BATTERY SWAP APPARATUS AND BATTERY SWAP SYSTEM

A battery swap apparatus and a battery swap system relating to the field of battery swap for electrical devices is disclosed. The battery swap apparatus includes a floating platform, a locking and unlocking mechanism and an positioning mechanism. The locking and unlocking mechanism is arranged on the floating platform, and the positioning mechanism is arranged on the floating platform. The positioning mechanism includes a positioning member and a driving member. The driving member is configured to drive the positioning member to move in a height direction of the battery swap apparatus, so as to adjust the height of the positioning member. The driving member drives the positioning member to move downwardly to reduce the height of the positioning member The driving member drives the positioning member to move upwardly to increase the height of the positioning member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to the technical field of battery swap for electrical devices, and in particular to a battery swap apparatus and a battery swap system.

BACKGROUND ART

With the development of new energy technology, the number of devices using batteries is increasing. When the power of the electrical device is exhausted, it is often supplemented with power by connecting to a charging device. Moreover, there is also a way to quickly supplement power by swapping the battery. In general, there is a need for a special apparatus (i.e., a battery swap apparatus) to swap the battery.

Due to the structural limitation of the existing battery swap apparatus, the battery swap operation is inconvenient, and the swapping efficiency of the battery is low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present application provide a battery swap apparatus and a battery swap system to improve the problem of inconvenient battery swap operation of the battery swap apparatus.

In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a battery swap apparatus, including a floating platform, a locking and unlocking mechanism, and a positioning mechanism. The locking and unlocking mechanism is arranged on the floating platform and configured to lock the battery to the electrical device or to unlock the battery from the electrical device. The positioning mechanism is arranged on the floating platform and configured to position the floating platform relative to the electrical device. The positioning mechanism includes an positioning member and a driving member. The driving member is configured to drive the positioning member to move in a height direction of the battery swap apparatus, so as to adjust the height of the positioning member.

In the above technical solution, the driving member can drive the positioning member to move in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus, so as to adjust the height of the positioning member. When the battery swap apparatus is transporting the battery or the battery swap apparatus is not in operation, the driving member drives the positioning member to move downwardly to reduce the height of the positioning member, thereby reducing the height dimension of the battery swap apparatus and reducing the space occupied by the battery swap apparatus in the height direction. During the process of transporting the battery by the battery swap apparatus, by reducing the height of the battery swap apparatus, the passability of the battery swap apparatus can be improved, and the elevation height of the electrical device can be reduced. During the process of swapping the battery of the electrical device by the battery swap apparatus, the driving member drives the positioning member to move upwardly to increase the height of the positioning member, so that the positioning member is in locational fit with the electrical device to position the floating platform relative to the electrical device in place. In this way, the locational fit between the electrical device and the positioning member can be easily realized. Through the movement, the positioning member is in locational fit with the electrical device, so that the operation is simple and the efficiency is high, and the positioning member is adjusted to different height positions, so that the positioning member can adapt to the electrical devices with different heights.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the positioning mechanism includes a transmission assembly, and the driving member is in transmission connection with the positioning member via the transmission assembly; and the transmission assembly is configured to convert a rotation of an output end of the driving member into a linear movement of the positioning member.

In the above technical solution, the transmission assembly can convert the rotation of the output end of the driving member into the linear movement of the positioning member, so that the dimension of the positioning mechanism in the height direction and the space occupied by the positioning mechanism in the height direction can be reduced.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the transmission assembly includes a first gear, a second gear and a lead screw, the first gear meshes with the second gear, the first gear is connected to the output end of the driving member, the second gear is sleeved on the lead screw and threadedly connected to the lead screw, and the positioning member is connected to the lead screw; and a rotation axis of the first gear, a rotation axis of the second gear and an axis of the lead screw are all consistent with the height direction of the battery swap apparatus.

In the above technical solution, the first gear meshes with the second gear, the second gear is sleeved on the lead screw and threadedly connected to the lead screw, and the rotation axis of the first gear, the rotation axis of the second gear and the axis of the lead screw are all consistent with the height direction of the battery swap apparatus; therefore, the cooperation between the first gear, the second gear and the lead screw can convert the rotation of the output end of the driving member into the linear movement of the positioning member. Through the transmission connection between the driving member and the positioning member via the transmission assembly, the dimension of the positioning mechanism in the height direction and the space occupied by the positioning mechanism in the height direction can be reduced.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the positioning mechanism further includes a first mounting seat, a connecting plate and a first guide shaft. The mounting seat is fixed to the floating platform; the driving member, the first gear and the second gear are all mounted to the mounting seat; and the connecting plate is connected to the lead screw, the positioning member is connected to the connecting plate, and the first guide shaft slidably passes through the first mounting seat and is connected to the connecting plate.

In the above technical solution, the first guide shaft is connected to the connecting plate, and the first guide shaft slidably passes through the first mounting seat, and can provide a guiding function when the positioning member moves in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus, to improve the stability of the movement of the positioning member, thereby improving the accuracy of the locational fit between the positioning member and the electrical device.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the positioning mechanism further includes a first detection unit configured to detect height information of the positioning member.

In the above technical solution, the height information of the positioning member is detected by the first detection unit, so that a reference can be provided for determining whether the positioning member is in locational fit with the electrical device, so as to ensure the locational fit between the positioning member and the electrical device. Through the detection of the height information of the positioning member by the first detection unit, insufficient or excessive adjustment of the height of the positioning member can also be avoided.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the battery swap apparatus further includes a supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism includes a second mounting seat, a supporting member and an elastic member. The second mounting seat is fixed to the floating platform, the elastic member is elastically supported between the supporting member and the second mounting seat, and the supporting member is configured to support the battery.

In the above technical solution, the elastic member is elastically supported between the supporting member and the second mounting seat, and the supporting member is configured to support the battery, so that when the electrical device or the battery is inclined to a certain extent, the supporting mechanism can adapt to the inclination of the electrical device or the battery through the compression of the elastic member to keep the battery in close contact with the electrical device, thereby improving the success rate of the mounting or removal of the battery.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the supporting mechanism further includes a second guide shaft. The second guide shaft slidably passes through the second mounting seat and is connected to the supporting member.

In the above technical solution, the second guide shaft is connected to the supporting member, and the second guide shaft slidably passes through the second mounting seat, and can provide a guiding function during the compression or stretch of the elastic member, ensuring that the elastic member is compressed or stretched along a fixed path and that the supporting member moves along a fixed path, improving the stability of the movement of the supporting member, thereby improving the support stability of the supporting member to the battery.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the supporting mechanism further includes a second detection unit configured to detect whether the supporting member is in contact with the battery.

In the above technical solution, the second detection unit detects whether the supporting member is in contact with the battery, and if the supporting member is not in contact or is not in full contact with the battery, the supporting member may be adjusted to be in contact with the battery, thereby improving the success rate of unlocking of the battery from the electrical device.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the battery swap apparatus further includes a movable base, a lifting platform, and an elevation mechanism. The floating platform is floatingly connected to the lifting platform; and the elevation mechanism is arranged between the movable base and the lifting platform, and is configured to elevate the lifting platform.

In the above technical solution, the floating platform is floatingly connected to the lifting platform, so that the floating platform can float relative to the lifting platform, and the locational fit between the positioning member of the positioning mechanism and the electrical device can be easily realized by floating the floating platform relative to the lifting platform. The elevation mechanism can elevate the floating platform and the positioning mechanism arranged on the floating platform to different heights, so as to adapt to different electrical devices.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the battery swap apparatus further includes a locking assembly configured to lock the floating platform to the lifting platform or to release the floating platform from the lifting platform.

In the above technical solution, the locking assembly is configured to lock the floating platform to the lifting platform or to release the floating platform from the lifting platform, so that when it is necessary to position the positioning member of the positioning mechanism relative to the electrical device, the locking assembly releases the floating platform from the lifting platform such that the floating platform can float relative to the lifting platform, to position the positioning member relative to the electrical device in place. During the process of locking the battery to the electrical device or unlocking the battery from the electrical device by the locking and unlocking mechanism and during the process of transporting the battery by the battery swap apparatus, the locking assembly locks the floating platform to the lifting platform so that the battery is stably placed on the floating platform, improving the stability of dismounting and mounting of the battery and the stability of the transportation of the battery.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the locking assembly includes an electromagnet and a magnet attraction plate. The electromagnet is arranged on one of the lifting platform and the floating platform, and the magnet attraction plate is arranged on the other one of the lifting platform and the floating platform.

In the above technical solution, through the cooperation between the electromagnet and the magnet attraction plate, the locking of the floating platform to the lifting platform or the releasing of the floating platform from the lifting platform has a fast action response, and the floating platform can be locked to the lifting platform or released from the floating platform in a timely manner, improving the swapping efficiency of the battery.

In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a battery swap system, including a track, a battery swap platform, a battery pick-and-place apparatus, and a battery swap apparatus provided in embodiments of the first aspect. The battery swap apparatus is movably arranged on the track; the battery swap platform is located at one end of the track; and the battery pick-and-place apparatus is located at the other end of the track.

In the above technical solution, the driving member of the battery swap apparatus can drive the positioning member to move in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus, so as to adjust the height of the positioning member. When the battery swap apparatus is transporting the battery or the battery swap apparatus is not in operation, the driving member drives the positioning member to move downwardly to reduce the height of the positioning member, thereby reducing the height dimension of the battery swap apparatus and reducing the space occupied by the battery swap apparatus in the height direction. During the process of transporting the battery by the battery swap apparatus, by reducing the height of the battery swap apparatus, the passability of the battery swap apparatus can be improved, and the elevation height of the electrical device can be reduced. During the process of swapping the battery of the electrical device by the battery swap apparatus, the driving member drives the positioning member to move upwardly to increase the height of the positioning member, so that the positioning member is in locational fit with the electrical device. In this way, the locational fit between the electrical device and the positioning member can be easily realized. Moreover, by adjusting the positioning member to different height positions, the positioning member can adapt to the electrical devices with different heights, so that the battery swap system can adapt to the battery swap for different electrical devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings for embodiments of the present application. Apparently, the described embodiments are some of, rather than all of, the embodiments of the present application. The assembly of the embodiments of the present application generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations.

Therefore, the following detailed description of embodiments of the present application, which are set forth in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the present application. On the basis of the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without involving any inventive effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

It should be noted that the embodiments in the present application and the features of the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

It should be noted that like numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, so once an item is defined in one figure, it does not require further definition and explanation in subsequent figures.

In the description of embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the indicated orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or are orientation or positional relationships in which a product of the present application is conventionally placed when in use, or are orientation or positional relationships commonly understood by those skilled in the art, and are intended to facilitate the description of the present application and simplify the description only, rather than indicating or implying that the apparatus or element referred to must have a particular orientation or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. are for discriminative description purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

With the development of new energy technology, the number of devices using batteries is increasing. When the power of the electrical device is exhausted, it is often supplemented with power by connecting to a charging device. For example, an electric vehicle may be charged by connecting to a charging pile. Compared with the method of connecting to a charging device such as a charging pile to supplement power, the swapping of a battery enables a faster power supplementation. At present, there is also a battery swap system specially used for battery swap. The battery swap system is provided with a battery pick-and-place apparatus and a movable battery swap apparatus. The battery swap apparatus is configured to swap the battery of the electrical device.

The existing battery swap apparatus includes a floating platform, a locking and unlocking mechanism, and a positioning mechanism. The locking and unlocking mechanism is arranged on the floating platform, and the locking and unlocking mechanism is configured to lock the battery to the electrical device or to unlock the battery from the electrical device. A positioning member is arranged on the floating platform, and the positioning member is used to position the floating platform relative to the electrical device in place by means of locational fit with the electrical device.

The inventors have found that the positioning member is fixed to a positioning platform. The positioning member defines the highest position of the battery swap apparatus in a height direction, resulting in a large height dimension of the battery swap apparatus and occupying a large space in the height direction. Moreover, since a positioning pin is fixed to the positioning platform, it is necessary for the electrical device to adapt to the height of the positioning pin. Generally, the electrical device has a large volume, so it is inconvenient to operate the electrical device to adapt to the height of the positioning pin, and the battery swap efficiency is low.

In order to solve the problem of a large space occupied by the battery swap apparatus in the height direction and low battery swap efficiency due to the need for the electrical device to adapt to the height of the positioning member, the present application provides a technical solution, in which the positioning member is driven by a driving member to move in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus, so as to adjust the height of the positioning member. When the battery swap apparatus is transporting the battery or the battery swap apparatus is not in operation, the driving member drives the positioning member to move downwardly to reduce the height of the positioning member, thereby reducing the height dimension of the battery swap apparatus and reducing the space occupied by the battery swap apparatus in the height direction. During the process of transporting the battery by the battery swap apparatus, by reducing the height of the battery swap apparatus, the passability of the battery swap apparatus can be improved, and the elevation height of the electrical device can be reduced. During the process of swapping the battery of the electrical device by the battery swap apparatus, the driving member drives the positioning member to move upwardly to increase the height of the positioning member, so that the positioning member is in locational fit with the electrical device. In this way, the locational fit between the electrical device and the positioning member can be easily realized. Through the movement, the positioning member is in locational fit with the electrical device, so that the operation is simple and the efficiency is high, and the positioning member is adjusted to different height positions, so that the positioning member can adapt to the electrical devices with different heights.

The battery swap apparatus and the battery swap system disclosed in embodiments of the present application may be used, but not limited to, to swap a battery of a vehicle, and may also be used to swap a battery of another electrical device such as a boat, an aircraft, an electric toy, an electric tool, an electric motorcycle, an electric vehicle, a ship, and a spacecraft. The electric toy may include a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric airplane toy. The electric tool may include a fixed or mobile electric tool, such as an electric machine tool and an electric sweeper. The spacecraft may include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle and a spaceship.

Hereinafter, a battery swap apparatus and a battery swap system will be described by taking the example that the electrical device is a vehicle.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the battery swap system1000includes a battery swap apparatus100and a battery pick-and-place apparatus200.

The battery swap system1000further includes a battery charging apparatus (not shown), which is configured to store a battery2000and to charge the battery2000. The battery pick-and-place apparatus200may be a stacker, and the battery pick-and-place apparatus200is provided with forks210(the forks210may also be replaced by mechanical arms). The forks210take the battery2000to be charged away from the battery swap apparatus100and put the battery into the battery charging apparatus for recycling, and take out a fully charged battery2000from the battery charging apparatus and put the battery on the battery swap apparatus100.

In order to realize the swapping of the battery2000of the vehicle, it is necessary to remove the exhausted battery2000from the vehicle and transport the battery to a battery charging and discharging apparatus for charging by means of the battery swap apparatus100, and then transport a fully charged battery2000to the vehicle and mount the battery2000to the vehicle by means of the battery swap apparatus100. In some embodiments, the battery swap system1000further includes a track300, and the battery swap apparatus100is movably arranged on the track300.

The battery swap apparatus100reciprocates on the track300, so that the battery swap apparatus100moves between the vehicle and the battery pick-and-place apparatus200. The battery swap apparatus100dismounts the battery2000to be charged from the vehicle and transports the battery along the track300to the battery pick-and-place apparatus200, and then mounts a fully charged battery2000refreshed by the battery pick-and-place apparatus200to the vehicle.

The battery swap system1000further includes a battery swap platform400. The battery swap platform400is located at one end of the track300; and the battery pick-and-place apparatus200is located at the other end of the track300. The battery swap platform400is configured to park the vehicle, and the battery2000of the vehicle is swapped on the battery swap platform400. The battery swap platform400is configured to lift the vehicle as a whole. The vehicle is located on the battery swap platform400. The battery swap platform400is provided with an avoidance opening410. A mounting position (not shown) of the battery2000of the vehicle corresponds to the avoidance opening410. The battery swap apparatus100is parked under the avoidance opening410, and a battery swap mechanism on the battery swap apparatus100passes through the avoidance opening410to dismount or mount the battery2000. The battery swap apparatus100moves between the battery swap platform400and the battery pick-and-place apparatus200.

It should be noted that the mounting position of the battery2000refers to a space formed in the electrical device for receiving the battery2000. For example, an upwardly recessed groove is formed in a chassis of the vehicle such that when the battery2000is located in the groove, a surface of the battery2000is approximately flush with other portions of the chassis.

Referring toFIG.2, in some embodiments, the battery swap apparatus100includes a floating platform10, a locking and unlocking mechanism20, and a positioning mechanism30. The locking and unlocking mechanism20is arranged on the floating platform10, and the locking and unlocking mechanism20is configured to lock the battery2000to the electrical device or to unlock the battery2000from the electrical device. The positioning mechanism30is arranged on the floating platform10, and the positioning mechanism30is configured to position the floating platform10relative to the electrical device. The positioning mechanism30includes a positioning member32and a driving member31. The driving member31is configured to drive the positioning member32to move in a height direction of the battery swap apparatus100, so as to adjust the height of the positioning member32.

Depending on the connection relationship between the battery2000and the electrical device, the locking and unlocking mechanism20is correspondingly configured in different forms. For example, in some embodiments, the battery2000is provided with a fastening bolt, and the chassis of the vehicle is provided with a movable nut. The fastening bolt is in a threaded fit with the movable nut. The locking and unlocking mechanism20is configured to screw the fastening bolt into the movable nut to fixedly mount the battery2000to the mounting position of the battery2000, and the locking and unlocking mechanism is configured to unscrew the fastening bolt out of the movable nut to unlock the battery2000from the vehicle. For example, the locking and unlocking mechanism20includes a locking and unlocking driving motor21and a bolt sleeve22. One end of the bolt sleeve22is connected to an output end of the locking and unlocking driving motor21, and the other end of the bolt sleeve22cooperates with the fastening bolt. The locking and unlocking driving motor21drives the bolt sleeve22to rotate forwardly or reversely, so as to drive the fastening bolt to screw into or unscrew from the movable nut. In other embodiments, the locking and unlocking mechanism20may also adopt other ways of locking and unlocking the battery2000.

Since the floating platform10can float relative to the electrical device, the floating platform10is fixed to the electrical device by means of the positioning mechanism30, so that it is convenient for the locking and unlocking mechanism20to lock the battery2000to the electrical device or to unlock the battery2000from the electrical device, thereby improving the success rate of dismounting and mounting of the battery2000.

The height direction of the battery swap apparatus100is perpendicular to the plane where the floating platform10is located.

The driving member31may be an electric motor, an air cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, etc. The driving member31may directly drive the positioning member32to move in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100, or indirectly drive the positioning member32to move in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100.

There may be one or a plurality of positioning mechanisms30, which is rationally set depending on the practical application in which there is a need for the positioning mechanisms30. In an embodiment in which there are a plurality of positioning mechanisms30, the plurality of positioning mechanisms30may jointly position the floating platform10relative to the electrical device, or some of the positioning mechanisms30may position the floating platform10relative to the electrical device. By “a plurality of” is meant two or more.

The driving member31can drive the positioning member32to move in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100, so as to adjust the height of the positioning member32. When the battery swap apparatus100is transporting the battery2000or the battery swap apparatus100is not in operation, the driving member31drives the positioning member32to move downwardly to reduce the height of the positioning member32, thereby reducing the height dimension of the battery swap apparatus100and reducing the space occupied by the battery swap apparatus100in the height direction. During the process of transporting the battery2000by the battery swap apparatus100, by reducing the height of the battery swap apparatus100, the passability of the battery swap apparatus100can be improved, and the elevation height of the electrical device can be reduced. During the process of swapping the battery2000of the electrical device by the battery swap apparatus100, the driving member31drives the positioning member32to move upwardly to increase the height of the positioning member32, so that the positioning member32is in locational fit with the electrical device to position the floating platform10relative to the electrical device in place. In this way, the locational fit between the electrical device and the positioning member32can be easily realized. Through the movement, the positioning member32is in locational fit with the electrical device, so that the operation is simple and the efficiency is high, and the positioning member32is adjusted to different height positions, so that the positioning member32can adapt to the electrical devices with different heights.

Referring toFIGS.3and4, in some embodiments, the positioning mechanism30includes a transmission assembly33, and the driving member31is in transmission connection with the positioning member32via the transmission assembly33; and the transmission assembly33is configured to convert a rotation of an output end of the driving member31into a linear movement of the positioning member32.

The driving member31may be directly connected to the positioning member32so as to directly drive the positioning member32to move, or may be indirectly connected to the positioning member. By the driving member31being in transmission connection with the positioning member32via the transmission assembly33, it is meant that the driving member31drives, indirectly via the transmission assembly33, the positioning member32to move in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100.

The transmission assembly33can convert the rotation of the output end of the driving member31into the linear movement of the positioning member32, so that the dimension of the positioning mechanism30in the height direction and the space occupied by the positioning mechanism30in the height direction can be reduced.

To convert the rotation of the output end of the driving member31into the linear movement of the positioning member32, there are many structural forms of the transmission assembly33. For example, as shown inFIGS.3and4, in some embodiments, the transmission assembly33includes a first gear331, a second gear332and a lead screw333. The first gear331meshes with the second gear332, the first gear331is connected to the output end of the driving member31, the second gear332is sleeved on the lead screw333and threadedly connected to the lead screw333, and the positioning member32is connected to the lead screw333. A rotation axis of the first gear331, a rotation of the second gear332and an axis of the lead screw333are all consistent with the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100.

The driving member31is an electric motor, the rotation of the output shaft of the driving member31drives the first gear331to rotate, the second gear is rotationally connected to the floating platform10, the rotation of the first gear331drives the second gear332to rotate, and the second gear332is provided with a threaded hole to which the lead screw333is threadedly connected. The first gear331drives the second gear332to rotate about the axis of the lead screw333, the second gear332is threadedly connected to the lead screw333, and the rotation of the second gear332drives the lead screw333to move in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100, thereby driving the positioning member32to move in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100.

In other embodiments, the transmission assembly33may also have another structural form such as a belt transmission assembly33and a chain transmission assembly33. For example, the transmission assembly33is a belt transmission assembly33, and the transmission assembly33includes a driving pulley, a driven pulley, a transmission belt and a lead screw333. The driving pulley is connected to the output end of the driving member31, the driven pulley is sleeved on the lead screw333and is threadedly connected to the lead screw333, the rotation of the output shaft of the driving member31drives the driving pulley to rotate, and the driving pulley drives the driven pulley to rotate by means of the transmission belt, the rotation of the driven pulley drives the lead screw333to move linearly in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100, thereby driving the positioning member32to move in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100.

The first gear331meshes with the second gear332, the second gear332is sleeved on the lead screw333and threadedly connected to the lead screw333, and the rotation axis of the first gear331, the rotation axis of the second gear332and the axis of the lead screw333are all consistent with the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100; therefore, the cooperation between the first gear331, the second gear332and the lead screw333can convert the rotation of the output end of the driving member31into the linear movement of the positioning member32. Through the transmission connection between the driving member31and the positioning member32via the transmission assembly33, the dimension of the positioning mechanism30in the height direction and the space occupied by the positioning mechanism30in the height direction can be reduced.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, in some embodiments, the positioning mechanism30further includes a first mounting seat34, a connecting plate35and a first guide shaft36. The mounting seat is fixed to the floating platform10; the driving member31, the first gear331and the second gear332are all mounted to the mounting seat; and the connecting plate35is connected to the lead screw333, the positioning member32is connected to the connecting plate35, and the first guide shaft36slidably passes through the first mounting seat34and is connected to the connecting plate35.

By the driving member31, the first gear331and the second gear332being all mounted to the mounting seat, it is meant that the driving member31, the first gear331and the second gear332are all indirectly mounted to the floating platform10via the mounting seat. In other embodiments, the driving member31, the first gear331and the second gear332may also be directly fixed to the floating platform10.

The first mounting seat34is provided with a first guide hole341, and the first guide shaft36is inserted into the first guide hole341. There are a plurality of first guide shafts36and a plurality of first guide holes341, the first guide shafts36and the first guide holes341are arranged in one-to-one correspondence, and each first guide hole341is inserted into the corresponding first guide hole341. When the driving member31drives the positioning member32to move in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100, each first guide shaft36axially slides in the corresponding first guide hole341. In other embodiments, it is also possible that the first guide hole341is provided in the connecting plate35, and the first guide member may be provided on the mounting seat. In an embodiment in which the driving member31, the first gear331and the second gear332are all directly fixed to the floating platform10, the first guide hole341may be provided in the floating platform10.

The first guide shaft36is connected to the connecting plate35, and the first guide shaft36slidably passes through the first mounting seat34, and can provide a guiding function when the positioning member32moves in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100, to improve the stability of the movement of the positioning member32, thereby improving the accuracy of the locational fit between the positioning member32and the electrical device.

In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism30further includes a first detection unit37(shown inFIG.4) configured to detect height information of the positioning member32.

The first detection unit37is mounted to the first mounting seat34and located below the connecting plate35, and the first detection unit37may indirectly detect the height of the positioning member32by detecting the height of the connecting plate35. The first detection unit37may be a distance sensor, a proximity switch, a trigger switch, etc.

The height information of the positioning member32is detected by the first detection unit37, so that a reference can be provided for determining whether the positioning member32is in locational fit with the electrical device, so as to ensure the locational fit between the positioning member32and the electrical device. Through the detection of the height information of the positioning member32by the first detection unit37, insufficient or excessive adjustment of the height of the positioning member32can also be avoided.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, in some embodiments, the battery swap apparatus100further includes a supporting mechanism40. The supporting mechanism40includes a second mounting seat41, a supporting member42and an elastic member43. The second mounting seat41is fixed to the floating platform10, the elastic member43is elastically supported between the supporting member42and the second mounting seat41, and the supporting member42is configured to support the battery2000.

By the elastic member43being elastically supported between the supporting member42and the second mounting seat41, it can be understood that the elastic member43is indirectly connected to the floating platform10via the second mounting seat41. In other embodiments, it is also possible that the elastic member43is directly connected to the floating platform10. That is, the elastic member43is supported between the supporting member42and the floating platform10.

The elastic member43may be a rubber pad, a spring, etc. The elastic member43shown inFIGS.6and7is a spring. One axial end of the spring is connected to the supporting member42, and the other end is connected to the second mounting seat41. Each supporting mechanism40may include one or more elastic members43.

There may be one or a plurality of supporting mechanisms40, which is rationally set depending on the supporting mechanisms40required by the practical application. In an embodiment in which there are plurality of supporting mechanisms40, the plurality of supporting mechanisms40may jointly support the battery2000, or some supporting mechanisms40of the plurality of supporting mechanisms40may support the battery2000.

The elastic member43is elastically supported between the supporting member42and the second mounting seat41, and the supporting member42is configured to support the battery2000, so that when the electrical device or the battery2000is inclined to a certain extent, the supporting mechanism40can adapt to the inclination of the electrical device or the battery2000through the compression of the elastic member43to keep the battery2000in close contact with the electrical device, thereby improving the success rate of the mounting or removal of the battery2000.

Referring toFIG.7, in some embodiments, the supporting mechanism40further includes a second guide shaft44. The second guide shaft44slidably passes through the second mounting seat41and is connected to the supporting member42.

The second mounting seat41is provided with a second guide hole411, and the second guide shaft44is inserted into the second guide hole411. There may be a plurality of second guide shafts44and a plurality of second guide holes411, the second guide shafts44and the second guide holes411are arranged in one-to-one correspondence, and each second guide hole411is inserted into the corresponding second guide hole411. When the elastic member43is compressed or stretched, each second guide shaft44axially slides in the corresponding second guide hole411. In an embodiment in which the elastic member43is directly connected to the floating platform10, it is also possible that the second guide hole411is provided in the floating platform10.

The second guide shaft44is connected to the supporting member42, and the second guide shaft44slidably passes through the second mounting seat41, and can provide a guiding function during the compression or stretch of the elastic member43, ensuring that the elastic member43is compressed or stretched along a fixed path and that the supporting member42moves along a fixed path, improving the stability of the movement of the supporting member42, thereby improving the support stability of the supporting member42to the battery2000.

Still referring toFIG.7, in some embodiments, the supporting mechanism40further includes a second detection unit45. The second detection unit45is configured to detect whether the supporting member42is in contact with the battery2000.

The second detection member is mounted to the supporting member42, and the surface of the supporting member42that is configured to be in contact with the battery2000has a higher level than the end surface of the second detection member close to the battery2000, and the height difference between the end face of the second detection member close to the battery2000and the surface of the supporting member42that is configured to be in contact with the battery2000is constant. The first detection unit37may be a distance sensor, a proximity switch, a trigger switch, etc.

In an embodiment in which there are a plurality of supporting mechanisms40, there are also a plurality of second detection units45. For example, three or more second detection units45are generally arranged on the floating platform10, and can detect whether there is a battery2000on the supporting member42. When the locking and unlocking mechanism20mounts or dismounts the battery2000and descends, if signals from the plurality of second detection units45are not consistent, it means that the battery2000is not completely locked or unlocked, and the battery2000is inclined, then the floating platform10of the battery swap apparatus100stops descending, and performs locking or unlocking again, or a fault alarm is issued. This second detection unit45can prevent the battery2000from falling when the floating platform10of the battery swap apparatus100descends with only one side of the battery being locked or unlocked.

The second detection unit45detects whether the supporting member42is in contact with the battery2000, and if the supporting member42is not in contact or is not in full contact with the battery2000, the supporting member42may be adjusted to be in contact with the battery2000, thereby improving the success rate of unlocking of the battery2000from the electrical device.

Referring toFIG.8, in some embodiments, the battery swap apparatus100further includes a movable base50, a lifting platform60and an elevation mechanism70. The floating platform10is floatingly connected to the lifting platform60; and the elevation mechanism70is arranged between the movable base50and the lifting platform60, and the elevation mechanism70is configured to elevate the lifting platform60.

The movable base50includes a bottom plate51, a driving motor52and a gear53. The driving motor52is mounted to the bottom plate51, and the gear53is mounted to the output end of the driving motor52, and the gear53meshes with a rack (not shown). The rack may be fixed to the ground, or the rack may be fixed to the track300. The driving motor52drives the gear53to rotate. Since the gear53meshes with the rack, the movable base50can be driven to move in an extension direction of the rack during the rotation of the gear53, such that the battery swap apparatus100can move in the extension direction of the rack. The extension direction of the rack is the same as that of the track300.

In some embodiments, the movable base50further includes rollers54. The rollers54cooperate with the track300. The driving motor52drives the gear53to rotate, and the rollers54roll along the track300, such that the battery swap apparatus100moves along the track300. The driving motor52may also be replaced with a driving motor, a hydraulic driving rod, etc.

The floating platform10is floatingly connected to the lifting platform60, such that the floating platform10can move relative to the lifting platform60in a horizontal plane, to position the positioning member32relative to the electrical device in place.

There are many ways to realize the floating connection between the floating platform10and the lifting platform60. For example, as shown inFIG.8, a plurality of mounting members11are arranged at intervals under the floating platform10. Each mounting member11includes a first connecting portion111and a second connecting portion112. One end of the first connecting portion111is connected to the floating platform10, and the other end of the first connecting portion111extends to the bottom of the lifting platform60and is connected to the second connecting portion112. The second connecting portion112and the first connecting portion111form an L-Shaped mounting member11. A plurality of floating chains61is connected to the lifting platform60, the number of floating chains61is the same as that of mounting members11, and the floating chains61and the mounting members11are arranged in one-to-one correspondence. One end of each floating chain61is connected to the lifting platform60, and the other end of the floating chain61is connected to the second connecting portion112of the corresponding mounting member11. In the absence of other external forces, the floating chain61has a length such that the floating platform10is separated from the lifting platform60without contact, facilitating the horizontal floating of the floating platform10relative to the lifting platform60, and avoiding the frictional contact between the floating platform10and the lifting platform60when the floating platform10floats horizontally relative to the lifting platform60, which obstructs the floating.

The elevation mechanism70may also have various forms. For example, the elevation mechanism70is a power component such as a lifting air cylinder and a hydraulic cylinder, to drive the lifting platform60to move up and down in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100. For another example, as shown inFIGS.8and9, the elevation mechanism70is a scissor lift mechanism, and the battery swap apparatus100further includes a movable base50. The elevation mechanism70is arranged between the movable base50and the lifting platform60.

The scissor lift mechanism includes two scissor units71, a driving component72, two first transmission members73, two second transmission members74, a lead screw75and a nut76. The two scissor units71are arranged opposite each other, and each scissor unit71includes a first scissor arm711and a second scissor arm712that are hinged to each other. One end of the first scissor arm711is hinged to the lifting platform60, and the other end of the first scissor arm711is movably arranged on the movable base50. One end of the second scissor arm712is hinged to the movable base50, and the other end of the second scissor arm712is movably arranged on the lifting platform60. The bottom plate51of the movable base50is provided with a first sliding rail511, and a first slider7111is hinged to one end of the first scissor arm711. The first slider7111slidably cooperates with the first sliding rail511. The lifting platform60is provided with a second sliding rail62, and a second slider7121is hinged to one end of the second scissor arm712. The second slider7121slidably cooperates with the second sliding rail62. The second transmission member74cooperates with a bevel741of the first transmission member73mounted to a mounting shaft77. When the second transmission member74moves, the first transmission member73drives the mounting shaft77to ascend and descend, the first slider7111moves along the first sliding rail511, the second slider7121moves along the second sliding rail62, and the first scissor arm711and the second scissor arm712rotate relative to each other, so that the scissor unit71performs a scissor movement.

The scissor lift mechanism further includes an mounting shaft77. The mounting shaft77is arranged between the two scissor units71, the mounting shaft77is connected to the hinge between the first scissor arm711and the second scissor arm712and extends along hinge axes of the first scissor arm711and the second scissor arm712, and the first transmission member73is mounted to the mounting shaft77. The nut76is sleeved on the lead screw75and in a threaded fit with the lead screw75, and the driving component72is configured to drive the lead screw75to rotate.

The first transmission member73is a roller54rotatably mounted to the mounting shaft77, and the second transmission member74has an bevel741cooperating with the roller54. The second transmission member74is fixed to the nut76.

When it is necessary to drive the lifting platform60to ascend, the driving component72drives the lead screw75to rotate forwardly, the nut76moves forwardly along the lead screw75, and the roller54performs a “climbing” movement relative to the bevel741of the second transmission member74, such that the mounting shaft77ascends and the scissor unit71performs a scissor movement, so as to enable the scissor lift mechanism to drive the locking and unlocking mechanism20to ascend.

When it is necessary to drive the lifting platform60to descend, the driving component72drives the lead screw75to rotate reversely, the nut76moves reversely along the lead screw75, and the roller54performs a “downhill” movement relative to the bevel741of the second transmission member74, such that the mounting shaft77descends and the scissor unit71performs a scissor movement, so as to enable the scissor lift mechanism to drive the locking and unlocking mechanism20to descend.

The elevation mechanism70is configured to elevate the lifting platform60, indirectly elevating the floating platform10and the positioning mechanism30arranged on the floating platform10, so that the positioning member32of the positioning mechanism30is in locational fit with the electrical device, so as to position the floating platform10relative to the electrical device in place. The elevation mechanism70can elevate the floating platform10and the positioning mechanism30arranged on the floating platform10to different heights, so as to adapt to different electrical devices. Moreover, the floating platform10is floatingly connected to the lifting platform60, so that the floating platform10can float relative to the lifting platform60, and the locational fit between the positioning member32of the positioning mechanism30and the electrical device can be easily realized by floating the floating platform10relative to the lifting platform60.

Referring toFIG.10, in some embodiments, the battery swap apparatus100further includes a locking assembly80. The locking assembly80is configured to lock the floating platform10to the lifting platform60or to release the floating platform10from the lifting platform60.

By locking the floating platform10to the lifting platform60, it is meant that the floating platform10does not move relative to the lifting platform60, rather than limiting that the floating platform10is fixed to the lifting platform60. The floating platform10may be statically suspended in the air relative to the lifting platform60, that is, the floating platform10and the lifting platform60is not in direct contact, while the floating platform10does not move relative to the lifting platform60. By releasing the floating platform10from the lifting platform60, it is meant that the floating platform10can move relative to the lifting platform60in a plane parallel to the plane where the lifting platform60is located.

The locking assembly80is configured to lock the floating platform10to the lifting platform60or to release the floating platform10from the lifting platform60, so that when it is necessary to position the positioning member32of the positioning mechanism30relative to the electrical device, the locking assembly80releases the floating platform10from the lifting platform60such that the floating platform10can float relative to the lifting platform60, to position the positioning member32relative to the electrical device in place. During the process of locking the battery2000to the electrical device or unlocking the battery2000from the electrical device by the locking and unlocking mechanism20and during the process of transporting the battery2000by the battery swap apparatus100, the locking assembly80locks the floating platform10to the lifting platform60so that the battery2000is stably placed on the floating platform10, improving the stability of dismounting and mounting the battery2000and the stability of the transportation of the battery2000.

There are many structural forms of the locking assembly80. For example, in some embodiments, the locking assembly80includes an electromagnet81and a magnet attraction plate82. The electromagnet81is arranged on one of the lifting platform60and the floating platform10, and the magnet attraction plate82is arranged on the other of the lifting platform60and the floating platform10.

As shown inFIG.10, the electromagnet81is arranged on the lifting platform60, and the magnet attraction plate82is arranged on the floating platform10. When the electromagnet81is energized, a magnetic attraction force is generated to attract the magnet attraction plate82, so as to lock the floating platform10to the lifting platform60. When the electromagnet81is de-energized, the magnetic attraction force of the magnet attraction plate82disappears to release the floating platform10from the lifting platform60. In other embodiments, it is also possible that the electromagnet81is arranged on the floating platform10, and the magnet attraction plate82is arranged on the lifting platform60.

Through the cooperation between the electromagnet81and the magnet attraction plate82, the locking of the floating platform10to the lifting platform60or the releasing of the floating platform10from the lifting platform60has a fast action response, and the floating platform10can be locked to the lifting platform60or the floating platform10released from the lifting platform60in a timely manner, improving the swapping efficiency of the battery2000.

Referring toFIGS.11and12, in some embodiments, the battery swap apparatus100further includes a protective enclosure90. The protective enclosure90covers the top of the floating platform10and is fixed to a fixed block12provided on the floating platform10. This can ensure a clean appearance and prevent the battery swap apparatus100from being polluted by water or dust.

The protective enclosure90is provided with a first opening91through which the positioning member32extends, a second opening92through which the locking and unlocking mechanism20extends, and a third opening93through which the supporting member42extends. The driving member31drives the positioning member32to extend out of the first opening91to be in locational fit with the electrical apparatus so as to position the floating platform10relative to the electrical device in place. The unlocking mechanism extends out of the second opening92to lock the battery2000to the electrical device or unlock the battery2000from the electrical device. The supporting member42extends out of the third opening93to support the battery2000.

The outer surface of the protective enclosure90facing is also provided with slots94. The slots94are configured to allow for the insertion of the forks210to pick and place the battery2000. The protective enclosure90is further provided with notches95for avoiding the rollers54of the movable base50.

Embodiments of the present application provide a battery swap apparatus100. The battery swap apparatus100includes a floating platform10, a locking and unlocking mechanism20, a positioning mechanism30, a supporting mechanism40, a movable base50, a lifting platform60, an elevation mechanism70and a locking assembly80.

The positioning mechanism30and the supporting mechanism40are both mounted to the floating platform10. The floating platform10is floatingly connected to the lifting platform60. The elevation mechanism70is connected between the lifting platform60and the movable base50for elevating the lifting platform60. The locking assembly80is configured to lock the floating platform10to the lifting platform60or to release the lifting platform60from the floating platform10.

The positioning mechanism30includes a driving member31, a positioning member32, a transmission assembly33, a first mounting seat34, a connecting plate35, a first guide shaft36and a first detection unit37. The first mounting seat34is fixed to the floating platform10. The transmission assembly33includes a first gear331, a second gear332and a lead screw333. The first gear331is connected to an output end of the driving member31, the first gear331meshes with the second gear332, and the second gear332is sleeved on the lead screw333and threadedly connected to the lead screw333, and the positioning member32is indirectly connected to the lead screw333via the connecting plate35. The first guide shaft36slidably passes through a first guide hole341of the first mounting seat34and is connected to the connecting plate35. The driving member31is in transmission connection with the positioning member32via the transmission assembly33, so as to drive the positioning member32to move in the height direction of the battery swap apparatus100. The first detection unit37is configured to detect height information of the positioning member32.

The supporting mechanism40includes a second mounting seat41, a supporting member42, an elastic member43, a second guide shaft44and a second detection unit45. The second mounting seat41is fixed to the floating platform10, the elastic member43is elastically supported between the supporting member42and the second mounting seat41, and the supporting member42is configured to support the battery2000. The second guide shaft44slidably passes through a second guide hole411of the second mounting seat41and is connected to the supporting member42. The second detection unit45is configured to detect whether the supporting member42is in contact with the battery2000.

The locking assembly80includes an electromagnet81arranged on the lifting platform60and an electromagnet81attraction plate arranged on the floating platform10. The electromagnet81and the electromagnet81attraction plate cooperate with each other to lock the floating platform10to the lifting platform60or release the floating platform10from the lifting platform60.

The operating principle of the battery swap apparatus100is as follows: when it is necessary to remove the battery2000from the electrical device, the floating platform10is unlocked from the lifting platform60by means of the locking assembly80, the elevation mechanism70elevates the lifting platform60, and the driving member31drives the positioning member32to ascend, such that the positioning member32is in locational fit with the electrical device, and the battery2000is supported by the supporting member42. The floating platform10is locked to the lifting platform60by means of the locking assembly80. The locking and unlocking mechanism20operates to remove the battery2000from the electrical device until the battery2000is completely separated from the electrical device. The elevation mechanism70lowers the lifting platform60, and the driving member31drives the positioning member32to descend, such that the positioning member32is separated from the electrical device, and the gear53and the rollers54of the movable base50rotate to drive the battery swap apparatus100to move, thereby transferring the battery2000.

When it is necessary to mount the battery2000to the electrical device, the floating platform10is locked to the lifting platform60by means of the locking assembly80, the elevation mechanism70lowers the lifting platform60to the lowest point, and the battery2000is supported on the supporting member42. The gear53and the rollers54of the movable base50rotate to drive the battery swap apparatus100carrying the battery2000to move to the battery swap apparatus100. The floating platform10is unlocked from the lifting platform60by means of the locking assembly80, the elevation mechanism70elevates the lifting platform60, and the driving member31drives the positioning member32to ascend, such that the positioning member32is in locational fit with the electrical device, and the battery2000is aligned with a mounting position of the electrical device. The locking and unlocking mechanism20operates to mount the battery2000to the electrical device. The elevation mechanism70lowers the lifting platform60, and the driving member31drives the positioning member32to descend.

Embodiments of the present application also provide a battery swap system1000. The battery swap system1000includes a track300, a battery swap platform400, a battery pick-and-place apparatus200, and a battery swap apparatus100provided in any of the embodiments described above. The battery swap apparatus100is movably arranged on the track300; the battery swap platform400is located at one end of the track300; and the battery pick-and-place apparatus200is located at the other end of the track300.

The battery swap platform400is configured to park the vehicle, and the battery2000of the vehicle is swapped on the battery swap platform400. The battery swap platform400is configured to lift the vehicle, to locate the vehicle above the battery swap platform400. The battery pick-and-place apparatus200is configured to remove the battery2000to be charged from the battery swap apparatus100or to put the battery2000on the battery swap apparatus100.

The operating process of the battery swap system1000will be described by taking an exhausted battery2000removed from a vehicle3000as an example.

As shown inFIGS.13-18, the vehicle3000is parked on the battery swap platform400and the vehicle3000is lifted off the ground by the battery swap platform400. The battery swap apparatus100moves along the track300to a position directly facing the battery2000, below the vehicle3000. The scissor elevation mechanism70drives the lifting platform60to ascend, and the driving member31drives the positioning member32to ascend and extend out of the protective enclosure90until the positioning member32is positioned relative to the vehicle3000in place. The battery2000is unlocked from the vehicle3000by the locking and unlocking mechanism20, and the battery2000is completely dropped to the battery swap apparatus100. After the battery2000is completely dropped to the battery swap apparatus100, the scissor elevation mechanism70drives the locking and unlocking mechanism20to descend such that the battery2000is completely separated from the vehicle3000, and the driving member31drives the positioning member32to descend. The battery swap apparatus100moves along the track300to the battery pick-and-place apparatus200, and the battery pick-and-place apparatus200removes the battery2000from the battery swap apparatus100.

What are described above are only preferred 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 modifications and changes. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall fall into the scope of protection of the present application.