Vehicle battery swapping apparatus and battery swapping system

Abstract

A vehicle battery swapping apparatus and a battery swapping system. The vehicle battery swapping apparatus is used for replacing a battery assembly (71) of a vehicle (70), and comprises: a frame (10); a support platform (20) provided on the frame (10) and configured to support the battery assembly to be mounted or dismounted; lifting mechanisms (30) provided on the frame (10), operably connected to the support platform (20) and configured to drive the support platform (20) to ascend and descend; and a plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms (40) provided on the support platform (20) and used for locking or unlocking the battery assembly relative to the vehicle. The plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms (40) are arranged at intervals on the support surface of the support platform (20). The plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms (40) comprise at least two locking and unlocking mechanisms (40), and the control of each locking and unlocking mechanism (40) is independent of each other.

Description

Vehicle battery replacement device and battery replacement system

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202311544869.8 and application date November 17, 2023, and claims its priority. The disclosed content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced as a whole into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle battery replacement, and in particular to a vehicle battery replacement device and a battery replacement system. Background Art

[0004] Secondary batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, have the advantages of high voltage, high specific energy, long cycle life, green and pollution-free, wide operating temperature range and low self-discharge. They are widely used in the power equipment of new energy electric vehicles and are of great significance to solving human environmental pollution and energy crisis.

[0005] In order to meet the energy replenishment needs of new energy electric vehicles, some related technologies have established battery swap stations to replace batteries for arriving vehicles, and how to improve the adaptability of battery replacement has become one of the important issues.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle battery replacement device is provided for replacing a battery assembly of a vehicle, comprising: a frame; a support platform, arranged on the frame and configured to support a battery assembly to be installed or removed; a lifting mechanism, arranged on the frame and operably connected to the support platform, configured to drive the support platform to rise and fall; and a plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms, arranged on the support platform, for locking or unlocking the battery assembly relative to the vehicle; wherein the plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms are arranged at intervals on the supporting surface of the support platform, and the plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms include at least two groups of locking and unlocking mechanisms, and the control of each group of locking and unlocking mechanisms is independent of each other.

[0008] A plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms are provided on a support platform that is raised and lowered by a lifting mechanism, and are arranged at intervals on the support platform. The plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms include at least two groups that are independently controlled. By selecting and controlling the locking and unlocking operations among the plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms, the locking requirements corresponding to various battery combinations can be met, thereby improving the adaptability of the vehicle battery swapping device to different battery combinations of vehicles.

[0009] In some embodiments, some or all of the at least two groups of locking and unlocking mechanisms have one locking and unlocking mechanism.

[0010] By making part or all of the locking and unlocking mechanisms in each group have one locking and unlocking mechanism, more locking and unlocking mechanisms can be controlled independently, thereby improving the adaptability of locking and unlocking operations for battery assemblies in different combinations.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support platform includes at least two support plates, and the lifting mechanism includes at least two groups of lifting components. The at least two groups of lifting components correspond one-to-one to the at least two support plates and are operably connected. The control of each group of lifting components is linked or independent of each other.

[0012] Taking into account that the vehicle to be replaced may have different tire pressures or the site may be uneven, resulting in the vehicle chassis and the site being not parallel, which may affect the normal replacement of the battery. By setting at least two support plates and connecting the at least two support plates respectively through at least two sets of lifting components that are independent of each other in control, the distance between each support plate and the site can be adjusted according to the inclination angle between the chassis of the vehicle to be replaced and the site or the installation height of each battery component, so as to achieve normal replacement of the battery. In addition, it can also be applied to the battery replacement needs of some vehicles that use multiple battery components arranged at different installation heights or battery components arranged at an angle.

[0013] In situations where the vehicle chassis and the site are parallel, the control of each group of lifting components can also be linked, which is conducive to simplifying the control logic and reducing the control difficulty.

[0014] In some embodiments, the at least two support plates are arranged along a first direction, and a part and another part of each group of lifting components are respectively located on the outer sides of the support plates corresponding to the lifting components at opposite ends in a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are both perpendicular to the lifting direction of the support platform.

[0015] By arranging the lifting assembly on the outer sides of the opposite ends of at least two support plates arranged along the first direction in the second direction, the support plates can be arranged more compactly, reducing the space occupied and mutual interference between the lifting assembly and the support plates in the first direction, and facilitating the stable lifting of the support plates.

[0016] In some embodiments, the control of each lifting assembly in each group of lifting assemblies is coordinated or independent of each other.

[0017] By independently controlling each lifting component in each group of lifting components, and coordinating the linkage control or independent control of each group of lifting components, some or all of the lifting components can be selectively raised or lowered to the same or different heights, thereby more flexibly adjusting the inclination angle of the support plate relative to the site to meet the battery replacement needs of different inclination angles between the chassis of the vehicle to be replaced and the site where it is located, or different inclined battery arrangement angles of the vehicle.

[0018] For each group of lifting components that can be controlled independently or in linkage, the control of each group of lifting components can also be linked, which is conducive to simplifying the control logic and reducing the control difficulty.

[0019] In some embodiments, the multiple locking and unlocking mechanisms are distributed on two opposite sides of each support plate along the first direction.

[0020] By distributing the locking and unlocking mechanisms on the opposite sides of the support plates along the arrangement direction of the multiple support plates, each locking and unlocking mechanism will not interfere with the lifting components located on the outside of the two ends in the second direction, and it is also convenient to arrange, disassemble and replace the locking and unlocking mechanisms.

[0021] In some embodiments, the locking and unlocking mechanisms located on the same side are arranged at intervals along the second direction.

[0022] For the locking and unlocking mechanisms located on the same side, they are arranged at intervals along the second direction, which can achieve multi-point locking of the battery or locking of multiple batteries in the second direction, meeting the locking and unlocking requirements of battery assemblies in different combinations.

[0023] In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism includes at least two groups of lifting components, and at least one lifting component of the at least two groups of lifting components includes: a linear telescopic actuator, arranged on the bottom surface of the frame, and configured to drive the support table to move along a third direction, and the third direction is parallel to the lifting direction of the support table; and a lifting member, having a supporting end for supporting the support table and a connecting end connected to the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator, wherein the connecting end is located on the side of the supporting end away from the bottom surface of the frame.

[0024] The lifting assembly uses a linear telescopic actuator and a lifting member to drive the support platform to move up and down. The lifting member adjusts the height position of the support platform it supports under the linear drive of the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator. This helps to place the battery in a lower support position, allowing a larger lifting distance to meet the battery replacement needs of vehicles with lower chassis.

[0025] In some embodiments, the linear telescopic actuator includes: a rigid chain mechanism having a housing and a rigid chain arranged on the housing, the end of the rigid chain being fixedly connected to the connecting end; a motor drivingly connected to the rigid chain mechanism and configured to drive the rigid chain to move relative to the housing; and a telescopic arm connected to both the housing and the connecting end and sleeved on the outside of the rigid chain.

[0026] The use of a rigid chain mechanism can achieve a more compact structure while obtaining higher control accuracy, occupying less space, and the telescopic arm sleeve on the outside of the rigid chain can protect the operation of the rigid chain to reduce the adverse effects of lateral forces on the rigid chain.

[0027] In some embodiments, the motor comprises a servo motor.

[0028] The use of a servo motor to drive the rigid chain mechanism can achieve more precise control effects and higher transmission efficiency in conjunction with a rigid chain with higher precision.

[0029] In some embodiments, the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator has a first working position, and the lifting member is configured so that when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator is in the first working position, the distance between the connecting end and the bottom surface of the frame in the third direction is no higher than the height of the frame in the third direction.

[0030] When the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator is in the first working position, by ensuring that the distance between the connecting end of the lifting member and the bottom surface of the frame in the third direction is no higher than the height of the frame in the third direction, the overall height of the lifting assembly can be lowered when the linear telescopic actuator is in the retracted position, thereby making it easier to enter the underside of a vehicle with a lower chassis for battery replacement.

[0031] In some embodiments, the frame has a battery support seat, which is configured to support the support platform when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator is in the first working position, so that the supporting end is out of contact with the support platform.

[0032] A battery support seat is provided on the frame. When the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator is in the first working position, the battery support seat supports the support platform, so that the support end is out of contact with the support platform. In this way, the support platform can obtain a more stable supporting effect, reduce the loss of the lifting component, and make the lifting mechanism less susceptible to lateral forces.

[0033] In some embodiments, the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator further has a second working position, and the lifting member is configured so that when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator is in the second working position, the distance between the connecting end and the bottom surface of the frame in the third direction is not less than twice the height of the frame in the third direction.

[0034] When the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator is in the second working position, the distance between the connecting end of the lifting member and the bottom surface of the frame in the third direction is not less than twice the height of the frame in the third direction, which enables the support platform to achieve a larger lifting range and meet the battery replacement needs in a larger chassis height range.

[0035] In some embodiments, the vehicle battery replacement device also includes: a floating mechanism, located at the connection position of the lifting mechanism and the support platform, configured to move the support platform relative to the lifting mechanism in at least one direction perpendicular to the lifting direction of the support platform.

[0036] By setting a floating mechanism at the connection position between the lifting mechanism and the support platform, the floating mechanism can relieve the force in the direction parallel to the supporting surface of the support platform that the locking and unlocking mechanism is subjected to during installation or use, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the locking and unlocking mechanism due to force caused by installation or operation errors.

[0037] In some embodiments, the floating mechanism includes a universal ball bearing located between the lifting mechanism and opposing surfaces of the support table in the lifting direction of the support table.

[0038] The floating mechanism adopts a universal ball bearing, which can achieve the floating effect while allowing the support platform to be separated from the lifting mechanism in the lifting direction, making it easy to disassemble and replace, and this floating mechanism has a more compact structure.

[0039] In some embodiments, the vehicle battery replacement device further includes: a steering wheel assembly, disposed on the frame.

[0040] The steering wheel assembly is used to realize the movement of the vehicle battery replacement device, which can be easily translated and turned.

[0041] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery swapping system is provided, comprising the aforementioned vehicle battery swapping device.

[0042] The battery replacement system using the aforementioned vehicle battery replacement device can improve the adaptability of battery replacement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without any creative work.

[0044] The present disclosure can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a battery swapping scenario according to some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of some embodiments of the vehicle battery replacement device according to the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of some embodiments of the vehicle battery replacement device according to the present disclosure without the frame;

[0048] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG2 from a top view;

[0049] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG3 from a top view;

[0050] FIG6 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the position corresponding to circle A in FIG3 ;

[0051] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the vehicle battery replacement device according to the present disclosure, when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator is located in the second working position, viewed from a front angle;

[0052] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the vehicle battery replacement device according to the present disclosure, when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator is located in the first working position, viewed from a front angle;

[0053] FIG9 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the position corresponding to circle B in FIG3 ;

[0054] FIG10 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the position corresponding to circle C in FIG6 .

[0055] It should be understood that the size of each part shown in the drawings is not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.In addition, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar components.

[0056] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 10-frame; 11-bottom surface; 12-battery support seat; 20-support platform; 21-support plate; 21a, 21b-sides; 30-lifting mechanism; 31-lifting assembly; 311-linear telescopic actuator; 311a-rigid chain mechanism; 311b-motor; 311c-telescopic arm; 312-lifting member; 312a-support end; 312b-connecting end; 40-locking and unlocking mechanism; 50-floating mechanism; 51-universal ball bearing; 60-steering wheel assembly; 70-vehicle; 71-battery assembly; d1-first direction; d2-second direction; d3-third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed description of the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, that is, the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0058] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means more than two; the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present disclosure. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not strictly perpendicular, but is within the allowable error range. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but is within the allowable error range.

[0059] The directional words appearing in the following description are all directions shown in the figures and do not limit the specific structure of the present disclosure. In the description of the present disclosure, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] The following describes some embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the features of the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0061] The term "plurality" appearing in the present disclosure refers to two or more (including two).

[0062] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of the present disclosure refers to a single physical module including one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity.

[0063] In some embodiments, the battery may be a battery module. When there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are arranged and fixed to form a battery module. The battery module may include multiple battery cells connected in series, parallel, or hybrid.

[0064] In some embodiments, the battery may be a battery pack, which includes a case and battery cells, wherein the battery cells or battery modules are housed in the case.

[0065] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell may be a secondary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell that can be continuously used by activating active materials by charging after the battery cell is discharged.

[0066] The battery cells can be lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, sodium metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lead-acid batteries, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0067] The battery cell includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode sheet and a second electrode sheet with opposite polarities, and also includes an isolating member disposed between the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet. In some embodiments, the first electrode sheet is a positive electrode sheet, and the second electrode sheet is a negative electrode sheet. In other embodiments, the first electrode sheet is a negative electrode sheet, and the second electrode sheet is a positive electrode sheet. During the charge and discharge process of the battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) are embedded and extracted back and forth between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet. The isolating member is disposed between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet, which can prevent the positive and negative electrodes from short-circuiting, while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0068] In some embodiments, the positive electrode sheet may include a positive electrode current collector substrate and a positive electrode active material layer disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector substrate.

[0069] As an example, the positive electrode current collector substrate has two surfaces facing each other in its thickness direction, and the positive electrode active material layer is provided on either or both of the two facing surfaces of the positive electrode current collector substrate.

[0070] As an example, the positive electrode current collector substrate can be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, aluminum or stainless steel with a silver surface treatment, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel or titanium, etc. can be used. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector can be formed by placing a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0071] As an example, the positive electrode active material layer may include at least one of the following materials: lithium-containing phosphates, lithium transition metal oxides, and their respective modified compounds. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these materials, and other traditional materials that can be used as battery positive electrode active material layers may also be used. These positive electrode active material layers may use only one type alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. Examples of lithium-containing phosphates may include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium iron phosphate, a composite material of lithium iron phosphate and carbon, lithium manganese phosphate, a composite material of lithium manganese phosphate and carbon, lithium iron manganese phosphate, and a composite material of lithium iron manganese phosphate and carbon. Examples of lithium transition metal oxides may include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium nickel cobalt oxide, lithium manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese oxide, lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, and their modified compounds.

[0072] In some embodiments, the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector substrate.

[0073] As an example, the negative electrode current collector substrate can be a metal foil, a foamed metal, or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, aluminum or stainless steel treated with silver, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel, or titanium can be used. The foamed metal can be nickel foam, copper foam, aluminum foam, alloy foam, or carbon foam. The composite current collector can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector can be formed by placing a metal material (copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver, and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0074] In some embodiments, the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector substrate and a negative electrode active material layer disposed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector substrate.

[0075] As an example, the negative electrode current collector substrate has two surfaces facing each other in its thickness direction, and the negative electrode active material layer is provided on either or both of the two facing surfaces of the negative electrode current collector substrate.

[0076] As an example, the negative electrode active material layer may adopt the negative electrode active material layer for battery cells that is well known in the art. As an example, the negative electrode active material layer may include at least one of the following materials: artificial graphite, natural graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, silicon-based materials, tin-based materials, lithium titanate, etc. The silicon-based material may be selected from at least one of elemental silicon, silicon oxide compounds, silicon-carbon composites, silicon-nitrogen composites, and silicon alloys. The tin-based material may be selected from at least one of elemental tin, tin oxide compounds, and tin alloys. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these materials, and other traditional materials that can be used as negative electrode active material layers for batteries may also be used. These negative electrode active material layers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0077] In some embodiments, the material of the positive electrode current collector substrate may be aluminum, and the material of the negative electrode current collector substrate may be copper.

[0078] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator. The present disclosure has no particular limitation on the type of separator, and any known separator with a porous structure having good chemical stability and mechanical stability can be selected.

[0079] As an example, the primary material of the separator can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramic. The separator can be a single-layer film or a multi-layer composite film, without particular limitation. When the separator is a multi-layer composite film, the materials of each layer can be the same or different, without particular limitation. The separator can be a separate component located between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet, or it can be located between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet and attached to the surface of the positive electrode sheet and / or the surface of the negative electrode sheet.

[0080] In some embodiments, the separator is a solid electrolyte, which is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and serves to transport ions and isolate the positive and negative electrodes.

[0081] In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes an electrolyte, which acts as a conductor of ions between the positive and negative electrodes. This disclosure does not specifically limit the type of electrolyte, and the electrolyte may be selected based on needs. The electrolyte may be liquid, gel, or solid.

[0082] As an example, the liquid electrolyte includes an electrolyte salt and a solvent.

[0083] In some embodiments, the electrolyte salt may be selected from at least one of lithium hexafluorophosphate, lithium tetrafluoroborate, lithium perchlorate, lithium hexafluoroarsenate, lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, lithium difluorophosphate, lithium difluorooxalatoborate, lithium dioxalatoborate, lithium difluorodioxalatophosphate, and lithium tetrafluorooxalatophosphate.

[0084] In some embodiments, the solvent can be selected from at least one of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, methylpropyl carbonate, ethylpropyl carbonate, butylene carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate, methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, propyl propionate, methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, 1,4-butyrolactone, cyclopentane, dimethyl sulfone, methyl ethyl sulfone and diethyl sulfone. The solvent can also be an ether solvent. Ether solvents can include one or more of ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, 1,3-dioxolane, tetrahydrofuran, methyltetrahydrofuran, diphenyl ether and crown ether.

[0085] As an example, a gel electrolyte includes a polymer as an electrolyte skeleton network, combined with an ionic liquid-lithium salt.

[0086] As examples, the solid electrolyte includes a polymer solid electrolyte, an inorganic solid electrolyte, and a composite solid electrolyte.

[0087] As an example, the polymer solid electrolyte may be polyether (polyethylene oxide), polysiloxane, polycarbonate, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, polymethyl methacrylate, a single ion polymer, polyionic liquid-lithium salt, cellulose, or the like.

[0088] As an example, the inorganic solid electrolyte can be an oxide solid electrolyte (crystalline perovskite, sodium superconducting ion conductor, garnet, amorphous LiPON film), a sulfide solid electrolyte (crystalline lithium superion conductor (lithium germanium phosphosulfide, silver germanium sulfide), amorphous sulfide) and one or more of a halide solid electrolyte, a nitride solid electrolyte and a hydride solid electrolyte.

[0089] As an example, a composite solid electrolyte is formed by adding an inorganic solid electrolyte filler to a polymer solid electrolyte.

[0090] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly comprises a wound structure. A positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator are wound into the wound structure. One or more positive and negative electrode sheets may be provided. For example, multiple positive and negative electrode sheets may be arranged alternately along the thickness of the sheet.

[0091] In some embodiments, the shape of the electrode assembly can be cylindrical, flat, or polygonal.

[0092] In some embodiments, the positive electrode sheet includes a positive electrode tab, and the negative electrode sheet includes a negative electrode tab. The positive and negative electrode tabs can be used to conduct current from the electrode assembly. The positive and negative electrode tabs are connected to the positive and negative current collector substrates, respectively. The tabs can be formed by cutting or trimming the current collector substrate, or by welding them to the sides of the current collector substrate.

[0093] In some embodiments, a battery cell may include a housing. The housing is used to encapsulate components such as the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The housing may be a steel housing, an aluminum housing, a plastic housing (e.g., polypropylene), a composite metal housing (e.g., a copper-aluminum composite housing), or an aluminum-plastic film.

[0094] As an example, the battery cells may be cylindrical, prismatic, soft-pack or other shaped battery cells. Prismatic battery cells include square-shell, blade-shaped, and polygonal batteries. Polygonal batteries may be, for example, hexagonal batteries.

[0095] In some related technologies, battery swap stations employ vehicle-lifting and handling robots to load and unload batteries from battery-swappable new energy vehicles. These handling robots utilize a trapezoidal lead screw assembly to drive a connecting rod for lifting and lowering. This structure requires a certain amount of space in height, limiting its adaptability to vehicles with varying chassis heights. Furthermore, this structure has a limited lifting distance and occupies a significant amount of horizontal space, making it difficult to accommodate the loading and unloading of batteries in varying quantities and combinations.

[0096] In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vehicle battery replacement device and a battery replacement system, which can improve the adaptability of vehicle battery replacement.

[0097] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle battery replacement device is provided for replacing a battery assembly of a vehicle, comprising: a frame; a support platform, arranged on the frame and configured to support a battery assembly to be installed or removed; a lifting mechanism, arranged on the frame and operably connected to the support platform, configured to drive the support platform to rise and fall; and a plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms, arranged on the support platform, for locking or unlocking the battery assembly relative to the vehicle; wherein the plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms are arranged at intervals on the supporting surface of the support platform, and the plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms include at least two groups of locking and unlocking mechanisms, and the control of each group of locking and unlocking mechanisms is independent of each other.

[0098] A plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms are provided on a support platform that is raised and lowered by a lifting mechanism, and are arranged at intervals on the support platform. The plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms include at least two groups that are independently controlled. By selecting and controlling the locking and unlocking operations among the plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms, the locking requirements corresponding to various battery combinations can be met, thereby improving the adaptability of the vehicle battery swapping device to different battery combinations of vehicles.

[0099] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery swapping scenario according to some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device disclosed herein. Referring to Figure 1 , in some embodiments of the vehicle battery swapping device, vehicle 70 can be a fuel-powered vehicle, a gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, and the vehicle can be a household vehicle or a commercial vehicle. A battery assembly 71 can be disposed at the bottom of vehicle 70.

[0100] The vehicle battery swap device can remove the battery assembly 71 installed on the vehicle 70 at the bottom of the vehicle 70, and can also install the battery assembly 71 on the vehicle 70 at the bottom of the vehicle 70. The vehicle battery swap device can enter the height space H formed between the bottom of the vehicle 70 and the support surface G. The support surface G can be the ground of the battery swap station or the surface of the battery swap platform.

[0101] The battery assembly 71 can be used to power the vehicle 70. For example, the battery assembly 71 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 70 and can be used for the circuit system of the vehicle 70, such as the power requirements for starting, navigating, and operating the vehicle 70. The battery assembly 71 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 70, but can also serve as the driving power source for the vehicle 70, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving force for the vehicle 70.

[0102] Vehicle 70 may also be equipped with axles, wheels, a motor, and a controller. The controller is used to control the power supplied to the motor by battery assembly 71. For example, when vehicle 70 is powered by battery assembly 71, it replaces or partially replaces fuel or natural gas to provide the motor with the power required for constant speed and acceleration. The motor is used to drive the axles, which in turn drives the wheels.

[0103] The battery assembly 71 may include one or more batteries. Different battery assemblies may have different batteries in at least one of their size, shape, specifications, quantity, and location. In addition to the batteries, the battery assembly 71 may also include a frame structure for securing the batteries.

[0104] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of some embodiments of the vehicle battery replacement device according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the vehicle battery replacement device according to the present disclosure without the frame. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 from a top view. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 from a top view.

[0105] 2 and 4 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle battery replacement device for replacing a battery assembly 71 of a vehicle 70. The vehicle battery replacement device includes: a frame 10, a support platform 20, a lifting mechanism 30, and a plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms 40. The support platform 20 is provided on the frame 10 and is configured to support the battery assembly to be installed or removed. The lifting mechanism 30 is provided on the frame 10 and is operably connected to the support platform 20, and is configured to drive the support platform 20 to rise and fall. A plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 are provided on the support platform 20 for locking or unlocking the battery assembly relative to the vehicle. The plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 are arranged at intervals on the supporting surface of the support platform 20, and the plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 include at least two groups of locking and unlocking mechanisms 40, and the control of each group of locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 is independent of each other.

[0106] A plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms are provided on a support platform that is raised and lowered by a lifting mechanism, and are arranged at intervals on the support platform. The plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms include at least two groups that are independently controlled. By selecting and controlling the locking and unlocking operations among the plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms, the locking requirements corresponding to various battery combinations can be met, thereby improving the adaptability of the vehicle battery swapping device to different battery combinations of vehicles.

[0107] By independently controlling each set of locking and unlocking mechanisms, the battery replacement requirements of at least one of a single battery pack and a multi-battery pack can be adaptively met based on the battery pack configuration used in the vehicle. The number of locking and unlocking mechanisms can also be expanded or reduced based on battery weight.

[0108] In this embodiment, the frame 20 can be used to install and support the support platform 20 and the lifting mechanism 30, and can be used to enable movement on the support surface G through a traveling mechanism. Specifically, the traveling mechanism can use rollers that can travel on a flat surface or rail wheels that can run on rails. The frame 20 can adopt a box structure or a truss structure.

[0109] The multiple locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 arranged on the support platform 20 can lock or unlock the battery assembly 71 relative to the vehicle 70. The lifting mechanism 30 is used to drive the lifting and lowering of the support platform 20, thereby realizing the docking, locking or unlocking of the locking and unlocking mechanism 40 and the battery assembly 71, and raising or lowering the height position of the battery assembly 71 carried by the support platform 20 by raising or lowering the support platform 20.

[0110] Multiple locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 include multiple groups, and the groups can be divided according to the positions of each locking and unlocking mechanism 40. For example, multiple locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 arranged in the same direction can be divided into one group, or several adjacent locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 can be divided into one group, or they can be grouped according to the areas divided on the support platform, etc., or a group of locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 can only contain one locking and unlocking mechanism 40.

[0111] In some embodiments, some or all of the at least two groups of locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 have one locking and unlocking mechanism 40 .

[0112] By making part or all of the locking and unlocking mechanisms in each group have one locking and unlocking mechanism, more locking and unlocking mechanisms can be controlled independently, thereby improving the adaptability of locking and unlocking operations for battery assemblies in different combinations.

[0113] 2 and 3 , in some embodiments, the support platform 20 includes at least two support plates 21 , and the lifting mechanism 30 includes at least two groups of lifting components 31 . The at least two groups of lifting components 31 correspond one-to-one to the at least two support plates 21 and are operably connected. The control of each group of lifting components 31 is linked or independent of each other.

[0114] Taking into account that the vehicle to be replaced may have different tire pressures or the site may be uneven, resulting in the vehicle chassis and the site being not parallel, which may affect the normal replacement of the battery. By setting at least two support plates and connecting the at least two support plates respectively through at least two sets of lifting components that are independent of each other in control, the distance between each support plate and the site can be adjusted according to the inclination angle between the chassis of the vehicle to be replaced and the site or the installation height of each battery component, so as to achieve normal replacement of the battery. In addition, it can also be applied to the battery replacement needs of some vehicles that use multiple battery components arranged at different installation heights or battery components arranged at an angle.

[0115] In situations such as when the vehicle chassis is parallel to the site, the control of each group of lifting components can also be linked, which is conducive to simplifying the control logic and reducing the control difficulty.

[0116] For example, in the three groups of lifting assemblies 31 arranged along the first direction d1 shown in Figure 2, each group of lifting assemblies 31 is used to lift a support plate 21, and each group of lifting assemblies 31 includes four lifting assemblies 31. In the case where the vehicle chassis is parallel to the site and the battery assembly needs to be lifted horizontally, each group of lifting assemblies 31 can be controlled to rise and fall in a coordinated manner, thereby realizing a relatively simple control logic. In the case where multiple battery assemblies are installed on the vehicle, but the installation heights of each battery assembly are different, each group of lifting assemblies 31 can be independently controlled to lift the corresponding support plate 21 to different heights, so that the support plate 21 supporting each battery assembly can be lifted to a suitable height to meet the needs of battery replacement.

[0117] Referring to Figures 2, 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the at least two support plates 21 are arranged along the first direction d1, and a part and another part of each group of lifting components 31 are respectively located on the outside of the support plates 21 corresponding to the lifting components 31 at opposite ends in the second direction d2, the first direction d1 is perpendicular to the second direction d2, and the first direction d1 and the second direction d2 are both perpendicular to the lifting direction of the support platform 20.

[0118] In Figure 2, the lifting direction of the support platform 20 can be parallel to the third direction d3, and the first direction d1 is perpendicular to the lifting direction of the support platform 20. The first direction d1, as the arrangement direction of the at least two support plates 21, can be parallel or perpendicular to the horizontal entry and exit direction of the vehicle battery swap device relative to the height space H formed between the bottom of the vehicle 70 and the support surface G, and the second direction d2 is perpendicular to both the first direction d1 and the third direction d3.

[0119] By arranging the lifting assembly on the outer sides of the opposite ends of at least two support plates arranged along the first direction in the second direction, the support plates can be arranged more compactly, reducing the space occupied and mutual interference between the lifting assembly and the support plates in the first direction, and facilitating the stable lifting of the support plates.

[0120] In some embodiments, the control of each lifting assembly 31 in each group of lifting assemblies 31 is linked or independent of each other.

[0121] By independently controlling each lifting component in each group of lifting components, and coordinating the linkage control or independent control of each group of lifting components, some or all of the lifting components can be selectively raised or lowered to the same or different heights, thereby more flexibly adjusting the inclination angle of the support plate relative to the site to meet the battery replacement needs of different inclination angles between the chassis of the vehicle to be replaced and the site where it is located, or different inclined battery arrangement angles of the vehicle.

[0122] For each group of lifting components that can be controlled independently or in linkage, the control of each group of lifting components can also be linked, which is conducive to simplifying the control logic and reducing the control difficulty.

[0123] Still referring to Figure 2 , for any set of lifting assemblies 31, by independently controlling each lifting assembly 31, the support and raising and lowering of the support plate at a preset inclination angle can be achieved by varying the lifting heights of the lifting assemblies 31. This can meet the battery replacement needs when the vehicle chassis is not parallel to the site or the battery assembly is installed at an angle. If the vehicle chassis is parallel to the site and the battery assembly needs to be raised horizontally, the individual lifting assemblies 31 can be controlled to rise and fall in conjunction, thereby achieving relatively simple control logic.

[0124] FIG6 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the position corresponding to circle A in FIG3 .

[0125] 4 and 6 , in some embodiments, the plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 are distributed on two opposite side edges 21 a and 21 b of each support plate 21 along the first direction d1 .

[0126] The two side edges 21a and 21b may or may not be parallel to each other. In Figure 6, the side edges 21a and 21b may also be configured with concave and convex portions in the second direction d2, so as to form an interlaced structure with adjacent support plates. This allows the adjacent support plates to partially overlap in width in the first direction d1, making the structure more compact. The locking and unlocking mechanism 40 may be located at the convex portion of the side edge.

[0127] By distributing the locking and unlocking mechanisms on the opposite sides of the support plates along the arrangement direction of the multiple support plates, each locking and unlocking mechanism will not interfere with the lifting components located on the outside of the two ends in the second direction, and it is also convenient to arrange, disassemble and replace the locking and unlocking mechanisms.

[0128] 3-6 , in some embodiments, the locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 located on the same side are arranged at intervals along the second direction d2 .

[0129] One (eg 21a or 21b) or both (eg 21a and 21b) of the two opposite side edges of the support plate 21 along the first direction d1 may be provided with a plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 spaced apart along the second direction d2.

[0130] For the locking and unlocking mechanisms located on the same side, they are arranged at intervals along the second direction, which can achieve multi-point locking of the battery or locking of multiple batteries in the second direction, meeting the locking and unlocking requirements of battery assemblies in different combinations.

[0131] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the front view of the battery replacement device for a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, with the drive end of the linear telescopic actuator in the second working position. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the front view of the battery replacement device for a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, with the drive end of the linear telescopic actuator in the first working position. Figure 9 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the position corresponding to circle B in Figure 3.

[0132] 3 and 9 , in some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 30 includes at least two lifting assemblies 31, at least one of which includes a linear telescopic actuator 311 and a lifting member 312. The linear telescopic actuator 311 is disposed on the bottom surface 11 of the frame 10 and is configured to drive the support platform 20 to move along a third direction d3, which is parallel to the lifting direction of the support platform 20. The lifting member 312 has a supporting end 312a for supporting the support platform 20 and a connecting end 312b connected to the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311. The connecting end 312b is located on the side of the supporting end 312a away from the bottom surface 11 of the frame 10.

[0133] The linear telescopic actuator 311 can use electrical, magnetic, hydraulic, or pneumatic methods to perform linear motion at its drive end. Placing the linear telescopic actuator 311 on the bottom surface 11 of the frame 10 and using the lifting member 312 together can help reduce the folding space of the linear telescopic actuator 311 itself and the vehicle battery swap device as a whole in the third direction. The lifting assembly uses a linear telescopic actuator and a lifting member to drive the support platform to move up and down. The lifting member adjusts the height position of the support platform it supports under the linear drive of the linear telescopic actuator's drive end. This helps to place the battery in a lower support position, allowing for a larger lifting distance to meet the battery swap requirements of vehicles with lower chassis.

[0134] Referring to Figure 9, in some embodiments, the linear telescopic actuator 311 includes a rigid chain mechanism 311a, a motor 311b, and a telescopic arm 311c. The rigid chain mechanism 311a includes a housing and a rigid chain disposed within the housing, with the end of the rigid chain fixedly connected to the connecting end 312b. The motor 311b is drivingly connected to the rigid chain mechanism 311a and configured to drive the rigid chain relative to the housing. The telescopic arm 311c is connected to both the housing and the connecting end 312b and is positioned outside the rigid chain.

[0135] The rigid chain of rigid chain mechanism 311a can be wound and retracted, and linear actuation is achieved by unwinding the rigid chain. This structure achieves high control accuracy while achieving a more compact design and occupying less space. To minimize or eliminate the adverse effects of lateral forces on the stable operation of the rigid chain, a telescopic arm is placed around the rigid chain to protect it and improve the operating stability of the linear telescopic actuator.

[0136] In some embodiments, the motor 311b comprises a servo motor.

[0137] The use of a servo motor to drive the rigid chain mechanism can achieve more precise control effects and higher transmission efficiency in conjunction with a rigid chain with higher precision, thereby improving the accuracy of the lifting action achieved by controlling the lifting component.

[0138] 8 , in some embodiments, the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 has a first working position, and the lifting member 312 is configured so that, when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 is in the first working position, a distance h1 of the connecting end 312b relative to the bottom surface 11 of the frame 10 in the third direction d3 is no greater than a height H of the frame 10 in the third direction d3.

[0139] In Figure 8 , the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 is mounted on the connecting end 312b of the lifting member 312 and is higher than the supporting end 312a of the lifting member 312. When the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 is in a first operating position, such as its minimum retracted position, the distance h1 between the connecting end 312b and the bottom surface 11 of the frame 10 in the third direction d3 is less than the height H of the frame 10 in the third direction d3. In other embodiments, when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 is in the first operating position, the distance h1 may be equal to the height H.

[0140] When the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator is in the first working position, by ensuring that the distance between the connecting end of the lifting member and the bottom surface of the frame in the third direction is no higher than the height of the frame in the third direction, the overall height of the lifting assembly can be lowered when the linear telescopic actuator is in the retracted position, thereby making it easier to enter the underside of a vehicle with a lower chassis for battery replacement.

[0141] 7 , in some embodiments, the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 further has a second working position, and the lifting member 312 is configured so that, when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 is in the second working position, a distance h2 of the connecting end 312b relative to the bottom surface 11 of the frame 10 in the third direction d3 is not less than twice a height H of the frame 10 in the third direction d3.

[0142] In FIG7 , when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 is in the second operating position, e.g., the most extended position of the linear telescopic actuator 311, a distance h2 between the connecting end 312b and the bottom surface 11 of the frame 10 in the third direction d3 is twice the height H of the frame 10 in the third direction d3. In other embodiments, when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 is in the second operating position, the distance h2 may be greater than twice the height H.

[0143] When the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator is in the second working position, the distance between the connecting end of the lifting member and the bottom surface of the frame in the third direction is not less than twice the height of the frame in the third direction, which enables the support platform to achieve a larger lifting range and meet the battery replacement needs in a larger chassis height range.

[0144] 2 and 8 , in some embodiments, the frame 10 has a battery support seat 12 , which is configured to support the support platform 20 when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 is in the first working position, so that the support end 312 a is out of contact with the support platform 20 .

[0145] In FIG2 , the battery support seat 12 can adopt a convex block structure or a flange structure provided on the frame 10 to support at least part of the periphery of the support platform 20. The battery support seat is provided on the frame, and when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator is in the first working position, the battery support seat supports the support platform, so that the supporting end is out of contact with the support platform. In this way, when the vehicle battery swap device moves as a whole, the support platform can obtain a more stable support effect, reduce the risk of horizontal slippage of the battery assembly when the vehicle battery swap device moves as a whole, and can reduce the loss of the lifting assembly, making the lifting mechanism less susceptible to lateral forces.

[0146] In the above embodiments, the lifting member may be designed in a Z-shape, with its connecting end being higher than the supporting end in the third direction. For example, a Z-shaped bent plate may be used, and ribs may be provided between adjacent angled bent surfaces to increase the strength and rigidity of the lifting member.

[0147] FIG10 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the position corresponding to circle C in FIG6 .

[0148] 7 and 10 , in some embodiments, the vehicle battery swapping device further includes a floating mechanism 50. The floating mechanism 50 is located at the connection position between the lifting mechanism 30 and the support platform 20, and is configured to move the support platform 20 relative to the lifting mechanism 30 in at least one direction perpendicular to the lifting direction of the support platform 20.

[0149] The floating mechanism 50 can move the support table 20 relative to the lifting mechanism 30 in at least one direction perpendicular to the lifting direction of the support table 20. The movement direction here can be a direction parallel to the first direction d1, or a direction parallel to the second direction d2, or other directions located in a plane parallel to the first direction d1 and the second direction d2.

[0150] By setting a floating mechanism at the connection position between the lifting mechanism and the support platform, the floating mechanism can relieve the force in the direction parallel to the supporting surface of the support platform that the locking and unlocking mechanism is subjected to during installation or use, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the locking and unlocking mechanism due to force caused by installation or operation errors.

[0151] 10 , in some embodiments, the floating mechanism 50 includes a universal ball bearing 51 . The universal ball bearing 51 is located between opposing surfaces of the lifting mechanism 30 and the support table 20 in the lifting direction of the support table 20 .

[0152] The floating mechanism adopts a universal ball bearing, which can achieve the floating effect while allowing the support platform to be separated from the lifting mechanism in the lifting direction, making it easy to disassemble and replace, and this floating mechanism has a more compact structure.

[0153] 3 , 5 and 9 , in some embodiments, the vehicle battery swapping device further includes: a steering wheel assembly 60 disposed on the frame 10 .

[0154] The steering wheel assembly 60 may include components such as wheels, motors, steering wheels, speed reducers, brakes, and angle control encoders. It is not only very compact but also enables precise control of vehicle rotation and steering. The steering wheel assembly can achieve omnidirectional movement and can carry a certain amount of weight.

[0155] In Figure 9, the steering wheel assembly 60 adopts a horizontal structure, and its motor is spaced apart from the vehicle in the horizontal direction, thereby reducing the overall height of the steering wheel assembly 60, which is beneficial to reducing the height space occupied by the vehicle battery exchange device. The steering wheel assembly 60 can be set between adjacent linear telescopic actuators. For example, for the two groups of lifting mechanisms corresponding to two support plates in the three support plates shown in Figure 5, the four steering wheel assemblies are respectively located between the linear telescopic actuators of the two adjacent lifting mechanisms of each group of lifting mechanisms. The movement of the vehicle battery exchange device is achieved through the steering wheel assembly, which can facilitate the translation and steering of the vehicle battery exchange device.

[0156] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery replacement system is provided, comprising the vehicle battery replacement device of any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0157] The battery replacement system using the aforementioned vehicle battery replacement device can improve the adaptability of battery replacement.

[0158] In some specific embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 to 9, the vehicle battery exchange device includes: a frame 10, a support platform 20, a lifting mechanism 30, a plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms 40, and a steering wheel assembly 60 arranged on the frame 10. The support platform 20 is arranged on the frame 10, and includes at least two support plates 21 arranged along the first direction d1. The lifting mechanism 30 is arranged on the frame 10 and is operably connected to the support platform 20. The lifting mechanism 30 includes at least two groups of lifting assemblies 31 corresponding to the at least two support plates 21, each group of lifting assemblies 31 includes four lifting assemblies 31, two of which are located on the outside of the corresponding support plate 21 at one end of the second direction d2, and the other two are located on the outside of the corresponding support plate 21 at the other end of the second direction d2. The first direction d1 is perpendicular to the second direction d2.

[0159] Multiple locking and unlocking mechanisms 40 are provided on two opposite sides of each support plate 21 along the first direction d1 and spaced apart along the second direction d2. Each lifting assembly 31 is controlled independently of each other, and each locking and unlocking mechanism 40 is controlled in groups or individually.

[0160] The lifting assembly 31 includes a linear telescopic actuator 311 and a lifting member 312 disposed on the bottom surface 11 of the frame 10. The lifting member 312 has a supporting end 312a for supporting the support platform 20 and a connecting end 312b connected to the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311. The connecting end 312b is located on the side of the supporting end 312a away from the bottom surface 11 of the frame 10.

[0161] The linear telescopic actuator 311 comprises a rigid chain mechanism 311a, a motor 311b, and a telescopic arm 311c. The rigid chain mechanism 311a comprises a housing and a rigid chain mounted therein, with the end of the rigid chain fixedly connected to the connecting end 312b. The motor 311b comprises a servo motor and is drivingly connected to the rigid chain mechanism 311a, configured to drive the rigid chain relative to the housing. The telescopic arm 311c is connected to both the housing and the connecting end 312b, and is positioned outside the rigid chain.

[0162] The driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 has a first working position and a second working position. When the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 is in the first working position, the distance between the connecting end 312b of the lifting member 312 and the bottom surface 11 of the frame 10 in the third direction d3 is no greater than the height H of the frame 10 in the third direction d3. When the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 is in the second working position, the distance between the connecting end 312b of the lifting member 312 and the bottom surface 11 of the frame 10 in the third direction d3 is no less than twice the height H of the frame 10 in the third direction d3.

[0163] The frame 10 has a battery support seat 12, which is configured to support the support platform 20 when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator 311 is in the first working position, so that the support end 312a is out of contact with the support platform 20.

[0164] The vehicle battery swapping device further includes a floating mechanism 50 located at the connection between the lifting mechanism 30 and the support platform 20. The floating mechanism 50 enables the support platform 20 to move relative to the lifting mechanism 30 in at least one direction perpendicular to the lifting direction of the support platform 20. The floating mechanism 50 includes a universal ball bearing 51 located between opposing surfaces of the lifting mechanism 30 and the support platform 20 in the lifting direction of the support platform 20.

[0165] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made thereto and equivalent components may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner, provided no structural conflicts exist. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but encompasses all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle battery replacement device, used for replacing a battery assembly (71) of a vehicle (70), comprising: Frame (10); A support platform (20), disposed on the frame (10), and configured to support a battery assembly (71) to be installed or removed; A lifting mechanism (30) is arranged on the frame (10) and is operably connected to the support platform (20), and is configured to drive the support platform (20) to rise and fall; and A plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms (40) are arranged on the support platform (20) and are used to achieve locking or unlocking of the battery assembly (71) relative to the vehicle; The plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms (40) are arranged at intervals on the support surface of the support platform (20), and the plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms (40) include at least two groups of locking and unlocking mechanisms (40), and the control of each group of locking and unlocking mechanisms (40) is independent of each other.

2. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 1, wherein: Some or all of the at least two groups of locking and unlocking mechanisms (40) have one locking and unlocking mechanism (40).

3. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support platform (20) comprises at least two support plates (21), and the lifting mechanism (30) comprises at least two groups of lifting components (31), the at least two groups of lifting components (31) correspond to the at least two support plates (21) one by one and are operably connected, and the control of each group of lifting components (31) is linked or independent of each other.

4. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 3, wherein: The at least two support plates (21) are arranged along a first direction (d1), and a part and another part of each group of lifting components (31) are respectively located on the outer sides of two opposite ends of the support plate (21) corresponding to the lifting component (31) in a second direction (d2), the first direction (d1) is perpendicular to the second direction (d2), and the first direction (d1) and the second direction (d2) are both perpendicular to the lifting direction of the support platform (20).

5. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The control of each lifting component (31) in each group of lifting components (31) is linked or independent of each other.

6. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms (40) are distributed on two opposite side edges (21a; 21b) of each support plate (21) along the first direction (d1).

7. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 6, wherein: The locking and unlocking mechanisms (40) located on the same side (21a; 21b) are arranged at intervals along the second direction (d2).

8. The vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The lifting mechanism (30) comprises at least two groups of lifting components (31), and at least one lifting component (31) of the at least two groups of lifting components (31) comprises: a linear telescopic actuator (311), disposed on the bottom surface (11) of the frame (10), configured to drive the support platform (20) to move along a third direction (d3), wherein the third direction (d3) is parallel to a lifting direction of the support platform (20); and A lifting member (312) comprises a supporting end (312a) for supporting the supporting platform (20) and a connecting end (312b) connected to the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator (311), wherein the connecting end (312b) is located on a side of the supporting end (312a) away from the bottom surface (11) of the frame (10).

9. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 8, wherein: The linear telescopic actuator (311) comprises: A rigid chain mechanism (311a) comprises a housing and a rigid chain arranged on the housing, wherein an end of the rigid chain is fixedly connected to the connecting end (312b); a motor (311b) drivingly connected to the rigid chain mechanism (311a) and configured to drive the rigid chain to move relative to the housing; and The telescopic arm (311c) is connected to both the shell and the connecting end (312b), and is sleeved on the outside of the rigid chain.

10. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 9, wherein: The motor (311b) comprises a servo motor.

11. The vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The driving end of the linear telescopic actuator (311) has a first working position, and the lifting member (312) is configured so that when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator (311) is in the first working position, the distance between the connecting end (312b) and the bottom surface (11) of the frame (10) in the third direction (d3) is not higher than the height (H) of the frame (10) in the third direction (d3).

12. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 11, wherein: The frame (10) has a battery support seat (12), and the battery support seat (12) is configured to support the support platform (20) when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator (311) is in the first working position, so that the support end (312a) is out of contact with the support platform (20).

13. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The driving end of the linear telescopic actuator (311) also has a second working position, and the lifting member (312) is configured so that when the driving end of the linear telescopic actuator (311) is in the second working position, the distance between the connecting end (312b) and the bottom surface (11) of the frame (10) in the third direction (d3) is not less than twice the height (H) of the frame (10) in the third direction (d3).

14. The vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: The floating mechanism (50) is located at the connection position between the lifting mechanism (30) and the support platform (20), and is configured to enable the support platform (20) to move relative to the lifting mechanism (30) in at least one direction perpendicular to the lifting direction of the support platform (20).

15. The vehicle battery replacement device according to claim 14, wherein: The floating mechanism (50) includes a universal ball bearing (51), and the universal ball bearing (51) is located between the opposing surfaces of the lifting mechanism (30) and the support platform (20) in the lifting direction of the support platform (20).

16. The vehicle battery replacement device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising: A steering wheel assembly (60) is arranged on the frame (10).

17. A battery replacement system, comprising: A vehicle battery replacement device as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

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