Battery box quick change device and vehicle

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of vehicle battery swapping technology, and discloses a quick-swap battery box device and a vehicle, including: a bracket suitable for installation on a vehicle body; and a connecting module detachably connected to the bracket via a locking mechanism, allowing the bracket and the connecting module to have connected and disconnected states, the connecting module being suitable for mounting the battery box; in the connected state, the bracket and the connecting module are electrically connected via an electrical interface, and the bracket and the connecting module are connected via a cooling interface. This utility model, through the bracket and connecting module, not only electrically connects the battery box and the vehicle body, but also connects the battery box and the vehicle body's piping system, thereby utilizing the vehicle body's existing piping system for heat exchange with the battery box, eliminating the need for an additional thermal management system for the battery box, thus improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle battery swapping technology, specifically to a battery box quick-swap device and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] New energy vehicles powered by batteries have become a significant trend for global vehicle manufacturers. However, in sectors such as heavy trucks and construction machinery, the high power consumption and long charging times severely restrict the economic viability and widespread adoption of new energy heavy trucks and construction machinery. Therefore, battery swapping is a viable technology for electric heavy trucks and construction machinery. However, in these technologies, the battery's thermal management system is typically integrated inside the battery pack, resulting in low space utilization and impacting the battery pack's energy density. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a battery box quick-change device and vehicle to solve the problem of low battery box space utilization and the impact on the energy density of the battery pack in the prior art.

[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a battery box quick-change device, comprising: a bracket adapted to be installed on a vehicle body; a connecting module detachably connected to the bracket via a locking mechanism, so that the bracket and the connecting module have a connected state and a separated state, the connecting module being adapted to install a battery box; in the connected state, the bracket and the connecting module are electrically connected via an electrical interface, and the bracket and the connecting module are connected via a cooling interface.

[0005] Beneficial effects: The bracket and connecting module not only connect the battery box to the vehicle body electrically, but also connect the battery box to the vehicle body's piping system. This allows the vehicle body's existing piping system to exchange heat with the battery box, eliminating the need for an additional thermal management system for the battery box, thereby improving the battery box's space utilization and energy density.

[0006] In one optional embodiment, the cooling interface includes a first interface and a second interface, the first interface and the second interface being respectively disposed on the bracket and the connecting module, the first interface being adapted to communicate with the piping system of the vehicle body, and the second interface being adapted to communicate with the heat exchange system of the battery box.

[0007] Beneficial effect: In the connected state, the first and second interfaces are connected, which facilitates the connection between the vehicle body's piping system and the battery box's heat exchange system when the bracket and connecting module are connected.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, the connection module includes a plurality of slide rails spaced apart, and the second interface is detachably connected to the slide rails and slidably disposed along the slide rails.

[0009] Beneficial effects: Since the first interface has different setting positions on different brackets, by setting the second interface on the appropriate slide rail and sliding it to the corresponding position, the position of the second interface is adapted to the first interface, thereby improving the adaptability of the connection module.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the battery box quick-change device further includes a heating element, which is connected between the second interface and the battery box.

[0011] Beneficial effects: By setting up heating components, the heat exchange medium flowing into the battery box can be heated, thereby heating the batteries inside the battery box and ensuring the charging and discharging performance of the batteries.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, the electrical interface includes a connector socket and a connector plug disposed opposite to each other, one of the connector socket and the connector plug being disposed in the bracket, and the other of the connector socket and the connector plug being disposed in the connection module.

[0013] Beneficial effects: By plugging and unplugging the connector socket and connector plug, the battery box can provide power to the entire vehicle and communicate with the vehicle.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a switching structure and a fixing structure, one of the switching structure and the fixing structure being disposed on the bracket, and the other of the switching structure and the fixing structure being disposed on the connecting module, wherein the switching structure is movably disposed.

[0015] Beneficial effects: By moving the switch structure, locking and unlocking with the fixed structure can be achieved, thereby enabling the connection and separation of the bracket and the connecting module.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, the battery box quick-change device includes a primary guide structure, wherein a plurality of primary guide structures are arranged at circumferential intervals along the bracket, the primary guide structures extend toward the connecting module, and the connecting module is adapted to slidably abut against the primary guide structure along the extension direction of the primary guide structure.

[0017] Beneficial effects: During the process of the connecting module descending and connecting with the bracket, the primary guide structure is used to initially position the connecting module, so that the connector socket and connector plug, the first interface and the second interface can be initially aligned.

[0018] In one optional embodiment, the battery box quick-change device further includes a secondary guide structure, which includes a plug-in post and a plug-in hole disposed opposite to each other, one of the plug-in post and the plug-in hole being disposed on the bracket, and the other of the plug-in post and the plug-in hole being disposed on the connection module.

[0019] Beneficial effects: As the connecting module continues to descend, the plug and socket engage, thereby precisely positioning the bracket and connecting module and ensuring accurate alignment of the connector socket and connector plug, as well as the first and second interfaces.

[0020] Secondly, this utility model also provides a vehicle, including: the aforementioned battery box quick-change device; a vehicle body, the bracket being connected to the vehicle body; and a battery box disposed on the connecting module, wherein there is one battery box or several battery boxes stacked together.

[0021] In one alternative implementation, a lifting structure is provided on the battery box located away from the connection module.

[0022] Beneficial effect: By setting up a lifting structure, it is easy to lift the battery box and connecting module as a whole. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a bracket and components disposed on the bracket according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view of the bracket and the components mounted on it shown;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a bottom view (a schematic diagram facing the bracket) of a connecting module and components provided on the connecting module according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the connection module and the components mounted on the connection module from another angle (a schematic diagram facing the battery box);

[0028] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the second interface and heating component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the battery box, connecting module, and lifting structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1. Bracket; 2. Connecting module; 21. Slide rail; 3. Locking mechanism; 31. Switch structure; 32. Fixing structure; 4. Electrical interface; 41. Connector socket; 42. Connector plug; 5. Cooling interface; 51. First interface; 52. Second interface; 6. Heating component; 7. Primary guide structure; 8. Secondary guide structure; 81. Insertion post; 82. Insertion hole; 9. Lifting structure; 10. Battery box. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0033] The following is combined Figures 1 to 6 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery box quick-change device is provided, comprising: a bracket 1, suitable for installation on a vehicle body; a connecting module 2, detachably connected to the bracket 1 via a locking mechanism 3, so that the bracket 1 and the connecting module 2 have a connected state and a separated state, the connecting module 2 being suitable for installing a battery box 10; in the connected state, the bracket 1 and the connecting module 2 are electrically connected via an electrical interface 4, and the bracket 1 and the connecting module 2 are connected via a cooling interface 5.

[0035] The battery box quick-change device of this embodiment can not only electrically connect the battery box 10 to the vehicle body through the bracket 1 and the connecting module 2, but also connect the battery box 10 to the pipeline system of the vehicle body. This allows the battery box 10 to exchange heat with the original pipeline system of the vehicle body without the need to set up an additional thermal management system for the battery box 10, thereby improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery box 10.

[0036] It is worth noting that in related technologies, the connection between the battery box 10 and the vehicle body generally only considers electrical connection. The thermal management system of the battery box 10 itself is usually set at the top of the battery box 10, that is, from top to bottom, the top module, the battery pack box body, and the bottom module are respectively. At this time, the battery box 10 needs to have a complete structure of heat exchange pipelines, heating elements, heat exchange elements, water pumps and control systems, which makes the overall structure of the battery box 10 complex, increases the cost, increases the overall height, and reduces the space utilization and energy density.

[0037] In this embodiment, only some piping needs to be integrated in the battery box 10 to achieve heat exchange, eliminating the need for the top module (thermal management system). Therefore, the overall height can be reduced, the overall structure can be simplified, the cost can be reduced, and the space utilization and energy density can be improved.

[0038] Understandably, in the connected state, the locking mechanism 3 locks the bracket 1 and the connecting module 2, and both the electrical interface 4 and the cooling interface 5 are in the connected state; in the disconnected state, the locking mechanism 3 unlocks the bracket 1 and the connecting module 2, and both the electrical interface 4 and the cooling interface 5 are in the disconnected state.

[0039] Specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the cooling interface 5 includes a first interface 51 and a second interface 52. The first interface 51 and the second interface 52 are respectively disposed on the bracket 1 and the connecting module 2. The first interface 51 is adapted to communicate with the piping system of the vehicle body, and the second interface 52 is adapted to communicate with the heat exchange system of the battery box 10. This arrangement, in the connected state, connects the first interface 51 and the second interface 52, facilitating communication between the piping system of the vehicle body and the heat exchange system of the battery box 10 when the bracket 1 and the connecting module 2 are connected.

[0040] It is worth noting that in this embodiment, both the first interface 51 and the second interface 52 are water quick-connect fittings, and are male and female respectively. Both the male and female fittings have a sealed valve, which can form a seal to prevent leakage when they are separated, and can open the valves of each other to achieve communication when they are connected.

[0041] It should be noted that the battery box 10 includes a water-cooled plate with a flow channel formed within it. The end of the second interface 52 near the bracket 1 is connected to the first interface 51, while the end of the second interface 52 away from the bracket 1 can be connected to the inlet and outlet of the flow channel via a pipe, thus forming a complete circulation with the vehicle's water system. Therefore, the vehicle's existing cooling water system can be used to flow through the water-cooled plate to cool the battery. Of course, when the vehicle has a heating function, the heated water can also flow through the water-cooled plate to heat the battery. This maintains the battery at an appropriate temperature, ensuring its charging and discharging performance.

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the connection module 2 includes several slide rails 21 spaced apart. The second interface 52 is detachably connected to the slide rails 21 and can slide along the slide rails 21. With this configuration, the first interface 51 has different positions on different brackets 1. By placing the second interface 52 on an appropriate slide rail 21 and sliding it to the corresponding position, the positions of the second interface 52 and the first interface 51 are adapted to each other, improving the adaptability of the connection module 2.

[0043] Specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, several slide rails 21 are arranged at intervals along the length of the connecting module 2, and each slide rail 21 extends along the width of the connecting module 2. Therefore, when adjusting the position of the second interface 52, firstly, a slide rail 21 with an appropriate position is selected in the length direction, then the second interface 52 is installed on the slide rail 21, and by sliding the second interface 52, the second interface 52 is adjusted to the accurate position in the width direction.

[0044] Furthermore, after the position of the second interface 52 on the slide rail 21 is adjusted, the position of the second interface 52 is fixed by the eccentric cam lock set on the slide rail 21; or, the position of the second interface 52 and the slide rail 21 is fixed by the limit bolt.

[0045] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the battery box quick-change device also includes a heating component 6, which is connected and disposed between the second interface 52 and the battery box 10. By providing the heating component 6, the heat exchange medium flowing into the battery box 10 can be heated, thereby heating the battery inside the battery box 10 and ensuring the charging and discharging performance of the battery.

[0046] It is worth noting that when the vehicle does not have a heating function, the heating component 6 heats the water flowing into the water-cooling plate to heat the battery.

[0047] Specifically, in one embodiment, the heating component 6 includes a tube body and a heating material. The heating material is arranged around the outer periphery of the tube body, and a channel for heat exchange medium is formed inside the tube body. The heating material is usually an electric heating wire (metal resistance wire) or ceramic PTC, etc. Furthermore, the tube body has good thermal conductivity, so that the heat exchange medium can better absorb the heat generated by the heating material when it flows through the tube body.

[0048] Furthermore, the tube of the heating element 6 can be directly connected to the second interface 52, or the tube of the heating element 6 can be connected to the second interface 52 through an additional pipeline. Moreover, the heating effect and efficiency of the heat exchange medium can be adjusted by changing the heating power, length, or number of heating elements 6.

[0049] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the electrical interface 4 includes a connector socket 41 and a connector plug 42 disposed opposite to each other. One of the connector socket 41 and connector plug 42 is disposed in the bracket 1, and the other of the connector socket 41 and connector plug 42 is disposed in the connection module 2. By inserting and removing the connector socket 41 and connector plug 42, the battery box 10 can supply power to the vehicle and communicate with the vehicle.

[0050] It is worth noting that the electrical interface 4 can connect to both high-voltage and low-voltage circuits. The high-voltage circuit is connected to the battery module inside the battery box 10, while the low-voltage circuit is connected to various sensors and control signals inside the battery.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the locking mechanism 3 includes a switch structure 31 and a fixing structure 32. One of the switch structure 31 and the fixing structure 32 is disposed on the bracket 1, and the other of the switch structure 31 and the fixing structure 32 is disposed on the connecting module 2. The switch structure 31 is movable. By moving the switch structure 31, locking and unlocking with the fixing structure 32 are achieved, thereby realizing the connection and separation of the bracket 1 and the connecting module 2.

[0052] It is worth noting that, in one embodiment, the switch structure 31 includes a telescopic cylinder and a rotatable hook (of course, other transmission components can be provided between the cylinder and the hook). When the cylinder retracts, the hook rotates forward, preventing it from hooking onto the fixed structure 32, thus unlocking. When the cylinder extends, the hook rotates in the opposite direction, hooking onto the fixed structure 32, thus locking. In another embodiment, the switch structure 31 includes a telescopic cylinder and a locking pin. The telescopic rod of the cylinder is connected to the locking pin. The fixed structure 32 includes a socket. The locking pin is inserted into or removed from the socket by the cylinder to achieve locking and unlocking.

[0053] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the battery box quick-change device includes a primary guide structure 7. Several primary guide structures 7 are spaced apart circumferentially along the bracket 1. The primary guide structures 7 extend towards the connecting module 2, and the connecting module 2 is adapted to slidably abut against the primary guide structure 7 along its extension direction. This arrangement allows the primary guide structure 7 to initially position the connecting module 2 during its descent and connection with the bracket 1, enabling preliminary alignment of the connector socket 41 and connector plug 42, the first interface 51, and the second interface 52.

[0054] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the battery box quick-change device also includes a secondary guide structure 8. The secondary guide structure 8 includes a plug-in post 81 and a plug-in hole 82 arranged opposite to each other. One of the plug-in post 81 and the plug-in hole 82 is located in the bracket 1, and the other of the plug-in post 81 and the plug-in hole 82 is located in the connection module 2. With this arrangement, as the connection module 2 continues to descend, the plug-in post 81 and the plug-in hole 82 are engaged, thereby accurately positioning the bracket 1 and the connection module 2 and ensuring that the connector socket 41 and the connector plug 42, the first interface 51 and the second interface 52 are accurately aligned.

[0055] It is worth noting that during the connection process between the connecting module 2 and the bracket 1, that is, during the descent of the connecting module 2, the primary guide structure 7 first guides the connection, enabling the connector socket 41 and connector plug 42, the first interface 51 and the second interface 52 to be roughly aligned. When the connecting module 2 descends to a certain height, the insertion post 81 and insertion hole 82 of the secondary guide structure 8 can be engaged, ensuring that the connector socket 41 and connector plug 42, the first interface 51 and the second interface 52 are fully aligned until the connecting module 2 descends to its final position, allowing the connector socket 41 and connector plug 42 to be engaged, and the first interface 51 and the second interface 52 to be engaged. Afterwards, the switch structure 31 and the fixing structure 32 can be engaged to lock the connection, achieving a fixed connection between the bracket 1 and the connecting module 2.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, another aspect provides a vehicle, including: the above-mentioned battery box quick-change device; a vehicle body, a bracket 1 connected to the vehicle body; a battery box 10, the battery box 10 being disposed on the connecting module 2, and the battery box 10 being either one or multiple battery boxes stacked together.

[0057] It is worth noting that bracket 1 is fixed to the chassis of the vehicle and connected to the vehicle's electrical and water systems.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, a lifting structure 9 is provided on the battery box 10, which is located away from the connecting module 2. The lifting structure 9 facilitates the hoisting of the battery box 10 and the connecting module 2 as a whole.

[0059] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack quick change device characterized by comprising: include: Bracket (1), suitable for installation onto the vehicle body; The connecting module (2) is detachably connected to the bracket (1) via a locking mechanism (3) so that the bracket (1) and the connecting module (2) have a connected state and a separated state. The connecting module (2) is suitable for installing the battery box (10). In the connected state, the bracket (1) and the connecting module (2) are electrically connected through the electrical interface (4), and the bracket (1) and the connecting module (2) are connected through the cooling interface (5).

2. The battery pack quick change device of claim 1, wherein The cooling interface (5) includes a first interface (51) and a second interface (52). The first interface (51) and the second interface (52) are respectively disposed on the bracket (1) and the connection module (2). The first interface (51) is adapted to communicate with the pipeline system of the vehicle body, and the second interface (52) is adapted to communicate with the heat exchange system of the battery box (10).

3. The battery pack quick change device of claim 2, wherein, The connection module (2) includes a plurality of slide rails (21) spaced apart. The second interface (52) is detachably connected to the slide rails (21) and can slide along the slide rails (21).

4. The battery pack quick change device of claim 2, wherein The battery box quick-change device also includes a heating component (6), which is connected between the second interface (52) and the battery box (10).

5. The battery pack quick change device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, The electrical interface (4) includes a connector socket (41) and a connector plug (42) disposed opposite to each other, one of the connector socket (41) and the connector plug (42) being disposed in the bracket (1), and the other of the connector socket (41) and the connector plug (42) being disposed in the connection module (2).

6. The battery pack quick change device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The locking mechanism (3) includes a switch structure (31) and a fixing structure (32). One of the switch structure (31) and the fixing structure (32) is disposed on the bracket (1), and the other of the switch structure (31) and the fixing structure (32) is disposed on the connecting module (2). The switch structure (31) is movable.

7. The battery pack quick change device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The battery box quick-change device includes a primary guide structure (7), which is arranged in a plurality of spaces along the circumferential direction of the bracket (1). The primary guide structure (7) extends toward the connecting module (2), and the connecting module (2) is adapted to slidably abut against the primary guide structure (7) along the extension direction of the primary guide structure (7).

8. The battery pack quick change device of claim 7, wherein, The battery box quick-change device also includes a secondary guide structure (8), which includes a plug-in post (81) and a plug-in hole (82) arranged opposite to each other. One of the plug-in post (81) and the plug-in hole (82) is located in the bracket (1), and the other of the plug-in post (81) and the plug-in hole (82) is located in the connection module (2).

9. A vehicle characterized by comprising: include: Battery box quick-change device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8; The vehicle body, and the bracket (1) is connected to the vehicle body; Battery box (10), the battery box (10) is disposed on the connection module (2), and the battery box (10) is provided as one or multiple battery boxes stacked together.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein, A lifting structure (9) is provided on the battery box (10) located away from the connection module (2).

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