WO2024140534A1 - Battery transfer apparatus and battery swapping station - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery transfer apparatus and a battery swapping station. The battery transfer apparatus is used for exchanging a battery pack (5) with a battery swapping device (3) or a battery holder (4) in a battery swapping station (2). The battery transfer apparatus comprises a battery accommodating compartment (11) and two extending members (12). The battery accommodating compartment (11) is configured to be liftable in the vertical direction. The extending members (12) are arranged on two sides of the battery accommodating compartment (11), respectively. The extending members (12) may extend out of the battery accommodating compartment (11) and may perform clamping from two sides of the battery pack (5), so as to exchange the battery pack (5) with the battery swapping device (3) or the battery holder (4). According to the described battery transfer apparatus, the occupied height space of the battery transfer apparatus is reduced, enabling the layer height of each battery compartment position of the battery holder to be reduced.

Description

Battery transfer device and battery replacement station

This application claims the priority of the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 30, 2022, with application number 202211732370.5 and invention name “A battery transport device and battery swap station”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in this application.

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of vehicle battery replacement technology, and specifically to a battery transfer device and a battery replacement station.

Background technique

When replacing batteries for existing electric vehicles, battery replacement equipment is used to disassemble and install batteries in the electric vehicles. A battery transfer device is also required. The battery transfer device is used to remove depleted battery packs from the battery replacement equipment and transport them to the battery rack. It can also remove fully charged battery packs from the battery rack and transport them to the battery replacement equipment, thereby realizing the removal and placement of battery packs relative to the battery rack and the battery replacement equipment.

A battery rack usually has multiple battery slots for storing battery packs, so the battery transport device usually needs to carry the battery packs and move in the horizontal and vertical directions to correspond to the battery slots at different positions.

At present, the battery transport device has an extension mechanism for taking and placing the battery pack. Usually, the extension mechanism transports the battery pack in a lifting manner, that is, the extension mechanism is located below the battery pack, resulting in the battery compartment of the battery rack needing to leave enough height space for the extension mechanism and the battery pack to enter and exit, that is, the height of a single battery compartment is not less than the height of the extension mechanism plus the battery pack, resulting in a large layer height of a single battery compartment. In this way, on the one hand, the battery rack will have fewer battery compartments that can be opened within a limited height, and on the other hand, the battery rack will have a non-compact structure in the height direction. As the number of battery compartments increases, the stability of the battery rack structure is greatly affected, and the battery rack may shake, affecting the transportation of the battery pack. In addition, when the battery transport device exchanges the battery pack with the battery swapping equipment by lifting it with the extension mechanism, the battery pack may be offset, making the position accuracy of the battery pack not so high during the exchange of the battery pack.

Summary of the invention

In order to solve the technical problem that the structural form of the existing battery transfer device requires sufficient height to be reserved for each battery compartment of the battery rack, resulting in the battery rack structure being not compact enough and the number of battery compartments being small, the first purpose of the present application is to propose a battery transfer device, which includes a battery accommodating compartment and a protruding piece, the battery accommodating compartment can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction, the two protruding pieces are respectively located on both sides of the battery accommodating compartment, the two protruding pieces can extend out of the battery accommodating compartment and clamp the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack to realize the exchange of battery packs between the battery transfer device and the battery exchange equipment or the battery rack. In this way, firstly, the two protruding pieces of the battery transfer device can clamp the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack for transfer, thereby reducing the height space occupied by the protruding structure of the battery transfer device for taking and placing the battery pack. During the transfer process, there is no other structure between the bottom of the battery pack and the upper surface of the battery exchange equipment or the inside of the battery rack. The battery rack only needs to reserve sufficient height space for the battery pack to enter and exit, and there is no need to set up additional height space for the protruding pieces to enter and exit the battery transfer device, thereby reducing the floor height of each battery compartment of the battery rack. Second, the two extensions clamp the battery pack from both sides, so that the battery pack always maintains the predetermined direction during transportation and interaction, and will not deviate, thereby improving the efficiency of battery pack interaction. Third, the bottom of the battery pack can have a smaller distance from the upper surface of the battery swap device or the bottom surface of the battery compartment, which is convenient for controlling the vertical force of the battery pack on the battery swap device and the battery rack, and reducing the impact of the battery pack weight on the battery swap device and the battery rack.

The second purpose of the present application is to propose a battery swap station, which includes the above-mentioned battery transfer device, battery swap equipment and battery rack. The battery swap equipment can disassemble and assemble battery packs for battery swap vehicles, and the battery transfer device can match the position of the battery compartment of the battery rack to realize the exchange of battery packs with the battery rack.

The technical solution of a battery transport device of the present application is as follows:

A battery transfer device is used for exchanging battery packs with battery swapping equipment or battery racks in a battery swapping station, comprising a battery accommodating compartment and two protruding members; the battery accommodating compartment can be arranged to be liftable in a vertical direction; the two protruding members are respectively arranged on both sides of the battery accommodating compartment, and the two protruding members can extend out of the battery accommodating compartment and can clamp the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack to achieve the exchange of the battery pack with the battery swapping equipment or battery rack.

The working process of a battery transfer device to take out a battery pack from a battery exchange device or a battery rack is as follows: the battery accommodating compartment is lifted and lowered in the vertical direction to adjust the height position so that the battery accommodating compartment can match the position of the battery compartment of the battery exchange device or the battery rack, and then the two protruding members are driven to extend out of the battery accommodating compartment. As the two protruding members extend along the two sides of the battery accommodating compartment, the two protruding members can extend along the two sides of the battery pack to the battery exchange device. The battery pack is located on the device, or extends along the two sides of the battery pack to the position of the battery pack in the battery compartment. Then, when the bottom of the battery pack is in a state of abutting against the upper surface of the battery swapping device or the bottom surface of the battery compartment, the two protruding parts clamp the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack. After the two protruding parts clamp the battery pack from both sides, the two protruding parts are driven to retract the battery pack back into the battery containing compartment. The battery pack on the battery swapping device or the battery compartment can be taken out into the battery transfer device, and the battery transfer device carries the battery pack to move it for battery transfer.

The working process of a battery transfer device for transferring a battery pack to a battery swapping device or a battery rack is as follows: two protruding members clamp the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack, and the two protruding members are located in the battery accommodating compartment. At this time, the battery accommodating compartment is lifted and lowered in the vertical direction to adjust the height position, so that the battery accommodating compartment can match the position of the battery storage position of the battery swapping device or the battery rack, and then the two protruding members are driven to clamp the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack and extend out of the battery accommodating compartment. As the two protruding members extend, the battery pack can be extended to the upper surface of the battery swapping device or the inner bottom surface of the battery storage position, and there is no structural obstruction between the bottom of the battery pack and the upper surface of the battery swapping device and the inner bottom surface of the battery storage position. Then the two protruding members release the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack, and the battery pack is directly placed flat on the battery swapping device or inside the battery storage position, and the bottom of the battery pack abuts against the upper surface of the battery swapping device or the inner bottom surface of the battery storage position. At this point, the placement of the battery pack is completed, and then the two protruding members are driven to retract, and the two protruding members can leave the battery swapping device or the battery rack along both sides of the battery pack and return to the battery storage compartment.

The extensions clamp the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack, and the battery pack is taken and placed flat. Whether the battery transport device takes out the battery pack from the battery swap device or the battery rack, or the battery transport device transfers the battery pack to the battery swap device or the battery rack, the two extensions and the battery pack are always in a clamping state, so that the battery pack can always maintain a predetermined direction without deviation, thereby improving the efficiency of battery pack interaction. At the same time, because the extensions clamp the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack, the bottom of the battery pack can have a smaller distance from the upper surface of the battery swap device or the bottom surface of the battery compartment, which facilitates the control of the vertical force of the battery pack on the battery swap device and the battery rack, and reduces the impact of the weight of the battery pack on the battery swap device and the battery rack.

In this way, firstly, the two protruding parts of the battery transport device can clamp the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack for transport, reducing the height space occupied by the clamping structure of the battery transport device for clamping the battery pack. During the transport process, there is no structural obstruction between the bottom of the battery pack and the upper surface of the battery swapping device or the bottom surface of the battery compartment. The battery rack only needs to leave enough height space for the battery pack to enter and exit, and there is no need to set up additional height space for the battery transport device to enter and exit the battery rack, which can reduce the height of each battery compartment of the battery rack. Layer height. Second, the two protruding parts clamp the battery pack from both sides, so that the battery pack always maintains the predetermined direction during transportation and interaction, and will not deviate, thereby improving the efficiency of battery pack interaction. Third, the bottom of the battery pack can have a smaller distance from the upper surface of the battery swap device or the bottom surface of the battery compartment, which is convenient for controlling the vertical force of the battery pack on the battery swap device and the battery rack, and reducing the impact of the battery pack weight on the battery swap device and the battery rack.

As an optional implementation of a battery transport device, further, the battery accommodating compartment includes at least two side walls extending in a vertical direction and opposite to each other, and the two protruding members are respectively arranged on the two side walls and are symmetrically arranged.

In this way, the two protruding members are symmetrically arranged in the battery receiving compartment, which can ensure the structural balance of the battery receiving compartment in the battery transport device, thereby balancing the force of the battery receiving compartment, allowing the two protruding members to clamp the battery pack more stably, and also making the battery pack more stable in the battery receiving compartment.

As an optional implementation of a battery transport device, further, the battery accommodating compartment also includes a bottom plate connecting the two side walls, and a plurality of first rolling members are arranged on the bottom plate, and the plurality of first rolling members are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the protruding member; and/or the plurality of first rolling members are divided into at least two groups, and the two groups of first rolling members are respectively located on both sides of the bottom plate along the extending direction of the protruding member.

In this way, the bottom plate and the first rolling member on the bottom plate can not only support the battery pack to share the force of the two protruding members in the vertical direction, but also due to the existence of the first rolling member, the friction of the translational movement of the bottom of the battery pack along the bottom plate is also small, which does not affect the battery pack to smoothly enter and exit the battery storage compartment. The first rolling member can be set as two groups, which can stabilize the force on both sides of the battery pack, so that the battery pack can enter and exit the battery storage compartment more stably and avoid unbalanced loading.

As an optional implementation of a battery transport device, further, an upper surface of each of the first rolling elements is higher than an upper surface of the bottom plate.

In this way, on the one hand, when in the battery receiving compartment, the bottom surface of the battery pack only contacts the rolling surface of the first rolling element, and does not contact the bottom plate surface, thereby further reducing the friction of the battery pack entering and exiting the battery receiving compartment; on the other hand, when the battery pack enters or leaves the battery receiving compartment, the first rolling element can guide the movement of the battery pack.

As an optional implementation of a battery transport device, the two protruding members are configured to be able to rise and fall relative to the battery accommodating compartment to accommodate battery packs of different heights; and/or, the two protruding members The components are configured to move toward or away from each other to accommodate battery packs of different widths.

The heights of battery packs of different models may be different, and the clamping position of the two protrusions on the battery pack will affect the clamping effect. Therefore, the positions of the two protrusions in the battery storage compartment are adjustable, and the two protrusions can adapt to battery packs of different heights, so that the two protrusions can always clamp the middle position of the battery pack, thereby making the clamping of the battery pack more stable and firm. On the other hand, the two protrusions can be raised and lowered independently relative to the battery storage compartment. When clamping the battery pack, the two protrusions can lift the battery pack in the vertical direction and keep a distance from the upper surface of the battery swapping device or the bottom surface of the battery compartment to avoid interference between the bottom of the battery pack and the upper surface of the battery swapping device or the bottom surface of the battery compartment when the two protrusions are extended or retracted. Alternatively, the widths of battery packs of different models may be different, and the clamping widths of the two protrusions on the battery pack need to be adjusted to match the battery packs of the corresponding width, so that the protrusions can effectively clamp the battery pack. Alternatively, the widths and heights of battery packs of different models are different, so the protrusions are set to be both width-adjustable and height-adjustable.

As an optional implementation of a battery transport device, both of the protruding members are provided with a snap-fitting portion to cooperate with the snap-fitting portions on both sides of the battery pack.

In this way, during the clamping or loosening process of the two protruding members, the clamping parts of the two protruding members can cooperate with or disengage from the clamping parts, so that the clamping of the battery pack by the two protruding members is more stable, thereby improving the stability of the battery pack transportation process.

The technical solution of a battery swap station in this application is as follows:

A battery swap station comprises a battery swap device, a battery rack and a battery transfer device as described above, wherein the battery swap device is used to disassemble and assemble battery packs for battery swap vehicles to achieve battery swap, the battery rack comprises a plurality of battery slots arranged in a vertical direction, each of the battery slots is used to store the battery pack to charge the battery pack, and the extension piece of the battery transfer device can be extended into the battery swap device or the battery slot to exchange battery packs with the battery swap device or the battery rack.

In this way, each battery compartment of the battery rack only needs to leave enough height space for the battery pack to enter and exit, and no additional height space is required for the battery transport device to enter and exit the battery rack, which can reduce the height of each battery compartment of the battery rack. When the height of the battery rack is limited, the number of battery compartments on the battery rack is increased, so that the battery rack can accommodate more battery packs. In addition, the battery rack and the battery replacement equipment will not shake or shift due to the entry and exit of the battery pack.

As an optional implementation of a battery swap station, the battery swap device is provided with a plurality of second rollers. A plurality of second rolling members are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the protruding member; and/or, a plurality of second rolling members are divided into at least two groups, and the two groups of second rolling members are respectively located on both sides of the battery exchange device along the extending direction of the protruding member.

In this way, when the two protruding members clamp the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack and put the battery pack in or take it out, the second rolling member can reduce the friction between the bottom surface of the battery pack and the battery swapping device, increase the moving speed of the battery pack, and improve the transportation efficiency of the battery pack. The second rolling member can be set in two groups, which can stabilize the force on both sides of the battery pack, make the battery pack more stably located in the battery swapping device, and avoid unbalanced loading.

As an optional implementation of a battery swap station, further, the upper surface of each of the second rolling members is higher than the upper surface of the battery swap device.

In this way, on the one hand, when on the battery swap device, the bottom surface of the battery pack contacts the rolling surface of the second rolling element and does not contact the upper surface of the battery swap device, further reducing the friction of the battery pack; on the other hand, the first rolling element can guide the movement of the battery pack.

As an optional implementation of a battery swap station, a plurality of third rolling members are provided in each of the battery compartments, and the plurality of third rolling members are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the protruding member; and/or the plurality of third rolling members are divided into at least two groups, and the two groups of third rolling members are respectively located on both sides of the bottom of the battery compartment along the extending direction of the protruding member.

In this way, when the two protruding members clamp the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack and put the battery pack into the battery compartment or take it out, the third rolling member can reduce the friction between the bottom surface of the battery pack and the upper surface of the battery compartment, thereby increasing the moving speed of the battery pack and improving the transportation efficiency of the battery pack. The third rolling member can be provided in two groups, which can stabilize the force on both sides of the battery pack, so that the battery pack can enter and exit more stably and be located in the battery compartment, avoiding unbalanced loading.

As an optional implementation of a battery swap station, further, an upper surface of each of the third rolling elements is higher than an upper surface of the bottom of the battery compartment.

In this way, on the one hand, when in the battery compartment, the bottom surface of the battery pack contacts the rolling surface of the third rolling element and does not contact the upper surface of the battery compartment, thereby further reducing the friction of the battery pack; on the other hand, the third rolling element can guide the movement of the battery pack.

As an optional implementation of a battery swap station, each of the third rolling elements is configured to float relative to the bottom of the battery compartment to facilitate docking of the battery pack with an electrical connector of the battery compartment for charging.

Therefore, when the battery pack enters the battery compartment, the bottom of the battery compartment can float and the battery pack sinks slightly, and can automatically dock with the electrical connector of the battery compartment and charge. The structure is simple, saves the cost of structural design specifically responsible for battery pack charging and docking, and is convenient and fast.

The beneficial effects of this application are:

1. The two protruding parts of the battery transport device can clamp the battery pack from both sides for transport, reducing the height space occupied by the clamping structure of the battery transport device for clamping the battery pack. During the transport process, there is no structural obstruction between the bottom of the battery pack and the upper surface of the battery swapping equipment or the bottom surface of the battery compartment. The battery rack only needs to leave enough height space for the battery pack to enter and exit, and there is no need to set additional height space for the battery transport device to enter and exit the battery rack, which can reduce the floor height of each battery compartment of the battery rack.

2. The two protruding pieces clamp the battery pack from both sides, so that the battery pack always maintains a predetermined direction during transportation and interaction without deviation, thereby improving the efficiency of battery pack interaction.

3. The bottom of the battery pack can have a smaller distance from the upper surface of the battery swapping device or the bottom surface of the battery compartment, which facilitates the control of the vertical force of the battery pack on the battery swapping device and the battery rack, and reduces the impact of the battery pack weight on the battery swapping device and the battery rack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of one or more exemplary embodiments of a battery transport device of the present application;

FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of one or more exemplary embodiments of a battery transport device of the present application;

FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of one or more exemplary embodiments of a battery swap station of the present application;

FIG4 is a partial three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one or more exemplary embodiments of a battery swap station of the present application;

FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a battery swapping device in one or more exemplary embodiments of a battery swapping station of the present application;

FIG6 is a three-dimensional structure of a battery rack in one or more exemplary embodiments of a battery swap station of the present application. Schematic diagram of the structure.

Description of Figure Numbers:
1 battery transport device; 11 battery storage compartment; 12 extension member; 13 bottom plate; 14 first rolling member;
15. a clamping portion;
2 battery swap station; 21 battery swap platform; 22 lifting platform;
3 battery replacement equipment; 31 second rolling element;
4 battery rack; 41 battery compartment; 42 third rolling element;
5 battery pack; 51 engaging portion;
6 charger; 61 electrical connector;
7. Battery-swap vehicles.

Detailed ways

In order to have a clearer understanding of the technical features, purposes and effects of the present application, the specific implementation methods of the present application are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent components with the same structure or similar structures but the same functions.

In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, a battery transfer device is used to exchange battery packs 5 with battery swapping equipment 3 or battery racks 4 in a battery swapping station 2. Among them, the battery swapping equipment 3 is used to disassemble and assemble battery packs 5 for battery swapping vehicles 7 to achieve battery swapping, and the battery rack 4 is used to stack battery packs 5. The battery rack 4 includes multiple battery slots 41, and each battery slot 41 can hold a corresponding battery pack 5. The upper surface of the battery swapping equipment 3 is used to carry the battery pack 5, and the inner bottom surface of the battery slot 41 of the battery rack 4 is used to place the battery pack 5.

1 and 2 , in an embodiment of a battery transport device, the battery transport device 1 includes a battery accommodating compartment 11 and two protruding pieces 12; the battery accommodating compartment 11 is configured to be liftable in a vertical direction; the two protruding pieces 12 are respectively disposed on both sides of the battery accommodating compartment 11, and the two protruding pieces 12 can extend out of the battery accommodating compartment 11 and can clamp the battery pack 5 from both sides of the battery pack 5 to realize the battery pack 5 interacting with the battery exchange device 3 or the battery rack 4.

The battery transport device 1 can be transformed from a fork-type stacker. It includes a frame-type frame, the battery storage compartment 11 can be a mobile frame, the battery storage compartment 11 is located inside the frame, and can be raised and lowered along the frame of the frame, a winch or electric hoist is connected to both sides of the frame, the traction ropes of the winch or electric hoist are respectively connected to both sides of the battery storage compartment 11, and the lifting and lowering of the battery storage compartment 11 is driven by the winch or electric hoist. The two extensions 12 are similar to the forks of a stacker, and the extensions 12 can include a fixed rod fixedly connected to the frame of the battery storage compartment 11, and a sliding rod slidably connected to the fixed rod, and the fixed rod and the sliding rod are connected by a slide groove. The extension and retraction of the extension 12 is driven by a gear rack or a screw assembly, and the gear rack or the screw assembly converts the rotational motion of the rotary motor into linear motion, or is directly driven linearly by a linear drive motor.

In one embodiment of a battery transport device, the working process of the battery transport device 1 taking out the battery pack 5 from the battery swap device 3 or the battery rack 4 is as follows: the battery accommodating compartment 11 is lifted and lowered in the vertical direction to adjust the height position so that the battery accommodating compartment 11 can match the position of the battery swap device 3 or the battery compartment position 41, and then the two protruding members 12 are driven to extend out of the battery accommodating compartment 11. As the two protruding members 12 extend along both sides of the battery accommodating compartment 11, the two protruding members 12 can extend along both sides of the battery pack 5 to the position of the battery pack 5 on the battery swap device 3, or along both sides of the battery pack 5. Extend sideways to the position of the battery pack 5 in the battery compartment 41, and then when the bottom of the battery pack 5 is in a state of abutting against the upper surface of the battery exchange device 3 or the bottom surface of the battery compartment, the two protruding members 12 clamp the battery pack 5 from both sides of the battery pack 5. After the two protruding members 12 clamp the battery pack 5 from both sides, drive the two protruding members 12 to retract the battery pack 5 back into the battery receiving compartment 11, and the battery pack 5 in the battery exchange device 3 or the battery compartment 41 can be taken out into the battery transport device 1, and the battery transport device 1 carries the battery pack 5 to move for battery transport.

In an embodiment of a battery transport device, the working process of the battery transport device 1 transporting the battery pack 5 to the battery swap device 3 or the battery rack 4 is as follows: two protruding pieces 12 clamp the battery pack 5 from both sides of the battery pack 5, and the two protruding pieces 12 are located in the battery accommodating compartment 11. At this time, the battery accommodating compartment 11 is lifted and lowered in the vertical direction to adjust the height position, so that the battery accommodating compartment 11 can match the position of the battery swap device 3 or the battery compartment 41, and then the two protruding pieces 12 are driven to clamp the battery pack 5 from both sides of the battery pack 5 and extend out of the battery accommodating compartment 11. As the two protruding pieces 12 are extended, the battery pack 5 can be extended to the upper surface of the battery swap device 3 or the inner bottom surface of the battery compartment 41. There is no structural obstruction between the bottom of the battery pack 5 and the upper surface of the battery swap device 3 and the inner bottom surface of the battery compartment 41. Then the two protruding pieces 12 release the battery pack 5 from both sides of the battery pack 5, and the battery pack 5 is directly placed flat on the battery swap device 3 or inside the battery compartment 41, and the bottom of the battery pack 5 is against the upper surface of the battery swap device 3 or the inner bottom surface of the battery compartment 41. At this point, After the placement of the battery pack 5 is completed, the two protruding pieces 12 are driven to retract, and the two protruding pieces 12 can leave the battery exchange device 3 or the battery compartment 41 along the two sides of the battery pack 5 and return to the battery storage compartment 11.

The protruding pieces 12 clamp the battery pack 5 from both sides of the battery pack 5, and the battery pack 5 is taken and laid flat. No matter the battery transport device 1 takes out the battery pack 5 from the battery exchange device 3 or the battery rack 4, or the battery transport device 1 transfers the battery pack 5 to the battery exchange device 3 or the battery rack 4, the two protruding pieces 12 and the battery pack 5 are always in a clamping state, so that the battery pack 5 can always maintain a predetermined direction without deviation, thereby improving the interaction efficiency of the battery pack 5. At the same time, because the protruding pieces 12 clamp the battery pack 5 from both sides of the battery pack 5, the bottom of the battery pack 5 can have a smaller distance from the upper surface of the battery exchange device 3 or the bottom surface of the battery compartment 41, which facilitates the control of the vertical force of the battery pack 5 on the battery exchange device 3 and the battery rack 4, and reduces the impact of the weight of the battery pack 5 on the battery exchange device 3 and the battery rack 4.

Thus, first, the two protruding pieces 12 of the battery transport device 1 can clamp the battery pack 5 from both sides of the battery pack 5 for transport, reducing the height space occupied by the clamping structure of the battery transport device 1 for clamping the battery pack 5. During the transport process, there is no structural obstruction between the bottom of the battery pack 5 and the upper surface of the battery exchange device 3 or the inner bottom surface of the battery compartment 41. The battery rack 4 only needs to leave enough height space for the battery pack 5 to enter and exit, and no additional height space is required for the battery transport device 1 to enter and exit the battery rack 4, which can reduce the floor height of each battery compartment 41 of the battery rack 4. Second, the two protruding pieces 12 clamp the battery pack 5 from both sides of the battery pack 5, so that the battery pack 5 always maintains a predetermined direction during the transport and interaction process, and will not be offset, thereby improving the efficiency of the interaction of the battery pack 5. Third, the bottom of the battery pack 5 can have a smaller distance from the upper surface of the battery exchange device 3 or the inner bottom surface of the battery compartment 41, which is convenient for controlling the vertical force of the battery pack 5 on the battery exchange device 3 and the battery rack 4, and reducing the impact of the weight of the battery pack 5 on the battery exchange device 3 and the battery rack 4.

2 , in an embodiment of a battery transport device, further, the battery accommodating compartment 11 includes at least two side walls extending in a vertical direction and opposite to each other, and two protruding members 12 are respectively disposed on the two side walls and are symmetrically disposed.

In this way, the two protruding pieces 12 are symmetrically arranged in the battery receiving compartment 11, which can ensure the structural balance of the battery receiving compartment 11 in the battery transport device 1, thereby balancing the force of the battery receiving compartment 11, so that the two protruding pieces 12 can clamp the battery pack 5 more stably, and also make the battery pack 5 more stable in the battery receiving compartment 11.

2, in an embodiment of a battery transport device, further, the battery receiving compartment 11 It also includes a bottom plate 13 connecting the two side walls, and a plurality of first rolling members 14 are arranged on the bottom plate 13, and the plurality of first rolling members 14 are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the protruding member 12; and/or the plurality of first rolling members 14 are divided into at least two groups, and the two groups of first rolling members 14 are respectively located on both sides of the bottom plate 13 along the extending direction of the protruding member 12.

In this way, the bottom plate 13 and the first rolling member 14 on the bottom plate 13 can not only support the battery pack 5 to share the force of the two protruding members 12 in the vertical direction, but also due to the existence of the first rolling member 14, the friction of the translational movement of the bottom of the battery pack 5 along the bottom plate 13 is also small, which does not affect the battery pack 5 to smoothly enter and exit the battery storage compartment 11. The first rolling member 14 can be set in two groups, which can stabilize the force on both sides of the battery pack 5, so that the battery pack 5 can enter and exit the battery storage compartment 11 more stably and avoid unbalanced loading.

In one embodiment, the first rolling element 14 may be a roller, or other structures capable of achieving a rolling effect, such as a ball. The specific structure of the first rolling element 14 is only an example and does not constitute an improper limitation on the protection scope of the present application.

In another embodiment of the battery transport device, the surface of the bottom plate 13 may also be a relatively flat and smooth surface, which can also achieve the function of supporting and reducing friction.

In an embodiment of the battery transport device, further, the upper surface of each first rolling element 14 is higher than the upper surface of the bottom plate 13 .

In this way, on the one hand, when in the battery accommodating compartment 11, the bottom surface of the battery pack 5 only contacts the rolling surface of the first rolling element 14, and does not contact the bottom plate 13, further reducing the friction of the battery pack 5 entering and exiting the battery accommodating compartment 11; on the other hand, when the battery pack 5 enters or leaves the battery accommodating compartment 11, the first rolling element 14 can guide the movement of the battery pack 5.

In an embodiment of the battery transport device, the two protruding members 12 are both configured to be able to be raised and lowered relative to the battery accommodating compartment 11 to accommodate battery packs 5 of different heights.

Different models of battery packs 5 may have different heights, and the clamping position of the two protruding pieces 12 on the battery pack 5 will affect the clamping effect. Therefore, the positions of the two protruding pieces 12 in the battery accommodating compartment 11 are adjustable, and the two protruding pieces 12 can adapt to battery packs 5 of different heights, so that the two protruding pieces 12 can always clamp the middle position of the battery pack 5, thereby making the clamping of the battery pack 5 more stable and firm. On the other hand, the two protruding pieces 12 can be raised and lowered independently relative to the battery accommodating compartment 11. When clamping the battery pack 5, the two protruding pieces 12 can lift the battery pack 5 in the vertical direction, and distance it from the upper surface of the battery exchange device 3 or the internal upper surface of the battery rack 4, to avoid the bottom of the battery pack 5 when the two protruding pieces 12 are extended or retracted. The part generates friction with the upper surface of the battery replacement device 3 or the internal upper surface of the battery rack 4.

In another embodiment, the two protruding members 12 are both configured to be movable, that is, they can move toward or away from each other, so as to adapt to battery packs 5 of different widths.

The widths of battery packs 5 of different models may be different, and the clamping widths of the two protruding members 12 on the battery pack 5 need to be adjusted to match the battery pack 5 of the corresponding width, so that the protruding members 12 can effectively clamp the battery pack 5 .

In other embodiments, the two protruding members 12 can be set to be liftable in height and adjustable in relative distance to each other to accommodate battery packs 5 of different heights and widths.

2 , in an embodiment of a battery transport device, two protruding members 12 are provided with a snap-fitting portion 15 to cooperate with the snap-fitting portions 51 on both sides of the battery pack 5 .

In this way, during the clamping or loosening of the two protruding members 12, the clamping portions 15 of the two protruding members 12 can cooperate with or disengage from the clamping portion 51, so that the clamping of the battery pack 5 by the two protruding members 12 is more stable, thereby improving the stability of the battery pack 5 during transportation.

In one embodiment, one of the clamping portion 15 and the engaging portion 51 may be a slider and the other may be a slide groove, and the slider and the slide groove may be slidably matched. Alternatively, the clamping portion 15 and the engaging portion 51 may also be a pin-hole matching structure. The specific structures of the clamping portion 15 and the engaging portion 51 are merely illustrative and do not constitute an improper limitation on the protection scope of the present application. The clamping portion 15 and the engaging portion 51 may also be other structures.

3-5 , an implementation method of a battery swap station of the present application is as follows:

A battery swap station includes a battery swap device 3, a battery rack 4 and a battery transfer device 1 of any one of the above items, the battery swap device 3 is used to disassemble and assemble a battery pack 5 for a battery swap vehicle 7 to achieve battery swap, the battery rack 4 includes a plurality of battery slots 41 arranged in a vertical direction, each battery slot 41 is used to store a battery pack 5 to charge the battery pack 5, and the extension piece 12 of the battery transfer device 1 can be extended into the battery swap device 3 or the battery slot 41 to exchange the battery pack 5 with the battery swap device 3 or the battery rack 4.

In this way, each battery compartment 41 of the battery rack 4 only needs to leave enough height space for the battery pack 5 to enter and exit, and no additional height space is required for the battery transport device 1 to enter and exit the battery rack 4, which can reduce the floor height of each battery compartment 41 of the battery rack 4. When the height of the battery rack 4 is limited, the number of battery compartments 41 on the battery rack 4 is increased, so that the battery rack 4 can accommodate more battery packs 5. In addition, the battery rack 4 and the battery replacement device 3 will not shake or deviate due to the entry and exit of the battery pack 5.

3, in the battery swap station 2, battery swapping stations can be provided on both sides of the battery swapping station of the battery swapping vehicle 7. The battery replacement equipment 3, the battery rack 4 and the battery transfer device 1, the battery replacement equipment 3 on one side is responsible for dismantling the low-charge battery pack 5, and the battery replacement equipment 3 on the other side is responsible for loading the fully-charged battery pack 5, so as to improve the battery replacement efficiency.

In other embodiments, the battery swapping equipment 3 , the battery rack 4 , and the battery transfer device 1 may be arranged only on one side of the battery swapping station of the battery swapping vehicle 7 .

Referring to Figure 5, in an embodiment of a battery swap station, a plurality of second rolling members 31 are provided on the battery swap device 3, and the plurality of second rolling members 31 are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the protruding member 12; and/or, the plurality of second rolling members 31 are divided into at least two groups, and the two groups of second rolling members 31 are respectively located on both sides of the battery swap device 3 along the extending direction of the protruding member 12.

Thus, when the two protruding members 12 clamp the battery pack 5 from both sides of the battery pack 5 and the battery pack 5 is placed in or taken out, the second rolling member 31 can reduce the friction between the bottom surface of the battery pack 5 and the battery exchange device 3, thereby increasing the moving speed of the battery pack 5 and improving the transportation efficiency of the battery pack 5. The second rolling member 31 can be provided in two groups, which can stabilize the force on both sides of the battery pack 5, so that the battery pack 5 is more stably located on the battery exchange device 3 to avoid unbalanced loading.

In one embodiment, the second rolling element 31 may be a roller, or other structures capable of achieving a rolling effect, such as a ball. The specific structure of the second rolling element 31 is only an example and does not constitute an improper limitation on the protection scope of the present application.

In an embodiment of a battery swap station, further, an upper surface of each second rolling element 31 is higher than an upper surface of the battery swap device 3 .

In this way, on the one hand, when on the battery exchange device 3, the bottom surface of the battery pack 5 contacts the rolling surface of the second rolling element 31 and does not contact the upper surface of the battery exchange device 3, thereby further reducing the friction of the battery pack 5; on the other hand, the first rolling element 14 can guide the movement of the battery pack 5.

Referring to Figure 6, in an embodiment of a battery swap station, a plurality of third rolling members 42 are provided in each battery compartment 41, and the plurality of third rolling members 42 are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the protruding member 12; and/or, the plurality of third rolling members 42 are divided into at least two groups, and the two groups of third rolling members 42 are respectively located on both sides of the bottom of the battery compartment 41 along the extending direction of the protruding member 12.

Thus, when the two protruding members 12 clamp the battery pack 5 from both sides of the battery pack 5 and place the battery pack 5 in the battery compartment 41 or take it out, the third rolling member 42 can reduce the friction between the bottom surface of the battery pack 5 and the upper surface of the battery compartment 41, thereby increasing the moving speed of the battery pack 5 and improving the transportation efficiency of the battery pack 5. The third rolling member 42 can be provided in two groups, which can stabilize the force on both sides of the battery pack 5 and make the battery pack 5 The battery pack 5 can be moved in and out more stably and positioned in the battery compartment 41 to avoid uneven loading.

In one embodiment, the third rolling element 42 may be a roller, or other structures capable of achieving a rolling effect, such as a ball. The structure of the third rolling element 42 is merely an example and does not constitute an improper limitation on the protection scope of the present application.

In an embodiment of a battery swap station, further, an upper surface of each third rolling element 42 is higher than an upper surface of the bottom of the battery compartment 41 .

In this way, on the one hand, when in the battery compartment 41, the bottom surface of the battery pack 5 contacts the rolling surface of the third rolling member 42 and does not contact the upper surface of the battery compartment 41, thereby further reducing the friction of the battery pack 5; on the other hand, the third rolling member 42 can guide the movement of the battery pack 5.

In an embodiment of a battery swap station, each third rolling member 42 is configured to float relative to the bottom of the battery compartment 41 to facilitate docking of the battery pack 5 with the electrical connector 61 of the battery compartment 41 for charging.

In this way, when the battery pack 5 enters the battery compartment 41, the bottom of the battery compartment 41 can float, and the battery pack 5 sinks slightly, and can automatically dock with the electrical connector 61 of the battery compartment 41 and charge. The structure is simple, which saves the cost of structural design specifically responsible for charging and docking the battery pack 5, and is convenient and fast.

In one embodiment, the third rolling member 42 is configured to be linked with the electrical connector 61. When the third rolling member 42 floats downward due to the pressure of the battery pack 5, it drives the electrical connector 61 to move toward the battery pack 5, thereby achieving docking between the battery pack 5 and the electrical connector 61.

3 , in one embodiment, the battery rack 4 is located on the side of the battery swap vehicle 7 in the width direction, the battery transport device 1 and the charging cabinet 6 are respectively located on both sides of the battery rack 4 along the length direction of the battery swap vehicle 7, and the extension direction of the extension member 12 can be the length direction of the battery swap vehicle 7. The charging cabinet 6 provides power for the electrical connector 61 to charge the battery pack 5.

Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment, the battery swap device 3 is located at the bottom of the battery rack 4, and the moving direction of the battery swap device 3 can be the width direction of the battery swap vehicle 7.

3 , the battery swap station 2 may also include a battery swap platform 21 and a lifting platform 22. The battery swap platform 21 is used to park the battery swap vehicle 7, and the lifting platform 22 is used to lift the battery swap device 3 so that the battery swap device 3 can remove or install the battery pack 5 for the battery swap vehicle 7. The battery swap process is as follows: the lifting platform 22 descends, the battery swap device 3 on the A side drives to the bottom of the heavy truck to take out the depleted battery pack 5, and then drives to the bottom of the battery rack 4. The battery transport device 1 on the A side takes out the depleted battery pack 5 and puts it into the battery compartment 41 of the battery rack 4. At the same time or before the battery swap device 3 on the A side takes out the depleted battery pack 5, the battery transport device 1 on the B side takes out the depleted battery pack 5 from the B side. Take out the fully charged battery pack 5 from the battery compartment 41 of the rack 4 and place it on the B-side battery exchange device 3. After the A-side battery exchange device 3 is moved out from under the heavy truck, the B-side battery exchange device 3 moves to under the heavy truck, the lifting platform 22 rises, the B-side battery exchange device 3 installs the fully charged battery pack 5 for the heavy truck, the lifting platform 22 descends, the B-side battery exchange device 3 drives out, the lifting platform 22 rises, the heavy truck can drive out of the battery exchange platform 21, and the battery exchange is completed.

Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the system embodiment, since it is basically similar to the method embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the method embodiment.

The above are only embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application should be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims (12)

1. A battery transfer device is used to transfer battery packs between battery exchange equipment or battery racks in a battery exchange station, and is characterized by comprising:

   The battery storage compartment can be arranged to be liftable in the vertical direction;

   Two protruding pieces are respectively arranged on both sides of the battery accommodating compartment. The two protruding pieces can extend out of the battery accommodating compartment and can clamp the battery pack from both sides of the battery pack to achieve the interaction of the battery pack with the battery replacement equipment or the battery rack.
2. The battery transport device according to claim 1 is characterized in that the battery accommodating compartment includes at least two side walls extending in a vertical direction and opposite to each other, and the two protruding members are respectively arranged on the two side walls and are symmetrically arranged.
3. The battery transport device according to claim 2 is characterized in that the battery accommodating compartment also includes a bottom plate connecting the two side walls, and a plurality of first rolling members are arranged on the bottom plate, and the plurality of first rolling members are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the protruding member; and/or the plurality of first rolling members are divided into at least two groups, and the two groups of first rolling members are respectively located on both sides of the bottom plate along the extending direction of the protruding member.
4. The battery transport device according to claim 3 is characterized in that the upper surface of each of the first rolling members is higher than the upper surface of the bottom plate.
5. The battery transport device according to claim 1 is characterized in that the two protruding members are configured to be able to be raised and lowered relative to the battery accommodating compartment to adapt to battery packs of different heights; and/or, the two protruding members are configured to be able to move toward or away from each other to adapt to battery packs of different widths.
6. The battery transport device according to claim 1 is characterized in that both of the protruding members are provided with a snap-fitting portion to cooperate with the snap-fitting portions on both sides of the battery pack.
7. A battery swap station, characterized in that it includes battery swap equipment, a battery rack and a battery transfer device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the battery swap equipment is used to disassemble and assemble battery packs for battery swap vehicles to achieve battery swap, the battery rack includes a plurality of battery slots arranged in a vertical direction, each of the battery slots is used to store the battery pack to charge the battery pack, and the extension of the battery transfer device can be extended into the battery swap equipment or the battery slot to exchange battery packs with the battery swap equipment or the battery rack.
8. The battery swap station according to claim 7 is characterized in that the battery swap equipment is provided with multiple A second rolling member, wherein the plurality of second rolling members are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the protruding member; and/or the plurality of second rolling members are divided into at least two groups, and the two groups of second rolling members are respectively located on both sides of the battery exchange device along the extending direction of the protruding member.
9. The battery swap station according to claim 8 is characterized in that the upper surface of each of the second rolling elements is higher than the upper surface of the battery swap equipment.
10. The battery swap station according to claim 7 is characterized in that a plurality of third rolling members are provided in each of the battery compartments, and the plurality of third rolling members are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the protruding member; and/or the plurality of third rolling members are divided into at least two groups, and the two groups of third rolling members are respectively located on both sides of the bottom of the battery compartment along the extending direction of the protruding member.
11. The battery swap station according to claim 10 is characterized in that the upper surface of each of the third rolling elements is higher than the upper surface of the bottom of the battery compartment.
12. The battery swap station according to claim 7 is characterized in that each of the third rolling elements is configured to float relative to the bottom of the battery compartment to facilitate docking of the battery pack with the electrical connector of the battery compartment for charging.