Battery swapping station

Abstract

A battery swapping station, comprising: vehicle parking areas (1), two vehicle parking areas being provided; battery compartments (2), a plurality of battery compartments being provided and located between the two vehicle parking areas (1), and at least one of the plurality of battery compartments (2) having a vacant state for waiting for a battery to be placed in; and a grabbing mechanism (3) arranged among the plurality of battery compartments (2), the grabbing mechanism (3) being adapted to place a discharged battery into the vacant battery compartment (2) and mounting a fully-charged battery to a vehicle to be subjected to battery swapping.

Description

Battery swap stations

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202322907220.X filed on October 27, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of vehicle battery replacement technology, and specifically to battery replacement stations. Background Art

[0003] With the increasing popularity of new energy vehicles, the battery replacement link of electric vehicles is an important issue that the electric vehicle industry needs to solve. Using special battery replacement equipment to achieve automatic battery replacement is the technical development direction of electric vehicle charging and swapping stations.

[0004] However, in existing battery swap stations, battery compartments are usually set on one side of the vehicle, or battery compartments are set on both sides of the vehicle. When one vehicle completes the battery swap and leaves, another vehicle can enter to swap batteries, which prolongs the battery swap time and has low battery swap efficiency. Technical issues

[0005] In view of this, the present application provides a battery swap station to solve the problems of long battery swap time and low battery swap efficiency in existing battery swap stations. Technical Solutions

[0006] The present application provides a battery swap station, including: two vehicle parking areas, which are arranged at relative intervals; a plurality of battery compartments, which are located between the two vehicle parking areas, and at least one of the plurality of battery compartments is in an empty state waiting for a battery to be placed in; a grabbing mechanism, which is arranged between the plurality of battery compartments, and is suitable for placing a depleted battery into an empty battery compartment and installing a fully charged battery into a vehicle to be swapped.

[0007] In one embodiment, the gripping mechanism is rotatable, and the central axis of the battery compartment passes through the rotation center of the gripping mechanism.

[0008] In one embodiment, an angle α between a central axis of the battery compartment adjacent to the vehicle stagnant area and a line connecting two vehicle stagnant areas is at least 78.5° and not more than 79.5°.

[0009] In one embodiment, the gripping mechanism includes a rotating seat, a cantilever structure and a gripping portion, wherein the rotating seat is rotatable vertically, the cantilever structure is arranged on the rotating seat and is movable horizontally, and the gripping portion is arranged on the cantilever structure and is movable vertically.

[0010] In one embodiment, the gripping mechanism further includes a base, the rotating seat is rotatably disposed on the base via a slewing bearing, and the gripping mechanism further includes a slewing drive structure, which is transmission-connected to the slewing bearing.

[0011] In one embodiment, the base includes a base body and a track, the track is extended in the longitudinal direction, the base body is movably arranged on the track, and the slewing support is arranged on the base body.

[0012] In one embodiment, a slide rail is laterally arranged on the rotating seat, a slider is arranged at the bottom of the cantilever structure, the slider is slidably connected to the slide rail, and the grasping mechanism also includes a transverse driving structure, which is transmission-connected to the cantilever structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cantilever structure includes a support arm and an extension arm, the lower end of the support arm is connected to the rotating seat, the extension arm is connected to the upper end of the support arm, and the support arm and the extension arm are arranged at a certain angle.

[0014] In one embodiment, the gripping mechanism further includes a hoisting structure, and the hoisting structure connects the cantilever structure and the gripping portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the battery swap station further includes a station compartment, the battery compartment and the gripping mechanism are both arranged in the station compartment and corresponding to the bottom of the compartment, and the two vehicle stopping areas are both located outside the station compartment and corresponding to opposite sides of the station compartment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the present application or the technical solutions in related technologies, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0017] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a battery swap station according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] FIG2 is a top view of the battery swap station shown in FIG1 ;

[0019] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the gripping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a grabbing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application when grabbing a low-power battery on a vehicle to be replaced;

[0021] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gripping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application when placing a low-power battery in an empty battery compartment;

[0022] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of the grabbing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application grabbing a fully charged battery in the battery compartment.

[0023] Description of reference numerals:

[0024] 1. Vehicle stagnation area; 2. Battery compartment; 3. Grabbing mechanism; 301. Rotating seat; 3011. Slide rail; 302. Cantilever structure; 3021. Slider; 3022. Support arm; 3023. Extension arm; 303. Grabbing part; 304. Base; 3041. Base body; 3042. Track; 305. Slewing bearing; 306. Transverse drive structure; 307. Winch structure; 4. Station car; 401. Opening; 5. Charging structure. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] The following describes an embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figures 1 to 6.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present application, a battery swap station is provided, comprising a vehicle stagnant area 1, a battery compartment 2, and a gripping mechanism 3. Two vehicle stagnant areas 1 are provided, and the two vehicle stagnant areas 1 are arranged at a relative interval. A plurality of battery compartments 2 are provided, and the plurality of battery compartments 2 are located between the two vehicle stagnant areas 1. At least one of the plurality of battery compartments 2 is in an empty state, waiting for a battery to be placed in. The gripping mechanism 3 is provided between the plurality of battery compartments 2, and the gripping mechanism 3 is suitable for placing a depleted battery into an empty battery compartment 2 and installing a fully charged battery into the vehicle to be swapped.

[0028] By setting two vehicle parking areas 1, when the grabbing mechanism 3 is replacing the battery for a vehicle in one of the vehicle parking areas 1, another vehicle can drive into the other vehicle parking area 1 to wait for the battery replacement or replace the battery at the same time, thereby shortening the waiting time of the vehicle and improving the battery replacement efficiency; and, the battery compartment 2 and the grabbing mechanism 3 are set between the two vehicle parking areas 1, which is convenient for replacing the battery for the vehicles in the vehicle parking areas 1 on both sides, and the overall structure is simple and compact.

[0029] It is worth noting that, referring to Figures 1 to 6, there are two vehicle stagnant areas 1 and one gripping mechanism 3. When the gripping mechanism 3 is changing the battery for the vehicle in the first vehicle stagnant area 1, the second vehicle can drive into the second vehicle stagnant area 1 to wait for the battery change; when the gripping mechanism 3 completes the battery change for the first vehicle, it will then change the battery for the second vehicle. Therefore, the second vehicle does not have to wait for the first vehicle to complete the battery change and leave before driving in to change the battery, which saves waiting time. Moreover, compared with the double-station battery change in the related art, the double-sided battery change in this embodiment reduces one gripping mechanism 3, making the overall structure of the battery swap station simpler, reducing costs, reducing the occupied space, and facilitating the overall layout.

[0030] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, the gripping mechanism 3 is rotatable, and the central axis of the battery compartment 2 passes through the rotation center of the gripping mechanism 3. Therefore, the gripping mechanism 3 is easy to cooperate with the battery compartment 2, thereby facilitating the placement and removal of the battery and improving the battery replacement efficiency.

[0031] It should be noted that, referring to FIG. 2 , a plurality of battery positions 2 are arranged circumferentially with the rotation center of the gripping mechanism 3 as the center of the circle.

[0032] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the angle α between the central axis of the battery compartment 2 near the vehicle stagnant area 1 and the line connecting the two vehicle stagnant areas 1 is at least 78.5° and no more than 79.5°. Therefore, the battery compartment 2 can be placed closer to the vehicle stagnant area 1, reducing the rotation angle of the gripping mechanism 3 and improving battery swapping efficiency. Furthermore, the width of the space occupied by several battery compartments 2 is limited, making it easier for the battery swap station to be placed on transportation equipment such as semi-trailers for transportation and transfer.

[0033] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG2 , four battery compartments 2 are provided, wherein the central axes of two battery compartments 2 intersect to form an X-shaped structure. Referring to FIG2 , the four battery compartments 2 are symmetrically arranged along the line connecting the two vehicle parking areas 1 .

[0034] It can be understood that, referring to Figure 2, the angle between the central axis of the battery compartment 2 located at the upper right and the traveling direction of the vehicle to be replaced on the right is at least 10.5° and not more than 11.5°, and the angle between the central axis of the battery compartment 2 located at the lower right and the opposite direction of the traveling direction of the vehicle to be replaced on the right is at least 10.5° and not more than 11.5°; the angle between the central axis of the battery compartment 2 located at the upper left and the opposite direction of the traveling direction of the vehicle to be replaced on the left is at least 10.5° and not more than 11.5°, and the angle between the central axis of the battery compartment 2 located at the lower left and the traveling direction of the vehicle to be replaced on the left is at least 10.5° and not more than 11.5°.

[0035] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG3 , the gripping mechanism 3 includes a rotating seat 301, a cantilever structure 302, and a gripping portion 303. The rotating seat 301 is rotatable in the vertical direction, the cantilever structure 302 is disposed on the rotating seat 301 and is movable in the horizontal direction, and the gripping portion 303 is disposed on the cantilever structure 302 and is movable in the vertical direction. By making the cantilever structure 302 movable in the horizontal direction, the cantilever structure 302 can drive the battery closer to or away from the vehicle stagnation area 1 through the gripping portion 303, thereby facilitating the gripping portion 303 to cooperate with the vehicle to be replaced.

[0036] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG2 , the gripping mechanism 3 further includes a base 304, on which the rotating seat 301 is rotatably mounted via a slewing support 305. The gripping mechanism 3 further includes a slewing drive structure that is in transmission connection with the slewing support 305. Specifically, the slewing drive structure includes a first motor, a first reducer, and a first gear. The first motor and the first reducer drive the first gear to rotate, and the first gear is meshed with the slewing support 305.

[0037] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG3 , the base 304 includes a base body 3041 and a track 3042. The track 3042 extends longitudinally, the base 304 is movably mounted on the track 3042, and the slewing bearing 305 is mounted on the base body 3041. By arranging the base body 3041 to be movable longitudinally, the cantilever structure 302 and the gripping portion 303 can be moved closer to or further away from the battery compartment 2, thereby facilitating the engagement of the gripping portion 303 with the battery compartment 2.

[0038] In one embodiment, a roller is provided on the underside of the base 3041, and the roller is disposed on the track 3042. The base 304 also includes a longitudinal drive structure, which is in transmission connection with the base 3041. Specifically, the longitudinal drive structure includes a second motor, a second reducer, a second gear, and a first rack. The second motor and the second reducer are adapted to drive the second gear to rotate. The second gear is meshed with the first rack, and the first rack extends longitudinally. The second motor, the second reducer, and the second gear are disposed on the base 3041, and the first rack is disposed on the track 3042. When the second motor and the second reducer drive the second gear to rotate, the first rack causes the second gear to move along the first rack, thereby causing the base 3041 to move along the track 3042.

[0039] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG3 , a slide rail 3011 is disposed transversely on the rotating seat 301, a slider 3021 is disposed at the bottom of the cantilever structure 302, and the slider 3021 is slidably connected to the slide rail 3011. The grasping mechanism 3 further includes a transverse driving structure 306, which is transmission-connected to the cantilever structure 302. Specifically, the transverse driving structure 306 includes a third motor, a third reducer, a third gear, and a second rack. The third motor and the third reducer are adapted to drive the third gear to rotate. The third gear is meshed with the second rack, and the second rack extends transversely. The third motor, the third reducer, and the third gear are disposed on the cantilever structure 302, and the second rack is disposed on the rotating seat 301. When the third motor and the third reducer drive the third gear to rotate, the third gear moves along the second rack under the action of the second rack, thereby causing the cantilever structure 302 to move along the slide rail 3011.

[0040] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG3 , the cantilever structure 302 includes a support arm 3022 and an extension arm 3023. The lower end of the support arm 3022 is connected to the rotating base 301, and the extension arm 3023 is connected to the upper end of the support arm 3022. The support arm 3022 and the extension arm 3023 are arranged at a certain angle. Specifically, the support arm 3022 and the extension arm 3023 are vertically connected and fixedly connected by a pin.

[0041] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the gripping mechanism 3 further includes a hoisting structure 307, which connects the cantilever structure 302 and the gripping portion 303. Specifically, the hoisting structure 307 includes a fourth motor, a fourth reducer, a drum, a pulley assembly, and a wire rope. The fourth motor and the fourth reducer are adapted to drive the drum to rotate, around which the wire rope is wound. The extension arm 3023 and the gripping portion 303 are both provided with pulley assemblies, around which the wire rope is wound. When the fourth motor and the fourth reducer drive the drum to rotate, the drum winds or releases the wire rope, thereby raising or lowering the gripping portion 303.

[0042] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , the battery swap station further includes a compartment 4, wherein the battery compartment 2 and the gripping mechanism 3 are both disposed within the compartment 4 and corresponding to the bottom of the compartment 4, and the two vehicle parking areas 1 are both located outside the compartment 4 and corresponding to opposite sides of the compartment 4. The battery compartment 2 and the gripping mechanism 3 are both disposed within the compartment 4 to facilitate the overall transportation and transfer of the battery swap station.

[0043] It is worth noting that the width k of the station compartment 4 is within 3m, and the length l of the station compartment 4 ranges from 10m to 20m, creating a compact layout that facilitates transportation to and from the battery swap station via semi-trailer and other transport equipment. The distance between adjacent battery compartments 2 is greater than 100mm, and the spacing between a battery compartment 2 and the station compartment 4 is greater than 90mm, preventing interference between the gripping mechanism 3 and surrounding components during battery lifting.

[0044] It should be further explained that the construction of battery swap stations does not require ground foundation construction and power expansion, which saves costs and has low supporting costs for the entire station.

[0045] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , openings 401 are provided on both sides of the station compartment 4 , so as to facilitate the grabbing mechanism 3 to drive the battery into and out of the station compartment 4 .

[0046] It should be noted that a charging structure 5 is also provided in the station compartment 4 . There are several charging structures 5 , and several charging structures 5 are provided corresponding to several battery positions 2 . The charging structures 5 can charge the batteries in the battery positions 2 .

[0047] In one embodiment, a rain shield is provided above the vehicle parking area 1 .

[0048] When using the battery swap station of this embodiment, first, as shown in Figure 2, the vehicle to be battery swapped enters the vehicle stagnation area 1; then, as shown in Figure 4, the transverse drive structure 306 drives the cantilever structure 302 to approach the vehicle stagnation area 1, so that the grabbing part 303 removes the deflated battery from the vehicle to be battery swapped; thereafter, as shown in Figure 5, the rotary drive structure drives the rotating seat 301 to rotate, so that the grabbing part 303 places the deflated battery on the vacant battery compartment 2; finally, as shown in Figure 6, the rotary drive structure drives the rotating seat 301 to rotate, so that the grabbing part 303 grabs the fully charged battery in another battery compartment 2 and installs it on the vehicle to be battery swapped.

[0049] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application, and such modifications and variations shall fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery swap station, wherein: The battery swap station comprises: Two vehicle stagnation areas (1) are provided, and the two vehicle stagnation areas (1) are arranged at a relative interval; A plurality of battery compartments (2) are provided and are located between the two vehicle stagnant areas (1), and at least one of the plurality of battery compartments (2) is in an empty state waiting for a battery to be placed therein; The gripping mechanism (3) is arranged between a plurality of the battery slots (2), and the gripping mechanism (3) is suitable for placing a low-charged battery into an empty battery slot (2) and installing a fully-charged battery into a vehicle to be replaced.

2. The battery swap station according to claim 1, wherein: The gripping mechanism (3) is rotatably arranged, and the central axis of the battery compartment (2) passes through the rotation center of the gripping mechanism (3).

3. The battery swap station according to claim 2, wherein: The angle α between the central axis of the battery compartment (2) close to the vehicle stagnant area (1) and the line connecting the two vehicle stagnant areas (1) is at least 78.5° and does not exceed 79.5°.

4. The battery swap station according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The gripping mechanism (3) comprises a rotating seat (301), a cantilever structure (302) and a gripping portion (303); the rotating seat (301) is rotatable in a vertical direction; the cantilever structure (302) is arranged on the rotating seat (301) and is movably arranged in a horizontal direction; and the gripping portion (303) is arranged on the cantilever structure (302) and is movably arranged in a vertical direction.

5. The battery swap station according to claim 4, wherein: The gripping mechanism (3) further comprises a base (304), the rotating seat (301) being rotatably arranged on the base (304) via a slewing bearing (305), and the gripping mechanism (3) further comprises a slewing driving structure, the slewing driving structure being in driving connection with the slewing bearing (305).

6. The battery swap station according to claim 5, wherein: The base (304) comprises a base body (3041) and a track (3042); the track (3042) is arranged to extend longitudinally; the base body (3041) is movably arranged on the track (3042); and the slewing bearing (305) is arranged on the base body (3041).

7. The battery swap station according to claim 4, wherein: A slide rail (3011) is laterally arranged on the upper edge of the rotating seat (301), a slider (3021) is arranged at the bottom of the cantilever structure (302), and the slider (3021) is slidably connected to the slide rail (3011). The grasping mechanism (3) further comprises a transverse driving structure (306), and the transverse driving structure (306) is transmission-connected to the cantilever structure (302).

8. The battery swap station according to claim 4, wherein: The cantilever structure (302) comprises a support arm (3022) and an extension arm (3023); the lower end of the support arm (3022) is connected to the rotating seat (301); the extension arm (3023) is connected to the upper end of the support arm (3022); and the support arm (3022) and the extension arm (3023) are arranged at a certain angle.

9. The battery swap station according to claim 4, wherein: The grasping mechanism (3) further comprises a hoisting structure (307), wherein the hoisting structure (307) connects the cantilever structure (302) and the grasping portion (303).

10. The battery swap station according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The battery swap station further comprises a station compartment (4), the battery compartment (2) and the gripping mechanism (3) are both arranged in the station compartment (4) and are arranged corresponding to the bottom of the station compartment (4), and the two vehicle stagnant areas (1) are both located outside the station compartment (4) and are arranged corresponding to opposite sides of the station compartment (4).

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