Battery exchange device

Abstract

The battery exchange device comprises a cabinet, a plurality of rack bodies and a plurality of locking mechanisms. The plurality of rack bodies are arranged in the cabinet at intervals. Each locking mechanism is arranged at the end of a rack body and comprises a motor, a lever, a first swing arm, a second swing arm and a sensing switch. The first swing arm and the second swing arm can be buckled to lock the battery put into the rack body, and trigger the sensing switch to determine the locked state of the battery. When the battery is to be unlocked, the motor is connected and can drive the lever to rotate against the second swing arm, so that the second swing arm rotates and separates from the first swing arm, and the battery can be taken out. By the structural design, the locking mechanism only uses one sensing switch, and the unlocking is performed by using the motor and the lever. In the case of power failure, the locking mechanism will not lock the battery, and the maintenance and use convenience are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery exchange device, and more particularly to a battery exchange device for accommodating and exchanging rechargeable batteries. Background Technology

[0002] In response to environmental trends, the number of people using electric motor vehicles as a means of transportation is gradually increasing, especially the growth rate of riding electric motorcycles.

[0003] Currently, electric motorcycles are mainly divided into two types of power replenishment: rechargeable and battery-swapping. Battery-swapping has the advantage of fast replenishment speed, thus saving time and being more convenient. Battery-swapping electric motorcycles are powered by rechargeable batteries. Users can insert a battery with lower power into a battery swapping device. After the device locks the battery, it releases a battery with higher power for the user to take, thus completing the battery swapping process and replenishing the electric motorcycle's power.

[0004] Specifically, the battery swapping device includes a cabinet, multiple frames, and multiple locking mechanisms. The multiple frames are disposed in the cabinet, and the multiple locking mechanisms are respectively disposed at the ends of the multiple frames. Each locking mechanism includes a base, a first swing arm, a second swing arm, two sensing switches, and a solenoid valve. The first swing arm and the second swing arm are respectively pivotally mounted on the base, and the two sensing switches correspond to the first and second swing arms respectively. The two sensing switches and the solenoid valve are respectively electrically connected to a controller of the cabinet.

[0005] During battery swapping, the user inserts a battery into one of the racks and brings it into contact with the locking mechanism at the end of the rack. At this time, the battery pushes the first swing arm to rotate, causing the first and second swing arms to engage. Simultaneously, the battery is hooked by the first swing arm, and the two sensing switches are triggered by the two swing arms respectively, sending signals to the controller. The controller then determines that the battery is locked and controls the locking mechanism at the end of the rack containing the other battery to unlock the battery. The controller controls the solenoid valve of the locking mechanism, causing the solenoid valve to push the second swing arm to rotate, thus separating the first and second swing arms, allowing the battery to be unlocked and removed.

[0006] However, the controller of the aforementioned battery exchange device needs to use the two sensing switches of the locking mechanism to determine that the battery is locked, which is inconvenient for maintenance. In addition, when unlocking the battery, the second swing arm needs to be rotated by a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve needs to be continuously powered to maintain the state of pushing the second swing arm so that the battery can be removed. If there is a power outage, the solenoid valve will reset and will not be able to maintain the pushing of the second swing arm. Therefore, if the user inserts the battery during a power outage, the battery will be locked and cannot be unlocked, making it inconvenient to use. Summary of the Invention

[0007] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The main objective of this invention is to provide a battery swapping device that improves upon the current battery swapping devices, which require two sensor switches to determine the battery's locked state, making maintenance inconvenient, and require a solenoid valve to unlock the battery, making use inconvenient.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the battery exchange device of the present invention includes:

[0011] A cabinet containing a controller;

[0012] Multiple shelves are spaced apart in the cabinet, each shelf having a receiving slot and an opening at the front end of the shelf communicating with the receiving slot.

[0013] Multiple locking mechanisms, each corresponding to one of the multiple frames and disposed at the end of the frame, each locking mechanism comprising:

[0014] A base, which is disposed on the frame;

[0015] A motor, which is mounted on the base and controlled by the controller;

[0016] A lever, which is connected to the motor;

[0017] A first swing arm, which is pivotally mounted on the base, and has a locking hook and a fastening recess;

[0018] A second swing arm, which is pivotally mounted on the base and adjacent to the lever, has a locking protrusion;

[0019] A sensing switch is disposed on the base and electrically connected to the controller;

[0020] The locking mechanism defines a locked state, an unlocking state, and an unlocked state. In the locked state, a battery is housed in the receiving slot, the locking hook of the first swing arm engages the battery, the first swing arm or the second swing arm triggers the sensing switch, and the engaging recess and the engaging protrusion engage with each other. In the unlocking state, the controller controls the motor to rotate the lever, causing the lever to abut against and push the second swing arm to rotate, and the engaging protrusion disengages from the engaging recess. The first swing arm rotates to an unlocked position, causing the locking hook to disengage from the battery. In the unlocked state, the motor causes the lever to rotate away from the second swing arm, the first swing arm abuts against the second swing arm, and the first swing arm is located in the unlocked position.

[0021] [Effects of the invention]

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0023] 1. Improved maintenance convenience: When a battery is inserted into the cabinet of the battery exchange device of the present invention and locked by the locking mechanism at the end of the cabinet, the locking mechanism is in the locked state and the sensing switch is triggered. The controller can determine that the battery is locked by the sensing switch of the locking mechanism, without using two switches, thus improving maintenance convenience.

[0024] 2. Improved ease of use: Because the thrust of this motor is greater than that of a typical solenoid valve, it can reliably drive the lever to rotate the second swing arm, ensuring the locking mechanism can reliably change from the locked state to the unlocked state. This guarantees the battery can be unlocked, improving ease of use. Furthermore, in the event of a power outage, the cabinet's controller can briefly input power to activate the motor of the locking mechanism. This motor rotates the lever and pushes the second swing arm, causing the latching protrusion to disengage from the latching recess, allowing the first swing arm to move freely without being restricted by the second swing arm. The motor rotates, allowing the user to directly pull the battery to disengage it from the locking mechanism. When power is no longer supplied, the locking mechanism remains unlocked as the motor stops rotating. The lever remains against the second swing arm, preventing the second swing arm from blocking the first swing arm. Therefore, even if the user inserts the battery into the holder slot and contacts the locking mechanism, the first swing arm remains free to rotate and will not lock the battery. This prevents the battery from being locked during a power outage, thus improving usability during power outages. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 : This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the battery exchange device of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 : This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the frame of the battery exchange device of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partially exploded schematic diagram of the frame and locking mechanism of the battery exchange device of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 : This is a top perspective three-dimensional schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the battery exchange device of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 : This is a bottom-view perspective view of the locking mechanism of the battery exchange device of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 : This is a top view schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the battery exchange device of the present invention in the unlocked state.

[0031] Figure 7 : This is a front view schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the battery exchange device of the present invention in the unlocked state.

[0032] Figure 8 : This is a top plan view of the locking mechanism of the battery exchange device of the present invention in the locked state.

[0033] Figure 9 : This is a front view schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the battery exchange device of the present invention in the locked state.

[0034] Figure 10 : This is a top plan view of the locking mechanism of the battery exchange device of the present invention in the unlocked state.

[0035] Figure 11 : This is a front view schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the battery exchange device of the present invention in the unlocked state.

[0036] Figure 12 : A front view schematic diagram of the motor of the locking mechanism of the battery exchange device of the present invention moving the lever away from the second swing arm.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a front view schematic diagram of the battery exchange device of the present invention with the motor in a zero-state.

[0038] List of reference numerals

[0039] 10: Cabinet

[0040] 11: Controller

[0041] 20: Frame

[0042] 21: Receptacle

[0043] 22: Opening

[0044] 30: Locking mechanism

[0045] 31: Base

[0046] 311: Limiting sudden

[0047] 32: Motor

[0048] 33: Pick

[0049] 331: Extension

[0050] 34: First swing arm

[0051] 341: Snap recess

[0052] 342: Lock Hook

[0053] 343: First arc segment

[0054] 344: Limit rail

[0055] 35: Second swing arm

[0056] 351: Fastening convex part

[0057] 352: Second arc segment

[0058] 353: Force-bearing part

[0059] 36: Sensor Switch

[0060] 37: Elastic component

[0061] 40: Battery

[0062] R1: Unlock Direction

[0063] R2: Zeroing direction. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This is a preferred embodiment of the battery exchange device of the present invention, which includes a cabinet 10, multiple frames 20 and multiple locking mechanisms 30.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, a controller 11 is installed in the cabinet 10.

[0066] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multiple shelves 20 are spaced apart in the cabinet 10. Each shelf 20 has a receiving groove 21 and an opening 22 at the front end of the shelf 20, which communicates with the receiving groove 21.

[0067] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the multiple locking mechanisms 30 correspond to the multiple frames 20 respectively and are disposed at the ends of the frames 20. Each locking mechanism 30 includes a base 31, a motor 32, a lever 33, a first swing arm 34, a second swing arm 35 and a sensing switch 36.

[0068] The base 31 is disposed on the frame 20; the motor 32 is disposed on the base 31 and controlled by the controller 11; the lever 33 is connected to the motor 32; and the sensing switch 36 is disposed on the base 31 and electrically connected to the controller 11.

[0069] like Figures 2 to 5As shown, the first swing arm 34 is pivotally mounted on the base 31 and has a fastening recess 341 and a locking hook 342; the second swing arm 35 is pivotally mounted on the base 31 and is adjacent to the paddle 33, and the second swing arm 35 has a fastening protrusion 351.

[0070] The locking mechanism 30 is defined as having a locked state, an unlocking state, and an unlocked state, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in the locked state, a battery 40 is housed in the receiving slot 21, the locking hook 342 of the first swing arm 34 engages the battery 40, the first swing arm 34 or the second swing arm 35 triggers the sensing switch 36, and the engaging recess 341 and the engaging protrusion 351 engage with each other; as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in the unlocked state, the controller 11 controls the motor 32 to rotate the lever 33, causing the lever 33 to abut against and push the second swing arm 35 to rotate, and the engaging protrusion 351 disengages from the engaging recess 341. The first swing arm 34 rotates to an unlocked position, causing the lock hook 342 to disengage from the battery 40; Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in the unlocked state, the motor 32 causes the paddle 33 to rotate away from the second swing arm 35, the first swing arm 34 abuts against the second swing arm 35, and the first swing arm 34 is in the unlocked position.

[0071] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, under normal operating conditions, when the battery exchange device frame 20 does not contain a battery 40, the locking mechanism 30 of the frame 20 is unlocked. At this time, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the user can insert the battery 40 into the receiving slot 21 of the frame 20 through the opening 22 of the frame 20. When the battery 40 contacts the first swing arm 34 of the locking mechanism 30, the battery 40 pushes the first swing arm 34 to rotate until the latching recess 341 of the first swing arm 34 engages with the latching protrusion 351 of the second swing arm 35. The locking mechanism 30 changes from the unlocked state to the locked state, and at the same time the lock hook 342 hooks the battery 40, thus locking the battery 40.

[0072] Among them, such as Figure 8As shown, the sensing switch 36 is adjacent to the second swing arm 35. When the locking mechanism 30 is in the locked state, the sensing switch 36 is triggered by the second swing arm 35. The battery 40 drives the first swing arm 34 to rotate until the engaging recess 341 of the first swing arm 34 engages with the engaging protrusion 351 of the second swing arm 35. Only then can the second swing arm 35 trigger the sensing switch 36. By designing that the component that is pushed and rotated and the component that triggers the sensing switch 36 are different components, it is ensured that the sensing switch 36 is only triggered when the locking mechanism 30 is in the locked state, thus improving the accuracy of the judgment.

[0073] In addition, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the first swing arm 34 of the locking mechanism 30 has a first arc-shaped segment 343, and the fastening recess 341 is connected to the first arc-shaped segment 343. The second swing arm 35 has a second arc-shaped segment 352, and the fastening protrusion 351 is connected to the second arc-shaped segment 352. When the locking mechanism 30 is in the unlocked state, the first arc-shaped segment 343 of the first swing arm 34 abuts against the second arc-shaped segment 352 of the second swing arm 35.

[0074] During the transition of the locking mechanism 30 from the unlocked state to the locked state, the first arc-shaped segment 343 of the first swing arm 34 abuts against the second arc-shaped segment 352 of the second swing arm 35, thereby improving the operational stability of the first swing arm 34 and the second swing arm 35. Furthermore, since the engaging recess 341 is connected to the first arc-shaped segment 343 and the engaging protrusion 351 is connected to the second arc-shaped segment 352, the first swing arm 34 and the second swing arm 35 will continuously abut against each other during the transition of the locking mechanism 30 from the unlocked state to the locked state, thereby preventing the first swing arm 34 and the second swing arm 35 from swaying and ensuring that the locking mechanism 30 can reliably transition to the locked state, effectively reducing the probability of abnormality of the locking mechanism 30.

[0075] Preferably, the curvature of the first arc segment 343 of the first swing arm 34 is the same as the curvature of the second arc segment 352 of the second swing arm 35, thus increasing the contact area between the first arc segment 343 and the second arc segment 352. When the battery 40 pushes the first swing arm 34 to rotate, the first arc segment 343 will move along the second arc segment 352, so the second swing arm 35 will not rotate. Only when the edge of the fastening recess 341 contacts the fastening protrusion 351 will the second swing arm 35 rotate and engage the fastening recess 341 with the fastening protrusion 351, further improving the operational stability of the first swing arm 34 and the second swing arm 35.

[0076] like Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, when the battery exchange device wants to release the battery 40, the controller 11 controls the motor 32 of the locking mechanism 30 corresponding to the frame 20 containing the battery 40 to rotate the lever 33, so that the lever 33 abuts against and pushes the second swing arm 35 to rotate, and the fastening protrusion 351 will disengage from the fastening recess 341. Therefore, the first swing arm 34 is no longer limited by the second swing arm 35. At this time, the locking mechanism 30 is in the unlocked state, and the user can pull out the battery 40.

[0077] Since the thrust of the motor 32 is greater than that of a general solenoid valve, the motor 32 can reliably drive the paddle 33 to push the second swing arm 35 to rotate, so that the locking mechanism 30 can reliably change from the locked state to the unlocked state, thereby ensuring that the battery 40 can be removed and improving the convenience of use.

[0078] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism 30 includes an elastic member 37 connected between the first swing arm 34 and the second swing arm 35. When the locking mechanism 30 is in the unlocked state, the elastic member 37 pulls the first swing arm 34 to rotate to the unlocked position, so the locking hook 342 of the first swing arm 34 disengages from the battery 40.

[0079] like Figure 12 As shown, during the process of the locking mechanism 30 changing from the unlocked state to the unlocked state, the controller 11 controls the motor 32 to rotate continuously, causing the paddle 33 to rotate away from the second swing arm 35. The first swing arm 34 and the second swing arm 35 are pulled and rotated by the elastic member 37 and come into contact with each other. The first swing arm 34 is in the unlocked position, and the locking mechanism 30 returns to the unlocked state.

[0080] In addition, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the first swing arm 34 of the locking mechanism 30 has an arc-shaped limiting rail 344, and the base 31 has a limiting protrusion 311 that extends into the limiting rail 344. When the first swing arm 34 is in the unlocked position, the limiting protrusion 311 abuts against the end of the limiting rail 344. By cooperating with the limiting rail 344 and the limiting protrusion 311, the operational stability of the first swing arm 34 can be improved. When the first swing arm 34 is in the unlocked position, the limiting protrusion 311 abuts against the limiting rail 344, limiting the first swing arm 34 and ensuring that the first swing arm 34 remains in the unlocked position.

[0081] Furthermore, during a power outage, since the controller 11 of the cabinet 10 still stores power, the controller 11 can temporarily input power to control the motor 32 of the locking mechanism 30 to operate, thus changing the locking mechanism 30 to the unlocked state, allowing the first swing arm 34 to rotate freely. When no more power is input, the motor 32 stops rotating, as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, when the locking mechanism 30 remains in the unlocked state, the lever 33 will continue to abut against the second swing arm 35, thus preventing the second swing arm 35 from limiting the first swing arm 34. Therefore, even if the user puts the battery 40 into the receiving slot 21 of the frame 20 and contacts the locking mechanism 30, the first swing arm 34 will not lock the battery 40. Thus, the user can directly pull the battery 40 to release it from the locking mechanism 30, thereby preventing the battery 40 inserted by the user from being locked during a power outage, resulting in the situation where no battery 40 is available, and improving the convenience of use during a power outage.

[0082] Furthermore, after a period of use, such as after performing the unlocking action multiple times, the controller 11 can also control the motor 32 of the locking mechanism 30 to return to zero. Specifically, as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, when the locking mechanism 30 changes from the locked state to the unlocked state, the motor 32 causes the lever 33 to rotate along an unlocking direction R1. The motor 32 defines a zero-state, such as... Figure 13 As shown, during the zeroing process, the motor 32 rotates the paddle 33 along a zeroing direction R2 opposite to the unlocking direction R1 until the extension of the paddle 33 abuts against the second swing arm 35, bringing the motor 32 to the zeroing state. Then, the paddle 33 rotates back to its original position along the unlocking direction R1 (e.g., ...). Figure 7 As shown, by doing so, the motor 32 can be reset to zero, thereby improving the accuracy of the motor 32's operation.

[0083] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the paddle 33 has an extension 331, and the second swing arm 35 has a force-receiving portion 353. The extension 331 of the paddle 33 can abut against the force-receiving portion 353 of the second swing arm 35. When the paddle 33 rotates along the zeroing direction R2 to abut against the second swing arm 35, the extension 331 and the force-receiving portion 353 are in surface contact, and the extension 331 is parallel to the force-receiving portion 353. Therefore, when the motor 32 is zeroing and the paddle 33 abuts against the second swing arm 35, the paddle 33 will not exert an oblique pushing force on the second swing arm 35, thus improving stability.

[0084] In summary, the battery swapping device of the present invention, through the structural design of the multiple locking mechanisms 30, only requires the use of the sensing switch 36, which improves the convenience of maintenance. Furthermore, by using the motor 32 and the lever 33 for unlocking, the locking mechanism 30 can remain in the unlocked state even in the event of a power outage, without locking the inserted battery 40, thus improving the convenience of use during power outages.

Claims

1. A battery exchange device, characterized in that, It includes: A cabinet, wherein a controller is installed in the cabinet; Multiple shelves are spaced apart in the cabinet, each shelf has a receiving slot, and the front end of the shelf has an opening that communicates with the receiving slot. Multiple locking mechanisms, each corresponding to one of the multiple frames and disposed at the end of the frame, each locking mechanism comprising: A base, the base being disposed on the frame; A motor, the motor being mounted on the base and controlled by the controller; A lever, the lever being connected to the motor; A first swing arm, which is pivotally mounted on the base and has a locking hook and a fastening recess; A second swing arm, which is pivotally mounted on the base and adjacent to the lever, has a locking protrusion. A sensing switch is disposed on the base and electrically connected to the controller; The locking mechanism defines a locked state, an unlocking state, and an unlocked state. In the locked state, a battery is housed in the receiving slot, the locking hook of the first swing arm engages the battery, the first swing arm or the second swing arm triggers the sensing switch, and the engaging recess and the engaging protrusion engage with each other to limit the first swing arm. In the unlocking state, the controller controls the motor to rotate the lever, causing the lever to abut against and push the second swing arm to rotate, and the engaging protrusion disengages from the engaging recess, allowing the first swing arm to be rotated to an unlocked position so that the locking hook disengages from the battery. In the unlocked state, the motor causes the lever to rotate away from the second swing arm, the first swing arm abuts against the second swing arm, and the first swing arm is located in the unlocked position.

2. The battery exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the locking mechanism changes from the locked state to the unlocked state, the motor causes the paddle to rotate in an unlocking direction. The motor defines a zeroing state. In the zeroing state, the motor causes the paddle to rotate in a zeroing direction opposite to the unlocking direction until the extension of the paddle abuts against the second swing arm, and then causes the paddle to rotate in the unlocking direction.

3. The battery exchange device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The paddle has an extension, and the second swing arm has a force-receiving part. The extension of the paddle can abut against the force-receiving part of the second swing arm. When the paddle rotates along the zeroing direction to abut against the second swing arm, the extension and the force-receiving part are in surface contact, and the extension is parallel to the force-receiving part.

4. The battery exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism has a first arc-shaped segment, and the engaging recess is connected to the first arc-shaped segment. The second swing arm has a second arc-shaped segment, and the engaging protrusion is connected to the second arc-shaped segment. When the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the first arc-shaped segment of the first swing arm abuts against the second arc-shaped segment of the second swing arm.

5. The battery exchange device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The curvature of the first arc segment of the first swing arm is the same as the curvature of the second arc segment of the second swing arm.

6. The battery exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes an elastic element connected between the first swing arm and the second swing arm. When the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the elastic element pulls the first swing arm to rotate to the unlocked position. When the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state and the lever rotates away from the second swing arm, the elastic element pulls the first swing arm and the second swing arm to rotate and abut against each other.

7. The battery exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first swing arm of the locking mechanism has an arc-shaped limiting rail, and the base has a limiting protrusion that extends into the limiting rail. When the first swing arm is in the unlocked position, the limiting protrusion abuts against the end of the limiting rail.

8. The battery exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing switch is adjacent to the second swing arm, and the sensing switch is triggered by the second swing arm.

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