Battery swapping device and battery swapping method for electric vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a battery replacing device and a battery replacing method of an electric vehicle. The battery replacing device comprises a supporting device for supporting a battery pack to be replaced which is removed from the electric vehicle; a moving device connected to and acting on the supporting device to move the supporting device relative to the electric vehicle; and an unlocking device arranged on the supporting device, wherein the unlocking device comprises an unlocking top pin for unlocking a locking device of the battery pack to make the battery pack to be replaced unlocked to an unlocked state. The application can use manpower to move the battery replacing device through the moving device, use the supporting device to support the battery pack, use a positioning device to position the unlocking device relative to the battery pack, and use the unlocking device to dismount or mount the battery pack. The application has simple structure and can be freely moved without fixed installation.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on August 21, 2019, with application number 2019107740584, entitled "Battery Swapping Equipment and Battery Swapping Method for Electric Vehicles". The full text of the aforementioned Chinese patent application is cited in the above patent application. Technical Field

[0002] This invention belongs to the field of electric vehicles, and particularly relates to a battery swapping device and a battery swapping method for electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0003] With the rising price of oil and the increasingly serious environmental pollution problem, people have developed other energy vehicles as alternatives to gasoline-powered cars, among which electric vehicles have the most promising application prospects.

[0004] Currently, electric vehicles mainly include two types: direct charging and fast battery swapping. Fast battery swapping vehicles are currently mainly used in urban taxi systems, where the on-board power batteries of electric taxis are quickly replaced through fast battery swapping stations, thereby enabling electric taxis to operate continuously online.

[0005] Fast battery swapping stations typically employ automated equipment. Electric vehicles requiring swapping simply need to be driven to the swapping station, and the corresponding swapping equipment can automatically remove and install the battery without human intervention. Due to the high degree of electrification and automation, fast battery swapping stations are generally large in scale and unsuitable for mobile operations. Therefore, they must be permanently located in suitable areas. Consequently, if an electric vehicle malfunctions and cannot be moved to a swapping station, the existing station will be unable to remove and install the battery. Furthermore, the equipment used for battery removal and installation generally operates on electricity or gas; in the event of a power outage or other unforeseen event, the swapping station will be unable to continue operating.

[0006] In summary, current battery swapping stations have large-scale equipment that is inconvenient to move and operate, and cannot remove and install batteries for electric vehicles outside the station. At the same time, battery swapping stations are highly dependent on electricity and cannot continue to operate in the event of power outages or other unforeseen circumstances. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects in the prior art and provide a battery swapping device and a battery swapping method for electric vehicles.

[0008] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0009] A battery swapping device is used to swap batteries for electric vehicles outside a battery swapping station. The device includes: a support device for supporting a battery pack to be swapped after being removed from the electric vehicle; a moving device connected to and acting on the support device to move the support device relative to the electric vehicle; and an unlocking device disposed on the support device, the unlocking device including an unlocking pin for releasing a locking device of the battery pack to unlock the battery pack to an unlocked state. When the battery pack is in the unlocked state, the support device further drives the battery pack to move relative to the electric vehicle to remove the battery pack from the electric vehicle.

[0010] The battery swapping equipment also includes a positioning device, which is mounted on the support device. The positioning device includes a first positioning part, which is used to position the support device relative to the electric vehicle.

[0011] The first positioning part includes a coarse positioning component, which includes a coarse positioning seat and a positioning rod. The coarse positioning seat is connected to the support device, and the positioning rod is disposed on the positioning seat. The positioning rod is inserted into the electric vehicle to realize the positioning of the support device relative to the electric vehicle.

[0012] The coarse positioning assembly also includes an adjustment part, which is used to adjust the angle between the axis of the positioning rod and the plane where the positioning seat is located.

[0013] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the battery swapping equipment can be moved manually using a mobile device, the battery pack can be supported by a support device, and the battery pack can be positioned by a positioning device to unlock the battery pack, thereby completing the disassembly or installation of the battery pack. The battery swapping equipment in this embodiment has a simple structure, can move freely, and does not require fixed installation; at the same time, the battery swapping equipment does not require an additional energy supply such as electricity, has a compact structure, and is easy to use. The positioning device improves the positioning accuracy of the battery swapping equipment, enabling the battery pack to be replaced quickly and safely. The coarse positioning seat and positioning rod achieve the positioning of the battery swapping equipment relative to the electric vehicle, simplifying the structural design of the coarse positioning component. The adjustment part improves the flexibility of the battery swapping equipment, reduces the positioning accuracy requirements of the battery swapping equipment relative to the electric vehicle, and improves the efficiency of the battery swapping equipment.

[0014] Preferably, the adjusting part is an adjusting spring, the positioning rod is disposed inside the adjusting spring, one end of the adjusting spring is connected to the coarse positioning seat, and the other end of the adjusting spring is connected to the positioning rod.

[0015] In this solution, by adopting the above structure and utilizing the adjusting spring, the flexibility of the positioning rod is improved, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of the battery swapping equipment.

[0016] Preferably, the spring is able to swing with the positioning rod and generate an elastic force that drives the positioning rod back to its initial state, wherein the initial state is the state in which the positioning rod is perpendicular to the coarse positioning seat.

[0017] Preferably, the moving device includes a lifting section connected to and acting on the supporting device to move the supporting device relative to the battery pack to be replaced.

[0018] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the lifting part is used to complete the displacement of the support device in the height direction, thereby making the equipment applicable to different types of electric vehicles and improving the scope of application of the equipment.

[0019] Preferably, the bottom of the mobile device is provided with casters;

[0020] And / or, the unlocking pin is used to unlock the battery pack locking device by manual operation.

[0021] In this design, the above structure and casters allow for flexible direction adjustment, enhancing the device's maneuverability. Furthermore, the battery pack unlocking mechanism is manually operated, enabling manual disassembly and installation without requiring additional power. The compact design makes it easy to use.

[0022] Preferably, the support device includes an upper bracket for supporting the battery pack to be replaced.

[0023] In this solution, the structure of the support device is simplified by adopting the above structure and utilizing the upper bracket.

[0024] Preferably, the upper bracket includes a support assembly for supporting the battery pack to be replaced. The support assembly includes a support platform, an elastic element, and a base. The elastic element is disposed between the support platform and the base, and the base is connected to the upper bracket.

[0025] In this solution, by adopting the above structure and using support components to support the battery pack, the stability of the battery pack is improved, and accidental damage to the battery pack is avoided.

[0026] Preferably, the elastic element is a support spring.

[0027] Preferably, the positioning device includes a second positioning part, which is used to position the support device and the battery pack to be replaced.

[0028] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, positioning is achieved layer by layer through the first positioning part and the second positioning part, thereby improving positioning accuracy and efficiency.

[0029] Preferably, the second positioning part includes a positioning fork, the lower end of which is connected to the upper bracket, the upper end of which is provided with a positioning groove, and a positioning block is provided on the side wall of the battery pack to be replaced, the positioning groove being used to engage with the positioning block.

[0030] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the positioning fork is used to position the battery swapping equipment relative to the positioning block of the battery pack, which further improves the positioning accuracy and efficiency of the battery swapping equipment.

[0031] Preferably, the unlocking device further includes a top pin guide rail and a traction unit. The top pin guide rail is connected to the upper bracket, and the unlocking top pin is disposed on the top pin guide rail. The traction unit pulls the unlocking top pin along the top pin guide rail from an initial position to an unlocked position. When the unlocking top pin is in the initial position, the battery pack to be replaced is in a locked state. When the unlocking top pin is in the unlocked position, the unlocking top pin acts on a locking mechanism to unlock the battery pack to be replaced to an unlocked state. The locking mechanism is disposed on the electric vehicle for locking the battery pack to be replaced.

[0032] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the unlocking device is formed by using the top pin guide rail and the traction part, which simplifies the structure of the unlocking device and improves the efficiency of the unlocking device in opening the battery pack.

[0033] Preferably, the traction unit includes a handle assembly and a cable assembly. The handle assembly is connected to the unlocking pin via the cable assembly. The handle assembly is rotatably connected to the upper bracket to pull the unlocking pin from the initial position to the unlocked position. Specifically, when the handle assembly is in the raised state, the unlocking pin is in the initial position; when the handle assembly is in the lowered state, the unlocking pin is in the unlocked position.

[0034] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the handle assembly and cable assembly are used to control the unlocking pin, which simplifies the structure of the traction unit and improves its reliability.

[0035] Preferably, the traction unit further includes a connecting block, through which the handle assembly and the cable assembly are connected.

[0036] Preferably, the connecting block has a first connecting groove and a second connecting groove, the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove are disposed on two opposite sides of the connecting block, the handle assembly is connected to the first connecting groove, and the cable assembly is connected to the second connecting groove.

[0037] In this solution, by adopting the above structure and setting the first and second connecting slots through the connecting block, the connection between the handle assembly and the cable assembly is realized, thereby improving the efficiency of force transmission.

[0038] Preferably, the connecting block has a plurality of second connecting slots.

[0039] In this solution, by adopting the above structure and utilizing multiple second connecting slots, the purpose of simultaneously controlling multiple cable assemblies is achieved, so that the unlocking top pins can move synchronously, thereby improving the efficiency of unlocking the battery pack.

[0040] Preferably, the locking mechanism is a primary locking mechanism. When the unlocking pin is in the unlocked position, the unlocking pin abuts against the locking link of the primary locking mechanism and pushes up the locking link.

[0041] In this solution, by adopting the above structure and using the unlocking top pin to abut against the first-level locking mechanism, the unlocking device can simultaneously unlock multiple locking points of the battery pack, which is beneficial to improving the unlocking efficiency of the battery swapping equipment.

[0042] Preferably, the unlocking device further includes a reset part, one end of which is connected to the unlocking top pin. The reset part is disposed opposite to the traction part. After the unlocking top pin completes the unlocking of the battery pack to be replaced, the reset part pulls the unlocking top pin to move on the top pin guide rail, so that the unlocking top pin returns from the unlocked position to the initial position.

[0043] In this design, by adopting the above structure, the reset unit ensures that the unlocking pin can be reset promptly after use, which helps the battery swapping equipment to be ready to unlock the battery pack at any time. This improves the efficiency of the battery swapping equipment.

[0044] Preferably, the reset part is a reset spring.

[0045] Preferably, the support device further includes a lower bracket disposed below the upper bracket, so that the upper bracket can slide relative to the lower bracket.

[0046] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the lower bracket improves the flexibility of the upper bracket, allowing the relevant components on the upper bracket to be flexibly adjusted in position, thereby improving the flexibility of the power swapping equipment.

[0047] Preferably, the first positioning part further includes a fine positioning component, which includes a bridging column. One end of the bridging column is connected to the lower bracket, and the other end of the bridging column is provided with a fine positioning groove. After the battery swapping equipment completes coarse positioning, the fine positioning groove is used to lock onto the lock base of the electric vehicle.

[0048] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the positioning of the battery swapping equipment relative to the battery pack is achieved using the precision positioning component, which simplifies the structure of the precision positioning component.

[0049] Preferably, the support device further includes a sliding part, which includes a slider, a bracket guide rail and a driving part. The slider is connected to the upper bracket, the bracket guide rail is disposed on the lower bracket, the slider is disposed on the bracket guide rail, and the driving part is used to apply a force to the upper bracket so that the upper bracket slides relative to the bracket guide rail.

[0050] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the sliding part is composed of a slider, a bracket guide rail and a drive unit, which simplifies the structural form of the sliding part and improves its reliability.

[0051] Preferably, the drive unit includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a drive shaft, and a wheel. The first bracket is connected to the lower bracket and supports the drive shaft. The drive shaft is rotatable relative to the first bracket and has an external drive thread on its outer side. The second bracket is connected to the upper bracket and the drive shaft. The second bracket has an internal drive thread that mates with the drive thread. The drive shaft also includes a wheel for rotating the drive shaft.

[0052] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the drive unit is composed of a first bracket, a second bracket, a transmission shaft, and a wheel, which simplifies the structural form of the drive unit.

[0053] Preferably, the support device further includes a limiting part disposed on the lower bracket, the limiting part being used to limit the sliding distance of the upper bracket relative to the lower bracket.

[0054] In this solution, by adopting the above structure, the limiting part is used to prevent the upper bracket from accidentally detaching from the bracket guide rail, thereby improving the safety of the power swapping equipment.

[0055] Preferably, the limiting part includes a limiting base and a limiting rod. The limiting base is connected to the lower bracket, and one end of the limiting rod is connected to the limiting base. When the upper bracket is located at the limiting point, the other end of the limiting rod abuts against the upper bracket.

[0056] Preferably, the limiting rod includes a rod body and an adjusting screw. One end of the rod body is connected to the limiting base, and the other end of the rod body is provided with an internal thread. The adjusting screw is provided with an external thread, and the adjusting screw is connected to the rod body through the external thread and the internal thread.

[0057] A battery swapping method for an electric vehicle, characterized in that it utilizes the battery swapping equipment described above to swap the battery in the electric vehicle, and the battery swapping method for the electric vehicle includes the following steps:

[0058] S10: Use the moving device to move the supporting device to below the electric vehicle;

[0059] S20: Use the unlocking device to unlock the battery pack to be replaced to the unlocked state;

[0060] S30: Using the support device, the battery pack to be replaced is moved relative to the electric vehicle to remove the battery pack to be replaced from the electric vehicle.

[0061] This solution improves the flexibility of battery pack replacement for electric vehicles by employing the methods described above, reducing reliance on battery swapping stations. It also enhances the efficiency of battery pack replacement.

[0062] Preferably, the battery swapping equipment further includes a positioning device, which is disposed on the support device to realize the positioning of the support device and the battery pack to be swapped; before step S20, the battery swapping method of the electric vehicle further includes using the positioning device to realize the positioning of the support device and the battery pack to be swapped.

[0063] A battery swapping method for an electric vehicle, characterized in that it utilizes the battery swapping equipment described above to swap the battery in the electric vehicle, and the battery swapping method for the electric vehicle includes the following steps:

[0064] S10: Use the moving device to move the supporting device to below the electric vehicle;

[0065] S20: The positioning device is used to position the support device and the battery pack to be replaced;

[0066] S30: Use the unlocking device to unlock the battery pack to be replaced to the unlocked state;

[0067] S40: The support device moves the battery pack to be replaced relative to the electric vehicle to remove the battery pack to be replaced from the electric vehicle.

[0068] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0069] This invention allows for the movement of the battery swapping device using a manual mobile mechanism, followed by support for the battery pack and positioning of the battery pack by a positioning device. This allows for manual unlocking of the battery pack, enabling its disassembly or installation. The battery swapping device of this invention has a simple structure, is freely movable, and requires no fixed installation. The positioning device improves the positioning accuracy of the device, enabling quick and safe battery pack replacement. The coarse positioning seat and positioning rod achieve positioning of the device relative to the electric vehicle, simplifying the structural design of the coarse positioning components. The adjustment mechanism enhances the flexibility of the device, reduces the accuracy requirements for positioning relative to the electric vehicle, and improves the efficiency of the battery swapping device. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery swapping equipment according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the upper bracket in the battery swapping equipment of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lower bracket structure in the battery swapping equipment of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the support component in the battery swapping equipment of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the coarse positioning component in the battery swapping equipment of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocking device in the battery swapping equipment of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the traction unit in the battery swapping equipment of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting block in the power swapping equipment of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the limiting part and the sliding part in the battery swapping equipment of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the drive unit in the battery swapping equipment of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of the battery swapping method for electric vehicles according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0081] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0082] 100 battery swapping devices

[0083] Support device 20

[0084] Upper bracket 21

[0085] Support component 22

[0086] Support platform 221

[0087] Support spring 222

[0088] Base 223

[0089] Coarse positioning component 24

[0090] Coarse positioning seat 241

[0091] Positioning rod 242

[0092] Adjusting spring 243

[0093] Bridge pillar 26

[0094] Positioning fork 27

[0095] Lower bracket 28

[0096] Sliding part 29

[0097] Slider 291

[0098] Bracket rail 292

[0099] First support 294

[0100] Second support 295

[0101] Drive shaft 296

[0102] Roulette 297

[0103] Limiting part 40

[0104] Limiting base 41

[0105] Limit rod 42

[0106] Rod body 43

[0107] Adjusting screw 44

[0108] Unlocking device 30

[0109] Unlock top pin 31

[0110] Top pin guide rail 32

[0111] Traction Unit 33

[0112] Handle assembly 331

[0113] Cable assembly 332

[0114] Connector block 34

[0115] First connecting slot 341

[0116] Second connecting slot 342

[0117] Return spring 35 Detailed Implementation

[0118] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0119] Example 1

[0120] like Figure 1-10 As shown, this embodiment is a battery swapping device 100 used for swapping batteries in electric vehicles. The battery swapping device 100 includes: a support device 20 for supporting the battery pack to be swapped after being removed from the electric vehicle; a moving device connected to and acting on the support device 20 to move the support device 20 relative to the electric vehicle; and an unlocking device 30 disposed on the support device 20, including an unlocking pin 31 for manually unlocking the locking device of the battery pack, thus unlocking the battery pack to be swapped to the unlocked state. When the battery pack to be swapped is in the unlocked state, the support device 20 also moves the battery pack relative to the electric vehicle to remove it from the electric vehicle. This embodiment utilizes human power to move the battery swapping device 100 via the moving device, supports the battery pack using the support device 20, and positions the battery pack using the unlocking device 30, thereby unlocking the battery pack manually and completing the removal or installation of the battery pack. The battery swapping device 100 of this embodiment has a simple structure, can move freely, does not require fixed installation, and can be disassembled and installed by manpower. At the same time, the battery swapping device 100 of this embodiment does not require an additional energy supply such as electricity, has a compact structure, and is easy to use.

[0121] Figure 1 The battery swapping equipment 100 does not include a mobile device. In other embodiments, the mobile device may be a manual trolley.

[0122] In one implementation, the moving device may further include a lifting section connected to and acting on the support device 20 to move the support device 20 relative to the battery pack to be replaced. This embodiment utilizes the lifting section to achieve the displacement of the support device 20 in the height direction, thereby making the device applicable to different types of electric vehicles and expanding its range of applications.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the mobile device is equipped with casters. This embodiment utilizes casters to allow for flexible direction adjustment of the device, improving its flexibility.

[0124] In this embodiment, the support device 20 includes an upper bracket 21 for supporting the battery pack to be replaced. This embodiment simplifies the structure of the support device 20 by utilizing the upper bracket 21.

[0125] In one implementation, the upper bracket 21 may further include a support assembly 22 for supporting the battery pack to be replaced. The support assembly 22 includes a support platform 221, an elastic element, and a base 223. The elastic element is disposed between the support platform 221 and the base 223, and the base 223 is connected to the upper bracket 21. This embodiment utilizes the support assembly 22 to support the battery pack, improving the stability of the battery pack and preventing accidental damage. In this embodiment, the elastic element is a support spring 222; however, other components can also be selected as the elastic element.

[0126] To facilitate the positioning of the battery swapping device 100, the device also includes a positioning device mounted on the support device 20 to achieve positioning of the support device 20 and the battery pack to be swapped. This embodiment utilizes the positioning device to improve the positioning accuracy of the battery swapping device 100, enabling the device to quickly and safely replace the battery pack.

[0127] To improve positioning accuracy, the positioning device can also position the support device 20 relative to the electric vehicle. The positioning device may further include a first positioning part and a second positioning part. The first positioning part is used to position the support device 20 relative to the electric vehicle, and the second positioning part is used to position the support device 20 relative to the battery pack to be replaced. This embodiment improves positioning accuracy and efficiency by implementing positioning in layers through the first and second positioning parts.

[0128] As one implementation method, such as Figure 5As shown, the first positioning part includes a coarse positioning component 24, which includes a coarse positioning seat 241 and a positioning rod 242. The coarse positioning seat 241 is connected to the support device 20, and the positioning rod 242 is disposed on the positioning seat. The positioning rod 242 is inserted into a preset positioning hole of the electric vehicle to achieve the positioning of the support device 20 relative to the electric vehicle. In this embodiment, the positioning of the battery swapping device 100 relative to the electric vehicle is achieved using the coarse positioning seat 241 and the positioning rod 242, simplifying the structural design of the coarse positioning component 24. In this embodiment, the coarse positioning component 24 also includes an adjustment part, which is used to adjust the angle between the axis of the positioning rod 242 and the plane where the coarse positioning seat 241 is located. That is, the adjustment part allows the positioning rod 242 to swing relative to the positioning seat 241. For example, the positioning rod 242 can swing within a conical surface relative to the positioning seat 241, thereby expanding the range that the upper end of the positioning rod 242 can cover, thereby reducing the positioning accuracy between the battery swapping device 100 and the electric vehicle, and making it easier for the upper end of the positioning rod 242 to be inserted into the preset positioning hole of the electric vehicle. This embodiment utilizes an adjustment section to improve the flexibility of the battery swapping device 100, reduce the positioning accuracy requirements of the battery swapping device 100 relative to the electric vehicle, and improve the efficiency of the battery swapping device 100. Specifically, in this embodiment, the adjustment section is an adjustment spring 243, and the positioning rod 242 is disposed inside the adjustment spring 243. The lower end of the adjustment spring 243 is connected to the coarse positioning seat 241, and the upper end of the adjustment spring 243 is connected to the positioning rod 242. The positioning rod 242 can swing, and correspondingly, the spring 243 swings with the positioning rod 242, generating a spring force that drives the positioning rod 242 to return to its initial state, which is the state in which the positioning rod 242 is perpendicular to the coarse positioning seat 241. This embodiment utilizes the adjustment spring 243 to improve the flexibility of the positioning rod 242, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of the battery swapping device 100.

[0129] To further improve the positioning accuracy of the battery swapping device 100, the first positioning unit also includes a fine positioning component. The fine positioning component includes a bridging post 26, one end of which is connected to the lower bracket 28, and the other end of which is provided with a fine positioning groove. After the battery swapping device 100 completes coarse positioning, the fine positioning groove is used to engage with the lock base of the electric vehicle. This embodiment utilizes the fine positioning component to achieve the positioning of the battery swapping device 100 relative to the battery pack, simplifying the structure of the fine positioning component.

[0130] In this embodiment, as Figure 2As shown, the second positioning part includes a positioning fork 27. The lower end of the positioning fork 27 is connected to the upper bracket 21, and the upper end of the positioning fork 27 is provided with a positioning groove. A positioning block is provided on the side wall of the battery pack to be replaced, and the positioning groove is used to engage with the positioning block. In this embodiment, the positioning fork 27 is used to realize the positioning of the battery swapping device 100 relative to the positioning block of the battery pack, which further improves the positioning accuracy of the battery swapping device 100 and the efficiency of the battery swapping device 100.

[0131] In one embodiment, the unlocking device 30 may further include a top pin guide rail 32 and a traction part 33. The top pin guide rail 32 is connected to the upper bracket 21, and the unlocking top pin 31 is disposed on the top pin guide rail 32. The traction part 33 pulls the unlocking top pin 31 along the top pin guide rail from the initial position to the unlocked position. When the unlocking top pin 31 is in the initial position, the battery pack to be replaced is in a locked state. When the unlocking top pin 31 is in the unlocked position, the unlocking top pin 31 acts on the locking mechanism to unlock the battery pack to the unlocked state. The locking mechanism is disposed on the electric vehicle and is used to lock the battery pack to be replaced. This embodiment utilizes the top pin guide rail 32 and the traction part 33 to form the unlocking device 30, simplifying the structure of the unlocking device 30 and improving the efficiency of the unlocking device 30 in opening the battery pack.

[0132] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 , 6 As shown in Figure 7, the traction unit 33 includes a handle assembly 331 and a cable assembly 332. The handle assembly 331 is connected to the unlocking pin 31 via the cable assembly 332. The handle assembly 331 is rotatably connected to the upper bracket 21 to pull the unlocking pin 31 from the initial position to the unlocked position. Specifically, when the handle assembly 331 is in the raised state, the unlocking pin 31 is in the initial position; when the handle assembly is in the lowered state, the unlocking pin 31 is in the unlocked position. This embodiment utilizes the handle assembly 331 and the cable assembly 332 to control the unlocking pin 31, simplifying the structure of the traction unit 33 and improving its reliability. Preferably, the traction unit 33 further includes a connecting block 34, through which the handle assembly 331 and the cable assembly 332 are connected. In this embodiment, the connecting block 34 has a first connecting groove 341 and a second connecting groove 342, which are disposed on two opposite sides of the connecting block 34. The handle assembly 331 is connected to the first connecting groove 341, and the cable assembly 332 is connected to the second connecting groove 342. This embodiment achieves the connection between the handle assembly 331 and the cable assembly 332 by providing the first connecting groove 341 and the second connecting groove 342 in the connecting block 34, thereby improving the efficiency of force transmission. Specifically, as... Figure 8As shown, the connecting block 34 in this embodiment has two second connecting slots 342. In other embodiments, the number of second connecting slots 342 in the connecting block 34 can be other values. This embodiment utilizes multiple second connecting slots 342 to achieve the purpose of simultaneously controlling multiple cable assemblies 332, so that the unlocking top pin 31 can move synchronously, thereby improving the efficiency of unlocking the battery pack.

[0133] To further improve the unlocking efficiency of the battery swapping device 100, the locking mechanism may also include a primary locking mechanism. When the unlocking pin 31 is in the unlocked position, the unlocking pin 31 abuts against the locking link of the primary locking mechanism and pushes up the locking link. In this embodiment, the unlocking pin 31 abuts against the primary locking mechanism, enabling the unlocking device 30 to simultaneously unlock multiple locking points of the battery pack, which is beneficial to improving the unlocking efficiency of the battery swapping device 100.

[0134] In one embodiment, the unlocking device 30 further includes a reset part, one end of which is connected to the unlocking top pin 31. The reset part is disposed opposite to the traction part 33. After the unlocking top pin 31 unlocks the battery pack to be replaced, the reset part pulls the unlocking top pin 31 to move on the top pin guide rail, so that the unlocking top pin 31 returns to its initial position from the unlocked position. This embodiment utilizes the reset part to ensure that the unlocking top pin 31 can be reset promptly after use, which is beneficial for the battery swapping equipment 100 to be ready to unlock the battery pack at any time. This improves the efficiency of the battery swapping equipment 100. In this embodiment, as... Figure 6 As shown, the reset part is a reset spring 35.

[0135] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the support device 20 also includes a lower bracket 28, which is disposed below the upper bracket 21 so that the upper bracket 21 can slide relative to the lower bracket 28. This embodiment utilizes the lower bracket 28 to improve the flexibility of the upper bracket 21, allowing the relevant components on the upper bracket 21 to be flexibly adjusted in position, thereby improving the flexibility of the power swapping equipment 100.

[0136] To adjust the position of the upper bracket 21, the support device 20 may further include a sliding part 29. The sliding part 29 includes a slider 291, a bracket guide rail 292, and a drive unit. The slider 291 is connected to the upper bracket 21, the bracket guide rail 292 is mounted on the lower bracket 28, and the slider 291 is mounted on the bracket guide rail 292. The drive unit applies force to the upper bracket 21 to make it slide relative to the bracket guide rail 292. This embodiment utilizes the slider 291, bracket guide rail 292, and drive unit to form the sliding part 29, simplifying its structure and improving its reliability.

[0137] In this embodiment, as Figure 10As shown, the drive unit includes a first bracket 294, a second bracket 295, a drive shaft 296, and a wheel 297. The first bracket 294 is connected to the lower bracket 28 and supports the drive shaft 296. The drive shaft 296 can rotate relative to the first bracket 294, and an external drive thread is provided on the outer side of the drive shaft 296. The second bracket 295 is connected to the upper bracket 21 and is connected to the drive shaft 296. The second bracket 295 is provided with an internal drive thread that mates with the drive thread. The drive shaft 296 also includes a wheel 297 for rotating the drive shaft 296. This embodiment uses the first bracket 294, the second bracket 295, the drive shaft 296, and the wheel 297 to form the drive unit, simplifying the structural form of the drive unit.

[0138] In one embodiment, the support device 20 may further include a limiting part 40, which is disposed on the lower bracket 28 and is used to limit the sliding distance of the upper bracket 21 relative to the lower bracket 28. In this embodiment, the limiting part 40 is used to prevent the upper bracket 21 from accidentally disengaging from the bracket guide rail 292, thereby improving the safety of the power swapping equipment 100.

[0139] In this embodiment, as Figure 9 As shown, the limiting part 40 includes a limiting base 41 and a limiting rod 42. The limiting base 41 is connected to the lower bracket 28, and one end of the limiting rod 42 is connected to the limiting base 41. When the upper bracket 21 is located at the limiting point, the other end of the limiting rod 42 abuts against the upper bracket 21. Preferably, the limiting rod 42 includes a rod body 43 and an adjusting screw 44. One end of the rod body 43 is connected to the limiting base 41, and the other end of the rod body 43 is provided with an internal thread. The adjusting screw 44 is provided with an external thread, and the adjusting screw 44 is connected to the rod body 43 through the external thread and the internal thread.

[0140] Example 2

[0141] like Figure 11 As shown, this embodiment is a battery swapping method for electric vehicles, which utilizes the battery swapping equipment as described in Embodiment 1 to swap the battery of the electric vehicle. The battery swapping method for electric vehicles includes the following steps:

[0142] S10: Use a mobile device to move the support device under the electric vehicle;

[0143] S20: Use the unlocking device to unlock the battery pack to be replaced to the unlocked state;

[0144] S30: The battery pack to be replaced is moved relative to the electric vehicle using a support device in order to remove the battery pack from the electric vehicle.

[0145] This embodiment improves the flexibility of battery pack replacement for electric vehicles and reduces the reliance on battery swapping stations when replacing battery packs. It also helps to improve the efficiency of battery pack replacement for electric vehicles.

[0146] In other embodiments, the battery swapping device further includes a positioning device disposed on the support device to achieve positioning of the support device and the battery pack to be swapped; before step S20, the battery swapping method for electric vehicles further includes using the positioning device to achieve positioning of the support device and the battery pack to be swapped.

[0147] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery swapping device, characterized in that, The battery swapping equipment is used to swap batteries for electric vehicles outside the battery swapping station, and the battery swapping equipment includes: A support device for supporting the battery pack to be replaced after being removed from the electric vehicle; A mobile device, connected to and acting on the support device, to move the support device relative to the electric vehicle; An unlocking device is provided on the support device. The unlocking device includes an unlocking pin, which is used to unlock the locking device of the battery pack so that the battery pack to be replaced is unlocked to the unlocked state. When the battery pack to be replaced is in the unlocked state, the support device is also used to move the battery pack to be replaced relative to the electric vehicle so as to remove the battery pack to be replaced from the electric vehicle. The battery swapping equipment also includes a positioning device, which is mounted on the support device. The positioning device includes a first positioning part, which is used to position the support device relative to the electric vehicle. The first positioning part includes a coarse positioning component, which includes a coarse positioning seat and a positioning rod. The coarse positioning seat is connected to the support device, and the positioning rod is disposed on the positioning seat. The positioning rod is inserted into the electric vehicle to realize the positioning of the support device relative to the electric vehicle. The coarse positioning assembly also includes an adjustment part, which is used to adjust the angle between the axis of the positioning rod and the plane where the positioning seat is located; The adjusting part is an adjusting spring, the positioning rod is disposed inside the adjusting spring, one end of the adjusting spring is connected to the coarse positioning seat, and the other end of the adjusting spring is connected to the positioning rod; The spring can swing with the positioning rod and generate an elastic force to drive the positioning rod back to its initial state, thereby improving the flexibility of the positioning rod. The initial state is the state when the positioning rod is perpendicular to the coarse positioning seat.

2. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The moving device includes a lifting part, which is connected to and acts on the supporting device to move the supporting device relative to the battery pack to be replaced; And / or, the bottom of the mobile device is provided with casters; And / or, the unlocking pin is used to unlock the battery pack locking device by manual operation.

3. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support device includes an upper bracket for supporting the battery pack to be replaced.

4. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The upper bracket includes a support assembly for supporting the battery pack to be replaced. The support assembly includes a support platform, an elastic element, and a base. The elastic element is disposed between the support platform and the base, and the base is connected to the upper bracket.

5. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic element is a support spring.

6. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning device includes a second positioning part, which is used to position the support device and the battery pack to be replaced.

7. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second positioning part includes a positioning fork, the lower end of which is connected to the upper bracket, and the upper end of which is provided with a positioning groove. A positioning block is provided on the side wall of the battery pack to be replaced, and the positioning groove is used to engage with the positioning block.

8. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The unlocking device also includes a top pin guide rail and a traction unit. The top pin guide rail is connected to the upper bracket. The unlocking top pin is set on the top pin guide rail. The traction unit pulls the unlocking top pin along the top pin guide rail from the initial position to the unlocking position. When the unlocking pin is in the initial position, the battery pack to be replaced is in a locked state. When the unlocking pin is in the unlocked position, the unlocking pin acts on the locking mechanism to unlock the battery pack to be replaced to the unlocked state. The locking mechanism is provided on the electric vehicle to lock the battery pack to be replaced.

9. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The traction unit includes a handle assembly and a cable assembly. The handle assembly is connected to the unlocking pin via the cable assembly. The handle assembly is rotatably connected to the upper bracket to pull the unlocking pin from the initial position to the unlocked position. When the handle assembly is in the raised state, the unlocking pin is in the initial position. When the handle assembly is in the pulled-down state, the unlocking pin is in the unlocked position.

10. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The traction unit also includes a connecting block, through which the handle assembly and the cable assembly are connected.

11. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The connecting block has a first connecting groove and a second connecting groove, which are disposed on two opposite sides of the connecting block. The handle assembly is connected to the first connecting groove, and the cable assembly is connected to the second connecting groove. And / or, the connecting block has a plurality of second connecting slots.

12. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The locking mechanism is a primary locking mechanism. When the unlocking pin is in the unlocked position, the unlocking pin is used to abut against the locking rod of the primary locking mechanism and push up the locking rod. And / or, the unlocking device further includes a reset part, one end of which is connected to the unlocking top pin. The reset part is disposed opposite to the traction part. After the unlocking top pin completes the unlocking of the battery pack to be replaced, the reset part pulls the unlocking top pin to move on the top pin guide rail so that the unlocking top pin returns from the unlocked position to the initial position.

13. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The reset part is a reset spring.

14. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The support device further includes a lower bracket, which is disposed below the upper bracket so that the upper bracket can slide relative to the lower bracket.

15. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The first positioning part further includes a fine positioning component, which includes a bridging column. One end of the bridging column is connected to the lower bracket, and the other end of the bridging column is provided with a fine positioning groove. After the battery swapping equipment completes coarse positioning, the fine positioning groove is used to lock onto the lock base of the electric vehicle.

16. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The support device further includes a sliding part, which includes a slider, a bracket guide rail and a driving part. The slider is connected to the upper bracket, the bracket guide rail is disposed on the lower bracket, the slider is disposed on the bracket guide rail, and the driving part is used to apply a force to the upper bracket so that the upper bracket slides relative to the bracket guide rail.

17. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The drive unit includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a drive shaft, and a wheel. The first bracket is connected to the lower bracket and supports the drive shaft. The drive shaft is rotatable relative to the first bracket and has an external drive thread on its outer side. The second bracket is connected to the upper bracket and the drive shaft. The second bracket has an internal drive thread that mates with the external drive thread. The drive shaft also includes a wheel for rotating the drive shaft.

18. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The support device further includes a limiting part, which is disposed on the lower bracket and is used to limit the sliding distance of the upper bracket relative to the lower bracket.

19. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The limiting part includes a limiting base and a limiting rod. The limiting base is connected to the lower bracket, and one end of the limiting rod is connected to the limiting base. When the upper bracket is located at the limiting point, the other end of the limiting rod abuts against the upper bracket.

20. The battery swapping equipment as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The limiting rod includes a rod body and an adjusting screw. One end of the rod body is connected to the limiting base, and the other end of the rod body is provided with an internal thread. The adjusting screw is provided with an external thread, and the adjusting screw is connected to the rod body through the external thread and the internal thread.

21. A battery swapping method for an electric vehicle, characterized in that, It utilizes the battery swapping equipment as described in any one of claims 1-20 to swap the battery of an electric vehicle, and the battery swapping method for the electric vehicle includes the following steps: S10: Use the moving device to move the supporting device to below the electric vehicle; S20: Use the unlocking device to unlock the battery pack to be replaced to the unlocked state; S30: Using the support device, the battery pack to be replaced is moved relative to the electric vehicle to remove the battery pack to be replaced from the electric vehicle.

22. The battery swapping method for electric vehicles as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The battery swapping equipment also includes a positioning device, which is disposed on the support device to realize the positioning of the support device and the battery pack to be swapped; before step S20, the battery swapping method of the electric vehicle further includes using the positioning device to realize the positioning of the support device and the battery pack to be swapped.

23. A battery swapping method for an electric vehicle, characterized in that, It utilizes the battery swapping equipment as described in claim 6 to swap the battery of an electric vehicle, and the battery swapping method for the electric vehicle includes the following steps: S10: Use the moving device to move the supporting device to below the electric vehicle; S20: The positioning device is used to position the support device and the battery pack to be replaced; S30: Use the unlocking device to unlock the battery pack to be replaced to the unlocked state; S40: The support device moves the battery pack to be replaced relative to the electric vehicle to remove the battery pack to be replaced from the electric vehicle.

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