Battery transfer protection device

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application is a battery swap station. The battery swap station comprises a battery swapping operation area, a battery compartment, and a first battery transfer mechanism. The battery compartment is used for providing a second battery to be swapped, is located on a side of the battery swapping operation area in a first direction, and comprises a first temporary storage station and a second temporary storage station which are arranged in the first direction. The first battery transfer mechanism shuttles in the first direction between the battery swapping operation area, the first temporary storage station, and the second temporary storage station, and is configured to acquire in the battery swapping operation area a first battery to be swapped, exchange the first battery to be swapped with one of a first temporary storage rack and a second temporary storage rack, and exchange the second battery to be swapped with the other temporary storage rack. The first temporary storage rack comprises a liftable / lowerable first grabbing mechanism, the first grabbing mechanism being configured to grab one of the second battery to be swapped and the first battery to be swapped at a first position, and lift same to a second position in a second direction. The technical solution of the present application can improve the space utilization rate of the battery swap station.

Description

Battery transport protection device

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application 202422894701.6 entitled “Swapping Station”, filed on November 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and more specifically, to a battery swapping station. Background Technology

[0004] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry, and electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of this sustainable development. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a crucial factor in their development.

[0005] In the development of battery technology, how to improve the space utilization rate of battery swapping stations is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a battery swapping station that can improve the space utilization rate of the battery swapping station.

[0007] This application is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery swapping station. The battery swapping station is used for swapping the battery of a vehicle, the vehicle including a first battery to be swapped. The battery swapping station includes a battery swapping operation area, a battery compartment, and a first battery transport mechanism. The battery swapping operation area is used for parking the vehicle for battery swapping. The battery compartment is used to provide a second battery to be swapped, and is located on one side of the battery swapping operation area along a first direction. The battery compartment includes a first buffer station and a second buffer station arranged along the first direction. The first buffer station is equipped with a first buffer rack, and the second buffer station is equipped with a second buffer rack. The first battery transport mechanism moves along the first direction between the battery swapping operation area, the first buffer station, and the second buffer station. The first battery transport mechanism is configured to acquire the first battery to be swapped in the battery swapping operation area, interact with one of the first buffer rack and the second buffer rack, and interact with the other buffer rack to exchange the first battery with the second battery. The first buffer rack includes a liftable first gripping mechanism, which is configured to grip one of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced at a first position and lift it to a second position along a second direction; when the first gripping mechanism is lifted to the second position, the first battery transport mechanism can carry the other of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced through the bottom of the first gripping mechanism, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0009] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, a first battery transport mechanism shuttles between a first buffer rack and a second buffer rack, interacting with the first buffer rack to exchange one of a second battery to be replaced and a first battery to be replaced, and interacting with the second buffer rack to exchange the other of a second battery to be replaced and a first battery to be replaced, thereby realizing battery swapping between the battery swapping station and the power-consuming device. A first gripping mechanism enables the first battery transport mechanism to interact with the first buffer rack to exchange one of a second battery to be replaced and a first battery to be replaced, improving the convenience of battery swapping. Simultaneously, the first gripping mechanism can lift along a second direction, allowing the first battery transport mechanism to pass underneath it when carrying a battery, avoiding the need for a passageway outside the first buffer rack, thus saving space, reducing the footprint of the battery swapping station, and improving the space utilization rate of the station. Furthermore, when the first battery transport mechanism passes underneath the first gripping mechanism, the risk of interference between the battery carried by the first battery transport mechanism and the first gripping mechanism is reduced, lowering the risk of battery damage and improving the reliability of battery swapping.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first buffer rack has a first space, at least a portion of the first gripping mechanism is located in the first space, and the first space has a first opening at each end in a first direction, the first opening being for the first battery transport mechanism to enter and exit.

[0011] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the first battery transport mechanism passes through the first space through the first opening, that is, the first battery transport mechanism passes through the inside of the first buffer rack, avoiding the need to set up a separate passage for the first battery transport mechanism to pass through outside the first buffer rack, thereby saving space and reducing the space occupation of the battery swapping station.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first buffer rack further includes a frame and a first guide rail, the first guide rail being disposed on the frame along a second direction, and the first gripping mechanism slidingly engaging with the first guide rail.

[0013] The technical solution of this application embodiment is to provide a first guide rail on the frame of the first buffer rack along the second direction, and to slide the first gripping mechanism with the first guide rail, thereby realizing the lifting and lowering of the first gripping mechanism in the second direction and improving the convenience and reliability of the lifting and lowering of the first gripping mechanism.

[0014] In some embodiments, the battery swapping station further includes a first power source, the output of which is connected to a first gripping mechanism to drive the first gripping mechanism to move along a first guide rail.

[0015] The technical solution of this application embodiment connects the output end of the first power source to the first gripping mechanism. The first power source drives the first gripping mechanism to move along the first guide rail, thereby realizing the lifting and lowering of the first gripping mechanism, improving the convenience of lifting and lowering the first gripping mechanism, and saving manpower.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first gripping mechanism includes a second power source and two gripping members disposed opposite to each other along a first direction. The two gripping members are respectively connected to the output end of the second power source. The second power source is used to drive the two gripping members to move closer to each other so that the two gripping members clamp the second battery to be replaced or the first battery to be replaced; or, the second power source is used to drive the two gripping members to move away from each other so that the two gripping members release the second battery to be replaced or the first battery to be replaced.

[0017] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the first gripping mechanism is connected to the output end of the second power source through two gripping parts, thereby driving the two gripping parts to clamp or release the battery, realizing the battery interaction between the first buffer rack and the first battery transport mechanism, improving the convenience of the first gripping machine to clamp and release the battery, and saving manpower.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first gripping mechanism further includes a connecting assembly. The gripping member includes a connecting portion and a gripping portion connected to each other. The gripping portion is used to grip a second battery to be replaced or a first battery to be replaced. The connecting portion is connected to a second power source via the connecting assembly. The second power source is used to drive the connecting assembly to move along a first direction. The connecting assembly is configured to convert the movement of the gripping portion along the first direction into rotation of the gripping portion about a first axis. The first axis is parallel to a third direction, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0019] The technical solution of this application embodiment connects the gripping member and the second power source through a connecting component, and converts the movement of the gripping part along the first direction into rotation, so that the rotation of the gripping part has better accuracy and improves the reliability of the gripping part in gripping the battery.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first gripping mechanism further includes a gripping mechanism body, which is provided with a guide groove. The connecting assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector. One end of the first connector is connected to the output end of the second power source. The second connector is rotatably engaged with the other end of the first connector and is connected to the connecting portion. The third connector includes a first connecting protrusion and a second connecting protrusion that are connected to each other. The first connecting protrusion is connected to the second connector. At least a portion of the second connecting protrusion is disposed in the guide groove and is rotatably engaged with the guide groove. The rotation axis of the second connecting protrusion is the first axis.

[0021] The technical solution of this application embodiment includes a connecting component comprising a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a third connecting member connected in sequence. The first connecting protrusion of the third connecting member is connected to the second connecting member, and the second connecting protrusion of the third connecting member is rotatably engaged with the guide groove, thereby realizing the conversion of the movement of the gripping part along the first direction into rotation, so that the rotation of the gripping part has better accuracy and improves the reliability of the gripping part in gripping the battery.

[0022] In some embodiments, the guide groove includes a first groove segment and a second groove segment distributed sequentially along a first direction. The first groove segment extends along the first direction, and the second groove segment is connected to one end of the first groove segment and extends along a second direction.

[0023] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the first groove segment of the guide groove extends along the first direction, and the second groove segment extends along the second direction, so that when the second connecting protrusion moves along the second groove segment, the movement of the gripping part is converted into rotation, so that the rotation of the gripping part has better accuracy and improves the reliability of the gripping part in gripping the battery.

[0024] In some embodiments, the gripping mechanism body is provided with a limiting portion, which is used to cooperate with the connecting component to limit the gripping portion from rotating about a first axis relative to the gripping mechanism body.

[0025] The technical solution of this application embodiment involves the gripping part rotating to grip the battery, and then using a limiting part in conjunction with a connecting component to restrict the gripping part from continuing to rotate, thereby improving the reliability of the gripping part in gripping the battery.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second buffer rack includes a second gripping mechanism that can be raised and lowered along a second direction. The second gripping mechanism is configured to grip one of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced at a third position and raise it to a fourth position along the second direction. When the second gripping mechanism is raised to the fourth position, the first battery transport mechanism is able to carry the other of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced through from below the second gripping mechanism.

[0027] The technical solution of this application embodiment enables the second gripping mechanism to interact with the first battery transport mechanism and the second buffer rack, allowing for the exchange of one of the second battery to be replaced or the first battery to be replaced, thus improving the convenience of battery swapping. Simultaneously, the second gripping mechanism can lift along a second direction, allowing the first battery transport mechanism to pass underneath it while carrying the battery, reducing the risk of interference between the battery carried by the first battery transport mechanism and the second gripping mechanism, lowering the risk of battery damage, and improving the reliability of battery swapping.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first buffer rack has multiple sets of first battery compartments arranged along a second direction, and the second buffer rack has multiple sets of second battery compartments arranged along a second direction. The first battery compartments and the second battery compartments are used to store a first battery to be replaced and to charge the first battery to be replaced.

[0029] The technical solution of this application embodiment includes a first buffer rack with multiple sets of first battery compartments arranged along a second direction, and a second buffer rack with multiple sets of second battery compartments arranged along the second direction. This increases the buffer capacity of the second and first batteries to be replaced, improving the space utilization rate of the battery swapping station. When the first battery transport mechanism interacts with the first buffer rack to exchange second batteries, the risk of insufficient second batteries in the first buffer rack, thus reducing the time required to replenish them, is reduced. Similarly, when the first battery transport mechanism interacts with the second buffer rack to exchange second batteries, the risk of insufficient second batteries in the second buffer rack, thus reducing the time required to replenish them, is also reduced, thereby improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first buffer rack has a first buffer compartment for storing a first battery to be replaced and / or a second battery to be replaced, and the second buffer rack has a second buffer compartment for storing the first battery to be replaced and / or the second battery to be replaced. The battery swapping station also includes a second battery handling mechanism, which includes a platform and a feeding component. The platform is configured to move up and down in a second direction, and the feeding component is disposed on the platform. The feeding component is used to transfer the first battery to be replaced from the first buffer compartment and / or the second buffer compartment to the first battery compartment and / or the second battery compartment, and to transfer a fully charged second battery to be replaced from the first battery compartment and / or the second battery compartment to the first buffer compartment and / or the second buffer compartment.

[0031] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the feeding component is set on the platform that moves up and down along the second direction, realizing the battery interaction between the first buffer compartment, the second buffer compartment, the first battery compartment, and the second battery compartment. That is, the first battery transport mechanism exchanges the first battery to be replaced from the first buffer compartment and / or the second buffer compartment to the first battery compartment and / or the second battery compartment. After the first battery compartment and / or the second battery compartment fully charges the first battery to be replaced, it exchanges it to the first buffer compartment and / or the second buffer compartment through the feeding component, thereby realizing the battery swapping cycle and improving the battery swapping efficiency.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second battery handling mechanism includes a mounting frame, a platform disposed on the mounting frame, the mounting frame having a third space, and the first battery handling mechanism being movable into the third space.

[0033] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the mounting frame has a third space. When the first battery transport mechanism shuttles between the first buffer rack and the second buffer rack, it can move to the third space, avoiding the need to set up a separate passage for the first battery transport mechanism outside the mounting frame, thereby saving space and reducing the space occupation of the battery swapping station. At the same time, the platform can be raised and lowered in a second direction. When the first battery transport mechanism moves into the third space, the platform can rise in the second direction, reducing the risk of interference between the platform and the first battery transport mechanism, as well as the risk of interference between the platform and the battery carried by the first battery transport mechanism, reducing the risk of battery damage and improving the reliability of battery swapping.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second battery handling mechanism includes a third guide rail extending along a second direction, and a platform is movably disposed on the third guide rail.

[0035] The technical solution of this application embodiment provides a third guide rail extending along the second direction, and the platform slides with the third guide rail to realize the lifting and lowering of the platform in the second direction. The feeding component is set on the platform, which improves the convenience and reliability of lifting and lowering the feeding component.

[0036] In some embodiments, the stage includes a fourth guide rail that extends along a first direction, and the feeder slides in cooperation with the fourth guide rail.

[0037] The technical solution of this application embodiment includes a platform with a fourth guide rail extending along a first direction, and a feeding component slidingly engages with the fourth guide rail, which facilitates the feeding component moving along the first direction, thereby enabling the feeding component to exchange fully charged batteries in the first battery compartment or the second battery compartment to the first buffer compartment or the second buffer compartment, improving the convenience and reliability of the feeding component exchanging batteries.

[0038] In some embodiments, the stage includes a fifth guide rail extending in a third direction, and the feeder slides in conjunction with the fifth guide rail.

[0039] The technical solution of this application embodiment includes a platform with a fifth guide rail extending along a third direction, and the feeding component slides with the fifth guide rail to facilitate the movement of the feeding component along the third direction, so as to adjust the position of the feeding component in the third direction and improve the convenience and reliability of the feeding component interacting with the battery.

[0040] In some embodiments, each group of first battery compartments includes a plurality of first battery compartments arranged in an array along a first direction and a third direction. Each group of second battery compartments includes a plurality of second battery compartments arranged in an array along a first direction and a third direction.

[0041] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, multiple first battery compartments are arranged in an array along a first direction and a third direction, and multiple second battery compartments are arranged in an array along a first direction and a third direction, so that the arrangement of the first battery compartments and the second battery compartments is relatively compact, thereby improving the space utilization of the battery swapping station.

[0042] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery swapping station provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first gripping mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram from another perspective of the first gripping mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a third connector provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the second battery handling mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the platform provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0050] Icons: 1-Battery swapping station; 10-First buffer station; 11-First buffer rack; 111-First space; 1111-First opening; 112-Rack; 113-First guide rail; 114-First battery compartment; 115-First buffer compartment; 20-Second buffer station; 21-Second buffer rack; 211-Second space; 22-Second battery compartment; 23-Second buffer compartment; 30-First battery handling mechanism; 40-First gripping mechanism; 41-First power source; 42-Second power source; 43-Gripping component; 431-Connecting part; 432-Gripping part; 44-Connecting assembly; 441-First connection 442-Second connecting piece; 443-Third connecting piece; 4431-First connecting protrusion; 4432-Second connecting protrusion; 45-Gripping mechanism body; 451-Guide groove; 4511-First groove segment; 4512-Second groove segment; 4513-Third groove segment; 452-Limiting part; 60-Second gripping mechanism; 70-Second battery handling mechanism; 71-Platform; 711-Fourth guide rail; 712-Fifth guide rail; 72-Feeding part; 73-Mounting frame; 731-Third space; 74-Third guide rail; a-First axis; X-First direction; Y-Second direction; Z-Third direction. Embodiments of the present invention

[0051] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0053] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0054] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0055] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or the second direction can represent three cases: A existing alone, A and the second direction existing simultaneously, and the second direction existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0056] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0057] The second and first replaceable batteries mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be battery apparatuses, which may include one or more battery cell assemblies for providing voltage and capacity. A battery cell assembly may include multiple battery cells, which are connected in series, parallel, or mixed connections via a busbar.

[0058] In some embodiments, a battery cell assembly is typically formed by arranging multiple battery cells; as an example, a battery cell assembly can be a battery module, which is formed by arranging and fixing multiple battery cells together to form a single module. As an example, a battery module can be formed by bundling multiple battery cells together with cable ties.

[0059] In some embodiments, the battery device may be a battery pack, which includes a housing and one or more individual battery cells housed within the housing.

[0060] As an example, the battery cell assembly can be a battery module, which can be housed in a housing by fixing the battery module in the housing.

[0061] As an example, battery cell assemblies can also be housed in a housing by directly fixing multiple battery cells to the housing.

[0062] As an example, the enclosure may include a first enclosure and a second enclosure. The first enclosure and the second enclosure are fastened together to form a closed space inside the enclosure to house the individual battery cells. Here, "closed" refers to covering or closing, and can be either sealed or unsealed. The first enclosure may be a top cover or a bottom plate.

[0063] As an example, the enclosure may include a top cover, a frame, and a bottom plate. The top cover and bottom plate are connected to the frame, creating an enclosed space inside the enclosure to house the individual battery cells.

[0064] As an example, the housing can be part of the vehicle's chassis structure. For instance, the housing's roof can be at least part of the vehicle's floor, or the housing's frame can be at least part of the vehicle's crossbeams and longitudinal beams.

[0065] In some embodiments, the battery device refers to an energy storage device, which includes a housing with a door on at least one side. Energy storage devices include energy storage containers, energy storage cabinets, etc.

[0066] In this embodiment of the application, the battery cell can be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be recharged to activate the active materials and continue to be used after the battery cell has been discharged.

[0067] The battery cell may be, but is not limited to, lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc.

[0068] The development of battery technology must take into account multiple design factors, such as energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, charge-discharge rate and other performance parameters. In addition, with changes in environmental conditions and / or internal battery conditions, the reliability of battery swapping stations is also a key consideration.

[0069] Currently, batteries provide power to electrical devices, and these devices exchange batteries with battery swapping stations. When the battery power in an electrical device is low, the device exchanges a first battery to be swapped with the swapping station, which then exchanges a second battery to be swapped with the device, thus providing continuous power to the device.

[0070] Typically, a battery swapping station is equipped with a battery rack for storing the second battery to be swapped and a battery rack for storing the first battery to be swapped, with the two battery racks arranged in the same direction. The battery swapping station is also equipped with a transport trolley and a gripping mechanism. The transport trolley delivers the first battery to be swapped from the device to the battery rack for the first battery to be swapped, and delivers the second battery to be swapped from the battery rack for the second battery to be swapped to the device. The gripping mechanism enables battery exchange between the transport trolley and the battery rack.

[0071] However, the passageway for the transport trolley is located outside the first and second buffer racks, which increases the footprint of the battery swapping station and affects its space utilization.

[0072] Based on the above considerations, in order to solve the problem of the large footprint of battery swapping stations affecting their space utilization, this application provides a battery swapping station. The battery swapping station includes a battery swapping operation area, a battery compartment, and a first battery transport mechanism. The battery swapping operation area is used for parking vehicles for battery replacement. The battery compartment is used to provide a second battery to be swapped. The battery compartment is located on one side of the battery swapping operation area along a first direction and includes a first buffer station and a second buffer station arranged along the first direction. The first buffer station is equipped with a first buffer rack, and the second buffer station is equipped with a second buffer rack. The first battery transport mechanism shuttles between the battery swapping operation area, the first buffer station, and the second buffer station along the first direction. The first battery transport mechanism is configured to acquire a first battery to be swapped in the battery swapping operation area, interact with one of the first buffer rack and the second buffer rack, and interact with the other buffer rack to exchange the first battery with the second battery. The first buffer rack includes a liftable first gripping mechanism, which is configured to grip one of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced at a first position and lift it to a second position along a second direction; when the first gripping mechanism is lifted to the second position, the first battery transport mechanism can carry the other of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced through the bottom of the first gripping mechanism, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0073] A first battery transport mechanism shuttles between a first buffer rack and a second buffer rack, exchanging one of the second and first batteries for replacement with the first buffer rack, and vice versa, thus enabling battery swapping between the battery swapping station and the user device. A first gripping mechanism facilitates the exchange of the second and first batteries for replacement between the first battery transport mechanism and the first buffer rack, improving the convenience of battery swapping. Simultaneously, the first gripping mechanism can lift along a second direction, allowing it to pass underneath the first battery transport mechanism while carrying the battery. This avoids the need for a passageway outside the first buffer rack, saving space, reducing the battery swapping station's footprint, and improving space utilization. Furthermore, the passage under the first gripping mechanism reduces the risk of interference between the battery and the mechanism, lowering the risk of battery damage and improving the reliability of battery swapping.

[0074] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to a variety of electrical devices that use battery cells and battery devices, such as electric vehicles, cars, ships and spacecraft.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery swapping station provided in some embodiments of this application. This application provides a battery swapping station 1. The battery swapping station 1 is used for swapping the battery of a vehicle, which includes a first battery to be swapped. The battery swapping station includes a battery swapping operation area, a battery compartment, and a first battery transport mechanism 30. The battery swapping operation area is used for parking vehicles for battery swapping. The battery compartment is used to provide a second battery to be swapped. The battery compartment is located on one side of the battery swapping operation area along a first direction X. The battery compartment includes a first buffer station 10 and a second buffer station 20 arranged along the first direction X. The first buffer station 10 is provided with a first buffer rack 11, and the second buffer station 20 is provided with a second buffer rack 21. The first battery transport mechanism 30 shuttles along the first direction X between the battery swapping operation area, the first buffer station 10, and the second buffer station 20. The first battery transport mechanism 30 is configured to acquire the first battery to be swapped in the battery swapping operation area, interact with one of the first buffer rack 11 and the second buffer rack 21 to acquire the first battery to be swapped, and interact with the other to acquire the second battery to be swapped. The first buffer rack 11 includes a liftable first gripping mechanism 40, which is configured to grip one of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced at a first position and lift it to a second position along the second direction Y. When the first gripping mechanism 40 is lifted to the second position, the first battery transport mechanism 30 can carry the other of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced through the bottom of the first gripping mechanism 40, with the first direction X and the second direction Y being perpendicular to each other.

[0076] In some embodiments, the battery swapping operation area can be an open space on one side of the battery swapping station 1 in the first direction X, so as to facilitate vehicle parking.

[0077] It should be noted that the first battery to be replaced can be a battery with no power or a battery with a low power level. When a user feels that the battery in the electrical device needs to be replaced, this battery can be considered the first battery to be replaced. The first battery to be replaced can be a battery that has been removed from the electrical device and transferred to the battery swapping station 1 for charging.

[0078] The second battery to be replaced can be a fully charged battery or a battery with a relatively high charge. When a user feels that the battery transferred from the battery swapping station to the device is sufficient to meet their needs, this battery can be considered the second battery to be replaced. The second battery to be replaced can be a battery transferred from battery swapping station 1 to the device to provide power.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first cache station 10 can be the location where the first cache rack 11 is set up and the first battery transport mechanism 30 interacts with the first cache rack 11 to exchange batteries.

[0080] In some embodiments, the second cache station 20 can be the location for setting up the second cache rack 21 and for the first battery transport mechanism 30 to interact with the second cache rack 21.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first buffer rack 11 may include a support plate on which the battery is supported. When the first battery transport mechanism 30 exchanges batteries with the battery swapping station 1, the first battery transport mechanism 30 can pass under the support plate.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first position and the second position are two positions of the first gripping mechanism 40 in the second direction Y, and the second position is located above the first position.

[0083] In some embodiments, the second buffer rack 21 may include a support plate on which the battery is supported. When the first battery transport mechanism 30 exchanges batteries with the battery swapping station 1, the first battery transport mechanism 30 can pass under the support plate.

[0084] In some embodiments, the structures of the first cache rack 11 and the second cache rack 21 may be the same or different.

[0085] In some embodiments, with the first direction X as the projection direction, the projection of the first buffer rack 11 can overlap with the projection of the second buffer rack 21.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first direction can be represented by the direction indicated by the letter X in the figure. The first direction X can be the length direction of the battery swapping station 1.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first buffer rack 11 can hold the second battery to be replaced, and the second buffer rack 21 can hold the first battery to be replaced.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first buffer rack 11 can hold a first battery to be replaced, and the second buffer rack 21 can hold a second battery to be replaced.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first buffer rack 11 and the second buffer rack 21 can simultaneously store the first battery to be replaced and the second battery to be replaced.

[0090] In some embodiments, the second direction can be represented by the direction indicated by the letter Y in the figure. The second direction Y can be the height direction of the battery swapping station 1.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first direction X may be perpendicular to the second direction Y.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first gripping mechanism 40 can move up and down along the second direction Y. Taking the interaction between the first battery transport mechanism 30 and the first buffer rack 11 to exchange the first battery to be replaced as an example, when the first battery transport mechanism 30 passes the first buffer rack 11, the first gripping mechanism 40 descends along the second direction Y to the first battery transport mechanism 30, grips the first battery to be replaced carried by the first battery transport mechanism 30, and rises along the second direction Y to place the gripped first battery to be replaced onto the support plate of the first buffer rack 11.

[0093] In some embodiments, the interaction of batteries between the second buffer rack 21 and the first battery transport mechanism 30 can be achieved by the first gripping mechanism 40, or by other means, such as setting a second gripping mechanism 60 on the second buffer rack 21, or by manual transport.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first battery transport mechanism 30 can be a transport trolley that shuttles between the battery swapping station 1 and the power-consuming device, transferring the first battery to be swapped from the power-consuming device to the battery swapping station 1 and transferring the second battery to be swapped from the battery swapping station 1 to the power-consuming device.

[0095] In some embodiments, when the first buffer rack 11 carries the first battery to be replaced, the second buffer rack 21 carries the second battery to be replaced. The first buffer rack 11 can be closer to the power-consuming device than the second buffer rack 21. A transport trolley can enter the battery swapping station 1 from under the support plate of the first buffer rack 11 and shuttle from under the support plate of the first buffer rack 11 to the second buffer rack 21. When the transport trolley carrying the first battery to be replaced arrives at the first buffer rack 11 from the power-consuming device, the first gripping mechanism 40 grips the first battery to be replaced from the transport trolley onto the support plate of the first buffer rack 11. The first gripping mechanism 40 is in a first position, at which time the transport trolley can shuttle from under the support plate of the first buffer rack 11 to the second buffer rack 21 to transfer the second battery to be replaced from the second buffer rack 21 to the transport trolley. After carrying the second battery to be replaced, the transport trolley passes through the first buffer rack 11 and then exchanges the second battery to be replaced with the power-consuming device.

[0096] When the transport trolley carrying the second battery to be replaced passes the first buffer rack 11, there is a risk that the second battery to be replaced may interfere with the first battery to be replaced on the support plate of the first buffer rack 11, and with the first gripping mechanism 40. At this time, the first gripping mechanism 40 can be lifted along the second direction Y, and the first gripping mechanism 40 is in the second position, reducing the risk of interference between the first gripping mechanism 40 and the second battery to be replaced carried by the transport trolley. The first gripping mechanism 40 can also grip the first battery to be replaced on the support plate and lift it at the same time, so as to reduce the risk of interference between the first battery to be replaced on the support plate of the first buffer rack 11 and the second battery to be replaced carried by the transport trolley. Alternatively, the first gripping mechanism 40 can grip the second battery to be replaced carried by the transport trolley. After the transport trolley moves from the side of the support plate near the second buffer rack 21 to the side away from the second buffer rack 21, the first gripping mechanism 40 lifts the second battery to be replaced above the first battery to be replaced on the support plate, moves from the side of the support plate near the second buffer rack 21 to the side away from the second buffer rack 21, and transfers the second battery to be replaced to the transport trolley, thereby reducing the risk of interference between the first battery to be replaced on the support plate of the first buffer rack 11 and the second battery to be replaced carried by the transport trolley.

[0097] Similarly to the above embodiments, in some embodiments, when the first buffer rack 11 carries the first battery to be replaced, the second buffer rack 21 carries the second battery to be replaced. The second buffer rack 21 can be closer to the power-consuming device than the first buffer rack 11. The transport trolley can enter the battery swapping station 1 from under the support plate of the second buffer rack 21 and shuttle from under the support plate of the second buffer rack 21 to the first buffer rack 11. When the transport trolley carrying the first battery to be replaced moves from the power-consuming device to the second buffer rack 21, the first gripping mechanism 40 can grip and lift the second battery to be replaced from the support plate of the second buffer rack 21 to reduce the risk of interference between the second battery to be replaced on the support plate of the second buffer rack 21 and the first battery to be replaced carried by the transport trolley. Alternatively, the first gripping mechanism 40 can grip the first battery to be replaced carried by the transport trolley. After the transport trolley moves from the side of the support plate of the second buffer rack 21 away from the first buffer rack 11 to the side closer to the first buffer rack 11, the first gripping mechanism 40 lifts the first battery to be replaced above the second battery to be replaced on the support plate of the second buffer rack 21. It then moves from the side of the support plate of the second buffer rack 21 away from the first buffer rack 11 to the side closer to the first buffer rack 11. After the transport trolley passes through the support plate of the second buffer rack 21, the first gripping mechanism 40 places the first battery to be replaced onto the transport trolley to reduce the risk of interference between the second battery to be replaced on the support plate of the second buffer rack 21 and the first battery to be replaced carried by the transport trolley.

[0098] The transport trolley carries the first battery to be replaced to the first buffer rack 11, and the first gripping mechanism 40 transfers the first battery to be replaced to the first buffer rack 11. At this time, the transport trolley returns to the side of the second buffer rack 21 away from the first buffer rack 11, and the first gripping mechanism 40 transfers the second battery to be replaced to the transport trolley. The transport trolley then transfers the second battery to be replaced to the power-consuming device.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first buffer rack 11 may also carry a first battery to be replaced, and the second buffer rack 21 may carry a second battery to be replaced. The first buffer rack 11 may be closer to the power-consuming device than the second buffer rack 21. Alternatively, the first buffer rack 11 may carry the first battery to be replaced, and the second buffer rack 21 may carry the second battery to be replaced. The second buffer rack 21 may be closer to the power-consuming device than the first buffer rack 11.

[0100] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the first battery transport mechanism 30 shuttles between the first buffer rack 11 and the second buffer rack 21, interacting with the first buffer rack 11 to exchange one of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced, and interacting with the second buffer rack 21 to exchange the other of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced, thereby realizing the battery swapping between the battery swapping station 1 and the power-consuming device. The first gripping mechanism 40 enables the first battery transport mechanism 30 to interact with the first buffer rack 11 to exchange one of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced, improving the convenience of battery swapping. Meanwhile, the first gripping mechanism 40 can be lifted along the second direction Y, so that when the first battery transport mechanism 30 carries the battery, it can pass under the first gripping mechanism 40. This avoids setting up a passage for the first battery transport mechanism 30 to shuttle through outside the first buffer rack 11, thereby saving space, reducing the footprint of the battery swapping station 1, and improving the space utilization of the battery swapping station 1. At the same time, when the first battery transport mechanism 30 passes under the first gripping mechanism 40, it can reduce the risk of interference between the battery carried by the first battery transport mechanism 30 and the first gripping mechanism 40, reduce the risk of battery damage, and improve the reliability of battery swapping.

[0101] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the first buffer rack 11 has a first space 111, at least a portion of the first gripping mechanism 40 is located in the first space 111, and the first space 111 has a first opening 1111 at each end in the first direction X, the first opening 1111 being used for the first battery transport mechanism 30 to enter and exit.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first buffer rack 11 may include a support column and a support plate. The support column extends along the second direction Y and may be disposed on the ground, with the end of the support column facing away from the ground supporting the support plate.

[0103] The number of support columns can be four, and the support plate can be a rectangular plate. The support plate is set along the first direction X, and the support columns are connected to the four corners of the bottom surface of the support plate. At this time, the support plate, the support plate and the ground together define the first space 111, and the first space 111 has two first openings 1111 at each end in the first direction X.

[0104] The first battery transport mechanism 30 can enter the first space 111 from the power-consuming device through a first opening 1111, and then travel through another first opening 1111 to the second buffer rack 21.

[0105] In some embodiments, the second buffer rack 21 may have a second space 211, and the two ends of the second space 211 in the first direction X may each have two second openings, which are used for the first battery transport mechanism 30 to enter and exit the second space 211.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first gripping mechanism 40 may be partially located within the first space 111.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first gripping mechanism 40 may be entirely located within the first space 111. It should be noted that when the first gripping mechanism 40 is entirely located within the first space 111, the height of the first space 111 in the second direction Y is relatively large, and the first gripping mechanism 40 can rise along the second direction Y, which can also reduce the risk of interference between the first gripping mechanism 40 and the battery carried by the first battery transport mechanism 30.

[0108] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the first battery transport mechanism 30 passes through the first opening 1111 and enters and exits the first space 111, that is, the first battery transport mechanism 30 passes through the inside of the first buffer rack 11, avoiding the need to set up a separate passage for the first battery transport mechanism 30 to pass through the outside of the first buffer rack 11, thereby saving space and reducing the space occupation of the battery swapping station 1.

[0109] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the first buffer rack 11 further includes a frame 112 and a first guide rail 113. The first guide rail 113 is disposed on the frame 112 along the second direction Y, and the first gripping mechanism 40 slides in cooperation with the first guide rail 113.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first buffer rack 11 may include a rack 112, which may consist of the aforementioned support plate and four support columns.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first guide rail 113 may be disposed on the frame 112 along the second direction Y, that is, the first guide rail 113 may be disposed on the support column.

[0112] The number of first guide rails 113 can be the same as the number of support columns.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first gripping mechanism 40 may slide in conjunction with the first guide rail 113. When the first gripping mechanism 40 needs to rise, it moves upward along the first guide rail 113 in the second direction Y. When the first gripping mechanism 40 needs to descend, it moves downward along the first guide rail 113 in the second direction Y.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first gripping mechanism 40 may be provided with a guide wheel that cooperates with the first guide rail 113. The smoothness of movement is improved by the guide wheel slidingly cooperating with the first guide rail 113.

[0115] The technical solution of this application embodiment is that a first guide rail 113 is provided on the frame 112 of the first buffer rack 11 along the second direction Y, and the first gripping mechanism 40 slides with the first guide rail 113, thereby realizing the lifting and lowering of the first gripping mechanism 40 in the second direction Y, improving the convenience and reliability of the lifting and lowering of the first gripping mechanism 40.

[0116] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the battery swapping station 1 further includes a first power source 41, the output end of which is connected to a first gripping mechanism 40 to drive the first gripping mechanism 40 to move along the first guide rail 113.

[0117] In some embodiments, the output end of the first power source 41 is connected to the first gripping mechanism 40, driving the first gripping mechanism 40 to rise and fall along the first guide rail 113.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first power source 41 can be a motor, and the output shaft of the motor is directly connected to the first gripping mechanism 40.

[0119] Alternatively, the first power source 41 can also be connected to the first gripping mechanism 40 via a lifting chain or lifting sprocket.

[0120] The technical solution of this application embodiment connects the output end of the first power source 41 to the first gripping mechanism 40. The first power source 41 drives the first gripping mechanism 40 to move along the first guide rail 113, thereby realizing the lifting and lowering of the first gripping mechanism 40, improving the convenience of lifting and lowering the first gripping mechanism 40, and saving manpower.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 1, and Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the first gripping mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application, and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the first gripping mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application from another perspective. In some embodiments, the first gripping mechanism 40 includes a second power source 42 and two gripping members 43 arranged opposite to each other along a first direction X. The two gripping members 43 are respectively connected to the output end of the second power source 42. The second power source 42 is used to drive the two gripping members 43 to move closer to each other so that the two gripping members 43 clamp the second battery to be replaced or the first battery to be replaced; or, the second power source 42 is used to drive the two gripping members 43 to move away from each other so that the two gripping members 43 release the second battery to be replaced or the first battery to be replaced.

[0122] In some embodiments, the output end of the second power source 42 is connected to two gripping members 43, which together form a gripper. When the first gripping mechanism 40 needs to grip the battery, the second power source 42 drives the two gripping members 43 to move closer together, so that the two gripping members 43 grip both ends of the battery in the first direction X. When the first gripping mechanism 40 needs to release the battery, the second power source 42 drives the two gripping members 43 to move away from each other, so that the two gripping members 43 release the battery.

[0123] In some embodiments, to improve the strength of the first gripping mechanism 40, the gripping member 43 can be made of metal, such as iron, aluminum, or an alloy.

[0124] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the first gripping mechanism 40 is connected to the output end of the second power source 42 through two gripping members 43 respectively, thereby driving the two gripping members 43 to clamp or release the battery, realizing the battery interaction between the first buffer rack 11 and the first battery transport mechanism 30, improving the convenience of the first gripping mechanism to clamp and release the battery, and saving manpower.

[0125] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3, and then to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a third connector provided in some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the first gripping mechanism 40 further includes a connecting component 44. The gripping member 43 includes a connecting portion 431 and a gripping portion 432 connected to each other. The gripping portion 432 is used to grip the second battery to be replaced or the first battery to be replaced. The connecting portion 431 is connected to the second power source 42 through the connecting component 44. The second power source 42 is used to drive the connecting component 44 to move along a first direction X. The connecting component 44 is configured to convert the movement of the gripping portion 432 along the first direction X into rotation of the gripping portion 432 about a first axis a. The first axis a is parallel to a third direction Z, and the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0126] In some embodiments, the gripper 43 includes a connecting portion 431 and a gripping portion 432. The connecting portion 431 and the gripping portion 432 may be arranged perpendicular to each other. The connecting portion 431 is used to connect to the second power source 42. The length of the gripping portion 432 may be less than the length of the connecting portion 431.

[0127] In some embodiments, the third direction can be represented by the direction indicated by the letter Z in the figure. The third direction Z can be the width direction of the battery swapping station 1.

[0128] In some embodiments, the connecting assembly 44 connects the second power source 42 and the connecting portion 431. When the first gripping mechanism 40 is not gripping the battery, the connecting portion 431 is positioned along the first direction X, and the gripping portion 432 is positioned along the second direction Y, to reduce the space occupied by the first gripping mechanism 40 in the second direction Y. When the first gripping mechanism 40 needs to grip the battery, the second power source 42 drives the connecting assembly 44 to move along the first direction X. The connecting assembly 44 drives the gripping member 43 through the connecting portion 431, and converts the movement in the first direction X into the rotation of the gripping member 43 around the first axis a. At this time, the two gripping members 43 move closer to each other, and the connecting portion 431 changes from being positioned along the first direction X to being positioned along the second direction Y, and the gripping portion 432 changes from being positioned along the second direction Y to being positioned along the first direction X. When gripping the battery, the gripping portion 432 is located below the battery to support the battery. The connecting portions 431 of the two gripping members 43 respectively contact the two ends of the battery in the first direction X.

[0129] In some embodiments, there may be two second power sources 42, each connected to one of the two gripping elements 43. Correspondingly, there may also be two connecting components 44, one connecting component 44 connecting one second power source 42 and one gripping element 43, and the other connecting component 44 connecting another second power source 42 and another gripping element 43.

[0130] In some embodiments, to increase the strength of the connecting component 44, the connecting component 44 may be made of metal, such as iron, aluminum, or an alloy.

[0131] The technical solution of this application embodiment connects the first gripping mechanism 40 and the second power source 42 through the connecting component 44, and converts the movement of the gripping part 432 along the first direction X into rotation, so that the rotation of the gripping part 432 has better accuracy and improves the reliability of the gripping part 432 gripping the battery.

[0132] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, in some embodiments, the first gripping mechanism 40 further includes a gripping mechanism body 45, which is provided with a guide groove 451. The connecting assembly 44 includes a first connector 441, a second connector 442, and a third connector 443. One end of the first connector 441 is connected to the output end of the second power source 42, and the second connector 442 is rotatably engaged with the other end of the first connector 441. The second connector 442 is connected to the connecting portion 431. The third connector 443 includes a first connecting protrusion 4431 and a second connecting protrusion 4432 that are connected to each other. The first connecting protrusion 4431 is connected to the second connector 442, and at least a portion of the second connecting protrusion 4432 is disposed in the guide groove 451. The second connecting protrusion 4432 is rotatably engaged with the guide groove 451, and the rotation axis of the second connecting protrusion 4432 is the first axis a.

[0133] In some embodiments, the gripping mechanism body 45 may be a plate-shaped member, extending along a second direction Y, and a guide groove 451 is disposed on the gripping mechanism body 45. The guide groove 451 may penetrate the gripping mechanism body 45 along a third direction Z.

[0134] In some embodiments, the connecting component 44 includes a first connector 441, which may be a rod. The first connector 441 may be arranged along a second direction Y. One end of the first connector 441 is connected to a second power source 42, and the other end is connected to a second connector 442. The second connector 442 may also be a rod, extending along a third direction Z. The gripping member 43 may include a plurality of sub-gripping members 43, which are spaced apart along the third direction Z and disposed on the second connector 442.

[0135] The third connector 443 includes a first connecting protrusion 4431 and a second connecting protrusion 4432 that are connected to each other. The first connecting protrusion 4431 and the second connecting protrusion 4432 can be arranged along the first direction X.

[0136] The first connecting protrusion 4431 is connected to one end of the second connector 442 in the third direction Z, and one end of the second connecting protrusion 4432 is disposed in the guide groove 451.

[0137] The second power source 42 drives the first connector 441 to move along the first direction X. For example, when the second power source 42 drives the first connector 441 to move closer to another first connector 441 along the first direction X, the second connector 442 and the first connecting protrusion 4431 move along the guide groove 451 along the first direction X closer to the other connector. The guide groove 451 can extend along the second direction Y. At this time, due to the tie rod principle, the size of the first connector 441 remains unchanged. However, as the first connecting protrusion 4431 moves along the second direction Y with the second connecting protrusion 4432, the distance between the first connecting protrusion 4431 and the end of the first connector 441 away from the second connector 442 changes in the second direction Y. This causes the first connecting protrusion 4431 to rotate around the axis of the second connecting protrusion 4432 in the third direction Z, that is, to rotate around the first axis a, which can be represented by the letter a in the figure. This drives the second connector 442 to rotate, thereby driving the gripper 43 to rotate.

[0138] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the connecting component 44 includes a first connecting member 441, a second connecting member 442, and a third connecting member 443 connected in sequence. The first connecting protrusion 4431 of the third connecting member 443 is connected to the second connecting member 442, and the second connecting protrusion 4432 of the third connecting member 443 is rotatably engaged with the guide groove 451, thereby realizing the conversion of the movement of the gripping part 432 along the first direction X into rotation, so that the rotation of the gripping part 432 has better accuracy and improves the reliability of the gripping part 432 in gripping the battery.

[0139] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the guide groove 451 includes a first groove segment 4511 and a second groove segment 4512 distributed sequentially along a first direction X. The first groove segment 4511 extends along the first direction X, and the second groove segment 4512 is connected to one end of the first groove segment 4511 and extends along a second direction Y.

[0140] In some embodiments, the guide groove 451 includes a first groove segment 4511 and a second groove segment 4512 sequentially distributed along a first direction X. The first groove segment 4511 extends along the first direction X, and the second groove segment 4512 is connected to one end of the first groove segment 4511 in the first direction X, extending along the first direction X away from the first groove segment 4511. Simultaneously, the second groove segment 4512 extends downward along a second direction Y. That is, the second groove segment 4512 is inclined.

[0141] In some embodiments, when the gripper 43 does not grip the battery, the second connecting protrusion 4432 is located in the first groove segment 4511, and the lower surface of the second connecting protrusion 4432 in the second direction Y contacts the inner wall of the first groove segment 4511 to restrict the movement of the second connecting protrusion 4432 in the second direction Y, so that the distance between the first connecting protrusion 4431 and the first connecting member 441 in the second direction Y remains unchanged, so that the first connecting protrusion 4431 will not rotate, that is, the gripper 43 will not rotate.

[0142] When the gripper 43 needs to grip the battery, the second power source 42 drives the first connector 441 to move closer to the other first connector 441 along the first direction X. At this time, the second connecting protrusion 4432 moves from the first groove 4511 to the second groove 4512. The second connecting protrusion 4432 then descends in the second direction Y, causing the first connecting protrusion 4431 to rotate, thereby causing the two grippers 43 to rotate and move closer to each other.

[0143] Similarly, when the gripper 43 needs to release the battery, the second power source 42 drives the first connector 441 to move away from the other first connector 441 along the first direction X, so that the second connecting protrusion 4432 returns from the second slot 4512 to the first slot 4511, thereby causing the two grippers 43 to rotate and move away from each other.

[0144] In some embodiments, the guide groove 451 may further include a third groove segment 4513, which may extend along a first direction X and is connected to the end of the second groove segment 4512 away from the first groove segment 4511.

[0145] When the gripper 43 grips the battery, the second connecting protrusion 4432 moves from the first groove segment 4511 through the second groove segment 4512 to the third groove segment 4513, and the lower surface of the second connecting protrusion 4432 in the second direction Y contacts the inner wall of the third groove segment 4513 to restrict the movement of the second connecting protrusion 4432 in the second direction Y, so that the distance between the first connecting protrusion 4431 and the first connecting member 441 in the second direction Y remains unchanged, so that the first connecting protrusion 4431 will not continue to rotate, thereby maintaining the gripping state.

[0146] In some embodiments, the distance between the axis of the first connecting protrusion 4431 and the axis of the second connecting protrusion 4432 in the first direction X can be equal to the dimension of the second groove segment 4512 in the second direction Y, so that when the gripper 43 rotates, the rotation angle is ninety degrees.

[0147] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the first groove segment 4511 of the guide groove 451 extends along the first direction X, and the second groove segment 4512 extends along the second direction Y, so that when the second connecting protrusion 4432 moves along the second groove segment 4512, the movement of the gripping part 432 is converted into rotation, so that the rotation of the gripping part 432 has better accuracy and improves the reliability of the gripping part 432 gripping the battery.

[0148] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the gripping mechanism body 45 is provided with a limiting part 452, which is used to cooperate with the connecting component 44 to limit the gripping part 432 from rotating about the first axis a relative to the gripping mechanism body 45.

[0149] In some embodiments, the gripping mechanism body 45 may be provided with a limiting part 452. The limiting part 452 may be a plate and extends in a direction perpendicular to the second direction Y. The limiting part 452 may correspond to the position of the third groove segment 4513.

[0150] When the second connecting protrusion 4432 is located in the third groove 4513, the first connecting protrusion 4431 can be located above the limiting part 452 and abut against the upper surface of the limiting part 452, so that the first connecting protrusion 4431 cannot move downward, thereby limiting the second connecting protrusion 4432, so that the gripper 43 will not continue to rotate after rotating at a 90-degree angle.

[0151] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the gripping part 432 rotates and grips the battery, and cooperates with the connecting component 44 through the limiting part 452, thereby limiting the gripping part 432 from continuing to rotate and improving the reliability of the gripping part 432 gripping the battery.

[0152] Please refer to Figure 1. In some embodiments, the second buffer rack 21 includes a second gripping mechanism 60 that is movable up and down along the second direction Y. The second gripping mechanism 60 is configured to grip one of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced at a third position and lift it up to a fourth position along the second direction Y. When the second gripping mechanism 60 grips and lifts the battery to the fourth position, the first battery transport mechanism 30 is able to carry the other of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced through from below the second gripping mechanism 60.

[0153] In some embodiments, the structure of the second gripping mechanism 60 may be the same as that of the first gripping mechanism 40.

[0154] In some embodiments, the structure of the second gripping mechanism 60 may differ from that of the first gripping mechanism 40.

[0155] In some embodiments, the second gripping mechanism 60 is capable of moving up and down along the second direction Y. Taking the second buffer rack 21 carrying the first battery to be replaced as an example, when the first battery transport mechanism 30 passes the second buffer rack 21, the second gripping mechanism 60 descends along the second direction Y to the second battery transport mechanism 70, grips the first battery to be replaced carried by the first battery transport mechanism 30, and rises along the second direction Y to place the gripped first battery to be replaced onto the support plate of the second buffer rack 21.

[0156] In some embodiments, when the second buffer rack 21 carries the first battery to be replaced, the first buffer rack 11 carries the second battery to be replaced. The second buffer rack 21 can be closer to the power-consuming device than the first buffer rack 11. A transport trolley can enter the battery swapping station 1 from under the support plate of the second buffer rack 21 and shuttle from under the support plate of the second buffer rack 21 to the first buffer rack 11. When the transport trolley carrying the first battery to be replaced arrives at the second buffer rack 21 from the power-consuming device, the second gripping mechanism 60 grips the first battery to be replaced from the transport trolley onto the support plate of the second buffer rack 21. At this time, the transport trolley can shuttle from under the support plate of the second buffer rack 21 to the first buffer rack 11 to transfer the second battery to be replaced from the first buffer rack 11 to the transport trolley. After carrying the second battery to be replaced, the transport trolley passes through the second buffer rack 21 and then exchanges the second battery to be replaced with the power-consuming device.

[0157] When the transport trolley carrying the second battery to be replaced passes the second buffer rack 21, there is a risk that the second battery to be replaced may interfere with the first battery to be replaced on the support plate of the second buffer rack 21, as well as with the second gripping mechanism 60. At this time, the second gripping mechanism 60 can be lifted along the second direction Y to reduce the risk of interference between the second gripping mechanism 60 and the second battery to be replaced carried by the transport trolley. The second gripping mechanism 60 can also grip the first battery to be replaced on the support plate and lift it simultaneously to further reduce the risk of interference between the first battery to be replaced on the support plate of the second buffer rack 21 and the second battery to be replaced carried by the transport trolley. Alternatively, the second gripping mechanism 60 can grip the second battery to be replaced carried by the transport trolley. After the transport trolley moves from the side of the support plate close to the first buffer rack 11 to the side away from the first buffer rack 11, the second gripping mechanism 60 lifts the second battery to be replaced above the first battery to be replaced on the support plate, moves from the side of the support plate close to the first buffer rack 11 to the side away from the first buffer rack 11, and transfers the second battery to be replaced to the transport trolley, thereby reducing the risk of interference between the first battery to be replaced on the support plate of the second buffer rack 21 and the second battery to be replaced carried by the transport trolley.

[0158] In some embodiments, the transport trolley can enter the battery swapping station 1 from the first buffer rack 11, move along the first direction X, and leave the battery swapping station 1 from the second buffer rack 21.

[0159] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the second gripping mechanism 60 enables the first battery transport mechanism 30 and the second buffer rack 21 to interact with either the second battery to be replaced or the first battery to be replaced, improving the convenience of battery swapping. Simultaneously, the second gripping mechanism 60 can rise along the second direction Y, allowing the first battery transport mechanism 30 to pass underneath the second gripping mechanism 60 when carrying the battery, reducing the risk of interference between the battery carried by the first battery transport mechanism 30 and the second gripping mechanism 60, reducing the risk of battery damage, and improving the reliability of battery swapping.

[0160] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the first buffer rack 11 has multiple sets of first battery compartments 114 arranged along the second direction Y, and the second buffer rack 21 has multiple sets of second battery compartments 22 arranged along the second direction Y. The first battery compartments 114 and the second battery compartments 22 are used to store the first battery to be replaced and to charge the first battery to be replaced.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first buffer rack 11 may have multiple support plates arranged at intervals along a second direction Y. Each support plate has a battery compartment, which can hold at least one battery. A battery compartment can hold one second replaceable battery. Alternatively, a battery compartment can hold multiple second replaceable batteries arranged along a first direction X or a third direction Z. A portion of the multiple first replaceable batteries may also be arranged along the first direction X, while another portion of the second replaceable batteries may be arranged along a third direction Z.

[0162] In some embodiments, the second buffer rack 21 may have multiple support plates arranged at intervals along a second direction Y. Each support plate has a battery compartment, which can hold at least one battery. A battery compartment can hold one second replaceable battery. Alternatively, a battery compartment can hold multiple second replaceable batteries arranged along a first direction X or a third direction Z. A portion of the multiple second replaceable batteries may also be arranged along the first direction X, while another portion may be arranged along a third direction Z.

[0163] It should be noted that when there are multiple sets of first battery compartments 114, each first battery compartment 114 has sufficient space in the second direction for the first gripping mechanism 40 to enter and smoothly grip the battery. For the first gripping mechanism 40 to grip the battery in each set of first battery compartments 114, it needs to move along the second direction Y to the corresponding first battery compartment 114, then move along the first direction X to enter the corresponding first battery compartment 114, grip the battery, move along the first direction X to leave the first battery compartment 114, and then move along the second direction Y to raise or lower the battery.

[0164] The technical solution of this application embodiment includes a first buffer rack 11 with multiple sets of first battery compartments 114 arranged along the second direction Y, and a second buffer rack 21 with multiple sets of second battery compartments 22 arranged along the second direction Y. This increases the buffer capacity of the second and first batteries to be replaced, improving the space utilization of the battery swapping station 1. When the first battery handling mechanism 30 interacts with the first buffer rack 11 to exchange the second batteries to be replaced, it avoids insufficient second batteries to be replaced in the first and second buffer racks 11 and 21, thus increasing the time for replenishing the second batteries to be replaced and improving the battery swapping efficiency.

[0165] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second battery transport mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the first buffer rack 11 has a first buffer compartment 115 for storing a first battery to be replaced and / or a second battery to be replaced, and the second buffer rack 21 has a second buffer compartment 23 for storing the first battery to be replaced and / or a second battery to be replaced. The battery swapping station 1 also includes a second battery transport mechanism 70, which includes a platform 71 and a feeding component 72. The feeding component 72 is disposed on the platform 71 and is used to transfer the first battery to be replaced from the first buffer compartment 115 and / or the second buffer compartment 23 to the first battery compartment 114 and / or the second battery compartment 22, and to transfer the second battery to be replaced fully charged from the first battery compartment 114 and / or the second battery compartment 22 to the first buffer compartment 115 and / or the second buffer compartment 23.

[0166] In some embodiments, the platform 71 can be raised and lowered along the second direction Y. After the first battery transport mechanism 30 transfers the first battery to be replaced to the first buffer compartment 115 or the second buffer compartment 23, the first battery transport mechanism 30 takes away the first battery to be replaced stored in the first buffer compartment 115 or the second buffer compartment 23 and puts it into the first battery compartment 114 or the second battery compartment 22 to charge the first battery to be replaced.

[0167] The first battery transport mechanism 30 removes the second battery to be replaced stored in the first battery compartment 114 or the second battery compartment 22 and places it in the first buffer compartment 115 or the second buffer compartment 23. The first battery transport mechanism 30 removes the second battery to be replaced stored in the first buffer compartment 115 or the second buffer compartment 23.

[0168] The first buffer compartment 115 or the second buffer compartment 23 can pre-store multiple second batteries to be replaced, so that the first battery transport mechanism 30 can remove the second batteries to be replaced, saving the charging time of the first batteries to be replaced.

[0169] Furthermore, the platform 71 can be raised and lowered along the second direction Y. The first buffer rack 11 has multiple layers of first battery compartments 114 arranged along the second direction Y, and the second buffer rack 21 has multiple layers of second battery compartments 22 arranged along the second direction Y. After the feeder 72 removes the charged second battery to be replaced from the first battery compartment 114 or the second battery compartment 22, the platform 71 can move along the second direction Y to correspond to the empty first battery compartment 114 or the second battery compartment 22, so that the first battery to be replaced can be placed in the first battery compartment 114 or the second battery compartment 22.

[0170] In some embodiments, the feeder 72 may be a fork.

[0171] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the feeding component 72 is disposed on the platform 71 that moves up and down along the second direction Y, realizing the battery exchange between the first buffer compartment 115, the second buffer compartment 23, the first battery compartment 114, and the second battery compartment 22. That is, the first battery transport mechanism 30 exchanges the first battery to be replaced from the first buffer compartment 115 and / or the second buffer compartment 23 to the first battery compartment 114 and / or the second battery compartment 22. After the first battery to be replaced is fully charged, the first battery compartment 114 and / or the second battery compartment 22 exchanges it to the first buffer compartment 115 and / or the second buffer compartment 23 through the feeding component 72, thereby realizing the battery swapping cycle and improving the battery swapping efficiency.

[0172] Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the second battery transport mechanism 70 includes a mounting frame 73, a platform 71 disposed on the mounting frame 73, the mounting frame 73 having a third space 731, and the first battery transport mechanism 30 being able to move into the third space 731.

[0173] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 73 may be located between the first buffer rack 11 and the second buffer rack 21. The third space 731 of the mounting bracket 73 connects the first space 111 and the second space 211. The first battery transport mechanism 30 can move from the first space 111 to the third space 731 via the second space 211, and the first battery transport mechanism 30 can also move from the third space 731 to the first space 111 via the second space 211.

[0174] In some embodiments, when the first battery transport mechanism 30 moves to the third space 731, the platform 71 rises along the second direction Y, reducing the risk of interference between the platform 71 and the first battery transport mechanism 30.

[0175] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the mounting frame 73 has a third space 731. When the first battery transport mechanism 30 shuttles between the first buffer rack 11 and the second buffer rack 21, it can move to the third space 731, avoiding the need to set up a separate passage for the first battery transport mechanism 30 outside the mounting frame 73, thereby saving space and reducing the space occupation of the battery swapping station 1. At the same time, the platform 71 can be raised and lowered along the second direction Y. When the first battery transport mechanism 30 moves into the third space 731, the platform 71 can rise along the second direction Y, reducing the risk of interference between the platform 71 and the first battery transport mechanism 30, and also reducing the risk of interference between the platform 71 and the battery carried by the first battery transport mechanism 30, reducing the risk of battery damage and improving the reliability of battery swapping.

[0176] Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the second battery handling mechanism 70 includes a third guide rail 74 extending along the second direction Y, and the stage 71 is movably disposed on the third guide rail 74.

[0177] In some embodiments, the third guide rail 74 may extend along the second direction Y, and the platform 71 is disposed on the third guide rail 74 and may be raised and lowered along the extension direction of the third guide rail 74.

[0178] In some embodiments, the second battery handling mechanism 70 may have a power source whose output is connected to the platform 71, thereby driving the platform 71 to move along the third guide rail 74.

[0179] The technical solution of this application embodiment provides a third guide rail 74 extending along the second direction Y, and the platform 71 slides with the third guide rail 74 to realize the lifting and lowering of the platform 71 in the second direction Y. The feeding component 72 is provided on the platform 71 to improve the convenience and reliability of the lifting and lowering of the feeding component 72.

[0180] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a platform provided in some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the platform 71 includes a fourth guide rail 711, which extends along a first direction X, and the feeder 72 is slidably engaged with the fourth guide rail 711.

[0181] In some embodiments, the stage 71 includes a fourth guide rail 711 extending along a first direction X, allowing the feeder 72 to move along the extension direction of the fourth guide rail 711. This allows one end of the feeder 72 to penetrate into the first battery compartment 114 and then move along the first direction X, allowing the other end of the feeder 72 to penetrate into the second battery compartment 22, thereby enabling battery interaction between the first battery compartment 114 and the second battery compartment 22.

[0182] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the platform 71 includes a fourth guide rail 711 extending along the first direction X, and the feeding component 72 is slidably engaged with the fourth guide rail 711, which facilitates the movement of the feeding component 72 along the first direction X, thereby enabling the feeding component 72 to exchange fully charged batteries in the first battery compartment 114 or the second battery compartment 22 to the first buffer compartment 115 or the second buffer compartment 23, improving the convenience and reliability of the feeding component 72 in exchanging batteries.

[0183] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the stage 71 includes a fifth guide rail 712 extending in the third direction Z, and the feeder 72 is slidably engaged with the fifth guide rail 712.

[0184] In some embodiments, the stage 71 includes a fifth guide rail 712 extending along a third direction Z, such that the feeder 72 can move along the extension direction of the fifth guide rail 712, so that after the feeder 72 has interacted with a battery in one of the first battery compartment 114 or the second battery compartment 22, it can move along a third direction Z to interact with the other of the first battery compartment 114 and the second battery compartment 22.

[0185] That is, when a first battery compartment 114 and a second battery compartment 22 interact with the feeding component 72, the feeding component 72 can move along the third direction Z, so that the batteries can interact smoothly.

[0186] In some embodiments, the platform 71 may be provided with a power source, the output end of which is connected to the feeding member 72 to drive the feeding member 72 to move along the fourth guide rail 711 or the fifth guide rail 712.

[0187] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the platform 71 includes a fifth guide rail 712 extending along the third direction Z, and the feeding component 72 is slidably engaged with the fifth guide rail 712, so as to facilitate the movement of the feeding component 72 along the third direction Z, thereby adjusting the position of the feeding component 72 in the third direction Z and improving the convenience and reliability of the feeding component 72 interacting with the battery.

[0188] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, each group of first battery compartments 114 includes multiple first battery compartments 114, which are arranged in an array along a first direction X and a third direction Z. Each group of second battery compartments 22 includes multiple second battery compartments 22, which are arranged in an array along a first direction X and a third direction Z.

[0189] In some embodiments, the number of first battery compartments 114 can be multiple. For example, the number of first battery compartments 114 in each group can be eight, with four first battery compartments 114 arranged in a row, the four first battery compartments arranged along the third direction Z, and the two rows of first battery compartments arranged along the first direction X, thereby realizing the array arrangement of the first battery compartments 114 in the first direction X and the third direction Z.

[0190] Similarly, the second battery compartment 22 can also be arranged in an array along the first direction X and the third direction Z.

[0191] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, multiple first battery compartments 114 are arranged in an array along the first direction X and the third direction Z, and multiple second battery compartments 22 are arranged in an array along the first direction X and the third direction Z, so that the arrangement of the first battery compartments 114 and the second battery compartments 22 is relatively compact, thereby improving the space utilization of the battery swapping station 1.

[0192] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the battery swapping station 1 includes a first buffer rack 11, a second buffer rack 21, and a first battery transport mechanism 30. The first buffer rack 11 and the second buffer rack 21 are arranged along a first direction X. The first buffer rack 11 and the second buffer rack 21 store second batteries to be swapped. The first battery transport mechanism 30 moves along the first direction X, transferring the first battery to be swapped from the vehicle to the battery swapping station 1, and transferring the second battery to be swapped to the vehicle. Specifically, the first battery transport mechanism 30 enters the battery swapping station from under the support plate of the first buffer rack 11, and shuttles between the first buffer station 10 and the second buffer station 20. After exchanging the first battery with the second buffer rack 21, it exchanges the second battery with the first buffer rack 11 and then returns to the vehicle.

[0193] The first buffer rack 11 has a first space 111 through which the first battery transport mechanism 30 passes, and the second buffer rack 21 has a second space 211 through which the first battery transport mechanism 30 passes. The first battery transport mechanism 30 shuttles between the first space 111 and the second space 211, avoiding the need to set up a passage for the first battery transport mechanism 30 to shuttle outside the first buffer rack 11 and the second buffer rack 21, thereby saving space, reducing the footprint of the battery swapping station 1, and improving the space utilization rate of the battery swapping station 1.

[0194] The first battery transport mechanism 30 is positioned to reduce the risk of interference between the battery carried by the first battery transport mechanism 30 and the batteries carried by the first buffer rack 11, the second buffer rack 21, and the first gripping mechanism 40 during the shuttle process. The first buffer rack 11 includes a first gripping mechanism 40 that can be raised and lowered along the second direction Y. The first gripping mechanism 40 is used for the first battery transport mechanism 30 to interact with the first buffer rack 11 for the second battery to be replaced.

[0195] When the first battery transport mechanism 30 carries the first battery to be replaced past the first buffer rack 11, the first gripping mechanism 40 grips the second battery to be replaced on the first buffer rack 11 and rises in the second direction, reducing the risk of interference between the first battery transport mechanism 30 and the first battery to be replaced and the second battery to be replaced.

[0196] When the first battery transport mechanism 30 finishes interacting with the second buffer rack 21 and returns to the first buffer rack 11, the first gripping mechanism 40 grips the second battery to be replaced on the first buffer rack 11 and descends along the second direction to transfer the second battery to be replaced to the first battery transport mechanism 30.

[0197] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the first gripping mechanism 40 enables the first battery transport mechanism 30 to interact with the first buffer rack 11 to exchange the second battery to be replaced, improving the convenience of battery swapping. Simultaneously, it allows the first battery transport mechanism 30 to pass underneath the first gripping mechanism 40, reducing the risk of interference between the battery carried by the first battery transport mechanism 30 and the first gripping mechanism 40, reducing the risk of battery damage, and improving the reliability of battery swapping.

[0198] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery swap station for battery replacement of a vehicle, characterized by, The vehicle includes a first battery to be swapped, and the battery swapping station includes: A battery swapping area is provided for the vehicle to park for battery replacement. A battery compartment for providing a second battery to be replaced is located on one side of the battery swapping operation area along a first direction. The battery compartment includes a first buffer station and a second buffer station arranged along the first direction. The first buffer station is provided with a first buffer rack, and the second buffer station is provided with a second buffer rack. A first battery transport mechanism shuttles between the battery swapping operation area, the first buffer station and the second buffer station along the first direction. The first battery transport mechanism is configured to acquire the first battery to be swapped in the battery swapping operation area, interact with one of the first buffer rack and the second buffer rack, and interact with the other to exchange the second battery to be swapped. The first buffer rack includes a liftable first gripping mechanism, which is configured to grip one of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced at a first position and lift it to a second position along a second direction; when the first gripping mechanism is lifted to the second position, the first battery transport mechanism can carry the other of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced through the bottom of the first gripping mechanism, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

2. The battery swap station of claim 1, wherein, The first buffer rack has a first space, at least a portion of the first gripping mechanism is located in the first space, and the first space has a first opening at each end in the first direction, the first opening being for the first battery transport mechanism to enter and exit.

3. The battery swap station according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The first buffer rack further includes a frame and a first guide rail, the first guide rail being disposed on the frame along the second direction, and the first gripping mechanism slidingly engaging with the first guide rail.

4. The battery swap station of claim 3, wherein, The battery swapping station also includes a first power source, the output of which is connected to the first gripping mechanism to drive the first gripping mechanism to move along the first guide rail.

5. The battery swap station according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first gripping mechanism includes a second power source and two gripping members arranged opposite to each other along the first direction. The two gripping members are respectively connected to the output end of the second power source. The second power source drives the two gripping members to move closer together, so that the two gripping members clamp the second battery to be replaced or the first battery to be replaced; or... The second power source is used to drive the two grippers away from each other so that the two grippers release the second battery to be replaced or the first battery to be replaced.

6. The battery swap station of claim 5, wherein, The first gripping mechanism further includes a connecting component. The gripping component includes a connecting part and a gripping part that are connected to each other. The gripping part is used to grip the second battery to be replaced or the first battery to be replaced. The connecting part is connected to the second power source through the connecting component. The second power source is used to drive the connecting component to move along the first direction. The connecting component is configured to convert the movement of the gripping part along the first direction into the rotation of the gripping part about a first axis. The first axis is parallel to a third direction, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

7. The battery swap station of claim 6, wherein, The first gripping mechanism further includes a gripping mechanism body, which is provided with a guide groove; The connecting assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector. One end of the first connector is connected to the output end of the second power source. The second connector is rotatably engaged with the other end of the first connector. The second connector is connected to the connecting part. The third connector includes a first connecting protrusion and a second connecting protrusion that are connected to each other. The first connecting protrusion is connected to the second connector. At least a portion of the second connecting protrusion is disposed in the guide groove. The second connecting protrusion is rotatably engaged with the guide groove. The rotation axis of the second connecting protrusion is the first axis.

8. The battery swap station of claim 7, wherein, The guide groove includes a first groove segment and a second groove segment distributed sequentially along the first direction. The first groove segment extends along the first direction, and the second groove segment is connected to one end of the first groove segment and extends along the second direction.

9. The battery swap station according to any one of claims 7-8, characterized in that, The gripping mechanism body is provided with a limiting part, which is used to cooperate with the connecting component to restrict the gripping part from rotating about the first axis relative to the gripping mechanism body.

10. The battery swap station of any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The second buffer rack includes a second gripping mechanism that can be raised and lowered along the second direction. The second gripping mechanism is configured to grip one of the second battery to be replaced and the first battery to be replaced at a third position and raise it to a fourth position along the second direction.

11. The battery swap station of any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The first buffer rack has multiple sets of first battery compartments arranged along the second direction, and the second buffer rack has multiple sets of second battery compartments arranged along the second direction. The first battery compartments and the second battery compartments are used to store the first battery to be replaced and to charge the first battery to be replaced.

12. The battery swap station of claim 11, wherein, The first buffer rack has a first buffer compartment for storing the first battery to be replaced and / or the second battery to be replaced; the second buffer rack has a second buffer compartment for storing the first battery to be replaced and / or the second battery to be replaced. The battery swapping station further includes a second battery handling mechanism, which includes a platform and a feeding component. The platform is configured to move up and down along the second direction. The feeding component is disposed on the platform and is used to transfer the first battery to be swapped from the first buffer compartment and / or the second buffer compartment to the first battery compartment and / or the second battery compartment, and to transfer the second battery to be swapped from the first battery compartment and / or the second battery compartment to the first buffer compartment and / or the second buffer compartment when it is fully charged.

13. The battery swap station of claim 12, wherein, The second battery handling mechanism includes a mounting frame, the platform is disposed on the mounting frame, the mounting frame has a third space, and the first battery handling mechanism can move into the third space.

14. The battery swap station of any one of claims 12-13, wherein, The second battery carrying mechanism comprises a third guide rail extending along the second direction, and the carrier is in sliding fit with the third guide rail.

15. The battery swapping station according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The carrier comprises a fourth guide rail extending along the first direction, and the feeding member is in sliding fit with the fourth guide rail.

16. The battery swapping station according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized by, The carrier comprises a fifth guide rail extending along a third direction, and the feeding member is in sliding fit with the fifth guide rail.

17. The battery swapping station according to any one of claims 11-16, characterized by, Each group of the first battery compartment comprises a plurality of the first battery compartments, and the plurality of the first battery compartments are arranged in an array along the first direction and a third direction. Each group of the second battery compartment comprises a plurality of the second battery compartments, and the plurality of the second battery compartments are arranged in an array along the first direction and the third direction.

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