TWI746793B - Bolt locking method, battery pack installation system and installation method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a bolt locking method, a battery pack installation system and an installation method. The bolt locking method tightens all bolts at the same time, and divides the tightening process into a pre-tightening phase and a step-by-step tightening phase. In each process, the tightening torque and angle are monitored and analyzed in real time, and if the tightening requirements are not met, the bolts are unlocked and tightened. And restart the tightening operation.

Description

Bolt locking method, battery pack installation system and installation method

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fast battery replacement for new energy vehicles; specifically, the present invention relates to a bolt locking method, and further relates to a new energy vehicle battery pack installation system and installation method.

[0002] New energy vehicles have the characteristics of low noise, high energy utilization efficiency, and no mobile exhaust emissions, and are developing rapidly.　　[0003] The energy supply of new energy vehicles can be divided into two modes: plug-in charging and battery swapping. The charging time of plug-in vehicles is too long. Compared with the refueling or refilling of traditional energy vehicles, the convenience of obtaining energy is far from meeting people's needs; the use of battery swap mode can generally complete the battery swap process within a few minutes. Even compared with conventional energy vehicles, its convenience is not inferior. From this point of view, the prospect of the battery swap mode is even broader. [0004] In the fast switching of new energy vehicles, the bolt tightening efficiency and reliability requirements are high. The manual operation of bolt locking in the traditional manufacturing field, the operation of hand-held electric tools, and the simple mechanical operation of tightening methods cannot meet the needs. .

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved bolt locking method.　　[0006] The purpose of other aspects of the present invention includes providing an improved new energy vehicle battery pack installation system and installation method. [0007] In order to achieve the foregoing objective, the first aspect of the present invention provides a bolt locking method, wherein the method includes: 　　 Step A: Tighten all bolts at the same time until a predetermined number of turns or an inflection point of the torque appears to Whichever comes first, if it is screwed to the predetermined number of turns, then proceed to step B, if the torque has an inflection point first, then proceed to step C; 　　Step B: Determine whether the torque has an inflection point, if yes, go to step D, otherwise proceed Go to step F; 　　Step C: Determine whether the number of turns is within the first tolerance range, if yes, proceed to step D, otherwise proceed to step F; 　　Step D: continue to screw all bolts at the same time in a predetermined number of steps N, And determine whether the angle of the bolt is within the second tolerance range after the predetermined torque is tightened each time, if yes, proceed to step E, otherwise proceed to step F; 　　Step E: Determine the position from the inflection point to the final torque Whether the angle that the bolt has rotated is within the third tolerance range, if yes, end screwing the bolt, otherwise proceed to step F; 　　 step F: unlock all bolts, and then return to step A.　　[0008] Optionally, in the method as described above, in step A, the predetermined number of turns is the number of engagement turns of the bolt and the nut.　　[0009] Optionally, in the aforementioned method, the first allowable error range is the predetermined number of turns ± 2 turns.　　[0010] Optionally, in the method as described above, in step D, the predetermined torque for each screwing is 1/N of the final torque.　　[0011] Optionally, in the aforementioned method, in step D, the predetermined number of steps N is 2~4. [0012] Optionally, in the aforementioned method, in step D, the predetermined number of steps is 3, the second allowable range of error is 4±2°, and, in step E, The third allowable range of error is 12±2°.　　[0013] Optionally, in the method as described above, in steps A and B, if the value of the torque exceeds the torque required when the bolt and nut threads are idling, it is determined that an inflection point occurs. [0014] In order to achieve the foregoing objective, the second aspect of the present invention provides a new energy vehicle battery pack installation system, wherein the system includes: 　 lock head, the number of the lock head and the battery exchange The number of bolts of the battery pack is the same, and they are used to fit the corresponding bolts to complete the tightening of the bolts; and the tightening control module is used to control the tightening head according to any of the aforementioned first aspects. One of the methods described performs the tightening action. [0015] Optionally, in the aforementioned system, the system further includes: a 　　 loading platform, the loading platform is used to carry and transport the battery pack; 　　 lifting device, the lifting device Used to raise and lower the battery pack to make it fit the installation position on the car; 　　 data acquisition device, the data acquisition device is used to collect torque and angle data of the tightening head during the tightening process; and lifting The control module, the lifting control module is used to control the lifting height of the lifting device. [0016] In order to achieve the foregoing objective, the third party of the present invention provides a method for installing a battery pack using a new energy vehicle battery pack installation system, wherein the method includes using any one of the foregoing first aspect Steps of tightening multiple bolts by the method described in the item.

[0018] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the various drawings, the same drawing marks indicate the same or corresponding technical features.　　[0019] Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a battery pack with locking bolts. The figure shows a square battery pack 1, and two (eight) locking bolts 2 are arranged on each circumferential side of the battery pack 1, and the battery pack 1 will pass through these locks. The bolts 2 are tightened to install and fix to the body of the new energy vehicle. In alternative embodiments, the battery pack may be designed in other shapes, and the battery pack may be provided with other numbers of locking bolts in other positions.　　[0020] Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of a loading platform with a locking head. The figure shows a square loading platform 3, and the same number of bolts and corresponding locking heads 4 as those on the battery pack in FIG. 1 are arranged on the loading plane. The loading platform 3 is used to carry the battery pack 1 for battery replacement. The locking head 4 can fit with the bolt head of the locking bolt 2 and can be used to simultaneously lock or unlock all the locking bolts on the battery pack. A lifting device 5 is arranged under the loading platform 3 for lifting the battery pack 1 to fit the installation position on the new energy vehicle. In alternative embodiments, the loading platform can be designed in other shapes, and other numbers of locking heads can be arranged on the loading platform. In an alternative embodiment, the number and arrangement positions of the lifting devices 5 can also be changed.　　[0021] FIG. 3 shows the loading platform of FIG. 2 in a schematic side view. In the figure, the locking head 4, the lifting device 5, etc. of the loading platform 3 can be seen from another angle. In addition, it can also be seen that a tightening controller 6 and a data acquisition device 8 are also provided at each locking head 4; a lifting controller 7 and the like are also provided at each lifting device 5. The data acquisition device can be used to collect torque and angle data during the tightening process of the tightening head. The tightening controller can be used to control the tightening action of the tightening head. The lifting controller can be used to control the lifting height of the lifting device.　　[0022] It can be understood that the above-mentioned tightening controller, lifting controller, etc. can be corresponding control modules of the main controller.　　[0023] FIG. 4 shows, in a schematic plan view, that the battery pack 1 of FIG. 1 is placed on the loading platform 3 of FIG. 2. In this figure, the locking head may have been fitted to the locking bolt 2 for tightening the locking bolt.　　[0024] FIG. 5 schematically shows a block diagram of the control system of the loading platform in FIG. 2. It can be seen from the figure that the main controller can communicate with various data acquisition devices, tightening controllers and lifting controllers. Specifically, the main controller raises the loading platform by controlling the lifting controller, so that the battery pack for battery replacement fits the installation position on the new energy vehicle; the main controller starts to tighten the bolts by controlling the tightening of the controller. The data acquisition device can detect the torque and angle data during tightening. During the tightening process, the main controller can read and analyze the data collected by the data acquisition device in real time.　　[0025] FIG. 6 schematically shows a flowchart of a bolt locking method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows the steps of the method in a simplified form.　　[0026] According to Figure 6, after starting to tighten the locking bolts, in step A, tighten all the bolts at the same time until the predetermined number of turns or the torque has an inflection point (whichever comes first). If it is screwed to the predetermined number of turns first, proceed to step B; if the torque first has an inflection point, proceed to step C. In this step A, the predetermined number of turns may be the number of engagement turns of the bolt and the nut, or it may be understood as the number of turns that the bolt and the nut thread are idling relative to each other. In this step A, if the value of the torque exceeds the torque required when the bolt and nut threads are idling, it can be determined that the aforementioned engagement or idling has been completed, and an inflection point has occurred. This step can be regarded as the pre-tightening stage of each locking bolt, if the conditions are met, the subsequent step-by-step tightening stage will be carried out.　　[0027] In step B, judge whether the torque has an inflection point, if yes, go to step D, otherwise go to step F. In this step B, if the value of the torque exceeds the torque required when the bolt and nut threads are idling, it can be determined that an inflection point has occurred. If the inflection point does not appear after the predetermined number of turns, it may be that the thread of the bolt or nut is slipping, the bolt and nut are not aligned, the bolt is too long, etc. At this time, you can consider corresponding remedial measures, such as replacing the bolt Restart the tightening operation.　　[0028] In step C, it is judged whether the number of turns of the screw is within the first error allowable range, if yes, proceed to step D, otherwise proceed to step F. In an alternative embodiment, the first allowable error range here can be set to a predetermined number of turns ± 2 turns. In other embodiments, other optional ranges are not excluded. If the torque does not reach the predetermined number of turns after the inflection point occurs, it may be due to the lack of bolt length, the thread storage of the bolt or nut, the tilt of the bolt in the nut, and other defects. At this time, corresponding remedial measures can be considered. For example, the tightening operation can be restarted after replacing the bolt.　　[0029] From the above, it can be understood that steps B and C are used to determine whether the pre-tightening phase is successfully completed. If yes, proceed to step D for the next step-by-step tightening phase operation. [0030] In step D, you can continue to screw all bolts at the same time in a predetermined number of steps N, and determine whether the angle of the bolts is within the second error allowable range after each predetermined torque is screwed, and if yes, proceed to step E , Otherwise proceed to step F. In this step D, the value of the predetermined number of steps N can be set according to specific needs, such as but not limited to 2~4. In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined torque for each screwing may be equal, respectively 1/N of the final torque. It should be understood that, in an alternative embodiment, the torque of each screw in the predetermined number of steps N of the step-by-step screwing may be different values from each other. In a specific embodiment, in this step D, the predetermined number of steps may be 3, and the second allowable error range may be, for example, 4±2°.　　[0031] In step E, it is judged whether the angle of the bolt from the inflection point to the final torque is within the third tolerance range, if yes, the screwing of the bolt is ended, otherwise, proceed to step F. In this step E, the third allowable error range may be 12±2°. It should be understood that after this step, it can be determined whether the final torque and angle of the bolt are normal. If normal, it means that the tightening operation of each bolt is completed.　　[0032] The segmented tightening of steps D and E and real-time data analysis can effectively ensure the reliability of bolt tightening and prevent problems such as missed strikes, poor bolts, and inaccurate alignment.　　[0033] In step F, unlock all bolts, and then return to step A. According to the previous step B, step C, step D, and step E, it can be understood that if any of the steps is abnormal, the bolt needs to be unlocked, and the tightening operation of the locking bolt is restarted from the beginning.　　[0034] The following describes a specific example in conjunction with the battery pack, loading platform, control system block diagram, and control method flowchart of Figures 1 to 6. [0035] In this specific example, all 8 bolt data need to meet the following conditions: 　　 ① The 12-turn tightening torque value of the first section of the data is less than 2N·m, of which 12 turns are assumed values, and the specific value is determined by the bolt and nut bite ring The number shall prevail, and an error within 2 turns is allowed; 2N·m is an assumed value, and the specific value is the torque required when the bolt and nut threads are idling. [0036] ② After 12 laps, the torque appears an inflection point, and the data begins to increase. When the torque appears an inflection point, the tightening of the controller is suspended in turn until the last one reaches the inflection point; the bolts are tightened until the final torque reaches 1/3, and the tightening is stopped in sequence Controller until the last one reaches 1/3 of the final torque; continue to tighten the bolts, and when it reaches 2/3 of the final torque, stop tightening the controller in turn until the last one reaches 2/3 of the final torque; continue to tighten the bolts to reach the final torque The torque is maintained at that torque until the last one reaches the final torque. [0037] The main controller processes and analyzes the collected data. The process data from the inflection point to the final torque must meet the following conditions: 　　③The angle of rotation from the inflection point to the final torque is 12°, and the allowable error is 2°, where 12° is assumed The specific value varies according to different bolt types and materials; 2° is an assumed value, and the specific values vary according to different bolt types and materials. [0038] ④Each tightening of 1/3 of the final torque, the angle is rotated by 4°, and the allowable error is 2°, where 4° is an assumed value, and the specific value varies according to different bolt types and materials; 2° is an assumed value, specific The value varies according to different bolt types and materials. [0039] The main controller processes and analyzes the entire process data. If the process data of 8 bolts meets the four conditions above ①②③④, the tightening is successful; if the process data of the eight bolts does not meet the four conditions above ①②③④, all bolts need to be Unlock, and then re-tighten according to the above process, and re-record the data until the process data of the 8 bolts meet the above four conditions ①②③④, then the tightening is successful. [0040] In combination with the above description, one aspect of the present invention also provides a new energy vehicle battery pack installation system, which may include a locking head and a tightening control module (or a tightening controller as shown in FIG. 5), wherein The number of locking heads can be the same as the number of bolts of the battery pack, which can be used to fit the corresponding bolts to complete the tightening of the bolts; the tightening control module can be used to control the tightening heads according to any of the foregoing implementation methods. Tightening action.　　[0041] As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the system may also include a loading platform, a lifting device, a data acquisition device, and a lifting control module (or a lifting controller as shown in Fig. 5). The loading platform can be used to carry and transport battery packs. The lifting device can be used to lift the battery pack to make it fit the installation position on the car. The data acquisition device can be used to acquire torque and angle data of the tightening head during the tightening process. The lifting control module can be used to control the lifting height of the lifting device. The main controller communicates with the data acquisition device, the lifting control module, the tightening control module, etc., and they can be distributed or integrated with the main controller. [0042] Further, another aspect of the present invention also provides a method for installing a replacement battery pack using a new energy vehicle replacement battery pack installation system. The method may include tightening multiple Bolt steps. [0043] Those skilled in the art can understand that the new energy vehicle replacement battery pack installation system and the method for installing the replacement battery pack using the new energy vehicle replacement battery pack installation system provided in these aspects are corresponding to the aforementioned methods. The advantages and the corresponding advantageous effects can be achieved. [0044] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the content in the above description. Those skilled in the art can make various deformations and modifications to the above embodiments without departing from the technical idea of the present invention, and these deformations and modifications are all It should fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0045]1‧‧‧Replacement battery pack2‧‧‧Locking bolts3‧‧‧Loading platform4‧‧‧Locking head5‧‧‧Lifting device6‧‧‧Tightening the controller 7‧‧‧Lifting Controller 8‧‧‧Data acquisition device

[0017] With reference to the drawings, the disclosure of the present invention will be more apparent. It should be understood that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In the figure: 　　 Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a battery pack with locking bolts; 　　 Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of a loading platform with a locking head; 　　 Figure 3 is a schematic diagram A schematic side view shows the loading platform of FIG. 2; 　　 FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view showing that the battery pack of FIG. 1 is placed on the loading platform of FIG. 2; 　　 FIG. 5 schematically shows the diagram 2 is a block diagram of the control system of the loading platform; and FIG. 6 schematically shows a flowchart of a bolt locking method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (10)

A bolt locking method, characterized in that the method includes: Step A: Tighten all bolts at the same time until a predetermined number of turns or an inflection point of the torque, whichever comes first, if the predetermined number of turns is reached first Proceed to step B, if the torque has an inflection point first, then go to step C; Step B: determine whether the torque has an inflection point, if yes, proceed to step D, otherwise proceed to step F; Step C: determine whether the number of turns is in the first If the error is within the allowable range, if yes, proceed to step D, otherwise proceed to step F; step D: continue to screw all bolts at the same time in a predetermined number of steps N, and determine whether the angle of the bolt has been rotated after each predetermined torque is tightened Within the second tolerance range, if yes, proceed to step E, otherwise proceed to step F; Step E: determine whether the angle of the bolt from the inflection point to the final torque is within the third tolerance range, if yes, end the rotation Tighten the bolts, otherwise proceed to step F; step F: unlock all bolts, and then return to step A. The method according to claim 1, wherein, in step A, the predetermined number of turns is the number of engagement turns of the bolt and the nut. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first allowable error range is the predetermined number of turns ± 2 turns. The method according to claim 1, wherein, in step D, the predetermined torque for each screwing is 1/N of the final torque. The method according to claim 4, wherein, in step D, the predetermined number of steps N is 2~4. The method according to claim 5, wherein, in step D, the predetermined number of steps is 3, the second allowable range of error is 4±2°, and, in step E, the third allowable range of error is 12 ±2°. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step A and step B, if the value of the torque exceeds the torque required when the bolt and nut threads are idling, it is determined that an inflection point has occurred. A new energy vehicle battery pack installation system, characterized in that the system includes: locking heads, the number of the locking heads is the same as the number of bolts of the battery pack, used to fit the corresponding bolts to complete The tightening of the bolt; and a tightening control module for controlling the locking head to perform a tightening action according to the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7. The system according to claim 8, wherein the system further comprises: a loading platform for carrying and transporting the replacement battery Package; lifting device, the lifting device is used to lift the battery pack to make it fit the installation position on the car; data acquisition device, the data acquisition device is used to collect the torque and the locking head in the tightening process Angle data; and a lifting control module for controlling the lifting height of the lifting device. A method for installing a replacement battery pack using a new energy vehicle replacement battery pack installation system is characterized in that the method includes the step of tightening a plurality of bolts by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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