Locking mechanism and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a locking mechanism and a vehicle, the locking mechanism comprising: a first locking part for being fixed on the battery system, the first locking part being provided with a bolt hole penetrating in a first direction; a second locking part comprising a guide block, a bolt and a driving part, the guide block being used for being fixed on the support, the guide block being provided with a second guide hole penetrating in the first direction and a first guide hole penetrating in a second direction, one end of the bolt being slidably connected to the guide block, the other end of the bolt being connected to the driving part, the driving part being used for driving the bolt to move in the first direction so as to switch the locking mechanism between a locking state and an unlocking state; in the locking state, the first locking part is inserted into the first guide hole, the bolt is inserted into the second guide hole and the bolt hole; in the unlocking state, the driving part drives the bolt to be pulled out of the bolt hole and the second guide hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of vehicle technology, specifically relating to a locking mechanism and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, battery-swapping technology is becoming increasingly widespread in new energy heavy-duty trucks. The battery system is detachably connected to the vehicle's frame via a locking mechanism, allowing for the replacement of the battery system after it is depleted, thus saving charging time.

[0003] In existing technologies, the battery system and vehicle bracket mostly use locking structures such as clips, bolts, and T-pins. These are achieved by using push-pull or tightening mechanisms on auxiliary battery replacement equipment to lock and unlock the clips or bolts. After multiple battery replacement operations, the threads on the bolts and the clips are easily worn down and fail. Existing locking mechanisms have short lifespans and high maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to provide a locking mechanism and vehicle that solves the problems of short lifespan and high maintenance costs of existing locking mechanisms.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose a locking mechanism for locking a battery system to a vehicle bracket, the locking mechanism comprising:

[0006] A first locking member is used to fix the battery system, and the first locking member is provided with a pin hole that extends through in a first direction;

[0007] The second locking element includes a guide block, a pin, and a driving element. The guide block is used to fix the pin on the bracket. The guide block has a second guide hole that passes through the first direction and a first guide hole that passes through the second direction. One end of the pin is slidably connected to the guide block, and the other end is connected to the driving element. The driving element is used to drive the pin to move along the first direction so that the locking mechanism switches between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0008] In the locked state, the first locking member is inserted into the first guide hole, the pin hole is aligned with the second guide hole, and the pin is inserted into the second guide hole and the pin hole; in the unlocked state, the driving member drives the pin to disengage from the pin hole and the second guide hole.

[0009] Optionally, the first locking member includes a tapered section and a vertical section connected along the second direction, the size of the outer peripheral surface of the tapered section decreasing from one end near the vertical section to the end away from the vertical section, and the shape and size of the outer peripheral surface of the vertical section being adapted to the shape and size of the first guide hole.

[0010] Optionally, the first guide hole includes a guide section and a positioning section connected along the second direction. The size of the positioning section increases from one end near the guide section to the end away from the guide section. When the first locking member is inserted into the first guide hole, the first locking member first enters the positioning section.

[0011] Optionally, the second locking member further includes a connector, one end of which is connected to the guide block and the other end of which is connected to the driving member. The connector has a cavity for accommodating the pin. A third guide hole is provided at the end of the connector connected to the guide block opposite to the second guide hole. A connecting hole is provided at the end of the connector connected to the driving member. The driving member passes through the connecting hole at least partially to connect with the pin. The pin can slide in the third guide hole under the drive of the driving member.

[0012] Optionally, the shape and size of the third guide hole are adapted to the shape and size of the pin, and the size of the connecting hole is smaller than the size of the outer peripheral surface of the pin.

[0013] Optionally, the drive element includes a piston rod that passes through the connecting hole and is connected to the pin.

[0014] Optionally, the guide block is provided with an observation port that extends in a third direction. The observation port is connected to the second guide hole. In the locked state, the pin passes through the second guide hole and is exposed to the observation port.

[0015] Optionally, the locking mechanism further includes a position sensor disposed on the guide block, the position sensor being used to detect the position of the pin.

[0016] Optionally, the end of the pin furthest from the drive member is wedge-shaped.

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle including a battery system, a bracket, and a locking mechanism as provided in any of the first aspects of the present invention.

[0018] This invention provides a locking mechanism and a vehicle. The locking mechanism is used to lock a battery system onto a vehicle bracket. A first locking member and a second locking member are respectively positioned opposite each other on the battery system and the bracket. When the battery system approaches the bracket, the first locking member moves towards the second locking member along a second direction and passes through a first guide hole, aligning the first and second locking members. When the first locking member moves to the point where the second guide hole aligns with the pin hole, a driving member drives the pin to pass through the second guide hole and the pin hole, fixing the first locking member in the second locking member, thus completing the fixed connection between the battery system and the vehicle bracket. The locking mechanism in this application uses a pin connection, resulting in high connection strength for a single locking mechanism. This reduces the number of locking mechanisms required on the battery system and the bracket. Even after multiple locking and unlocking cycles, the first and second locking members are not easily worn or damaged. The mechanism is simple in structure, safe and reliable, and has a long service life.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the battery system and bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the provided bracket;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the battery system is provided;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the second locking element in the circled section;

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the guide block in the provided second locking element;

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A sectional view of the second locking element provided;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first locking member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in a locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in the unlocked state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Reference numerals: 1: Battery system; 11: First locking element; 111: Pin hole; 112: Tapered section; 113: Vertical section; 12: Battery housing; 13: Battery pack; 2: Bracket; 21: Second locking element; 211: Guide block; 2111: First guide hole; 2112: Second guide hole; 21121: Positioning section; 21122: Guide section; 2113: Observation port; 212: Pin; 213: Driving element; 2131: Piston rod; 214: Connecting element; 2141: Third guide hole; 2142: Connecting hole; 215: T-bolt; 22: Bracket frame. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the fixed scope of the present invention.

[0032] It should be understood that the phrase "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 The diagram shows an installation schematic of the battery system and bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the provided bracket; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the battery system is provided; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the second locking element in the circled section; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the guide block in the provided second locking element; Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A sectional view of the second locking element provided; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first locking member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in a locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in the unlocked state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] This invention provides a locking mechanism for locking a battery system 1 to a vehicle bracket 2. The locking mechanism includes: a first locking member 11 for fixing to the battery system 1, the first locking member 11 having a through-hole 111 extending in a first direction; and a second locking member 21, including a guide block 211, a pin 212, and a driving member 213. The guide block 211 is fixed to the bracket 2, the guide block 211 having a second guide hole 2112 extending in the first direction and a first guide hole 2111 extending in the second direction, and the pin 212... One end of the first locking member 11 is slidably connected to the guide block 211, and the other end is connected to the driving member 213. The driving member 213 is used to drive the pin 212 to move along the first direction so that the locking mechanism switches between the locked state and the unlocked state. In the locked state, the first locking member 11 is inserted into the first guide hole 2111, the pin hole 111 is aligned with the second guide hole 2112, and the pin 212 is inserted into the second guide hole 2112 and the pin hole 111. In the unlocked state, the driving member 213 drives the pin 212 to disengage from the pin hole 111 and the second guide hole 2112.

[0035] For chassis-type battery swapping systems, brackets 2 for connecting battery system 1 are locked to both sides of the vehicle's main beam. Battery system 1 is connected to the bottom of bracket 2. When replacing the battery, battery system 1 is removed and installed from below bracket 2. Inside the battery swapping station, a fully charged battery system 1 automatically replaces the vehicle's low-charge battery system 1 using a battery swapping robot, thus achieving rapid energy replenishment.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure 3, the battery system 1 includes a battery pack 13 and a battery housing 12. The battery housing 12 is used to house, support, and protect the battery pack 13. The vehicle bracket 2 includes a bracket frame 22, and the battery housing 12 is connected to the bracket frame 22. The battery housing 12 and the bracket frame 22 are respectively provided with a first locking member 11 and a second locking member 21 that cooperate with each other. The first locking member 11 and the second locking member 21 are arranged in pairs and can be welded or bolted to the battery housing 12 and the bracket frame 22. The locking mechanism can be set at the corners and outer edges of the battery housing 12 and the bracket frame 22, or it can be set in the middle. Multiple locking mechanisms are usually symmetrically distributed to keep the force and installation position of the battery system 1 balanced.

[0037] For the battery system 1 and bracket 2 connected vertically, in this embodiment, the first direction refers to the horizontal direction and the second direction refers to the vertical direction. In battery systems 1 and bracket 2 with different connection directions, the first and second directions can be adjusted accordingly. (Reference) Figure 6-9. The first locking member 11 and the second locking member 21 are connected by a pin 212. The first locking member 11 protrudes from the surface of the battery box 12 along the second direction. The guide block 211 in the second locking member 21 has a first guide hole 2111 for the first locking member 11 to pass through. The first locking member 11 on the battery system 1 is inserted into the first guide hole 2111 on the bracket 2, so that the battery system 1 is connected to the bracket 2, which plays a positioning and guiding role for the battery system 1. The first locking member 11 also has a pin hole 111 that passes through along the first direction. The pin 212 is slidably connected to the guide block 211. When the pin 212 is inserted into the pin hole 111, the movement of the first locking member 11 is restricted, and the first locking member 11 is locked. The guide block 211 is also provided with a second guide hole 2112. The second guide hole 2112 is perpendicular to the first guide hole 2111 and communicates with the first guide hole 2111. When the first locking member 11 is inserted into the first guide hole 2111 and moves to the target position, the pin hole 111 on the first locking member 11 is aligned with the second guide hole 2112. The pin 212 connected to the guide block 211 can move in the second guide hole 2112 under the drive of the driving member 213, so that the pin 212 is inserted into the pin hole 111 of the first locking member 11 through the second guide hole 2112, and the first locking member 11 is fixed in the target position.

[0038] In practical applications, the structure of the battery box 12 and the bracket 2 of the battery system 1 can be used for limiting the movement to determine whether the first locking member 11 has moved into place. The pin 212 can be inserted to lock it. When the first locking member 11 is inserted into the first guide hole 2111 and moves to the target position, the top of the battery box 12 abuts against the bottom of the bracket 2, restricting the further movement of the first locking member 11. When the operator or robot receives a signal that the first locking member 11 cannot be further inserted into the first guide hole 2111, it means that the first locking member 11 has moved to the target position and can be locked. At this time, the drive member 213 drives the pin 212 through the pin hole 111, thus completing the installation and locking of the battery system 1.

[0039] Compared to commonly used locking mechanisms such as screws, clips, and spring-loaded pins in existing technologies, the locking mechanism in this embodiment has the advantages of high connection strength and resistance to wear. This reduces the number of locking mechanisms required between the battery system 1 and the bracket 2. Typically, 4-8 symmetrically arranged locking mechanisms are sufficient to meet the connection requirements between the battery system 1 and the bracket 2. Furthermore, the locking mechanism in this embodiment uses pins 212 for connection, which will not wear down with repeated disassembly and installation, resulting in a long service life and high reliability.

[0040] In some alternative embodiments, the first locking member 11 includes a tapered section 112 and a vertical section 113 connected along a second direction. The size of the outer peripheral surface of the tapered section 112 decreases from one end near the vertical section 113 to the other end away from the vertical section 113. The shape and size of the outer peripheral surface of the vertical section 113 are adapted to the shape and size of the first guide hole 2111.

[0041] like Figure 7 As shown, the first locking member 11 includes a tapered section 112 and a vertical section 113. The shape and size of the vertical section 113 are adapted to the first guide hole 2111, so that after the first locking member 11 is inserted into the first guide hole 2111, it fits snugly against the inner wall of the first guide hole 2111 and will not wobble. The tapered section 112 is located at the end of the first locking member 11 away from the battery box 12. The end size of the tapered section 112 is much smaller than the diameter of the first guide hole 2111, and it is used to guide the first locking member 11 into the first guide hole 2111.

[0042] The shapes of the first locking member 11 and the first guide hole 2111 can be circular, square, rhomboid, etc.

[0043] When the battery system 1 is brought close to and installed on the bracket 2, the first guide holes 2111 on the first locking member 11 and the second locking member 21 are aligned, and the battery system 1 is moved along the second direction. The end of the tapered segment 112 first enters the first guide hole 2111, completing the first stage of coarse guidance. Then the first locking member 11 can slide into the first guide hole 2111 along the outer peripheral surface of the tapered segment 112. When the vertical segment 113 of the first locking member 11 enters the first guide hole 2111, the second stage of fine guidance is completed.

[0044] The tapered section 112 is designed to facilitate the quick and accurate insertion of the first locking member 11 into the first guide hole 2111, and also provides a buffering effect to protect the first locking member 11 and the first guide hole 2111 from damage. After the tapered section 112 is fully inserted into the first guide hole 2111, the vertical section 113 continues to move in the second direction until it is fully inserted into the first guide hole 2111. At this point, the first locking member 11 fits tightly against the inner wall of the first guide hole 2111, achieving a stable locking effect. This design not only improves the ease of installation of the battery system 1, but also ensures the stability and safety of the battery system 1 on the bracket 2.

[0045] The pin hole 111 can be located in the tapered section 112 or in the vertical section 113. Located in the vertical section 113, it is more conducive to the insertion of the pin 212 and provides better connection strength. The first locking member 11 can be a separate structure or a one-piece structure; this embodiment does not further limit this.

[0046] In some alternative embodiments, the first guide hole 2111 includes a guide section 21122 and a positioning section 21121 connected along a second direction. The size of the positioning section 21121 increases from one end near the guide section 21122 to the end away from the guide section 21122. When the first locking member 11 is inserted into the first guide hole 2111, the first locking member 11 enters the positioning section 21121 first.

[0047] The tapered segment 112 of the first locking member 11 cooperates with the positioning segment 21121 of the first guide hole 2111 to complete the first coarse positioning of the locking mechanism. This design allows the first locking member 11 to smoothly and stably transition from the positioning segment 21121 to the guide segment 21122. The guide segment 21122 provides a more precise guiding function, ensuring that the first locking member 11 can be accurately inserted into the final position. The combined design of the positioning segment 21121 and the guide segment 21122 not only improves the accuracy of installation but also effectively prevents the first locking member 11 from shifting or jamming during installation, further enhancing the reliability and stability of the battery system 1 installation.

[0048] In some alternative embodiments, the second locking member 21 further includes a connector 214, one end of which is connected to the guide block 211 and the other end is connected to the driving member 213. The connector 214 has a cavity for accommodating the pin 212. The end of the connector 214 connected to the guide block 211 is provided with a third guide hole 2141 opposite to the second guide hole 2112. The end of the connector 214 connected to the driving member 213 is provided with a connecting hole 2142. The driving member 213 passes through the connecting hole 2142 at least partially to connect with the pin 212. The pin 212 can slide in the third guide hole 2141 under the drive of the driving member 213.

[0049] A connector 214 is disposed between the guide block 211 and the drive member 213 to provide movement space for the pin 212. The connector 214 is screwed to both the guide block 211 and the drive member 213. The pin 212 is connected to the drive member 213 by a T-bolt 215 and inserted into the second guide hole 2112 of the guide block 211. A third guide hole 2141 is provided on the connector 214 opposite to the second guide hole 2112 for the pin 212 to pass through. The third guide hole 2141 guides the pin 212 to slide along a predetermined path, ensuring that the pin 212 can accurately insert into or withdraw from the second guide hole 2112, thereby improving the reliability and accuracy of locking and unlocking. The connection hole 2142 facilitates the connection between the drive member 213 and the pin 212, enabling the drive member 213 to effectively drive the pin 212 to slide. The centers of the second guide hole 2112, the third guide hole 2141, and the connecting hole 2142 are aligned along the first direction. One end of the pin 212 passes through the third guide hole 2141, and the other end is connected to the drive member 213. The drive member 213 passes through the connecting hole 2142, allowing one end of the pin 212 located within the cavity of the connector 214 to move between the third guide hole 2141 and the connecting hole 2142, while the other end inserts into and exits the second guide hole 2112. Simultaneously, the cavity design provides sufficient space for the pin 212, preventing interference between the pin 212 and the interior of the connector 214 during sliding, further ensuring smooth locking and unlocking.

[0050] In some alternative embodiments, the shape and size of the third guide hole 2141 are adapted to the shape and size of the pin 212, and the size of the connecting hole 2142 is smaller than the size of the outer peripheral surface of the pin 212.

[0051] During the movement of the pin 212, it can only enter the second guide hole 2112 through the third guide hole 2141, but cannot pass through the connecting hole 2142, so that the movement of the pin 212 along the first direction is restricted in the second guide hole 2112 and the third guide hole 2141, and will not come out of the connector 214.

[0052] Additionally, in some alternative embodiments, the drive element 213 includes a piston rod 2131 that passes through a connection hole 2142 and is connected to a pin 212.

[0053] In practical applications, the driving component 213 is a cylinder or an electric cylinder, using on-board compressed air, on-board power supply, or hydraulic static pressure as a power source to drive the piston rod 2131 to move in the second direction. The pin 212 is connected to the piston rod 2131 by a T-bolt 215. The piston rod 2131 drives the pin 212 to insert into and pull out of the second guide hole 2112, completing the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism.

[0054] In some alternative embodiments, the guide block 211 is provided with an observation port 2113 that extends in a third direction. The observation port 2113 communicates with the second guide hole 2112. In the locked state, the pin 212 passes through the second guide hole 2112 and is exposed to the observation port 2113.

[0055] For the locking mechanism located at the corner of battery system 1 and bracket 2, the locking mechanism is obscured by the structure of battery system 1 and bracket 2, making it difficult to observe the situation inside the locking mechanism. For example... Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, an observation port 2113 extending along a third direction is provided on the guide block 211. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersect each other. After the pin 212 passes through the second guide hole 2112 on the guide block 211 and the pin hole 111 on the first locking member 11, one end is exposed in the observation port 2113. The operator can observe the position of the pin 212 and the state of the locking mechanism through the observation port 2113. If the pin 212 can be seen from the observation port 2113, it means that the locking mechanism has entered the locked state. If the pin 212 cannot be seen, it means that the pin 212 is not inserted or is not inserted properly.

[0056] In some alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism also includes a position sensor located on the guide block 211, which is used to detect the position of the pin 212.

[0057] A position sensor (not shown in the figure) is mounted on the guide block 211 to monitor whether the pin 212 is inserted into the pin hole 111 of the first locking member 11, in order to determine whether the locking mechanism is in a locked or unlocked state. The position sensor can be a Hall switch, proximity switch, or limit switch, or a magnetic switch can be used, which is directly mounted on the drive member 213, but it needs to be used in conjunction with the magnetic ring on the piston of the drive member 213.

[0058] Additionally, in some alternative embodiments, the end of the pin 212 furthest from the drive member 213 is wedge-shaped.

[0059] The wedge design makes it easier for the pin 212 to enter the pin hole 111 of the first locking member 11 during the insertion process, which can reduce the resistance of the pin 212 during the insertion process to a certain extent, making it easier for the operator to complete the locking operation.

[0060] The pin 212 can be in different shapes such as cylindrical pin, diamond pin, square pin, etc. The pin hole 111 and the third guide hole 2141 are adjusted accordingly based on the shape of the pin 212.

[0061] This invention provides a locking mechanism and a vehicle. The locking mechanism is used to lock a battery system 1 onto a vehicle bracket 2. A first locking member 11 and a second locking member 21 are respectively positioned opposite each other on the battery system 1 and the bracket 2. When the battery system 1 approaches the bracket 2, the first locking member 11 moves towards the second locking member 21 along a second direction and passes through a first guide hole 2111, aligning the first locking member 11 with the second locking member 21. When the first locking member 11 moves until the second guide hole 2112 aligns with the pin hole 111, a driving member 213 drives the pin 212 to pass through the second guide hole 2112 and the pin hole 111, fixing the first locking member 11 in the second locking member 21, thus completing the fixed connection between the battery system 1 and the vehicle bracket 2. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism is an independent unit; in specific applications, multiple sets can be arranged according to the actual force conditions. The locking mechanism is connected by a pin 212. The connection strength of a single locking mechanism is high, which can reduce the number of locking mechanisms set on the battery system 1 and the bracket 2. Even after multiple locking and unlocking, the first locking part 11 and the second locking part 21 are not easy to wear and damage. The structure is simple, safe and reliable, and has a long service life.

[0062] This invention also provides a vehicle including a battery system 1, a bracket 2, and any of the locking mechanisms provided in the above embodiments.

[0063] The vehicle in this embodiment is a battery-swapping vehicle. The battery system 1 can be quickly locked or unlocked onto the bracket 2 via a locking mechanism, facilitating battery replacement and maintenance. When battery replacement is required, simply operate the drive component 213 to disengage the pin 212 from the pin hole 111, thereby releasing the fixed connection between the first locking component 11 and the second locking component 21. Then, move the first locking component 11 in the opposite direction of the second direction to disengage it from the second locking component 21, allowing the battery system 1 to be removed from the bracket 2. The operation is simple and quick. Furthermore, due to the simple structure and strong connection of the locking mechanism, the stability and safety of the battery system 1 during vehicle operation are ensured, improving the reliability and efficiency of the battery-swapping vehicle.

[0064] The specific battery swapping process is as follows:

[0065] Step 1: When the vehicle's battery is low and the battery swapping system 1 needs to be replaced, the vehicle drives to the battery swapping station. After information identification, it stops at the designated battery swapping location with the assistance of the guidance and positioning device. After the driver turns off the vehicle and disconnects the power, the battery swapping mobile trolley receives the instruction from the host computer and drives under the vehicle. After attitude adjustment and positioning, the lifting mechanism on the trolley begins to lift. When the lifting platform contacts the battery system 1, the lifting action stops.

[0066] Step 2: The vehicle BBOX (Bounding Box) receives the instruction from the host computer and performs the unlocking action. At this time, the cylinder piston rod 2131 retracts and the solenoid valve is energized. The rod chamber of the cylinder is filled with air and the rodless chamber is exhausted. The retraction of the piston rod 2131 drives the pin 212 away from the pin hole 111 on the first locking member 11.

[0067] Step 3: When the cylinder piston rod 2131 is fully retracted, the pin 212 is also completely disengaged from the pin hole 111. At this time, the position sensor unlocks and sends unlocking completion information to the host computer.

[0068] Step 4: The lifting mechanism on the battery swapping trolley begins to slowly descend. Under its own weight, battery system 1 descends synchronously with the lifting platform until it is completely detached from support 2. Then, the battery swapping trolley transfers battery system 1 to the battery swapping station.

[0069] Step 5: The battery swapping trolley, carrying the fully charged battery system 1 from the battery swapping station, travels to the vehicle to be swapped. After adjusting its position, the lifting mechanism slowly raises the battery system 1. First, the tapered section 112 of the first locking member 11 enters the first guide hole 2111 on the guide block 211, completing the first stage of coarse guidance. When the vertical section 113 of the first locking member 11 enters the first guide hole 2111, the second stage of fine guidance is completed. When the battery system 1 continues to move upward and contacts the bracket 2, the lifting action stops.

[0070] Step 6: The vehicle BBOX receives the locking command from the host computer. The cylinder piston rod 2131 extends and the solenoid valve is energized. The rodless chamber of the cylinder is filled with air and the rod chamber is vented. The piston rod 2131 extends and drives the pin 212 to be inserted into the pin hole 111 on the first locking member 11.

[0071] Step 7: When the cylinder piston rod 2131 is fully extended, the pin 212 is also fully inserted into the pin hole 111 at the same time. At this time, the position sensor lock position is activated and sends the locking completion information to the host computer.

[0072] Step 8: The battery swapping mobile trolley lowers its lifting mechanism and then travels to the battery swapping station, completing the battery swapping process.

[0073] Step 9: After the vehicle is powered on and started, it can leave the battery swapping station with a fully charged battery system 1.

[0074] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0075] Although alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make further changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the alternative embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0076] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or terminal device that includes that element.

[0077] The technical solution provided by the present invention has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the principle and implementation of the present invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for locking a battery system (1) to a vehicle bracket (2), characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes: A first locking member (11) is used to fix the battery system (1). The first locking member (11) is provided with a pin hole (111) that extends through in a first direction. The second locking member (21) includes a guide block (211), a pin (212), and a driving member (213). The guide block (211) is used to fix the bracket (2). The guide block (211) is provided with a second guide hole (2112) passing through the first direction and a first guide hole (2111) passing through the second direction. One end of the pin (212) is slidably connected to the guide block (211), and the other end is connected to the driving member (213). The driving member (213) is used to drive the pin (212) to move along the first direction so that the locking mechanism switches between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the first locking member (11) is inserted into the first guide hole (2111), the pin hole (111) is aligned with the second guide hole (2112), and the pin (212) is inserted into the second guide hole (2112) and the pin hole (111); in the unlocked state, the driving member (213) drives the pin (212) to disengage from the pin hole (111) and the second guide hole (2112).

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first locking member (11) includes a tapered section (112) and a vertical section (113) connected along the second direction. The size of the outer peripheral surface of the tapered section (112) decreases from one end near the vertical section (113) to the end away from the vertical section (113). The shape and size of the outer peripheral surface of the vertical section (113) are adapted to the shape and size of the first guide hole (2111).

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first guide hole (2111) includes a guide section (21122) and a positioning section (21121) connected along the second direction. The size of the positioning section (21121) increases from one end near the guide section (21122) to the other end away from the guide section (21122). When the first locking member (11) is inserted into the first guide hole (2111), the first locking member (11) enters the positioning section (21121) first.

4. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second locking member (21) further includes a connector (214), one end of which is connected to the guide block (211) and the other end is connected to the driving member (213). The connector (214) has a cavity for accommodating the pin (212). A third guide hole (2141) is provided at the end of the connector (214) connected to the guide block (211) opposite to the second guide hole (2112). A connecting hole (2142) is provided at the end of the connector (214) connected to the driving member (213). The driving member (213) passes through at least part of the connecting hole (2142) to connect with the pin (212). The pin (212) can slide in the third guide hole (2141) under the drive of the driving member (213).

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shape and size of the third guide hole (2141) are adapted to the shape and size of the pin (212), and the size of the connecting hole (2142) is smaller than the size of the outer peripheral surface of the pin (212).

6. The locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive unit (213) includes a piston rod (2131) that passes through the connecting hole (2142) and is connected to the pin (212).

7. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide block (211) is provided with an observation port (2113) that extends in a third direction. The observation port (2113) is connected to the second guide hole (2112). In the locked state, the pin (212) passes through the second guide hole (2112) and is exposed to the observation port (2113).

8. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism also includes a position sensor located on the guide block (211) and is used to detect the position of the pin (212).

9. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the pin (212) away from the drive member (213) is wedge-shaped.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes a battery system (1), a bracket (2), and a locking mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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