Battery exchange station and battery exchange method

Abstract

To provide a battery replacement station and a battery replacement method of replacing battery packs of a plurality of specifications.SOLUTION: A battery replacement station including a parking platform 1 and a battery bin 2 positioned at a one side thereof, includes: at least one parking position 11; the battery bin; a first battery replacement facility 3; and a second battery replacement facility 4. The battery bin stores at least a first battery pack for a first electric automobile vehicle and a second battery pack for a second electric automobile vehicle, and the first battery pack is attached to the first electric automobile vehicle via a first lock-up mechanism, and the second battery pack is attached to the second electric automobile vehicle via a second lock-up mechanism. The first and second battery replacement facilities are used for replacing the battery pack in the first or second electric automobile vehicle so as to reciprocate between the parking position and the battery bin. The first and second battery replacement facilities are used for locking and unlocking the first and second lock-up mechanisms.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications Nos. 2020104515801 and 2020104534817, filed on May 25, 2020. This application cites the above Chinese patent applications in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery exchange station and a battery exchange method. [Background technology]

[0003] Due to the supply pressure and exhaust gas pollution caused by traditional fossil energy consumption, the development of traditional fuel-powered vehicles has entered a period of slowdown. With the prospect of green energy, electric vehicles have experienced explosive growth in recent years due to their advantages of energy saving and environmental protection. Meanwhile, the drawback of electric vehicles' battery charging time has prompted the emergence of quick-change electric vehicles, which allow for quick battery pack replacement by removing an underpowered battery pack and replacing it with a fully charged one. Because the battery packs of electric vehicles are very heavy due to the need for longer driving range, battery pack replacement must be carried out using proprietary equipment. Therefore, battery swap stations have emerged as service locations specializing in the replacement of electric vehicle battery packs.

[0004] However, current battery swapping stations are custom-made to fit each vehicle manufacturer's vehicle model and the different battery pack specifications, which means that a battery swapping station can only swap battery packs of the same specifications and lock-up methods, significantly limiting the development prospects for battery swapping stations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery exchange station and a battery exchange method therefor, in order to overcome the drawback that the battery exchange station in the prior art can only exchange battery packs of one specification.

[0006] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions.

[0007] The present invention provides a battery exchange station for use in exchanging battery packs in an electric vehicle, the battery exchange station comprising: at least one parking location; a battery bin storing at least a first battery pack for a first electric vehicle and a second battery pack for a second electric vehicle, the first battery pack being attached to the first electric vehicle via a first lock-up mechanism, and the second battery pack being attached to the second electric vehicle via a second lock-up mechanism; a first battery replacement device and a second battery replacement device used to replace a battery pack in the first electric vehicle or the second electric vehicle by traveling back and forth between the parking position and the battery bin, wherein the first battery replacement device is used to lock and unlock the first lock-up mechanism, and the second battery replacement device is used to lock and unlock the second lock-up mechanism.

[0008] In this technical solution, a first battery pack and a second battery pack are arranged in a battery bin, and a first battery exchange device and a second battery exchange device are also arranged to lock and unlock the first battery pack and the second battery pack, so that the battery exchange station can exchange at least two types of battery packs and thereby serve as a battery exchange station for at least the first electric vehicle and the second electric vehicle.

[0009] Preferably, the battery exchange station further includes a vehicle identification device, which is used to identify a type of battery pack and a type of lock-up mechanism of an electric vehicle whose battery is to be exchanged; The vehicle identification device is further used to transmit a first battery replacement signal to the first battery replacement equipment when the type of the lockup mechanism is the first lockup mechanism, and to transmit a second battery replacement signal to the second battery replacement equipment when the type of the lockup mechanism is the second lockup mechanism.

[0010] The first battery replacement device and the second battery replacement device perform a battery pack replacement operation based on the first battery replacement signal and the second battery replacement signal, respectively.

[0011] In this technical solution, by providing a vehicle identification device, the type of battery pack and the type of lock-up mechanism of the electric vehicle entering the parking position can be identified, and the corresponding battery exchange equipment can be controlled to carry out the subsequent battery exchange process.

[0012] Preferably, the battery exchange station further includes a lifting mechanism, which is used to lift the first electric vehicle located in the parking position to a first altitude, and which is further used to lift the second electric vehicle located in the parking position to a second altitude.

[0013] In this technical solution, the lifting mechanism can adjust the parking position to different heights based on the type of electric vehicle parked in the parking position, i.e., can lift the electric vehicle to different heights, thereby adapting to the height and space requirements for removing and installing battery packs during the battery replacement process for different types of battery packs.

[0014] Preferably, the battery bin is located on one side of the parking position, and an avoidance area is provided at the battery exchange station, the avoidance area being located between the battery bin and the parking position or on the opposite side of the parking position from the battery bin, and the avoidance area being used to allow the first battery exchange equipment and the second battery exchange equipment to avoid each other during driving.

[0015] In this technical solution, by providing an avoidance area, it is possible to prevent the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device from interfering with each other during driving.

[0016] Preferably, the battery bin has one battery removal opening, and the avoidance area is provided on either or both sides of a travel path between the parking position and the battery removal opening.

[0017] In this technical solution, when the battery bin has only one battery removal / exit port, the first battery replacement device and the second battery replacement device have overlapping travel paths, and an avoidance area is provided on any one or both sides of the travel path, so that the first battery replacement device or the second battery replacement device can avoid the other battery replacement device.

[0018] Preferably, the battery bin has two battery removal openings, and the avoidance area of ​​one of the battery removal openings is the driving route between the other battery removal opening and the parking position.

[0019] In this technical solution, if the battery bin has two battery removal ports, a separate, non-overlapping travel path can be designed for the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device, so that the corresponding travel path between one of the battery removal ports and the parking position can be the avoidance area between the other battery removal port and the parking position.

[0020] Preferably, the battery bins are distributed on both sides of the parking position, and are respectively a first battery bin used to accommodate the first battery pack and a second battery bin used to accommodate the second battery pack, the first battery replacement device travels back and forth between the first battery bin and the parking position to replace the battery pack for the first electric vehicle, and the second battery replacement device travels back and forth between the second battery bin and the parking position to replace the battery pack for the second electric vehicle.

[0021] In this technical solution, the first battery pack is placed in the first battery bin, and the second battery pack is placed in the second battery bin. The first and second battery bins are located on both sides of the parking position, so that the two types of battery packs have independent bin location areas. In addition, the first battery replacement device is located on the same side as the first battery bin, and the second battery replacement device is located on the same side as the second battery bin, optimizing the design of the battery replacement station structure and the battery pack input and output flow.

[0022] Preferably, the first battery bin and the second battery bin each have a battery removal opening, and the first battery replacement device and the second battery replacement device each replace the battery pack through the corresponding battery removal opening.

[0023] In this technical solution, the first battery bin and the second battery bin are each provided with a battery removal port, allowing the first battery replacement device and the second battery replacement device to replace battery packs through the corresponding battery removal port, making the battery replacement process for the first battery pack and the battery replacement process for the second battery pack independent of each other, and further optimizing the design of the battery replacement station and the battery replacement process.

[0024] Preferably, the first battery replacement device is further used to lock and unlock the second lock-up mechanism, and the second battery replacement device is further used to lock and unlock the first lock-up mechanism.

[0025] In this technical solution, the first battery replacement device and the second battery replacement device can both lock and unlock the first lock-up mechanism and the second lock-up mechanism, allowing the first battery replacement device and the second battery replacement device to be used for replacing the first battery pack and the second battery pack at the same time, improving the efficiency of battery replacement.

[0026] Preferably, the number of the parking positions is plural, and the number of the first battery exchange facilities and the second battery exchange facilities is also plural.

[0027] In this technical solution, the number of parking positions, first battery exchange devices, and second battery exchange devices can be designed based on actual battery exchange needs.

[0028] The present invention provides a battery exchange method, and the battery exchange station used in the battery exchange method is as described in the above technical solution, and the battery exchange method includes: obtaining a type of electric vehicle entering the parking position and a type of lock-up mechanism of a battery pack; and controlling the first battery exchange device or the second battery exchange device that is compatible with the type of the lock-up mechanism to remove the battery pack of the electric vehicle that is short of power.

[0029] In this technical solution, the above-mentioned battery replacement method can obtain the type of electric vehicle and the corresponding type of battery pack lock-up mechanism, and then control the removal of the old battery pack of the electric vehicle using compatible battery replacement equipment, allowing the battery replacement station to be used to remove battery packs of different types of battery replacement vehicles.

[0030] Preferably, the battery exchange method further includes the step of controlling the first battery exchange device or the second battery exchange device to attach a fully charged battery pack to the electric vehicle.

[0031] In this technical solution, the battery replacement method can be used to replace the battery pack of an electric vehicle, while the first and second battery replacement devices can also be used to remove and install the first and second battery packs, further improving the efficiency of battery replacement and the flexibility of the battery replacement process.

[0032] The above-mentioned preferable conditions can be arbitrarily combined based on common knowledge in this field to obtain each preferable embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The positive advances and advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0034] The battery exchange station and the battery exchange method described above have multiple types of battery packs arranged in a battery bin, and are equipped with battery exchange equipment that can lock and unlock the multiple types of battery packs, so that the battery exchange station can exchange multiple types of battery packs and is adaptable to battery exchange for a variety of electric vehicles. This makes the battery exchange station more compatible and applicable in a wider range of applications than existing battery exchange stations that can only exchange one type of battery pack. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of a battery exchange station according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of a battery exchange station according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of a battery exchange station according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of a battery exchange station according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of a battery exchange station according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of a battery exchange station according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of a battery exchange station according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of a battery exchange station according to Example 8 of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of a battery exchange station according to Example 9 of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 16 is a step diagram of a battery exchange method in a battery exchange station according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating steps of a battery exchange method in a battery exchange station according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a first lock-up mechanism of a battery exchange device in a battery exchange station according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a second detachment mechanism of the battery exchange equipment in the battery exchange station according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The present invention will be further explained with reference to the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the examples.

[0037] Example 1 FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a battery exchange station of the present invention. The battery exchange station is used to exchange battery packs for electric vehicles. Two types of electric vehicles are available for battery exchange, namely, a first electric vehicle and a second electric vehicle. Two types of battery packs are also available for battery exchange, namely, a first battery pack and a second battery pack. The first battery pack is attached to the first electric vehicle via a first lockup mechanism, and the second battery pack is attached to the second electric vehicle via a second lockup mechanism.

[0038] 1 , the battery exchange station includes a parking platform 1 and a battery bin 2 located on one side of the parking platform 1, where a parking position 11 is provided on the parking platform 1 and a first battery pack and a second battery pack are stored in the battery bin 2. The battery exchange station further includes a first battery exchange device 3 and a second battery exchange device 4.

[0039] The first battery exchange device 3 is used to exchange the battery pack for the first electric vehicle by traveling back and forth between the parking position 11 and the battery bin 2, and the first battery exchange device 3 is also used to lock and unlock the first lockup mechanism. Specifically, the first battery exchange device 3 can remove the first battery pack from the battery bin 2 and move it to the first electric vehicle, lock up the first lockup mechanism, and secure the first battery pack to the first electric vehicle. At the same time, the first battery exchange device 3 can also unlock the first lockup mechanism, detach the first battery pack from the first electric vehicle, and move the first battery pack to the battery bin 2.

[0040] The second battery exchange device 4 is used to exchange the battery pack for the second electric vehicle by traveling back and forth between the parking position 11 and the battery bin 2, and the second battery exchange device 4 is also used to lock and unlock the second lockup mechanism. Specifically, the second battery exchange device 4 can remove the second battery pack from the battery bin 2 and move it to the second electric vehicle, lock up the second lockup mechanism, and secure the second battery pack to the second electric vehicle. At the same time, the second battery exchange device 4 can also unlock the second lockup mechanism, detach the second battery pack from the second electric vehicle, and move the second battery pack to the battery bin 2.

[0041] By providing a battery bin 2 storing two types of battery packs and arranging corresponding battery exchange equipment (i.e., a first battery exchange equipment 3 and a second battery exchange equipment 4) for the two types of battery packs, the battery exchange station can exchange batteries for the battery packs of two types of electric vehicles (i.e., the first electric vehicle and the second electric vehicle), thereby fulfilling the battery exchange function for both types of battery packs and improving the compatibility of the battery exchange station.

[0042] In order to improve the efficiency of battery replacement, the first battery replacement device 3 is further used to lock and unlock the second lockup mechanism, that is, the first battery replacement device 3 can lock up the second lockup mechanism to attach the second battery pack to the second electric vehicle, and at the same time, the first battery replacement device 3 can further unlock the second lockup mechanism to detach the second battery pack from the second electric vehicle.

[0043] Similarly, in order to improve the efficiency of battery exchange, the second battery exchange device 4 is further used to lock and unlock the first lockup mechanism, that is, the second battery exchange device 4 can lock up the first lockup mechanism and attach the first battery pack to the first electric vehicle, and at the same time, the second battery exchange device 4 can further unlock the first lockup mechanism and detach the first battery pack from the first electric vehicle.

[0044] To achieve the purpose of the first battery exchange device 3 serving as both a first lockup mechanism and a second lockup mechanism and exchanging the first battery pack and the second battery pack, the first battery exchange device 3 is provided with a first detachment mechanism and a second detachment mechanism. When the first battery pack needs to be replaced, the first detachment mechanism in the first battery exchange device 3 is used to lock and unlock the first lockup mechanism, and when the second battery pack needs to be replaced, the second detachment mechanism in the first battery exchange device 3 is used to lock and unlock the second lockup mechanism.

[0045] Similarly, in order to achieve the purpose of the second battery exchange device 4 serving as both the first lockup mechanism and the second lockup mechanism and also serving as a mechanism for exchanging the first battery pack and the second battery pack, the second battery exchange device 4 is also provided with a first detachment mechanism and a second detachment mechanism. When the first battery pack needs to be replaced, the first lockup mechanism in the second battery exchange device 4 is used to lock and unlock the first lockup mechanism, and when the second battery pack needs to be replaced, the second detachment mechanism in the second battery exchange device 4 is used to lock and unlock the second lockup mechanism.

[0046] Since the first battery exchange equipment 3 or the second battery exchange equipment 4 is provided with a first detachment mechanism and a second detachment mechanism, it is possible to complete the battery exchange of the first battery pack and the second battery pack using only one battery exchange equipment (the first battery exchange equipment 3 or the second battery exchange equipment 4).

[0047] The first and second lockup mechanisms of this embodiment are described using Chinese Patent Application Nos. 2016110412204 and 2017112736024 as examples. However, the two types of lockup mechanisms in the multi-function battery exchange device of the present invention are not limited to the specific structures in the above-mentioned prior art, and can also be applied to other types of battery lockup structures.

[0048] FIG. 12 shows a first lockup mechanism 50 corresponding to the first detachment mechanism. The first lockup mechanism 50 includes a lock link 501, a lock base 502, and a lock tongue 503. The lock base 502 has a lock slot 504 formed therein. The lock tongue 503 is positioned within the lock slot 504. The lock link 501 can retract the lock tongue 503 to the outside of the lock slot 504.

[0049] When unlocking the first battery pack, the first detachment mechanism presses against the unlock position 505 of the lock link 501, moving the lock link 501 and retracting the lock tongue 503 out of the lock slot 504. The first detachment mechanism moves the first battery pack so that the lock shaft of the first battery pack disengages from the lock slot 504, thereby unlocking the first battery pack. When locking up the first battery pack, if the lock link 501 does not contact the first detachment mechanism, the first detachment mechanism moves the first battery pack so that the lock shaft of the first battery pack enters the lock slot 504, thereby locking up.

[0050] 12 is a typical example of the lockup end of the first lockup mechanism. However, in addition to the structure shown in FIG. 5, it is understood that the first detachable mechanism 1 can also lock up or unlock other members that require relative movement to lock up or unlock, i.e., non-rotating lockup mechanisms such as other snap-type or staggered-tooth lockup structures. All that is required is that the relative movement between the movable members of the first detachable mechanism be designed to match the lockup or unlocking direction of the first lockup mechanism 50.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 13 , in one embodiment, the second detachment mechanism 60 includes a rotating part 601 and a rotation control mechanism 602. The second lockup mechanism has a lockup end that mates with the rotating part 601. The rotating part 601 is used to rotate the lockup end of the second lockup mechanism to detach it. The rotation control mechanism 602 is used to control the rotation of the rotating part 601 so that the rotating part 601 rotates the lockup end to detach the second lockup mechanism. Here, the rotation control mechanism 602 includes a motor 6021 and a reducer 6022. The output of the motor 6021 can be input directly or indirectly to the reducer 6022. For example, a connecting shaft (not shown) provided on the motor 6021 can extend to a coupling (not shown) in the reducer 6022, thereby realizing a connection between the motor 6021 and the reducer 6022. The rotational speed of motor 6021 is changed by reducer 6022, which then directly or indirectly drives rotating unit 601 to tighten or loosen the lockup end of the second lockup mechanism, thereby removing or installing the second battery pack. A bolt is a typical example of the lockup end of the second lockup mechanism. However, it can be understood that rotating unit 601 can be used to screw in any member that requires a rotation operation other than a bolt; it is only necessary to design rotating unit 601 to match the shape of the lockup end of the second lockup mechanism.

[0052] In other embodiments, there may be multiple types of battery packs, and correspondingly, there may be multiple battery exchange devices, each of which supports the replacement of one battery pack. One battery exchange device supports the battery exchange of at least one battery pack, and one battery exchange device may also support the battery exchange of multiple battery packs in order to improve the compatibility and efficiency of the battery exchange devices.

[0053] The number of parking spaces 11 may be multiple, and multiple parking spaces 11 can accommodate multiple electric vehicles, improving battery exchange efficiency. Correspondingly, the number of first battery exchange devices 3 and second battery exchange devices 4 may also be multiple, with a set of the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 being provided for each parking space 11. Of course, the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4 may be provided with a first detachment mechanism and a second detachment mechanism, and battery exchange of the first battery pack and the second battery pack may be completed using only one battery exchange device (the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4). That is, one battery exchange device is provided for each parking space 11. If the space of the battery exchange station is relatively small or the frequency of battery exchange is low, one battery exchange device can be used to cover multiple parking spaces 11. The number of battery exchange devices and parking spaces is determined according to the actual battery exchange demand of the battery exchange station.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery exchange station further includes a vehicle identification device 5, which is used to identify the type of battery pack and the type of lock-up mechanism of the electric vehicle whose battery is to be exchanged.

[0055] The vehicle identification device 5 is further used to transmit a first battery replacement signal to the first battery replacement device 3 when the type of the lockup mechanism is the first lockup mechanism, i.e., when the electric vehicle parked in the parking position 11 is the first electric vehicle and the battery pack to be replaced is the first battery pack, and the first battery replacement device 3 performs a battery pack replacement operation based on the first battery replacement signal, i.e., replaces the first battery pack of the first electric vehicle. At this time, if the second battery replacement device 4 also has the function of replacing the first battery pack, the vehicle identification device 5 can also transmit a first battery replacement signal to the second battery replacement device 4, and the second battery replacement device 4 performs a battery pack replacement operation based on the first battery replacement signal, i.e., replaces the first battery pack of the first electric vehicle.

[0056] The vehicle identification device 5 is further used to transmit a second battery replacement signal to the second battery replacement device 4 when the type of the lockup mechanism is the second lockup mechanism, i.e., when the electric vehicle parked in the parking position 11 is the second electric vehicle and the battery pack to be replaced is the second battery pack, and the second battery replacement device 4 performs a battery pack replacement operation based on the second battery replacement signal, i.e., replaces the second battery pack of the second electric vehicle. At this time, if the first battery replacement device 3 also has the function of replacing the second battery pack, the vehicle identification device 5 can also transmit a second battery replacement signal to the first battery replacement device 3, and the first battery replacement device 3 performs a battery pack replacement operation based on the second battery replacement signal, i.e., replaces the second battery pack of the second electric vehicle.

[0057] By providing the vehicle identification device 5, it is possible to identify the type of battery pack and the type of lock-up mechanism of an electric vehicle entering the parking space 11, and determine the subsequent battery exchange flow. The vehicle identification device 5 can be provided at the entrance of the parking platform 1, so that when the electric vehicle enters the parking platform 1, the type of battery pack and the type of lock-up mechanism of the electric vehicle can be immediately identified.

[0058] The altitude of the battery pack removal or installation position varies depending on the model of electric vehicle. Therefore, during the battery exchange process, the altitude of the electric vehicle needs to be adjusted according to the different electric vehicle models (i.e., the type of battery pack and the type of lock-up mechanism). Therefore, the battery exchange station further includes a vehicle mounting platform. The parking position 11 is located on the upper surface of the vehicle mounting platform. The altitude of the parking position 11 can be achieved by raising and lowering the vehicle mounting platform. Specifically, the altitude of the parking position 11 can be adjusted by raising or lowering a lifting mechanism provided at the bottom of the vehicle mounting platform. The lifting mechanism can adjust the parking position 11 to different altitudes based on the type of electric vehicle parked in the parking position 11, i.e., can raise the electric vehicle to different altitudes. For example, if the electric vehicle located in the parking position 11 is a first electric vehicle, the lifting mechanism raises the first electric vehicle located in the parking position 11 to a first altitude suitable for the battery exchange process of the first battery pack. For example, if the electric vehicle located at parking position 11 is a second electric vehicle, the lifting mechanism lifts the second electric vehicle located at parking position 11 to a second altitude suitable for a battery replacement process of the second battery pack. Here, the battery replacement process includes the processes of removing and installing the battery.

[0059] In another embodiment, the first altitude may include a first sub-altitude, a second sub-altitude, a third sub-altitude, and a fourth sub-altitude, which respectively correspond to four altitude positions corresponding to the vehicle mounting platform during the battery removal or installation process, and the four altitude positions realize adjustment of the altitude position of the parking position 11. Specifically, the first sub-altitude is the initial altitude position at which the electric vehicle enters the vehicle mounting platform, the second sub-altitude is the altitude position at which the vehicle mounting platform raises the electric vehicle to allow the empty battery replacement equipment to access the bottom of the electric vehicle, the third sub-altitude is the altitude position at which the vehicle mounting platform lowers the electric vehicle to allow the battery replacement equipment to remove or install a battery from or to the bottom of the electric vehicle, and the fourth sub-altitude is the altitude position at which the vehicle mounting platform raises the electric vehicle to allow the loaded battery replacement equipment to access the bottom of the electric vehicle. Similarly, the second altitude may include four sub-altitudes.

[0060] In another embodiment, the first altitude and / or the second altitude may be an initial altitude position when the electric vehicle enters the vehicle mounting platform, and the electric vehicle removes or installs the battery at the initial altitude position, and during the battery removal or installation process, the altitude position of the corresponding battery replacement device is adjusted to realize a change in position between the battery replacement device and the bottom of the electric vehicle.

[0061] In other embodiments, there may be multiple models of electric vehicles (i.e., types of battery packs and types of lock-up mechanisms), and the lifting mechanism may be correspondingly adjusted to a corresponding height based on the battery replacement needs of different electric vehicles.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 1 , there is a battery rack in which battery packs are placed within the battery bin 2, the battery bin 2 has a battery removal entrance 21 on the side facing the parking platform 1, a palletizer 8 is provided within the battery bin 2 and is used to move the battery packs in the battery bin 2 between the battery removal entrance 21 and the battery rack, and the first battery exchange equipment 3 or the second battery exchange equipment 4 removes or places the battery packs through the battery removal entrance 21. Specifically, when removing an old battery pack from an electric vehicle, the first battery exchange equipment 3 or the second battery exchange equipment 4 passes the old battery pack from the battery removal entrance 21 to the palletizer 8, and the palletizer 8 places the old battery pack on the battery rack. When a new battery pack is to be installed in the electric vehicle, the palletizer 8 removes the new battery pack from the battery rack and moves it to the battery removal entrance 21, the first battery replacement equipment 3 or the second battery replacement equipment 4 removes the new battery pack in the palletizer 8 from the battery removal entrance 21, and the first battery replacement equipment 3 or the second battery replacement equipment 4 moves again to the parking position 11 and installs the new battery pack in the electric vehicle.

[0063] Between the parking position 11 and the battery removal entrance 21 of the battery bin 2, a travel path 6 is formed which is used by the first battery replacement equipment 3 and the second battery replacement equipment 4 to travel back and forth between the parking position 11 and the battery removal entrance 21. In order to prevent the first battery replacement equipment 3 and the second battery replacement equipment 4 from interfering with each other while traveling along the travel path 6, an avoidance area 7 is further provided between the battery bin 2 and the parking position 11, the avoidance area 7 is connected to the travel path 6 so as not to overlap with it, and the avoidance area 7 is used for parking the first battery replacement equipment 3 or the second battery replacement equipment 4.

[0064] The avoidance area 7 is used to allow the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 to avoid each other during the travel process. For example, during the movement process of the first battery exchange device 3, the second battery exchange device 4 can move into the avoidance area 7, allowing the first battery exchange device 3 to travel along the travel route 6 without hindrance. Meanwhile, during the movement process of the second battery exchange device 4, the first battery exchange device 3 can move into the avoidance area 7, allowing the second battery exchange device 4 to travel along the travel route 6 without hindrance. In this embodiment, there are two avoidance areas 7, and the avoidance areas 7 are provided on one side of the travel route 6.

[0065] <Example 2> 2 shows a second embodiment of the battery exchange station of the present invention. Most of the structure of the battery exchange station of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the differences are as follows: Two avoidance areas 7 are provided on the opposite side of the travel path 6 from that of the first embodiment.

[0066] Example 3 3 shows a third embodiment of the battery exchange station of the present invention. Most of the structure of the battery exchange station of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but there are the following differences: two avoidance areas 7 are provided on both sides of the travel path 6, and the two avoidance areas 7 are offset from each other, i.e., there are two intersections between the two avoidance areas 7 and the travel path 6 on the travel path 6.

[0067] Example 4 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the battery exchange station of the present invention. Most of the structure of the battery exchange station of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the following differences exist: two avoidance areas 7 are provided on both sides of the travel path 6, and the two avoidance areas 7 are aligned, i.e., the intersections of the two avoidance areas 7 and the travel path 6 are located at a single point on the travel path 6.

[0068] <Example 5> FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the battery exchange station of the present invention. Most of the structure of the battery exchange station of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, with the following differences: the walking path 6 passes through the parking position 11 to the side of the parking position 11 away from the battery bin 2; that is, the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 can pass under the bottom of the electric vehicle and move to the side of the parking position 11 away from the battery bin 2. Meanwhile, the two avoidance areas 7 are a first avoidance area 71 and a second avoidance area 72, respectively. The first avoidance area 71 is located between the battery bin 2 and the parking position 11 and is provided on one side of the travel path 6. The second avoidance area 72 is located on the side of the parking position 11 away from the battery bin 2 and is provided at the end of the travel path 6.

[0069] The location of the avoidance area 7 described in the above Examples 1 to 5 can be selected according to the movement paths of the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 during the battery exchange process at the battery exchange station. The rational design of the avoidance area 7 can achieve the effect of simplifying the battery exchange process and saving the battery exchange time.

[0070] Example 6 FIG. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the battery exchange station of the present invention. Most of the structure of the battery exchange station of the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, with the following differences: The battery bin 2 has two battery access ports 21, designated as a first access port 211 and a second access port 212. There are also two travel paths 6, designated as a first travel path 61 and a second travel path 62. The first travel path 61 connects the parking position 11 and the first access port 211, and the second travel path 62 connects the parking position 11 and the second access port 212. The first battery exchange device 3 travels along the first travel path 61, and the second battery exchange device 4 travels along the second travel path 62. Because the first travel path 61 and the second travel path 62 do not overlap, the first travel path 61 is an avoidance area for the second battery exchange device 4, and the second travel path 62 is an avoidance area for the first battery exchange device 3.

[0071] By providing two battery removal / removal openings 21, the movement of the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 is made relatively independent, and the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 do not avoid each other, improving battery exchange efficiency.

[0072] Example 7 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the battery exchange station of the present invention. The parking platform structure and the battery bin structure of the battery exchange station of the seventh embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, but the differences are as follows.

[0073] There are two battery bins 2, which are a first battery bin 22 and a second battery bin 23, and the first battery bin 22 and the second battery bin 23 are located on either side of the parking position 11. The first battery bin 22 is used to place a first battery pack, and the second battery bin 23 is used to place a second battery pack. The first battery exchange device 3 travels between the first battery bin 22 and the parking position 11 to exchange battery packs for the first electric vehicle, and the second battery exchange device 4 travels between the second battery bin 23 and the parking position 11 to exchange battery packs for the second electric vehicle.

[0074] The first battery bin 22 and the second battery bin 23 each have one battery removal opening 21, and the two battery removal openings 21 are the third removal opening 213 and the fourth removal opening 214, i.e., the first battery bin 22 has the third removal opening 213, and the second battery bin 23 has the fourth removal opening 214. The first battery replacement device 3 replaces battery packs through the third removal opening 213, and the second battery replacement device 4 replaces battery packs through the fourth removal opening 214.

[0075] Correspondingly, there are two travel paths 6, a third travel path 63 and a fourth travel path 64. The third travel path 63 extends from the third removal entrance 213 to the parking position 11, and the first battery exchange device 3 travels on the third travel path 63, traveling back and forth between the third removal entrance 213 of the first battery bin 22 and the parking position 11. The fourth travel path 64 extends from the fourth removal entrance 214 to the parking position 11, and the second battery exchange device 4 travels on the fourth travel path 64, traveling back and forth between the fourth removal entrance 214 of the second battery bin 23 and the parking position 11.

[0076] Since the first battery bin 22 and the second battery bin 23 are distributed on both sides of the parking position 11, the first battery replacement device 3 and the second battery replacement device 4 do not interfere with each other during the battery replacement process, and there is no need to set up an avoidance area, which improves battery replacement efficiency and simplifies the battery replacement process.

[0077] Example 8 8 shows a battery exchange station according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Most of the structure of the battery exchange station according to the eighth embodiment is the same as that of the seventh embodiment, but the differences are as follows.

[0078] There are two parking positions 11, each designated a first parking position 111 and a second parking position 112. A third travel path 63 extends from the third removal entrance 213 to the first parking position 111, and the first battery exchange device 3 travels along the third travel path 63, traveling back and forth between the third removal entrance 213 of the first battery bin 22 and the first parking position 111. A fourth travel path 64 extends from the fourth removal entrance 214 to the second parking position 112, and the second battery exchange device 4 travels along the fourth travel path 64, traveling back and forth between the fourth removal entrance 214 of the second battery bin 23 and the second parking position 112.

[0079] If the electric vehicle entering the parking platform 1 is a first electric vehicle, the first electric vehicle will park at a first parking position 111 and use a first battery exchange facility 3 to exchange batteries. If the electric vehicle entering the parking platform 1 is a second electric vehicle, the second electric vehicle will park at a second parking position 112 and use a second battery exchange facility 4 to exchange batteries.

[0080] By designing corresponding first parking positions 111 and second parking positions 112 for the first electric vehicle and the second electric vehicle, the parking positions can be individually designed to meet the battery replacement needs of different electric vehicles, such as the altitude and area of ​​the parking positions.

[0081] For example, in another embodiment, the first parking position 111 and the second parking position 112 may be arranged side by side, i.e., they may be arranged on the left and right sides between the first battery bin 22 and the second battery bin 23, rather than being arranged front to back on the vehicle mounting platform as shown in Fig. 8. Correspondingly, the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 can travel between the third outlet 213 of the first battery bin 22 and the first parking position 111, the fourth outlet 214 of the second battery bin 23 and the second parking position 112, respectively. The first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 can also travel along the same driving path, which extends sequentially from the third outlet 213 of the first battery bin 22 to the first parking position 111, the second parking position 112 and the fourth outlet 214 of the second battery bin 23. To ensure that other battery exchange devices can travel normally, an avoidance area for the first battery exchange device 3 and / or the second battery exchange device 4 may be provided on the driving path.

[0082] In other embodiments, the number of parking positions 11 may be two or more to accommodate the battery swap needs of battery packs of multiple types of electric vehicles.

[0083] In other embodiments, a battery exchange station does not necessarily have to correspond to one parking space, but one parking space can correspond to multiple battery exchange stations, and multiple battery exchange stations can correspond to one parking space. The number of battery exchange stations and parking spaces can both be adjusted according to actual battery exchange demand.

[0084] Example 9 9 shows a ninth embodiment of the battery exchange station of the present invention. Most of the structure of the battery exchange station of the ninth embodiment is the same as that of the eighth embodiment, but the differences are as follows.

[0085] The third travel path 63 extends from the third take-out entrance 213 through the first parking position 111 to the fourth take-out entrance 214, and the fourth travel path 64 extends from the fourth take-out entrance 214 through the second parking position 112 to the third take-out entrance 213, so that the third travel path 63 and the fourth travel path 64 form a continuous circular path. Meanwhile, the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 can travel along circular paths and can both reach the third take-out entrance 213, the first parking position 111, the fourth take-out entrance 214, and the second parking position 112, allowing the first battery exchange device 3 and the second battery exchange device 4 to also exchange batteries for the first battery pack and the second battery pack, improving battery exchange efficiency.

[0086] Example 10 FIG. 10 shows a tenth embodiment of the present invention, which provides a battery exchange method for a battery exchange station, the battery exchange method comprising: Step S1 of acquiring the type of electric vehicle entering the parking position 11 and the type of lock-up mechanism of the battery pack; and step S2 of controlling the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4 that is compatible with the type of lock-up mechanism to remove the battery pack with insufficient power of the electric vehicle.

[0087] In step S2, if the electric vehicle is a first electric vehicle, the first battery exchange equipment 3 controls the first electric vehicle to remove the first battery pack that is insufficient in power, and if the electric vehicle is a second electric vehicle, the second battery exchange equipment 4 controls the second electric vehicle to remove the second battery pack that is insufficient in power.

[0088] When the first battery exchange equipment 3 and the second battery exchange equipment 4 are capable of performing the removal work of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, if the electric vehicle is a first electric vehicle, the second battery exchange equipment 4 may be controlled to remove the first battery pack of the first electric vehicle that is insufficient in power, and if the electric vehicle is a second electric vehicle, the first battery exchange equipment 3 may be controlled to remove the second battery pack of the second electric vehicle that is insufficient in power.

[0089] The battery exchange method of the battery exchange station described above enables the removal of old battery packs from electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the first battery exchange equipment 3 and the second battery exchange equipment 4 can also be used to remove the first and second battery packs, further improving the efficiency of battery exchange and the flexibility of the battery exchange process.

[0090] Example 11 FIG. 11 shows an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which provides a battery exchange method for a battery exchange station, the battery exchange method comprising: Step S1 of acquiring the type of electric vehicle entering the parking position 11 and the type of lock-up mechanism of the battery pack; Step S2: controlling the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4 that is compatible with the type of the lock-up mechanism to remove the battery pack with insufficient power of the electric vehicle; and step S3 of controlling the first battery exchange device 3 or the second battery exchange device 4 to attach a fully charged battery pack to the electric vehicle.

[0091] If the electric vehicle is a first electric vehicle, in step S2, the first battery exchange equipment 3 controls the first electric vehicle to remove a first battery pack with insufficient power, and in step S3, the first battery exchange equipment 3 controls the first electric vehicle to attach a fully charged first battery pack.

[0092] If the electric vehicle is a second electric vehicle, in step S2, the second battery exchange device 4 is controlled to remove the second battery pack with insufficient power from the second electric vehicle, and in step S3, the second battery exchange device 4 is controlled to attach a fully charged second battery pack to the second electric vehicle.

[0093] If the first battery exchange equipment 3 and the second battery exchange equipment 4 are capable of both removing and installing the first battery pack and the second battery pack, in step S2, if the electric vehicle is the first electric vehicle, the second battery exchange equipment 4 may be controlled to remove the first battery pack with insufficient power of the first electric vehicle, and if the electric vehicle is the second electric vehicle, the first battery exchange equipment 3 may be controlled to remove the second battery pack with insufficient power of the second electric vehicle. On the other hand, in step S3, if the electric vehicle is the first electric vehicle, the second battery exchange equipment 4 may be controlled to install a fully charged first battery pack to the first electric vehicle, and if the electric vehicle is the second electric vehicle, the first battery exchange equipment 3 may be controlled to remove the second battery pack with insufficient power of the second electric vehicle.

[0094] The battery exchange method of the battery exchange station described above can realize battery exchange of the battery pack of an electric vehicle. Meanwhile, the first battery exchange equipment 3 and the second battery exchange equipment 4 can also perform the removal and installation of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, further improving the efficiency of battery exchange and the flexibility of the battery exchange process.

[0095] Although specific embodiments of the present application have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely examples, and the scope of protection of the present application is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principle and essence of the present invention, and all such changes and modifications shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Parking Platform 11 Parking location 111 First parking position 112 Second parking position 2 battery bins 21 Battery inlet / outlet 211 First entrance / exit 212 Second entrance / exit 213 Third entrance / exit 214 Fourth entrance / exit 22 First Battery Bin 23 Second Battery Bin 3 First battery replacement facility 4 Second battery replacement equipment 5. Vehicle Identification Device 6. Driving route 61 First Route 62 Second Travel Route 63 Third Route 64 Fourth Travel Route 7 Avoidance area 71 First avoidance area 72 Second avoidance area 8 Palletizer 50 First lockup mechanism 501 Lock Link 502 Rock Bass 503 Latch Tongue 504 Lock Slot 505 unlocked position 60 Second detachment mechanism 601 Rotating part 602 Rotation control mechanism 6021 Motor 6022 Reducer

Claims

1. 1. A battery exchange station used to exchange battery packs in an electric vehicle, the battery exchange station comprising: at least one parking location; a battery bin storing at least a first battery pack for a first electric vehicle and a second battery pack for a second electric vehicle, the first battery pack being attached to the first electric vehicle via a first lockup mechanism of the first electric vehicle, and the second battery pack being attached to the second electric vehicle via a second lockup mechanism of the second electric vehicle; a first battery replacement device and a second battery replacement device used to travel between the parking position and the battery bin to replace a battery pack in the first electric vehicle or the second electric vehicle, wherein the first battery replacement device is used to lock and unlock the first lock-up mechanism, and the second battery replacement device is used to lock and unlock the second lock-up mechanism; A battery exchange station comprising:

2. the first lockup mechanism is a non-rotary lockup mechanism, and the second lockup mechanism is a rotary lockup mechanism; 2. The battery exchange station of claim 1, wherein the first battery exchange facility is used to lock and unlock the first lock-up mechanism, and the second battery exchange facility is used to lock and unlock the second lock-up mechanism.

3. the battery exchange station further includes a vehicle identification device, the vehicle identification device being used to identify a type of battery pack and a type of lock-up mechanism of the electric vehicle whose battery is to be exchanged; the vehicle identification device is further used to transmit a first battery replacement signal to the first battery replacement facility when the type of the lock-up mechanism is the first lock-up mechanism, and to transmit a second battery replacement signal to the second battery replacement facility when the type of the lock-up mechanism is the second lock-up mechanism; 3. The battery exchange station according to claim 1, wherein the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device perform battery pack exchange operations based on the first battery exchange signal and the second battery exchange signal, respectively.

4. 4. The battery exchange station according to claim 1, further comprising a vehicle mounting platform, the vehicle mounting platform being used to raise or lower the first electric vehicle located in the parking position to a first altitude, and the vehicle mounting platform being further used to raise or lower the second electric vehicle located in the parking position to a second altitude.

5. 2. The battery exchange station of claim 1, wherein the battery bin has one battery removal entrance, and the battery exchange station is provided with an avoidance area, the avoidance area being provided on any one side of a travel path between the parking position and the battery removal entrance.

6. 2. The battery exchange station of claim 1, wherein the battery bin has one battery removal entrance, and the battery exchange station is provided with an avoidance area, and the avoidance area is provided on both sides of a travel path between the parking position and the battery removal entrance.

7. 7. The battery exchange station according to claim 6, wherein the number of the avoidance areas is two, the two avoidance areas are provided on both sides of the travel path, and the two avoidance areas are provided in a line.

8. 2. The battery exchange station of claim 1, wherein the battery bin has two battery removal openings, and the avoidance area of ​​one of the battery removal openings is a driving path between the other battery removal opening and the parking position.

9. A battery exchange station as described in claim 1, characterized in that the battery exchange station is provided with avoidance areas, the number of the avoidance areas is two, the two avoidance areas are a first avoidance area and a second avoidance area, the first avoidance area is located between the parking position and the battery bin, and the second avoidance area is located on the side of the parking position away from the battery bin.

10. 5. The battery exchange station according to claim 1, wherein the battery bins are arranged on both sides of the parking position, and each of the battery bins is a first battery bin used to accommodate the first battery pack and a second battery bin used to accommodate the second battery pack; the first battery exchange device travels between the first battery bin and the parking position to exchange the battery pack for the first electric vehicle; and the second battery exchange device travels between the second battery bin and the parking position to exchange the battery pack for the second electric vehicle.

11. 11. The battery exchange station of claim 10, wherein the first battery bin and the second battery bin each have a battery removal opening, and the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device each replace battery packs through the corresponding battery removal opening.

12. 11. The battery exchange station of claim 10, wherein the number of the parking locations is two, the two parking locations are a first parking location and a second parking location, respectively, the first parking location is used to park the first electric vehicle, and the second parking location is used to park the second electric vehicle.

13. 13. The battery exchange station of claim 12, wherein the battery exchange station includes a circular travel path used for traveling of the first battery exchange equipment and the second battery exchange equipment, and the circular travel path passes through the first battery bin, the first parking position, the second battery bin, and the second parking position.

14. 14. A battery exchange station according to claim 1, wherein the first battery exchange facility is further used to lock and unlock the second lock-up mechanism, and the second battery exchange facility is further used to lock and unlock the first lock-up mechanism.

15. A battery exchange station as described in at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the number of parking positions is plural and / or the number of first battery exchange facilities and second battery exchange facilities is also plural.

16. the first battery replacement device is further used to travel between the parking position and the battery bin to replace the second battery pack of the second electric vehicle; and / or the second battery exchange station described in at least one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the second battery exchange equipment is further used to exchange the first battery pack of the first electric vehicle by traveling back and forth between the parking position and the battery bin.

17. A battery exchange method in which the battery exchange station used is as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 16, The battery replacement method includes: obtaining a type of electric vehicle entering the parking position and a type of lock-up mechanism of a battery pack; and controlling the first battery replacement device or the second battery replacement device that is compatible with the type of the lock-up mechanism to remove the battery pack of the electric vehicle that is short of power.

18. The battery replacement method includes:

18. The battery exchange method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of controlling the first battery exchange device or the second battery exchange device to install a fully charged battery pack in the electric vehicle.

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