Battery swapping station and battery swapping method

Abstract

Disclosed in the present disclosure are a battery swapping station and a battery swapping method. The battery swapping station comprises a battery transfer apparatus, at least two battery buffer apparatuses and at least two battery storage apparatuses. The battery buffer apparatuses are used for buffering battery devices. At least one battery buffer apparatus is arranged on each of two opposite sides of the battery transfer apparatus in a first direction intersecting the direction of gravity. The battery storage apparatuses are used for storing the battery devices and are configured to charge the battery devices. At least one battery storage apparatus is arranged on each of the two opposite sides of the battery transfer apparatus in the first direction. The battery storage apparatuses are arranged above the battery buffer apparatuses in the direction of gravity. The battery transfer apparatus is configured to transfer the battery devices between the battery buffer apparatuses and the battery storage apparatuses.

Description

Battery swapping stations and battery replacement methods

[0001] Relevant publicly available cross-references

[0002] This disclosure is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510304514.4, filed on March 14, 2025, entitled "Flat Battery Swapping Module and Battery Swapping System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of battery replacement technology, and in particular to battery swapping stations and battery replacement methods. Background Technology

[0004] New energy batteries are being used more and more widely in daily life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries are already in widespread use.

[0005] With the development of electric vehicles, users have increasingly higher requirements for vehicle range and charging. Traditional charging methods via charging stations can no longer meet the needs of some electric vehicles. Therefore, battery swapping stations, which can replace the battery devices of electric vehicles, have emerged to meet the need for rapid replenishment of electric vehicle power. How to reduce the footprint of battery swapping stations and improve swapping efficiency is one of the research topics that the industry needs to study. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a battery swapping station and battery replacement method that can reduce the footprint and improve swapping efficiency.

[0007] This disclosure is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0008] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a battery swapping station, comprising: a battery transfer device; at least two battery buffer devices for buffering battery devices, wherein at least one battery buffer device is provided on each opposite side of the battery transfer device along a first direction intersecting the direction of gravity; and at least two battery storage devices for storing battery devices and configured to charge the battery devices, wherein at least one battery storage device is provided on each opposite side of the battery transfer device along the first direction, and the battery storage devices are disposed above the battery buffer devices along the direction of gravity, and the battery transfer device is configured to transfer battery devices between the battery buffer devices and the battery storage devices.

[0009] In this embodiment, at least two battery buffer devices are distributed on opposite sides of the battery transport device along the first direction, and at least two battery storage devices are also distributed on opposite sides of the battery transport device along the first direction. This reduces the footprint in the second direction, which intersects both the first direction and the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the proximity of each battery buffer and storage device to the battery transport device shortens the travel distance during battery transfer, simplifying the transfer process and improving efficiency, thereby increasing battery swapping efficiency. Additionally, it eliminates the need for a guide mechanism between the battery transport device and the battery storage and buffer devices, reducing space requirements and minimizing costs. Moreover, the battery storage devices are positioned above the battery buffer devices, fully utilizing space in the direction of gravity, reducing the battery swapping station's footprint, and storing a greater number of battery devices within a limited space, resulting in higher space utilization.

[0010] In some embodiments, the battery swapping station further includes a battery swapping device capable of moving along a travel path that passes at least in a first direction through a handover location located below the battery buffer device. When in the handover location, the battery swapping device is capable of handing over a battery device to the battery buffer device.

[0011] In this way, the battery storage device, battery buffer device and battery replacement device are arranged sequentially from top to bottom along the direction of gravity, making full use of the space in the direction of gravity and reducing the space occupied in the horizontal direction, thus further reducing the footprint of the battery swapping station.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least two battery buffer devices include a second buffer device and a first buffer device. The second buffer device is used to buffer a second battery device, and the first buffer device is used to buffer a first battery device. The second buffer device and the first buffer device are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the battery transport device along a first direction.

[0013] In this way, the second battery device and the first battery device are buffered by different battery buffer devices, reducing the chance of confusion between the two during the battery swapping process and improving the smoothness of the swapping. Furthermore, the second and first buffer devices are distributed along the first direction, allowing the battery swapping device to move freely along the first direction, shuttling back and forth at the junction below the second and first buffer devices. This shortens the travel path of the battery swapping device during the swapping process, reduces the swapping cycle, and improves swapping efficiency.

[0014] In some embodiments, the battery buffer device includes at least two pickup components arranged along a second direction, the pickup components being used to pick up or release the battery device, the pickup operation of each pickup component being able to be performed independently of each other, the second direction intersecting the first direction and the direction of gravity; at least two battery replacement devices are arranged along the second direction.

[0015] The battery caching device of this disclosure includes at least two pickup components arranged along a second direction, thereby enabling caching of at least two battery devices arranged along the second direction. Therefore, at least two battery devices can be cached simultaneously during the battery swapping process, saving swapping time and improving swapping efficiency. Furthermore, the pickup operations of each pickup component can be performed independently of each other; that is, the actions of each pickup component are not affected by each other. When swapping a single-pack vehicle, only one pickup component can be used to cache a single battery device. When swapping a double-pack vehicle, both pickup components can be used to cache both battery devices simultaneously. Thus, the battery swapping station can be compatible with the swapping needs of both single-pack and double-pack vehicles, improving battery swapping compatibility.

[0016] In some embodiments, the battery storage device includes a battery storage rack, which includes multiple battery storage layers distributed along the direction of gravity, each battery storage layer including at least two battery storage compartments arranged along a second direction for storing battery devices.

[0017] Each battery unit can be stored individually in its own storage compartment, reducing the possibility of a chain reaction in the event of a battery unit failure or damage, and improving the reliability and stability of the battery storage system. Furthermore, the battery storage compartments are arranged in the direction of gravity, making full use of space in that direction, reducing the footprint of the battery swapping station, and storing a greater number of battery units within a limited space, resulting in higher space utilization.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the battery storage compartments in each battery storage layer are arranged one-to-one with at least a portion of the pickup components of the battery buffer device along the direction of gravity.

[0019] At least a portion of the battery storage compartments in each battery storage layer and at least a portion of the pick-up components in the battery buffer device are arranged one-to-one relative to each other along the direction of gravity. This allows the battery transfer device to simultaneously retrieve the battery devices from at least a portion of the battery storage compartments in the same layer. Without adjusting the spacing between the battery devices along the second direction, they can be transferred to the same number of pick-up components in the same battery buffer device. This eliminates some of the actions required by the battery transfer device during the transfer process, thereby shortening the transfer cycle, improving transfer efficiency, and ultimately improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0020] In some embodiments, the battery storage rack includes four battery storage layers distributed along the direction of gravity, each battery storage layer includes three battery storage compartments arranged along a second direction, and the battery buffer device includes three pickup components arranged along the second direction. The three battery storage compartments of each layer and the three pickup components of the battery buffer device are arranged opposite each other along the direction of gravity.

[0021] This setup allows each battery storage rack to have twelve battery compartments, and the two battery storage racks located on opposite sides of the battery transfer device have a total of twenty-four battery compartments. This allows for the storage of a large number of battery devices, and the distribution of each battery compartment is reasonable, saving space while meeting storage requirements.

[0022] In some embodiments, the battery buffer device includes a battery buffer rack, each pickup component is connected to the battery buffer rack, and the battery buffer rack and battery storage rack located on the same side of the battery transfer device are connected as a single structure.

[0023] In this way, by integrating the battery buffer racks together, redundant gaps between devices are reduced, making the overall layout more compact and reducing space occupation. Moreover, the integrated structure eliminates the need for secondary positioning between the battery transfer equipment, battery buffer equipment, and battery storage equipment, improving the accuracy of battery device transfer.

[0024] In some embodiments, the battery transfer device includes: a transfer lifting mechanism having a lifting space extending along a lifting direction; a platform connected to the transfer lifting mechanism and capable of moving up and down along the lifting direction within the lifting space under the action of the transfer lifting mechanism; at least one telescopic mechanism mounted on the platform, the telescopic mechanism including a bearing surface for supporting a battery device from below, the telescopic mechanism being configured to extend and retract along a first direction, wherein as the telescopic mechanism extends and retracts, the bearing surface shifts between an initial position, a first extended position, and a second extended position; when in the initial position, the bearing surface is located within the lifting space; when in the first extended position, the bearing surface is located outside one side of the lifting space along the first direction; and when in the second extended position, the bearing surface is located outside the other side of the lifting space along the first direction.

[0025] Since the cache and storage are distributed along the direction of gravity, the battery transfer equipment realizes the operation of picking up and placing the battery device through the lifting and extending of the telescopic mechanism. This eliminates the need for movement in the second direction, reduces the movement of the battery transfer device, shortens the transfer cycle, improves the battery swapping efficiency, and also saves the drive and transmission components that realize the movement in the second direction, thereby reducing the number of parts and suppressing costs.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least two telescopic mechanisms are arranged along the second direction. As the platform is raised and lowered, the telescopic mechanisms can move to the first cache transfer position and the first storage transfer position. When the telescopic mechanism is in the first cache transfer position, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms and at least a portion of the picking components are arranged opposite each other along the first direction. When the telescopic mechanism is in the first storage transfer position, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms are arranged opposite each other along the first direction to at least a portion of the battery storage compartments of a battery storage layer.

[0027] When the platform, carrying the telescopic mechanism, moves to the first buffer transfer position, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms and at least a portion of the pickup components are arranged opposite each other along the first direction. Thus, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms can extend into positions corresponding to the at least a portion of the pickup components, allowing for simultaneous transfer of the battery device along with the at least a portion of the pickup components. During this process, the battery transfer device does not need to adjust the spacing of the battery devices along the second direction to transfer the battery devices to at least a portion of the pickup components in the same battery buffer device, eliminating some actions during battery transfer, thereby shortening the transfer cycle, improving transfer efficiency, and ultimately improving battery swapping efficiency. Similarly, when the platform, carrying the telescopic mechanism, moves to the first storage transfer position, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms and at least a portion of the battery storage compartments in a battery storage layer are arranged opposite each other along the first direction. Thus, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms can extend into at least a portion of the battery storage compartments in a battery storage layer, allowing for simultaneous transfer of the battery device along with the at least a portion of the battery storage compartments. During this process, the battery transfer equipment does not need to adjust the spacing of the battery devices along the second direction, and can transfer the battery devices to at least a portion of the battery storage compartments. This eliminates some of the actions that the battery transfer equipment needs to take during the transfer of battery devices, thereby shortening the transfer cycle, improving transfer efficiency, and thus improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0028] In some embodiments, the battery transfer device includes three telescopic mechanisms distributed along a second direction.

[0029] In this way, the battery transfer equipment can transfer one, two or three battery devices at the same time, which is suitable for battery swapping of single-package vehicles, double-package vehicles and triple-package vehicles, and improves the compatibility of battery swapping.

[0030] In some embodiments, the transfer lifting mechanism includes: a lifting frame; a lifting drive device installed on the lifting frame; a lifting transmission assembly connected to the output end of the lifting drive device; and a platform connected to the lifting transmission assembly; wherein the lifting drive device can drive the platform to move up and down through the lifting transmission assembly.

[0031] In this way, the transfer lifting mechanism can drive the platform to rise and fall, thereby enabling the telescopic mechanism to rise and fall, thus realizing the transfer of the battery device.

[0032] In some embodiments, the lifting transmission assembly includes: a first sprocket, rotatably disposed on the upper end of the lifting frame along the lifting direction about its own central axis, the first sprocket being connected to the output end of the lifting drive device and capable of rotating under the action of the lifting drive device; and a first chain, the first chain extending from a first side of the first sprocket, passing over the top of the first sprocket, to a second side of the first sprocket opposite to the first side, at least a portion of the first chain located on the first side of the first sprocket extending along the lifting direction and connected to the platform.

[0033] Thus, the motion is transmitted through the first sprocket and the first chain, realizing the lifting function of the transfer and lifting mechanism. Furthermore, the first chain drive helps to improve the accuracy of the lifting position, increase transmission efficiency, and reduce energy consumption.

[0034] In some embodiments, the transfer lifting mechanism further includes: a second sprocket rotatably disposed on the upper end of the lifting frame along the lifting direction about its own central axis; a second chain extending from a first side of the second sprocket, passing over the top of the second sprocket, to a second side of the second sprocket opposite to the first side, at least a portion of the second chain located on the first side of the second sprocket extending along the lifting direction and connected to the platform; and a counterweight, at least a portion of the second chain located on the second side of the second sprocket extending along the lifting direction and connected to the counterweight.

[0035] By using counterweights, the weight of the platform can be balanced, reducing the load on the lifting drive and minimizing energy consumption. Furthermore, the use of counterweights effectively suppresses platform sway, reducing the risk of the first and second chains skipping teeth or derailing.

[0036] In some embodiments, the telescopic mechanism includes: a first fork body mounted on a platform; a drive assembly mounted on the first fork body; a telescopic transmission assembly connected to the output end of the drive assembly; a second fork body slidably connected to the first fork body along a first direction, the second fork body being connected to the telescopic transmission assembly, and capable of reciprocating relative to the first fork body along the midpoint of the first direction towards two opposite directions in the first direction under the drive of the telescopic transmission assembly; and a third fork body slidably connected to the second fork body along the first direction, the third fork body being connected to the telescopic transmission assembly, and capable of reciprocating relative to the second fork body along the midpoint of the first direction towards two opposite directions in the first direction under the drive of the telescopic transmission assembly, the third fork body including a bearing surface.

[0037] In this way, the telescopic mechanism can achieve three-stage telescopic movement in two opposite directions, achieving a total travel of twice the length of the fork itself. The maximum travel is extended, allowing it to extend into the battery buffer device and battery storage device, thereby enabling the transfer of the battery device.

[0038] In some embodiments, the pickup component includes pickup structures disposed opposite each other along a second direction. The oppositely disposed pickup structures are configured to move closer to each other to a pickup position or move further away from each other to a release position along the second direction. When in the pickup position, the oppositely disposed pickup structures pick up the battery device; when in the release position, the oppositely disposed pickup structures release the battery device.

[0039] In this embodiment, the battery device is moved between the oppositely positioned pickup structures of the pickup assembly. The oppositely positioned pickup structures move closer to each other along a second direction to a pickup position, allowing the pickup assembly to pick up the battery device and thus buffer it. When it is necessary to release the battery device, the oppositely positioned pickup structures move further apart along the second direction to a release position, releasing the battery device from the pickup assembly, thereby realizing the buffering function of the battery buffer device. Thus, the pickup assembly's actions of picking up and releasing the battery device are simple, efficient, and beneficial for improving battery swapping efficiency. Furthermore, when there is a handover position below the battery buffer, the battery replacement device hands over the battery device to the battery buffer in a vertical direction at the handover position. This handover method is more suitable for the structure where the oppositely positioned pickup structures pick up the battery device from opposite sides, making the handover action simpler and more efficient.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pickup structure includes at least one pickup arm, the pickup arm including a support portion, wherein when in the pickup position, the support portions of the oppositely arranged pickup structures each carry a battery device; and when in the release position, the spacing between the support portions of the oppositely arranged pickup structures along the second direction is greater than the dimension of the battery device along the second direction.

[0041] When in the pickup position, the support portions of the opposing pickup structures each support the battery device, enabling pickup of the battery device. When the opposing pickup structures move away from each other to the release position, the distance between the support portions of the opposing pickup structures along the second direction is greater than the dimension of the battery device along the second direction, thereby removing the support for the battery device. The space between the support portions allows the battery device to pass through, enabling it to leave the battery buffer device through the space between the support portions, thus realizing the buffering function of the pickup component for the battery device. Furthermore, by supporting the battery device with the support portions, the stability of battery device pickup is improved, thereby improving the stability of battery device buffering.

[0042] In some embodiments, the pickup arm further includes an arm body connected to a support portion. When in the pickup position, the arm bodies of the oppositely arranged pickup structures abut against or have a gap with opposite sides of the battery device along a second direction.

[0043] In this way, the bearing part of the pickup arm limits the position of the battery device in the direction of gravity, and the arm body limits the position of the battery device in the second direction, thereby reducing the probability of the battery device detaching from the pickup assembly, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the pickup assembly in picking up the battery device.

[0044] In some embodiments, when adjacent pickup components along the first direction are both in the released position, the pickup arms of two pickup structures of adjacent pickup components that are close to each other are staggered along the second direction and have overlapping portions in their orthographic projections in the first direction.

[0045] This configuration allows for some overlap in the space occupied by adjacent pickup components, reducing space usage in the second direction and facilitating the miniaturization of the battery buffer device. Furthermore, the relatively small space occupied by two close pickup structures in the second direction allows for easier insertion into the gaps between adjacent battery devices, improving the convenience of battery pickup and reducing the need for adjustments to the spacing between adjacent battery devices, thus saving energy and time.

[0046] In some embodiments, the pickup structure includes at least two pickup arms spaced apart along a first direction.

[0047] This configuration, by supporting multiple points on the battery device, improves the stability and reliability of the pickup assembly in picking up the battery, increasing the likelihood of a smooth battery swapping operation. Furthermore, it helps reduce the interaction force between the pickup assembly and each support point on the battery device, minimizing stress concentration on the battery device and thus reducing the probability of damage to these support points.

[0048] In some embodiments, the battery replacement device includes: a bracket; a translation component disposed on the bracket; and a support platform for carrying battery devices. The support platform is connected to the translation component and is capable of reciprocating along a second direction under the drive of the translation component. As the support platform moves, the spacing between battery devices carried on adjacent support platforms in the second direction can be adjusted to be greater than the size of the pickup structure along the second direction, so as to allow the pickup structure to extend between adjacent battery devices along the second direction.

[0049] By incorporating a translation component, the position of the battery unit along the second direction can be adjusted, thereby regulating the spacing between adjacent battery units. This allows the pickup arm to extend between adjacent battery units along the second direction, enabling the pickup arm to move its support portion under the battery unit by bringing them closer together. This allows the upper surface of the support portion to contact the bottom surface of the battery unit, facilitating pickup. Of course, it is understandable that during the installation or removal of the battery unit from the vehicle's battery mounting location, the battery replacement equipment may experience slight misalignment along the second direction. In such cases, the translation component can be used to adjust the position of the battery unit, improving the reliability of battery replacement.

[0050] In some embodiments, the battery replacement device further includes a replacement lifting mechanism connected to a translation component and capable of moving along a second direction under the action of the translation component. The replacement lifting mechanism is connected to a support platform and enables the support platform to be raised and lowered. When the pickup component is in the release position, the battery device carried on the support platform can enter or exit the space between the relatively arranged pickup structures under the action of the replacement lifting mechanism.

[0051] The support platform can rise and fall along the lifting direction under the drive of the replacement lifting mechanism, thereby approaching or moving away from the vehicle chassis to replace the battery device installed on the vehicle chassis. Furthermore, the support platform can move in and out of the space between the relatively arranged pickup structures to facilitate the handover of battery devices to the battery buffer equipment.

[0052] The second aspect of this disclosure provides a battery replacement method applied to a battery swapping station for replacing a battery device locked to a vehicle chassis. The battery swapping station includes a battery transfer device, at least two battery buffer devices, at least two battery storage devices, and at least one battery replacement device. At least one battery buffer device is provided on each opposite side of the battery transfer device along a first direction intersecting the direction of gravity. At least one battery storage device is provided on each opposite side of the battery transfer device along the first direction, and the battery storage device is positioned above the battery buffer device along the direction of gravity.

[0053] Battery replacement methods include:

[0054] The battery transfer equipment removes the second battery unit from the battery storage device and transfers it to the first storage and transfer location;

[0055] The battery transfer equipment, carrying the second battery unit, descends from the first storage transfer position to the first buffer transfer position;

[0056] The battery transfer device transfers the second battery unit from the first buffer transfer position to the battery buffer device;

[0057] The battery replacement equipment travels from the standby point to the removal of the first battery unit from the vehicle chassis;

[0058] The battery replacement equipment carries the first battery unit to the first handover position of the battery buffer equipment;

[0059] The battery replacement equipment transfers the first battery unit to the battery buffer device;

[0060] The battery replacement device receives a second battery unit from the battery buffer device;

[0061] The battery replacement equipment moves and mounts the second battery unit onto the chassis;

[0062] The battery transfer device transfers the first battery unit in the battery buffer device to the battery storage device;

[0063] The battery storage device stores and charges the first battery device;

[0064] The time period during which the battery transfer device transfers the second battery device from the first buffer transfer position to the battery buffer device is the first time period, and the time period during which the battery replacement device carries the first battery device to the first transfer position of the battery buffer device is the second time period. The end time of the first time period is within the second time period.

[0065] Since the first time period ends within the second time period—that is, before the battery replacement equipment moves to the first handover position—the battery buffer already contains the second battery device. Therefore, after the first battery device is handed over to the battery buffer, the battery replacement equipment can quickly receive the second battery device from the buffer. Furthermore, the first and second time periods overlap, thereby improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0066] In some embodiments, the time period from when the battery replacement device departs from the standby point to when the first battery device is removed from the vehicle chassis is a third time period, and the time period from when the battery transfer device carrying the second battery device descends from the first storage transfer position to the first buffer transfer position is a fourth time period, which is included in the third time period.

[0067] Since the fourth time period is included within the third time period, during the process of the battery replacement equipment moving towards the vehicle and removing the first battery unit from the vehicle chassis, the battery transfer equipment carries the second battery unit down to the battery buffer setting. The timing overlaps to the greatest extent, so that the second battery unit can be buffered in place before the battery replacement equipment moves to the first handover position. Therefore, after the first battery unit is handed over to the battery buffer setting, the battery replacement equipment can quickly receive the second battery unit from the battery buffer setting that contains the second battery unit, thereby improving the battery swapping efficiency.

[0068] In some embodiments, at least two battery buffer devices include a second buffer device and a first buffer device, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the battery transfer device along a first direction. The second buffer device has a second junction position below it, and the first buffer device has a first junction position below it. The battery transfer device includes a transfer lifting mechanism, a platform, and at least one telescopic mechanism. The transfer lifting mechanism has a lifting space extending along the lifting direction. A portion of the transfer lifting mechanism is disposed between the second junction position and the first junction position. The telescopic mechanism is mounted on the platform.

[0069] After the battery transfer equipment transfers the second battery unit from the first buffer transfer location to the battery buffer equipment, the battery replacement method further includes:

[0070] The transfer lifting mechanism raises the platform, which in turn raises the telescopic mechanism and stops it at the avoidance position.

[0071] The height of the clearance point is greater than the height of the battery replacement equipment;

[0072] The fifth time period is the time during which the transfer lifting mechanism raises the platform, along with the telescopic mechanism, and stops at the avoidance position. The second time period ends at least 2.5 seconds after the end of the fifth time period.

[0073] Since the second time period ends at least 2.5 seconds after the end of the fifth time period, that is, after the platform with the telescopic mechanism rises to the avoidance position, the battery replacement equipment still needs to travel a distance of not less than 2.5 seconds to reach the first handover position. Thus, when the battery replacement equipment moves to the first handover position, the platform and the telescopic mechanism are already in the avoidance position, and the height of the avoidance position is higher than the height of the battery replacement equipment. Therefore, the platform and the telescopic mechanism are unlikely to interfere with the movement of the battery replacement equipment toward the first handover position.

[0074] In some embodiments, the battery transfer device transfers a first battery device from the battery buffer device to the battery storage device, including:

[0075] The transfer lifting mechanism lowers the platform, bringing the telescopic mechanism down from the clearance position and stopping at the second buffer transfer position;

[0076] The telescopic mechanism removes the first battery device from the first buffer device by telescopic extension and lifting action of the transfer lifting mechanism;

[0077] The transfer lifting mechanism drives the platform to continue rising, taking the telescopic mechanism and the battery device carried by the telescopic mechanism up and stopping at a first storage transfer position;

[0078] The telescopic mechanism places the first battery device into the battery storage device by extending and retracting, and by descending under the action of the transfer lifting mechanism;

[0079] The battery replacement equipment moves and mounts a second battery unit onto the chassis, including:

[0080] The battery replacement equipment, carrying the second battery unit, moves from the second handover position to under the vehicle chassis;

[0081] The battery replacement equipment connects the second battery unit to the vehicle chassis;

[0082] The sixth time period is the time during which the transfer lifting mechanism lowers the platform, carries the telescopic mechanism down from the avoidance position and stops at the second buffer handover position. The seventh time period is the time during which the battery replacement equipment moves from the second handover position to under the vehicle chassis. The sixth time period begins at least 15.5 seconds after the start of the seventh time period.

[0083] Thus, the sixth time period begins at least 15.5 seconds after the start of the seventh time period. That is, at least 15.5 seconds after the battery replacement equipment departs from the second handover position with the second battery device, the platform for retrieving the first battery device from the first buffer device begins to descend. Within this time difference of at least 15.5 seconds, the battery replacement equipment can pass through the passageway and the first handover position and drive away. In other words, within this time difference, the battery replacement equipment can drive away from the interference area that would interfere with the platform and the telescopic mechanism, thereby reducing the probability of interference and improving the smoothness of the battery swapping process.

[0084] In some embodiments, the battery storage device includes a plurality of battery storage compartments and a water and electricity connector disposed in the battery storage compartments, the water and electricity connector being connected to the battery device stored in the battery storage compartments;

[0085] Battery replacement methods also include:

[0086] Disconnect the water-electricity connector from the second battery device;

[0087] The battery transfer device removes the second battery unit from the battery storage device and transfers it to the first storage transfer location, including:

[0088] The transfer lifting mechanism drives the platform to rise and fall, along with the telescopic mechanism, and stops at the second storage transfer position.

[0089] The telescopic mechanism, through its extension and retraction and the lifting action of the transfer lifting mechanism, removes the second battery device from the battery storage compartment to the first storage transfer position;

[0090] The time period during which the water and electricity connector is disconnected from the second battery device is the eighth time period. The time period during which the telescopic mechanism takes the second battery device out of the battery storage compartment and moves it to the first storage transfer position by telescopic extension and lifting action of the transfer lifting mechanism is the ninth time period. The start time of the ninth time period is at least 12 seconds after the start time of the eighth time period, and the start time of the ninth time period is before the end time of the eighth time period.

[0091] Thus, before the water and electricity connector is completely detached from the battery device, the telescopic mechanism begins to extend into the battery storage compartment, and the time difference between the start times is set to be no less than 12 seconds. This allows the two steps to overlap in time, saving time and improving battery swapping efficiency. With a time difference of no less than 12 seconds, the battery device can be completely detached from the water and electricity connector before the telescopic mechanism supports the battery device to move, thus allowing the battery swapping process to proceed smoothly.

[0092] In some embodiments, the battery buffer device includes at least two pickup components arranged along a second direction, each pickup component being able to perform pickup operations independently of the others, the second direction intersecting the first direction and the direction of gravity, and at least two battery replacement devices arranged along the second direction.

[0093] Battery replacement methods include:

[0094] A predetermined number of battery replacement devices arranged along the second direction each remove a first battery unit from the vehicle chassis.

[0095] A preset number of battery replacement devices are arranged in parallel at the handover position below the first buffer device;

[0096] A preset number of battery replacement devices will transfer their respective battery units to their corresponding pickup components;

[0097] A preset number of unloaded battery replacement devices are moved in parallel to the handover position below the second buffer device;

[0098] A preset number of battery replacement devices receive the second battery device handed over by their respective pickup components;

[0099] A predetermined number of battery swapping devices are installed in parallel under the vehicle chassis;

[0100] A predetermined number of battery replacement devices will each install its own second battery unit on the vehicle chassis.

[0101] In this way, the battery swapping station can replace a preset number of battery devices at the same time, improving the efficiency of battery swapping.

[0102] In some embodiments, the preset quantity includes two or three.

[0103] In this way, when swapping batteries for vehicles under warranty, both battery units can be replaced simultaneously, and when swapping batteries for vehicles under three warranties, all three battery units can be replaced simultaneously, improving the compatibility and efficiency of battery swapping.

[0104] In some embodiments, the pickup component includes pickup structures disposed opposite each other along a second direction; the battery replacement device includes a bracket, a translation component, and a support platform, the translation component being disposed on the bracket; the support platform is used to support the battery device, the support platform is connected to the translation component, and is capable of reciprocating along the second direction under the drive of the translation component;

[0105] A predetermined number of battery replacement devices are arranged in parallel at a handover location below the first buffer device. The predetermined number of battery replacement devices then hand over their respective battery units to their corresponding pickup components. The battery replacement method further includes:

[0106] The battery replacement devices adjacent in the second direction adjust the spacing between the carrier platforms in the second direction by means of translation components, so that the spacing between the battery devices carried on the adjacent carrier platforms in the second direction is greater than the size of the pickup structure in the second direction.

[0107] This step allows the pickup structure to extend between adjacent battery devices along the second direction, thereby enabling the upper surface of the pickup assembly's support portion to contact the bottom surface of the battery device, thus achieving the pickup of the battery device.

[0108] The beneficial effects of the embodiments disclosed herein include: providing a battery swapping station and battery swapping method that can reduce the footprint and improve the battery swapping efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0109] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0110] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a commercial vehicle according to one or more embodiments;

[0111] Figure 2 is an exploded structural diagram of a battery device according to one or more embodiments;

[0112] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the layout of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments;

[0113] Figure 4 is a front view of a portion of the structure of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments;

[0114] Figure 5 is a side view of a portion of the structure of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments, in which a battery device is cached in a battery caching device.

[0115] Figure 6 is a side view of a portion of the structure of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments when the battery device is not cached in the battery caching device;

[0116] Figure 7 is a top view of a battery buffer device according to one or more embodiments;

[0117] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a battery transfer device according to one or more embodiments;

[0118] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of a battery transfer device according to one or more embodiments;

[0119] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a telescopic mechanism according to one or more embodiments;

[0120] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 3;

[0121] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the action control module of the battery buffer device according to one or more embodiments;

[0122] Figure 13 is a perspective structural diagram of a battery replacement device according to one or more embodiments;

[0123] Figure 14 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a portion of the bracket and the translation component according to one or more embodiments;

[0124] Figure 15 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a translation component according to one or more embodiments;

[0125] Figure 16 is a flowchart of a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0126] Figure 17 is a flowchart of the actions following step S300 in a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0127] Figure 18 is a flowchart of step S900 of a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0128] Figure 19 is a flowchart of step S800 of a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0129] Figure 20 is a flowchart of a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0130] Figure 21 is a flowchart of step S100 of a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0131] Figure 22 is a flowchart of step S902 of a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0132] Figure 23 is a flowchart of step S904 of a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0133] Figure 24 is a flowchart of step S20 of a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0134] Figure 25 is a flowchart of step S300 of a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0135] Figure 26 is a flowchart of a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0136] Figure 27 is a flowchart between steps S2000 and S3000 in a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0137] Figure 28 is a flowchart of the operation of a preset number of battery replacement devices in a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments;

[0138] Figure 29 is a flowchart of a battery transfer device transferring a battery between a battery buffer device and a battery storage device in a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments.

[0139] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10. Battery replacement equipment; 11. Bracket; 12. Support platform; 13. Unlocking mechanism; 14. Translation component; 141. Translation drive component; 142. Lead screw; 143. Engaging component; 144. Guide rail; 145. Sliding component; 146. Support block; 15. Changing lifting mechanism; 151. Lifting platform; 152. Lifting assembly; 16. Traveling mechanism; 17. Suspension component; 20. Working surface; 30. Control system; 40. Traveling guide rail assembly; 50. Battery buffer device; 50a. First buffer device; 50b. Second buffer device; 51. Pickup assembly; 511. Pickup structure; 512. Pickup arm; 5121. Bearing part; 5122. Arm body; 513. Slide rail; 514. Slider; 515. Pickup drive device; 516. First sensing device; 517. Second sensing device; 52. Battery buffer rack; 53. Handover position; 60. Battery transfer equipment; 601. Aisle; 61. Transfer lifting mechanism; 611. Lifting frame; 612. Lifting drive device; 613. Lifting transmission assembly; 6130. First drive shaft; 6131. ​​First sprocket; 6132. First chain; 6133. Second drive shaft; 6134. Drive chain; 6135. Third drive shaft; 6141. Second sprocket; 6142. Second chain; 6143. Counterweight; 62. Platform; 63. Telescopic mechanism; 631. First fork; 632. Drive assembly; 633. Second fork; 634. Third fork; 70. Battery storage system; 71. Battery storage device; 711. Battery storage rack; 712. Battery storage layer; 7121. Battery storage compartment; 80. Firefighting equipment; 100. Battery device; 101. Battery cell assembly; 102. Housing; 102a. First housing; 102b. Second housing; 200. Controller; 300. Motor; 1000. Commercial vehicle; 2000. Battery swapping station. Detailed Implementation

[0140] The embodiments of the technical solutions disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions disclosed herein and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0141] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and the foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0142] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, technical terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary or secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0143] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0144] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, 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 B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0145] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, the technical terms "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "circumferential," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this disclosure and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, operated, or used in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0146] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0147] Currently, new energy batteries are being used more and more widely in daily life and industry. They are not only used in energy storage systems for hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric cars, and electric trucks, as well as in aerospace and other fields. With the continuous expansion of the application areas of power batteries, the market demand for them is also constantly increasing.

[0148] When electrical equipment runs out of power, it can usually be recharged by connecting to charging equipment, such as charging stations for electric vehicles. However, with the development of electric vehicles, users have increasingly higher requirements for vehicle range and charging speed. Traditional charging stations can no longer meet the needs of some electric vehicles, especially for commercial vehicles such as heavy trucks, where long charging times severely impact operational efficiency and utilization. Therefore, replacing the battery at a battery swapping station can replenish the power of electric vehicles. Compared to connecting to charging stations, battery swapping provides a faster way to replenish power.

[0149] In related technologies, battery swapping stations include battery storage systems and battery replacement systems. The battery replacement system includes battery buffer devices, battery transfer devices, and battery replacement equipment. The battery storage system, battery buffer devices, and battery transfer devices are arranged horizontally, which not only results in a large footprint for all three, but also requires guide rails and other guiding mechanisms to guide the battery transfer devices between the battery buffer devices and the battery storage system. This leads to an even larger footprint and more components, which is not conducive to cost control. Furthermore, the transfer path of the battery transfer devices between the battery storage system and the battery buffer devices is relatively long, resulting in low battery swapping efficiency.

[0150] This disclosure addresses the problems existing in the aforementioned related technologies by proposing a battery swapping station. The battery swapping station includes a battery transfer device, at least two battery buffer devices, and at least two battery storage devices. The battery buffer devices are used to buffer battery devices. At least one battery buffer device is provided on each opposite side of the battery transfer device along a first direction intersecting the direction of gravity. The battery storage devices are used to store battery devices and are configured to charge the first battery device. At least one battery storage device is provided on each opposite side of the battery transfer device along the first direction. The battery storage devices are located above the battery buffer devices along the direction of gravity. The battery transfer device is configured to transfer battery devices between the battery buffer devices and the battery storage devices.

[0151] In this embodiment, at least two battery buffer devices are distributed on opposite sides of the battery transport device along the first direction, and at least two battery storage devices are also distributed on opposite sides of the battery transport device along the first direction. This reduces the footprint in the second direction, which intersects both the first direction and the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the proximity of each battery buffer and storage device to the battery transport device shortens the travel distance during battery transfer, simplifying the transfer process and improving efficiency, thereby increasing battery swapping efficiency. Additionally, it eliminates the need for a guide mechanism between the battery transport device and the battery storage and buffer devices, reducing space requirements and minimizing costs. Moreover, the battery storage devices are positioned above the battery buffer devices, fully utilizing space in the direction of gravity, reducing the battery swapping station's footprint, and storing a greater number of battery devices within a limited space, resulting in higher space utilization.

[0152] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a battery swapping station for replacing battery devices locked to a vehicle chassis.

[0153] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a commercial vehicle according to one or more embodiments;

[0154] Commercial vehicle 1000 refers to a vehicle used for carrying passengers or transporting goods. Exemplarily, commercial vehicle 1000 may include commercial buses, commercial trucks, heavy-duty trucks, semi-trailer tractors, and special commercial vehicles such as concrete trucks, drilling trucks, and tank trucks. This disclosure does not impose any special limitations on the type of commercial vehicle.

[0155] Commercial vehicle 1000 can be a fuel-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or range-extended vehicles, etc. This disclosure does not impose any special restrictions on the above-mentioned vehicles.

[0156] As shown in Figure 1, a battery device 100 is installed inside the commercial vehicle 1000. In some embodiments, the battery device 100 may be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the commercial vehicle 1000. In this embodiment, the battery device 100 is located at the bottom chassis of the commercial vehicle 1000. The battery device 100 can be used to power the commercial vehicle 1000; for example, the battery device 100 can serve as the operating power source for the commercial vehicle 1000. The commercial vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery device 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, to meet the power requirements of the commercial vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation, and driving.

[0157] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the battery device 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for the commercial vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source for the commercial vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the commercial vehicle 1000.

[0158] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the battery replacement system is used to replace the battery device 100 of a commercial vehicle 1000 whose battery device 100 is mounted on the chassis.

[0159] Therefore, the battery swapping system enables chassis-type battery swapping of the battery device 100 installed at the bottom of the commercial vehicle 1000. The battery swapping system has good compatibility and high swapping efficiency.

[0160] Figure 2 is an exploded structural diagram of a battery device according to one or more embodiments;

[0161] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the battery device 100 may include one or more battery cell assemblies 101 for providing voltage and capacity. The battery cell assembly 101 may include multiple battery cells, which can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed connections via a busbar.

[0162] In some embodiments, the battery cell assembly 101 is typically formed by arranging a plurality of battery cells.

[0163] A single battery cell can be a rechargeable battery. A rechargeable battery is a battery cell that can be recharged after it has been discharged, allowing the active materials to be activated and the cell to continue to be used.

[0164] The battery cell can be a 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., and this disclosure does not specifically limit the types of batteries.

[0165] As an example, the battery cell assembly 101 can be a battery module, which is formed by arranging and fixing multiple battery cells into an independent module. As an example, the battery module can be formed by bundling multiple battery cells together with cable ties.

[0166] In some embodiments, the battery device 100 may be a battery pack, which may include a housing 102 and one or more battery cell assemblies 101, the battery cell assemblies 101 being housed in the housing 102.

[0167] As an example, the battery cell assembly 101 can be a battery module, and the battery cell assembly 101 can be housed in the housing 102 by fixing the battery module in the housing 102.

[0168] As an example, the battery cell assembly 101 can also be housed in the housing 102 by directly fixing multiple battery cells to the housing 102.

[0169] As an example, the housing 102 may include a first housing 102a and a second housing 102b. The first housing 102a and the second housing 102b are fastened together to form a closed space inside the housing 102 to house the battery cell assembly 101. Here, "closed" refers to covering or closing, which can be sealed or unsealed. The first housing 102a can be a top cover, and the second housing 102b can be a bottom plate, or the first housing 102a can be a bottom plate, and the second housing 102b can be a top cover.

[0170] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 21.

[0171] Figure 3 is a layout schematic diagram of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments; Figure 4 is a front view of a partial structure of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments; Figure 5 is a side view of a partial structure of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments when a battery device is cached in the battery buffer device; Figure 6 is a side view of a partial structure of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments when a battery device is not cached in the battery buffer device; Figure 7 is a top view of the battery buffer device according to one or more embodiments; Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery transfer device according to one or more embodiments; Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a partial structure of the battery transfer device according to one or more embodiments; Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a telescopic mechanism according to one or more embodiments; Figure 11 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 3; Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram of the motion control module of the battery buffer device according to one or more embodiments; Figure 13 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a battery replacement device according to one or more embodiments; Figure 14 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a bracket portion and a translation component according to one or more embodiments; Figure 15 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the translation component according to one or more embodiments; Figure 16 is a flowchart of a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments; Figure 17 is a flowchart of a battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments. Figure 18 is a flowchart of the operation after step S300 in the battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments; Figure 19 is a flowchart of step S800 in the battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments; Figure 20 is a second flowchart of the battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments; Figure 21 is a flowchart of step S100 in the battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments; Figure 22 is a flowchart of step S902 in the battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments; Figure 23 is a flowchart of step S904 in the battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments; Figure 24 is a flowchart of step S20 in the battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments; Figure 25 is a flowchart of step S300 in the battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments; Figure 26 is a third flowchart of the battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments; Figure 27 is a flowchart between steps S2000 and S3000 in the battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments; Figure 28 is an operation flowchart of a preset number of battery replacement devices in the battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments; Figure 29 is a flowchart of the battery transfer device transferring the battery device between the battery buffer device and the battery storage device in the battery replacement method according to one or more embodiments.

[0172] In some embodiments of this disclosure, for ease of explanation, a first direction and a second direction are defined, and the first direction, the second direction, and the direction of gravity intersect each other. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the first direction, the second direction, and the direction of gravity can be perpendicular to each other. For ease of explanation, as shown by the arrows in Figures 3 to 11 and Figures 13 to 15, the direction of arrow X is taken as the first direction, the direction of arrow Y as the second direction, and the direction of arrow Z as the direction of gravity. Sometimes, the direction in which arrow Z points along the direction of gravity is referred to as "above," and its opposite direction as "below."

[0173] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a first aspect of this disclosure provides a battery swapping station 2000, which includes a battery transfer device 60, at least two battery buffer devices 50, and at least two battery storage devices 71. The battery buffer devices 50 are used to buffer battery devices 100. The battery transfer device 60 has at least one battery buffer device 50 on each of its opposite sides along a first direction X that intersects the gravity direction Z. The battery storage devices 71 are used to store the battery devices 100 and are configured to charge the first battery devices 100. The battery transfer device 60 has at least one battery storage device 71 on each of its opposite sides along the first direction X. The battery storage devices 71 are located above the battery buffer devices 50 along the gravity direction Z. The battery transfer device 60 is configured to transfer the battery devices 100 between the battery buffer devices 50 and the battery storage devices 71.

[0174] Battery temporary storage equipment 50 is a device that temporarily stores the battery device 100 during the battery swapping process.

[0175] Battery transfer equipment 60 is a device used to move battery device 100 back and forth between battery buffer device 50 and battery transfer equipment 60. Battery transfer equipment 60 can be, but is not limited to, a palletizer.

[0176] The battery swap system 70 is used to centrally store the battery device 100. The battery swap system 70 includes all battery storage devices 71. Each battery storage device 71 includes battery storage racks 711, electrical components, high and low voltage electrical connectors, water cooling connectors and other accessories.

[0177] For example, the battery transfer device 60 has a battery buffer device 50 on each of its opposite sides along the first direction X, and a battery storage device 71 is provided above each battery buffer device 50. That is, there are two battery storage devices 71, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the battery transfer device 60 along the first direction X. The battery storage device 71 located on the same side of the battery transfer device 60 is located above the battery buffer device 50.

[0178] For example, two battery buffer devices 50 located on opposite sides of the battery transfer device 60 along the first direction X are arranged opposite each other in the first direction X. That is, the projections of the two battery buffer devices 50 located on opposite sides of the battery transfer device 60 along the first direction X have overlapping portions. Similarly, two battery storage devices 71 located on opposite sides of the battery transfer device 60 along the first direction X are arranged opposite each other in the first direction X. That is, the projections of the two battery storage devices 71 located on opposite sides of the battery transfer device 60 along the first direction X have overlapping portions.

[0179] Of course, it is understandable that the battery transfer device 60 may have at least two battery buffer devices 50 on each of its opposite sides along the first direction X. The at least two battery buffer devices 50 located on the same side of the battery transfer device 60 may be arranged along the first direction X, or along the second direction Y, or along the gravity direction Z. The battery transfer device 60 may have at least two battery storage devices 71 on each of its opposite sides along the first direction X. The at least two battery storage devices 71 located on the same side of the battery transfer device 60 may be arranged along the first direction X, or along the second direction Y, or along the gravity direction Z.

[0180] In this embodiment, at least two battery buffer devices 50 are distributed on opposite sides of the battery transfer device 60 along the first direction X, and at least two battery storage devices 71 are distributed on opposite sides of the battery transfer device 60 along the first direction X. This reduces the footprint in the second direction Y, which intersects both the first direction X and the gravity direction Z. Furthermore, the proximity of each battery buffer device 50 and each battery storage device 71 to the battery transfer device 60 shortens the travel distance when the battery transfer device 60 connects to the battery storage device 71 and battery buffer device 50 for the battery device 100, simplifying the connection process and improving efficiency, thereby increasing battery swapping efficiency. Additionally, the guide mechanism for the battery transfer device 60 to approach the battery storage device 71 and battery buffer device 50 can be eliminated, reducing space requirements and minimizing costs. Moreover, the battery storage device 71, positioned above the battery buffer device 50, fully utilizes the space in the gravity direction Z, reducing the footprint of the battery swapping station 2000 and allowing for the storage of a larger number of battery devices 100 within a limited space, resulting in higher space utilization.

[0181] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the battery swapping station 2000 further includes a battery swapping device 10, which is capable of moving along a walking path that passes at least through a junction position 53 located below the battery buffer device 50 in a first direction X. When the battery swapping device 10 is at the junction position 53, it is capable of swapping the battery device 100 with the battery buffer device 50.

[0182] Battery swap equipment 10 is a device used for removing, transporting and installing battery devices 100.

[0183] For example, the battery replacement device 10 uses an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), which travels along a set route on the work surface 20. This set route is its travel path. The battery replacement device 10 can travel along the set route to the handover position 53 below the battery buffer device 50.

[0184] For example, the battery replacement device 10 employs a rail-guided vehicle (RGV), which travels along a track, which serves as its path. The battery replacement device 10 can travel along the track to the handover position 53 below the battery buffer device 50.

[0185] Thus, by arranging the battery storage device 71, battery buffer device 50, and battery replacement device 10 sequentially from top to bottom along the gravity direction Z, the space in the gravity direction Z is fully utilized, the space occupied in the horizontal direction is reduced, and the floor area of ​​the battery swapping station 2000 is further reduced.

[0186] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, at least two battery buffer devices 50 include a second buffer device 50b and a first buffer device 50a. The second buffer device 50b is used to buffer the second battery device 100, and the first buffer device 50a is used to buffer the first battery device 100. The second buffer device 50b and the first buffer device 50a are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the battery transfer device 60 along the first direction X.

[0187] For example, the second cache device 50b is positioned opposite the first cache device 50a along the first direction X.

[0188] For example, the first battery device refers to the battery device 100 that needs to be removed from the commercial vehicle chassis. The second battery device refers to the battery device 100 that needs to be installed on the commercial vehicle chassis.

[0189] As another example, the first battery device may include a depleted battery device 100. The second battery device may include a fully charged battery device 100.

[0190] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in some embodiments, the second battery device may be a partially charged battery device 100.

[0191] Thus, the second battery device 100 and the first battery device 100 are buffered by different battery buffer devices 50, reducing the chance of confusion between the second battery device 100 and the first battery device 100 during the battery swapping process and improving the smoothness of the battery swapping. Furthermore, the second buffer device 50b and the first buffer device 50a are distributed along the first direction X, allowing the battery swapping device 10 to move along the first direction X and shuttle back and forth at the junction 53 below the second buffer device 50b and the first buffer device 50a, which helps to shorten the travel path of the battery swapping device 10 during the battery swapping process, shorten the battery swapping cycle, and improve the battery swapping efficiency.

[0192] For example, the battery transfer device 60 has a passageway 601 between the junction position 53 located below the second buffer device 50b and the junction position 53 located below the first buffer device 50a. That is, the travel path of the battery replacement device 10 passes through the passageway 601 of the battery transfer device 60. In this way, the battery replacement device 10 can move between the junction position 53 located below the second buffer device 50b and the junction position 53 located below the first buffer device 50a through the passageway 601, which reduces the movement path of the battery replacement device 10, shortens the battery replacement cycle, and improves the battery replacement efficiency.

[0193] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the battery buffer device 50 includes at least two pickup components 51 arranged along the second direction Y. The pickup components 51 are used to pick up or release the battery device 100. The pickup operation of each pickup component 51 can be performed independently of each other. The second direction Y intersects the first direction X and the gravity direction Z. The battery replacement device 10 has at least two components arranged along the second direction Y.

[0194] "The picking operations of each picking component 51 can be performed independently of each other" means that the actions of each picking component 51 are not affected by each other. It is possible to pick up at least one picking component 51 and release the others, or to pick up at least one picking component 51 and release the others, or to pick up several picking components 51 simultaneously or release them simultaneously, and so on.

[0195] The battery caching device 50 of this embodiment includes at least two pickup components 51 arranged along the second direction Y, which can cache at least two battery devices 100 arranged along the second direction Y. Therefore, at least two battery devices 100 can be cached simultaneously during the battery swapping process, thereby saving battery swapping time and improving battery swapping efficiency. Furthermore, the pickup operation of each pickup component 51 can be performed independently of each other, that is, the operation of each pickup component 51 is not affected by each other. When swapping a single-pack vehicle, only one pickup component 51 can be used to cache a single battery device 100. When swapping a double-pack vehicle, both pickup components 51 can be used to cache both battery devices 100 simultaneously. Thus, the battery swapping station 2000 can at least accommodate the battery swapping needs of single-pack and double-pack vehicles, improving battery swapping compatibility.

[0196] Furthermore, the second buffer device 50b and the first buffer device 50a are distributed along the first direction X, and the multiple pickup components 51 in each battery buffer device 50 are distributed along the second direction Y. This allows multiple battery replacement devices 10 arranged side-by-side along the second direction Y to simultaneously move along the first direction X to the handover position 53 below the first buffer device 50a, where they simultaneously hand over the battery device 100 to the multiple pickup components 51 of the first buffer device 50a. After the handover is completed, the multiple battery replacement devices 10 can continue along the first direction X to the handover position 53 below the second buffer device 50b, where they simultaneously hand over the battery device 100 to the multiple pickup components 51 of the second buffer device 50b. This helps to shorten the travel path of the battery replacement devices 10 during the battery swapping process, shorten the battery swapping cycle, and improve battery swapping efficiency.

[0197] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the battery storage device 71 includes a battery storage rack 711, which includes multiple battery storage layers 712 distributed along the gravity direction Z. Each battery storage layer 712 includes at least two battery storage compartments 7121 arranged along the second direction Y for storing the battery device 100.

[0198] For example, the battery storage rack 711 includes three battery storage layers 712 distributed along the gravity direction Z, and each battery storage layer 712 includes four battery storage compartments 7121 arranged along the second direction Y for storing the battery device 100.

[0199] Each battery device 100 can be stored individually in its respective battery storage compartment 7121, reducing the possibility of a chain reaction in the event of a battery device 100 failure or damage, and improving the reliability and stability of the battery storage system 70. Furthermore, the battery storage compartments 7121 are arranged along the Z-axis of gravity, making full use of the space in the Z-axis, reducing the footprint of the battery swapping station 2000, and storing a greater number of battery devices 100 within a limited space, resulting in higher space utilization.

[0200] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, at least a portion of the battery storage compartments 7121 of each battery storage layer 712 are arranged opposite to at least a portion of the pickup components 51 of the battery buffer device 50 along the gravity direction Z.

[0201] For example, each battery storage layer 712 includes three battery storage compartments 7121 arranged along the second direction Y, and the battery buffer device 50 includes three pickup components 51 arranged along the second direction Y. The three battery storage compartments 7121 in the same layer and the three pickup components 51 in the same battery buffer device 50 are arranged opposite each other along the gravity direction Z.

[0202] At least a portion of the battery storage compartments 7121 in each battery storage layer 712 are arranged one-to-one with at least a portion of the pickup components 51 in the battery buffer device 50 along the gravity direction Z, so that the battery transfer device 60 can simultaneously remove the battery devices 100 from at least a portion of the battery storage compartments 7121 in the same layer. Without adjusting the spacing of each battery device 100 along the second direction Y, it can be transferred to the same number of pickup components 51 in the same battery buffer device 50, saving some actions in the process of transferring the battery devices 100 by the battery transfer device 60, thereby shortening the transfer cycle, improving the transfer efficiency, and thus improving the battery swapping efficiency.

[0203] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the battery storage rack 711 includes four battery storage layers 712 distributed along the gravity direction Z. Each battery storage layer 712 includes three battery storage compartments 7121 arranged along the second direction Y. The battery buffer device 50 includes three pickup components 51 arranged along the second direction Y. The three battery storage compartments 7121 of each layer and the three pickup components 51 of the battery buffer device 50 are arranged opposite each other along the gravity direction Z.

[0204] This arrangement allows one battery storage rack 711 to have twelve battery storage compartments 7121, and the two battery storage racks 711 distributed on opposite sides of the battery transfer device 60 have a total of twenty-four battery storage compartments 7121, which can store a large number of battery devices 100. Moreover, the positions of each battery storage compartment 7121 are reasonably distributed, which saves space while meeting storage needs.

[0205] For example, the battery transfer device 60 includes three telescopic mechanisms 63 arranged along the second direction Y, which can transfer one, two or three battery devices 100 at the same time, and is suitable for battery swapping of single-pack vehicles, double-pack vehicles and triple-pack vehicles.

[0206] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the battery buffer device 50 includes a battery buffer rack 52, each pickup component 51 is connected to the battery buffer rack 52, and the battery buffer rack 52 and the battery storage rack 711 located on the same side of the battery transfer device 60 are connected as an integral structure.

[0207] For example, the top of the battery cache rack 52 and the bottom of the battery storage rack 711 are connected by fasteners such as bolts, so that the battery cache rack 52 and the battery storage rack 711 are integrated into one structure.

[0208] For example, a single frame is used, with the upper part of the frame serving as a battery storage rack 711, within which multiple battery storage compartments 7121 are formed; the part of the frame below the battery storage rack 711 serves as a battery buffer rack 52, with the bottom of the battery storage rack 711 and the top of the battery buffer rack 52 sharing the same part of the frame, that is, the bottom of the battery storage rack 711 also serves as the top of the battery buffer rack 52. When the pickup component 51 is connected to the top of the battery buffer rack 52, the pickup component 51 is also connected below the bottom of the battery storage rack 711.

[0209] Thus, by integrating the battery buffer rack 52 with the battery buffer rack 51, redundant gaps between devices are reduced, making the overall layout more compact and reducing space occupation. Moreover, the integrated structure eliminates the need for secondary positioning between the battery transfer device 60, the battery buffer device 50, and the battery storage device 71, improving the accuracy of battery device 100 transfer.

[0210] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG8, the battery transfer device 60 includes a transfer lifting mechanism 61, a platform 62, and at least one telescopic mechanism 63. The transfer lifting mechanism 61 has a lifting space extending along the lifting direction. The platform 62 is connected to the transfer lifting mechanism 61 and can move up and down in the lifting space along the lifting direction under the action of the transfer lifting mechanism 61. The telescopic mechanism 63 is mounted on the platform 62 and includes a bearing surface for supporting the battery device 100 from below. The telescopic mechanism 63 is configured to be able to extend and retract along a first direction X. As the telescopic mechanism 63 extends and retracts, the bearing surface shifts between an initial position, a first extended position, and a second extended position. When the bearing surface is in the initial position, it is located within the lifting space. When the bearing surface is in the first extended position, it is located outside one side of the lifting space along the first direction X. When the bearing surface is in the second extended position, it is located outside the other side of the lifting space along the first direction X.

[0211] The transfer lifting mechanism 61 is a mechanism that can drive the platform 62 to lift. It can be, but is not limited to, a scissor lift mechanism, a chain guide mechanism, a screw drive mechanism, a cylinder drive mechanism, etc.

[0212] Specifically, when the telescopic mechanism 63 retracts back to its initial position on the bearing surface, the telescopic mechanism 63 has its smallest dimension along the first direction X, and the entire telescopic mechanism 63 is located within the lifting space. Thus, the transfer lifting mechanism 61 can drive the platform 62 and the telescopic mechanism 63 to rise and fall along the gravity direction Z, thereby enabling the telescopic mechanism 63 to rise and fall to the height at which the battery buffer device 50 transfers the battery device 100, or to the height at which the battery storage device 71 transfers the battery device 100. In other words, the telescopic mechanism 63 approaches the battery buffer device 50 or the battery storage device 71 through the lifting action, which can at least save the movement along the second direction Y, thus shortening the transfer cycle and improving the efficiency of the battery transfer device 60 in transferring the battery device 100 between the battery buffer device 50 or the battery storage device 71. Furthermore, the telescopic mechanism 63 extends towards the first direction X, causing its bearing surface to extend into the battery buffer device 50 or battery storage device 71 on that side. That is, when the bearing surface is in the first extended position, the bearing surface is inside the battery buffer device 50 or battery storage device 71 on that side, thereby transferring the battery device 100 to the battery buffer device 50 or battery storage device 71 on that side. The telescopic mechanism 63 extends towards the other side of the first direction X, causing its bearing surface to extend into the battery buffer device 50 or battery storage device 71 on that side. That is, when the bearing surface is in the second extended position, the bearing surface is inside the battery buffer device 50 or battery storage device 71 on that side, thereby transferring the battery device 100 to the battery buffer device 50 or battery storage device 71 on that side.

[0213] For example, the telescopic mechanism 63 installed on the platform 62 can be one, two, three, four, or other numbers. The specific number is not specifically limited here.

[0214] It should be noted that the lifting direction refers to the direction that intersects with the horizontal direction. The lifting direction can be at an acute angle to the horizontal direction or perpendicular to the horizontal direction. When the lifting direction is perpendicular to the horizontal direction, the lifting direction is consistent with the direction of gravity Z.

[0215] Since the cache and storage are distributed along the direction of gravity Z, the battery transfer device 60 realizes the operation of picking up and placing the battery device 100 through the lifting and extending of the telescopic mechanism 63. This can eliminate the need for movement in the second direction Y, reduce the movement of the battery transfer device 100, shorten the transfer cycle, improve the battery swapping efficiency, and also save the driving and transmission components that realize the movement in the second direction Y, thereby reducing the number of parts and suppressing costs.

[0216] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG8, at least two telescopic mechanisms 63 are arranged along the second direction Y. The telescopic operation of each telescopic mechanism 63 can be performed independently. As the platform 62 rises and falls, the telescopic mechanism 63 can move to the first buffer transfer position and the first storage transfer position. When the telescopic mechanism 63 is in the first buffer transfer position, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms 63 and at least a portion of the picking components 51 are arranged opposite each other along the first direction X. When the telescopic mechanism 63 is in the first storage transfer position, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms 63 are arranged opposite each other along the first direction X to at least a portion of the battery storage compartments 7121 of the battery storage layer 712.

[0217] When the platform 62, carrying the telescopic mechanism 63, moves to the first buffer transfer position, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms 63 and at least a portion of the pickup components 51 are arranged one-to-one opposite each other along the first direction X. Thus, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms 63 can extend to the positions corresponding to the at least a portion of the pickup components 51, allowing them to simultaneously transfer the battery device 100. During this process, the battery transfer device 60 does not need to adjust the spacing of the battery devices 100 along the second direction Y to transfer the battery devices 100 with at least a portion of the pickup components 51 in the same battery buffer device 50. This eliminates some actions during the transfer of the battery devices 100 by the battery transfer device 60, thereby shortening the transfer cycle, improving transfer efficiency, and ultimately improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0218] Similarly, when the platform 62 moves to the first storage transfer position with the telescopic mechanism 63, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms 63 are arranged one-to-one with at least a portion of the battery storage compartments 7121 of the battery storage layer 712 along the first direction X. Thus, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms 63 can extend into at least a portion of the battery storage compartments 7121 of the battery storage layer 712, allowing them to be transferred to the battery device 100 simultaneously with the battery storage compartments 7121. During this process, the battery transfer device 60 does not need to adjust the spacing of the battery device 100 along the second direction Y to transfer the battery device 100 to at least a portion of the battery storage compartments 7121, eliminating some actions during the transfer process, thereby shortening the transfer cycle, improving transfer efficiency, and ultimately improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0219] The following is a brief description of the steps by which the battery transfer device 60 transfers the battery device 100 between the battery buffer device 50 and the battery storage device 71.

[0220] First, the steps for transferring the first battery device 100 from the first buffer device 50a to the battery storage device 71 will be described:

[0221] The transfer lifting mechanism 61, by driving the platform 62 to rise and fall, also drives the telescopic mechanism 63 to rise and fall and stop at the second buffer handover position; the telescopic mechanism 63 extends along the first direction X toward the first buffer device 50a, extending its bearing surface to below the battery device 100 buffered in the first buffer device 50a; the transfer lifting mechanism 61, by driving the platform 62 to rise, also drives the telescopic mechanism 63 to rise until the telescopic mechanism 63 supports the battery device 100 and detaches it from the bottom of the pickup component 51; the telescopic mechanism 63, carrying the respective battery device 100, retracts back into the lifting space of the transfer lifting mechanism 61. Inside the space; the transfer lifting mechanism 61 drives the platform 62 to continue rising, bringing the telescopic mechanism 63 and the battery device 100 carried on the telescopic mechanism 63 to rise and stop at a first storage transfer position; the telescopic mechanism 63 extends to one side along the first direction X, bringing the battery device 100 it carries into the battery storage compartment 7121; the transfer lifting mechanism 61 drives the platform 62 to descend, bringing the battery device 100 down until its bottom surface abuts against the bottom of the battery storage compartment 7121 and disengages from the bearing surface of the telescopic mechanism 63; the telescopic mechanism 63 retracts into the lifting space.

[0222] The steps for transferring the second battery device 100 from the battery storage device 71 to the second cache device 50b are then described:

[0223] The transfer lifting mechanism 61, by driving the platform 62 to rise and fall, also drives the telescopic mechanism 63 to rise and fall and stop at the second storage transfer position; the telescopic mechanism 63 extends along one side of the first direction X, reaching below the battery device 100 stored in the battery storage compartment 7121; the transfer lifting mechanism 61, by driving the platform 62 to rise, also drives the telescopic mechanism 63 to rise, until the telescopic mechanism 63, supporting the battery device 100, detaches from the bottom of the battery storage compartment 7121; the telescopic mechanism 63, carrying its respective battery device 100, retracts back into the lifting space of the transfer lifting mechanism 61; the transfer lifting mechanism... The mechanism 61 lowers the platform 62, bringing down the telescopic mechanism 63 and the battery device 100 carried on the telescopic mechanism 63, and stops at the first buffer transfer position. The telescopic mechanism 63 extends along the first direction X toward the second buffer device 50b, bringing the battery device 100 it carries into the second buffer device 50b. The transfer lifting mechanism 61 lowers the platform 62, bringing the battery device 100 down until its bottom surface abuts against the support part 5121 of the pickup component 51 and disengages from the support surface of the telescopic mechanism 63. The telescopic mechanism 63 retracts into the lifting space.

[0224] It is understandable that in the step of transferring the battery device 60 and the battery buffer device 50 to the battery device 100, the telescopic mechanism 63 needs to stop at two positions in the lifting direction, namely the first buffer handover position and the second buffer handover position. The first buffer handover position is located above the second buffer handover position. After the telescopic mechanism 63 at the first buffer handover position is extended, the battery device 100 supported by the telescopic mechanism 63 is located above the support part 5121 of the pickup component 51 and has a gap in the lifting direction. After the telescopic mechanism 63 at the second buffer handover position is extended, the support surface of the telescopic mechanism 63 is located below the bottom of the battery device 100 supported by the support part 5121 of the pickup component 51 and has a gap in the lifting direction. Similarly, in the step of transferring the battery device 100 from one of the battery storage compartments 7121 of the battery transfer device 60 and the battery storage device 71, the telescopic mechanism 63 needs to stop at two positions in the lifting direction, namely the first storage transfer position and the second storage transfer position. The first storage transfer position is located above the second storage transfer position. After the telescopic mechanism 63 at the first storage transfer position is extended, the battery device 100 supported by the telescopic mechanism 63 is located above the bottom of the battery storage compartment 7121 and has a gap in the lifting direction. After the telescopic mechanism 63 at the second storage transfer position is extended, the bearing surface of the telescopic mechanism 63 is located below the bottom of the battery device 100 stored in the battery storage compartment 7121 and has a gap in the lifting direction.

[0225] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG8, the battery transfer device 60 includes three telescopic mechanisms 63 distributed along a second direction Y.

[0226] Thus, the battery transfer equipment 60 can transfer one, two, or three battery devices 100 simultaneously, making it suitable for battery swapping in single-package, double-package, and triple-package vehicles, thereby improving the compatibility of battery swapping.

[0227] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG8, the transfer lifting mechanism 61 includes a lifting frame 611, a lifting drive device 612, and a lifting transmission assembly 613. The lifting drive device 612 is installed on the lifting frame 611; the lifting transmission assembly 613 is connected to the output end of the lifting drive device 612, and the platform 62 is connected to the lifting transmission assembly 613; the lifting drive device 612 can drive the platform 62 to rise and fall through the lifting transmission assembly 613.

[0228] The lifting frame 611 is the core load-bearing structure of the transfer lifting mechanism 61, used to install and support other components that realize the lifting function. For example, the lifting frame 611 is a cubic frame, including multiple horizontally and vertically intersecting shafts. A cubic lifting space is formed within the cubic frame, and the platform is located within the lifting space.

[0229] In this way, the transfer lifting mechanism 61 can drive the platform 62 to rise and fall, thereby enabling the telescopic mechanism 63 to rise and fall, thus realizing the transfer of the battery device 100.

[0230] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 8 and 11, the lifting transmission assembly 613 includes a first sprocket 6131 and a first chain 6132. The first sprocket 6131 is rotatably disposed on the upper end of the lifting frame 611 along the lifting direction about its own central axis. The first sprocket 6131 is connected to the output end of the lifting drive device 612 and can rotate under the action of the lifting drive device 612. The first chain 6132 extends from the first side of the first sprocket 6131, passes over the first sprocket 6131, and goes around to the second side of the first sprocket 6131 opposite to the first side. At least a portion of the first chain 6132 located on the first side of the first sprocket 6131 extends along the lifting direction and is connected to the platform 62.

[0231] For example, the lifting drive device 612 employs, but is not limited to, an electric motor.

[0232] For example, the lifting drive device 612 and the first sprocket 6131 are both installed above the lifting frame 611.

[0233] For example, as shown in FIG8, the lifting transmission assembly 613 includes a first transmission shaft 6130 disposed above the lifting frame 611. The first transmission shaft 6130 is connected to the output end of the lifting drive device 612. Each end of the first transmission shaft 6130 is connected to a first sprocket 6131. ​​Each first sprocket 6131 is wound with at least one first chain 6132. Each first chain 6132 is connected to the platform 62.

[0234] For example, as shown in FIG11, the lifting transmission assembly 613 further includes a second transmission shaft 6133, a transmission chain 6134, and two third transmission shafts 6135, all disposed above the lifting frame 611. The two third transmission shafts 6135 are arranged parallel to the second transmission shaft 6133 and are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second transmission shaft 6133. The two third transmission shafts 6135 are respectively connected to the second transmission shaft 6133 via the transmission chain 6134. Each end of each third transmission shaft 6135 is equipped with a first sprocket 6131, that is, the two third transmission shafts 6135 are equipped with a total of four first sprockets 6131. ​​Each first sprocket 6131 is connected to at least one first chain 6132, and each first chain 6132 is connected to the platform 62.

[0235] Thus, the motion is transmitted through the first sprocket 6131 and the first chain 6132, realizing the lifting function of the transfer lifting mechanism 61. Furthermore, the transmission of the first chain 6132 helps to improve the accuracy of the lifting position, increase transmission efficiency, and reduce energy consumption.

[0236] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG8, the transfer lifting mechanism 61 further includes a second sprocket 6141, a second chain 6142, and a counterweight 6143. The second sprocket 6141 is rotatably disposed on the upper end of the lifting frame 611 along the lifting direction about its own central axis. The second chain 6142 extends from the first side of the second sprocket 6141, passes over the second sprocket 6141, and goes to the second side of the second sprocket 6141 opposite to the first side. At least a portion of the second chain 6142 located on the first side of the second sprocket 6141 extends along the lifting direction and is connected to the platform 62. At least a portion of the second chain 6142 located on the second side of the second sprocket 6141 extends along the lifting direction and is connected to the counterweight 6143.

[0237] For example, as shown in FIG8, the lifting transmission assembly 613 includes a first transmission shaft 6130 disposed above the lifting frame 611. The first transmission shaft 6130 is connected to the output end of the lifting drive device 612. Each end of the first transmission shaft 6130 is connected to a first sprocket 6131. ​​Each first sprocket 6131 is wound with at least one first chain 6132. Each first chain 6132 is connected to the platform 62. There are four second sprockets 6141. The four second sprockets 6141 are distributed in pairs on opposite sides of the first transmission shaft 6130. The four second sprockets 6141 are respectively disposed at the four corners of a rectangle. Each second sprocket 6141 is wound with at least one second chain 6142. One end of each second chain 6142 is connected to the platform 62, and the other end is connected to a counterweight 6143. The counterweight 6143 is slidably connected to the lifting frame 611 along the lifting direction.

[0238] By setting counterweights, the weight of the platform 62 can be balanced, reducing the load on the lifting drive device 612 and reducing energy consumption. Moreover, the use of counterweights can effectively suppress the shaking of the platform 62 and reduce the risk of the first chain 6132 and the second chain 6142 skipping teeth or derailing.

[0239] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the telescopic mechanism 63 includes a first fork 631, a drive assembly 632, a telescopic transmission assembly (not shown), a second fork 633, and a third fork 634. The first fork 631 is mounted on the platform 62; the drive assembly 632 is mounted on the first fork 631; the telescopic transmission assembly is connected to the output end of the drive assembly 632; the second fork 633 is slidably connected to the first fork 631 along a first direction X, and is connected to the telescopic transmission assembly, and can reciprocate relative to the first fork 631 along the midpoint of the first direction X towards two opposite directions in the first direction X under the drive of the telescopic transmission assembly; the third fork 634 is slidably connected to the second fork 633 along the first direction X, and is connected to the telescopic transmission assembly, and can reciprocate relative to the second fork 633 along the midpoint of the first direction X towards two opposite directions in the first direction X under the drive of the telescopic transmission assembly, and the third fork 634 includes a bearing surface for supporting the battery device 100.

[0240] For example, the first fork 631 is fixedly connected to the platform 62.

[0241] For example, the first fork 631 and the second fork 633 are slidably connected along the first direction X by a guide slider assembly. Similarly, the second fork 633 and the third fork 634 are slidably connected along the first direction X by a guide slider assembly.

[0242] Thus, the telescopic mechanism 63 can achieve three-stage telescopic movement in two opposite directions, achieving a total stroke of twice the length of the fork itself. The maximum telescopic stroke is extended, allowing it to extend into the battery buffer device 50 and the battery storage device 71, thereby enabling the transfer of the battery device 100.

[0243] For example, the drive assembly 632 uses, but is not limited to, a variable frequency motor or a servo motor, in conjunction with a reducer to achieve power output. The telescopic transmission assembly consists of a double-layer sprocket set. The drive assembly 632 drives the drive sprocket, which in turn drives the middle sprocket. The middle sprocket, through a cross-chain layout, synchronously drives the second fork 633 and the third fork 634 to move along the first direction X.

[0244] Of course, it is understandable that the configuration of the drive assembly 632 and the telescopic transmission assembly is not limited to this; any structure capable of achieving bidirectional three-stage telescopic functionality is acceptable. Further details will not be elaborated upon here.

[0245] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the pickup assembly 51 includes pickup structures 511 disposed opposite each other along a second direction Y. The oppositely disposed pickup structures 511 are configured to move closer to each other to a pickup position or move further away from each other to a release position along the second direction Y. When in the pickup position, the oppositely disposed pickup structures 511 pick up the battery device 100; when in the release position, the oppositely disposed pickup structures 511 release the battery device 100.

[0246] "When in the pickup position, the relatively positioned pickup structure 511 picks up the battery device 100" means that when in the pickup position, the relatively positioned pickup structure 511 restricts the position of the battery device 100, preventing the battery device 100 from detaching from the pickup assembly 51 under gravity or other external forces, thereby buffering the battery device 100 between the relatively positioned pickup structures 511. For example, the relatively positioned pickup structure 511 can pick up the battery device 100 by clamping the battery device 100 from opposite sides, by supporting the battery device 100 from below, by suspending the battery device 100 from opposite sides or above, and so on.

[0247] "When in the release position, the relative pickup structure 511 releases the battery device 100," means that when the relative pickup structure 511 is in the release position, the positional constraint on the battery device 100 is removed, allowing the battery device 100 to detach from the relative pickup structures 511 under the action of gravity or some other external force, thereby enabling the battery device 100 to be transferred away. For example, the relative pickup structure 511 releasing the battery device 100 can mean removing the clamping force on the battery device 100 from opposite sides of the relative pickup structure 511, removing the support from below the battery device 100, removing the suspension from opposite sides or above the battery device 100, etc.

[0248] "Relatively set pick structure 511" can be two pick structures 511 relative to each other, or more than two pick structures 511 can be simultaneously relative to one pick structure 511. The number of pick structures 511 on each side of the relative setting is not specifically limited.

[0249] In this embodiment, the battery device 100 is moved between the pickup structures 511 of the pickup assembly 51, which are positioned opposite each other along the second direction Y to a pickup position. This allows the pickup assembly 51 to pick up the battery device 100, thereby buffering the battery device 100. When it is necessary to release the battery device 100, the pickup structures 511 move away from each other along the second direction Y to a release position, thus releasing the battery device 100 from the pickup assembly 51. This achieves the buffering function of the battery buffer device 50 for the battery device 100. Therefore, the actions of the pickup assembly 51 in picking up and releasing the battery device 100 are simple, efficient, and conducive to improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0250] In addition, when there is a handover position 53 below the battery buffer, the battery replacement device 10 hands over the battery device 100 to the battery buffer in the vertical direction at the handover position 53. This handover method is more suitable for the structure of the picking structure 511 that picks up the battery device 100 from opposite sides, making the handover operation simpler and more efficient.

[0251] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pickup structure 511 includes at least one pickup arm 512, and the pickup arm 512 includes a support portion 5121. When in the pickup position, the support portions 5121 of the pickup structures 511 arranged opposite each other carry the battery device 100. When in the release position, the spacing between the support portions 5121 of the pickup structures 511 arranged opposite each other along the second direction Y is greater than the size of the battery device 100 along the second direction Y.

[0252] The support part 5121 is a component used to support the battery device 100. It can be a block structure, a plate structure, a frame structure, etc.

[0253] For example, the support portion 5121 is a plate-shaped structure in which the thickness direction intersects the horizontal direction. When in the picking position, the support portion 5121 of the picking structure 511 provided opposite to it supports the battery device 100 from below. The upward surface of the two surfaces opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the plate-shaped structure supports the battery device 100.

[0254] For example, the support part 5121 is a frame structure with a hook part. When in the picking position, the support part 5121 of the picking structure 511 disposed opposite to it supports the battery device 100 in a suspended manner through the hook part.

[0255] When in the pickup position, the support portions 5121 of the oppositely arranged pickup structures 511 each support the battery device 100, thus achieving pickup of the battery device 100. When the oppositely arranged pickup structures 511 move away from each other to the release position, the distance between the support portions 5121 of the oppositely arranged pickup structures 511 along the second direction Y is greater than the size of the battery device 100 along the second direction Y, thereby removing the support for the battery device 100. The space between the support portions 5121 allows the battery device 100 to pass through, enabling the battery device 100 to leave the battery buffer device 50 through the space between the support portions 5121, thereby realizing the buffering function of the pickup component 51 for the battery device 100. Moreover, by supporting the battery device 100 with the support portions 5121, the stability of picking up the battery device 100 is improved, thereby improving the stability of buffering the battery device 100.

[0256] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the picking arm 512 further includes an arm body 5122, which is connected to the support portion 5121. When in the picking position, the arm bodies 5122 of the oppositely arranged picking structure 511 abut against or have a gap with the opposite sides of the battery device 100 along the second direction Y.

[0257] Exemplarily, the arm body 5122 is a long arm-shaped structure, with its length direction intersecting the horizontal direction. The upper end of the arm body 5122 is connected to the battery buffer rack 52, and the lower end of the arm body 5122 is connected to the support portion 5121. Exemplarily, the arm body 5122 and the support portion 5121 are welded together. Exemplarily, the arm body 5122 and the support portion 5121 are connected by fasteners such as bolts.

[0258] For example, when in the picking position, the arm bodies 5122 of the oppositely arranged picking structure 511 abut against the opposite sides of the battery device 100 along the second direction Y, so that the picking arms 512 of the oppositely arranged picking structure 511 clamp the battery device 100, making the picking assembly 51 picking up the battery device 100 more stable and reliable.

[0259] For example, when in the picking position, the arm body 5122 of the picking structure 511, which is arranged opposite to each other, has a distance between it and the battery device 100 on opposite sides along the second direction Y. In this way, when the battery device 100 is displaced to a certain extent along the second direction Y, the arm body 5122 has a certain blocking effect on the battery device 100, reducing the probability of the battery device 100 detaching from the picking structure 511 along the second direction Y, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the picking assembly 51 in picking up the battery device 100.

[0260] Thus, the bearing portion 5121 of the picking arm 512 limits the position of the battery device 100 in the gravity direction Z, and the arm body 5122 limits the position of the battery device 100 in the second direction Y, thereby reducing the probability of the battery device 100 detaching from the picking assembly 51, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the picking assembly 51 in picking up the battery device 100.

[0261] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the battery buffer device 50 includes a battery buffer rack 52, and one end of the arm body 5122 of the pickup arm 512 away from the support portion 5121 is movably connected to the battery buffer rack 52 along a second direction Y.

[0262] For example, of the battery buffer holder 52 and the arm body 5122, one is connected to a slide rail 513 extending along the second direction Y, and the other is connected to a slider 514, which is slidably connected to the slide rail 513 along the second direction Y.

[0263] Thus, the movable connection between the pickup arm 512 and the battery buffer rack 52 improves the stability of the pickup arm 512's movement, thereby improving the reliability of the battery pickup device 100.

[0264] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG7, when adjacent pickup components 51 along the first direction X are both in the released position, the pickup arms 512 of two pickup structures 511 of adjacent pickup components 51 that are close to each other are misaligned along the second direction Y and have overlapping portions in their orthogonal projections on the first direction X.

[0265] "Offset along the second direction Y" means that the positions are offset when viewed along the second direction Y, and are not aligned. That is, when viewed along the second direction Y, the pickup arms 512 of two adjacent pickup structures 511 are not aligned. For example, the pickup assembly 51 includes two pairs of pickup arms 512 distributed along the first direction X, and the two pickup arms 512 in each pair are arranged opposite each other and mirror images along the second direction Y.

[0266] For example, when adjacent pickup components 51 along the second direction Y are both in the released position, the pickup arms 512 of the two pickup structures 511 that are close to each other in the adjacent pickup components 51 are alternately distributed in the first direction X.

[0267] This arrangement allows for some overlap in the space occupied by adjacent pickup components 51, reducing their space requirement in the second direction Y and thus facilitating the miniaturization of the battery buffer device 50. Furthermore, the relatively small space occupied by the two close pickup structures 511 of adjacent pickup components 51 in the second direction Y allows them to more easily extend into the gaps between adjacent battery devices 100 along the second direction Y, improving the ease of picking up the battery device 100. It also reduces the need for adjustments to the spacing between adjacent battery devices 100 along the second direction Y, thus saving energy and time.

[0268] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG7, the pickup structure 511 includes at least two pickup arms 512 spaced apart along a first direction X.

[0269] For example, the pickup assembly 51 includes two pickup structures 511 facing each other along the second direction Y. Each pickup structure 511 includes two pickup arms 512 spaced apart along the first direction X. The two pickup arms 512 of one pickup structure 511 are respectively arranged opposite to the two pickup arms 512 of the other pickup structure 511 along the second direction Y and are mirror-symmetrical. That is, the pickup assembly 51 includes four pickup arms 512, and the four pickup arms 512 pick up the battery device 100 from opposite sides along the second direction Y in pairs.

[0270] For example, each pickup arm 512 is movably connected to the battery buffer rack 52 via its respective connected slide rail 513 and slider 514.

[0271] This configuration, by supporting more than 100 points on the battery device, improves the stability and reliability of the pickup component 51 in picking up the battery device 100, increasing the probability of a smooth battery swapping operation. Furthermore, it helps reduce the interaction force between the pickup component 51 and each support point on the battery device 100, reducing stress concentration on the battery device 100 and thus decreasing the likelihood of damage to these support points.

[0272] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pickup assembly 51 further includes a pickup drive device 515, and the pickup arm 512 is connected to the output end of the pickup drive device 515 and can reciprocate along the second direction Y under the action of the pickup drive device 515.

[0273] For example, each pickup arm 512 is connected to a pickup drive device 515, and each pickup arm 512 reciprocates along the second direction Y under the action of its respective connected pickup drive device 515.

[0274] For example, the pickup drive device 515 includes, but is not limited to, cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, linear motors, etc.

[0275] For example, the pickup drive 515 is mounted on the battery cache rack 52.

[0276] Thus, by integrating the pickup drive device 515 and the pickup arm 512, the pickup component 51 achieves efficient and precise linear reciprocating motion.

[0277] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the battery buffer device 50 includes a battery buffer rack 52, and each pickup component 51 is connected to the battery buffer rack 52.

[0278] The battery buffer rack 52 is the core support structure of the battery buffer device 50, used to install and support each pickup component 51. For example, the battery buffer rack 52 includes a plurality of horizontally and vertically intersecting shafts, and the battery buffer rack 52 forms a buffer space. Each pickup component 51 is connected to the battery buffer rack 52 and is located in the buffer space, so that when the pickup component 51 picks up the battery device 100, the battery device 100 is located in the buffer space.

[0279] The battery buffer rack 52 is a frame-like structure. The battery buffer device 50 uses the frame-like battery buffer rack 52 to install and support other components, including the pickup component 51, making the battery buffer device 50 a complete structure that is easy to move and transport. Moreover, the frame-like structure can reduce the amount of material used while meeting structural strength requirements, thus saving material costs.

[0280] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG7, the battery buffer device 50 includes three pickup components 51 arranged along a second direction Y.

[0281] Thus, by setting up three pickup components 51, the battery replacement system is suitable for battery swapping of single-pack, double-pack, and triple-pack vehicles, further improving the efficiency and compatibility of battery swapping.

[0282] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG6, the pickup structure 511 is provided with a first sensing device 516, and the battery replacement system further includes a control system 30. The control system 30 controls the pickup structures 511 to stop moving closer to each other in response to the first sensing device 516 sensing that the pickup structures 511 are moving away from each other to the pickup position and picking up the battery device 100. The control system 30 also controls the pickup structures 511 to stop moving away from each other in response to the first sensing device 516 sensing that the pickup structures 511 are moving away from each other to the release position.

[0283] For example, the control system 30 is communicatively connected to the pickup drive device 515. The control system 30 controls the pickup structures 511 that are arranged opposite to each other to move closer or further apart by controlling the pickup drive device 515.

[0284] For example, the first sensing device 516 is a limit switch, which is installed on the arm body 5122 of the pickup arm 512. When the opposing pickup arms 512 approach each other and the limit switch is triggered by contacting the battery device 100, a first positioning signal is sent to the control system 30. After receiving the first positioning signal, the control system 30 controls the pickup drive device 515 to stop driving the pickup arms 512 to approach each other, so that the opposing pickup arms 512 stop at the pickup position. When it is necessary to release the battery device 100, the control system 30 controls the pickup drive device 515 to drive the opposing pickup arms 512 away from each other. When they move away until the battery device 100 is detached from the arm body 5122, the limit switch is triggered, and the limit switch sends a second positioning signal to the control system 30. After receiving the second positioning signal, the control system 30 controls the pickup drive device 515 to stop driving the pickup arms 512 away from each other, so that the opposing pickup arms 512 stop at the release position.

[0285] Of course, it is understandable that the first sensing device 516 may also employ other types of sensing devices, such as, but not limited to, visual sensing devices, ranging sensing devices, etc.

[0286] Thus, through the coordinated operation of the first sensing device 516 and the control system 30, the picking and releasing of the battery device 100 is automated. The precise picking and releasing of the battery device 100 can be completed without human intervention, which significantly improves the battery swapping efficiency and reduces the probability of equipment damage or damage to the battery device 100 caused by excessive squeezing or separation of the mechanical structure.

[0287] For example, the battery buffer device 50 is provided with a fire-fighting device 80 on at least one side along the second direction Y.

[0288] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG12, the battery swapping station 2000 further includes a control system 30. Each pickup component 51 of the battery buffer device 50 is equipped with a first sensing device 516 and a second sensing device 517. In response to the second sensing device 517 sensing that a battery replacement device 10 is parked at the handover position 53 below the pickup component 51 corresponding to the second sensing device 517, the control system 30 controls the pickup structures 511 of the pickup components 51 to transfer batteries to the battery replacement device 10 by moving closer or further apart from each other. The device 100 and the control system 30 respond to the first sensing device 516 sensing that the relatively arranged pickup structure 511 approaches to the pickup position and picks up the battery device 100, thereby controlling the relatively arranged pickup structure 511 to stop approaching each other and controlling the battery replacement device 10 to move out of the handover position 53; and respond to the first sensing device 516 sensing that the relatively arranged pickup structure 511 moves away from each other to the release position, thereby controlling the relatively arranged pickup structure 511 to stop moving away from each other and controlling the battery replacement device 10 to move out of the handover position 53.

[0289] For example, the first sensing device 516 is a limit switch, which is mounted on the arm body 5122 of the pickup arm 512.

[0290] For example, the second sensing device 517 employs, but is not limited to, a photoelectric sensor, which includes, but is not limited to, through-beam sensors, reflective sensors, etc.

[0291] Specifically, the battery replacement device 10, carrying the first battery device 100, moves to the handover position 53. When the second sensing device 517 corresponding to the handover position 53 senses the entry of the battery replacement device 10, it emits an entry signal. When the control system 30 receives the entry signal, it controls the pickup component 51 at the handover position 53 to hand over the battery device 100 to the battery replacement device 10. The handover process is as follows: first, the battery device 100 carried on the battery replacement device 10 is positioned between the oppositely arranged pickup arms 512. Then, the oppositely arranged pickup arms 512 move closer to each other until they reach the pickup position. At this time, the pickup arm 512 triggers the first sensing device 516, which emits a first positioning signal. After receiving the first positioning signal, the control system 30 controls the pickup drive device 515 to stop driving the pickup arms 512 to move closer to each other, so that the opposite pickup arms 512 stop at the pickup position, thus completing the handover operation of the battery device 100 from the battery replacement device 10 to the battery buffer device 50. Subsequently, the unloaded battery replacement device 10 moves to the handover position 53 below the pickup component 51 containing the second battery device 100. The second sensing device 517 corresponding to this handover position 53 senses the arrival of the battery replacement device 10 and sends an entry signal. When the control system 30 receives the entry signal, it controls the pickup component 51 at this handover position 53 to hand over the battery device 100 to the battery replacement device 10. The handover process involves first bringing the bearing surface of the battery replacement device 10 into contact with the bottom surface of the battery device 100, and then the control system 30 controlling the pickup drive device 515 to drive the oppositely positioned pickup arms 512 away from each other. When the arms move away from each other to the release position, the first sensing device 516 is triggered and sends a second positioning signal. After receiving the second positioning signal, the control system 30 controls the pickup drive device 515 to stop driving the pickup arms 512 away from each other, so that the opposing pickup arms 512 stop at the release position. At this time, the distance between the bearing portions 5121 of the opposing pickup arms 512 is greater than the size of the battery device 100 along the second direction Y. Then, the battery device 100 can be moved downward from between the opposing pickup arms 512, thus completing the handover operation of the battery device 100 from the battery buffer device 50 to the battery replacement device 10. After the handover is completed, the control system 30 controls the battery replacement device 10 to move out from the handover position 53 and move toward the vehicle to be replaced, and install the second battery device 100 into the vehicle.

[0292] Thus, through the coordinated operation of the first sensing device 516, the second sensing device 517 and the control system 30, the handover operation between the battery buffer device 50 and the battery replacement device 10 is automated. The handover operation of the battery device 100 can be completed smoothly without manual intervention, which significantly improves the battery swapping efficiency and reduces the probability of equipment damage or battery device 100 damage caused by excessive squeezing or separation of the mechanical structure during the picking of the battery device 100.

[0293] It is understood that the pickup component 51 of the battery buffer device 50 is configured to be movable relative to the battery buffer rack 52. The pickup component 51 can be lowered so that the battery device 100 carried on the battery replacement device 10 is positioned between the oppositely arranged pickup arms 512, thereby allowing the oppositely arranged pickup arms 512 to pick up the battery device 100 by moving closer to each other. Alternatively, the pickup component 51 of the battery buffer device 50 can be configured not to be movable relative to the battery buffer rack 52. In this case, the support platform 12 of the battery replacement device 10 is configured to be movable, so that the battery replacement device 10 can be raised so that the battery device 100 carried on the support platform 12 is positioned between the oppositely arranged pickup arms 512, thereby allowing the oppositely arranged pickup arms 512 to pick up the battery device 100 by moving closer to each other.

[0294] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, the battery replacement device 10 includes a bracket 11, a translation component 14, and a support platform 12. The translation component 14 is disposed on the bracket 11. The support platform 12 is used to support the battery device 100. The support platform 12 is connected to the translation component 14 and can reciprocate along the second direction Y under the drive of the translation component 14. As the support platform 12 moves, the spacing between the battery devices 100 supported on adjacent support platforms 12 in the second direction Y can be adjusted to be greater than the size of the pickup structure 511 along the second direction Y, so as to allow the pickup structure 511 to extend between adjacent battery devices 100 along the second direction Y.

[0295] The bracket 11 is the chassis support structure of the battery replacement device 10, used to support various structural components that enable the functions of the battery replacement device 10. Exemplarily, the bracket 11 can be a frame structure, a flat plate structure, or a tray structure. This embodiment does not specifically limit the shape of the bracket 11.

[0296] The support platform 12 is a structural component used to support the battery device 100. Specifically, the support platform 12 can be used to support either a first battery device 100 or a second battery device 100. The support platform 12 includes a support surface on which the battery device 100 is supported. In this embodiment, the support surface is generally flat, thereby providing stable support for the battery device 100.

[0297] Generally, the spacing between adjacent battery devices 100 in double- or triple-guarantee vehicles is smaller than the size of the pickup arm 512 of the battery buffer device 50. During the movement of two or three parallel battery replacement devices 10 carrying their respective battery devices 100, the spacing between adjacent battery devices 100 is smaller than the size of the pickup arm 512 of the battery buffer device 50. Therefore, before two or three parallel battery replacement devices 10 hand over battery devices 100 to two or three pickup components 51 at the same time, the spacing between adjacent battery devices 100 needs to be adjusted.

[0298] Therefore, by providing the translation component 14, the position of the battery device 100 along the second direction Y can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the spacing between adjacent battery devices 100. This allows the pickup arm 512 to extend between adjacent battery devices 100 along the second direction Y, so that by bringing the pickup arms 512 closer together, the carrying portion 5121 of the pickup arm 512 can be moved below the battery device 100, allowing the upper surface of the carrying portion 5121 to contact the bottom surface of the battery device 100, thus enabling the pickup of the battery device 100. Of course, it is understandable that during the installation or removal of the battery device 100 from the battery mounting location of the vehicle, there may be a situation where the position is tilted along the second direction Y. In this case, the position of the battery device 100 can also be adjusted by the translation component 14 to improve the reliability of battery device 100 replacement.

[0299] It should be noted that, in order to make full use of the vehicle's space, adjacent battery devices 100 installed on the vehicle chassis are relatively compact, with a small distance between them. However, the distance between the storage spaces of adjacent battery storage compartments 7121 on the same layer of the battery storage device 71 is relatively large. This means that multiple battery devices 100 removed from the vehicle chassis at the same time cannot be simultaneously stored in multiple battery storage compartments 7121 without adjusting their spacing. Therefore, in this embodiment, before multiple parallel battery replacement devices 10 hand over battery devices 100 to the battery buffer device 50, the spacing between adjacent battery devices 100 is adjusted by the translation component 14 of the battery replacement device 10. The spacing is adjusted to match the spacing between adjacent battery storage compartments 7121. Then, the spacing between the multiple battery devices 100 remains unchanged during the caching process of the battery caching device 50 and the transfer process of the battery transfer device 60. This allows the battery transfer device 60 to store the multiple battery devices 100 into the multiple battery storage compartments 7121 by shifting the multiple battery devices 100 along the lifting direction and along the first direction X. This eliminates the need to adjust the spacing between the battery devices 100 during caching and transfer, which simplifies the structure of the battery caching device 50 and the battery transfer device 60, saves space, shortens the battery swapping cycle, and improves battery swapping efficiency.

[0300] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, the translation assembly 14 includes a translation drive 141, a lead screw 142 extending along the second direction Y, and a meshing member 143. The drive end of the translation drive 141 is connected to the lead screw 142 and is used to drive the lead screw 142 to rotate. The meshing member 143 is sleeved on the lead screw 142 and can move along the second direction Y as the lead screw 142 rotates. The bearing platform 12 is connected to the meshing member 143 and can move along the second direction Y as the meshing member 143 moves.

[0301] Therefore, the meshing member 143 can reciprocate along the second direction Y through the rotation of the lead screw 142, thereby driving the bearing platform 12 connected to the meshing member 143 to reciprocate along the second direction Y. The lead screw 142 transmission has high transmission efficiency and low energy consumption, which is more conducive to energy conservation and environmental protection.

[0302] Specifically, the lead screw 142 has an external thread, and the engaging member 143 has an internal thread. The engaging member 143 can be, for example, a nut that engages with the lead screw 142. Thus, the bearing platform 12 can reciprocate along the second direction Y by the engagement of the nut with the lead screw 142 and by changing the rotation direction of the lead screw 142.

[0303] Translation drive 141 includes, but is not limited to, a motor. As a specific example, translation drive 141 may be a servo motor.

[0304] Of course, those skilled in the art should understand that the translation component 14 is not limited to the kinematic pair of the lead screw 142 and the nut. As long as the movement of the bearing platform 12 along the second direction Y can be realized, the translation component 14 can also be a gear and rack drive, chain drive, belt drive, etc.

[0305] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the translation assembly 14 further includes a guide rail 144 and a slider 145. The guide rail 144 extends along a second direction Y, and the slider 145 is supported on the guide rail 144 in a manner that allows it to move along the guide rail 144. The engagement member 143 is connected to the slider 145.

[0306] Guide rail 144 is typically a groove or ridge made of metal or other suitable material, primarily used in linear reciprocating motion applications. Guide rail 144 supports, secures, and guides components or mechanisms and reduces friction during their movement.

[0307] In this embodiment, the guide rail 144 has a ridge-shaped protrusion structure, and the slider 145 is provided with a groove. The slider 145 reciprocates along the guide rail 144 through the cooperation of the groove and the protrusion structure, thereby causing the bearing platform 12, which is directly or indirectly connected to the slider 145, to reciprocate along the guide rail 144.

[0308] In some other embodiments, the guide rail 144 may also be grooved, and the slider 145 is provided with a protrusion. The slider 145 reciprocates along the guide rail 144 through the cooperation of the protrusion and the groove.

[0309] On the one hand, the guide rail 144 reduces friction and sway when the support platform 12 moves along the second direction Y, thus making the movement of the support platform 12 smoother, more stable, and more reliable. On the other hand, the guide rail 144 can play a certain guiding role, thereby constraining the support platform 12 and improving the translational accuracy of the support platform 12.

[0310] For example, stop members may be provided on opposite sides of the guide rail 144 along the second direction Y. The stop members protrude from the surface of the bracket 11 and are higher than the guide rail 144. The stop members can limit the sliding member 145 to a certain extent, reducing the possibility of the sliding member 145 falling off the guide rail 144.

[0311] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the bracket 11 can be provided with two support blocks 146, which are arranged at intervals along the second direction Y. A lead screw 142 is rotatably mounted on the support block 146, thus providing some support for the lead screw 142. A guide rail 144 is disposed between the two support blocks 146. The structure of the support block 146 facing the guide rail 144 along the second direction Y can constitute a stop. Therefore, there is no need to provide an additional stop structure, which helps to reduce the number of parts and lower production costs.

[0312] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG13, the battery replacement device 10 further includes an locking / unlocking mechanism 13, which is disposed on the support platform 12 and is used to lock or unlock the battery device 100 relative to the chassis of the vehicle.

[0313] The unlocking mechanism 13 is disposed on the bearing surface of the bearing platform 12. The unlocking mechanism 13 is used to unlock the battery device 100 relative to the vehicle to remove the first battery device 100 from the vehicle, or to lock the battery device 100 relative to the vehicle to install the second battery device 100 into the vehicle.

[0314] This disclosure does not specifically limit the type and structure of the locking and unlocking mechanism 13, as long as it can lock and unlock the battery device 100 relative to the vehicle chassis.

[0315] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG13, the battery replacement device 10 further includes a replacement lifting mechanism 15. The replacement lifting mechanism 15 is connected to the translation component 14 and can move along the second direction Y under the action of the translation component 14. The replacement lifting mechanism 15 is connected to the support platform 12 and can raise and lower the support platform 12. When the pickup component 51 is in the released position, the battery device 100 supported on the support platform 12 can enter or exit the space between the relatively arranged pickup structures 511 under the action of the replacement lifting mechanism 15.

[0316] The replacement lifting mechanism 15 refers to a structural component capable of lifting and lowering along the lifting direction. For example, as shown in the figure, the replacement lifting mechanism 15 includes a lifting assembly 152 and a lifting platform 151. One end of the lifting assembly 152 is connected to the bracket 11, and the other end is connected to the lifting platform 151. The lifting platform 151 can also be lifted and lowered along the lifting direction under the drive of the lifting assembly 152. A carrying platform 12 is connected to the lifting platform 151, thereby being able to lift and lower along the lifting direction under the drive of the lifting platform 151, thus moving closer to or further away from the vehicle chassis to replace the battery device 100 installed on the vehicle chassis. Furthermore, the carrying platform 12 moves in and out of the space between the relatively arranged pickup structures 511 by lifting and lowering, thereby realizing the operation of transferring the battery device 100 to the battery buffer device 50.

[0317] For example, the lifting assembly 152 can be a lifting cylinder. As another example, the lifting assembly 152 can be a rigid chain assembly. Even more exemplarily, the lifting assembly 152 can be a ball screw 142 lifting mechanism. This disclosure does not specifically limit the type and structure of the lifting assembly 152, as long as it enables the lifting platform 151 to rise and fall along the lifting direction.

[0318] It should be noted that the lifting direction refers to the direction that intersects with the horizontal direction. The lifting direction can be at an acute angle to the horizontal direction or perpendicular to the horizontal direction. When the lifting direction is perpendicular to the horizontal direction, the lifting direction is consistent with the direction of gravity Z.

[0319] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG13, the battery replacement device 10 further includes a suspension member 17, one end of which is connected to a lifting platform 151, and the other end of which is connected to a support platform 12. The number of suspension members 17 is at least two, and the two suspension members 17 are respectively located on opposite sides of the support platform 12 along a first direction X.

[0320] Therefore, the carrier platform 12 can be connected to the lifting platform 151 in a floating manner through the suspension component 17, thereby realizing the floating of the carrier platform 12 relative to the battery device 100 of the vehicle chassis. This allows the locking and unlocking mechanism 13 installed on the carrier platform 12 to be matched with the locking head of the battery device 100 in a relatively flexible manner, reducing the risk of damage to the locking and unlocking mechanism 13 or the battery device 100 due to force caused by installation or operation errors.

[0321] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, there are two lifting platforms 151, located on opposite sides of the support platform 12 along the first direction X. There are four suspension members 17. The support platform 12 is generally rectangular, and a suspension member 17 is connected to each of the four corners of the rectangle. Therefore, when the support platform 12 is raised and lowered by the lifting platforms 151, the risk of tilting or overturning of the support platform 12 is reduced, resulting in better reliability.

[0322] Of course, those skilled in the art should understand that the present disclosure does not specifically limit the number of suspension components 17, as long as the carrying platform 12 can be stably suspended between the lifting platforms 151.

[0323] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the suspension member 17 includes a flexible structure.

[0324] Therefore, the flexible structure can dissipate the lateral force as much as possible when the unlocking mechanism 13 matches the locking head of the battery device 100, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the unlocking structure or the battery device 100 due to force, reducing the probability of the unlocking mechanism 13 failing to unlock the battery device 100, and improving the reliability of the battery replacement device 10.

[0325] For example, the flexible structure includes any one of chains or ropes.

[0326] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG13, the battery replacement device 10 further includes a walking mechanism 16, which is connected to the bracket 11 and configured to walk on the working surface 20 to drive the bracket 11 to reciprocate along the first direction X.

[0327] The bracket 11 can move on the working surface 20 via the traveling mechanism 16. For example, the traveling mechanism 16 may include rollers that can move on the working surface 20, or it may include track wheels that can move on the traveling guide rail assembly 40 disposed on the working surface 20.

[0328] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the working surface 20 refers to the ground surface of the site of the battery swapping station 2000.

[0329] This disclosure does not specifically limit the type and structure of the walking mechanism 16, as long as it can move on the working surface 20.

[0330] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG3, the battery swapping station 2000 further includes at least one travel guide assembly 40. The travel guide assembly 40 extends along a first direction X on the working surface 20. The travel mechanism 16 of each battery swapping device 10 is capable of moving independently along its respective travel guide assembly 40.

[0331] The walking guide assembly 40 passes sequentially along the first direction X through the junction 53 below the first buffer device 50a, the passage 601 of the battery transfer device 60, and the junction 53 below the second buffer device 50b, so that the battery replacement device 10 can pass along the walking guide assembly 40 through the junction 53 below the first buffer device 50a, the passage 601 of the battery transfer device 60, and the junction 53 below the second buffer device 50b.

[0332] Therefore, the battery replacement device 10 can reciprocate along the first direction X on the working surface 20 along the walking guide assembly 40, thereby improving the stability and positioning accuracy of the battery replacement device 10.

[0333] For example, the battery swapping station 2000 is equipped with three battery swapping devices 10, which can perform single-pack, double-pack, and triple-pack battery swapping for vehicles.

[0334] For example, the battery swapping station 2000 is equipped with three walking guide rail assemblies 40, which are distributed sequentially along the second direction Y. The three battery swapping devices 10 move along the three walking guide rail assemblies 40 respectively.

[0335] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this disclosure, the "simultaneous" in actions such as the simultaneous handover of multiple pickup components 51 and the simultaneous extension and retraction of multiple telescopic mechanisms 63 does not only mean synchronous execution, but can also mean asynchronous execution. It can mean that the actions occur within a set time interval, that is, the timing can be sequential. For example, the handover action of one of the multiple pickup components 51 may be delayed by 0.1 seconds compared to the handover action of another, as long as all the preceding handover actions have been completed before the subsequent action. The specific value of the set time interval is not specifically limited here.

[0336] The second aspect of this disclosure provides a battery replacement method applied to a battery swapping station for replacing a battery device locked to a vehicle chassis. The battery swapping station includes a battery transfer device, at least two battery buffer devices, at least two battery storage devices, and at least one battery replacement device. The battery transfer device is provided with at least one battery buffer device on each of its opposite sides along a first direction intersecting the direction of gravity. The battery transfer device is provided with at least one battery storage device on each of its opposite sides along the first direction, and the battery storage device is positioned above the battery buffer device along the direction of gravity.

[0337] As shown in Figure 16, the battery replacement method includes:

[0338] S100, The battery transfer device removes the second battery unit from the battery storage device and transfers it to the first storage and transfer position;

[0339] S200, the battery transfer device, carrying the second battery unit, descends from the first storage transfer position to the first buffer transfer position;

[0340] S300, the battery transfer device transfers the second battery unit from the first buffer transfer position to the battery buffer device;

[0341] S400, the battery replacement equipment departs from the standby point and removes the first battery unit from the vehicle chassis;

[0342] S500, the battery replacement equipment carries the first battery device to the first handover position of the battery buffer equipment;

[0343] S600, the battery replacement device transfers the first battery unit to the battery buffer device;

[0344] S700, the battery replacement device receives a second battery unit from the battery buffer device;

[0345] S800, the battery replacement equipment moves and installs the second battery unit on the vehicle chassis;

[0346] S900, the battery transfer device transfers the first battery unit in the battery buffer device to the battery storage device;

[0347] S1001, The battery storage device stores and charges the first battery device.

[0348] The time period during which the battery transfer device transfers the second battery device from the first buffer transfer position to the battery buffer device is the first time period, and the time period during which the battery replacement device carries the first battery device to the first transfer position of the battery buffer device is the second time period. The end time of the first time period is within the second time period.

[0349] It is understandable that the time period for step S300 is the first time period, and the time period for step S500 is the second time period.

[0350] Those skilled in the art should understand that the steps of the above method are not in any particular order in terms of time, unless otherwise specified.

[0351] It is understandable that a time period is the period between the start time and the end time.

[0352] Since the first time period ends within the second time period—that is, before the battery replacement equipment moves to the first handover position—the battery buffer already contains the second battery device. Therefore, after the first battery device is handed over to the battery buffer, the battery replacement equipment can quickly receive the second battery device from the buffer. Furthermore, the first and second time periods overlap, thereby improving battery swapping efficiency.

[0353] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the duration of the first time period is between 14 and 24 seconds.

[0354] For example, the duration of the first time period can be, but is not limited to, 14 seconds, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, or 24 seconds.

[0355] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the duration of the second time period is between 4 and 14 seconds.

[0356] For example, the duration of the second time period can be, but is not limited to, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, or 14 seconds.

[0357] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the time period from when the battery replacement device departs from the standby point to when the first battery device is removed from the vehicle chassis is a third time period, and the time period from when the battery transfer device carrying the second battery device descends from the first storage transfer position to the first buffer transfer position is a fourth time period, which is included in the third time period.

[0358] It is understandable that step S400 is performed during the third time period. Step S200 is performed during the fourth time period.

[0359] Since the fourth time period is included within the third time period, during the process of the battery replacement equipment moving towards the vehicle and removing the first battery unit from the vehicle chassis, the battery transfer equipment carries the second battery unit down to the battery buffer setting. The timing overlaps to the greatest extent, so that the second battery unit can be buffered in place before the battery replacement equipment moves to the first handover position. Therefore, after the first battery unit is handed over to the battery buffer setting, the battery replacement equipment can quickly receive the second battery unit from the battery buffer setting that contains the second battery unit, thereby improving the battery swapping efficiency.

[0360] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the duration of the third time period is in the range of 35 to 45 seconds.

[0361] For example, the duration of the third time period can be, but is not limited to, 35 seconds, 35.5 seconds, 36 seconds, 36.5 seconds, 37 seconds, 37.5 seconds, 38 seconds, 38.5 seconds, 39 seconds, 39.5 seconds, 40 seconds, 40.5 seconds, 41 seconds, 41.5 seconds, 42 seconds, 42.5 seconds, 43 seconds, 43.5 seconds, 44 seconds, 44.5 seconds, and 45 seconds.

[0362] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the duration of the fourth time period is in the range of 9 to 15 seconds.

[0363] For example, the duration of the fourth time period can be, but is not limited to, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, 11 seconds, 12 seconds, 13 seconds, 14 seconds, or 15 seconds.

[0364] In some embodiments of this disclosure, at least two battery buffer devices include a second buffer device and a first buffer device, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the battery transfer device along a first direction. The second buffer device has a second junction position below it, and the first buffer device has a first junction position below it. The battery transfer device includes a transfer lifting mechanism, a platform, and at least one telescopic mechanism. The transfer lifting mechanism has a lifting space extending along the lifting direction. A portion of the transfer lifting mechanism is disposed between the second junction position and the first junction position. The telescopic mechanism is mounted on the platform.

[0365] After step S300, where the battery transfer device transfers the second battery unit from the first buffer transfer location to the battery buffer device, as shown in Figure 17, the battery replacement method further includes:

[0366] S310 The transfer lifting mechanism raises the platform, which in turn raises the telescopic mechanism and stops it in the avoidance position.

[0367] The height of the avoidance position is greater than the height of the battery replacement equipment.

[0368] The fifth time period is the time during which the transfer lifting mechanism raises the platform, along with the telescopic mechanism, and stops at the avoidance position. The second time period ends at least 2.5 seconds after the end of the fifth time period.

[0369] It is understandable that the time period for step S310 is the fifth time period. The second time period ends at least 2.5 seconds after the end time of the fifth time period, which means that the end time of the second time period is after the end time of the fifth time period, and the time difference between the two is greater than or equal to 2.5 seconds.

[0370] Since the second time period ends at least 2.5 seconds after the end of the fifth time period, that is, after the platform with the telescopic mechanism rises to the avoidance position, the battery replacement equipment still needs to travel a distance of not less than 2.5 seconds to reach the first handover position. Thus, when the battery replacement equipment moves to the first handover position, the platform and the telescopic mechanism are already in the avoidance position, and the height of the avoidance position is higher than the height of the battery replacement equipment. Therefore, the platform and the telescopic mechanism are unlikely to interfere with the movement of the battery replacement equipment toward the first handover position.

[0371] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the duration of the fifth time period is in the range of 2 to 4 seconds.

[0372] For example, the duration of the fifth time period can be, but is not limited to, 2 seconds, 2.1 seconds, 2.2 seconds, 2.3 seconds, 2.4 seconds, 2.5 seconds, 2.6 seconds, 2.7 seconds, 2.8 seconds, 2.9 seconds, 3 seconds, 3.1 seconds, 3.2 seconds, 3.3 seconds, 3.4 seconds, 3.5 seconds, 3.6 seconds, 3.7 seconds, 3.8 seconds, 3.9 seconds, and 4 seconds.

[0373] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG18, step S900, where the battery transfer device transfers the first battery device in the battery buffer device to the battery storage device, includes:

[0374] S901, the transfer lifting mechanism drives the platform to descend, and with the telescopic mechanism, descends from the avoidance position and stops at the second buffer transfer position;

[0375] S902, the telescopic mechanism removes the first battery device from the first buffer device by telescopic extension and lifting action of the transfer lifting mechanism;

[0376] S903, the transfer lifting mechanism drives the platform to continue to rise, taking the telescopic mechanism and the battery device carried on the telescopic mechanism to rise and stop at a first storage transfer position.

[0377] S904, the telescopic mechanism places the first battery device into the battery storage device by telescopic extension and descent under the action of the transfer lifting mechanism.

[0378] As shown in Figure 19, step S800, where the battery replacement device moves and installs the second battery unit onto the chassis, includes:

[0379] S801, The battery replacement equipment carrying the second battery unit moves from the second handover position to under the vehicle chassis;

[0380] S802, The battery replacement device connects the second battery unit to the vehicle chassis.

[0381] The sixth time period is the time during which the transfer lifting mechanism lowers the platform, carries the telescopic mechanism down from the avoidance position and stops at the second buffer handover position. The seventh time period is the time during which the battery replacement equipment moves from the second handover position to under the vehicle chassis. The sixth time period begins at least 15.5 seconds after the start of the seventh time period.

[0382] It is understandable that step S901 is performed during the sixth time period, and step S801 is performed during the seventh time period.

[0383] It should be noted that the battery swapping equipment's travel path sequentially passes through the second handover position, the passageway of the battery transfer equipment, the first handover position, and under the vehicle chassis along the first direction. Therefore, the battery swapping equipment must pass through the passageway of the battery transfer equipment and the first handover position before reaching the area under the vehicle chassis. Furthermore, when the platform of the battery transfer equipment, with its telescopic structure, is raised to a height higher than the total height of the battery swapping equipment carrying the battery device, a passageway is formed in the lifting frame of the battery transfer equipment to allow the battery swapping equipment carrying the battery device to pass through. When the platform and telescopic structure of the battery transfer equipment are lower than the total height of the battery swapping equipment carrying the battery device, the battery transfer equipment does not allow the battery swapping equipment carrying the battery device to pass through; in other words, it interferes with the movement of the battery swapping equipment, thus affecting the normal operation of the battery swapping process. Therefore, before the battery swapping equipment passes the battery transfer equipment, the platform and telescopic structure of the battery swapping equipment need to be raised to a position that can avoid the battery transfer equipment (e.g., an avoidance position).

[0384] Thus, the sixth time period begins at least 15.5 seconds after the start of the seventh time period. That is, at least 15.5 seconds after the battery replacement equipment departs from the second handover position with the second battery device, the platform for retrieving the first battery device from the first buffer device begins to descend. Within this time difference of at least 15.5 seconds, the battery replacement equipment can pass through the passageway and the first handover position and drive away. In other words, within this time difference, the battery replacement equipment can drive away from the interference area that would interfere with the platform and the telescopic mechanism, thereby reducing the probability of interference and improving the smoothness of the battery swapping process.

[0385] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the duration of the sixth time period is in the range of 2 to 4 seconds.

[0386] For example, the duration of the sixth time period can be, but is not limited to, 2 seconds, 2.1 seconds, 2.2 seconds, 2.3 seconds, 2.4 seconds, 2.5 seconds, 2.6 seconds, 2.7 seconds, 2.8 seconds, 2.9 seconds, 3 seconds, 3.1 seconds, 3.2 seconds, 3.3 seconds, 3.4 seconds, 3.5 seconds, 3.6 seconds, 3.7 seconds, 3.8 seconds, 3.9 seconds, and 4 seconds.

[0387] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the duration of the seventh time period is between 14 and 24 seconds.

[0388] For example, the duration of the first time period can be, but is not limited to, 14 seconds, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, or 24 seconds.

[0389] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the battery storage device includes a plurality of battery storage compartments and a water and electricity connector disposed within the battery storage compartments, the water and electricity connector being connected to the battery device stored in the battery storage compartments.

[0390] As shown in Figure 20, the battery replacement method also includes:

[0391] S010, Disconnect the water and electricity connector from the second battery device.

[0392] As shown in Figure 21, step S100, where the battery transfer device removes the second battery unit from the battery storage device and transfers it to the first storage and transfer location, includes:

[0393] S10. The transfer lifting mechanism drives the platform to rise and fall, and then moves the telescopic mechanism to rise and fall and stops at the second storage transfer position.

[0394] S20. The telescopic mechanism takes the second battery device from the battery storage compartment to the first storage transfer position by telescopic extension and lifting action of the transfer lifting mechanism.

[0395] The time period during which the water and electricity connector is disconnected from the second battery device is the eighth time period. The time period during which the telescopic mechanism takes the second battery device out of the battery storage compartment and moves it to the first storage transfer position by telescopic extension and lifting action of the transfer lifting mechanism is the ninth time period. The start time of the ninth time period is at least 12 seconds after the start time of the eighth time period, and the start time of the ninth time period is before the end time of the eighth time period.

[0396] It is understandable that step S010 is performed during the eighth time period, and step S20 is performed during the ninth time period.

[0397] Thus, before the water and electricity connector is completely detached from the battery device, the telescopic mechanism begins to extend into the battery storage compartment, and the time difference between the start times is set to be no less than 12 seconds. This allows the two steps to overlap in time, saving time and improving battery swapping efficiency. With a time difference of no less than 12 seconds, the battery device can be completely detached from the water and electricity connector before the telescopic mechanism supports the battery device to move, thus allowing the battery swapping process to proceed smoothly.

[0398] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the duration of the eighth time period is in the range of 15 to 25 seconds.

[0399] For example, the duration of the eighth time period can be, but is not limited to, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, 24 seconds, and 25 seconds.

[0400] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the duration of the ninth time period is in the range of 15 to 28 seconds.

[0401] For example, the duration of the eighth time period can be, but is not limited to, 15 seconds, 16 seconds, 17 seconds, 18 seconds, 19 seconds, 20 seconds, 21 seconds, 22 seconds, 23 seconds, 24 seconds, 25 seconds, 26 seconds, 27 seconds, and 28 seconds.

[0402] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the battery storage device 71 includes a battery storage rack 711, which includes multiple battery storage layers 712 distributed along the gravity direction Z. Each battery storage layer 712 includes at least two battery storage compartments 7121 arranged along the second direction Y for storing the battery device 100. At least a portion of the battery storage compartments 7121 of each battery storage layer 712 are arranged opposite to at least a portion of the pickup components 51 of the battery buffer device 50 along the gravity direction Z. The battery transfer device 60 includes a transfer lifting mechanism 61, a platform 62, and at least two telescopic mechanisms 63. The transfer lifting mechanism 61 has a lifting space extending along the lifting direction, and the telescopic mechanisms 63 are mounted on the platform 62.

[0403] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG22, step S902, in which the telescopic mechanism removes the first battery device from the first buffer device by telescopic extension and lifting action of the transfer lifting mechanism, includes:

[0404] S9021, The telescopic mechanism extends to one side along the first direction, extending its bearing surface to the bottom of the battery device cached in the first cache device;

[0405] S9022. The transfer lifting mechanism lifts the platform, which in turn lifts the telescopic mechanism until the telescopic mechanism supports the battery device and detaches it from the bottom of the pickup structure.

[0406] S9023, The telescopic mechanism carries the battery device back into the lifting space of the transfer lifting mechanism.

[0407] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG23, step S904, where the telescopic mechanism places the first battery device into the battery storage device by telescopic extension and descent under the action of the transfer lifting mechanism, includes:

[0408] S9041: The telescopic mechanism extends to one side along the first direction, carrying the battery device into the battery storage compartment;

[0409] S9042: The transfer lifting mechanism drives the platform to descend, bringing the battery device down to the bottom surface where it contacts the bottom of the battery storage compartment;

[0410] S9043: The telescopic mechanism retracts into the lifting space.

[0411] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG24, step S20, in which the telescopic mechanism removes the second battery device from the battery storage compartment to the first storage transfer position by telescopic extension and lifting action of the transfer lifting mechanism, includes:

[0412] S201. The telescopic mechanism extends to one side along the first direction, extending its bearing surface to the bottom of the second battery device stored in the battery storage compartment.

[0413] S202. The transfer lifting mechanism lifts the platform, which in turn lifts the telescopic mechanism until the telescopic mechanism supports the second battery device and removes it from the bottom of the battery storage compartment.

[0414] S203, The telescopic mechanism carries the second battery device back into the lifting space of the transfer lifting mechanism.

[0415] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG25, step S300, in which the battery transfer device transfers the second battery device from the first buffer transfer location to the battery buffer device, includes:

[0416] S301: The telescopic mechanism extends laterally in the first direction, carrying the second battery device into the pickup structure between the pickup components of the second buffer device.

[0417] S302: The transfer lifting mechanism drives the platform to descend, bringing the battery device down to the bottom surface where it contacts the bottom of the pickup structure;

[0418] S303: The telescopic mechanism retracts into the lifting space.

[0419] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the battery buffer device 50 includes at least two pickup components 51 arranged along the second direction Y, and the pickup operation of each pickup component 51 can be performed independently of each other. The second direction Y intersects the first direction X and the gravity direction Z. The battery replacement device 10 has at least two of them arranged along the second direction Y.

[0420] As shown in Figure 26, the battery replacement method includes:

[0421] S1000: A preset number of battery replacement devices 10 arranged along the second direction Y each remove a first battery device 100 from the vehicle chassis.

[0422] S2000: A preset number of battery replacement devices 10 are arranged in parallel at the handover position 53 below the first buffer device 50a;

[0423] S3000: A preset number of battery replacement devices 10 transfer their respective battery devices 100 to their respective pickup components 51;

[0424] S4000: A preset number of unloaded battery replacement devices 10 are moved in parallel to the handover position 53 below the second buffer device 50b;

[0425] S5000: A preset number of battery replacement devices 10 receive the second battery device 100 handed over by their respective pickup components 51;

[0426] S6000: A preset number of battery swapping devices 10 are arranged in parallel under the vehicle chassis;

[0427] S7000: A preset number of battery replacement devices 10 each install their respective second battery units 100 onto the vehicle chassis.

[0428] In this way, the battery swapping station 2000 can replace a preset number of battery devices 100 at the same time, improving the efficiency of battery swapping.

[0429] Understandably, the quantity can be one, two, three, or any other number.

[0430] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the set quantity includes two or three.

[0431] Thus, when swapping batteries for vehicles under warranty, both battery units 100 can be replaced simultaneously, and when swapping batteries for vehicles under three warranties, all three battery units 100 can be replaced simultaneously, improving battery swapping compatibility and efficiency.

[0432] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the pickup component 51 includes a pickup structure 511 disposed opposite to each other along the second direction Y; the battery replacement device 10 includes a bracket 11, a translation component 14 and a support platform 12, the translation component 14 being disposed on the bracket 11; the support platform 12 is used to support the battery device 100, the support platform 12 is connected to the translation component 14, and can reciprocate along the second direction Y under the drive of the translation component 14.

[0433] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, in S2000: a preset number of battery replacement devices 10 are parallel to each other at the handover position 53 below the first buffer device 50a, and in S3000: a preset number of battery replacement devices 10 hand over their respective battery devices 100 to their respective pickup components 51, the battery replacement method further includes:

[0434] S2001: The battery replacement devices 10 adjacent to each other along the second direction Y adjust the spacing between the carrier platforms 12 along the second direction Y by the translation component 14, so that the spacing between the battery devices 100 carried on the adjacent carrier platforms 12 in the second direction Y is greater than the size of the pickup structure 511 along the second direction Y.

[0435] This step allows the pickup structure 511 to extend between adjacent battery devices 100 along the second direction Y, thereby enabling the upper surface of the support portion 5121 of the pickup assembly 51 to contact the bottom surface of the battery device 100, thus achieving pickup of the battery device 100.

[0436] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG28, the battery replacement method further includes:

[0437] S001: The transfer lifting mechanism 61 drives the platform 62 to lift and lower, and carries each telescopic mechanism 63 to lift and lower and stop at the second buffer handover position;

[0438] S002: A preset number of telescopic mechanisms 63 extend along the first direction X toward the same side, and each extends its bearing surface to below a preset number of battery devices 100 stored in the first buffer device 50a;

[0439] S003: The transfer lifting mechanism 61 drives the platform 62 to rise, which in turn raises each telescopic mechanism 63 until a preset number of telescopic mechanisms 63 support their respective battery devices 100 and detach them from the bottom of the pickup structure 511.

[0440] S004: A preset number of telescopic mechanisms 63, each carrying its own battery device 100, retract into the lifting space of the transfer lifting mechanism 61;

[0441] S005: The transfer lifting mechanism 61 drives the platform 62 to continue to rise, taking each telescopic mechanism 63 and the battery device 100 carried on the telescopic mechanism 63 with it to rise and stop at a first storage transfer position.

[0442] S006: A preset number of telescopic mechanisms 63 extend along the first direction X toward the same side, and each carries its own battery device 100 into a preset number of battery storage compartments 7121 of a battery storage layer 712.

[0443] S007: The transfer lifting mechanism 61 drives the platform 62 to descend, carrying a preset number of battery devices 100 down to the bottom surface to abut against the bottom of the battery storage compartment 7121.

[0444] S008: A preset number of telescopic mechanisms 63 retract into the lifting space.

[0445] For example, in step S003, the bottom of the picking structure 511 is the support portion 5121 of the picking arm 512.

[0446] For example, in step S003, after the telescopic mechanism 63 rises to contact the battery device 100, the oppositely arranged pickup structures 511 move away from each other to the release position. This allows the battery device 100 to move smoothly upward under the lifting action of the telescopic mechanism 63, reducing interference caused by the arm body 5122 of the pickup arm 512 to the rising of the battery device 100.

[0447] Thus, during the process of transferring the first battery device 100 from the first buffer device 50a to the battery storage device 71, the battery transfer device 60 has movements along the lifting direction and in the first direction X, but no movement in the second direction Y. This eliminates some movements during the transfer of the battery device 100, thereby shortening the transfer cycle, improving transfer efficiency, and ultimately improving battery swapping efficiency. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for structures related to adjusting the position in the second direction Y, reducing the number of parts, which helps to control costs and simplify the structure of the battery transfer device 60.

[0448] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG29, the battery replacement method further includes:

[0449] S01: The transfer lifting mechanism 61 drives the platform 62 to lift and lower, and carries each telescopic mechanism 63 to lift and lower and stop at the second storage transfer position;

[0450] S02: A preset number of telescopic mechanisms 63 extend along the same side in the first direction X, respectively extending to below a preset number of battery devices 100 stored in the same battery storage layer 712.

[0451] S03: The transfer lifting mechanism 61 drives the platform 62 to rise, which in turn lifts each telescopic mechanism 63 until a preset number of telescopic mechanisms 63 support their respective battery devices 100 and detach them from the bottom of the battery storage compartment 7121.

[0452] S04: A preset number of telescopic mechanisms 63, each carrying its own battery device 100, retract into the lifting space of the transfer lifting mechanism 61;

[0453] S05: The transfer lifting mechanism 61 drives the platform 62 to descend, bringing down each telescopic mechanism 63 and the battery device 100 carried on the telescopic mechanism 63 and stopping at the first buffer transfer position.

[0454] S06: A preset number of telescopic mechanisms 63 extend along the first direction X toward the same side, and each carries its own battery device 100 into the space between the relatively arranged pickup structures 511 of a preset number of pickup components 51 in the second buffer device 50b.

[0455] S07: The transfer lifting mechanism 61 drives the platform 62 to descend, carrying a preset number of battery devices 100 down to the bottom surface and abutting against the bottom of the pickup structure 511.

[0456] S08: A preset number of telescopic mechanisms 63 retract into the lifting space.

[0457] For example, in step S07, the bottom of the picking structure 511 is the support portion 5121 of the picking arm 512.

[0458] For example, in step S06, before the battery device 100 is brought between the pickup structures 511 by the telescopic mechanism 63, the pickup structures 511 that are arranged opposite to each other need to be moved away from each other to the release position so that the battery device 100 can smoothly enter between the pickup structures 511 that are arranged opposite to each other, thereby reducing the interference of the arm body 5122 of the pickup arm 512 on the entry action of the battery device 100.

[0459] Thus, during the process of transferring the second battery device 100 from the battery storage device 71 to the second buffer device 50b, the battery transfer device 60 has movements along the lifting direction and in the first direction X, but no movement in the second direction Y. This eliminates some movements during the transfer of the battery device 100, thereby shortening the transfer cycle, improving transfer efficiency, and ultimately improving battery swapping efficiency. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for structures related to adjusting the position in the second direction Y, reducing the number of parts, which helps to control costs and simplify the structure of the battery transfer device 60.

[0460] The following describes specific examples of some embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0461] As a specific example, a heavy-duty truck battery swapping station (battery swapping station 2000) is provided. The heavy-duty truck battery swapping station includes a stacker crane unit (battery transfer device 60), a battery storage unit (battery storage device 71), and a battery transfer unit (battery buffer device 50). Two battery storage units are respectively installed on opposite sides of the stacker crane unit. The battery transfer unit is integrated at the bottom of the battery storage unit. The battery transfer units below the two battery storage units are used to buffer fully charged batteries and depleted batteries, respectively. When battery swapping begins, the stacker crane unit picks up three fully charged batteries from one of the battery storage units along the first direction X and places them in the fully charged transfer unit (second buffer device 50b). When a depleted battery is transferred to the depleted transfer unit (first buffer device 50a), the stacker crane unit picks up three depleted batteries from the depleted transfer unit and places them in the battery storage unit. This embodiment of the disclosure improves the efficiency of battery handling (battery device 100) within the warehouse and reduces the footprint of the container (including the overall structure of battery transfer equipment 60, battery buffer equipment 50 and battery storage equipment 71) by optimizing the equipment structure and layout. The improved efficiency of battery handling within the warehouse increases the cycle time of a single battery swap at the swapping station 2000, thereby significantly improving the operational efficiency of the swapping station 2000. The reduced footprint of the container reduces the overall area of ​​the swapping station 2000 and lowers its overall cost.

[0462] The battery storage units are arranged on both sides of the stacker crane unit. Each side has four layers of battery storage units, with three compartments per layer (battery storage compartments 7121), totaling twelve compartments per side and twenty-four compartments on both sides, capable of storing twenty-four batteries. Each side also has a battery transfer unit that can buffer three batteries. The stacker crane unit platform 62 is equipped with three forks (telescopic mechanism 63), which can be independently controlled to extend and retract. The battery transfer unit is integrated below the battery storage units. When the three forks of the stacker crane unit extend simultaneously and retrieve three fully charged batteries from the battery storage units, the stacker crane unit platform 62 descends to the buffer pick-and-place position, and the forks place the batteries into the battery transfer unit. Then, the RGV (battery replacement device 10) removes the batteries from the battery transfer unit. In this way, the battery storage units and battery transfer units on the same side can support the weight of fifteen batteries. The pressing mechanism in the battery storage unit can be independently controlled. In this way, the efficiency of the battery transfer mechanism inside the container is improved, the stacker crane unit structure is optimized, and the platform 62 integrates three forks. The stacker crane unit can simultaneously store and retrieve three batteries from the battery storage unit or battery transfer unit at one time. Compared with the situation where only one battery can be moved at a time, the stacker crane unit can effectively improve the battery swapping efficiency by picking up and placing three batteries at a time.

[0463] Furthermore, the stacker crane unit's forks can extend and retract bidirectionally to access batteries in the battery storage unit, and can access batteries in single, double, and triple packs, adapting to different working conditions. It retains the flexibility of single-pack fork access while being suitable for double and triple pack solutions, improving battery swapping efficiency. The stacker crane unit has no lateral (second direction Y) displacement function, eliminating the need for separate space for its movement, resulting in a smaller container footprint and reduced overall station footprint. The stacker crane unit has no walking function, eliminating concerns about wheel wear and bearing maintenance, and eliminating the noise generated by stacker crane unit movement. The battery transfer mechanism uses a boom (pickup arm 512) integrated into the bottom of the battery storage unit, resulting in a compact structure and space-saving design.

[0464] In some embodiments, the battery swapping station includes a flat battery swapping module (battery swapping device 10). The flat battery swapping module includes a ground rail (walking guide rail assembly 40). A first drive device, a floating platform (carrying platform 12), and a second drive device are sequentially arranged on the ground rail along its extension direction. The floating platform is used to load the battery pack. The first and second drive devices drive the floating platform to suspend above the ground rail. The first and second drive devices cooperate to drive the floating platform to move. The top surface of the floating platform is lower than the top surface of the first drive device, and the top surface of the floating platform is lower than the top surface of the second drive device. A connecting member is provided at the bottom of the first and second drive devices to connect them. A traction assembly (walking mechanism 16) is provided between the first drive device and the ground rail. The traction assembly can drive the first drive device to move in the x-direction (first direction X) on the ground rail. The x-direction is consistent with the extension direction of the ground rail. The first drive device and the floating platform are floatingly connected by a chain (suspension member 17), and the floating platform and the second drive device are floatingly connected by a chain. The structure of the first drive device is the same as that of the second drive device. The first drive device includes a walking base plate (bracket 11). On the walking base plate, there are a y-direction moving component (translation component 14), a lifting component (replacement lifting mechanism 15) and a first rotation component. The y-direction moving component is used to drive the lifting component to move in the y direction (second direction Y). The lifting component is used to drive the first rotation component to move in the z direction (third direction Z). The first rotation component is used to drive the floating platform to rotate around the x-axis. The x direction, y direction and z direction are perpendicular to each other. The z direction is the height direction.

[0465] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and all should be covered within the scope of this disclosure. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way.

Claims

1. A battery swapping station, comprising: Battery transfer equipment; At least two battery buffer devices are provided for buffering the battery device, and at least one of the battery buffer devices is provided on each of the opposite sides of the battery transfer device along a first direction intersecting the direction of gravity. At least two battery storage devices are provided for storing the battery device and configured to charge the battery device. At least one of the battery storage devices is provided on each of the opposite sides of the battery transfer device along the first direction. The battery storage devices are located above the battery buffer device along the direction of gravity. The battery transfer device is configured to transfer the battery device between the battery buffer device and the battery storage devices.

2. The battery swap station of claim 1, wherein, The battery swapping station also includes battery swapping equipment capable of moving along a travel path, the travel path passing at least below the battery buffer device along the first direction. When the battery replacement device is in the handover position, it can hand over the battery device to the battery buffer device.

3. The battery swap station of claim 2, wherein, At least two of the battery buffer devices include a second buffer device and a first buffer device. The second buffer device is used to buffer a second battery device, and the first buffer device is used to buffer a first battery device. The second buffer device and the first buffer device are respectively located on opposite sides of the battery transfer device along the first direction.

4. The battery swap station according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The battery buffer device includes at least two pickup components arranged along a second direction, the pickup components being used to pick up or release the battery device, and the pickup operation of each pickup component being able to be performed independently of each other, the second direction intersecting the first direction and the direction of gravity; At least two of the battery replacement devices are arranged along the second direction.

5. The battery swap station of claim 4, wherein, The battery storage device includes a battery storage rack, which includes multiple battery storage layers distributed along the direction of gravity. Each battery storage layer includes at least two battery storage compartments arranged along the second direction for storing the battery device.

6. The battery swapping station according to claim 5, wherein, At least a portion of the battery storage compartments in each of the battery storage layers are arranged opposite to at least a portion of the pickup components in the battery buffer device along the direction of gravity.

7. The battery swapping station according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The battery storage rack includes at least two battery storage layers distributed along the direction of gravity, and each battery storage layer includes at least three battery storage compartments arranged along the second direction. The battery buffer device includes at least three of the pickup components arranged along the second direction. At least three battery storage compartments on each layer are arranged opposite to at least three pickup components of the battery buffer device along the direction of gravity.

8. The battery swapping station according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The battery buffer device includes a battery buffer rack, and each of the pickup components is connected to the battery buffer rack. The battery buffer rack and the battery storage rack, located on the same side of the battery transfer equipment, are connected as a single unit.

9. The battery swapping station according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, The battery transfer device includes: The transfer lifting mechanism has a lifting space extending along the lifting direction; The platform is connected to the transfer and lifting mechanism and can move up and down in the lifting space along the lifting direction under the action of the transfer and lifting mechanism. At least one telescopic mechanism is mounted on the platform, the telescopic mechanism including a support surface for supporting the battery device from below, the telescopic mechanism being configured to extend and retract along the first direction, wherein, as the telescopic mechanism extends and retracts, the support surface shifts between an initial position, a first extended position, and a second extended position. When the bearing surface is in the initial position, it is located within the lifting space; When the bearing surface is in the first extended position, it is located outside the lifting space on one side along the first direction; When the bearing surface is in the second extended position, it is located outside the lifting space on the other side along the first direction.

10. The battery swapping station according to claim 9, wherein, At least two telescopic mechanisms are arranged along the second direction. As the platform rises and falls, the telescopic mechanism can move to the first buffer transfer position and the first storage transfer position. When the telescopic mechanism is in the first buffer handover position, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanism and at least a portion of the picking components are arranged opposite to each other along the first direction; When the telescopic mechanism is in the first storage transfer position, at least a portion of the telescopic mechanisms are respectively arranged opposite to at least a portion of the battery storage compartments in one of the battery storage layers along the first direction.

11. The battery swapping station according to claim 10, wherein, The battery transfer device includes at least three of the telescopic mechanisms distributed along the second direction.

12. The battery swapping station according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The transfer lifting mechanism includes: Lifting frame; A lifting drive device is installed on the lifting frame; A lifting transmission assembly is connected to the output end of the lifting drive device, and the platform is connected to the lifting transmission assembly; The lifting drive device can drive the platform to rise and fall through the lifting transmission assembly.

13. The battery swapping station according to claim 12, wherein, The lifting transmission assembly includes: The first sprocket is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the lifting frame along the lifting direction around its own central axis. The first sprocket is connected to the output end of the lifting drive device and can rotate under the action of the lifting drive device. A first chain extends from a first side of the first sprocket, over the top of the first sprocket, to a second side of the first sprocket opposite to the first side. At least a portion of the first chain located on the first side of the first sprocket extends along the lifting direction and is connected to the platform.

14. The battery swapping station according to claim 13, wherein, The transfer lifting mechanism also includes: The second sprocket is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the lifting frame along the lifting direction around its own central axis; A second chain extends from a first side of the second sprocket, over the top of the second sprocket, to a second side of the second sprocket opposite to the first side. At least a portion of the second chain located on the first side of the second sprocket extends along the lifting direction and is connected to the platform. A counterweight, wherein at least a portion of the second chain located on the second side of the second sprocket extends along the lifting direction and is connected to the counterweight.

15. The battery swapping station according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein, The telescopic mechanism includes: The first fork is mounted on the platform; The drive component is installed on the first fork body; A telescopic transmission assembly is connected to the output end of the drive assembly; The second fork is slidably connected to the first fork along the first direction. The second fork is connected to the telescopic transmission assembly and can reciprocate relative to the first fork along the midpoint of the first direction toward two opposite directions in the first direction under the drive of the telescopic transmission assembly. The third fork is slidably connected to the second fork along the first direction. The third fork is connected to the telescopic transmission assembly and can reciprocate relative to the second fork along the midpoint of the first direction toward two opposite directions in the first direction under the drive of the telescopic transmission assembly. The third fork includes the bearing surface.

16. The battery swapping station according to any one of claims 4 to 15, wherein, The pickup assembly includes pickup structures disposed opposite each other along the second direction. The oppositely disposed pickup structures are configured to move closer to each other to a pickup position or move further apart to a release position along the second direction. When in the pickup position, the battery device is picked up by the pickup structure that is positioned relative to it; When in the release position, the battery device is released by the pickup structure positioned opposite to it.

17. The battery swapping station according to claim 16, wherein, The pickup structure includes at least one pickup arm, and the pickup arm includes a support portion. When in the pickup position, the supporting parts of the pickup structures arranged opposite each other all support the battery device; When in the release position, the spacing between the bearing portions of the oppositely arranged pickup structure along the second direction is greater than the dimension of the battery device along the second direction.

18. The battery swapping station of claim 17, wherein, The picking arm also includes an arm body, which is connected to the support portion. When in the pickup position, the arm bodies of the pickup structure, which are arranged opposite to each other, abut against or have a gap with the opposite sides of the battery device along the second direction.

19. The battery swapping station according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, When all adjacent pickup components along the first direction are in the released position, the pickup arms of two pickup structures that are close to each other along the second direction are staggered and have overlapping portions in their orthographic projections in the first direction.

20. The battery swapping station according to any one of claims 17-19, wherein, The pickup structure includes at least two pickup arms spaced apart along the first direction.

21. The battery swapping station according to any one of claims 16-20, wherein, The battery replacement equipment includes: bracket; Translation component, disposed on the bracket; A support platform is used to support the battery device. The support platform is connected to the translation component and can reciprocate along the second direction under the drive of the translation component. As the support platform moves, the spacing between the battery devices supported on adjacent support platforms in the second direction can be adjusted to be greater than the size of the pickup structure along the second direction, so as to allow the pickup structure to extend between adjacent battery devices along the second direction.

22. The battery swapping station of claim 21, wherein, The battery replacement equipment also includes a replacement lifting mechanism connected to the translation component, which is capable of moving along the second direction under the action of the translation component. The replacement lifting mechanism is also connected to the support platform, enabling the support platform to be raised and lowered. When the pickup component is in the released position, the battery device supported on the support platform can enter or exit the space between the relatively arranged pickup structures under the action of the replacement lifting mechanism.

23. A battery replacement method applied to a battery swapping station for replacing a battery device locked to a vehicle chassis, the battery swapping station comprising a battery transfer device, at least two battery buffer devices, at least two battery storage devices, and at least one battery replacement device, wherein at least one of the battery buffer devices is provided on opposite sides of the battery transfer device along a first direction intersecting the direction of gravity; at least one of the battery storage devices is provided on opposite sides of the battery transfer device along the first direction, and the battery storage devices are positioned above the battery buffer devices along the direction of gravity; Battery replacement methods include: The battery transfer device removes the second battery device from the battery storage device and transfers it to the first storage and transfer location; The battery transfer device, carrying the second battery unit, descends from the first storage transfer position to the first buffer transfer position; The battery transfer device transfers the second battery device from the first buffer transfer position to the battery buffer device; The battery replacement equipment moves from the standby point to the removal of the first battery unit from the vehicle chassis; The battery replacement device carries the first battery unit to the first handover position of the battery buffer device; The battery replacement device transfers the first battery device to the battery buffer device; The battery replacement device receives a second battery device from the battery buffer device; The battery replacement device moves and installs the second battery unit onto the chassis; The battery transfer device transfers the first battery device in the battery buffer device to the battery storage device; The battery storage device stores and charges the first battery device; The time period during which the battery transfer device transfers the second battery device from the first buffer transfer position to the battery buffer device is a first time period, and the time period during which the battery replacement device carries the first battery device to the first transfer position of the battery buffer device is a second time period. The end time of the first time period is within the second time period.

24. The battery replacement method according to claim 23, wherein, The time period from when the battery replacement device departs from the standby point to when it removes the first battery device from the vehicle chassis is the third time period. The time period from when the battery transfer device carrying the second battery device descends from the first storage transfer position to the first buffer transfer position is the fourth time period. The fourth time period is included within the third time period.

25. The battery replacement method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein, At least two of the battery buffer devices include a second buffer device and a first buffer device, the second buffer device and the first buffer device being respectively disposed on opposite sides of the battery transfer device along the first direction, the second buffer device having a second junction position below it, and the first buffer device having a first junction position below it; the battery transfer device includes a transfer lifting mechanism, a platform and at least one telescopic mechanism, the transfer lifting mechanism having a lifting space extending along the lifting direction, a portion of the transfer lifting mechanism being disposed between the second junction position and the first junction position, and the telescopic mechanism being mounted on the platform; After the battery transfer device transfers the second battery unit from the first buffer transfer location to the battery buffer device, the battery replacement method further includes: The transfer and lifting mechanism raises the platform, which in turn raises the telescopic mechanism and stops it at the avoidance position. The height of the avoidance position is greater than the height of the battery replacement device; The fifth time period is the time during which the transfer lifting mechanism raises the platform, along with the telescopic mechanism, and stops at the avoidance position. The second time period ends at least 2.5 seconds after the end of the fifth time period.

26. The battery replacement method according to claim 25, wherein, The battery transfer device transfers the first battery unit in the battery buffer device to the battery storage device, including: The transfer lifting mechanism drives the platform to descend, bringing the telescopic mechanism down from the avoidance position and stopping at the second buffer transfer position; The telescopic mechanism removes the first battery device from the first buffer device by telescopic extension and lifting action of the transfer lifting mechanism. The transfer lifting mechanism drives the platform to continue rising, taking the telescopic mechanism and the battery device supported by the telescopic mechanism with it as it rises and stops at a first storage transfer position. The telescopic mechanism places the first battery device into the battery storage device by extending and retracting and by lowering the transfer lifting mechanism. The battery replacement equipment moves and mounts the second battery unit onto the chassis, including: The battery replacement equipment carries the second battery unit from the second handover position to the underside of the vehicle chassis; The battery replacement device connects the second battery unit to the vehicle chassis; The time period during which the transfer lifting mechanism lowers the platform, along with the telescopic mechanism, from the avoidance position and stops at the second buffer handover position is the sixth time period. The time period during which the battery replacement device moves from the second handover position to below the vehicle chassis is the seventh time period. The sixth time period begins at least 15.5 seconds after the start time of the seventh time period.

27. The battery replacement method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, The battery storage device includes multiple battery storage compartments and a water and electricity connector disposed in the battery storage compartments, the water and electricity connectors being connected to the battery devices stored in the battery storage compartments; The battery replacement method also includes: Disconnect the water-electricity connector from the second battery device; The battery transfer device removes the second battery unit from the battery storage device and transfers it to the first storage and transfer location, including: The transfer lifting mechanism drives the platform to rise and fall, and the telescopic mechanism rises and falls and stops at the second storage transfer position; The telescopic mechanism extends and retracts, and under the lifting action of the transfer lifting mechanism, removes the second battery device from the battery storage compartment to the first storage transfer position; The time period during which the water and electricity connector is disconnected from the second battery device is the eighth time period. The time period during which the telescopic mechanism takes the second battery device out of the battery storage compartment and moves it to the first storage transfer position by telescopic extension and lifting action of the transfer lifting mechanism is the ninth time period. The start time of the ninth time period is at least 12 seconds after the start time of the eighth time period and before the end time of the eighth time period.

28. The battery replacement method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein, The battery buffer device includes at least two pickup components arranged along a second direction, and the pickup operation of each pickup component can be performed independently of each other. The second direction intersects the first direction and the direction of gravity. The battery replacement device has at least two components arranged along the second direction. The battery replacement method includes: A predetermined number of battery replacement devices arranged along the second direction each remove a first battery device from the vehicle chassis. The predetermined number of battery replacement devices are arranged in parallel at the handover position below the first buffer device; The preset number of battery replacement devices will each hand over their respective first battery devices to their respective pickup components; The predetermined number of unloaded battery replacement devices are arranged in parallel at the handover position below the second buffer device; The preset number of battery replacement devices receive the second battery device handed over by their respective pickup components. The predetermined number of battery replacement devices are arranged in parallel under the vehicle chassis; The predetermined number of battery replacement devices each install their respective second battery units onto the vehicle chassis.

29. The battery replacement method according to claim 28, wherein, The preset quantity includes two or three.

30. The battery replacement method according to claim 28, wherein, The pickup component includes pickup structures arranged opposite each other along the second direction; the battery replacement device includes a bracket, a translation component, and a support platform, the translation component being disposed on the bracket; the support platform is used to support the battery device, the support platform is connected to the translation component, and can reciprocate along the second direction under the drive of the translation component; The battery replacement method further includes: The predetermined number of battery replacement devices are arranged in parallel at the handover position below the first buffer device, and the predetermined number of battery replacement devices hand over their respective battery devices to their respective pickup components. The battery replacement devices adjacent to each other along the second direction adjust the spacing between the carrier platforms along the second direction via the translation component, such that the spacing between the battery devices carried on the adjacent carrier platforms in the second direction is greater than the size of the pickup structure along the second direction.

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