Comprehensive hub compatible battery swap station and battery swap method

Abstract

The invention discloses a comprehensive hub compatible battery swap station and a battery swap method, belongs to the technical field of new energy vehicle battery swap technologies, and is used for solving the technical problems that a battery swap mode of an existing new energy vehicle battery swap station cannot give consideration to safety, universality and economical efficiency and does not meet the development requirements of the new energy vehicle battery swap technology. Comprising an overground battery replacing space and an underground battery replacing space; the overground battery replacing space comprises a vehicle identification system, a battery compartment control cabinet, a charging pile and at least two types of battery replacing vehicle positions; the underground battery replacement space comprises a mobile battery replacement robot and a battery storage rack; different models of battery packs corresponding to different vehicle types are stored in the battery storage rack; the overground battery replacing space communicates with the underground battery replacing space through a battery replacing channel in each battery replacing station, and the mobile battery replacing robot carries out battery replacing on the battery replacing vehicles through the battery replacing channels; the underground battery replacing space is a communication space, and the mobile battery replacing robot can reach different battery replacing positions and battery storage racks through the underground battery replacing space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery swapping technology for new energy vehicles, and in particular to a comprehensive hub-compatible battery swapping station and battery swapping method. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of battery swapping for new energy vehicles, existing swapping stations suffer from several technical shortcomings. Firstly, some stations use a method of hoisting battery packs from above, which poses safety risks such as batteries falling during the hoisting process, making safety difficult to guarantee. Furthermore, this method requires a hoisting structure above the vehicle, which increases wind resistance during vehicle operation, thus increasing energy consumption. Secondly, common chassis-based battery swapping methods mostly use dedicated equipment for each station, lacking versatility and only adapting to specific vehicle models or battery packs, and cannot swap batteries for multiple vehicles simultaneously. This necessitates configuring multiple specialized devices for various truck models, significantly increasing construction and operating costs, and resulting in low swapping efficiency, severely hindering the widespread adoption of battery swapping stations. Therefore, a new battery swapping solution that balances safety, versatility, and economy is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a comprehensive hub-compatible battery swapping station and battery swapping method to solve the following technical problem: the existing battery swapping methods of new energy vehicle battery swapping stations cannot simultaneously take into account safety, versatility and economy, and do not meet the development needs of new energy vehicle battery swapping technology.

[0004] The embodiments of the present invention adopt the following technical solutions: On one hand, embodiments of the present invention provide a comprehensive hub-compatible battery swapping station, comprising: an above-ground battery swapping space and an underground battery swapping space; the above-ground battery swapping space includes a vehicle identification system, a battery compartment control cabinet, a charging pile, and at least two types of battery swapping parking spaces; the underground battery swapping space includes a mobile battery swapping robot and a battery storage rack; the battery storage rack stores different models of battery packs corresponding to different vehicle types; the above-ground battery swapping space and the underground battery swapping space are connected through battery swapping channels in each battery swapping parking space, and the mobile battery swapping robot performs battery swapping operations on the vehicles through the battery swapping channels; the underground battery swapping space is an integrated interconnected space, and the mobile battery swapping robot can reach different battery swapping parking spaces and battery storage racks through the underground battery swapping space and perform mobile scheduling.

[0005] The integrated hub-compatible battery swapping station provided in this embodiment of the invention provides a comprehensive battery swapping station that can accommodate the battery swapping needs of various vehicle models and battery models by setting up multiple types of battery swapping parking spaces, a two-story through space with a separate upper and lower structure, and a battery storage rack that can store multiple battery models. This provides a more convenient and efficient battery swapping solution for new energy vehicles.

[0006] In one feasible implementation, the mobile battery swapping robot is equipped with a battery swapping locking mechanism and a corresponding adjustment mechanism. The battery swapping locking mechanism can be connected to the locking point of the battery pack for disassembly and installation of the battery pack. The adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the relative positions between multiple battery swapping locking mechanisms to adapt to the locking point positions of different battery pack models, thereby adapting to the battery swapping needs of different vehicle types.

[0007] The embodiments of the present invention, based on the adjustability of the battery locking position of the mobile battery swapping robot, solve the problem that existing battery swapping robots cannot adapt to different battery pack models, and can adapt to the battery swapping needs of different vehicle models in the same battery swapping station.

[0008] In one feasible implementation, the underground battery swapping space includes at least two types of mobile battery swapping robots, and the battery swapping locking mechanism of each type of mobile battery swapping robot can be adapted to several types of battery packs.

[0009] Since the locking positions of different battery pack models vary considerably, it is impossible to adapt all battery packs simply by adjusting the locking position of the battery swapping robot. Therefore, this invention provides multiple models of mobile battery swapping robots, classifying battery packs with similar locking positions into one category. Each category of battery packs is disassembled and installed separately using multiple models of mobile battery swapping robots, thereby covering all models of battery packs stored in the battery swapping station.

[0010] In one feasible implementation, the vehicle identification system is used to identify the vehicle type information that drives into the battery swapping parking space, determine the corresponding battery pack model information based on the vehicle type information, and dispatch a mobile battery swapping robot to grab a fully charged battery pack of the corresponding model and place it under the battery swapping parking space for battery swapping operations.

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention are equipped with a precise vehicle recognition system, which can quickly identify the license plate number and vehicle model of the battery swapping vehicle, and accurately control the mobile battery swapping robot to work under the battery swapping space.

[0012] In one feasible implementation, the battery swapping station includes at least a light truck battery swapping station and a medium and heavy truck battery swapping station; the battery swapping channel of the medium and heavy truck battery swapping station can accommodate multiple mobile battery swapping robots to work simultaneously, completing the synchronous or asynchronous replacement of multiple battery packs of medium and / or heavy truck vehicles.

[0013] The battery swapping station provided in this embodiment of the invention includes various types of battery swapping spaces, mainly including light truck spaces and medium and heavy truck spaces, which can improve the battery swapping compatibility of the battery swapping station for different types of trucks, and is significantly different from the single station and single equipment of the prior art.

[0014] In one feasible implementation, the battery storage rack and each battery swapping station are connected by a space, and the space is provided with a travel channel for the mobile battery swapping robot to move in. A mobile battery swapping robot can sequentially grab battery packs from multiple battery storage racks and transport them to multiple battery swapping stations in the travel channel of the underground battery swapping space. A battery swapping station can also sequentially dispatch multiple mobile battery swapping robots to the current battery swapping station.

[0015] The underground battery swapping space in this embodiment of the invention is an integrated, interconnected space, rather than an isolated space created separately under each parking space. The robot can move and be scheduled within the underground space, rather than operating at a fixed point. Furthermore, there can be a many-to-many relationship between the battery swapping robot and the battery swapping parking space. When a large number of vehicles are swapping batteries at the same time, the superior battery swapping efficiency and scheduling convenience of this battery swapping station can be better demonstrated.

[0016] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide a battery swapping method for a comprehensive hub-compatible battery swapping station. The method includes: after a battery swapping vehicle enters a battery swapping space in the above-ground battery swapping space, the vehicle information of the battery swapping vehicle is identified through a vehicle identification system; based on the location of the battery swapping space and the vehicle information, a corresponding mobile battery swapping robot is dispatched in the underground battery swapping space to move to the area below the battery swapping space to disassemble and store the battery pack of the battery swapping vehicle; wherein, the underground battery swapping space is an integral, interconnected space; the mobile battery swapping robot is controlled to reach the corresponding battery storage rack to grab the corresponding model of battery pack, and then returns to the area below the battery swapping space to perform the battery swapping operation.

[0017] The embodiments of the present invention fully leverage the battery swapping advantages of integrated hub compatible battery swapping stations and propose a highly efficient and systematic battery swapping method.

[0018] In one feasible implementation, the vehicle information includes license plate information and vehicle model information; identifying the vehicle information of the battery swapping vehicle through a vehicle identification system specifically includes: identifying the license plate information of the battery swapping vehicle through a vehicle identification system installed in the battery swapping station, and transmitting the license plate information to the battery swapping system; determining the vehicle model information of the battery swapping vehicle based on the correspondence between the license plate information and the battery swapping vehicle model information pre-recorded in the battery swapping system.

[0019] The embodiments of the present invention identify vehicle information through a vehicle identification system, which can demonstrate the data interaction between the vehicle identification system and the battery swapping system provided by the present invention, thereby quickly identifying information such as the license plate number and vehicle model of the battery swapping vehicle, and accurately controlling the mobile battery swapping robot to work under the battery swapping parking space.

[0020] In one feasible implementation, based on the location of the battery swapping parking space and the vehicle information, a corresponding mobile battery swapping robot is dispatched from the underground battery swapping space to move to the area below the parking space to disassemble and store the battery pack of the battery swapping vehicle. Specifically, this includes: dispatching an idle mobile battery swapping robot in the underground battery swapping space to move to the area below the parking space; determining the corresponding battery pack model based on the vehicle model information; adjusting the relative positions of the battery swapping locking mechanisms on the mobile battery swapping robot using an adjustment mechanism to adapt it to the battery pack model; and disassembling the old battery pack of the battery swapping vehicle using the adjusted mobile battery swapping robot and sending the old battery pack to a designated battery buffer area.

[0021] The present invention automates and ensures safety during the battery swapping robot's battery disassembly and storage process, and can adapt to different battery pack models, solving the safety and inefficiency problems of the existing technology of disassembling batteries by hoisting.

[0022] In one feasible implementation, controlling the mobile battery swapping robot to reach the corresponding battery storage rack, grab the corresponding model of battery pack, and return to the area below the battery swapping vehicle to perform the battery swapping operation specifically includes: controlling the mobile battery swapping robot to travel in the underground battery swapping space to the battery storage rack storing the battery pack model; adjusting the relative positions between the battery swapping locking mechanisms of the mobile battery swapping robot using the adjustment mechanism on the mobile battery swapping robot to adapt it to the battery pack model; grabbing the corresponding model of fully charged battery pack using the adjusted mobile battery swapping robot, moving it to the area below the battery swapping vehicle, and installing the fully charged battery pack using the locking mechanism; wherein, the battery pack disassembly and battery pack installation are completed collaboratively by two mobile battery swapping robots, or independently by one mobile battery swapping robot; If the battery swapping station is a medium- or heavy-duty truck battery swapping station, and the battery swapping vehicle is a medium- or heavy-duty truck, then the required number of fully charged batteries and the battery storage location are determined according to the vehicle model. A corresponding number of mobile battery swapping robots are dispatched to simultaneously disassemble multiple parallel batteries of the battery swapping vehicle and pick up the corresponding model of fully charged battery packs at the battery storage locations, so that multiple mobile battery swapping robots can perform battery pack installation operations simultaneously.

[0023] In this invention, the scheduling process during battery installation is rapid and safe, and it can adapt to different battery pack models, solving the safety and inefficiency problems of existing technologies that involve hoisting and disassembling batteries. Furthermore, in this invention, disassembly and installation can be completed collaboratively by two battery swapping robots, further improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the integrated hub-compatible battery swapping station and battery swapping method provided by the embodiments of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: This invention features a unique, multi-level, vertically integrated structure that seamlessly connects the battery storage area and the battery swapping area. Intelligent battery swapping robots enable rapid battery transfer, resulting in significantly higher land utilization than traditional battery swapping stations and a substantial reduction in land costs. Furthermore, the parallel battery swapping production line design allows for simultaneous battery replacement and storage, significantly improving the automation rate and operational efficiency of the entire swapping process.

[0025] The battery storage rack provided in this application supports the simultaneous accommodation of multiple mainstream battery models, and the ground-level battery swapping parking spaces are equipped with various parking space types, ranging from light truck parking spaces to medium and heavy truck parking spaces. This provides a centralized large-scale battery swapping station that can accommodate the battery swapping needs of various vehicle models and battery models, offering a more convenient and efficient battery swapping solution for new energy vehicles.

[0026] This innovative solution not only solves the compatibility problem in the field of battery swapping for new energy vehicles, but also builds a new generation of intelligent battery swapping infrastructure standards through system-level optimization, providing key technical support for the development of the new energy vehicle industry and having significant environmental benefits and socio-economic value. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the above-ground battery swapping space layout of an integrated hub-compatible battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the underground battery swapping space layout of an integrated hub-compatible battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a battery swapping method for a comprehensive hub-compatible battery swapping station, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0029] First, this embodiment of the invention provides a comprehensive hub-compatible battery swapping station, which includes above-ground battery swapping space and underground battery swapping space.

[0030] The above-ground battery swapping space includes a vehicle identification system, a battery compartment control cabinet, charging piles, and at least two types of battery swapping parking spaces. The underground battery swapping space includes a mobile battery swapping robot and battery storage racks, which store different models of battery packs corresponding to different vehicle types.

[0031] The above-ground and underground battery swapping spaces are connected by battery swapping channels in each swapping bay. Mobile battery swapping robots perform battery swapping operations on the vehicles through these channels. Furthermore, the underground battery swapping space is a unified, interconnected space, allowing mobile battery swapping robots to reach different swapping bays and battery storage racks and perform mobile scheduling.

[0032] In one embodiment, Figure 1 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the above-ground battery swapping space layout for an integrated hub-compatible battery swapping station, as shown in the embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 As shown, the above-ground battery swapping space includes several battery swapping bays (horizontal rows in the diagram) and charging bays (vertical rows in the diagram), as well as basic facilities such as battery compartment control cabinets and charging piles. Each battery swapping bay has a lower passageway (not shown in the diagram). This passageway can be sealed with a door when no vehicle is parked in the swapping bay to prevent water ingress or sun exposure. When a vehicle parks in the swapping bay, the passageway door opens automatically, revealing the battery swapping passageway below. This passageway connects to the underground battery swapping space.

[0033] In another embodiment, Figure 2 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the underground battery swapping space layout for an integrated hub-compatible battery swapping station, as shown in the embodiment of the invention. Figure 2As shown, the underground battery swapping space is equipped with several mobile battery swapping robots and several battery storage racks (only four are shown in the figure; the figure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the number of battery storage racks in this invention). The mobile battery swapping robots can move freely within the underground battery swapping space, transferring battery packs between the battery storage racks and the battery swapping vehicle positions. After reaching the area below the battery swapping vehicle position, the mobile battery swapping robot can be raised to a suitable height using a lifting device, thereby disassembling or installing the battery pack on the vehicle chassis, all without human intervention.

[0034] Furthermore, the mobile battery swapping robot is equipped with a battery swapping locking mechanism and a corresponding adjustment mechanism. The battery swapping locking mechanism can connect to the locking point of the battery pack for battery pack removal and installation. The adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the relative positions between multiple battery swapping locking mechanisms to adapt to the locking point positions of different battery pack models, thereby adapting to the battery swapping needs of different vehicle types.

[0035] In one embodiment, the aforementioned different battery pack models include both different battery pack types installed in different vehicle types and different models of the battery packs themselves. Battery swapping station managers can not only select battery pack models with a certain usage volume and universality to store in the battery storage rack for different types of vehicles, but also select a small number of less frequently used battery pack models to store in the battery storage rack, thus avoiding situations where vehicles using niche battery pack models cannot find replacement batteries, improving the overall compatibility of the battery swapping station.

[0036] In one embodiment, the battery swapping locking mechanism of the mobile battery swapping robot can be a locking mechanism such as a bolt lock or a snap lock, used to fix the mobile battery swapping robot to the battery pack for easy disassembly and transportation.

[0037] Furthermore, the underground battery swapping space includes at least two models of mobile battery swapping robots, and the battery swapping locking mechanism of each model of mobile battery swapping robot can be adapted to several models of battery packs.

[0038] In one embodiment, because the locking positions of different battery pack models on the market vary considerably, and the position of the battery swapping locking mechanism cannot be adjusted significantly, simply adjusting the locking position of the battery swapping robot cannot accommodate all battery packs. To solve this problem, this invention deploys multiple models of mobile battery swapping robots in the underground battery swapping space. Each mobile battery swapping robot can accommodate one type of battery pack, where one type of battery pack refers to battery packs with relatively similar locking point distributions, and one type of battery pack can contain multiple battery pack models. By using multiple models of mobile battery swapping robots to disassemble and install each type of battery pack separately, all models of battery packs stored in the battery swapping station can be covered.

[0039] Furthermore, the vehicle identification system is used to identify the type of vehicle entering the battery swapping station, determine the corresponding battery pack model based on the vehicle type information, and dispatch the mobile battery swapping robot to grab the corresponding fully charged battery pack and place it under the battery swapping station for battery swapping operations.

[0040] In one embodiment, the vehicle identification system is installed in a vehicle identification device, which includes at least a camera, a display screen, and other similar devices. The vehicle identification device can be installed at the entrance / exit of the battery swapping station, or opposite each or several adjacent battery swapping bays. When the vehicle identification device is installed at the entrance / exit of the battery swapping station, a vehicle sensor needs to be installed at each battery swapping bay to determine the location of the parking space. When the vehicle identification device is installed opposite a battery swapping bay, no sensor is needed; the location of the parking space can be determined based on the location of the vehicle identification device that detects the vehicle.

[0041] Furthermore, the battery swapping stations include at least light truck battery swapping stations and medium and heavy truck battery swapping stations; the battery swapping channels of the medium and heavy truck battery swapping stations can accommodate multiple mobile battery swapping robots to work simultaneously, completing the synchronous or asynchronous replacement of multiple battery packs of medium and / or heavy truck vehicles.

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the battery swapping stations consist of light truck battery swapping stations and medium / heavy truck battery swapping stations. The light truck battery swapping stations are standard spaces, while the medium / heavy truck battery swapping stations are slightly larger to accommodate medium / heavy trucks. The number of light truck battery swapping stations exceeds the number of medium / heavy truck battery swapping stations (only two medium / heavy truck battery swapping stations and several light truck battery swapping stations are shown in the figure; this is merely an example and not intended to limit the number of stations in this battery swapping station). Medium or heavy trucks typically carry more than one battery pack. With a sufficient number of available mobile battery swapping robots, the battery swapping channels in the medium / heavy truck battery swapping stations provided by this invention can accommodate multiple mobile battery swapping robots operating simultaneously. Multiple mobile battery swapping robots can be simultaneously dispatched to the area beneath the medium or heavy truck battery swapping stations to simultaneously disassemble multiple battery packs, simultaneously store and retrieve new battery packs, and simultaneously install them. This allows for the replacement of multiple batteries in the time it takes to replace just one battery, significantly saving battery swapping time for medium or heavy trucks.

[0043] It should be noted that, according to Figure 2It is known that the battery storage racks and each battery swapping station are connected by a space, within which a travel channel is provided for the mobile battery swapping robots to move. A single mobile battery swapping robot can sequentially grab battery packs from multiple battery storage racks and transport them to multiple battery swapping stations via the travel channel in the underground battery swapping space. Conversely, a single battery swapping station can also sequentially dispatch multiple mobile battery swapping robots to that station. In other words, there is a many-to-many relationship between the mobile battery swapping robots and the battery swapping stations, and also a many-to-many relationship between the mobile battery swapping robots and the battery storage racks.

[0044] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention also provide a battery swapping method for an integrated hub-compatible battery swapping station, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method specifically includes steps S101-S103: S101. After the battery swapping vehicle enters the battery swapping space in the above-ground battery swapping area, the vehicle information is identified by the vehicle identification system. The vehicle information includes license plate information and vehicle model information.

[0045] Specifically, the vehicle identification system installed in the battery swapping station identifies the license plate information of vehicles entering the ground-level battery swapping space and transmits the license plate information to the battery swapping system. Based on the pre-recorded correspondence between license plate information and vehicle model information in the battery swapping system, the vehicle model information is determined.

[0046] As a feasible implementation method, a vehicle identification device is installed at the entrance of the above-ground battery swapping space of the battery swapping station or opposite each battery swapping bay. This device contains a vehicle identification system. The system accurately identifies the license plate number and color of vehicles entering the battery swapping station. The vehicle identification system communicates with the battery swapping system via a communication protocol. Based on the identified license plate number, it can search for the vehicle's historical battery swapping information in the system. Based on the identified license plate color, it can determine the vehicle's model (including light trucks and medium / heavy trucks). Light truck license plates are blue with white lettering, while medium / heavy truck license plates are yellow with black lettering. If the vehicle has no historical battery swapping information, its license plate number is registered, and the vehicle model is determined based on the pre-recorded correspondence between license plate information and vehicle model information in the battery swapping system, allowing for the next step of the battery swapping process.

[0047] S102. Based on the location of the battery swapping station and the vehicle information, dispatch the corresponding mobile battery swapping robot in the underground battery swapping space to move to the area below the battery swapping station to disassemble and store the battery pack of the battery swapping vehicle.

[0048] Specifically, the underground battery swapping space in the battery swapping station is a unified, interconnected space. Mobile battery swapping robots can reach different battery swapping positions and battery storage racks through this underground space and be dispatched accordingly.

[0049] When a battery-swapping vehicle is detected arriving at a battery-swapping space, the location or serial number of the space is first obtained through a sensor on the space or a vehicle identification system installed opposite the space. Then, the location or serial number and vehicle information are sent to an available mobile battery-swapping robot in the underground battery-swapping space. The selection of this available mobile battery-swapping robot can be based on principles such as proximity and maximum efficiency; however, this is not the focus of this invention and will not be elaborated upon.

[0050] Upon receiving the instruction, the mobile battery swapping robot moves to the area beneath the swapping vehicle and determines the corresponding battery pack model based on the vehicle's vehicle type information. Using an adjustment mechanism on the mobile robot, the relative positions of the battery swapping locking mechanisms are adjusted to match the battery pack model. The adjusted mobile robot then disassembles the old battery pack from the vehicle and transports it to a designated battery buffer area for charging.

[0051] In one embodiment, taking a bolt-locking mechanism as an example, the mobile battery-swapping robot in this invention connects to the locking points on the battery pack via a bolt-locking mechanism. By rotating the bolt, the bolt-locking structure is tightly fitted with the locking points, allowing the battery pack to be removed from the vehicle chassis. However, the positions of the locking points are not fixed for battery packs of different sizes or models, and the distances between multiple locking points are also inconsistent. Therefore, an adjustment mechanism that can adjust the relative position of the bolt-locking mechanism allows it to move, enabling it to precisely embed itself into the locking points of different battery pack models and fit tightly with them. Simultaneously, to ensure compatibility with the locking positions of different battery pack models on the market, this invention deploys multiple models of mobile battery-swapping robots in the underground battery-swapping space. Each mobile battery-swapping robot can adapt to one type of battery pack, where one type of battery pack refers to battery packs with relatively similar locking point positions, and one type of battery pack can contain multiple battery pack models. By using multiple models of mobile battery-swapping robots to disassemble and install each type of battery pack separately, all models of battery packs stored in the battery-swapping station can be covered. The two adaptation methods work together to achieve flexible adaptation to various battery packs.

[0052] S103. Control the mobile battery swapping robot to reach the corresponding battery storage rack, grab the corresponding model of battery pack, and return to the battery swapping vehicle to perform battery swapping operations.

[0053] Specifically, the mobile battery swapping robot is controlled to travel through the underground battery swapping space to a battery storage rack containing battery pack models. The relative positions of the battery swapping locking mechanisms on the mobile battery swapping robot are adjusted using an adjustment mechanism on the robot to match the battery pack models.

[0054] Furthermore, the adjusted mobile battery swapping robot picks up a fully charged battery pack of the corresponding model and moves it to the battery swapping station. A locking mechanism is then used to install the fully charged battery pack. The battery pack removal and installation can be performed collaboratively by two mobile battery swapping robots, or independently by a single mobile battery swapping robot.

[0055] In one embodiment, the battery swapping process for a battery-swapping vehicle is not necessarily completed by only one mobile battery-swapping robot; it can also be completed collaboratively by two mobile battery-swapping robots. The first mobile battery-swapping robot is responsible for removing the old battery pack, while the second mobile battery-swapping robot simultaneously retrieves a fully charged battery pack of the same model from the battery storage rack. While the first mobile battery-swapping robot is unloading the battery pack and transporting it to the battery buffer area, the second mobile battery-swapping robot can immediately begin installing the battery pack, thus saving time spent transporting the battery back and forth and further improving battery swapping efficiency. In this case, both the mobile battery-swapping robot removing the battery and the mobile battery-swapping robot installing the battery need to adjust the position of the bolt locking mechanism to accommodate the battery pack.

[0056] Furthermore, if the battery swapping space where the battery swapping vehicle is parked is a medium or heavy-duty truck battery swapping space, and the battery swapping vehicle is a medium or heavy-duty truck model, then the required number of fully charged batteries and the battery storage location are determined according to the vehicle model. A corresponding number of mobile battery swapping robots are then dispatched to simultaneously disassemble multiple parallel batteries of the battery swapping vehicle and pick up the corresponding model of fully charged battery packs at the battery storage locations, so that multiple mobile battery swapping robots can simultaneously perform battery pack installation operations.

[0057] In one embodiment, if the battery-swapping vehicle is parked in a battery-swapping space designated for medium and heavy-duty trucks, but the vehicle is a light truck, there are two solutions. One is to use a vehicle recognition system to verbally remind the driver of the light truck to park in the light truck battery-swapping space. The other is to determine that the vehicle is a light truck based on the identified vehicle type, in which case only one mobile battery-swapping robot needs to be dispatched, or two robots can work together, to perform the battery swapping according to the battery swapping process for light trucks, without the need for multiple mobile robots to operate simultaneously.

[0058] It should be noted that although the above embodiments mostly use battery swapping for new energy trucks as examples, the integrated hub-compatible battery swapping station and its method provided by this invention can not only be used for battery swapping of new energy trucks, but also for battery swapping and charging of new energy vehicles such as new energy cars. It is a universal, compatible, hub-type new energy battery swapping station capable of centralized battery swapping. Other technical solutions that perform battery swapping using the same mode and process should be within the protection scope of this invention.

[0059] The various embodiments in this invention are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the embodiments of apparatus, devices, and non-volatile computer storage media are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the descriptions are relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0060] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require a specific or sequential order to achieve the desired results. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are possible or may be advantageous.

[0061] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of the embodiments of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A comprehensive hub-compatible battery swapping station, characterized in that, include: Above-ground and underground battery swapping spaces; The above-ground battery swapping space includes a vehicle identification system, a battery compartment control cabinet, a charging pile, and at least two types of battery swapping parking spaces. The underground battery swapping space includes a mobile battery swapping robot and a battery storage rack; the battery storage rack stores different models of battery packs corresponding to different vehicle types; The above-ground battery swapping space and the underground battery swapping space are connected by a battery swapping channel in each battery swapping parking space, and the mobile battery swapping robot performs battery swapping operations on the battery swapping vehicles through the battery swapping channel. The underground battery swapping space is an interconnected whole, through which the mobile battery swapping robot can reach different battery swapping stations and battery storage racks and perform mobile scheduling.

2. The integrated hub-compatible battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile battery swapping robot is equipped with a battery swapping locking mechanism and a corresponding adjustment mechanism. The battery swapping locking mechanism can be connected to the locking point of the battery pack to perform battery pack disassembly and installation. The adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the relative positions between multiple battery swapping locking mechanisms to adapt to the locking point positions of different battery pack models, thereby adapting to the battery swapping needs of different vehicle types.

3. The integrated hub-compatible battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underground battery swapping space includes at least two models of mobile battery swapping robots, and the battery swapping locking mechanism of each model of mobile battery swapping robot can be adapted to several models of battery packs.

4. The integrated hub-compatible battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle identification system is used to identify the type information of the vehicle entering the battery swapping space, determine the corresponding battery pack model information based on the vehicle type information, and dispatch the mobile battery swapping robot to grab the corresponding model of fully charged battery pack and place it under the battery swapping space for battery swapping operation.

5. A comprehensive hub-compatible battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery swapping stations include at least light truck battery swapping stations and medium and heavy truck battery swapping stations; the battery swapping channels of the medium and heavy truck battery swapping stations can accommodate multiple mobile battery swapping robots to work simultaneously, completing the synchronous or asynchronous replacement of multiple battery packs of medium and / or heavy truck vehicles.

6. The integrated hub-compatible battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery storage rack is connected to each battery swapping vehicle space, and the connected space is provided with a travel channel that allows the mobile battery swapping robot to move. A mobile battery swapping robot can sequentially grab battery packs from multiple battery storage racks and transport them to multiple battery swapping stations in the underground battery swapping space's travel passage. A battery swapping station can also sequentially dispatch multiple mobile battery swapping robots to the current battery swapping station.

7. A battery swapping method for a comprehensive hub-compatible battery swapping station, characterized in that, The method includes: After the battery swapping vehicle drives into the battery swapping space on the ground, the vehicle information of the battery swapping vehicle is identified by the vehicle identification system. Based on the location of the battery swapping parking space and the vehicle information, a corresponding mobile battery swapping robot is dispatched in the underground battery swapping space to move to the area below the battery swapping parking space to disassemble and store the battery pack of the battery swapping vehicle; wherein, the underground battery swapping space is a whole interconnected space; The mobile battery swapping robot is controlled to reach the corresponding battery storage rack, grab the corresponding model of battery pack, and return to the battery swapping vehicle to perform the battery swapping operation.

8. The battery swapping method for a comprehensive hub-compatible battery swapping station according to claim 7, characterized in that, The vehicle information includes license plate information and vehicle model information; The vehicle information of the battery swapping vehicle is identified through a vehicle identification system, specifically including: The vehicle identification system installed in the battery swapping station identifies the license plate information of the battery swapping vehicle and transmits the license plate information to the battery swapping system. Based on the correspondence between license plate information and battery swapping vehicle model information pre-recorded in the battery swapping system, the vehicle model information of the battery swapping vehicle is determined.

9. The battery swapping method for a comprehensive hub-compatible battery swapping station according to claim 7, characterized in that, Based on the location of the battery swapping parking space and the vehicle information, a corresponding mobile battery swapping robot is dispatched from the underground battery swapping space to move to the area below the parking space to disassemble and store the battery pack of the battery swapping vehicle. Specifically, this includes: Based on the location of the battery swapping parking space, an idle mobile battery swapping robot in the underground battery swapping space is dispatched to move to the area below the battery swapping parking space. Based on the vehicle model information of the battery swapping vehicle, determine the corresponding battery pack model; The relative positions between the battery swapping locking mechanisms of the mobile battery swapping robot are adjusted by the adjustment mechanism on the mobile battery swapping robot to adapt it to the battery pack model. The adjusted mobile battery swapping robot disassembles the old battery pack of the battery swapping vehicle and sends it to a designated battery buffer area.

10. The battery swapping method for a comprehensive hub-compatible battery swapping station according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mobile battery swapping robot is controlled to reach the corresponding battery storage rack, pick up the corresponding model of battery pack, and return to the battery swapping station to perform the battery swapping operation. Specifically, this includes: Control the mobile battery swapping robot to travel through the underground battery swapping space to the battery storage rack containing the battery pack model; The relative positions between the battery swapping locking mechanisms of the mobile battery swapping robot are adjusted by the adjustment mechanism on the mobile battery swapping robot to adapt it to the battery pack model. The adjusted mobile battery swapping robot grabs a fully charged battery pack of the corresponding model and moves it to the battery swapping station. The fully charged battery pack is then installed using a locking mechanism. The battery pack disassembly and battery pack installation are completed by two mobile battery swapping robots working together, or by one mobile battery swapping robot working independently. If the battery swapping station is a medium- or heavy-duty truck battery swapping station, and the battery swapping vehicle is a medium- or heavy-duty truck, then the required number of fully charged batteries and the battery storage location are determined according to the vehicle model. A corresponding number of mobile battery swapping robots are dispatched to simultaneously disassemble multiple parallel batteries of the battery swapping vehicle and pick up the corresponding model of fully charged battery packs at the battery storage locations, so that multiple mobile battery swapping robots can perform battery pack installation operations simultaneously.

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