Wheel positioning device and lifting machine

Abstract

The invention provides a wheel positioning device and a lifting machine. The wheel positioning device comprises a first driving part, a pushing part, a wheel placing part and a second driving part, the first driving part comprises a driving piece and a lead screw nut mechanism; the pushing part comprises a pushing plate and a plurality of connecting rods arranged at intervals in the vehicle running direction, the first ends of the connecting rods are connected with the same pushing plate, the second ends of the connecting rods are independently and movably connected with the sliding unit, and the first driving part is used for driving the pushing part to move in the vehicle width direction so as to abut against wheels of the vehicle; the wheel containing part is used for bearing wheels, the second driving part is used for driving the wheel containing part and the pushing part to move in the vehicle running direction, it is guaranteed that the pushing part and the wheel containing part move by the same distance in the vehicle running direction, the pushing plate can abut against the centers of the wheels all the time, it is guaranteed that the wheels are evenly stressed, and the wheel positioning precision is improved. The connecting rods are connected independently from the sliding unit, so that connecting structures are prevented from being arranged among the connecting rods, and interference with the rotating unit is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electric vehicle battery swapping, and particularly to a wheel positioning device and a lifting machine. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. The energy used by electric vehicles is basically electric energy. After the electric energy of an electric vehicle is used up, it needs to be charged. Due to the limitations of current battery technology and charging technology, it takes a relatively long time to fully charge an electric vehicle, which is not as simple and fast as directly refueling a fuel vehicle. Therefore, in order to reduce the waiting time of users, replacing the battery when the electric energy of the electric vehicle is almost exhausted is an effective means. In order to facilitate battery replacement for electric vehicles and meet the battery swapping needs of electric vehicles, it is necessary to build a battery swapping station so that when the battery pack of an electric vehicle is out of power, the electric vehicle can drive into the battery swapping station for battery swapping. The battery swapping station is equipped with a lifting machine, which is used to lift the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is performing a battery swapping operation, so as to facilitate the battery swapping equipment to run under the electric vehicle to perform a battery swapping operation on the electric vehicle.

[0003] Since the actual driving direction of an electric vehicle during driving is very difficult to be completely parallel to the driving direction specified by the battery swapping station, the body of the electric vehicle parked on the lifting machine is inclined, and the position of the electric vehicle in the vehicle width direction does not exactly correspond to the battery swapping equipment, resulting in problems such as battery swapping failure or repeated battery swapping operations.

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, the prior art adjusts the wheel position of the electric vehicle by setting a wheel positioning device, and then realizes the position adjustment of the electric vehicle. The wheel positioning device includes a wheelbase adjustment mechanism and a track width adjustment mechanism. The wheelbase adjustment mechanism adjusts the front and rear wheels of the electric vehicle to adjust the position of the electric vehicle in the vehicle driving direction, and the track width adjustment mechanism adjusts the two wheels of the same axis of the electric vehicle to adjust the position of the electric vehicle in the vehicle width direction.

[0005] In the prior art, the wheelbase adjustment mechanism and the track width adjustment mechanism work independently and separately adjust the wheelbase or track width of the electric vehicle. When the electric vehicle moves in the vehicle driving direction under the drive of the wheelbase adjustment mechanism, the pushing part in the track width adjustment mechanism that is used to push against the vehicle wheel cannot or is very difficult to accurately move the same distance along the vehicle driving direction as the electric vehicle, resulting in that when the electric vehicle performs track width adjustment, the pushing part no longer pushes against the center position of the wheel, causing the wheel to be pushed askew, and further resulting in poor track width adjustment accuracy or failure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect that in the prior art, the wheel gauge adjusting mechanism for adjusting the wheel gauge of an electric vehicle cannot always apply a thrust force towards the center of the wheel, resulting in uneven force on the wheel during the pushing process, causing the wheel to be prone to deviation after the wheel gauge is adjusted, and thus leading to low replacement efficiency due to the inability to accurately align the battery swapping device with the vehicle. A wheel positioning device and a lift are provided.

[0007] The present invention solves the above technical problem through the following technical solutions:

[0008] A wheel positioning device is installed on the frame body of a lift. The wheel positioning device includes a first driving part, a pushing part, a wheel placing part, and a second driving part;

[0009] The first driving part includes a driving member and a screw-nut mechanism. The screw-nut mechanism includes a rotating unit and a sliding unit that cooperate with each other, and the driving member is connected to the rotating unit;

[0010] The pushing part includes a push plate and a plurality of connecting rods arranged at intervals along the vehicle traveling direction. The first ends of the plurality of connecting rods are connected to the same push plate, and the second ends of the plurality of connecting rods are independently and movably connected to the sliding unit. The first driving part is used to drive the pushing part to move in the vehicle width direction to push against the wheel of the vehicle;

[0011] The wheel placing part is used to support the wheel. The second driving part is connected to the wheel placing part and is used to drive the wheel placing part to move in the vehicle traveling direction. The pushing part moves synchronously with the wheel placing part along the vehicle traveling direction relative to the first driving part.

[0012] In this solution, the wheel positioning device can adjust the distance between two wheels of a vehicle in its width direction through the pushing part according to the wheelbase of different vehicles, so that the vehicle can be parked at a suitable position on the lift, improving the positioning accuracy of the vehicle in the battery swapping station, facilitating the battery swapping for the vehicle of the battery swapping equipment, and improving the success rate and efficiency of battery swapping. The pushing part can move along the vehicle driving direction together with the wheel placement part carrying the wheels, ensuring that the pushing part and the wheel placement part can move the same distance along the vehicle driving direction, so that the push plate can also align with the center of the wheel after moving along the vehicle driving direction, thereby pushing against the center of the wheel, ensuring uniform force on the wheel, avoiding tilting during the movement of the wheel, improving the wheel positioning accuracy, ensuring that the vehicle can be accurately parked directly above the battery swapping equipment during battery swapping, reducing the battery swapping failure rate, and improving the battery swapping efficiency. The structure of the screw-nut mechanism is simple, and the driving method is more reliable, which can drive the pushing part to smoothly push the wheel in the vehicle width direction, improving the reliability of wheelbase adjustment. Since the screw-nut mechanism drives the movement of the pushing part by changing the rotational movement of the rotating unit into the linear movement of the sliding unit, the length of the rotating unit in the vehicle width direction is usually relatively long and will extend to the connecting rod. The connecting rod is independently connected to the sliding unit, which can avoid setting connection structures between multiple connecting rods. Therefore, when the pushing part moves along the vehicle driving direction, it can avoid interference between this connection structure and the rotating unit, improving the reliability of position adjustment of the vehicle in the vehicle driving direction.

[0013] Preferably, the first driving part further includes a connecting piece, the connecting piece is fixed on the sliding unit, and the second ends of the multiple connecting rods are independently connected to the connecting piece respectively.

[0014] In this solution, the connecting piece facilitates the connection between the multiple connecting rods and the sliding unit, reduces the connection difficulty between the multiple connecting rods and the sliding unit, and does not need to design the size of the sliding unit too large, avoiding interference between the sliding unit and other structures of the lift during movement, and improving the reliability of the wheel positioning process. In addition, without designing the sliding unit too large, it ensures that the connecting rod has sufficient moving space in the vehicle driving direction.

[0015] Preferably, a chute extending along the vehicle driving direction is formed on the connecting piece, a connecting shaft is provided at the second end of the connecting rod, and the connecting shaft is arranged in the chute and can move in the chute along the vehicle driving direction.

[0016] In this solution, the sliding of the second end of the connecting rod relative to the connecting piece is realized through the cooperation of the connecting shaft and the chute, with a simple structure and less occupied space.

[0017] Preferably, both ends of the sliding groove penetrate in the vertical direction, the connecting shaft is disposed in the sliding groove, and both ends of the connecting shaft in the vertical direction are connected to the connecting rod.

[0018] In this solution, by setting the sliding groove as a groove that penetrates the upper and lower parts of the connecting member, that is, the sliding groove is actually a long waist hole, and enabling the connecting shaft to penetrate the sliding groove vertically, and both ends of the connecting shaft are connected to the connecting rod, thereby preventing the connecting shaft from disengaging from the sliding groove in the vertical direction.

[0019] Preferably, a bearing is provided on the connecting shaft, and the connecting shaft is slidably connected to the sliding groove through the bearing;

[0020] And / or, the second end of the connecting rod is connected to the connecting shaft through a connecting block, the connecting block is U-shaped, the opening of the connecting block faces the connecting member, and both ends of the connecting shaft in the vertical direction are respectively connected to the U-shaped opening of the connecting block.

[0021] In this solution, setting the bearing facilitates the sliding of the connecting shaft in the sliding groove, reduces the friction between the connecting shaft and the sliding groove, and prolongs the service life at this position. By providing a connecting block with a U-shaped opening, the connection between the connecting block and the connecting shaft can be conveniently realized. During the sliding process of the connecting shaft in the sliding groove, the U-shaped opening can further play a guiding role to improve the reliability and stability of the sliding of the connecting shaft in the sliding groove.

[0022] Preferably, the rotating unit includes a lead screw, and the lead screw is disposed at the central position of the connecting member in the vehicle traveling direction;

[0023] In the initial state, the plurality of connecting rods are symmetrically arranged with respect to the lead screw in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] In this solution, the above settings make the forces on the connecting member and the plurality of connecting rods more uniform, can stably drive the pushing portion to move in the vehicle width direction, and improve the reliability of wheel alignment.

[0025] Preferably, the wheel alignment device further includes a guiding portion, the guiding portion is connected to the connecting member, and the guiding portion is used to guide the connecting member to move in the vehicle width direction.

[0026] In this solution, the guiding portion is used to guide the moving direction of the connecting member, ensuring that the connecting member and the pushing portion can move in the vehicle width direction, and improving the reliability of wheelbase adjustment.

[0027] Preferably, the wheel alignment device includes a first guiding portion and a second guiding portion, the first guiding portion and the second guiding portion are connected to both ends of the connecting member in the vehicle traveling direction, and the plurality of connecting rods are located between the first guiding portion and the second guiding portion in the vehicle traveling direction.

[0028] In this solution, the above setting further improves the smooth pushing of the wheels of the vehicle.

[0029] Preferably, the wheel placement part includes a roller mechanism and a mounting bracket. The roller mechanism and the push plate are arranged inside the mounting bracket, the connecting rod is arranged outside the mounting bracket, and the push plate and the connecting rod are detachably connected.

[0030] In this solution, the roller mechanism is used to reduce the friction force received by the wheels in the vehicle width direction, facilitating the movement of the wheels in the vehicle width direction. The detachable connection between the push plate and the connecting rod facilitates the direct installation of the two, and the production and processing of a single structure is more convenient.

[0031] Preferably, a through hole for the connecting rod to pass through is provided on the side wall of the mounting bracket, and the shape of the through hole matches the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the connecting rod; when the wheel placement part moves along the vehicle driving direction, the inner peripheral surface of the through hole abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the connecting rod;

[0032] And / or, a first connection hole penetrating in the vehicle width direction is provided on the push plate, and a second connection hole is provided at one end of the connecting rod facing the push plate. The first connection hole and the second connection hole are threadedly connected by a fastener;

[0033] And / or, the pushing part further includes a sleeve, the sleeve is fixed on the outer side wall of the mounting bracket, and the connecting rod passes through the sleeve and is connected to the push plate.

[0034] In this solution, when the wheel placement part moves along the vehicle driving direction, the inner wall surface of the through hole abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the connecting rod and applies a force toward the vehicle driving direction to the connecting rod, thereby realizing the movement of the pushing part in the vehicle driving direction. The through hole can also limit the movement of the pushing part relative to the wheel placement part in the vehicle driving direction, ensuring that the push plate of the pushing part can always abut against the center of the wheel, improving the success rate and efficiency of battery swapping. The threaded connection method has a simple structure and high connection strength. The sleeve can guide the moving direction of the connecting rod, avoiding offset during movement in the vehicle width direction due to the excessive length of the connecting rod, thereby ensuring that the push plate of the pushing part can always abut against the center of the wheel, improving the success rate and efficiency of battery swapping.

[0035] Preferably, the wheel placement part includes a first wheel placement part and a second wheel placement part, and the first wheel placement part and the second wheel placement part are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction; the pushing part includes a first pushing part and a second pushing part, and the first pushing part and the second pushing part are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction;

[0036] In the vehicle width direction, the first driving part is located between the first pushing part and the second pushing part, and the first pushing part and the second pushing part are located between the first wheel placement part and the second wheel placement part.

[0037] In this solution, the above arrangement enables the pushing part to push the wheels from the inner sides of the two wheels. Compared with pushing the wheels from the outer sides of the wheels, the space between the two wheels is fully utilized, making the structure of the lift more compact and occupying less space.

[0038] A lift, which includes a frame body and the wheel positioning device as described above.

[0039] In this solution, the lift is used to lift the vehicle during the vehicle battery swapping process to ensure that there is enough space at the bottom of the vehicle for the battery swapping equipment to drive in, thus facilitating the battery swapping operation of the vehicle.

[0040] The positive and progressive effects of the present invention are as follows: The wheel positioning device can adjust the distance between the two wheels of the vehicle in its width direction through the pushing part according to the wheelbase of different vehicles, enabling the vehicle to be parked at a suitable position on the lift, so as to improve the positioning accuracy of the vehicle in the battery swapping station, facilitate the battery swapping of the battery swapping equipment vehicle, and improve the success rate and efficiency of battery swapping. The pushing part can move along the vehicle driving direction together with the wheel placement part carrying the wheels, ensuring that the pushing part and the wheel placement part can move the same distance along the vehicle driving direction, so that the push plate can also align with the center of the wheel after moving along the vehicle driving direction, thereby pushing against the center of the wheel, ensuring uniform force on the wheel, avoiding tilting during the movement of the wheel, improving the wheel positioning accuracy, ensuring that the vehicle can be accurately parked directly above the battery swapping equipment during battery swapping, reducing the battery swapping failure rate, and improving the battery swapping efficiency. The structure of the screw-nut mechanism is simple, and the driving method is more reliable, which can drive the pushing part to smoothly push the wheel in the vehicle width direction and improve the reliability of wheelbase adjustment. Since the screw-nut mechanism drives the movement of the pushing part by changing the rotational movement of the rotating unit into the linear movement of the sliding unit, the length of the rotating unit in the vehicle width direction is usually long and will extend to the connecting rod. The connecting rod is independently connected to the sliding unit, which can avoid setting a connecting structure between multiple connecting rods. Thus, when the pushing part moves along the vehicle driving direction, it can avoid interference between the connecting structure and the rotating unit, and improve the reliability of position adjustment of the vehicle in the vehicle driving direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 It is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a battery swapping station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 It is a schematic top view structure diagram inside a battery swapping station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3 Schematic perspective view of the front lift of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 4 Schematic internal structure view of the front lift of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 5 Schematic bottom view structure of the front lift of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 6 Schematic top view structure of the front lift of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 7 Schematic perspective view of the wheel alignment device of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 8 Schematic view of the cooperation between the first driving part and the pushing part of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 9 Another schematic view of the cooperation between the first driving part and the pushing part of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 10 Schematic perspective view of the first pushing part of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0052] Battery swapping chamber 11

[0053] Charging chamber 12

[0054] Front lift 131

[0055] Rear lift 132

[0056] Frame body 21

[0057] Base 22

[0058] Lifting mechanism 23

[0059] First wheel placement part 41

[0060] Second wheel placement part 42

[0061] Roller mechanism 43

[0062] Roller unit 431

[0063] Roller 4311

[0064] Mounting bracket 44

[0065] Mounting groove 441

[0066] Through hole 442

[0067] First pushing part 51

[0068] Second pushing part 52

[0069] Pushing plate 53

[0070] Connecting rod 54

[0071] Connecting shaft 55

[0072] Bearing 56

[0073] Connecting block 57

[0074] Sleeve 58

[0075] First driving part 6

[0076] Driving part 61

[0077] Driving motor 611

[0078] Reducer 612

[0079] First power output end 6121

[0080] Second power output end 6122

[0081] Lead screw nut mechanism 63

[0082] First rotating unit 631

[0083] Second rotating unit 632

[0084] Lead screw 634

[0085] First sliding unit 635

[0086] Second sliding unit 636

[0087] Slider 637

[0088] Connecting part 64

[0089] Chute 641

[0090] Second driving part 7

[0091] Fixing part 71 of the cylinder

[0092] Piston 72 of the cylinder

[0093] First guiding part 81

[0094] Second guiding part 82

[0095] Guide rail 83

[0096] Guide block 84 Detailed implementation mode

[0097] The following is a preferred embodiment, and the present invention will be more clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0098] This embodiment discloses a battery swapping station, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the battery swapping station is used for replacing the batteries of electric vehicles.

[0099] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the battery swapping station includes a battery swapping chamber 11, a charging chamber 12, and a battery swapping device (not shown in the figure) that shuttles between the battery swapping chamber 11 and the charging chamber 12. The charging chamber 12 is adjacent to the battery swapping chamber 11. In this embodiment, the number of charging chambers 12 is two, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the battery swapping chamber 11. The battery swapping chamber 11 is used to carry electric vehicles with batteries to be replaced. The electric vehicle drives into and docks at the battery swapping chamber 11. The battery swapping device disassembles the discharged battery to be charged on the electric vehicle and installs a fully charged battery. After the battery swapping device disassembles the discharged battery on the electric vehicle, it transports it to the charging chamber 12 for charging. In other alternative embodiments, the number of charging chambers 12 can also be one or more, and the positions of the charging chamber 12 and the battery swapping chamber 11 can also be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0100] Since the battery is generally installed at the chassis position of the electric vehicle, the battery swapping device needs to enter and exit the bottom of the electric vehicle to achieve the battery swapping operation. Therefore, in order to ensure that there is enough height for the battery swapping device to enter and exit at the bottom of the electric vehicle, a lifting module for lifting the electric vehicle is provided in the battery swapping chamber 11 of the battery swapping station to raise or lower the electric vehicle, so as to form a space for the battery swapping device to perform the battery swapping operation at the bottom of the electric vehicle.

[0101] As Figure 2 shown, the lifting module includes a front lifter 131 and a rear lifter 132. The front lifter 131 and the rear lifter 132 are arranged at intervals along the vehicle driving direction ( Figure 2 the X direction in

[0102] As Figures 3 - 5 shown, the front lifter 131 in this embodiment is a lifter provided with a wheel positioning device, which can realize the adjustment of the wheelbase and track width of the electric vehicle. Among them, the track width adjustment refers to adjusting the two wheels of the electric vehicle on the same axis (two front wheels or two rear wheels) in the vehicle width direction ( Figure 2The position relative to the battery swapping chamber 11 in the Y direction), and the wheelbase adjustment refers to adjusting the positions of the front wheels and rear wheels of the electric vehicle relative to the battery swapping chamber 11 in the vehicle driving direction.

[0103] It should be noted that Figures 1 - 3 The structure of the lift shown in Figures 4 - 10 and the shape of the lift shown in Figures 1 - 3 are not exactly the same. Only the position of the lift in the battery swapping station and the overall shape of the lift are shown in

[0104] In this embodiment, the wheel positioning device is only provided on the front lift 131. By adjusting the positions of the two front wheels of the electric vehicle, the wheelbase and wheel track of the entire electric vehicle can be adjusted. In other alternative embodiments, the wheel positioning device can also be provided on the rear lift 132, or both the front lift 131 and the rear lift 132 can be provided with wheel positioning devices to improve the accuracy of adjusting the wheelbase and wheel track of the electric vehicle.

[0105] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the front lift 131 includes a frame body 21, a base 22, a lifting mechanism 23, and a wheel positioning device. The lifting mechanism 23 is connected between the frame body 21 and the base 22. The base 22 is installed in the battery swapping chamber 11. The frame body 21 is used to carry the wheels of the vehicle during battery swapping. The lifting mechanism 23 drives the frame body 21 to move up and down in the vehicle height direction ( Figure 1 the Z direction in

[0106] As Figures 4 - 6 shown, the wheel positioning device includes a wheel placement part, a pushing part, a first driving part 6, and a second driving part 7.

[0107] As Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the wheel placement part is used to support the wheels of the electric vehicle. The wheel placement part includes a first wheel placement part 41 and a second wheel placement part 42. The first wheel placement part 41 and the second wheel placement part 42 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction. The first wheel placement part 41 and the second wheel placement part 42 are used to respectively carry the two front wheels of the electric vehicle.

[0108] The structures of the first wheel placement part 41 and the second wheel placement part 42 in this embodiment are the same. Taking the first wheel placement part 41 as an example, the specific structures of the first wheel placement part 41 and the second wheel placement part 42 are briefly described below.

[0109] As Figure 7 shown, the first wheel placement part 41 includes a roller mechanism 43 and a mounting frame 44. The roller mechanism 43 is disposed inside the mounting frame 44 and connected to the mounting frame 44. The roller mechanism 43 includes two sets of roller units 431 arranged in a V shape. The wheels of the electric vehicle are parked on the roller mechanism 43, and the centers of the wheels are located on the symmetry plane of the two sets of roller units 431. Each set of roller units 431 includes a plurality of rollers 4311 arranged in sequence along the vehicle width direction. The axial direction of the rollers 4311 is perpendicular to the vehicle width direction, so that the rollers 4311 can roll when the wheels move along the vehicle width direction, reducing the resistance suffered by the wheels during movement and the wear of the rollers 4311 and the wheels, improving the service life of the lift and the user experience.

[0110] Further, as Figure 7 shown, the roller mechanism 43 is completely accommodated in the mounting groove 441 of the mounting frame 44, that is, the highest point of the roller mechanism 43 is flush with the upper end of the mounting groove 441 at most. Since the rollers 4311 of the two sets of roller units 431 extend away from each other from bottom to top, that is, the rollers 4311 are inclined outward from the bottom to the top towards the frame body 21, so a mounting groove 441 for accommodating the roller mechanism 43 is provided on the mounting frame 44, which can make the wheels not blocked by the rollers 4311 during the process of the vehicle moving to the roller mechanism 43 in the mounting groove 441, making the vehicle run more smoothly, and also being able to reduce the impact damage of the wheels on the rollers 4311 and improve the service life of the roller mechanism 43.

[0111] In other alternative embodiments, the roller mechanism 43 may not be completely accommodated in the mounting groove 441, but slightly higher than the upper end of the mounting groove 441.

[0112] As Figure 4 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the pushing part includes a first pushing part 51 and a second pushing part 52. The first pushing part 51 and the second pushing part 52 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. The first driving part 6 is connected to the two pushing parts and is used to drive the first pushing part 51 and the second pushing part 52 to move synchronously away from each other in the vehicle width direction to push against the wheels on the corresponding side of the vehicle. Specifically, as Figure 6As shown in the figure, in the vehicle width direction, the first pushing part 51 and the second pushing part 52 are located between the first wheel placement part 41 and the second wheel placement part 42 (that is, the first pushing part 51 and the second pushing part 52 are arranged between two coaxial wheels). The first wheel placement part 41 and the first pushing part 51 are correspondingly arranged, and the second wheel placement part and the second pushing part 52 are correspondingly arranged. When the electric vehicle is parked on the front lift 131, the two pushing parts are located between the two front wheels. The pushing parts can push the wheels from the inner sides of the two wheels. Compared with pushing the wheels from the outer sides of the wheels, the space between the two wheels is fully utilized, making the structure of the lift more compact and occupying less space.

[0113] Furthermore, the center of the pushing part is located on the symmetry plane of the two sets of roller units 431 on the corresponding side, so that the pushing part can push against the center of the corresponding side wheel, preventing the wheel from shifting during the process of being pushed by the pushing part and improving the accuracy of wheelbase adjustment. In other alternative embodiments, it is also possible that the central area of the pushing part is located between the two sets of roller units 431. Among them, the central area of the pushing part can refer to a space around the exact center of the pushing part in addition to including the exact center of the pushing part. The exact center of the pushing part is the center of the pushing part mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments according to the actual situation, but should try to ensure that the wheel is evenly stressed during the process of being pushed by the pushing part.

[0114] As Figure 6 and Figure 8 shown in the figure, in the vehicle width direction, the first driving part 6 is located between the first pushing part 51 and the second pushing part 52. In this embodiment, the space between the first pushing part 51 and the second pushing part 52 is fully utilized to arrange the first driving member 61, making the mechanism of the lift more compact.

[0115] As Figure 6 and Figure 8 shown in the figure, the first driving part 6 includes a driving member 61 and a screw-nut mechanism 63. In this embodiment, the screw-nut mechanism 63 is used as the transmission mechanism between the driving member 61 and the pushing part, for transmitting the driving force generated by the driving member 61 to the pushing part to control the movement of the pushing part in the vehicle width direction. The structure of the screw-nut mechanism 63 is simple and the driving method is more reliable. It can drive the first pushing part 51 and the second pushing part 52 to smoothly push the wheels in the vehicle width direction, improving the reliability of wheelbase adjustment and the accuracy of wheel positioning.

[0116] As Figure 8As shown in the figure, the lead screw nut mechanism 63 includes a rotating unit and a sliding unit that cooperate with each other. The driving member 61 is connected to the rotating unit, and the sliding unit is connected to the pushing portion, so that the connection between the driving member 61 and the pushing portion is realized through the cooperation between the rotating unit and the sliding unit. Specifically, in this embodiment, the rotating unit includes a lead screw 634, and the sliding unit includes a slider 637. The lead screw 634 is connected to the driving member 61. The lead screw 634 extends in the vehicle width direction and can rotate along its own axis under the driving force of the driving member 61. The slider 637 is sleeved on the lead screw 634. The rotational movement of the lead screw 634 can be converted into a linear movement of the slider 637 in the vehicle width direction, and then the pushing portion is driven to move in the vehicle width direction by the movement of the slider 637.

[0117] Among them, the specific structure of the lead screw nut mechanism 63 belongs to the prior art in this field, and the working principle of the lead screw nut mechanism 63 will not be elaborated here. Those skilled in the art can apply the existing form of the lead screw nut mechanism 63 (for example, the lead screw 634 and the slider 637 form a ball screw pair, the lead screw 634 and the slider 637 are in threaded cooperation, etc.) to this embodiment.

[0118] Furthermore, the first driving portion 6 further includes a connecting member 64. The connecting member 64 is fixed on the sliding unit, and the pushing portion is connected to the sliding unit through the connecting member 64, so as to reduce the connection difficulty between the pushing portion and the sliding unit, and the size of the sliding unit does not need to be designed too large, avoiding interference between the sliding unit and other structures of the lift during movement, and improving the reliability of the wheel alignment process.

[0119] In other alternative embodiments, the pushing portion can also be directly connected to the sliding unit.

[0120] Furthermore, as Figure 6 shown, the rotating unit is arranged at the central position of the connecting member 64 in the vehicle driving direction, that is, the lead screw 634 and the slider 637 connected to the lead screw 634 are arranged at the central position of the connecting member 64 in the vehicle driving direction, so that the force on the connecting member 64 is more uniform, and it can stably drive the pushing portion to move in the vehicle width direction, improving the reliability of the wheel alignment.

[0121] As Figure 8 shown, the driving member 61 includes a driving motor 611 and a speed reducer 612. The power output end of the driving motor 611 is connected to the power input end of the speed reducer 612, and the power output end of the speed reducer 612 is connected to the power input end of the rotating unit. The speed reducer 612 can adjust the output speed of the driving motor 611 to control the speed of the rotating unit, so that the first driving portion 6 can apply an appropriate acting force to the pushing portion to meet the requirements of the lift.

[0122] In this embodiment, the drive motor 611 is preferably a servo motor. Compared with a stepper motor, a servo motor has higher control precision. Therefore, it can more accurately control the distance that the pushing part moves in the vehicle width direction, so that there is no need to specially set up a position detection mechanism to detect whether the pushing part has moved in place, simplifying the structure of the wheel positioning device. In other alternative embodiments, the drive motor 611 can also be a stepper motor, and the cost of a stepper motor is lower than that of a servo motor, thereby reducing the cost of the lift.

[0123] Further, as Figure 8 shown, the first drive part 6 further includes a coupling (not shown in the figure). The power output end of the speed reducer 612 is connected to the lead screw 634 of the rotating unit through the coupling. The coupling is used to firmly connect the power output end of the speed reducer 612 and the lead screw 634 to rotate together, transmit motion and torque, and can compensate for the offsets (including axial offset, radial offset, angular offset or combined offset) between the two shafts due to inaccurate manufacturing and installation, deformation during work, or thermal expansion, etc., as well as relieve shock and absorb vibration.

[0124] In other alternative embodiments, the power output end of the speed reducer 612 and the lead screw 634 can also be connected in other ways.

[0125] As Figure 6 shown, the speed reducer 612 includes a first power output end 6121 and a second power output end 6122. The rotating unit includes a first rotating unit 631 and a second rotating unit 632. The sliding unit includes a first sliding unit 635 and a second sliding unit 636. The first power output end 6121 is connected to the first rotating unit 631. The first sliding unit 635 cooperates with the first rotating unit 631, and the first pushing part 51 is connected to the first sliding unit 635. The second power output end 6122 is connected to the second rotating unit 632. The second sliding unit 636 cooperates with the second rotating unit 632, and the second pushing part 52 is connected to the second sliding unit 636. In this embodiment, by using one drive part 61, the driving of the first pushing part 51 and the second pushing part 52 can be achieved simultaneously, reducing the number and cost of the drive parts 61 and making the structure of the first drive part 6 more compact.

[0126] In this embodiment, one first drive part 6 drives the first pushing part 51 and the second pushing part 52 to move in the vehicle width direction simultaneously. In other alternative embodiments, two first drive parts 6 can also be provided to respectively control the first pushing part 51 and the second pushing part 52 to move in the vehicle width direction.

[0127] The structures of the first pushing part 51 and the second pushing part 52 in this embodiment are the same. Taking the first pushing part 51 as an example, the specific structures of the first pushing part 51 and the second pushing part 52 are briefly described below.

[0128] As Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figures 8 - 10 shown, the first pushing part 51 includes a push plate 53 and a connecting rod 54. The push plate 53 is arranged in the installation groove 441 of the installation frame 44, and the connecting rod 54 is arranged outside the installation frame 44. The first end of the connecting rod 54 passes through the installation frame 44 and is connected to the push plate 53, and the second end of the connecting rod 54 is connected to the connecting part 64. The connecting rod 54 effectively extends the stroke of the pushing part and can adapt to vehicles of various wheelbase models.

[0129] In this embodiment, the connection method between the push plate 53 and the connecting rod 54 is a detachable connection, specifically a threaded connection. Specifically, the push plate 53 is provided with a first connection hole penetrating in the vehicle width direction, and one end of the connecting rod 54 facing the push plate 53 is provided with a second connection hole. The first connection hole and the second connection hole are threadedly connected through a fastener. Among them, the fastener can be a bolt or other fastening structures that can achieve threaded connection. The threaded connection method has a simple structure and high connection strength.

[0130] In other alternative embodiments, the push plate 53 and the connecting rod 54 can also adopt other detachable connection methods to facilitate the installation between the two, and the production and processing of a single structure is more convenient.

[0131] Furthermore, as Figure 4 and Figure 6 shown, the pushing part further includes a sleeve 58. The sleeve 58 is fixed on the outer side wall of the installation frame 44, and the connecting rod 54 passes through the sleeve 58 and is connected to the push plate 53. The sleeve 58 can guide the moving direction of the connecting rod 54, avoiding deviation during the movement in the vehicle width direction due to the excessive length of the connecting rod 54, so as to ensure that the push plate 53 of the pushing part can always abut against the center of the wheel, improving the success rate and efficiency of battery swapping.

[0132] In other alternative embodiments, the sleeve 58 can also be not provided.

[0133] As Figure 8 shown, in this embodiment, the number of the connecting rods 54 in the first pushing part 51 is multiple, and the multiple connecting rods 54 are arranged at intervals along the vehicle driving direction. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first pushing part 51 includes two connecting rods 54 arranged in parallel with each other. The first ends of the two connecting parts 64 are both connected to the push plate 53 in the first pushing part 51, and the second ends of the two connecting parts 64 are both connected to the connecting part 64. In this embodiment, the push plate 53 is pushed by multiple connecting rods 54 at the same time, improving the stability during the movement of the push plate 53, and further realizing the stable pushing of the vehicle wheels.

[0134] In this embodiment, the wheelbase of the electric vehicle is adjusted first, and then the track width of the electric vehicle is adjusted. That is, after adjusting the position of the electric vehicle in the vehicle traveling direction, the wheels of the vehicle are pushed by the pushing part. As Figure 6 shown, in the initial state, the two connecting rods 54 are symmetrically arranged relative to the lead screw 634 in the vehicle width direction, so that the force on the connecting piece 64 and the multiple connecting rods 54 is more uniform, and the pushing part can be smoothly driven to move in the vehicle width direction, improving the reliability of wheel positioning. Among them, the initial state means that the electric vehicle has just docked on the lift, and the pushing part has not yet moved in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle traveling direction.

[0135] In other alternative embodiments, the multiple connecting rods 54 may not be symmetrically arranged relative to the lead screw 634 in the vehicle width direction, as long as it is ensured that the pushing part can move smoothly.

[0136] In other alternative embodiments, the number of connecting rods 54 in the first pushing part 51 may be more.

[0137] As Figure 5 shown, the second driving part 7 is connected to the wheel placement part and is used to drive the wheel placement part to move in the vehicle traveling direction. Specifically, the second driving part 7 in this embodiment is a cylinder. The fixed part 71 of the cylinder is fixed on the frame body 21, the piston 72 of the cylinder is connected to the mounting bracket 44 of the wheel placement part, and the piston 72 of the cylinder expands and contracts in the vehicle traveling direction, thereby driving the connected wheel placement part to move in the vehicle traveling direction to realize the adjustment of the wheelbase of the electric vehicle.

[0138] In other alternative embodiments, the second driving part 7 may also be other driving structures such as a hydraulic cylinder that can realize the movement of the wheel placement part in the vehicle traveling direction.

[0139] Furthermore, the pushing part can move synchronously with the first driving part 6 and the wheel placement part in the vehicle traveling direction, ensuring that the pushing part and the wheel placement part can move the same distance in the vehicle traveling direction, so that the push plate 53 can also be aligned with the center of the wheel after moving in the vehicle traveling direction, thereby pushing the center of the wheel, ensuring uniform force on the wheel, avoiding tilting during the movement of the wheel, improving the wheel positioning accuracy, ensuring that the vehicle can be accurately docked directly above the battery swapping device during battery swapping, reducing the battery swapping failure rate, and improving the battery swapping efficiency.

[0140] Specifically, as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown in the figure, a through hole 442 for the connecting rod 54 to pass through is provided on the side wall of the mounting bracket 44, and the shape of the through hole 442 matches the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the connecting rod 54. When the wheel placement portion moves in the vehicle traveling direction, the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 442 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the connecting rod 54, and the inner wall surface of the through hole 442 applies a force towards the vehicle traveling direction to the connecting rod 54, thereby realizing the movement of the pushing portion in the vehicle traveling direction. Moreover, the through hole 442 can also limit the movement of the pushing portion relative to the wheel placement portion in the vehicle traveling direction, ensuring that the push plate 53 of the pushing portion can always abut against the center of the wheel, improving the success rate and efficiency of battery swapping.

[0141] In other alternative embodiments, the synchronous movement of the pushing portion and the wheel placement portion in the vehicle traveling direction can also be achieved by other means.

[0142] Since the lead screw nut mechanism 63 drives the movement of the pushing portion by changing the rotational movement of the rotating unit into the linear movement of the sliding unit, the length of the lead screw 634 in the vehicle width direction is relatively long and extends to the connecting rod 54. Therefore, as Figure 8 shown, the second ends of the two connecting rods 54 in this embodiment are each independently connected to the connecting member 64, which can avoid setting a connecting structure between the two connecting rods 54 to achieve connection with the connecting member 64. Thus, when the pushing portion moves in the vehicle traveling direction, the connecting structure is prevented from interfering with the rotating unit, improving the reliability of the position adjustment of the vehicle in the vehicle traveling direction.

[0143] In addition, since the connecting rod 54 is connected to the sliding unit through the connecting member 64, sufficient movement space of the connecting rod 54 in the vehicle traveling direction can be ensured without designing the sliding unit to be too large.

[0144] In other alternative embodiments, when the connecting member 64 is not provided, the second ends of the plurality of connecting rods 54 can also be directly and independently connected to the sliding unit.

[0145] As Figures 8 - 10 shown, a sliding groove 641 extending in the vehicle traveling direction is formed on the connecting member 64. A connecting shaft 55 is provided at the second end of the connecting rod 54, and the connecting shaft 55 is arranged in the sliding groove 641 and can move in the sliding groove 641 in the vehicle traveling direction. Both ends of the sliding groove 641 in the vertical direction penetrate the connecting member 64, and the connecting shaft 55 passes through the sliding groove 641 and both ends of the connecting shaft 55 in the vertical direction are connected to the connecting rod 54. As Figure 8As shown, the vertically penetrating sliding groove 641 in this embodiment is actually equivalent to an oval hole. In this embodiment, the cooperation between the connecting shaft 55 and the sliding groove 641 realizes the sliding of the second end of the connecting rod 54 relative to the connecting member 64. The structure is simple, occupies less space, and prevents the connecting shaft 55 from disengaging from the sliding groove 641 in the vertical direction.

[0146] Further, a bearing 56 is provided on the connecting shaft 55. The connecting shaft 55 is slidably connected to the sliding groove 641 through the bearing 56 to reduce the friction between the connecting shaft 55 and the sliding groove 641 and extend the service life at this location. In other alternative embodiments, the bearing 56 may not be provided on the connecting shaft 55, and the connecting shaft 55 directly abuts against the groove wall of the sliding groove 641.

[0147] Further, as Figure 10 shown, the second end of the connecting rod 54 is connected to the connecting shaft 55 through a connecting block 57. The connecting block 57 is U-shaped, and the opening of the connecting block 57 faces the connecting member 64. The two ends of the connecting shaft 55 in the vertical direction are respectively connected to the U-shaped opening of the connecting block 57. By providing the connecting block 57 with a U-shaped opening, the connection between the connecting block 57 and the connecting shaft 55 can be conveniently realized. During the sliding process of the connecting shaft 55 in the sliding groove 641, the U-shaped opening can further play a guiding role to improve the reliability and stability of the sliding of the connecting shaft 55 in the sliding groove 641 and prevent the connecting shaft 55 from disengaging from the sliding groove 641 in the vertical direction.

[0148] In other alternative embodiments, the connecting block 57 can be designed into other shapes that can achieve the above effects, or the connecting rod 54 can be directly connected to the connecting shaft 55.

[0149] As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the wheel alignment device further includes a guiding portion. The guiding portion is connected to the connecting member 64 and is used to guide the connecting member 64 to move in the vehicle width direction, ensuring that the connecting member 64 and the pushing portion can move in the vehicle width direction and improving the reliability of wheel alignment. Among them, the guiding portion includes a guide rail 83 and a guide block 84. The guide rail 83 is fixed on the frame body 21 and extends in the vehicle width direction. The guide block 84 is fixed on the connecting member 64 and is slidably matched with the guide rail 83 to realize the guiding of the pushing portion in the vehicle width direction.

[0150] As Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the number of guiding parts is multiple, and the multiple guiding parts are arranged at intervals along the vehicle traveling direction. The multiple guiding parts can improve the supporting effect on the connecting part 64, enhance the stability of the connecting part 64 during movement, and thus improve the reliability of wheel alignment. Specifically, one guiding part is provided on each of the two sides of the rotating unit in the vehicle traveling direction, namely the first guiding part 81 and the second guiding part 82. The first guiding part 81 and the second guiding part 82 are connected to the two ends of the same connecting part 64 in the vehicle traveling direction. By arranging guiding parts on both sides of the rotating unit, both sides of the connecting part 64 can be well supported, further enhancing the stability of the connecting part 64 during movement.

[0151] In other alternative embodiments, the number of guiding parts can also be only one, or multiple guiding parts can also be all arranged on one side of the rotating unit in the vehicle traveling direction, or more guiding parts can be arranged on both sides of the rotating unit in the vehicle traveling direction.

[0152] As Figure 6 shown, the two connecting rods 54 are located between the first guiding part 81 and the second guiding part 82 in the vehicle traveling direction to prevent the connecting rods 54 from interfering with the two guiding parts when moving along the vehicle traveling direction. In other alternative embodiments, when the number of the connecting rods 54 is other, all the connecting rods 54 in the pushing part are located between the first guiding part 81 and the second guiding part 82.

[0153] In other alternative embodiments, the connecting rods 54 can also be located outside the first guiding part 81 and the second guiding part 82.

[0154] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship of the device or component during normal use, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0155] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that this is only for illustration purposes, and the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments, but these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wheel alignment device is installed on the frame body of a lift, and is characterized in that, The wheel alignment device includes a first driving part, a pushing part, a wheel placement part, and a second driving part; The first driving part includes a driving member and a screw-nut mechanism. The screw-nut mechanism includes a rotating unit and a sliding unit that cooperate with each other, and the driving member is connected to the rotating unit; The pushing part includes a push plate and a plurality of connecting rods spaced apart in the vehicle traveling direction. The first ends of the plurality of connecting rods are connected to the same push plate, and the second ends of the plurality of connecting rods are independently and movably connected to the sliding unit. The first driving part is used to drive the pushing part to move in the vehicle width direction to push against the wheels of the vehicle; The wheel placement part is used to support the wheels. The second driving part is connected to the wheel placement part and is used to drive the wheel placement part to move in the vehicle traveling direction. The pushing part moves in the vehicle traveling direction synchronously with the wheel placement part relative to the first driving part.

2. The wheel alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first driving part further includes a connecting member fixed to the sliding unit, and the second ends of the plurality of connecting rods are independently connected to the connecting member.

3. The wheel alignment device according to claim 2, wherein, A chute extending in the vehicle traveling direction is formed in the connecting member. A connecting shaft is provided at the second end of the connecting rod, and the connecting shaft is disposed in the chute and can move in the chute in the vehicle traveling direction; And / or, the rotating unit includes a lead screw disposed at the central position of the connecting member in the vehicle traveling direction; in the initial state, the plurality of connecting rods are symmetrically arranged relative to the lead screw in the vehicle width direction; And / or, the wheel alignment device further includes a guiding part connected to the connecting member, and the guiding part is used to guide the connecting member to move in the vehicle width direction.

4. The wheel alignment device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When a chute extending in the vehicle traveling direction is formed in the connecting member, both ends of the chute in the vertical direction are through, the connecting shaft is disposed through the chute, and both ends of the connecting shaft in the vertical direction are connected to the connecting rod.

5. The wheel alignment device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A bearing is provided on the connecting shaft, and the connecting shaft is slidably connected to the chute through the bearing; And / or, the second end of the connecting rod is connected to the connecting shaft through a connecting block. The connecting block is U-shaped, the opening of the connecting block faces the connecting member, and both ends of the connecting shaft in the vertical direction are respectively connected to the U-shaped opening of the connecting block.

6. The wheel alignment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the wheel alignment device includes a guiding part, the wheel alignment device includes a first guiding part and a second guiding part. The first guiding part and the second guiding part are connected to both ends of the connecting member in the vehicle traveling direction, and the plurality of connecting rods are located between the first guiding part and the second guiding part in the vehicle traveling direction.

7. The wheel alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that The wheel placement part includes a roller mechanism and a mounting frame. The roller mechanism and the push plate are disposed inside the mounting frame, the connecting rods are disposed outside the mounting frame, and the push plate and the connecting rods are detachably connected.

8. The wheel alignment device according to claim 7, characterized in that, A through hole for the connecting rod to pass through is provided on the side wall of the mounting bracket, and the shape of the through hole matches the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the connecting rod; when the wheel placement portion moves in the vehicle traveling direction, the inner peripheral surface of the through hole abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the connecting rod. And / or, a first connection hole penetrating in the vehicle width direction is provided on the push plate, a second connection hole is provided at one end of the connecting rod facing the push plate, and the first connection hole and the second connection hole are threadedly connected by a fastener. And / or, the pushing portion further includes a sleeve fixed on the outer side wall of the mounting bracket, and the connecting rod passes through the sleeve and is connected to the push plate.

9. The wheel alignment device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The wheel placement portion includes a first wheel placement portion and a second wheel placement portion, and the first wheel placement portion and the second wheel placement portion are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction; the pushing portion includes a first pushing portion and a second pushing portion, and the first pushing portion and the second pushing portion are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. In the vehicle width direction, the first driving portion is located between the first pushing portion and the second pushing portion, and the first pushing portion and the second pushing portion are located between the first wheel placement portion and the second wheel placement portion.

10. A lift, characterized in that, The lift includes a frame body and the wheel positioning device according to any one of claims 1-9.

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