Patent Description:
A vehicle can swap its battery at a battery swapping station. The battery swapping station may be configured with a battery swapping platform, and a mobile battery swapping apparatus, such as a rail guided vehicle (RGV) capable of battery swapping. When the vehicle is located on the battery swapping platform, the mobile battery swapping apparatus can transport a battery to the vehicle. The mobile battery swapping apparatus can take out a battery from the vehicle and mounts a to-be-mounted battery in the battery compartment of the vehicle. <CIT> relates to a rotary conveying mechanism for an automobile battery changing station. <CIT> relates to a device for replacing battery packs of vehicles. For various types of vehicles, it is difficult for the mobile battery swapping apparatus to mount batteries on the vehicles with relative precision.

The present application provides a battery swapping platform as specified in any of claims <NUM>-<NUM>, and a battery swapping station as specified in claim <NUM> for the purpose of facilitating the mounting of a battery on a vehicle by a mobile battery swapping apparatus with relative precision.

In a first aspect, a battery swapping platform as specified in any of claims <NUM>-<NUM> is provided, comprising: a guide rail extending along a first direction, wherein the guide rail is used for moving a mobile battery swapping apparatus along the first direction, the mobile battery swapping apparatus being used for swapping a battery for a vehicle, and the guide rail comprises a first guide rail segment and a second guide rail segment; a first platform for fixing the first guide rail segment, wherein the first platform is rotatable; a second platform for fixing the second guide rail segment, wherein the second platform is provided on the first platform and is rotatable with the first platform; and a translation drive assembly for driving the second platform to move along a second direction relative to the first platform, so as to move the mobile battery swapping apparatus along the second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; and wherein the second platform is contained in the first platform, and the first platform is provided with an open window, the open window being used for exposing the second platform; the direction of extension of the first guide rail segment (<NUM>) and the direction of extension of the second guide rail segment (<NUM>) is the first direction (Y).

In the solution provided in the present application, by rotating the first platform to drive the second platform to rotate, and by driving the second platform to move in a direction perpendicular to the guide rail relative to the first platform, it is made possible that when the mobile battery swapping apparatus travels to the second guide rail segment on the second platform, the mobile battery swapping apparatus can move along the second guide rail segment and can move in a direction perpendicular to the second guide rail segment, and the mobile battery swapping apparatus can also rotate following the second platform. With the battery swapping platform provided in the present application, the mobile battery swapping apparatus can move along multiple directions, and the positions in which the mobile battery swapping apparatus can stay on the battery swapping platform can be more diverse, so that the mobile battery swapping apparatus can more easily adapt to multiple battery compartment positions. Therefore, the solution provided in the present application is conducive to improving the accuracy of mounting batteries by the mobile battery swapping apparatus.

Through the first platform with the open window, the mobile battery swapping apparatus can move along the guide rail on the second platform and the second platform and other components connected to the second platform can be subjected to mechanical protection by the first platform.

In a possible implementation, there is a broken seam between the first guide rail segment and the second guide rail segment, wherein the broken seam corresponds to an edge of the open window to allow the second guide rail segment and the second platform to move along the second direction. Since the broken seam corresponds to the edge of the open window, when the mobile battery swapping apparatus travels to the second platform, in addition to moving along the guide rail, the mobile battery swapping apparatus can also move perpendicular to the guide rail, which is conducive to increasing the space in which the mobile battery swapping apparatus can move along and perpendicular to the guide rail.

In a possible implementation, the movement space for the second guide rail segment in the second direction is within the open window. The open window can be used to limit the position of the guide rail, which is conducive to reducing the risk of the guide rail detaching from the first platform.

In a possible implementation, the battery swapping platform further comprises: a rack extending along the first direction, wherein the rack comprises a first rack segment and a second rack segment, the first rack segment being fixed to the first platform and the second rack segment being fixed to the second platform. A gear that is engaged with the rack can be provided on the mobile battery swapping apparatus. When the mobile battery swapping apparatus moves to the first platform, the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus can be fitted with the first rack segment. When the mobile battery swapping apparatus move to the second platform, the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus can be fitted with the second rack segment. By driving the second platform to move relative to the first platform, the second rack segment can move following the second platform and the mobile battery swapping apparatus can still be engaged with the rack, thus facilitating flexible switching between a mode in which the mobile power changing device moves along the guide rail and a mode in which the mobile battery swapping apparatus moves perpendicular to the guide rail.

In a possible implementation, the translation drive assembly comprises a first fixing member, wherein the first fixing member is fixedly connected to the second platform, and the first fixing member is configured to move along the second direction so as to drive the mobile battery swapping apparatus to move along the second direction. The translation drive assembly can enable movement of the second guide rail segment by controlling the displacement of the first fixing member, which is conducive to improving the convenience of moving the second guide rail segment.

In a possible implementation, the second platform is provided with a clamping slot, and the first fixing member is a boss fitted with the clamping slot. The fitting relationship between the clamping slot and the boss allows the translation drive assembly to drive the second platform to move relative to the first platform, and the fixed connection relationship between the second platform and the translation drive assembly is relatively easy to be released, thus facilitating the removal of the second platform for the inspection and maintenance of components inside the battery swapping platform.

In a possible implementation, the translation drive assembly further comprises a lead screw, a transmission nut, and a first motor, wherein the lead screw extends along the second direction, and the transmission nut is in transmission fit with the lead screw; and the transmission nut is connected to the first fixing member, and the first motor is used for driving the lead screw to rotate so as to drive the transmission nut to move relative to the lead screw. The number of revolutions of the lead screw can correspond relatively precisely to the displacement of the transmission nut, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of the displacement of the mobile battery swapping apparatus perpendicular to the guide rail.

In a possible implementation, a rail extending along the second direction is fixed on the first platform, and the second platform is configured to move on the rail. The rail can limit the movement of the second platform, which facilitates the reduction of the offset in the direction of movement of the second platform and in the direction perpendicular to the rail, which in turn is conducive to improving the accuracy of the displacement of the mobile battery swapping apparatus on the battery swapping platform.

The rotation drive assembly can drive the first platform to rotate by a specified angle, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of rotation of the mobile battery swapping apparatus on the battery swapping platform.

In a possible implementation, the second platform is provided in a central area of the first platform, and the rotation drive assembly is used for driving the first platform and the second platform to rotate around the center of the first platform. After the first platform and the second platform rotate as a whole, the mobile battery swapping apparatus can be relatively close to the center of the first platform, which is conducive to reducing the displacement of the mobile battery swapping apparatus relative to the battery swapping platform as a whole after the rotation and conducive to improving the efficiency of moving the mobile battery swapping apparatus on the battery swapping platform.

In a possible implementation, the rotation drive assembly comprises a second fixing member, wherein the second fixing member is used for fixedly connecting the first platform, and the second fixing member is driven to rotate so as to drive the first platform and the second platform to rotate as a whole. The rotation drive assembly can enable rotation of the first platform and the second platform by controlling the rotation of the second fixing member, which is conducive to improving the convenience of rotating the second guide rail segment.

In a possible implementation, the second fixing member is a first gear, and the rotation drive assembly further comprises a second gear and a second motor, wherein the first gear is engaged with the second gear, and the second motor is used for driving the second gear to rotate so as to drive the first gear to rotate. The number of revolutions of the second gear can correspond relatively precisely to the rotation angle of the first gear, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of rotation of the mobile battery swapping apparatus.

In a possible implementation, the first gear is a gear ring surrounding the translation drive assembly, and the translation drive assembly is used for moving the second platform within an area enclosed by the first gear. The translation drive assembly is housed within the area enclosed by the first gear, which is conducive to reducing the overall space required by the battery swapping platform to house the translation drive assembly and the rotation drive assembly.

In a second aspect, a battery swapping station as specified in claim <NUM> is provided, comprising: a battery rack, a mobile battery swapping apparatus, and a battery swapping platform as described in the first aspect above or in any possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the battery rack is configured with a plurality of batteries, and the mobile battery swapping apparatus is used to transport a battery on the battery rack to the battery swapping platform, and move on the battery swapping platform along the first direction and/or the second direction so as to swap the battery to the vehicle.

In the battery swapping platform and battery swapping station provided in the present application, a first guide rail segment of the guide rail can be fixed to a rotatable first platform, a second guide rail segment of the guide rail can be fixed to a second platform, the second platform is rotatable with the first platform, and a translation drive assembly can be used for driving the second platform to move along a direction perpendicular to the guide rail relative to the first platform, so that the mobile battery swapping apparatus can rotate on the battery swapping platform, translate along the guide rail, and translate perpendicular to the guide rail. Thus, the positions in which the mobile battery swapping apparatus can stay on the battery swapping platform can be more diverse, so that the mobile battery swapping apparatus can more easily adapt to multiple battery compartment positions. Therefore, the solution provided in the present application is conducive to improving the accuracy of mounting batteries by the mobile battery swapping apparatus.

In order to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application more clearly, the following briefly introduces the drawings required in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings may also be obtained according to the drawings without any creative effort.

In the accompanying drawings, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to actual scale.

The embodiments of the present application need to be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of the present application by way of example, but should not be used to limit the scope of the present application, that is, the present application is not limited to the described embodiments.

In the description of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "plurality of" means two or more; the orientation or positional relationships indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner" and "outer" are only for facilitating the description of the present application and simplifying the description, 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 will not be interpreted as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" does not mean being vertical in the strict sense, but within the allowable range of error. "Parallel" does not mean being parallel in the strict sense, but within the allowable range of error.

Orientation words appearing in the following description are all directions shown in the drawings, and do not limit the specific structure of the present application. In the description of the present application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "mount," "connected," and "connecting" should be broadly understood, for example, they may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection or be an integrated connection; or may be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application may be understood according to specific circumstances.

In the present application, the battery cell may include the lithium-ion secondary battery, the lithium-ion primary battery, the lithium-sulfur battery, the sodium/lithium ion battery, the sodium-ion battery or the magnesium-ion battery, and the like, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or in other shapes, which is also not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The battery cells are generally divided into three types according to packaging manners: cylindrical battery cells, rectangular battery cells, and pouch cells, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

The battery referred to in the embodiments of the present application is a single physical module that includes one or more battery cells to provide a higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery referred to in the present application may include a battery pack. The battery generally includes a box body for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The box body prevents liquids or other foreign matters from affecting the charging or discharging of battery cells.

To meet different power needs, the battery may include a plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells may be connected to each other in a series connection or a parallel connection or a parallel-series connection which is a mixture of series and parallel connections. Optionally, the plurality of battery cells may first be connected in a series connection or a parallel connection or a parallel-series connection to form battery modules, and a plurality of battery modules may then be connected in a series connection or a parallel connection or a parallel-series connection to form a battery. In other words, the plurality of battery cells can directly form a battery, or can first form battery modules, and the battery modules then form a battery. The battery is then further set in electrical equipment to provide electricity for the electrical equipment.

The electrical equipment mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may refer to a vehicle, such as an electric battery car, an electric vehicle, etc. The electrical equipment referred to in the embodiments of the present application may also be other apparatuses that use batteries, such as mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, electric toys, electric tools, ships, and spacecrafts. The spacecrafts include, for example, aircraft, rockets, space shuttles, and spaceships.

It should be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the devices described above, but can be applied to all devices that use batteries, but for the sake of concise description, the following embodiments are illustrated with a vehicle as an example.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a battery swapping station <NUM> provided in an embodiment of the present application.

The battery swapping station <NUM> may include a battery rack <NUM>. The battery rack <NUM> may be configured with a plurality of batteries. The battery rack <NUM> may include a battery charging compartment and a battery caching apparatus. A battery may be stored in the battery charging compartment to allow the battery to be charged. The battery rack <NUM> may be configured with a battery caching apparatus. The battery caching apparatus may be used for placing a to-be-stored or to-be-charged battery in the battery charging compartment, and also to take out a battery for which charging has been completed or a to-be-taken out battery from the battery charging compartment.

In an embodiment, the battery rack <NUM> may further include a fire protection transmission apparatus, which may be used for maintaining the fire safety of the battery swapping station <NUM>.

The battery swapping station <NUM> may also include a palletizer <NUM> and a mobile battery swapping apparatus (not shown in <FIG>). The palletizer <NUM> may be used for transporting the battery swapped by the mobile battery swapping apparatus from the vehicle <NUM> to the battery caching apparatus. The battery caching apparatus may place the to-be-charged battery in an empty battery charging compartment to charge the to-be-charged battery. The palletizer <NUM> may also be used for taking out a to-be-mounted battery on the battery caching apparatus and for moving that to-be-mounted battery to a docking position of the mobile battery swapping apparatus. The mobile battery swapping apparatus may be used for taking out the to-be-mounted battery from the palletizer <NUM> and transporting the to-be-mounted battery to the vicinity of the vehicle <NUM>. The mobile battery swapping apparatus may also transport the battery taken out from the vehicle <NUM> to the palletizer <NUM>.

The battery swapping station <NUM> may also include a battery swapping platform <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of the traveling of vehicle <NUM> on the battery swapping platform <NUM>. On the battery swapping platform <NUM>, the mobile battery swapping apparatus can swap the battery on the vehicle <NUM>. The X direction in <FIG> may be the direction of travel of the vehicle <NUM> on the battery swapping platform <NUM>. The Y direction in <FIG> may be the direction of travel of the mobile battery swapping apparatus on the battery swapping platform <NUM>. The mobile battery swapping apparatus may move to the vicinity of the vehicle <NUM> in the Y direction through the guide rail on the battery swapping platform <NUM>. The vehicle <NUM> can swap the battery on the battery swapping platform <NUM> through the mobile battery swapping apparatus. The mobile battery swapping apparatus may be used to transport a battery on the battery rack <NUM> to the battery swapping platform <NUM>. The mobile battery swapping apparatus can travel on the battery swapping platform <NUM> and move to a location corresponding to the battery compartment <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> to take out the to-be-charged battery in the battery compartment <NUM> and mount the to-be-mounted battery into the battery compartment <NUM> so that the battery can be swapped to the vehicle <NUM>. The mobile battery swapping apparatus may for example be an RGV.

In an embodiment, the mobile battery swapping apparatus may include a disassembly mechanism and a lifting mechanism. When the mobile battery swapping apparatus is aligned with the battery in the battery compartment <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>, the lifting mechanism may be used to lift the disassembly mechanism. The disassembly mechanism can disassemble the battery in the battery compartment <NUM> so that the battery in the battery compartment <NUM> can be dropped into the mobile battery swapping apparatus. When the mobile battery swapping apparatus moves to the battery caching apparatus, the lifting mechanism can place the battery carried by the mobile battery swapping apparatus on the battery caching apparatus by lifting the battery. After the mobile battery swapping apparatus carries the to-be-mounted battery and travels to a position aligned with the battery compartment <NUM>, the lifting mechanism can be used to lift the to-be-mounted battery to load the to-be-mounted battery into the battery compartment <NUM>.

In the embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the battery swapping platform <NUM> may also include a vehicle lifting mechanism <NUM>, a front ramp <NUM>, a front wheel alignment roller <NUM>, a rear ramp <NUM>, and a rear wheel alignment roller <NUM>. The vehicle <NUM> may travel from the rear ramp <NUM> toward the front ramp <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Along the direction of travel of the vehicle <NUM>, the front wheel alignment roller <NUM> and the rear wheel alignment roller <NUM> may be located between the front ramp <NUM> and the rear ramp <NUM>. The front wheel alignment roller <NUM> may be provided close to the front ramp <NUM> and the rear wheel alignment roller <NUM> may be provided close to the rear ramp <NUM>. The front wheel alignment roller <NUM> may be used to position the front wheels of the vehicle <NUM>. The rear wheel alignment roller <NUM> may be used to position the rear wheels of the vehicle <NUM>. The battery swapping platform <NUM>, through the front wheel alignment roller <NUM> and the rear wheel alignment roller <NUM>, can position the vehicle <NUM> in the X direction and the Y direction so that the vehicle <NUM> can be fixed relative to the battery swapping platform <NUM>. When the battery swapping platform <NUM> has finished positioning the vehicle <NUM>, the vehicle lifting mechanism <NUM> may be triggered to lift the vehicle <NUM>. The positioning of the battery swapping vehicle <NUM> and the lifting of the vehicle <NUM> for which battery swapping is performed may be preparatory steps in the battery swapping process. After the vehicle <NUM> has completed the battery swapping, the vehicle lifting mechanism <NUM> can lower the vehicle <NUM> back to the battery swapping platform <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates, In an embodiment, a schematic structural diagram of the battery compartment <NUM> as viewed from the bottom of the vehicle <NUM>.

The vehicle <NUM> may be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle, and the new energy vehicle may be an all-electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an extended range electric vehicle, etc. The interior of the vehicle <NUM> can be provided with a motor, a controller, and a battery <NUM>, and the controller is used for controlling the battery <NUM> to power the motor. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the battery <NUM> may be provided at the bottom of the vehicle <NUM>. In some other embodiments, the battery <NUM> may be provided at the front or rear of the vehicle. The battery <NUM> may be used for powering the vehicle <NUM>, for example, the battery <NUM> may be used as an operating power supply of the vehicle <NUM>, and used in the circuit system of the vehicle <NUM>, for example, for the work electricity demand during the start-up, navigation and operation of the vehicle <NUM>. In another embodiment of the present application, the battery <NUM> can serve not only as an operating power supply for the vehicle <NUM>, but also as a driving power supply for the vehicle <NUM>, so as to replace or partially replace fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle <NUM>.

For vehicle <NUM> of different models, due to constraints of the mechanical structure, the shape and size of the battery compartment <NUM> may vary. To adapt to different vehicle models, the battery <NUM> may be in a split pack mode, which means that the battery <NUM> may have a smaller size. For example, the volume of the battery <NUM> may be approximated as <NUM>/N of the volume of the battery compartment <NUM>, where N may be a different positive integer value for different vehicle models. In this way, for different vehicle models, N corresponding batteries <NUM> can be used, which makes it possible to adapt the batteries <NUM> to different vehicle models. At the same time, due to the reduced size of the battery <NUM>, the space occupied by the battery swapping station <NUM> may also be reduced, which can reduce the occupied space of the battery swapping station <NUM> and reduce the cost of the battery swapping station <NUM>.

For example, the volume of the battery <NUM> can be half of the volume of the battery compartment <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In this way, the battery compartment <NUM> shown in <FIG> can accommodate two batteries <NUM>. For a battery compartment that is only half the volume of the battery compartment <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, one battery <NUM> can be accommodated. For a larger battery compartment, more batteries <NUM> can be accommodated.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a battery <NUM> provided in an embodiment of the present application. To meet different power usage needs, the battery <NUM> may include a plurality of battery cells. The battery <NUM> may also include a box body, wherein the box body has a hollow structure inside, and a plurality of battery cells are accommodated inside the box body. For example, the plurality of battery cells are connected in a parallel connection or a series connection or a parallel-series connection with each other and placed inside the box body.

Optionally, the battery <NUM> may also include other structures, which will not be repeated here. For example, the battery <NUM> may further include a current collection component for realizing the electrical connection between the plurality of battery cells, such as a series connection or a parallel connection or a parallel-series connection. Specifically, the current collection component can realize the electrical connection between the battery cells by connecting the electrode terminals of the battery cells. Further, the current collection component may be fixed to the electrode terminals of the battery cells by means of welding. The electrical energy of the plurality of battery cells may further be drawn through the box body by means of a conductive mechanism. Optionally, the conductive mechanism may also be a current collection component.

The number of battery cells can be set to any value depending on the power demand. The plurality of battery cells may be connected in a series connection or a parallel connection or a parallel-series connection to achieve a larger capacity or power. Since there may be a large number of battery cells included in each battery <NUM>, the battery cells may be disposed in groups for ease of mounting, with each group of battery cells forming a battery module. The number of battery cells included in a battery module is unlimited and may be set according to the demand. The battery <NUM> may include a plurality of battery modules, and these battery modules may be connected in a series connection or a parallel connection or a parallel-series connection.

Optionally, the volume of the battery <NUM> may be <NUM>/N of the volume of the battery compartment <NUM>, and accordingly, the number of battery cells may be set according to the volume of the battery <NUM>.

Accordingly, a plurality of batteries may be accommodated in the battery compartment <NUM>. In the embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> batteries may be accommodated within the battery compartment <NUM>. In other embodiments, a greater or smaller number of batteries can be accommodated within the battery compartment <NUM> of the vehicle. In addition, the position of the battery compartment <NUM> varies for different types of vehicles. During the battery swapping process, the position of the vehicle on the battery swapping platform <NUM> is relatively fixed. Due to the movement of the mobile battery swapping apparatus along the guide rail, the guide rail limits the space in which the mobile battery swapping apparatus can be moved, thus resulting in the mobile battery swapping apparatus not being able to precisely match a wide variety of positions of the battery compartment <NUM>.

Embodiments of the present application provide a battery swapping platform <NUM> and a battery swapping station <NUM>. By fixing a first guide rail segment <NUM> of the guide rail <NUM> to a rotatable first platform <NUM> and fixing a second guide rail segment <NUM> of the guide rail <NUM> to a second platform <NUM>, the second platform <NUM> is rotatable with the first platform <NUM>, and the second platform <NUM> is driven by a translation drive assembly <NUM> to move in a direction perpendicular to the guide rail <NUM> relative to the first platform <NUM>, so that the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can rotate on the battery swapping platform <NUM>, translate along the guide rail <NUM>, and translate perpendicular to the guide rail <NUM>. Thus, the positions in which the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can stay on the battery swapping platform <NUM> can be more diverse, which is conducive to the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> precisely matching a wide variety of positions of the battery compartment <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are schematic structural diagrams of a battery swapping platform <NUM> provided in an embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the battery swapping platform <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be applied, for example, to the battery swapping station <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The battery swapping platform <NUM> may include a guide rail <NUM>, a first platform <NUM>, a second platform <NUM>, and a translation drive assembly <NUM>.

The guide rail <NUM> extends along the first direction Y. The guide rail <NUM> is used for moving the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> along the first direction Y. The mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is used for swapping the battery for the vehicle <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can be moved along the guide rail <NUM>. For example, the moving wheels of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can be fitted with the guide rail <NUM>. The direction of extension of the guide rail <NUM> may be the first direction Y. The first direction Y may be the direction of travel of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM>.

The guide rail <NUM> includes a first guide rail segment <NUM> and a second guide rail segment <NUM>. The first guide rail segment <NUM> and the second guide rail segment <NUM> may be two separable guide rail segments <NUM> of the guide rail <NUM>. The direction of extension of the first guide rail segment <NUM> and the direction of extension of the second guide rail segment <NUM> may be the first direction Y.

The first platform <NUM> is used for fixing the first guide rail segment <NUM>. The first platform <NUM> is rotatable. In some embodiments, the first guide rail segment <NUM> can rotate following the first platform <NUM> as the first platform <NUM> is rotated.

The second platform <NUM> is used for fixing the second guide rail segment <NUM>. The second platform <NUM> is provided on the first platform <NUM> and is rotatable with the first platform <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second platform <NUM> and the second guide rail segment <NUM> can rotate following the first platform <NUM> as the first platform <NUM> is rotated.

When the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is fitted with the first guide rail segment <NUM> and the first platform <NUM> is rotated, the first guide rail segment <NUM> can rotate following the first platform <NUM> and thus the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is rotated.

When the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is fitted with the second guide rail segment <NUM> and the first platform <NUM> is rotated, as the second platform <NUM> can rotate following the first platform <NUM> and the second guide rail segment <NUM> can rotate following the second platform <NUM>, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can be rotated.

The translation drive assembly <NUM> is used for driving the second platform <NUM> to move along a second direction X relative to the first platform <NUM>, so as to move the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> along the second direction X, wherein the second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Y. The second direction X may be parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

When the translation drive assembly <NUM> is not driving the second platform <NUM> to move, one end of the first guide rail segment <NUM> and one end of the second guide rail segment <NUM> may be disposed opposite to each other. The mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is movable on the guide rail <NUM> along the first direction Y. In an embodiment, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> may travel from the first guide rail segment <NUM> to the second guide rail segment <NUM>.

When the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is fitted with the second guide rail segment <NUM> and the translation drive assembly <NUM> moves the second platform <NUM> along the second direction X, the second guide rail segment <NUM> fixed on the second platform <NUM> can move along the second direction X following the second platform <NUM>, so that the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can move along the second direction X. The first guide rail segment <NUM> fixed on the first platform <NUM> may be immobile as a whole relative to the battery swapping platform <NUM>.

It should be understood that the battery swapping platform <NUM> may also include a greater number of guide rails <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the battery swapping platform <NUM> can move the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> by means of <NUM> guide rails <NUM>. An embodiment provided in the present application is illustrated with one guide rail <NUM> as an example. For an example of the battery swapping platform <NUM> with a plurality of guide rails <NUM>, reference may be made to the embodiments provided in the present application.

Optionally, the second platform <NUM> is contained in the first platform <NUM>, and the first platform <NUM> is provided with an open window <NUM>, the open window <NUM> being used for exposing the second platform <NUM>. That is, the second platform <NUM> may be housed within the cavity of the first platform <NUM>; and the second guide rail segment <NUM> fixed on the second platform <NUM> may be fitted with the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> through the open window <NUM> of the first platform <NUM>.

The first platform <NUM> may include a first mounting base <NUM>, a bracket <NUM>, and a first cover plate <NUM>. The first cover plate <NUM> and the first mounting base <NUM> may be provided parallel to each other. The bracket <NUM> may be fixed on the first mounting base <NUM> and used for supporting the first cover plate <NUM> on the first mounting base <NUM>. The space enclosed by the first mounting base <NUM>, the bracket <NUM>, and the first cover plate <NUM> may be used for housing part of the components of the battery swapping platform <NUM>. The first cover plate <NUM> is provided with the open window <NUM> thereon. The part of the components housed in the first platform <NUM> may be viewed through the open window <NUM>. The second platform <NUM> may be at least partially housed in the space enclosed by the first mounting base <NUM>, the bracket <NUM>, and the first cover plate <NUM> and be visible through the open window <NUM> on the first cover plate <NUM>. In other words, the second platform <NUM> may obscure the open window <NUM> on the first cover plate <NUM> so that it is possible for components located within the first platform <NUM> not to expose the open window <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the second platform <NUM> as a whole may be disposed between the first mounting base <NUM> and the first cover plate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The second platform <NUM> may include a second mounting base <NUM> and a second cover plate <NUM>. The second cover plate <NUM> may be disposed on the second mounting base <NUM> by, for example, a fixing connector. Here, the second mounting base <NUM> may be fixed to the first platform <NUM>, and located within the space enclosed by the first mounting base <NUM>, the bracket <NUM>, and the first cover plate <NUM>. The second cover plate <NUM> may be located between the first cover plate <NUM> and the second mounting base <NUM>. The second cover plate <NUM> may be disposed in parallel with respect to the first cover plate <NUM>.

In another embodiment, a portion of the second platform <NUM> may be located between the first mounting base <NUM> and the first cover plate <NUM>, and the other portion may protrude out of the open window <NUM>. For example, the fixing connector connecting the second cover plate <NUM> and the second mounting base <NUM> may pass through that open window <NUM>. The second cover plate <NUM> may be located on the side of the first cover plate <NUM> away from the first mounting base <NUM>.

When the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> moves to the first platform <NUM>, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> may be fitted with the first guide rail segment <NUM> of the guide rail <NUM>. When the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> moves to the second platform <NUM>, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> may be fitted with the second guide rail segment <NUM> of the guide rail <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first guide rail segment <NUM> may be fixed to the side of the first cover plate <NUM> away from the first mounting base <NUM>. The second guide rail segment <NUM> may be fixed to the side of the second cover plate <NUM> away from the second mounting base <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the guide rail <NUM> may be disposed below the first cover plate <NUM> and the second cover plate <NUM>. Both the first cover plate <NUM> and the second cover plate <NUM> can provide mechanical protection for the guide rail <NUM>, among other functions.

As shown in <FIG>, the first cover plate <NUM> may include a first slit corresponding to the first guide rail segment <NUM>. Through the first slit, the first guide rail segment <NUM> can be exposed out of the first cover plate <NUM>. The first guide rail segment <NUM> or the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can pass through the first slit to enable the fitting of the first guide rail segment <NUM> with the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first guide rail segment <NUM> may be fixed to the first mounting base <NUM>.

Similarly, the second cover plate <NUM> may include a second slit corresponding to the second guide rail segment <NUM>. Through the second slit, the second guide rail segment <NUM> may be exposed out of the second cover plate <NUM>. The second guide rail segment <NUM> or the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can pass through the second slit to enable the fitting of the second guide rail segment <NUM> with the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second guide rail segment <NUM> may be fixed to the second mounting base <NUM>.

In some embodiments, in order to reduce bumps of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM>, the surface of the first guide rail segment <NUM> near the vehicle may be flush with the surface of the second guide rail segment <NUM> near the vehicle.

Optionally, there is a first broken seam <NUM> between the first guide rail segment <NUM> and the second guide rail segment <NUM>, wherein the broken seam <NUM> corresponds to an edge of the open window <NUM> to allow the second guide rail segment <NUM> and the second platform <NUM> to move along the second direction X. That is, by providing the first broken seam <NUM> on the guide rail <NUM>, the guide rail <NUM> can be divided into the first guide rail segment <NUM> and the second guide rail segment <NUM>, wherein the first guide rail segment <NUM> and the second guide rail segment <NUM> can be located on the two sides of the first broken seam <NUM>, respectively.

When the translation drive assembly <NUM> is not driving the second platform <NUM> to move, one end of the first guide rail segment <NUM> and one end of the second guide rail segment <NUM> may be disposed opposite to each other. In order to reduce interference between the first guide rail segment <NUM> and the second guide rail segment <NUM> due to vibrations of the entire machine and other reasons, there may exist the first broken seam <NUM> between the first guide rail segment <NUM> and the second guide rail segment <NUM>. In the embodiment provided in the present application, the broken seam may also be referred to as a gap, slit, etc. The width of this first broken seam <NUM> should not be too large, so as to facilitate the reduction of the degree of bumping of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> at the first broken seam <NUM>.

After the translation drive assembly <NUM> drives the second platform <NUM> to move, the second guide rail segment <NUM> may be gradually moved away from the first guide rail segment <NUM> since the first guide rail segment <NUM> and the second guide rail segment <NUM> are not connected. The first guide rail segment <NUM> and the second guide rail segment <NUM> may be separated. In addition, by driving the second platform <NUM> by the translation drive assembly <NUM>, the second guide rail segment <NUM> may also be moved back to the vicinity of the first guide rail segment <NUM>.

The first broken seam <NUM> corresponds to the edge of the open window <NUM>, which may mean that the distance from the first broken seam <NUM> to the edge of the open window <NUM> is small. The first broken seam <NUM> may be located, for example, within the area enclosed by the open window <NUM>, or be located outside the area enclosed by the open window <NUM>. In an embodiment, the width of the open window <NUM> in the direction of extension of the second guide rail segment <NUM> may be close to the length of the second guide rail segment <NUM>. Since the first broken seam <NUM> corresponds to the edge of the open window <NUM>, when the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> as a whole is located on the second platform <NUM>, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can be mated only with the second guide rail segment <NUM> and not with the first guide rail segment <NUM>. Thus, the space in which the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can be moved in the direction perpendicular to the guide rail <NUM> may correspond to the area enclosed by the open window <NUM>.

Optionally, the space in which the second guide rail segment <NUM> can be moved along the second direction X is located within the open window <NUM>. Since the second guide rail segment <NUM> is located within the area enclosed by the open window <NUM>, the second guide rail segment <NUM> may not be moved out of the open window <NUM>. Thus, the open window <NUM> may limit the space in which the second guide rail segment <NUM> can be moved in the direction perpendicular to the guide rail <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic structural diagram of the battery swapping platform <NUM> after the translation drive assembly <NUM> moves the second platform <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, In an embodiment, after the second platform <NUM> is moved relative to the first platform <NUM>, the second cover plate <NUM> can obscure a portion of the open window <NUM>. In other embodiments, after the second platform <NUM> is moved relative to the first platform <NUM>, the second cover plate <NUM> can still obscure the entire open window <NUM>.

Optionally, the battery swapping platform <NUM> further includes a rack <NUM>. The rack <NUM> extends along the first direction Y. That is, the direction of extension of the rack <NUM> may be consistent with the direction of extension of the guide rail <NUM>. The mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> may be provided with a gear (not shown in <FIG>) that engages with the rack <NUM>. The mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can drive the gear to rotate, and through the engagement relationship between the rack <NUM> and the gear, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can be moved in the direction of extension of the rack <NUM>.

The rack <NUM> includes a first rack segment <NUM> and a second rack segment <NUM>, the first rack segment <NUM> being fixed to the first platform <NUM> and the second rack segment <NUM> being fixed to the second platform <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first rack segment <NUM> and the second rack segment <NUM> can rotate following the first platform <NUM> as the first platform <NUM> is rotated.

When the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is engaged with the first rack segment <NUM> and the first platform <NUM> is rotated, the first rack segment <NUM> can rotate following the first platform <NUM> and thus the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is rotated.

When the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is engaged with the second rack segment <NUM> and the first platform <NUM> is rotated, as the second platform <NUM> can rotate following the first platform <NUM> and the second rack segment <NUM> can rotate following the second platform <NUM>, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can be rotated.

When the translation drive assembly <NUM> is not driving the second platform <NUM> to move, one end of the first rack segment <NUM> and one end of the second rack segment <NUM> may be disposed opposite to each other. The gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> may be engaged with the rack <NUM> to enable the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> to move along the first direction Y. In an embodiment, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> may travel from the first rack segment <NUM> to the second rack segment <NUM>.

When the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is engaged with the second rack segment <NUM> and the translation drive assembly <NUM> moves the second platform <NUM> along the second direction X, the second rack segment <NUM> fixed on the second platform <NUM> can move along the second direction X following the second platform <NUM>, so that the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> and the second rack segment <NUM> can move along the second direction X synchronously. The first rack segment <NUM> fixed on the first platform <NUM> may be immobile as a whole relative to the battery swapping platform <NUM>.

When the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> moves to the first platform <NUM>, the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can be engaged with the first rack segment <NUM>. When the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> moves to the second platform <NUM>, the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can be engaged with the second rack segment <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first rack segment <NUM> can be fixed to the first cover plate <NUM> of the first platform <NUM>, for example, on the side of the first cover plate <NUM> away from the first mounting base <NUM>. The second rack segment <NUM> can be fixed to the second cover plate <NUM> of the second platform <NUM>, for example, on the side of the second cover plate <NUM> away from the second mounting base <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the rack <NUM> may be disposed below the first cover plate <NUM> and the second cover plate <NUM>, and both the first cover plate <NUM> and the second cover plate <NUM> can provide mechanical protection for the rack <NUM>, among other functions.

As shown in <FIG>, the first cover plate <NUM> may include a third slit corresponding to the first rack segment <NUM>. Through the third slit, the first rack segment <NUM> can be exposed out of the first cover plate <NUM>. The first rack segment <NUM> or the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can pass through the third slit to enable the engagement of the first rack segment <NUM> and the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first rack segment <NUM> can be fixed to the first mounting base <NUM>.

Similarly, the second cover plate <NUM> may include a fourth slit corresponding to the second rack segment <NUM>. Through the fourth slit, the second rack segment <NUM> may be exposed out of the second cover plate <NUM>. The second rack segment <NUM> or the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can pass through the fourth slit to enable the engagement of the second rack segment <NUM> and the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second rack segment <NUM> can be fixed to the second mounting base <NUM>.

In some embodiments, in order to reduce bumps of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM>, the tooth surface of the first rack segment <NUM> may have a smooth transition with the tooth surface of the second rack segment <NUM>.

Optionally, there is a second broken seam between the first rack segment <NUM> and the second rack segment <NUM>, wherein the second broken seam corresponds to the edge of the open window <NUM> to allow the second rack segment <NUM> and the second platform <NUM> to move along the second direction X. That is, by providing the second broken seam on the rack <NUM>, the rack <NUM> can be divided into the first rack segment <NUM> and the second rack segment <NUM>, wherein the first rack segment <NUM> and the second rack segment <NUM> are located on the two side of the second broken seam, respectively.

When the translation drive assembly <NUM> is not driving the second platform <NUM> to move, one end of the first rack segment <NUM> and one end of the second rack segment <NUM> may be disposed opposite to each other. In order to reduce interference between the first rack segment <NUM> and the second rack segment <NUM> due to vibrations of the entire machine and other reasons, there may exist the second broken seam between the first rack segment <NUM> and the second rack segment <NUM>. The width of this second broken seam should not be too large, so as to facilitate the reduction of the length of time that the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is disengaged from the rack <NUM> during the movement of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM>.

After the translation drive assembly <NUM> drives the second platform <NUM> to move, the second rack segment <NUM> may be gradually moved away from the first rack segment <NUM> since the first rack segment <NUM> and the second rack segment <NUM> are not connected. The first rack segment <NUM> and the second rack segment <NUM> may be separated. In addition, by driving the second platform <NUM> by the translation drive assembly <NUM>, the second rack segment <NUM> may also be moved back to the vicinity of the first rack segment <NUM>.

The second broken seam corresponds to the edge of the open window <NUM>, which may mean that the distance from the second broken seam to the edge of the open window <NUM> is small. The second broken seam may be located, for example, within the area enclosed by the open window <NUM>, or be located outside the area enclosed by the open window <NUM>. In an embodiment, the width of the open window <NUM> in the direction of extension of the second rack segment <NUM> may be close to the length of the second rack segment <NUM>. Since the second broken seam corresponds to the edge of the open window <NUM>, when the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> as a whole is located on the second platform <NUM>, the gear of the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can be engaged only with the second rack segment <NUM> and not with the first rack segment <NUM>. Thus, the space in which the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can move along the direction perpendicular to the rack <NUM> may correspond to the area enclosed by the open window <NUM>.

Optionally, the movement space for the second rack segment <NUM> in the second direction X is within the open window <NUM>. Since the second rack segment <NUM> is located within the area enclosed by the open window <NUM>, the second rack segment <NUM> may not be moved out of the open window <NUM>. Thus, the open window <NUM> may limit the movement space for the second rack segment <NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the rack <NUM>.

It should be understood that the battery swapping platform <NUM> may also include a greater number of racks <NUM>. An embodiment provided in the present application is illustrated with one rack <NUM> as an example. For an example of the battery swapping platform <NUM> with a plurality of racks <NUM>, reference may be made to the embodiments provided in the present application.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the translation drive assembly <NUM> includes a first fixing member, wherein the first fixing member is used for fixedly connecting to the second platform <NUM>, and the first fixing member is configured to move along the second direction X so as to drive the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> to move along the second direction X. That is, the first fixing member may be fixedly connected to the second platform <NUM>, and by driving the first fixing member to move along the second direction, the translation drive assembly <NUM> drives the second platform <NUM> to move along the second direction X. Since the second guide rail segment <NUM> can move following the second platform <NUM> along the second direction X, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> fitted with the second guide rail segment <NUM> can move along the second direction X.

Optionally, the second platform <NUM> is provided with a clamping slot <NUM>, and the first fixing member is a boss <NUM> fitted with the clamping slot <NUM>. The clamping slot <NUM> may be a through slot or a blind slot. That is, the boss <NUM> of the translation drive assembly <NUM> may extend into the clamping slot <NUM> of the second platform <NUM> and be in clamping connection with the clamping slot <NUM>. In some embodiments, the boss <NUM> and the clamping slot <NUM> may be fixed to each other by means of adhesive or the like. The fixed connection relationship between the translation drive assembly <NUM> and the second platform <NUM> may be implemented by means of fitting between the clamping slot <NUM> and the boss <NUM>. The fixed connection relationship between the translation drive assembly <NUM> and the second platform <NUM> can be released by taking the boss <NUM> out of the clamping slot <NUM>.

Optionally, the translation drive assembly <NUM> further comprises a lead screw <NUM>, a transmission nut <NUM>, and a first motor <NUM>, wherein the lead screw <NUM> extends along the second direction X, and the transmission nut <NUM> is in transmission fit with the lead screw <NUM>; and the transmission nut <NUM> is connected to the first fixing member, and the first motor <NUM> is used for driving the lead screw <NUM> to rotate so as to drive the transmission nut to move relative to the lead screw <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a translation drive assembly <NUM> provided by an embodiment of the present application. The first motor <NUM> can drive the lead screw <NUM> to rotate. The transmission nut <NUM> can move along the direction of extension of the lead screw <NUM> by means of the fitting of the lead screw <NUM> and the transmission nut <NUM>. Since the lead screw <NUM> extends along the second direction X, the transmission nut <NUM> can move along the second direction X. Also because the transmission nut <NUM> is connected to the first fixing member, the first fixing member can move along the second direction X, so as to drive the second platform <NUM> to move along the second direction X.

In some embodiments, the translation drive assembly <NUM> may be fixed to the first mounting base <NUM> of the first platform <NUM>. For example, in conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>, the first motor <NUM> may be fixed to the first mounting base <NUM> of the first platform <NUM>. One end of the lead screw <NUM> may be connected to the first motor <NUM>, and the other end of the lead screw <NUM> may pass through a lead screw support <NUM>, wherein the lead screw support <NUM> may be fixed to the first mounting base <NUM>. The first fixing member may be fixed to the side of the transmission nut <NUM> near the second mounting base <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the second mounting base <NUM> may include an opening provided opposite the first motor <NUM>. The first motor <NUM> may pass through this opening. The height of the first motor <NUM> may be relatively great, and by providing an opening on the second mounting base <NUM> opposite to the first motor <NUM>, it is conducive to reducing the space occupied by the first motor <NUM> and the second mounting base <NUM> as a whole in the height direction. In addition, since the second mounting base <NUM> can move along the second direction X, by providing an opening on the second mounting base <NUM> corresponding to the first motor <NUM>, it is conducive to reducing the possibility of interference between the second mounting base <NUM> and the first motor <NUM>.

Optionally, a rail <NUM> extending along the second direction X is fixed on the first platform <NUM>, and the second platform <NUM> is configured to move on the rail <NUM>. That is, the rail <NUM> can be used to limit the movement of the second platform <NUM> along the second direction X. In an embodiment, the rail <NUM> may be fixed to the first mounting base <NUM> of the first platform <NUM> and located between the first mounting base <NUM> and the second mounting base <NUM> of the second platform <NUM>. The side of the second mounting base <NUM> near the first mounting base <NUM> may be provided with a moving member fitted with the rail <NUM> to allow the second platform <NUM> to move on the rail <NUM>. By means of the rail <NUM>, the second platform <NUM> can move with a relatively small degree of deviation from a preset direction, where this predetermined direction may be perpendicular to the direction of extension of the guide rail <NUM>.

Optionally, the battery swapping platform <NUM> further includes a rotation drive assembly. The rotation drive assembly <NUM> is used for driving the first platform <NUM> and the second platform <NUM> to rotate as a whole. In other words, by means of the rotation drive assembly <NUM> and the translation drive assembly <NUM>, the battery swapping platform <NUM> can implement rotation of the first platform <NUM> and the second platform <NUM> and translation of the second platform <NUM>, respectively.

Optionally, the second platform <NUM> is provided in a central area of the first platform <NUM>, and the rotation drive assembly <NUM> is used for driving the first platform <NUM> and the second platform <NUM> to rotate around the center of the first platform <NUM>. After the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> moves to the second platform <NUM>, the rotation drive assembly <NUM> can rotate the first platform <NUM> so that the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can rotate relative to the center of the first platform <NUM>. Since the second platform <NUM> is located in the central region of the first platform <NUM>, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can rotate along the center of the second platform <NUM>. In an embodiment, when the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is located in the central area of the second platform <NUM>, the rotation drive assembly <NUM> can drive the first platform <NUM> and the second platform <NUM> to rotate around the center of the first platform <NUM>.

Optionally, the rotation drive assembly <NUM> includes a second fixing member, wherein the second fixing member is used for fixedly connecting the first platform <NUM>, and the second fixing member is driven to rotate so as to drive the first platform <NUM> and the second platform <NUM> to rotate as a whole. That is, since the second fixing member may be fixedly connected to the first platform <NUM>, by driving the second fixing member to rotate, the rotation drive assembly <NUM> drives the first platform <NUM> to rotate. Since the second platform <NUM> can rotate following the first platform <NUM>, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> fitted with the second guide rail segment <NUM> can be rotated.

Optionally, the second fixing member is a first gear <NUM>, and the rotation drive assembly <NUM> further comprises a second gear <NUM> and a second motor <NUM>, wherein the first gear <NUM> is engaged with the second gear <NUM>, and the second motor <NUM> is used for driving the second gear <NUM> to rotate so as to drive the first gear <NUM> to rotate. That is, the second motor <NUM> can drive the second gear <NUM> to rotate. By means of engagement of the second gear <NUM> with the first gear <NUM>, the first gear <NUM> can rotate around the center of the first gear <NUM> itself. Since the first gear <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first platform <NUM>, the first platform <NUM> can rotate following the first gear <NUM>. In an embodiment, the center of the first gear <NUM> can be aligned with the center of the first platform <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first gear <NUM> can be fixed to the first mounting base <NUM> of the first platform <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a portion of the rotation drive assembly <NUM> may be contained in the first platform <NUM> and the other portion may be located outside of the first platform <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first gear <NUM> is contained in the cavity formed by the first mounting base <NUM>, the bracket <NUM>, and the first cover plate <NUM>. The second gear <NUM> may partially protrude out of the cavity formed by the first mounting base <NUM>, the bracket <NUM>, and the first cover plate <NUM>, and the second motor <NUM> may be located outside the cavity formed by the first mounting base <NUM>, the bracket <NUM>, and the first cover plate <NUM>.

Optionally, the first gear <NUM> is a gear ring surrounding the translation drive assembly <NUM>, and the translation drive assembly <NUM> is used for moving the second platform <NUM> within the area enclosed by the first gear <NUM>. That is, the translation drive assembly <NUM> may be located within the area enclosed by the first gear <NUM>. Accordingly, the second platform <NUM> may be moved within the area enclosed by the first gear <NUM>. In an embodiment, the rail <NUM> that is fitted with the second platform <NUM> as the second platform <NUM> moves may be located within the area enclosed by the first gear <NUM>.

A plurality of possible application scenarios for the solutions provided by Embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the embodiments shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the battery <NUM> may be in an elongated shape. A plurality of batteries <NUM> may be provided in the battery compartment <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The direction of the long side of the battery <NUM> may be perpendicular to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>. The direction of arrangement of the batteries <NUM> in the battery compartment <NUM> may be along the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>.

When the vehicle <NUM> travels to the battery swapping platform <NUM>, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can move to a position below the battery compartment <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> along the direction of extension Y of the guide rail, where the direction of extension Y of the guide rail may be perpendicular to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>.

In a possible scenario, the direction of the long side of the battery <NUM> carried by the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> may be parallel to the direction of extension Y of the guide rail. In this case, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> needs to move along the direction perpendicular to the guide rail in addition to the direction of extension Y of the guide rail, so that the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can mount the plurality of batteries <NUM> that are arranged along the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>.

According to the embodiment provided above, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can move on the first platform or the second platform along the direction of extension Y of the guide rail; the second platform can be driven by the translation drive assembly to move along the direction perpendicular to the guide rail so that the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can move along the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM> to mount the plurality of batteries <NUM> into the battery compartment <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>.

In another possible scenario, the direction of the long side of the battery <NUM> carried by the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> may be perpendicular to the direction of extension Y of the guide rail. In this case, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> needs to be rotated by <NUM>° so that the direction of the long side of the battery <NUM> carried by the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can be perpendicular to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>.

After the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is rotated by <NUM>°, the guide rail fitted with the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> may be rotated so that the direction of extension of the rotated guide rail may be parallel to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>. The mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can move on the guide rail along the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>. Thereby, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can mount the plurality of batteries <NUM> into the battery compartment <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>.

In some other embodiments, the batteries <NUM> may be in an elongated shape. A plurality of batteries <NUM> may be provided in the battery compartment <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The direction of the long side of the battery <NUM> may be parallel to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>. The direction of arrangement of the batteries <NUM> in the battery compartment <NUM> may be perpendicular to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>.

In a possible scenario, the direction of the long side of the battery <NUM> carried by the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> may be parallel to the direction of extension Y of the guide rail. In this case, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> needs to be rotated by <NUM>° so that the direction of the long side of the battery <NUM> carried by the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can be parallel to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>.

After the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> is rotated by <NUM>°, the guide rail fitted with the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> may be rotated so that the direction of extension of the rotated guide rail may be parallel to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>. Since the batteries <NUM> are arranged in the battery compartment <NUM> perpendicular to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> also needs to move perpendicular to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>.

According to the embodiment provided above, the second platform can be driven by the translation drive assembly to move along the direction perpendicular to the guide rail so that the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can move perpendicular to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM> to mount the plurality of batteries <NUM> into the battery compartment <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>.

In another possible scenario, the direction of the long side of the battery <NUM> carried by the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> may be perpendicular to the direction of extension Y of the guide rail, i.e., parallel to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>. In this case, the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> move along the direction of extension Y of the guide rail, so that the mobile battery swapping apparatus <NUM> can mount the plurality of batteries <NUM> that are arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel X of the vehicle <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A battery swapping platform (<NUM>), comprising:
a guide rail (<NUM>) extending along a first direction (Y), wherein the guide rail (<NUM>) is used for moving a mobile battery swapping apparatus along the first direction (Y), the mobile battery swapping apparatus being used for swapping a battery for a vehicle, and the guide rail (<NUM>) comprises a first guide rail segment (<NUM>) and a second guide rail segment (<NUM>); wherein the direction of extension of the first guide rail segment (<NUM>) and the direction of extension of the second guide rail segment (<NUM>) is the first direction (Y);
a first platform (<NUM>) for fixing the first guide rail segment (<NUM>), wherein the first platform (<NUM>) is rotatable;
a second platform (<NUM>) for fixing the second guide rail segment (<NUM>), wherein the second platform (<NUM>) is provided on the first platform (<NUM>) and is rotatable with the first platform (<NUM>); and
a translation drive assembly (<NUM>) configured to move the second platform (<NUM>) along a second direction (X) relative to the first platform (<NUM>), so as to move the mobile battery swapping apparatus along the second direction (X), wherein the second direction (X) is perpendicular to the first direction (Y); and
wherein the second platform (<NUM>) is contained in the first platform (<NUM>), and the first platform (<NUM>) is provided with an open window (<NUM>), the open window (<NUM>) being used for exposing the second platform (<NUM>).