Stacker crane and battery swap station

Abstract

The application provides a stacking machine and a battery swap station. The stacking machine comprises a carrier frame, a stacking frame, a first guide assembly and an adjusting connection assembly. The stacking frame has a first mounting surface extending along a first direction. The first direction is a vertical direction or a substantially vertical direction. The first guide assembly is connected between the stacking frame and the carrier frame, so that the carrier frame can move relative to the stacking frame along the vertical direction of the stacking frame. The first guide assembly comprises a first sliding rail and a first sliding part. The first sliding rail is fixed to the first mounting surface and extends along the first direction. The first sliding part is slidably connected to the first sliding rail. The adjusting connection assembly is movably connected between the first sliding part and the carrier frame, so that the first sliding part can move relative to the carrier frame in a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first mounting surface. The application can overcome the problem that the mounting surfaces of a pair of sliding rails are not coplanar or parallel due to insufficient machining precision or assembly errors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates generally to the technical field of battery swapping for new energy vehicles, and more specifically to a stacker crane and a battery swapping station. Background Technology

[0002] Battery swapping stations in related technologies often incorporate stacker cranes for storing, retrieving, and stacking batteries. The stacker crane includes a battery loading platform and a stacking rack. The battery loading platform is mounted on the stacking rack using at least one pair of linear guide assemblies, enabling vertical lifting relative to the stacking rack. Each pair of linear guide assemblies includes at least two slide rails. The stacking rack has slide rail mounting surfaces suitable for mounting the slide rails. To ensure that the slide rail mounting surfaces of the same pair of slide rails are on the same plane or parallel to each other, the machining accuracy requirements for the slide rail mounting surfaces are very high. If the machining accuracy of the slide rail mounting surfaces does not meet the requirements, it will increase the interaction force between the sliding parts and the slide rails, thereby reducing the service life of the slide rails and sliding parts. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This summary section is not intended to limit the key and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0004] To at least partially solve the above problems, a first aspect of this application provides a stacker crane, the stacker crane comprising:

[0005] Loading racks;

[0006] A stacking rack having a first mounting surface extending in a first direction;

[0007] A first guide assembly, connected between the stacking rack and the carrier rack, allows the carrier rack to move relative to the stacking rack in the vertical direction. The first guide assembly includes a first slide rail and a first sliding portion. The first slide rail is fixed to the first mounting surface and extends along the first direction. The first sliding portion is slidably connected to the first slide rail.

[0008] An adjustable connecting assembly is movably connected between the first sliding part and the load rack, so that the first sliding part can move relative to the load rack in a second direction.

[0009] Wherein, the first direction is a vertical direction or substantially vertical, and the second direction is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first mounting surface.

[0010] According to the stacker crane of the first aspect of this application, by adding an adjusting connecting assembly between the carrier rack and the first sliding part, the carrier rack is allowed to move relative to the first sliding part in a second direction. By adopting the above technical solution, the problem of non-coplanar and non-parallel mounting surfaces of a pair of slide rails, including the first slide rail, caused by insufficient machining accuracy or assembly errors can be overcome. This also helps to reduce the requirements for the machining accuracy of the mounting surfaces of the slide rails, thereby reducing production costs.

[0011] Optionally, the adjustment connection component includes:

[0012] A first connecting member, the first connecting member being fixedly connected to the first sliding part; and

[0013] The second connecting member is fixedly connected to the load rack.

[0014] The first connecting member is movably connected to the second connecting member along the second direction.

[0015] Optionally, the second connecting member has a guide hole extending along the second direction;

[0016] The first connecting member is movably connected to the guide hole.

[0017] Optionally, the second connecting member includes:

[0018] Guide block, the guide block being fixedly connected to the carrier rack, the guide block having mounting holes; and

[0019] A bushing, which is at least partially fitted into the mounting hole, and the bushing having the guide hole.

[0020] Optionally, the stacking rack further has a second mounting surface, which is located on both sides of the rack along the width direction of the stacking rack, and the second mounting surface extends along the first direction;

[0021] The stacker crane also includes:

[0022] The second guide assembly includes a second slide rail and a second sliding part. The second slide rail is fixed to the second mounting surface, and the second sliding part is slidably connected to the second slide rail and fixed to the rack.

[0023] Optionally, the stacking rack has two first mounting surfaces, which are located at both ends of the stacking rack along its length. The first guide assembly and the adjustment connection assembly are provided between any one of the first mounting surfaces and the load rack.

[0024] The stacking rack has two second mounting surfaces, which are located at both ends of the stacking rack along its length. A second guide assembly is provided between any of the second mounting surfaces and the rack.

[0025] Optionally, the stacker crane further includes:

[0026] A fall arresting assembly, comprising a fall arresting member rotatably connected to the load rack about a fall arresting axis parallel to the horizontal direction between a fall arresting position and a clearance position; and

[0027] A chain drive assembly, comprising a chain connected to the carrier rack.

[0028] The stacking frame has multiple locking holes, which are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction of the stacking frame. The locking holes are suitable for inserting the anti-fall component located at the anti-fall position, and the anti-fall component located at the anti-fall position is disengaged from the stacking frame.

[0029] Optionally, the fall arresting assembly further includes a fall arresting housing and a movable connecting member. The fall arresting housing is fixed to the carrier rack, and the movable connecting member is movably connected to the fall arresting housing along the vertical direction. One end of the fall arresting member forms a locking tongue suitable for insertion into the lock hole, and the fall arresting member is linked to the movable connecting member.

[0030] One end of the chain is connected to the movable connecting member to drive the lifting and lowering of the rack via the movable connecting member.

[0031] Optionally, the fall arresting assembly further includes an anti-rotation member, which is fixed to the fall arresting housing and spaced apart from the fall arresting axis. The anti-rotation member is used to abut against the fall arresting member during the process of the fall arresting member rotating from the avoidance position to the fall arresting position, so as to prevent the fall arresting member from continuing to rotate.

[0032] Optionally, the fall arresting assembly further includes:

[0033] A follower connector, which is connected to the lower part of the movable connecting member and movably connected to the end of the anti-fall member away from the locking tongue, so that the anti-fall member is linked to the movable connecting member; and

[0034] A fall arrestor reset member is disposed between at least one of the movable connecting member, the follower connecting member and the fall arrestor and the fall arrestor housing, so as to apply a force toward the fall arrestor towards the fall arrestor position.

[0035] Optionally, the follower connector is provided with a guide hole;

[0036] The fall arresting component also includes:

[0037] A guide support column is fixed to the fall arresting housing and extends along the vertical direction. The guide support column includes a guide section and a support section. The guide section is located above the support section, and the radial outer dimension of the guide section is smaller than the radial outer dimension of the support section. The guide section is movably connected to the guide hole, and the support section is used to support the follower connector when the fall arresting component is in the fall arresting position.

[0038] Optionally, the stacker crane further includes:

[0039] The element under test is located on the upper part of the movable connecting member;

[0040] A sensing element is disposed on the upper part of the fall arresting housing. When the fall arresting member is in the avoidance position, the measured element is higher than the sensing element in the vertical direction. When the fall arresting member is in the stop position, the measured element triggers the sensing element.

[0041] A second aspect of this application provides a battery swapping station, which includes the stacker crane described above.

[0042] According to the second aspect of this application, the battery swapping station, by applying the aforementioned stacker crane, can reduce the requirements for the machining accuracy of the slide rail mounting surface, thereby reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The following drawings, illustrating embodiments of this application, are incorporated herein by reference and are used to understand this application. The drawings illustrate embodiments of this application and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of this application. In the drawings,

[0044] Figure 1 A perspective view of a stacker crane according to a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another perspective view of the stacker crane shown;

[0046] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The image shows the front view of the stacker crane;

[0047] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The right view of the stacker crane shown;

[0048] Figure 5 for Figure 1A partial view of the connection between the adjustment and connection components and the carrier rack;

[0049] Figure 6 for Figure 1 An exploded stereoscopic view of the adjustable connection components;

[0050] Figure 7 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of part I in the image;

[0051] Figure 8 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the fall arrestor component; and

[0052] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a battery swapping station according to a preferred embodiment of this application, with the side walls of the enclosure and other structures omitted from the diagram.

[0053] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0054] 10: Battery Pack 100: Battery Swapping Station

[0055] 111: Enclosure; 111e: Battery swapping channel

[0056] 115: Camera; 120: Lifting assembly

[0057] 130: Battery swapping robot; 140: First battery rack

[0058] 160: Second battery rack; 150: Stacker crane

[0059] 151: Loading rack; 152: Forks

[0060] 153: Stacking rack 153a: First mounting surface

[0061] 153b: Second mounting surface; 153c: Lock hole

[0062] 154: First guide assembly; 154a: First slide rail

[0063] 154b: First sliding part; 155: Adjustment connection assembly

[0064] 155a: First connecting member; 155a1: Guide rod

[0065] 155b: Second connecting member; 155b1: Guide block

[0066] 155b2: Mounting hole; 155b3: Bushing

[0067] 155b4: Guide hole; 156: Second guide assembly

[0068] 156a: Second slide rail; 156b: Second sliding part

[0069] 157: Chain drive assembly 157a: Chain

[0070] 157b: Upper sprocket; 157c: Lower sprocket

[0071] 158: Fall arresting component; 158a: Fall arresting element

[0072] 158a1: Locking tongue; 158a2: First shaft hole

[0073] 158a3: Second shaft hole; 158b: Anti-rotation component

[0074] 158c: Movable connecting component; 158c1: First chain connector

[0075] 158c2: Rod body; 158c3: Nut

[0076] 158d: Follower connector; 158d1: Guide hole

[0077] 158e: Fall arrestor / reset component; 158f: Guide support column

[0078] 158f1: Guide section; 158f2: Support section

[0079] 158g: First connecting shaft; 158h: Second connecting shaft

[0080] 158i: Drop arrestor housing; 158i1: Bottom receiving hole

[0081] 158i2: Third shaft hole; 158j: Second chain connector

[0082] 159a: Component under test; 159b: Sensing component

[0083] AX: Fall arrest axis; D1: Length direction

[0084] D2: Width direction; D3: Vertical direction Detailed Implementation

[0085] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of this application may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with embodiments of this application.

[0086] To fully understand the embodiments of this application, a detailed structure will be presented in the following description. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of this application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0087] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is intended only to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” / “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0088] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" used in this application are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Furthermore, for example, the term "first component" does not imply the existence of a "second component," and the term "second component" does not imply the existence of a "first component." It should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0089] The terms “center,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “aligned,” and “symmetrical” used in this application do not have to be precise, but can include typical engineering tolerances.

[0090] The following will refer to the appendix. Figures 1 to 9 The specific embodiments of the stacker crane 150 and the battery swapping station 100 having therein of this application will be described in more detail. The accompanying drawings show representative embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0091] Reference Figures 1 to 8 An embodiment of this application provides a stacker crane 150. The stacker crane 150 is applied to a battery swapping station 100. The stacker crane 150 includes a carrier rack 151, a stacking rack 153, a first guide assembly 154, and an adjusting connection assembly 155.

[0092] The stacking rack 153 has a first mounting surface 153a extending along a first direction. This first direction is either vertical or substantially vertical (D3). The vertical direction D3 can be referred to as the perpendicular direction or the height direction. In the example where the first direction is substantially vertical (D3), the first direction has a small angle with the vertical direction, such as any angle within the range of -5° to 5°. The first mounting surface 153a is typically planar, but it is not excluded that it can be made into a curved surface or other forms of surface.

[0093] A first guide assembly 154 connects the stacking rack 153 and the carrying rack 151. That is, the carrying rack 151 is mounted on the stacking rack 153 via the first guide assembly 154. This allows the carrying rack 151 to move relative to the stacking rack 153 along the vertical direction D3 of the stacking rack 153 via the first guide assembly 154. The first guide assembly 154 includes a first slide rail 154a and a first sliding portion 154b. The first slide rail 154a is fixed to a first mounting surface 153a and extends along a first direction. The first sliding portion 154b is slidably connected to the first slide rail 154a.

[0094] The adjusting connecting assembly 155 is movably connected between the first sliding portion 154b and the carrier shelf 151, so that the first sliding portion 154b can move relative to the carrier shelf 151 in a second direction. This second direction is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first mounting surface 153a. In the example where the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first mounting surface 153a, the angle between the second direction and the first mounting surface 153a can be any angle within the range of 85° to 95°.

[0095] According to an embodiment of this application, the stacker crane 150 allows the load rack 151 to move relative to the first sliding part 154b in a second direction by adding an adjusting connecting assembly 155 between the load rack 151 and the first sliding part 154b. By adopting the above technical solution, the problem of non-coplanarity and non-parallelism of the mounting surfaces of a pair of slide rails, including the first slide rail 154a, caused by insufficient machining accuracy or assembly errors can be overcome. This also helps to reduce the machining accuracy requirements of the slide rail mounting surfaces, thereby reducing production costs. Simultaneously, it can also reduce the external force on the first sliding part 154b, thereby increasing the lifespan of the first guide assembly 154.

[0096] Reference Figures 1 to 3 ,as well as Figure 5 In some embodiments, the adjusting connection assembly 155 includes a first connecting member 155a and a second connecting member 155b. The first connecting member 155a is fixedly connected to a first sliding portion 154b. The second connecting member 155b is fixedly connected to the rack 151. The first connecting member 155a is movably connected to the second connecting member 155b along a second direction. During the lifting and lowering movement of the rack 151, the first connecting member 155a and the second connecting member 155b can adaptively move relative to each other in a second direction to accommodate usage scenarios where the mounting surfaces of a pair of slide rails, including the first slide rail 154a, are not coplanar or non-parallel.

[0097] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6Furthermore, the second connecting member 155b has a guide hole 155b4 extending in the second direction. The first connecting member 155a is movably connected to the guide hole 155b4. Through the cooperation between the guide hole 155b4 and the first connecting member 155a, the movement of the first connecting member 155a relative to the second connecting member 155b can be guided to ensure that the first connecting member 155a moves in the second direction.

[0098] It is understood that the guide hole can also be provided in the first connecting member 155a. Correspondingly, the second connecting member 155b is connected to the guide hole.

[0099] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the second connecting member 155b includes a guide block 155b1 and a bushing 155b3. The guide block 155b1 is fixedly connected to the rack 151. The guide block 155b1 has a mounting hole 155b2. The bushing 155b3 is at least partially fitted into the mounting hole 155b2. The bushing 155b3 has a guide hole 155b4. In this embodiment, the bushing 155b3 is connected to the first connecting member 155a, which facilitates the individual replacement of the bushing 155b3 and reduces maintenance costs.

[0100] Optionally, bushing 155b3 may be an oil-free bushing. The oil-free bushing includes a tubular portion that can pass through the mounting hole 155b2 and a flange mounting portion located on the outside of the guide block 155b1. This flange mounting portion is used for bolting to the guide block 155b1.

[0101] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example shown, the guide block 155b1 is provided with two mounting holes 155b2 and two bushings 155b3. Accordingly, the adjusting connection assembly 155 includes two first connecting members 155a.

[0102] Optionally, the first connecting member 155a includes a guide rod 155a1 and another flange mounting portion. The guide rod 155a1 is for passing through the guide hole 155b4. The other flange mounting portion is for mounting to the first sliding portion 154b by bolts.

[0103] In other examples not shown, the number of mounting holes 155b2 of the guide block 155b1, the number of bushings 155b3 corresponding to the same guide block 155b1, and the number of first connecting members 155a corresponding to a guide block 155b1 can each be three or other numbers. The number of mounting holes 155b2 of the guide block 155b1, the number of bushings 155b3 corresponding to the same guide block 155b1, and the number of first connecting members 155a corresponding to a guide block 155b1 are the same.

[0104] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the stacker rack 153 further has a second mounting surface 153b. The second mounting surface 153b and the first mounting surface 153a are respectively located on both sides of the rack 151 along the width direction D2 of the stacker rack 153. The second mounting surface 153b extends along a first direction. The stacker crane 150 also includes a second guide assembly 156. The second guide assembly 156 includes a second slide rail 156a and a second sliding portion 156b. The second slide rail 156a is fixed to the second mounting surface 153b. The second sliding portion 156b is slidably connected to the second slide rail 156a. The second sliding portion 156b is fixed to the rack 151. It can be understood that the second slide rail 156a and the aforementioned first slide rail 154a are a pair of slide rails. Since the second sliding part 156b is fixed to the rack 151, the adaptive position adjustment of the first sliding part 154b and the rack 151 by the adjusting connection assembly 155 is based on the second mounting surface 153b. Thus, under the premise that the position of the rack 151 relative to the second mounting surface 153b in the second direction remains unchanged or substantially unchanged, the position of the first sliding part 154b relative to the rack 151 in the second direction can be adaptively adjusted by the adjusting connection assembly 155.

[0105] It should be noted that although both the first mounting surface 153a and the second mounting surface 153b extend along the first direction, theoretically they are symmetrical, parallel, or coplanar. However, in actual processing, the first mounting surface 153a and the second mounting surface 153b may become asymmetrical, non-parallel, or non-coplanar due to low processing accuracy or installation errors. If the first sliding part 154b in the first guide assembly 154 and the second sliding part 156b in the second guide assembly 156 are both fixedly connected to the carrier rack 151, during the up-and-down movement of the carrier rack 151, one of the first sliding part 154b and the second sliding part 156b will be pulled away from the slide rail or squeezed towards the slide rail in the second direction, causing damage to the guide assembly or affecting the normal movement of the carrier rack 151. The technical solution of this application is precisely to solve the following problem: by setting the adjustment connection component 155, the first sliding part 154b has space and possibility for relative movement with the rack 151 in the second direction, thereby avoiding damage to the guide component, ensuring the normal movement of the rack 151, and also reducing the precision requirements for the manufacturing of the stacking rack 153 itself.

[0106] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3Furthermore, the stacking rack 153 has two first mounting surfaces 153a. Along the length direction D1 of the stacking rack 153, the two first mounting surfaces 153a are located at both ends of the stacking rack 153. In other words, the two first mounting surfaces 153a are located at both ends of the stacking rack 153 along the length direction D1. A first guide assembly 154 and an adjusting connection assembly 155 are provided between each first mounting surface 153a and the carrier rack 151. The stacking rack 153 has two second mounting surfaces 153b. Along the length direction D1 of the stacking rack 153, the two second mounting surfaces 153b are located at both ends of the stacking rack 153. A second guide assembly 156 is provided between each second mounting surface 153b and the carrier rack 151. Thus, at both ends of the length direction D1 of the stacking rack 153, there are second mounting surfaces 153b as reference surfaces, thereby ensuring the stability of the carrier rack 151 during its movement along the vertical direction D3.

[0107] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the example shown, along the width direction D2 of the stacking rack 153, the two first mounting surfaces 153a are located at the same end of the stacking rack 153. Along the width direction D2 of the stacking rack 153, the two second mounting surfaces 153b are located at the same end of the stacking rack 153.

[0108] Optionally, the second sliding part 156b can be fixedly connected to the rack 151 by an intermediate connector such as an angle iron.

[0109] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8In some embodiments, the stacker crane 150 further includes a fall arrest assembly 158 and a chain drive assembly 157. The fall arrest assembly 158 includes a fall arrest member 158a. The fall arrest member 158a is rotatably connected to the rack 151 about a fall arrest axis AX parallel to the horizontal direction between a fall arrest position and a clearance position. The chain drive assembly 157 is used to transmit power between a power source and the rack 151 to actuate the rack 151 for lifting. The chain drive assembly 157 includes a chain 157a. The chain 157a is connected to the rack 151. The stacker 153 has a plurality of locking holes 153c. The locking holes 153c are spaced apart in the vertical direction D3 of the stacker 153. The locking holes 153c are adapted to insert the fall arrest member 158a in the fall arrest position. The fall arrest member 158a in the fall arrest position is disengaged from the stacker 153. During the process of chain 157a breaking or detaching from the rack 151 and the rack 151 falling, the anti-fall component 158a pivots from the avoidance position to the anti-fall position and inserts into one of the multiple locking holes 153c, thereby stopping the rack 151 at a certain position along the vertical direction D3, thus preventing the rack 151 from falling further. By setting the anti-fall component 158, the rack 151 can be prevented from falling during the process of chain 157a breaking or detaching from the rack 151 and the rack 151 falling, thereby protecting the rack 151 and the battery pack located on the rack 151.

[0110] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 Furthermore, the fall arrest assembly 158 also includes a fall arrest housing 158i and a movable connecting member 158c. The fall arrest housing 158i is directly or indirectly fixed to the rack 151. The movable connecting member 158c is movably connected to the fall arrest housing 158i in the vertical direction D3. One end of the fall arrest member 158a forms a latch 158a1 suitable for insertion into the lock hole 153c. The fall arrest member 158a is linked to the movable connecting member 158c. One end of the chain 157a is connected to the movable connecting member 158c to drive the fall arrest assembly 158 to rise and fall as a whole via the movable connecting member 158c, thereby driving the rack 151 to rise and fall. When the chain 157a is disconnected or disengaged from the movable connecting member 158c, the movable connecting member 158c descends relative to the fall arrest housing 158i. This allows the force to be transmitted between the movable connecting member 158c and the anti-fall member 158a when the chain 157a breaks or disengages from the movable connecting member 158c, enabling the anti-fall member 158a to pivot from the avoidance position to the anti-fall position.

[0111] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8Optionally, the chain drive assembly 157 further includes an upper sprocket 157b and a lower sprocket 157c. The upper sprocket 157b is located above the lower sprocket 157c. One end of the chain 157a passes over the upper sprocket 157b and connects to the movable connecting member 158c, while the other end of the chain 157a passes over the lower sprocket 157c and connects to the fall arrestor housing 158i. The power source of the stacker crane 150 can be connected to the upper sprocket 157b via a drive shaft to output torque to the upper sprocket 157b. During rotation of the upper sprocket 157b in one direction, the load rack 151 can be raised. During rotation of the upper sprocket 157b in another direction, the load rack 151 can be lowered. The lower sprocket 157c, as the driven wheel, can adaptively engage the drive chain 157a during the rotation of the upper sprocket 157b, causing the chain 157a to move cyclically.

[0112] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 Furthermore, the fall arresting assembly 158 also includes an anti-rotation member 158b. The anti-rotation member 158b is fixed to the fall arresting housing 158i. The anti-rotation member 158b is spaced apart from the fall arresting axis AX. The anti-rotation member 158b is used to abut against the fall arresting member 158a during its rotation from the avoidance position to the fall arresting position, so as to prevent the fall arresting member 158a from continuing to rotate.

[0113] Optionally, the anti-rotation component 158b can be a structure such as a limit block.

[0114] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 Furthermore, the fall arresting assembly 158 also includes a follower connector 158d and a fall arresting reset member 158e. The follower connector 158d is connected to the lower part of the movable connecting member 158c. The follower connector 158d is also movably connected to the end of the fall arresting member 158a away from the locking tongue 158a1, so that the fall arresting member 158a is linked to the movable connecting member 158c. The fall arresting reset member 158e is disposed between at least one of the movable connecting member 158c, the follower connector 158d, and the fall arresting member 158a and the fall arresting housing 158i, so as to apply a force toward the fall arresting position to the fall arresting member 158a.

[0115] Optionally, the fall arrestor 158e can be a spring such as a compression spring, tension spring, or torsion spring. During installation, the selection of the spring needs to consider factors such as the installation location.

[0116] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example shown, the fall arrestor 158a has a first shaft hole 158a2 and a second shaft hole 158a3. The fall arrestor assembly 158 also includes a first connecting shaft 158g and a second connecting shaft 158h.

[0117] The first connecting shaft 158g is fixed to the end of the follower connector 158d away from the movable connecting member 158c. The first connecting shaft 158g passes through the first shaft hole 158a2. The second connecting shaft 158h passes through the second shaft hole 158a3 and is fixed to the fall arresting housing 158i. The first shaft hole 158a2 is an elongated hole to allow the first connecting shaft 158g to move adaptively relative to the fall arresting member 158a, preventing jamming.

[0118] Continue reading Figure 7 and Figure 8 Optionally, the movable connecting member 158c includes a first chain connector 158c1, a rod 158c2, and a nut 158c3 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The first chain connector 158c1 is fixed to the upper end of the rod 158c2. The first chain connector 158c1 and the rod 158c2 can be constructed as a single unit. The first chain connector 158c1 is used to connect to the chain 157a via fasteners such as bolts. At least the lower part of the rod 158c2 is provided with external threads. Here, the rod 158c2 can be regarded as a screw. The nut 158c3 is threaded to the rod 158c2.

[0119] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example shown, the end of the follower connector 158d furthest from the fall arrestor 158a has a through hole for the rod 158c2 to pass through. The nut 158c3 is located below the follower connector 158d and is used to limit its movement. The fall arrestor reset member 158e is a compression spring, connected between the upper part of the fall arrestor housing 158i and the upper part of the follower connector 158d. In the initial state, the compression spring has an elastic force and ensures that the follower connector 158d always abuts against the nut 158c3. The compression spring is sleeved on the outside of the rod 158c2.

[0120] Continue reading Figure 7 and Figure 8Optionally, the follower connector 158d has a guide hole 158d1. The fall arrest assembly 158 also includes a guide support post 158f. The guide support post 158f is fixed to the fall arrest housing 158i. The guide support post 158f extends in the vertical direction D3. The guide support post 158f includes a guide section 158f1 and a support section 158f2. The guide section 158f1 is located above the support section 158f2. The radial outer dimension of the guide section 158f1 is smaller than the radial outer dimension of the support section 158f2. The guide section 158f1 is movably connected to the guide hole 158d1. The support section 158f2 is used to support the follower connector 158d when the fall arrest member 158a is in the fall arrest position. By cooperating with the guide hole 158d1 of the follower connector 158d and the guide section 158f1 of the guide support column 158f, the movement of the follower connector 158d in the vertical direction D3 can be guided. By providing a support section 158f2 on the guide support column 158f, the follower connector 158d can be supported when the fall arresting member 158a is in the fall arresting position, thereby indirectly achieving the purpose of preventing the fall arresting member 158a from pivoting, and further improving the reliability and stability of preventing the rack 151 from falling.

[0121] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the fall arresting housing 158i includes a receiving space adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the fall arresting member 158a, a portion of the movable connecting member 158c, the fall arresting reset member 158e, and the follower connecting member 158d. A bottom receiving hole 158i1 is provided at the bottom of the fall arresting housing 158i. The bottom receiving hole 158i1 is adapted to accommodate the lower end of the rod 158c2. The fall arresting assembly 158 also includes a second chain connector 158j. The second chain connector 158j is connected to the lower part of the fall arresting housing 158i and is adapted to connect a chain 157a.

[0122] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the stacker crane 150 further includes a measured element 159a and a sensing element 159b. The measured element 159a is located on the upper part of the movable connecting member 158c. The sensing element 159b is located on the upper part of the fall arrestor housing 158i. When the fall arrestor 158a is in the avoidance position, the measured element 159a is higher than the sensing element 159b in the vertical direction D3. When the fall arrestor 158a is in the stop position, the measured element 159a triggers the sensing element 159b. In application scenarios where the chain 157a is disconnected or detached, the state of the chain 157a can be detected through the cooperation of the measured element 159a and the sensing element 159b, thereby sending a detection signal to the control device of the battery swapping station as data basis for fault alarm and reminder, thereby improving the automation and intelligence level of the battery swapping station in terms of monitoring.

[0123] See Figures 1 to 4 In addition, the stacker crane 150 also includes forks 152. The forks 152 are mounted on the rack 151 and are capable of moving up and down with the rack 151. The forks 152 are used to carry battery packs, enabling the removal and placement of battery packs from and into the battery racks. The forks 152 can be bidirectional forks to accommodate applications requiring the separate handling of battery packs on two opposing battery racks and the transfer of battery packs between two battery racks.

[0124] The stacker crane 150 of this application has an adjusting connecting component 155 provided between the first guide component 154 and the carrier rack 151. When the carrier rack 151 moves up and down in the vertical direction D3, the influence caused by insufficient parallelism of the slide rail mounting surface is absorbed by the mutual movement between the first connecting component 155a and the second connecting component 155b in the second direction. This greatly reduces the adverse effects caused by insufficient processing accuracy and assembly errors, increases the service life of the first guide component 154, and reduces processing costs and requirements.

[0125] See Figure 9 Embodiments of this application also provide a battery swapping station 100. The battery swapping station 100 includes the stacker crane 150 described above.

[0126] According to the embodiments of this application, by applying the stacker crane 150 described above, the requirements for the machining accuracy of the mounting surface of the slide rail can be reduced, thereby reducing production costs.

[0127] See Figure 9In addition, the battery swapping station 100 also includes a container 111, a lifting assembly 120, a battery swapping robot 130, a first battery rack 140, and a second battery rack 160. The external dimensions of the container 111 can be those of a standard shipping container, such as a 40-foot standard shipping container. The lifting assembly 120, battery swapping robot 130, first battery rack 140, stacker crane 150, and second battery rack 160 are all located inside the container 111. One end of the container 111 has a battery swapping channel 111e. The battery swapping channel 111e is used to accommodate vehicles to be swapped. The lifting assembly 120 is located in the battery swapping channel 111e and is used to lift and lower the vehicles. The battery swapping channel 111e, first battery rack 140, stacker crane 150, and second battery rack 160 are arranged sequentially along the length direction D1. The first battery swapping robot 130 can move along the length direction D1 between the battery swapping channel 111e and the first battery rack 140. When the battery swapping robot 130 is located in the battery swapping channel 111e, it can remove the battery pack 10 from the vehicle or install the battery pack 10 into the vehicle. When the battery swapping robot 130 is located in the first battery rack 140, it can remove the battery pack 10 from the first battery rack 140 or place the battery pack 10 in the first battery rack 140. The first battery rack 140 has a buffer layer and a first charging layer. The first charging layer is located above the buffer layer. The buffer layer is used to store the battery pack 10 transferred by the battery swapping robot 130, or to buffer the battery pack transferred by the stacker crane 150 from the first charging layer or the second battery rack 160. The first charging layer is adapted to store the battery pack 10 and charge the battery pack 10. The second battery rack 160 includes a second charging layer for storing the battery pack 10 and charging the battery pack 10.

[0128] See Figure 9 In some embodiments, to meet monitoring requirements, the battery swapping station 100 also includes a camera 115 suitable for acquiring image information.

[0129] The stacker crane 150 and the battery swapping station 100 having the present application reduce the adverse effects of processing, increase the service life of structures such as the first guide component 154 and even the second guide component 156, reduce processing costs, and lower the processing accuracy requirements.

[0130] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Terms such as “setup” appearing herein can refer to either a component being directly attached to another component or a component being attached to another component via an intermediary. A feature described in one embodiment herein may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0131] This application has been described through the above embodiments; however, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, and all such variations and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A stacker crane, characterized in that, The stacker crane includes: Loading racks; A stacking rack having a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface both extending along a first direction, the second mounting surface and the first mounting surface being located on both sides of the rack along the width direction of the stacking rack; A first guide assembly is connected between the stacking rack and the carrier rack to enable the carrier rack to move relative to the stacking rack in the vertical direction. The first guide assembly includes a first slide rail and a first sliding part. The first slide rail is fixed to the first mounting surface and extends in the first direction. The first sliding part is slidably connected to the first slide rail. A second guide assembly, comprising a second slide rail and a second sliding portion, wherein the second slide rail is fixed to the second mounting surface, and the second sliding portion is slidably connected to the second slide rail and fixed to the rack; the second slide rail and the first slide rail are arranged in pairs; and An adjustable connecting assembly is movably connected between the first sliding portion and the load rack. The adjusting connecting assembly is configured to allow the first sliding portion and the load rack to move relative to each other in a second direction with the second mounting surface as a reference plane, thereby adaptively adjusting the relative position of the first sliding portion and the load rack along the second direction. Wherein, the first direction is a vertical direction or substantially vertical, and the second direction is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first mounting surface.

2. The stacker crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The regulating connection component includes: A first connecting member, the first connecting member being fixedly connected to the first sliding part; and The second connecting member is fixedly connected to the load rack. The first connecting member is movably connected to the second connecting member along the second direction.

3. The stacker crane according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second connecting member has a guide hole extending along the second direction; The first connecting member is movably connected to the guide hole.

4. The stacker crane according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second connecting member includes: Guide block, the guide block being fixedly connected to the carrier rack, the guide block having mounting holes; and A bushing, which is at least partially fitted into the mounting hole, and the bushing having the guide hole.

5. The stacker crane according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The stacking rack has two first mounting surfaces. Along the length of the stacking rack, the two first mounting surfaces are located at both ends of the stacking rack. A first guide component and an adjustment connection component are provided between any of the first mounting surfaces and the load rack. The stacking rack has two second mounting surfaces, which are located at both ends of the stacking rack along its length. A second guide assembly is provided between any of the second mounting surfaces and the rack.

6. The stacker crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stacker crane also includes: A fall arresting assembly, comprising a fall arresting member rotatably connected to the load rack about a fall arresting axis parallel to the horizontal direction between a fall arresting position and a clearance position; and A chain drive assembly, comprising a chain connected to the carrier rack. The stacking frame has multiple locking holes, which are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction of the stacking frame. The locking holes are suitable for inserting the anti-fall component located at the anti-fall position, and the anti-fall component located at the anti-fall position is disengaged from the stacking frame.

7. The stacker crane according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fall arresting assembly further includes a fall arresting housing and a movable connecting member. The fall arresting housing is fixed to the carrier rack, and the movable connecting member is movably connected to the fall arresting housing along the vertical direction. One end of the fall arresting member forms a locking tongue suitable for insertion into the lock hole, and the fall arresting member is linked to the movable connecting member. One end of the chain is connected to the movable connecting member to drive the lifting and lowering of the rack via the movable connecting member.

8. The stacker crane according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fall arresting assembly further includes an anti-rotation member, which is fixed to the fall arresting housing and spaced apart from the fall arresting axis. The anti-rotation member is used to abut against the fall arresting member during the process of the fall arresting member rotating from the avoidance position to the fall arresting position, so as to prevent the fall arresting member from continuing to rotate.

9. The stacker crane according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fall arresting component also includes: A follower connector, which is connected to the lower part of the movable connecting member and movably connected to the end of the anti-fall member away from the locking tongue, so that the anti-fall member is linked to the movable connecting member; and A fall arrestor reset member is disposed between at least one of the movable connecting member, the follower connecting member and the fall arrestor and the fall arrestor housing, so as to apply a force toward the fall arrestor towards the fall arrestor position.

10. The stacker crane according to claim 9, characterized in that, The follower connector is provided with a guide hole; The fall arresting component also includes: A guide support column is fixed to the fall arresting housing and extends along the vertical direction. The guide support column includes a guide section and a support section. The guide section is located above the support section, and the radial outer dimension of the guide section is smaller than the radial outer dimension of the support section. The guide section is movably connected to the guide hole, and the support section is used to support the follower connector when the fall arresting component is in the fall arresting position.

11. The stacker crane according to claim 9, characterized in that, The stacker crane also includes: The element under test is located on the upper part of the movable connecting member; A sensing element is disposed on the upper part of the fall arresting housing. When the fall arresting member is in the avoidance position, the measured element is higher than the sensing element in the vertical direction. When the fall arresting member is in the stop position, the measured element triggers the sensing element.

12. A battery swapping station, characterized in that, The battery swapping station includes: The stacker crane according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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