Two-channel battery swap station

Abstract

The invention provides a double-channel battery swap station, and relates to the technical field of battery swap stations, the double-channel battery swap station comprises a battery swap chamber, a battery swap system, battery swap channels and a battery disassembly and assembly guide vehicle, the two battery swap channels are arranged on the two sides of the battery swap chamber respectively along a first direction, and the battery swap chamber is communicated with the two battery swap channels respectively; and the two battery replacing systems are sequentially arranged in the battery replacing chamber in the first direction, the battery replacing systems are provided with corresponding battery disassembling and assembling guiding vehicles correspondingly, and the battery replacing systems are used for conducting battery replacing on vehicles entering the battery replacing channels on the corresponding sides through the configured battery disassembling and assembling guiding vehicles. Through the arrangement of the two channels, the battery replacing efficiency of the battery replacing station can be effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery swapping station technology, and more specifically, to a dual-channel battery swapping station. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, the battery swapping model has become an important energy replenishment solution for commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles and other models due to its advantages such as fast energy replenishment speed, centralized battery management and the ability to separate the vehicle and the battery. As the core carrier of battery swapping services, battery swapping stations are widely used in logistics parks, ports, highway service areas and other scenarios, playing a key role in improving vehicle operating efficiency and alleviating users' range anxiety.

[0003] In related technologies, existing battery swapping stations mostly adopt a single battery swapping channel layout. The battery swapping process and battery charging scheduling process are usually executed sequentially. In high-volume, high-density battery swapping scenarios, this can easily lead to long vehicle waiting times, thereby affecting the battery swapping efficiency of the station. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem addressed by this invention is how to improve the battery swapping efficiency of battery swapping stations.

[0005] To address the above problems, this invention provides a dual-channel battery swapping station.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a dual-channel battery swapping station, comprising a battery swapping room, a battery swapping system, a battery swapping channel, and a battery removal and installation guide vehicle. The two battery swapping channels are respectively arranged on both sides of the battery swapping room along a first direction, and the battery swapping room is respectively connected to the two battery swapping channels. The two battery swapping systems are sequentially arranged in the battery swapping room along the first direction. Each battery swapping system is equipped with a corresponding battery removal and installation guide vehicle. The battery swapping system is used to swap the batteries of vehicles entering the corresponding side of the battery swapping channel through the configured battery removal and installation guide vehicle.

[0007] Optionally, the battery swapping system includes a battery buffer mechanism and a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is provided with the battery buffer mechanism on both sides along the second direction. The lifting mechanism is used to transport the depleted battery on the battery removal guide vehicle to the battery buffer position without a battery in the battery buffer mechanism, and to transport the fully charged battery in the battery buffer mechanism to the battery removal guide vehicle. The first direction, the second direction and the vertical direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0008] Optionally, the buffer mechanism is provided with a plurality of buffer positions along the vertical direction, and the buffer positions are used to charge the battery placed therein.

[0009] Optionally, the lifting mechanism includes a fixed guide rail and a battery transport mechanism. The battery transport mechanism is slidably connected to the vertically arranged fixed guide rail. The battery transport mechanism includes a clamping mechanism and a telescopic mechanism. The clamping mechanism is used to clamp the battery in the battery transport mechanism. The telescopic mechanism is configured to push the depleted battery into the corresponding buffer position along the second direction or push the fully charged battery to move to the battery transport mechanism along the second direction when the battery transport mechanism slides to the corresponding buffer position.

[0010] Optionally, the lifting mechanism further includes a lifting motor, a steering device, and a traction assembly. The lifting motor is mounted above the fixed guide rail. Two traction assemblies are mounted on both sides of the lifting motor along the first direction. The steering device is provided at the output end of the lifting motor along the second direction. The output ends of the steering device along both sides of the first direction are respectively connected to one end of the two traction assemblies. The other end of the traction assembly is connected to the battery handling mechanism.

[0011] Optionally, the traction assembly includes a traction unit, and two traction units are respectively arranged on both sides of the steering gear along the second direction. The traction unit includes a pulley and a traction belt. The pulley is mounted at a preset position above the fixed guide rail. One end of the traction belt is connected to the corresponding output end of the steering gear, and the other end of the traction belt passes through the pulley and is connected to the battery transport mechanism.

[0012] Optionally, the battery swapping station also includes a pulley, which is fitted onto the output end of the steering gear, and the wound portion of the pulley is connected to one end of the traction belt.

[0013] Optionally, the battery removal and installation guide vehicle includes a guide vehicle base, a lifting mechanism, and a magnetic unlocking mechanism. The lifting mechanism is disposed on the guide vehicle base, and the magnetic unlocking mechanism is used to be disposed on the lifting mechanism at a preset position that matches the locking mechanism of the battery. The lifting mechanism is used to achieve raising or lowering.

[0014] Optionally, the battery removal and installation guide vehicle further includes a positioning camera, which is mounted on the base of the guide vehicle and is used to collect battery location information on the vehicle.

[0015] Optionally, the battery swapping station also includes a battery swapping channel cover, which covers the battery swapping channel. The battery swapping channel cover has vehicle entrances and exits at both ends along the extension direction of the channel. The side of the battery swapping channel closest to the battery swapping room is connected to the battery swapping room.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the dual-channel battery swapping station of the present invention are as follows: The battery swapping room, as the core scheduling and operation space for dual-system operations, provides a closed and efficient operating environment for battery removal, transfer, and installation. Simultaneously, it serves as the connecting hub between the two battery swapping channels, ensuring smooth connection of the operation process. The two battery swapping channels are located on both sides of the battery swapping room along the first direction, forming independent and non-interfering vehicle passage and battery swapping areas. This breaks the limitation of a single channel allowing only one vehicle to operate sequentially, enabling two vehicles to simultaneously enter their respective channels for waiting. This spatial layout lays the foundation for parallel battery swapping. Furthermore, the battery swapping room remains connected to both battery swapping channels, ensuring unobstructed movement of the battery removal and installation guide vehicle between the battery swapping room and the corresponding battery swapping channel, thus improving the efficiency of equipment operation. Two battery swapping systems are arranged sequentially in the battery swapping room along the first direction, forming a one-to-one dedicated operation configuration with the battery swapping channels on both sides. This avoids process conflicts caused by multi-channel scheduling of a single system. Each battery swapping system is equipped with a corresponding battery removal and installation guide vehicle. As the core execution carrier of the battery swapping system, the guide vehicle can independently complete the entire process of precise battery removal, transportation, and installation. Each battery swapping system can carry out independent battery replacement operations for vehicles entering the corresponding battery swapping channel through its own configured battery removal and installation guide vehicle. This achieves synchronous parallel battery swapping operations of dual channels and dual systems, significantly shortening vehicle waiting and operation time. From spatial layout and equipment configuration to operation execution, the overall battery swapping efficiency of the battery swapping station is improved in all dimensions. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a dual-channel battery swapping station according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another dual-channel battery swapping station according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the power swapping room according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the power swapping room and power swapping channel according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle battery replacement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pulley according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1-Battery swapping room; 2-Battery swapping system; 21-Battery buffer mechanism; 22-Lifting mechanism; 221-Fixed guide rail; 222-Battery handling mechanism; 2221-Clamping mechanism; 2222-Telescopic mechanism; 23-Buffer position; 24-Lifting motor; 25-Steering device; 26-Traction assembly; 261-Traction unit; 2611-Pulley; 2612-Traction belt; 27-Belt reel; 3-Battery swapping channel; 4-Battery removal and installation guide vehicle; 41-Guide vehicle base; 42-Lifting mechanism; 43-Magnetic unlocking mechanism; 44-Positioning camera; 5-Battery swapping channel cover; 6-Battery; 7-Locking mechanism; 8-Vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although some embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the present invention. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] In the attached figures, the X-axis represents the first direction, namely the width direction of the power swapping room; the Y-axis represents the second direction, namely the length direction of the power swapping room; and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction. It should be noted that the aforementioned representations of the X, Y, and Z axes are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention.

[0021] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to"; the term "based on" means "at least partially based on"; the term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments"; and the term "optionally" means "optional embodiments". Definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts of "first," "second," etc., mentioned in this invention are used only to distinguish different devices, modules, or units, and are not intended to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules, or units or their interdependencies.

[0022] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this invention are illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0023] The names of the messages or information exchanged between the multiple devices in the embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of these messages or information.

[0024] In related technologies, existing battery swapping stations mostly adopt a single battery swapping channel layout, and the battery swapping process and battery charging scheduling process are usually executed sequentially. At any given time, only one vehicle can complete the battery swapping operation; battery storage, retrieval, transfer, and charging scheduling all must wait until the battery swapping operation is completed before proceeding sequentially. In high-volume, high-density battery swapping scenarios, vehicles must queue to enter the swapping channel, easily leading to long waiting times. The equipment also cannot function fully due to the inefficient process flow. The overall operational rhythm is limited, the battery swapping cycle is lengthened, making it difficult to meet the continuous and efficient battery swapping needs, ultimately resulting in low overall battery swapping efficiency and difficulty in improving service capabilities.

[0025] To address the problems existing in the aforementioned related technologies, this invention provides a dual-channel battery swapping station.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a dual-channel battery swapping station, including a battery swapping room 1, a battery swapping system 2, a battery swapping channel 3, and a battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4. The two battery swapping channels 3 are respectively arranged on both sides of the battery swapping room 1 along a first direction, and the battery swapping room 1 is connected to the two battery swapping channels 3 respectively. The two battery swapping systems 2 are sequentially arranged in the battery swapping room 1 along the first direction. The battery swapping system 2 is respectively equipped with a corresponding battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4. The battery swapping system 2 is used to replace the battery 6 of the vehicle 8 entering the corresponding side of the battery swapping channel 3 through the configured battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4.

[0027] Specifically, the battery swapping room 1 serves as the operating space for battery swapping operations, providing an operational environment for the replacement, transfer, and scheduling of batteries 6. Two battery swapping channels 3 are respectively set on both sides of the battery swapping room 1 along the first direction (the width direction of the battery swapping room 1), forming independent vehicle passage and battery swapping stations. The battery swapping room 1 is connected to both battery swapping channels 3, ensuring the smooth movement of the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4 between the battery swapping room 1 and the battery swapping channels 3, while also meeting the precise battery swapping operation requirements after the light truck 8 enters the battery swapping channel 3. Two battery swapping systems 2 are arranged sequentially in the battery swapping room 1 along the first direction. With each battery swapping channel 3 corresponding to one of the two sides, the layout design enables independent operation of the two systems. Each battery swapping system 2 is equipped with a corresponding battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4. As the core execution carrier of the battery swapping system 2, the guide vehicle can complete the precise removal, transfer and installation of the battery 6. Each battery swapping system 2 can independently carry out dedicated battery 6 replacement operations on vehicles 8 that enter the corresponding battery swapping channel 3 through its configured battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4. The matching design of the two channels and the two systems realizes parallel battery swapping operations without interference, effectively improving the overall operating efficiency of the battery swapping station.

[0028] In this embodiment, the battery swapping room 1 serves as the core scheduling and operation space for the dual-system operation, providing a closed and efficient working environment for the disassembly, transfer, and installation of the battery 6. Simultaneously, it acts as the connecting hub between the two battery swapping channels 3, ensuring smooth workflow. The two battery swapping channels 3 are located on either side of the battery swapping room 1 along the first direction, forming independent and non-interfering passage and battery swapping areas for vehicles 8. This breaks the limitation that only one vehicle can operate sequentially in a single channel, allowing two vehicles to simultaneously enter their respective channels for waiting. This spatial layout lays the foundation for parallel battery swapping. Furthermore, the battery swapping room 1 remains connected to both battery swapping channels 3, ensuring unobstructed movement of the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4 between the battery swapping room 1 and the corresponding battery swapping channel 3, thus improving the efficiency of equipment operation. The system 2 is arranged sequentially in the battery swapping room 1 along the first direction, forming a one-to-one dedicated operation configuration with the battery swapping channels 3 on both sides. This avoids process conflicts caused by multi-channel scheduling of a single system. Each battery swapping system 2 is equipped with a corresponding battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4. As the core execution carrier of the battery swapping system 2, the guide vehicle can independently complete the entire process of precise removal, transfer, and installation of the battery 6. Each battery swapping system 2 can carry out independent battery 6 replacement operations on vehicles 8 that have entered the corresponding battery swapping channel 3 through its own configured battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4. This achieves synchronous parallel battery swapping operations of dual channels and dual systems, which greatly shortens the waiting and operation time of vehicles 8. The overall battery swapping efficiency of the battery swapping station is improved in all dimensions from spatial layout and equipment configuration to operation execution.

[0029] Optionally, such as Figures 2 to 3As shown, the battery swapping system 2 includes a battery buffer mechanism 21 and a lifting mechanism 22. The lifting mechanism 22 is provided with the battery buffer mechanism 21 on both sides along the second direction. The lifting mechanism 22 is used to transport the depleted battery on the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4 to the battery buffer position 23 without a battery in the battery buffer mechanism 21, and to transport the fully charged battery in the battery buffer mechanism 21 to the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4. The first direction, the second direction and the vertical direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0030] In this optional embodiment, the battery swapping system 2 includes a battery buffer mechanism 21 and a lifting mechanism 22. The layout and function of the two are adapted to the battery 6 transfer and temporary storage requirements of the entire battery swapping process. The lifting mechanism 22 is provided with battery buffer mechanisms 21 on both sides along the second direction (the length direction of the battery swapping room 1). The spatial layout design of the first direction, the second direction and the vertical direction being perpendicular to each other ensures that the working areas of each structure do not interfere with each other. As the core carrier for the vertical and horizontal transfer of battery 6, the lifting mechanism 22 can accurately receive the depleted battery after the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4 removes the depleted battery from vehicle 8 and transfers it to the designated location during the actual battery swapping process. Based on the status of the buffer position 23 of the battery buffer mechanism 21, the lifting mechanism 22 can move the depleted battery to the empty buffer positions 23 on both sides for temporary storage. The charging system replenishes the depleted battery. At the same time, the lifting mechanism 22 can also take out the fully charged battery from the battery buffer mechanisms 21 on both sides and accurately transfer it to the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4 below to prepare for the subsequent installation of battery 6 on vehicle 8. The battery buffer mechanisms 21 on both sides can simultaneously realize the dual functions of temporary storage and charging of depleted batteries. The guide rail of the lifting mechanism 22 can quickly complete the storage of depleted batteries and the retrieval of fully charged batteries along the vertical direction, which greatly shortens the operation path and time of battery 6 transfer. This structural design achieves the operation zoning of each mechanism through a three-dimensional vertical spatial layout. By utilizing the flexible transfer capability of the lifting mechanism 22 and the parallel temporary storage and backup storage functions of the dual-sided battery buffer mechanism 21, the temporary storage of depleted batteries and the extraction of fully charged batteries can be carried out synchronously or continuously. This effectively connects the battery removal and installation process of the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4, avoids the operation waiting problem caused by a single buffer mechanism, improves the battery 6 circulation efficiency inside the battery swapping system 2, and thus ensures the improvement of the overall battery swapping efficiency of the dual-channel battery swapping station from the core battery swapping process.

[0031] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the battery buffer mechanism 21 is provided with a plurality of buffer positions 23 along the vertical direction, and the buffer positions 23 are used to charge the battery 6 placed therein.

[0032] In this optional embodiment, the battery buffer mechanism 21 has multiple buffer positions 23 arranged vertically, each buffer position 23 having the dual functions of carrying and charging the battery 6. This vertically stacked layout design makes full use of the vertical space of the battery swapping system 2, greatly saving the horizontal working area, so that the battery 6 buffering and charging links do not need to occupy additional horizontal working areas, adapting to the compact space layout requirements of the battery swapping station. In the actual battery swapping process, after the lifting mechanism 22 transports the depleted battery removed from the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4 to the battery buffer mechanism 21, the depleted battery can be directly placed in any position. In the idle buffer position 23, the buffer position 23 immediately performs a charging operation for the depleted battery. Multiple buffer positions 23 can charge multiple depleted batteries in parallel at the same time. Meanwhile, the lifting mechanism 22 can directly extract a fully charged battery from the completed charging buffer position 23 without waiting for a single battery 6 to finish charging. The vertically arranged multiple buffer positions 23 can realize the orderly storage of depleted batteries and the advance storage of fully charged batteries, forming an efficient connection between battery 6 charging and battery swapping operations. This not only avoids the accumulation of depleted batteries affecting the battery swapping process, but also provides a continuous supply of fully charged batteries for subsequent battery swapping operations. By setting up multi-layered buffer positions 23 in the vertical direction, efficient use of space and parallel charging of multiple batteries 6 are achieved, allowing battery charging and battery swapping operations to be carried out simultaneously. This effectively improves the charging and turnover efficiency of batteries 6, ensures the continuous supply of batteries 6 in the battery swapping system 2, and further supports the parallel battery swapping operation mode of the dual-channel battery swapping station. It improves the overall battery swapping efficiency of the battery swapping station from the battery 6 supply side, while the compact vertical layout also reduces the space occupation cost of the battery swapping station.

[0033] Optionally, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the lifting mechanism 22 includes a fixed guide rail 221 and a battery transport mechanism 222. The battery transport mechanism 222 is slidably connected to the vertically arranged fixed guide rail 221. The battery transport mechanism 222 includes a clamping mechanism 2221 and a telescopic mechanism 2222. The clamping mechanism 2221 is used to clamp the battery 6 in the battery transport mechanism 222. The telescopic mechanism 2222 is configured to push the depleted battery into the corresponding buffer position 23 along the second direction or push the fully charged battery to move to the battery transport mechanism 222 along the second direction when the battery transport mechanism 222 slides to the corresponding buffer position 23.

[0034] Specifically, the lifting mechanism 22 consists of a fixed guide rail 221 and a battery transport mechanism 222. The vertically arranged fixed guide rail 221 provides a stable vertical sliding guide for the battery transport mechanism 222 and is the basic support structure for realizing the vertical lifting and transport of the battery 6. The battery transport mechanism 222 is slidably connected to the fixed guide rail 221 and can complete precise vertical displacement along the guide rail to adapt to the operation requirements of different height buffer positions 23. The battery transport mechanism 222 integrates two major functional components: a clamping mechanism 2221 and a telescopic mechanism 2222. The clamping mechanism 2221 can firmly clamp the battery 6 placed on the battery transport mechanism 222, effectively preventing the battery 6 from falling during lifting and transport. To prevent offset and drop, and to ensure the safety and stability of battery 6 transportation, the telescopic mechanism 2222 has a telescopic pushing function along the second direction. In the actual battery swapping process, after the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4 (Automated Guided Vehicle, AGV) transports the removed depleted battery to the lifting mechanism 22, the clamping mechanism 2221 will first firmly clamp the depleted battery. Then, the battery transport mechanism 222 slides along the vertical fixed guide rail 221 to the corresponding height of the empty buffer position 23. After the position is accurately matched, the telescopic mechanism 2222 will extend along the second direction and smoothly push the clamped depleted battery into the buffer position 23, completing the storage operation of the depleted battery.

[0035] In this optional embodiment, the vertical guidance of the fixed guide rail 221, the stable clamping of the clamping mechanism 2221, and the horizontal pushing of the telescopic mechanism 2222 work together to achieve the integrated operation of vertical lifting and horizontal transfer of the battery 6. This allows the lifting mechanism 22 to accurately and stably deliver the depleted battery to the buffer position 23 at any height. The components have clear division of labor and work together to ensure the structural stability and positional accuracy of the battery 6 during the transfer process. It also simplifies the process of storing the battery 6 in the buffer position 23, greatly improving the efficiency of battery 6 handling and storage. At the same time, the integrated structural design makes the operation of the lifting mechanism 22 more coherent, effectively connecting the battery 6 disassembly and buffer charging links in the battery swapping process. This further ensures the overall operating efficiency of the battery swapping system 2 and provides the same accurate and efficient operating foundation for the subsequent extraction and transfer of fully charged batteries.

[0036] Optionally, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, the lifting mechanism 22 also includes a lifting motor 24, a steering device 25, and a traction assembly 26. The lifting motor 24 is mounted above the fixed guide rail 221. The two traction assemblies 26 are respectively mounted on both sides of the lifting motor 24 along the first direction. The steering device 25 is provided at the output end of the lifting motor 24 along the second direction. The output ends of the steering device 25 along both sides of the first direction are respectively connected to one end of the two traction assemblies 26. The other end of the traction assembly 26 is connected to the battery handling mechanism 222.

[0037] Specifically, the lifting mechanism 22 is also equipped with a lifting motor 24, a steering gear 25, and a traction assembly 26. The lifting motor 24 is mounted above the fixed guide rail 221 and serves as the core power source for the entire lifting mechanism 22, providing a continuous and stable power output for the lifting and lowering of the battery handling mechanism 222. The steering gear 25 is located at the output end of the lifting motor 24 along the second direction and plays a crucial role in converting the power direction. It can convert the power output by the lifting motor 24 along the second direction into the power output along the first direction, adapting to the layout requirements of dual-sided traction. The traction assembly 26 is located on both sides of the lifting motor 24 along the first direction, with one end connected to the output ends of the steering gear 25 on both sides along the first direction. The other end is connected to the battery transport mechanism 222, which becomes the connecting carrier for power transmission. In the actual battery swapping process, when the battery transport mechanism 222 needs to be raised and lowered along the fixed guide rail 221 to connect with the buffer positions 23 at different heights, the lifting motor 24 starts and outputs power in the second direction. This power is transmitted to the steering device 25 and completes the direction change. Simultaneously, it outputs power to the traction components 26 on both sides of the first direction. The traction components 26 complete the winding or releasing action under the power drive, thereby driving the battery transport mechanism 222 connected to it to slide smoothly up or down along the vertical fixed guide rail 221 and accurately reach the height of the designated buffer position 23, providing position guarantee for the subsequent pushing and picking of the battery 6.

[0038] In this optional embodiment, the coordinated operation of the lifting motor 24, the steering gear 25, and the dual-sided traction assembly 26 achieves a design that synchronously transmits power from a single power source to both sides. This ensures that the battery transport mechanism 222 experiences uniform force during lifting, effectively avoiding jamming and offset issues caused by single-sided traction. This guarantees the stability and positional accuracy of the lifting action. Furthermore, by centrally mounting the power transmission structure above the fixed guide rail 221, the horizontal operating space of the battery swapping system 2 is saved, and the power transmission path is simplified, improving power transmission efficiency. In addition, the single-motor + dual-sided traction design significantly reduces equipment manufacturing costs and subsequent maintenance difficulties compared to multi-motor drive. Moreover, the layout of each power transmission structure is compatible with the first and second directions and fits the overall spatial layout design of the battery swapping station, further enhancing the adaptability of the lifting mechanism 22 and the battery swapping system 2. This makes the lifting process of battery 6 transfer more efficient and stable, providing reliable power support for the efficient advancement of the entire battery swapping process.

[0039] Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the traction assembly 26 includes a traction unit 261. Two traction units 261 are respectively arranged on both sides of the steering gear 25 along the second direction. The traction unit 261 includes a pulley 2611 and a traction belt 2612. The pulley 2611 is mounted at a preset position above the fixed guide rail 221. One end of the traction belt 2612 is connected to the corresponding output end of the steering gear 25, and the other end of the traction belt 2612 passes through the pulley 2611 and is connected to the battery transport mechanism 222.

[0040] Specifically, the traction assembly 26 is equipped with two traction units 261, which are respectively located on both sides of the steering gear 25 along the second direction, forming a one-to-one transmission cooperation with the output ends on both sides of the steering gear 25. Each traction unit 261 consists of a pulley 2611 and a traction belt 2612. The pulley 2611 is mounted at a preset position above the fixed guide rail 221 (usually the pulley 2611 is located at the four corners above the fixed guide rail 221, so that the traction belt 2612 can symmetrically pull the battery transport mechanism 222, ensuring balanced lifting force and no deviation or jamming). As the steering and support component of the traction belt 2612, it can change the direction of force transmission of the traction belt 2612 and reduce the frictional resistance when the traction belt 2612 moves. The traction belt 2612 serves as a flexible transmission carrier, with one end corresponding to the steering gear 25. The output end is fixedly connected, and the other end passes around the pulley 2611 and is connected to the battery transport mechanism 222, forming a closed power transmission path. In the actual battery swapping process, the lifting motor 24 outputs power in the second direction and is converted into dual power in the first direction by the steering device 25. The output ends on both sides of the steering device 25 will synchronously drive the corresponding traction belt 2612 to perform winding or releasing actions. Under the support and steering action of the pulley 2611, the traction belt 2612 smoothly transmits power to the battery transport mechanism 222, driving the battery transport mechanism 222 to perform synchronous rising or falling movements along the vertical fixed guide rail 221, accurately connecting to the buffer positions 23 at different heights. Moreover, the synchronous action of the traction units 261 on both sides can make the battery transport mechanism 222 bear force evenly during the lifting process, avoiding the offset and jamming problems caused by unilateral force.

[0041] In this optional embodiment, by setting symmetrical traction units 261 on both sides of the steering gear 25 in the second direction, and cooperating with the steering support of pulleys 2611 and the flexible transmission of traction belt 2612, efficient and stable power transmission on both sides of the steering gear 25 is achieved. The setting of pulleys 2611 not only optimizes the transmission path of traction belt 2612, making the power transmission more in line with the spatial layout of lifting mechanism 22, but also reduces the wear and movement resistance of traction belt 2612, improving transmission efficiency and component lifespan. The design of symmetrical traction units 261 on both sides makes the lifting action of battery handling mechanism 222 more stable and the position more accurate, effectively ensuring the stability and safety of battery 6 during transportation. At the same time, all components of traction assembly 26 are mounted on fixed guide rail 221, without occupying additional horizontal working space, adapting to the compact spatial layout requirements of battery swapping station. Moreover, the overall transmission structure is simple and easy to maintain, further reducing the later maintenance cost of equipment. From the power transmission level, it ensures the efficient and stable operation of lifting mechanism 22, thereby connecting and improving the battery 6 transportation efficiency of the entire battery swapping system 2.

[0042] Optionally, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, it also includes a pulley 27, which is sleeved on the output end of the steering gear 25, and the winding portion of the pulley 27 is connected to one end of the traction belt 2612.

[0043] Specifically, a pulley 27 is also provided, which is fitted onto the output end of the steering gear 25. Its winding portion is connected to one end of the traction belt 2612. As the core component for power transmission and the winding and unwinding of the traction belt 2612, the pulley 27 rotates synchronously with the rotation of the output end of the steering gear 25, achieving stable winding and unwinding of the traction belt 2612. The steering gear 25 provides precise rotational power to the pulley 27, ensuring that the winding and unwinding actions of the pulley 27 are synchronized with the power output of the lifting motor 24. This ensures that during actual battery swapping... During the process, the power output of the lifting motor 24 is reversed by the steering gear 25 and drives the sleeved pulley 27 to rotate. The pulley 27 drives the traction belt 2612 to move synchronously through the winding or releasing action of the winding part, thereby pulling the battery transport mechanism 222 to rise and fall smoothly along the fixed guide rail 221 and accurately connect to the buffer positions 23 at different heights. Moreover, the sleeved connection method between the pulley 27 and the output end of the steering gear 25 makes the power transmission more direct and gapless, which can effectively avoid the slippage and loosening of the traction belt 2612 during transmission.

[0044] In this optional embodiment, the direct fitting of the pulley 27 and the steering gear 25 enables efficient and stable power transmission from the steering gear 25 to the traction belt 2612. The winding structure of the pulley 27 makes the winding and unwinding of the traction belt 2612 more orderly, effectively limiting the movement trajectory of the traction belt 2612 and improving the accuracy and stability of the transmission of the traction component 26. At the same time, this connection method is simple in structure and easy to assemble, reducing the manufacturing cost of the equipment and the difficulty of later maintenance. It ensures the smoothness and accuracy of the lifting action of the battery handling mechanism 222 from the key link of power transmission, thereby improving the overall operating efficiency of the lifting mechanism 22 and providing reliable support for the efficient transfer of the battery 6 in the battery swapping system 2.

[0045] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the battery disassembly and assembly guide vehicle 4 includes a guide vehicle base 41, a lifting mechanism 42, and a magnetic unlocking mechanism 43. The lifting mechanism 42 is disposed on the guide vehicle base 41, and the magnetic unlocking mechanism 43 is used to be disposed on the lifting mechanism 42 at a preset position that matches the locking mechanism 7 of the battery 6. The lifting mechanism 42 is used to achieve raising or lowering.

[0046] Specifically, the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4 consists of a guide vehicle base 41, a lifting mechanism 42, and a magnetic unlocking mechanism 43. The guide vehicle base 41 serves as the support and moving carrier for the entire vehicle, providing a stable foundation for the subsequent battery 6 removal and installation operations. It can drive the entire mechanism to the working position below the battery 6 of the vehicle 8 with precision. The lifting mechanism 42 is located on the guide vehicle base 41 and has the core function of raising or lowering. It can adjust the working height according to the actual needs of battery 6 removal and installation, adapting to the battery 6 installation position and removal and installation height requirements of different vehicle models. The magnetic unlocking mechanism 43 is located on the lifting mechanism 42 at a preset position that matches the locking mechanism 7 of the battery 6. It can precisely connect with the locking mechanism 7 of the battery 6 through magnetic attraction and complete the unlocking action, providing the prerequisite for the removal and installation of the battery 6. During the actual battery swapping process, the guide vehicle base 41 drives the entire mechanism to move precisely to the bottom of the battery 6 of the vehicle 8 to be swapped. The lifting mechanism 42 first rises to a height that matches the locking mechanism 7 of the battery 6, allowing the magnetic unlocking mechanism 43 to precisely engage with the locking mechanism 7 of the battery 6 and complete the magnetic unlocking. After unlocking, the lifting mechanism 42 then descends to its initial position. When installing a fully charged battery, the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4 carries the fully charged battery to the previous battery removal position. The lifting mechanism 42 then raises the fully charged battery to the corresponding height and precisely aligns the fully charged battery with the battery installation position of the vehicle 8. After the magnetic unlocking mechanism 43 locks, the lifting mechanism 42 descends to its reset position, completing the entire battery installation operation.

[0047] In this optional embodiment, the coordinated operation of various components allows for more precise and stable height adjustment during battery 6 installation and removal, avoiding positional deviations or collisions with the battery 6. The precise matching of the magnetic unlocking mechanism 43 and the locking mechanism 7 enables rapid unlocking and locking of the battery 6, improving the efficiency and accuracy of the installation and removal operation. The overall structural design is adapted to the vehicle battery swapping operation scenario, with clear division of labor and smooth action of each component. This not only ensures the stability and safety of the battery 6 installation and removal process but also significantly improves the battery 6 replacement efficiency of a single vehicle 8, further supporting the efficient operation mode of parallel battery swapping in dual-channel battery swapping stations. At the same time, the compact structural design also makes the movement of the guide vehicle more flexible and adaptable to the work space layout within the battery swapping station.

[0048] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the battery disassembly and assembly guide vehicle 4 also includes a positioning camera 44, which is mounted on the base 41 of the guide vehicle and is used to collect battery position information on the vehicle 8.

[0049] Specifically, the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4 is also equipped with a positioning camera 44, which is mounted on the guide vehicle base 41. Its core function is to accurately collect the battery position information on the vehicle 8, providing data support for the accurate positioning of the subsequent battery 6 removal and installation. During the actual battery swapping process, after the guide vehicle base 41 moves the entire mechanism to below the vehicle 8, the positioning camera 44 is activated and collects the precise position information of the battery 6 at the bottom of the vehicle 8. This information is transmitted to the battery swapping control system in real time. The system calculates the precise coordinates of the battery 6 removal and installation based on the position information and feeds them back to the battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4. The guide vehicle then completes the final position fine-tuning. Subsequently, the lifting mechanism 42 continues to rise, allowing the magnetic unlocking mechanism 43 to precisely engage with the locking mechanism 7 of the battery 6, completing the unlocking and battery 6 removal operation. When installing a fully charged battery, the battery can be positioned and installed according to the collected battery position information, ensuring that the fully charged battery can be accurately aligned and installed.

[0050] In this optional embodiment, by collecting the position information of the battery 6 by the positioning camera 44, the problems of battery 6 being bumped or disassembly / removal failure caused by positioning deviation in traditional battery swapping are effectively solved. This greatly improves the positioning accuracy of battery 6 disassembly / removal, ensuring the stability and safety of battery 6 disassembly / removal operations, and shortening the operation time caused by positioning adjustments. This further improves the battery swapping efficiency of a single vehicle 8. At the same time, accurate positioning also reduces equipment wear and extends the service life of various components of the guide vehicle, providing more reliable technical support for parallel and efficient battery swapping at dual-channel battery swapping stations.

[0051] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the battery swapping station also includes a battery swapping channel cover 5, which covers the battery swapping channel 3. The battery swapping channel cover 5 has vehicle entrances and exits at both ends along the extension direction of the channel. The side of the battery swapping channel 3 closest to the battery swapping room 1 is connected to the battery swapping room 1.

[0052] Specifically, a battery swapping channel cover 5 is also provided. The battery swapping channel cover 5 is completely covered on the outside of the battery swapping channel 3, creating a closed working protective space for the battery swapping channel 3. Vehicle entrances and exits are opened at both ends along the extension direction of the channel to meet the passage requirements of vehicles 8 entering and exiting the battery swapping channel 3. At the same time, the side of the battery swapping channel 3 closest to the battery swapping room 1 is kept connected to the battery swapping room 1, ensuring unobstructed passage of the AGV battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4 between the battery swapping room 1 and the battery swapping channel 3, without affecting the operation flow of battery 6 removal, transportation and installation. During the actual battery swapping process, the light truck to be swapped can enter the enclosed battery swapping channel 3 from the vehicle entrance / exit at one end of the battery swapping channel cover 5. After completing the parking and positioning according to the vehicle positioning system, the battery swapping channel cover 5 isolates the battery swapping operation area from the external environment, effectively blocking external factors such as wind, rain, dust, and debris from interfering with the battery swapping equipment and operation process. It also avoids safety hazards caused by batteries 6 and equipment parts falling during operation. The connection design between the battery swapping room 1 and the battery swapping channel 3 allows the AGV battery removal and installation guide vehicle 4 to smoothly enter the enclosed channel and complete the entire process of battery 6 removal and fully charged battery installation. After the battery swapping is completed, the vehicle 8 drives out from the entrance / exit at the other end of the battery swapping channel cover 5. The entire operation process is completed within the protected space.

[0053] In this optional embodiment, the closed protective design of the battery swapping channel cover 5 not only creates a stable and clean environment for battery swapping operations, reducing the damage to the battery swapping equipment caused by external factors, and improving the service life and operational stability of the equipment, but also forms an independent safe working area, reducing the safety risks of battery swapping operations. At the same time, the reasonable layout of the vehicle 8 entrance and exit and the connection port of the battery swapping room 1 ensures that the protective effect is not compromised while ensuring the passage of vehicle 8 and the flow of equipment operations. It is compatible with the layout of parallel battery swapping in two channels, allowing the operations of the battery swapping channels 3 on both sides to be carried out efficiently in an independent protective space. While improving the safety and environmental adaptability of battery swapping operations, it further ensures the overall battery swapping efficiency of the battery swapping station.

[0054] While the present invention has been disclosed above, its scope of protection is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dual-channel battery swapping station, characterized in that, The battery swapping system includes a battery swapping room (1), a battery swapping system (2), a battery swapping channel (3), and a battery removal and installation guide vehicle (4). The two battery swapping channels (3) are respectively arranged on both sides of the battery swapping room (1) along a first direction. The battery swapping room (1) is connected to the two battery swapping channels (3) respectively. The two battery swapping systems (2) are arranged sequentially in the battery swapping room (1) along the first direction. The battery swapping system (2) is equipped with a corresponding battery removal and installation guide vehicle (4). The battery swapping system (2) is used to replace the battery (6) of the vehicle (8) entering the corresponding side of the battery swapping channel (3) through the configured battery removal and installation guide vehicle (4).

2. The dual-channel battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery swapping system (2) includes a battery buffer mechanism (21) and a lifting mechanism (22). The lifting mechanism (22) is provided with the battery buffer mechanism (21) on both sides along the second direction. The lifting mechanism (22) is used to transport the depleted battery on the battery removal and installation guide vehicle (4) to the battery buffer position (23) without battery in the battery buffer mechanism (21), and to transport the fully charged battery in the battery buffer mechanism (21) to the battery removal and installation guide vehicle (4). The first direction, the second direction and the vertical direction are perpendicular to each other.

3. The dual-channel battery swapping station according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery buffer mechanism (21) is provided with a plurality of buffer positions (23) along the vertical direction, and the buffer positions (23) are used to charge the battery (6) placed therein.

4. The dual-channel battery swapping station according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism (22) includes a fixed guide rail (221) and a battery transport mechanism (222). The battery transport mechanism (222) is slidably connected to the vertically arranged fixed guide rail (221). The battery transport mechanism (222) includes a clamping mechanism (2221) and a telescopic mechanism (2222). The clamping mechanism (2221) is used to clamp the battery (6) in the battery transport mechanism (222). The telescopic mechanism (2222) is configured to push the depleted battery into the corresponding buffer position (23) along the second direction or push the fully charged battery to move to the battery transport mechanism (222) along the second direction when the battery transport mechanism (222) slides to the corresponding buffer position (23).

5. The dual-channel battery swapping station according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism (22) further includes a lifting motor (24), a steering device (25), and a traction assembly (26). The lifting motor (24) is mounted above the fixed guide rail (221). The two traction assemblies (26) are mounted on both sides of the lifting motor (24) along the first direction. The steering device (25) is provided at the output end of the lifting motor (24) along the second direction. The output ends of the steering device (25) along both sides of the first direction are respectively connected to one end of the two traction assemblies (26). The other end of the traction assembly (26) is connected to the battery transport mechanism (222).

6. The dual-channel battery swapping station according to claim 5, characterized in that, The traction assembly (26) includes a traction unit (261), and two traction units (261) are respectively arranged on both sides of the steering gear (25) along the second direction. The traction unit (261) includes a pulley (2611) and a traction belt (2612). The pulley (2611) is mounted at a preset position above the fixed guide rail (221). One end of the traction belt (2612) is connected to the corresponding output end of the steering gear (25), and the other end of the traction belt (2612) passes through the pulley (2611) and is connected to the battery transport mechanism (222).

7. The dual-channel battery swapping station according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a pulley (27), which is sleeved on the output end of the steering gear (25), and the winding part of the pulley (27) is connected to one end of the traction belt (2612).

8. The dual-channel battery swapping station according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery disassembly and assembly guide vehicle (4) includes a guide vehicle base (41), a lifting mechanism (42) and a magnetic unlocking mechanism (43). The lifting mechanism (42) is mounted on the guide vehicle base (41), and the magnetic unlocking mechanism (43) is mounted on the lifting mechanism (42) at a preset position that matches the locking mechanism (7) of the battery (6). The lifting mechanism (42) is used to achieve raising or lowering.

9. The dual-channel battery swapping station according to claim 8, characterized in that, The battery disassembly and assembly guide vehicle (4) also includes a positioning camera (44), which is mounted on the base (41) of the guide vehicle and is used to collect battery position information on the vehicle (8).

10. The dual-channel battery swapping station according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, It also includes a battery swapping channel cover (5), which covers the battery swapping channel (3). The battery swapping channel cover (5) has vehicle entrances and exits at both ends along the extension direction of the channel. The side of the battery swapping channel (3) near the battery swapping room (1) is connected to the battery swapping room (1).

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