Wheel alignment device and lift

Abstract

The application discloses a wheel positioning device and a lifting machine, which are arranged on a vehicle carrying platform of a battery swap station and used for adjusting the position of a battery swap vehicle. The wheel positioning device comprises a base, a positioning mechanism installed on the base, and a first driving mechanism connected with the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism comprises two groups of V-shaped positioning parts symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the base, so as to adjust the positions of the wheels on the two sides along the length direction of the vehicle. The first driving mechanism is located between the two groups of V-shaped positioning parts, and the first driving mechanism drives the V-shaped positioning parts on the two sides to synchronously move along the length direction of the vehicle. The first driving mechanism is used for simultaneously driving the two groups of V-shaped positioning parts, so that the two groups of V-shaped positioning parts are synchronously moved and adjusted, the positions of the wheels on the two sides are quickly adapted, and the battery swap efficiency is further improved. Meanwhile, the wheel positioning device can be adapted to vehicles with different wheelbase, the application range of the wheel positioning device is expanded, and the compatibility of the wheel positioning device is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of vehicle battery swapping technology, specifically relating to a wheel alignment device and a lift. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles primarily use electrical energy. Once the electrical energy is depleted, they need to be recharged. Due to current limitations in battery and charging technology, fully charging an electric vehicle takes a considerable amount of time. To reduce user waiting time, replacing the battery when the vehicle's power is nearly exhausted is an effective method. To facilitate battery replacement and meet the battery swapping needs of electric vehicles, battery swapping stations need to be built, allowing vehicles to swap batteries when their batteries are low on power.

[0003] Battery swapping stations typically have lifts. When an electric vehicle needs to swap batteries, it must drive onto the lift to raise it, ensuring the vehicle's chassis is at a certain height relative to the swapping platform, facilitating the swapping operation. The lift usually has positioning devices to hold the vehicle's wheels in place and prevent movement during the swap. However, due to differences in vehicle models and wheel sizes, multiple positioning devices are needed at the swapping station to accommodate vehicles with different wheelbases, resulting in high costs and low efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a wheel alignment device and a lift that can adapt to battery swapping vehicles with different wheelbases.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0006] A wheel positioning device is installed on the vehicle platform of a battery swapping station for adjusting the position of the battery swapping vehicle. The wheel positioning device includes a base, a positioning mechanism installed on the base, and a first drive mechanism connected to the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism includes two sets of V-shaped positioning parts symmetrically arranged on both sides of the base to adjust the position of the wheels on both sides along the length direction of the vehicle. The first drive mechanism is located between the two sets of V-shaped positioning parts and drives the V-shaped positioning parts on both sides to move synchronously along the length direction of the vehicle.

[0007] This solution uses a V-shaped positioning part to limit the wheels of the battery swapping vehicle, preventing the vehicle from moving during the swapping process. This improves the stability of the wheel positioning device, reliably limits the battery swapping vehicle during the swapping process, ensures a smooth swapping process, and enhances the battery swapping efficiency.

[0008] Simultaneously, the first drive mechanism drives two sets of V-shaped positioning parts, enabling them to move and adjust synchronously. This allows for rapid adaptation to the wheel positions on both sides, further improving battery swapping efficiency. Furthermore, using a single drive mechanism to move both sets of V-shaped positioning parts ensures consistent movement time and distance, enhancing their accuracy. The V-shaped positioning parts move along the vehicle's length, accommodating vehicles with different wheelbases. The synchronous movement of these parts allows the wheel alignment device to adapt to different wheelbases during battery swapping, expanding its applicability and compatibility.

[0009] In addition, setting the first drive mechanism to drive both sets of V-shaped positioning parts simultaneously helps to control the setup cost of the drive mechanism.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel alignment device, the alignment mechanism further includes a support for mounting a V-shaped positioning part. The support includes a support platform disposed below the V-shaped positioning part. A first drive mechanism is connected to the support platform to drive the V-shaped positioning part located on the support platform to move along the length direction of the vehicle.

[0011] A support platform is installed below the V-shaped positioning unit to support its installation. When the wheel rests on the V-shaped positioning unit, the support platform increases the support strength at that point, resulting in better stability and improved vehicle positioning. Simultaneously, a first drive mechanism is connected to the support platform. This first drive mechanism moves the support platform, thereby moving the V-shaped positioning unit mounted on it. The first drive mechanism is not directly connected to the V-shaped positioning unit, which helps reduce the pressure exerted by the vehicle's weight on the connection point. This drive mechanism, which connects to the support platform to move the V-shaped positioning unit, further enhances the stability of the V-shaped positioning unit's movement.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel alignment device, the first drive mechanism includes a drive member and a guide member connected to the drive member. The guide members are disposed on both sides of the drive member and connected to the support platform, so that the drive member drives the positioning mechanisms on both sides to move synchronously through the guide members.

[0013] By incorporating guide members, the support platform and the V-shaped positioning part installed on the support platform are guided and moved, thereby improving the movement accuracy of the V-shaped positioning part. The guide members are connected to the support platforms on both sides, and the drive members drive the guide members to move synchronously on both sides, thereby achieving synchronous drive of the support platforms on both sides and the V-shaped positioning parts installed on the support platforms. This allows the V-shaped positioning parts on both sides to move along a predetermined route via the guide members, improving movement accuracy.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel alignment device, the driving component includes a first driving motor and a ball screw that is connected to the driving motor in a transmission manner. The ball screw is mounted on a base via a mounting seat. The guiding component includes guide rods disposed on both sides of the mounting seat, and the ends of the guide rods are fixed to a support platform.

[0015] By using a drive motor and ball screw, the rotational motion of the motor shaft is converted into linear motion, causing the guide rod mounted on the ball screw to move linearly. This, in turn, enables the support platform, which is fixedly connected to the end of the guide rod, to move linearly. This, in turn, drives the V-shaped positioning part located on the support platform, allowing it to move along the length of the vehicle to accommodate the wheel positions of vehicles with different wheelbases. The drive motor and ball screw components are easy to install, the drive mechanism is simple and reliable, and the drive cost is low, making it easy to promote and use.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel alignment device, the guide rod is trapezoidal in shape and has a weight-reducing opening in the middle. The longer end of the two parallel outer walls of the guide rod is fixed to the mounting base, and the shorter end is fixed to the support platform.

[0017] The trapezoidal design of the guide rod results in more even force distribution in all directions, which helps to disperse the connection force at both ends. Furthermore, the two parallel outer walls are connected to the mounting base and the support platform respectively, which helps to improve the stability of the guide rod when moving the support platform. At the same time, the longer end of the parallel outer wall at both ends is fixedly connected to the mounting base, which helps to improve the stability of the guide rod when transmitting movement and the accuracy of the guide rod's movement direction.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel alignment device, the support platform includes a support plate disposed below the V-shaped positioning part, with stepped portions protruding upwards at both ends of the support plate, and a guide rod fixed to the stepped surface of the stepped portion.

[0019] By setting a support plate on the support platform to support and position the V-shaped positioning part, and increasing the stress strength at the V-shaped positioning part, and by setting a step to raise the height of the end of the support platform, it is easier to connect with the guide rod, avoiding the need for the guide rod to be bent to connect to the support plate, which helps to ensure the movement stability of the guide rod.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel alignment device, a first sliding assembly fixed to a base is provided below the step portion. The first sliding assembly includes a first slide rail mounted on the base and a first slider that moves along the first slide rail. The first slider is connected to the bottom surface of the step portion so that the support platform moves along the first slide rail via the first slider.

[0021] By setting a first sliding component, the support platform can move along the slide rail in a preset direction. Both the first sliding component and the guide rod are connected to the support platform through a step. The guide rod drives the support platform to move along the slide rail. On the one hand, the first slide rail component and the guide rod cooperate to further guide the movement of the support platform and the V-shaped positioning part installed on the support platform. On the other hand, setting the first sliding component is conducive to improving the rapid and smooth movement of the support platform and the V-shaped positioning part, improving the movement efficiency, and realizing the rapid positioning of the V-shaped positioning part.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel alignment device, the wheel alignment device includes a cover plate disposed on the top of a base. Multiple cover plates are arranged side by side along the length of the vehicle and distributed on both sides of a V-shaped positioning part. A guide member is connected to the cover plate and is used to drive the cover plate to move with the V-shaped positioning part to cover the gap between the V-shaped positioning part and the base when the V-shaped positioning part moves.

[0023] By covering both sides of the V-shaped positioning part with cover plates, the wheels can be prevented from getting stuck in the gap between the sides of the V-shaped positioning part and the base. On the other hand, it is also beneficial to the aesthetics of the overall structure. The cover plates are connected to the guide members. While the guide members move the V-shaped positioning part, they also move the cover plates located on both sides of the V-shaped positioning part, so that the cover plates and the V-shaped positioning part always maintain a stable relative position.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel positioning device, the guide member is connected to the cover plate via a chain drive mechanism. The chain drive mechanism includes a guide chain fixed to the support platform and sprockets disposed on both sides of the support platform and meshing with the guide chain. The guide chain is connected to the cover plate, and a synchronous shaft is provided between the sprockets on both sides to drive the guide chains on both sides of the support platform to move synchronously.

[0025] The cover plate and the V-shaped positioning part are driven to move synchronously by a chain drive mechanism. At the same time, a sprocket and a synchronous shaft are set to ensure the synchronicity of the chain movement on both sides, thereby improving the synchronicity of the movement of the cover plate on both sides and the smoothness of the cover plate movement.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel alignment device, the guide chain includes a chain plate, a bushing, and a chain pin connecting the chain plate and the bushing. The chain plate is provided with an upwardly folding connecting plate, and the bottom of the cover plate is fixedly connected to the connecting plate, so that the guide chain drives the cover plate to move through the connecting plate.

[0027] Multiple chain plates of the guide chain are connected to multiple cover plates one by one through connecting plates. When the guide chain moves, the chain plates drive the cover plates connected to them to move synchronously. Since the guide chain is fixed to the support platform, the guide chain moves with the support platform, thereby realizing the synchronous movement of the cover plates and the V-shaped positioning parts installed on the support platform.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel alignment device, the V-shaped positioning part includes two rows of rollers arranged in a V-shape, on which the wheel rests.

[0029] The wheels of the battery swapping vehicle fall into the V-shaped groove formed by the two rows of rollers, thus limiting the movement of the battery swapping vehicle.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel alignment device, the alignment device includes a second drive mechanism and two limiting push plates respectively disposed toward the outer side walls of the wheels on both sides. The second drive mechanism is used to drive at least one of the two limiting push plates to move relative to each other along the width direction of the vehicle to push against the wheels on the corresponding sides.

[0031] The limiting push plate is positioned above and on the outer side of the roller. When the limiting push plate pushes against the wheel, the roller will not interfere with the movement of the limiting push plate. The limiting push plates on both sides are controlled and driven separately by the second drive mechanism. The push plate on the corresponding side can be adjusted according to the actual situation, so that the limiting push plate can push against the wheel on one side or both sides, meeting the vehicle positioning requirements in different scenarios. This ensures that the vehicle is in the accurate battery swapping position, improves battery swapping accuracy and efficiency, and helps improve the accuracy of wheel alignment.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel alignment device, the second drive mechanism includes a second drive motor fixed below the support platform and a lead screw assembly that is drively connected to the second drive motor. The lead screw assembly includes a lead screw horizontally arranged along the width direction of the vehicle. The top surface of the nut seat outside the lead screw is fixed to the bottom surface of the support platform. The second drive mechanism also includes a connecting seat arranged parallel to the nut seat. The connecting seat is sleeved on the outside of the lead screw and connected to a limiting push plate on the same side.

[0033] The second drive motor and lead screw assembly are set at the bottom of the support platform. The hidden setting of the second drive mechanism will not affect the driving of the battery swapping vehicle. The space is made reasonable so that the second drive motor can drive the corresponding side limit push plate to move, thereby realizing that the limit push plates on both sides can move on one side or both sides at the same time, improving the practicality of the wheel alignment device.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of a wheel alignment device, the second drive mechanism further includes a sliding plate that connects the limiting push plate and the connecting seat on the same side. The sliding plate is located at the bottom of the V-groove of the V-shaped positioning part. A second sliding component is provided at the bottom of the support platform. The second sliding component includes a second slide rail and a second slider that is adapted to the second slide rail. The second slider is fixedly connected to the connecting seat. The second drive mechanism drives the connecting seat to move the limiting push plate along the vehicle width direction.

[0035] The second sliding component is located below the support platform, concealing its structure and thus not affecting the movement of the battery swapping vehicle. It slides along the direction of the limiting push plate, reducing friction between the push plate and the base plate, enabling the limiting push plate to quickly and accurately reach its designated position. The limiting push plate is driven to slide by the sliding of the connecting seat at the bottom of the support platform. This sliding movement is highly efficient, simple to set up, and allows the limiting push plate to quickly reach its designated position, thereby improving battery swapping efficiency. Furthermore, the support platform enhances the overall structural strength of the positioning device, especially at the roller position where the wheels are supported, contributing to the stability of the vehicle positioning device.

[0036] This solution also includes a lift, which includes a wheel alignment device as described in any of the above implementations, with a lifting device located below the wheel alignment device to move the wheel alignment device relative to the electric vehicle.

[0037] The wheel alignment device is moved as a whole by a lift to achieve a high degree of compatibility between the wheel alignment device and the electric vehicle and the battery swapping platform during battery swapping.

[0038] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this application are as follows:

[0039] This solution uses a V-shaped positioning part to limit the wheels of the battery swapping vehicle, preventing the vehicle from moving during the swapping process. This improves the stability of the wheel positioning device, reliably limits the battery swapping vehicle during the swapping process, ensures a smooth swapping process, and enhances the battery swapping efficiency.

[0040] Simultaneously, the first drive mechanism drives two sets of V-shaped positioning parts, enabling them to move and adjust synchronously. This allows for rapid adaptation to the wheel positions on both sides, further improving battery swapping efficiency. Furthermore, using a single drive mechanism to move both sets of V-shaped positioning parts ensures consistent movement time and distance, enhancing their accuracy. The V-shaped positioning parts move along the vehicle's length, accommodating vehicles with different wheelbases. The synchronous movement of these parts allows the wheel alignment device to adapt to different wheelbases during battery swapping, expanding its applicability and compatibility.

[0041] In addition, setting up a first drive mechanism to simultaneously drive two sets of V-shaped positioning parts helps to control the setup cost of the drive mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wheel positioning device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism and the first driving mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the V-shaped positioning part in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the chain drive mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of part A;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second driving mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second driving mechanism from another angle in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lift in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0053] 100 - Base, 110 - Sealing plate;

[0054] 200-Positioning mechanism, 210-V-shaped positioning part, 211-Roller, 212-V-shaped positioning groove, 220-Supporting platform, 221-Supporting plate, 222-Step part, 223-Positioning plate, 230-Cover plate, 240-Limiting push plate;

[0055] 300-First drive mechanism, 310-First drive motor, 320-Ball screw, 330-Guide rod, 331-Weight reduction port, 340-Mounting base;

[0056] 400-Second drive mechanism, 410-Second drive motor, 420-Lead screw assembly, 421-Lead screw, 422-Nut seat, 423-Connecting seat, 430-Slide plate;

[0057] 500 - First sliding component, 510 - First slider, 520 - First slide rail;

[0058] 600 - Second sliding component, 610 - Second slider, 620 - Second slide rail;

[0059] 700-Chain drive mechanism, 710-Guide chain, 711-Chain plate, 712-Shaft sleeve, 713-Chain pin, 720-Sprocket, 730-Synchronous shaft, 740-Connecting plate;

[0060] 800 - Lifting device. Detailed Implementation

[0061] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application and the features thereof can be combined with each other.

[0063] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0064] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0065] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0066] This application provides a wheel alignment device, such as Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the wheel positioning device, located on the vehicle platform of the battery swapping station, is used to adjust the position of the battery swapping vehicle. The wheel positioning device includes a base 100, a positioning mechanism 200 mounted on the base 100, and a first drive mechanism 300 connected to the positioning mechanism 200. The positioning mechanism 200 includes two sets of V-shaped positioning parts 210 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the base 100 to adjust the position of the wheels on both sides along the length direction of the vehicle. The first drive mechanism 300 is located between the two sets of V-shaped positioning parts 210, and the first drive mechanism 300 drives the V-shaped positioning parts 210 on both sides to move synchronously along the length direction of the vehicle.

[0067] This solution uses a V-shaped positioning unit 210 to limit the wheels of the battery swapping vehicle, preventing the vehicle from moving during the battery swapping process. This improves the stability of the wheel positioning device, reliably limits the battery swapping vehicle during the swapping process, ensures a smooth swapping process, and enhances the battery swapping efficiency.

[0068] Simultaneously, the first drive mechanism 300 drives two sets of V-shaped positioning parts 210, enabling them to move and adjust synchronously. This allows for rapid adaptation to the wheel positions on both sides, further improving battery swapping efficiency. Furthermore, by using a single drive mechanism to move both sets of V-shaped positioning parts 210, the movement time and distance of the two sets are kept consistent, thus improving the accuracy of their movement. The V-shaped positioning parts 210 move along the length of the vehicle, accommodating vehicles with different wheelbases. The synchronous movement of the V-shaped positioning parts 210 allows the wheel alignment device to adapt to different wheelbases during battery swapping, expanding its applicability and enhancing its compatibility.

[0069] In addition, setting the first drive mechanism 300 to drive two sets of V-shaped positioning parts 210 simultaneously helps to control the setting cost of the drive mechanism.

[0070] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the positioning mechanism 200 also includes a support for mounting the V-shaped positioning part 210. The support includes a support platform 220 disposed below the V-shaped positioning part 210. The first drive mechanism 300 is connected to the support platform 220 to drive the V-shaped positioning part 210 located on the support platform 220 to move along the length direction of the vehicle.

[0071] The V-shaped positioning part 210 is supported and installed by a support platform 220 located below it. When a wheel rests on the V-shaped positioning part 210, the support platform 220 enhances the support strength at the V-shaped positioning part 210, resulting in better support stability and improved vehicle positioning stability. Simultaneously, a first drive mechanism 300 is connected to the support platform 220. The first drive mechanism 300 moves the support platform 220 to move the V-shaped positioning part 210 mounted on it. The first drive mechanism 300 is not directly connected to the V-shaped positioning part 210, which helps reduce the pressure of vehicle weight on the connection point. This drive mechanism, where the first drive mechanism 300 connects to the support platform 220 to move the V-shaped positioning part 210, further improves the movement stability of the V-shaped positioning part 210.

[0072] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first driving mechanism 300 includes a driving component and a guide component connected to the driving component. The guide components are disposed on both sides of the driving component and connected to the support platform 220, so that the driving component drives the positioning mechanisms 200 on both sides to move synchronously through the guide components.

[0073] By setting guide members, the support platform 220 and the V-shaped positioning part 210 installed on the support platform 220 are guided and moved, thereby improving the movement accuracy of the V-shaped positioning part 210. The guide members are connected to the support platforms 220 on both sides, and the drive members drive the guide members to move synchronously on both sides, thereby realizing the synchronous drive of the support platforms 220 on both sides and the V-shaped positioning parts installed on the support platforms 220. This allows the V-shaped positioning parts 210 on both sides to move along a predetermined route through the guide members, improving the movement accuracy.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the driving component includes a first driving motor 310 and a ball screw 320 that is connected to the driving motor for transmission. The ball screw 320 is mounted on the base 100 through a mounting seat 340. The guide component includes guide rods 330 disposed on both sides of the mounting seat 340, and the ends of the guide rods 330 are fixed to the support platform 220.

[0075] By configuring a drive motor and ball screw 320, the rotational motion of the motor shaft is converted into linear motion, causing the guide rod 330 mounted on the mounting base 340 of the ball screw 320 to move linearly. This, in turn, enables the support platform 220, which is fixedly connected to the end of the guide rod 330, to move linearly. This, in turn, drives the V-shaped positioning part located on the support platform 220 via the first drive motor 310, allowing the V-shaped positioning part 210 to move along the length of the vehicle to accommodate the wheel positions of vehicles with different wheelbases. The drive motor and ball screw 320 have a simple installation method, a simple and reliable drive mechanism, and low operating costs, making them easy to promote and use.

[0076] The guide rod 330 is trapezoidal and has a weight reduction port 331 in the middle. The longer end of the two parallel outer walls of the guide rod 330 is fixed to the mounting base 340, and the shorter end is fixed to the support platform 220.

[0077] The trapezoidal design of the guide rod 330 results in more even force distribution in all directions, which helps to disperse the connection force at both ends. Furthermore, the two parallel outer walls are connected to the mounting base 340 and the support platform 220 respectively, which improves the stability of the guide rod 330 when moving the support platform 220. Additionally, the longer end of the parallel outer wall is fixedly connected to the mounting base 340, which enhances the stability of the guide rod 330 during movement and improves the accuracy of its movement direction. Moreover, the weight-reducing opening 331 reduces the overall weight of the guide rod 330, decreases the driving force required for its movement, and also helps to reduce the overall weight of the wheel alignment device.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the support platform 220 includes a support plate 221 disposed below the V-shaped positioning part 210. Both ends of the support plate 221 are provided with stepped parts 222 protruding upwards, and the guide rod 330 is fixed to the stepped surface of the stepped part 222.

[0079] By setting a support plate 221 on the support platform 220 to support and position the V-shaped positioning part 210, and increasing the stress strength at the V-shaped positioning part 210, and by setting a step part 222 to raise the height of the end of the support platform 220, it is easier to connect with the guide rod 330, avoiding the need for the guide rod 330 to be bent to connect to the support plate 221, which helps to ensure the movement stability of the guide rod 330.

[0080] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, a first sliding assembly 500 fixed to the base 100 is provided below the step portion 222. The first sliding assembly 500 includes a first slide rail 520 installed on the base 100 and a first slider 510 that moves along the first slide rail 520. The first slider 510 is connected to the bottom surface of the step portion 222 so that the support platform 220 can move along the first slide rail 520 via the first slider 510.

[0081] By setting the first sliding component 500, the support platform 220 can move along the slide rail in a preset direction. The first sliding component 500 and the guide rod 330 are both connected to the support platform 220 through the step portion 222. The guide rod 330 drives the support platform 220 to move along the slide rail. On the one hand, the first slide rail 520 component and the guide rod 330 cooperate to further guide the movement of the support platform 220 and the V-shaped positioning part 210 installed on the support platform 220. On the other hand, setting the first sliding component 500 is conducive to improving the rapid and smooth movement of the support platform 220 and the V-shaped positioning part 210, improving the movement efficiency, and realizing the rapid positioning of the V-shaped positioning part 210.

[0082] In one embodiment, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the wheel alignment device includes a cover plate 230 disposed on the top of the base 100. Multiple cover plates 230 are arranged side by side along the length of the vehicle and distributed on both sides of the V-shaped positioning part 210. A guide member is connected to the cover plate 230 and is used to drive the cover plate 230 to move with the V-shaped positioning part 210 to cover the gap between the V-shaped positioning part 210 and the base 100 when the V-shaped positioning part 210 moves.

[0083] By covering both sides of the V-shaped positioning part 210 with cover plates 230, the wheels can be prevented from getting stuck in the gap between the sides of the V-shaped positioning part 210 and the base 100. On the other hand, it is beneficial to the aesthetics of the overall structure. The cover plates 230 are connected to the guide members. When the guide members move the V-shaped positioning part 210, they also move the cover plates 230 located on both sides of the V-shaped positioning part 210, so that the cover plates 230 and the V-shaped positioning part 210 always maintain a stable relative position.

[0084] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the guide member is connected to the cover plate 230 through a chain drive mechanism 700. The chain drive mechanism 700 includes a guide chain 710 fixed to the support platform 220 and sprockets 720 disposed on both sides of the support platform 220 and meshing with the guide chain 710. The guide chain 710 is connected to the cover plate 230, and a synchronous shaft 730 is provided between the sprockets 720 on both sides to drive the guide chains 710 on both sides of the support platform 220 to move synchronously.

[0085] The chain drive mechanism 700 drives the cover plate 230 and the V-shaped positioning part 210 to move synchronously. At the same time, the sprocket 720 and the synchronous shaft 730 are set to ensure the synchronicity of the movement of the chains on both sides, and improve the synchronicity of the movement of the cover plate 230 on both sides and the stability of the movement of the cover plate 230.

[0086] Furthermore, the V-shaped positioning part 210 includes a V-shaped limiting groove fixed to the support platform 220. Rollers 211 are arranged in the V-shaped limiting groove. The side of the V-shaped limiting groove away from the guide rod 330 is fixed to the step portion 222 of the support platform 220, and the guide chain 710 on that side is fixed to the V-shaped limiting groove. A positioning plate 223 is provided on the step surface of the step portion 222 on the side of the support platform 220 near the guide rod 330. The guide rod 330 and the guide chain 710 on that side are both fixedly connected to the positioning plate 223.

[0087] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the guide chain 710 includes a chain plate 711, a bushing 712, and a chain pin 713 connecting the chain plate 711 and the bushing 712. The chain plate 711 is provided with an upwardly folding connecting plate 740. The bottom of the cover plate 230 is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 740, so that the guide chain 710 drives the cover plate 230 to move through the connecting plate 740.

[0088] The chain plate 711 and the connecting plate 740 can be integrally formed or separately connected. Preferably, the chain plate 711 is folded upward to directly form the connecting plate 740, which helps to improve the reliability of the connection, reduce assembly steps, and reduce assembly difficulty.

[0089] Multiple chain plates 711 of the guide chain 710 are connected to multiple cover plates 230 one by one via connecting plates 740. When the guide chain 710 moves, the chain plates 711 drive the cover plates 230 connected to them to move synchronously. Since the guide chain 710 is fixed to the support platform 220, the guide chain 710 moves with the support platform 220, thereby realizing the synchronous movement of the cover plates 230 and the V-shaped positioning part 210 installed on the support platform 220.

[0090] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the V-shaped positioning part 210 includes two rows of rollers 211 arranged in a V-shape, and the wheel rests on the rollers 211.

[0091] The two rows of rollers 211 form a downward-concave V-shaped groove, and the wheels of the battery swapping vehicle fall into the V-shaped groove formed by the two rows of rollers 211, thereby achieving the limitation of the battery swapping vehicle.

[0092] In one embodiment, the positioning device includes a second drive mechanism 400 and two limiting push plates 240 respectively disposed toward the outer side walls of the wheels on both sides. The second drive mechanism 400 is used to drive at least one of the two limiting push plates 240 to move relative to each other along the width direction of the vehicle to push against the wheels on the corresponding sides.

[0093] The limiting push plate 240 is positioned above and on the outer side of the roller 211. When the limiting push plate 240 pushes against the wheel, the roller 211 will not interfere with the movement of the limiting push plate 240. The limiting push plates 240 on both sides are controlled and driven separately by the second drive mechanism 400. The push plates on the corresponding sides can be adjusted according to the actual situation, so that the limiting push plate 240 can push against the wheel on one side or both sides, meeting the vehicle positioning requirements in different scenarios. This ensures that the vehicle is in the accurate battery swapping position, improves battery swapping accuracy and efficiency, and helps improve the accuracy of wheel alignment.

[0094] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the second drive mechanism 400 includes a second drive motor 410 fixed below the support platform 220 and a lead screw assembly 420 that is drively connected to the second drive motor 410. The lead screw assembly 420 includes a lead screw 421 horizontally arranged along the vehicle width direction. The top surface of the nut seat 422 outside the lead screw 421 is fixed to the bottom surface of the support platform 220. The second drive mechanism 400 also includes a connecting seat 423 arranged parallel to the nut seat 422. The connecting seat 423 is sleeved on the outside of the lead screw 421 and connected to the limiting push plate 240 on the same side.

[0095] The second drive motor 410 and the lead screw assembly are set at the bottom of the support platform 220. The second drive mechanism 400 is hidden and will not affect the driving of the battery swapping vehicle. The space is made reasonable so that the second drive motor 410 only drives the corresponding side limit push plate 240 to move, thereby realizing that the limit push plates 240 on both sides can move on one side or both sides at the same time, improving the practicality of the wheel alignment device.

[0096] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the second drive mechanism 400 also includes a sliding plate 430 connecting the limiting push plate 240 on the same side and the connecting seat 423. The sliding plate 430 is located at the bottom of the V-groove of the V-shaped positioning part 210. The bottom of the support platform 220 is provided with a second sliding component 600. The second sliding component 600 includes a second slide rail 620 and a second slider 610 adapted to the second slide rail 620. The second slider 610 is fixedly connected to the connecting seat 423. The second drive mechanism 400 drives the connecting seat 423 to move the limiting push plate 240 along the vehicle width direction.

[0097] The second sliding component 600 is located below the support platform 220, concealing its structure and not affecting the movement of the battery swapping vehicle. It allows the second sliding component 600 to slide in the moving direction of the limiting push plate 240, reducing friction on the base plate and enabling the limiting push plate 240 to quickly and accurately reach its designated position. The limiting push plate 240 is driven to slide by the sliding of the connecting seat 423 at the bottom of the support platform 220. This sliding movement is highly efficient and simple to set up, allowing the limiting push plate 240 to quickly reach its designated position, thus improving battery swapping efficiency. Furthermore, the support platform 220 enhances the overall structural strength of the positioning device, especially at the position of the wheel roller 211, contributing to the stability of the vehicle positioning device.

[0098] This solution also includes a lift, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the lift includes a wheel alignment device as in any of the above embodiments, and a lifting device 800 is provided below the wheel alignment device to move the wheel alignment device relative to the electric vehicle.

[0099] The lifting device 800 can be a hydraulic lift from the existing technology. The wheel alignment device is moved as a whole by the lift to achieve height matching between the wheel alignment device and the electric vehicle and the battery swapping platform during battery swapping.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the top surface of the base 100 is provided with a sealing plate 110 for covering the first drive mechanism 300, so as to isolate and protect the first drive mechanism 300 and reduce the working noise of the first drive motor 310.

[0101] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.

[0102] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0103] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A wheel positioning device, installed on the vehicle platform of a battery swapping station, for adjusting the position of the battery swapping vehicle, characterized in that, The wheel positioning device includes a base, a positioning mechanism mounted on the base, and a first drive mechanism connected to the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism includes two sets of V-shaped positioning parts symmetrically arranged on both sides of the base to adjust the position of the wheels on both sides along the length direction of the vehicle. The first drive mechanism is located between the two sets of V-shaped positioning parts, and the first drive mechanism drives the V-shaped positioning parts on both sides to move synchronously along the length direction of the vehicle.

2. The wheel alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism further includes a support for mounting the V-shaped positioning part. The support includes a support platform disposed below the V-shaped positioning part. The first drive mechanism is connected to the support platform to drive the V-shaped positioning part located on the support platform to move along the length direction of the vehicle.

3. The wheel alignment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first driving mechanism includes a driving component and a guide component connected to the driving component. The guide component is disposed on both sides of the driving component and connected to the support platform, so that the driving component drives the positioning mechanisms on both sides to move synchronously through the guide component. And / or, the V-shaped positioning part includes two rows of rollers arranged in a V-shape, and the wheel rests on the rollers; And / or, the positioning device includes a second drive mechanism and two limiting push plates respectively disposed toward the outer side walls of the two wheels, the second drive mechanism being used to drive at least one of the two limiting push plates to move relative to each other along the width direction of the vehicle to push against the wheels on the corresponding sides.

4. The wheel alignment device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The driving component includes a first driving motor and a ball screw that is connected to the driving motor in a transmission manner. The ball screw is mounted on the base via a mounting seat. The guiding component includes guide rods disposed on both sides of the mounting seat, and the ends of the guide rods are fixed to the support platform.

5. The wheel alignment device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The guide rod is trapezoidal in shape and has a weight-reducing opening in the middle. The longer end of the two parallel outer walls of the guide rod is fixed to the mounting base, and the shorter end is fixed to the support platform. And / or, the wheel positioning device includes a cover plate disposed on the top of the base, the cover plate having multiple plates arranged side by side along the length of the vehicle and distributed on both sides of the V-shaped positioning part, the guide member being connected to the cover plate for driving the cover plate to move with the V-shaped positioning part to cover the gap between the V-shaped positioning part and the base when the V-shaped positioning part moves.

6. The wheel alignment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support platform includes a support plate disposed below the V-shaped positioning part. Both ends of the support plate are provided with stepped portions that protrude upwards, and the guide rod is fixed to the stepped surface of the stepped portion.

7. The wheel alignment device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Below the step portion, a first sliding assembly is fixed to the base. The first sliding assembly includes a first slide rail mounted on the base and a first slider that moves along the first slide rail. The first slider is connected to the bottom surface of the step portion so that the support platform can move along the first slide rail via the first slider.

8. The wheel alignment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide component is connected to the cover plate via a chain drive mechanism. The chain drive mechanism includes a guide chain fixed to the support platform and sprockets disposed on both sides of the support platform and meshing with the guide chain. The guide chain is connected to the cover plate, and a synchronous shaft is provided between the sprockets on both sides to drive the guide chains on both sides of the support platform to move synchronously. Preferably, the guide chain includes a chain plate, a bushing, and a chain pin connecting the chain plate and the bushing. The chain plate is provided with an upwardly folding connecting plate, and the bottom of the cover plate is fixedly connected to the connecting plate one by one, so that the guide chain drives the cover plate to move through the connecting plate.

9. The wheel alignment device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second drive mechanism includes a second drive motor fixed below the support platform and a lead screw assembly that is drively connected to the second drive motor. The lead screw assembly includes a lead screw that is horizontally arranged along the width direction of the vehicle. The top surface of the nut seat outside the lead screw is fixed to the bottom surface of the support platform. The second drive mechanism also includes a connecting seat that is parallel to the nut seat. The connecting seat is sleeved on the outside of the lead screw and connected to the limiting push plate on the same side. Preferably, the second driving mechanism further includes a sliding plate connecting the limiting push plate and the connecting seat on the same side. The sliding plate is located at the bottom of the V-groove of the V-shaped positioning part. The bottom of the support platform is provided with a second sliding component. The second sliding component includes a second slide rail and a second slider adapted to the second slide rail. The second slider is fixedly connected to the connecting seat. The second driving mechanism drives the connecting seat to move the limiting push plate along the vehicle width direction.

10. A lifting machine, characterized in that, The lift includes a wheel alignment device as described in any one of claims 1-9, with a lifting device located below the wheel alignment device to move the wheel alignment device relative to the electric vehicle.

Images