Compact battery swap station

Abstract

The utility model discloses a compact type battery swapping station, which comprises a box body and carriageways arranged on two sides of the box body, two tracks are arranged in the box body, a battery swapping device is arranged on the tracks, a plurality of battery compartments for placing battery swapping batteries are arranged between the tracks, and the battery swapping device can cross over the battery compartments to slide back and forth along the tracks. The box body comprises two side walls parallel to the track, the side walls are respectively provided with a first battery replacing window and a second battery replacing window, and the area of the first battery replacing window is smaller than that of the second battery replacing window. The first battery replacing window is used for replacing the battery of the battery replacing vehicle, and the second battery replacing window is matched with the power distribution vehicle to replace the battery of the battery compartment, so that the occupied space for independently arranging the battery compartment can be saved, and the battery replacing station is more compact and easy to migrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery swapping technology for new energy vehicles, and in particular to a compact battery swapping station. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, the number of battery swapping stations is also growing rapidly. Currently, most battery swapping stations are used for centralized battery swapping of electric vehicles in short-distance or long-distance transportation scenarios. For regional short-distance scenarios, it is desirable for battery swapping stations to be as close as possible to the vehicles in those scenarios; however, most scenarios lack power infrastructure, making it impossible to build large-scale fixed battery swapping stations. At the same time, due to the frequent changes in short-distance scenarios, there is also a need for frequent relocation, thus increasing the demand for mobile battery swapping stations that are easy to assemble, disassemble, and move.

[0003] In addition to requiring power to charge the swapped batteries, existing battery swapping stations typically have dedicated battery storage areas. Generally, the swapping equipment is placed between the battery storage area and the driving lane of the swapping vehicle. Since the battery storage area, the area occupied by the swapping equipment, and the driving lane are all necessary conditions for realizing battery swapping operations, this means that existing battery swapping stations have the characteristics of large footprint, high power demand, low charging efficiency, and high relocation costs, which need to be further improved. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a compact battery swapping station that is simple in structure, easy to relocate, and occupies a small area.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A compact battery swapping station is provided, including a housing and a first driveway and a second driveway on both sides of the housing. The housing is provided with a track, on which a battery swapping device is movably mounted, and multiple battery compartments for placing swapping batteries are fixedly provided in the track. The battery swapping device can slide back and forth along the track across the battery compartments. The housing includes a first side wall and a second side wall arranged parallel to the track. A first battery swapping window is provided on the first side wall, and a second battery swapping window is provided on the second side wall. The area of ​​the first battery swapping window is not greater than the area of ​​the second battery swapping window.

[0007] Furthermore, the enclosure includes a top wall, and a first canopy and a second canopy are provided on both sides of the top wall extending toward the first lane and the second lane, respectively, wherein the area of ​​the first canopy is smaller than the area of ​​the second canopy.

[0008] Furthermore, the area of ​​the first canopy is larger than the area of ​​the first power exchange window, and the area of ​​the second canopy is larger than the area of ​​the second power exchange window.

[0009] Furthermore, the second canopy has a first position parallel to the second lane and a second position where the second battery swapping window is closed after being rotated.

[0010] Furthermore, both the first and second battery swapping windows are rectangular frames, and the height of both the first and second battery swapping windows is not less than the height of the battery being swapped.

[0011] Furthermore, the height of the enclosure is not less than twice the height of the battery swapping unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the battery swapping device includes a sliding support part that slides along the track and a movable lifting part that moves up and down along the sliding support part. The sliding support part is frame-shaped and has a first span along the direction perpendicular to the track and a second span along the direction parallel to the track. The first span is greater than the length of the battery compartment and the second span is greater than the width of the battery compartment.

[0013] Furthermore, the top of the movable lifting unit is provided with a telescopic arm, and the telescopic arm is provided with a lifting device, which has a first working position extending above the first lane and a second working position extending above the second lane.

[0014] Furthermore, parking positioning devices are respectively installed on the first lane and the second lane.

[0015] Furthermore, the battery compartment is equipped with a guide device for guiding and positioning the swapped battery, and the number of battery compartments is odd.

[0016] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] Since this compact battery swapping station no longer requires a separate storage area for swapping batteries, it reduces the footprint by setting up battery compartments on the track where the swapping equipment travels. It also achieves dual-channel battery swapping functionality by using one side of the enclosure to replenish batteries in the battery compartments or swap batteries for swapping vehicles, and the other side to swap batteries for swapping vehicles. This effectively reduces the footprint of the battery swapping station, simplifies and lightens the protective casing, and eliminates the need for charging the swapping batteries. It improves swapping / replenishment efficiency while being easy to relocate, reducing the power requirements for constructing the battery swapping station. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the compact battery swapping station provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the compact battery swapping station from another perspective;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the compact battery swapping station shown.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a rear view of the compact battery swapping station.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the compact battery swapping station after it has been driven into a battery delivery vehicle;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the compact battery swapping station after a battery swapping vehicle enters.

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows the internal structure of the compact battery swapping station after the enclosure has been removed. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" 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 or an electrical 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 utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0029] Please see Figures 1 to 7 As shown, Embodiment 1 of this utility model provides a compact battery swapping station 100 for swapping batteries in battery swapping vehicles 61 and replenishing power via a power distribution vehicle 62. Specifically, when the battery swapping vehicle 61's battery 5 is low on power, it can enter the compact battery swapping station 100 for replacement. When the battery swapping vehicle 61 needs to be replaced, multiple fully charged batteries 5 are simultaneously transported by the power distribution vehicle 62 for replacement. The compact battery swapping station 100 includes a housing 2 and a first driveway 101 and a second driveway 102 located on both sides of the housing 2. The housing 2 includes a first side wall 201 and a second side wall 202, a first end wall 203 and a second end wall 204 connected to the two ends of the side wall 201 and the second side wall 202, and a top wall 3 located at the top. The housing 2 is equipped with a track 11, on which a battery swapping device 4 is movably mounted. Multiple battery compartments 12 for placing battery swapping batteries 5 are fixed within the track 11. Each battery compartment 12 is equipped with a guide device 121 for guiding and positioning the battery swapping battery 5. The guide device 121 is preferably composed of multiple guide posts, guiding the battery swapping battery 5 into a predetermined position before it is placed, facilitating the positioning and placement of the battery swapping device 4. Preferably, the battery compartment 12 can be a battery compartment without a power supply, i.e., without a charging function. In this case, components such as battery swapping connectors and battery swapping lock mechanisms can be eliminated, reducing the construction cost of the battery swapping station and making the station easier to relocate.

[0030] The battery swapping device 4 can slide back and forth along the track 11 across the battery compartment 12. That is, the space inside the housing 2 allows the battery swapping device 4 to grab one battery swapping unit 5 and pass over another battery swapping unit 5 located in the battery compartment 12. The height of the housing 2 is not less than twice the height of the battery swapping unit 5. The first side wall 201 and the second side wall 202 of the housing 2 are respectively arranged parallel to the track 11. The first side wall 201 is provided with a first battery swapping window 21, which is used for the battery swapping unit 5 on the battery swapping vehicle 61 to enter and exit. A second battery swapping window 22 is provided on the second side wall 202. The second battery swapping window 22 is used to allow multiple battery swapping devices 5 on the power distribution vehicle 62 to enter and exit the housing 2 by moving the battery swapping device 4 without having to move the power distribution vehicle 62 multiple times. That is to say, the first battery swapping window 21 only needs to be set to allow a single battery to pass through, while the second battery swapping window 22 needs to be set to allow multiple batteries to pass through. In other words, the area of ​​the first battery swapping window 21 is not greater than the area of ​​the second battery swapping window 22.

[0031] Furthermore, the battery swapping device 4 is a battery swapping robot. The battery swapping device 4 includes a sliding support part 41 that slides back and forth along the track 11 and a movable lifting part 42 that moves up and down along the sliding support part 41. The sliding support part 41 is frame-shaped and has a first span along the direction perpendicular to the track 11 and a second span along the direction parallel to the track 11. The first span is greater than the length of the battery compartment 12 and the second span is greater than the width of the battery compartment 12, thereby ensuring that the battery swapping device 4 can slide back and forth along the track 11 across the battery swapping battery 5 on the battery compartment 12. The top of the movable lifting part 42 is provided with a telescopic arm 43, and a lifting device 431 is slidably provided on the telescopic arm 43. Preferably, the telescopic arm 43 is a three-stage fork, that is, it has a first fixed arm (unnumbered), a second telescopic arm (unnumbered) that slides along the first fixed arm, and a third telescopic arm (unnumbered) that slides along the second telescopic arm. The lifting device 431 can move back and forth between the two ends of the third telescopic arm of the telescopic arm 43. The lifting device 431 has a first working position that extends above the first lane 101 and a second working position that extends above the second lane 102.

[0032] Specifically, when the battery swapping vehicle 61 enters the compact battery swapping station 100 along the first lane 101 and stops at the designated location, the telescopic arm 43 of the battery swapping device 4 extends from the first battery swapping window 21, positioning the lifting device 431 in a first working position above the battery swapping battery 5 of the battery swapping vehicle 61. The lifting device 431, after matching with the gripping part 51 located on top of the battery swapping battery 5, grips the battery swapping battery 5 and transports it from the first battery swapping window 21 to the transfer position inside the housing 2, releasing the battery swapping battery 5. Then, the battery swapping device 4 moves along the track 11 and takes a fully charged battery swapping battery 5 from the battery compartment 12, passes over the depleted battery swapping battery 5 located at the transfer position, and then transports it from the first battery swapping window 21 to the battery swapping vehicle 61, completing the battery swapping of the battery swapping vehicle 61. In other words, at least one transfer position (not shown) in the battery compartment 12 is not normally used to store battery swapping batteries 5. Preferably, the number of battery compartments 12 is odd, and the battery compartment 12 located in the middle position is used as a transfer position. This design helps to optimize the travel path of the battery swapping device 4 and reduce energy loss. The position of the first battery swapping window 21 corresponds to the transfer position, but the position of the first battery swapping window 21 is higher than the position of the battery compartment 12. The advantage of this setting is that when the lifting device 431 carries the battery 5 in a depleted state from the battery swapping vehicle 61 into the first battery swapping window 21, the depleted battery 5 can be quickly placed into the transfer position by directly lowering the movable lifting part 42, saving the time of moving the battery swapping device 4 along the track 11 and improving the battery swapping efficiency.

[0033] Specifically, when all the batteries 5 in the battery swapping compartment 12 are in a depleted state, meaning that there are no fully charged batteries 5 in the housing 2 and the swapping cannot be completed, the delivery vehicle 62 transports multiple fully charged batteries 5 into the second lane 102 and stops at the designated position. The telescopic arm 43 extends the lifting device 431 from the second battery swapping window 22 to the second working position above the distribution vehicle 62, aligns it with any battery 5, and grabs it. It can then be moved from the second battery swapping window 22 into the housing 2, so that the fully charged batteries 5 can replace the depleted batteries 5 one by one to complete the recharging. In other words, there are multiple second working positions, but they are all located on one side of the second battery swapping window 22. Therefore, the opening area of ​​the second battery swapping window 22 is not less than the opening area of ​​the first battery swapping window 21, thus allowing the battery swapping device 4 to have more room to move above the second lane 102.

[0034] Preferably, when the battery 5 in the housing 2 has sufficient charge to meet the battery swapping requirements, the battery swapping vehicle 61 can also enter the second lane 102. That is to say, the compact battery swapping station 100 conforming to this application can swap batteries for the battery swapping vehicle 61 from both sides, realizing the dual-channel battery swapping function. At the same time, in order to further improve the battery swapping and replenishment efficiency, two battery swapping devices 4 can also be set on the track 11 simultaneously. By using the same track 11, the two battery swapping devices 4 can achieve the function of one taking a depleted battery from the battery swapping vehicle 61 and the other placing a fully charged battery on the battery swapping vehicle 61; or one battery swapping device 4 can take a fully charged battery from the power distribution vehicle 62 and the other battery swapping device 4 can place a depleted battery on the power distribution vehicle 62. By orderly controlling the movement sequence of the two battery swapping devices 4, more efficient battery swapping and replenishment operations can be achieved.

[0035] Furthermore, the top wall 3 of the housing 2 extends towards the first lane 101 and the second lane 102 respectively, and is provided with a first canopy 31 and a second canopy 32, wherein the area of ​​the first canopy 31 is not greater than the area of ​​the second canopy 32. The function of providing the first canopy 31 and the second canopy 32 is to provide rain protection for the working area when the lifting device 431 is working in the first working position and the second working position respectively. For example, when the battery 5 in a depleted state is removed from the battery swapping vehicle 61, the battery swapping base (not shown) on the battery swapping vehicle 61 will be exposed to the outside. The first canopy 31 can prevent the battery swapping connector and other equipment on the battery swapping base from getting wet by rainwater. Preferably, the battery swapping unit 5 is a rectangular box-shaped battery, and both the first swapping window 21 and the second swapping window 22 are rectangular frames. The height of both the first swapping window 21 and the second swapping window 22 is not less than the height of the battery swapping unit 5, so that the battery swapping unit 5 can smoothly pass through the first swapping window 21 or the second swapping window 22 to enter and exit the housing 2. Preferably, the area of ​​the first canopy 31 is not less than the area of ​​the first swapping window 21, and the area of ​​the second canopy 32 is not less than the area of ​​the second swapping window 22.

[0036] Furthermore, the top wall 3 includes a top plate 30, and the second canopy 32 is rotatably mounted on the top plate 30. The second canopy 32 has a first position parallel to the second driveway 102 and a second position after rotation to close the second battery swapping window 22. The practical advantage of this is that when the second driveway 102 is not needed for power replenishment or battery swapping, the second canopy 32 can be used to close the second battery swapping window 22, which provides dust and rain protection for the equipment inside the housing 2. Preferably, the second canopy 32 is hinged to one side of the top wall 3 and can be opened or closed by a hydraulic device.

[0037] Preferably, in one embodiment, the first canopy 31 can also be rotatably mounted on the top wall 3. In severe weather or other scenarios where battery swapping is not required, the first canopy 31 and the second canopy 32 can be folded up simultaneously, providing better protection for the battery swapping device 5 and battery swapping unit 4 inside the housing 2. In another embodiment, the first canopy 31 can also be fixedly mounted on the top wall 3. The above-mentioned protection function can also be achieved by setting a sliding door (not shown) on the first battery swapping window 21, which will not be described in detail here.

[0038] In some other embodiments, the first end wall 203 and the second end wall 204 of the housing 2, as well as the first side wall 201 and the second side wall 202, are all detachable. This arrangement allows for the expansion of the number of battery compartments 12 within the housing 2 by extending the length of the track 11 and increasing the length of the first side wall 201 and the second side wall 202, thereby increasing the battery swapping capacity of the compact battery swapping station 100. Preferably, the first side wall 201 and the second side wall 202 are both constructed from multiple lightweight sheet metal panels. Inspection doors 205 are provided on the first end wall 203 and the second end wall 204 to facilitate access for maintenance personnel to the interior of the housing 2. This design makes the housing 2 easy to assemble and disassemble, making the compact battery swapping station 100 conforming to this application easy to relocate.

[0039] Preferably, parking positioning devices 103 are respectively provided on the first driving lane 101 and the second driving lane 102. The parking positioning devices 103 are used to assist the battery swapping vehicle 61 and the battery distribution vehicle 62 in parking in designated positions, so as to facilitate the accurate positioning of the battery swapping device 4. Furthermore, two parking positioning devices 103 are provided on the second driving lane 102, one for the battery distribution vehicle 62 and one for the battery swapping vehicle 61. In some other embodiments, the parking positioning devices 103 can be selectively lowered or raised as needed, which will not be elaborated here.

[0040] By adopting the compact battery swapping station 100 conforming to this application, passive battery swapping can be achieved. That is to say, there is no need to install an electrical connector on the battery compartment 12 to charge the swapping battery 5. The depleted battery is charged at a remote charging station with power conditions via the power distribution vehicle 62 and then delivered to the compact battery swapping station 100. This reduces the power facility requirements for building the battery swapping station. Since there is no need to set up an additional storage area for the swapping battery 5, the footprint of the battery swapping station is effectively reduced. The compact battery swapping station 100 also has dual-channel battery swapping function, which improves the efficiency of battery swapping and replenishment while being easy to disassemble, relocate, and relocate. It also reduces the power requirements for building the battery swapping station, which is a significant improvement.

[0041] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A compact battery swapping station (100), comprising a housing (2) and a first lane (101) and a second lane (102) located on both sides of the housing (2), wherein a track (11) is provided inside the housing (2), a battery swapping device (4) is movably mounted on the track (11), and a plurality of battery compartments (12) for placing battery swapping batteries (5) are fixedly provided inside the track (11), wherein the battery swapping device (4) can slide back and forth along the track (11) across the battery compartments (12), characterized in that, The enclosure (2) includes a first side wall (201) and a second side wall (202) arranged parallel to the track (11). The first side wall (201) is provided with a first battery swapping window (21), and the second side wall (202) is provided with a second battery swapping window (22). The area of ​​the first battery swapping window (21) is not greater than the area of ​​the second battery swapping window (22).

2. The compact battery swapping station (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The box body (2) includes a top wall (3), and a first canopy (31) and a second canopy (32) are provided on both sides of the top wall (3) extending toward the first lane (101) and the second lane (102) respectively, wherein the area of ​​the first canopy (31) is smaller than the area of ​​the second canopy (32).

3. The compact battery swapping station (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The area of ​​the first canopy (31) is larger than the area of ​​the first power exchange window (21), and the area of ​​the second canopy (32) is larger than the area of ​​the second power exchange window (22).

4. The compact battery swapping station (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second canopy (32) has a first position parallel to the second lane (102) and a second position that closes the second battery swap window (22) after being rotated.

5. The compact battery swapping station (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first battery swapping window (21) and the second battery swapping window (22) are rectangular frames, and the height of both the first battery swapping window (21) and the second battery swapping window (22) is not less than the height of the battery swapping battery (5).

6. The compact battery swapping station (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height of the housing (2) is not less than twice the height of the battery (5).

7. The compact battery swapping station (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery swapping device (4) includes a sliding support part (41) that slides along the track (11) and a movable lifting part (42) that moves up and down along the sliding support part (41). The sliding support part (41) is frame-shaped and has a first span along the direction perpendicular to the track (11) and a second span along the direction parallel to the track (11). The first span is greater than the length of the battery compartment (12) and the second span is greater than the width of the battery compartment (12).

8. The compact battery swapping station (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The top of the movable lifting unit (42) is provided with a telescopic arm (43), and the telescopic arm (43) is provided with a lifting device (431). The lifting device (431) has a first working position extending above the first lane (101) and a second working position extending above the second lane (102).

9. The compact battery swapping station (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: Parking positioning devices (103) are respectively installed on the first lane (101) and the second lane (102).

10. The compact battery swapping station (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery compartment (12) is equipped with a guide device (121) for guiding and positioning the swapped battery (5).

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