A base system for a rail-mounted car charging device

Abstract

This application discloses a base system for a rail-mounted vehicle charging device, belonging to the field of vehicle charging equipment. It includes an RGV rail, an RGV body, a charging host, and a distribution box. The charging host is mounted on the RGV body; a first connector is provided on the charging host, and a second power distribution head is provided on the distribution box; a charging gun is mounted on the distribution box; the RGV rail includes multiple horizontal rails and multiple vertical rails, forming the movement trajectory of the RGV body; the RGV rail also includes an external rail connected to the horizontal or vertical rails, and the distribution box is mounted on the external rail. The beneficial effect of this application is that by reducing the number of charging hosts to fewer than the number of distribution boxes, and utilizing the RGV body to move the charging hosts to the location requiring charging, the sharing of charging hosts is achieved. It eliminates the need to configure expensive charging hosts at each charging point; configuration can be based on peak demand, avoiding equipment idleness and significantly reducing the overall system cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive charging equipment, and more specifically, to a base system for a rail-mounted automotive charging device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing automated warehouses or production workshops, fixed charging piles are usually used to charge electric transport equipment (such as AGVs, forklifts, etc.), that is, complete charging equipment is set up at each charging point.

[0003] Fixed charging station solutions result in a high cost because the number of charging devices is directly tied to the number of charging points. Especially in scenarios where charging demand is unevenly distributed, most charging stations are idle most of the time, leading to significant resource waste and equipment inventory costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The summary section of this application is intended to provide a brief overview of the concepts, which will be described in detail in the detailed description section below. This summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed technical solutions, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed technical solutions.

[0005] To address the technical problems mentioned in the background section, some embodiments of this application provide a base system for a rail-mounted vehicle charging device, including an RGV rail, an RGV body, a charging host, and a power distribution box. The charging host is mounted on the RGV body. A first connector is mounted on the charging host, and a second power distribution head is mounted on the power distribution box. A charging gun is mounted on the power distribution box, and the charging gun supplies power when the first connector and the second connector are connected. The RGV rail includes multiple horizontal rails and multiple vertical rails, which together form the movement trajectory of the RGV body. The RGV rail also includes an external rail connected to the horizontal or vertical rails, and the power distribution box is mounted on the external rail.

[0006] Furthermore, the first connector protrudes outward relative to the charging host, and the second connector protrudes outward relative to the distribution box; the second connector is provided with a slot for the first connector to be inserted.

[0007] Furthermore, a protective structure is provided on the second mating head, the protective structure being used to cover the slot.

[0008] Furthermore, a cleaning structure is provided on the first mating head, the cleaning structure being used to clean the first mating head and to protect the first mating head.

[0009] Furthermore, the cleaning structure includes a movable plate, a guide, an elastic element, and a flexible membrane; the guide is disposed between the charging host and the movable plate, and the guide is used to guide the movable plate toward and away from the charging host; the flexible membrane is wrapped between the movable plate and the charging host; the elastic element is disposed between the movable plate and the charging host; a through hole is provided on the movable plate, and the position of the through hole matches the position of the first connector, so that the first connector passes through the through hole to the outside of the movable plate.

[0010] Furthermore, an elastic pad is provided in the through hole, and an opening is provided in the middle of the elastic pad.

[0011] Furthermore, the charging host directly or indirectly forms an exhaust channel; the exhaust channel is connected to the chamber between the elastic membrane and the moving plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the exhaust duct is provided with a one-way pressure relief structure, which is used to make the exhaust velocity of the exhaust duct less than the intake velocity of the exhaust duct.

[0013] Furthermore, the elastic pad is detachably connected to the through hole.

[0014] Furthermore, a tapered thread is provided in the through hole, and the elastic pad is threadedly connected to the tapered thread.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0016] 1. Significantly reduce costs

[0017] By reducing the number of charging stations to fewer than the number of distribution boxes, and utilizing the RGV vehicle to move the charging stations to the locations where charging is needed, charging station sharing is achieved. This eliminates the need to configure expensive charging stations at every charging point; configuration can be based on peak demand, avoiding equipment idleness and significantly reducing overall system costs.

[0018] 2. Optimize track layout to save on laying costs.

[0019] By installing the power distribution box on an external rail, the main unit performing the charging task is positioned on the external rail without affecting the passage of other RGV cars on the main track. This design simplifies the track network, avoids interference between RGV cars, and further reduces the complexity and cost of track laying.

[0020] 3. Improve docking reliability and charging efficiency

[0021] Protection and Cleaning: A protective structure is provided to protect the slots of the distribution box and prevent dust from entering.

[0022] The unique automatic cleaning structure can automatically clean the first pair of connectors on the charging host before each docking, ensuring clean contact points, reducing poor contact caused by dust and static electricity, and ensuring power supply efficiency and safety.

[0023] 4. Enhance system durability and maintainability

[0024] The connector features an outward-protruding design for easy disassembly, replacement, and cleaning.

[0025] The elastic pad and through hole are detachably connected, allowing for easy replacement after elastic fatigue or wear. Even the unworn part of the elastic pad can be used by rotating it, extending the service life of the cleaning structure and making maintenance convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application.

[0027] Furthermore, throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic, and the elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0028] In the attached diagram

[0029] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram based on an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram as part of an embodiment, mainly showing the top view of the horizontal rail, vertical rail, and external rail;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a part of the embodiment, mainly showing the structure of the distribution box;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a portion of the embodiment mainly illustrates the structure of the charging host;

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a portion of the embodiment mainly shows the location of the cleaning structure;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram as part of an embodiment, mainly illustrating the structure in the flexible membrane;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram as part of an embodiment, mainly showing the structure of the elastic pad and the first connector;

[0036] Figure 8This is a structural schematic diagram of a part of the embodiment, mainly showing... Figure 8 The cross-sectional structure.

[0037] Figure Labels

[0038] 1. RGV track; 11. Horizontal rail; 12. Vertical rail; 13. External rail;

[0039] 2. RGV vehicle body;

[0040] 3. Charging main unit; 31. First connector;

[0041] 4. Distribution box; 41. Second connector; 411. Slot;

[0042] 5. Cleaning structure; 51. Moving plate; 511. Through hole; 52. Elastic pad; 521. Opening; 53. Guide component; 54. Elastic component; 55. Flexible membrane. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure 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 this disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0044] It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0045] It should be noted that the concepts of "first" and "second" mentioned in this disclosure are used only to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and are not used to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules or units or their interdependencies.

[0046] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this disclosure are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0047] This disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0048] Reference Figure 1-8 ,

[0049] A base system for a rail-mounted vehicle charging device includes an RGV track 1, an RGV body 2, a charging host 3, and a power distribution box 4. The charging host 3 is mounted on the RGV body 2; a first connector 31 is mounted on the charging host 3, and a second power distribution head is mounted on the power distribution box 4. A charging gun is mounted on the charging host 3, and the charging gun supplies power when the first connector 31 aligns with the second connector 41. Multiple power distribution boxes 4 are provided, while the number of charging hosts 3 is less than the number of power distribution boxes 4. Thus, the movement of the RGV body 2 moves the charging host 3, allowing it to move to the location where charging is required and align with the power distribution box 4 to supply power to the charging gun. This significantly reduces the number of charging hosts 3 and lowers the overall cost. In practical applications, the number of charging hosts 3 is determined based on the peak number of vehicles charging in the charging area, thus avoiding situations where some charging hosts 3 are unusable in most situations.

[0050] The RGV guide rail includes multiple horizontal rails 11 and multiple vertical rails 12, which together form the movement trajectory of the RGV vehicle body 2. The RGV vehicle body 2 moves on the horizontal rails 11 and vertical rails 12 to reach a suitable position. The RGV guide rail also includes an external rail 13, which is connected to either the horizontal rails 11 or the vertical rails 12. The power distribution box 4 is located on the external rail 13. Since the RGV moves on the horizontal rails 11 and vertical rails 12, and the power distribution box 4 is located on the external rail 13, after the RGV vehicle body 2 moves onto the external rail 13, the charging host 3 docks with the power distribution box 4. Therefore, the charging host 3 is located on the external rail 13 during use. Thus, only one main track for the RGV vehicle body 2 needs to be set up to ensure that the RGV's movement does not interfere with its movement, further saving on the laying cost of the RGV track 1.

[0051] Specifically, the first connector 31 protrudes outward relative to the charging host 3, and the second connector 41 protrudes outward relative to the distribution box 4; the second connector 41 is provided with a slot 411 for the first connector 31 to be inserted. The outward protrusion of both the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 facilitates the disassembly, replacement, and cleaning of the first connector 31 or the second connector 41 in the future.

[0052] Specifically, a protective structure is provided on the second connector 41 to cover the slot 411. This protective structure covering the slot 411 prevents dust accumulation in the slot 411 during periods of inactivity of the distribution box 4, thus better ensuring the cleanliness of the slot 411 and preventing dust and static electricity. It also better ensures the efficiency of power supply after the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 are connected.

[0053] Specifically, a cleaning structure 5 is provided on the first connector 31. The cleaning structure 5 is used to clean and protect the first connector 31. Since the first connector is inserted into the slot 411, it is exposed to air for a long time. The cleaning structure 5 cleans the first connector, ensuring it is clean when inserted into the slot 411, thus better ensuring power supply efficiency. The cleaning structure 5 also protects the first connector 31, preventing excessive dust accumulation and making it easier for the cleaning structure 5 to remove small amounts of dust from the first connector 31.

[0054] Specifically, the cleaning structure 5 includes a movable plate 51, a guide member 53, an elastic member 54, and a flexible membrane 55. The flexible membrane 55 is wrapped between the movable plate 51 and the charging host 3, and is fixed to the outer wall of the movable plate 51. The guide member 53 is disposed between the charging host 3 and the movable plate 51, and is used to guide the movable plate 51 towards and away from the charging host 3. In this design, the guide member 53 is a multi-segment telescopic rod, with one end fixed to the charging host 3 and the other end fixed to the movable plate 51, thereby guiding the movable plate 51. The multi-segment telescopic rod design can better ensure the sealing between the movable plate 51 and the flexible membrane 55. The elastic member 54 is disposed between the movable plate 51 and the charging host 3. The elastic member 54 is a spring, which is sleeved on the multi-segment telescopic rod. One end of the spring abuts against the movable plate 51, and the other end abuts against the charging host 3. The movable plate 51 is provided with a through hole 511, the position of which matches the position of the first connector 31, so that the first connector 31 passes through the through hole 511 to the outside of the movable plate 51. Thus, when the charging host 3 moves closer to the distribution box 4, the movable plate 51 on the charging host 3 will contact the second connector 41 on the distribution box 4. Then, as the charging host 3 continues to move closer to the distribution box 4, the movable plate 51 is subjected to pressure and moves closer to the charging host 3. The first connector 31 protrudes outward through the through hole 511 on the movable plate 51 and moves relative to the movable plate 51. Thus, when the through hole 511 on the movable plate 51 contacts the first connector 31, it can clean the dust on the first connector 31. After the first connector 31 protrudes outward through the through hole 511 on the movable plate 51, the first connector 31 is fully inserted into the slot 411. Thus, the arrangement of the movable plate 51 and the flexible membrane 55 not only protects the first connector 31 but also allows for cleaning of dust from the first connector 31 through the through hole 511. This better enhances the power supply efficiency after the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 are connected. The protective structure is the same as the cleaning structure 5 and will not be described further.

[0055] Specifically, an elastic pad 52 is provided in the through hole 511, and an opening 521 is provided in the middle of the elastic pad 52. With the elastic pad 52 in the through hole 511, when the first connector 31 passes through the through hole 511, the first connector 31 will contact the elastic pad 52. Since the elastic pad 52 has an opening 521 in the middle, the first connector 31 will protrude outward through the opening 521. The size of the opening 521 is smaller than the size of the first connector 31. Therefore, when the first connector 31 protrudes outward through the opening 521, the elastic pad 52 will be compressed and elastically deformed. The elastic pad 52 tightly wraps around the first connector 31, which can increase the dust removal effect on the first connector 31. Furthermore, the first connector 31 is cleaned of dust before each mating with the second connector 41. This better ensures the automation of the dust cleaning process and the stability of the cleaning effect.

[0056] Specifically, the charging host 3 directly or indirectly forms an exhaust chamber; the exhaust chamber is connected to the chamber between the elastic membrane and the moving plate 51. The exhaust chamber is equipped with a one-way pressure relief structure, which is used to ensure that the exhaust velocity of the exhaust chamber is less than the intake velocity of the exhaust chamber. The exhaust chamber is designed so that when the first connector 31 is inserted into the opening 521, as the moving plate 51 moves, the air in the chamber between the moving plate 51 and the flexible membrane 55 can be discharged outward along the exhaust chamber, thereby preventing the flexible membrane 55 from expanding due to the inability of air to be discharged outward, or the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 from being difficult to align. When the exhaust speed is less than the intake speed, the air is discharged more slowly when the moving plate 51 is close to the charging host 3. This results in a higher pressure in the chamber between the moving plate 51 and the flexible membrane 55, causing the flexible membrane 55 to expand outward. This prevents the flexible membrane 55 from accumulating between the moving plate 51 and the charging host 3, allowing the moving plate 51 to get closer to the first connector 31 and allowing the first connector 31 to extend more outward from the through hole 511 and be inserted into the slot 411 of the second connector 41.

[0057] The one-way pressure relief structure can employ a control valve to regulate flow rate and velocity. When air enters the exhaust chamber, the valve opening widens, and when air exits the exhaust chamber, the valve opening narrows.

[0058] In addition, the one-way pressure relief structure can also be specifically designed such that the elastic pad 52 is detachably connected to the through hole 511. This facilitates the replacement of the elastic pad 52 after prolonged use, when its elasticity fatigue and cleaning effect decrease.

[0059] Specifically, a tapered thread is provided in the through hole 511, and the elastic pad 52 is threadedly connected to the tapered thread. The tapered thread allows the elastic pad 52 to be detachably connected to the through hole 511. The elastic pad 52 is cylindrical. As the elastic pad 52 rotates, it can rotate to different positions within the through hole 511. Because the through hole 511 has a tapered thread, some sections are narrow and others are wide. As the elastic pad 52 moves to different positions within the through hole 511, different positions on the elastic pad 52 can engage with the narrow opening. Therefore, if the elastic pad 52 located at the narrow opening becomes fatigued or its cleaning effect deteriorates after prolonged use, rotating the elastic pad 52 allows other sections that have not experienced fatigue and have good cleaning effects to be moved to the narrow opening, ensuring that the elastic pad 52 maintains a good cleaning effect on the first joint for a long time.

[0060] In other embodiments, the tapered thread can be replaced with a tapered hole and a cylindrical threaded hole. The elastic pad 52 is cylindrical in shape. As the elastic pad 52 rotates in the cylindrical threaded hole, different positions of the elastic pad 52 can be moved to the tapered opening of the tapered hole. This also allows the elastic pad 52 to be rotated after long-term use, when it becomes fatigued or its cleaning effect deteriorates. Other parts that have not experienced elastic fatigue and have a good cleaning effect can be moved to the narrow opening to ensure that the elastic pad 52 can maintain a good cleaning effect on the first joint for a long time.

[0061] In other embodiments, multiple elastic plates are provided on the outer circular surface of the elastic pad 52. The multiple elastic plates are arranged in a circumferential array outside the elastic pad 52. Threads are opened on the elastic plates, so that the elastic plates are threaded to cylindrical threaded holes or tapered threads, thereby improving the strength of the threaded connection rotation transmission process.

[0062] Exercise process / Usage process

[0063] 1. Dynamic positioning: When a vehicle at a certain location needs to be charged, an idle RGV body 2 moves along the RGV guide rail (the main network consisting of horizontal rail 11 and vertical rail 12) and eventually enters the external rail 13 where the required power distribution box 4 is located.

[0064] 2. The pre-dock contact RGV vehicle body 2 carrying the charging host 3 continues to approach the power distribution box 4. First, the movable plate 51 on the charging host 3 will come into contact with the second connector 41 or its protective structure on the power distribution box 4.

[0065] 3. Trigger cleanup and integration

[0066] 3.1 The charging host 3 continues to move forward, pushing the moving plate 51 to move backward against the elastic force of the elastic element 54 (spring).

[0067] 3.2 When the movable plate 51 moves backward, the elastic pad 52 inside its through hole 511 will scrape and clean the dust on the surface of the first connector 31.

[0068] 3.3 Simultaneously, the first pair of connectors 31 gradually emerges from the through hole 511 of the movable plate 51.

[0069] 4. After cleaning, the first pair of connectors 31 is inserted into the slot 411 of the second pair of connectors 41 to establish an electrical connection. At this point, the charging gun on the charging host 3 is powered on and can charge the vehicle.

[0070] 5. Charging Completion and Removal: After charging is completed, the RGV body 2 moves backward, and the first pair of connectors 31 are pulled out of the slot 411. Under the action of the elastic element 54, the moving plate 51 returns to its original position, re-enclosing and protecting the first pair of connectors 31. The RGV body 2 then departs from the outer rail 13, returns to the main rail, and waits to perform the next charging task or return to the standby area.

[0071] The above description is merely a selection of preferred embodiments of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above-described features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A base system for a rail-mounted vehicle charging device, characterized in that, include The system includes an RGV track, an RGV car body, a charging host, and a power distribution box; the charging host is mounted on the RGV car body; the charging host has a first connector, and the power distribution box has a second power distribution head. The distribution box is equipped with a charging gun, which supplies power when the first pair of connectors is connected to the second pair of connectors. The RGV guide rail includes multiple horizontal rails and multiple vertical rails, and the multiple horizontal rails and multiple vertical rails form the movement trajectory of the RGV vehicle body; the RGV guide rail also includes an external rail, which is connected to the horizontal rails or the vertical rails, and the power distribution box is installed on the external rail.

2. The base system for the rail-mounted vehicle charging equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that... The first pair of connectors protrudes outward relative to the charging host, and the second pair of connectors protrudes outward relative to the distribution box; The second mating head is provided with a slot for the first mating head to be inserted.

3. The base system for the rail-mounted vehicle charging equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that... The second mating head is provided with a protective structure, which is used to cover the slot.

4. The base system for the rail-mounted vehicle charging equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that... The first mating head is provided with a cleaning structure, which is used to clean the first mating head and to protect the first mating head.

5. The base system for the rail-mounted vehicle charging equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that... The cleaning structure includes a movable plate, a guide component, an elastic component, and a flexible membrane; The guide is disposed between the charging host and the movable plate, and the guide is used to guide the movable plate toward and away from the charging host; The flexible membrane is wrapped between the movable plate and the charging host; the elastic element is disposed between the movable plate and the charging host; The movable plate is provided with a through hole, the position of which matches the position of the first connector, so that the first connector passes through the through hole to the outside of the movable plate.

6. The base system for the rail-mounted vehicle charging equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that... An elastic pad is provided in the through hole, and an opening is provided in the middle of the elastic pad.

7. The base system for the rail-mounted vehicle charging equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that... The charging host directly or indirectly forms an exhaust channel; the exhaust channel is connected to the chamber between the elastic membrane and the moving plate.

8. The base system for the rail-mounted vehicle charging equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that... The exhaust duct is provided with a one-way pressure relief structure, which is used to make the exhaust velocity of the exhaust duct less than the intake velocity of the exhaust duct.

9. The base system for the rail-mounted vehicle charging equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that... The elastic pad is detachably connected to the through hole.

10. The base system for the rail-mounted vehicle charging equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that... A tapered thread is provided in the through hole, and the elastic pad is threadedly connected to the tapered thread.

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