Locking mechanism, locking apparatus, and electric vehicle

Abstract

A locking mechanism (1), comprising at least one lock base (11), a locking linkage portion (12), and at least two elastic members (13). The lock base is provided with an opening (111) and a cavity (112) extending from the opening. The opening is used for allowing a locking member mounted on a battery pack to enter the cavity. The locking linkage portion moves relative to the lock base to open or close the opening, so as to change between an unlocked state and a locked state. The at least two elastic members are symmetrically distributed on two sides of the locking linkage portion. Two ends of each of the elastic members are connected to the locking linkage portion and the lock base, respectively. The locking linkage portion is driven by elastic force of the elastic members to be switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. The locking mechanism is advantageous for ensuring balance between the force to which the two sides of the locking linkage portion are subjected, so that the locking linkage portion does not deviate towards one side in the process of resetting under the action of the elastic force of the elastic members, the stability of the locking linkage portion when being switched to the locked state is ensured, and the locking linkage portion can be prevented from colliding with the lock base and generating damage. A locking apparatus and an electric vehicle provided with the locking apparatus are further comprised.

Description

Locking mechanism, locking device and electric vehicle

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese patent application No. 2024102309386, filed on February 29, 2024. This application incorporates the entirety of the aforementioned Chinese patent application. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of electric vehicles, and in particular to a locking mechanism, a locking device and an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, new energy vehicles have developed rapidly. Electric vehicles that rely on batteries as driving energy have the advantages of zero emissions and low noise. As the market share and usage frequency of electric vehicles are increasing, electric commercial vehicles among electric vehicles, such as electric heavy trucks and electric light trucks, are also beginning to appear in their respective application scenarios.

[0004] In the prior art, the elastic reset member used to reset the locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state is usually only provided on one side of the locking mechanism. This causes the reset force to act on only one side, which also leads to poor balance on both sides during reset, making interference, collision and other unexpected situations prone to occur. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects in the prior art and to provide a locking mechanism, a locking device and an electric vehicle.

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

[0007] A locking mechanism comprising:

[0008] at least one lock base, the lock base having an opening and a cavity extending from the opening, the opening being configured to allow a locking member mounted on the battery pack to enter the cavity;

[0009] a locking linkage portion that moves relative to the lock base to open or close the opening to change between an unlocked state and a locked state;

[0010] At least two elastic members, at least two of the elastic members are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the locking linkage part, the two ends of the elastic member are respectively connected to the locking linkage part and the lock base, and the locking linkage part is driven to switch from the unlocking state to the locking state through the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0011] In this embodiment, by providing an elastic member on the locking linkage portion, when no external force is applied to the locking linkage portion, the locking linkage portion can automatically return to the position in the locked state under the elastic force of the elastic member, without the need for manual reset. Furthermore, the use of the elastic member can ensure that the locking linkage portion is always in a closed opening state in the absence of external force, thereby preventing the locking member of the battery pack from slipping out of the opening and improving stability. In particular, elastic members are provided on both sides of the locking linkage portion, and the elastic members on both sides are symmetrically arranged. This helps to ensure force balance on both sides of the locking linkage portion, so that the locking linkage portion will not deviate to one side during the reset process under the elastic force of the elastic member, thereby ensuring the stability of the locking linkage portion when switching from the unlocked state to the locked state. Furthermore, the fact that the locking linkage portion does not deviate to one side can also prevent the locking linkage portion from colliding with the lock base and causing damage. If the locking linkage portion deviates to one side during the reset process, the locking linkage portion will not be aligned with the cavity, which will cause the locking linkage portion to collide with the lock base.

[0012] Preferably, the locking linkage portion includes two side walls extending along the length direction of the lock base, and the elastic member is connected to the side walls.

[0013] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the direction of the elastic force of the elastic member is more adapted to the movement direction of the locking linkage part, which will not interfere with the movement of the locking linkage part and is conducive to smoother resetting of the locking linkage part.

[0014] Preferably, the locking linkage portion includes two symmetrically arranged rods, and the edges of the rods have flanges bent toward the outside.

[0015] In this solution, compared to a monolithic, hollow locking linkage, the locking linkage is constructed from two assembled rods. This facilitates the provision of curved flanges on the edges of the rods, which helps increase the overall structural strength of the locking linkage. Furthermore, the two-rod assembly also ensures a lightweight structure. This means that the locking linkage achieves both lightweight and structural strength.

[0016] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes at least two lock bases, and at least two elastic members are symmetrically distributed between any two lock bases.

[0017] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the space between the two lock bases is rationally utilized to set the elastic member. On the one hand, the space utilization rate is improved, and on the other hand, the elastic member can be located in a relatively middle position, further improving the stability of the resetting process of the locking linkage part; at the same time, it is also beneficial to improve the consistency of the overall moving trajectory of the locking linkage part, and to ensure that the opening and closing states of the openings of multiple lock bases are consistent.

[0018] Preferably, the locking linkage portion includes a lock tongue and a lock link, the lock tongue is located in the cavity, the lock tongue is connected to the lock link and can rotate relative to the lock base, and the lock link is used to drive the lock tongue to rotate under the action of external force to open or close the opening.

[0019] In this solution, the locking linkage is configured as a lock tongue and a lock link in a transmission relationship. Compared to a monolithic locking linkage, the locking linkage is configured as a split part with a transmission relationship. This, on the one hand, improves the flexibility of the locking linkage, thereby making the position of the external force application more diverse; on the other hand, it increases the maximum rotation angle of the lock tongue, so that the maximum rotation angle of the lock tongue can open or close the opening. In addition, the locking linkage is configured to include a split lock tongue and a lock link. When there are two or more lock bases, the lock link can be connected to multiple lock tongues at the same time, so that multiple lock tongues can open the opening simultaneously.

[0020] Preferably, an unlocking block is provided on a side of the lock link facing the lock base, wherein the unlocking block is a protrusion formed outward from the lock link, and the unlocking block is for an unlocking device to abut against.

[0021] In this solution, an unlocking block is provided on the side of the lock link facing the lock base, that is, the unlocking block will be located near the bottom of the lock base. This will be particularly suitable for situations where the unlocking device is provided below the lock base, and the distance between the unlocking device and the unlocking block can be made closer, which is beneficial to shortening the unlocking path of the unlocking device.

[0022] Preferably, the unlocking block has an abutment surface facing the unlocking device, and the abutment surface is used for the unlocking device to abut against and move along the abutment surface. When the unlocking device changes from abutting against one end of the abutment surface to abutting against the other end of the abutment surface, the lock link moves to drive the lock tongue to open the opening.

[0023] In this solution, when the unlocking device applies a force toward the abutment surface, the lock link can be displaced in the tangential direction of the rotation direction of the lock tongue as the unlocking device slides along the abutment surface, thereby driving the lock tongue to rotate to open or close the opening, making the unlocking process more reliable. In addition, the extension direction of the abutment surface is the same as the extension direction of the lock link. During the unlocking process, the unlocking device can move on the abutment surface without getting stuck at a certain position on the abutment surface, thereby improving the unlocking stability of the locking mechanism. At the same time, when the locking member of the battery pack moves along the cavity of the lock base, the top of the unlocking device can always be against the abutment surface, so that the lock tongue remains in an open state, avoiding unlocking errors.

[0024] Preferably, the abutting surface is in the shape of a plane, an upwardly concave square, an upwardly concave arc, an upwardly concave triangle or an upwardly concave prism.

[0025] In this solution, the unlocking device applies force to the abutment surface and moves horizontally along the extension direction of the lock link without becoming stuck in a certain position. The unlocking stability is high, and the abutment surface is a horizontal surface, which is more tolerant. Even if the unlocking device has misalignment or a torsion angle, it can always remain within the abutment surface. At the same time, the structure is simple and easy to manufacture. The abutment surface is a concave square, which can restrict the unlocking device so that the unlocking device cannot escape the abutment surface during the unlocking process. The abutment surface is a concave arc, a concave triangle, or a concave prism, which can form an optimal unlocking line with the unlocking device and provide appropriate tolerance, allowing the unlocking device to move within the abutment surface along the length of the lock link and facilitating the unlocking device's stay.

[0026] Preferably, the abutting surface is higher than the bottom surface of the lock base.

[0027] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted. When the locking part of the battery pack enters the cavity of the locking mechanism, the battery pack and the lock link will not interfere with each other, which is conducive to ensuring that the locking part of the battery pack enters the locking mechanism smoothly.

[0028] Preferably, the locking mechanism also includes a first identification element, which is fixedly connected to the locking linkage part. The first identification element is configured to move with the locking linkage part and is used to cooperate with a first detection element on the electric vehicle to obtain whether the lock tongue is in a locked state.

[0029] In this solution, the user can obtain and send a signal from the first detection element to know the locking state of the lock tongue, and then obtain the battery replacement process of the electric vehicle to ensure the smooth progress of the battery replacement.

[0030] Preferably, the locking mechanism also includes a second identification element, which is fixedly connected to the locking linkage part, and the second identification element is used to cooperate with a second detection element on the battery exchange device to detect whether the locking mechanism is in a locked state.

[0031] In this solution, when the locking linkage moves, the second identification element moves along with the lock link, and the relative position of the second identification element and the second detection element changes. A photo is taken to obtain the position change of the second identification element based on the second detection element to determine whether the locking mechanism is in a locked state. In this way, the user can know the internal locking status from the outside, and the user can monitor the locking status in real time, which is conducive to ensuring the smooth battery replacement of the electric vehicle.

[0032] A locking device includes a secondary locking mechanism and the locking mechanism described above, wherein the locking mechanism is used for primary locking of a battery pack, and the secondary locking mechanism is used for secondary locking of the battery pack.

[0033] In this solution, the battery pack is locked separately using a locking mechanism and a secondary locking mechanism, which can enhance the locking function of the battery pack. If the locking mechanism is accidentally unlocked, the secondary locking mechanism can ensure that the battery pack will not fall from the electric vehicle, which is beneficial to improving safety and the integrity of the battery pack.

[0034] Preferably, the secondary locking mechanism includes a secondary lock base and a secondary locking linkage part, the secondary lock base is provided with a secondary opening and a secondary cavity extending from the secondary opening, and the secondary locking linkage part moves relative to the secondary lock base to open or close the secondary opening to change between the secondary unlocking state and the secondary locking state.

[0035] Preferably, the secondary locking mechanism further comprises a secondary elastic member, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the secondary locking linkage portion and the locking mechanism; preferably, the locking mechanism comprises at least two lock bases, and the secondary elastic member is connected to the lock base close to the secondary locking linkage portion;

[0036] Alternatively, two ends of the secondary elastic member are respectively connected to the secondary locking linkage portion and the external fixing structure.

[0037] In this solution, a secondary elastic member applies force to the secondary locking linkage. When the external force applied by the unlocking device on the secondary locking linkage is released, the secondary locking bar automatically returns to its locked position under the elastic force of the secondary elastic member, eliminating the need for manual reset. Furthermore, the secondary elastic member ensures that the secondary lock tongue always closes the secondary opening in the absence of external force, preventing the battery pack's secondary locking member from slipping out of the secondary opening and improving stability.

[0038] When the two ends of the secondary elastic member are respectively connected to the secondary locking linkage part and the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism and the secondary locking mechanism are integrated into one, thereby improving the space utilization of the locking device and being suitable for situations where the space at the connection between the electric vehicle and the battery pack is limited.

[0039] An electric vehicle comprises the locking device described above.

[0040] In this solution, when the electric vehicle uses the above-mentioned locking device to achieve the connection between the battery pack and the electric vehicle, it can ensure the stability of the connection between the battery pack and the electric vehicle when the unlocked state is changed to the locked state, and at the same time, it can also ensure the safety and integrity of the battery pack when the locking mechanism is accidentally unlocked.

[0041] The positive progress effect of the present invention is:

[0042] The present invention provides an elastic member in the locking linkage portion. When no external force acts on the locking linkage portion, the locking linkage portion can automatically return to the position in the locked state under the elastic force of the elastic member, without the need for manual resetting. On the other hand, the use of the elastic member can ensure that the locking linkage portion is always in a closed opening state in the absence of external force, which can prevent the locking member of the battery pack from sliding out of the opening and improve stability. In particular, elastic members are provided on both sides of the locking linkage portion, and the elastic members on both sides are symmetrically arranged. This will help to ensure the force balance on both sides of the locking linkage portion, so that the locking linkage portion will not deviate to one side during the resetting process under the elastic force of the elastic member, thereby ensuring the stability of the locking linkage portion when switching from the unlocked state to the locked state. On the other hand, the locking linkage portion will not deviate to one side, which can also prevent the locking linkage portion from colliding with the lock base and causing damage. If the locking linkage portion deviates to one side during the resetting process, the locking linkage portion will not be able to align with the cavity, which will also cause the locking linkage portion to collide with the lock base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a locking mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG2 is a top view of the locking mechanism of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a locking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG5 is another structural diagram of the locking linkage portion of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a locking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS Locking mechanism 1 Lock base 11 Opening 111 Cavity 112 Locking linkage portion 12 Lock tongue 121 Lock link 122 Rod 123 Flanged edge 124 Elastic member 13 Unlocking block 14 Abutting surface 141 First identification element 15 Second identification element 16 Connecting section 161 First bending section 162 Second bending section 163 Secondary locking mechanism 2 Secondary lock base 21 Secondary opening 211 Secondary cavity 212 Secondary locking linkage portion 22 Secondary elastic member 23 Third identification element 24 Fourth identification element 25 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] A preferred embodiment is given below and the present invention is described more clearly and completely in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, this embodiment discloses a locking mechanism 1, including at least one lock base 11, a locking linkage part 12 and at least two elastic members 13. The lock base 11 is provided with an opening 111 and a cavity 112 extending from the opening 111. The opening 111 is used for allowing the locking member installed on the battery pack to enter the cavity 112; the locking linkage part 12 moves relative to the lock base 11 to open or close the opening 111 to change between an unlocked state and a locked state; at least two elastic members 13 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the locking linkage part 12, and the two ends of the elastic member 13 are respectively connected to the locking linkage part 12 and the lock base 11, and the elastic force of the elastic member 13 drives the locking linkage part 12 to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0053] By providing an elastic member 13 on locking linkage 12, when no external force is applied to locking linkage 12, the elastic force of elastic member 13 automatically returns to the locked position, eliminating the need for manual reset. Furthermore, the elastic member 13 ensures that locking linkage 12 always closes opening 111 in the absence of external force, preventing the battery pack's locking member from slipping out of opening 111 and improving stability. In particular, elastic members 13 are provided on both sides of the locking linkage portion 12 that are opposite to each other, and the elastic members 13 on both sides are symmetrically arranged. This will help to ensure the force balance on both sides of the locking linkage portion 12, so that the locking linkage portion 12 will not deviate to one side during the resetting process under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member 13, thus ensuring the stability of the locking linkage portion 12 when switching from the unlocked state to the locked state; on the other hand, the locking linkage portion 12 will not deviate to one side, which can also avoid the locking linkage portion 12 colliding with the lock base 11 and causing damage. If the locking linkage portion 12 deviates to one side during the resetting process, the locking linkage portion 12 cannot be aligned with the cavity 112, which will cause the locking linkage portion 12 to collide with the lock base 11.

[0054] In this embodiment, there are two elastic members 13, which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the locking linkage portion 12. In other embodiments, there may be four or six elastic members 13, in which case the elastic members 13 are symmetrically distributed in pairs.

[0055] Specifically, the locking linkage part 12 includes two side walls extending along the length direction of the lock base 11, and the elastic member 13 is connected to the side walls, so that the direction of the elastic force of the elastic member 13 is more adapted to the moving direction of the locking linkage part 12, which is conducive to making the resetting of the locking linkage part 12 smoother.

[0056] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG5 , the locking linkage portion 12 includes two symmetrically arranged rods 123, and the edges of the rods 123 have flanges 124 that are bent outward. Compared to a locking linkage portion 12 that is integral and hollow in the middle, configuring the locking linkage portion 12 as two rods 123 assembled together facilitates providing the bent flanges 124 on the edges of the rods 123, which helps increase the overall structural strength of the locking linkage portion 12. On the other hand, the structure assembled from the two rods 123 can also ensure light weight. That is, the locking linkage portion 12 can achieve both light weight and structural strength. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , the locking linkage portion 12 can be integral.

[0057] Specifically, the locking linkage portion 12 includes a locking link 122 and a locking tongue 121. Only the locking link 122 may include two symmetrically arranged rods 123, or both the locking link 122 and the locking tongue 121 may include two symmetrically arranged rods 123.

[0058] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , the locking mechanism 1 includes two lock bases 11, and two elastic members 13 are symmetrically distributed between the two lock bases 11. The space between the two lock bases 11 is rationally utilized to set the elastic member 13. On the one hand, the space utilization rate is improved. On the other hand, the elastic member 13 can be located in a relatively middle position, further improving the stability of the reset process of the locking linkage part 12. At the same time, it is also beneficial to improve the consistency of the overall movement trajectory of the locking linkage part 12, which is beneficial to ensure that the openings 111 of multiple lock bases 11 are consistent in their opening and closing states. In addition, the two lock bases 11 can reduce the space occupied by the locking mechanism 1, which is particularly suitable for situations where the space at the connection between the electric vehicle and the battery pack is limited. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 1 can include three or more lock bases 11, in which case the two elastic members 13 are symmetrically distributed between any two lock bases 11.

[0059] As shown in FIG3 , the locking linkage portion 12 includes a lock tongue 121 and a lock link 122. The lock tongue 121 is located in the cavity 112. The lock tongue 121 is connected to the lock link 122 and can rotate relative to the lock base 11. The lock link 122 is used to drive the lock tongue 121 to rotate under the action of an external force to open or close the opening 111. The locking linkage portion 12 is configured as the lock tongue 121 and the lock link 122 having a transmission relationship. Compared with the integral locking linkage portion 12, the locking linkage portion 12 is configured as a split portion with a transmission relationship. On the one hand, it is conducive to improving the setting flexibility of the locking linkage portion 12, thereby making the force application position of the external force more diverse; on the other hand, it is conducive to increasing the maximum rotation angle of the lock tongue 121, so that the maximum rotation angle of the lock tongue 121 can open or close the opening 111. In addition, the locking linkage part 12 is configured to include a split lock tongue 121 and a lock link 122. When there are two or more lock bases 11, the lock link 122 can simultaneously connect multiple lock tongues 121 to enable multiple lock tongues 121 to open the opening 111 at the same time.

[0060] An unlocking block 14 is provided on the side of the lock link 122 facing the lock base 11. The unlocking block 14 is a protrusion formed outward from the lock link 122, and the unlocking device abuts against the unlocking block 14. Providing the unlocking block 14 on the side of the lock link 122 facing the lock base 11, that is, the unlocking block 14 is located near the bottom of the lock base 11, is particularly suitable for situations where the unlocking device is located below the lock base 11. This allows the unlocking device to be closer to the unlocking block 14, which helps shorten the unlocking path of the unlocking device.

[0061] The unlocking block 14 has an abutment surface 141 facing the unlocking device. The abutment surface 141 is used for the unlocking device to abut against and move along the abutment surface 141. When the unlocking device changes from abutting one end against the abutment surface 141 to abutting the other end against the abutment surface 141, the lock link 122 moves to drive the lock tongue 121 to open the opening 111. When the unlocking device applies force toward the abutment surface 141, the unlocking device slides along the abutment surface 141, causing the lock link 122 to displace tangentially to the rotational direction of the lock tongue 121, thereby driving the lock tongue 121 to rotate to open or close the opening 111, making the unlocking process more reliable. Furthermore, the extension direction of the abutment surface 141 is the same as that of the lock link 122. During the unlocking process, the unlocking device can move on the abutment surface 141 without getting stuck at a certain position on the abutment surface 141, thereby improving the unlocking stability of the locking mechanism 1. At the same time, when the locking member of the battery pack moves along the cavity 112 of the lock base 11, the top of the unlocking device can always be against the abutment surface 141, so that the lock tongue 121 remains in an open state, avoiding unlocking errors.

[0062] Among them, the abutment surface 141 is higher than the bottom surface of the lock base 11, so that when the locking part of the battery pack enters the cavity 112 of the locking mechanism 1, the battery pack and the lock link 122 will not interfere with each other, which is conducive to ensuring that the locking part of the battery pack enters the locking mechanism 1 smoothly.

[0063] Specifically, the abutment surface 141 can be flat, square, arc, triangle, or prism-shaped. The unlocking device applies force to the abutment surface 141 and moves horizontally along the extension direction of the lock link 122 without getting stuck, resulting in high unlocking stability. The abutment surface 141 is a horizontal surface, which provides greater tolerance. Even if the unlocking device has misalignment or a torsion angle, it can remain within the abutment surface 141. Furthermore, the structure is simple and easy to manufacture. The abutment surface 141 is a square with an upward concave shape, which can restrict the unlocking device so that it cannot escape the abutment surface 141 during the unlocking process. The abutment surface 141 is an arc, triangle, or prism-shaped with an upward concave shape, which can form an optimal unlocking line with the unlocking device and provide appropriate tolerance, allowing the unlocking device to move within the abutment surface 141 along the length of the lock link 122 and facilitating its retention.

[0064] The locking mechanism 1 also includes a first identification element 15, which is fixedly connected to the locking linkage portion 12. The first identification element 15 is configured to move with the locking linkage portion 12 and is used to cooperate with the first detection element on the electric vehicle to determine whether the lock tongue 121 is in a locked state. The user can thereby obtain and transmit a signal from the first detection element to determine the locked state of the lock tongue 121, thereby obtaining the battery replacement process of the electric vehicle and ensuring the smooth progress of the battery replacement. In this embodiment, the first identification element 15 is a magnet, and the first detection element is a Hall sensor. In other embodiments, the first identification element 15 and the first detection element may be other components that can recognize each other.

[0065] The locking mechanism 1 also includes a second identification element 16, which is fixedly connected to the locking linkage portion 12. The second identification element 16 is used to cooperate with the second detection element on the battery swapping equipment in the battery swapping station to detect whether the locking mechanism 1 is in a locked state, so that the user can know the internal locking status from the outside. The user can monitor the locking state in real time, which is conducive to ensuring the smooth battery swapping of the electric vehicle. The battery swapping equipment is the equipment for removing and installing batteries for electric vehicles in the battery swapping station. The second identification element 16 cooperates with the battery swapping equipment to facilitate the accurate removal or installation of the battery pack of the battery swapping equipment. Specifically, the second identification element 16 is set on the lock link 122 of the locking mechanism 1. When the lock link 122 moves, the second identification element 16 moves with the lock link 122, and the relative position of the second identification element 16 and the second detection element changes. The second identification element 16 is photographed to obtain the position change based on the second detection element to determine whether the locking mechanism 1 is in a locked state.

[0066] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the second identification element 16 includes a connecting section 161, a first bending section 162 and a second bending section 163. The connecting section 161 is connected to the locking rod 122 of the locking linkage part 12. The connecting section 161, the first bending section 162 and the second bending section 163 form angles in sequence. The first bending section 162 extends upward relative to the locking rod 122, and the extension direction of the second bending section 163 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the locking linkage part 12 or is close to perpendicular to the moving direction of the locking linkage part 12.

[0067] The second identification element 16 is configured as a three-section structure. The connecting section 161 ensures the stability of the connection between the second identification element 16 and the locking link 122. The first bent section 162 extends upward, not only allowing space for the locking linkage 12 to move upward, but also preventing the locking linkage 12 from interfering with the second detection element or other components of the battery pack. The second bent section 163 increases the detection area of ​​the second identification element 16 and the second detection element. Furthermore, the second bent section 163 extends away from the locking link 122, so that the corresponding second detection element is not located above the locking link 122, further preventing the second detection element from interfering with the locking linkage 12.

[0068] Example 2

[0069] As shown in Figure 4, this embodiment also discloses a locking device, which includes a secondary locking mechanism 2 and the locking mechanism 1 of Example 1. The locking mechanism 1 is used to lock the battery pack at the primary level, and the secondary locking mechanism 2 is used to lock the battery pack at the secondary level. By using the locking mechanism 1 and the secondary locking mechanism 2 to lock the battery pack separately, the locking function of the battery pack can be enhanced. If the locking mechanism 1 is accidentally unlocked, the secondary locking mechanism 2 can ensure that the battery pack does not fall from the electric vehicle, which is beneficial to improving safety and battery pack integrity.

[0070] Specifically, the secondary locking mechanism 2 includes a secondary lock base 21 and a secondary locking linkage portion 22. The secondary lock base 21 is provided with a secondary opening 211 and a secondary cavity 212 extending from the secondary opening 211. The secondary locking linkage portion 22 moves relative to the secondary lock base 21 to open or close the secondary opening 211, thereby changing between a secondary unlocked state and a secondary locked state. The secondary locking linkage portion 22 includes a secondary lock tongue and a secondary lock rod. The secondary lock tongue is located within the secondary cavity 212. One end of the secondary lock rod is rotatably connected to the secondary lock tongue. External force acts on the secondary lock rod to drive the secondary lock tongue to rotate relative to the secondary lock base 21 to open or close the secondary opening 211. When the secondary lock tongue is in the secondary locked state, the secondary lock tongue can prevent the secondary locking member of the battery pack from leaving the secondary cavity 212 through the secondary opening 211.

[0071] The secondary locking mechanism 2 also includes a secondary elastic member 23. This member acts on the secondary locking linkage 22. When the external force applied by the unlocking device to the secondary locking linkage 22 is released, the secondary locking bar automatically returns to its locked position under the elastic force of the secondary elastic member 23, eliminating the need for manual reset. Furthermore, the secondary elastic member 23 ensures that the secondary lock tongue always closes the secondary opening 211 in the absence of external force, preventing the battery pack's secondary locking member from slipping out of the secondary opening 211 and improving stability.

[0072] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG4 , the two ends of the secondary elastic member 23 are respectively connected to the secondary locking linkage portion 22 and the locking mechanism 1, thereby integrating the locking mechanism 1 and the secondary locking mechanism 2 into one body. This improves the space utilization of the locking device and is suitable for situations where space is limited at the connection between the electric vehicle and the battery pack. Preferably, the secondary elastic member 23 is connected to the lock base 11 near the secondary locking linkage portion 22.

[0073] In another embodiment, two ends of the secondary elastic member 23 are respectively connected to the secondary locking linkage portion 22 and an external fixing structure, wherein the external fixing structure can be a longitudinal beam or other brackets.

[0074] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the secondary locking mechanism 2 is provided with a third identification element 24. The third identification element 24 is used to cooperate with the third detection element on the battery replacement device to detect whether the secondary locking mechanism 2 is in a locked state, so that the user can know the internal locking status from the outside. The user can monitor the locking state in real time, which is conducive to ensuring the smooth battery replacement of the electric vehicle. Specifically, the third identification element 24 is provided on the secondary locking linkage part 22 of the secondary locking mechanism 2. When the secondary locking linkage part 22 moves, the third identification element 24 moves along with the secondary locking linkage part 22. The relative position of the third identification element 24 and the reference element on the electric vehicle changes. The third detection element obtains the position change of the third identification element 24 based on the reference element to determine whether the secondary locking mechanism 2 is in a locked state.

[0075] Specifically, the structure of the third identification element 24 is the same as that of the second identification element 16 , that is, the third identification element 24 also includes a connecting section, a first bending section, and a second bending section, which will not be described in detail here.

[0076] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the secondary locking mechanism 2 is further provided with a fourth identification element 25, which is fixedly connected to the secondary locking linkage portion 22. The fourth identification element 25 is configured to move with the secondary locking linkage portion 22 and is used to cooperate with the fourth detection element on the electric vehicle to determine whether the secondary lock tongue is in a locked state. Thus, the user can obtain and send a signal from the fourth detection element to know the locking state of the secondary lock tongue, and then obtain the battery replacement process of the electric vehicle to ensure the smooth progress of the battery replacement. In this embodiment, the fourth identification element 25 is a magnet, and the fourth detection element is a Hall sensor. In other embodiments, the fourth identification element 25 and the fourth detection element can be other components that can recognize each other.

[0077] This embodiment also discloses an electric vehicle including the aforementioned locking device. When the electric vehicle utilizes the aforementioned locking device to connect the battery pack to the electric vehicle, the stability of the connection between the battery pack and the electric vehicle can be ensured when the battery pack and the electric vehicle transition from an unlocked state to a locked state, while also ensuring the safety and integrity of the battery pack in the event that the locking mechanism 1 is accidentally unlocked.

[0078] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely illustrative and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism, characterized in that: include: at least one lock base, the lock base having an opening and a cavity extending from the opening, the opening being configured to allow a locking member mounted on the battery pack to enter the cavity; a locking linkage portion that moves relative to the lock base to open or close the opening to change between an unlocked state and a locked state; At least two elastic members, at least two of the elastic members are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the locking linkage part, the two ends of the elastic member are respectively connected to the locking linkage part and the lock base, and the locking linkage part is driven to switch from the unlocking state to the locking state through the elastic force of the elastic member.

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The locking linkage portion includes two side walls extending along the length direction of the lock base, and the elastic member is connected to the side walls; And / or, the locking linkage portion includes two symmetrically arranged rods, and the edges of the rods have flanges bent toward the outside; And / or, the locking mechanism includes at least two lock bases, and at least two elastic members are symmetrically distributed between any two lock bases.

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The locking linkage portion includes a lock tongue and a lock link, the lock tongue is located in the cavity, the lock tongue is connected to the lock link and can rotate relative to the lock base, and the lock link is used to drive the lock tongue to rotate under the action of external force to open or close the opening.

4. The locking mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: An unlocking block is provided on one side of the lock link facing the lock base. The unlocking block is a protrusion formed outward from the lock link, and the unlocking device is abutted against the unlocking block.

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: The unlocking block has an abutting surface facing the unlocking device, the abutting surface is used for the unlocking device to abut against and move along the abutting surface, when the unlocking device changes from abutting against one end of the abutting surface to abutting against the other end of the abutting surface, the lock link moves to drive the lock tongue to open the opening; Preferably, the abutting surface is in the shape of a plane, a concave square, a concave arc, a concave triangle or a concave prism; Preferably, the abutting surface is higher than the bottom surface of the lock base.

6. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The locking mechanism further includes a first identification element, the first identification element being fixedly connected to the locking linkage portion, the first identification element being configured to move with the locking linkage portion and being configured to cooperate with a first detection element on the electric vehicle to determine whether the locking linkage portion is in a locked state; And / or, the locking mechanism also includes a second identification element, which is fixedly connected to the locking linkage part, and the second identification element is used to cooperate with the second detection element on the battery exchange device to detect whether the locking mechanism is in a locked state.

7. A locking device, characterized in that: The locking device includes a secondary locking mechanism and a locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking mechanism is used for primary locking of the battery pack, and the secondary locking mechanism is used for secondary locking of the battery pack.

8. The locking device according to claim 7, wherein: The secondary locking mechanism includes a secondary lock base and a secondary locking linkage part. The secondary lock base is provided with a secondary opening and a secondary cavity extending from the secondary opening. The secondary locking linkage part moves relative to the secondary lock base to open or close the secondary opening to change between a secondary unlocking state and a secondary locking state.

9. The locking device according to claim 8, wherein: The secondary locking mechanism further includes a secondary elastic member, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the secondary locking linkage portion and the locking mechanism; preferably, the locking mechanism includes at least two lock bases, and the secondary elastic member is connected to the lock base close to the secondary locking linkage portion; Alternatively, two ends of the secondary elastic member are respectively connected to the secondary locking linkage portion and the external fixing structure.

10. An electric vehicle, characterized in that: The electric vehicle comprises the locking device according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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