Battery swapping station and temporary storage device thereof

Abstract

A temporary storage device (6) of a battery swapping station. The temporary storage device (6) comprises at least one temporary storage rack (10), wherein the temporary storage rack comprises two support mechanisms (11), which are spaced apart from each other; and each support mechanism comprises a first beam (111) and a lifting assembly (112), each lifting assembly being movably arranged on the corresponding first beam, and the lifting assembly being configured to be capable of moving to avoid a battery (5) passing between the two support mechanisms or moving to a lower side of the battery and supporting the battery. The lifting assemblies are movably arranged, and during the process of taking and placing the battery, the lifting assemblies move to reduce the risk of interference and collision between the lifting assemblies and the battery, thereby shortening the battery swapping time, and improving the battery swapping efficiency. In addition, provided is a battery swapping station comprising the temporary storage device.

Description

Battery swap station and its cache device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202420430148.8, filed on March 6, 2024, entitled “Equipment for battery swapping and its caching device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of battery swapping, and in particular to a battery swapping station and a cache device thereof. Background Art

[0004] With the development of new energy technology, batteries are widely used in electrical equipment, such as mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, electric airplanes, electric ships, electric toy cars, electric toy ships, electric toy airplanes and power tools, etc.

[0005] Compared to charging, battery replacement can replenish energy more quickly. Improving the battery swap efficiency at battery swap stations is an important research direction in the battery swap field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a battery swap station and a cache device thereof, which can improve battery swap efficiency.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a caching device for a battery swap station, comprising at least one caching rack; the caching rack comprises two spaced-apart support mechanisms. The support mechanisms comprise a first beam and a lifting assembly, which is movably mounted on the first beam and configured to move to avoid batteries passing between the two support mechanisms or to move to the underside of a battery to support it.

[0008] The lifting component is movably set. During the process of taking and placing the battery, the lifting component moves to reduce the risk of interference and collision between the lifting component and the battery, shortening the battery replacement time and improving the battery replacement efficiency.

[0009] In some embodiments, two support mechanisms are arranged along a first direction, and the lifting assembly is movably arranged on the first beam along the first direction. The lifting assembly can switch between a battery lifting state and a battery avoidance state by translating, reducing the risk of interference or collision between the lifting assembly and the battery, shortening battery replacement time, and improving battery replacement efficiency.

[0010] In some embodiments, the lifting assembly is rotatably connected to the first beam. Rotating the lifting assembly allows it to switch between a battery-lifting state and a battery-avoiding state, reducing the risk of interference or collision between the lifting assembly and the battery, shortening battery replacement time, and improving battery replacement efficiency.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support mechanism further includes a driver disposed on the first beam and configured to drive the lift assembly to move. The driver allows for active control of the lift assembly, improving the accuracy of lift assembly movement and reducing the risk of interference between the lift assembly and the battery.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support mechanism includes multiple lifting components. By providing multiple lifting components, the stability of the battery can be improved and the risk of the battery falling can be reduced.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cache rack further includes a second beam and a stopper disposed on the second beam, wherein the second beam connects the two first beams. Vertically, at least a portion of the stopper is higher than the support mechanism. The second beam connects the two first beams, thereby enhancing the overall structural strength of the cache rack. When the battery is placed on the lifting assembly, the portion of the stopper that is higher than the support mechanism can limit the battery's position, thereby reducing the risk of the battery falling from the cache rack and improving reliability.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cache device includes a plurality of cache racks arranged along the second direction. By providing multiple cache racks, the cache device can store both low-charged batteries and fully-charged batteries, shortening the time it takes to remove and place batteries in the battery swapping device and improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0015] In some embodiments, the number of cache racks is N, and the cache device has 2×N-1 working positions arranged along the second direction, where N≥2. The N cache racks are disposed at adjacent N working positions, and each cache rack is movable along the second direction.

[0016] The battery swapping device only needs to move to the bottom of the middle of the 2×N-1 workstations. It can then access and place batteries from all the cache racks by moving the cache rack. This shortens the battery swapping device's travel time and improves battery swapping efficiency. Two adjacent cache racks can respectively receive depleted batteries from the battery swapping device and provide fully charged batteries to the device. This shortens the wait time for fully charged batteries and improves battery swapping efficiency.

[0017] In some embodiments, N is 2 or 3.

[0018] In some embodiments, multiple cache racks are connected. The cache device further includes a transmission mechanism connected to one cache rack, the transmission mechanism being configured to drive the multiple cache racks to move synchronously along the second direction. By connecting the multiple cache racks, a single transmission mechanism can be used to drive the multiple cache racks to move, thereby simplifying the structure of the cache device.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present application provides a battery swap station, which includes a battery swap platform, a battery compartment, a battery swap device, and a cache device provided in any embodiment of the first aspect. The battery swap platform is used to support the power-consuming equipment. The battery compartment is used to store and charge the batteries. The cache device is arranged in the battery compartment. The battery swap device is used to remove and install the batteries of the power-consuming equipment, and the battery swap device can place the batteries in the cache device or remove the batteries from the cache device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The features, advantages and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] FIG1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a battery swap station provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0022] FIG2 is a partial schematic diagram of a battery swap station provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0023] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a cache device of a battery swap station provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0024] FIG4 is an enlarged schematic diagram of FIG3 at the circle A;

[0025] FIG5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of FIG3 at the circle B;

[0026] FIG6 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a cache rack provided in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0027] 7 to 10 are different schematic diagrams of the cache device according to some embodiments of the present application during the battery removal and placement process;

[0028] FIG11 is a simplified schematic diagram of a cache device provided in some other embodiments of the present application.

[0029] The following are the descriptions of the reference numerals:

[0030] 1. Battery swap platform; 2. Battery compartment; 2a. Battery rack; 3. Battery swap equipment; 4. Electrical equipment; 5. Battery; 5a. Low-charged battery; 5b. Fully charged battery; 6. Cache device; 7. Palletizer;

[0031] 10. Cache rack; 10a. First cache rack; 10b. Second cache rack; 11. Support mechanism; 111. First beam; 112. Lifting assembly; 112a. Slider; 112b. Support block; 112c. Connecting block; 112d. Support plate; 113. First guide rail; 114. Driving member; 115. Sensor; 116. Pulley; 12. Second beam; 13. Limiting member;

[0032] 20. Second guide rail; 30. Transmission mechanism; 40. Connecting member;

[0033] P, working position; P1, first working position; P2, second working position; P3, third working position;

[0034] X, second direction; Y, first direction; Z, vertical direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application or the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or a primary-secondary relationship.

[0037] References to "embodiments" in this application mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," and "attached" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0039] The term "and / or" in this application simply describes an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0040] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals represent the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components in different embodiments are omitted. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the various components in the embodiments of this application, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device shown in the drawings are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0041] The term "plurality" used in this application refers to two or more (including two).

[0042] In the embodiments of the present application, "parallel" includes not only the absolutely parallel situation, but also the roughly parallel situation conventionally recognized in engineering; at the same time, "vertical" includes not only the absolutely vertical situation, but also the roughly vertical situation conventionally recognized in engineering.

[0043] With the development of new energy technologies, more and more devices use batteries. When these devices run out of power, they often need to be recharged by connecting them to charging stations. For example, electric vehicles can be recharged by connecting them to charging stations. However, charging can take a long time, affecting the user experience. Compared to recharging, replacing batteries allows for faster recharging.

[0044] Currently, battery swapping equipment at battery swap stations first removes depleted batteries from power-consuming devices and then installs fully charged batteries from the station. During the battery transfer process, the battery swap equipment can store depleted batteries in a buffer at the station to facilitate the transfer of fully charged batteries. This buffer can shorten the waiting time for battery swapping equipment and improve battery swap efficiency.

[0045] However, in the related art, the process of placing the battery into the cache device by the battery swapping equipment is complicated, and the battery is prone to collision with the cache device, causing the risk of battery damage.

[0046] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a cache device for a battery swap station, which reduces the risk of interference and collision between the lifting component and the battery during the battery removal and placement process by setting a lifting component with adjustable position, thereby improving the reliability of battery swapping, shortening the battery swapping time, and improving the battery swapping efficiency.

[0047] The cache device and battery swap station using the cache device disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be used, but is not limited to, for replacing vehicle batteries. The vehicle can be a fuel-powered vehicle, a gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an extended-range vehicle.

[0048] FIG1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a battery swap station provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0049] In some embodiments, a battery swap station includes a battery swap platform 1, a battery compartment 2, and a battery swap device 3. The battery swap platform 1 is used to support an electrical device 4. The battery compartment 2 is used to store and charge batteries 5. The battery swap device 3 is configured to be movable between the battery swap platform 1 and the battery compartment 2. The battery swap device 3 can be used to replace the battery 5 of the electrical device 4.

[0050] In some embodiments, a battery rack 2a is provided inside the battery compartment 2, and a plurality of batteries 5 are stored in the battery rack 2a. Optionally, a charging connector is installed on the battery rack 2a, and the charging connector can charge the batteries 5.

[0051] In some embodiments, the battery swap station further includes a cache device 6 , which can be used to store the battery 5 .

[0052] In some embodiments, the cache device 6 is disposed in the battery compartment 2 . The battery swapping device 3 can move between the battery swapping platform 1 and the cache device 6 to place the battery 5 removed from the power-consuming device 4 into the cache device 6 .

[0053] In some embodiments, a palletizer 7 is provided in the battery compartment 2, and the palletizer 7 can be used to transport the batteries 5. For example, the palletizer 7 can be used to transfer the depleted batteries on the cache device 6 to the battery rack 2a for charging, or to place the fully charged batteries stored in the battery compartment 2 on the battery replacement device 3 or the cache device 6.

[0054] As an example, the battery swap station can replace battery 5 according to the following steps:

[0055] Ⅰ) After the power-consuming device 4 enters the battery swap platform 1, the battery swap device 3 can be moved to the lower side of the power-consuming device 4 and the depleted battery can be removed from the power-consuming device 4;

[0056] II) The battery swapping device 3 transfers the removed depleted battery to the cache device 6;

[0057] III) The battery-swapping device 3 receives the fully charged battery stored in the battery compartment 2 and moves the fully charged battery to the lower side of the power-consuming device 4 to install the fully charged battery on the power-consuming device 4;

[0058] IV) The electrical equipment 4 leaves the battery exchange platform 1.

[0059] Figure 2 is a partial schematic diagram of a battery swap station provided in some embodiments of the present application; Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a cache device of a battery swap station provided in some embodiments of the present application; Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic diagram of circle A in Figure 3; and Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of circle B in Figure 3.

[0060] 1 to 5 , the cache device 6 according to the embodiment of the present application includes at least one cache rack 10 . Exemplarily, the cache rack 10 can be used to store batteries 5 .

[0061] The cache device 6 may include one cache rack 10 or multiple cache racks 10 .

[0062] One cache rack 10 can store one battery 5 or multiple batteries 5 .

[0063] In some embodiments, the cache rack 10 includes two spaced-apart support mechanisms 11 , which include a first beam 111 and a lifting assembly 112 movably disposed on the first beam 111 .

[0064] The supporting mechanism 11 may include one lifting component 112 or multiple lifting components 112 .

[0065] Exemplarily, a channel for the battery 5 to pass through is formed between the first beams 111 of the two support mechanisms 11 .

[0066] In some examples, the lifting assembly 112 can perform translational motion relative to the first beam 111. In other examples, the lifting assembly 112 can perform rotational motion relative to the first beam 111. In still other examples, the lifting assembly 112 can perform a combination of translational and rotational motion relative to the first beam 111.

[0067] In some embodiments, the lifting assembly 112 is configured to move to avoid the battery 5 passing between the two supporting mechanisms 11 or to move to the underside of the battery 5 and support the battery 5 .

[0068] For example, the lifting assembly 112 can be switched between a first position and a second position by movement. For example, when the lifting assembly 112 is in the first position, the lifting assembly 112 can support the battery 5; when the lifting assembly 112 is in the second position, the lifting assembly 112 and the battery 5 do not overlap in the vertical direction Z, and the lifting assembly 112 can avoid the battery 5 passing between the two support mechanisms 11.

[0069] In some examples, the battery swap device 3 needs to place the defunct battery into the cache device 6. Specifically, the battery swap device 3 removes the defunct battery from the power-consuming device 4 and moves the defunct battery to the lower side of the cache rack 10 with it; then, the lifting assembly 112 is in the second position, and the battery swap device 3 lifts the defunct battery so that the defunct battery can be moved above the lifting assembly 112; then, the lifting assembly 112 moves from the second position to the first position, and the battery swap device 3 moves the defunct battery downward so that the defunct battery is supported by the lifting assembly 112. After the defunct battery is supported by the lifting assembly 112, the battery swap device 3 can perform other tasks.

[0070] In some examples, the battery swap device 3 needs to remove the fully charged battery supported by the lifting assembly 112. Specifically, the battery swap device 3 moves to the lower side of the cache rack 10, moves upward to lift the fully charged battery, thereby separating the fully charged battery from the lifting assembly 112; then, the lifting assembly 112 moves from the first position to the second position; then, the battery swap device 3 drives the fully charged battery down and passes between the two support mechanisms 11. After the fully charged battery moves to the lower side of the cache rack 10, the battery swap device 3 can install the fully charged battery on the power-consuming device 4.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present application, the lifting assembly 112 is movably arranged. During the process of taking and placing the battery 5, the lifting assembly 112 reduces the risk of interference or collision between the lifting assembly 112 and the battery 5 by moving, thereby shortening the battery replacement time and improving the battery replacement efficiency.

[0072] In some embodiments, the two support mechanisms 11 are arranged along a first direction Y. Optionally, the first direction Y is parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0073] In some embodiments, when the lifting assembly 112 is in the first position, at least a portion of the lifting assembly 112 protrudes inwardly from the first beam 111 along the first direction Y. The portion of the lifting assembly 112 protruding from the first beam 111 can support the battery 5 .

[0074] In some embodiments, the lifting assembly 112 is movably disposed on the first beam 111 along the first direction Y. The lifting assembly 112 can switch between a state of lifting the battery 5 and a state of avoiding the battery 5 by translation, thereby reducing the risk of interference or collision between the lifting assembly 112 and the battery 5, shortening the battery replacement time, and improving the battery replacement efficiency.

[0075] In addition, by translating the lifting assembly 112, various specifications of batteries 5 can be adapted. For example, when the size of the battery 5 changes along the first direction Y, by adjusting the amplitude of the lifting assembly 112 moving along the first direction Y, the battery 5 can be supported or avoided.

[0076] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 11 includes a first guide rail 113 disposed on the first beam 111, and the first guide rail 113 extends along the first direction Y. The lifting assembly 112 includes a slider 112a and a support block 112b. The slider 112a is slidably connected to the first guide rail 113 along the first direction Y, and the support block 112b is fixed to the slider 112a. Optionally, the lifting assembly 112 also includes a connecting block 112c, which connects the slider 112a and the support block 112b.

[0077] FIG6 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a cache rack provided in some other embodiments of the present application.

[0078] As shown in FIG6 , in some embodiments, the lifting assembly 112 is rotatably connected to the first beam 111. By rotating, the lifting assembly 112 can switch between a state of lifting the battery 5 and a state of avoiding the battery 5, reducing the risk of interference or collision between the lifting assembly 112 and the battery 5, shortening the battery replacement time, and improving the battery replacement efficiency.

[0079] For example, the lifting assembly 112 includes a support plate 112d. When the lifting assembly 112 is in the first position, the support plate 112d is horizontally arranged to support the battery 5. When the lifting assembly 112 is in the second position, the support plate 112d is vertically arranged to avoid the battery 5.

[0080] Please refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, the support mechanism 11 further includes a driving member 114 . The driving member 114 is disposed on the first beam 111 and is used to drive the lifting assembly 112 to move.

[0081] As an example, the driving member 114 may include at least one of a motor, a pneumatic cylinder, and a hydraulic cylinder.

[0082] By providing the driving member 114 , active control of the lifting assembly 112 can be achieved, the accuracy of the movement of the lifting assembly 112 can be improved, and the risk of interference between the lifting assembly 112 and the battery 5 can be reduced.

[0083] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 11 includes a plurality of lifting components 112. By providing a plurality of lifting components 112, the stability of the battery 5 can be improved and the risk of the battery 5 falling can be reduced.

[0084] In some embodiments, the plurality of lifting assemblies 112 are spaced apart along a second direction X, where the second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Y.

[0085] Exemplarily, the first direction Y, the second direction X, and the vertical direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first beam 111 extends along the second direction X.

[0087] In some embodiments, the cache rack 10 may store one or more batteries 5 .

[0088] In some embodiments, the cache rack 10 can simultaneously store multiple batteries 5. Optionally, the battery 5 is supported by at least two lifting assemblies 112.

[0089] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 11 includes a sensor 115 , which is disposed on the first beam 111 and configured to detect whether the battery 5 is in place. For example, the sensor 115 may be configured to detect whether the battery 5 is moved into place and supported by the lifting assembly 112 .

[0090] In some embodiments, the cache rack 10 further includes a second beam 12 , which connects the two first beams 111 , thereby improving the overall structural strength of the cache rack 10 .

[0091] In some embodiments, the second beam 12 extends along the first direction Y, and two ends of the second beam 12 along the first direction Y are respectively connected to the two first beams 111 .

[0092] In some embodiments, the cache rack 10 includes two second beams 12 , and the two second beams 12 are spaced apart along the second direction X.

[0093] For example, the two first beams 111 and the two second beams 12 are connected to form a rectangular frame. When the battery 5 is supported by the lifting assembly 112, when viewed along the vertical direction Z, the battery 5 is located in the frame.

[0094] In some embodiments, the cache rack 10 further includes a stopper 13 disposed on the second beam 12. In the vertical direction Z, at least a portion of the stopper 13 is higher than the supporting mechanism.

[0095] When the battery 5 is placed on the lifting assembly 112, the portion of the limiting member 13 that is higher than the supporting mechanism can limit the battery 5, thereby reducing the risk of the battery 5 falling from the cache rack 10 and improving reliability.

[0096] In some embodiments, each second beam 12 is provided with a limiting member 13. The limiting members 13 on the two second beams 12 can limit the battery 5 from both sides.

[0097] In some embodiments, the cache rack 10 is movable along the second direction X. The limiting member 13 can limit the battery 5 during the movement of the cache rack 10 along the second direction X, thereby reducing the risk of the battery 5 falling.

[0098] In some embodiments, a plurality of limiting members 13 are provided on the second beam 12 , and the plurality of limiting members 13 are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the second beam 12 .

[0099] In some embodiments, the cache device 6 includes a plurality of cache racks 10 arranged along the second direction X. By providing a plurality of cache racks 10, the cache device 6 can store both low-charge batteries and fully-charged batteries at the same time, thereby shortening the time for the battery swap device 3 to take and place the battery 5 and improving the battery swap efficiency.

[0100] In some embodiments, the cache device 6 includes a second guide rail 20 extending along the second direction X, and the cache rack 10 is slidably disposed on the second guide rail 20 along the second direction X.

[0101] In some embodiments, there are two second guide rails 20. The support mechanism 11 includes a pulley 116 disposed on the first beam 111, and the pulleys 116 of the two support mechanisms 11 are respectively disposed on the two second guide rails 20.

[0102] In some embodiments, the cache device 6 further includes a transmission mechanism 30 , which is connected to the cache rack 10 and is used to drive the cache rack 10 to move along the second direction X.

[0103] Exemplarily, the transmission mechanism 30 includes a motor, a gear, and a rack. The motor is fixed to the cache rack 10. The rack extends along the second direction X. The gear is connected to the motor and meshes with the rack. When the motor rotates, the gear moves along the rack, thereby driving the cache rack 10 to move through the motor.

[0104] In some embodiments, the motor is fixed to the second beam 12 .

[0105] In some embodiments, a plurality of cache racks 10 are connected. The transmission mechanism 30 is connected to one cache rack 10 and is used to drive the plurality of cache racks 10 to move synchronously along the second direction X.

[0106] By connecting multiple cache racks 10 , one transmission mechanism 30 can be used to drive the multiple cache racks 10 to move, thereby simplifying the structure of the cache device 6 .

[0107] In some embodiments, two adjacent cache racks 10 are connected by a connector 40. For example, the connector 40 includes a hinged bracket that can rigidly connect the two adjacent cache racks 10.

[0108] 7 to 10 are different schematic diagrams of the cache device provided by some embodiments of the present application during the battery removal and placement process.

[0109] 1-2 and 7-10 , in some embodiments, the number of cache racks 10 is N, and the cache device 6 has 2×N-1 workstations P arranged along the second direction X, where N ≥ 2. The N cache racks 10 are disposed at the adjacent N workstations P, and each cache rack 10 is movable along the second direction X.

[0110] Exemplarily, each cache rack 10 can move between N adjacent working positions P. Exemplarily, N is 2, 3, 4 or 5.

[0111] In the embodiment of the present application, the battery swap device 3 only needs to move to the lower side of the middlemost work station P among the 2×N-1 work stations P, and can then pick up and place batteries 5 on all cache racks 10 by moving the cache rack 10. This shortens the travel of the battery swap device 3 and improves the battery swap efficiency. Two adjacent cache racks 10 can respectively receive the depleted battery 5a of the battery swap device 3 and provide the battery swap device 3 with a fully charged battery 5b. This can shorten the time the battery swap device 3 waits for a fully charged battery 5b and improve the battery swap efficiency.

[0112] In some embodiments, the cache device 6 includes two cache racks 10 , and the cache device 6 is provided with three working positions P.

[0113] The two cache racks 10 are respectively a first cache rack 10a and a second cache rack 10b, and the three working positions P are respectively a first working position P1, a second working position P2 and a third working position P3.

[0114] In some embodiments, the battery swapping method at the battery swapping station includes:

[0115] S1: The vehicle enters the battery swap station and arrives at the battery swap platform 1;

[0116] S2: The battery replacement device 3 removes the low-power battery 5a of the vehicle;

[0117] S3: The battery swapping device 3 carries the low-power battery 5a and moves to the lower side of the second working position P2;

[0118] S4: The palletizer 7 transports the fully charged battery 5b to the first cache rack 10a, which is located at the first working position P1;

[0119] S5: The battery swapping device 3 places the depleted battery 5a into the second cache rack 10b located at the second working position P2;

[0120] S6: The first cache rack 10a and the second cache rack 10b move as a whole along the second direction X. The first cache rack 10a carries the fully charged batteries 5b to the second working position P2, and the second cache rack 10b carries the depleted batteries 5a to the third working position P3.

[0121] S7: The battery swapping device 3 removes the fully charged battery 5b from the first cache rack 10a and installs the fully charged battery 5b into the vehicle;

[0122] S8: The palletizer 7 takes away the low-power battery 5a and transports the low-power battery 5a to the battery compartment 2 for charging;

[0123] S9: The vehicle leaves the battery swap station.

[0124] In step S4, the palletizer 7 may move the fully charged batteries 5b to the first cache rack 10a after the first cache rack 10a has been moved to the first working position P1. Alternatively, the palletizer 7 may first move the fully charged batteries 5b to the first cache rack 10a and then move the first cache rack 10a to the first working position P1. In step S8, the palletizer 7 may remove the depleted batteries 5a while the second cache rack 10b is at the third working position P3, or may remove the depleted batteries 5a while the second cache rack 10b is at the second working position P2.

[0125] Steps S1 and S4 can be executed in any order and can be performed simultaneously. Steps S2 and S4 can be executed in any order and can be performed simultaneously. Steps S3 and S4 can be executed in any order and can be performed simultaneously. Steps S7 and S8 can be executed in any order and can be performed simultaneously.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first and second cache racks 10a, 10b move back and forth in the second direction X, presenting two operating states. In the next battery swap process, the initial positions of the first and second cache racks 10a, 10b are the end positions of the previous battery swap process, i.e., the first vehicle leaves the battery swap station after completing the battery swap, and the second vehicle enters the station to swap batteries. At this point, the first cache rack 10a is in the second working position P2, and the second cache rack 10b is in the third working position P3.

[0127] Specifically, the palletizer 7 carries the fully charged battery 5b to the third working position P3 and places the fully charged battery 5b on the second cache rack 10b; the battery exchange device 3 carries the depleted battery 5a to the second working position P2 and places the depleted battery 5a on the first cache rack 10a; the first cache rack 10a and the second cache rack 10b move as a whole along the second direction X, the first cache rack 10a moves to the first working position P1, and the second cache rack 10b moves to the second working position P2; the palletizer 7 takes away the depleted battery 5a on the first cache rack 10a; the battery exchange device 3 takes away the fully charged battery 5b on the second cache rack 10b.

[0128] When the second vehicle completes its battery swap and leaves the station, and a third vehicle enters the station to swap batteries, the initial positions of first and second cache racks 10a, 10b are the same as the positions at the end of the previous battery swap process. At this point, the positions of first and second cache racks 10a, 10b are the same as they were when the first vehicle swapped batteries. Both operating modes of cache device 6 can complete the battery swap process. Therefore, after the battery swap is complete, cache device 6 does not need to perform a battery 5 restoration operation, reducing unnecessary operations and improving efficiency.

[0129] In other embodiments, the palletizer 7 only takes and places the batteries 5 at the second working position P2. For example, in step S4, the palletizer 7 can place the fully charged batteries 5b on the first cache rack 10a when the first cache rack 10a is at the second working position P2, and then the first cache rack 10a is moved to the first working position P1.

[0130] For example, in step S8 , the palletizer 7 may remove the depleted battery 5 a after the second buffer rack 10 b moves to the second working position P2 .

[0131] For example, referring to Figure 10, when the battery exchange device 3 takes away the fully charged battery 5b, the palletizer 7 carries the fully charged battery 5b to the second working position P2, and places the fully charged battery 5b on the first cache rack 10a located at the second working position P2; then, the first cache rack 10a and the second cache rack 10b move as a whole, the first cache rack 10a moves to the first working position P1, and the second cache rack 10b moves to the second working position P2; the palletizer 7 takes away the low-charged battery 5a on the second cache rack 10b.

[0132] In this embodiment, the palletizer 7 only needs one round trip to complete the transfer of fully charged batteries 5 b and depleted batteries 5 a , which can improve efficiency and simplify the control of the palletizer 7 .

[0133] FIG11 is a simplified schematic diagram of a cache device provided in some other embodiments of the present application.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, the number of cache racks 10 is 3 and the number of workstations P is 5.

[0135] Three cache racks 10 can accommodate three batteries 5 simultaneously. When the battery swap station is idle, the palletizer 7 can place two fully charged batteries 5b on two cache racks 10. When two vehicles are swapping batteries in succession, the cache rack 10 can be moved twice to enable the battery swap for both vehicles. During the battery swap, there is no need to wait for the palletizer 7 to pick up and place the batteries 5, thus shortening the battery swap time.

[0136] In other embodiments, the number of cache racks 10 is 4 and the number of workstations P is 7.

[0137] The embodiment of the present application also provides a battery swap station, which includes a battery swap platform 1, a battery compartment 2, a cache device 6 and a battery swap device 3. The battery swap platform 1 is used to support the power-consuming device 4. The battery compartment 2 is used to store and charge the battery 5. The cache device 6 is arranged in the battery compartment 2. The battery swap device 3 is used to remove and install the battery 5 of the power-consuming device 4. The battery swap device 3 can place the battery 5 in the cache device 6 or remove the battery 5 on the cache device 6.

[0138] 1 to 5 , an embodiment of the present application provides a cache device 6 , which includes two cache racks 10 , a second guide rail 20 , and a transmission mechanism 30 . The two cache racks 10 are arranged along a second direction X and fixedly connected by a connector 40 . The second guide rail 20 extends along the second direction X, and the two cache racks 10 are slidably disposed on the second guide rail 20 . The transmission mechanism 30 is connected to one cache rack 10 and is used to drive the multiple cache racks 10 to move synchronously along the second direction X.

[0139] The cache device 6 has three working positions P arranged along the second direction X. Two cache racks 10 are provided at two adjacent working positions P, and each cache rack 10 is movable between two adjacent working positions P.

[0140] The cache rack 10 includes two support mechanisms 11, two second beams 12, and a plurality of limiters 13. The support mechanism 11 includes a first beam 111, a lifting assembly 112, and a driving member 114. The driving member 114 is disposed on the first beam 111 and is used to drive the lifting assembly 112 to move along the first direction Y.

[0141] The two first beams 111 are spaced apart along the first direction Y, and each first beam 111 extends along the second direction X. The two second beams 12 are spaced apart along the second direction X, and each second beam 12 extends along the first direction Y. The two first beams 111 and the two second beams 12 are connected to form a frame structure.

[0142] The lifting assembly 112 can be switched between a first position and a second position by movement. When the lifting assembly 112 is in the first position, the lifting assembly 112 can support the battery 5; when the lifting assembly 112 is in the second position, the lifting assembly 112 can avoid the battery 5 passing between the two supporting mechanisms 11.

[0143] Although the present application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made thereto and components may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there are no structural conflicts. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cache device for a battery swap station, comprising at least one cache rack; the cache rack comprising two support mechanisms spaced apart; The support mechanism includes a first beam and a lifting assembly, the lifting assembly is movably arranged on the first beam, and the lifting assembly is configured to be able to move to avoid batteries passing between two support mechanisms or move to the lower side of the battery and support the battery.

2. The cache device according to claim 1, wherein: The two support mechanisms are arranged along a first direction, and the lifting assembly is movably arranged on the first beam along the first direction; or The lifting assembly is rotatably connected to the first beam.

3. The cache device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The supporting mechanism further includes a driving member, which is disposed on the first beam and is used to drive the lifting assembly to move.

4. The cache device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The supporting mechanism includes a plurality of lifting components.

5. The cache device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The cache rack further includes a second beam and a limiting member provided on the second beam, wherein the second beam connects the two first beams; In the vertical direction, at least a portion of the limiting member is higher than the supporting mechanism.

6. The cache device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The cache device includes a plurality of cache racks arranged along the second direction.

7. The cache device according to claim 6, wherein: The number of the cache racks is N, and the cache device has 2×N-1 working positions arranged along the second direction, where N≥2; The N cache racks are arranged at the adjacent N working positions, and each of the cache racks can move along the second direction. The cache device according to claim 7 , wherein: N is 2 or 3.

9. The cache device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: A plurality of the cache racks are connected; The cache device further includes a transmission mechanism connected to one of the cache racks, and the transmission mechanism is used to drive a plurality of the cache racks to move synchronously along the second direction.

10. A battery swap station, comprising: Battery swapping platform, used to support electrical equipment; A battery compartment, used for storing and charging batteries; The cache device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, disposed in the battery compartment; A battery replacement device is used to remove and install batteries from electrical equipment. The battery replacement device can place batteries into the cache device or remove batteries from the cache device.

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