Battery rack and battery swapping station

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of battery swapping, and in particular to a battery rack and a battery swapping station. The present application aims to solve the problem of a relatively long serial cycle of a stacker in the battery swapping station affecting the battery swapping efficiency. For this purpose, the battery rack of the present application comprises a frame body formed with a plurality of charging slots. The battery rack further comprises a battery buffering device, wherein an accommodating space is formed in the lower portion of the frame body, and the battery buffering device is arranged in the accommodating space. The battery buffering device comprises a lifting driving mechanism, a first buffering portion and a second buffering portion, wherein the first buffering portion and the second buffering portion are arranged in the direction of height, and there is no relative movement between the first buffering portion and the second buffering portion in the direction of height; and the lifting driving mechanism is connected to at least one of the first buffering portion and the second buffering portion, such that the lifting driving mechanism can drive the first buffering portion and the second buffering portion to raise or lower together. The present application can significantly shorten the battery swapping cycle, improve the battery swapping efficiency, and improve the service capacity of the battery swapping station.

Description

Battery racks and battery swap stations CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application CN202420576948.0, filed on March 25, 2024, with the invention name “Battery rack and battery swap station”. The entire contents of the above Chinese patent application are incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of battery replacement technology, and in particular to a battery rack and a battery replacement station. Background Art

[0003] Battery swapping is an important way to replenish energy for new energy vehicles, especially pure electric vehicles. Battery swapping can replenish the vehicle's energy in a very short time, so it is widely favored by users.

[0004] At present, battery swap stations, especially lift-type battery swap stations that require the vehicle to be lifted and the battery swap operation to be performed under the vehicle, usually have a battery swap cycle of: the battery swap robot disassembles the depleted battery under the vehicle and exchanges the depleted battery with the stacker. The stacker then puts the depleted battery into the battery compartment, takes out the fully charged battery from another battery compartment, and passes it to the battery swap robot. Finally, the battery swap robot carries the fully charged battery for installation.

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned battery replacement process, the stacker puts back the depleted battery and takes out the fully charged battery in serial actions, which results in a relatively long battery replacement cycle and affects the battery replacement efficiency.

[0006] Accordingly, this field requires a new technical solution to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, that is, to solve the problem that the serial cycle of the stacker in the battery swap station is long and affects the battery swap efficiency, the present application provides a battery rack, including a frame body, a plurality of charging positions are formed on the frame body, the battery rack also includes a battery cache device, the lower part of the frame body is formed with a accommodating space, the battery cache device is arranged in the accommodating space, the battery cache device includes a lifting drive mechanism, a first cache position and a second cache position, the first cache position and the second cache position are arranged along the height direction, and the first cache position and the second cache position have no relative movement in the height direction, the lifting drive mechanism is connected to at least one of the first cache position and the second cache position, so that the lifting drive mechanism can drive the first cache position and the second cache position to rise or fall at the same time.

[0008] The battery rack of the present application is provided with a battery cache device that can cache two power batteries in the lower accommodation space of the frame body, so that during the battery exchange process, while the battery exchange robot disassembles the low-charge battery, the battery connection device can be operated synchronously, and a fully charged battery can be taken out in advance and placed in the battery cache device. After the battery exchange robot places the low-charge battery in the battery cache device, the fully charged battery can be directly taken away, which greatly shortens the battery exchange cycle, improves the battery exchange efficiency, and improves the service capacity of the battery exchange station. By setting a lifting drive mechanism, the space utilization rate of the battery rack can be improved. Since the battery exchange robot itself has a certain height and the lifting height of the battery exchange robot is also limited, a cache position that is too high or too low is not conducive to battery interaction. By setting a lifting drive mechanism, the present application can use the lifting drive mechanism to drive the two cache positions to rise and fall, which is both adapted to the height of the battery exchange robot and saves space, so that the battery rack has more space to arrange batteries.

[0009] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned battery rack, the battery cache device includes two mounting supports, which are arranged on opposite sides of the accommodating space. Each mounting support is provided with a first support plate and a second support plate which can be raised and lowered. The first cache position is formed between the two first support plates, and the second cache position is formed between the two second support plates.

[0010] In the preferred technical solution of the above battery rack, the tops of the two mounting supports are respectively connected to the frame body.

[0011] In the preferred technical solution of the above battery rack, each of the first supporting plates is formed with a first step surface, and the two first step surfaces are used to support the power batteries; and / or

[0012] A second step surface is formed on each of the second supporting plates, and the two second step surfaces are used for supporting power batteries.

[0013] The provision of the first step surface and the second step surface is beneficial to the positioning of the battery by the power.

[0014] In the preferred technical solution of the above battery rack, each of the first supporting plates is provided with at least one first stopper, and the first stoppers on the two first supporting plates are used to limit the carrying position of the power battery; and / or

[0015] At least one second stopper is provided on each of the second supporting plates, and the second stoppers on the two second supporting plates are used to limit the carrying position of the power battery.

[0016] The provision of the first stopper and the second stopper is beneficial for limiting the position of the power battery.

[0017] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned battery rack, each of the mounting supports is provided with a first partition and a second partition that can be raised and lowered, the first support plate is provided on the first partition, the second support plate is provided on the second partition, and the lifting drive mechanism is connected to at least one of the first partition and the second partition.

[0018] In the preferred technical solution of the above battery rack, the first partition plate and the second partition plate are fixedly connected via a connecting plate.

[0019] The first partition plate and the second partition plate are fixedly connected via a connecting plate, thereby ensuring the relative position between the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate.

[0020] In the preferred technical solution of the above battery rack, each of the mounting supports is further provided with a first guide mechanism, and the connecting plate is connected to the mounting support via the first guide mechanism.

[0021] The provision of the first guide mechanism can improve the lifting stability of the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate.

[0022] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned battery rack, a first telescopic drive mechanism is provided on each of the first partitions, and the output end of the first telescopic drive mechanism is connected to the first pallet. The first pallet has a first extended position and a first retracted position under the drive of the first telescopic drive mechanism. When the first pallet is located at the first extended position, the two first pallets can carry power batteries. When the first pallet is located at the first retracted position, an avoidance space is formed between the two first pallets to allow the power batteries to pass through.

[0023] By providing the first telescopic drive mechanism, the two first support plates can be telescoped in opposite directions, which is beneficial to improving the transportation safety of the power battery and avoiding bumps during transportation.

[0024] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned battery rack, the first telescopic drive mechanism is a first electric push rod, a first connecting block is provided on the lower side of the first support plate, the first electric push rod is fixedly connected to the upper side surface of the first partition, and the output end of the first electric push rod is connected to the first connecting block.

[0025] In the preferred technical solution of the above battery rack, each of the first partitions is further provided with a second guide mechanism, and the first support plate is connected to the first partition via the second guide mechanism.

[0026] The provision of the second guide mechanism is beneficial to improving the telescopic stability of the first support plate.

[0027] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned battery rack, each second partition is provided with a second telescopic drive mechanism, the output end of the second telescopic drive mechanism is connected to the second pallet, and the second pallet has a second extended position and a second retracted position under the drive of the second telescopic drive mechanism. When the second pallet is located at the second extended position, the two second pallets can carry power batteries. When the second pallet is located at the second retracted position, an avoidance space is formed between the two second pallets to allow the power batteries to pass through.

[0028] By setting up a second telescopic drive mechanism, the two second support plates can be telescoped in opposite directions, which is beneficial to improving the transportation safety of the power battery and avoiding bumps during transportation.

[0029] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned battery rack, the second telescopic drive mechanism is a second electric push rod, a second connecting block is provided on the lower side of the second support plate, the second electric push rod is fixedly connected to the upper side surface of the second partition, and the output end of the second electric push rod is connected to the second connecting block.

[0030] In the preferred technical solution of the above battery rack, each of the second partitions is further provided with a third guide mechanism, and the second support plate is connected to the second partition via the third guide mechanism.

[0031] The provision of the third guide mechanism is beneficial to improving the telescopic stability of the second support plate.

[0032] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned battery rack, each of the mounting supports is provided with a lifting drive mechanism, and each of the lifting drive mechanisms is connected to the corresponding first partition.

[0033] Each mounting support is provided with a lifting drive mechanism, which helps to reduce the structural complexity of the device.

[0034] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned battery rack, the lifting drive mechanism is a linear drive mechanism, which is fixedly connected to the corresponding mounting support. A second through hole is provided on each second partition, and the linear drive mechanism is connected to the first partition through the second through hole.

[0035] The linear drive mechanism is used as the lifting drive mechanism. Compared with other drive methods, it takes up less space and has a simple and stable structure.

[0036] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned battery rack, a connecting seat is provided on the upper side of each first partition, and a first through hole is opened on each first partition, and the output end of the linear drive mechanism passes through the first through hole and is connected to the connecting seat.

[0037] In the preferred technical solution of the above battery rack, each of the first support plates is provided with a first avoidance notch, the first avoidance notch being used to avoid the connecting seat; and / or

[0038] A second avoidance notch is formed on each of the second supporting plates, and the second avoidance notch is used to avoid the output end of the linear drive mechanism.

[0039] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned battery rack, the linear drive mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder.

[0040] The present application also provides a battery swap station, which includes a battery swap robot, a battery docking device and a battery rack according to any one of the above technical solutions, wherein the battery rack is arranged between the battery swap robot and the battery docking device.

[0041] By installing a battery rack with a battery caching device within a battery swap station, the battery swap cycle can be significantly shortened, battery swap efficiency can be improved, and the service capabilities of the station can be enhanced. The battery caching device is equipped with a lifting drive mechanism to improve the space utilization of the battery rack, allowing the station to accommodate more batteries. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The present application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] FIG1 is a structural diagram of a battery rack of the present application;

[0044] FIG2 is an overall structural diagram of the battery cache device of the present application;

[0045] FIG3 is a partial structural diagram of the battery cache device of the present application (I);

[0046] FIG4 is a partial structural diagram of the battery cache device of the present application (II);

[0047] FIG5 is a flow chart of a possible implementation process of a battery swapping station of the present application.

[0048] Reference Signs List

[0049] 1. Battery rack; 11. Frame body; 12. Charging compartment; 13. Accommodation space; 2. Battery cache device; 21. Lifting drive mechanism; 22. Mounting bracket; 231. First support plate; 2311. First step surface; 2312. First avoidance gap; 2313. First connecting block; 232. Second support plate; 2321. Second step surface; 2322. Second avoidance gap; 2323. Second connecting block; 241. First stop block; 242. Second stop block Block; 251, first partition; 2511, first through-hole; 252, second partition; 2521, second through-hole; 261, connecting plate; 262, external plate; 271, first guide mechanism; 272, second guide mechanism; 273, third guide mechanism; 281, first telescopic drive mechanism; 282, second telescopic drive mechanism; 29, connecting seat; 3, battery-changing robot; 4, battery connection device; 5, power battery; 6, low-charge battery; 7, fully-charged battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The preferred embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0051] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "outer", etc. indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. This is merely for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, in the description of this application, "multiple" refers to at least two.

[0052] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can 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 the specific circumstances.

[0053] First, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the battery rack of the present application will be described.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in order to solve the problem that the serial beat of the stacker in the battery swap station is long and affects the battery swap efficiency, the battery rack 1 of the present application includes a frame body 11 and a battery cache device 2. A plurality of charging positions 12 are formed on the frame body 11, and the charging positions 12 are used to carry the power battery 5 and charge the power battery 5. A accommodating space 13 is formed at the lower part of the frame body 11, and the battery cache device 2 is arranged in the accommodating space 13. The battery cache device 2 includes a lifting drive mechanism 21, a first cache position and a second cache position. The first cache position and the second cache position are arranged in the height direction, and the first cache position and the second cache position have no relative movement in the height direction. The lifting drive mechanism 21 is connected to at least one of the first cache position and the second cache position, so that the lifting drive mechanism 21 can drive the first cache position and the second cache position to rise or fall at the same time.

[0055] During the battery swapping process, the battery swapping robot removes the deficient battery from the vehicle to be swapped, and carries the deficient battery to one side of the battery rack 1. At the same time, the battery docking device (such as a stacker) on the other side of the battery rack 1 takes a fully charged battery 7 from the charging position 12 and waits. The battery swapping robot lifts the deficient battery and transfers it to the first cache position, then descends and waits. Immediately afterwards, the lifting drive mechanism 21 drives the first cache position and the second cache position to rise at the same time, and the battery docking device transfers the fully charged battery to the second cache position, and then the battery docking device exits the second cache position. Finally, the battery swapping robot lifts the fully charged battery on the second cache position and moves it out of the second cache position, and carries the fully charged battery to swap the battery for the vehicle to be swapped. The battery docking device removes the deficient battery from the first cache position and transports it to the charging position 12 for charging.

[0056] The battery rack 1 of the present application is provided with a battery cache device 2 that can cache two power batteries 5 in the lower accommodation space 13 of the frame body 11, so that during the battery exchange process, while the battery exchange robot disassembles the low-charge battery, the battery connection device can be operated synchronously, and a fully charged battery can be taken out in advance and placed in the battery cache device 2. After the battery exchange robot places the low-charge battery in the battery cache device 2, the fully charged battery can be directly taken away, which greatly shortens the battery exchange cycle, improves the battery exchange efficiency, and improves the service capacity of the battery exchange station. By providing a lifting drive mechanism 21, the space utilization rate of the battery rack 1 can be improved. Since the battery exchange robot itself has a certain height and the lifting height of the battery exchange robot is also limited, a cache position that is too high or too low is not conducive to battery interaction. By providing a lifting drive mechanism 21, the present application can use the lifting drive mechanism 21 to drive the two cache positions to rise and fall, which not only adapts to the height of the battery exchange robot, but also saves space, so that the battery rack 1 has more space to arrange batteries.

[0057] A possible implementation of the present application is described below with reference to FIG1 to FIG4 .

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one possible embodiment, the battery rack 1 includes a frame body 11 and a battery cache device 2. Six charging bays 12 are formed in the upper portion of the frame body 11. Each charging bay 12 can hold and charge a power battery 5. A storage space 13 is formed in the lower portion of the frame body 11. This storage space 13 is formed between the lowest charging bay 12 and the floor of the battery swap station. The battery cache device 2 is installed in this storage space 13.

[0059] The battery cache device 2 includes two mounting supports 22, each mounting support 22 is provided with a lifting drive mechanism 21, a first support plate 231, a second support plate 232, a first partition plate 251, a second partition plate 252, a connecting plate 261, an external plate 262, a first guide mechanism 271, a second guide mechanism 272, a third guide mechanism 273, a first telescopic drive mechanism 281, a second telescopic drive mechanism 282, and a connecting seat 29.

[0060] 1 and 2 , the two mounting supports 22 are arranged on opposite sides of the accommodating space 13. Specifically, the two mounting supports 22 are arranged on both sides of the accommodating space 13 in the horizontal and vertical directions of the direction in which the power battery 5 enters and exits the charging compartment 12. The top of each mounting support 22 is fixedly connected to the frame body 11, and the bottom of each mounting support 22 is fixedly connected to the ground of the battery swap station.

[0061] 2 to 4 , the battery cache device 2 is introduced below using the mounting bracket 22 on the left side of FIG. 2 as an example. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific configuration of the mounting bracket 22 on the right side of FIG. 2 and the components mounted thereon are substantially the same as those of the mounting bracket 22 on the left side.

[0062] As shown in Figures 2 to 4 , each mounting bracket 22 is mounted with a lifting drive mechanism 21. In this application, the lifting drive mechanism 21 is a linear drive mechanism, more specifically, a hydraulic cylinder, such as an oil cylinder. The bottom of the hydraulic cylinder is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 22, and the top of the hydraulic cylinder is a hydraulic rod that is telescopically arranged under the action of hydraulic oil.

[0063] The first partition 251 and the second partition 252 are fixedly connected by a connecting plate 261. There are two connecting plates 261, and the first partition 251 and the second partition 252 are arranged horizontally. The first partition 251 is located above the second partition 252. The two connecting plates 261 are arranged vertically, and the vertical ends of each connecting plate 261 are respectively fixedly connected to the lower side of the first partition 251 and the upper side of the second partition 252. After the connection is completed, a frame is formed between the first partition 251, the second partition 252, and the two connecting plates 261. Each connecting plate 261 is also connected to an external plate 262, which is vertically mounted on the side of the connecting plate 261 and extends outward from the side of the connecting plate 261. The two external plates 262 are respectively connected to the mounting bracket 22 through a first guide mechanism 271. The first guide mechanism 271 is a slider rail assembly, the rail is vertically fixed to the mounting support 22, and the slider is fixedly connected to the external plate 262. Thus, under the guidance of the first guide mechanism 271, the first partition 251 and the second partition 252 can be simultaneously raised and lowered on the mounting support 22.

[0064] The connecting base 29 is in an inverted U-shape and is fixedly connected to the upper side of the first partition 251. A first through-hole 2511 is provided on the first partition 251 at a position corresponding to the connecting base 29, and a second through-hole 2521 is provided on the second partition 252 at a position corresponding to the first through-hole 2511. The cylinder of the hydraulic cylinder passes through the second through-hole 2521, and the hydraulic rod passes through the first through-hole 2511 and is fixedly connected to the U-shaped bottom of the connecting base 29. In this way, the hydraulic cylinder can drive the first and second partitions 251, 252 to complete the lifting and lowering movement.

[0065] The first support plate 231 is slidably connected to the first partition plate 251 via two second guide mechanisms 272, thereby forming a first buffering position between the two first support plates 231. The second guide mechanism 272 comprises a slide rail and slider assembly, with the slide rail fixedly connected to the upper side of the first partition plate 251 and the slider fixedly connected to the lower side of the first support plate 231. The first telescopic drive mechanism 281 comprises a first electric push rod. A first connecting block 2313 is provided on the lower side of the first support plate 231. The first electric push rod is fixedly connected to the upper side of the first partition plate 251, and the output end of the first electric push rod is connected to the first connecting block 2313. Driven by the first telescopic drive mechanism 281, the first support plates 231 have a first extended position and a first retracted position. When the first support plates 231 are in the first extended position, the two first support plates 231 can support the power battery 5. When the first support plates 231 are in the first retracted position, a clearance space is formed between the two first support plates 231 to allow the power battery 5 to pass through.

[0066] Furthermore, a first stepped surface 2311 is formed on the first support plate 231, extending to the end of the first support plate 231. The first support plate 231 is also provided with at least one first stopper 241. In this application, each first support plate 231 is provided with two first stops 241, which are arranged on the rear side of the first stepped surface 2311, and each first stopper 241 partially overlaps with the first stepped surface 2311 in the vertical projection direction. Thus, the first stepped surfaces 2311 of the two first support plates 231 are used to support the power battery 5, and the first stops 241 on the two first support plates 231 are used to limit the supporting position of the power battery 5. Each first support plate 231 is also provided with a first avoidance notch 2312, through which the connector 29 extends. The first avoidance notch 2312 is a U-shaped notch. When the first supporting plate 231 is at the first retracted position, the first avoidance notch 2312 and the connecting seat 29 do not interfere with each other.

[0067] The second support plate 232 is slidably connected to the second partition plate 252 via two third guide mechanisms 273, thereby forming a second buffering space between the two second support plates 232. The third guide mechanism 273 comprises a slide rail and slider assembly, with the slide rail fixedly connected to the upper side of the second partition plate 252 and the slider fixedly connected to the lower side of the second support plate 232. The second telescopic drive mechanism 282 comprises a second electric push rod, with a second connecting block 2323 disposed on the lower side of the second support plate 232. The second electric push rod is fixedly connected to the upper side of the second partition plate 252, and the output end of the second electric push rod is connected to the second connecting block 2323. Driven by the second telescopic drive mechanism 282, the second support plates 232 have a second extended position and a second retracted position. When the second support plates 232 are in the second extended position, the two second support plates 232 can support the power battery 5. When the second support plates 232 are in the second retracted position, a clearance space is formed between the two second support plates 232 to allow the power battery 5 to pass through.

[0068] Furthermore, a second stepped surface 2321 is formed on the second support plate 232, extending to the end of the second support plate 232. The second support plate 232 is also provided with at least one second stopper 242. In this application, each second support plate 232 is provided with two second stops 242, which are arranged behind the second stepped surface 2321, and each second stopper 242 partially overlaps with the second stepped surface 2321 in the vertical projection direction. Thus, the second stepped surfaces 2321 of the two second support plates 232 are used to support the power battery 5, and the second stops 242 on the two second support plates 232 are used to limit the supporting position of the power battery 5. Each second support plate 232 is also provided with a second avoidance notch 2322, through which the hydraulic rod of the hydraulic cylinder extends. The second avoidance notch 2322 is a U-shaped notch, and when the second supporting plate 232 is in the second retracted position, the second avoidance notch 2322 and the hydraulic rod do not interfere with each other.

[0069] In the above arrangement, each mounting support 22 is provided with a lifting drive mechanism 21, which helps reduce the structural complexity of the device. The first partition 251 and the second partition 252 are fixedly connected by a connecting plate 261, which can ensure the relative position between the first support plate 231 and the second support plate 232. The provision of the first guide mechanism 271 can improve the lifting stability of the first and second support plates 231, 232. The provision of the first telescopic drive mechanism 281 allows the two first support plates 231 to extend and retract in opposite directions, which helps improve the transportation safety of the power battery 5 and prevent bumps during transportation. The provision of the second telescopic drive mechanism 282 allows the two second support plates 232 to extend and retract in opposite directions, which helps improve the transportation safety of the power battery 5 and prevent bumps during transportation. The provision of the second guide mechanism 272 helps improve the telescopic stability of the first support plate 231, and the provision of the third guide mechanism 273 helps improve the telescopic stability of the second support plate 232. Compared with other drive methods, the use of a linear drive mechanism as the lifting drive mechanism 21 takes up less space and has a simpler and more stable structure. The first step surface 2311 and the second step surface 2321 are provided to facilitate positioning of the power battery 5. The first stopper 241 and the second stopper 242 are provided to facilitate positioning of the power battery 5.

[0070] It should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are only used to illustrate the principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art may adjust the above settings so that this application can be applied to more specific application scenarios.

[0071] For example, the six charging positions 12 formed on the upper portion of the frame body 11 are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art may adjust the number of the charging positions 12 , and such adjustment does not deviate from the principles of the present application.

[0072] For example, although the above embodiment is described in conjunction with two mounting brackets 22, this arrangement is not restrictive, and those skilled in the art can select the number and arrangement of mounting brackets 22 based on specific application scenarios. For example, the two mounting brackets 22 can be connected as a whole, or the mounting brackets 22 can be omitted, and other components can be arranged on the frame body 11.

[0073] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although the above embodiment is introduced in conjunction with the provision of a lifting drive mechanism 21 for each mounting support 22, the specific number of lifting drive mechanisms 21 is not unique. In other embodiments, only one lifting drive device may be provided. For example, a motor may be provided to simultaneously drive two transmission components (such as a gear set or a chain transmission) to simultaneously drive the lifting and lowering of the two first partitions 251 and the two second partitions 252.

[0074] For example, in another replaceable embodiment, although the lifting drive mechanism 21 is introduced in combination with a hydraulic cylinder as an example, the present application does not limit the specific form of the lifting drive mechanism 21. In addition to the hydraulic cylinder, a linear drive mechanism such as a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder can also be used, or a motor and rack and pinion assembly, a screw nut assembly, a gear chain assembly, etc. can be used as a replacement.

[0075] For example, in another replaceable embodiment, although the two mounting brackets 22 are introduced as an example in which the top is connected to the frame body 11 and the bottom is connected to the ground of the battery swap station, this connection method is not the only one. On the premise that the stability of the mounting bracket 22 can be ensured, technical personnel in this field can adjust the specific connection method of the mounting bracket 22, such as the mounting bracket 22 can be connected to the frame body 11 only at the top, or can be connected to the ground of the battery swap station only at the bottom.

[0076] For example, in another replaceable embodiment, although the above embodiment is described in conjunction with the first support plate 231 and the second support plate 232 being slidably connected to the first partition plate 251 and the second partition plate 252 respectively, the setting method of the present application is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the first support plate 231 and the second support plate 232 can also be fixedly set on the first partition plate 251 and the second partition plate 252, or the first partition plate 251 or the second partition plate 252 can be omitted, and the first support plate 231 and the second support plate 232 are fixedly connected and slidably set on the mounting support 22.

[0077] For example, in another replaceable embodiment, the specific setting of the first telescopic drive mechanism 281 and the second telescopic drive mechanism 282 is not limited in this application. In addition to using electric cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, air cylinders, motors and screw nut assemblies, motors and gear racks, etc. can also be used.

[0078] For another example, in another alternative embodiment, although the above embodiment is described with reference to the first support plate 231 having the first stepped surface 2311 and the first stop 241, and the second support plate 232 having the second stepped surface 2321 and the second stop 242, the first stepped surface 2311, the second stepped surface 2321, the first stop 241, and the second stop 242 are not necessarily provided, and those skilled in the art may select them based on specific application scenarios. For example, those skilled in the art may selectively omit at least one of the first stepped surface 2311, the second stepped surface 2321, the first stop 241, and the second stop 242, or add rubber pads to the first stepped surface 2311 and the second stepped surface 2321 to improve the supporting stability of the power battery 5.

[0079] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although the first partition plate 251 and the second partition plate 252 are fixedly connected via the connecting plate 261 in the above embodiment, the specific connection method between the first partition plate 251 and the second partition plate 252 is not limited, and those skilled in the art may also adjust the method. For example, the first partition plate 251 and the second partition plate 252 may be fixedly connected to a slider of a first guide mechanism 271, or the first partition plate 251 and the second partition plate 252 may be connected to the output end of a hydraulic cylinder.

[0080] For example, in the above embodiment, the connection between the connecting plate 261 and the first guide mechanism 271 via the external plate 262 is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, the connecting plate 261 may be directly connected to the first guide mechanism 271, thereby omitting the external plate 262.

[0081] For example, in another replaceable embodiment, although the above embodiment is introduced in conjunction with a first support plate 231 and a second support plate 232 being provided on each mounting support 22, a first cache position is formed between the two first support plates 231, and a second cache position is formed between the two second support plates 232, but this is only one possible embodiment. In other embodiments, a "C"-shaped frame (C-shaped opening facing downward) can be used to replace the two first support plates 231, or the two first support plates 231 can be fixedly connected as a whole using connecting parts.

[0082] For example, although the above embodiment is described in conjunction with the connection seat 29 provided on the first partition 251 and the hydraulic rod of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the connection seat 29, the provision of the connection seat 29 is not necessary, and the hydraulic rod can also be directly connected to the first partition 251.

[0083] For example, when the lifting drive mechanism 21 is a hydraulic cylinder, the first through hole 2511, the second through hole 2521, the first avoidance notch 2312, and the second avoidance notch 2322 are required. However, when the lifting drive mechanism 21 is another mechanism, or the setting position of the lifting drive mechanism 21 is changed, the first through hole 2511, the second through hole 2521, the first avoidance notch 2312, and the second avoidance notch 2322 are not required. Those skilled in the art can flexibly configure them based on specific application scenarios. For example, when the connecting seat 29 is not provided, the hydraulic rod is directly connected to the first partition plate 251, and the first avoidance notch 2312 on the first support plate 231 can be omitted.

[0084] For another example, in another alternative embodiment, the specific forms of the first guide mechanism 271, the second guide mechanism 272, and the third guide mechanism 273 are not fixed. Although the above embodiments are described using slider and rail assemblies as examples, those skilled in the art may also use slider bar and slider assemblies, slide rail and slot assemblies, etc. as replacements. Of course, providing the first guide mechanism 271, the second guide mechanism 272, and the third guide mechanism 273 is merely a relatively safe embodiment, and those skilled in the art may also omit at least one of the three guide mechanisms.

[0085] Of course, the above-mentioned replaceable implementations, as well as the replaceable implementations and the preferred implementations, can be used in a cross-functional manner to combine new implementations to suit more specific application scenarios.

[0086] The present application also provides a battery swap station, which includes a battery swap robot, a battery docking device and the battery rack 1 in the above-mentioned technical implementation. The battery rack 1 is arranged between the battery swap robot and the battery docking device.

[0087] By installing a battery rack 1 with a battery cache device 2 within a battery swap station, the battery swap cycle can be significantly shortened, battery swap efficiency can be improved, and the service capacity of the battery swap station can be enhanced. The battery cache device 2 is equipped with a lifting drive mechanism 21, which can improve the space utilization of the battery rack 1, allowing the battery swap station to accommodate more batteries.

[0088] A possible battery swapping process of the battery swapping station of the present application is introduced below in conjunction with FIG5 .

[0089] As shown in FIG5 , in a possible implementation manner:

[0090] (1) Before the battery replacement starts, the battery connection device 4 (taking a stacker as an example) takes out a fully charged battery 7 and waits. After the battery replacement starts, the vehicle to be replaced is lifted to a certain height, and the battery replacement robot 3 moves horizontally to the bottom of the vehicle to be replaced and disassembles the low-charged battery 6. Then, the battery replacement robot 3 carries the low-charged battery 6 to the battery rack 1 and enters the accommodating space 13, and lifts the low-charged battery 6 through the avoidance space between the two second support plates 232 and the avoidance space between the two first support plates 231. At this time, the low-charged battery 6 is located above the first cache position.

[0091] (2) The two first support plates 231 of the battery cache device 2 are extended by the first telescopic driving mechanism 281 .

[0092] (3) The battery-exchanging robot 3 descends, and the first cache position and the second cache position rise driven by two hydraulic cylinders. At this time, the first cache position carries the low-power battery 6.

[0093] (4) The battery docking device 4 docks with the second cache position, and controls the fork to extend to transport the fully charged battery 7 to the top of the second cache position.

[0094] (5) The battery docking device 4 descends, and the two second support plates 232 of the battery cache device 2 are extended under the drive of the second telescopic driving mechanism 282. At this time, the second cache position carries the fully charged battery 7.

[0095] (6) The fork of the battery connection device 4 retracts, the battery-swapping robot 3 rises, and carries the fully-charged battery 7. Then, the two second pallets 232 of the battery cache device 2 retract under the drive of the second telescopic drive mechanism 282, and the battery-swapping robot 3 carries the fully-charged battery 7 and moves horizontally to the bottom of the vehicle to be replaced to install the fully-charged battery 7.

[0096] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not other features, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and to form different embodiments. For example, in the claims of this application, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0097] Thus far, the technical solutions of the present application have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present application, those skilled in the art may make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery rack, comprising a frame body, wherein a plurality of charging positions are formed on the frame body, characterized in that: The battery rack also includes a battery cache device. A accommodating space is formed at the lower portion of the frame body. The battery cache device is arranged in the accommodating space. The battery cache device includes a lifting drive mechanism, a first cache position and a second cache position. The first cache position and the second cache position are arranged along the height direction, and the first cache position and the second cache position have no relative movement in the height direction. The lifting drive mechanism is connected to at least one of the first cache position and the second cache position, so that the lifting drive mechanism can drive the first cache position and the second cache position to rise or fall at the same time.

2. The battery rack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery cache device includes two mounting supports, which are arranged on opposite sides of the accommodating space. Each mounting support is provided with a first support plate and a second support plate which can be raised and lowered. The first cache position is formed between the two first support plates, and the second cache position is formed between the two second support plates.

3. The battery rack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tops of the two mounting supports are respectively connected to the frame body.

4. The battery rack according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first step surface is formed on each of the first supporting plates, and the two first step surfaces are used to support power batteries; and / or A second step surface is formed on each of the second supporting plates, and the two second step surfaces are used for supporting power batteries.

5. The battery rack according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the first supporting plates is provided with at least one first stopper, and the first stoppers on the two first supporting plates are used to limit the carrying position of the power battery; and / or At least one second stopper is provided on each of the second supporting plates, and the second stoppers on the two second supporting plates are used to limit the carrying position of the power battery.

6. The battery rack according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first partition and a second partition are liftably provided on each mounting support, the first support plate is provided on the first partition plate, the second support plate is provided on the second partition plate, and the lifting drive mechanism is connected to at least one of the first partition plate and the second partition plate.

7. The battery rack according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first partition plate and the second partition plate are fixedly connected via a connecting plate.

8. The battery rack according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each mounting support is further provided with a first guide mechanism, and the connecting plate is connected to the mounting support via the first guide mechanism.

9. The battery rack according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first telescopic drive mechanism is provided on each first partition, and the output end of the first telescopic drive mechanism is connected to the first pallet. Driven by the first telescopic drive mechanism, the first pallet has a first extended position and a first retracted position. When the first pallet is located at the first extended position, the two first pallets can carry power batteries. When the first pallet is located at the first retracted position, an avoidance space is formed between the two first pallets to allow the power battery to pass through.

10. The battery rack according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first telescopic driving mechanism is a first electric push rod, a first connecting block is provided on the lower side of the first support plate, the first electric push rod is fixedly connected to the upper side of the first partition, and the output end of the first electric push rod is connected to the first connecting block.

11. The battery rack according to claim 9, characterized in that: Each of the first partitions is further provided with a second guide mechanism, and the first supporting plate is connected to the first partition via the second guide mechanism.

12. The battery rack according to claim 6, characterized in that: A second telescopic drive mechanism is provided on each second partition, and the output end of the second telescopic drive mechanism is connected to the second pallet. Driven by the second telescopic drive mechanism, the second pallet has a second extended position and a second retracted position. When the second pallet is located at the second extended position, the two second pallets can carry power batteries. When the second pallet is located at the second retracted position, an avoidance space is formed between the two second pallets to allow the power battery to pass through.

13. The battery rack according to claim 12, characterized in that: The second telescopic driving mechanism is a second electric push rod, a second connecting block is provided on the lower side of the second support plate, the second electric push rod is fixedly connected to the upper side of the second partition, and the output end of the second electric push rod is connected to the second connecting block.

14. The battery rack according to claim 12, characterized in that: Each of the second partitions is further provided with a third guide mechanism, and the second supporting plate is connected to the second partition via the third guide mechanism.

15. The battery rack according to claim 6, characterized in that: Each of the mounting supports is provided with a lifting drive mechanism, and each of the lifting drive mechanisms is connected to the corresponding first partition.

16. The battery rack according to claim 15, characterized in that: The lifting drive mechanism is a linear drive mechanism, which is fixedly connected to the corresponding mounting support. A second through hole is provided on each second partition, and the linear drive mechanism is connected to the first partition through the second through hole.

17. The battery rack according to claim 16, characterized in that: A connecting seat is provided on the upper side of each first partition, and a first through hole is opened on each first partition. The output end of the linear drive mechanism passes through the first through hole and is connected to the connecting seat.

18. The battery rack according to claim 17, characterized in that: Each of the first supporting plates is provided with a first avoidance notch, the first avoidance notch being used to avoid the connecting seat; and / or A second avoidance notch is formed on each of the second supporting plates, and the second avoidance notch is used to avoid the output end of the linear drive mechanism.

19. The battery rack according to claim 16, characterized in that: The linear drive mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder.

20. A battery swap station, characterized in that: The battery swap station includes a battery swap robot, a battery docking device, and a battery rack according to any one of claims 1 to 19, and the battery rack is arranged between the battery swap robot and the battery docking device.

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