A method and system for replacing a battery of a vehicle and the vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of battery replacement, in particular to a transportation tool battery replacement method, a transportation tool battery replacement system and a transportation tool. A plurality of battery boxes and P transfer seats are arranged on the transportation tool; the plurality of battery boxes are arranged as N rows and M columns in a storage space; the transportation tool battery replacement method comprises the following steps: when the transportation tool reaches a battery replacement area of a battery replacement station, moving a first battery box to one transfer seat, and moving a second battery box from the battery replacement station to another transfer seat; moving the first battery box to the battery replacement station; repeating the above steps, m is a fixed number, n is taken as a value starting from 1, the value of n is increased by 1 every time the step of moving the first battery box to one transfer seat is executed once, until the first battery box of the kth row is moved to the battery replacement station; and the second battery box is moved to a first preset position. The above method solves the problem of how to replace the first battery box under the condition that the plurality of battery boxes are arranged compactly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery swapping technology, and more specifically, to a battery swapping method, system, and vehicle for transportation. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of battery swapping technology for transportation vehicles, transportation vehicles are equipped with energy storage spaces that can accommodate multiple battery boxes. To ensure smooth battery swapping operations and avoid interference between the battery boxes and surrounding structures during the swapping process, a dedicated battery swapping channel needs to be reserved in the area directly above the battery boxes within the energy storage space, or between two adjacent battery boxes. When a battery box in the energy storage space is low on power, the swapping equipment can smoothly move the low-powered battery box out of the energy storage space through this swapping channel. After the low-powered battery box is removed, a fully charged battery box is precisely moved into the discharge seat inside the energy storage space through the same swapping channel, completing the entire battery swapping process. However, the reserved design of the swapping channel significantly increases the volume occupied by the energy storage space on the transportation vehicle. At the same time, the dispersed arrangement of the battery boxes also reduces the energy density and space utilization rate of the energy storage space. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the issues of large storage space requirements, low energy density, and low space utilization in energy storage, this application provides a battery swapping method, system, and transportation vehicle.

[0004] Firstly, this application provides a method for swapping the battery of a transportation vehicle, the method comprising:

[0005] The transport vehicle is equipped with multiple battery boxes and P transfer seats; the multiple battery boxes are arranged in N rows and M columns within the energy storage space, where N is a positive integer ≥ 2, M is a positive integer ≥ 1, P = N + 1 and P ≤ M; the column direction of the multiple battery boxes is a first direction, and the row direction is a second direction; the multiple battery boxes and the P transfer seats are arranged sequentially along the first direction, wherein the battery boxes closest to the transfer seats are the first row of battery boxes, and the battery boxes furthest from the transfer seats are the Nth row of battery boxes;

[0006] The battery swapping method for the transportation vehicle includes:

[0007] When the transport vehicle arrives at the battery swapping area of ​​the battery swapping station, the first battery box is moved to a transfer station, and the second battery box is moved from the battery swapping station to another transfer station; wherein, the first battery box is the battery box located in the m-th column and n-th row of the plurality of battery boxes and whose power is lower than a preset value, and the second battery box is the battery box located in the battery swapping station and whose power is higher than the preset value.

[0008] Move the first battery box to the battery swapping station;

[0009] Repeat the above steps, where m is a fixed number and n starts from 1. Each time the first battery box is moved to a transfer station, the value of n increases by 1 until the first battery box in the kth row is moved to the battery swapping station. The space swept by the first battery boxes in the 2nd to kth rows during the movement process at least partially overlaps with the space where the first battery box in the 1st row is placed on the transport vehicle.

[0010] The second battery box is moved to a first preset position, wherein the first preset position is the placement position of the first battery box within the energy storage space.

[0011] In some embodiments, the steps of moving the first battery box to a transfer station and moving the second battery box from the battery swapping station to another transfer station include:

[0012] The second battery box is moved from the battery swapping station to the first transfer station, wherein the first transfer station is the transfer station farthest from the battery box in the m-th column;

[0013] Move the first battery box to a transfer station.

[0014] In some embodiments, the step of moving the first battery box to a transfer station includes:

[0015] The first battery box is moved to the second transfer station, which is the transfer station furthest from the first transfer station.

[0016] In some embodiments, the steps of moving the first battery box to a transfer station and moving the second battery box from the battery swapping station to another transfer station include:

[0017] The second battery box is moved from the battery swapping station to the first transfer station, wherein the first transfer station is the transfer station farthest from the battery box in the m-th column;

[0018] After moving the second battery box from the battery swapping station to the first transfer station, the first battery box is moved to a transfer station.

[0019] In some embodiments, when n=k, the steps of moving the first battery box to a transfer station and moving the second battery box from the battery swapping station to another transfer station include:

[0020] Move the first battery box to a transfer station other than the third transfer station, wherein the third transfer station is the transfer station closest to the battery box in the m-th column;

[0021] After moving the first battery box to a transfer station, the second battery box is moved from the battery swapping station to the third transfer station.

[0022] In some embodiments, the vehicle battery swapping method further includes:

[0023] Before moving the first battery box in the kth row to the battery swapping station, move the second battery box to the first preset position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the transport vehicle includes a handling module; the movement range of the handling module and the space enclosed by the set plane include a power storage space;

[0025] 0 < G ≤ T × A, 0 < D ≤ T × A, 0 < F < T × C, where A is the dimension of the battery box along the second direction, C is the dimension of the battery box along the third direction, the third direction being the height direction of the battery box, G is the spacing between two adjacent rows of battery boxes, D is the minimum distance between the edge of the battery box and the energy storage space along the second direction, F is the minimum distance between the top of the battery box and the top of the energy storage space along the third direction, and 0 < T ≤ 1.1.

[0026] In some embodiments, 0 < E ≤ T × B; where E is the distance between the battery box in the energy storage space and the battery box on the transfer seat along the first direction, B is the dimension of the battery box along the first direction, and 0 < T ≤ 1.1.

[0027] In some embodiments, the steps of moving the first battery box to a transfer station and moving the second battery box from the battery swapping station to another transfer station when the transport vehicle arrives at the battery swapping area of ​​the battery swapping station include:

[0028] When the transport vehicle arrives at the battery swapping area of ​​the battery swapping station, the status of the multiple battery boxes is obtained;

[0029] When M≥2, the column of the first battery box is determined according to the status of the plurality of battery boxes.

[0030] In some embodiments, the P transfer stations are arranged along a second direction, and each transfer station is equidistant from the first row of battery boxes.

[0031] In some embodiments, P=M, each transfer station is configured corresponding to one row of battery boxes, and in the first direction, the projections of the transfer station and the corresponding battery box at least partially overlap.

[0032] Secondly, this application provides a vehicle battery swapping system, which is applied to a vehicle battery swapping method as described in any of the first aspects; the vehicle battery swapping system includes:

[0033] Multiple battery boxes;

[0034] A battery swapping unit includes a transport module and P transfer stations; the transport module is set on a set plane; the space enclosed by the transport module and the set plane includes a power storage space, and the power storage space contains the plurality of battery boxes;

[0035] The length direction of the battery box in the energy storage space is parallel to the length direction of the battery box on the transfer seat; the transport module is used to move the battery box between the energy storage space and the transfer seat;

[0036] A battery swapping station includes a swapping unit and a charging dock; the charging dock is used to charge the battery box within it; the swapping unit is used to move the battery box to the charging dock and the transfer dock; the swapping unit is used to remove the battery box from the charging dock and the transfer dock; the sum of the maximum number of battery boxes that the energy storage space can accommodate and the number of charging docks is equal to the sum of the number of battery boxes on the transport vehicle and the number of battery boxes in the battery swapping station.

[0037] Thirdly, this application provides a means of transport that is suitable for a battery swapping method for a means of transport as described in any of the first aspects.

[0038] Through one or more embodiments of the above embodiments of this application, at least the following technical effects can be achieved:

[0039] When the transport vehicle arrives at the battery swapping area, the first battery box is moved to a transfer station, and the second battery box is moved from the battery swapping station to another transfer station. The first battery box is then removed from the transfer station, and the above steps are repeated. m is a fixed number, and n starts from 1. Each time the first battery box is moved to a transfer station, the value of n increases by 1, until the first battery box in the k-th row is moved to the battery swapping station. Finally, the second battery box on the transfer station is moved to the energy storage space. Through the coordinated operation of P transfer stations, orderly battery box replacement can be achieved even when energy storage space is limited and the height and adjacent areas cannot accommodate the movement of battery boxes. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a means of transport according to one embodiment is shown;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an energy storage component of a transportation vehicle according to one embodiment is shown;

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a replacement unit according to one embodiment is shown;

[0043] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2A side view of the energy storage components of a transportation vehicle;

[0044] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A top view of the energy storage components of a transportation vehicle;

[0045] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart of a battery swapping method according to one embodiment is shown;

[0046] Figure 7 A simplified schematic diagram of multiple battery boxes and P transfer stations on a transport vehicle is shown.

[0047] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the movement of the second battery box from the battery swapping station to the first transfer station is shown;

[0048] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the movement of the first battery box to a transfer station is shown;

[0049] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing the movement of the first battery box to another transfer station is shown;

[0050] Figure 11 A schematic diagram is shown showing the movement of the first battery box from the transfer station to the battery swapping station;

[0051] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates how, when n=k, the first battery box is moved to a transfer station other than the third transfer station.

[0052] Figure 13 A schematic diagram is shown showing how, after the first battery box is moved to a transfer station, the second battery box is moved from the battery swapping station to a third transfer station.

[0053] Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing the second battery box being moved to a first preset position is shown;

[0054] Figure 15 A schematic diagram showing the movement of the first battery box to the second transfer station is shown;

[0055] Figure 16 A schematic diagram showing the movement of the second battery box to the transfer station is shown;

[0056] Figure 17 A schematic diagram showing the movement of the second battery box to the first transfer station is shown;

[0057] Figure 18 A schematic diagram is shown showing the movement of the first battery box from the transfer station to the battery swapping station;

[0058] Figure 19 The diagram shows the second battery box on the transfer station being moved sequentially into the energy storage space.

[0059] Reference numerals: Energy storage component 10; Energy storage unit 11; Discharge seat 111; Chamber 112; Battery swapping unit 12; Transport module 121; Trolley guide rail 1211; Trolley guide rail 1212; Trolley body 1213; Lifting unit 1214; Transfer seat 122; Transport body 13; Replacement unit 20; Fixed seat 21; Cantilever 22; Grabbing unit 23; Battery box 30; First direction Q1; Second direction Q2; Third direction Q3. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and thus implement the present disclosure, and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the disclosure.

[0061] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its variations are to be interpreted as open-ended terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" is to be interpreted as "at least partially based on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" are to be interpreted as "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" is to be interpreted as "at least one other embodiment". The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation or being constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientations or positional relationships; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "installed", "set up", "equipped with", "connected", and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are mainly used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (the specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not used to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0062] The inventors of this application have discovered that a power storage space is provided on a transportation vehicle to accommodate multiple battery boxes 30. To ensure the smooth implementation of battery box 30 swapping operations and to avoid interference between the battery box 30 and surrounding structures during the swapping process, a dedicated swapping channel for moving the battery boxes 30 needs to be reserved in the area directly above the battery box 30 within the power storage space, or between two adjacent battery boxes 30. When the battery box 30 in the power storage space is low on power, the swapping device can smoothly move the low-powered battery box 30 out of the power storage space through this swapping channel; after the low-powered battery box 30 is moved out, the fully charged battery box 30 is precisely moved into the discharge seat 111 inside the power storage space through the same swapping channel, completing the entire swapping process. However, the reserved design of the swapping channel significantly increases the volume occupied by the power storage space on the transportation vehicle. At the same time, the dispersed arrangement of the battery boxes 30 also reduces the energy density and space utilization of the power storage space.

[0063] Example 1:

[0064] The battery swapping method for transportation vehicles in this embodiment involves a battery swapping system including multiple battery boxes 30, battery swapping units 12, and battery swapping stations. For example... Figures 1-5 As shown, the battery box 30 serves as an energy storage component to power the transportation vehicle. The battery swapping unit 12 includes a transport module 121 and P transfer seats 122. The transport module 121 is mounted on a set plane. The movement range of the transport module 121 and the space enclosed by the set plane include an energy storage space, within which multiple battery boxes 30 are arranged. The length direction of the battery boxes 30 in the energy storage space is parallel to the length direction of the battery boxes 30 on the transfer seats 122. The transport module 121 is used to move the battery boxes 30 between the energy storage space and the transfer seats 122. The battery swapping station includes a swapping unit 20 and a charging base. The charging base is used to charge the battery boxes 30 within it. The swapping unit 20 is used to move the battery boxes 30 to the charging base and the transfer seats 122. The swapping unit 20 is used to remove the battery boxes 30 from the charging base and the transfer seats 122. The maximum number of battery boxes 30 that can be accommodated in the energy storage space, plus the number of charging bases, equals the sum of the number of battery boxes 30 on the transportation vehicle and the number of battery boxes 30 in the battery swapping station.

[0065] In the energy storage space, 0 < G ≤ T × A, where A is the dimension of the battery box 30 along the second direction Q2, G is the distance between two adjacent rows of battery boxes 30, and 0 < T ≤ 1.1. 0 < T indicates that there is a distance between two adjacent rows of battery boxes 30, and T ≤ 1.1 restricts the distance between two adjacent rows of battery boxes 30 to be less than a certain value, meaning the spacing between the battery boxes 30 on adjacent discharge seats 111 is relatively compact. This arrangement allows the battery boxes 30 in the energy storage space to be arranged more compactly, thereby achieving full utilization of the energy storage space. Storing more battery boxes 30 in the same volume of energy storage space effectively increases the energy density in the energy storage space. When T = 1.1, and there are battery boxes 30 on adjacent discharge seats 111, although the battery boxes 30 can be moved through the space between two adjacent rows of battery boxes 30, it is easy for the moved battery boxes 30 to collide with the battery boxes 30 on the discharge seat 111. Therefore, when both rows of discharge seats 111 have battery boxes 30, the battery boxes 30 cannot be moved through the space between the two adjacent rows of battery boxes 30.

[0066] In the energy storage space, 0 < D ≤ T × A, where D is the minimum distance between the battery box 30 and the edge of the energy storage space in the second direction Q2, and 0 < T ≤ 1.1. 0 < T indicates that there is a gap between adjacent rows of battery boxes 30, and T ≤ 1.1 restricts the minimum distance between the battery box 30 and the edge of the energy storage space to a certain value, meaning the distance between the battery box 30 closest to the edge of the energy storage space and the energy storage space is relatively small. This arrangement demonstrates that the arrangement of multiple battery boxes 30 within the energy storage space fully utilizes the space between the battery box 30 and the edge of the energy storage space. This allows more battery boxes 30 to be stored within the same volume of energy storage space, effectively increasing the energy density in the energy storage space. When T = 1.1, although the battery box 30 can be moved using the minimum distance between it and the edge of the energy storage space, it is prone to collisions between the moved battery box 30 and adjacent battery boxes 30 or the edge of the energy storage space. Therefore, the space between the battery box 30 and the edge of the energy storage space cannot be used for movement.

[0067] In the energy storage space, 0 < F < T × C, where C is the dimension of the battery box 30 along the third direction Q3, F is the minimum distance between the top of the battery box 30 and the top of the energy storage space along the third direction Q3, 0 < T ≤ 1.1, and the third direction Q3 is the height direction of the battery box 30. 0 < T indicates that there is a gap between the top of the battery box 30 and the top of the energy storage space. T ≤ 1.1 restricts the gap between the top of the battery box 30 and the top of the energy storage space to be less than a certain value, meaning the height dimension of the energy storage space is relatively compact. When T = 1.1, and there is a gap between the top of the battery box 30 and the top of the energy storage space, although the battery box 30 can be moved through the space between them, it is easy for the moved battery box 30 to collide with the battery box 30 on the discharge base 111. Therefore, the battery box 30 cannot be moved through the space between the top of the battery box 30 and the top of the energy storage space.

[0068] In some embodiments, 0 < E ≤ T × B. Here, E is the distance between the battery box 30 in the energy storage space and the battery box 30 on the transfer seat 122 along the first direction Q1, B is the size of the battery box 30 along the first direction Q1, and 0 < T ≤ 1.1. 0 < T indicates that there is a distance between the battery box 30 in the energy storage space and the battery box 30 on the transfer seat 122 along the first direction Q1. T ≤ 1.1 restricts the minimum distance between the battery box 30 and the edge of the energy storage space to be less than a certain value, meaning that the distance between the battery box 30 closest to the edge of the energy storage space and the energy storage space is small. This arrangement shows that the arrangement of multiple battery boxes 30 within the energy storage space fully utilizes the space between the battery box 30 and the edge of the energy storage space. This allows more battery boxes 30 to be stored in the same volume of energy storage space, effectively increasing the energy density in the energy storage space. When T is 1.1, although the battery box 30 can be moved within the minimum distance between the edge of the energy storage space, it is easy for the moved battery box 30 to collide with adjacent battery boxes 30 or the edge of the energy storage space. Therefore, it is not possible to move the battery box 30 using the space between the edge of the energy storage space.

[0069] In some embodiments, when powering the vehicle, multiple battery boxes 30 are powered sequentially in columns. That is, when the power levels of both battery boxes 30 in column M are lower than a preset value, the power is switched to the two battery boxes 30 in column M+1. Simultaneously, when the battery boxes 30 in column M are powered, the battery boxes 30 in the first row are powered first; when the power levels of the battery boxes 30 in the first row are lower than a preset value, the battery boxes 30 in the second row are powered.

[0070] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a battery swapping method for transportation vehicles. Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a battery swapping method for a transportation vehicle according to an embodiment of this application is shown, the battery swapping method including steps S10 to S40.

[0071] Step S10: When the transport vehicle arrives at the battery swapping area of ​​the battery swapping station, the first battery box 30 is moved to a transfer station 122, and the second battery box 30 is moved from the battery swapping station to another transfer station 122. The first battery box 30 is the battery box 30 located in the m-th column and n-th row of the plurality of battery boxes 30, and whose power level is lower than a preset value. The second battery box 30 is the battery box 30 located in the battery swapping station, and whose power level is higher than the preset value. The order in which the first and second battery boxes 30 are moved is not important; the first battery box 30 can be moved first and then the second battery box 30, or the second battery box 30 can be moved first and then the first battery box 30, or the first and second battery boxes 30 can be moved simultaneously.

[0072] Step S20: Move the first battery box 30 to the battery swapping station.

[0073] Step S30: Repeat the above steps, where m is a fixed number and n starts from 1. Each time the step of moving the first battery box 30 to a transfer station 122 is executed, the value of n increases by 1 until the first battery box 30 of the kth row is moved to the battery swapping station. The space swept by the first battery boxes 30 of the 2nd to kth rows during the movement at least partially overlaps with the placement space of the first battery boxes 30 of the 1st row on the transport vehicle. 1≤k≤N. When k is less than N, for example, when N=4 and k=3, there are four rows of battery boxes 30. When entering the battery swapping station, only the first three rows of battery boxes 30 in the first row are low on power. In this case, only the third row is swapped to replace all the first battery boxes 30 with second battery boxes 30.

[0074] Step S40: Move the second battery box 30 to the first preset position, wherein the first preset position is the placement position of the first battery box 30 in the energy storage space.

[0075] Figures 7-19 This is a schematic diagram of each step in the battery swapping method according to an embodiment of this application. The battery swapping method according to an embodiment of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] Figure 7 The diagram shows a vehicle equipped with multiple battery boxes 30 and P transfer seats 122. The battery boxes 30 are arranged in N rows and M columns within the energy storage space, where N is a positive integer ≥ 2, M is a positive integer ≥ 1, and P = N + 1 and P ≤ M. The column direction of the battery boxes 30 is a first direction Q1, and the row direction is a second direction Q2. The battery boxes 30 and the P transfer seats 122 are arranged sequentially along the first direction Q1, with the battery boxes 30 closest to the transfer seats 122 being the first row and the battery boxes 30 furthest from the transfer seats 122 being the Nth row.

[0077] exist Figures 7-19In the illustrated embodiment, N=2, P=3, M=3, symbol ① represents the first battery box 30 located in the first row, symbol ② represents the first battery box 30 located in the second row, and symbol ③ represents the second battery box 30.

[0078] In some embodiments, the steps of moving the first battery box 30 to a transfer station 122 and moving the second battery box 30 from the battery swapping station to another transfer station 122 may include: moving the second battery box 30 from the battery swapping station to the first transfer station 122, wherein the first transfer station 122 is the transfer station 122 furthest from the m-th column of battery boxes 30. Moving the first battery box 30 to a transfer station 122.

[0079] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates moving the second battery box 30 from the battery swapping station to the first transfer station 122, where the first transfer station 122 is the one furthest from the battery box 30 in the m-th column. This avoids the second battery box 30 being on the path of the first battery box 30 in the m-th column, preventing the second battery box 30 from obstructing the movement of the first battery box 30, and thus ensuring that the battery box 30 will not experience safety issues such as collisions or compression during the battery swapping process. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, m=1, the battery box 30 to be swapped is the battery box 30 in the first column, and the transfer station 122 furthest away is the transfer station 122 corresponding to the battery box 30 in the third column. Moving the second battery box 30 to the first transfer station 122 can prevent the second battery box 30 from being in the removal path of the first battery box 30, thereby preventing the second battery box 30 from obstructing the removal of the first battery box 30, reducing the time spent on battery swapping, and thus improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0080] Since the transfer station 122 and the handling module 121 are located on the transport vehicle, when the transport vehicle shakes, the relative movement distance between the first battery box 30 grasped by the handling module 121 and the transfer station 122 is relatively small. However, the relative movement distance of the replacement unit 20 moving the second battery box 30 to the transfer station 122 is relatively large. Therefore, the second battery box 30 is moved to the transfer station 122 first to ensure that all three transfer stations 122 are empty when the second battery box 30 is moved to the transfer station 122, thereby avoiding the first battery box 30 being moved in first, which would cause a collision between the first battery box 30 and the second battery box 30.

[0081] In some embodiments, the step of moving the first battery box 30 to a transfer station 122 may include: moving the first battery box 30 to a second transfer station 122, wherein the second transfer station 122 is the transfer station 122 furthest from the first transfer station 122. Figure 9A schematic diagram is shown showing the movement of the first battery box 30 to the second transfer station 122. This results in a larger distance between the first and second battery boxes 30 on the transfer station 122, thus preventing collisions when the first battery box 30 is moved to the transfer station 122. Furthermore, if the transport vehicle shakes, causing the transfer station 122 to move relative to the swapping unit 20, the above method significantly reduces the risk of collisions between the first and second battery boxes 30, improving the safety of the battery swapping process.

[0082] In some embodiments, the steps of moving the first battery box 30 to a transfer station 122 and moving the second battery box 30 from the battery swapping station to another transfer station 122 include: moving the second battery box 30 from the battery swapping station to the first transfer station 122, wherein the first transfer station 122 is the transfer station 122 furthest from the m-th column of battery boxes 30; after moving the second battery box 30 from the battery swapping station to the first transfer station 122, moving the first battery box 30 to a transfer station 122.

[0083] Figure 10 A schematic diagram shows the movement of the first battery box 30 to a transfer station 122. When Figure 8 Once completed, it can be executed. Figure 9 or Figure 10 Any of the following methods. After moving the second battery box 30 from the battery swapping station to the first transfer station 122, the first battery box 30 is moved to a transfer station 122. These two steps are performed sequentially to prevent the second battery box 30 and the first battery box 30 from colliding.

[0084] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates moving the first battery box 30 from the transfer station 122 to the battery swapping station to accommodate subsequent placement of other first battery boxes 30. Simultaneously, to avoid interference between the replacement unit 20 and the battery swapping module, the replacement unit 20 needs to be moved. If the replacement unit 20 is idle, it will result in wasted energy; therefore, the first battery box 30 is moved into the charging dock. This effectively utilizes resources and avoids the need for a secondary movement of the replacement unit 20.

[0085] In some embodiments, when n=k, the steps of moving the first battery box 30 to a transfer station 122 and moving the second battery box 30 from the battery swapping station to another transfer station 122 include:

[0086] Move the first battery box 30 to a transfer seat 122 other than the third transfer seat 122, wherein the third transfer seat 122 is the transfer seat 122 that is closest to the battery box 30 in the m-th column;

[0087] After moving the first battery box 30 to a transfer station 122, the second battery box 30 is moved from the battery swapping station to the third transfer station 122.

[0088] Figure 12 The diagram illustrates that when n=k, the first battery box 30 is moved to a transfer station 122 other than the third transfer station 122, where the third transfer station 122 is the transfer station 122 closest to the m-th column of battery boxes 30. For example, when n=k=2, when the charge of both rows of battery boxes 30 in the first column within the energy storage space is lower than a preset value, the battery boxes 30 in the first column are swapped. After the first battery box 30 in the first row is moved out, the first battery box 30 in the second row is replaced. By moving the first battery box 30 in the second row to a transfer station 122 other than the third transfer station 122 (i.e., the transfer station 122 corresponding to the second column of battery boxes 30), and then moving the second battery box 30 to the third transfer station 122, the distance to subsequently move the second battery box 30 to its original position in the second row of first battery boxes 30 can be shortened, thereby improving the efficiency of battery swapping.

[0089] Figure 13 The diagram illustrates moving the first battery box 30 to a transfer station 122, followed by moving the second battery box 30 from the battery swapping station to a third transfer station 122. By moving the first battery box 30 to a transfer station 122 other than the third transfer station 122, and then moving the second battery box 30 to the third transfer station 122 (i.e., moving the second battery box 30 to the transfer station 122 corresponding to the first row of battery boxes 30), the subsequent movement of the second battery box 30 to the first preset position can be shortened, thereby improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0090] Figure 14 The diagram illustrates that before moving the first battery box 30 in the k-th row to the battery swapping station, the second battery box 30 is moved to a first preset position. This ensures that battery boxes 30 with a value higher than or equal to a preset value can provide power to the vehicle, guaranteeing sufficient range. After moving the second battery box 30 to the first preset position, the first battery box 30 on the transfer seat 122 needs to be moved to the battery swapping station before the second battery box 30 is moved into the energy storage space. This prevents the first battery box 30 from obstructing the movement of the second battery box 30. Alternatively, the first battery box 30 can be moved to the battery swapping station first, and then the second battery boxes 30 on the transfer seat 122 can be moved sequentially to the first preset position.

[0091] Figure 15The diagram illustrates moving the first battery box 30 of the second row to the second transfer seat 122. The second transfer seat 122 is located further away from the first transfer seat 122, thus avoiding the possibility of collision between the first and second battery boxes 30 if the second battery box 30 is placed near the path from which the first battery box 30 is moved. This improves the safety and reliability of moving the first battery box 30. During execution, the following steps can be selected: Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 The execution order, or Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 18 , Figure 19 The execution order.

[0092] Figure 16 A schematic diagram showing the movement of the second battery box 30 to the transfer seat 122 is shown.

[0093] Figure 17 A schematic diagram showing the movement of the second battery box 30 to the first transfer station 122 is provided. It should be noted that the setting of the first transfer station 122 varies depending on whether the battery box 30 is placed on the transfer station 122, for example... Figure 17 In the middle, the transfer station 122 furthest from the m-th column already has a battery box 30, therefore the first transfer station 122 is the second transfer station 122 furthest from the m-th column, that is... Figure 17 The intermediate transfer station 122. Execute. Figure 15 Then execute the steps. Figure 16 Steps, or execution Figure 17 Execute after the steps Figure 16 The steps.

[0094] Figure 18 A schematic diagram is shown of moving the first battery box 30 on the transfer station 122 to the battery swapping station.

[0095] Figure 19 The diagram shows the second battery box 30 on the transfer seat 122 being moved into the energy storage space in sequence, thus completing the battery swapping operation for the m rows of battery boxes 30.

[0096] In some embodiments, when a transport vehicle arrives at the battery swapping area of ​​the battery swapping station, the status of multiple battery boxes 30 is acquired. The status of the multiple battery boxes 30 includes their battery charge levels. When the battery charge level of at least one column of battery boxes 30 is lower than a preset value, battery swapping is performed using the aforementioned battery swapping method. When M≥2, the column of the first battery box 30 is determined based on the status of the multiple battery boxes 30. This ensures that battery boxes 30 with charge levels below the preset value are effectively swapped, while battery boxes 30 with charge levels above the preset value do not need to be replaced, thus improving overall battery swapping efficiency.

[0097] In some embodiments, P transfer seats 122 are arranged along the second direction Q2, and each transfer seat 122 is equidistant from the first row of battery boxes 30. By rationally planning the positions of the battery boxes 30 and the transfer seats 122, when the transport module 121 moves the battery boxes 30 between the energy storage space and the transfer seats 122, the accuracy requirements of the transport module 121 when transferring the battery boxes 30 are reduced, and the transfer efficiency of the battery boxes 30 is improved.

[0098] In some embodiments, P=M, each transfer station 122 is correspondingly arranged with one row of battery boxes 30. In the first direction Q1, the projections of the transfer station 122 and the corresponding battery box 30 at least partially overlap, so that the transfer station 122 is as horizontal as possible with the battery boxes 30 in the energy storage space in the first direction Q1, which facilitates the handling by the handling module 121 and the planning of the battery box 30 positions. It should be understood that the distance between two adjacent rows of battery boxes 30 in the energy storage space is insufficient to move the battery boxes 30. By moving out the first row of first battery boxes 30, and then moving out the second row, third row, fourth row, and so on up to the kth row of battery boxes 30, the space utilization rate of the energy storage area is improved while ensuring that the energy storage space is relatively compact, and the additional space occupied during the battery swapping process is reduced.

[0099] Implementation 2:

[0100] In this embodiment, this application provides a battery swapping system for a transportation vehicle, which is applied to the aforementioned battery swapping method for the transportation vehicle. The battery swapping system for the transportation vehicle includes multiple battery boxes 30, battery swapping units 12, and battery swapping stations.

[0101] Multiple battery packs 30 provide power to the transportation vehicle, ensuring its range.

[0102] The battery swapping unit 12 includes a transport module 121 and P transfer stations 122. The transport module 121 is mounted on a set plane. The movement range of the transport module 121 and the space enclosed by the set plane include a power storage space, in which multiple battery boxes 30 are disposed. The length direction of the battery boxes 30 in the power storage space is parallel to the length direction of the battery boxes 30 on the transfer stations 122. The transport module 121 is used to move the battery boxes 30 between the power storage space and the transfer stations 122.

[0103] The battery swapping station includes a swapping unit 20 and a charging base. The charging base is used to charge the battery boxes 30 inside, replenishing their power in a timely manner and ensuring a continuous supply of battery boxes 30. The swapping unit 20 is used to move the battery boxes 30 into and out of the charging base and transfer station 122, enabling the orderly flow of battery boxes 30 between the charging base and transfer station 122. This ensures that charged battery boxes 30 can be delivered to the swapping stage in a timely manner, and that battery boxes 30 with less than a set power level can be promptly charged in the charging base. The sum of the maximum number of battery boxes 30 that the energy storage space can hold and the number of charging bases equals the sum of the number of battery boxes 30 on the transport vehicle and the number of battery boxes 30 in the battery swapping station, avoiding waste due to excess battery boxes 30 or delays caused by insufficient battery boxes 30.

[0104] Example 3:

[0105] In this embodiment, this application provides a transportation vehicle, which is applicable to the battery swapping method described above. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the transportation vehicle includes a battery box 30, an energy storage component 10, and a transport body 13.

[0106] The movement range of the transport body 13 and the handling module 121 forms a power storage space, facilitating the storage of the battery box 30. The transport body 13 is connected to the handling module 121; the discharge base 111 is connected to the transport body 13; the transport body 13 provides an installation base for the battery base, and the battery box 30 can provide power to the transport body 13 through the discharge base 111. The transport body 13 can be a vehicle, ship, aircraft, etc.

[0107] In other embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the handling module 121 includes a large trolley guide rail 1211, a small trolley guide rail 1212, a small trolley body 1213, and a lifting unit 1214. The small trolley guide rail 1212 moves along a first direction Q1 on the large trolley guide rail 1211; the small trolley body 1213 moves along a second direction Q2 on the small trolley guide rail 1212, and the small trolley body 1213 drives the lifting unit 1214 to move along a third direction Q3. The moving area of ​​the small trolley body 1213 and the set plane enclose a power storage space; the lifting unit 1214 is used to grab the battery box 30 in the power storage space. When the energy storage component 10 needs to be swapped, the trolley guide rail 1212 moves on the main trolley guide rail 1211, and the trolley body 1213 moves on the trolley guide rail 1212, thereby realizing the ability of the trolley body 1213 to move in multiple directions. Then, the trolley body 1213 drives the hoisting part 1214 to grab and fix the battery box 30, thereby realizing the movement of the battery box 30 in the energy storage space.

[0108] like Figure 3As shown, the replacement unit 20 includes a fixed base 21, a cantilever 22, and a gripping part 23. One end of the cantilever 22 is connected to the fixed base 21, and the other end is connected to the gripping part 23. When the battery holder of the transfer seat 122 is removed, the gripping part 23 is used to install the battery box 30 onto the battery holder on the rotating module, or to remove the battery box 30 from the battery holder on the rotating module, thereby performing a battery swapping operation on the energy storage component 10.

[0109] The energy storage assembly 10 includes an energy storage unit 11, which includes a chamber 112 and a discharge base 111. The chamber 112 and a set plane form an enclosing space, and the discharge base 111 and the battery box 30 are located within the enclosing space. The chamber 112 can prevent the discharge base 111 and the battery box 30 from being affected by external environmental factors.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing this disclosure, and in practical applications, various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for swapping batteries in a transportation vehicle, characterized in that, The transport vehicle is equipped with multiple battery boxes and P transfer seats; the multiple battery boxes are arranged in N rows and M columns within the energy storage space, where N is a positive integer ≥ 2, M is a positive integer ≥ 1, P = N + 1 and P ≤ M; the column direction of the multiple battery boxes is a first direction, and the row direction is a second direction; the multiple battery boxes and the P transfer seats are arranged sequentially along the first direction, wherein the battery boxes closest to the transfer seats are the first row of battery boxes, and the battery boxes furthest from the transfer seats are the Nth row of battery boxes; The battery swapping method for the transportation vehicle includes: When the transport vehicle arrives at the battery swapping area of ​​the battery swapping station, the first battery box is moved to a transfer station, and the second battery box is moved from the battery swapping station to another transfer station; wherein, the first battery box is the battery box located in the m-th column and n-th row of the plurality of battery boxes and whose power is lower than a preset value, and the second battery box is the battery box located in the battery swapping station and whose power is higher than the preset value. Move the first battery box to the battery swapping station; Repeat the above steps, where m is a fixed number and n starts from 1. Each time the first battery box is moved to a transfer station, the value of n increases by 1 until the first battery box in the kth row is moved to the battery swapping station. The space swept by the first battery boxes in the 2nd to kth rows during the movement process at least partially overlaps with the space where the first battery box in the 1st row is placed on the transport vehicle. The second battery box is moved to a first preset position, wherein the first preset position is the position in the energy storage space where the first battery box was placed before it was moved out; The steps of moving the first battery box to a transfer station and moving the second battery box from the battery swapping station to another transfer station include: The second battery box is moved from the battery swapping station to the first transfer station, wherein the first transfer station is the transfer station farthest from the battery box in the m-th column; Move the first battery box to a transfer station.

2. The method for swapping batteries in a transportation vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of moving the first battery box to a transfer station includes: The first battery box is moved to the second transfer station, which is the transfer station furthest from the first transfer station.

3. The method for swapping batteries in a transportation vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps of moving the first battery box to a transfer station and moving the second battery box from the battery swapping station to another transfer station include: The second battery box is moved from the battery swapping station to the first transfer station, wherein the first transfer station is the transfer station farthest from the battery box in the m-th column; After moving the second battery box from the battery swapping station to the first transfer station, the first battery box is moved to a transfer station.

4. The method for swapping batteries in a transportation vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, When n=k, the steps of moving the first battery box to a transfer station and moving the second battery box from the battery swapping station to another transfer station include: Move the first battery box to a transfer station other than the third transfer station, wherein the third transfer station is the transfer station closest to the battery box in the m-th column; After moving the first battery box to a transfer station, the second battery box is moved from the battery swapping station to the third transfer station.

5. A method for swapping batteries in a transportation vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The battery swapping method for transportation vehicles also includes: Before moving the first battery box in the kth row to the battery swapping station, move the second battery box to the first preset position.

6. The method for swapping batteries in a transportation vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport vehicle includes a handling module; the movement range of the handling module and the space enclosed by the set plane include a power storage space; 0 < G ≤ T × A, 0 < D ≤ T × A, 0 < F < T × C, where A is the dimension of the battery box along the second direction, C is the dimension of the battery box along the third direction, the third direction being the height direction of the battery box, G is the spacing between two adjacent rows of battery boxes, D is the minimum distance between the edge of the battery box and the energy storage space along the second direction, F is the minimum distance between the top of the battery box and the top of the energy storage space along the third direction, and 0 < T ≤ 1.

1.

7. The method for swapping batteries in a transportation vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, 0 < E ≤ T × B; where E is the distance between the battery box in the energy storage space and the battery box on the transfer seat along the first direction, B is the size of the battery box along the first direction, and 0 < T ≤ 1.

1.

8. The method for swapping batteries in a transportation vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps of moving the first battery box to a transfer station and moving the second battery box from the battery swapping station to another transfer station when the transport vehicle arrives at the battery swapping area of ​​the station include: When the transport vehicle arrives at the battery swapping area of ​​the battery swapping station, the status of the multiple battery boxes is obtained; When M≥2, the column of the first battery box is determined according to the status of the plurality of battery boxes.

9. A method for swapping batteries in a transportation vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The P transfer stations are arranged along the second direction, and each transfer station is equidistant from the first row of battery boxes.

10. A method for swapping batteries in a transportation vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that, P=M, each transfer station is set with one row of battery boxes, and in the first direction, the projections of the transfer station and the corresponding battery box at least partially overlap.

11. A battery swapping system for transportation vehicles, characterized in that, The vehicle battery swapping system is applied to a vehicle battery swapping method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; the vehicle battery swapping system comprises: Multiple battery boxes; A battery swapping unit includes a transport module and P transfer stations; the transport module is set on a set plane; the space enclosed by the transport module and the set plane includes a power storage space, and the power storage space contains the plurality of battery boxes; The length direction of the battery box in the energy storage space is parallel to the length direction of the battery box on the transfer seat; the transport module is used to move the battery box between the energy storage space and the transfer seat; A battery swapping station includes a swapping unit and a charging dock; the charging dock is used to charge the battery box inside the charging dock; the swapping unit is used to move the battery box to the charging dock and the transfer dock; the swapping unit is used to remove the battery box from the charging dock and the transfer dock.

12. A means of transport, characterized in that, The vehicle is applicable to a vehicle battery swapping method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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