Secondary locking mechanism, locking device, and electric vehicle

Abstract

A secondary locking mechanism (1), a locking device, and an electric vehicle. The secondary locking mechanism (1) comprises a lock base (11), a lock tongue (12), and a lock lever (13); the lock base (11) is provided with an opening (111) and a cavity (112) extending from the opening (111) to the inside of the lock base (11), and the opening (111) is used for allowing a locking member mounted on a battery pack to enter the cavity (112); the lock tongue (12) is located in the cavity (112), and the lock tongue (12) is configured to be capable of rotating relative to the lock base (11) to open or close the opening (111) so as to change between an unlocking state and a locking state; one end of the lock lever (13) is rotatably connected to the lock tongue (12), the lock lever (13) is provided with a guide portion (131) and an unlocking portion (132), and when an external force acts on the unlocking portion (132), the lock lever (13) moves along a movement path under the guidance of the guide portion (131) so as to drive the lock tongue (12) to rotate relative to the lock base (11) to open the opening (111). The lock lever (13) is conducive to increasing the maximum rotation angle of the lock tongue (12), the force application position of the external force and the arrangement of the lock tongue (12) are more flexible and diversified, the guide portion (131) is conducive to improving the accuracy of rotation of the lock tongue (12), and the situation that the lock tongue (12) cannot rotate due to the lock lever (13) deviating from a correct movement path is avoided.

Description

Secondary locking mechanism, locking device and electric vehicle

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese patent application No. 2024102309263, 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 secondary 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] To improve the locking security of the battery pack and the electric vehicle, existing technologies utilize a primary locking mechanism and a secondary locking mechanism to lock the battery pack separately. The secondary locking mechanism is typically unlocked by directly applying an unlocking device to the lock tongue, which makes it difficult to control the direction and degree of rotation of the lock tongue. Furthermore, the primary and secondary locking mechanisms of existing technologies require a large amount of space, making them unsuitable for use in situations where space is limited. 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 two-stage 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 secondary locking mechanism, comprising:

[0008] a lock base, the lock base having an opening and a cavity extending from the opening into the interior of the lock base, the opening being used for allowing a locking member mounted on the battery pack to enter the cavity;

[0009] a lock tongue, the lock tongue being located in the cavity and being configured to be rotatable relative to the lock base to open or close the opening, so as to change between an unlocked state and a locked state;

[0010] A locking rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the lock tongue, and the locking rod is provided with a guide portion and an unlocking portion. When an external force acts on the unlocking portion, the locking rod moves along the moving path guided by the guide portion to drive the lock tongue to rotate relative to the lock base to open the opening.

[0011] In this solution, a locking rod is provided with an unlocking portion, and an external force acts on the unlocking portion of the locking rod to indirectly drive the lock tongue to rotate, causing the secondary locking mechanism to change between an unlocked state and a locked state. Compared to external force directly acting on the lock tongue to drive its rotation, the locking rod increases the transmission relationship between the external force and the lock tongue. On the one hand, it is beneficial to increase the maximum rotation angle of the lock tongue driven by the external force, thereby ensuring that the lock tongue can open or close the opening. On the other hand, it makes the position of external force application and the setting of the lock tongue more flexible and diverse, thereby facilitating the minimization of the space occupied by the secondary locking mechanism and the unlocking device providing the external force through reasonable layout. At the same time, the locking rod is also provided with a guide portion. When an external force acts on the unlocking portion, the locking rod will move along the movement path guided by the guide portion, thereby improving the movement accuracy of the locking rod and the accuracy of the lock tongue rotation, avoiding the situation where the locking rod deviates from the correct movement path and causes the lock tongue to be unable to rotate, and ensuring that the secondary locking mechanism can be smoothly unlocked or locked.

[0012] Preferably, the secondary locking mechanism also includes a guide matching structure, which is fixed relative to the lock base. When external force acts on the unlocking part, the unlocking part drives the guide part to slide relative to the guide matching structure to limit the moving path and / or extreme moving position of the locking rod.

[0013] In this solution, a relatively fixed guide matching structure is used to cooperate with the guide portion to limit the movement path of the locking rod, which is beneficial to ensuring the guiding effect and stability during guiding.

[0014] Preferably, the guide portion is arc-shaped, and is configured so that when a vertical external force acts on the unlocking portion, the end of the lock rod connected to the lock tongue can be displaced in a tangential direction of the rotation direction of the lock tongue;

[0015] And / or, the guide portion is a long waist-shaped guide groove, the lock tongue and the lock rod are rotatably connected via a rotating shaft, the guide groove passes through the two side surfaces of the lock rod along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the guide matching structure passes through the guide groove, the guide matching structure is a guide rod, and the guide groove slides relative to the guide rod.

[0016] In this solution, when the guide portion is configured as an arc, a vertical force or a horizontal force applied to the unlocking portion of the lock rod can cause the lock rod to be displaced in a tangential direction of the rotation direction of the lock tongue, thereby increasing the number of possible locations for the unlocking portion of the lock rod and the unlocking device providing the external force, thereby increasing the diversity of possible locations and facilitating minimization of the space occupied by the unlocking portion through reasonable layout.

[0017] The groove-like structure allows the guide portion to be provided on the lock rod itself, eliminating the need for an additional guide portion on the outer wall of the lock rod. This improves space utilization and further reduces the footprint of the secondary locking mechanism. Furthermore, the guide groove runs through both sides of the lock rod, allowing the guide matching structure to pass through the groove. This allows the two ends of the guide matching structure to be located on either side of the lock rod, thereby improving the balance of the lock rod during movement.

[0018] Preferably, the secondary locking mechanism further comprises a mounting seat, which is fixedly mounted on the lock base or an external fixed structure, and the end of the guide matching structure is connected to the mounting seat to be fixed relative to the lock base.

[0019] In this solution, the mounting seat provides convenience for fixing the guide matching structure.

[0020] Preferably, the locking rod includes a connecting portion, which is connected to the unlocking portion and extends toward the lock tongue. One end of the connecting portion is rotatably connected to the lock tongue, and the unlocking portion extends from the other end of the connecting portion away from the lock tongue in a direction toward the bottom of the lock base. The unlocking portion is located outside the lock base. When the unlocking device acts on the unlocking portion, the locking rod drives the lock tongue to rotate to open the opening.

[0021] In this embodiment, the unlocking portion extends toward the outside of the lock base and toward the bottom of the lock base, thereby protruding outward relative to the lock base and being located near the bottom of the lock base. This is particularly suitable for situations where the unlocking device is located below the lock base, as it can shorten the unlocking path of the unlocking device by shortening the distance between the unlocking device and the unlocking portion. Furthermore, it provides space for the guide portion, which helps ensure that the size of the arc-shaped guide portion matches the rotation angle of the lock tongue.

[0022] Preferably, the unlocking portion is provided with an abutment surface facing the unlocking device, the extension direction of the abutment surface is the same as the extension direction of the connecting portion, and the abutment surface is used for the unlocking device to abut 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 locking rod moves toward the direction close to the lock tongue to drive the lock tongue to open the opening; preferably, the abutment surface is flat, square with an upward concave shape, arc with an upward concave shape, triangle with an upward concave shape or prism with an upward concave shape; preferably, the abutment surface is higher than the bottom surface of the lock base.

[0023] In this solution, when the unlocking device applies a force toward the abutting surface, the connecting portion can be displaced in the tangential direction of the rotation direction of the lock tongue during the sliding process of the unlocking device along the abutting 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 abutting surface is the same as the extension direction of the connecting portion. During the unlocking process, the unlocking device can move on the abutting surface without getting stuck at a certain position on the abutting surface, thereby improving the unlocking stability of the secondary 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 rest against the abutting surface and maintain the vertical position of the unlocking portion, so that the lock tongue remains in an open state, avoiding unlocking errors.

[0024] The unlocking device applies force to the abutment surface and moves horizontally along the extension direction of the connecting portion without becoming stuck in a certain position. The unlocking stability is high, and the abutment surface is horizontal, which provides greater fault tolerance. 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 an upwardly 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 an upwardly concave arc, upwardly concave triangle, or upwardly concave prism, which can form an optimal unlocking line with the unlocking device and provide appropriate fault tolerance, allowing the unlocking device to move within the abutment surface along the length of the lock link and facilitating the unlocking device's retention.

[0025] Among them, the abutment surface is higher than the bottom surface of the lock base, so that when the locking part of the battery pack enters the cavity of the secondary locking mechanism, the battery pack and the locking rod will not interfere with each other, which is conducive to ensuring that the locking part of the battery pack enters the secondary locking mechanism smoothly.

[0026] Preferably, the unlocking portion is recessed on a side facing the lock base and away from the lock base.

[0027] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form can avoid interference between the unlocking portion and the lock base during the movement of the lock rod, which is conducive to ensuring the smooth movement of the lock rod and thus ensuring that the lock tongue can smoothly open or close the opening.

[0028] Preferably, the secondary locking mechanism also includes a reset component, which is configured to be able to undergo elastic deformation, and the two ends of the reset component are respectively connected to the locking rod and an external fixed structure. The reset component acts on the locking rod to drive the lock tongue to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0029] In this solution, a resilient reset member connects the locking rod to the external fixing structure. When the external force applied by the unlocking device is released, the rod automatically returns to its locked position under the elastic force of the reset member, eliminating the need for manual reset. Furthermore, the reset member ensures that the lock tongue remains closed in the absence of external force, preventing the battery pack's locking member from slipping out of the opening and improving stability.

[0030] Preferably, the lock rod is provided with a first identification element, which is configured to move with the lock rod and is used to cooperate with a first detection element on the electric car to obtain whether the lock tongue is in a locked state; preferably, a protrusion is provided at one end of the lock rod away from the lock base, and the protrusion protrudes in a direction away from the lock base, and the first identification element is arranged on the protrusion.

[0031] In this solution, the user can know whether the lock tongue is in a locked state through the signal obtained and sent by the first detection element, and then obtain the battery replacement process of the electric vehicle to ensure the smooth progress of the battery replacement; the protrusion is used to raise the setting position of the first identification element, and the first detection element is correspondingly set at a higher position, so that when the lock rod moves, the first detection element will not interfere with the lock rod, which is conducive to ensuring the smooth movement of the lock rod.

[0032] A locking device includes a primary locking mechanism and the secondary locking mechanism as described above, wherein the primary 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 using the primary locking mechanism and the secondary locking mechanism respectively, which can enhance the locking function of the battery pack. If the primary 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, both ends of the reset component of the secondary locking mechanism are connected to the locking rod and the primary locking mechanism respectively; preferably, the primary locking mechanism includes a primary lock base, and the reset component is connected to the primary lock base close to the locking rod;

[0035] Alternatively, two ends of the reset component of the secondary locking mechanism are respectively connected to the locking rod and the external fixed structure.

[0036] In this solution, when the two ends of the reset component are respectively connected to the locking rod and the primary locking mechanism, the primary 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.

[0037] Preferably, the first-level locking mechanism includes a locking rod, at least one first-level lock tongue, and at least one first-level lock base. The first-level lock base is provided with a first-level opening and a first-level cavity extending from the first-level opening. The first-level opening is used for allowing a first-level locking member installed on the battery pack to enter the first-level cavity. The locking rod is rotatably connected to at least one first-level lock tongue, and is used to drive the first-level lock tongue to rotate under the action of an external force, so that the first-level lock tongue can rotate relative to the first-level lock base to change between a first-level unlocking state and a first-level locking state. When the first-level lock tongue is in the first-level locking state, the first-level lock tongue can prevent the first-level locking member from leaving the first-level cavity from the first-level opening.

[0038] Preferably, the primary locking mechanism further comprises at least two elastic members, at least two of which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the lock link, and both ends of the elastic member are respectively connected to the lock link and the primary lock base or the battery mounting base; preferably, the primary locking mechanism comprises at least two primary lock bases, and the elastic member is located between any two of the primary lock bases;

[0039] And / or, an unlocking block is provided on one side of the lock link facing the bottom of the primary lock base, the unlocking block being a protrusion formed outward from the lock link, the unlocking block being provided with a primary abutting surface for abutment by an unlocking device, the primary abutting surface being oriented in the same direction as the abutting surface of the lock rod;

[0040] And / or, the locking link includes two rods, both of which have abutment surfaces extending along their lengths and facing each other, the two rods are connected to each other through the abutment surfaces, and both of the rods are connected to the primary lock tongue, and the outer peripheral edges of the two rods are bent away from each other to form a bending portion.

[0041] In this solution, two elastic members are symmetrically positioned on either side of the lock link, preventing the lock link from deviating to one side during its reset under the action of the elastic force, thereby ensuring force balance on the lock link. Specifically, the elastic member is positioned between any two of the primary lock bases. The space between the two primary lock bases is rationally utilized to position the elastic member. This not only improves space utilization, but also allows the elastic member to be positioned relatively centrally, thereby aligning the overall movement trajectory of the lock link and ensuring the same degree of rotation of the two lock tongues.

[0042] The primary abutment surface of the primary lock base and the abutment surface of the secondary lock base face the same direction, so that the unlocking stroke of the unlocking device when unlocking the primary and secondary locking mechanisms is consistent, which helps improve the convenience of unlocking. Furthermore, the unlocking holes for the unlocking device to pass through can be arranged in the same position and direction in the primary and secondary locking mechanisms, which helps improve the structural orderliness.

[0043] The locking link is constructed from two rods. Compared to a monolithic, hollow-core locking link, this two-rod structure facilitates the provision of a bend on the outer periphery of the rod, thereby increasing the overall structural strength of the locking link. Compared to a monolithic, solid-core locking link, this two-rod structure ensures a lightweight design, achieving both lightweight and structural strength.

[0044] Preferably, the first-level locking mechanism and / or the second-level locking mechanism is provided with a second identification element, which is used to cooperate with a second detection element on the battery exchange device to detect whether the first-level locking mechanism and / or the second-level locking mechanism is in a locked state.

[0045] In this solution, the second identification element and the second detection element allow the user to 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.

[0046] An electric vehicle comprises the locking device described above.

[0047] In this solution, when the electric vehicle uses the above-mentioned locking device to connect the battery pack to the electric vehicle, since the above-mentioned locking device occupies a smaller space, there will be more free space to set up the battery pack, thereby improving the battery capacity and endurance of the electric vehicle.

[0048] The positive progress effect of the present invention is:

[0049] The present invention provides a locking rod and an unlocking portion on the locking rod. External force acts on the unlocking portion of the locking rod to indirectly drive the lock tongue to rotate, causing the secondary locking mechanism to change between an unlocked state and a locked state. Compared to external force directly acting on the lock tongue to drive its rotation, the locking rod increases the transmission relationship between the external force and the lock tongue. On the one hand, it is beneficial to increase the maximum rotation angle of the lock tongue driven by the external force, thereby ensuring that the lock tongue can open or close the opening. On the other hand, it makes the position of external force application and the setting of the lock tongue more flexible and diverse, thereby facilitating the minimization of the space occupied by the secondary locking mechanism and the unlocking device providing the external force through reasonable layout. At the same time, the locking rod is also provided with a guide portion. When external force acts on the unlocking portion, the locking rod will move along the movement path guided by the guide portion, thereby improving the movement accuracy of the locking rod and the accuracy of the lock tongue rotation, avoiding the situation where the locking rod deviates from the correct movement path and causes the lock tongue to be unable to rotate, and ensuring that the secondary locking mechanism can be smoothly unlocked or locked. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a secondary locking mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the secondary locking mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a locking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a primary locking mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG5 is a top view of the primary locking mechanism of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG6 is another structural schematic diagram of the locking link of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS Secondary locking mechanism 1 Lock base 11 Opening 111 Cavity 112 Lock tongue 12 Lock rod 13 Guide portion 131 Unlocking portion 132 Abutting surface 1321 Connecting portion 133 First identification element 134 Protruding portion 135 Guide matching structure 14 Mounting seat 15 Resetting component 16 Primary locking mechanism 2 Lock connecting rod 21 Unlocking block 211 Rod 212 Bending portion 213 Primary abutting surface 2111 Primary lock tongue 22 Primary lock base 23 Primary opening 231 Primary cavity 232 Elastic member 24 Second identification element 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] A preferred embodiment is given below and the present invention is described more clearly and completely in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this embodiment discloses a two-level locking mechanism 1, which includes a lock base 11, a lock tongue 12 and a lock rod 13. The lock base 11 is provided with an opening 111 and a cavity 112 extending from the opening 111 to the interior of the lock base 11, and the opening 111 is used for allowing a locking member installed on the battery pack to enter the cavity 112; the lock tongue 12 is located in the cavity 112, and the lock tongue 12 is configured to be able to rotate relative to the lock base 11 to open or close the opening 111, so as to change between an unlocked state and a locked state; one end of the lock rod 13 is rotatably connected to the lock tongue 12, and the lock rod 13 is provided with a guide portion 131 and an unlocking portion 132. When an external force acts on the unlocking portion 132, the lock rod 13 moves along the moving path guided by the guide portion 131 to drive the lock tongue 12 to rotate relative to the lock base 11 to open the opening 111.

[0059] By providing a lock rod 13 and providing an unlocking portion 132 on the lock rod 13, an external force acts on the unlocking portion 132 of the lock rod 13 to indirectly drive the lock tongue 12 to rotate, so that the secondary locking mechanism 1 changes between the unlocked state and the locked state. Compared with the external force directly acting on the lock tongue 12 to drive it to rotate, this embodiment increases the transmission relationship between the external force and the lock tongue 12 through the lock rod 13. On the one hand, it is beneficial to increase the maximum rotation angle of the lock tongue 12 driven by the external force, and thus it is beneficial to ensure that the lock tongue 12 can open or close the opening 111. On the other hand, it makes the force application position of the external force and the setting of the lock tongue 12 more flexible and diverse, and thus it is beneficial to minimize the space occupied by the secondary locking mechanism 1 and the unlocking device providing the external force through reasonable layout. At the same time, the locking rod 13 is also provided with a guide portion 131. When an external force acts on the unlocking portion 132, the locking rod 13 will move along the moving path guided by the guide portion 131, which is conducive to improving the movement accuracy of the locking rod 13, and then conducive to improving the accuracy of the rotation of the lock tongue 12, avoiding the situation where the locking rod 13 deviates from the correct moving path and causes the lock tongue 12 to be unable to rotate, which is conducive to ensuring that the secondary locking mechanism 1 can be unlocked or locked smoothly.

[0060] In this embodiment, the secondary locking mechanism 1 further includes a guide matching structure 14, which cooperates with the guide portion 131 to limit the movement path of the locking rod 13. Specifically, the guide matching structure 14 is fixed relative to the lock base 11. When an external force acts on the unlocking portion 132, the unlocking portion 132 drives the guide portion 131 to slide relative to the guide matching structure 14 to limit the movement path and / or the extreme movement position of the locking rod 13. Utilizing a relatively fixed guide matching structure 14 to cooperate with the guide portion 131 to limit the movement path of the locking rod 13 helps ensure the guiding effect and stability during the guiding process. In other embodiments, the guiding effect can also be achieved by using only the guide portion 131.

[0061] The guide portion 131 is arc-shaped, and the guide portion 131 is configured so that when a vertical external force acts on the unlocking portion 132, the end of the lock rod 13 connected to the lock tongue 12 can be displaced in the tangential direction of the rotation direction of the lock tongue 12. When the guide portion 131 is configured to be arc-shaped, a vertical force or a horizontal force applied to the unlocking portion 132 of the lock rod 13 can cause the lock rod 13 to be displaced in the tangential direction of the rotation direction of the lock tongue 12, thereby increasing the number of positions that can be set for the unlocking portion 132 of the lock rod 13 and the unlocking device that provides the external force, thereby increasing the diversity of positions that can be set, and facilitating minimizing the space occupied by the unlocking portion 132 through a reasonable layout. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the center of the arc-shaped guide portion 131 is located within the region where the lock rod 13 faces the lock base 11. In other embodiments, the center of the arc-shaped guide portion 131 can be located within the region where the lock rod 13 faces away from the lock base 11.

[0062] In this embodiment, the guide portion 131 is a long waist-shaped guide groove. The lock tongue 12 and the lock rod 13 are rotatably connected via a rotating shaft. The guide groove extends through the two side surfaces of the lock rod 13 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The guide matching structure 14 passes through the guide groove and slides relative to the guide groove. The structural characteristics of the groove structure make it possible to utilize the lock rod 13 itself to set the guide portion 131, eliminating the need to additionally set the guide portion 131 on the outer wall surface of the lock rod 13. This is conducive to improving space utilization and further reducing the footprint of the secondary locking mechanism 1. At the same time, the guide groove extends through the two side surfaces of the lock rod 13, allowing the guide matching structure 14 to pass through the guide groove, thereby allowing the two ends of the guide matching structure 14 to be located on either side of the lock rod 13, which is conducive to improving the balance of the lock rod 13 when it moves.

[0063] In other embodiments, the guide groove may not penetrate both sides of the locking rod 13. Instead, guide grooves of the same shape and size that penetrate the locking rod 13 may be provided on both sides of the locking rod 13. Furthermore, guide matching structures 14 are provided on both sides of the locking rod 13 to cooperate with the guide grooves to guide the locking rod 13. Of course, the guide portion 131 may not be a groove-like structure. The guide portion 131 may be a structure that protrudes outward from the side of the locking rod 13, with the outward protrusion forming a guide surface that cooperates with the guide matching structure 14 to guide the locking rod 13.

[0064] To facilitate the fixing of the guide matching structure 14, the secondary locking mechanism 1 further includes a mounting base 15. In this embodiment, the mounting base 15 is fixedly mounted on an external fixing structure, and the end of the guide matching structure 14 is connected to the mounting base 15 to fix it relative to the lock base 11. In other embodiments, the mounting base 15 can also be fixedly mounted on the lock base 11. The connection between the end of the guide matching structure 14 and the mounting base 15 does not affect the fit between the guide matching structure 14 and the guide portion 131.

[0065] The guide matching structure is a guide rod, both ends of which are fixed by mounting seats, and a guide sleeve is provided on the guide rod to reduce friction when the guide part slides relative to the guide rod.

[0066] The lock rod 13 includes a connecting portion 133, which is connected to the unlocking portion 132 and extends toward the lock tongue 12. One end of the connecting portion 133 is rotatably connected to the lock tongue 12, and the unlocking portion 132 extends from the other end of the connecting portion 133 away from the lock tongue 12 in a direction toward the bottom of the lock base 11. The unlocking portion 132 is located outside the lock base 11. When the unlocking device acts on the unlocking portion 132, the lock rod 13 drives the lock tongue 12 to rotate to open the opening 111. The unlocking portion 132 extends toward the outside of the lock base 11 and toward the bottom of the lock base 11, so that the unlocking portion 132 protrudes outward from the lock base 11 and is located near the bottom of the lock base 11. This is particularly suitable for situations where the unlocking device is located below the lock base 11. This can shorten the distance between the unlocking device and the unlocking portion 132, thereby shortening the unlocking path of the unlocking device. On the other hand, it also provides space for the guide portion 131 , which is beneficial to ensure the adaptability of the size of the arc-shaped guide portion 131 to the rotation angle of the lock tongue 12 .

[0067] The unlocking portion 132 is provided with an abutting surface 1321 facing the unlocking device. The extending direction of the abutting surface 1321 is the same as that of the connecting portion 133. The abutting surface 1321 is used for the unlocking device to abut against and move along the abutting surface 1321. When the unlocking device changes from abutting against one end of the abutting surface 1321 to abutting against the other end of the abutting surface 1321, the lock rod 13 moves toward the lock tongue 12 to drive the lock tongue 12 to open the opening 111. When the unlocking device applies a force toward the abutting surface 1321, the unlocking device slides along the abutting surface 1321, and the connecting portion 133 is displaced in a tangential direction of the rotation direction of the lock tongue 12, thereby driving the lock tongue 12 to rotate to open or close the opening 111, making the unlocking process more reliable. Furthermore, the extension direction of the abutment surface 1321 is the same as that of the connecting portion 133. During the unlocking process, the unlocking device can move on the abutment surface 1321 without getting stuck at any position on the abutment surface 1321, thereby improving the unlocking stability of the secondary locking mechanism 1. Furthermore, as the battery pack's locking member moves along the cavity of the lock base 11, the top of the unlocking device can always abut against the abutment surface 1321 and maintain the vertical position of the unlocking portion 132, keeping the lock tongue 12 open and preventing unlocking errors.

[0068] Among them, the abutment surface 1321 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 secondary locking mechanism 1, the battery pack and the locking rod 13 will not interfere with each other, which is conducive to ensuring that the locking part of the battery pack smoothly enters the secondary locking mechanism 1.

[0069] Specifically, the abutment surface 1321 can be flat, square, arc, triangle, or prism-shaped. The unlocking device applies force to the abutment surface 1321 and moves horizontally along the extension direction of the connecting portion 133 without becoming stuck, resulting in high unlocking stability. The horizontal abutment surface 1321 provides greater tolerance, allowing the unlocking device to remain within the abutment surface even when misaligned or torsionally misaligned. Furthermore, the structure is simple and easy to manufacture. The concave square abutment surface 1321 can restrict the unlocking device, preventing it from disengaging from the abutment surface 1321 during the unlocking process. The concave arc, triangle, or prism-shaped abutment surface 1321 can form an optimal unlocking line with the unlocking device and provide adequate tolerance, allowing the unlocking device to move within the abutment surface 1321 along the length of the lock rod or lock link, and facilitating its retention.

[0070] In order to avoid interference between the unlocking portion 132 and the lock base 11 during the movement of the lock rod 13, the unlocking portion 132 is recessed toward the side of the lock base 11 away from the lock base 11, thereby ensuring the smooth movement of the lock rod 13 and ensuring that the lock tongue 12 can smoothly open or close the opening 111.

[0071] The secondary locking mechanism 1 also includes a reset component 16. The reset component 16 is configured to be elastically deformable. The two ends of the reset component 16 are respectively connected to the lock rod 13 and an external fixed structure. The reset component 16 acts on the lock rod 13 to drive the lock tongue 12 to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state. The lock rod 13 and the external fixed structure are connected by an elastic reset component 16. When the external force applied to the lock rod 13 by the unlocking device is released, the lock rod 13 can automatically return to the position when it was in the locked state under the elastic force of the reset component 16, without the need for manual reset. On the other hand, the reset component 16 can ensure that in the absence of external force, the lock tongue 12 is always in a state of closing the opening 111, which can prevent the locking member of the battery pack from slipping from the opening 111 and improve stability.

[0072] Wherein, the external fixing structure can be other lock bases 11, or can be fixed to a longitudinal beam or a bracket of the electric vehicle. In this embodiment, the reset component 16 is a spring. In other embodiments, the reset component 16 can also be other elastic structures.

[0073] The lock rod 13 is provided with a first identification element 134. The first identification element 134 is configured to move with the lock rod 13 and is used to cooperate with the first detection element on the electric vehicle to determine whether the lock tongue 12 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 12, thereby obtaining information on the battery replacement process of the electric vehicle and ensuring smooth battery replacement. In this embodiment, the first identification element 134 is a magnet, and the first detection element is a Hall effect sensor. In other embodiments, the first identification element 134 and the first detection element may be other components that can recognize each other.

[0074] Preferably, a protrusion 135 is provided on the end of the lock bar 13 facing away from the lock base 11. The protrusion 135 protrudes in a direction away from the lock base 11, and the first identification element 134 is disposed on the protrusion 135. The protrusion 135 elevates the location of the first identification element 134, and the first detection element is correspondingly disposed at a higher location. Thus, during movement of the lock bar 13, the first detection element does not interfere with the lock bar 13, thereby ensuring smooth movement of the lock bar 13.

[0075] The secondary locking mechanism in this embodiment can be used independently or in conjunction with other locking mechanisms.

[0076] As shown in Figures 3-5, this embodiment also discloses a locking device comprising a primary locking mechanism 2 and the aforementioned secondary locking mechanism 1. The primary locking mechanism 2 is used to provide primary locking of the battery pack, while the secondary locking mechanism 1 is used to provide secondary locking of the battery pack. By utilizing the primary locking mechanism 2 and the secondary locking mechanism 1 to lock the battery pack separately, the locking function of the battery pack can be enhanced. If the primary locking mechanism 2 is accidentally unlocked, the secondary locking mechanism 1 can ensure that the battery pack does not fall from the electric vehicle, thereby improving safety and battery pack integrity.

[0077] Specifically, as shown in FIG4 , the primary locking mechanism 2 includes a locking link 21, two primary locking tongues 22, and two primary locking bases 23. The two primary locking tongues 22 are rotatably mounted within the two primary locking bases 23. The primary locking bases 23 are provided with a primary opening 231 and a primary cavity 232 extending from the primary opening 231. The primary opening 231 is configured to allow a primary locking member mounted on the battery pack to enter the primary cavity 232. The locking link 21 is rotatably connected to the two primary locking tongues 22, configured to drive the primary locking tongues 22 to rotate under the action of an external force, allowing the primary locking tongues 22 to rotate relative to the primary locking bases 23 to switch between a primary unlocked state and a primary locked state. When the primary locking tongues 22 are in the primary locked state, the primary locking tongues 22 prevent the primary locking member from exiting the primary cavity 232 through the primary opening 231. By providing two primary locking bases 23 and two primary locking tongues 22, the space occupied by the primary locking mechanism 2 can be reduced, making it particularly suitable for situations where space is limited at the connection between the electric vehicle and the battery pack. In other embodiments, the primary locking mechanism 2 may include three primary lock bases 23 and three primary lock tongues 22, or may include more primary lock bases 23 and primary lock tongues 22. The number of primary lock bases 23 and primary lock tongues 22 is not limited to two, and may be one, three, or more.

[0078] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the two ends of the reset component 16 of the secondary locking mechanism 1 are respectively connected to the lock rod 13 and the primary locking mechanism 2. Thus, the primary locking mechanism 2 and the secondary locking mechanism 1 are integrated into one body, improving the space utilization of the locking device and being suitable for situations where space is limited at the connection between the electric vehicle and the battery pack. Preferably, the reset component 16 is connected to the primary lock base 23 near the lock rod 13.

[0079] In another embodiment, both ends of the reset component 16 of the secondary locking mechanism 1 are connected to the locking rod 13 and an external fixed structure, respectively. The external fixed structure may be a longitudinal beam or other bracket.

[0080] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the primary locking mechanism 2 also includes two elastic members 24, which are symmetrically distributed on either side of the lock link 21. The ends of the elastic members 24 are respectively connected to the lock link 21 and the primary lock base 23 or the battery mounting base. The symmetrical arrangement of the two elastic members 24 on either side of the lock link 21 prevents the lock link 21 from deviating to one side during the resetting process under the action of the elastic force, which helps to ensure the force balance of the lock link 21. Specifically, the elastic member 24 is located between any two primary lock bases 23. The space between the two primary lock bases 23 is rationally utilized to arrange the elastic member 24. On the one hand, this improves space utilization. On the other hand, it allows the elastic member 24 to be located in a relatively central position, thereby ensuring that the overall movement trajectory of the lock link 21 is consistent, thereby ensuring that the two lock tongues 12 rotate to the same degree. In other embodiments, the primary locking mechanism 2 can also include more elastic members 24, such as four or six, and the four or six elastic members 24 are symmetrically arranged in pairs.

[0081] An unlocking block 211 is provided on one side of the lock link 21, facing the bottom of the primary lock base 23. The unlocking block 211 is a protrusion formed outward from the lock link 21. The unlocking block 211 is provided with a primary abutting surface 2111 for the unlocking device to abut. The primary abutting surface 2111 and the abutting surface 1321 of the lock rod 13 are oriented in the same direction, so that the unlocking stroke when the unlocking device unlocks the primary locking mechanism 2 and the secondary locking mechanism 1 is consistent, which is conducive to improving the convenience of unlocking. On the other hand, the unlocking holes for the unlocking device to pass through can be arranged in the same position and direction in the primary locking mechanism 2 and the secondary locking mechanism 1, which is conducive to improving the orderliness of the structure.

[0082] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG6 , the lock link 21 includes two rods 212, each of which has abutment surfaces extending along its length and facing each other. The two rods 212 are interconnected by the abutment surfaces, and both rods 212 are connected to the primary lock tongue 22. The outer edges of the two rods 212 are bent away from each other to form a bend 213. Compared to a monolithic and hollow lock link 21, the structure formed by assembling the two rods 212 facilitates the provision of the bend 213 on the outer edges of the rods 212, which helps to increase the overall structural strength of the lock link 21. Compared to a monolithic and solid lock link 21, the structure formed by assembling the two rods 212 can ensure lightness, that is, the lock link 21 can achieve both lightness and structural strength. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG3-5 , the lock link 21 can be monolithic.

[0083] The primary locking mechanism 2 and / or the secondary locking mechanism 1 is provided with a second identification element 3, which is used to cooperate with the second detection element on the battery replacement device to detect whether the primary locking mechanism 2 and / or the secondary locking mechanism 1 is in a locked state, so that the user can know the internal locking status from the outside, and 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 second identification element 3 is set on the lock link 21 of the primary locking mechanism 2 and the lock rod 13 of the secondary locking mechanism 1. When the lock rod 13 and the lock link 21 move, the second identification element 3 moves with the lock rod 13 and the lock link 21, and the relative position of the second identification element 3 and the reference element on the electric vehicle changes. The second detection element obtains the position change of the second identification element 3 based on the reference element to determine whether the primary locking mechanism 2 and / or the secondary locking mechanism 1 is in a locked state.

[0084] This embodiment also discloses an electric vehicle including the aforementioned locking device. When the electric vehicle uses the aforementioned locking device to connect the battery pack to the electric vehicle, the locking device occupies less space, leaving more space for the battery pack, thereby increasing the battery capacity and battery life of the electric vehicle.

[0085] 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 two-stage locking mechanism, characterized in that: The secondary locking mechanism comprises: a lock base, the lock base having an opening and a cavity extending from the opening into the interior of the lock base, the opening being used for allowing a locking member mounted on the battery pack to enter the cavity; a lock tongue, the lock tongue being located in the cavity and being configured to be rotatable relative to the lock base to open or close the opening, so as to change between an unlocked state and a locked state; A locking rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the lock tongue, and the locking rod is provided with a guide portion and an unlocking portion. When an external force acts on the unlocking portion, the locking rod moves along the moving path guided by the guide portion to drive the lock tongue to rotate relative to the lock base to open the opening.

2. The secondary locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The secondary locking mechanism also includes a guide matching structure, which is fixed relative to the lock base. When an external force acts on the unlocking part, the unlocking part drives the guide part to slide relative to the guide matching structure to limit the movement path and / or extreme movement position of the locking rod.

3. The secondary locking mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The guide portion is arc-shaped and is configured so that when a vertical external force acts on the unlocking portion, the end of the lock rod connected to the lock tongue can be displaced in a tangential direction of the rotation direction of the lock tongue; And / or, the guide portion is a long waist-shaped guide groove, the lock tongue and the lock rod are rotatably connected via a rotating shaft, the guide groove passes through two side surfaces of the lock rod along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the guide matching structure passes through the guide groove, the guide matching structure is a guide rod, and the guide groove slides relative to the guide rod; And / or, the secondary locking mechanism further comprises a mounting seat, the mounting seat being fixedly mounted on the lock base or an external fixed structure, and the end portion of the guide matching structure being connected to the mounting seat to be fixed relative to the lock base.

4. The secondary locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The locking rod includes a connecting portion, which is connected to the unlocking portion and extends toward the lock tongue. One end of the connecting portion is rotatably connected to the lock tongue. The unlocking portion extends from the other end of the connecting portion away from the lock tongue in a direction toward the bottom of the lock base. The unlocking portion is located outside the lock base. When the unlocking device acts on the unlocking portion, the locking rod drives the lock tongue to rotate to open the opening.

5. The secondary locking mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: The unlocking portion is provided with an abutment surface facing the unlocking device, the extension direction of the abutment surface is the same as the extension direction of the connecting portion, the abutment surface is used for the unlocking device to abut and move along the abutment surface, when the unlocking device changes from abutting one end of the abutment surface to abutting the other end of the abutment surface, the lock rod moves in a direction close to the lock tongue to drive the lock tongue to open the opening; preferably, the abutment surface is flat, square, arc, triangle or prism with an upward concave shape; preferably, the abutment surface is higher than the bottom surface of the lock base; And / or, the unlocking portion is recessed on a side facing the lock base and away from the lock base.

6. The secondary locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The secondary locking mechanism further includes a reset component, which is configured to be elastically deformable, with two ends of the reset component respectively connected to the lock rod and an external fixed structure, and the reset component acts on the lock rod to drive the lock tongue to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state; And / or, the locking rod is provided with a first identification element, which is configured to move with the locking rod 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; preferably, a protrusion is provided at one end of the locking rod away from the lock base, the protrusion protruding in a direction away from the lock base, and the first identification element is arranged on the protrusion.

7. A locking device, characterized in that: It comprises a primary locking mechanism and a secondary locking mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the primary 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 two ends of the reset component of the secondary locking mechanism are respectively connected to the locking rod and the primary locking mechanism; preferably, the primary locking mechanism includes a primary lock base, and the reset component is connected to the primary lock base close to the locking rod; Alternatively, both ends of the reset component of the secondary locking mechanism are connected to the locking rod and the external fixed structure respectively; And / or, the first-level locking mechanism and / or the second-level locking mechanism is provided with a second identification element, which is used to cooperate with the second detection element on the battery exchange device to detect whether the first-level locking mechanism and / or the second-level locking mechanism is in a locked state.

9. The locking device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The primary locking mechanism includes a locking link, at least one primary lock tongue, and at least one primary lock base, wherein the primary lock base is provided with a primary opening and a primary cavity extending from the primary opening, wherein the primary opening is used for allowing a primary locking member installed on the battery pack to enter the primary cavity, and the locking link is rotatably connected to the at least one primary lock tongue, and is used to drive the primary lock tongue to rotate under the action of an external force, so that the primary lock tongue can rotate relative to the primary lock base to change between a primary unlocked state and a primary locked state, and when the primary lock tongue is in the primary locked state, the primary lock tongue can prevent the primary locking member from leaving the primary cavity through the primary opening; Preferably, the primary locking mechanism further comprises at least two elastic members, at least two of the elastic members are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the lock link, and both ends of the elastic member are respectively connected to the lock link and the primary lock base or the battery mounting base; preferably, the primary locking mechanism comprises at least two primary lock bases, and the elastic member is located between any two of the primary lock bases; and / or, An unlocking block is provided on one side of the lock link facing the bottom of the primary lock base, the unlocking block being a protrusion formed outward from the lock link, the unlocking block being provided with a primary abutting surface for abutment of an unlocking device, the primary abutting surface and the abutting surface of the lock rod facing the same direction; and / or, The lock link includes two rods, both of which have abutment surfaces extending along their length and facing each other. The two rods are connected to each other through the abutment surfaces, and both of the rods are connected to the primary lock tongue. The outer edges of the two rods are bent away from each other to form a bending portion.

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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