AGV quick-release battery locking structure and automatic guided vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses an AGV quick-release battery locking structure and an automatic guided vehicle. The AGV quick-release battery locking structure comprises a lock and a locking piece. The lock is installed on a battery assembly, the locking piece is installed on an AGV vehicle body, and the battery assembly is locked in the AGV vehicle body through cooperation of the lock and the locking piece. The AGV quick-release battery locking structure further comprises a battery compartment. One end of the battery compartment close to the outside of the AGV vehicle body is rotatably connected to the AGV vehicle body through a hinged shaft, so that the end of the battery compartment close to the inside of the AGV vehicle body can be downwardly deflected with the end close to the outside of the AGV vehicle body as an axis. The battery compartment has a bearing state of bearing the battery assembly. In the bearing state, the end of the battery compartment close to the inside of the AGV vehicle body is lower than the end close to the outside of the AGV vehicle body. After the battery compartment bears the battery assembly, the battery compartment presents an inclined posture, so that the battery can rely on the self-gravitational action to keep a movement trend towards the inside of the AGV vehicle body, thereby improving the stability of the cooperation structure of the lock and the locking piece and reducing the risk of battery falling off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) technology, specifically to an AGV quick-release battery locking structure and an automated guided transport vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) refers to a transport vehicle equipped with electromagnetic or optical automatic navigation devices, capable of traveling along a prescribed navigation path, and possessing safety protection and various transfer functions.

[0003] Traditional AGVs primarily rely on self-charging, but the battery capacity of AGVs is limited. When the battery is low, the AGV autonomously navigates to a charging area to recharge itself. During charging, the AGV will pause its tasks, making charging time a major pain point in AGV applications. Battery swapping is a good option to solve this problem. However, most current AGV battery mounting devices use screws to secure the battery or use screw-fixed blocking mechanisms to position the battery. While these methods effectively secure the battery, they require tools during assembly or replacement, spending considerable time on disassembly and installation, thus reducing production efficiency. Furthermore, securing and unlocking the battery on the small AGV body is inconvenient.

[0004] Existing technologies also include AGVs with quick battery loading and unloading structures. For example, Chinese Patent (CN115946515A) discloses an AGV with quick battery loading and unloading function. The solution describes that "the battery box assembly is connected to the battery compartment through a spring lock to provide axial locking force, and the battery box assembly also elastically contacts the door of the battery compartment to provide circumferential locking force." The battery pack and battery box are locked with buckles and flat spring locks, which provides convenient operation for battery loading and unloading and solves the inefficient working mode of existing AGVs that require standby charging or cumbersome battery replacement when fixing the battery pack. However, in the existing solutions mentioned above, the battery still enters and exits the battery compartment and is installed in the battery compartment along the axial direction of the AGV vehicle body. When the AGV encounters an obstacle and stops or starts suddenly or needs to turn, the instantaneous impact force on the latch and the flat spring lock is large, which can easily lead to the failure of the latch and the flat spring lock. When the AGV climbs a slope, the latch and the flat spring lock are also affected by the weight of the battery. In the long-term use, there is also a risk of fatigue failure.

[0005] This shows that existing technologies still have certain shortcomings. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an AGV quick-release battery locking structure and an automated guided vehicle to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, this application provides an AGV quick-release battery locking mechanism, which includes a lock and a locking member. The lock is mounted on the battery assembly, and the locking member is mounted on the AGV body. The battery assembly is locked inside the AGV body through the cooperation of the lock and the locking member. It also includes a battery compartment. One end of the battery compartment near the outside of the AGV body is rotatably connected to the AGV body via a hinge shaft, allowing the end of the battery compartment near the inside of the AGV body to deflect downwards with its end near the outside of the AGV body as the axis. The battery compartment has a bearing state for supporting the battery assembly. In this bearing state, the end of the battery compartment near the inside of the AGV body is lower than the end of the battery compartment near the outside of the AGV body.

[0008] In the above scheme, the battery compartment design connected by the hinge shaft allows the battery compartment to tilt after carrying the battery assembly. This structure utilizes gravity to allow the battery assembly to slide naturally to the installation position, greatly simplifying the alignment operation during battery installation, significantly improving the battery replacement speed, while maintaining the simplicity and reliability of the structure. Moreover, the battery compartment tilts downward on one side after carrying the battery, allowing the battery to maintain its movement towards the interior of the AGV body by relying on its own gravity. This can improve the stability of the lock and locking component cooperation structure during AGV operation, ensure the stability of the battery locking mechanism, and reduce the risk of battery falling off.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the deflection angle of the battery compartment near the interior of the AGV body ranges from 3° to 15°.

[0010] In the above solution, the deflection angle is limited to the range of 3° to 15°, which can provide sufficient gravity assistance to ensure that the battery slides into place smoothly and improve the locking reliability of the battery locking mechanism by utilizing the battery's own weight, without increasing unnecessary structural complexity or affecting the overall stability of the AGV due to an excessively large angle, thus achieving an optimized balance between effectiveness and cost.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the bottom of the battery compartment is provided with one or more limiting members, and the AGV body is also provided with a mating part corresponding to the limiting member. In the load-bearing state, the limiting member and the mating part are in contact and engaged.

[0012] In the above solution, the contact and cooperation between the limiting component and the mating part provides a clear load-bearing position indication and stable support for the battery compartment, preventing excessive deflection of the battery compartment, ensuring accurate alignment between the battery assembly and the vehicle body electrical connector, and enhancing the load-bearing stability and service life of the entire structure.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the bottom wall of the battery compartment is further provided with a groove, and a return spring is provided inside the groove. One end of the return spring is fixed to the bottom of the groove, and the other end is connected to the AGV body.

[0014] In the above solution, the reset spring allows the battery compartment to automatically return to its initial position after the battery is removed, preparing it for the next battery installation. This further simplifies the operation process, improves replacement efficiency, and reduces the need for manual intervention.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the lock includes an unlocking button and a locking hook that is linked to the unlocking button. The locking member is connected to the inside of the battery compartment and has a lock hole or lock post that cooperates with the locking hook. Under the action of the unlocking button, the locking hook and the lock hole or the lock complete the unlocking and unlocking cooperation.

[0016] In the above solution, a press-type unlock button is used in conjunction with a linked locking hook to achieve true "one-click operation". Users only need to press once to lock or unlock the battery. The operation is intuitive and simple, which greatly improves the user experience and replacement efficiency.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of this application, an electrical connector socket is provided at one end of the battery assembly facing the inside of the battery compartment, and an electrical connector plug is fixedly installed inside the battery compartment at a position corresponding to the electrical connector socket. In the load-bearing state, the electrical connector plug and the electrical connector socket are connected by insertion.

[0018] In the above solution, the mating design of the electrical connector plug and socket, combined with the tilted structure of the battery compartment, enables the electrical connector to automatically align and complete the connection during the battery sliding process, realizing the automation of electrical connection and avoiding the cumbersome steps of needing to connect the power cord separately in the traditional method.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of this application, it also includes a deflection limiting mechanism, which includes a limiting groove disposed on the outer wall of the battery compartment and a limiting pin movably disposed on the AGV body. The limiting groove is located on the side wall of the battery compartment near the outer end of the AGV body. The limiting pin can move relative to the AGV body and extend into the limiting groove to engage with the limiting groove or be pulled out of the limiting groove to release the limiting.

[0020] In the above scheme, the deflection limiting mechanism composed of the limiting groove and the limiting pin stops the battery compartment after it deflects to the correct position, preventing the battery compartment from resetting and rising due to the bumps generated during the operation of the AGV, thus ensuring the stability and safety of the entire structure.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the bottom surface of the battery compartment is further provided with a guide groove, and the interior of the AGV body is provided with guide ribs that slide in cooperation with the guide groove.

[0022] In the above scheme, the sliding fit design of the guide groove and the guide rib ensures that the movement trajectory of the battery compartment during deflection and reset is accurate and controllable, preventing lateral deviation and jamming, and improving the smoothness and reliability of operation.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of this application, it also includes a manual push-pull device, one end of which is connected to one end of the battery compartment near the interior of the AGV body, and the other end extends to the outside of the AGV body.

[0024] In the above solution, by setting a manual push-pull device to extend the operation point to the outside of the AGV body, the operator can complete the deflection operation of the battery compartment without going deep into the vehicle body, which further simplifies the replacement process and improves the convenience and safety of operation.

[0025] Secondly, this application also provides an automated guided vehicle, including the AGV quick-release battery locking mechanism described above.

[0026] The automated guided vehicle (AGV) with the aforementioned quick-release battery locking mechanism has the ability to quickly replace batteries, which can significantly improve equipment utilization and reduce downtime. It is particularly suitable for large-scale AGV application scenarios that require continuous operation, bringing significant economic benefits and improved operational efficiency to users. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) in an example. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the battery compartment structure in one example; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery compartment's interaction with the AGV body in a horizontal position, as shown in an example. Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of the structure of section A; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery compartment and its assembly structure with the AGV body in a loaded state, as shown in an example.

[0028] List of components and reference numerals: 1. AGV body, 11. Mating parts, 12. Guide ribs; 2 Battery compartment, 21 Locking component, 22 Limiting component, 23 Groove, 231 Return spring, 24 Electrical connector plug, 25 Guide groove; 3 Battery assembly, 31 Lock, 311 Unlock button, 312 Lock hook, 32 Electrical connector socket; 4 hinge shafts; 5. Push-pull handle. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this utility model, a detailed description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] It should be noted that many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] like Figures 1-5As shown, this application provides an AGV quick-release battery locking structure, which includes a lock mounted on the battery assembly and a locking member mounted on the AGV body. It also includes a battery compartment mounted on the AGV body. One end of the battery compartment near the outside of the AGV body is rotatably connected to the AGV body via a hinge shaft, allowing the end of the battery compartment near the inside of the AGV body to deflect downwards with its outer end as the axis. This results in the battery compartment, when carrying the battery assembly, having its inner end lower than its outer end. Consequently, the battery assembly, as the battery compartment deflects, presents an orientation where the height of its inner end facing the AGV body is lower than the height of its outer end. Preferably, the deflection angle of the inner end of the battery compartment is in the range of 3° to 15°. By limiting the deflection angle to the range of 3° to 15°, sufficient gravity assistance is provided to ensure that the battery slides into place smoothly and to improve the locking reliability of the battery locking mechanism by utilizing the battery's own weight. At the same time, the angle is not too large, which would increase unnecessary structural complexity or affect the overall stability of the AGV, thus achieving an optimal balance between performance and cost.

[0032] The aforementioned structure, with its hinged battery compartment design, allows the battery compartment to tilt after carrying the battery assembly. This structure utilizes gravity to allow the battery assembly to slide naturally into the installation position, greatly simplifying the alignment process during battery installation and significantly improving battery replacement speed. It also maintains structural simplicity and reliability. Furthermore, the battery compartment tilts downwards on one side after carrying the battery, allowing the battery to maintain its tendency to move towards the interior of the AGV body under its own gravity. This reduces the risk of the battery assembly detaching from the battery compartment during obstacle avoidance maneuvers or hill climbing, thereby improving the stability of the lock and locking mechanism during AGV operation and ensuring the stability of the battery locking mechanism.

[0033] In one example, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the bottom of the battery compartment has one or more limiting components, and the AGV body also has mating parts corresponding to the limiting components. Under load, the limiting components and mating parts are in contact. The bottom surface of the battery compartment also has guide grooves, and the AGV body has guide ribs that slide in conjunction with the guide grooves. (Continue referring to...) Figure 3The limiting component is a limiting boss located at the lower part of the end of the battery compartment facing the interior of the AGV body. The mating part is a supporting boss located on the AGV body. When the battery compartment is under load, the limiting boss and the supporting boss contact and engage, providing support for the end of the battery compartment facing the interior of the AGV body. Preferably, the bottom of the battery compartment also has a groove, inside which a return spring is installed. One end of the return spring is connected to the bottom of the groove, and the other end is connected to the AGV body. Through the contact and engagement of the limiting component and the mating part, the battery compartment is provided with a clear indication of its load-bearing position and stable support, preventing excessive deflection of the battery compartment and ensuring accurate alignment between the battery assembly and the vehicle body electrical connector. This also enhances the load-bearing stability and service life of the entire structure. The return spring allows the battery compartment to automatically return to its initial position after the battery is unloaded, preparing for the next battery installation, further simplifying the operation process, improving replacement efficiency, and reducing the need for manual intervention. The sliding fit design of the guide groove and guide rib ensures that the movement trajectory of the battery compartment during deflection and reset is accurate and controllable, preventing lateral deviation and jamming, and improving the smoothness and reliability of operation.

[0034] It should be noted that the above examples are merely preferred examples of this application. The cooperation structure between the battery compartment and the AGV body in this application is not limited to the above examples. For example, a motor linkage drive mechanism or a drive cylinder pushing mechanism can also be used to support and drive the battery compartment to flip / reset. This application does not make specific limitations on this. It should also be noted that this application does not make specific limitations on the guiding mechanism when the battery compartment deflects relative to the AGV body. It can adopt the above-mentioned guide groove and guide rib to form a guide limiting structure, or it can adopt other different guiding mechanisms.

[0035] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this application, the AGV quick-release battery locking mechanism also includes a deflection limiting mechanism. The deflection limiting mechanism includes a limiting groove disposed on the outer wall of the battery compartment and a movably disposed limiting pin on the AGV body. In a preferred example, the limiting groove is disposed on the side wall of the battery compartment near the outer end of the AGV body. The limiting pin can move relative to the AGV body, extending into the limiting groove to engage with it or being pulled out of the groove to release the limiting effect. The deflection limiting mechanism, consisting of the limiting groove and the limiting pin, prevents the battery compartment from deflecting to its correct position, thus preventing it from rising and resetting due to bumps during AGV operation and ensuring the stability and safety of the entire structure.

[0036] It should also be noted that the composition and arrangement of the deflection limiting mechanism in this application are not limited to the above example. The above example is only a preferred example of this application, and it also adopts other different settings. This application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0037] Furthermore, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the AGV quick-release battery locking mechanism in this application also includes a manual push-pull device. One end of the manual push-pull device is connected to the end of the battery compartment near the interior of the AGV body, and the other end extends to the exterior of the AGV body. In one example, the manual push-pull device includes a push-pull handle and a push-pull rod, both of which are partially exposed outside the AGV body. A push-pull rail is provided on the side wall of the AGV body for the push-pull rod to pass through. One end of the push-pull rod is connected to the push-pull handle, and the other end passes through the push-pull rail and connects to the outer side wall of the battery compartment. The push-pull rod can move vertically along the push-pull rail to deflect the battery compartment relative to the AGV body. The vertical extension trajectory of the push-pull rail is the same as the movement trajectory of the battery compartment deflection from the connection point between the push-pull rod and the battery compartment. By extending the operation point to the exterior of the AGV body with a manual push-pull device, operators can complete the deflection operation of the battery compartment by operating the push-pull handle, further simplifying the replacement process and improving operational convenience and safety.

[0038] In one example, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the lock includes an unlock button and a locking hook that is linked to the unlock button. A locking member is connected inside the battery compartment and has a lock hole or locking pin that mates with the locking hook. The unlock button activates the locking hook, which engages with the lock hole or locking pin to complete the locking / unlocking process. The use of a push-button unlock button and the linked locking hook achieves true "one-button operation." Users only need to press once to lock or unlock the battery, making the operation intuitive and simple, greatly improving the user experience and replacement efficiency.

[0039] Of course, the lock and locking element in this application can adopt the structure shown in the example above, or other different structures can be used. For example, the lock can simply adopt a hook structure, and the locking element can still be a lock hole or lock pin that cooperates with the hook. However, in this structure, the locking element is fixedly connected to the AGV body and does not deflect with the battery compartment. When the battery compartment carrying the battery assembly deflects, the battery assembly drives the hook structure to descend relative to the lock hole / lock pin to achieve locking engagement with the lock hole / lock pin. This application does not specifically limit the structure of the lock and locking element, or the installation and engagement method of the two.

[0040] Continue to refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, an electrical connector socket is provided at the end of the battery assembly facing the inside of the battery compartment. An electrical connector plug is fixedly installed inside the battery compartment at a position corresponding to the electrical connector socket. Under load, the electrical connector plug and socket complete a mating connection. Using this structure, combined with the deflection of the battery compartment, the electrical connector plug and socket can automatically align and connect during the sliding of the battery assembly, achieving automated electrical connection and avoiding the cumbersome step of separately connecting a power cord in traditional methods.

[0041] This application also provides an automated guided vehicle (AGV) including the aforementioned quick-release battery locking mechanism. The AGV employing this quick-release battery locking mechanism has rapid battery replacement capability, significantly improving equipment utilization and reducing downtime. It is particularly suitable for large-scale AGV applications requiring continuous operation, bringing significant economic benefits and operational efficiency improvements to users.

[0042] The technical solutions protected by this utility model are not limited to the above embodiments. It should be noted that any combination of the technical solutions of any embodiment with one or more other embodiments is within the protection scope of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail above with general descriptions and specific embodiments, some modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such modifications or improvements made without departing from the spirit of this utility model are within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A quick-release battery locking structure for AGVs, characterized in that, The device includes a lock and a locking member. The lock is mounted on the battery assembly, and the locking member is mounted on the AGV body. The battery assembly is locked inside the AGV body through the cooperation of the lock and the locking member. It also includes a battery compartment. One end of the battery compartment near the outside of the AGV body is rotatably connected to the AGV body via a hinge shaft, allowing the end of the battery compartment near the inside of the AGV body to deflect downwards with its outer end as the axis. The battery compartment has a load-bearing state for supporting the battery assembly. In this load-bearing state, the end of the battery compartment near the inside of the AGV body is lower than the end of the battery compartment near the outside of the AGV body.

2. The AGV quick-release battery locking structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The deflection angle of the battery compartment near the interior of the AGV body ranges from 3° to 15°.

3. The AGV quick-release battery locking structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the battery compartment is provided with one or more limiting members, and the AGV body is also provided with a mating part corresponding to the limiting member. In the load-bearing state, the limiting member and the mating part are in contact and engaged.

4. The AGV quick-release battery locking structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the battery compartment is also provided with a groove, and a return spring is provided inside the groove. One end of the return spring is fixed to the bottom of the groove, and the other end is connected to the AGV body.

5. The AGV quick-release battery locking structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The lock includes an unlock button and a lock hook that is linked to the unlock button. The locking member is connected to the inside of the battery compartment and has a lock hole or lock pin that cooperates with the lock hook. Under the action of the unlock button, the lock hook and the lock hole or lock pin complete the unlocking and unlocking cooperation.

6. The AGV quick-release battery locking structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, An electrical connector socket is provided at one end of the battery assembly facing the inside of the battery compartment. An electrical connector plug is fixedly installed inside the battery compartment at a position corresponding to the electrical connector socket. In the load-bearing state, the electrical connector plug and the electrical connector socket are connected by insertion.

7. The AGV quick-release battery locking structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a deflection limiting mechanism, which includes a limiting groove disposed on the outer wall of the battery compartment and a limiting pin movably disposed on the AGV body; The limiting groove is located on the side wall of the battery compartment near the outer end of the AGV body. The limiting pin can move relative to the AGV body and extend into the limiting groove to engage with the limiting groove or be pulled out of the limiting groove to release the limiting.

8. The AGV quick-release battery locking structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the battery compartment is also provided with a guide groove, and the AGV body is provided with guide ribs that slide in cooperation with the guide groove.

9. The AGV quick-release battery locking structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a manual push-pull device, one end of which is connected to the end of the battery compartment near the interior of the AGV body, and the other end extends to the outside of the AGV body.

10. An automated guided vehicle, characterized in that, The AGV quick-release battery locking mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is installed.

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