embodiments are specific cases for implementing the present disclosure, and in practical applications, various changes can be made to its form and details without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An electricity-swapping vehicle, characterized in that, The battery swapping vehicle includes: A vehicle component; A locking component, which includes a fixing unit and a locking unit; the fixing unit is connected to the vehicle component; at least part of the connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component is an elastic connection; the locking unit is connected to the fixing unit; A battery component, which includes a battery unit and a plugging unit; the plugging unit includes a first plugging module and a second plugging module; the first plugging module and the second plugging module are respectively connected to the same side of the battery unit; the first plugging module and the second plugging module are spaced apart; the maximum distance between the end of the first plugging module away from the battery unit and the battery unit is greater than the maximum distance between the end of the second plugging module away from the battery unit and the battery unit; The battery swapping vehicle includes a first installation state and a second installation state; in the first installation state, part of the first plugging module is disposed within the space surrounded by the locking unit, and the second plugging module is spaced apart from the locking unit; in the second installation state, the first plugging module is located within the space surrounded by one locking unit, and the second plugging module is located within the space surrounded by another locking unit; the deformation amount of the elastic connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component in the first installation state is greater than the deformation amount of the elastic connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component in the second installation state.

2. The battery swapping vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The fixing unit includes a fixing plate and a plurality of fixing holes; the fixing holes penetrate through the fixing plate along the thickness direction of the fixing plate; the plurality of fixing holes are spaced apart; the locking component further includes a connecting unit; the connecting unit includes a connecting portion and an elastic body; the connecting portion sequentially passes through the vehicle component, the fixing hole, and the elastic body; the connecting portion enables the fixing plate to apply pressure to the vehicle component through the elastic body; part of the elastic body is made of an elastic material; the locking unit is connected to the fixing plate.

3. The battery swapping vehicle according to claim 2, wherein The stiffness of the elastic body near the first plugging module is a first stiffness; the stiffness of the elastic body near the second plugging module is a second stiffness; the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness.

4. The battery swapping vehicle according to claim 3, wherein 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 both ends of the vehicle component in the length direction; the second locking modules are connected to positions on the fixing plate away from both ends of the vehicle component in the length direction; the plurality of second locking modules are sequentially spaced apart along the length direction of the vehicle component; The first installation state further 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 arranged at an interval from the second plug-in module; the second installation state further 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. The battery swapping vehicle according to claim 4, wherein The plurality of fixing holes are arranged at intervals in a first direction; the plurality of fixing holes are arranged at intervals in a second direction; the first direction is 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 elastic body near the first locking module and near the top end of the vehicle component is the third stiffness; the stiffness of the elastic body near the first locking module and near the bottom end of the vehicle component is the fourth stiffness; the fourth stiffness is less than the third stiffness; the third stiffness is less than the second stiffness.

6. The battery swapping vehicle according to claim 3, wherein The stiffness of the plurality of elastic bodies between the second plug-in module far from both 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; part of the connection between the fixing unit and the vehicle component is an elastic connection.

7. The battery swapping vehicle according to claim 4, wherein 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 further includes a driving part; the driving part is drivingly connected to the first locking pin; The first plug-in module includes 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 peripheral surface of the first plug-in rod in a direction away from the first plug-in rod; The first installation state further 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 arranged at an interval from the first plug-in hole; the second installation state further 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 swapping vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The battery unit includes a first battery and a plurality of second batteries; the second batteries are connected to one side of the first battery; the first battery is electrically connected to the second batteries; 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 the space between adjacent second batteries; The second installation state further includes that part of the vehicle component is arranged in the space between adjacent second batteries.

9. The battery swapping vehicle according to claim 3, wherein 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 in the length direction of the vehicle component; the first locking module is connected to a position on the fixing plate away from both ends in the length direction of the vehicle component. The first installation state further 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 arranged at intervals from the second plug-in module; the second installation state further 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 swapping method, characterized in that, The battery swapping method is applied to an electric vehicle as described in any one of claims 1-9, and the battery swapping method includes: Step S10, triggered by a battery swapping instruction, moving the battery component to a set position; wherein, the set position includes that at least part of the first plug-in module is located in the area projected downward by the locking unit. Step S20, based on the battery component moving to the set position, the battery component moves towards the vehicle component. Step S30, based on the battery component moving to the first installation state, the battery component moves to the second installation state.

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