WO2019033716A1

WO2019033716A1 - Bolt locking method, swappable battery pack instillation system, and installation method

Info

Publication number: WO2019033716A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/075035
Authority: WO
Inventors: 曹建航; 李楠; 林海岩
Original assignee: 上海蔚来汽车有限公司
Priority date: 2017-08-17
Filing date: 2018-02-02
Publication date: 2019-02-21
Also published as: TWI746793B; CN109396813B; CN109396813A; TW201912459A

Abstract

Disclosed are a bolt locking method, a swappable battery pack installation system, and an installation method. The bolt locking method comprises: fastening all bolts simultaneously; dividing the tightening process into a pre-tightening stage and a stepped-tightening stage; during each stage, monitoring and analyzing in real time the tightening torque and angle; if the fastening conditions are not met, the bolt tightening is unlocked, and the tightening process is restarted.

Description

Bolt locking method, electric battery pack installation system and installation method

Technical field

The invention relates to the field of new energy vehicle quick-change technology; in particular, the invention relates to a bolt locking method, and further relates to a new energy vehicle battery pack installation system and a mounting method.

Background technique

New energy vehicles are characterized by low noise, high energy efficiency, and no mobile exhaust emissions.

The energy supply of new energy vehicles can be divided into two modes: plug-in and power-on. The charging time of the plug-in car is too long. Compared with the current fueling or refueling of traditional energy vehicles, the convenience of obtaining energy is far from meeting the needs of people. The power-exchange mode can generally complete the power-changing process in a few minutes, even if Compared with conventional energy vehicles, its convenience is not inferior. From this perspective, the prospect of the power exchange model is even broader.

In the fast-changing of new energy vehicles, the bolting efficiency and reliability are high. In the traditional manufacturing field, the manual operation of the bolt locking, the operation of the hand-held power tool and the simple mechanical operation cannot meet the requirements.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved bolt locking method.

It is an object of other aspects of the present invention to provide an improved new energy vehicle battery pack installation system and method of installation.

In order to achieve the aforementioned object, a first aspect of the invention provides a bolt locking method, wherein the method comprises:

Step A: Screw all the bolts at the same time until the predetermined number of turns or the inflection point of the torque occurs, whichever comes first. If it is first screwed to the predetermined number of turns, proceed to step B. If the torque first occurs, proceed to the step. C;

Step B: judging whether the torque has an inflection point, if yes, go to step D, otherwise proceed to step F;

Step C: determining whether the number of turns of the screw is within the first error tolerance range, if yes, proceed to step D, otherwise proceed to step F;

Step D: continue to screw all the bolts at a predetermined number of steps N, and determine whether the angle at which the bolt is rotated after the predetermined torque is screwed is within the second error tolerance range, and then proceed to step E, otherwise proceed to Step F;

Step E: determining whether the angle of rotation of the bolt from the inflection point to the final torque is within the third error tolerance range, is the end of the screwing bolt, otherwise proceeds to step F;

Step F: Unlock all the bolts and return to step A.

Alternatively, in the method as described above, in the step A, the predetermined number of turns is the number of times the bolt and the nut are engaged.

Optionally, in the method as described above, the first error tolerance range is the predetermined number of turns ± 2 turns.

Alternatively, in the method as described above, in step D, the predetermined torque per screwing is 1/N of the final torque.

Optionally, in the method as described above, in step D, the predetermined number of steps N is 2 to 4.

Optionally, in the method as described above, in step D, the predetermined number of steps is 3, the second error tolerance range is 4±2°, and, in step E, the third The error tolerance is 12 ± 2 °.

Alternatively, 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.

In order to achieve the foregoing object, a second aspect of the present invention provides a new energy vehicle battery pack installation system, wherein the system includes:

a locking head, the number of the locking heads being identical to the number of bolts of the electric battery pack for engaging with corresponding bolts to complete the tightening of the bolts;

Tightening the control module, the tightening control module for controlling the tightening head to perform a tightening action according to the method of any of the preceding first aspects.

Optionally, in the system as described above, the system further comprises:

a load platform for carrying and transporting the battery pack;

a lifting device for lifting and lowering the battery pack to match a mounting position on the vehicle; a data collecting device for collecting the tightening head during tightening Torque and angle data;

Lifting the control module, the lift control module is configured to control the lifting height of the lifting device.

In order to achieve the foregoing object, a third aspect of the present invention provides a method of installing a battery pack using a new energy vehicle battery pack installation system, wherein the method includes the method of any of the foregoing first aspects The method described in the method of tightening a plurality of bolts.

DRAWINGS

The disclosure of the present invention will become more apparent from the drawings. It is to be understood that the appended drawings are not intended to In the picture:

Figure 1 shows, in a schematic plan view, a battery pack with a locking bolt;

Figure 2 shows, in a schematic plan view, a load platform with a locking head;

Figure 3 shows the load platform of Figure 2 in a schematic side view;

Figure 4 is a schematic plan view showing the battery pack of Figure 1 placed on the load platform of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the control system of the load platform of Figure 2;

Fig. 6 schematically shows a flow chart of a bolt locking method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the respective drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding technical features.

Figure 1 shows, in a schematic plan view, a battery pack with a locking bolt. The figure shows a square battery pack 1 and two (eight) lock bolts 2 are arranged on each circumferential side of the battery pack 1, and the battery pack 1 will pass through these locks. The bolt 2 is tightened and mounted to the body of the new energy vehicle. In alternative embodiments, the battery pack can be designed in other shapes, and the battery pack can be placed with other numbers of multiple lock bolts at other locations.

Figure 2 shows, in a schematic plan view, a load platform with a locking head. The figure shows a square carrier platform 3, and on its load plane, a locking head 4 of the same number and position as the number of bolts on the battery pack of Fig. 1 is arranged. The load platform 3 is used to carry the battery pack 1 for replacement. The locking head 4 can be engaged with the bolt head of the locking bolt 2 and can be used to simultaneously lock or unlock the tightening of all the locking bolts on the battery pack. A lifting device 5 is arranged below the load platform 3 for lifting the battery pack 1 to fit the mounting position on the new energy vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the load platform can be designed in other shapes, and other numbers of locking heads can be placed on the load platform. The number and arrangement position of the lifting devices 5 can also be varied in alternative embodiments.

Figure 3 shows the load platform of Figure 2 in a schematic side view, in which the locking head 4, lifting device 5, etc. of the load platform 3 can be seen from another angle. Further, it can be seen that a tightening controller 6, a data collecting device 8, and the like are further provided at each of the locking heads 4; a lifting controller 7 and the like are further provided at each of the lifting devices 5. The data acquisition device can be used to collect torque and angle data during tightening of the tightening head. The tightening controller can be used to control the tightening action of the tightening head. The lift controller can be used to control the lift height of the lift device.

It can be understood that the above-mentioned tightening controller, lifting controller and the like may be corresponding control modules of the main controller.

Figure 4 shows, in a schematic plan view, the battery pack 1 of Figure 1 placed on the carrier platform 3 of Figure 2 . In this figure, the locking head can already be fitted to the locking bolt 2 for tightening the locking bolt.

Fig. 5 schematically shows a block diagram of a control system of the carrier platform of Fig. 2. As can be seen from the figure, the main controller can be communicatively coupled to each of the data acquisition device, the tightening controller and the lift controller. Specifically, the main controller lifts the load platform by controlling the lift controller, so that the battery pack is matched with the installation position on the new energy vehicle; the main controller starts tightening the bolt by controlling the tightening controller. The data acquisition device can detect the torque and angle data during tightening. During the tightening process, the main controller can read the data collected by the data acquisition device and analyze it in real time.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a flow chart of a bolt locking method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows the steps of the method in a simple form.

According to Figure 6, after the tightening bolts are tightened, in step A, all the bolts are screwed at the same time until the predetermined number of turns or the inflection point of the torque occurs (whichever comes first). If it is first screwed to the predetermined number of turns, the process proceeds to step B, and if the torque first occurs, the process proceeds to step C. In this step A, the predetermined number of turns may be the number of turns of the bolt and the nut, or may be understood as the number of turns of the bolt and nut threads that 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 bite or idling is completed, and an inflection point occurs. This step can be seen as a pre-tightening phase for each locking bolt and, if the conditions are met, a subsequent step-by-step tightening phase.

In step B, it is judged whether or not the torque has an inflection point, and the previous time is to step D, otherwise it proceeds 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 there is no inflection point after the predetermined number of turns, there may be problems such as the thread slip of the bolt or nut, the misalignment of the bolt and the nut, and the long bolt. Therefore, the corresponding remedial measures can be considered, for example, after replacing the bolt. Then restart the tightening operation.

In step C, it is determined whether the number of turns of the screw is within the first error tolerance range, and if yes, proceed to step D, otherwise proceed to step F. In an alternative embodiment, the first error tolerance range herein may be set to a predetermined number of turns ± 2 turns. Other optional ranges are not excluded in other embodiments. If the torque has not been screwed to the predetermined number of turns after the inflection point, there may be problems such as insufficient bolt length, thread of the bolt or nut, tilting of the bolt in the nut, etc., and the corresponding remedial measures may be considered. For example, replace the bolts and restart the tightening operation.

As can be seen from the above, steps B and C are used to determine whether the pre-tightening phase has been successfully completed. If yes, proceed to step D for the next step of the tightening phase.

In step D, it is possible to continue to screw all the bolts in a predetermined number of steps N, and determine whether the angle at which the bolt is rotated after the predetermined torque is screwed is within the second error tolerance range, and then proceed to step E, otherwise advance Go to step F. In this step D, the value of the predetermined number of steps N may be set according to specific needs, such as but not limited to 2 to 4, and the like. In alternative embodiments, the predetermined torque for each spin may be equal, 1/N of the final torque, respectively. It should be understood that in an alternative embodiment, the torque that is spun each time in the predetermined number of steps N of the step screwing may be different values from each other. In a specific embodiment, in the step D, the predetermined number of steps may be 3, and the second error allowable range may be, for example, 4±2°.

In step E, it is judged whether the angle from the inflection point to the final torque bolt rotation is within the third error tolerance range, and the screwing bolt is ended, otherwise proceeding to step F. In this step E, the third error tolerance 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, and if it is normal, the tightening operation of each bolt is completed.

Through the segmentation tightening and data real-time analysis of steps D and E, the reliability of bolt tightening can be effectively ensured, and problems such as leakage, poor bolts, and misalignment can be prevented.

In step F, unlock all the bolts and return to step A. According to the previous step B, step C, step D and step E, it can be understood that if any one of the steps is abnormal, the bolt needs to be unlocked, and then the tightening operation of the locking bolt is restarted from the beginning.

A specific example will be described below in conjunction with the flow chart of the battery pack, the loading platform, the control system block diagram and the control method of FIGS. 1 to 6.

In this specific example, all 8 bolt data must meet the following conditions:

1 The 12-turn tightening torque value of the data is less than 2N·m, of which 12 turns are assumed. The specific value is determined by the number of laps of the bolt and the nut, and the error is within 2 turns; 2N·m is the assumed value. The specific value is the torque required for the bolt and nut threads to idling.

After 212 laps, the torque has an inflection point and the data starts to rise. When the torque has an inflection point, the controller is suspended until the last one reaches the inflection point. When the bolt is tightened to 1/3 of the final torque, the controller is stopped. Until the last one reaches 1/3 of the final torque; continue to tighten the bolts to 2/3 of the final torque, then stop tightening the controller in turn until the last one reaches 2/3 final torque; continue to tighten the bolts to the final torque , maintained at this torque until the last one reaches the final torque.

The main controller processes and analyzes the collected data. The following conditions are met from the inflection point to the final torque process data: 3 from the inflection point to the final torque rotation angle of 12°, the allowable error is 2°, where 12° is the assumed value, specifically The values vary according to the type and material of the bolt; 2° is the assumed value, and the specific values vary depending on the bolt type and material.

4 For each tightening of 1/3 final torque, the angle is rotated by 4°, and the error is allowed to be 2°. 4° is the assumed value. The specific value varies according to different bolt types and materials; 2° is the assumed value, and the specific value is different. Bolt models and materials have changed.

The main controller processes and analyzes the entire process data. The process data of the eight bolts meets the above four conditions of 1234, and the tightening is successful. If the process data of the eight bolts does not meet the above four conditions of 1234, all the bolts need to be unlocked. Re-compact according to the above process and re-record the data until the process data of the 8 bolts meets the above four conditions of 1234, then the screwing is successful.

In connection with the above description, an 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 locking head The number of bolts may be the same as the number of bolts of the battery pack, and may be used to match the corresponding bolts to complete the tightening of the bolts; the tightening control module may be used to control the tightening head to perform the tightening action according to the method of any of the foregoing embodiments.

As shown in Figures 1 through 5, the system can also include a load platform, a lifting device, a data acquisition device, and a lift control module (or a lift controller as in Figure 5). The load platform can be used to carry and transport the battery pack. The lifting device can be used to lift and replace the battery pack so that it fits into the mounting position on the vehicle. The data acquisition device can be used to collect torque and angle data of the tightening head during tightening. The lift control module can be used to control the lift height of the lift device. The main controller is communicatively coupled with the data acquisition device, the lift control module, the tightening control module, etc., and they may be distributed or integrated with the main controller.

Further, another aspect of the present invention provides a method of installing a replacement battery pack using a new energy vehicle battery pack installation system, the method may include tightening a plurality of bolts by a method according to any of the foregoing embodiments. step.

A person skilled in the art can understand that the new energy vehicle battery pack installation system provided in these aspects and the method for installing the battery pack using the new energy vehicle battery pack installation system have the advantages corresponding to the foregoing methods. The corresponding advantageous effects can be achieved.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above description, and various modifications and changes can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. Within the scope of the invention.

Claims

A bolt locking method, characterized in that the method comprises:

Step A: Screw all the bolts at the same time until the predetermined number of turns or the inflection point of the torque occurs, whichever comes first. If it is first screwed to the predetermined number of turns, proceed to step B. If the torque first occurs, proceed to the step. C;

Step B: judging whether the torque has an inflection point, if yes, go to step D, otherwise proceed to step F;

Step C: determining whether the number of turns of the screw is within the first error tolerance range, if yes, proceed to step D, otherwise proceed to step F;

Step D: continue to screw all the bolts at a predetermined number of steps N, and determine whether the angle at which the bolt is rotated after the predetermined torque is screwed is within the second error tolerance range, and then proceed to step E, otherwise proceed to Step F;

Step E: determining whether the angle of rotation of the bolt from the inflection point to the final torque is within the third error tolerance range, is the end of the screwing bolt, otherwise proceeds to step F;

Step F: Unlock all the bolts and return to step A.
The method of claim 1, wherein in the step A, the predetermined number of turns is the number of engagements of the bolt and the nut.
The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first error tolerance range is said predetermined number of turns ± 2 turns.
The method of 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 the step D, the predetermined number of steps N is 2 to 4.
The method according to claim 5, wherein in the step D, the predetermined number of steps is 3, the second error allowable range is 4 ± 2°, and, in the step E, the third error is allowed The range is 12 ± 2 °.
The method of claim 1, wherein in steps A and B, if the value of the torque exceeds a torque required when the bolt and nut threads are idling, it is determined that an inflection point occurs.
A new energy vehicle battery pack installation system, characterized in that the system comprises:

a locking head, the number of the locking heads being identical to the number of bolts of the electric battery pack for engaging with corresponding bolts to complete the tightening of the bolts;

The tightening control module is used to control the tightening head to perform a tightening action according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 7.
The system of claim 8 wherein said system further comprises:

a load platform for carrying and transporting the battery pack;

a lifting device for lifting and lowering the battery pack to match a mounting position on the automobile;

a data acquisition device for collecting torque and angle data of the tightening head during tightening; and

Lifting the control module, the lift control module is configured to control the lifting height of the lifting device.
A method of installing a replacement battery pack using a new energy vehicle battery pack installation system, the method comprising the step of tightening a plurality of bolts by the method of any one of claims 1 to 7.