(19)
(11)EP 3 733 435 A1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC

(43)Date of publication:
04.11.2020 Bulletin 2020/45

(21)Application number: 18895455.6

(22)Date of filing:  29.12.2018
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B60K 1/04(2019.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/CN2018/125689
(87)International publication number:
WO 2019/129289 (04.07.2019 Gazette  2019/27)
(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA ME
Designated Validation States:
KH MA MD TN

(30)Priority: 29.12.2017 CN 201711478821
29.12.2017 CN 201711478874

(71)Applicants:
  • Shanghai Dianba New Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
    Shanghai 201308 (CN)
  • Aulton New Energy Automotive Technology Group
    Shanghai 201315 (CN)

(72)Inventors:
  • ZHANG, Jianping
    Shanghai 201308 (CN)
  • HUANG, Chunhua
    Shanghai 201308 (CN)
  • LAN, Zhibo
    Shanghai 201308 (CN)

(74)Representative: Bittner, Bernhard 
Hannke Bittner & Partner Patent- und Rechtsanwälte mbB Prüfeninger Strasse 1
93049 Regensburg
93049 Regensburg (DE)

  


(54)LOCKING MECHANISM FOR USE IN BATTERY PACK, LOCK ASSEMBLY, QUICK-SWAP SUPPORT FRAME ASSEMBLY, AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE


(57) A locking mechanism (100) for use in a battery pack, comprising: a lock base (110), the lock base (110) being provided with an opening and a cavity (112) extending from the opening (111), the opening (111) being used for allowing a lock shaft (200) mounted on the battery pack to enter the cavity (112); a lock tongue (120), the lock tongue (120) being rotatable relative to the lock base (110) so as to shift between an unlocked state and a locked state, and when the lock tongue (120) is in the locked state, the lock tongue (120) can stop the lock shaft (200) from leaving the cavity (112) via the opening (111); and a resetting part (130), the resetting part (130) being provided on the lock base (110) and acting on the lock tongue (120), the resetting part (130) being capable of producing a flexible distension and used for allowing the lock tongue (120) to rotate in a locking direction so as to reset from the unlocked state to the locked state, thus facilitating the mounting and locking of the battery pack, improving the reliability of locking, and increasing safety. Also disclosed are a lock assembly comprising the locking mechanism, a quick-swap support frame assembly, and an electric vehicle.




Description


[0001] This application claims priority of Chinese patent applications CN201711478821.6 and CN201711478874.8, filed on December 29, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Field of invention



[0002] The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for a battery pack, a lock assembly, a quick-swap support frame assembly, and an electric vehicle.

Prior arts



[0003] The existing battery pack installation methods of electric vehicles are generally divided into a fixed type and a replaceable type, wherein the fixed battery pack is generally fixed on the car, and the car is directly used as the charging object when charging. While the replaceable battery pack is generally mounted in an active installation manner, and the battery pack can be removed at any time and replaced with a new battery pack.

[0004] In the process of replacing a new battery pack, the locking and unlocking of the battery pack is involved. Generally speaking, the left and right sides of the battery pack are equipped with lock shafts; lock devices are fixed on a quick-swap support frame to assemble into a quick-swap support frame assembly, and then the quick-swap support frame assembly is mounted on the chassis of the electric vehicle together; the lock shafts coordinate with the lock device to achieve the locking of the battery pack. However, the existing locking device only includes a primary locking, resulting in a lack of locking protection, and once a fault occurs and the locking fails, the battery pack may fall, which brings great security risks.

Content of the present invention



[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects in the prior art that the power exchange robot has poor unlock accuracy and poor battery replacement efficiency during the power exchange process. Provided are an unlocking device for a battery replacement device, a quick battery replacement system for a battery box, and a battery replacement robot.

[0006] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions:
A locking mechanism for a battery pack is characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises:

a lock base, the lock base is provided with an opening and a cavity extending from the opening, the opening is used for allowing a lock shaft mounted on the battery pack to enter the cavity;

a lock tongue, the lock tongue is rotatable relative to the lock base so as to shift between an unlocked state and a locked state, and when the lock tongue is in the locked state, the lock tongue can stop the lock shaft from leaving the cavity via the opening; and

a resetting part, the resetting part is provided on the lock base and acts on the lock tongue, the resetting part is capable of producing a flexible distension and used to cause the lock tongue to rotate in a locking direction so as to reset from the unlocked state to the locked state.



[0007] Optionally, the locking mechanism further comprises an inner limiting part, when the lock tongue is in the locked state, the inner limiting part abuts against the lock tongue to stop the lock tongue from continuing to rotate in the locking direction; the inner limiting part is an inner surface of the cavity defined by the lock base. With the above arrangement, the inner limiting part is used to ensure that the lock tongue stays in the locked state, and the structure is simple and ingenious.

[0008] Optionally, the locking mechanism further comprises a centering shaft, the centering shaft is provided on the lock base and passes through the lock tongue, and the lock tongue is capable of rotating about the centering shaft. Optionally, the resetting part is a spring, and the resetting part has a contact part and a connection part, the connection part is provided on the lock base, and the contact part contacts the lock tongue to act on the lock tongue. Optionally, the resetting part is a torsion spring, the resetting part is further provided with a spiral part, and the spiral part is connected to the contact part and the connection part, and both the contact part and the connection part are capable of rotating around the spiral part to achieve the change of the elastic force. With the above arrangement, the resetting of the resetting part is specially implemented by virtue of the change of the elastic force of the spiral part, so that the resetting of the lock tongue to the locked state is implemented. Optionally, the locking mechanism further includes a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft is provided on the lock base, and the spiral part is sleeved on the rotating shaft. With the above arrangement, the range of motion of the spiral part is restricted, thereby preventing the resetting part from escaping from the lock base.

[0009] Optionally, the resetting part is disposed above the lock tongue. With the above arrangement, compared with the structure in which the resetting part is provided under the lock tongue, it is possible to prevent the gravity of the lock tongue from causing resistance to the resetting of the resetting part; in addition, this layout also facilitates the lock shaft to enter the cavity from below.

[0010] Optionally, a groove is provided on the top of the lock base, the groove is in communication with the cavity, and the resetting part is at least partially located within the groove. Optionally, the lock tongue is at least partially located within the groove, and the lock tongue is capable of entering the cavity via the groove. With the above arrangement, the lock tongue can be mounted through the groove.

[0011] Optionally, the lock base is further provided with an unlocking hole, the locking mechanism further comprises an unlocking component, the unlocking component is provided in the unlocking hole, and one end of the unlocking component is in contact with the lock tongue, the unlocking component is capable of acting on the lock tongue to cause the lock tongue to rotate in an unlocking direction to change from the locked state to the unlocked state. With the above arrangement, the unlocking component can conveniently complete the unlocking.

[0012] Optionally, the unlocking component comprises an unlocking spring, and an unlocking head and an unlocking rod connected to each other, the unlocking hole is a stepped hole, and a stepped part is provided within the unlocking hole, the inner diameter of the inner end of the unlocking hole is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer end of the unlocking hole, the unlocking spring is at least partially located within the unlocking hole, and two ends of the unlocking spring respectively abut against the unlocking head and the stepped part. With the above arrangement, the unlocking spring acts as a buffer, after the unlocking is completed, the unlocking spring can also use its own elastic force to reset the unlocking head and the unlocking rod without interfering with the lock tongue being reset to the locked state.

[0013] Optionally, the lock tongue comprises a lock tongue body and a lock tongue extension part that are fixedly connected, the lock tongue extension part is located outside the lock base, when the lock tongue is in the locked state, the lock tongue body can stop the lock shaft from leaving the cavity via the opening;
optionally, the lock base has a first limiting surface, the first limiting surface is an outer surface of the lock base, and the lock tongue extension part has a second limiting surface, when the lock tongue is in the locked state, the first limiting surface abuts against the second limiting surface to stop the lock tongue from continuing to rotate in the locking direction. With the above arrangement, when the lock tongue rotates to the position where the first limiting surface contacts the second limiting surface, it no longer continues to rotate and stops in the locked state.

[0014] Optionally, the resetting part has a first spring part and a second spring part, the first spring part is connected to the lock base, and the second spring part is connected to the lock tongue;
optionally, the resetting part is a compression spring, and the first spring part and the second spring part are two ends of the compression spring; the lock base is provided with a first convex part and/or a first concave part, and the first spring part is sleeved on the first convex part and/or located within the first concave part; the lock tongue is provided with a second convex part and/or a second concave part, and the second spring part is sleeved on the second convex part and/or located within the second concave part;
or, the resetting part is a torsion spring, the resetting part is further provided with a middle spiral part, the first spring part, the middle spiral part and the second spring part are connected in sequence, and both the first spring part and the second spring part can rotate around the middle spiral part to achieve the change of the elastic force; the lock base is provided with a first spring hole, and the first spring part is embedded in the first spring hole; the lock tongue is provided with a second spring hole, and the second spring part is embedded in the second spring hole;
or, the resetting part is a bending spring, the bending spring is composed of a spring leaf and/or a spring wire, and the first spring part abuts against at least two non-overlapping inner surfaces of the lock base, and the second spring part abuts against the lock tongue.

[0015] With the above arrangement, the compression spring has the advantages of convenient processing and low cost; both ends of the compression spring can be reliably connected with the lock base and the lock tongue to prevent ejection. The torsion spring is used for resetting, and the first spring part and the second spring part of the torsion spring can be reliably connected with the lock base and the lock tongue to prevent ejection. The bending spring is used for resetting, and the first spring part and the second spring part of the bending spring can be reliably connected with the lock base and the lock tongue to prevent ejection.

[0016] Optionally, the locking mechanism further comprises an elastic part, the elastic part is at least partially located within the cavity, and the elastic part is used to abut against the lock shaft. With the above arrangement, the elastic part prevents the lock shaft from rigidly colliding with the lock base. Optionally, the elastic part comprises an elastic pad, the elastic pad is located within the cavity, and the elastic pad is used to abut against the lock shaft. Optionally, the elastic part further comprises an elastic handle and an elastic head, the elastic handle and the elastic head are connected in sequence, the elastic handle passes through the lock base, and the wall part of the lock base is clamped between the elastic pad and the elastic head. With the above arrangement, the entire elastic part can be firmly mounted on the lock base. Optionally, the lock base is provided with a positioning hole, the locking mechanism further comprises a positioning pin, the positioning pin is partially located outside the positioning hole, and the positioning pin and the positioning hole are in interference fit. With the above arrangement, the positioning pin can be used for positioning when the locking mechanism is mounted on the quick-swap support frame. Optionally, the lock base is provided with a mounting hole, the mounting hole is threaded hole. With the above arrangement, the threaded fastener can pass through the mounting hole to install the locking mechanism to the quick-swap support frame. Optionally, the opening is a bell mouth. With the above arrangement, it is convenient for the lock shaft to enter the cavity.

[0017] The present invention further provides a lock assembly, which characterized in that the lock assembly comprises:

the locking mechanism mentioned above;

an unlocking mechanism, the unlocking mechanism acts on the lock tongue to cause the lock tongue to rotate in an unlocking direction to change from the locked state to the unlocked state; the unlocking direction is opposite to the locking direction.



[0018] Optionally, the lock tongue comprises a lock tongue body and a lock tongue extension part that are fixedly connected, the lock tongue extension part is located outside the lock base, when the lock tongue is in the locked state, the lock tongue body can stop the lock shaft from leaving the cavity via the opening, the unlocking mechanism acts on the lock tongue extension part to cause the lock tongue to rotate in an unlocking direction to change from the locked state to the unlocked state;
the unlocking mechanism comprises two limiting parts, and the two limiting parts define an accommodating space for accommodating the lock base, one of the two limiting parts acts on the lock tongue extension part to cause the lock tongue to rotate in an unlocking direction to change from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0019] With the above arrangement, during the process of adapting the unlocking mechanism and the locking mechanism, one limiting part is sufficient to act on the lock tongue extension part to achieve unlocking, and the entire process is rapid and efficient.

[0020] A quick-swap support frame assembly which is characterized in that the quick-swap support frame assembly comprises a quick-swap support frame and the locking mechanism mentioned above, the locking mechanism is fixed on the quick-swap support frame.

[0021] Optionally, the quick-swap support frame assembly further comprises a primary locking mechanism, the primary locking mechanism comprises a lock connecting rod, at least one primary lock tongues, and at least one primary lock bases, the primary lock base is fixed on the quick-swap support frame, the primary lock base is provided with a primary opening and a primary cavity extending from the primary opening, the primary opening is used for a primary lock shaft mounted on the battery pack to enter the primary cavity, the lock connecting rod is rotatably connected with at least one of the primary lock tongues, and is used to drive the primary lock tongue to rotate under the action of external force, so that the primary lock tongue can rotate relative to the primary lock base to change between a primary unlocked state and a primary locked state, when the primary lock tongue is in the primary locking state, the primary lock tongue can stop the primary lock shaft from leaving the primary cavity via the primary opening. Optionally, the primary locking mechanism and the locking mechanism are provided on the same side of the quick-swap support frame. Optionally, the quick-swap support frame assembly further comprises a plurality of supporting devices, the supporting devices are provided on a side of the quick-swap support frame facing the battery pack, and are used to provide a plurality of support points for supporting the battery pack. Optionally, the supporting devices are provided with a supporting groove, and the lower surface of the supporting groove is on the same plane as the lower surface of the cavity and the lower surface of the primary cavity.

[0022] An electric vehicle, characterized in that the electric vehicle comprises a battery pack and the quick-swap support frame assembly mentioned above, the battery pack is mounted in the quick-swap support frame assembly, and the lock shaft mounted on the battery pack is located within the cavity. Optionally, the electric vehicle comprises a chassis, and the quick-swap support frame assembly is fixed to the chassis.

[0023] On the basis of being consistent with common knowledge in the art, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be arbitrarily combined to obtain preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] The positive effects of the present invention lie in that:
As for the locking mechanism, quick-swap support frame assembly and electric vehicle disclosed in the present invention, the resetting part is provided to facilitate the reset of the lock tongue from the unlocked state to the locked state, so that the battery pack is easy to install and lock, and under the action of the resetting part, the lock tongue will not easily change to the unlocked state, and the locking is more reliable; the locking mechanism can provide a secondary locking or locking protection function for the battery pack, which is used to prevent the battery pack from falling when the existing device fails to lock and improve safety performance.

Brief description of the drawings



[0025] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein the lock shaft is also shown; Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lock base according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Fig. 4 is an internal schematic diagram of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein the lock base is shown in cross section; Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the resetting part according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the elastic part according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a partial schematic view of the quick-swap support frame assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Fig. 9 is another partial schematic view of the quick-swap support frame assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, part of which overlaps with Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a perspective schematic view of the resetting part according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Fig. 12 is a schematic front view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Fig. 13 is a schematic plan view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Fig. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lock base according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view of the lock tongue according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figs. 17a to 17e show the installation process of the lock shaft according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Fig. 18 is a perspective schematic view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention at an angle; Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view showing the resetting part at the same angle as Fig. 18; Fig. 20 is a perspective schematic view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention from another angle; Fig. 21 is a schematic rear view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention; Fig. 22 is a perspective schematic view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention; Fig. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism of Embodiment 5 of the present invention; Fig. 24 is a perspective schematic view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention; Fig. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention; Fig. 26 is a perspective schematic view of the lock assembly according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention; Fig. 27 is a partial schematic view of the quick-swap support frame assembly according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention; Fig. 28 is another partial schematic view of the quick-swap support frame assembly according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention, part of which overlaps with Fig. 27.

Description of reference signs in the drawings:


Reference signs shared by embodiment 1 and embodiment 2:



[0026] 100: locking mechanism; 110: lock base; 111: opening; 112: cavity; 113: groove; 114: unlocking hole; 1141:stepped part; 115 : positioning hole; 116: mounting hole; 120: lock tongue; 130:resetting part; 131: contact part; 132: connection part; 133: spiral part; 140: rotating shaft; 150: inner limiting part; 160: centering shaft; 170: unlocking component; 171: unlocking spring; 172:unlocking head; 173:unlocking rod; 180: elastic part; 181: elastic pad; 182: elastic handle; 183: elastic head;190: positioning pin; 200: lock shaft; 30: quick-swap support frame assembly; 300: primary locking mechanism; 310: primary lock base; 311: primary opening; 312: primary cavity; 320: primary lock tongue; 330: lock connecting rod; 400: supporting device; 500: quick-swap support frame

Reference signs shared by embodiments 3-8:



[0027] 100: locking mechanism; 110: lock base; 111: opening; 112: cavity; 113: first limiting surface;114: first concave part; 115: groove; 116: centering hole; 117: positioning hole; 118: mounting hole; 119: first spring hole; 120: lock tongue; 121: lock tongue body; 122: lock tongue extension part; 123: second limiting surface; 124: second convex part; 125: second spring hole; 130: resetting part; 131: first spring part; 132:secong spring part; 133: middle spiral part; 140: centering shaft; 150: positioning pin; 160: elastic part; 161: elastic part; 162: elastic handle; 163: elastic head; 200:lock shaft; 300: unlocking mechanism; 310: limiting part; 320: accommodating space; 40: quick-swap support frame; 400: primary locking mechanism; 410: primary lock base; 411: primary opening ;412: primary cavity; 420: primary lock tongue; 430: lock connecting rod; 500: supporting device; 600: quick-swap support frame

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment



[0028] The followings are preferred embodiments, and the present invention will be described more clearly and completely in combination with the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment 1



[0029] As shown in Figs. 1-7, this embodiment discloses a locking mechanism 100 for a battery pack (not shown). The locking mechanism 100 comprises: a lock base 110, a lock tongue 120, and a resetting part 130. The lock base 110 is provided with an opening 111 and a cavity 112 extending from the opening 111, the opening 111 is used for allowing a lock shaft 200 mounted on the battery pack to enter the cavity 112. The lock tongue 120 is rotatable relative to the lock base 110 so as to shift between an unlocked state and a locked state. When the lock tongue 120 is in the locked state, that is, the state shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the lock tongue 120 can stop the lock shaft 200 from leaving the cavity 112 via the opening 111. The resetting part 130 is provided on the lock base 110 and acts on the lock tongue 120, the resetting part 130 is capable of producing a flexible distension and used to cause the lock tongue 120 to rotate in a locking direction so as to reset from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0030] This embodiment further discloses a quick-swap support frame assembly which comprises a quick-swap support frame and the locking mechanism 100, the locking mechanism 100 is fixed on the quick-swap support frame; the quick-swap support frame is generally a frame-shaped structure, and the locking mechanism 100 is fixed in the frame of the frame-shaped structure. The quick-swap support frame may also be a plate-shaped structure, and the locking mechanism 100 may be fixed to the lower surface of the plate-shaped structure. At the same time, This embodiment further discloses an electric vehicle which comprises a chassis (not shown), a battery pack and the quick-swap support frame assembly, the quick-swap support frame assembly is fixed to the chassis, the battery pack is mounted in the quick-swap support frame assembly, and the lock shaft 200 mounted on the battery pack is located within the cavity 112.

[0031] As mentioned above, the resetting part 130 is provided to facilitate the reset of the lock tongue 120 from the unlocked state to the locked state, so that the battery pack is easy to install and lock, and under the action of the resetting part 130, the lock tongue 120 will not easily change to the unlocked state, and the lock is more reliable; the locking mechanism 100 can provide a secondary locking or locking protection function for the battery pack, which is used to prevent the battery pack from falling when the existing device fails to lock and improve safety performance.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 1-4, the opening 111 is optionally a bell mouth, which is convenient for the lock shaft 200 to enter the cavity 112.

[0033] In combination with Figs. 5-6, the resetting part 130 is a spring, which has a contact part 131 and a connection part 132. The connection part 132 is provided on the lock base 110, and the contact part 131 contacts the lock tongue 120 to act on the lock tongue 120. The connection part 131 is inserted in the hole of the lock base 110. Specifically, in this embodiment, the resetting part 130 is a torsion spring, the resetting part 130 is further provided with a spiral part 133, and the spiral part 133 is connected to the contact part 131 and the connection part 132, and both the contact part 131 and the connection part 132 are capable of rotating around the spiral part 133 to achieve the change of the elastic force. The resetting of the resetting part 130 is specially implemented by virtue of the change of the elastic force of the spiral part 133, so that the resetting of the lock tongue 120 to the locked state is implemented. In an alternative embodiment, the resetting part may not have a spiral part, and the contact part and the connection part may be directly connected and in bent shaped, and the principle is similar to the elastic sheet, and the elastic deformation is also used to achieve the reset. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 5-6, the contact part 131 and the connection part 132 are connected to two ends of the spiral part 133, respectively.

[0034] At the same time, in order to restrict the range of motion of the spiral part 133, the locking mechanism 100 further includes a rotating shaft 140, the rotating shaft 140 is provided on the lock base 110, and the spiral part 133 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 140. Thereby the resetting part 130 will not detach from the lock base 110 during use. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 140 is a hollow shaft made of thin sheets.

[0035] As can be seen from Figs. 1-2 and 4-5, the resetting part 130 is provided above the lock tongue 120. Compared with the structure in which the resetting part is provided under the lock tongue, it is possible to prevent the gravity of the lock tongue 120 from causing resistance to resetting of the resetting part 130; in addition, this layout also facilitates the lock shaft 200 to enter the cavity 112 from below.

[0036] In addition, the locking mechanism 100 also comprises an inner limiting part 150, a centering shaft 160, an unlocking component 170 and a positioning pin 190. The lock base 110 is provided with a groove 113, an unlocking hole 114, a positioning hole 115 and a mounting hole 116. The following will explain in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0037] As shown in Figs. 3-4, when the lock tongue 120 is in the locked state, the inner limiting part 150 abuts against the lock tongue 120 to stop the lock tongue 120 from continuing to rotate in the locking direction. In this embodiment, the inner limiting part 150 is specifically an inner surface of the cavity 112 defined by the lock base 110. The structure is simple and ingenious, and no extra parts are needed to ensure that the lock tongue 120 stays in the locked state.

[0038] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3-5, the groove 113 is provided on the top of the lock base 110, the groove 113 is in communication with the cavity 112, and the resetting part 130 is at least partially located within the groove 113. In the state shown in the figure, the resetting part 130 is also partially located in the cavity 112. The lock tongue 120 is at least partially located within the groove 112, and the lock tongue 120 is capable of entering the cavity 112 via the groove 113. In this way, the lock tongue 120 can be mounted through the groove 113. During the transition between the locked state and the unlocked state, the lock tongue 120 can enter and exit the groove 113.

[0039] As shown in Figs. 1-2 and 4, the centering shaft 160 is provided on the lock base 110 and passes through the lock tongue 120, the lock tongue 120 is capable of rotating about the centering shaft 160.

[0040] As shown in Figs. 2-5, the unlocking component 170 is provided in the unlocking hole 114, and one end of the unlocking component 170 is in contact with the lock tongue 120. The unlocking component 170 is capable of acting on the lock tongue 120 to cause the lock tongue 120 to rotate in an unlocking direction to change from the locked state to the unlocked state, thereby the unlocking component can conveniently complete the unlocking. In the orientation in the figures, the right end of the unlocking member 170 is in contact with the lock tongue 120, and the unlocking direction is counterclockwise. Specifically, the unlocking component 170 comprises an unlocking spring 171, and an unlocking head 172 and an unlocking rod 173 connected to each other. The unlocking hole 114 is a stepped hole, and a stepped part 1141 is provided within the unlocking hole 114, the inner diameter of the inner end of the unlocking hole 114 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer end of the unlocking hole 114. The unlocking spring 171 is at least partially located within the unlocking hole 114, and two ends of the unlocking spring 171 respectively abut against the unlocking head 172 and the stepped part 1141. In the initial stage of unlocking, as shown in Fig. 4, two ends of the unlocking spring 171 have not yet abutted against the unlocking head 172 and the stepped part 1141, however, as the unlocking component 170 moves from left to right, two ends of the unlocking spring 171 will abut against the unlocking head 172 and the stepped part 1141. The unlocking spring acts as a buffer, and after the unlocking is completed, the unlocking spring 171 can also use its own elastic force to reset the unlocking head 172 and the unlocking rod 173 to the left without interfering with the lock tongue 120 being reset to the locked state by rotating clockwise.

[0041] As shown in Figs. 4 and 7, the elastic part 180 is at least partially located within the cavity 120, and the elastic part 180 is used to abut against the lock shaft 200. The elastic part 180 does not necessarily need to be in contact with the lock shaft 200, but once in contact, the elastic part 180 can prevent the lock shaft 200 from rigidly colliding with the lock base 110. Specifically, the elastic part 180 comprises an elastic pad 181, an elastic handle 182, and an elastic head 183. The elastic pad 181 is located within the cavity 112, and the elastic pad 181 is used to abut against the lock shaft 200. The elastic handle 182 and the elastic head 183 are connected in sequence, the elastic handle 182 passes through the lock base 110, and the wall part of the lock base 110 is clamped between the elastic pad 181 and the elastic head 183. In this way, the entire elastic part 180 can be firmly mounted on the lock base 110. The elastic member 180 is optionally made of rubber.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 5, the positioning pin 190 is partially located outside the positioning hole 115, and the positioning pin 190 and the positioning hole 115 are in interference fit. The positioning pin 190 can be used for positioning when the locking mechanism 100 is mounted on the quick-swap support frame.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 3, the mounting hole 116 is optionally a threaded hole. A threaded fastener can pass through the mounting hole 116 to mount the locking mechanism 100 to the quick-swap support frame.

[0044] Next, referring mainly to Figs. 2 and 4, a brief description of the working process of the locking mechanism 100, which mainly comprises an unlocking process and a locking process, wherein the initial state is the locked state.

[0045] Unlocking process: applying a rightward force to the unlocking head 172, and the unlocking rod 173 acts on the lock tongue 120, so that the lock tongue 120 rotates counterclockwise; the lock tongue 120 acts on the contact part 131 of the resetting part 130, so that the elastic force of the resetting part 130 changes; after the lock tongue 120 rotates to a certain angle, a channel in the cavity 112 for the locking shaft 200 to pass through is formed; the lock shaft 200 may move from right to left, and then move downward through the opening 111 to leave the locking mechanism 100.

[0046] Locking process: the lock shaft 200 moves upward under the action of external force, enters the cavity 112 through the opening 111, and the lock shaft 200 acts on the lock tongue 120 so that the lock tongue 120 rotates counterclockwise; the lock tongue 120 acts on the contact part 131 of the resetting part 130, so that the elastic force of the resetting part 130 changes; after the lock tongue 120 rotates to a certain angle, a channel in the cavity 112 for the lock shaft 200 to pass through is formed, and the lock shaft 200 can move from left to right; until the lock shaft 200 is no longer in contact with the lock tongue 120, the lock tongue 120 rotates clockwise under the action of the resetting part 130 to reset to the locked state.

[0047] The quick-swap support frame assembly 30 that uses the locking mechanism 100 as the secondary locking mechanism and further includes the primary locking mechanism 300 is described below with reference to Figs. 8 and 9.

[0048] The primary locking mechanism 300 comprises a lock connecting rod 330, at least one primary lock tongues 320, and at least one primary lock bases 310. The primary lock base 310 is fixed on the quick-swap support frame 500. In this embodiment, the two sides of the frame of the quick-swap support frame 500 are provided with three primary lock bases 310 and three primary lock tongues 320 on each side. Figs. 8 and 9 are partial schematic diagrams on one side.

[0049] The primary lock base 310 is provided with a primary opening 311 and a primary cavity 312 extending from the primary opening 311, the primary opening 311 is used for a primary lock shaft (the structure is the same as or similar to the lock shaft 200) mounted on the battery pack to enter the primary cavity 312. The lock connecting rod 330 is rotatably connected with at least one of the primary lock tongues 320, and is used to drive the primary lock tongue 320 to rotate under the action of external force, so that the primary lock tongue 320 can rotate relative to the primary lock base 310 to change between a primary unlocked state and a primary locked state, when the primary lock tongue 320 is in the primary locking state, the primary lock tongue 320 can stop the primary lock shaft from leaving the primary cavity 312 via the primary opening 311. The "primary locked state" refers to the locked state of the primary locking mechanism 300; the "primary unlocked state" refers to the unlocked state of the primary locking mechanism 300.

[0050] The primary locking mechanism 300 and the locking mechanism 100 are provided on the same side of the quick-swap support frame 500. That is, the side surface with the primary locking mechanism 300 is also provided with the locking mechanism 100; if two side surfaces are both provided with the primary locking mechanism 300, then the two side surfaces are also provided with the locking mechanism 100. In this embodiment, two sides within the frame of the quick-swap support frame 500, that is, two inner side surfaces facing the battery back are provided with the primary locking mechanism 300, and are also provided with locking mechanism 100

[0051] In addition, the quick-swap support frame assembly 30 further comprises a plurality of supporting devices 400, the supporting devices 400 are provided on a side of the quick-swap support frame500 facing the battery pack, and are used to provide a plurality of support points for supporting the battery pack. The supporting devices 400 are also located on the same side as the primary locking mechanism 300 and the locking mechanism 100. The primary locking mechanism 300 overlaps in Figs. 8 and 9, and Figs. 8 and 9 show the supporting devices 400 in different locations.

[0052] In this embodiment, the structure of the supporting devices 400 are similar to that of the lock base 110, and has no locking effect, and only serves as a supporting platform for the battery pack. In other embodiments, other similar supporting mechanisms with supporting platforms may also be applicable. The number of supporting devices 400 can be adjusted according to the weight of the actual battery pack, and it is preferable that the average weight supported by each supporting device 400 does not exceed 25 KG.

[0053] The supporting devices 400 are provided with a supporting groove, and the lower surface of the supporting groove is on the same plane as the lower surface of the cavity 112 and the lower surface of the primary cavity 312. The lower surface of the support groove, the lower surface of the cavity 112, and the lower surface of the primary cavity 312 all refer to the surface close to the ground when in use, which bears the support role of the special lock shaft for supporting the battery pack only, the lock shaft 200, and the primary lock shaft, and the three are located on the same plane to make the battery pack move smoothly.

[0054] The unlocking process and the locking process of the primary locking mechanism 300 and the locking mechanism 100 are similar, and are basically synchronized.

Embodiment 2



[0055] This embodiment discloses a locking mechanism for a battery pack, and its structure is substantially similar to Embodiment 1, and the difference lies in that the structure of the resetting part 130 is different from that of Embodiment 1.

[0056] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the resetting part 130 comprises two connection parts 132, two spiral parts 133, and one contact part 131. The two connection parts 132 are respectively connected to the outside of the two spiral parts 133, and the contact part 131 is connected between the two spiral parts 133.

Embodiment 3



[0057] As shown in Figs. 11-14, this embodiment discloses a locking mechanism 100 for a battery pack. The locking mechanism 100 comprises: a lock base 110, a lock tongue 120, and a resetting part 130. Wherein, as shown in Figs. 15-16 and 17a-17e, the lock base 110 is provided with an opening 111 and a cavity 112 extending from the opening 111, the opening 111 is used for allowing a lock shaft 200 mounted on the battery pack to enter the cavity 112. The lock tongue 120 is rotatable relative to the lock base 110 so as to shift between an unlocked state and a locked state. The lock tongue 120 comprises a lock tongue body 121 and a lock tongue extension part 122 that are fixedly connected, the lock tongue extension part 122 is located outside the lock base 110, when the lock tongue 120 is in the locked state, the lock tongue body 121 can stop the lock shaft 200 from leaving the cavity 112 via the opening 111. The resetting part 130 is provided on the lock base 110 and acts on the lock tongue 120, the resetting part 130 is capable of producing a flexible distension and used to cause the lock tongue 120 to rotate in a locking direction so as to reset from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0058] The resetting part 130 is provided to facilitate the resetting of the lock tongue 120 from the unlocked state to the locked state, so that the battery pack is easy to install and lock, and under the action of the resetting part 130, the lock tongue 120 will not easily change to the unlocked state, and the locking is more reliable; the lock tongue extension part 122 provided outside the lock base 110 can realize the rotation of the lock tongue body 121 by acting on the lock tongue extension part 122, which is convenient for unlocking; the locking mechanism 100 can provide a secondary locking or locking protection function for the battery pack, which is used to prevent the battery pack from falling when the existing device fails to lock and improve safety performance.

[0059] The opening 111 mentioned-above is a bell mouth, which is convenient for the lock shaft 200 to enter the cavity 112.

[0060] In this embodiment, the lock base 110 has a first limiting surface 113 (marked in Fig. 15), the first limiting surface 113 is an outer surface of the lock base 110 and specifically an upper outer surface of the lock base 110. The lock tongue extension part 122 has a second limiting surface 123 (marked in Fig. 16). The second limiting surface 123 is specifically the lower outer surface of the lock base 110. As shown in Figs. 17a or 17e, when the lock tongue 120 is in the locked state, the first limiting surface 113 abuts against the second limiting surface 123 to stop the lock tongue 120 from continuing to rotate in the locking direction. In Figs. 17a-17e, the locking direction is clockwise. When the lock tongue 120 rotates to the position where the first limiting surface 113 contacts the second limiting surface 123, the lock tongue 120 no longer continues to rotate and stops in the locked state. In an alternative embodiment, other parts of the lock base may contact other parts of the lock tongue to prevent the lock tongue from continuing to rotate.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 15, a groove 115 is provided on the top of the lock base 110, and the groove 115 communicates with the cavity 112. In combination with Fig. 14, the lock tongue 120 extends through the groove 115 to facilitate the layout of the lock tongue extension part 122.

[0062] As shown in Figs. 11-15, the locking mechanism 100 further comprises a centering shaft 140, the centering shaft 140 is provided on the lock base 110 and passes through the lock tongue body 121, the lock tongue body 121 is capable of rotating about the centering shaft 140. Specifically, the centering shaft 140 passes through the centering hole 116 of the lock base 110. At the same time, the lock base 110 is provided with a positioning hole 117, the locking mechanism 100 further comprises a positioning pin 150, the positioning pin 150 is partially located outside the positioning hole 117, and the positioning pin 150 and the positioning hole 117 are in interference fit. The positioning pin 150 can be used for positioning when the locking mechanism 100 is mounted on the quick-swap support frame. In this embodiment, the centering shaft 140 and the centering hole 116 are also in interference fit, and the centering shaft also is partially located outside of the lock base 110, and also can be used for positioning. In addition, the lock base 110 is provided with a mounting hole 118, the mounting hole 118 is threaded hole. A threaded fastener can pass through the mounting hole 118 to mount the locking mechanism 100 to the quick-swap support frame.

[0063] The locking mechanism 100 further comprises an elastic part 160. As shown in Fig. 14, the elastic part 160 is at least partially located within the cavity 112, and the elastic part 160 is used to abut against the lock shaft 200. Specifically, the elastic part 160 comprises an elastic pad 161, the elastic pad 161 is located within the cavity 112, and the elastic pad 161 is used to abut against the lock shaft 200. The elastic part 160 prevents the lock shaft 200 from rigidly colliding with the lock base 110. The elastic part 160 further comprises an elastic handle 162 and an elastic head 163. The elastic pad 161, the elastic handle 162 and the elastic head 163 are connected in sequence, the elastic handle 162 passes through the lock base 110, and the wall part of the lock base 110 is clamped between the elastic pad 161 and the elastic head 163. In this way, the entire elastic part 160 can be firmly mounted on the lock base 110. The elastic member 160 is optionally made of rubber.

[0064] Next, in combination with Figs. 11-16, the resetting part 130 of this embodiment is described in detail:
the resetting part 130 has a first spring part 131 and a second spring part 132. The first spring part 131 is connected to the lock base 110, and the second spring part 132 is connected to the lock tongue 120. In this embodiment, the resetting part 130 is a compression spring. The first spring part 131 and the second spring part 132 are two ends of the compression spring. Compression spring has the advantages of convenient processing and low cost.

[0065] The lock base 110 is provided with a first concave part 114, and the first spring part 131 is located within the first concave part 114; the lock tongue 120 is provided with a second convex part 124, the second spring part 132 is sleeved on the second convex part 124. Both ends of the compression spring can be reliably connected with the lock base 110 and the lock tongue 120 to prevent ejection. In an alternative embodiment, it may be that: the lock base is provided with a first convex part, and the first spring part is sleeved on the first convex part; the lock tongue is provided with a second convex part, and the second spring part is sleeved on the second convex part; or the lock base is provided with a first convex part, the first spring part is sleeved on the first convex part, the lock tongue is provided with a second concave part, and the second spring part is located within the second concave part; or the lock base is provided with a first concave part, and the first spring part is located within the first concave part; the lock tongue is provided with a second concave part, and the second spring part is located within the second concave part; all of which can achieve a similar effect.

[0066] Figs. 17a-17e show the installation process of the lock shaft 200 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In Fig. 17a, the lock tongue 120 is in the locked state, but the lock shaft 200 has not entered the cavity 112 yet. In Fig. 17c, the lock tongue 120 is in the unlocked state or close to the unlocked state, and the lock shaft 200 has partially entered the cavity 112. In Fig. 17e, the lock tongue 120 is in the locked state, and the lock shaft 200 has been completely located within the cavity 112, and the lock shaft 200 is mounted in place.

[0067] The following description describes the working principle of the locking mechanism 100 in combination with the figures:
Locking process (i.e., the installation process in Figs. 17a to 17e, the tongue 120 changes from the locked state to the unlocked state and then to the locked state): from Fig. 17a to Fig. 17c, the lock shaft 200 moves upward under the action of external force, enters the cavity 112 through the opening 111, and the lock shaft 200 acts on the lock tongue body 121 so that the lock tongue 120 rotates counterclockwise; the lock tongue 120 acts on the second spring part 132 of the resetting part 130, so that the elastic force of the resetting part 130 changes; from Fig. 17c to Fig. 17e, after the lock tongue 120 rotates to a certain angle, a channel in the cavity 112 for the lock shaft 200 to pass through is formed, and the lock shaft 200 can move from left to right; until the lock shaft 200 is no longer in contact with the lock tongue body 121, the lock tongue 120 rotates clockwise under the action of the resetting part 130 to reset to the locked state.

[0068] Unlocking process: applying a upward force to the lock tongue extension part 122, so that the lock tongue 120 rotates counterclockwise; the lock tongue 120 acts on the second spring part 132 of the resetting part 130, so that the elastic force of the resetting part 130 changes; after the lock tongue 120 rotates to a certain angle, a channel in the cavity 112 for the locking shaft 200 to pass through is formed; the lock shaft 200 may move from right to left, and then move downward through the opening 111 to leave the locking mechanism 100.

Embodiment 4



[0069] As shown in Figs. 18-21, the locking mechanism 100 of this embodiment is similar to that of Embodiment 3, except for the structure of the resetting part 130 and the installation location of the resetting part 130; at the same time, the structure of the lock tongue 120 is modified accordingly to avoid collision with the resetting part 130.

[0070] In this embodiment, the resetting part 130 is a torsion spring, the resetting part 130 is further provided with a middle spiral part 133, the first spring part 131, the middle spiral part 133 and the second spring part 132 are connected in sequence. Both the first spring part 131 and the second spring part 132 can rotate around the middle spiral part 133 to achieve the change of the elastic force. The lock base 110 is provided with a first spring hole 119, and the first spring part 131 is embedded in the first spring hole 119. The lock tongue 120 is provided with a second spring hole 125, and the second spring part 132 is embedded in the second spring hole 125.

[0071] The lock tongue 120 is provided with an arc-shaped part to match the middle spiral part 133.

[0072] The torsion spring is used for resetting, and the first spring part 131 and the second spring part 132 of the torsion spring can be reliably connected with the lock base 110 and the lock tongue 120 to prevent ejection.

Embodiment 5



[0073] The locking mechanism 100 of this embodiment is similar to that of Embodiment 3, except for the structure of the resetting part 130 and the installation location of the resetting part 130.

[0074] As shown in Figs. 22 and 23, the resetting part 130 is a bending spring, the bending spring is composed of a spring leaf. In this embodiment, the first spring part 131 abuts against at least two non-overlapping inner surfaces of the lock base 110, and the second spring part 132 abuts against the lock tongue 120. In an alternative embodiment, the first spring part may only abut against one inner wall surface of the lock base, but it is conceivable that the effect is not as good as abutting against at least two non-coincident inner wall surfaces.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 23, the first spring part 131 is an L-shaped spring part, and the second spring part 132 is an arc-shaped spring part, and between of which are connected through and a flat leaf spring part a U-shaped spring part.

[0076] The bending spring is used for resetting, and the first spring part 131 and the second spring part 132 of the bending spring can be reliably connected with the lock base 110 and the lock tongue 120 to prevent ejection.

Embodiment 6



[0077] As shown in Figs. 24-25, the locking mechanism 100 of this embodiment is similar to that of Embodiment 5, and the resetting part 130 is still a bending spring, the only difference is that: in this embodiment, the resetting part 130 is composed of a spring wire.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment, the shape of the bending spring may be substantially similar to that of Embodiment 5 or Embodiment 6, but a part of the bending spring may be composed of a spring leaf and the other part is composed of a spring wire, which can achieve the same effect. In an alternative embodiment, the shape of the bending spring may be different from that shown in the figure, and any bending spring capable of undergoing the desired deformation may be adopted.

Embodiment 7



[0079] This embodiment discloses a lock assembly, quick-swap support frame assembly and an electric vehicle.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 26, the lock assembly comprises: the locking mechanism 100 as shown in Embodiment 3 and an unlocking mechanism 300. The unlocking mechanism 300 acts on the lock tongue extension part 122 to cause the lock tongue 120 to rotate in an unlocking direction to change from the locked state to the unlocked state. The unlocking direction is opposite to the locking direction, and the unlocking direction is counterclockwise.

[0081] Specifically, the unlocking mechanism 300 comprises two limiting parts 310, and the two limiting parts 310 define an accommodating space 320 for accommodating the lock base 110, one limiting part 310 of the two limiting parts 310 acts on the lock tongue extension part 122 to cause the lock tongue 120 to rotate in an unlocking direction to change from the locked state to the unlocked state. During the process of adapting the unlocking mechanism 300 and the locking mechanism 100, one limit part 310 is sufficient to act on the lock tongue extension part 122 to achieve unlocking, and the entire process is rapid and efficient; there is no need to use other parts or other actions to achieve unlocking after the unlocking mechanism 300 is adapted to the locking mechanism 100.

[0082] The quick-swap support frame assembly comprises a quick-swap support frame (not shown) and the locking mechanism 100 in Embodiment 3. The locking mechanism 100 is fixed on the quick-swap support frame. The quick-swap support frame is generally a frame-shaped structure, and the locking mechanism 100 is fixed in the frame of the frame-shaped structure. The quick-swap support frame may also be a plate-shaped structure, and the locking mechanism 100 may be fixed to the lower surface of the plate-shaped structure. Generally, one locking mechanism 100 is provided on both the left and right sides of the quick-swap support frame. In the quick-swap support frame assembly, the locking mechanism 100 can be used as a secondary lock, which can be used in conjunction with a primary lock; the primary lock can refer to the "locking device" disclosed in the Chinese Patent Application CN106427514A.

[0083] The electric vehicle comprises a battery pack (not shown), the quick-swap support frame assembly and a chassis (not shown). The battery pack is mounted in the quick-swap support frame assembly, and the lock shaft 200 mounted on the battery pack is located within the cavity 112. The quick-swap support frame assembly is fixed to the chassis.

[0084] In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 100 described in Embodiment 3 in the lock assembly, the quick-swap support frame assembly and the electric vehicle may be replaced by the locking mechanism 100 described in Embodiment 4 or 5 or 6.

Embodiment 8



[0085] As shown in Figs. 27 and 28, this embodiment discloses a quick-swap support frame assembly 40.

[0086] The quick-swap support frame assembly 40 comprises a quick-swap support frame 600, the locking mechanism 100 mentioned in Embodiment 3 (as a secondary locking mechanism), and a primary locking mechanism 400. The locking mechanism 100 is fixed on the quick-swap support frame 600. The primary locking mechanism 400 comprises a lock connecting rod 430, at least one primary lock tongues 420, and at least one primary lock bases 410. The primary lock base 410 is fixed on the quick-swap support frame 600. In this embodiment, the two sides of the frame of the quick-swap support frame 600 are provided with three primary lock bases 410 and three primary lock tongues 420 on each side. Figs. 27 and 28 are partial schematic diagrams on one side.

[0087] The primary lock base 410 is provided with a primary opening 411 and a primary cavity 412 extending from the primary opening 411, the primary opening 411 is used for a primary lock shaft (the structure is the same as or similar to the lock shaft 200) mounted on the battery pack to enter the primary cavity 412. The lock connecting rod 430 is rotatably connected with at least one of the primary lock tongues 420, and is used to drive the primary lock tongue 420 to rotate under the action of external force, so that the primary lock tongue 420 can rotate relative to the primary lock base 410 to change between a primary unlocked state and a primary locked state. When the primary lock tongue 420 is in the primary locking state, the primary lock tongue 420 can stop the primary lock shaft from leaving the primary cavity 412 via the primary opening 411. The "primary locked state" refers to the locked state of the primary locking mechanism 400; the "primary unlocked state" refers to the unlocked state of the primary locking mechanism 400.

[0088] The primary locking mechanism 400 and the locking mechanism 100 are provided on the same side of the quick-swap support frame 600. That is, the side surface provided with the primary locking mechanism 400 is also provided with the locking mechanism 100; if two side surfaces are both provided with the primary locking mechanism 400, then the two side surfaces are also provided with the locking mechanism 100. In this embodiment, the two sides of the frame of the quick-swap support frame 600, that is, the two inner side surfaces facing the battery pack are provided with a primary locking mechanism 400, and are also provided with locking mechanism 100.

[0089] In addition, the quick-swap support frame assembly 40 further comprises a plurality of supporting devices 500, the supporting devices 500 are provided on a side of the quick-swap support frame 600 facing the battery pack, and are used to provide a plurality of support points for supporting the battery pack. The supporting devices 500 are also located on the same side as the primary locking mechanism 400 and the locking mechanism 100. The primary locking mechanism 400 overlaps in Figs. 27 and 28, and Figs. 27 and 28 show the supporting devices 500 in different locations.

[0090] In this embodiment, the structure of the supporting devices 500 are similar to that of the lock base 110, and has no locking effect, and only serves as a supporting platform for the battery pack. In other embodiments, other similar supporting mechanisms with supporting platforms may also be applicable. The number of supporting devices 500 can be adjusted according to the weight of the actual battery pack, and it is preferable that the average weight supported by each supporting device 500 does not exceed 25 KG.

[0091] The supporting devices 400 are provided with a supporting groove, and the lower surface of the supporting groove is on the same plane as the lower surface of the cavity 112 and the lower surface of the primary cavity 412. The lower surface of the support groove, the lower surface of the cavity 112, and the lower surface of the primary cavity 412 all refer to the surface close to the ground when in use, which bears the support role of the special lock shaft for supporting the battery pack only, the lock shaft 200, and the primary lock shaft, the three are located on the same plane to make the battery pack move smoothly.

[0092] The unlocking process and the locking process of the primary locking mechanism 400 and the locking mechanism 100 are similar, and are basically synchronized.

[0093] In the description of the present invention, an embodiment may be provided with multiple drawings, and the reference signs of the same parts in the same embodiment may not be marked in each drawing; however, those skilled in the art should understand that when describing one or more drawings in the embodiment, it can be understood in conjunction with other drawings in the embodiment; those skilled in the art should understand that when it is not specified which drawing corresponds to the text, all drawings in this embodiment can be understood.

[0094] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that orientation or position relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer" and so on is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, it is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0095] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that this is only an example, and the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principle and essence of the present invention, but these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.


Claims

1. A locking mechanism for a battery pack, characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises:

a lock base, the lock base is provided with an opening and a cavity extending from the opening, the opening is used for allowing a lock shaft mounted on the battery pack to enter the cavity;

a lock tongue, the lock tongue is rotatable relative to the lock base so as to shift between an unlocked state and a locked state, and when the lock tongue is in the locked state, the lock tongue can stop the lock shaft from leaving the cavity via the opening; and

a resetting part, the resetting part is provided on the lock base and acts on the lock tongue, the resetting part is capable of producing a flexible distension and used to cause the lock tongue to rotate in a locking direction so as to reset from the unlocked state to the locked state.


 
2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking mechanism further comprises an inner limiting part, when the lock tongue is in the locked state, the inner limiting part abuts against the lock tongue to stop the lock tongue from continuing to rotate in the locking direction;
optionally, the inner limiting part is an inner surface of the cavity defined by the lock base.
 
3. The locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking mechanism further comprises a centering shaft, the centering shaft is provided on the lock base and passes through the lock tongue, and the lock tongue is capable of rotating around the centering shaft.
 
4. The locking mechanism according to at least one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the resetting part is a spring, and the resetting part has a contact part and a connection part, the connection part is provided on the lock base, and the contact part contacts the lock tongue to act on the lock tongue;
optionally, the resetting part is a torsion spring, the resetting part is further provided with a spiral part, and the spiral part is connected to the contact part and the connection part, and both the contact part and the connection part are capable of rotating around the spiral part to achieve the change of the elastic force;
optionally, the locking mechanism further includes a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft is provided on the lock base, and the spiral part is sleeved on the rotating shaft.
 
5. The locking mechanism according to at least one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the resetting part is disposed above the lock tongue;
optionally, a groove is provided on the top of the lock base, the groove is in communication with the cavity, and the resetting part is at least partially located within the groove;
optionally, the lock tongue is at least partially located within the groove, and the lock tongue is capable of entering the cavity via the groove.
 
6. The locking mechanism according to at least one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the lock base is further provided with an unlocking hole, the locking mechanism further comprises an unlocking component, the unlocking component is provided in the unlocking hole, and one end of the unlocking component is in contact with the lock tongue, the unlocking component is capable of acting on the lock tongue to cause the lock tongue to rotate in an unlocking direction to change from the locked state to the unlocked state;
optionally, the unlocking component comprises an unlocking spring, and an unlocking head and an unlocking rod connected to each other, the unlocking hole is a stepped hole, and a stepped part is provided within the unlocking hole, the inner diameter of the inner end of the unlocking hole is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer end of the unlocking hole, the unlocking spring is at least partially located within the unlocking hole, and two ends of the unlocking spring respectively abut against the unlocking head and the stepped part.
 
7. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the lock tongue comprises a lock tongue body and a lock tongue extension part that are fixedly connected, the lock tongue extension part is located outside the lock base, when the lock tongue is in the locked state, the lock tongue body can stop the lock shaft from leaving the cavity via the opening;
optionally, the lock base has a first limiting surface, the first limiting surface is an outer surface of the lock base, and the lock tongue extension part has a second limiting surface, when the lock tongue is in the locked state, the first limiting surface abuts against the second limiting surface to stop the lock tongue from continuing to rotate in the locking direction.
 
8. The locking mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that the resetting part has a first spring part and a second spring part, the first spring part is connected to the lock base, and the second spring part is connected to the lock tongue;
optionally, the resetting part is a compression spring, and the first spring part and the second spring part are two ends of the compression spring; the lock base is provided with a first convex part and/or a first concave part, and the first spring part is sleeved on the first convex part and/or located within the first concave part; the lock tongue is provided with a second convex part and/or a second concave part, and the second spring part is sleeved on the second convex part and/or located within the second concave part;
or, the resetting part is a torsion spring, the resetting part is further provided with a middle spiral part, the first spring part, the middle spiral part and the second spring part are connected in sequence, and both the first spring part and the second spring part can rotate around the middle spiral part to achieve the change of the elastic force; the lock base is provided with a first spring hole, and the first spring part is embedded in the first spring hole; the lock tongue is provided with a second spring hole, and the second spring part is embedded in the second spring hole;
or, the resetting part is a bending spring, the bending spring is composed of a spring leaf and/or a spring wire, and the first spring part abuts against at least two non-overlapping inner surfaces of the lock base, and the second spring part abuts against the lock tongue.
 
9. The locking mechanism according to at least one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the locking mechanism further comprises an elastic part, the elastic part is at least partially located within the cavity, and the elastic part is used to abut against the lock shaft;
optionally, the elastic part comprises an elastic pad, the elastic pad is located within the cavity, and the elastic pad is used to abut against the lock shaft;
optionally, the elastic part further comprises an elastic handle and an elastic head, the elastic handle and the elastic head are connected in sequence, the elastic handle passes through the lock base, and the wall part of the lock base is clamped between the elastic pad and the elastic head.
 
10. The locking mechanism according to at least one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the lock base is provided with a positioning hole, the locking mechanism further comprises a positioning pin, the positioning pin is partially located outside the positioning hole, and the positioning pin and the positioning hole are in interference fit;
and/or, the lock base is provided with a mounting hole, the mounting hole is threaded hole;
and/or, the opening is a bell mouth.
 
11. A lock assembly, characterized in that the lock assembly comprises:

the locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-10;

an unlocking mechanism, the unlocking mechanism acts on the lock tongue to cause the lock tongue to rotate in an unlocking direction to change from the locked state to the unlocked state, and the unlocking direction is opposite to the locking direction.


 
12. The lock assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the lock tongue comprises a lock tongue body and a lock tongue extension part that are fixedly connected, the lock tongue extension part is located outside the lock base, when the lock tongue is in the locked state, the lock tongue body can stop the lock shaft from leaving the cavity via the opening, the unlocking mechanism acts on the lock tongue extension part to cause the lock tongue to rotate in an unlocking direction to change from the locked state to the unlocked state;
the unlocking mechanism comprises two limiting parts, and the two limiting parts define an accommodating space for accommodating the lock base, one of the two limiting parts acts on the lock tongue extension part to cause the lock tongue to rotate in an unlocking direction to change from the locked state to the unlocked state.
 
13. A quick-swap support frame assembly, characterized in that the quick-swap support frame assembly comprises a quick-swap support frame and the locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-10, the locking mechanism is fixed on the quick-swap support frame.
 
14. The quick-swap support frame assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the quick-swap support frame assembly further comprises a primary locking mechanism, the primary locking mechanism comprises a lock connecting rod, at least one primary lock tongues, and at least one primary lock bases, the primary lock base is fixed on the quick-swap support frame, the primary lock base is provided with a primary opening and a primary cavity extending from the primary opening, the primary opening is used for a primary lock shaft mounted on the battery pack to enter the primary cavity, the lock connecting rod is rotatably connected with at least one of the primary lock tongues, and is used to drive the primary lock tongue to rotate under the action of external force, so that the primary lock tongue can rotate relative to the primary lock base to change between a primary unlocked state and a primary locked state, when the primary lock tongue is in the primary locking state, the primary lock tongue can stop the primary lock shaft from leaving the primary cavity via the primary opening;
optionally, the primary locking mechanism and the locking mechanism are provided on the same side of the quick-swap support frame.
 
15. The quick-swap support frame assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the quick-swap support frame assembly further comprises a plurality of supporting devices, the supporting devices are provided on a side of the quick-swap support frame facing the battery pack, and are used to provide a plurality of support points for supporting the battery pack.
 
16. The quick-swap support frame assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the supporting devices are provided with a supporting groove, and the lower surface of the supporting groove is on the same plane as the lower surface of the cavity and the lower surface of the primary cavity.
 
17. An electric vehicle, characterized in that the electric vehicle comprises a battery pack and the quick-swap support frame assembly according to any one of the claims 13-16, the battery pack is mounted in the quick-swap support frame assembly, and the lock shaft mounted on the battery pack is located within the cavity.
 
18. The electric vehicle according to claim 17, characterized in that the electric vehicle comprises a chassis, and the quick-swap support frame assembly is fixed to the chassis.
 




Drawing




























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Cited references

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description