Vehicle battery replacing device and battery replacing system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a vehicle battery replacing device and a battery replacing system. The vehicle battery replacing device is used for replacing a battery assembly (41) of a vehicle (40), and comprises a walking chassis (10); the locking and unlocking platform (20) is arranged on the walking chassis (10); the lifting mechanism (30) is arranged on the walking chassis (10), is operably connected with the locking and unlocking platform (20) and is configured to drive the locking and unlocking platform (20) to ascend and descend; wherein the locking and unlocking platform (20) comprises a frame structure (21) which is configured to support a battery assembly (41) to be mounted or dismounted; and the at least one locking and unlocking mechanism (22) is arranged on the frame structure (21) and is used for locking or unlocking the battery assembly (41) relative to the vehicle (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle battery swapping, and particularly to a vehicle battery swapping device and a battery swapping system. Background Art

[0002] Secondary batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, have the advantages of high voltage, high specific energy, long cycle life, green and pollution-free, wide operating temperature range, and low self-discharge. They are widely used in the power equipment of new energy electric vehicles and are of great significance for solving human environmental pollution and energy crisis.

[0003] In order to meet the energy replenishment requirements of new energy vehicles, some related technologies have established battery swapping stations to replace the batteries of the arriving vehicles, and how to improve the adaptability of battery replacement has become one of the important issues. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle battery swapping device for replacing a battery assembly of a vehicle, including: a walkable chassis; an unlocking and locking platform disposed on the walkable chassis; and a lifting mechanism disposed on the walkable chassis and operably connected to the unlocking and locking platform, configured to drive the unlocking and locking platform to lift and lower; wherein, the unlocking and locking platform includes: a frame structure configured to support a battery assembly to be installed or disassembled; and at least one unlocking and locking mechanism disposed on the frame structure for locking or unlocking the battery assembly relative to the vehicle.

[0005] Compared with the related technology in which the unlocking and locking platform uses a relatively thick flange plate to ensure the stiffness requirement for supporting the battery assembly, in this embodiment, an unlocking and locking platform including a frame structure with strong load-bearing capacity is used to support the battery assembly and install the unlocking and locking mechanism. The setting of the flange plate can be omitted while meeting the stiffness requirement of the unlocking and locking platform, reducing the overall height of the unlocking and locking platform, thereby reducing the requirement for the vehicle chassis height space required by the vehicle battery swapping device and improving the battery swapping adaptability of the vehicle battery swapping device to different vehicle chassis heights.

[0006] In some embodiments, the frame structure includes: a pair of load-bearing beams having a load-bearing surface for supporting a battery assembly to be installed or disassembled; and a connecting beam located between the pair of load-bearing beams and fixedly connected to both of the pair of load-bearing beams.

[0007] The support of the battery assembly is achieved through the pair of load-bearing beams, and the relative positions of the pair of load-bearing beams are fixed by the connecting beam, and the load-bearing capacity of the load-bearing beams is improved.

[0008] In some embodiments, the load-bearing beam has a plurality of mounting portions, and at least part of the at least one unlocking and locking mechanism is selectively mounted in the plurality of mounting portions.

[0009] In addition to bearing the battery module, the bearing beam also provides an installation part for the locking and unlocking mechanism, enabling the locking and unlocking mechanism to be selectively installed according to the position of the locking head of the battery module, thereby achieving the adaptability to lock and unlock different battery modules.

[0010] In some embodiments, the installation part includes an installation hole penetrating the bearing beam in a first direction, the first direction being parallel to the bearing surface of the bearing beam and forming an angle with the extending direction of the bearing beam. The locking and unlocking mechanism is inserted through the installation hole and has an output end protruding upward relative to the bearing surface of the bearing beam.

[0011] By installing the locking and unlocking mechanism through the installation hole penetrating the bearing beam and making the output of the locking and unlocking mechanism protrude upward, the locking and unlocking mechanism and the bearing beam partially overlap in height, thereby saving the occupied height of the locking and unlocking mechanism in the direction perpendicular to the bearing surface of the bearing beam, facilitating further reduction of the overall height of the locking and unlocking platform, reducing the requirement for the vehicle chassis height space of the vehicle battery swapping device, and improving the battery swapping adaptability of the vehicle battery swapping device to different vehicle chassis heights.

[0012] In some embodiments, the installation part further includes a first positioning groove located on the side wall of the bearing beam. The first positioning groove is recessed relative to the side wall of the bearing beam in the first direction, the installation hole is located at the bottom of the first positioning groove, and a part of the outer contour of the locking and unlocking mechanism is configured to be embedded in the first positioning groove when the locking and unlocking mechanism is inserted through the installation hole.

[0013] The positioning function of the locking and unlocking mechanism during installation in the installation hole is realized through the first positioning groove on the side wall of the bearing beam, so as to improve the alignment degree between the output end of the locking and unlocking mechanism and the locking head of the battery.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first positioning groove extends in the vertical direction of the bearing surface of the bearing beam to at least one of the bearing surface of the bearing beam and the opposite surface of the bearing surface.

[0015] Adopting the first positioning groove extending to at least one of the bearing surface and the opposite surface of the bearing surface can simplify the processing process of the first positioning groove and improve the processing efficiency.

[0016] In some embodiments, the locking and unlocking mechanism includes: a right-angle reversing reducer, which is inserted into the mounting hole and fixedly connected to the mounting hole; a motor, which is drivingly connected to the right-angle reversing reducer and is located inside the pair of load-bearing beams; and a locking and unlocking sleeve, which is rotatably arranged inside the right-angle reversing reducer and is located outside the pair of load-bearing beams; wherein, the motor extends along a direction parallel to the first direction with respect to the right-angle reversing reducer, and the locking and unlocking sleeve, as the output end of the locking and unlocking mechanism, extends upward with respect to the right-angle reversing reducer along a direction perpendicular to the load-bearing surface of the load-bearing beam.

[0017] A right-angle reversing reducer is used to connect the horizontally arranged motor and the vertically output locking and unlocking sleeve, so that the locking and unlocking sleeve can match the locking head on the battery assembly, and under the drive of the motor, the locking and unlocking of the battery can be realized via the right-angle reversing reducer. Moreover, this right-angle structure occupies less height space, which is beneficial to further reducing the overall height of the locking and unlocking platform, reducing the requirement for the height space of the vehicle chassis of the vehicle battery swapping device, and improving the battery swapping adaptability of the vehicle battery swapping device to different vehicle chassis heights.

[0018] In some embodiments, the motor includes a servo motor.

[0019] Using a servo motor to drive the locking and unlocking sleeve can improve the accuracy of the locking and unlocking operation and reduce the risk of failure of the locking and unlocking operation.

[0020] In some embodiments, the locking and unlocking mechanism further includes an elastic member, which is arranged inside the right-angle reversing reducer and is connected to the locking and unlocking sleeve. The locking and unlocking sleeve is configured to move downward relative to the right-angle reversing reducer in response to a downward squeezing force, and deform the elastic member.

[0021] During the docking process of the locking and unlocking mechanism with the locking head of the battery, it is possible that the locking head and the locking hole at the top of the locking and unlocking sleeve do not reach the matching position and cannot form an engaging relationship. At this time, the locking and unlocking sleeve is subjected to a downward squeezing force and moves downward relative to the right-angle reversing reducer, and compresses the elastic member. When the motor drives the locking and unlocking sleeve to rotate, the elastic member can provide an elastic force for engaging the two when the locking hole rotates to align with the locking head of the battery, realizing the connection between the locking and unlocking sleeve and the locking head of the battery, and further realizing the locking or unlocking of the battery.

[0022] In some embodiments, the locking and unlocking platform includes a plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms. The plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms include two groups of the locking and unlocking mechanisms arranged at intervals on the pair of load-bearing beams, and the two groups of the locking and unlocking mechanisms are arranged staggeredly along the extending direction of the load-bearing beam.

[0023] By arranging the unlocking and locking mechanisms respectively installed on the paired bearing beams staggeredly in the extending direction of the bearing beams, the interference risk between the unlocking and locking mechanisms corresponding to adjacent batteries or adjacent battery assemblies in the battery assembly can be reduced.

[0024] In some embodiments, the unlocking and locking platform further includes: a guiding structure disposed on the bearing beam and configured to guide the movement of the battery assembly relative to the frame structure.

[0025] By guiding the movement of the battery assembly through the guiding structure on the unlocking and locking platform, the battery assembly can be smoothly and stably removed from or installed on the vehicle.

[0026] In some embodiments, the guiding structure includes: a pin seat selectively disposed at at least one position on the outer side wall of the paired bearing beams; and a guiding pin disposed on the pin seat and protruding upward relative to the bearing surface of the bearing beam.

[0027] The setting position of the pin seat on the outer side wall of the bearing beam is selectable, so that it can be adjusted accordingly according to the specific position of the guiding holes of different battery assemblies, thereby meeting the guiding requirements of different battery assemblies. Moreover, by installing the upward protruding guiding pin through the pin seat disposed on the outer side wall of the bearing beam, the loading, unloading and replacement of the guiding pin can be conveniently carried out.

[0028] In some embodiments, the bearing beam has a second positioning groove located on the outer side wall of the paired bearing beams, the pin seat is embedded in the second positioning groove and fixedly connected to the groove bottom of the second positioning groove, the second positioning groove is recessed relative to the bearing beam side wall in the first direction and extends along the vertical direction of the bearing surface of the bearing beam.

[0029] Using the second positioning groove to position the pin seat can improve the guiding angle accuracy of the guiding pin disposed on the pin seat through the stable positioning of the pin seat.

[0030] In some embodiments, the frame structure includes a plurality of the connecting beams, and the pin seat is disposed opposite to the end of the bearing beam connected to at least one of the plurality of connecting beams.

[0031] Setting the pin seat at a position opposite to the connecting end of the connecting beam can transmit the force to the corresponding connecting beam when the guiding pin or the pin seat is subjected to a lateral force, thereby improving the overall stiffness of the unlocking and locking platform.

[0032] In some embodiments, the connecting beam includes:

[0033] a support plate having a bearing surface for supporting the battery assembly to be installed or removed; and

[0034] Reinforcing structure, fixedly connected to at least one of the support plate and the pair of load-bearing beams.

[0035] The connecting beam uses a support plate capable of carrying the battery assembly, which can increase the support area of the battery assembly, improve the support stability of the battery assembly, reduce the stiffness requirement for the load-bearing beam, and is beneficial to reducing the requirements for the material and size of the load-bearing beam. The reinforcing structure can strengthen the support plate and reduce the deformation of the support plate when supporting the battery assembly.

[0036] In some embodiments, the bearing surface of the support plate is flush with the bearing surface of the load-bearing beam.

[0037] By making the bearing surface of the support plate flush with the bearing surface of the load-bearing beam, a larger and flatter support area for the battery assembly can be formed by the frame structure, improving the support stability of the battery assembly.

[0038] In some embodiments, the frame structure includes at least three connecting beams, the at least three connecting beams are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the load-bearing beam, and enclose at least two regions arranged along the extending direction of the load-bearing beam with the pair of load-bearing beams. The unlocking platform includes a plurality of unlocking mechanisms, and part of the structure of each unlocking mechanism is located in one of the at least two regions.

[0039] By enclosing a plurality of regions by the load-bearing beam and the connecting beam to accommodate part of the structure of the unlocking mechanism, the unlocking mechanism and the frame structure partially overlap in the lateral space, which is beneficial to reducing the lateral size of the unlocking platform, and further beneficial to arranging more unlocking platforms to meet the battery swapping requirements of different battery assembly combinations.

[0040] In some embodiments, the unlocking platform further includes a flexible sling connected to the lifting mechanism.

[0041] The flexible sling can achieve the floating of the unlocking platform relative to the lifting mechanism, so as to unload the lateral force when the unlocking mechanism matches the locking head of the battery assembly, reducing the risk of damage to the unlocking mechanism due to the force caused by installation or operation errors.

[0042] In some embodiments, the vehicle battery swapping device includes a plurality of unlocking platforms, and the plurality of unlocking platforms are arranged at intervals along at least one direction perpendicular to the lifting direction of the unlocking platform.

[0043] By setting a plurality of unlocking platforms, the battery swapping requirements of more diverse battery assembly combinations can be met.

[0044] In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism includes: a lifting frame connected to the frame structures of the plurality of unlocking and locking platforms; and a lifting drive mechanism disposed on the movable chassis and drivingly connected to the lifting frame, configured to drive the lifting frame to move up and down so as to drive the plurality of unlocking and locking platforms to move up and down synchronously.

[0045] The frame structures of the plurality of unlocking and locking platforms are connected through the lifting frame, so that the plurality of unlocking and locking platforms can be driven to move up and down synchronously by driving the lifting frame, to meet the requirement of the overall lifting of the battery assembly.

[0046] In some embodiments, the lifting frame includes: a first lifting member, a second lifting member, and a plurality of connecting beams. The first lifting member and the second lifting member are oppositely arranged, and the plurality of unlocking and locking platforms are all located between the first lifting member and the second lifting member. One end of each of the plurality of connecting beams is fixedly connected to the first lifting member, and the other end is fixedly connected to the second lifting member. One end of the frame structure of each of the plurality of unlocking and locking platforms adjacent to the first lifting member is connected to the first lifting member through a flexible sling, and one end of the frame structure of the plurality of unlocking and locking platforms adjacent to the second lifting member is connected to the second lifting member through a flexible sling.

[0047] The two ends of the frame structures of the respective unlocking and locking platforms are connected by the first lifting member and the second lifting member, and the first lifting member and the second lifting member are connected by a plurality of connecting beams, to reduce the risk of the lifting frame flipping.

[0048] In some embodiments, both the upper side of the first lifting member and the upper side of the second lifting member have a plurality of notches, and the connection points of the flexible slings on the first lifting member and the second lifting member are all located on the solid part between adjacent notches among the plurality of notches.

[0049] By making the flexible sling connect to the solid part between adjacent notches on the first lifting member and the second lifting member, connection points of the flexible sling with the first lifting member and the second lifting member at relatively high positions can be achieved. In this way, the flexible sling and the unlocking and locking platform at least partially overlap in the height direction, which is beneficial to reducing the height of the vehicle battery swapping device, reducing the requirement for the height space of the vehicle chassis, and improving the battery swapping adaptability of the vehicle battery swapping device to different vehicle chassis heights. And the notch part can facilitate the entry of the relevant structures for carrying the battery assembly, and simplify the loading and unloading operation of the battery assembly relative to the vehicle battery swapping device.

[0050] In some embodiments, the number of the plurality of connecting beams is the same as the number of the plurality of unlocking and locking platforms and they correspond one by one.

[0051] When the frame structures of the respective unlocking and locking platforms connect the first lifting member and the second lifting member through flexible slings, the connecting beams corresponding to the respective unlocking and locking platforms can make the force on the lifting frame more uniform and reduce the risk of excessive deformation due to local stress.

[0052] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of connecting beams has one or more weight-reducing holes arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the connecting beam.

[0053] The weight of the connecting beam is reduced through the weight-reducing holes on the connecting beam, so as to reduce the weight of the lifting frame, which is beneficial to reducing the overall weight of the vehicle battery swapping device.

[0054] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery swapping system is provided, including: the aforementioned vehicle battery swapping device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained according to the drawings without creative efforts.

[0056] Referring to the drawings, the present disclosure can be more clearly understood according to the following detailed description, where:

[0057] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery swapping scenario according to some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an installation structure according to some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the unlocking and locking platform according to some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device of the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the frame structure according to some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the unlocking and locking mechanism according to some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the unlocking and locking mechanism according to some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device of the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the walkable chassis and the lifting mechanism according to some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device of the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 8 and Figure 9 are respectively Figure 2 the enlarged views of the corresponding positions of circle A and circle B in

[0065] It should be understood that the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn in accordance with the actual proportional relationship. In addition, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar components. Description of the reference numerals in the drawings:

[0066] 10 - Walkable chassis;

[0067] 20 - Unlocking platform; 21 - Frame structure; 211 - Bearing beam; 2111 - Mounting part; 2111a - Mounting hole; 2111b - First positioning groove; 2111c - Second positioning groove; 2112 - Bearing surface; 2113 - Opposite side surface; 212 - Connecting beam; 2121 - Support plate; 2122 - Reinforcing structure; 2123 - Process hole; 22 - Unlocking mechanism; 221 - Right-angle reversing reducer; 222 - Motor; 223 - Unlocking sleeve; 224 - Elastic member; 23 - Guide structure; 231 - Pin seat; 232 - Guide pin; 24 - Flexible sling;

[0068] 30 - Lifting mechanism; 31 - Lifting frame; 311 - First lifting member; 312 - Second lifting member; 313 - Connecting beam; 3131 - Weight reduction hole; 31a - Notch; 31b - Solid part; 31c - Hanging point; 32 - Lifting drive mechanism;

[0069] 40 - Vehicle; 41 - Battery assembly;

[0070] dr1 - First direction; dr2 - Second direction; dr3 - Third direction. Detailed implementation manners

[0071] The following further describes in detail the implementation manners of the present disclosure in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments. The following detailed description of the embodiments and the drawings are used to exemplarily illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, but cannot be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure, that is, the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0072] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality of" is more than two; the orientation or positional relationships indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc. are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present disclosure. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" does not mean strictly vertical, but within the allowable error range. "Parallel" does not mean strictly parallel, but within the allowable error range.

[0073] The orientation terms appearing in the following description are all the directions shown in the figures and do not limit the specific structure of the present disclosure. In the description of the present disclosure, it should also be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0074] The following will describe in detail some embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Without conflict, the features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0075] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "a plurality of" means more than two (including two).

[0076] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of the present disclosure refers to a single physical module including one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity.

[0077] In some embodiments, the battery can be a battery module. When there are a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells are arranged and fixed to form a battery module. The battery module can include a plurality of battery cells connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid connection.

[0078] In some embodiments, the battery can be a battery pack, which includes a box body and battery cells, and the battery cells or battery modules are accommodated in the box body.

[0079] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cell can be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be activated by charging after discharging so as to continue to be used.

[0080] The battery cell can be a lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a lithium metal battery, a sodium metal battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a magnesium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0081] The battery cell includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode tab and a second electrode tab with opposite polarities, and also includes a separator disposed between the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab. In some embodiments, the first electrode tab is a positive electrode tab and the second electrode tab is a negative electrode tab. In other embodiments, the first electrode tab is a negative electrode tab and the second electrode tab is a positive electrode tab. During the charge and discharge process of the battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) are embedded and extracted back and forth between the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab. The separator is disposed between the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab, which can prevent short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes and at the same time allow active ions to pass through.

[0082] In some embodiments, the positive electrode tab may include a positive electrode current collector substrate and a positive electrode active material layer disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector substrate.

[0083] As an example, the positive electrode current collector substrate has two surfaces opposite to each other in its own thickness direction, and the positive electrode active material layer is disposed on any one or both of the two opposite surfaces of the positive electrode current collector substrate.

[0084] As an example, the positive electrode current collector substrate can be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, aluminum or stainless steel with silver surface treatment, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel or titanium, etc. can be used. The composite current collector can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector can be formed by depositing a metal material (such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0085] As an example, the positive electrode active material layer can include at least one of the following materials: lithium-containing phosphates, lithium transition metal oxides and their respective modified compounds. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as the positive electrode active material layer of the battery can also be used. These positive electrode active material layers can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among them, examples of the lithium-containing phosphates can include but are not limited to at least one of lithium iron phosphate, a composite material of lithium iron phosphate and carbon, lithium manganese phosphate, a composite material of lithium manganese phosphate and carbon, lithium manganese iron phosphate, and a composite material of lithium manganese iron phosphate and carbon. Examples of the lithium transition metal oxides can include but are not limited to at least one of lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium nickel cobalt oxide, lithium manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese oxide, lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide and their modified compounds, etc.

[0086] In some embodiments, the negative electrode tab may include a negative electrode current collector substrate.

[0087] As an example, the negative electrode current collector substrate may be a metal foil, a foam metal, or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, aluminum or stainless steel with a silver surface treatment, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrodes, carbon, nickel, titanium, etc. may be used. The foam metal may be foam nickel, foam copper, foam aluminum, foam alloy, or foam carbon, etc. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector may be formed by depositing a metal material (such as copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver, and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as substrates of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0088] In some embodiments, the negative electrode tab may include a negative electrode current collector substrate and a negative electrode active material layer disposed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector substrate.

[0089] As an example, the negative electrode current collector substrate has two surfaces opposite to each other in its own thickness direction, and the negative electrode active material layer is disposed on either one or both of the two opposite surfaces of the negative electrode current collector substrate.

[0090] As an example, the negative electrode active material layer may employ the negative electrode active material layer for battery monomers known in the art. As an example, the negative electrode active material layer may include at least one of the following materials: artificial graphite, natural graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, silicon-based materials, tin-based materials, and lithium titanate, etc. The silicon-based materials may be selected from at least one of elemental silicon, silicon oxides, silicon-carbon composites, silicon-nitrogen composites, and silicon alloys. The tin-based materials may be selected from at least one of elemental tin, tin oxides, and tin alloys. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as the battery negative electrode active material layer may also be used. These negative electrode active material layers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0091] In some embodiments, the material of the positive electrode current collector substrate may be aluminum, and the material of the negative electrode current collector substrate may be copper.

[0092] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator membrane. The present disclosure has no particular limitation on the type of the separator membrane, and any known porous structure separator membrane with good chemical stability and mechanical stability may be selected.

[0093] As an example, the main material of the separator can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramics. The separator can be a single-layer film or a multi-layer composite film, without particular limitation. When the separator is a multi-layer composite film, the materials of each layer can be the same or different, without particular limitation. The separator can be a single component located between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, or can be attached to the surface of the positive electrode plate and / or the surface of the negative electrode plate while being located between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.

[0094] In some embodiments, the separator is a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is disposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, and simultaneously functions to transport ions and isolate the positive and negative electrodes.

[0095] In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes an electrolyte, and the electrolyte functions to conduct ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The present disclosure has no specific limitation on the type of the electrolyte, and it can be selected according to requirements. The electrolyte can be liquid, gel-like, or solid.

[0096] As an example, the liquid electrolyte includes an electrolyte salt and a solvent.

[0097] In some embodiments, the electrolyte salt can be selected from at least one of lithium hexafluorophosphate, lithium tetrafluoroborate, lithium perchlorate, lithium hexafluoroarsenate, lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, lithium difluorophosphate, lithium difluorooxalate borate, lithium bis(oxalate) borate, lithium difluoro bis(oxalate) phosphate, and lithium tetrafluorooxalate phosphate.

[0098] In some embodiments, the solvent can be selected from at least one of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, methyl propyl carbonate, ethyl propyl carbonate, butylene carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate, methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, propyl propionate, methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, 1,4-butyrolactone, sulfolane, dimethyl sulfone, methyl ethyl sulfone, and diethyl sulfone. The solvent can also be an ether solvent. The ether solvent can include one or more of ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, 1,3-dioxolane, tetrahydrofuran, methyltetrahydrofuran, diphenyl ether, and crown ether.

[0099] As an example, the gel-like electrolyte includes a polymer as the skeleton network of the electrolyte, combined with an ionic liquid-lithium salt.

[0100] As an example, the solid electrolyte includes a polymer solid electrolyte, an inorganic solid electrolyte, and a composite solid electrolyte.

[0101] As an example, the polymer solid electrolyte can be polyether (polyethylene oxide), polysiloxane, polycarbonate, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, polymethyl methacrylate, single-ion polymer, polyionic liquid-lithium salt, cellulose, etc.

[0102] As an example, the inorganic solid electrolyte can be an oxide solid electrolyte (crystalline perovskite, sodium superionic conductor, garnet, amorphous LiPON film), a sulfide solid electrolyte (crystalline lithium superionic conductor (lithium germanium phosphorus sulfur, argyrodite), amorphous sulfide), and one or more of a halide solid electrolyte, a nitride solid electrolyte, and a hydride solid electrolyte.

[0103] As an example, the composite solid electrolyte is formed by adding an inorganic solid electrolyte filler to the polymer solid electrolyte.

[0104] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes a wound structure. The positive electrode sheet, the negative electrode sheet, and the separator are wound into a wound structure. One or more positive electrode sheets and one or more negative electrode sheets can be provided respectively. As an example, a plurality of positive electrode sheets and a plurality of negative electrode sheets are alternately arranged in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet.

[0105] In some embodiments, the shape of the electrode assembly can be cylindrical, flat, or multi-prismatic, etc.

[0106] In some embodiments, the positive electrode sheet includes a positive electrode tab, and the negative electrode sheet includes a negative electrode tab. The positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab can be used to conduct current out of the electrode assembly. The positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab are respectively connected to the positive current collector substrate and the negative current collector substrate. The tab can be formed by cutting or trimming the current collector substrate, or can be connected to the side of the current collector substrate by welding.

[0107] In some embodiments, the battery cell can include a housing. The housing is used to encapsulate components such as the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The housing can be a steel shell, an aluminum shell, a plastic shell (such as polypropylene), a composite metal shell (such as a copper-aluminum composite shell), or an aluminum-plastic film, etc.

[0108] As an example, the battery cell can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a soft-pack battery cell, or a battery cell of other shapes. The prismatic battery cell includes a square-shell battery cell, a blade-shaped battery cell, a multi-prismatic battery, and the multi-prismatic battery is, for example, a hexagonal prism battery, etc.

[0109] In some related technologies, battery components of new energy vehicles with swappable batteries are replaced at battery swapping stations. Some battery swapping stations use battery swapping robots to enter the space under the vehicle to install and remove batteries. The locking and unlocking mechanism in the battery swapping robot is installed on a whole flange plate. Besides installing the locking and unlocking mechanism, the flange plate is also used to carry the battery components to be installed or removed. The flange plate needs to have a certain thickness to obtain sufficient stiffness, which makes the overall height of the whole battery swapping robot relatively high and difficult to be used for swappable vehicles with a lower chassis.

[0110] In view of this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vehicle battery swapping device and a battery swapping system, which can improve the adaptability of vehicle battery replacement.

[0111] In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle battery swapping device for replacing battery components of a vehicle, including: a walkable chassis; a locking and unlocking platform disposed on the walkable chassis; and a lifting mechanism disposed on the walkable chassis and operably connected to the locking and unlocking platform, configured to drive the locking and unlocking platform to lift and lower; wherein, the locking and unlocking platform includes: a frame structure configured to support the battery components to be installed or removed; and at least one locking and unlocking mechanism disposed on the frame structure for locking or unlocking the battery components relative to the vehicle.

[0112] Compared with the related technology where the locking and unlocking platform ensures the stiffness requirement for supporting battery components through a relatively thick flange plate, in this embodiment, a locking and unlocking platform including a frame structure with strong load-bearing capacity is used to support the battery components and install the locking and unlocking mechanism. The setting of the flange plate can be omitted while meeting the stiffness requirement of the locking and unlocking platform, reducing the overall height of the locking and unlocking platform, thereby reducing the requirement for the height space of the vehicle chassis needed by the vehicle battery swapping device and improving the adaptability of the vehicle battery swapping device to different vehicle chassis heights for battery swapping.

[0113] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a battery swapping scenario according to some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device of the present disclosure. Refer to Figure 1 , in some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device, the vehicle 40 can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, etc. The vehicle can be a household vehicle or a commercial vehicle. A battery component 41 can be provided at the bottom of the vehicle 40.

[0114] The vehicle battery swapping device can remove the battery component 41 installed on the vehicle 40 at the bottom of the vehicle 40, or install the battery component 41 on the vehicle 40 at the bottom of the vehicle 40. The vehicle battery swapping device can enter the height space H formed between the bottom of the vehicle 40 and the support surface G. The support surface G can be the site ground of the battery swapping station or the surface of the battery swapping platform.

[0115] The battery assembly 41 can be used to supply power to the vehicle 40. For example, the battery assembly 41 can serve as the operating power source of the vehicle 40 and be used for the electrical system of the vehicle 40, such as the working power requirements for starting, navigating, and running the vehicle 40. The battery assembly 41 can not only serve as the operating power source of the vehicle 40, but also as the driving power source of the vehicle 40, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving force for the vehicle 40.

[0116] An axle, wheels, a motor, and a controller can also be provided inside the vehicle 40. The controller is used to control the power supply from the battery assembly 41 to the motor. For example, when the vehicle 40 uses the battery assembly 41 as the driving power source, the battery assembly 41 replaces or partially replaces fuel or natural gas to provide the power required for the motor to run at a constant speed or accelerate. The motor is used to drive the axle to rotate, so as to drive the wheels to rotate.

[0117] The battery assembly 41 can include one or more batteries. In different battery assemblies, at least one of the size, shape, specification, quantity, and position of the batteries is different. In addition to the batteries, the battery assembly 41 can also include a frame structure for fixing multiple batteries, etc.

[0118] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the installation structure according to some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the unlocking and locking platform in some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device of the present disclosure.

[0119] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Referring to

[0120] Compared with the unlocking and locking platform 20 in the related art that ensures the stiffness requirement for supporting the battery module 41 through a relatively thick flange plate, in this embodiment, the unlocking and locking platform 20 including a frame structure 21 with strong load-bearing capacity is used to support the battery module 41 and install the unlocking and locking mechanism 22. The setting of the flange plate can be omitted while meeting the stiffness requirement of the unlocking and locking platform 20, reducing the overall height of the unlocking and locking platform 20, thereby reducing the requirement for the vehicle chassis height space of the vehicle battery swapping device and improving the battery swapping adaptability of the vehicle battery swapping device to different vehicle chassis heights.

[0121] In this embodiment, the movable chassis 10 can move on the support surface G through the traveling mechanism. Specifically, the traveling mechanism can adopt rollers capable of walking on a plane or track wheels capable of running on a track.

[0122] The unlocking and locking platform 20 is used to install the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 and can support the new battery module to be replaced or the removed old battery module. The lifting mechanism 30 is used to drive the unlocking and locking platform 20 to lift and lower, so as to realize the docking, locking or unlocking of the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 and the battery module 41, and to lift or lower the height position of the battery module carried by the unlocking and locking platform 20 by raising or lowering the unlocking and locking platform 20.

[0123] The frame structure 21 is a support structure formed by connecting multiple beams. The connection methods can include welding, riveting or bolt connection, and can also include connection methods such as pin shafts.

[0124] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the frame structure in some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device according to the present disclosure. Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the frame structure 21 includes paired load-bearing beams 211 and connecting beams 212. In the paired load-bearing beams 211, the load-bearing beam 211 has a load-bearing surface 2112 for supporting the battery module 41 to be installed or removed. The connecting beam 212 is located between the paired load-bearing beams 211 and is fixedly connected to both of the paired load-bearing beams 211.

[0125] The paired load-bearing beams 211 can be a pair of load-bearing beams 211, multiple pairs of load-bearing beams 211, or at least two adjacent load-bearing beams among multiple load-bearing beams 211. The connecting beam 212 is used to connect the paired load-bearing beams 211 so that the paired load-bearing beams 211 and the connecting beam 212 form an integral structure.

[0126] In this embodiment, the paired bearing beams 211 are used to support the battery assembly 41, and the connecting beam 212 is used to fix the relative positions of the paired bearing beams 211 and improve the load-bearing capacity of the bearing beams 211. In addition, this frame structure 21 is also lighter in weight.

[0127] Referring to Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the bearing beam 211 has a plurality of mounting portions 2111, and at least one locking and unlocking mechanism 22 is selectively mounted on at least a part of the plurality of mounting portions 2111.

[0128] In addition to bearing the battery assembly 41, the bearing beam 211 also provides the mounting portions 2111 for the locking and unlocking mechanism 22, enabling the locking and unlocking mechanism 22 to be selectively mounted according to the position of the locking head of the battery assembly 41, thereby achieving the adaptability to lock and unlock different battery assemblies 41.

[0129] In Figure 3 and Figure 4 , it can be seen that a plurality of mounting portions 211 are provided on the bearing beam 211. The locking and unlocking mechanism 22 is installed on some of the mounting portions 211, while not installed on some other mounting portions 211. The position selection of the locking and unlocking mechanism 22 among these mounting portions 211 can be set according to the specific situation of the battery assembly 41. For example, the installation position of the locking and unlocking mechanism 22 is determined according to the size, dimensions, composition form of the battery assembly 41 and the relative position of the locking head, etc., so as to meet the battery swapping requirements of different battery assemblies 41 relative to the vehicle 40.

[0130] Referring to Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the mounting portion 2111 includes a mounting hole 2111a that penetrates the bearing beam 211 in the first direction dr1. The first direction dr1 is parallel to the bearing surface 2112 of the bearing beam 211 and forms an angle with the extending direction of the bearing beam 211. The locking and unlocking mechanism 22 is inserted through the mounting hole 2111a and has an output end that protrudes upward relative to the bearing surface 2112 of the bearing beam 211.

[0131] In Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the first direction dr1 is parallel to the bearing surface 2112 of the bearing beam 211 and forms an angle with the extending direction of the bearing beam 211. The angle can be 90°, or other angle values greater than or less than 90°. The second direction dr2 is parallel to the extending direction of the bearing beam 211, and the third direction dr3 is perpendicular to the bearing surface 2112 of the bearing beam 211.

[0132] The unlocking and locking mechanism 22 is installed by passing through the mounting hole 2111a of the load-bearing beam 211 along the first direction dr1, and the output of the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 protrudes upward, so that the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 and the load-bearing beam 211 partially overlap in height. Thus, the occupied height of the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 in the direction perpendicular to the bearing surface 2112 of the load-bearing beam 211 can be saved, which is beneficial to further reducing the overall height of the unlocking and locking platform 20, reducing the requirement for the chassis height space of the vehicle 40 required by the vehicle battery swapping device, and improving the adaptability of the vehicle battery swapping device to the chassis heights of different vehicles 40.

[0133] Reference Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the mounting portion 2111 further includes a first positioning groove 2111b located on the side wall of the load-bearing beam 211. The first positioning groove 2111b is recessed relative to the side wall of the load-bearing beam 211 along the first direction dr1. The mounting hole 2111a is located at the bottom of the first positioning groove 2111b, and a part of the outer contour of the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 is configured to be embedded in the first positioning groove 2111b when the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 passes through the mounting hole 2111a.

[0134] A part of the outer contour of the unlocking and locking structure 22 can be embedded in the first positioning groove 2111b and contact the inner side wall of the first positioning groove 2111b to achieve a clamping effect. The unlocking and locking structure 22 can jointly achieve the positioning and fixing effects through the first positioning groove 2111b and the mounting hole 2111a. The positioning effect of the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 during the installation in the mounting hole 2111a is achieved through the first positioning groove 2111b on the side wall of the load-bearing beam 211, so as to improve the alignment degree between the output end of the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 and the locking head of the battery.

[0135] Reference Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the first positioning groove 2111b extends along the vertical direction of the bearing surface 2112 of the load-bearing beam 211 to at least one of the bearing surface 2112 of the load-bearing beam 211 and the opposite surface 2113 of the bearing surface 2112.

[0136] In Figure 4 , it can be seen that the first positioning groove 2111b extends upward to the bearing surface 2112 and downward to the opposite surface 2113. For the first positioning groove 2111b that extends to at least one of the bearing surface 2112 and the opposite surface 2113 of the bearing surface 2112, the first positioning groove can be machined along the third direction dr3 from the bearing surface 2112 or the opposite surface 2113, which is beneficial to simplifying the machining process of the first positioning groove 2111b and improving the machining efficiency.

[0137] Reference Figure 3, in some embodiments, the unlocking and locking platform 20 includes a plurality of unlocking and locking mechanisms 22. The plurality of unlocking and locking mechanisms 22 includes two sets of the unlocking and locking mechanisms 22 arranged at intervals on the paired bearing beams 211, and the two sets of the unlocking and locking mechanisms 22 are arranged staggeredly along the extending direction of the bearing beams 211.

[0138] In Figure 3 , it can be seen that two sets of unlocking and locking mechanisms 22 are respectively installed on the two bearing beams 211 of a frame structure 21. Each set of the unlocking and locking mechanisms 22 includes a plurality of unlocking and locking mechanisms, and each unlocking and locking mechanism is separated from other unlocking and locking mechanisms located on the same bearing beam 211 in the second direction dr2, and is staggered with the unlocking and locking mechanisms located on the adjacent bearing beam 211.

[0139] In this way, by arranging the unlocking and locking mechanisms 22 respectively installed on the paired bearing beams 211 staggeredly along the extending direction of the bearing beams 211, the interference risk between adjacent batteries in the battery assembly 41 or the unlocking and locking mechanisms 22 respectively corresponding to adjacent battery assemblies 41 can be reduced.

[0140] Refer to Figure 3 , in some embodiments, the unlocking and locking platform 20 further includes a guiding structure 23. The guiding structure 23 is arranged on the bearing beams 211 and is configured to guide the movement of the battery assembly 41 relative to the frame structure 21.

[0141] Through the guiding of the movement of the battery assembly 41 by the guiding structure 23 on the unlocking and locking platform 20, the battery assembly 41 can be smoothly and stably detached from the vehicle 40 or installed on the vehicle 40.

[0142] Refer to Figure 3 , in some embodiments, the guiding structure 23 includes: a pin seat 231 and a guiding pin 232. The pin seat 231 is selectively arranged at at least one position on the outer side wall of the paired bearing beams 211. The guiding pin 232 is arranged on the pin seat 231 and protrudes upward relative to the bearing surface 2112 of the bearing beams 211.

[0143] By installing the upward protruding guiding pin 232 through the pin seat 231 arranged on the outer side wall of the bearing beam 211, the loading, unloading and replacement of the guiding pin 232 can be conveniently carried out. And the setting position of the pin seat 231 on the outer side wall of the bearing beam 211 is selectable, so that corresponding adjustment can be made according to the specific position of the guiding hole of different battery assemblies 41, thereby meeting the guiding requirements of different battery assemblies 41. In terms of quantity, one or more pin seats 231 can be arranged. Figure 3 In the shown embodiment, each of the two bearing beams 211 of the guiding structure 23 is provided with a pin seat 231, and they are staggered in the second direction dr2.

[0144] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the carrier beam 211 has a second positioning groove 2111c located on the outer side wall of the paired carrier beams 211. The pin seat 231 is embedded in the second positioning groove 2111c and fixedly connected to the bottom of the second positioning groove 2111c. The second positioning groove 2111c is recessed relative to the side wall of the carrier beam 211 along the first direction dr1 and extends in the vertical direction of the bearing surface 2112 of the carrier beam 211.

[0145] The second positioning groove 2111c is used to position the pin seat 231, and the guiding angle accuracy of the guiding pin provided on the pin seat is improved through the stable positioning of the pin seat 231.

[0146] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, the frame structure 21 includes a plurality of the connecting beams 212, and the pin seat 231 is disposed opposite to the end of at least one of the plurality of connecting beams 212 that connects the carrier beam 211.

[0147] The pin seat 231 is disposed at a position opposite to the connection end of the connecting beam 212, so that when the guiding pin 232 or the pin seat 231 is subjected to a lateral force, the force can be transmitted to the corresponding connecting beam 212, thereby improving the overall stiffness of the unlocking and locking platform 20.

[0148] In Figure 4 it can be seen that each of the second positioning grooves 2111c is respectively located at a position on the carrier beam corresponding to both ends of a part of the connecting beams 212. When the pin seat 231 is installed in the second positioning groove 2111c, the lateral contact between the second positioning groove 2111c and the pin seat 231 helps to transmit the lateral force received by the guiding pin 232 or the pin seat 231 to the carrier beam, thereby further improving the overall stiffness of the unlocking and locking platform 20.

[0149] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the connecting beam 212 includes: a support plate 2121 and a strengthening structure 2122. The support plate 2121 has a bearing surface 2121a for supporting the battery assembly 41 to be installed or disassembled. The strengthening structure 2122 is fixedly connected to at least one of the support plate 2121 and the paired carrier beams 211.

[0150] The reinforcing structure 2122 may include reinforcing ribs, which may be located on the lower side of the support plate 2121. The connecting beam 212 adopting the support plate 2121 capable of bearing the battery assembly 41 can increase the support area of the battery assembly 41, improve the support stability of the battery assembly 41, reduce the stiffness requirement for the bearing beam 211, and is beneficial to reducing the requirements for the material and size of the bearing beam 211. The reinforcing structure 2122 can then reinforce the support plate 2121 and reduce the deformation of the support plate 2121 when supporting the battery assembly 41.

[0151] In some embodiments, the bearing surface 2121a of the support plate 2121 is flush with the bearing surface 2112 of the bearing beam 211.

[0152] By making the bearing surface 2121a of the support plate 2121 flush with the bearing surface 2112 of the bearing beam 211, the frame structure 21 can form a relatively large and flat support area for the battery assembly 41, improving the support stability of the battery assembly 41.

[0153] Reference Figure 4 As shown in

[0154] In Figure 4 some embodiments, the frame structure 21 includes at least three connecting beams 212. The at least three connecting beams 212 are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the bearing beam 211, and enclose at least two regions arranged along the extending direction of the bearing beam 211 with the paired bearing beams 211. The unlocking platform 20 includes a plurality of unlocking mechanisms 22, and part of the structure of each unlocking mechanism 22 is located in one of the at least two regions. Figure 3 As shown in

[0155] In

[0156] Figure 5 FIG. Figure 6 is a schematic structural view of the unlocking mechanism in some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device according to the present disclosure.

[0157] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the locking and unlocking mechanism 22 includes: a right-angle reversing reducer 221, a motor 222, and a locking and unlocking sleeve 223. The right-angle reversing reducer 221 is disposed through the mounting hole 2111a and fixedly connected to the mounting hole 2111a. The motor 222 is drivingly connected to the right-angle reversing reducer 221 and is located inside the pair of bearing beams 211. The locking and unlocking sleeve 223 is rotatably disposed within the right-angle reversing reducer 221 and is located outside the pair of bearing beams 211. The motor 222 extends in a direction parallel to the first direction dr1 with respect to the right-angle reversing reducer 221, and the locking and unlocking sleeve 223, as the output end of the locking and unlocking mechanism 22, extends upward in a direction perpendicular to the bearing surface 2112 of the bearing beam 211 with respect to the right-angle reversing reducer 221.

[0158] The right-angle reversing reducer 221 is used to connect the horizontally disposed motor 222 and the vertically output locking and unlocking sleeve 223, so that the locking and unlocking sleeve 223 can match the locking head on the battery assembly 41, and under the drive of the motor 222, the locking and unlocking of the battery can be realized via the right-angle reversing reducer 221. Moreover, this right-angle structure occupies less height space, which is beneficial to further reducing the overall height of the locking and unlocking platform 20 and reducing the requirement for the height space of the vehicle 40 chassis of the vehicle battery swapping device, thereby improving the adaptability of the vehicle battery swapping device to different vehicle 40 chassis heights.

[0159] In some embodiments, the motor 222 includes a servo motor.

[0160] Using a servo motor to drive the locking and unlocking sleeve 223 can improve the accuracy of the locking and unlocking operation and reduce the risk of failure of the locking and unlocking operation.

[0161] Reference Figure 6 In some embodiments, the locking and unlocking mechanism 22 further includes an elastic member 224. The elastic member 224 is disposed within the right-angle reversing reducer 221 and is connected to the locking and unlocking sleeve 223. The locking and unlocking sleeve 223 is configured to move downward relative to the right-angle reversing reducer 221 in response to a downward extrusion force, causing the elastic member 224 to deform.

[0162] During the docking process between the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 and the locking head of the battery, it is possible that the locking head and the locking hole at the top of the unlocking and locking sleeve 223 do not reach the matching position and cannot form an interlocking relationship. At this time, the unlocking and locking sleeve 223 is subjected to a downward extrusion force and undergoes a downward displacement relative to the right-angle reversing reducer 221, and the elastic member 224 is compressed. When the motor 222 drives the unlocking and locking sleeve 223 to rotate, the elastic member 224 can provide an elastic force for interlocking the two when the locking hole rotates to align with the locking head of the battery, realizing the connection between the unlocking and locking sleeve 223 and the locking head of the battery, and further realizing the locking or unlocking of the battery.

[0163] Figure 7 It is a schematic installation structure diagram of the walkable chassis and the lifting mechanism in some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device according to the present disclosure. Figure 8 and Figure 9 are respectively Figure 2 the enlarged views of the corresponding positions of circle A and circle B in

[0164] Refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the unlocking and locking platform 20 further includes a flexible sling 24 connected to the lifting mechanism 30.

[0165] The flexible sling 24 may include a rope or a chain. When hanging a heavy object, the heavy object is lower than the hanging point under the action of gravity. By connecting the flexible sling 24 on the unlocking and locking platform 20 to the lifting mechanism 30, the hanging effect on the unlocking and locking platform 20 can be realized under the lifting action of the lifting mechanism 30. In this way, not only can the lifting mechanism 30 and the unlocking and locking platform 20 partially overlap in height, but also the floating of the unlocking and locking platform 20 relative to the lifting mechanism 30 can be realized through the flexible sling 24, so as to unload the lateral force when the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 matches the locking head of the battery assembly 41, and reduce the risk of damage to the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 due to installation or operation errors.

[0166] Refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the vehicle battery swapping device includes a plurality of unlocking and locking platforms 20, and the plurality of unlocking and locking platforms 20 are arranged at intervals in at least one direction perpendicular to the lifting direction of the unlocking and locking platform 20.

[0167] In Figure 2 it can be seen that the vehicle battery swapping device includes three unlocking and locking platforms 20, and the three unlocking and locking platforms 20 are arranged at intervals in the first direction dr1. By providing a plurality of unlocking and locking platforms 20, the battery swapping requirements for more diverse combinations of battery assemblies 41 can be met. In some other embodiments, the vehicle battery swapping device may also include only one unlocking and locking platform 20.

[0168] Refer toFigure 7 In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 30 includes a lifting frame 31 and a lifting drive mechanism 32. The lifting frame 31 is connected to the frame structure 21 of the plurality of unlocking platforms 20. The lifting drive mechanism 32 is disposed on the movable chassis 10 and is drivingly connected to the lifting frame 31, and is configured to drive the lifting frame 31 to lift and lower, so as to drive the plurality of unlocking platforms 20 to lift and lower synchronously.

[0169] The lifting drive mechanism 32 can adopt Figure 8 the mechanism shown in the figure for lifting or lowering the lifting frame 31 by chain drive. The operation of the chain can be driven by driving elements such as motors or cylinders. The lifting drive mechanism 32 can also adopt other drive forms, such as driving the lifting frame 31 to lift or lower by electric push rods or cylinders.

[0170] The connection of the frame structures 21 of the plurality of unlocking platforms 20 is realized through the lifting frame 31, so that the synchronous lifting and lowering of the plurality of unlocking platforms 20 is realized by driving the lifting frame 31, to meet the need for the overall lifting of the battery module 41, which helps to simplify the lifting control logic.

[0171] Refer to Figure 7 In some embodiments, the lifting frame 31 includes a first lifting member 311, a second lifting member 312 and a plurality of connecting beams 313. The first lifting member 311 and the second lifting member 312 are disposed opposite to each other. The plurality of unlocking platforms 20 are all located between the first lifting member 311 and the second lifting member 312. One end of the plurality of connecting beams 313 is fixedly connected to the first lifting member 311, and the other end is fixedly connected to the second lifting member 312. One end of the frame structure 21 of the plurality of unlocking platforms 20 adjacent to the first lifting member 311 is connected to the first lifting member 311 through a flexible sling 24, and one end of the frame structure 21 of the plurality of unlocking platforms 20 adjacent to the second lifting member 312 is connected to the second lifting member 312 through a flexible sling 24.

[0172] In Figure 7 both the first lifting member 311 and the second lifting member 312 have a plurality of hanging points 31c for connecting the flexible sling 24, so as to form a hanging effect on the frame structures 21 of the respective unlocking platforms 20. The two ends of the frame structures 21 of the respective unlocking platforms 20 are connected by the first lifting member 311 and the second lifting member 312, and the first lifting member 311 and the second lifting member 312 are connected by a plurality of connecting beams 313 to reduce the risk of the lifting frame 31 tipping over.

[0173] Refer to Figure 7, in some embodiments, both the upper side of the first lifting member 311 and the upper side of the second lifting member 312 have a plurality of notches 31a, and the flexible sling 24 at the connection points of the first lifting member 311 and the second lifting member 312 is located at the solid part 31b between adjacent notches 31a among the plurality of notches 31a.

[0174] By connecting the flexible sling 24 to the solid parts between adjacent notches 31a of the first lifting member 311 and the second lifting member 312, connection points of the flexible sling 24 with the first lifting member 311 and the second lifting member 312 at relatively high positions can be achieved, so that the flexible sling 24 and the unlocking and locking platform 20 at least partially overlap in the height direction, which is beneficial to reducing the height of the vehicle battery swapping device, reducing the requirement for the height space of the chassis of the vehicle 40, and improving the adaptability of the vehicle battery swapping device to the chassis heights of different vehicles 40. And the notch 31a part can facilitate the entry of the relevant structure for carrying the battery assembly 41, and simplify the loading and unloading operation of the battery assembly 41 relative to the vehicle battery swapping device.

[0175] Reference Figure 2 , in some embodiments, the number of the plurality of connecting beams 313 is the same as the number of the plurality of unlocking and locking platforms 20 and they correspond one by one.

[0176] When the frame structures 21 of each unlocking and locking platform 20 connect the first lifting member 311 and the second lifting member 312 through the flexible sling 24, the corresponding connecting beam 313 of each unlocking and locking platform 20 can make the force on the lifting frame 31 more uniform and reduce the risk of excessive deformation due to local stress.

[0177] Reference Figure 7 , in some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of connecting beams 313 has one or more weight-reducing holes 3131 arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the connecting beam 313.

[0178] The weight of the connecting beam 313 is reduced through the weight-reducing holes 3131 on the connecting beam 313 to reduce the weight of the lifting frame 31, which is thus beneficial to reducing the overall weight of the vehicle battery swapping device.

[0179] In Figure 7 , the size of the middle section of the connecting beam 313 in the third direction dr3 in its length direction can be larger than the sizes of other sections near the two adjacent ends in the third direction dr3 to increase its stiffness. When setting the weight-reducing holes 313, weight-reducing holes 313 with larger sizes can be set in the middle section than in other sections so as to reduce the weight to a greater extent.

[0180] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery swapping system is provided, including the vehicle battery swapping device of any of the foregoing embodiments. The battery swapping system adopting the foregoing vehicle battery swapping device can meet more diverse battery replacement requirements.

[0181] In some specific embodiments, such as Figures 2 - 9 shown, the vehicle battery swapping device includes: a walkable chassis 10, a plurality of unlocking and locking platforms 20, and a lifting mechanism 30. The plurality of unlocking and locking platforms 20 are arranged on the walkable chassis 10 and arranged along a first direction dr1. The lifting mechanism 30 is arranged on the walkable chassis 10 and is connected to the frame structure 21 of the unlocking and locking platform 20 through a flexible sling 24 to drive the unlocking and locking platform 20 to lift and lower.

[0182] For each unlocking and locking platform 20, a plurality of unlocking and locking mechanisms 22 are arranged on the frame structure 21 for locking or unlocking the battery assembly 41 relative to the vehicle 40. The frame structure 21 includes two bearing beams 211 and a plurality of connecting beams 212 located between the two bearing beams 211. A plurality of mounting holes 2111a penetrating the bearing beam 211 along the first direction dr1 are provided on the bearing beam 211, and each unlocking and locking mechanism 22 laterally passes through the mounting hole 2111a. A part of the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 is located in the area surrounded by the bearing beam 211 and the connecting beam 212 and is staggered from each other. Another part is provided with an unlocking and locking sleeve 223 and extends upward along a direction perpendicular to the bearing surface 2112 of the bearing beam 211.

[0183] A first positioning groove 2111b and a second positioning groove 2111c are further provided on the bearing beam 211 for fixing and positioning the unlocking and locking mechanism 22 and the pin seat 231 respectively. A guide pin is provided on the pin seat 231 for guiding the movement of the battery assembly 41 relative to the frame structure 21.

[0184] The lifting mechanism 30 includes a lifting frame 31 and a lifting drive mechanism 32. The lifting frame 31 includes: a first lifting member 311, a second lifting member 312, and a plurality of connecting beams 313. The first lifting member 311 and the second lifting member 312 are arranged oppositely. The plurality of unlocking and locking platforms 20 are all located between the first lifting member 311 and the second lifting member 312. One end of the plurality of connecting beams 313 is fixedly connected to the first lifting member 311, and the other end is fixedly connected to the second lifting member 312. One end of the frame structure 21 of the plurality of unlocking and locking platforms 20 adjacent to the first lifting member 311 is connected to the first lifting member 311 through a flexible sling 24, and one end of the frame structure 21 of the plurality of unlocking and locking platforms 20 adjacent to the second lifting member 312 is connected to the second lifting member 312 through a flexible sling 24.

[0185] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components thereof can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any manner. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle battery replacement device, used for replacing a battery assembly (41) of a vehicle (40), comprising: A walkable chassis (10); A locking and unlocking platform (20) is arranged on the walkable chassis (10); and A lifting mechanism (30) is arranged on the walkable chassis (10) and is operably connected to the locking and unlocking platform (20), and is configured to drive the locking and unlocking platform (20) to rise and fall; Wherein, the locking and unlocking platform (20) comprises: A frame structure (21) configured to support a battery assembly (41) to be installed or removed; and At least one locking and unlocking mechanism (22) is arranged on the frame structure (21) and is used to achieve locking or unlocking of the battery assembly (41) relative to the vehicle (40).

2. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 1, wherein: The frame structure (21) comprises: A pair of load beams (211), the load beams (211) having a load surface (2112) for supporting a battery assembly (41) to be installed or removed; and The connecting beam (212) is located between the pair of load-bearing beams (211) and is fixedly connected to the pair of load-bearing beams (211).

3. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 2, wherein: The load-bearing beam (211) has a plurality of mounting portions (2111), and the at least one locking and unlocking mechanism (22) is selectively installed in at least some of the plurality of mounting portions (2111).

4. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 3, wherein: The mounting portion (2111) comprises a mounting hole (2111a) penetrating the load-bearing beam (211) along a first direction (dr1), the first direction (dr1) being parallel to a load-bearing surface (2112) of the load-bearing beam (211) and forming an angle with an extension direction of the load-bearing beam (211), the locking and unlocking mechanism (22) being passed through the mounting hole (2111a) and having an output end protruding upward relative to the load-bearing surface (2112) of the load-bearing beam (211).

5. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 4, wherein: The mounting portion (2111) further comprises a first positioning groove (2111b) located on a side wall of the load-bearing beam (211), the first positioning groove (2111b) being recessed relative to the side wall of the load-bearing beam (211) along the first direction (dr1), the mounting hole (2111a) being located at the bottom of the first positioning groove (2111b), and a portion of the outer contour of the locking and unlocking mechanism (22) being configured to be embedded in the first positioning groove (2111b) when the locking and unlocking mechanism (22) is inserted into the mounting hole (2111a).

6. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 5, wherein: The first positioning groove (2111b) extends along a vertical direction of the bearing surface (2112) of the bearing beam (211) to at least one of the bearing surface (2112) of the bearing beam (211) and an opposite side surface (2113) of the bearing surface (2112).

7. The vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The locking and unlocking mechanism (22) comprises: A right-angle reversing reducer (221) is passed through the mounting hole (2111a) and fixedly connected to the mounting hole (2111a); A motor (222) is drivingly connected to the right-angle reversing reducer (221) and is located inside the pair of load-bearing beams (211); and A locking and unlocking sleeve (223) is rotatably arranged in the right-angle reversing reducer (221) and is located outside the paired load-bearing beams (211); The motor (222) extends in a direction parallel to the first direction (dr1) relative to the right-angle reversing reducer (221), and the locking and unlocking sleeve (223) serves as an output end of the locking and unlocking mechanism (22), and extends upward in a direction perpendicular to the bearing surface (2112) of the bearing beam (211) relative to the right-angle reversing reducer (221).

8. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 7, wherein: The motor (222) comprises a servo motor.

9. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The locking and unlocking mechanism (22) further comprises an elastic member (224), wherein the elastic member (224) is arranged in the right-angle reversing reducer (221) and is connected to the locking and unlocking sleeve (223), wherein the locking and unlocking sleeve (223) is configured to be displaced downward relative to the right-angle reversing reducer (221) in response to a downward extrusion force, and to deform the elastic member (224).

10. The vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein: The locking and unlocking platform (20) comprises a plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms (22), the plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms (22) comprising two groups of locking and unlocking mechanisms (22) arranged at intervals on the paired load-bearing beams (211), the two groups of locking and unlocking mechanisms (22) being staggered along the extension direction of the load-bearing beams (211).

11. The vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein: The locking and unlocking platform (20) further comprises: A guide structure (23) is disposed on the load-bearing beam (211) and is configured to guide the movement of the battery assembly (41) relative to the frame structure (21).

12. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 11, wherein: The guide structure (23) comprises: A pin seat (231) is selectively disposed at at least one position on the outer side wall of the pair of load beams (211); and A guide pin (232) is arranged on the pin seat (231) and protrudes upward relative to the bearing surface (2112) of the bearing beam (211).

13. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 12, wherein: The load-bearing beam (211) has a second positioning groove (2111c) located on the outer side wall of the pair of load-bearing beams (211), the pin seat (231) is embedded in the second positioning groove (2111c) and is fixedly connected to the groove bottom of the second positioning groove (2111c), the second positioning groove (2111c) is concave relative to the side wall of the load-bearing beam (211) along the first direction (dr1), and extends in a direction perpendicular to the load-bearing surface (2112) of the load-bearing beam (211).

14. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The frame structure (21) comprises a plurality of connecting beams (212), and the pin seat (231) is arranged opposite to an end portion of at least one of the plurality of connecting beams (212) connected to the load-bearing beam (211).

15. The vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein: The connection beam (212) comprises: A support plate (2121) having a bearing surface (2121a) for supporting a battery assembly (41) to be installed or removed; and A reinforcing structure (2122) is fixedly connected to the support plate (2121) and at least one of the paired load-bearing beams (211).

16. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 15, wherein: The bearing surface (2121a) of the support plate (2121) is flush with the bearing surface (2112) of the bearing beam (211).

17. The vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein: The frame structure (21) comprises at least three connecting beams (212), the at least three connecting beams (212) are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the load-bearing beam (211), and together with the paired load-bearing beams (211), enclose at least two areas (A1, A2, A3) arranged along the extension direction of the load-bearing beam (211), and the locking and unlocking platform (20) comprises a plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms (22), and a partial structure of each locking and unlocking mechanism (22) is located in one of the at least two areas (A1, A2, A3).

18. The vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The locking and unlocking platform (20) also includes a flexible sling (24) connected to the lifting mechanism (30).

19. The vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein: The vehicle battery replacement device comprises a plurality of locking and unlocking platforms (20), wherein the plurality of locking and unlocking platforms (20) are arranged at intervals along at least one direction perpendicular to the lifting direction of the locking and unlocking platforms (20).

20. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 19, wherein: The lifting mechanism (30) comprises: A lifting frame (31) connected to the frame structure (21) of the plurality of locking and unlocking platforms (20); and A lifting drive mechanism (32) is arranged on the walkable chassis (10) and is drivingly connected to the lifting frame (31), and is configured to drive the lifting frame (31) to rise and fall, thereby driving the multiple locking and unlocking platforms (20) to rise and fall synchronously.

21. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 20, wherein: The lifting frame (31) comprises: a first lifting member (311), a second lifting member (312) and a plurality of connecting beams (313); the first lifting member (311) and the second lifting member (312) are arranged opposite to each other; the plurality of locking and unlocking platforms (20) are all located between the first lifting member (311) and the second lifting member (312); one end of the plurality of connecting beams (313) is fixedly connected to the first lifting member (311), and the other end is fixedly connected to the second lifting member (312); one end of the frame structure (21) of the plurality of locking and unlocking platforms (20) adjacent to the first lifting member (311) is connected to the first lifting member (311) through a flexible sling (24); and one end of the frame structure (21) of the plurality of locking and unlocking platforms (20) adjacent to the second lifting member (312) is connected to the second lifting member (312) through a flexible sling (24).

22. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 21, wherein: The upper side of the first lifting member (311) and the upper side of the second lifting member (312) are both provided with a plurality of notches (31a), and the connection points of the flexible sling (24) at the first lifting member (311) and the second lifting member (312) are both located at the solid parts (31b) between adjacent notches (31a) among the plurality of notches (31a).

23. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein: The number of the plurality of connecting beams (313) is the same as the number of the plurality of locking and unlocking platforms (20), and they correspond one to one.

24. The vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein: At least one of the plurality of connection beams (313) has one or more weight-reducing holes (3131) arranged at intervals along an extension direction of the connection beam (313).

25. A battery replacement system, comprising: A vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

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