Cleaning equipment and battery swapping station

Abstract

This application provides a cleaning device and a battery swapping station. The cleaning device is used to clean batteries and includes a housing, a cleaning mechanism, and a sealing mechanism. The housing is used to contain the batteries. The cleaning mechanism is disposed in the housing and is used to clean the batteries that enter the housing. The sealing mechanism is disposed in the housing and is used to seal the battery connectors. The technical solution of this application improves the aesthetics and reliability of the batteries by cleaning them with the cleaning mechanism. Sealing the battery connectors with the sealing mechanism reduces the probability of cleaning fluid entering the battery, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits and affecting battery water cooling, and further improving battery reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a cleaning device and a battery swapping station. Background Technology

[0002] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry, and electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of this sustainable development. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a crucial factor in their development.

[0003] In the development of battery technology, how to reduce the risk of affecting battery reliability during battery cleaning is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a cleaning device and a battery swapping station, which can reduce the risk of affecting battery reliability when cleaning batteries.

[0005] This application is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a cleaning apparatus for cleaning batteries. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing, a cleaning mechanism, and a sealing mechanism. The housing is used to contain the batteries. The cleaning mechanism is disposed in the housing and is used to clean the batteries that enter the housing. The sealing mechanism is disposed in the housing and is used to seal the battery connectors.

[0007] The technical solution of this application embodiment addresses the issue that during use or battery replacement, impurities (such as dust or large particles) can easily accumulate on the outer surface of the battery, affecting its appearance and increasing the risk of short circuits or assembly difficulties when the battery is installed in a power device. Cleaning the battery with a cleaning mechanism improves its appearance and reliability. During cleaning, cleaning fluid may enter the battery through its connectors (which can be electrical or water-cooling connectors). For example, cleaning fluid may wet the electrical connectors and the circuits connected to them, causing a short circuit. Similarly, cleaning fluid may enter the battery's water-cooling channels through the water-cooling connectors, mixing with the coolant and diluting it, thus affecting the battery's water-cooling effect. Sealing the battery connectors with a sealing mechanism reduces the probability of cleaning fluid entering the battery, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits, minimizing the impact on water cooling, and improving battery reliability.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism includes a first drive member and a seal member, the first drive member being used to drive the seal member to move so that the seal member seals or opens the battery connector.

[0009] The technical solution of this application embodiment drives the seal to move through the first driving member, which helps to improve the convenience of sealing and opening the battery connector, saves manpower, and at the same time, driving the seal to move helps to shorten the distance between the seal and the battery, reduces the risk that the seal cannot seal the battery due to the large distance, and helps to improve the reliability of the battery.

[0010] In some embodiments, the seal includes a first seal and a second seal, the first seal being used to seal the electrical connector of the battery and the second seal being used to seal the water-cooling connector of the battery.

[0011] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by sealing the battery's electrical connector with a first sealing element, reduces the probability of cleaning fluid entering the electrical connector and the battery interior, thereby reducing the risk of battery short circuit. Simultaneously, by sealing the battery's water-cooling connector with a second sealing element, it reduces the risk of cleaning fluid diluting the coolant and thus degrading the water-cooling effect, thereby improving battery reliability.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism includes a first blower for blowing air onto the first seal to dry the liquid on the first seal.

[0013] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, during battery cleaning, the first seal seals the battery's electrical connector. Cleaning fluid easily adheres to the first seal. When cleaning the next battery, the first seal seals the battery's electrical connector again, and the liquid adhering to the first seal easily wets the battery's electrical connector, potentially causing a short circuit. Drying the liquid on the first seal with a first blower helps reduce the risk of battery short circuits.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first driving member is used to drive the seal to reciprocate along a first direction, which is parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0015] The technical solution of this application embodiment typically aims to reduce the footprint of the cleaning device by placing the seal above the battery, sharing the same space with it. The seal is driven to reciprocate along a first direction by a first driving member, which improves the convenience of sealing and opening the battery connector.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism further includes a base, a first guide rail, and a bracket. The base is connected to the chamber, the first guide rail and a first driving member are disposed on the base, the first guide rail extends along a first direction, the bracket slides with the first guide rail, the first driving member is used to drive the bracket to move along the first guide rail, and the sealing member is disposed on the bracket.

[0017] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by setting a first guide rail, enables the seal to move along the first guide rail with the bracket, which helps to improve the stability of the seal's movement.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cleaning mechanism includes a sprayer and a second blower, the sprayer being used to spray cleaning fluid onto the battery and the second blower being used to blow air onto the battery to dry the cleaning fluid on the battery.

[0019] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, after cleaning, the surface of the battery is prone to adhere to cleaning fluid. When charging or swapping the battery after cleaning, it is susceptible to short circuits. By using a second blower to dry the cleaning fluid on the battery, the risk of short circuits is reduced, thus improving battery reliability.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cleaning mechanism is located on the top of the chamber.

[0021] The technical solution of this application embodiment places the cleaning mechanism at the top of the chamber, so that when cleaning the battery, the cleaning fluid can clean the battery from above, and due to gravity, the cleaning fluid can flow down from the top of the battery to clean other parts of the battery, which helps to improve the cleaning effect. At the same time, placing the cleaning mechanism at the top of the chamber allows it to share the floor space with the battery, saving the floor space of the cleaning mechanism and making the dimensions of the chamber smaller in the length and width directions, which helps to reduce the floor space occupied by the cleaning device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cleaning device further includes a support mechanism disposed within a chamber, the bottom of which forms a water reservoir located below the support mechanism. The support mechanism is configured to switch between a first state and a second state; in the first state, the support mechanism supports the battery; in the second state, the support mechanism releases the battery to allow it to fall into the water reservoir.

[0023] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by setting a support mechanism, supports the battery in the first state so that the cleaning device can clean the battery and improve the battery's reliability; in the second state, the support mechanism can allow the battery to fall into the water tank so that when the battery thermally runs away, it can cool down and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing the risk of property damage and personal injury caused by battery thermal runaway.

[0024] In some embodiments, the support mechanism includes a support member, a limiting member, and a second driving member. The support member is rotatably connected to the housing, and the second driving member drives the limiting member to move between a first position that restricts the rotation of the support member and a second position that allows the support member to rotate. In a first state, the limiting member is in the first position, and the support member supports the battery; in a second state, the limiting member is in the second position, and the support member releases the battery.

[0025] The technical solution of this application embodiment drives the limiting member through the second driving member, thereby enabling the support member to switch from the first state to the second state, replacing manual placement of the battery into the water tank and saving manpower. Typically, batteries need to be placed in a water tank during thermal runaway, as thermally runaway batteries have high temperatures and release high-temperature substances. Using the second driving member to replace manual placement improves safety.

[0026] In some embodiments, there are two support mechanisms, which are distributed on both sides of the cabin in the second direction. The size of the cabin in the second direction is larger than the size of the cabin in the third direction. The second direction, the third direction and the gravity direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0027] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, after the battery enters the compartment, the battery is provided with quick-change locks on two surfaces in the third direction for exchanging power with the power-consuming device. By setting the support mechanism on both sides of the compartment in the second direction, the position of the support mechanism and the position of the battery quick-change lock are staggered, reducing the risk of the support mechanism affecting the maintenance of the quick-change lock.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus further includes a smoke sensor disposed within the chamber. The support mechanism is configured to switch from a first state to a second state when the smoke sensor detects that the smoke concentration within the chamber exceeds a threshold.

[0029] The technical solution of this application embodiment detects the smoke concentration inside the chamber by setting a smoke sensor, thereby determining whether the battery has thermal runaway. The detection data of the smoke sensor switches the support mechanism from a first state to a second state, so that when the battery thermal runaway occurs, the battery can be cooled and extinguished in a timely and accurate manner, thereby reducing the risk of property damage and personal injury caused by battery thermal runaway.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus further includes a water pump for delivering cleaning fluid from a water storage tank to the cleaning mechanism.

[0031] The technical solution of this application embodiment uses a water pump to transport the cleaning fluid in the water storage tank to the cleaning mechanism, so that the cleaning fluid can be recycled, reducing costs and saving resources.

[0032] In some embodiments, the cleaning device further includes a filter element disposed in a water storage tank, which divides the water storage tank into a sedimentation tank and a clear water tank. The sedimentation tank is used to collect the cleaning fluid after cleaning the battery, and the water pump is used to transport the cleaning fluid in the clear water tank to the cleaning mechanism.

[0033] The technical solution of this application embodiment separates the sedimentation tank and the clear water tank through a filter element, and transports the cleaning liquid in the clear water tank to the cleaning mechanism. The cleaning liquid is filtered through the filter element, which helps to improve the cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid on the battery.

[0034] In some embodiments, a drain valve is provided at the bottom of the chamber, which is connected to a water storage tank and is used to drain the cleaning fluid in the water storage tank.

[0035] The technical solution of this application embodiment improves the convenience of draining the cleaning fluid from the water storage tank by setting a drain valve.

[0036] In some embodiments, the chamber has an opening on one side in the second direction for the battery to enter and exit the chamber. The cleaning device also includes a sealing door movably connected to the chamber for closing the opening.

[0037] The technical solution of this application embodiment reduces the probability of cleaning fluid flowing out of the chamber when cleaning the battery by setting a closed door to seal the opening for the battery to enter and exit the chamber, thereby reducing the waste of cleaning fluid and the risk of cleaning fluid flowing out and affecting the external environment of the cleaning device.

[0038] In some embodiments, the cleaning device further includes a third drive unit connected to the chamber, which is used to drive the closed door to move in order to open or close the opening.

[0039] The technical solution of this application embodiment saves manpower by setting a third driving component to drive the closed door to move.

[0040] In some embodiments, the third driving member is used to drive the closed door to reciprocate along a first direction, which is parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0041] The technical solution of this application embodiment sets the closed door to reciprocate along a first direction, so that the closed door and the cabin share the same floor space, reducing the floor area occupied by the closed door and thus reducing the space occupied by the cleaning device.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cleaning device further includes a second guide rail connected to the chamber, and a third drive member for driving the closed door to move along the second guide rail.

[0043] The technical solution of this application embodiment improves the stability of the closed door movement by setting a second guide rail, which allows the closed door to move along the second guide rail.

[0044] In some embodiments, the two bulkheads of the cabin in the third direction are openable hatches, and the third direction is perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0045] The technical solution of this application embodiment provides an openable door in the third-party direction of the chamber, which facilitates the maintenance of the internal structure of the cleaning device and the maintenance of the battery inside the cleaning device.

[0046] Secondly, this application provides a battery swapping station, which includes a battery compartment, a transport component, and a cleaning device as provided in any embodiment of the first aspect. The battery compartment is used to charge the battery. The transport component shuttles between the cleaning device and the battery compartment for exchanging batteries between the battery compartment and the cleaning device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the battery swapping station further includes a fourth drive unit for driving the cleaning device to move closer to or away from the battery compartment.

[0048] The technical solution of this application embodiment uses a fourth driving member to drive the cleaning device to move closer to or away from the battery compartment. When the cleaning device is cleaning the battery, the fourth driving member drives the cleaning device closer to the battery compartment, thereby shortening the movement distance of the transport component and saving energy. When it is necessary to maintain the interior of the cleaning device or the battery inside the cleaning device, the fourth driving member drives the cleaning device away from the battery compartment, so that there is enough space for the door of the compartment facing the battery compartment to be opened for easy maintenance.

[0049] In some embodiments, the cleaning device and the battery compartment are arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The battery swapping station also includes a third guide rail extending along the third direction, and a fourth drive member is used to drive the cleaning device to move along the third guide rail.

[0050] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by setting a third guide rail, enables the cleaning device to move along the third guide rail, which helps to improve the stability of the movement of the cleaning device.

[0051] Additional aspects and advantages of this application 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 this application. Attached Figure Description

[0052] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery swapping station provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a cleaning apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a battery entering a cleaning device according to some embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a sealing mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a sealing mechanism from another perspective, provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a seal provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a cleaning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the support mechanism provided in the first state for some embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the second state of the support mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0063] Icons: 1-Cleaning device; 10-Hood; 11-Water storage tank; 111-Sedimentation tank; 112-Clear water tank; 12-Drain valve; 13-Opening; 14-Hood door; 20-Cleaning mechanism; 21-Sprayer component; 22-Second blower component; 30-Sealing mechanism; 31-First drive component; 32-Sealing component; 321-First sealing component; 322-Second sealing component; 33-First blower component; 34-Base; 35-First guide rail; 36 - Bracket; 40 - Support mechanism; 41 - Support component; 42 - Limiting component; 43 - Second driving component; 50 - Smoke sensor; 60 - Water pump; 70 - Filter component; 80 - Sealing door; 90 - Third driving component; 91 - Second guide rail; 100 - Battery; 200 - Battery swapping station; 210 - Battery compartment; 220 - Transport component; 230 - Fourth driving component; 240 - Third guide rail; Z - First direction; X - Second direction; Y - Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0064] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0066] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0067] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0068] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or the second direction can represent three cases: A existing alone, A and the second direction existing simultaneously, and the second direction existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0069] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), and similarly, "multiple groups" refers to two or more (including two), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two).

[0070] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a battery device, which may include one or more battery cell assemblies for providing voltage and capacity. A battery cell assembly may include multiple battery cells, which are connected in series, parallel, or mixed connections via a busbar.

[0071] In some embodiments, a battery cell assembly is typically formed by arranging multiple battery cells; as an example, a battery cell assembly can be a battery module, which is formed by arranging and fixing multiple battery cells into a single module. As an example, a battery module can be formed by bundling multiple battery cells together with cable ties.

[0072] In some embodiments, the battery may be a battery pack, which includes a housing and one or more individual battery cell assemblies housed within the housing.

[0073] As an example, the battery cell assembly can be a battery module, and the battery cell assembly can be housed in the housing by fixing the battery module in the housing.

[0074] As an example, battery cell assemblies can also be housed in a housing by directly fixing multiple battery cells to the housing.

[0075] As an example, the enclosure may include a first enclosure and a second enclosure. The first enclosure and the second enclosure are fastened together to form a closed space inside the enclosure to house the individual battery cells. Here, "closed" refers to covering or closing, and can be either sealed or unsealed. The first enclosure may be a top cover or a bottom plate.

[0076] As an example, the enclosure may include a top cover, a frame, and a bottom plate. The top cover and bottom plate are connected to the frame, creating an enclosed space inside the enclosure to house the individual battery cells.

[0077] As an example, the housing can be part of the vehicle's chassis structure. For instance, the housing's roof can be at least part of the vehicle's floor, or the housing's frame can be at least part of the vehicle's crossbeams and longitudinal beams.

[0078] In this embodiment of the application, the battery cell can be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be recharged to activate the active materials and continue to be used after the battery cell has been discharged.

[0079] The battery cell may be, but is not limited to, lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc.

[0080] The development of battery technology must take into account multiple design factors, such as energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, charge-discharge rate and other performance parameters. In addition, as environmental conditions and / or internal battery conditions change, improving battery reliability during battery cleaning at battery swapping stations is also a key consideration.

[0081] Currently, batteries provide power to electrical devices, and these devices exchange batteries with battery swapping stations. When the battery in an electrical device has low power, the device exchanges its low-powered battery to the swapping station, and the swapping station exchanges its fully charged battery to the device, thus providing continuous power to the device.

[0082] During use or battery swapping, impurities (such as dust or large particles) can easily accumulate on the outer surface of batteries, affecting their appearance and increasing the risk of short circuits or assembly difficulties when the batteries are installed in electrical devices. Therefore, battery swapping stations are equipped with cleaning devices that clean the batteries by spraying a cleaning solution onto them.

[0083] However, during the cleaning process, the cleaning fluid may wet the battery's electrical connectors or the internal circuitry of the battery through the connectors, causing a short circuit when the battery is charging or discharging to an electrical device. Alternatively, the cleaning fluid may enter the battery's water-cooling channels through the water-cooling connectors and mix with the coolant, causing the coolant to dilute. This can lead to a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency of the coolant or make the coolant more prone to freezing, affecting the battery's water-cooling performance and thus its reliability.

[0084] Based on the above considerations, in order to solve the problem that cleaning fluid may wet the battery connectors or enter the battery's interior during battery cleaning, thereby affecting battery reliability, this application provides a cleaning device. The cleaning device is used to clean batteries and includes a housing, a cleaning mechanism, and a sealing mechanism. The housing is used to contain the battery. The cleaning mechanism is disposed in the housing and is used to clean the battery that enters the housing. The sealing mechanism is disposed in the housing and is used to seal the battery connectors.

[0085] Cleaning the battery through a cleaning mechanism improves its aesthetics and reliability. Sealing the battery connectors through a sealing mechanism reduces the probability of cleaning fluid entering the battery, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits and affecting battery water cooling, ultimately improving battery reliability.

[0086] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to battery cells and battery devices used in various electrical devices, such as electric vehicles, cars, ships, and spacecraft.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a cleaning apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a battery entering a cleaning apparatus according to some embodiments of this application, wherein the diagram is provided for ease of illustration. Figure 3The internal structure of the cleaning device conceals part of the chamber structure. This application provides a cleaning device 1 for cleaning a battery 100. The cleaning device 1 includes a chamber 10, a cleaning mechanism 20, and a sealing mechanism 30. The chamber 10 is used to house the battery 100. The cleaning mechanism 20 is disposed in the chamber 10 and is used to clean the battery 100 entering the chamber 10. The sealing mechanism 30 is disposed in the chamber 10 and is used to seal the connector of the battery 100.

[0088] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 may include a chamber 10. When the battery 100 needs to be cleaned, it can enter the chamber 10 from the outside to clean it. After the battery 100 is cleaned, it leaves the chamber 10.

[0089] In some embodiments, the material of the cabin 10 may be metal or alloy.

[0090] In some embodiments, the housing 10 may have a cavity with an opening 13 through which the battery 100 enters and exits the cavity.

[0091] The number of openings 13 can be one, and one opening 13 is used for the battery 100 to enter the cavity and leave the cavity.

[0092] Alternatively, there can be two openings 13, one of which is used for the battery 100 to enter the cavity, and the other is used for the battery 100 to leave the cavity.

[0093] In some embodiments, opening 13 can be normally open.

[0094] In some embodiments, the opening 13 can be in an open state when the battery 100 enters the cavity or leaves the cavity; the opening 13 can be closed when the battery 100 enters the cavity for cleaning.

[0095] In some embodiments, the opening 13 may be located above or on the side of the cabin 10.

[0096] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 may include a cleaning mechanism 20, which is capable of spraying cleaning fluid to clean the battery 100. The cleaning fluid may be sprayed under pressure so that there is a certain impact when the cleaning fluid comes into contact with the battery 100, which helps to improve the cleaning effect of the battery 100.

[0097] In some embodiments, the cleaning solution may be a mixture of water and a cleaning agent.

[0098] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 may include a sealing mechanism 30, which seals the connector of the battery 100 before cleaning, thereby reducing the risk of cleaning fluid wetting the connector during cleaning of the battery 100. After cleaning of the battery 100 is completed, the sealing mechanism opens the connector of the battery 100, and the battery 100 leaves the chamber 10.

[0099] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, during use or battery replacement, impurities (such as dust or large particles) are easily present on the outer surface of the battery 100, affecting the appearance of the battery 100 and potentially causing short circuits or assembly difficulties when the battery 100 is assembled into an electrical device. Cleaning the battery 100 through the cleaning mechanism 20 helps improve the appearance and reliability of the battery 100. Meanwhile, during the cleaning process of battery 100, the cleaning fluid may enter the battery 100 through the connector (the connector can be divided into electrical connector and water-cooling connector). For example, the cleaning fluid may wet the electrical connector and the circuit connected to the electrical connector, causing the battery 100 to short-circuit. Or, the cleaning fluid may enter the water-cooling channel of the battery 100 through the water-cooling connector and mix with the coolant, causing the coolant to dilute and affecting the water-cooling effect of the battery 100. By sealing the connector of battery 100 through the sealing mechanism 30, the probability of cleaning fluid entering the battery 100 is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit of battery 100, reducing the risk of affecting the water-cooling of battery 100, and improving the reliability of battery 100.

[0100] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 and refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a sealing mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a sealing mechanism from another perspective, provided for some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 30 includes a first drive member 31 and a seal member 32, the first drive member 31 being used to drive the seal member 32 to move, so that the seal member 32 seals or opens the connector of the battery 100.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first drive element 31 may be a cylinder or a motor.

[0102] In some embodiments, the seal 32 may be made of plastic, metal, or other materials. The seal 32 may mate with the connector of the battery 100.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first drive member 31 may include an output shaft, which may be connected to the seal 32, thereby driving the seal 32 to move in a direction closer to or away from the battery 100. After the battery 100 enters the housing 10, the first drive member 31 drives the seal 32 to move closer to the battery 100, so that the seal 32 seals the connector of the battery 100; after the battery 100 is cleaned, the first drive member 31 drives the seal 32 to move away from the battery 100, so that the seal 32 opens the connector of the battery 100.

[0104] The technical solution of this application embodiment drives the sealing member 32 to move through the first driving member 31, which helps to improve the convenience of sealing and opening the connector of the battery 100 by the sealing member 32, saving manpower. At the same time, driving the sealing member 32 to move helps to shorten the distance between the sealing member 32 and the battery 100, reducing the risk that the sealing member 32 cannot seal the battery 100 due to the large distance, and thus improving the reliability of the battery 100.

[0105] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 and refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a seal provided in some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the seal 32 includes a first seal 321 and a second seal 322. The first seal 321 is used to seal the electrical connector of the battery 100, and the second seal 322 is used to seal the water-cooling connector of the battery 100. This helps to reduce the probability of impurities blocking the water-cooling connector and cleaning fluid entering the water-cooling connector, thereby reducing the risk of affecting the water cooling of the battery 100 and improving the reliability of the battery 100.

[0106] In some embodiments, the seal 32 may include a first seal 321 and a second seal 322, which are connected together.

[0107] In some embodiments, the connectors of the battery 100 may include an electrical connector and a water-cooling connector. The electrical connector is used to electrically connect to a power-consuming device to provide electrical power, or it is used to connect to the charging terminal of the charging compartment to charge the battery 100. The water-cooling connector is used to connect to the water-cooling module of the power-consuming device to introduce coolant into the water-cooling channels inside the battery 100. The battery 100 generates heat during charging and discharging, and the coolant is used to cool the battery 100.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first seal 321 can seal an electrical connector, typically an electrical connector having multiple probes in an electrical connection port that transmit current. The first seal 321 can have a groove that mates with the multiple probes, and the first seal 321 can seal the electrical connection port.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second seal 322 can seal the water-cooled connector, which includes an inlet and an outlet. The second seal 322 can include two parts, one part sealing the inlet and the other part sealing the outlet.

[0110] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by sealing the electrical connector of the battery 100 with the first sealing member 321, helps to reduce the probability of cleaning fluid entering the electrical connector and the interior of the battery 100, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit in the battery 100. At the same time, by sealing the water-cooling connector of the battery 100 with the second sealing member 322, it helps to reduce the risk of the cleaning fluid diluting the coolant and thus reducing the water-cooling effect, thereby improving the reliability of the battery 100.

[0111] Please refer to Figures 5 to 7 In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 30 includes a first blower 33 for blowing air onto the first seal 321 to dry the liquid on the first seal 321.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first blower 33 may have a blower nozzle that blows out airflow to dry the liquid on the first seal 321. It should be noted that the first blower 33 dries the portion of the first seal 321 used to seal the electrical connector of the battery 100.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first blower 33 may be connected to the first seal 321.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first blowing element 33 can be a hair dryer or a heater.

[0115] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, when cleaning the battery 100, the first seal 321 seals the electrical connector of the battery 100. Cleaning fluid easily adheres to the first seal 321. When cleaning the next battery 100, the liquid adhering to the first seal 321 can easily wet the electrical connector of the battery 100, causing a short circuit in the battery 100. Drying the liquid on the first seal 321 using the first blower 33 helps reduce the risk of a short circuit in the battery 100.

[0116] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the first driving member 31 is used to drive the seal member 32 to reciprocate along a first direction Z, which is parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first direction can be represented by the direction indicated by the letter Z in the figure.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first direction Z can be parallel to the direction of gravity, and the first direction Z can be parallel to the height direction of the cleaning device 1.

[0119] In some embodiments, in the first direction Z, after the battery 100 enters the housing 10, the seal 32 can be positioned above the battery 100. At this time, the first drive member 31 drives the seal 32 to move downward to seal the connector of the battery 100. After cleaning is completed, the first drive member 31 drives the seal 32 to move upward to reset, so that the seal 32 separates from the connector of the battery 100, and the battery 100 leaves the housing 10.

[0120] In this application, the technical solution typically aims to reduce the footprint of the cleaning device 1 by placing the sealing member 32 above the battery 100, sharing the footprint with the battery 100. The sealing member 32 is driven by the first driving member 31 to reciprocate along the first direction Z, which improves the convenience of sealing and opening the connector of the battery 100.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 30 further includes a base 34, a first guide rail 35, and a bracket 36. The base 34 is connected to the cabin 10. The first guide rail 35 and a first driving member 31 are disposed on the base 34. The first guide rail 35 extends along a first direction Z. The bracket 36 is slidably engaged with the first guide rail 35. The first driving member 31 is used to drive the bracket 36 to move along the first guide rail 35. The sealing member 32 is disposed on the bracket 36.

[0122] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 30 may include a base 34, which may be a plate and may be disposed on the bulkhead of the hull 10. For example, the base 34 may be disposed on the bulkhead of the hull 10 extending along the first direction Z.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first guide rail 35 and the first drive member 31 may be disposed on the base 34, the first guide rail 35 may extend along the first direction Z, and the bracket 36 may have a sliding part, such as a roller, that slides with the first guide rail 35.

[0124] In some embodiments, the seal 32 may be disposed on the bracket 36, and the form of the disposed seal may be welding, bolting, integral molding, etc.

[0125] In some embodiments, after the battery 100 enters the housing 10, the first drive member 31 drives the bracket 36 to move along the first direction Z on the first guide rail 35 to approach the battery 100, thereby bringing the seal 32 closer to the battery 100 and sealing the connector of the battery 100. After the battery 100 is cleaned, the first drive member 31 drives the bracket 36 to move along the first direction Z on the first guide rail 35 to move away from the battery 100, thereby moving the seal 32 away from the battery 100, opening the connector of the battery 100, and allowing the battery 100 to leave the housing 10.

[0126] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by setting a first guide rail 35, enables the sealing member 32 to move along the first guide rail 35 with the bracket 36, which helps to improve the stability of the movement of the sealing member 32.

[0127] Please refer to Figure 3 and refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a cleaning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application, wherein... Figure 8 This is a bottom view of the cleaning device for easy demonstration. Figure 8 The structure of the cleaning mechanism conceals part of the cabin structure. In some embodiments, the cleaning mechanism 20 includes a spray member 21 and a second blower member 22. The spray member 21 is used to spray cleaning fluid onto the battery 100, and the second blower member 22 is used to blow air onto the battery 100 to dry the cleaning fluid on the battery 100.

[0128] In some embodiments, the cleaning mechanism 20 may include a spray element 21, which may be disposed on the wall of the chamber 10. The spray element 21 may be disposed inside the wall, and the surface of the wall is provided with channels for the spray element 21 to spray cleaning liquid.

[0129] In some embodiments, the spray element 21 may have a pressure pump so that the cleaning fluid can be sprayed out at a certain speed.

[0130] In some embodiments, the cleaning mechanism 20 may include a second air blower 22, which may be disposed on the wall of the chamber 10. The second air blower 22 may be a flexible hose structure for easy stretching, with one end connected to the chamber wall and the other end provided with an air outlet for drying the cleaning fluid on the battery 100.

[0131] In some embodiments, the second blower 22 can blow out warm air.

[0132] In some embodiments, the battery 100 enters the chamber 10, the spray member 21 sprays out cleaning fluid to clean the battery 100, after cleaning is completed, the spray member 21 is turned off, the second blower 22 is activated to dry the cleaning fluid on the battery 100, and after drying, the battery 100 leaves the chamber 10.

[0133] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, after cleaning, the surface of the battery 100 is prone to being coated with cleaning fluid. When charging or swapping the battery 100 after cleaning, it is prone to short circuit. By providing a second blower 22 to dry the cleaning fluid on the battery 100, the risk of short circuit is reduced and the reliability of the battery 100 is improved.

[0134] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the cleaning mechanism 20 is located on the top of the chamber 10.

[0135] In some embodiments, the housing 10 may have multiple bulkheads, which may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and multiple side walls. The top wall and the bottom wall are disposed opposite each other in a first direction Z, with the top wall located above the bottom wall. One end of the multiple side walls is disposed around the outer perimeter of the bottom wall in the first direction Z, and the other end is connected to the top wall. The top wall, the bottom wall, and the multiple side walls form a cavity for accommodating the battery 100.

[0136] In some embodiments, the cleaning mechanism 20 may be disposed on the top wall of the chamber 10, that is, the spray member 21 and the second blower 22 are disposed on the top wall.

[0137] The technical solution of this application embodiment places the cleaning mechanism 20 on the top of the chamber 10, so that when cleaning the battery 100, the cleaning fluid can clean the battery 100 from above, and due to gravity, the cleaning fluid can flow down from the top of the battery 100 to clean other parts of the battery 100, which helps to improve the cleaning effect. At the same time, placing the cleaning mechanism 20 on the top of the chamber 10 allows it to share the floor space with the battery 100, saving the floor space of the cleaning mechanism 20, making the dimensions of the chamber 10 smaller in the length and width directions, which helps to reduce the floor space of the cleaning device 1.

[0138] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 and refer to Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the support mechanism provided in the first state for some embodiments of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the second state of the support mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application. The diagram is provided to illustrate the internal structure of the cleaning device. Figure 4The structure of the cabin is partially concealed. In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 further includes a support mechanism 40 disposed within the cabin 10, with a water storage tank 11 formed at the bottom of the cabin 10, located below the support mechanism 40. The support mechanism 40 is configured to switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the support mechanism 40 supports the battery 100; in the second state, the support mechanism 40 releases the battery 100 so that it falls into the water storage tank 11.

[0139] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 40 may be disposed inside the cabin 10, dividing the space of the cabin 10 into upper and lower parts, the upper part being used for cleaning the battery 100, and the lower part being a water storage tank 11.

[0140] Battery 100 enters the chamber 10, support mechanism 40 supports battery 100, cleaning mechanism 20 cleans battery 100, and the cleaning fluid flowing out of cleaning mechanism 20 flows downward after cleaning battery 100 and flows into water storage tank 11.

[0141] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 40 has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the support mechanism 40 supports the battery 100, allowing the battery 100 to be cleaned. In the second state, for example, when the battery 100 experiences thermal runaway, the temperature of the battery 100 is high, and it may be accompanied by fire or the ejection of high-temperature substances from the inside of the battery 100, such as high-temperature gas, liquid, or other solids inside the battery 100. At this time, the support mechanism 40 releases the battery 100, causing the battery 100 to lose its support and fall into the water storage tank 11, where it is submerged by the liquid in the water storage tank 11 to cool down or extinguish the fire.

[0142] It should be noted that the liquid in the water storage tank 11 can be a cleaning fluid, or it can be a liquid that was originally stored in the water storage tank 11. The original liquid and the converging cleaning fluid are mixed to cool down and extinguish the fire of the battery 100.

[0143] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by setting a support mechanism 40, supports the battery 100 in the first state so that the cleaning device 1 can clean the battery 100 and improve the reliability of the battery 100; in the second state, the support mechanism 40 can make the battery 100 fall into the water storage tank 11 so that when the battery 100 thermally runs away, it can cool down and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing the risk of property damage and personal injury caused by thermal runaway of the battery 100.

[0144] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 10In some embodiments, the support mechanism 40 includes a support member 41, a limiting member 42, and a second driving member 43. The support member 41 is rotatably connected to the housing 10, and the second driving member 43 drives the limiting member 42 to move between a first position that restricts the rotation of the support member 41 and a second position that allows the support member 41 to rotate. In the first state, the limiting member 42 is in the first position, and the support member 41 supports the battery 100; in the second state, the limiting member 42 is in the second position, and the support member 41 releases the battery 100.

[0145] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 40 may include a support member 41, which may be a plate-like member supported below the battery 100.

[0146] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 40 may include two support members 41, which are respectively supported on both sides of the battery 100 in the third direction Y. The third direction Y can be represented by the direction indicated by the letter Y in the figure. The third direction Y can be perpendicular to the first direction Z, and the third direction Y can be the width direction of the cabin 10.

[0147] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 40 may include a mounting base connected to the bulkhead of the hull 10. The mounting base is provided with a pivot extending in a third direction Y. The support member 41 is disposed on the mounting base and cooperates with the pivot. The pivot has an axis extending in a third direction Y. The pivot rotates about the axis, thereby causing the support member 41 to flip.

[0148] The support mechanism 40 includes a limiting member 42, which can be a block or other shape. The limiting member 42 has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the limiting member 42 can abut against the surface of the support member 41 in the second direction X, thereby restricting the support member 41 from rotating about the axis, so that the support mechanism 40 is in the first state, and the support member 41 supports the battery 100.

[0149] In the second position, the limiting member 42 can move along the third direction Y, thereby separating the limiting member 42 from the support member 41. The limiting member 42 no longer abuts against the support member 41, and the support member 41 rotates and flips around the pivot, causing the battery 100 to fall into the water storage tank 11.

[0150] The second direction X can be represented by the direction shown by the letter X in the figure. The second direction X can be perpendicular to the third direction Y and the first direction Z. The second direction X can be the length direction of the hull 10.

[0151] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 40 may include a second drive member 43, which may be mounted on a mounting base and may be a cylinder or a motor. The output shaft of the second drive member 43 may be connected to a limiting member 42, thereby driving the limiting member 42 to move in the third direction Y.

[0152] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 40 may include a guide rail, which may be disposed on a mounting base. The guide rail may extend in a third direction Y, the limiting member 42 may slide with the guide rail, and the second driving member 43 may drive the limiting member 42 to move along the guide rail.

[0153] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 40 may include guide members, which may be disposed around the support member 41. The guide members may have guide surfaces, which may be inclined surfaces. Each guide surface forms a cavity for accommodating the battery 100. In the first direction Z, the cavities formed by the guide surfaces gradually decrease in size from top to bottom. After the battery 100 enters the housing 10, it can move along the first direction Z towards the support member 41 until it is supported by the support member 41. During this movement, each surface of the battery 100 can contact each guide surface and move along the guide surface. When the support member 41 supports the battery 100, each guide surface contacts the surface of the battery 100. The guide surfaces guide the battery 100, allowing it to fall into a designated position and be supported by the support member 41.

[0154] In some embodiments, the battery 100 enters the housing 10 and falls onto the support member 41. At this time, the limiting member 42 abuts against the support member 41, so that the support member 41 supports the battery 100. After the battery 100 is cleaned, it leaves the housing 100.

[0155] In some embodiments, the battery 100 enters the housing 10 and rests on the support member 41. At this time, the limiting member 42 abuts against the support member 41 to restrict the rotation of the support member 41, so that the support member 41 supports the battery 100. When the battery 100 experiences thermal runaway, the second driving member 43 drives the limiting member 42 to move, causing the limiting member 42 to separate from the support member 41 and no longer restricting the rotation of the support member 41. At this time, the support member 41 flips over, causing the battery 100 to fall into the water tank 11 below to cool down the battery 100 and extinguish the fire.

[0156] In some embodiments, the support member 41 has a tendency to rotate, and in the first state, the limiting member 42 restricts the rotation of the support member 41. When the support mechanism 40 is in the second state, the support member 41 rotates to achieve a flip. In order for the support member 41 to continue to support the next battery 100, the support member 41 can be manually flipped and the limiting member 42 can be used to limit the support member 41, so that the support member 41 can continue to support the next battery 100.

[0157] The technical solution of this application embodiment drives the limiting member 42 through the second driving member 43, thereby enabling the support member 41 to switch from the first state to the second state, replacing manual placement of the battery 100 into the water storage tank 11 and saving manpower. Normally, the battery 100 needs to be placed in the water storage tank 11 during thermal runaway, as the temperature of the thermally runaway battery 100 is high and hot substances are released from the battery 100. Using the second driving member 43 to replace manual placement improves safety.

[0158] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, there are two support mechanisms 40, which are distributed on both sides of the cabin 10 in the second direction X. The size of the cabin 10 in the second direction X is larger than the size of the cabin 10 in the third direction Y. The second direction X, the third direction Y and the gravity direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0159] In some embodiments, the second direction X can be the length direction of the cabin 10, and the third direction Y can be the height direction of the cabin 10.

[0160] In some embodiments, two support mechanisms 40 are respectively disposed on both sides of the housing 10 in the second direction X. When the battery 100 is supported by the support mechanism 40, the two sides of the battery 100 in the second direction X are in contact with the support mechanism 40.

[0161] The battery 100 has a quick-change lock, which is generally located on the surface of the battery 100 in the width direction. In order to make the compartment 10 compatible with the battery 100, the length direction of the compartment 10 is usually parallel to the length direction of the battery 100, the width direction of the compartment 10 is parallel to the width direction of the battery 100, and the height direction of the compartment 10 is parallel to the height direction of the battery 100.

[0162] Therefore, by placing the two support mechanisms 40 on both sides of the cabin 10 in the second direction X, the interference between the support mechanisms 40 and the quick-change lock is reduced, as well as the risk of affecting the maintenance of the quick-change lock.

[0163] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, after the battery 100 enters the compartment 10, the battery 100 is provided with quick-change locks for exchanging power with the power device on two surfaces in the third direction Y. By setting the support mechanism 40 on both sides of the compartment 10 in the second direction X, the position of the support mechanism 40 and the position of the quick-change lock of the battery 100 are staggered, reducing the risk of the support mechanism 40 affecting the maintenance of the quick-change lock.

[0164] Please refer to Figure 3In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 further includes a smoke sensor 50 disposed within the chamber 10. The support mechanism 40 is configured to switch from a first state to a second state when the smoke sensor 50 detects that the smoke concentration within the chamber 10 exceeds a threshold.

[0165] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 may include a smoke sensor 50, which may be disposed inside the chamber 10 and is capable of detecting the smoke concentration inside the chamber 10.

[0166] When the battery 100 enters the cabin 10, it is usually accompanied by smoke when the battery 100 experiences thermal runaway. The smoke concentration inside the cabin 10 is detected by the smoke sensor 50 to determine whether the battery 100 has experienced thermal runaway.

[0167] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 may further include a controller, with the smoke sensor 50 and the second drive unit 43 respectively connected to the controller via signal connection, such as cable connection, WiFi connection, Bluetooth connection, etc.

[0168] The detection information of the smoke sensor 50 can be transmitted to the controller, which can be a computer host. The controller determines whether the battery 100 has thermal runaway based on the detection information of the smoke sensor 50. When the smoke sensor 50 detects that the smoke concentration in the cabin 10 exceeds the set threshold, the controller controls the second drive component 43 to move the limit component 42, thereby causing the support mechanism 40 to switch from the first state to the second state, and the battery 100 falls into the water storage tank 11.

[0169] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 may further include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the battery 100, thereby determining whether the battery 100 has experienced thermal runaway.

[0170] The technical solution of this application embodiment detects the smoke concentration inside the cabin 10 by setting a smoke sensor 50, thereby determining whether the battery 100 has thermal runaway. The support mechanism 40 is switched from a first state to a second state based on the detection data of the smoke sensor 50, so that when the battery 100 thermally runs away, the battery 100 can be cooled and extinguished in a more timely and accurate manner, thereby reducing the risk of property damage and personal injury caused by the thermal runaway of the battery 100.

[0171] Please refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 further includes a water pump 60, which is used to deliver the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank 11 to the cleaning mechanism 20.

[0172] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 may include a water pump 60, one end of which is connected to a water storage tank 11 and the other end of which is connected to a spray element 21 of the cleaning mechanism 20, so that the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank 11 can be delivered to the spray element 21 and sprayed out from the spray element 21 to clean the battery 100.

[0173] In some embodiments, the spray element 21 sprays out cleaning fluid to clean the battery 100. After cleaning the battery 100, the cleaning fluid flows into the water storage tank 11 below under the action of gravity. The water pump 60 transports the cleaning fluid flowing into the water storage tank 11 to the spray element 21 to realize the recycling of the cleaning fluid.

[0174] The technical solution of this application embodiment uses a water pump 60 to transport the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank 11 to the cleaning mechanism 20, so that the cleaning liquid can be recycled, reducing costs and saving resources.

[0175] Please refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 further includes a filter element 70, which is disposed in the water storage tank 11 and divides the water storage tank 11 into a sedimentation tank 111 and a clear water tank 112. The sedimentation tank 111 is used to collect the cleaning fluid after cleaning the battery 100, and the water pump 60 is used to transport the cleaning fluid in the clear water tank 112 to the cleaning mechanism 20.

[0176] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 may include a filter element 70, which may be a mesh structure to filter larger particulate impurities, thereby reducing the risk of impurities clogging the pipes of the water pump 60.

[0177] During use or battery swapping, impurities may adhere to the surface of the battery 100. After being cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 20, the battery moves to the water storage tank 11 with the cleaning fluid. The water storage tank 11 is divided into a sedimentation tank 111 and a clear water tank 112 by a filter element 70. When the cleaning fluid flows from the sedimentation tank 111 to the clear water tank 112, the filter element 70 can filter out the impurities. The water pump 60 delivers the cleaning fluid in the clear water tank 112 to the cleaning mechanism 20.

[0178] The technical solution of this application embodiment separates the sedimentation tank 111 and the clear water tank 112 through the filter element 70, and transports the cleaning liquid in the clear water tank 112 to the cleaning mechanism 20. The cleaning liquid is filtered by the filter element 70, which helps to improve the cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid on the battery 100.

[0179] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, a drain valve 12 is provided at the bottom of the chamber 10. The drain valve 12 is connected to the water storage tank 11 and is used to drain the cleaning fluid in the water storage tank 11.

[0180] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 may include a drain valve 12, which is connected to a water storage tank 11. When there is a large amount of liquid in the water storage tank 11 or the liquid in the water storage tank 11 is too turbid to be recycled for cleaning the battery 100, the liquid in the water storage tank 11 can be drained through the drain valve 12.

[0181] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by setting a drain valve 12, facilitates the discharge of cleaning fluid from the water storage tank 11.

[0182] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the chamber 10 has an opening 13 on one side in the second direction X, the opening 13 for the battery 100 to enter and exit the chamber 10. The cleaning device 1 also includes a closing door 80, which is movably connected to the chamber 10 and is used to close the opening 13.

[0183] In some embodiments, in the second direction X, the chamber 10 may be provided with an opening 13, through which the battery 100 enters the chamber 10 for cleaning and exits the chamber 10 through the opening 13 after cleaning.

[0184] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 may include a sealing door 80, which is opened before the battery 100 enters the chamber 10, allowing the battery 100 to enter the chamber 10 through the opening 13. After the battery 100 enters the chamber 10, the sealing door 80 may be closed to seal the opening 13, and the battery 100 begins cleaning to reduce the outflow of cleaning fluid from the opening 13 into the chamber 10. After the battery 100 has finished cleaning, the sealing door 80 is opened to allow the battery 100 to exit the chamber 10 through the opening 13.

[0185] In some embodiments, the cabin 10 may be provided with a pivot, and the sealing door 80 cooperates with the pivot so that the sealing door 80 can rotate to open or close the opening 13.

[0186] In some embodiments, the sealing door 80 may be slidably connected to the cabin 10, such that the sealing door 80 may slide relative to the cabin 10 in a first direction Z, or the sealing door 80 may slide relative to the cabin 10 in a third direction Y, so that the sealing door 80 may open or close the opening 13.

[0187] The technical solution of this application embodiment reduces the probability of cleaning fluid flowing out of the chamber 10 when cleaning the battery 100 by setting a closed door 80 to close the opening 13 of the battery 100 entering and exiting the chamber 10, thereby reducing the waste of cleaning fluid and the risk of cleaning fluid flowing out and affecting the external environment of the cleaning device 1.

[0188] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 further includes a third drive member 90, which is connected to the chamber 10 and is used to drive the closed door 80 to move in order to open or close the opening 13.

[0189] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 may include a third drive element 90, which may be a cylinder, a motor, or the like. The output shaft of the third drive element 90 may be connected to the closed door 80, so that the third drive element 90 can drive the closed door 80 to move, thereby opening or closing the opening 13.

[0190] In some embodiments, before the battery 100 enters the chamber 10, the third drive member 90 drives the closing door 80 to move, opening the closing door 80 to allow the battery 100 to enter the chamber 10 through the opening 13. After the battery 100 enters the chamber 10, the third drive member 90 drives the closing door 80 to move, closing the closing door 80 to seal the opening 13, and the battery 100 begins cleaning to reduce the outflow of cleaning fluid from the opening 13 into the chamber 10. After the battery 100 has finished cleaning, the third drive member 90 drives the closing door 80 to move, opening the closing door 80 to allow the battery 100 to exit the chamber 10 through the opening 13.

[0191] The technical solution of this application embodiment saves manpower by setting a third driving component 90 to drive the closed door 80 to move.

[0192] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the third drive member 90 is used to drive the closed door 80 to reciprocate along a first direction Z, which is parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0193] In some embodiments, the closed door 80 can reciprocate along the first direction Z to reduce the space occupied by the closed door 80 in the third direction Y.

[0194] The technical solution of this application embodiment sets the closed door 80 to reciprocate along the first direction Z, so that the closed door 80 and the cabin 10 share the same space, thereby reducing the area occupied by the closed door 80 and reducing the space occupied by the cleaning device 1.

[0195] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 further includes a second guide rail 91 connected to the chamber 10, and a third drive member 90 for driving the closed door 80 to move along the second guide rail 91.

[0196] In some embodiments, the second guide rail 91 may extend along the first direction Z, and the second guide rail 91 may be connected above the cabin 10, or the second guide rail 91 may be connected to the cabin 10 and located at the opening 13.

[0197] In some embodiments, the third drive member 90 can drive the closed door 80 to move along the first direction Z on the second guide rail 91 to open or close the opening 13.

[0198] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by setting a second guide rail 91, allows the closed door 80 to move along the second guide rail 91, which helps to improve the stability of the movement of the closed door 80.

[0199] Please refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the two bulkheads of the cabin 10 in the third direction Y are openable hatches 14, and the third direction Y is perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0200] In some embodiments, the housing 10 may have an opening 13 on one side in the second direction X, the opening 13 being used for the battery 100 to enter and exit the housing 10.

[0201] To facilitate maintenance of the internal structure of the cabin 10 and the battery 100 inside the cabin 10, without affecting the opening 13, the two cabin walls of the cabin 10 in the third direction Y can be used as openable hatches 14.

[0202] In some embodiments, the door 14 is closed when cleaning the battery 100. The door 14 is opened when maintenance of the cleaning device 1 or maintenance of the battery 100 is required.

[0203] The technical solution of this application embodiment provides an openable hatch 14 on the third direction Y of the cabin 10, which facilitates the maintenance of the internal structure of the cleaning device 1 and the maintenance of the battery 100 inside the cleaning device 1.

[0204] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery swapping station provided in some embodiments of this application. Embodiments of this application provide a battery swapping station 200, which includes a battery compartment 210, a transport component 220, and a cleaning device 1 as provided in any of the above embodiments. The battery compartment 210 is used to charge a battery 100. The transport component 220 shuttles between the cleaning device 1 and the battery compartment 210 for exchanging batteries 100 between the battery compartment 210 and the cleaning device 1.

[0205] In some embodiments, the battery compartment 210 may be provided with a compartment for charging the battery 100. External power devices exchange low-charged batteries with the battery swapping station 200, and charge the low-charged batteries through the battery compartment 210, while exchanging high-charged fully charged batteries from the battery compartment 210 with the power devices.

[0206] In some embodiments, before a depleted battery enters the battery compartment 210, it can be cleaned by the cleaning device 1 and then placed in the battery compartment 210 for charging.

[0207] In some embodiments, before a fully charged battery is connected to an electrical device, it can be cleaned by the cleaning device 1 before being connected to the electrical device.

[0208] In some embodiments, the transport component 220 may be a transport trolley or forklift, which transfers batteries 100 from battery compartment 210 to cleaning device 1, or transfers batteries 100 from cleaning device 1 to battery compartment 210. The battery swapping station 200 may include a guide rail connecting battery compartment 210 and cleaning device 1, on which the transport component 220 moves.

[0209] In some embodiments, the battery compartment 210 has an entrance and exit for the battery 100 to enter and exit, and the opening 13 of the compartment 10 for the battery 100 to enter and exit and the entrance and exit of the battery compartment 210 may be located on the same side in the second direction X.

[0210] Please refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the battery swapping station 200 further includes a fourth drive unit 230 for driving the cleaning device 1 to move closer to or away from the battery compartment 210.

[0211] In some embodiments, the battery swapping station 200 may include a fourth drive element 230, which may be a cylinder, a motor, or the like. The output shaft of the fourth drive element 230 may be connected to the cleaning device 1 to drive the cleaning device 1 to move closer to or away from the battery compartment 210.

[0212] In some embodiments, when the battery compartment 210 and the cleaning device 1 are exchanging batteries 100, the fourth driving member 230 drives the cleaning device 1 to move closer to the battery compartment 210, so that the cleaning device 1 is in contact with or close to the battery compartment 210, thereby shortening the moving distance of the transport component 220 and reducing the distance of the guide rail used to support the movement of the transport component 220, thus saving costs.

[0213] In some embodiments, when the cleaning device 1 needs maintenance or the battery 100 in the cleaning device 1 needs maintenance, the fourth drive member 230 can drive the cleaning device 1 to move away from the battery compartment 210, providing sufficient space to open the door 14 of the cleaning device 1.

[0214] It should be noted that the cleaning device 1 may have a water storage tank 11, and the battery compartment 210 may be equipped with a detection system. The system can detect the temperature of the battery 100 or whether the battery 100 emits smoke to determine whether the battery 100 has thermal runaway. The battery 100 that has thermal runaway can be transported to the cleaning device 1 through a conveyor, and the battery 100 can be cooled or extinguished by the water storage tank 11 of the cleaning device 1.

[0215] At this time, the fourth drive unit 230 can drive the cleaning device 1 to move away from the battery compartment 210 to reduce the risk of thermal runaway battery 100 damaging the battery compartment 210.

[0216] The technical solution of this application embodiment uses a fourth driving member 230 to drive the cleaning device 1 to move closer to or away from the battery compartment 210. When the cleaning device 1 is cleaning the battery 100, the fourth driving member 230 drives the cleaning device 1 closer to the battery compartment 210, thereby shortening the moving distance of the transport component 220 and saving energy. When it is necessary to maintain the interior of the cleaning device 1 or the battery 100 inside the cleaning device 1, the fourth driving member 230 drives the cleaning device 1 away from the battery compartment 210, so that there is enough space for the door 14 of the compartment 10 facing the battery compartment 210 to be opened for easy maintenance.

[0217] Please refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 and the battery compartment 210 are arranged along a third direction Y, which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The battery swapping station 200 also includes a third guide rail 240 extending along the third direction Y, and a fourth drive member 230 is used to drive the cleaning device 1 to move along the third guide rail 240.

[0218] In some embodiments, the battery swapping station 200 may include a third guide rail 240, and a pulley may be provided below the cleaning device 1. The pulley slides in cooperation with the third guide rail 240, so that the fourth driving member 230 can drive the cleaning device 1 to move along the third direction Y on the third guide rail 240.

[0219] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by setting a third guide rail 240, enables the cleaning device 1 to move along the third guide rail 240, which helps to improve the stability of the movement of the cleaning device 1.

[0220] Please refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the battery swapping station 200 may include a battery compartment 210, a transport component 220, and a cleaning device 1. The battery compartment 210 is used to charge the battery 100. Low-charged batteries in the power-consuming device can be transferred to the battery compartment 210, and fully charged batteries in the battery compartment 210 can be transferred to the power-consuming device.

[0221] Specifically, a depleted battery can be cleaned by a cleaning device 1 before entering the battery compartment 210, or a fully charged battery can be cleaned by a cleaning device 1 before being transferred to a power-consuming device.

[0222] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the cleaning device 1 may include a chamber 10, a cleaning mechanism 20, and a sealing mechanism 30. The battery 100 that needs to be cleaned can enter the chamber 10, and the battery 100 leaves the chamber 10 after cleaning.

[0223] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the cleaning mechanism 20 is disposed in the chamber 10. The cleaning mechanism 20 may include a spray member 21 and a second blower 22. The spray member 21 can spray cleaning fluid to clean the battery 100. After cleaning the battery 100, the second blower 22 blows air onto the battery 100 to dry the cleaning fluid on the battery 100.

[0224] Please refer to Figures 2 to 7 In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 30 is disposed on the chamber 10. The sealing mechanism 30 may include a first seal 321 and a second seal 322. When cleaning the battery 100, the first seal 321 may seal the electrical connector of the battery 100, and the second seal 322 may seal the water cooling connector of the battery 100.

[0225] The technical solution of this application embodiment cleans the battery 100 through the cleaning mechanism 20, which helps to improve the aesthetics and reliability of the battery 100. At the same time, the sealing mechanism 30 seals the connector of the battery 100, which helps to reduce the probability of cleaning fluid entering the battery 100, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit in the battery 100, reducing the risk of affecting the water cooling of the battery 100, and improving the reliability of the battery 100.

[0226] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for cleaning a battery, characterized by The cleaning device includes: The housing is used to contain the battery; A cleaning mechanism is provided in the chamber, and the cleaning mechanism is used to clean the batteries that enter the chamber. A sealing mechanism is provided in the housing, the sealing mechanism being used to seal the connector of the battery.

2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein The sealing mechanism includes a first driving member and a sealing member. The first driving member is used to drive the sealing member to move so that the sealing member seals or opens the connector of the battery.

3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein The sealing element includes a first sealing element and a second sealing element, wherein the first sealing element is used to seal the electrical connector of the battery, and the second sealing element is used to seal the water-cooling connector of the battery.

4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 3, wherein The sealing mechanism includes a first air blower for blowing air onto the first seal to dry the liquid on the first seal.

5. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein The first driving member is used to drive the seal to reciprocate along a first direction, which is parallel to the direction of gravity.

6. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein The sealing mechanism further includes a base, a first guide rail, and a bracket. The base is connected to the cabin body. The first guide rail and the first driving member are disposed on the base. The first guide rail extends along a first direction. The bracket is slidably engaged with the first guide rail. The first driving member is used to drive the bracket to move along the first guide rail. The sealing member is disposed on the bracket.

7. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein The cleaning mechanism includes a spray component and a second blower component. The spray component is used to spray cleaning fluid onto the battery, and the second blower component is used to blow air onto the battery to dry the cleaning fluid on the battery.

8. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein The cleaning mechanism is located on the top of the cabin.

9. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein The cleaning device also includes a support mechanism, which is disposed inside the chamber. A water storage tank is formed at the bottom of the chamber and is located below the support mechanism. The support mechanism is configured to switch between a first state and a second state, in which the support mechanism supports the battery; and in the second state, the support mechanism releases the battery so that the battery falls into the water storage tank.

10. The cleaning apparatus of claim 9, wherein The support mechanism includes a support member, a limiting member, and a second driving member. The support member is rotatably connected to the cabin body, and the second driving member is used to drive the limiting member to move between a first position that restricts the rotation of the support member and a second position that allows the support member to rotate. In the first state, the limiting member is located in the first position, and the support member supports the battery; In the second state, the limiting member is in the second position, and the support member releases the battery.

11. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The number of support mechanisms is two, and the two support mechanisms are distributed on both sides of the cabin in the second direction. The size of the cabin in the second direction is larger than the size of the cabin in the third direction. The second direction, the third direction and the gravity direction are perpendicular to each other.

12. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cleaning device also includes a smoke sensor, which is disposed inside the chamber; The support mechanism is configured to switch from the first state to the second state when the smoke sensor detects that the smoke concentration inside the cabin exceeds a threshold.

13. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cleaning mechanism also includes a water pump, which is used to transport the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank to the cleaning mechanism.

14. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The cleaning mechanism also includes a filter element disposed in the water storage tank, which divides the water storage tank into a sedimentation tank and a clear water tank. The sedimentation tank is used to collect the cleaning fluid after cleaning the battery, and the water pump is used to transport the cleaning fluid in the clear water tank to the cleaning mechanism.

15. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bottom of the chamber is equipped with a drain valve, which is connected to the water storage tank and is used to drain the cleaning fluid in the water storage tank.

16. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compartment has an opening on one side in the second direction, the opening being for the battery to enter and exit the compartment; The cleaning device also includes a sealing door, which is movably connected to the chamber and is used to close the opening.

17. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, The cleaning device also includes a third driving component connected to the chamber, which drives the closed door to move, so as to open or close the opening.

18. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The third driving component is used to drive the closed door to reciprocate along a first direction, which is parallel to the direction of gravity.

19. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The cleaning device also includes a second guide rail connected to the cabin body, and the third driving component is used to drive the closed door to move along the second guide rail.

20. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two bulkheads of the cabin in the third direction are openable doors, and the third direction is perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

21. A battery swapping station, characterized in that, include: The cleaning apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-20; Battery compartment for charging the battery; The transport component shuttles between the cleaning device and the battery compartment for exchanging batteries between the battery compartment and the cleaning device.

22. The battery swapping station according to claim 21, characterized in that, The battery swapping station also includes a fourth driving component, which is used to drive the cleaning device to move closer to or away from the battery compartment.

23. The battery swapping station according to claim 22, characterized in that, The cleaning device and the battery compartment are arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The battery swapping station also includes a third guide rail extending along the third direction. The fourth driving member is used to drive the cleaning device to move along the third guide rail.

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