Battery recycling device for battery swap station

Abstract

This invention discloses a battery recycling device for battery swapping stations, relating to the field of new energy vehicle battery swapping technology. The battery recycling device includes a lifting frame and a traveling mechanism for driving the lifting frame. The lifting frame has a vertically sliding lifting frame inside, on which multiple vertically adjustable bolt-tightening motors are mounted. The power output shafts of the bolt-tightening motors are fitted with tightening fixtures, and lifting bolts are fitted within the tightening fixtures. The lifting frame also has lifting columns corresponding to each lifting bolt, with the axes of the lifting columns arranged horizontally and slidably mounted on the lifting frame. This invention, through the integrated collaborative control system of the AGV traveling mechanism, lifting frame, bolt-tightening motors, and lifting columns, achieves automatic docking, locking, and lifting of faulty batteries, significantly improving the response speed and processing efficiency of battery swapping stations to abnormal operating conditions. It is particularly suitable for the operation and maintenance needs of high-density, high-frequency battery swapping scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery swapping technology for new energy vehicles, specifically a battery recycling device for battery swapping stations. Background Technology

[0002] Battery swapping stations for new energy vehicles are key infrastructure for achieving rapid battery replacement and improving user energy replenishment efficiency. In actual operation, swapping stations need to recover faulty batteries or those with a health level below 80% and replace them with healthy batteries with a health level above 80%. Therefore, the safe and efficient recovery and transfer of faulty batteries is crucial. Traditional methods often rely on manual disassembly or simple lifting tools, such as forklifts. When retrieving the battery pack, the lifting bolts are first manually fixed into the pre-drilled bolt holes on both sides of the battery pack. Then, a strap is used to connect one end to the lifting bolts and the other end to the forklift's fork arm, suspending the battery pack on the forklift's fork arm. The battery is then lifted and transferred by the forklift. This method of retrieving faulty batteries suffers from problems such as cumbersome operation, low positioning accuracy, high operational risks, and insufficient automation, making it difficult to meet the requirements of modern swapping stations for efficiency, safety, and intelligence. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery recycling device for battery swapping stations. In response to the above-mentioned problems, this invention provides a battery recycling device with a reasonable structure, high degree of automation, strong adaptability and safety and reliability. It can accurately dock, reliably lock and smoothly lift faulty batteries without human intervention, effectively improving the operation and maintenance efficiency and operational safety of battery swapping stations.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a battery recycling device for a battery swapping station, comprising a hoisting frame and a traveling mechanism for driving the hoisting frame to move. The hoisting frame is internally provided with a vertically sliding lifting frame. The lifting frame is provided with multiple vertically adjustable bolt tightening motors. The power output shaft of the bolt tightening motors is fitted with tightening fixtures, and lifting bolts are fitted inside the tightening fixtures. The lifting frame is also provided with lifting columns corresponding one-to-one with the lifting bolts. The axes of the lifting columns are horizontally arranged and slidably mounted on the lifting frame.

[0005] Preferably, the walking mechanism uses AGV drive wheels.

[0006] Preferably, drive wheel mounting seats are provided around the perimeter of the lifting frame and near the bottom of the lifting frame, and the AGV drive wheels are located at the bottom of the drive wheel mounting seats.

[0007] Preferably, the lifting frame is slidably connected to the hoisting vehicle frame via linear guide rails and sliders, and the lifting frame is driven to rise and fall by a linear drive module mounted on the hoisting vehicle frame.

[0008] Preferably, the top of the lifting frame is provided with an upwardly extending mounting frame, and the bolt tightening motor is mounted on the mounting frame via a linear drive module.

[0009] Preferably, the screwing fixture is configured as an inverted U-shaped structure or a square cylindrical structure with an open bottom. The internal space of the screwing fixture is used to accommodate the screwing head of the lifting bolt, and the internal space of the screwing fixture matches the shape of the screwing head.

[0010] Preferably, a magnet is provided on the inner top side of the screwing fixture.

[0011] Preferably, the lifting bolt consists of a screw head and a threaded rod. The screw head has a corresponding insertion hole for the lifting column, and the diameter of the insertion hole is slightly larger than the diameter of the lifting column.

[0012] Preferably, the bottom of the lifting frame is provided with a downwardly extending guide seat, the guide seat is provided with a guide hole, and the lifting column is slidably disposed in the corresponding guide hole.

[0013] Preferably, two adjacent lifting columns are driven by a set of bidirectional lead screw linear drive modules. The bidirectional lead screw linear drive module includes a bidirectional lead screw, which is set at the bottom of the lifting frame through a lead screw bearing and is driven to rotate by a lead screw motor. Two lead screw slides that cooperate with the bidirectional lead screw are slidably engaged with the lifting frame through linear guide rails and sliders, respectively. The lifting column is fixedly connected to the corresponding lead screw slide through a connecting seat.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This invention integrates a collaborative control system of AGV walking mechanism, lifting frame, bolt tightening motor and lifting column to realize automatic docking, locking and lifting of faulty batteries, which significantly improves the response speed and processing efficiency of battery swapping stations to abnormal operating conditions. It is especially suitable for operation and maintenance needs in high-density and high-frequency battery swapping scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 1 (The lifting frame is located at the highest work position); Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 2 (The lifting frame is located at the lowest work position); Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the lifting frame of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a plan view of the lifting frame of the present invention; Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the assembly method of the screwing fixture and the lifting bolts of this invention.

[0016] In the picture: 1- Lifting frame, 11- AGV drive wheels 2-Lifting frame, 21-Mounting frame, 22-Motor connector, 23-Guide seat. 3- Bolt tightening motor, 4-Screwing tool, 41-Magnet, 5-Lifting bolt, 51-Tightening head, 52-Threaded rod, 53-Socket, 6-Lifting column, 71-Double-acting lead screw, 72-Lead screw slide. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a battery recycling device for a battery swapping station includes a hoisting frame 1 and a traveling mechanism for driving the hoisting frame 1 to move. The hoisting frame 1 has a sliding lifting frame 2 inside, and the lifting frame 2 is equipped with multiple lifting bolt turning motors 3. The power output shaft of the bolt turning motor 3 is fitted with a turning fixture 4, and the turning fixture 4 is fitted with a hoisting bolt 5.

[0019] The lifting frame 2 is also provided with lifting columns 6 that correspond one-to-one with the lifting bolts 5. The axis of the lifting columns 6 is arranged horizontally and slidably mounted on the lifting frame 2.

[0020] In this embodiment, the lifting frame 1 is welded from square or rectangular tubes. The lifting frame 1 has an overall cubic or cuboid structure. The bottom of the lifting frame 1 is open to allow the faulty battery to pass through and enter the interior of the lifting frame 1.

[0021] Preferably, the walking mechanism adopts AGV drive wheel 11, which can realize the walking and turning functions of the hoisting frame 1. AGV drive wheel is a prior art, and its specific structure and principle will not be described in detail.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, drive wheel mounting seats (not shown in the figure) are provided around the perimeter of the lifting frame 1 and near its bottom. The AGV drive wheels 11 are located at the bottom of these drive wheel mounting seats. The AGV drive wheels 11 extend downwards and appropriately beyond the bottom of the lifting frame 1, ensuring that the AGV drive wheels 11 can make normal contact with the ground. Simultaneously, this ensures that the entire lifting frame 1 is close to the ground, lowering the overall center of gravity of the device. This improves the overall stability of the device and reduces the vertical travel of the lifting frame 2, facilitating the lifting of faulty batteries.

[0023] Specifically, in this embodiment, the lifting frame 2 is slidably connected to the hoisting frame 1 via linear guide rails and a slider. The lifting frame 2 is driven to lift by a linear drive module mounted on the hoisting frame 1. The linear drive module preferably uses a lead screw motor. The corresponding lead screw drive motor is fixed to the hoisting frame 1, the corresponding lead screw is rotatably mounted on the hoisting frame 1 via a lead screw bearing seat, and the corresponding lead screw slider is fixedly connected to the lifting frame 2. Lead screw motor drive technology is existing technology, and its specific principle will not be elaborated further.

[0024] In this embodiment, the lifting frame 2 is also welded from square or rectangular tubes.

[0025] As one specific implementation method, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the top of the lifting frame 2 is provided with an upwardly extending mounting frame 21, and the bolt tightening motor 3 is mounted on the mounting frame 21 via a linear drive module. This linear drive module preferably uses a lead screw motor linear drive module. The corresponding lead screw motor is fixed to the mounting frame 21 via a motor mount, and the corresponding lead screw is mounted on the mounting frame 21 via a lead screw shaft seat. One side of the corresponding lead screw slider is slidably connected to the mounting frame 21 via a linear guide rail and a slider. The other side of the lead screw slider is fixed with a motor connecting seat 22, and the bolt tightening motor 3 is fixed to the motor connecting seat 22.

[0026] Specifically in this embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the screwing fixture 4 is configured as an inverted U-shaped structure or a square cylindrical structure with an open bottom. The internal space of the screwing fixture 4 is used to accommodate the screwing head 51 of the lifting bolt 5, and the shape of the internal space of the screwing fixture 4 matches the shape of the screwing head 51. In this way, when the screwing fixture 4 is driven to rotate by the bolt screwing motor 3, the screwing fixture 4 can drive the lifting bolt 5 to rotate, forming a screwing action, which can screw the lifting bolt 5 into the bolt hole reserved on the new energy vehicle battery pack, or screw it out of the bolt hole.

[0027] Furthermore, a magnet 41 is provided on the inner top side of the screw-tightening fixture 4 to attract the screw-tightening head 51 of the lifting bolt 5, ensuring a reliable connection between the lifting bolt 5 and the screw-tightening fixture 4 during the screw-tightening process and preventing the bolt from falling off due to vibration or misalignment. The magnet 41 can be installed in an embedded manner, and its magnetic strength is sufficient to stably attract the screw-tightening head 51 in a non-contact state, while also facilitating easy separation after screw-tightening is completed.

[0028] Specifically, the lifting bolt 5 consists of a screw head 51 and a screw rod 52. The screw head 51 has an insertion hole 53 corresponding to the lifting column 6. The diameter of the insertion hole 53 is slightly larger than the diameter of the lifting column 6, ensuring that the lifting column 6 can be freely inserted into the insertion hole.

[0029] In this embodiment, the bolt tightening motor 3 is a servo motor, which can accurately control the tightening depth of the lifting bolt 5 in the bolt hole reserved on the battery pack. When tightening the lifting bolt 5 into the bolt hole of the battery pack, the corresponding insertion hole 53 of the lifting bolt 5 is horizontally aligned with the lifting column 6 so that the lifting column 6 can be accurately inserted into the insertion hole 53.

[0030] In one specific embodiment, the bottom of the lifting frame 2 is provided with a downwardly extending guide seat 23, and the guide seat 23 is provided with a guide hole (not shown in the figure), and the lifting column 6 is slidably disposed in the corresponding guide hole.

[0031] Since battery packs are typically designed with a rectangular structure, the pre-drilled bolt holes are located on the battery pack frame along both sides of the pack. Usually, four bolt holes are pre-drilled for hoisting, arranged in a square or rectangular pattern. Therefore, in this embodiment, the bolt tightening motor 3, tightening fixture 4, and hoisting bolts 5 are all adaptively configured in four sets according to the positions of the pre-drilled bolt holes in the battery pack, and the arrangement of the four sets of hoisting bolts 5 is consistent with the positions of the pre-drilled bolt holes in the battery pack.

[0032] Specifically in this embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, two adjacent lifting columns 6 are driven by a set of bidirectional lead screw linear drive modules. The bidirectional lead screw linear drive module includes a bidirectional lead screw 71, which is mounted on the bottom of the lifting frame 2 via a lead screw bearing and is driven to rotate by a lead screw motor. Two lead screw slides 72 that cooperate with the bidirectional lead screw 71 are slidably engaged with the lifting frame 2 via linear guides and sliders, respectively. The lifting column 6 is fixedly connected to the corresponding lead screw slide 72 via a connecting seat. In this way, by driving the bidirectional lead screw 71 to rotate, the two lead screw slides 72 and the corresponding two lifting columns 6 can be driven to move towards each other simultaneously. When the two lifting columns 6 approach each other, the lifting columns 6 move away from the lifting bolts 5; when the lifting columns 6 move away from each other, the lifting columns 6 approach the corresponding bolts and are inserted into the corresponding insertion holes 53.

[0033] Working principle: When retrieving a faulty battery from the battery swapping station, the device is first controlled by the AGV drive wheel 11 to enter the battery swapping platform of the battery swapping station. Then, the hatch of the battery swapping platform is opened, and the faulty battery is transported to the hatch of the battery swapping platform by the battery swapping robot inside the battery swapping station. At this time, the faulty battery is located below the entire hoisting frame 1.

[0034] Subsequently, the lifting frame 1 is moved to initially align the lifting bolt 5 with the pre-drilled bolt holes of the faulty battery. Then, the lifting frame 2 is moved downwards as a whole, gradually bringing the bolt tightening motor 3, tightening fixture 4, and lifting bolt 5 closer to the pre-drilled bolt holes on both sides of the faulty battery. Next, the entire device is fine-tuned to ensure the lifting bolt 5 is completely aligned with the corresponding bolt holes. Then, the bolt tightening motor 3 is lowered independently, while simultaneously rotating the lifting bolt 5 via the tightening fixture 4, causing the lifting bolt 5 to be tightened into the corresponding bolt holes. When the horizontal height of the insertion hole 53 on the lifting bolt 5 is consistent with the height of the lifting column 6, and the insertion hole 53 is directly facing the lifting column 6, the bolt tightening motor 3 stops tightening. Then, the bolt tightening motor 3 moves in the opposite direction and away from the lifting bolt 5. Because the lifting bolt 5 is magnetically connected to the tightening fixture 4, the lifting bolt 5 can smoothly detach from the tightening fixture 4. After the screwing fixture 4 is disengaged from the lifting bolt 5, the screwing head 51 is exposed. At this time, the control double-acting screw linear drive module is activated, driving the lifting column 6 to extend horizontally outward and accurately insert into the insertion hole 53 of the lifting bolt 5, completing the mechanical connection. Next, the lifting frame 2 is lifted upward as a whole, and the lifting bolt 5 and the faulty battery connected to it are lifted synchronously through the lifting column 6, so that the battery is detached from the battery swapping platform and enters the internal storage space of the lifting frame 1.

[0035] During the lifting process, the guide seat 23 provides stable guidance for the movement of the lifting column 6, ensuring a smooth and reliable lifting process. Once the faulty battery is fully lifted into the lifting frame 1, the AGV traveling mechanism starts, automatically transferring the entire machine along with the recovered battery to a designated maintenance area or temporary storage area. Upon reaching the target position, the lifting frame 2 descends, and the lifting column 6 retracts under the drive of the bidirectional screw module, disengaging from the insertion hole 53. Subsequently, the bolt tightening motor 3 actuates again, rotating the tightening fixture 4 in the opposite direction to unscrew the lifting bolt 5 from the battery pack bolt hole, completing the unloading.

[0036] The entire operation process requires no manual intervention, achieving fully automated operation of faulty batteries from positioning, docking, fastening, lifting to transportation. It is especially suitable for rapid response and efficient recycling in high-frequency battery swapping scenarios, significantly improving the operation and maintenance efficiency and safety of battery swapping stations.

[0037] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery recycling device for a battery swapping station, characterized in that: It includes a lifting frame (1) and a traveling mechanism for driving the lifting frame (1) to move. The lifting frame (1) is provided with a lifting frame (2) that can slide up and down. The lifting frame (2) is provided with multiple bolt tightening motors (3) that can be lifted up and down. The power output shaft of the bolt tightening motor (3) is fitted with a tightening fixture (4). The tightening fixture (4) is fitted with a lifting bolt (5). The lifting frame (2) is also provided with lifting columns (6) that correspond one-to-one with the lifting bolts (5). The axis of the lifting columns (6) is arranged horizontally and slidably mounted on the lifting frame (2).

2. The battery recycling device for a battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The walking mechanism uses AGV drive wheels (11).

3. A battery recycling device for a battery swapping station according to claim 2, characterized in that: A drive wheel mounting seat is provided around the hoisting frame (1) and near the bottom of the hoisting frame, and the AGV drive wheel (11) is located at the bottom of the drive wheel mounting seat.

4. A battery recycling device for a battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting frame (2) is slidably connected to the hoisting vehicle frame (1) through a linear guide rail and a slider. The lifting frame (2) is driven to lift by a linear drive module set on the hoisting vehicle frame (1).

5. A battery recycling device for a battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the lifting frame (2) is provided with an upwardly extending mounting frame (21), and the bolt tightening motor (3) is mounted on the mounting frame (21) via a linear drive module.

6. A battery recycling device for a battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The screwing fixture (4) is configured as an inverted U-shaped structure or a square tube structure with an open bottom. The internal space of the screwing fixture (4) is used to accommodate the screwing head (51) of the lifting bolt (5), and the internal space of the screwing fixture (4) matches the shape of the screwing head (51).

7. A battery recycling device for a battery swapping station according to claim 6, characterized in that: A magnet (41) is provided on the top side inside the screwing tool (4).

8. A battery recycling device for a battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting bolt (5) consists of a screw head (51) and a screw rod (52). The screw head (51) has a corresponding insertion hole (53) on it, which is slightly larger than the diameter of the lifting rod (6).

9. A battery recycling device for a battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the lifting frame (2) is provided with a downwardly extending guide seat (23), and the guide seat (23) is provided with a guide hole. The lifting column (6) is slidably disposed in the corresponding guide hole.

10. A battery recycling device for a battery swapping station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two adjacent lifting columns (6) are driven by a set of bidirectional screw linear drive modules. The bidirectional screw linear drive module includes a bidirectional screw (71). The bidirectional screw (71) is set at the bottom of the lifting frame (2) through a screw shaft seat and is driven to rotate by a screw motor. The two screw slides (72) that cooperate with the bidirectional screw (71) are slidably engaged with the lifting frame (2) through linear guide rails and sliders, respectively. The lifting column (6) is fixedly connected to the corresponding screw slide (72) through a connecting seat.

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